The Paradox of our Time in History is that

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy it less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time;
We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment;
More experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
Drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired,
Read too seldom, watch tv too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We’ve added years to life, not life to years.
We’ve been all the way to the moon and back,
But have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.

We’ve conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We’ve done larger things, but not better things.
We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We’ve split the atom, but not our prejudice.
We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait.
We plan more, but accomplish less.
We write more, but learn less.
We build more computers
To hold more information
To produce more copies than ever,
But have less communication.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
Tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.
These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;
More leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.
These are days of two incomes, but more divorce;
Of fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throw-away morality,
One-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do
Everything from cheer to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the show window
And nothing in the stockroom;
A time when technology can bring this letter to you,
And a time when you can choose either to share this insight,
Or to just hit delete.

written by George Carlin

REMEMBER TO

spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and doesn’t cost a cent.

say ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it.

a kiss and an embrace will end hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

give time to love, give time to speak!

give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by those moments that take our breath away.

 

 

Monday Mood: Super Hats

A person carries off the hat. Hats are about emotion. It is all about how it makes you feel. – Philip Treacy (Milliner).

Remember ALEX, the sane hatter I met from the Vintage Market?  I bumped into her again at yet another venue –  of all places “Yappy Hour” at the Riviera Hotel.  She did not bring a dog however she brought her boyfriend who is definitely not a dog.  She really has great style.

Here is a little heads-up (pun intended) about her hand-made hat designs and  her company appropriately named “SuperBloom” …coming soon.

 

Superbloom is about putting meaning into color.  There are 10 colors with 10 original patterns inspired to accompany each color and meaning. Each one reflects one of the following… Self Love, Uniqueness, Passion, Equality, Reflection, Boldness, Loyalty, Offline (?), OptimismMysteriousness.

 Whatever the meaning; they’re lovely to look at and even lovelier to wear.

Take off your hat,” the King said to the Hatter.
“It isn’t mine,” said the Hatter.
“Stolen!” the King exclaimed, turning to the jury, who instantly made a memorandum of the fact.
“I keep them to sell,” the Hatter added as an explanation; “I’ve none of my own. I’m a hatter.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass

 

Feel-good Friday: Puttin on the Ritz

If you’re blue and you don’t know where to go to
Why don’t you go where fashion sits?

Photo: d. king

Recently I went to the Ritz Rancho Mirage for a cocktail.  Making a right turn on Frank Sinatra Drive, winding my way up the hill to the clifftop setting overlooking Coachella Valley It was easy to see why this iconic luxury hotel was inspired by the desert. It’s actually in the desert. the scenery was certainly incomparable.

Photo: d. king

The Ritz has always had an opulent and stylish past. The one in Montreal is special to me. Being from Montreal I remember many summer brunches in the restaurant garden at the Ritz watching the ducks and swans in the pond swim by.  It’s where my best friend’s wedding took place and I was a bridesmaid, and my husband and I spent a couple nights celebrating an anniversary there.  Something else you many or may not know…dating back to 1912, this was the first Ritz-Carlton hotel and is where Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton wed in the Royal Suite in 1964.

Photo: d. king

I visited the Hôtel Ritz Paris didn’t get past the bar where the hotel’s rooms and suites bear the names of Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald or Marcel Proust – all of whom considered the Ritz “a second home”.  But getting back to the bar…Cole Porter was said to spend up to 9 hours a day in the Hemingway Bar: he’s said to have composed “Begin the Beguine” there. F. Scott Fitzgerald had his favorite seat; Ernest Hemingway and Gary Cooper made it the epicenter of their life in Paris and would sit and talk for hours.  There’s no question it has a glamorous past.

Different types who wear a day coat, pants with stripes
And cutaway coat, perfect fits

Dressed up like a million dollar trooper
Tryin’ hard to look like Gary Cooper

Come, let’s mix where Rockefellers walk with sticks
Or umbrellas in their mitts

Photo: d. king
The Edge Steakhouse – the Daily Meal

Have you seen the well-to-do?
Up and down Park Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare
With their noses in the air
High hats and arrow collars
White spats and lots of dollars
Spending every dime for a wonderful time

Ritz-Carlton Residences
David A. Lee Photography

If you’re blue and you don’t know where to go Why don’t you go where fashion sits?

