Style: the MEN

The Most Stylish Men in Fashion

Last week marked the beginning of the Fall 2016 men’s season, and along with it feedback from some of the fashion experts at Vogue.  It was the first time that Vogue Runway covered the men’s shows.  To whet your appetite, editors weighed in on the best well-dressed dudes.

Here, my paired down version of the most stylish guys in fashion.  I narrowed it down from 30, Starting with…

Franck Chevalier

now if he lost the cigarette it would be even better - he has a cool-guy vibe. Photo: Courtesy of Franck Chevalier
For me he could lose the cigarette, but it’s all part of his Clint Eastwood/Marlboro man rugged appeal.  Photo: Courtesy of Franck Chevalier

“Jean Paul Gaultier protégé and stylist to some of the greatest musicians of all time, Chevalier’s own look is a brilliant combination of vintage, streetwear, and original pieces he designs for himself.

Maurice Mullen

Photo: David M. Benett / Getty Images
Photo: David M. Benett / Getty Images

“To me, it’s Maurice Mullen of the London Evening Standard, who I always look forward to seeing at the London shows. I have never been able to comprehend the number of immaculate Savile Row suits he must have, nor his ability to deploy the loudest patterns and colors and the killer clashing pocket handkerchief—and plaid trousers on occasion!—while being the most gentlemanly and wickedly insightful neighbor to sit next to at a show.” —Sarah Mower, Vogue.com Chief Critic

Gene Krell

Photo: Courtesy of Nao Krell / @inagakikrell
Photo: Courtesy of Nao Krell

“Style is but one of Gene Krell’s admirable qualities, and he has it in spades. Born in Brooklyn, Krell was part of the London scene as hippie segued into punk. And then he brought Vogue to Asia. His street style look is built on tailoring, with British and Italian touches. And the man has range: Krell can work a tattooed surf look with as much ease as a toggle coat and brown suede shoes.” —Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue.com Archive Editor

Ian Bradley

Photo: Madison McGaw / BFA.com
Photo: Madison McGaw / BFA.com

“No one does the retro-hipster-nerd look better! With Ian you know it’s super-authentic, and every time I see him it makes me smile.” —Kelly Connor

Yohji Yamamoto

Photographed by Tommy Ton
Photographed by Tommy Ton

“Yohji gets my vote. His is the gold standard by which all other designer uniforms must be judged. Consistent, pragmatic, and elegant, there’s nothing not to love about his look.” —Kristin Anderson, Vogue.com Fashion News Writer

Raf Simons

Photo: Francois Guillot / Getty Images
Photo: Francois Guillot / Getty Images

 

Former Dior Designer “Raf Simons is the greatest of all time. The end.” —Steff Yotka, Vogue.com Fashion News Writer

John Nollet

Photo: Kristy Sparrow / Getty Images
Photo: Kristy Sparrow / Getty Images

“French hairstylist to chic women like Nicole Kidman and Vanessa Paradis, John Nollet has his own signature style worth noting: white shirt, sharp jacket, trimmed beard, and artfully messy, shoulder-length hair. Sometimes he ties it back in a knot or braids it with one of his own couture feathered hairpieces, which he designs with Maison Lemarié; that contrast between his natty clothes and wild, bohemian hair is so cool—and so French. Bonus: He’s incredibly charming (and handsome)!” —Emily Farra

Karl Lagerfeld

Photo: David M. Bennett / Getty Images
Photo: David M. Bennett / Getty Images

“Kaiser Karl is a cluster of contradictory style statements, clashed together like a game of sartorial Consequences: Edwardian collar and stickpin with streamlined hypermodern suiting, biker gloves and goth rings, 18th-century powdered pigtail—like a Prussian general—and Terminator sunglasses. It shouldn’t work, but it always does. Lagerfeld has crafted an instantly identifiable image: He’s the most recognizable designer of our times and, I’d argue, the most stylish man on the planet. There aren’t many fashion designers people dress up as for Halloween, and there aren’t many people for whom formal dress is for life, not just the red carpet.” —Alexander Fury

Stefano Pilati

Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFA.com
Photo: Joe Schildhorn / BFA.com

“The Zegna designer has my vote. Why? To me, he is the epitome of fearless, intuitive elegance: always intensely masculine, but those cuts, those fabrics, the tattoos, the jewelry . . .” —Sally Singer, Vogue Creative Digital Director

Mystery Manmen

Don’t know who he is, but I think he deserves to be included.

Any other favorites?

