Spring is in the Air

At times like this I wish I owned a boat…or better still; a yacht!

The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (RVYC) is one of the world’s premier yacht clubs. You must be a member to have lunch or dinner there or to go to any of the events. I’ve been many times before but the last time I stepped inside was almost five years ago. At that time it was not my most pleasant experience. This time I danced.

Brochure for Fashion Show **“Yes we Cannes”**

Last week a group of us (courtesy of our mutual friend Tammy) sat together for a Ladies Spring Fashion Event which included a lovely dinner, cocktails, fashion show and dancing to DJ music.

L-R: Tammy, Janice, Isabel, Debbie, Stephanie + her mom Julie. (Jennifer + Randi not shown).

A wonderful evening with fresh French fashion (think Isabel Marant) to wear perfectly on some boat, good company, food, champagne and energy.

Of course we Cannes! But what we cannot do is leave a whole cookie intact for too long.

It was delish!

Food + Drink

Vancouver’s California Wine Tour

Soaking up the Sunshine indoors

Who would’ve thought that someone could experience all the wine regions in California under one roof? I just came back from an extraordinary wine tasting trip right here in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown.

About The California Wine Experience!

Other regions not shown: Sonoma, Lodi + Central Coast (including Monterey +Santa Barbara).

California Wines and the Consul General of the US, D. Brent Hardt, invited us to take an exploratory trip to California Wine Country and discover the many vintners and wineries of the Golden State.

For wine lovers this was an educational, immersive walk-around tasting event that showcased more than 400 wines from the Golden State.

**Coppola Vineyards** – we learned a few fun facts on the history of film & winemaking.

**Bonterra** wines are all **Organic** and also reasonably priced – *win win!*

During the three hour experience, we sampled wines from many regions and appellations and met with winery representatives to learn more about what makes their wines so special. A sample below:

I hope they do this every year!

Photos/Videos: d. king

More Canadian Dates:

California Wine Tour 2022

Food + Drink

Side Dish for Easter / Passover

ZUCCHINI GRATIN WITH YELLOW SQUASH

Hasn’t it been a minute since I’ve posted a recipe? Seems my cooking skills have taken a little vacay and I’m slowly getting back to the kitchen. Easter/Passover has crept up on us and if you’re looking for a tasty side dish that most people (unless someone has an allergy or aversion to zucchini or squash – I don’t know anyone who does) will enjoy – this is it! This one is too easy and delicious to pass up.

And who doesn’t love a good casserole?

Zucchini Gratin with Yellow Squash is a luscious creamy cheesy medley of zucchini, yellow squash, onions and garlic. It is quick and easy to prepare. It will make a summer squash lover out of you! OK, it’s not quite summer yet but despite the name you may find yellow zucchini in most markets year round. If you cannot find it you can always substitute for winter squash like Butternut or Acorn which is readily available year round. By the way, did you know that zucchini is a summer squash? Yup!

In addition, yellow squash and zucchini are good sources of vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber, as well.

This delectable Zucchini Gratin takes about 15 minutes of your devoted time and then it is in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes making it very doable for a weeknight meal or holiday side dish. This recipe will bring out a passion for zucchini and squash that you never knew you had!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 onion thinly sliced
1 small zucchini sliced in rounds 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick (please see notes)
1 small yellow squash sliced in rounds 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick (please see notes)
2 large cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated parmesan
1 cup shredded smoked gouda

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 450 degrees
Melt butter in oven proof skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until the edges start to brown approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for additional 1 minute. Add cream and simmer until bubbly and starting to thicken. Slowly stir in parmesan. Add zucchini and yellow squash and cook an additional 4-5 minutes.
Sprinkle with smoked gouda and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.

NOTES

The zucchini used for this recipe was on the smaller side. Some zucchini are much larger. For those I would double the cream and the Parmesan. The large zucchini are sometimes a little tougher and may require additional simmering and/or baking time.

Original Recipe + Photo taken from: smalltownwoman.com

STYLE

Green & Glam

I’ve been seeing green lately. I think women are ready to embrace colour for Spring.

Photo: d. king

Kelly Green ruled the runways in New York, London and Fashion Week on El Paseo in Palm Desert, where these photos were taken. The rich color is a bold departure from the LBD.

I always thought the term Kelly Green had a starry eyed meaning – thinking it was named after Grace Kelly because it was her favourite colour. But no; there’s a more down to earth version. This tone of colour green was named Kelly green because of the influx of Irish immigrants coming to America who were celebrating the St. Patrick’s day parade. While that is not so romantic sounding, the shade is a colour of renewal, nature and energy, associated with growth and the environment. Plus it’s pretty, even if you’re not a redhead!

Get ready for the LGD; the shade will enjoy its moment in the sun this Spring.

Photo: whowhatwear – the more casual way to wear it

STYLE

Fashion Week Re-cap

Indulging our inner (and outer) fashionista

A few highlights from two world class fashion events that took place end of March in Palm Desert.

The first set is a selection from the shops on El Paseo showcasing some of my favourites. Taken from the Diva front row section courtesy of Design Diva of the Desert Tracy Turco. I meant it when I said we can never hope to fill her shoes, but we can sure hope to fill her seats. I thank her very much for the experience. Tracy was also one of the sponsors. It was a fabulous evening.

Fashion Week on El Paseo was held March 19-26, at The Gardens on El Paseo celebrating 15 years of style at the West Coast’s largest consumer fashion show.

Every show provides an inspiring, immersive fashion experience and features cocktail receptions, trunk shows, celebrity meet-and-greets, and much more. Highlighting fashion trends and showcasing a who’s-who of the country’s top design talents (including some stars of tomorrow), Fashion Week El Paseo takes one of the world’s most relatable art forms and brings it to you in style.

On Saturday, March 26th, two women I know put together the first high-end vintage collective sale and informal fashion show in Palm Desert. It was held outdoors at Image Galleries on a very hot day…but that didn’t interfere with attendance and an overall good time with an amazing vintage selection. Not to mention the art gallery…where art and fashion intermingle. I mean what can be better than that?

Tracy Turco looks good no matter what she wears – always.

Yes; it appears that GLAMOUR IS indeed BACK! At least in Palm Springs/Palm Desert. After almost two years in sweats and pajamas it’s a welcome shift.