Puttin’ On the Ritz lyrics – written by Irving Berlin.

The title derives from the slang expression “to put on the Ritz”, meaning to dress very fashionably. The expression was inspired by the Ritz Hotel.  It was also a musical in 1930.

A bit of history with a healthy dose of glamour – why not?

Photo: d. king “The SWEET Life”

 

It’s SWEET!

Happy Weekend!

 

 

Debbie’s Delicious Chopped Salad

This is no side salad

Photo: tastespotting

This salad is a meal of its own – both fulfilling and filling. It’s loaded with goodness to give you energy.  Here you have an extremely tasty mix of sweet, salty and savory, with a healthy dose of good fats, fibre, protein and greens.

What you need:

Along with greens of your choice (I use a combo of baby spinach, arugula + spring mix) toss the following:

Chopped cooked *chicken breast, avocado, apple (skin on), green onion, pitted medjool dates (2-3 per serving), cherry tomatoes, chickpeas (drained and rinsed), cucumber, hard boiled egg & kalamata olivesOptional: I like to crumble gorgonzola (or feta) cheese over top.  You can also add chopped crispy bacon bits.

Of course all of this is optional depending on what you enjoy.

  • I usually bake a few *chicken breasts in a little olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice + pepper.  It’s easy and perfect for adding to salads, wraps or pasta dishes.

Dressing: Add to chopped mix right in the same bowl – a squeeze of lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, low sodium soy sauce (yes I did mean to say that) & drizzle a bit of balsamic.  Note: you won’t miss s+p to taste if you choose to add gorgonzola and/or bacon bits.  Sprinkling sesame seeds over top….

Voilà…lunch or dinner is served.

OR; wrap it up.  If you’re especially hungry this also works well in a wrap.  There are so many kinds to choose from now (Italian Herb, Sundried Tomato & Basil, etc.) and the calories are written right on the package.  We love options.

Enjoy!

Fashion Week on El Paseo

Photo: Gary Bindman for Palm Springs Life 

The LE CHIEN fabulous fashion event I attended on Sunday wasn’t only for fun; it was for a meaningful cause. Presented by Animal Samaritans and sponsored by the Westin Mission Hills Golf Course & Spa, proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction items go towards rescue, shelter and adoption of homeless animals.  The Animal Samaritan group champion compassion for all living creatures, with a primary focus on dogs, cats, and the people who love them…like the people in these pictures.

Tammy with her fur babies Lily Bella + Timbit.  Tammy is wearing London designer Karen Mullen.  Photo: d. king
Selfie stick lady & her pooch. Photo: d. king
With Layla & Jia Jia before leaving for the show.  I’m wearing a vintage circle skirt with lots of sequins + North Face t-shirt  Photo: Lynn Li
Love the hat and detail on those boots
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king

Professional models rocked the runway posing for paparazzi with adorable rescue dogs who put their best paw forward.  The models wore San Francisco street artist and fashion designer Victor Tung‘s (a Project Runway alumnus) artsy yet elegant fashion.

People in the audience and at the cocktail reception proceeding the show were almost as fun to watch as I’m hoping these photos go to prove.

Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king

Animal Samaritans (the same people who put on the monthly “yappy hour” at the Riviera Hotel I previously blogged about) require financial support from community and fellow animal lovers to continue their good work of improving the lives of animals and the people who love them.

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated – Gandhi

Visit:  animalsamaritans.org

Artists Karen & Tony Barone. baroneart.com Photo: d. king
Wild One. In lieu of bringing an animal, Bobbi decided to dress like one.  Photo: d. king
Sheree Frede (Founder + CEO of  SheSheSHow) Photo: d. king
Debbie & Layla.  See the VW Deejay van behind us?  Photo: Tammy Preast
Photo: d. king
Photo: YASIN CHAUDHRY for Palm Springs Life

Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses – Elizabeth Taylor

Life is better with a DOG!

Feel-good Friday: Desert Bloom

Feeling really inspired, full of life, more nurtured and on my way to becoming more fit.  You could say I’m beginning to blossom again (ha,ha).  Well that’s how I feel right now.  And right now is where I want to be…in the moment.

