This is the man who turned his creative eye towards consumerism in a brilliant manner. I just came back from a mini vacation in Palm Springs where Warhol’s works inhabits many galleries including the Palm Springs Art Museum. His influence is felt everywhere. Which brings me to:
The Warhol Museum
Over the course of his career, Andy Warhol transformed contemporary art. Employing mass-production techniques to create works, Warhol challenged preconceived notions about the nature of art and erased traditional distinctions between fine art and popular culture. The Andy Warhol Museum’s permanent collection is comprised of more than 8,000 works of art by Warhol including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, film, videotapes, and extensive archives that consists of ephemera, records, source material for works of art, and other documents of the artist’s life. Together, the art and archives make The Andy Warhol Museum the most comprehensive single-artist museum in the world.
In 1964 one visitor upon seeing Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes at the Stable Gallery questioned “Is this an art gallery or supermarket warehouse?”
The Andy Warhol Museum is located at: 117 Sandusky St, Pittsburgh, PA – USA. It is the largest museum in the country dedicated to a single artist.
For those who want a little piece:
All of these FAB Warhol ART books were spotted at Just Fabulous– Palm Springs.
Here’s THE MOST SENSIBLE DIET TIP EVER (if you choose a SPECIFIC diet):
“The diet that works is the diet you stick with” – end of story! It doesn’t matter which one you follow. Of course portion is key and exercise also important. – Gayle King interviewing Dawn Zier, CEO of Nutri System on “CBS This Morning” Jan/03/2014.
Diets, like clothes, should be tailored to you – Joan Rivers
More die in the United States of too much food than of too little. ~John Kenneth Galbraith, The Affluent Society. Sad but true.
SPOILER Alert: Albert Einstein, who discovered that a tiny amount of mass is equal to a huge amount of energy, which explains why, as Einstein himself so eloquently put it in a famous 1939 speech to the Physics Department at Princeton, “You have to exercise for a week to work off the thigh fat from a single Snickers.” ~Dave Barry
My Favourite:
No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain, you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office. ~George Bernard Shaw
I’m not dieting, I’m just changing my eating habits”
“The Holy Grail of weight loss” — this is how Doctor Oz describes Garcinia cambogia extract, a supplement that has taken the diet world by storm.
Ah, the infamous resolutions to eat healthy and exercise regularly, code words for “lose weight.” Generally, people use the holiday season as an excuse to binge one last time before the New Year. Indulging in food & drink is one of life’s big pleasures but the after effects of over-indulging are not pleasureable. So we scramble to find the quickest fix possible.
But if you ask me, there’s really only one way to lose weight and keep it off, and that’s to adopt a healthy lifestyle. That includes eating nutritious meals and exercising daily.
However there are plenty of marketers out there who would vehemently disagree – because magic pills make money. Acai berry, green tea extract and capsaicin all had their time in the spotlight.
Now, let’s explore a supplement that has exploded on the weight loss scene more recently: Garcinia cambogia – a natural appetite suppressant with amazing fat-blocking properties. The extract’s key ingredient promotes natural weight loss with no apparent side effects.
Where does it come from? Garcinia cambogia is a small, pumpkin-shaped fruit. You may know it as tamarind. The extract of the fruit is called hydroxycitricacid, and that is what the “magic pills” are made from. Do they work? Only time will tell.
The fruit Garcinia cambogia was once just the less popular cousin of a trendy fruit, the mangosteen. But now, nutritional supplements containing Garcinia cambogia extract have become the rage, touted for their purported ability to curb appetite and stop weight gain.
People have long used the dried rinds (gambooge) for chutneys or curries, and sometimes as an aid for stomach problems. But in the late 1960s, scientists identified a substance in the rind of the fruit called hydroxycitricacid, or HCA, which has some potentially attractive qualities.
If you do decide to hop on the latest bandwagon, whether it is garcinia cambogia or some other plant-based extract, proceed with caution. If you’re taking any prescription medications, talk to your doctor before adding any herbal supplement. There may be dangerous interactions or consequences to taking large doses.
Until we have more research to draw from, we can’t know what is truly safe.
Credit:Deborah Herlax Enos is a certified nutritionist and a health coach and weight loss expert in the Seattle area with more than 20 years of experience. Some of this was taken from LiveScience. Read more tips on her blog,Health in a Hurry!
This post goes out to friends Carolyn & Martin who live in South Africa and will be making their first trip to California’s premier wine region, not to mention one of the premier travel destinations in the world. They asked for recommendations based on several trips I’ve made to Napa. Plus we all enjoy a nice glass now & again…okay now and NOW.
