What Is A Potcake!?!?

Ok so your asking yourself the same thing right? What the heck is a "potcake"?? NOOOOO its not something you ate when you were a teenager!!! It is actually the name an island dog of mixed breeding which derives its name from eating the cake (grits or rice) left in the bottom of the pot! Pretty cool huh!?!

Unfortuntely these little "potcakes" aka mutts run rampant on many, if not all, the islands of the Caribbean. Thankfully there is a wonderful organization on the island of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, that is striving to help bring an end to the homeless dogs and cats that roam the streets.

My parents and I had the opportunity to visit Potcake Place (located inside a local vet clinic) and met the director Jane. The Potcake Place operates to rescue, foster and assist adoptions of potcakes for the Turks & Caicos Islands!! Jane was absolutely wonderful and introduced us to a few of their current foster pups, explained how they visit under privileged neighbours and try and help spay/neuter/release as many stray dogs as possible.

Since May 2006, Potcake Place has adopted 427 dogs in both the Turks & Caicos islands and North America. New Jersey came in first place with 41 adoptions while my Province Ontario came in second with 33 adoptions!! :) Jane also showed us their map which points out where in North America their local pups now live.

Next time your on the island of Providenciales, please take the time to drop by the Potcake and support their wonderful efforts. I purchased t-shirts, collars and a

re-suable tote (can't have too many of those right??)

xoxox

Nicole

Spearing Lionfish In Turks!

Turks & Caicos (specifically Providenciales) is one of my favourite diving destinations! The ocean is unlike any other hue of blue I have ever seen before and the islands are surrounded with some of the most incredible marine life you can experience in the Caribbean! I was so fortunate to be able to go back to my fav island in August for one week and dive 3 out of my 7 days! Again, I dove with the amazing Provo Turtle Divers who are always so keen on making every guest feel important and very looked after.

Of course my dives were filled with sea turtles, eagle rays, colourful fish and for my first time ever SHARKS!! However, a very special treat for me was being able to see my divemaster spear the very invasive and reef destroying lionfish!

To be honest, I am the LAST person on earth who wants to see any creature being killed, however, I kept reminding myself that the lionfish do not belong in the Caribbean waters, they have no natural enemies AND are wrecking having on local reefs by eating all the little cleaners.

Enjoy the photos of Dave, Provo Turtle Divers Divemaster, helping to preserve his local reefs!

xoxoxox

Nicole

Jane Goodall: The Walking Angel

I can't wait to see this when it hits select theatres next week!! I had the honour of meeting Jane Goodall 4 years ago and I can honestly say she was the most humbling person I have ever met. What an amazing soul she is and if you ever get the opportunity to hear you speak you will be a better person because of it!!

xoxox

Nicole