Photo: d. king

Could have something to do with being in the desert, the sunshine and noticing the desert flowers starting to bloom.  Even since one week ago they’ve become so much more noticeable.  If you look between the cracks you can find beauty.

And I’m enjoying hiking around Palm Springs.  There are many varied hiking areas, however these photos were taken on two recent hikes in an area where I can walk to from my place.  In that regard I feel very lucky.  Another beautiful sight on my last hike was seeing for the first time a large family of big horn sheep.  They sprinkle the mountain white.

 It appears that everything is starting to flourish for Spring.  It’s at least a positive force and a force of nature – not to be messed with.

Selfie – a  few days ago with Ramona & Alex.
Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king

So on that note…I leave you with a few quotes to contemplate over the weekend:

There is only “one” you in the bunch. Photo: d. king

I like this quote but I’m staying on the trail.   I don’t mind losing myself but I don’t want to get lost completely.
These guys certainly make their own way and their own rules.  They’ve even disrupted some of the paths but they were here before us so that’s ok.
Photo: Tammy Preast – Josie Johnson Vista
Tammy is an inspiration – she even has a hiking guide book so you can say she goes by the book so to speak.  Plus she’s super fit.  Photo: d. king
Trying to keep on top of things.  Photo: Ramona

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND

Airstream Dream Vacation

If I’m being honest about what attracts me right off the bat…it’s a great body, well roundedness and polish.  That’s just the way it is. And if you’re also strong and can go the distance with me, all the better.  But staying put is great too…especially if we want to just hang out. You know where I’m going with this…The Airstream is a perfect match for me or at least great for a weekend fling.  It’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill travel trailer.

The Airstream has always been a well sought after caravan (fyi – in Britian this is the name that they refer to this home on wheels).  It’s streamlined body is made of a high quality “aircraft grade” aluminum alloy riveted over a steel frame.  The all metal construction means it is incredibly durable. It is a very similar design to WWII era aircraft which were near legendary for their toughness.  Another plus: airstreams don’t rot.

Source: coastal living article by Marisa Spyker  Photos: COURTESY OF AIRBNB

Now picture an oceanfront location so perfect you’d practically sleep in a cardboard box just to stay there. Now plop a fully-renovated, luxuriously outfitted Airstream with a covered deck and fully functioning open-air bath on that same spot, and what you have is this insanely amazing Airbnb listing.

The Malibu Dream Airstream (Rates from $500 per night) is perched in the mountains of Southern California, up a long dirt road where there’s no reception but plenty of opportunities to admire the views and hike to your heart’s content.

Originally created by a local designer as his personal retreat, the actual Airstream was stripped to its aluminum studs and converted into a cozy sleeping space and kitchen. One wall was torn out and replaced with large frameless glass panels, which open out onto a large wooden deck affording sweeping vistas of the Pacific.

When the doors are wide open, guests are able to truly live indoors and out, with plush seating, pillows, and thick wool rugs that can transition to wherever the party is. An open-air bath with a shower and two sinks ensures all the luxuries of a hotel with the serenity of a secluded campground.

Thanks to its remote blufftop location, the Airstream is a great spot for stargazing – and the celestial variety aren’t the only ones spotted here. Pop culture junkies might delight in knowing the rental was a one-time playground of Taylor Swift and her model pal Karlie Kloss for a 2015 Vogue photo shoot (which I previously blogged about).

Celeb-approved and surrounded by nature? We’re all in.

 

Peepa’s Lifestyle Experience

From Kimonos to Keychains…

and a healthy dose of kitsch.  A boutique with a culture all their own.  Sharing some things that caught my eye…

Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Neon Cactus Desk Lamp – $62.99

However you want to describe it, Peepa’s in Palm Springs is an all around FUN place to visit with almost something for everyone.

Photo: d. king

POOL CULTURE

Palm Springs is known for its chic pool parties. They curate a wonderful assortment of product for all your lazy poolside, or nighttime pool party needs such as:

RED LIP POOL FLOAT
$79.00
INFLATABLE RAINBOW CLOUD
$169.00

PALM SPRINGS

This boutique houses an exciting collection of local artists and brands, beautiful books on the cities culture and architecture.  An exclusive carrier for the apparel brand, Twin Palms, you will also see their private label, David Mason in their Palm Springs Collection. David Mason is designed by the owner of Peepa’s and this product is found no where else.