Grgich Hills Estate Wines
Napa Valley – breathtaking views abound at every turn, picturesque rolling hills planted with vineyards year-round and wineries of every stature. Whether you are wine tasting, dining at renowned restaurants like Market or the French Laundry, pampering yourself with a mud bath in Calistoga, or just enjoying your stay at quaint bed & breakfasts, hotels or resorts … Napa Valley is worth the visit. My personalfavourite area to stay and shop in Napa is St. Helena. It’s a walkable town with excellent restaurants (try “Market” – 1347 Main St. You can bring your own wine with no corkage fee but their own wines are very reasonably priced). For in between wine tastings visit Woodhouse Chocolates – 1367 Main St for scrumptious creative varieties and St. Helena Olive Oil Company – 1351 Main St. Dean & Deluca for gourmet food & gifts – 607 St Helena Hwy. & Sunshine Foods – 1115 Main St. for amazing specialty foods & wine. I always end up bringing stuff back from this store. For shoe shopping make sure to visit FootCandy – 1239 Main St. They have Charlotte Olympia & other divine brands. I stayed at El Bonita – 195 Main St. which was very comfortable and reasonable with friendly staff. More $$ to spend on shoes and wine. Wine suggestions: Grgich HillsEstate – 1829 St Helena Hwy., Orin Swift Cellars – 1325 Main St. If you want to visit Artesa (a beautiful location) you could also visit Domaine Carneros. The Rubicon Estate Winery (formerly Niebaum-Coppola Estate Winery) is located at 1991 St Helena Hwy. Hollywoodmeets Napa Valley at Francis Ford Coppola’s spectacular 1880s ivy-draped historic stone winery and grounds. A must-see although I can’t recommend their wines. I do enjoy Sofia Coppola blanc de blanc sparkly on occasion….occasions that call for bubbly…in a can. Poolside, Picnics & Purse – for places that don’t allow you to BYOB (bring your own bubbly) – shame on them!
Rubicon winery
Here is a NAPA VALLEY GUIDE from Michele and her mother Melinda, the makers of Lorenzo Rose.
Photo – Garance Dore
Garance Doré says “Napa Valley is such a special place to visit, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else more than these two for recommendations!” Here is an interview from her blog:
How would you describe Napa?
Napa Valley is heaven on Earth! And also where Michele’s from… Saint Helena to be exact! One of the things we love the most about Napa is that there is a balance between luxury and country. The wine business and Napa Valley itself can be quite posh, but at the same time its a farming industry at the end of the day. We love how low key the locals are here. They make the most delicious and fabulous wine in the world, but you will find them driving around in an old truck, spending their days in the vineyards surrounded by nature.
What are the best times to visit Napa Valley?
Yes, harvest just wrapped up, 2013 will be a stellar vintage! There really is no bad time to visit, but each season offers something different to experience. My favorite time in Napa is Summer because it gets HOT and I love to swim. The Calistoga fair and 4th of July parade are not to be missed! Spring is beautiful and also not as touristy as summer. The energy surrounding harvest in Fall is really exciting and the leaves change colors which is STUNNING! We were there together just last week and it blew us away with the beauty! Winter time is very mild in Napa. It does rain, but there are usually clear blue skies to follow, plus the wild mustard blooms making the entire valley bright yellow! So cool.
What should you pack?
Dress is very informal, its definitely a function over form situation! “Napa Valley Casual” is basically jeans, a nice t-shirt/button/down/sweater and flat boots. That will get you anywhere but, you may want to bring a nice dress for dinner out should you score reservations at The French Laundry where a jacket for men is required! If you’re lucky, your winery hosts will take you into the vineyards, so leave your heels at home! The weather year round is nice, but the evenings get pretty chilly even in the summer! Bring your Barbour jacket and you’ll fit right in.
What hotel do you recommend for friends visiting from out of town?
Some of our favorites are Carneros Inn, Calistoga Ranch, Solage, and Bardessono. El Bonita will be easy on your budget and will leave more to buy wine!
How should you get around Napa? Is it easy to take a cab? (We don’t want to wine taste and drive!)
It is important to have wheels in Napa! Rent a car at the airport, but if you’re going to do a full day of tastings, we suggest hiring a driver who can also help arrange your visits. Two of the best are Jarrar Tours and Napa Tours and Transportation. Ask your concierge to book your taxi back from dinner in advance.
Where should they eat and what should they order?
Model Bakery for english muffins and pizza slices. La Luna for authentic burritos. Bouchon for oysters, champagne and truffle fries. Oxbow Market in Napa is a fabulous place with about 30 food and drink vendors. Highlights include C Casa for tacos, The Kitchen Door and Oxbow Wine Merchants for a glass of wine and cheese!
