I experienced my first Traditional Thai Massage the other day. Someone dropped a gift certificate in the mailbox for a complimentary half hour back & shoulder massage from somebody named Nok who is a professional masseuse & works/lives in my neighbourhood. There was no address only a phone number which seemed suspicious but nonetheless – free massage…let’s go for it.
From adroidpit.com
Turns out Nok (who is Thai and a certified Massage & Spa Practitioner) gave up her storefront to go back to Thailand for a year, and recently back in Vancouver, has decided to try working out of a home studio. I left details behind just in case I happened to become a casualty. You never know – been watching a lot of scary movies lately.
There’s nothing better than a relaxing massage! The ones I’ve had in the past mostly from Absolute Spa (at the Century Plaza Hotel) were a treat. I experienced a hotstonemassage once in Jamaica but one stone was left on a bit too long & so I got burned. But I’m feeling psyched & fortunate to take advantage of this new (to me) approach. So there I am being greeted by a very polite, pretty and tiny Thai girl who describes all the benefits I’ll be receiving and SOME HISTORY:
thaiodysseyblog.com
Thai Massage is an ancient form of body work originally developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. The technique involves passive stretching and gently pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It draws from acupressure, passive yoga therapy, and reflexology. It sounds amazing.
I’m asked to first fill out a form – like being at a doctor’s office. One question wants to know if you are here for a relaxation or therapeutic treatment. I tick the box that says relaxation of course – nothing is wrong with me. Then I lay face down on a typical massage table while she goes to work on me – and when I say work, I mean WORK. She’s little but she hurts. I ask if she understood which box I checked off and she explains that she’s only using her fingers and bit of elbow but in her usual massage she used her whole body weight. I’m almost crying. Apparently in typical Thai massage they don’t usually use oil although they will if you insist. But I’m putting up with it because I don’t want to seem like a sissy….plus when she takes her hands off me for a split second to go to some other area, the part she previously worked on feels so much better. I wouldn’t consider this a relaxation massage – and she swore she wasn’t even using that much pressure. Seems I have some blockage issues due to spending too much time at the computer lately working on my websites & this blog.
thai-massage.org
The half hour goes by pretty quickly (although not quickly enough) and I admit it was a relief when the time was up. But when it was over she asked me to sit up and then started to pound on my back. If she wanted me to pay she should have stated that on the certificate. I asked her how long I would feel the pain – maybe for 2 days at most. So that said, will I goback?
I did feel a lot looser afterwards. The amazing health benefits of Thai massage (from her brochure) encompassthe balancing of the mind, body and spirit, including reduce stress, stimulate circulation, energize the body, increase flexibility, improve range of motion (I am motionless right now), and centers the mind and body.
Okay, I’ll book another appointment – next time a full body treatment – just for the punishment fun of it. I need to be more centered – we’ll see. Plus I want to keep my day job.The new options on the brochure say that Nok is now qualified to offer Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage and even Deep Tissue Massage – wtf?
If you want to PERK UP your complexionin an instant then applying a swipe of blush will do the trick. With so many varieties on the market how do you decide which one works best? Powder, cream, liquid, shimmer, bouncy (yes there is one) or stick. The answer is there is no “one” that is “the best” – there are several so it comes down to personal preference and most woman have experimented with several sorts and brands. I’ve already done the homework.
Wearing blush should look subtle and simulate a natural glow. All of these shown here will do just that with the slightest application. Here are my picks:
by Terry
If you prefer LIQUID:
by Terry Rose de Rose Fluid is a sheer liquid formula so a very tiny dab on the finger goes a long way. It smells beautiful like crushed rose petals because it IS made of crushed rose petals. The only problem is that it’s not available in Canada. In the U.S. you can buy it only at Barney’s (New York, L.A., Las Vegas or online at byterry.com)
If you like POWDER with soft, sheer color & a hint of highlights:
Bobbi Brown
BB Shimmer Brick – This shimmering, brush-on powder in five shades creates a soft, rosy glow. Works well with neutral, pink and rose blush shades. Apply by sweeping the Face Blender Brush through all five shades of Shimmer Brick Compact and dust lightly on cheekbones after blush (or use alone if you like it barely noticeable). Focus on applying shimmer on the top of cheekbones – where light naturally hits the face – for the most flattering look.
