If you are as crazy about MAC Cosmetics as you are about dogs then you would have been in doggy makeup heaven at this industry event which was recently held at NorthPark Centre in Dallas, Texas. Yes, the same mall with all the ART.
At the event, MAC Pro Cosmetics launched their latest autumn collection, Haute Dogs, with the help of celebrity canines, Toast(@TOASTMEETSWORLD on Instagram) and sister Muppet(@muppetsrevenge on Instagram). Shoppers enjoyed mini-makeovers with products from the new collection and a short presentation by Haute Dogs models and furry duo Toast and Muppet.
The new MAC collection is described as, “luscious, buttery fur tones for eyes and regal berries for lips.” The products from the line also have fun, canine-inspired names such as, “Lap Dog,” “Labradorable” and “Dressed to the K9s.” Visit the MAC Pro Cosmetics store located on Level One near Neiman Marcus to view the Haute Dogs collection.
A sampling
Sorry, but it has been somewhat of a ruff week – and I happen to know a few dogs who can use a makeover.
Source: Nicole Rosenblum – NorthPark Centre celebrating “50 years of Style“
The Somali Supermodel with a story goes to prove that real style has no age. She turned sixty in July and looks as good as ever. What do we know about IMAN besides the obvious fact that she’s beautiful with perfect bone structure? This is where style meets substance.
For me personally, the more I find out about her the more I like her. A friend of mine was invited to an event at her and David Bowie’s house in New York going back a few years now and of course I asked “what was she like?” The short answer was “very gracious” as she escorted my friend around their home.
She was born Iman Abdulmajid, the daughter of a diplomat and left her native Somalia as a refugee.
When she was a student at Nairobi University, fashion photographer Peter Beard approached her to ask about taking her picture. She had never even seen a fashion magazine before.
She soon left Kenya, to make her first print appearance in Vogue. She dealt with racism in the modelling industry at the time.She soon became a familiar face on runways around the world and one of the first black supermodels. Iman paved the wave for all African-born beauties wanting to break into the high-fashion world.
Iman officially retired from modeling in 1989, but she has continued to influence the industry.
Her eponymous cosmetics line caters to women with skin colors that are underserved by mainstream makeup.
She is an actor, the author of two books and an outspoken activist for human rights causes.
She’s a keeper. She has been married to David Bowie for two decades.
Photographed by Bruce Weber, Vogue, 1995
In 2010, she received the Fashion Icon award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
She continues to inspire
A tiny portion of her story:
On living as the daughter of the Somali ambassador to Saudi Arabia: I studied in Italian when I was in boarding school, so overnight when we moved to Saudi Arabia we were taught in English. I speak five languages besides mine. I went to school in Egypt because girls weren’t allowed to go to school in Saudi Arabia. It’s very restricting, especially for girls, we’re not allowed to go anywhere.
On becoming a refugee from Saudi Arabia: Imagine: we have our own chauffeur, our own car, we’re going everywhere with security, as [the family of the] ambassador. Then Somalia had a revolution and it became a military regime. All embassies were closed, and all of a sudden people my father worked with disappeared. So my mom decided, ‘Why would we wait for that to happen?’ So, in the middle of the night, she gets a van, puts us in with nothing but the clothes on our backs and we drove to the border of Kenya and crossed on foot. I literally have two pictures of myself growing up. I am the face of the refugee. The refugees are, 99% of the time, people who have left their countries for fear for their lives. It’s not people who want to come to other countries and be pariahs. That’s not what a refugee is.
On being discovered by Peter Beard: I was walking to [my job as a] waitress and Peter Beard appeared and started talking to me and asked my name and I thought he was trying to pick me up. He followed me and asked, have you ever been photographed? And I’d never seen a magazine in my life—except my brothers were teenagers and they had Playboy. And I said, “I’m not that kind of girl.” He talked about his profession and I didn’t pay attention and then he said, “I’ll pay you,” and then I stopped. He said, “How much?” I said, “$8000.” (That was two year’s tuition.) And he said, “OK.” I brought two girlfriends, he took the pictures, I thought, “That was an easy job, $8,000.” He wrote me a check, I cashed it immediately.
