Counter Cultures

Diseño Británico, Temazcal y Capilla Moderna

2012-02-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

Esta pequeña Capilla se emplaza en un solar de 120 m² y al igual que la “Casa Ponce” forma parte del conjunto de construcciones que conforman la “Quinta Mamá Ali” ubicada a las afueras de la ciudad de Villahermosa.

La concepción del proyecto trata de dos elementos constructivos que dan forma al volumen y generan el espacio útil de la capilla. El primero es un muro perimetral en forma de “C” que genera el espacio de una pequeña nave y el segundo elemento es el techo, un forjado reticular en forma de “L”.

La capilla es un espacio completamente abierto, los elementos -el muro y el techo- quedan separados 60 cm en todos sus lados y solamente se unen en cuatro puntos a través de columnas de acero

En el acceso se propone un pequeño atrio que vestíbula el acceso al recinto. En este espacio se encuentra un espejo de agua que penetra hacia el interior generando el lugar en el que se ubica el altar, éste queda definido por el espejo de agua y una cruz de acero.

La materialidad queda definida por piedra caliza negra en el muro perimetral tanto interior como exterior, y el techo de hormigón visto. Las obras comenzaran a partir de Enero del 2012.

Samuel Heath

3/4" Exposed Fairfield shower with cross top and ceramic lever controls. A classic design which evokes the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement with influences of the period. Made in England from the finest materials with a combination of the latest technology and hand craftsmanship. Employing a high quality plating process to ensure a flawless finish. Select shower head and hand shower. Other control options are available

TEMAZCAL TRADICIONAL

Sábado 18 de febrero: 11:00 am

Domingo 19 de febrero: 11:00 am

Precio: $200 pesos | CUPO LIMITADO | Reservación indispensable pagando 50% de anticipo

Este baño de vapor, de carácter ritual y curativo, tiene lugar en las ruinas de la hacienda ubicadas en el Jardín Botánico, al otro lado de la presa, bajo la conducción de un temazcalero experimentado. El conjunto de calor, humedad y plantas de olor es una experiencia purificante para cuerpo y espíritu. Sus beneficios son múltiples: activa la circulación, aumenta las defensas del organismo, elimina dolores, baja el ácido úrico, relaja los músculos, templa el sistema nervioso, estimula la respiración y es excelente para bajar de peso.

Informes: elcharcocomunicacion@gmail.com| Tel:415-154.8838, 415-154.4715.

Pago indispensable del 50% para reservaciones en la recepción del Jardín Botánico o en Posada Corazón (Aldama #9)

Accesorios de baño MOEN DANIKA 64733

2012-02-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Accesorios de baño MOEN DANIKA 64733

The Edge of Modern Design

2012-02-13T07:07:00.000-08:00

Those with an eye for a modern sensibility will appreciate Victoria + Albert’s newest premium collection: The Edge. Making its global debut in January 2012, this British-inspired series pays homage to cubic design, blending classic shapes with the latest in edgy urban style. The Edge Collection features striking linear forms that contrast with softly contoured corners. The result is a clean, sophisticated look very much in keeping with the award-winning style that is the signature of the Victoria + Albert brand.Building on the success of the company’s compact IOS bath,the Edge Collection is designed to make smart use of limited space. The generous depth of the Edge Bath provides a deep, luxurious soaking experience, while its overall footprint consumes proportionally little floor space. Measuring 58-7/8” long by 31-5/8” wide and nearly 24” deep, the tub’s double ended design has plenty of room for two, while its clean profile creates an architectural centerpiece certain to add drama to any bathroom. Retail price for this newest addition to the Victoria + Albert line is $4,400. The Edge Bath is beautifully complemented by the Edge 45 Vessel Basin, the most compact basin Victoria + Albert has produced to date.Specifically designed for his-and-hers double basin bathrooms as well as smaller cloakroom settings, this contemporary basin adds impeccable style with its rimless design and sleek silhouette. Where space allows, dual basins are a smart choice in terms of both style and practicality.In compact areas, a single Edge Vessel Basin has more than enough good looks to hold its own. Measuring 17-3/4” long and 12-5/8” wide, these basins are just 4-3/8” deep. Retail prices start at $790. The Edge Bath and Basin are crafted from of 100% ENGLISHCAST®, a naturally white material rich in volcanic limestone that is hand-finished by craftsmen and beautifully warm to the touch. This unique construction creates a glossy finish that won’t creak or flex, is highly durable and easy to clean. These are just a few of themany reasons to invest in a composite tub from Victoria + Albert.Counter Cultures San Miguel de Allende

MOEN FAUCET AD

2012-02-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

Acesorios De Baños California Faucets Catalina 6304 Grifa

Compra - Venta, Muebles - Jardín - Hogar en México, Guanajuato, Allende. Fecha Febrero 6

Muebles - Jardín - Hogar en Allende

Outdoor Showers Are Now a Form of Art

2012-01-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

January 12, 2012 byOceanHome

The outdoor shower moves from utilitarian to work of art. By Perry PatoisOutdoor showers are a means for ridding the grit that clings to kids and adults alike after a day at the beach, but today, they are as much an artistic statement as a cleaning mechanism.Christopher Grubb should know. As president of Beverly Hills-basedArch-Interiors Design Group, Inc. Arch-Interiors Design Group Arch-Interiors Design Group, he’s designed and built an array of outdoor showers, mostly for homes in and near Malibu. For him, the outdoor shower is more than just a tool. “I like to make it stand out,” he says. “It should be a focal point.”One of his latest projects (above) emphasizes the outdoor shower as part of a backyard escape. The glass mosaic-tiled shower is positioned vertically to emphasize the height, and the tiles sparkle in the light of an adjacent fire pit.“It was all about, ‘How do we bring this into the landscape as a piece of art that is also functional?’” says Grubb, who is also fond of adding attractive drain covers,he recommends California Faucets, which, he says, take on a jewel-like form. “It blends in and becomes a whole nature experience.”Outdoor showers are usually considered part of the architecture of a house; however, for oceanfront homes, Grubb recommends blending the shower into the outdoor landscape. Grubb, who prefers freestanding showers to wall-mounted versions, uses woods—from teak to redwood—to accomplish the effect.Options for outdoor showers are also becoming more luxurious. While handhelds and foot washes are conventional, Grubb has started adding rainshower heads and body jets. “It’s like a full spa experience,” he says.Aqua Adagio and Arc ColumnThe outdoor shower has become so must-have that many manufacturers are unveiling specific lines.Jaclo , based in Cranford, New Jersey, manufactures high-end and stylized shower systems and accessories and offers a line of outdoor shower columns through its spa collection (inset). Its freestanding Arch Column and Aqua Adagio are 100 percent stainless steel, which looks sharp and is a bulwark against the outdoor elements.“Because the surface area of polished stainless steel is smooth, it’s hard to penetrate with outdoor elements,” says Jaclo’s Tim Mullally. He adds that polished stainless steel is the best material to use to keep outdoor shower fixtures looking young and new, though some designers employ copper to achieve a natural patina over time.Outdoor showers are already part of the environment, but being green is still important. Jaclo’s showerheads can deliver water as low as 1.75 gallons per minute. “Because you can never save enough water,” Mullally says.

