Find time to wine

Wine is one of the most cultivated things in the world…

A good pinot noir (and gris) is among some of my favourites.  There’s a whole long list of others.

and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” – Ernest Hemingway

Visiting a vineyard has always been a pleasant past time of mine.  Here in Vancouver we have a few local wineries a little bit off the beaten path.  Last month I re visited Township 7 (in the 7th Township of Langley, off the highway in the Fraser Valley area) with a friend.

I tried to locate a Township 7 Merlot that was part of a Christmas gift basket but everyone that previously had it in stock was sold out.  After exhausting my search I decided to go directly to the source – Township 7 in Langley.  Their other location (Naramata Bench in the beautiful Okanagan Valley) was several more hours away by car.

Once there we ended up doing a tasting.

just a tiny one

Once finished we ended up becoming wine club members.  Which means that every season we’ll be getting drunk several bottles shipped to us.  Which means that by Spring/Summer we’re certain to be in the red.  Other than that, we’re always white and bubbly.

I  look forward to further introducing your senses to BC wine along with the art, culture and culinary experiences brought together by knowledgeable people and others who like to indulge appreciate good wine and good times.  Life is meant to be relished.  

our kids were so patient

Have a great weekend.

Photos (this page): d. king

 

 

 

Advertisement

Clarins Lip Perfector

I promised to share my favourite hydrating lip colour which I’ll make sure to keep in my stockpile of makeup essentials.

Clarins Natural Lip Perfector

It’s in between a gloss and a lipstick.

I went into my local Shoppers Drug Mart early this winter looking for a lip product to help soothe my chapped lips while adding colour and a bit of shine.  The beautician pointed me directly to this product.  I’ve been thankful to her ever since.

In Vancouver they also sell it at London Drugs (about $22).

I’ve always loved the Clarins line for skincare (my mom used to use it) but the makeup is something new to me.  It does not  disappoint if you want…

  • 4-hour hydration 
  • Radiant shine
  • A long lasting + nourishing product
  • Melting, non-sticky cream-gel texture
  • Addictive vanilla scent
  • Comforting cushion applicator
  • Key Ingredients: Shea Butter and Wild Mango to moisturize and condition lips
  • Something to wear alone, or to top off another lipstick with some added shine.

That’s why it was such a game changer when the Duchess of Cambridge was spotted with a beauty product in hand at Wimbledon.  I swear I just saw this online before posting this and way after I bought the product.  However let’s face it…if it’s good enough for royalty...it’s good enough for me.

Karwai Tang/Getty Images – Glamour Magazine.
I bought No’s 17 + 18.  My favourites would be #16 – #19 (swatches shown above).

Have you tried these?

Rolling with Rollie

These days comfort is key but style is a close second sometimes it’s been the other way around. I walk a lot.  Enter

ROLLIE NATION.


I recently ordered a few pairs because each Rollie is built for comfort with luxurious uppers, breathable lining, memory foam footbeds and energy-returning EVA & rubber soles, thin and flexible stiffeners and soles tested internationally for wear and tear.  Each pair is constructed using premium materials including hand-finished nubuck and soft burnish leathers and stocks up to size 46.  So there’s nothing not to like.

Rollie founder Vince Lebon has been doing shoes for a long time, and after 10 years of designing shoes for Australia’s top independent footwear company … a spark of inspiration hit.

the founder and his wife

His wife Kat (nickname Rollie) travelled a lot for work as a flight attendant and in her down time she wanted to take in the magic each city had to offer. But dragging around work shoes and fun shoes was exactly that, a drag. Inspired, Vince wondered what if he could design a shoe that was light enough to pack in a carry on, comfortable enough for all day adventuring and fun enough to reflect Kat’s unique sense of style.

After constantly being stopped by complete strangers asking about her incredible shoes, in 2012 Vince decided to test the concept at South Melbourne Market’s SO:ME designer space. Within weeks, his entire first collection was sold out and Rollie was born. What started simply as a gesture of love quickly became an entirely new shoe concept loved the world over.

With a Code of Conduct in place with any factory they use. Here are some key points:

  • We build our integrity upon making ethical decisions
  • We endeavour to produce quality shoes under a safe and ethical environment for all employees.
  • We do not condone the use of child labor.
  • All materials used to produce our products are Lead-free and Chrome-free.
  • All suppliers must be comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Want to know more?
Email us at hello@rollienation.com
We’d love to answer any questions you have 🙂

Where to Order:

In Canada: https://ketchshoes.ca/

(right now they have a sale going on)

In USA:  https://www.rollienation.com/

 

 

 

The steaks are high

Although I hardly eat meat anymore I’ve always loved a good grilled rib-eye steak.  It’s my favourite cut.  I recently came across this online article from “The Times of Israel” and found it intriguing.  Thought it worth a share.