On her age: We all have friends and loved ones who say 60’s the new 30. No. Sixty’s the new 60.
Source for her story: taken from her interview “Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis”
If museum worthy art can be exhibited in shopping malls then it seems only fair that restaurants follow suit. This could be a new trend but one that not every restaurant can afford. Which comes first, the art or the food?
The ART
At the Atlas restaurant in Atlanta (located in the St. Regis hotel, Buckhead) you might wonder if you’re eating in a museum. Hanging on the walls are original works by some artists you may have heard of – Francis Bacon, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh, all from the Lewis Collection, one of the largest private art collections in the world.
If you look closely you will also see two of Atlanta’s historic artifacts: a program from the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize dinner honouring Martin Luther King, Jr., (the youngest person and first Georgian to receive the prize); and a letter from President John F. Kennedy to Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr., recognizing his leadership during the Civil Rights movement.
The DECOR
From the green-tiled exhibition-style kitchen and outdoor terraced garden to the elegant private dining space and polished bar, every detail of Atlas has been carefully planned.
The FOOD
*Bone marrow tenderloin
This chef-driven restaurant brings an unparalleled culinary experience to the Capital of the South with a focus on curating fresh ingredients from local farms. Atlas celebrates the very best in seasonal American cuisine with European influences. Together, consulting chef Gerry Klaskala and chef de cuisine Christopher Grossman have crafted a daily changing menu driven entirely by partnerships with a collection of more than a dozen farms.
Cobia with beans and risotto
Atlas’s menu covers various regions. The potato-leek clam chowder offers a taste of New England, and ginger-marinated black bass takes Asian inspiration. There are Southern dishes as well: braised leg of Alabama rabbit, roasted White Oak Pastures chicken, and oat-crusted Blue Ridge trout, to name a few. Sounds impressive!
Olive oil cake with basil gelato
*Anything bone seems to be the old-meets-new trend of late, worthy of a post of its own. Bone broth and bone marrow (my grandmother used to make this) and I’ve been doing the same lately. But getting back to the restaurant…
The menu appears like the food may not be outdone by the art, but we’d have to make a trip out just to be sure. I may be doing exactly that so I’ll let you know.
A collective kitchen with an enviable art collection – you’ve got to love it!
Who says that art should be only relegated to museums and galleries?
20 ELEMENTS, Joel Shapiro
Many coffee shops and restaurants (even some hair salons) like to display art from unknown artists, and if we’re lucky we can sometimes find work from celebrated artists we know of, in select high end design/furniture shops. There’s Art and then there’s Art!
I enjoyed looking at Picasso’s while dining in a restaurant in Las Vegas. Mind you, it was the Picasso restaurant at the Bellagio and yes, his original paintings are displayed throughout the restaurant. An art gallery within a restaurant. But renowned art in a shopping mall? When have you seen that?
We already know that art and fashion have something in common. But do we dare draw the line between art and shopping in a mall?
NorthPark Centre in Dallas, Texas is no ordinary mall. I’ve been there and as far as shopping in a mall goes (a mall is not my favourite place to shop or hang out), it’s a cut above. This year the centre is celebrating their 50th anniversary, and in conjunction is hosting an exhibition this fall called “Art Meets Fashion.”
Lee Ann Torrans
Raymond Nasher, who built NorthPark, and his wife, Patsy, were big collectors and proudly displayed the works they acquired throughout the shopping concourse because they believed that art should be seen, and not just in museums and galleries. Their daughter, Nancy Nasher and her husband, David Haemisegger, have given their promise to ensure that this mission lives on. They’ve expanded the NorthPark collection and helped to transform the shopping centre into one of the most visited public gallery spaces in America.