The Get: Jaclo’s Aqua Adagio and Arc Column What do you get when you fuse minimalist design with high-end technology? Jaclo’s product line of freestanding outdoor showers, Aqua Adagio and Arc Column. The New Jersey-based company has outfitted showers at such hotels as Las Vegas’s MGM SkyLofts and New York’s Essex House and Parker Meridian hotels, so it knows its stuff. The pair of outdoor showers, part of Jaclo’s Spa Collection, are made from brushed or polished stainless steel and, when not in use, double as outdoor sculptures. Aqua Adagio has a waterfall and aerated foot-wash function, while Arc (left) has a rainshower spray function along with the aerated foot-wash function. Both are equipped with side mount controls. 800-852-3906.Counter Cultures Scott Mayoral Photography Counter Cultures Facebook

NEW, UNIQUE TUMBLED BRONZE FINISH

2011-12-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

NEW, UNIQUE TUMBLED BRONZE FINISH Danze Faucets Danze, Inc. has announced the addition of its Tumbled Bronze finish that has already piqued the interest of the kitchen/bath industry. Builders, designers, showroom managers, hospitality property owners and other industry professionals have commented on the unique way this new finish truly captures the distressed look that is becoming popular in room décor.Tumbled Bronze features a warm tone with vibrant chocolate and bronze highlights. The final result gives each product a textured, tumbled appearance – very different than anything on the market today. Danze achieves its variation on the distressed tone by literally tumbling the faucets during the productions process. Once color is applied, each faucet is placed into a drum with stones and tumbled – giving each product a natural look, with no two being exactly alike. This new finish is available in several lavatory products in the Danze Antioch and Eastham Collections. The Antioch Collection provides traditional, yet unique styling that features organic curves and graceful handle designs. Tumbled Bronze is available in the following Antioch products: Antioch centerset faucetAntioch widespread faucetAntioch single-handle lavatory faucetAntioch two-handle Roman Tub faucetAntioch shower and tub/shower products The Eastham Collection again showcases a more traditional style that possesses an architectural flair in its detailing. Eastham offers the following product in Tumbled Bronze: Eastham centerset faucetEastham widespread faucet Eastham two-handle Roman Tub faucetEastham shower, tub/shower and pressure balance valve trim productsAll products featuring the Tumbled Bronze finish are in stock and available to ship immediately.Visit Counter Cultures Website

ROHL INSPIRES LUXURY IN THE BATH WITH THE JÖRGER COLLECTION

2011-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

rvine, CA – Roaring fireplaces, sparkling crystal chandeliers and espresso machines are moving from the living room and kitchen to the bath. Affluent homeowners are transforming their bathrooms into luxurious, private sanctuaries using only the finest, most exclusive products.

In these elite spaces, cashmere towels hang from polished silver hooks, glass bottles of Clive Christian’s 1872 Perfume sit on marble countertops, and velvet Bottega Veneta slippers rest next to the gilded feet of a cast iron clawfoot tub. Rooms with such distinction deserve special products. ROHL’s exclusive Jörger Collection brings the opulence of a European palace into your home.

Bathroom Fittings Fit For A Grand Duke

The namesake of the ROHL Jörger Collection, Bernhard Jörger, acted as master plumber to the court of the Grand Duke Friedrich II of Baden during the early 20th century. His eye for fine design and high quality craftwork landed him the job of maintaining the baths of the most luxurious castles and palaces in the region. An especially lavish palace, the Schloss Mannheim, a large, Baroque-style palace, housed the Grand Duke himself.

In 1965 the grandson of Bernhard, engineer Gerhard Jörger co-founded what is now Jörger – a company dedicated to providing handcrafted, luxury fixtures for the most special of places. Each piece is crafted using high grade, special alloy brass. Exclusive design, detailed finishing and technical perfection are hallmarks of this line.

The Aphrodite Collection

Inspired by Ancient Greece, the Aphrodite Collection features elegantly crafted fixtures, faucets and accessories that highlight the most classic design – the Ionic Column, which represents strength and dignity.

The spout and handles of the Aphrodite C-spout 3-hole widespread lavatory faucet (607.30.300-2) are indicative of the columns found in the Coliseum in Rome, as well as the Erechtheion in Athens. The shape and detail on the Wall Mounted Soap Dish Holder (607.00.007) is reminiscent of the semi-circle sculptural decorative elements found on Greek temples.

In the Jörger Special Order Collection, the Aphrodite is enveloped in a beautiful gold plating with an additional process applied with silver ingredients that allow the product to turn completely bluish. The fixture is hand polished for superior sparkle that is sure to become the centerpiece of your bath.

The Empire II Collection

Much like a sleek European sports car, the Empire II Collection celebrates the elegance of simple, fluid design. Emphasis on geometric shapes gives this collection a modern edge. The Single Lever Single Hole Lavatory Faucet (628.10.833-2) is the definition of minimalist design, featuring only basic elements with limited flourish.

The 3-Hole Deck Mount Tub Filler (628.30.110) creates a pure, calming presence in the bath. The lack of ornamentation offers a visual expression of serenity, thus mentally preparing you for relaxation before even dipping a toe in the bath water.

Crystal handles add a dose of glamour to the Empire Royal 3-Hole Lavatory Faucet (600.30.300) in the Jörger Special Order Collection. The crystal prism handles compliment the sleekness of the curved faucet for a look that is as contemporary as it is chic.

ROHL is honored to bring the richness of European luxury to the States through the Jörger Collection.

ROHL

ROHL LLC offers high-end, luxury faucets, sinks and fixtures for America’s finest homes, resorts and hospitality projects. Headquartered in Irvine, California, ROHL has helped thoughtful homeowners and designers create personal expressions of authentic product for over 28 years. Anchored in traditional family values, trust, integrity and innovation, the ROHL leadership possesses a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit that extends through the organization.

ROHL’s strength comes from a synergy of family and friendship in partnership with suppliers and customers. From Traditional to Transitional to Modern, the ROHL line includes a wide range of top-quality faucets, fixtures, shower components and accessories. Sourced from Western Europe and North America, each is crafted to ROHL’s rigid specifications and is uniquely tailored for each residential or commercial project. For more information on ROHL, please visit rohlhome.com
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Counter Cultures Faucets & Hardware

CALIFORNIA FAUCETS UNVEILS ITS SOLIMAR™ FAUCET

2011-12-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

CALIFORNIA FAUCETS UNVEILS ITS SOLIMAR™ FAUCET
Streamlined design blends angular simplicity with well-placed curves, making a powerful statement in the bath.
Counter Cultures

(Huntington Beach, CA, October 18, 2011) Designed in collaboration with designer Ivy Lin, California Faucets new SOLIMAR™ faucet offers a fresh new perspective in modernity. Characterized by strong, angular lines that are softened by gentle sweeping curves, SOLIMAR makes a distinctive, minimalist statement in the bath.

SOLIMAR’s bold, rectangular spout towers authoritatively over thematically coordinated, widespread handles. Unique, convex escutcheons of generous proportion provide a more aesthetically pleasing platform for handles and spout by bringing geometric contrast to the design. The combination of curves and minimalist straight lines make for an eclectically unifying effect that is subtle to the eye yet sets SOLIMAR apart from other designs in its category.

SOLIMAR lists for $719 in Polished Chrome, $971 in Special Finishes, and $1150 in Premium PVD finishes.

About California Faucets

California Faucets has been providing its customers with the very best customer service and delivery of the finest selection of decorative fittings in the industry since 1988. With over 25 styles and more than 34 decorative finishes, California Faucets’ Custom Faucetry® allows you to combine any spout with any handle in any finish. Design choices now exceed two million, and offerings range from traditional and transitional to contemporary and art deco. And with the Virtual Faucet Creator®, a revolutionary new online tool by California Faucets, you can create thousands of designs with just a few clicks of the mouse.

As part of Custom Faucetry®, California Faucets offers Thermostatic Shower Systems, Tub and Shower Sets, Trim, and Bathroom Accessories. California Faucets’ products are sold at prominent decorative hardware and plumbing showrooms and at select kitchen and bath dealers nationwide. For more information, call 1-800-822-8855 or visit .California Faucets
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Sun Valley Bronze New Faucets and sinks

2011-06-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sun Valley Bronze has expanded it's plumbing selection with several distinct modern designs.
The lavatory faucets are crafted with lead free bronze, witch is lined with stainless steel or NSF approved food grade flexable tubing and assymbled with lead free brass ally fittings.
Available in Silicon or White Bronze these fixtures are truly works of art.