Palm Springs Holiday  Coffee-Table Book – $30.00
Of course I had my eye on this glitter keychain – $10.00
Golden Girls Coaster Set – $24.99

ART

Peepa’s features residence artists, and pop-up artists. It is curated to fit the Palm Springs aesthetic. Bright, colorful, modern, contemporary, sophisticated, edgy, and above all, original.

APOLLONIA AND COKE BOYS. 29×40 canvas – $695.00
VALLEY OF THE DOLLS 40X40- $795.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

108 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA

https://www.peepasps.com

 

Best in Bone Broth

I’ve had this recipe on hold since I’ve been making my own bone broth from scratch.  I add the rich broth to many recipes and also use it to mix over meat for the dogs. I think this one taken from GooP (Gwyneth Paltrow’s Lifestyle website) is worth sharing because it claims to be The Best Bone Broth on the Planet.  Now who’s going to argue with that?  

How to Make the Best Bone Broth on the Planet

Marco Canora started serving bone broth from the takeaway window at his NYC restaurant Hearth in 2014. In fact, it was so wildly popular that he built Brodo, a whole restaurant devoted to the stuff, in 2016. But that’s not where it all started for him. “I had a relationship with broth long before it was called ‘bone broth’—and long before I knew anything about its health benefits,” says the chef and entrepreneur, who also runs Zadie’s Oyster Room in the East Village. “Our signature broth at Brodo is pretty much the same broth I learned to make as a child, watching my mom in the kitchen.”

Opening Brodo, however, had a great deal to do with Canora’s own personal health journey. “After twenty years of carb-loading, smoking, drinking, and working eighty hours a week in high-stress NYC kitchen environments, I was in a deep hole of inflammation and anxiety,” he says. The results: gout, high cholesterol, weight gain, insulin resistance, and lack of energy, along with a mental and emotional toll. “I had become short-fused and lost my ability to motivate and manage a staff,” says Canora.

Bone broth was key to his path back to health. “Its nutritional benefits and healing abilities for the gut and immunity played a large role,” he says. “While there are no magic bullets, as I learned about its properties, I made an effort to drink it more often. And the better it made me feel, the more strongly I felt about sharing the amazing goodness that is bone broth with my customers.”

How to Make Bone Broth by Marco Canora

  1. Get some bones: Visit a local butcher or farmers’ market or order them online, and always save the leftover bones and whole carcasses from anything you cook.
  2. Fill a large pot (I recommend eighteen quarts, minimum) four fifths of the way with bones and cover with cold water. The water should cover the bones by two to three inches.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce to a simmer for an hour or two, periodically skimming off impurities and fat.
  4. Add organic chopped vegetables, like onions, celery, carrots, and tomatoes (canned, fresh, or paste), along with aromatics, like parsley and peppercorns.
  5. Continue to simmer for twelve to eighteen hours, checking periodically to make sure that the bones are fully submerged.
  6. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer.
  7. Season with salt to taste and let cool.
  8. Transfer cooled broth to storage containers and refrigerate overnight.
  9. Skim off any solidified fat from the top and store the broth for up to five days in the fridge or six months in the freezer.

Common Mistakes

  1. Not skimming your broth frequently enough. Skimming removes impurities and fat for a clear, clean broth.
  2. Skimping on cook time (we simmer our bones for eighteen to twenty-four hours).
  3. Using beef-marrow bones for making broth. For some reason, lots of people believe this is the right bone to use, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. The marrow bone, aka femur bone, is a smooth bone with very little meat. The meat is where the umami-rich flavor comes from, so you WANT meaty bones for your broth! The marrow bone also lacks connective tissue, which is where all the collagen goodness comes from. And though marrow is nutrient-dense, it is also pure fat, so it liquefies during cooking and either emulsifies into the broth (giving it an unappealing cloudy/milky look) or, worse, floats to the top, where it’s skimmed off with other impurities. (If you want to consume marrow, I recommend you add it to the finished broth with a battery-operated frother.)

