INtrigue INsider – spring around to look at blush

There are few lingerie lines that I love as much as “blush” from Montreal.  Here is a sneak peek of some images from the new blush Spring/Summer 2013 campaign.ANGEL_KISS LOVEBIRD STAR_SECRET SWEETEST_SIN

Now available at:

 

 http://www.intrigueimports.com

You can follow my “love of lingerie” & more blush  images on Pinterest at:

http://pinterest.com/intrigueimports/

Personal Post – Sofia Coppola has nice cans

sofia3I recently spotted a tiny and bubbly Sofia sitting across from me in one of my favorite Japanese restaurants.  And I was thinking how lucky can one girl be?  Sofia Coppola with a killer wardrobe & friends like Marc Jacobs and all her various fashion ad campaigns including her very own designed handbag for Louis Vuitton plus being a talented director in her own right…you’d think that that would be enough for one person right?

My Morning Essentials
My Morning Essentials

Apparently in Hollywood you can never be over marketed because right now she also comes in a can.  That’s right. Her famous director dad Francis Ford (co-owner of the Niebaum-Coppola spectacular winery in Napa) has her all packaged up and ready to go in individually sized serving cans that come with their own straws, and sold in four-packs. And in pink too.

Sofia blanc de blancs, made by Niebaum-Coppola Winery, is hoping to appeal to younger drinkers, especially clubgoers.  But I like it too!  Part of the plan has been to market Sofia not merely as premium wine without a bottle but as a clubgoers’ drink: ordered by name, easy to hold at a bar and ideal for resort poolside where glass is a no-no. sofia1

The cans are meant to appeal to a kind of “Sex in the City” crowd: sophisticated female city-dwellers, from just over drinking age and up.  I do fit into this category.

It’s a different audience than most wine drinkers.  I’ll take it to my next beach picnic.  Hell, it even fits nicely in my purse.

Perfect for Picnic - notice the convenient straw.
Perfect for Picnic – notice the convenient straw.

A distinctive blend as unconventional as the woman who inspired it.  Mini is for the impromptu, impetuous, live passionately for the moment kind of person. The kind of person who lives like there is no tomorrow!

The Sofia Blanc de Blancs bursts with rich pear, honeysuckle, and exotic passion fruit aromas. Crisp apple, melon, and juicy tangerine flavors fill the palate, with notes of bright lemon and honey evident on the refreshing, mouth-tingling finish.

Blend
70% Pinot Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscat Cannelli

Size: 187ml, four Sofia Minis to a packsofiacoppola

style & design – THIN is IN

glass

Oh NO….I’m still in the process of figuring out how to record on my TV.  I lost something in Dropbox today and don’t even talk to me about making changes to my website.  And then somebody sends me this youtube little glimpse into what’s coming!  I better get with the program.

It gets better – the video is from Corning as in “CorningWare” the same people who make that thermal shock cookware that you can use on your stovetop.  Everyone owns a piece.

I’ve never posted a link on its own but YOU MUST take a moment to view this youtube video if you haven’t already.  Take my word – This is MIND BLOWING!

It's time to WAKE UP
It’s time to WAKE UP

SOMETIME SOON…..In the near future – a world made of GLASS…..                  

                                       

A stunning glimpse into the future courtesy of Corning:                                                                                        http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38&vq=medium

Simple and Satisfying – Surprising Substitutes

Healthy Baking: Surprising Butter Substitutesbutter

By FitSugar | Healthy Living

baking2Baking calms the mind and feeds the soul, but all that buttery goodness can pack on the pounds. If looking to make healthier baked goods, omitting some or all of the butter from your favorite recipes greatly reduce the amount of calories, fat, and cholesterol in your sweet treats. There are countless ways to replace eggs in recipes, and here are healthier alternatives to using butter. These substitutes are great for vegan bakers too.red velvet cake1

  • Applesauce: Often used to replace oil in recipes, applesauce can also be used as butter alternative, and works best in cake-like recipes. Replace half the amount of butter in your recipe with applesauce; if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and half a cup of applesauce. If you don’t mind a denser, more moist bread, replace all the butter with applesauce to cut even more calories and fat.
  • Avocado: Substitute half the amount of butter in a baking recipe with mashed avocado (it works well with cookies); use the same method as you would when using applesauce. Using avocado not only lowers the calorie content but also creates a softer, chewier baked good, and is perfect if you want to omit the dairy.

Earth Balance: Replace all of the butter with Earth Balance to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Using Smart Balance rather than Earth Balance will also save some calories, but note that Original Smart Balance contains whey, so it’s not vegan.