 

Food – Palm Springs Perfect

I’ve been coming to Palm Springs for one or two months every year for several years. Not to escape the snow but to escape the Vancouver damp and cold.  Not a snowbird exactly, more of a wet bird.

with other wet rainbirds
with other rain birds – at Woody’s

The sunshine is a big draw although this time it rained heavily for a few days and a medium strength earthquake shook me out of bed one morning. I enjoy a good shake in the morning but mostly after a workout.

There are a lot of things to enjoy in and around Palm Springs. I get to swim almost every day and pick fresh grapefruit and lemons for my good morning start. I love the food here.

Oh, speaking of food…for this post, let’s focus on the Food.

Chilean Sea Bass at LuLu
Chilean Sea Bass at LuLu

There is unbelievably good cuisine to be found in and around Palm Springs.  Of course, I haven’t been to every single restaurant but I can recommend a fair share of superb and varied places. So here are my pics with a short review and I’m certain many of them are considered to be the Pride (no pun intended) of Palm Springs.

DEBBIE’s baker’s DOZEN (in no particular order):

Woody’s Burgers: 317 N. Indian Canyon Drive – 760.230.0188

Music & Burger Heaven
Music & Burger Heaven

From the outside it looks like a typical 1950’s diner but once inside you realize it is not your typical diner.  That’s what I love about Woody’s.  In short, they have excellent burgers but the real draw is when you step into the back room.  There you’ll find a blue dining room complete with a stage, professional sound system and great live music.  This former bus station is the place where top jazz and blues artists perform every night of the week.  It’s where I bumped into my friend Michelle from Vancouver with her family and some friends sitting at a nearby table (photo above).  Then for sure I knew it was a cool spot. Bonus: no cover charge, but reservations are recommended.

Copley’s of Palm Canyon: 621 N. Palm Canyon Drive – 760.327.9555

Magical at night
Magical especially at night

I wanted to go here based on the fact that it was formerly Cary Grant’s estate. Built in the 1920’s, this inside/outside restaurant has kept the flavour of the original Spanish architecture with its red-tile roofs, fountains and tile patios.  It has consistently been rated among the top restaurants in the valley by Zagat’s and New York Times.  A welcoming atmosphere with inspiring food and fire pits best describes this romantic spot.  The only thing that would have made it perfect is if I had been sitting across from Cary Grant instead of my friend Colleen (but don’t tell her that).

PHO533: 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive 760.778.6595  20151230_204428

In short, this is PHO sure the best Vietnamese (fusion) food I’ve had to date.  They are noted for their Vietnamese Crepe but I ordered the summer mango rolls, chicken lemongrass meatballs & slow roasted Pho (broth) with rice stick noodles, herbs, spices and kaffir lime. Satisfaction guaranteed!

TRIO: 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive – 760.864.8746

Bread Pudding - TRIO
TRIO Bread Pudding
LuLu - chocolate ganache & coffee crème brûlée
LULU – chocolate ganache & coffee crème brûlée

Trio is a treat.  It’s casual but cool and has classic comfort food like Mac’ n 5 Cheese, St. Louis Ribs and an original vegetarian ceviche.  Oh; you don’t consider ceviche to be in the comfort category? You should try it!  This is where I stole the recipe.

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery: 401 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way – 760.325.1199

Sherman's Summer Salad
Sherman’s Summer Salad

After leaving your name with the host you’ll have a relatively short wait but it’s worth it. Focus is on very casual, unbeatable platters, sandwiches, soups and salads.  Everything you want in a deli.  Bring a hearty appetite and give the chefs a chance to show off – as the menu states. You will not be disappointed! Also, this is the place where my friend Cher and I made national news (twice in one day) when we were questioned re the vibe surrounding Palm Springs at the International Film Festival.  Didn’t you see it?  We were awesome!

Lulu California Bistro: 200 S. Palm Canyon Drive – 760.327.5858

Lulu Ahi Tuna Tower
Lulu Ahi Tuna Tower

One of my all-time favourite hangouts when in P.S.  It’s located in the former space of a major art gallery.  A lively atmosphere with an extensive, value-priced menu celebrating California casual cuisine.  It’s just a memorable place with very good food.  One of my favourites is the tuna tower.  I spent New Year’s Eve here twice.

Tropicale: 330 E. Amado Rd. – 760.866.1952tropicale1A chic and sophisticated décor  with “world class” cuisine.  The Coral Seas Lounge, a hip mid-century style bar is lined with sexy black leather bar-stools and is reminiscent of the upbeat lounges of old Palm Springs. It wraps around the dining room and leads outside to a lush, tropical, 2000 square foot dining patio where a variety of specialty cocktails and old-school favorites are mixed – an ideal place where friends gather and martinis are sipped under the starlit desert sky. How could that not be attractive?