Design.
SVB finely handcrafted hardware is designed and manufactured at the base
of central Idaho’s beautiful mountains. Taking cues from thier surrounding landscape
and area’s rich history, Sun Valley Bronze artisans create distinctive hardware
collections in a range of styles. Combine any of our knobs, levers or ring pulls with
any escutcheon and choose from thier elegant patina finishes to create a beautiful
environment unique to you.
Sustainable.
Lavatory faucets are supplied with “WaterSense” aerators, a step
towards conserving our earth’s water supply. The no-lead fittings meet California
Law AB-1953. Sun Valley Bronze hardware is crafted using the highest quality
art-grade bronze. The white bronze used in our products has been certified by
Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) to contain a minimum 95% Pre-Consumer
Recycled Bronze Content. The silicon bronze contains a minimum 90% PreConsumer
Recycled Bronze Content. Sun Valley Bronze hardware can be used to
earn LEED MR Credits 4.1 and 4.2.
State-of-the-Art.
Precision machining and superior components ensure
exceptional functionality and durability. Thier commitment to quality guarantees Sun
Valley Bronze hardware will deliver a lifetime of beauty.
In thier home, and in yours, Sun Valley Bronze is sure to bring a timeless look to
your doors, cabinets, kitchens & baths. They have a passion for what they do and an
unmatched appreciation for quality and craftsmanship.
SVB hardware has been much imitated but never equaled. From thier patented,
adjustable ball-bearing hinge to hand-applied finishes, I invite you to
experience the Sun Valley Bronze difference. I believe you will discover endless
possibilities.
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COUNTER CULTURES faucets & Hardware.wmv

2011-02-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

Smooth Copper Top with Rustic Iron Base

2011-02-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

I like the clean copper top in a dark finish as opposed to the hammered look. It's obviously cleaner but it also has elegance and sophistication. The flower base is a rustic rust finish made from iron.

The top measures 36" round.

Cost is $9500 pesos.

We made this one custom to a clients specs. Ask us and we can make one for you in any size or design.

THINGS THAT CATCH MY EYE. Accidental Art

2011-01-29T07:57:00.000-08:00

This is an old building in Catemaco,Veracruz. What caught my eye about this structure is the colage of panels and colors. I can see this structure standing in a clean white well lit museum. This is accidental art. Another example of accidental art. Did they know when they put the bananas on the red tablele and that they would create a colorful composition? The blue/green walls, the white iron, the red table and the natural yellow bananas create a play with tropical colors.

Molded cement cast brick is used all over the coastal towns of Mexico to divide spaces. I like how clean and white the bricks are painted.

Kitchen sinks are becoming a lot more fun!

2011-01-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

ROLLED STAINLESS STEEL.

PARTY SINK.

CARACOL SINK.

Kitchen sinks have taken on a whle new dimention in recent years. The trend is stylish fun more organic sinks. A few years ago we were seeing new super straight edge sinks. Square corners that were very minimulist. Now we're trending towards having more fun and being less serious.

Lanterns and More Lanterns

2010-12-13T03:56:00.000-08:00

I love the Jasmine Spa and La Pila Lavanderia building. It's all about the lanterns. Birdcage style iron lanterns are lined up in pairs and centered by an old larger farolito. At one time the center lamp must have had glass.

Check out Counter Cultures Gallery.

Counter Cultures: VOCHOS in SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

2010-12-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

Counter Cultures: VOCHOS in SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

VOCHOS in SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

2010-12-10T18:05:00.001-08:00

Just another day in San Miguel. This isn't a Vocho event it's just the odds were in our favor. Not only did we see four Vochos but we got a bonus that all are white and all facing the same direction. If your playing Double Vocho keep in mind the points double when all the Vocho's are the same color! 4 vochos=10 points + monocromatic doubles for 10 more points. A total of 20 points!!!!

San Miguel and Other Bathroom Designs

2010-11-17T08:04:00.001-08:00

This is a good example of how to mix finishes and come out with a stunning design. The sinks are carved rustic travertine, the faucets are California Faucets Weathered Copper finish. The mirrors are bronze made locally in San Miguel de Allende. The Lighting is Satin Nickel and the towel hooks are Oil Rubbed Bronze.

The Morrocan influenced bathroom has a 24K gold faucet from California Faucets mounted directly in the mirror. The sink is a sandcast bronze vessel from our Counter Cultures showroom. The wood work is from Manuel Padron in San Miguel de Allende.

We didn´t do this bathroom but it looks like something we could have done. Oil Rubbed Bronze Balboa floor riser faucet from California Faucets mounted over a free standing tub that could be from Aquatic whirlpools.

California Faucets new STYLE DRAINS

2010-11-12T09:22:00.001-08:00

FOUR NEW STYLEDRAIN® DESIGNS
New shower drain designs from California Faucets have bathers stepping in style

California Faucets has introduced four new patent-pending StyleDrain designs, each with its own distinctive decorative characteristics. The smart new additions keep the eyes returning again and again to the shower floor for another glimpse of a new concept in shower drains: Style. What was once a functional device is now a conversation piece and finishing touch to bath decor.

The expansion of the StyleDrain collection bolsters the first-of-its-kind notion that showers drains need not be industrial looking, round metal plates with visible sheet metal screws. The new forged-brass-finished designs, called MISSION, WAVES, DECO LINE, and DECO SWIRL, are as easy on the installer as they are the eyes and the soles of the feet. Installers in the know prefer StyleDrain to conventional round shaped drains, because cutting and fitting tile around the patent-pending square-shaped design makes installation a much easier task. Consumers choose StyleDrain for its decorative characteristics and flush grill, featuring smoothened edges and no visible screws for noticeable foot comfort. In addition, the functional benefit of StyleDrain is its extraordinarily fast draining capacity that handles water flow at the highest level of efficiency, even when tasked with simultaneous body sprays, rain bars, multiple showerheads, and more.

In terms of style, the new StyleDrain designs are as individual as your four closest friends. MISSION, a timeless, classic look, is clean and symmetrical with a pattern of 64 small squares in eight rows of eight to suit those who like everything in its place. WAVES has a set of five soothing transverse waves that take the popular spa-inspired water theme under foot. DECO LINE, with shapes reminiscent of the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture upon which American art deco was built, will appeal to decorative arts aficionados. And DECO SWIRL offering a cross-cultural, retro experience, a la the Roaring Twenties meets the psychedelic sixties, with art deco shapes displayed the way Andy Warhol might have envisioned it.
StyleDrain complements California Faucets® wide range of designs perfectly, from custom faucets to shower systems. All six StyleDrain designs are available in a selection of 30 decorative finishes. List pricing for the four new StyleDrain designs, which includes the decorative grid and the entire drain body, is $349 in Polished Chrome, $414 for a Special Finish such as Satin Nickel, and $460 for a Premium Finish such as English Brass or Black Nickel.

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SANTEC´S NEW FAUCETS

2010-11-12T08:42:00.001-08:00

Santec is proud to announce the launch of its new luxury faucet collection. The Vogue collection embodies the warmth of traditional style re-imagined through twenty-first century craftsmanship. Luxury lives in the finely machined details of the uniquely shaped faucet. A classical pedestal supports a beautifully turned cannon-shaped element which gives rise to the elegant shepherd’s hook spout. Vogue sets an aesthetic and manufacturing precedent for Santec. The distinguished widespread marries several parts seamlessly making one dynamic yet refined visual statement.

Santec is continuing its tradition of offering beautiful faucets and trim at prices for everyone. The addition of three new collections to the Estate series is reason to celebrate for builders and homeowners alike. Santec's Estate series proves that style is universal. The purity and elegance of the Bravo and Maggio collections makes a beautiful contemporary statement. Bravo and Maggio's clean lines reflect an urban high society stylishness. The Arko collection is transitional tranquility fit for most any bath.