Have you heard about this?

An Israeli company announced earlier this month that it has made the world’s first laboratory cultivated rib-eye steak complete with all the flavor and texture of regular meat, minus the harm to animals.

A rib-eye steak produced from meat cells cultivated in a laboratory by Israeli start-up Aleph Farms. (Courtesy: Aleph Farms/Technion Institute of Technology)

Aleph Farms claims its printed meat has all the flavor and texture a butcher can offer but *without harming animals, opening the way for sustainable food production.

*Key Words. I really hope this new method becomes the norm.

See link below for full story by Stuart Winer – The Times of Israel (February 10th, 2021)

https://www.timesofisrael.com/higher-steaks-as-israeli-company-makes-first-lab-cultivated-rib-eye-cut/

Mod Monday Mood

The Next Best Thing to Being There…

Looking for something different to do this week?  Check out these streaming programs that take you into the private spaces and historic places that make Palm Springs a true “Mecca of Modernism.

Architectural Driving Tour of Palm Springs: a fun and informative “top down” architectural tour of Palm Springs from a 1966 convertible Mustang. Get a sneak peek inside a few of the best MCM homes in town! (45 min):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4VaTZdv1cM&feature=youtu.be

The popular video series returns with a brand-new edition, just for the Modernism Week Online Experience!

Come inside some of Palm Springs’ most significant homes. The video series will take you into *5 fabulous Palm Springs homes, where you will walk through the interiors, gardens and grounds and see what makes Palm Springs desert architecture and lifestyle unique. You’ll learn about important architectural and design details, unique furnishings and meet the homeowners or other special guests knowledgable about the property. Your host will be the curator of the selected homes, Modernism Week Board Member Maureen Erbe.

*The houses include The Morse Residence (by Hal Levitt, 1961), The Cahuilla Hills House by O’Donnell + Escalante (by Lance O’Donnell, 2009), The Southridge Glass House (by William Cody, 1963), Trina Turk’s Ship of the Desert (by Erle Webster and Adrian Wilson, 1936), and Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s Villa Grigio (by James McNaughton, 1963). Special thanks to presenting sponsor Dunn-Edwards.

The homes will be located in various neighborhoods in Palm Springs, all with unique architectural character and featuring a variety of architectural styles.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Dunn-Edwards Paints.  Cost: $45 – A digital keepsake tour program is included with your ticket purchase.

The organizer of this program is Modernism Week. This program is streaming through March 31, 2021.

Check out the 53 minute sneak peek below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ySHDRXTHK8&feature=youtu.be

Previous Post on one of my Modernism home tours (a peek behind the hedges):

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2017/02/22/lifestyle-a-peek-behind-the-hedges/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Supplement: Humic and Fulvic Acids

I kept the best for last

Turns out that I’m not quite finished with my supplemental Covid combatants.  Also recognized as supplement “warriors” in our natural fight against deadly viruses. 

If you haven’t heard of Humic and Fulvic Acid before, don’t worry, you’re not alone, however these organic acids—millions of years in the making—happen to be some of nature’s most powerful immune allies.  

Whether or not you have already gotten, or are planning to get the Covid mRNA vaccine (which some experts still consider an experimental gene therapy) you might want to consider taking extra immune boosting/modulating supplements.  After all, what’s the worst that could happen? You may actually get healthier!? And besides, it’s next to impossible to get all these nutrients from food alone. As the father of modern medicine (Hippocrates) once said; Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.

Humic and fulvic acid are very rare deposits found in a handful of locations around the globe, that were once thriving organic matter (think ancient tropical rain forests). The decomposed organic matter from this prehistoric vegetation is called humic deposits (primarily comprised of Humic and Fulvic Acid). Instead of turning into coal and oil, humic deposits formed because they weren’t exposed to the same tremendous pressures, and were much closer to the surface where there was enough microbial activity to interact with. Humic and fulvic acids contain all the genetic information from the plants they come from.

So what does all this have to do with your immunity?

Recent studies indicate that humic and fulvic acids stimulate the production of T-lymphocytes and white blood cells (neutrophils), thus enhancing immune system function. By increasing T-cell and white blood cells, humic and fulvic acid may be able to significantly reduce your risk of viral infections.  