Bill’s Pizza: 119 South Indian Canyon Drive (they don’t take reservations)20160105_193953Two of the best pizzas I’ve ever tasted – that’s all!

aldenteAl Dente: 491 N Palm Canyon Dr. – (760) 325-1160

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

This relaxed trattoria with a cozy patio and European atmosphere serves Italian classics. Everything is homemade using the freshest ingredients.  It was one of the first places I dined at when visiting Palm Springs.

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grille: 265 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs – (760) 320-8041sammygs

Casual yet elegant vibe, traditional Italian mixed with updated classics are on the menu.  I really loved sitting outside under the heat lamps while being serenaded by the guitarist.  Thursday through Saturday night the lounge becomes energetic where you can dance the night away to live music and enjoy some signature cocktails.

Morton’s (Palm Desert): 74-880 Country Club Dr, Palm Desert – (760) 340-6865mortonsSo this is really in Palm Desert but it had to be included. Aside from offering some of the best steaks in the world, this steakhouse has one of the best happy hour menus ever. We enjoyed filet 3 ways (bearnaise, bleu cheese & chipotle), beef short rib tacos, tuna tacos, crab sliders and parmesan/truffle string fries. Very reasonably priced happy hour too.

Melvyn’s: 200 West Ramon Road – 760.325.232320160109_105422

My friend Colleen told me that this restaurant which is located at the Ingleside Inn (an historic landmark) and is very “Old Hollywood” is really old.  She said she went for drinks and there were lots of lushes hanging out but the Inn itself was very interesting. Hmmm….it piqued my curiosity so I had to check it out. After all, the brochure claims it “One of the World’s 10 Best.” The smaller print under that says…according to “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.”  But that show is waaay before my time. So I went for brunch.  I see what Colleen means; it’s living in the past but to be fair it has a somewhat elegant atmosphere and the brunch was very good.

In the piano bar
In the piano bar – some alumni photos
The lovely pond view
The lovely pond view at Melvyn’s

I had prime rib hash with a poached egg over top and scalloped potatoes.  Did I mention the endless champagne?  I say it’s worth checking out because it’s been here for more than 40 years and the b+w who’s who photos lining the wall with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Heidi Klum is glamorous memorabilia and fun to look at.  At least a drink at the piano bar in the evening would be worth it. p.s. when strolling the property I stole oranges off the tree.

Elmer's "looking for sun" omelette, blueberry buttermilk pancakes & potato pancakes.
Elmer’s “looking for sun” omelette, blueberry buttermilk pancakes & potato pancakes.

BEST in BREAKFAST: Elmer’s hands down: 1030 E. Palm Canyon Drive  – 760.327.8419

A family-style restaurant offering exceptional American-style breakfasts.  Memorable food & gracious service make this a must. *Their German pancakes look awesome.

Additional: 

p.s. I’m told by some very reliable sources (Michele & her mom Vicki) that restaurant & lounge Eight4Nine (west coast modern cuisine) located at 849 (no kidding?) N. Palm Canyon Drive is excellent.  760.325.8490  *I haven’t been yet – the decor does not appeal to me but I intend to try it.

Oh; I cannot forget my all-time favourite flan (after my friend Rosa’s) is from JJ’s Oasis Latino

My second favorite flan
My second favorite flan

located at 1550 N. Palm Canyon Dr.  This family run Mexican restaurant which has been here for ages has the greatest coconut flan…..ever!  Trust me, I know.

I know, I know…those in the know will say she missed Spencer’s but really there is only so much I can eat and as you can see…I’m doing a pretty good job of it so far (but I have to run and swim more on account of it).  As I write this I’m looking at the bougainvillea room at Spencer’s (their stunning outdoor patio allows dogs so you know what that means.  It means more working out).  It never ends….

Spencer’s Restaurant:  701 W. Baristo Road – 760.327.3446

Photos: d. king  (Tropicale and Morton’s – google images)

Now for the Detox

 

Eye in the Sky – “the spys are among us”

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A BUG, IT’S A PLANE,  it’s a drone…all super drones

palmspringsbanner all part of a new military spy thriller (and at times, a black comedy) called “Eye in the Sky” starring three of my favourites, Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman and  Aaron Paul (of breaking bad fame).  I decided that even if the movie wasn’t up to par I would still enjoy watching these superb actors in their respective roles.  But the movie was more than up to par – it was thought provoking and provocative. It is the ounce of truth.