NARS Orgasm
If you prefer a PEACHY Pink with golden shimmer then go for NARS “Orgasm” – a bestseller.
It will give you that….well you know…that LOOK!
If you prefer a CREAM that stays put:
NARS-the-multiple
NARS the Multiple Stick – a multi-tasker for cheeks, eyes and lips. It applies easily with just enough creaminess in the consistency for effortless blending. I personally find it a bit drying for lips and depending on the shade I would not wear it on the eyes either.Copacabana and Luxor are 2 shades which are best for highlighting areas such as the cheekbones and browbones. They have little/no visible colour, but have a gorgeous pearlescent shimmer.
I have Portofino but you can also get: Copacabana Luxor Maldives Orgasm South Beach Malibu St Barts and the 3 limited edition Multiple Tints that came out last year: Beverly Hills, Turks & Caicos and Cadaques.
Bobbi Brown & Nars cosmetics are found at Sephora & other fine department stores. Available atHolt Renfrew in Canada.
MicaBella Pure Mineral in Wild Rose
If you prefer NATURAL minerals:
choose Micabella Mineral powder blush:
This rich, dusty rose pigment with a hint of shimmer is made of 100% natural mica that looks gorgeous & also highlights the cheeks. It offers natural full spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen protection, free of the toxic chemicals, paraben preservatives, synthetic dyes and harmful fillers found in most commercial, non natural cosmetics.
If you prefer a GEL formula and/or an inexpensive but effective drugstore brand:
Then choose Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush with a revolutionary new texture that springs back when you touch it. • Lightweight like a powder, yet melts seamlessly into skin like a cream. • Natural sheer wash of color that is buildable for greater color intensity. A good value.
Okay I admit to having ALL of these shown here – for the reasons mentioned & for days when I want to try something different. You can trust me (I don’t know why you wouldn’t) on this – ALL are Fabulous!
p.s. I bought the Maybelline because I wanted to find out if it really bounced back – it does.
The Stars are STILL Going Crazy for LOUIS VUITTON’s Spring Summer 2013 checkered pattern.
Fashion is continually re inventing itself. While I do admire Marc Jacobs always ingenious and escalating style for LouisVuitton, this collection is not my personal choice. Having the models come down escalators was a fresh & brilliant touch.
The large checkered print would do nothing for me and I would only get lost in it. Okay, maybe I can see myself carrying a large LV damier handbag but that’s about it.
While I do really like to wear a plaidshirt with jeans or shortsI’m more partial to stripes & polka dots. Lately I’ve taken to wearing bird, squirrel & bunny prints – so who am I to talk?
Ceasar salad has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve done the same dressing (slightly tweaked) for years and put it on my blog a while back – see LINK at bottom.
Then I came across this one on yahoo & decided to try it. The main difference was not only the way the romaine was served, but using two whole (not just the yolk) eggs that were first coddled & the dressing made, non traditionally in a blender.
First the hearts of romaine were cut in half along the length but the bottom was not torn from the base (do not trim). Season the leaves with salt & pepper and drizzle with some olive oil then place cut side down on the grill until done. This will bring your salad to the next level – believe me. You can try this dressing or use the other one. Both are good with this simple and delicious way of preparing the salad – especially for Summer.
Caesar Dressing:
Coddling 2 eggs: rinse and put in boiling water for one minute. Let sit for a few minutes and put them in the blender. **coddling is done to reduce or minimize the risk of bacterial contamination when using raw eggs.
Add: red wine vinegar, grainy mustard, balsamic, Dijon mustard and blend. Add lemon, garlic, anchovy, parmesan, pinch of salt. Put in blender & slowly add olive oil. TIP: I also put a bit of tabasco, worcestershire & caper juice in this one.
For Croutons: Take crusty bread & pour some olive oil over top. S+P. Spread on baking sheet in 350 degree oven until crisp.
Top grilled lettuce with dressing & croutons, sliced fresh tomato (optional), top with parmesan cheese & enjoy! And do give me your feedback.