Andy Warhol
So… (apparently it’s not proper to start a sentence with so….but I say “so what?”) now you can buy your Louis Vuitton or Gucci with a side of Roy Lichtenstein or Frank Stella. How nice is that?
Anish Kapoor North Park
Now, if only every mall was like this…what a wonderful art world it would be!
I’ve always had an affinity for horses and ponies, especially little shetland ponies who are extremely cute, sensitive and friendly. What is it about me and animals with letters that start with S,H,E,L+T? I wanted to take the one in the middle home.
Recent trip to the Okanagan – they came over to say hello. Photo: d. king
Bet you know one little girl who’d rather have the noble STEED than the handsome PRINCEWhy are these two ponies all dressed up?
We don’t need to take a gallop poll to know that when it comes to a high-fashion horse race, even the first lady of the United States (Michelle Obama who favours Jason Wu) and the future queen consort of England (Duchess Kate who fancies Alexander McQueen) might have trouble coming in ahead of these Shetland ponies rocking custom wool sweaters.
Scotland’s brainy national tourism organization thought up this ad. While the ponies drew the attention, the agency seized the moment to tell us all the other reasons to travel to Scotland (like the scenery, some castles, haggis and whiskey). VisitScotland noted that the ponies are wearing sweaters created by Shetland knitter Doreen Brown using what else but...Shetland wool — rather plush knitwear that wouldn’t seem out of place in any trendy city hangout.
Just broke up with your boyfriend or husband? I know a few of those. And you think a trip to the cosmetics counter will immediately make you feel better and help heal your broken heart? Not!
Photo: Dolce & Gabbana
But it can help perk up your spirits along with your daily workouts to obtain a great new bod so you also look better. And it takes your mind off of the obvious.
You will be over your ex soon enough who doesn’t deserve you anyway and be so ready and in tip top shape for your new lucky fellow. Believe me, he’s out there. Next!
In the meantime some revenge glam after a breakup makeup ideas that might help:
Maybe you didn’t wine enough!
This season’s array of merlot-colored lipsticks will make a happy home on your lips. There’s a range of hues suited to every palette. Raise your lipstick tube for a toast!
I Bette you’ll love this one.
Nars Audacious in Bette
NARS Audacious lipsticks are something of a gem among the lipstick-obsessed. From first swipe, you’ll notice how well the color sticks to your lips and the creamy matte formula feels like air.
(NARS Audacious Lipstick, $32 at Sephora) Maybe you need a different kind of push-up. This one from Benefit “They’re Real” push-up Liner.
After all, you want something with staying power, unlike your ex. There’s a lot to love about gel liner. This one has all those benefits without you having to wield or carry a brush. It won an Allure Breakthrough Award for taking the hassle out of getting the results of a classic gel. You just twist the small dial on the bottom to release the perfect amount of gel into the flexible slanted tip of the pen; as the waterproof formula seeps out of a narrow slit in the skinny end of the tip, the wider base gently pushes lashes out of the way so you can get as close to the lash line as possible. Some tricks we learned the hard way: To avoid clumps and uneven application, wipe the tip before each use. And once it goes on, it stays on—so be sure to have an eye-makeup remover nearby for touch-ups. Available at Sephora or Shopper’s Drug Mart.
What about Serious Volume Spray? Limp locks are so not sexy.
Use It to: Channel Brigitte Bardot’s locks by adding spray to your roots for that glamorously tousled look.
It’s all personal but you might consider starting this new chapter with a perfume that lets your olfactory senses know that a change (for the better) is happening.
That said, enjoy the search. Let me know if you tried any of these and what you thought of them.
A friend prepared these delicious salad rolls shown in photo. She did not have a specific recipe however I found one that you can follow and add chicken or prawns to if you like. They’ve got the three essentials – that is they’re delicious,healthy and low fat. What was really nice is how she served them with lettuce leaves lining the plate – presentation, presentation ladies and gents!