This film, which was featured the other night as part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) brings to the forefront what is now part of and becoming more a part of our culture, good and bad. It’s a fictional movie based on fact.  In short it’s about a military officer (played by Mirren) in command of a drone operation to capture terrorists in Kenya.  The mission escalates from “capture” to “kill” but when a nine-year old girl enters the kill zone, the priority becomes clouded.

The movie is also a conversation starter.

Director Gavin Hood who was on hand for questions and answers at the end of the screening intended it to be that way.

It’s kind of complicated.  It really makes you think about the decisions that go into a “kill” operation on all levels.  It emphasizes the buck passing on who takes responsibility for the final decision and the consequences that arise out of that.   Frightening, sad, heroic and timely.

Google “the trolley experiment” to go more in depth about this subject (which Hood spoke about) to find out about the ethical and philosophical values of “making a big decision”.  A “what would you do?” in that situation.  Interesting when the tables are turned….sometimes you just don’t know what you are capable of.  I find it fascinating and scary.

The drone part is something we’ll have to get used to.  You can now be the literal “fly on the wall.” It made me want a personal one of my own (to use only when necessary).  They’re sold online but the problem is the authenticity.  I would want one that resembles a real fly.  Just kidding (sort of).

The movie is due out in theatres in March.

WATCH the trailer: 

Hood co-wrote and directed a movie I loved and which has resonated with me since having seen it called “Tsotsie” – about a young small-time street thug from South Africa during the turbulent years before and after the fall of apartheid.  Things turn around when he steals a car and finds a baby in the back seat.  The film won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006.  It was an outstanding film.  One I highly recommend watching.

Trailer for “Tsotsi”

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468565/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk3

 

 

health – post holiday detox

healthy3It’s like Spring cleaning but for your body, and many of us partake at this time of the year right after several weeks of over indulging in food + drink.  We say this year will be different, we won’t stuff ourselves nearly so much at the office parties and celebratory get togethers around Christmas and New Years but how many of us really have the strong willpower to say NO to that scrumptious looking piece of chocolate cake?  Having said that…

Are you confused about the difference between a detox and a cleanse?

Many people use the terms detox and cleanse interchangeably. But there is a slight distinction between the two. It’s that distinction that will help you to make the appropriate investment of your time and resources to reach your optimal health goals.

In a detox, the goal is to remove the foods and food categories that are muddying the waters. We’re taking out the substances that slow you down, make you sick, clog your sinuses, cause bloating, make you retain unnecessary weight and leave you feeling tired and foggy. Who wants any of that?! Sometimes the things we’re removing are foods and sometimes they’re more than foods. . . behaviors or beliefs, patterns and habits that are holding us back. The protocol all depends on the intent of the specific detox.

So if that’s a detox, what’s a cleanse?

A cleanse is all that and more. We’re definitely removing the substances that leave you feeling high and dry in the ways I mentioned above. Yet we’re also going in a bit deeper. We’re delving into a certain area to detoxify and actually working to CLEAN it. We use food and supplements and herbs and practices to get those internal organs functioning to the best of their abilities.  And because many of our organs are so easily regenerated, the healing you bring through these intense cleanses serves you well throughout the entire year.

Your gut is your deep-seated intuition. Intuition tells me that healing the gut is the very first step in remedying almost any health issue.healthy4

As you are well aware there are many, many cleanses out there to choose from.  The most well known is the Master Cleanse. But for convenience sake I’m going to direct you to the trustworthy website belonging to none other than Gwyneth Paltrow. You know the one I’m talking about.  I believe that she (and the people who work on her site) will have one of the best cleanses to tell you about.  I mean who better to give us advice on a 21 day or a mini 3 day (for newbies) post New Years cleanse?  But to be on the safe side, always check with your doctor beforehand.

If you’re interested refer to this link:

http://goop.com/a-new-years-cleanse-and-why-its-important/

Slim down.

Feel great.

Thrive.healthy1

Source: Andrea Nakayama for Replenish PDX and Goop.com

Feel-good Friday: Monkey business

It might very well be the Year of the Monkey, but for me, it’s the year of the DOGS.

Trigger, Jack & Jia Jia do Vegas
Trigger, Jack & Jia Jia do Vegas and they’re in the RED.