•Designer: Vogue collection and Ultra collection

TO SEE THE WATER FLOW CLICK ON THE LINK:http://www.youtube.com/user/SantecFaucet#p/u/0/EIIa9nC53XE
Santec is proud to announce the launch of its most unique luxury faucet collection to date. The Ultra collection takes pure and simple geometric forms and composes them into an expression of modern luxury. The unapologetic angularity of the faucet is juxtaposed by a flow of water that is surprisingly laminar and gentle. Ultra is the product of an intimate cooperation between design and engineering. Carefully engineered by Stefan Tuineag, Ultra utilizes unique interior geometry to create its beautiful flow. The Ultra faucet makes a new statement in the world of modern design.

Fall in San Miguel de Allende

2010-11-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Fall covers everything like a vail. Even in this perfect climate you can sense the change of seasons.

If you reach your heart out you can touch the season and taste it on the tip of your tounge.

Huautla de Jimenez, Oaxaca

2010-10-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken the morning I was pulling out of the village to head back to San Miguel de Allende. We're standing in the "living room/garage". Like most homes in the village and in Mexico for that matter it's not finished. Here is where the car is kept parked and covered. I imagine they only take it out every 8 weeks or so. Sra. Ines sewing machine is here. She makes various blouses etc. I stayed up on the roof in a small room where the ceiling was covered in black plastic to keep the condensation from the tin roof falling on my head. My bed was literally just playwood placed on concret bricks. Odd sleeping bags and blankets are thrown on top. Hey it worked and for some reason I was more comfortable than I knew I should be. I guess it's true what they say, "less is more". Outside my door you can walk right out to the roof top where the bathroom is. It has a toilet with no seat and a sheet for a door. On the floor there are several colored plastic pails and a few metals ones. To take a shower is an event. Outside of the bathroom on the roof is a metal water container with a grey lona covering it. This is for hot water. Next to that one is a large Rotoplas Tanque. This one holds the water from the truck. For the dry season there is no water and everyone buys it off the water truck. Okay so I fill up the buckets, some with hot but I'm conscious not to take to much so I fill others with cold water. After I've loaded my buckets into the bathroom I do the only thing I can do and pour water over my head to make sure my body is all wet. This reminded me when I took baths while living in a 1974 Dodge Van that I bought from some Aussie's in Harlem, New York. Then I used water bottles with sport tops so I could spray myself down.

Huautla de Jimenez is a town in the Mexican State of Oaxaca. It is part of the Teotitlán District in the north of the Cañada Region.
The name Huautla comes from the Náhuatl "cuiticaname - huautlan", which means "place of eagles". The town is called "Tejao" (also Eagle's Nest) in the Mazatec language. "de Jiménez" was added to honor General Mariano Jimenez, who was the first governor of the state of Oaxaca in 1884 and the first official to arrive on Mazteca lands. He founded the town Huautla de Jiménez, which is now the municipality's seat.
The origin of the town is unknown, but tribute documents show that it was the largest town in the Mazatec region during the late Postclassic period, when the town paid tribute to the Aztec empire.

Its principal economic activities are agriculture, ranching and retail shops. The agriculture base consists of coffee, corn, sugar cane and fruit-bearing trees. Ranching consists of goats, cows, pigs, horses and mules. Retail stores include food shops, fruit and vegetable stands, butchers, clothes, footwear, newspapers and magazines, etc. It is noted as the birthplace of Maria Sabina, a Mazatec medicine woman famous for her use of hallucinogenic fungi. In the 20th century a number of famous people visited here to try it. The municipality has a series of caverns which are some of the deepest in the world, including ‘’’Gruta Nindo Da-Ge’’’, ‘’’Sistema Cheve’’’ and the ‘’’Sótano de San Agustín’’’, which are well-known in the spelunking world. It also has natural springs with crystal-blue waters.

You can meet the most interesting people when traveling alone. My friend from Bolivia, who is native French came to the mountains to work with Salvia. Here in this photo he is pointing out a prolific plant called Dartura. Dartura can cause dementia for a few days when you consume the seeds. Not so interested in giving it a try but am very interested in how a plant can be that powerful.

This painting on a local walkway to more homes on the edge of the mountain depicts the Virgin of Guadalupe. Notice below the Nopal are the Ninos Santos.

Sra. Ines and I went for a walk in the afternoon to visit her Sister who lives on the other side of the town next door to where Sra. Ines teaches the local language to children who may not be picking as much up at home as the parents would like. Her sisters home is modest. It's full of tin can planters sprouting out tomatoes and chilies.

We sat in her sister's kitchen drinking Cafe de Olla. I was offered pan but since I arrived in Huautla I decided to eat. I had juice, water and cafe only. After we left her sister's house we walked back through the small trials leading up and down between the houses. All the way everyone showed Sra. Ines respect. She even commented on it about how much she likes it. I guess times have changed since her teacher and Shamen, Maria Sabina was around. Sra. Maria didn't get the same respect. In fact her home was burned down and she was forced to live in the forest alone away from the people. We stop off at her mother's home to check on her. Her mother lives in the center of many other adobe and wooden houses. While we were outside they spoke in Mazatec about the water situation. The metal drums outside her mother's front door store the water but there is very little. It's May and the rains haven't come yet. It's about 7 in the evening so we head back to Sra. Ines' home to discuss plans for the night. Her kitchen is a dirt floor, The walls are rock since it's set into the mountain. Just outside the interior kitchen is a large covered patio which over looks the Casa de Cultura. Here is is cool and comfortable. We visit for a while then talk about the Ninos Santos. She leads me through her bedroom which is divided off the dirt floor kitchen by a large armoir and Christmas Motif table cloth that hangs by a small cord not unlike the make shift shower curtin on the bathroom door upstairs. From her bedroom we go back farther into the mountain rock. Now we're in a room with 2 beds, one on one side of the room and another on the other side. The floor is dirt but it's hard and doesn't seem dirty or dusty. The beds are covered with the kind of blankets you can see being sold on the streets all over mexico. One shows an image of a tigers face in a deep sea blue and black. The other bed has a blanket of a large red peacock. On the back wall is an alter. The wall is covered with pictures of Catholic saints. A table that as is wide as the wall showcases various statues and figures of saints. Rosaries, crosses and copaleros are thrown in randomly to add interest I suspect. The table is covered in Plastic. I see cocoa beans and copal as well as some flowers in a vase that should have been thrown out weeks ago. I stood there thinking about the energy this cave like room was holding. All those saints must be there to help people feel safe in thier spiritual journey. I thought about Sra. Ines and she must be here to do the same. I thought about the Chinese man she told me about earlier who just left a couple of days before I arrived. She told me about him getting scared and running out of the house. I thought maybe a few more Eastern Religious Icons might not be a bad idea. She explains in detail. How she will clean all the negative spirits and make sure I'm aligned with the good energy. I told her that morning that I don't believe in God and Jesus or any of that shit. She told me that it didn't matter if I do or don't believe. I think this prelude lead her not to talk to much about God and instead talk about energy.

To end I came back with a few new things. Some powerful and some funny. I felt a bond with Sra. Ines right from the start. Almost like a lovers crush. I loved to cook with her and talk with her about many things. She told me she was coming to San Miguel in a month. I told her great let me know so we can be together. That's when she told me she would only be passing through. I then told her she should stay a while and take a break for a couple of hours before journeying on. She told me she couldn't because she will be traveling by airplane. Hum... I told her to think of me down there when she passes over on her way to Los Cabos to see her daughter. This got me to thinking. What is it where we are and what is it to " have something". If I tell you I own the mountain and as far as you can see you might believe me. If I believe it too but it's not written on paper any where does this make it any less true? I think once a person can free thier minds they can own, have and be everywhere. The other thing more important I came back with is I am my own Shamen. I am my God, I am my light and I created my universe. This is a powerful concept. I know it's been said before but to feel it in your core is another story. This also reminds me of something Terrance McKenna said many times, " Create your own Culture".