Photo: d. king
Don’t you hate it when you ask someone for a recipe and they say “I don’t have a recipe, just use whatever you have on hand – they’re so easy to make.” Said friend made the best sukiyaki (again, no recipe and who makes sukiyaki anyway – you’re lucky to even find it on the menu at any Japanese restaurant) but believe me I took mental notes and I’m making it and will follow up for you on that dish at a little later date. When it starts to get a bit cooler out maybe even tomorrow. I need to buy another appliance before doing so. For now make this & cut them up smaller for appetizers:
MAKES 4 ROLLS (regular size)
You can try different dipping sauces – why not have options? In photo the wraps are made with chicken and the dipping sauce is thai sweet chili which can be store bought if you don’t have the time to make it from scratch.
for the peanut sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce (I prefer low sodium)
2 teaspoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
juice of 1 lime
1 shallot, roughly chopped (1/4 cup)
1 small garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped
1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
¼ cup sesame oil
2 teaspoons maple syrup
for the rolls:
8 rice paper spring roll wrappers
1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
12 fresh mint leaves
12 fresh basil leaves
8 sprigs fresh cilantro
½ English cucumber, cut into sticks
1 small avocado, thinly sliced
About 2 cups cooked rice vermicelli cooled down (optional)
fresh bean sprouts (optional)
To make the peanut sauce, blend all ingredients until smooth.
Meanwhile, cut or tear the hard rib from each butter lettuce leaf and prep all other filling ingredients.
Fill a bowl large enough to hold the spring roll wrappers with warm water. Soak one wrapper for about 1 minute, or until just pliable, then lay flat on a cutting board. Layer in lettuce leaves, folding large ones in half, then fresh herbs, cucumber, and sliced avocado. Then rice vermicelli, meat (if using) and bean sprouts.
Carefully roll up the wrapper, leaving both ends open. Soak another wrapper and wrap existing roll inside to secure ingredients.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling ingredient. Then, pack in an air-proof container, layering in a damp paper towel to keep the rice paper moist.
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/4 cup hot water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon red chili paste, such as sambal
Source for chili sauce: Food Network
I’ve made traditional Vietnamese salad rolls in the past using lettuce, rice vermicelli, prawns, green onion and bean sprouts with peanut dipping sauce. They’re actually pretty easy to make. At first you might break a few of the wraps because they’re so thin but when you get the hang of it they’re fun to make. It just took my friend making these to remind me that they’re a BIG HIT at parties! Everyone loved them. Everyone asked for the recipe. You’re welcome!
Upcoming Vancouver Event:
Join me at one of my favourite Fall fundraisers – the annual Arts Club eventCHEF MEETS BC GRAPE featuring up to 90 BC wineries pouring over 350 award-winning wines, delectably paired with locally inspired dishes from top British Columbia restaurants. See why BC food is designed for BC wine!
Signature Tasting
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Vancouver Convention Centre East
999 Canada Place, Ballrooms A, B and C
7–9:30 PM
I call it INSTAGRAMification because everyone looks happy, lives well, eats well and plays well.
Life can be so Idyllic! #nofilters #lifeisgood #readytopicnic photo: d. king
The popular phone app gives us leeway to play with our photos using different filters to brighten or diffuse and colour our world a whole lot brighter (but make sure to use hashtag #no filters if not using any, so it appears even better). Our world can actually be falling apart but you’d never know it by the photos we choose to post. We’re always busy, popular, travelling to exotic locales or at least eating in exotic restaurants and we want you to see what we’re having for dinner….again! Yeah I know, I’m guilty of this too.
I drank champagne and ate oysters all summer long #nofiltersThe wine I drink comes with cute labels. I won’t drink it otherwise. #bigfatlie
If you think about it for a moment why would we want anyone to see us at our worst? Why not create a fantasy world of perfection?