I am the seasoned traveler
Of the Labyrinth.
The genius of alacrity,
Wizard of the impossible.
My brilliance is yet unmatched
In its originality.
My heart’s filled with potent magic
That could cast a hundred spells.
I am put together
For my own pleasure
I AM THE MONKEY.

speaking of Monkeys...
These 2 monkeys prefer traveling in a VW Eurovan camper

While the above describes me perfectly (ha, ha) I found out that I’m really a dog (always knew it – my aim is to please).  Not disappointing but all this time I believed I was a pig (don’t laugh) although my dad used to refer to me as a little monkey.  Anyway, for those of us born in January to late February it can get a bit confusing.

It doesn’t only go by the year you were born in because the Chinese zodiac is usually said to start from Chinese New Year, whose date ranges from late January to late February.  My birthdate according to the Chinese lunar calendar is in December and not January.  Okay; just to make sure I’ll celebrate twice. Check the chart below if you’re curious about what kind of animal you are. Word of advice: it can become time consuming if you really delve into the whole shebang.

Jack uses Jia Jia as a pillow - whatever is available
Jack uses Jia Jia as a pillow – whatever is available
Right back at you!
Right back at you! And FYI, the trend is mixing prints like cheetah, camouflage and MOD – so very Palm Springs!

Now; let’s find out a little more about me the DOG:

The Dogs’ Personality: Loyal, Honest…

Dogs are loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Due to bearing a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity, Dogs will do everything for the person who they think is most important (themselves; just kidding).

As Dogs are not good at communication (better on paper or using a computer), it is difficult for them to convey their minds to others. Thus Dogs tend to leave others the impression of a stubborn personality.

Born with a good nature, they get along with most of the other signs. Dogs do not tend to be criminals or seek dishonest gain. They just need a quiet life (with a little excitement now and again and again) and a good family, and thus forget the ugliness and evil on earth.

yeah, you really need that bath
yeah, you really did need that bath

Dogs are always ready to help others, and do not care about their own interests, but if they find themselves betrayed by cunning people they will feel shocked and hurt. (how true!)

to get ready for the Palm Springs Film Festival baby!
to get ready for the Palm Springs Film Festival. Baby, you’re a STAR!
so tired after all that partying
so tired after all that partying
"What the hell time is it anyway?"
“What the hell time is it anyway?”

Link for Chinese calendar:

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/social_customs/zodiac/calculator.

Note: if it looks like I’m favouring Jack in the photos it’s just that he’s much more of a monkey than Jia Jia.

20151227_130138

Beauty – going Bananas

For Makeup & Monkeys

Celebrating the Chinese calendar has become a more common practice all over the world, and many artists, designers and beauticians like to pay homage to the New Chinese Year, too.  After all, it’s another good reason to party!

Giorgio Armani highlighting Palette
Giorgio Armani highlighting Palette

And now, Italian brand Giorgio Armani is offering us something new to celebrate with – with an exclusive, limited-edition Year of Monkey Face Palette for 2016. Showing the red tradition festive colors the new palette reveals on the top lid the two traditional Chinese symbols for Fortune and Luck.

The Face Palette comes in a nude satin hue with two types of light-reflecting pearls to enhance illuminating effects, which makes it (almost) perfect for every skin tone. With its highly sophisticated packaging and versatile formula, Giorgio Armani’s Monkey Palette definitely represents a good way to start off this upcoming year.

Although the palette will be mainly sold in Asian countries, it will be available in Europe and in the United States as well. Priced at €85, it will be sold from January 2016 at select retailers, like Nordstrom. If you want to celebrate this thrilling New Year with a touch of luxury, Giorgio Armani’s new face palette might be the best option!

That, and making lots of dumplings!

Food – Wicked Spoon

One of the many things that brings me enjoyment from writing this blog is to share personal recipes that I find exceptionally good.  Another thing is to share exceptional dining experiences. 

LIKE THIS

bone marrow with kimchee glaze
bone marrow with kimchee glaze
coffee almond cake with milk chocolate & coffee mousse
coffee almond cake with milk chocolate & coffee mousse

I just spent some time in Vegas and with the multitude of restaurants available to choose from it can be a conundrum as to which places are worth trying. There’s something for everyone and Vegas is now a world class dining destination with top chefs striving for centre attention.