A compromised or weakened immune system means the body has fewer T-cells and white blood cells to find and eliminate potential threats.  T-cells, also known as T-lymphocytes, play a vital role in defending your body against common diseases.  T-cells are actually attacked by viruses, which disables the immune system, leaving it vulnerable to common colds, flus and bacterial infections.  So in reality, victims of many viral diseases rarely die from the disease itself but more from the vulnerability of an immune system that is left exposed to opportunistic agents. 

Humic and Fulvic Acids – the Immune Connection

Humic and fulvic acids are comprised of powerful biochemicals, supercharged antioxidants (more powerful than anything ever seen before), vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, probiotics, prebiotics and carbon. Numerous studies show that humic and fulvic acids have the ability to help modulate our immune system, protect the body from fungal and bacterial infections, lower excess inflammation, increase the absorption of beneficial nutrients, help support optimal detoxification—especially where heavy metals are concerned, support cellular energy and even block viruses.

The most important thing to understand is that humic and fulvic acids are completely natural, are the end breakdown products from plant material, and are 100% organic in nature – even though they contain most, if not all the trace minerals. By consuming natural, organically-bound minerals, the body is able to recognize them as a food source and instantly utilize them to enhance all cell life.

Due to the rarity and multitude of these organically-bound trace minerals, consuming a humic and fulvic acid supplement purely for the organic trace minerals, would be reason enough, but as mentioned above, there are so many more reasons to consume humic and fulvic acids.

So as you can see, a viable humic and fulvic acid supplement can prove to be most useful as a strong preventative agent, as well as a powerful but safe therapeutic one. In a world where we are bombarded by viruses, microbes, fungi and food that is all but void of nutrients essential to health, humic and fulvic acids may just be what the body has been screaming out for.

My recommendation is an award-winning (2018 and 2019 Natural Product-of-the-Year) Canadian product (I take myself) called LeafSource® (see below).

For more information on LeafSource® please visit: www.leafsource.com  

DISCLAIMER: I am not getting paid to write or talk about any of these supplements.  Aside from talking to those I believe to be “in the know” I’ve done my own research and decided to strengthen my immune system as naturally as possible.  For a solid year I’ve taken the supplements I’ve mentioned here on my blog and have not so much as gotten a common cold or asthma (touch wood) since that time.  Very unusual since every year, for at least a few days I get a common cold or bout with asthma where I must use an inhaler. I have not used my inhaler for over a year.  I have also socially distanced myself from most people and have recently started going to my gym again to practice yoga.  It is important to note that during yoga practice masks are not worn.  We are at a 6 ft. distance from one another though during that time.

REFERENCES:

Vaskova J, et al. Effects of humic acids in vitro. In Vitro Call Dev Biol Anim. 2011 Jun;47(5-6):376-82.

Ansorg R, Rochus W. Studies on the antimicrobial effect of natural and synthetic humic acids. Arzneimittelforschung. 1978;28(12):2195-8.

Iubitskaia , NS . “Sodium humate in the treatment of osteoarthritis patients.” Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 1999; Issue 5, 22-24.

Gisela, K J, et al,  “An In Vitro Investigation of the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Potassium Humate,”  Journal Inflammation,  2004, Vol 28, No 3, Pages169-174.

Janeway, C, et al (2001). Immunobiology ; Fifth Edition. New York. 

Joone, GK, et. al. J Biosci.  2002, 58(3/4), 263-267.

Feel-good Friday: joyful meditations

A friend of mine gifted me with this uplifting and inspiring little guidebook.

 

This daily companion is a kind of spa for the soul.

One that tends to motivate women in a mindful manner to care more deeply for themselves and to face life’s challenges with courage and joy.   The book is a practical resource for accessing inner wisdom, enhancing self-esteem, overcoming sorrow, and deepening relationships.  I look forward to reading excerpts on a daily basis.

Each of the 150 meditations in this volume begins with an inspirational quote, followed by a thoughtful meditation, and concluded with an affirmation. These meditations provide the opportunity to contemplate a wide range of topics, including:

Developing awareness
Letting go
Believing in your dreams
Living in the now
Finding your true purpose
Practicing kindness
Being optimistic
Trusting the universe
Appreciating life’s blessings

Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better, it’s about befriending who we are. Ani Pema Chodron

To order:

What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow. Our life is the creation of our mind– Buddha

BOOTS No7 Airbrush Away Tinted Skin Perfector

Another Skincare/Makeup Review

The Boots brand can trace its roots back to 1849. 

