Vintage Market Street Style

Introducing Alexis, who moved to Palm Springs one week ago from New York.  Stalked Approached her last Sunday at the once-a-month Palm Springs Vintage Market.  My friend and I couldn’t help but notice her put together from head-to-toe unique look.  Had to talk to her.

Photo: d. king

Alexis told us she’s starting her own line here in Palm Springs.  More on that later.   She previously was assistant to designer Stacey Bendet of Alice & Olivia – a New York City-based contemporary clothing company which I happen to like very much.  The global brand launched at Barneys in 2002, and is now sold in over fifty countries.

Photo: d. king

It’s no secret I Love Hats. Among her personal line will be hats (she makes them herself) with interesting interior linings such as this.  Hidden surprises are always nice. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with.  Until then….

Here’s a Sneak Peek:

Happy Weekend!

 

Skincare: Sunday Riley “LUNA”sleeping night oil

It’s been some time since I’ve written a beauty product review.Mostly because I’m trying to stick with one product long enough to be able to actually see if and how it works for me.  I’m always surprised when companies ask for their product to be rated only days after receiving it.  It’s not enough time to properly review the effects with short term usage.  And it’s personal as everyone has different skin and skin issues.

This LUNA face oil was included in the Winter Box of Style.  It’s called sleeping night oil by Sunday Riley. It’s not an oil that makes you sleep better (too bad about that) – it’s an overnight face oil. It’s also blue.

Lavido Replenishing Facial Serum

I’m getting to be a tough customer. As you know there’s no such thing as one product fits all. After trying Lavido’s replenishing facial serum which is an oil that you use on wet skin, Luna is used on dry skin.

I was excited to try Lavido’s face oil because of all the hype surrounding it as a miracle product.  I decided that as nice as it is, it’s not extraordinary in my opinion.  So back to Luna…

I wasn’t crazy about the blue color however it does melt right into the skin. Product goes from blue to clear when massaged into the skin.
It’s touted as a next-generation retinol oil that boosts the look and feel of skin plumpness, while improving the appearance of wrinkles, redness, and pores.

I don’t find it overly luxurious.  It is a nice product and my skin looks good but I must honestly say that when I’m finished  using the bottle I probably will not look to purchase another one.

This is what the company (Sunday Riley) has to say:

Luna works throughout the night to deliver more visibly youthful, luminous, even-toned skin in the morning. Trans-retinoic acid ester (retinol) complex reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles, while visibly improving the signs of premature aging, including fine lines, uneven texture, age spots, dryness, and dullness. Balanced with blue tansy and German chamomile essential oils—both rich in soothing, blue azulene—the look of redness and sensitivity are visibly balanced for a calm, even-toned complexion. Luna is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, radiance, and skin smoothness in as little as four weeks, while advanced retinol ester mixed with potent botanicals makes this product the ultimate transformational, soothing, sleeping night oil..

Let me know if you use it and how it works for you.  On that note…

The beauty industry is HUGE.  Beauty bloggers get a lot of interest but it’s a full time job.  Here to better explain it is Hallie Gould in her own words for Brydie (a shoppable online and mobile content platform focused on all things beauty)

An interest in beauty is not vapid. Not even close.

An all-encompassing explanation of the beauty industry is a tall order. I find myself defending my job to a lot of people, those who think it’s all lipstick and perpetuating traditional beauty ideals. The fact of the matter is it’s quite the opposite. Writing about beauty is so vital in the culture we live in, not only to those who care about the newest makeup launch but also because taking care of yourself (be it your mind, body, skin, hair, soul, and whatever else) is inherently inclusive. Everyone wants to feel good. Everyone wants to look good. The short answer is this: I write about beauty. But more granular, it’s rooted in very personal yet unbelievably relatable tropes: body image, self-love, wellness, mental health = confidence. I parlay my access to experts in the field as well as my own personal (and sometimes difficult) experiences to offer content that is helpful and hopefully cathartic to whoever may be searching for it.

And let’s face it – as women, we never give up on the search for things that make us feel and look better.

 

 

Johnny Was

The Look of LOVE

20190222_134516 - Copy
Photo: d. king   Mo Mo Kimono

Cool, eclectic, embroidered bohemian chic…

Photo: d. king

Those five words best describe this upscale boutique with locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert.  And let’s just say that caftans are back and kimonos are on the rise in a big way.  I’m seeing them everywhere.  Okay; only at the vintage markets and a handful of boutiques around here.  They seem to suit the laid back by-the-pool resort style with mimosa in hand don’t you think?  If only…

Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king

Photo; d. king

Photo: d. king
Photo; d. king   No Mo Kimono

In a perfect world I think I could live in them.