Now you’ve got bone broth. Other than drinking it, what can you do with it?

Cook with it. Good broth is a forgotten staple, something that should appear on your shopping list next to salt, butter, olive oil, milk, and eggs. A good broth makes just about anything taste more delicious, and it adds nutrition to boot. As I write this, I’m braising beef shanks to serve with risotto:

Both dishes are even more delicious with bone broth.

Palm Springs Places: L’Horizon

In keeping with my desire to discover and explore the little hidden gems behind the hedges, I bring you L’Horizon Resort & Spa – a *Steve Hermann Hotel.  A place with a history and a glamorous past; basically everything I’m looking for.  The ultimate holiday escape.

To give you an idea of exactly how clandestine this place is, I’ve passed it on my bike countless times before I knew what was there. One day I spotted a little sign out front and out of curiosity I stopped in.  I liked what I saw on the inside so I contacted the person in charge of PR  to make an appointment to come back and find out more.  Which brings me to this:

Turns out I wasn’t the first one.

     A celebrity hotspot in its original incarnation more than 60 years ago—has been reborn, with three acres of desert land by designer- to-the-stars, Steve Hermann. – Travel and Leisure

     “As for the hotel’s cosseting comforts, there are even complimentary foot and back massages at the pool.” – Architectural Digest

 

Photo: d. king

A bit of history:

L’Horizon was originally designed in 1952 by renowned architect William F. Cody as a private family retreat for the television producer, oil tycoon, and legendary hotel owner Jack Wrather and his wife, Hollywood actress Bonita “Bunny” Granville.  Wrather was one of the most important California figures of the 1950’s, producing both “The Lone Ranger” and “Lassie”, building the Disneyland hotel, and opening the Queen Mary and the Spruce Goose. He commissioned a residence with 20 guest houses be built in Palm Springs as a getaway for his Hollywood friends to come join him relaxing poolside.  He named it L’Horizon and the guests of the property included Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Presidents Reagan and Nixon, as well as countless other luminaries.

Now, redeveloped as a luxury resort, it boasts true exclusivity nestled within intimate spaces on 3 acres of gorgeous manicured desert grounds.  The 25 Bungalows are custom designed to emulate luxurious private residences with hand selected materials and finishes. The dramatic mountain backdrop frames the imaginatively designed landscapes to create a striking setting found only at L’Horizon Resort and Spa. L’Horizon Resort and Spa is an Adult only Resort, all guests must be 21 and over.

*STEVE HERMANN

Steve Hermann is a celebrated designer of high-end homes all over the world. As one of the most prolific designers within California, he is known as the design guru for the Hollywood elite, captains of industry, and foreign royalty. His innovative and imaginative homes are owned by A-list celebrities, entertainment executives and members of the Forbes top ten wealthiest list. His designs have been featured on Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, E!, MTV, ABC, as well as in hundreds of magazines and websites worldwide. One of his recent projects called The Glass Pavilion was published in over a hundred magazines and newspapers. It was featured on over 18 million websites and at one point was the 3rd most viewed house in the world.

Steve has now focused his attention on establishing a world recognized luxury hospitality company, Steve Hermann Hotels, of which L’Horizon Resort and Spa will serve as the initial flagship property.

About some of the private bungalows/suites:

the residence – formerly the home of Jack Wrather
the private pool – photo: d. king
Photo: d. king

The Residence is one of the most spectacular resort accommodations to be had worldwide. The original home of Hollywood mogul Jack Wrather, it boasts a secluded yard and full sized pool. Completely private, the living room and yard feature extraordinary unobstructed views of the mountains.

The pinnacle of desert luxury, the Fireplace suite

Marilyn’s room – The fireplace suite

features a wood burning, indoor copper clad fireplace for cool desert nights. Marilyn Monroe’s personal bungalow at the Wrather’s residence of the 50’s, this large and spacious bungalow is the ultimate way to experience the glamour of old Palm Springs. Featuring a private outdoor shower, you can shower al-fresco under the night desert stars as she was often fond of doing.

Weekend Brunch and nightly dinner is available to the outside public at SOPA

Visit: https://lhorizonpalmsprings.com/