Green Goddess Dressing – a lovely, creamy dressing
photo – Marcus Nillson
Dressing:
1 ripe Hass avocado, pitted and peeled
1 Tbsp. chopped basil
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
2 tsp. chopped tarragon
1 tsp. chopped garlic
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. kosher salt
Ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
To make dressing: In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine avocado, basil, parsley, tarragon, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and process until very smooth, scraping down sides. With the motor running, add olive oil. Add enough cold water to make dressing pourable, about 3/4 cup. Refrigerate until ready to serve. For the salad with grilled romaine you can add chopped tomatoes, onion, avocado, etc. You can even grill those too if you like.
That’s what we were, lounge lizards on Friday night at the opening of downtown Lux Lounge. The evening turned out to be a huge success with complimentary locally produced craft beers and the wine & bubbly provided by Backyard Vineyards, a local winery located in Langley. A DJ played all evening while delicious in house Canapés were passed around & plentiful. We drank, we ate, we danced we drank……
Rebecca, sister Lisa & me.
The atmosphere is exceptional. Lux Lounge features oversized ornate skylights, crystal chandeliers as well as a fireplace to create an intimate and enjoyable experience. This is not to be outdone by their outstanding outdoors experience; fountains & two covered patios; flooded with sunlight during the day and kept cosy & warm with heaters at night. The enchanting grass courtyard is in the perfect oasis in the middle of downtown Vancouver.
My brother Brad & girlfriend Rebecca.
Lux Lounge offers a wide variety of menu options – a la carte, a wide array of world fusion cuisine (see sample below), platters & set menus – something for everyone! Guests can sit back, relax and enjoy one of their signature cocktails crafted by one of the talented mixologists or try one of the locally produced craft beers – all while playing a game of free pool. LL can accommodate weddings, birthday parties – any celebration for that matter. There’s a charming raised fireplace area perfectly suited to smaller parties of 15-30 as well as a private function area complete with its own bar, a pool table & an adjoining covered courtyard for those wanting a more casual experience. Multiple flat screen TVs & large screen projectors are perfect for power point presentations for business meetings & can be easily attached to laptops.
But we were there only for FUN!
Sample Canapé Menu:
Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Moroccan Meatballs, Sesame Crusted Tuna Skewers, Margherita Flatbread, BBQ Flatbread (chorizo, bacon, caramelized onion, cheddar jack, mozzarella, BBQ Marinara & fresh Cilantro), Gyoza, Smoked Salmon Crostinis, Coconut Prawns, Striploin Skewars, Mini Beef Dips, A wide variety of Noodle Boxes (Drunken with a spicy pork stir fry, Fettucini Vodka Rose, Louisiana Jambalaya, Rogan Josh Curry and a De-Lux Salad Box (organic baby greens, shredded carrot, cucumber, vine ripened tomatoes, spiced pecans & goat cheese fritters served with a house raspberry vinaigrette.
I’m more of a coffee drinker first thing in the morning but by late afternoon a hot cup of earl grey is nice & uplifting. That was before I discovered the recipes below to switch things up a bit and realized the health benefits to boot.
The antioxidant compounds found in tea have been shown to reduce risk of breast cancer and heart disease and may help with weight management. When you mix your brew with other beneficial ingredients, you’ll boost its power to tackle health complaints from high blood pressure to an upset stomach. Sweet!
Make these cool brews for a summer twist. Lose the sugar and stir in these extras instead + reap the health benefits while doing so.
SUGAR BUSTER = Black tea + Cinnamon A 2012 study found that countries where people consumed the most black tea had the lowest rates of type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants in the tea leaves may enhance insulin activity. Adding cinnamon can make a good thing even better. According to research in Diabetes Care, consuming just one-third of a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can reduce levels of glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Brew: Pour 8 ounces boiling water over 2 black tea bags and 1 cinnamon stick (or 2 tsp. powdered). Steep for 4 minutes, let cool. Transfer to an ice filled glass, top with 2 ounces club soda.