Photo: d. king

Locations:  Palm Desert: The gardens on El Paseo

Palm Springs: 175 N Palm Canyon Dr.

Terrific Turmeric Latte

Nutritious and Delicious

This Image: goodnessmebox.com

My cousin Elizabeth visited me here in Palm Springs for the first time and made the most delicious turmeric lattes with a twist.  Her secret?  Adding medjool dates.  We had them every day.

Here’s the recipe which you can tweak to your liking.

Measure out your coconut milk in cup you’re using  (for two people use two cups – duh)

Sweeten to taste with medjool dates (pitted – two per person which you can add or subtract)

Blend until the dates are well blended

After it’s blended pour it into a pot on stove.  Heat gently.

Add spices to taste: turmeric, powdered ginger, cinnamon, bit of black pepper (which helps to  absorb turmeric into your system).  Mix it all together and heat until desired warmth.  Sip away & enjoy.

DATES are an excellent Natural Sweetener.  

They are high in several nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, all of which may provide health benefits ranging from improved digestion to a reduced risk of disease.

In addition, they contain several vitamins and minerals however, they are high in calories since they are a dried fruit.

Getting enough fiber is important for your overall health.  With almost 7 grams of fiber in a 3.5-ounce serving, including dates in your diet is a great way to increase your fiber intake.

Furthermore, the fiber in dates may be beneficial for blood sugar control.

Fiber slows digestion and may help prevent blood sugar levels from spiking too high after eating.

For this reason, dates have a low glycemic index (GI), which measures how quickly your blood sugar rises after eating a certain food.

Compared to similar types of fruit, such as figs and dried plums, dates appear to have the highest antioxidant content.

We were lucky to get the freshest California medjool dates at the market which made them  very easy to pit and blend.

TURMERIC and especially its most active compound curcumin have many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s and cancer. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Helpful note: we are now sipping them through copper straws to avoid yellowing our teeth.

Dried or Fresh?

The general rule of thumb for converting dried herbs or spices to fresh in a recipe is 1-to-3, so 1 teaspoon of dried spice is equal to 3 teaspoons — 1 tablespoon — of fresh. Roughly 2 inches of fresh turmeric root will yield 1 tablespoon of the freshly grated spice.

You’re welcome!

 

Palm Springs Places: A Desert Oasis

avalon hotel and bungalows

Photo: d. king

Beyond the yellow door lies a little haven.  I remember when this remarkable little refuge used to be called the Viceroy.  My friend Colleen took me here for a drink one evening about four years ago.  I have her to thank for introducing me to an abundance of chic little retreats that I may have otherwise not known about.  Places I’m now sharing with you.

The avalon is one of those unassuming from the outside places that I love…because when you walk in you immediately feel like you’re on holiday.  And being on holiday or at least feeling like you are, is an escape.

THE ART OF THE GETAWAY

A quick spin from L.A., Palm Springs was truly born as a weekender getaway for industry players, movie stars, mafia and moguls.  But us regular who are you calling regular folk can also revel in the desert hideaway.

Even so, this unassuming sanctuary is only one block from the downtown design district – an easy walk or bike ride with a choice of casual or chic dining, shopping, and entertainment.

The property, known as a Hollywood playground since the 30’s, was common for faces like Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Errol Flynn. (Crawford famously demanded french bread and 7 packs of cigarettes–3 opened–in hers.)

Enjoy a flowing series of courtyards, lawns, gardens and grounds that reveal romantic pools and cabanas, a hidden spa, studios and suites, and historic bungalows.

Photo: d. king
Private Bungalow Patio.  Photo: d. king

The Estrella Spa can suit whatever mood you happen to be in or want to be in.  Pamper and heal with a natural menu of options.  Try the Milky Way experience which can be made vegan with coconut or almond milk.

Oh yeah, the restaurant…

At Chi Chi restaurant, Jason Moffitt’s fresh, balanced California menu matches your desert mood, be it health or indulgence or somewhere in between.  They’re known for adding rum to their coconuts.

Photo: d. king

That’s simply how we lunch.

I think I can handle this.

To book:  https://www.avalon-hotel.com/palm-springs/

Feel-good Friday: MARCHing on…

With every new beginning we look forward to a fresh new start. When March arrives it puts a little Spring in our step because we know that better weather is right around the corner.  A few quotes I chose to mark this month;

A few fresh photos:

February 28/2019 – me on a tree trunk
Cousin Elizabeth from Montreal here visiting for the first time

Always something new to ponder

On that note…wishing you a wonderful weekend!