  • Canola oil: In certain recipes, replacing butter with oil works well, especially if the recipe calls for melted butter. Fiddle with your favorite recipes to figure out when canola works instead of butter; when baking chocolate chip cookies, I’ve had success substituting half a cup of canola oil for half a cup of unsalted butter. Although slightly higher in calories, canola is much lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
  • Greek yogurt: Replace half the amount of butter in your cookie recipes with half the amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and one quarter cup of yogurt. You’ll reduce the calories and the saturated fat. Play around with using more yogurt and less butter to see if you still like the taste and consistency. Here are more ways to use Greek yogurt in baking recipes.
  • Prune purée: Often used to help little ones stay regular, prune purée also makes a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to butter. Whatever amount of butter the recipe calls for, replace it completely with store-bought baby food prune puree (unless you have time to make your own; just purée prunes in the food processor). This option works well in recipes that involve chocolate and cinnamon.

Follow my “Gusto” board on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/intrigueimports/

Scene in the City – Dine Out Side!

Dine Out SignNo longer limited to just hot dogs and roasted chestnuts! Ze Bite Wood Fire Pizza      

Street Food Vancouver was thrilled to show off the best of our local food trucks during this year’s Dine Out Vancouver.  I went yesterday on the last day and there was definitely something to satisfy everyone’s palate.  Actually it was difficult to make a choice.art gallery in background

Street Food City marks the first time that Dine Out Vancouver has included a street food category in its roster of  participating restaurants, hotel offers and one-of-a-kind events.Japanese

Nine of the city’s top food carts congregated at the Vancouver Art Gallery this past weekend allowing diners to sample a wide range of freshly prepared, internationally influenced flavors in one convenient location while receiving special discounts and freebies. The best part? After making their selections, diners were able to cozy up despite the rain  in an outdoor food court complete with heaters, tents, tables and chairs.Salvadoran

Naan Kebab“Vancouver’s street foods were once limited to hot dogs and roasted chestnuts – but for the last few years, our food cart vendors have been dishing out some of the city’s most creative, fresh and delicious cuisine ,” said Lucas Pavan, festival coordinator. “Street Food City showcases not only the diversity of our local food culture, but also the evolution of Dine Out from a restaurant-focused promotion to an all-encompassing dining festival.”Pig on the Street

I really enjoyed my “ze pig” french baguette sandwich from “Ze Bite” french cuisine food truck while imagining eating it walking along Ze Seine.  I recommend sampling the local truck stops around town.

Street People
Street People

Truck LineupMeat on the Street

B Well – the Health Benefits of Pet Ownership.

Or in my case -borrowship.  But here is a list of the TOP 10 HEALTH BENEFITS of having a pet according to Dr. Dave Hepburn who owns a Havanese pup named Leo.

catanddog1 Several studies have shown that having a pet helps you get in shape. One study showed that new dog owners lose an average of 14 pounds in the first year.

2 Pets help people survive heart attacks. Pet owners have healthier hearts. Those who own a dog are eight times more likely to survive one year after a heart attack.funny-cat-and-dog-photos-42

3 Pets are great for mental health. Patients who have pets are less depressed or anxious and show lower scores on the depression severity scale. So, if you’re feeling blue take two Shih Tzu and call me in the morning.

4 A study out of the University of Missouri showed that within minutes of petting a dog, there is a massive release of beneficial hormones ( in the petter) known to be associated with health and feelings of well being.

5 Dogs are beneficial in speech and language development. (My Spanish is already getting better). Dogs are instantly loyal and eager to please — perfect companions during sometimes difficult speech- therapy sessions.

6 Pets help blunt pain. By initiating and maintaining the relaxation response, a pet can distract a patient’s focus from his or her pain and elevate his or her mood.

7 Pet owners often feel needed and responsible, which may stimulate the survival incentive. There is the feeling of the need to pull through a surgery or major illness to take care of their pets. Many cancer patients with pets admit to striving hard to live longer because they felt that their pets need them and only them.

8 Pets in the home teach empathy and responsibility and even raise IQs. In fact, dogs can improve children’s reading scores. Trained teams of dogs and humans help children who have trouble reading to jump grade levels in just a few months in a program where children read to dogs.

9 Seniors who have pets have far fewer doctor visits and sleep better.

10 To many researchers, the most exciting facet of these studies is that positive human- animal interaction may delay production of harmful body chemicals associated with diseases such as cancer. Studies indicate an improvement in body chemicals associated with a healthy immune system. We may see a time when people at risk for certain illnesses including cancer may be prescribed a Chihuahua.dog1

Dr. Dave Hepburn, Postmedia News. Watch Dr. Dave on “Buyologic” on OWN, Tuesdays at 6: 30 p. m.