Camaroncito Mariscos San Miguel de Allende

2010-10-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

We're Sitting in a small shoebox size room with green painted walls and Glass front fridges displaying Leon, Victoria,Corona and Negra Modelos. The kitchen is a taco cart parked on one side of the room. The plastic wrapped tables are pushed together so much that the back of our wooden Corona chairs are smashed against the table next to us. The young waitress girls sporting jeans 3 sizes too small with a jelly roll hanging out between thier juvenile T-Shirts run from person to person taking orders for Cocktails and offering options such as Serrano chile o' Jalepeno? Crakers o' tostatas? Everything comes out of the Taco cart. I mean everything. All the cocktail glasses are washed in a 5 gallon bucket right below where the limes are getting sliced in half by a young boy and on top of him is an older man spooning up seafood from various bowls and colorful bins. In the center of every table is a motly mix of salsa bottles. Homemade salsa is offered up in recycled plastic oil bottles. We all order Medium cocktails with shrimp and octopus. They arrive at the table with half an avacado sliced and floating on top. As a garnish one large shrimp with it's head and tail still in tact becomes kinda a symbol of Camaroncito. Later as we're making our way into the sea of cocktails the waitress stops by to see if we need more avacado or more chile. Hum.... more avacado? It's Camaroncitos niche. You can get good cocktails in many places but only one serves up so much extras for so little.

Camaronicto is on Salida Dolores just a few doors down on the right from the interesection of Hidalgo and Calzada.

1963 HONDA DREAM 305

2010-10-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

It makes me happy. Simple and pure, rough and tough, I ain't never road a bike that had a soul till I rode on a Dream.

Forget the Guns and Stash the Beer!

2010-10-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

When I came up to Swim in a bar he lifted his shirt and showed off 6 Victorias lining his waist like he was packing heat in a Mexican Cantina. " Hey Rog, ya wanna beer?" Of course how could I turn him down. Anyone with the forthought and balls to sneak in a full 6 pack of bottled beers has to be someone worth drinking with. I was so impressed with this that not long ago I had to give it a try myself. Of course I thought to myself I'll just carry in one beer hidden under my jacket. I felt like an outlaw making my way through the bouncers at the door. Once in I casually opened my 9 peso beer while rocking to an old Doors tune. It felt good to be a little crazy. Hey I still bought a couple more from the bar that night but the first one was more refreshing.

AQUI ES MI CAMINO

2010-10-06T16:35:00.001-07:00

GRUPO " Aqui es mi camino"
Drama. To sum it up Mexico is full of Drama. Notice the hours of service. The timing is right. 8:30 is about the time everyone who wants a drink gets one. 2 times on the weekend, Friday and Saturday when the monkey is calling out to you!
What I find most interesting is how buff the chained Jesus like figure stands naked. A saintly loin cloth covers this near pornographic figure.
Y TU....CUANDO?

Forged Iron work of San Miguel de Allende

2010-04-27T07:20:00.001-07:00

Some of the best locations in San Miguel to appreciate forged iron is the Oratorio on Mesones. The Iron windows date back 260 years. On the corner of the Jardin where the new Starbucks is all the iron is forged. Also there are nice examples on the Haciendas around the post office on Correo and Corregidora.

The amazing forged hardware of San Miguel dates back 300 years! Walking around the streets of San Miguel after 7 years still astonishes me. Once you start focusing in on a particular detail in Cantera, Wooden doors,Iron work or Hardware you see the craftsman behind each piece. In this post I'm focusing on Forged Iron mostly found in window railings and gates. Forging is the shaping of metal using localized compressive forces. In San Miguel 200-300 years ago this compressive force was done by hand and heat without welding.

Once a person stops and looks they can see the iron has been split open to accomodate the post sliding through. It leaves a large impression in the iron. This work is stronger than casting or welding as it literally moves the form of the iron. This also adds a richness that can almost be tasted. This is the kind of craftmanship that makes a town architecturally interesting.

My wish is that people stop and notice what's around them. The stories are in the details. I want us to Open our eyes to all the beauty around us.

Etsy handmade product and designs

2010-04-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had coffee with a friend and we were talking about selling our designs on line. I was thinking Ebay but it's such a mix and selling our designs there would be difficult. That's when my friend mentioned some bag designers in San Miguel were featured on Etsy. I never heard of it. After she left I went to http://www.etsy.com/ and opened an account. What a great discovery! This site has only things vintage or handmade by the seller. This is cool, a bit crafty but I found some interesting items that have creative designs.
Starburst mirror made from rolled Magazine papers. This piece was created by a designer in Florida. You can find her at C2designs on Etsy.

I love this old cart by Brandmojointeriors. This designer has many tables mixed with new and old material out of the Carolinas.

Cast bronze skull pulls by billyblue22. Bat skulls to be exact.

ShabulousCreations on Etsy has created some playful chandeliers out of Georgia.

CraftieRobot mostly makes bookbags etc. I like this light box with VINTAGE HUMAN ANATOMY OF THE HEART .

Check out http://www.etsy.com/ and see my deisgns under countercultures. I listed my first design yesterday. Look for more in the near future.

Lanterns in San Miguel de Allende

2010-04-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

I love the scroll support on the iron. Interesting curls have been added to adorn this lantern in need of repair. I wish San Miguel would go back to gas light lanterns.

From Spanish, Moorish, Spanish Revival, Colonial, Gothic,Contemporary, Art and Crafts, Italian and French. In San Miguel there is a lantern above almost every doorway.
Most of the lanterns are in need or repair. Not an easy thing to do since most they are hanging from peculiar places. What's more interesting than the actual lantern is the iron or wood angels used to support the lanterns.

Twist, twist and twist Spanish Revival style with green glass.

The angel iron support gives these otherwise plain lantern dimention and sets it off the wall.

Made from rin and frosted glass. This lantern looks like a Catherdral.

Typical overall shaped lantern but the rod coming out of the bottom adds interest and picks up the twisted iron work found in the framed squares.

An Elaborate hatched iron work angel reaches out and displays the mellow box shaped lantern.

MEXICO IS ONE BIG ART INSTALLATION

2010-04-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

MEXICO is one giant art installation. Living inside the art makes us participate in that installation. We become one with art. Inspired by the play on textures, colors, smells, taste, sounds, light and movement. We are living in an art installation that's titiled Mexico.

Here's an example of snack displayed in a street vendors stand. Fruit Loops, Palomitas,Orange food and some other golden snack that I'm not familar with. What's to appreciate about this is the use of color. The bags are full behind the glass case and the bright colored snacks are layered between the light colored snacks. This concept in the use of color is evident in all areas of daliy Mexican life.

Galvanized pails full of nuts and beans ouside of a store front in San Felipe, Guanajuato. Color is used in the plastic buckets. Black against green and the position of the containers makes it obvious this is displayed in a well thought out composition.

Accidental art installations are the best. Old binders stacked and tied with rope inside the Municipio office under a light well. Certainly not planned but how does this happen? We might find something similar in the MOMA. Textures, Colors and composition give this random arrangement life. The rope not only serves a purpose in keeping things together but also works visually and pulls the eye across the numbered and colored binders.Building blocks for visual play.

In a discount warehouse near the Abasto in Queretaro. Color choices are important in all products in Mexico. The white handles break up the color. Why wouldn't these just be stacked up by color? The manufacturer at the plastic plant made a concious decision to mix up the colors. It's inviting to see the rich colors. Yummy like sweet candy!