Although Boots No7 may be relatively new to many consumers, the skincare brand is as much of a British icon as tea, the Queen and wellies.

Since then, Boots has become the UK’s largest drugstore and has its own namesake skincare line, Boots No7.  I don’t know if you remember how popular their *serum was when it first launched.  In addition to the Protect and Perfect serum, some of the most buzz worthy No7 products include the No7 Firming Booster Serum and the No7 Line Correcting Booster Serum, from the Laboratories line. Together both serums generated a waiting list of 37,000 people; put another way, according to Boots, one product was sold every seven seconds. I tried it (see my past review below) and liked. it but now I’m onto this…

I would say that this is a makeup that feels like skincare.

I’m on my third tube of this velvety smooth Airbrush Away Tinted Skin Perfector that helps to blur fine lines and cover pores to give the appearance of flawless looking skin.  I never wear foundation because it tends to sit on top of skin and prevent it from breathing. This product glides on like liquid silk and is incredibly light. I only use it on the oily T-zone area. 

It’s quick and easy to apply, you can find it in most drugstores and the price is very reasonable.  

Highlights

  • Vitamin-enriched formula
  • Blurs imperfections including; fine lines, pores and redness
  • Conditions skin
  • Defends against the damaging effects of free radicals
  • Combines the benefits of skincare with sheer coverage

What is Boots?

Boots was launched in 1849 by John Boot, who opened an herbal medicine shop in Nottingham, England. His son Jesse Boot is credited with turning Boots into a large retailer as he embraced traditional medicine at affordable prices. The company grew and expanded over the years, and milestones included the development of ibuprofen in 1969. In 2014 Walgreens acquired a majority stake in Boots, forming the Walgreens Boots Alliance.

What is the Boots No7 Philosophy?

According to the company, No7 takes a down to earth approach to beauty and skincare. As the company explains, “No7 was the first brand to democratize beauty in the UK, bringing premium, affordable products to women. That principle still holds strong..” The brand states that “beauty for women is about more than looking pretty, women use cosmetics to be ready for something: to show up, speak up, and make an impact in their world in their own way. We refer to this as No7 READY.” Boots No7 also strives to be “real and relatable, never featuring supermodels in its advertising and not retouching the remarkable people that do feature.”

Is Boots No7 Cruelty Free?

Yes. According to the company, “We do not conduct animal testing on our products, or on ingredients used in our products, nor do we commission animal testing on our products or on ingredients used in our products.”

Have you tried any of the No7 products?  If so, what do you like?

my *serum review:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2014/05/28/beauty-biz-does-boots-7-live-up-to-all-the-hype/

Source: The Derm Review

The Rebel: Robin’s Jeans

Jeans will never fade from fashion…

It’s not very often that I buy a pair of “new” jeans.  I like vintage style so I prefer to rummage through well worn versions in various consignment or vintage boutiques.  I don’t like them too beat up looking either, so it’s a bit of a game.  As you’re probably aware, even though they’re everywhere…try finding a pair that’s just so for fit and style to your body type.

Fast forward to Robin’s Jeans.

the logo

I first encountered their flagship storefront in Beverly Hills several years ago and bypassed it because the window display appeared too “rock ‘n roll” for my liking. In fact, that’s exactly the kind of clientele they appeal to.  I’m told that Steven Tyler wears only Robin’s Jeans. The collection has grown as celebrity and fashion insiders such as Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Avril Lavigne & Fergie have consistently made Robin’s Jean their go-to denim brand.

But that’s not why I bought my first pair just recently. I was in Richmond, B.C. at an outlet mall (killing time while waiting for something on my car to be updated) and had a look around.

I know a good thing when I see it.  After walking into Robin’s Jeans and spending considerable time admiring the collection but finding it “too much” for me, I ended up walking out wearing a super comfortable, super soft, vintagy-looking, slightly worn-in, light wash denim style with a perfect fit…although expensive.  Except for the wings displayed on the pockets, these were one of the plainest they had in stock. It probably won’t be the last pair I buy from them.  The quality is outstanding.

Robin’s Jean’s unique signature, a set of golden wings, is a reflection of the designer’s positive energy and playful spirit. The brand, which consists of men’s, women’s, and kids clothing and accessories, is known for its stylish cuts and avant-garde washes, as well as its intricate detailing, studded embellishments and embroidery.