Some of my personal favorites have been the Picasso restaurant at the Bellagio with authentic Picasso paintings throughout the restaurant (as you can imagine this really adds to the whole ambiance), Joe’s Stone Crab at Caesars Palace, Mon Ami Gabi (a classic French Bistro at Paris where they serve you warm fresh baked french bread in paper bags), Mizumi sushi at Wynn, Carnegie Deli at the Mirage (where size counts as much as quality), Satay Thai Bistro & Bar on Paradise Road (excellent Pad Thai & Panang Curry)  and now Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan hotel (this is the sparkliest hotel on the strip).

steak au poivre with peppercorn blend

One late afternoon turned into early evening with 3 others eating at Wicked Spoon (I did stop for a break once in a while before getting up to fill my plate again) because guess what?  It’s a buffet!  Wait a sec…it’s not your typical traditional style which has been around for decades and which nearly every hotel offers. You know the ones that offer the regular salad fare, carving station with sides and desserts.buffet4buffet2

The wicked Spoon buffet at the Cosmopolitan hotel has turned tradition on its ear.  It’s a fine cut (pun intended) above. Here you don’t need to worry about filling up on one thing too quickly or accidentally getting a large helping of something you don’t really like. Most items are served in a reasonable portion on a small individual plate or in a tiny individual metal saucepan. And since they’re of gourmet quality, chances are you’ll probably like everything.

caesar salad
caesar salad

Much like any buffet, the Wicked Spoon is divided into sections, beginning with a salad area. But don’t expect the traditional bowl of lettuce with dressings and toppings, though. Instead you’ll find items like Italian panzanella bread salad, chickpea salad, hummus and pita slices and a nice selection of cheeses. There’s a traditional carving station, serving things you’d expect like prime rib and pork, but you’ll also find out-of-the-ordinary items like roasted bone marrow, turkey wellington, meaty beef ribs, lamb and bouillabaisse which included giant gulf shrimp. Sidenote: the Southern fried chicken served in their little individual frying cages was delish.

kalua pork & kimchi fried rice and vegetable gyoza
kalua pork & kimchi fried rice and vegetable gyoza


There are a wide variety of side dishes to accompany the meat. Don’t miss the truffled scalloped potatoes. Other choices include “angry” mac and chesse, which has a smoky, chipotle flavor. Vegetables include a delicious brown butter roasted cauliflower and a ricotta creamed spinach.

barley risotto with cauliflower & goat cheese
barley risotto with cauliflower & goat cheese

An Italian food station is filled with a variety of pizzas and pastas you’d see in the finest Italian restaurant including an asiago gnocchi in lamb ragout; a goat cheese ravioli; and a tomato and asparagus risotto.

The last station is an Asian food bar that offers items like orange chicken, Korean barbecued ribs in kimchi, sushi and cute tiny Chinese takeout containers filled with just the right amount of rice or noodles.

With all of the amazing food choices at the Wicked Spoon, it is hard to pace yourself and save room for dessert, but trust me, you must. The dessert bar features an impressive and colourful array of treats including enormous chocolate-covered strawberries, red velvet cookies and pastries galore. For those with health concerns, there is a large case of sugar-free desserts.

a tiramisu cone?
tiramisu cones with chocolate?

I heard that the gelato bar is an absolute must-try offering a wide variety of flavours including strawberry balsamic and salted caramel peanut.  But at this point I really did not have room for one more morsel…and I LOVE gelato.  This was the buffet to end all buffets (at least for now).

the beef ribs were crazy good
the beef ribs were crazy good – sweet potato & marshmallow, roasted curried cauliflower
Carnegie Deli - if you order the "Woody Allen" make sure to share it.
Carnegie Deli – this is a regular corned beef sandwich but if you order the “Woody Allen” make sure to share it with 3 friends.
The Bellagio fountain is right across the street. Usually I sit outside but it was a bit too chilly this time.
The Bellagio fountain is directly across the street. This time it was a bit too chilly to sit outside even under a heat lamp.

Photos: d. king

ART/Picasso: Creatures and Creativity

20151226_124016“It is not sufficient to know an artist’s works – it is also necessary to know when he did them, why, how, and under what circumstances.  I want to leave to posterity a documentation that will be as complete as possible.  That’s why I put a date on everything I do.” – Pablo Picasso

Picasso Print - the original was in exhibit
Picasso Print – the original was in the exhibit & not allowed to be photographed

I just saw this amazing exhibition at The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts (bgfa) in partnership with the Claude Picasso Archives.  It took the curator of bgfa two years to get Picasso’s son Claude to agree to show some of his private collection. No photos were allowed, sorry.

The 43 works, dated from 1938 to 1965, shown all together for the first time in the U.S.A., explore Picasso’s creative process.  The exhibition focuses on Pable Picasso’s favourite theme – the human figure through the medium of painting and print making (print making was a challenge for the artist) and includes lithographs, linocuts and rare corresponding plates.

Through every stage, until the final work, the visitor follows his evolving artistic vision.