Fireworks over the Jardin in San Miguel de Allende. Just another part of the great art installations in Mexico. In San Miguel you can see art installations above your head almost every night of the week in September.

Texture, Color, composition. Everywhere you put your eyes in Mexico your sure to see art. Be aware the next time your wondering the highways and byways of Mexico because the installation is surrounding.

Other blogs of mine.

Sepration and Divorce

La Pulga

Living San Miguel

Hacienda in SLP

2010-04-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked off highway 57 and wondered where those little roads lead? That's been my fascination as long as I can remember. What's down that road? What's after that mountain? I like to look at maps and read the names of remote places and think about the people there and what the they must do so far out from civilization. There was no one around to tell me anything about this Hacienda that sits about 5 kilometers of Hwy 57. The doors were open so I just had to visit.

The Butresses on this building are made out of Adobe brick. In fact the entire massive structure is made of adobe. Where the plaster has worn off and exposed the brick is only left the cement mortar. The adobe must have melted during rain.

I love these arches. Pulls you right through the space. Your body is tranported in and out of the sunny courtyard.

Yummy textures. This floor is tactile made from local San Luis Potosi stone. When I see a floor like this I think of many things. I imagine the people who laid the bricks hand by hand and wonder how much thought they might have given to the pattern and color of the stones. It's random but well thought out. I also think about how in todays design we're lacking this type of design. Everything now is mass produced and products are shipped across the world where it ends up in a residence with no relation to where the home is built. I'd like to see modern homes made with materials that are from thier region and not materials from around the world.

This church is barely standing. I was thinking as I was climbing around the stairs and over the roof top that with one more good rain and a little wind the domb will collapse. It's an oasis in the desert. Tucked in the lush pepper, Huizache and palm trees. It's blanketed in shade. Inviting the people from the country side to come in and relax, meet other people, shop and worship.

Matteo allowed me to take his photo in front of this entrance into the main courtyard that has the Church and what was probably a market meeting place. Just outside the gate is an orchard. There was thought going into how it feels to pass from one space into another. The large arch painted red. The wing like triangles lead your eye up to the arch and fanning iron work pushes the arch even higher leading you through another space and perhaps another time.

LOS NUMEROS

2010-04-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

What's so great about Mexico coming from a design point of view is how things as simple as marking your house with the address becomes another chance for the comman person to become artistic. I don't think the average person thinks they are being creative or artistic because it's so much part of the culture. You have to make due with what you have. There are no rules as to how it should be so the freedom to express oneself in Mexico comes out in all sorts of ways. Some refer to it as living in the gray area. It's free, inventive, expressive and fun. I've collected many pictures or house numbers from all over the various colonias in San Miguel. This is a good example of how to live outside the box in everyday life. Viva Mexico!

CAST HARDWARE BRASS AND BRONZE

2010-03-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Counter Cultures: San Miguel de Allende Roman Knockers

2010-03-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Counter Cultures: San Miguel de Allende Roman Knockers

San Miguel de Allende Roman Knockers

2010-03-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

This is the only Roman Knocker I've seen that is forged from Iron!!!

Funny thing is about this little town there are so many different variations on the same design. How Many cast bronze hands are there in town? I've seen many but really no two are alike or from the same casting. I guess no one has ever saved a mold or a drawing so when the caster is asked by a client for another one they start again from scratch.

San Miguel Hardware

2010-03-30T14:16:00.001-07:00

This table was fun to make. I used a simple design found in many window railings to apron this table. The iron is mostly handforged. I had it finished in Satin Nickel and added a satin nickel finish copper top that has been hammered out. Not bad just a 3 stage design piece.

Grand Re-Opening! Zacateros 21

2009-08-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

We´ve expanded our showroom! Please come join the fun. Friday august the 21st at 7pm till 11pm. Food and drinks provided by El Gozo. Live D.J.

Copper Sinks

2009-07-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a copy of an AD we ran in Cabo and in San Miguel de Allende.

Free Stone sinks!

2009-07-14T12:06:00.001-07:00

This is one of our best promotions yet! We´ve all heard of 2 for 1 drinks but we never heard of 2 for 1 sinks! How cool is that!

Buy any stone sink in stock and pick out a second of the same or lesser value for FREE!

2009-07-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

July is our last month in the showroom on Zacateros 85. We will be moving to a larger location @ Zacateros 21. We will share a space with Calderoni Properties! The new space will be great! It doesn't have all the street noise of the current location and it has a fireplace. Please stay tuned for news of our opening party in August

Leah, Mat and Marc Visit San Miguel

2008-06-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you send 3 gringos to San Miguel for 3 days? Before I answer that questions let me add a few more ingredients. Throw in lots of rain, a little sprig of missing luggage and 6 table spoons of brownies. Toss lightly with Chuck and Susan. Next let simmer for 2 hours in a live seminar. Brush on a few architects and designers the day after and wrap tightly in a radio show.
The result is a spicy yet sweet flavor that leaves an aftertaste in your mouth. A little chewy inside with a crisp outer layer.

Marc getting his cafe fix at a popular local spot on Calle Correo.

Inside view of Iglesia Parroquia. Majestic!

Nina, Mathew,Roger and Marc. Ole' Ole' restaurant on Calle Loreto. Leah was taking the picture.

Outside Vivoli on Hernandez Macias. Mat with his box of books.

Fiesta Counter Cultures Cabo

2008-05-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Above,Ernie from the boat Co. with Roger of Counter Cultures and Arq. Jesus.

Below Alejandro from BH with Gabriela from Counter Cultures.

Monica from Cabo Furniture hanging with Carolyn from the Gringo Gazette.

Yurko and Vanessa from Cemex with Ramon of Aldi Kitchens and Cristina from Diarq.

Rafael of World Mark Resort and Oscar from Quetzal.

Here's Wayne and Yahel from Playa Grande. This was thier first wedding anniversary! After the party they headed over to Tropicana for Cuban night! Wayne and I discovered we went to the same University in Texas. Small world.

Arq. Benjamin from MCA with his brother hanging out with Arq. Angel from Querencia.

Ingenieros Carlos and Alejandro from BH

Construccion y Mantenimiento.

Interior Designer Leah and Arq. Ana Paula from Del Mar Development getting the scoop on Sun Valley Bronze from Marc.

The Master

2008-04-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of Luis and I waiting for our flight back to Mexico. This guy is the inivator. He's been hammering out copper since he was 5 years old. That's 45 years of experience. He has brought Mexican Copper work to a new level. He's business minded as well and runs a tight operation. Luis and I go back 7 years. I remember when he was sleeping on pallets above his dirt floor work area. It's amazing to see someone so talented get to really make it. Sitting in the airport I remembered when Antonina and I were driving to the shop once a month to pick and pack orders. Back then I did all the packing with little help. It would take us 2 to 3 days to get all the order together. While there it Margarita and Luis were always so kind lending us thier bedroom, feeding us breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'll never forget sitting around the large rectangle table in the kitchen for comida. It was a real honor to be let into their family.
Luis was so relaxed at the airport. Always with a smile. It reminded me why we got into this buisness in the first place. Tonina and I loved to find great product produced by true craftsman. So Much has changed. I'm rarely in the factory anymore and Luis hasn't hammered in a while. I guess that's progress. I can't remember the last time I even packed a sink. It's not bad in fact not having to load a trailer or make the midnight run to the border is a relief. I've had stitches in my nose when a crate fell on my face and ran my 1 ton van into a wall in the Saltillo canyon totaling the van. Some how I still managed to get the order up to the border. Change. It's been satisfing seeing Luis be able to come to Chicago and visit all his clients at the show. While at the airport he spoke of coming to San Miguel and coming to Los Cabos. He seemed excitied about traveling and experiencing new things. I'm excitied for him.
I can't wait to show him around Los Cabos and San Miguel!