IMMUNITY BOOSTER = Green tea + Cranberry Juice Antioxidants called catechins, which have antiviralproperties, are more plentiful in green tea than in black. Adding Vitamin C – which is abundant in Cranberry Juice – can increase absorption of the tea’s catechins. Brew: Steep 2 green tea bags in 8 ounces of hot water for 2 minutes. Stir in 2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice and agave syrup to taste. Pour over ice.
TENSION TAMER = Chamomile tea + Orange Flavonoids in this calming brew may enhance the activity of relaxing neurotransmitters in the brain. In fact, research suggests that drinking five cups of chamomile tea a day may even help treat anxiety disorders. Team it with Orange: research has found that simply smelling a sweet orange can lower anxiety in moments of stress. Brew: crush 2 strips of orange zest, 1 tsp. dried lemon verbena leaves, 4 mint leaves, and 1 sprig rosemary together in a bowl. Add 3 chamomile tea bags and pour 12 ounces of boiling water over the mixture. Steep 5 minutes. Strain and let cool. Pour over ice and finish with a splash of sparkling water.
STOMACH SOOTHER = Peppermint tea + Ginger The menthol in peppermint can ease gastro-intestinal distress by relaxing the muscles of your digestive tract, while plant phenols in ginger can help speed up the movement of food through your system. Brew: Pour 8 ounces boiling water over 2 peppermint tea bags and 3 slices fresh ginger, smashed. Steep 5 minutes. Let cool. Strain, stir in honey to taste and pour over ice.
PRESSURE RELIEVER = Hibiscus tea + Coconut Water Mildly hypertensive people who drank 3 cups of hibiscus tea daily for six weeks lowered their blood pressure as significantly as they would have by taking some hypertensive meds, according to a study in the Journal of Nutrition. Add coconut water for its potassium – the mineral helps keep blood pressure stable by reducing the negative effects of salt. Brew: Steep 2 hibiscus tea bags in 8 ounces hot unsweetened coconut water for 5 minutes. Let cool. Stir in 2 ounces sparkling water and pour over ice.
I’m feeling good already!
Taken from “Feeling Good” in O Magazine. By Jessica Girdwain.
“CHANGE will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” ― Barack Obama
The Obama Administration said it over and over to the women of Afghanistan: “We will not abandon you. We will stand with you.”
Tallulah Photography
Since the fall of the Taliban, women in Afghanistan are now starting to stand up for themselves by opening small businesses and rejoining the workforce. Three million girls are back in school and have taken their seats in universities. Things are slowly getting better but there is still plenty of room for improvement. More than half of school-age girls cannot access classrooms and only 20% of young women are literate.
Tallulah Photography
Last week I attended a multimedia fundraising event called “Afghanistan Rising” presented by journalist Roberta Staley (who I met in our weekly Spanish speaking group) & Tallulah Photography. Roberta & Tallulah travelled to Kabul & surrounding areas to document the resurgence of education, gender equality, culture, fashion (see below – Zarif Designs) and civil society in Afghanistan. It was most interesting and educational for me (others attending agreed) to see the progress that has been made in the last decade and also how much is at stake. Most people are aware that when the Taliban were in power woman had virtually no rights. Any woman could be severally punished for as little as wearing the least amount of makeup or nail polish to even the sound of clicking heels. An affair would mean getting stoned to death. Of course education for women was forbidden. It is overwhelming what we take for granted here in North America – how lucky we are by comparison. I can’t imagine living life having to tread so lightly and being vigilant with every single move.
Tallulah Photograph
They visited a beauty parlour where only the wives of Taliban members could previously go to get their hair & makeup done for weddings or in general. Even now, the only woman who would allow herself to be photographed was someone visiting from the U.K. who happened to be there to attend a wedding. No wonder they’re so careful. It takes time for the mindset to change after being suppressed for so long. Maybe we can do something to help make a positive change.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
The greatest investment that can be made in Afghanistan’s future is the investment in education, teacher training and through library and literacy programs.