I wonder if it would make us feel happier or depressed to look at other people’s photos of really plain food (is there such a thing?), waking up first thing in the morning (unless you’re Angelina Jolie who I’m sure never has a bad looking day), sick in bed or just getting in your car to go to work (boooring!).
I only swim in salt water pools...a lot by the way #wishIusedafilter #havingwaytoomuchfun
Maybe we should try it?
Okay, you go first! Nahhh…forget it. Let’s keep up the fantasies, the world is a tough enough place as it is (for most of us). Let’s keep up appearances and show everyone the best of our little world! XO
While I get ready for a bubble bath…with bubbly in hand. Wait a sec…that’s not even me – it’s my dog! #bigmistake
A few days after my aunt passed away I started reminiscing about my mom, my dad, my grandparents and especially my aunt because it was so fresh. I spoke with my uncle and my cousins because I was feeling gloomy and missing them, wishing we were closer in proximity.
Then I went upstairs and two beautiful little hummingbirds showed up on my deck nowhere near the feeder. I love hummingbirds and have had some unusual incidences involving them so I took it as a sign. Without a word of a lie they came right up to me, flapping their wings and looking at me. Then they left but decided to come right back and do it again. Couldn’t believe it so I called my cousin Liz right away to share the news – I think it was your mom and mine telling us everything will be okay.
But then it occured to me what they were probably really saying was “please put some vodka in that goddamn feeder so we can party!!”
Meaning: When the hummingbird shows up in your life, it may be an invitation to flex your path, perhaps even bending backward or forward, in order to accommodate life’s circumstances. You may be required to adapt to a situation that is a bit more demanding than usual.
The hummingbird (as a spirit animal) symbolizes the enjoyment of life and lightness of being. They help to lift up negativity wherever it creeps in and express love more fully in their daily endeavors. This fascinating bird is capable of the most amazing feats despite its small size, such as traveling great distances or being able to fly backwards. By affinity with the hummingbird, those who witness this bird may be encouraged to develop their adaptability and resiliency while keeping a playful and optimistic outlook.
Well I immediately felt better during and right after seeing them!
What about you? Do you believe in signs?
For fun take the quiz at link below to find out what your spirit animal is.
Some things I’ve been obsessed with on a recent road trip (and it has nothing to do with fashion). Things like:
These Bunnies:
“I think she’s a bit weird and that dog….he thinks we’re squirrels!”
Bambi:
“Oh, not the paparazzi again. Please…no more photos!”
This place (Sanderellain the cute little town of New Denver, Slocan Lake – Kootenays) where Jia Jia is patiently waiting outside for me. I love their bistro bottle cap stools & table. The shop is adorable with lots of eye candy including real candy.
We’re nowhere near Paris – not even Paris, Texas or Paris, Ontario (did you even know there was a Paris in Ontario? It’s apparently considered the prettiest town in Canada but I cannot attest to that in a farm community and they have gourmet cheese). See, you learn something new every day.
The Homemade Gelato at Sanderella:
especially the coconut cream pie gelato (but that’s because I love coconut cream pie – my mom used to make the best)This dog – she has a sweet temperament similar to Jia Jia.
Good Bites: I would be happy to trade in potato chips for these delicious farmer grown carrot chips. You can’t eat just a few. Between this and the Wasabi roasted Seaweed, I will have the most healthy snacks.
then there’s CHOCOLATE (but I’ve always been obsessed with chocolate). The thing about Easter I like the most is the chocolate covered bunnies. I like to bite the heads off first.
Chocolate covered black licorice – can it get any better? Yes, what about red?
I’m afraid I have OCD:
Yes, for sure I do. I’m in love with Jennifer’s Chocolates in Nakusp. Total Joy!
Have a great long weekend and try to refrain from eating too much chocolate. But how much is too much?
New Rules: don’t forget that after Labour day you can still wear white. How much is too much?…when you blind people wearing too white a white!
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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