The exhibition demonstrates how the lithograph and linocut techniques inspired new directions in Picasso’s work.  The exhibition focuses on specific themes, showing how Picasso’s imagery went through a constant process of metamorphosis.

Source: Tatyana Franck; curator

Have you been to any exciting exhibits lately?

20151226_125817 This b+w photograph of Pablo Picasso seated by one of his original works is available at: Jeff Mitchum Galleries @ the Bellagio Hotel,  Las Vegas. Contact: Johnnie Perea – 702.304.0007

 

The Power of a New Story – The Year of Moving the Present Forward

A New Year – A New Story

story3

I find this timely piece written by Life Advisor Suzannah Galland to be totally inspiring. Galland uses a combination of intuition, numerology, and general “knowing” to help her clients recognize blind spots and acknowledge the truth—which they often already know but don’t want to believe. Below, she explains how we hold ourselves back by clinging to the energy of old relationships and traumas.

The Year of Moving the Present Forward

As another year closes and a new year makes itself known, we’re inspired to reminisce about the past and lay claim to what we want in the upcoming months and years. Yet, when we look back, many of us may find ourselves pretty much in the same place we were in years past—at least in certain areas of our life. We still haven’t met our dream partner, lost those 10 pounds, or risen in our career as much as we’d hoped. We can name our New Year’s resolutions till we’re blue in the face, but if we approach our life the same way as we always have, we can expect the same results. If our results have been disappointing, why not do something different? Why not move the present forward?

Moving the present forward is another way of saying drop the baggage and manifest the life you want. The only way to do this is to work with what you’ve got now—and to keep your head out of the past.

Manifestation is nothing new. The practice of intentionally creating what you want by visualizing it and feeling its energy has been around for thousands of years. It’s not hard. It’s not even time consuming. Yet most of us don’t do it. It’s possible we’re afraid of getting what we want (we might fear that we still won’t be happy). We might not honestly know what we want and, uncommitted, we put out a wishy-washy lackluster energy that peters out before it reaches the universal flow. But more likely than not (as I see this with almost all of my clients), we’re carrying too much of our past with us into the future. Of all the hold-ups to living the dream, excess baggage is the biggest culprit.

Baggage includes all our resentments, self-pity, and victim mentality—all the negative thoughts and beliefs we mutter to ourselves day in and day out. We’re too fat to date an attractive man, we’re too inexperienced to get the job, we failed last time so why try again. Combined, and over time, these thoughts and beliefs create our overall energy—the vibration level we project to the world. Maybe we had a horrid past or maybe we can’t seem to let go of an old love. We harbor these negative thoughts or resentments, and in doing so we lower our vibration level. Over time, we become our baggage. We’re consumed by it.

The Meter

Women have what I like to call creep meters. When a man enters a room or talks to us, we immediately get a sense of whether he’s got good mojo or is stalker looking for prey. We may not always trust or allow ourselves to tune into the reading, but we have it. We’re able to sense, or read, the energy vibration of another.

In truth, everyone has a meter, and we’re capable of reading more than just creeps. We sense when someone’s vibration is strong and in tune with the universe, and these are the people we want to be around. We’re drawn to them. They feel charismatic. We want to be near them. When the creep meter goes off the charts, on the other hand, we’re repelled. We can’t wait to leave the room.

Everyone has an energy vibration, and everyone is responsible for sustaining or strengthening their vibration. We are, in effect, walking balls of energy, showing the world each and every day what we’re made of. Our vibration level is a kind of personal branding. One subconscious feel of our vibration and people sense our authenticity, our mood, and more. We can show up at the table looking and feeling gorgeous and sexy, blindsiding our date momentarily. But we can’t conceal our vibration forever. Once our date sees past his libido, he’ll sense the real vibration. If it’s below his, he’ll lose interest and, sex appeal or no sex appeal, he’s out the door.

If we’re not attracting what we want, we need to increase our vibration. Good, good, good…good vibrations (the Beach Boys)!

High energy is less consumed by past experiences. High vibration people live more in the present. They feel good about life. They don’t dwell for too long on the past, and only reference it when they need information. The people with little or no baggage don’t work harder, they don’t study longer, they aren’t sexier or more beautiful, and they don’t have any special talents. They are pretty much the same as people with baggage, except for a one percent distinction—high vibration people avoid bringing their past into their future. Instead, they move their present forward.