TARGET is a must stop while in the USA

2008-04-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Okay I´m not the only one who believes that while in the states a Target stop is a must! Here´s Ann Dolan from San Miguel de Allende. We ran into each other while at the downtown Target in Chicago! If you live in the states full time you can´t fully apreciate why someone visiting Chicago would go shopping at Target http://www.target.com/ The only draw back was figuring out how to fit my purchases into my luggage.

Kevin was really excited to see the carts ride down the escalator! Sometimes it´s the little things. Later that night I over heard Tonya talking to her son and explaining how the escalator cart worked. Just don´t try to make it to the street with a cart. there´s some kind of magic force field that blocks the wheels of the cart from going up to the door. Kevin was pushing and pushing and almost made it to the door before giving up.

Cold Chicago

2008-04-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

COLD. In one word that´s how I´d describe Chicago.

It rained every day I was there except on Monday the day I flew out. I don´t know how those guys in Chicago do it. I spoke with some locals and they said I must be suffering coming up from Mexico. Of course I said yes and asked how they deal with it? The husband immediately asnwered ,¨we stay in doors and have lots of sex¨. I guess that´s the plus side to living in cold weather.

Fernando Mendez´s latest project

2008-04-05T11:45:00.001-07:00

Gabriela and I got to vist the new spec. home that Sr. Mendez and Assoc. are building. This is a great home with perfect views of the beach at Palmilla. Fernando has taken great care in the details.

The ceiling looks good in the photo but doesn´t feel so good when standing inside the room. It´s not square and feels a bit busy and confusing. Too much going on. Fernando asked our opinion and we gave it honestly. I was a little hesitant to say something that might come off as negative. It turns out Fernando already has plans to change it. Dry wall will cover it all creating a softer uniform valted ceiling. It´s nice to be asked to give an opinion on a job and it´s even better when you get it right.

We we´re studing the measurements for the counter top. These are the holes where a single post faucet and vessel mounted sink will be installed. I´ve seen this set up many times in construction but I´ve never seen it so precise and clean. He actually used the specs for the faucet and sink to determine where the holes should be. Of course this is the correct way but in my experience I haven´t seen it so well planned out. Usually the prespective is an after thought and that´s what it ends up looking like. I´ll come back and take some more photos when it´s all finished just to demonstrate how good planning ends in good design.

I love the great room! Super High celings give a catherdral, close to god feeling.

Hacienda Fucillo in Querencia

2008-04-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Here´s Gabriela in Hacienda Fucillo. Next to her is the wine bar. We went over there together to help solve some problems they are having. One problem they have is with Sub Zero. It´s a strange thing but the spring loaded hinge on top of the fridge broke in half. It´s not damaged in any other way. I guess it was just a defective part. as seen in the photo it broke at the thinest part of the hindge. I already called it in to our distributor and Sub Zero will warranty the part. That good news. The tough thing is Arq. Gustavo wants to deliver the home yesterday. This is one of those things that no one could have forseen because until the door was opened on the wine cooler you wouldn´t know.

Here´s the second issue. The outside door trim for Accurate needs a plate without a cylinder. This is no big deal. We have the trim in stock and can just change it on the job site. The inside is a butterfly( mariposa) thumb turn. It´s good to go out and see when these issues arise because it´s impossible for everyone to identify the correct model #´s needed. This way we save time and can make sure the mistake doesn´t happen again.

I love these wooden pocket doors. It really opens the room to the outside living space making one large area.

Back in Cabo

2008-04-01T14:24:00.001-07:00

I'm back in Cabo now and here things are humming! The showroom looks nice and full and clients are coming in everyday now. The weather is still nice which I'm surprised. I thought it would be hot already although I'm not disappointed that I was wrong. This month makes a year since we signed the lease agreement for Plaza El Faro. We didn't open until the first of June 2007. Looking at the new pictures I added to the earlier blog titled Los Cabos Surcusal makes me a bit nostalgic. I can't believe all the changes in one year.

Friday afternoon Break

2008-03-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we just need to close the store and do something fun! On Friday afternoon at the end of the weekly grind we went out for some fun on the karts. Just locking the store door in the middle of the afternoon and flipping the sign over to ,Be Back @ 5pm, was powerful. Hey we had more important things to do at the moment. When we got to the track another family was just finishing up with thier races. A couple of young girls were not enjoying the ride and I think they would have preferred
to be next door in Liverpool shopping. We joked about the father saying that he must be thinking,"I wish I had a couple of sons"! Soon enough they finished and we were on. Matteo got a special size cart so he could reach the petals. As Luis, Mario and I scouted out the 8 big carts trying to determine which one would be the fastest. I let Mario and Luis choose first then I took my que from the owner,"Oye Azul"! With our brain buckets on our heads we rolled out onto the track. Wow! I thought this ones got some speed! Immediatley I was making laps around Mario,Luis and Matteo. Trying to avoid Matteo was difficult. He's stratagy for winning was to run everyone else off the track! " Matteo this isn't bumper cars", I yelled thru my Helment. The next time I came around the track I saw Matteo spun out in a cloud of dust with tires all over the track. He looked okay so I kept my foot down on the gas. Next I see Mario just sitting as if he ran out of gas or was giving up. Later he tells me his chain broke off. He got into another cart and things got going again. Luis had a problem with his kart as well. Check out the photo. Later Matteo wipes out again and at this point I'm thinking this is his M.O.. He looked a little upset so I stopped to give the fatherly encourgement. Again back out on the track we we're all humming along. When it came time to stop Matteo had a hard time coming into the pit. He must have taken 4 extra laps before flying into the pits. " Break! Break! Break!" We all yelled as Matteo nearly cut several other kids off at the knees who we're waiting to get into the karts. Yea that was fun and it was hard to drive the Fiat straight and slow after that. We ended up for lunch at Fernando's Urugrayan Grill. We felt like formula 1 drivers coming in for grilled meat and beers after a gruling 6 hour race. We felt like a team. I felt great about the future as I talked about the expansion plans for Counter Cultures. Looking at Mario and Luis both with smiles and joking with each other made it all worth it. I'm sure next time we will fight over the Faster blue kart. If your going out to the track the 2 black ones and the blue one are the fastest. Stay off the green. It's 50 pesos for 10 minutes. Vale la pena!

Working the floor at The Restaurant

2008-03-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

Now I have my double life. In the day I oversee my two Counter Cultures businesses in San Miguel and Los Cabos as well as the export biz to the USA. By Night I have become this other person. I transform into a cross between Martha Stewart and Donald Trump. Here in the Restaurant I feel like I've made a visit back home. At first I was nervous, will I remember how to serve a guest? Will I remember anything about wines? I'd ask myself quick what are the 5 mother sauces? What are the Nobel grapes??? What's the rules about reservations that all fine dining restaurants should follow? Relax, relax, relax, it's like riding a bike. I remembered everything and was sent back in time to all the guest I've waited on from the cheap drunk who stiffed me to guest like Gene Hackman who always tiped 25% even on the $325.00 bottle of wine. I recall all the wine I sold, all the Nazi New York style chefs I've had the displeasure of meeting. There I was in my element being Jose Manuel's right hand man. Proving myself thru Technique, style and grace. When you're on the floor in a restaurant it's like Counter Cultures only 1 month reduced into one night! Fine tuning the skills of selling, service and mastering the art of table turning is much like Counter Cultures. Asking the right questions at the table is the same as asking the right questions in my showrooms. You have to read your clients. This is true in both businesses. You want to sell the Goat and beet salad and the hand held shower. Make sure for every table you get a wine pairing with the food and a Satin Nickle trip lever with every toilet! Watch how long it's taking for your entrees to get to the table and when the truck should arrive with the faucets. A month condensed into 5 hours of service. 4 to 6 weeks now becomes 12 to 15 minutes. Watching your covers and check averages and make sure you have the client base with the correct sales average." We need to sell more trout" the chef says and I say get rid of those old sinks that are in the showroom. Push the trout and push the faucets you have in stock. Make sure your clients sign the check and merchandise received form. At the end of the shift review the how many bottles of wine and bathtubs were sold. That's so and so,sit them by the fountain and give them a special discount on hardware.
The employees in a restaurant are like the people at Counter Cultures. Brenda is the back waiter getting clients quotes ready and making sure the checks are picked up and paid. Alfonso, Mario and Luis are the expediter/food runners controling the flow of incoming orders for guest while making sure the client gets the salmon cooked medium and the door handle has a 2 3/4" backset. Gabriela and Chris are the waiters greeting the guest explaining the special lamb tonight and the benefits of a Thermostaic Valve. The Chefs create the Roasted Chicked to order and the factory makes the custom copper sink.
So this week I'll spend 3 days at the restaurant equal to 3 months at Counter Cultures. I guess this is why people in the restaurant business tend to drink as much in one night as a retail sales person drinks in 1 month.
Here's a link to a blog about The Restaurant http://www.blakesmexico.blogspot.com/