Your favorite spots for…
A coffee: Ritual at Oxbow Market
Brunch with friends: French Blue or SolBar
Dessert: Get a “mundae” at Cook
A night on the town: The Thomas in Napa is a great new restaurant which has a rooftop bar! FUN!
*Wine shop: 750 Wines in St. Helena for rare and eclectic wines and private tastings. We adore David and Monica! 750wines.com/
Five wineries to visit (including Lorenza!):
Schramsberg for delicious sparkling wine and some of the oldest wine caves in the valley.
Frog’s Leap for fabulous gardens and organic wines.
Forman Vineyard a super special experience and insane Chardonnay!
Continuum which is Tim Mondavi’s winery on Pritchard Hill. The real deal!
Lorenza Rosé call us ahead for a taste of our wine 707 287 4113 http://www.lorenzawine.com
Any wine tasting tips? How do you avoid purple lips, sound like you know you’re talking about and not get too… well tipsy?
Make sure you eat… a lot! Pick up sandwiches at Dean & Deluca or Bouchon Bakery for the car for a snack between tastings. Visiting 2-4 wineries a day is plenty. I highly suggest spitting! Its not rude or weird or gross, but a necessity! Listen to your guide and ask questions…no one is expecting you to be an expert! Have fun and learn a lot! Also come prepared to buy wine! Its customary to make a purchase when visiting. Its super easy to ship home and the best way to remember your fun time in Napa. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for purple lips!
When you’ve had your fix of wine, where can you go for a good beer or cocktail?
Goose & Gander or The Thomas for a cocktail. Panchas in Yountville for a dive bar experience and dollar PBRs.
Where can you find the best views of Napa?
On the deck at Auberge du Soleil! Chic!
The best Napa hike? And how about a beautiful drive through Napa?
Bale Mill State Park, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, Las Posadas in Angwin.
There are two main roads running parallel through Napa Valley. Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Both are gorgeous and surrounded by vineyards and wineries!
Nothing pairs better with wine than a some time at the spa. What is your favorite spot for pampering?
The spa at Solage or Indian Springs. Calistoga is famous for its hot springs. Try out a mud bath if you’re adventurous! Mindy’s fave!
How is the art scene in Napa? What galleries are worth seeing?
Maisonry is a cool tasting room and gallery in Yountville. I also love popping into Martin Design which is an awesome gallery and store on Main St in St. Helena.
And if you want to catch some good live music, any favorite spots?
The Uptown theater in Napa! Its not necessarily good live music, but there’s Karaoke on Thursday nights at Ana’s Cantina!
TIP: If you plan to visit SONOMA you must go to ClineCellars,Gloria Ferrer,JacuzziFamily Vineyards (ask for the chocolate shot) & Chateau St. Jean – more recommendations from The Girl Who Would be KING. You won’t be disappointed! All of these are at the South end of the Sonoma Valley – just off the highway on route from San Francisco. Be sure to take the Golden Gate Bridge North from San Francisco to get there. You can do this before going to St. Helena. Don’t do this in between – only at the start or finish when driving from or to San Francisco.
and a few other things – like do more yoga and speak Spanish more often and finish a project started last Summer that I look forward to sharing with you in the New Year. Make it a HAPPY ONE!
You can get creative with all your cookie-making at Christmas but don’t leave out the shortbread. It may be too late for this Christmas but the results are worth it. If you don’t have time, file it for next year.
Dish from ClayZone
I love cookies anytime. My baking favorites are thumbprint (with homemade jam centre), writer’s block (oatmeal, raisins & chai spices), chocolate chip (using 4 different kinds) and old-fashioned peanut butter.
A friend gave me this recipe (originally from Canadian Living) which is perked up with orange rind and partially dipped in chocolate. What can be better than orange & chocolate?
Ingredients:
1 cup (250 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup (125 ml) superfine sugar (like castor but I ended up using organic cane)
2 tsp (10 ml) finely grated orange rind
¼ (1 ml) tsp salt
2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. (45 ml) cornstarch
3 ½ oz (100 g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
In a large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, orange rind and salt until fluffy. Stir in flour and cornstarch to make a smooth dough.
Divide dough in half. Form each into 10-inch (25 cm) log. Wrap each and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Slice logs into ¼ inch (6 mm) thick rounds. Place, 1-inch (2.5 cm) apart, on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in 325 F oven until firm, about 15 minutes. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes, transfer to racks and let cool completely.
Coating: In heatproof bowl over sauce of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate, let cool to room temperature. Tip: I put the chocolate in a small pot placed right in a steamer which lets it gently melt without burning. Try to use the best quality bulk chocolate you can find. I use Callebaut.
Dip half of each cookie into chocolate, gently shaking off any excess. Refrigerate on waxed paper-lined baking sheets until firm, about 30 minutes. Makes about 30-35 cookies.
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