“EDUCATION is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”― Nelson Mandela
The good news is that donations are providing funds to set up mini libraries and science labs and supporting literacy classes for small communities in Afghanistan. This is done by a joint initiative with a Foundation in the UK & Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WA) is a member-based, not-for-profit organization founded in 1996 with thirteen volunteer chapters across Canada. It is a non-religious, non-political, federally registered charity. The main goals are to advance education for Afghan women and their families and to educate Canadians about human rights in Afghanistan.
To find out more and/or sign up for their newsletters please visit www.CW4WAfghan.ca
“A teacher is a candle that burns to enlighten others” – Afghan Proverb
**Here is a recent International Feature for ELLE Canada on GENDER EQUALITY: WRITING A NEW FUTURE – by Roberta Staley. Please click on link below to read:
Many brave women have entered civil society in Afghanistan as businesspersons, educators and politicians since the Taliban were routed from Kabul by NATO-led forces. Few, however, have done it more beautifully than Zolaykha Sherzad, the founder of Zarif Designs in Kabul. (Zarif means ‘precious in the Dari language.)
Tallulah Photography – beautiful fabrics
Sherzad has collected fabrics and bought traditional pieces of clothing from the marketplace for her designs. “I re-cut, reshaped and recreated 20 pieces for a pilot fashion show,” says the slight, dark-haired 44-year-old. The positive response to that initial fashion show led to the creation of Zarif Designs in 2005. Soon, Sherzad’s clothes were soon being soldinternationally at agnès b. stores in Paris, New York and London and worn by such notables as Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. Sherzad continues to use Afghanistan textiles and embroidery accessories like buttons cast from ancient Persian coins.
Sherzad has also created a ready-to-wear clothing line, introducing the Afghan public to the concept of sizes—a radical shift for a nation that has depended upon tailor-made garments.
How handy are these stylish and practical little makeup cases? Each booklet contains an assortment of eye shadow shades that double as eye liner plus a convertible cheek/lip color.
Are you Lovely in London, Trendsetting in Tokyo, Vibrant in Vancouver (this one must be new), Ravishing on Rodeo Drive , Pretty in Paris or *Rockin in Rio?
*What it is:
A festive and fun collectible palette featuring five diverse eye shadows with both neutral and vibrant shades to create a variety of looks for day or night. Also included are a Convertible Color lip and cheek cream and a how-to face chart.
What it does:
Inspired by the colorful culture, beautiful beaches, and endless fun, this mirrored palette features a mixture of Rio-centric eye shadow shades that can be applied wet or dry, paired with an exclusive shade of Stila’s iconic Convertible Color for lips and cheeks to complete your look. An instructional face chart created by a Stila pro artist guides you to a resplendent look in only minutes. Or mix and match to create your own unique beauty looks.
As for me, I’m just “Fabulous in Fiji” – even though I’ve never yet been to Fiji.
Now what type are YOU?
inside Fab in Fiji – great for Summer.
I love the look of each illustration on every thin little casing – which open and close like a book.
This very thin “smashbox” eye palette is no longer available but as you can see, I’ve made use of almost all the eye color shades while travelling. I can’t believe how long they’ve lasted for such a tiny case.
Who says you have to replace all your makeup every 3 months? Probably the makeup companies.
I believe that if you keep your stash tidy & clean you can make them last for at least 5 years 3 more months.
I thought we’d never tire of animal prints – and I’m right. We never tire of animal prints, especially leopard. I’m so relieved because otherwise I’d have to throw away half my wardrobe. Okay, maybe not half but a significant portion. While wearing head to toe animal is not so cool, a little bit will go a long way.
Max Mara Spring/Summer 2013Miranda Kerr
A leopard print scarf, shoes (a favorite) or belt remains classic.
Have a peek at “on the RUNway 2013” – what is old is new again….although it never went away.
For instance: my mom had an amazing leopard print/mesh one-piece bathing suit and I wore a leopard print bikini at 3 yrs. of age to give you an example. Some things just stick.
Bring out your inner “Dolce & Gabbana” “with some of these looks:
Rhianna wears a leopardbra from blush in ELLE – sold out!I wanted to buy this D&G bronzer before I realized that the print would disappear soon after using it.Dolce & Gabbana shift dress with leopard lining.For the babes: babyfashionmagazine.co
For more on the theme check out my favorite street photographer:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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