The architects and designers of San Miguel

2008-03-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

For such a small town we really have a nice mix of architects and designers to fill most any style.

The list is too long to write here and I fear I might miss someone.

I'll focus on 3 at a time over the next month.

This one represents 3 clients for countercultures.

http://www.juancarlosvaldes.com/espanol.htm

- Juan Carlos Valdez

Architect Juan Carlos Valdes has constructed and redesigned more than 200 houses in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
You are invited to know his work and to take a tour by several of the spaces that he has conceived, constructed or redesigned.His work has contributed to that peculiar San Miguel de Allende architecture atmosphere, in addition to the conservation of beautiful large houses full of history.

http://www.fincahome.com/- Rachel Horn

Rachel Horn is a respected interior designer whose projects have been published in various national shelter magazines, including Southern Accents, Architectural Digest, and Phoenix Home & Garden, to name a few. It was Rachel Horn who coined the term San Miguel Style to describe the new fusion of design influences in this historic region of Mexico. Thomas Horn has over a decade of experience in the production aspects of the business. For much of that time, he has worked specifically with leather, which is one of the cornerstones of the Finca home furniture line. Both Thomas & Rachel actively contribute to new product design. Together, Thomas & Rachel founded Horn & Horn Design in the 1990's. H&H was a full service custom furniture provider to the design industry until they decided to begin selling a complete line of furniture to the trade. The company Finca home was born in 2003 with the opening of their first storefront in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Currently the company is rapidly expanding, with retail and wholesale showrooms in several major cities in the US. More showrooms are currently in planning, in both Mexico and the USA.

http://www.dolandevelopment.com/ - Jim Dolan

Founded in 1996 by Jim Dolan, Dolan Development employs over 200 employees and subcontractors. This team of dedicated professionals is the key to the success and rapid growth of the company.

Los Cabos Surcusal

2008-03-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

Wow! where to begin.
For nearly the past year I have spent more time in Los Cabos than in San Miguel de Allende. Getting a new store opened is more work than one can imagine especially when you choose a location that is Minimum 5 hour travel time by air and 2 days by car. I know it seems how can it be 2 days by car and 5 hours by plane. The problem is the large body of water between mainland Mexico and the Baja. A ferry is an overnight trip. The ferry from Mazatlan is more like a refugee boat than a cruise ship.
Opening a new location is a challenge in itself. Add on top of that several other barriers and it's impossible for the average person. Not knowing anyone in town to call for store remodel, fixing a leaky faucet is trial and error. I spent the better part of the day driving around looking for someone to weld a repiso. Finally I ended up at a auto shop and what I got back was less than level. You know those old Mexican pickup trucks that when your driving behind seem to be sitting crooked on the frame. I think this is where those guys go for repairs. Then try hiring a staff. I ran an ad in the Cabo Mil radio station. That was expensive and wasteful. In Cabo there is a shortage of workers. 8 businesses are fighting over the same 3 people. Therefore two things happened in Cabo. Anyone with experience is worth about 3 times as in the mainland and everyone else works a job until they get too drunk one night of want to go surfing all day knowing the next morning they can be either back at the old job or have a new one by noon.
This is great for employees but not for the employer. I've had potential employees in hard negotiations over salaries. This is like swallowing a spoonful of sand when my wife and I cleaned out our savings accounts and charged up a few cards. I haven't seen a dime from Cabo. I'm eating canned tuna and worried about the light bill and some young punk comes in and tells me he won't work for less than 2K a month! Being without my family is also a strain. After being gone so long I realize my daughter who just turned 2 years in December doesn't speak any English.Her Spanish and Italian are great! Believe me it's a strange feeling when I need to communicate to my own child in Spanish. That's when I knew I just haven't been around enough. Ahh Los Cabos Paradise right. I tell you it felt more like purgatory in the summer. All in all the obras for the house construction working under extreme conditions. It was 38c and guys are tossing bricks all day or digging ditches by hand. I have a lot of respect for them. Like my dad always said,"get a desk job use your mind not your back". My father worked hard labor all his life. He will tell you it wasn't all that hard but climbing ladders and hanging pipe for sprinklers is hard work. I guess all that reminding paid off. There is somethings he couldn't prepare me for. When your working with your hands or doing something that doesn't have that much responsibility you are more relaxed. Physical stress is big but you rest easy at night. The thing he didn't know is the mental stress and battles a person in my position deals with daily. How could be know, for my father when Friday afternoon came it was over and not much thought was put on Monday morning.
Fast forward to Los Cabos. After 3 months in Cabo we made our first real sale. On the 4th month I hired a real sales person. A real sales person is someone who says "YES". Most people think if there selling toilets they have to know every detail about the toilet industry. They may feel a need to read a biography about Henry Crapper the inventor of the closed coupled toilet. Yea I read it but a real sales person knows the magic in selling is being with the clients. Making calls, sending emails and building relationships. Once we started closing a few deals it seemed we became a beacon in the night. For the next few months we did nothing but order parts and pieces for the mistakes of sales persons from other stores. We knew this would pay off and all the builders are becoming loyal to us.
Now it's March and things have really broken loose this year. We have secured relationships with 4 major developers and many other small firms. We have added more people in the office and it's helped a lot. No more 7am to 10pm days. I look back on the last year from when I signed the lease in Los Cabos and see that it's all going well. We're farther ahead than I imagined and still have room for growth. I'll still be away from my family often but I don't have to eat canned tuna or worry so much about the light bill and when I'm ready to come home for a couple of weeks I can do it knowing things in Cabo will go on without me. If you ask me would I do it all over again? The answer is YES!

Mexican Glass Sinks

2008-03-20T10:38:00.001-07:00

Here's some very exciting glass sinks from Mexico.

The great thing about them is they all can be custom made in color and shape.

These will be on display in the Los Cabos showroom in May.

They will retail for around $1800usd.

Please let me know what you think by leaving comments.

New Stoneware Sink!

2008-03-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Raul just dropped off the latest design in stoneware sinks. Raul used a mold from the Pewter Kyoto sink. This one is sea green with a crackle finish. Other colors are available.

This one should retail around $400usd. in Mexico. Match this sink up with Anima tile to complete the look.

New Sun Valley Bronze displays have arrived!

2008-03-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

We've been waiting for this day for 6 months. We now have the Sun Valley Bronze displays in both showrooms. The San Miguel showroom installed the display in the front window for all to see.

The Los Cabos will have 3 panels all connected together forming a triangular display. This is a very sophiticated rustic sandcast bronze hardware line with new and exciting designs. All of SVB hardware is made on site in Hailey, Idaho. www.svbronze.com