In addition to the flagship stores in Beverly Hills and New York City, Robin’s Jean products are sold in approximately 800 specialty stores and major retailers, including Sak’s Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

International distribution includes some of the most prestigious retailers in the world including Marie Claire in Belgium, Brigitte B in St. Tropez, Harvey Nichols in Hong Kong, and Saks Fifth Avenue in Dubai.

THE MAN BEHIND ROBIN’S JEAN

Robert Chretien

Robin Chretien, Founder and Designer of Robin’s Jean was born in Lyon, France where he grew up immersed in a creative environment. His mother, a talented fashion designer, and his father, an artist, always encouraged their sons’ creative endeavors and dreams. At age fourteen, Robin wore his first pair of jeans which were vintage patchwork flared jeans that he bought in St. Tropez, France. It was then that his passion for denim was born.

Robin arrived in Los Angeles in 1996 where his skills combined with talent and charm, caught the eye of the best denim companies in Los Angeles. At a time when most denim was designed around basic styles, Robin’s attention to new fabrics, innovative washes and nuanced details made him a rising star in the industry. Having held top design positions at leading denim companies such as Blue Cult, followed by Hudson Jeans, the name Robin Chretien quickly flew to the top of the best denim designers’ lists in the United States.

In 2005, he created Robin’s Jean, which is symbolized by a set of wings. “I came to the United States because I love the US. I make jeans because it’s always been my dream. To make jeans in the country that I love is my dream come true. Where better to make jeans than Los Angeles when your brand has angel wings? I design, produce, and manufacture Robin’s Jean in the U.S.A.” says Robin.

Today, the brand is renowned for it’s biker-chic aesthetic and innovative denim washes. Great attention is taken with each detail from hand embroidery to crystal studding and leather applique. The collection has quickly grown from a line of denim jeans to a range of leather jackets, t-shirts, belts, hats and footwear for men, women, and children. Robin’s Jean is now sought after by a cult-like following of celebrities, fashion stylists, and urban-trendsetters whose work and play blend effortlessly.

In 2011, the first Robin’s Jean Flagship store opened in Beverly Hills, CA. Today, there are currently ten Robin’s Jean Flagship Stores in the top shopping destinations Beverly Hills, CA. Soho, New York; Laguna Beach, CA; Garden State Plaza, Paramus, NJ; Park City, Utah, Orlando, Florida and the first Robin’s Jean international store in Vancouver, Canada. In 2016, new locations have opened in Beverly Center in Los Angeles, CA and Telluride, CO and Roosevelt Field, Garden City, NY. In 2016, plans are to continue to grow the Robin’s Jean brand further in the US with new stores in Houston TX, Tampa FL, Honolulu HI, as well as internationally.

https://robinsjean.com/flagship-stores

Robin’s Jeans

313 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel: (310) 786-7813

Dine-Out

Foodies Unite!

DINE OUT VANCOUVER FESTIVAL

I’m looking forward to this…

Dine Out Vancouver Festival is about community, collaboration, and sharing Vancouver’s culinary story.

Along with the Wines of British Columbia, and a host of other Community Partners, Tourism Vancouver is proud to continue to showcase Vancouver’s culinary talent as well as the many different culinary and cultural experiences that only a city like ours can offer.

It all started with an idea. A group of food and wine enthusiasts got together with the team at Tourism Vancouver back in 2002 and pitched the idea of a fixed-price menu deal to get Vancouverites out and into restaurants during a normally slow time of the year. Fifty-seven restaurants jumped on board and from that stellar yet humble beginning, Dine Out Vancouver Festival has grown into Canada’s largest food and drink festival.

Today, the festival is a promotional umbrella that brings together hundreds of chefs, more than 300 restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, suppliers and more for a month of dining, food-forward virtual events and experiences designed to give culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to taste the best flavours of the city. Dine Out Vancouver Festival also includes special hotel offers to help make an overnight Dine Out experience both safe and relaxing.

For 2021, we wish our out-of-Province and International friends could join us, but unfortunately for now, non-essential travel into Canada is not permitted and not recommended into and within British Columbia. BC Residents, let’s do our part by continuing to follow current public health orders.  Stay local and support local, with your immediate household or bubble in accordance with the latest guidelines.

Runs February 5 – March 7, 2021.

Ask For Luigi

Source: “about”

Check out the participating restaurants and hotels:

https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/restaurants/