The New Year is the perfect time to resolve to manifest because, coincidentally, the only way to reach this glorious future self is to raise your vibration by taking a short stroll into the fabulous parts of your past. Keep this visit short and sweet so you don’t wander into dangerous territory. You want to intentionally (not as if you were on autopilot) remember an event or a moment that brought you joy or great pleasure. Forget about the painful memories. Don’t even go there. You want to carry the joy forward. Go there and go deep. Smell it, taste it, feel it. Most important, sustain the feeling.

I loved this Vegas show
I loved this Vegas show – photo: d. king

Here is an example of how you could rekindle some passion by reminiscing a kiss.

A kiss says it all. Do you remember that rush of excitement or falling in love in that moment? It just took you time to realize it, but it was all there in his first kiss. His touch told you right from the start he was crazy about you.

The more you do this, the more you will remember what you can have. You develop a certain confidence, a self-assuredness, which is key, and in no time you will feel compelled to voice out loud how you know a love mate is coming in 2016. You’ll have a new story, and, if anything, your mouth will be craving a kiss.

Why does this work? Physics has proved it: The brain doesn’t know what’s real or not real. It knows what you tell it, what you believe, what you feel. So why not take some editorial license to delete what isn’t working and create a heightened, more evolved you?

The Power of a New Story

My client Stephanie is a public relations consultant for a prestigious firm in New York City. “I’m so sad,” she said, sheepishly in our Skype session. “I had just met this guy Rob. He’s handsome with wavy dark hair and his eyes are so intense. He’s exceptionally smart…we couldn’t stop talking about this and that…we had so much in common. We saw each other a few times. I didn’t sleep with him. He’d been texting me all week. The other night we were back at my apartment and he broke out into a cold sweat and chills. He opted to leave and fast…that was Thursday…and now I haven’t heard from him for four days. I mean we were texting every day regularly, and you should see his words to me. I’ve just spent the whole night crying. I don’t know what to do.”

I felt her pain and understood her crisis. To me, it was clear that she was lapsing into her history of pain and rejection. I wanted to help her.

I asked her if she could Skype me a picture of him. No kidding, he was definitely handsome. I found myself magnetized by his soft green eyes. I could see what she saw in him. He was super sexy. I had an overwhelming sense that this relationship was not over. I started to remotely profile him. He was sincere, embarrassed by the other night for sure, and extremely keen on pursuing her. He felt melancholy and removed. Yet, what was stopping him? I had a hit that he was a reactor. By that I mean that Rob was sensitive to her energy. And Stephanie’s energy was consumed by her story of rejection, abandonment, and lost loves. So if he thought of her, he was repelled.

“Stephanie,” I said calmly, “when he thinks of you, he’ll feel your pain. It’s not something he’ll be consciously aware of. But energy travels. It’s more subliminal. I mean look at how you’re feeling now? You’re full of toxic goo. Let’s shift this energy and right now!” I exclaimed boldly. “Let’s create a different story and move this forward to create a better future.” I took a pause. “Tell me how it felt being with him the first night?”

“OMG” she said excitedly. Her smile lit up the screen. “He took me to a fabulous restaurant and brought me a scarf as a gift. He said, ‘I want you to sleep with this tonight and when I next see you, wear it for me. I will smell it and know it will have your scent all over it.’”

I asked her to find the pashmina and wrap it around herself. She was delighted to do this. As our session closed, she looked (and felt) positively radiant.

Within 30 minute she texted me: “Amazing. Just heard from Rob. He explained he was out of town and not feeling well.”

Stephanie was sold. She was focused on creating a new story and understood the ramifications firsthand of carrying around the past in the present.

Letting Go of Your Go-To Story

When the past comes into the present, you become tied to this story—your go-to story. In a sense, you become addicted to this story—to your past—and you end up making history with this unwanted story. If you continue to support that story, it becomes your definition of yourself. You bring it with you. Likewise, you transmit it to others. It comes with you to a romantic dinner, to bed, while having sex, taking meetings—wherever you go, your past sits with you, smack bang in the middle of everyone and everything. The trick is not to let it define you. Even though it happened, it’s gone; it’s the past. It’s no longer your story. Let go of the story and create a new one.

Create a new and better go-to story, and make 2016 an irresistible year.  Happy New Year.

Suzannah Galland is not a typical Life Advisor. Her work combines her innovative MindSense Method™ with compelling strategic and tactical guidance. She uses intention profiling (“both those of the subject, and the intentions of people in their lives”) to give her clients immediate access to their desired results.

Suzannah is a licensed HeartMath coach, and licensed in Kinesiology by Brain Gym®. She also has Management & Leadership training from Cornell University’s certificate program in Executive Leadership.