Also **Don’t miss listening to “Transforming Health” with host Brad King for the most evocative and informative up-to-the-minute interviews with leading health professionals – Live every Wednesday @ 12PM-PST/3PM-EST on VoiceAmerica.com – #1 internet radio station in North America.
Here’s the link: http://www.voiceamerica.com/show/1686/transforming-health

Personal Post: what do Elephants, Bears & Missoni have in common?

missoni

Besides the fact that I love all three – the Missoni clad stuffed bears & elephants can be found at Holt Renfrew until sold out.

Holt Renfrew says “we have always been slightly obsessed with the iconic Missoni zig zag pattern. The abstract patterns in a rich kaleidoscope of colors immediately signals the work of the Italian fashion house and we can’t seem to get enough.”

Over the holidays, Holt Renfrew partnered with Missoni to create a limited-edition, worldwide-exclusive bear and elephant. They have been designed by Missoni exclusively for Holt Renfrew in support of Orphan-Aid Africa, a non-profit organization with the goal to ensure that orphans and vulnerable children in Ghana grow up in safe and permanent family settings with appropriate care and protection.

Margherita Missoni, Chief Accessories Designer of Missoni, began working with the charity several years ago and has since become the President of Orphan Aid’s Italian division.missoni2

“I began volunteering with Orphan Aid Africa nine years ago, in its early days, said Missoni. “To see the changes and impact we have made to better the lives of children is incredible and rewarding. We are very pleased to have joined forces with Holt Renfrew. The funds raised will further strengthen our cause.”

Your purchase will help Holt Renfrew reach its goal of raising $100,000 for children and families through Orphan Aid Africa.  Bonus: they’re now only $25 so you can buy two.

Short video with Margherita Missoni at                                                      http://www.holtsmuse.com/fashion/worldwide-exclusive-missoni-x-holt-renfrew/

INtrigue INsider – the long & the short of it.

Perfect Athletic Bra Tops from Garbe L.A. –  comfort and style in seamless lycra/ spandex.  A necessary addition to your workout.  To be worn alone or underneath a tank top or t-shirt.

short bra top in peony
short bra top in peony

Our most popular piece, these seamless bra tops are designed to support whether running, hiking, biking, yoga or any activity. This support top comes in a long version or short and is flattering and comfortable Adjustable double straps make it the perfect bra top.

Long “Dancer” – in Black  or Grey

Short “Racer back” in Black or

long dancer in grey
long dancer in grey

Peony Pink.GARBE S_S 2012 LookBook_Page_23_Image_0004

 

 

Available now at: http://www.intrigueimports.com

style & design – Fabulous & Fashionably Fala

Let me introduce to you Fala Chien Fala2 fala3 fala4 fala5 Fala7 Fala8 Fala9 Fala10 Fala by fala Fala by Fala Chien

Fala is a fashion designer with her own line, a friend and someone I worked with at 4th Ave. Boutique.  She’s a quadruple threat….young, smart, talented and beautiful.  Fala currently spends her time jetting between New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai & Taiwan.  She recently showcased her newest collection at New York Fashion week where she garnered attention from the media and was named new up and coming designer.  You go girl!

Fala’s signature: simple, playful garments, each with its own unique personality like dresses that can be worn inside out, dress and jacket alter-egos with adjustable sleeves and other adaptable combinations. As Fala says, “fashion should be fun and playful.”

ABOUT FALA CHIEN – As a professional woman and a fashion designer, Fala understands the difficulty of balancing strength and femininity. This is the reason Fala is inspired to design clothing that make women feel both sexy and powerful at the same time. Her aim is to present clothing with “multi-wear” functionality that can be worn from morning until night. Simple yet Detailed.  After ten years of working in various areas of the fashion industry, Fala debued her brand during Vancouver Fashion Week in 2008. Since then, she has been featured in several prestigious international fashion shows, and has often appeared in fashion magazines and newspapers worldwide. In addition, “Fala” by Fala Chien has become the brand of choice for many celebrities when they attend movie premieres and fashion events. From New York to Hong Kong, one can detect the newest collection from “Fala” by Fala Chien in many local prestigious boutiques & shops. I’m so proud of you Fala & I love my clothes made by you.fala12

like this coat made by Fala which I love
In my Fala designed wool coat

fala pink

2012 FALA DESIGN CO., LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED