Author: Debbie King

With an ever changing view it never gets boring.

 

After a wet spring hiatus this blog is back on track for summer with some fresh tips on how to enjoy yourself.  Actually I don’t have time to tell you now as I have to get back out there.  Summer took forever to get here this year and it disappears all too quickly.  I can’t believe my August magazine subscriptions have now arrived.

The Jazz Festival (not just jazz) is now over and enjoyed another great success.  Looking forward to more upcoming Vancouver annual events like the Folk Music Festival (not only folk music), with all the vendors along Jericho beach, Kits Days (30 bands this year on 4th Ave.),  Caribbean Days, Celebration of Light Fireworks & the Pride Parade and Festival.  Enjoy your summer but stay tuned for more updates!

April is Earth Month so to help celebrate in style here are a few eco friendly fashion finds. Garbe is a company based in Los Angeles that mixes appealing L.A. casual style with comfort.  Available in Canada at http://intrigueimports.com

 

 

 

 

 

People spend a lot of time trying to break habits using willpower but research is showing that habits are the opposite of willpower.  With willpower, you have to make a decision, which can be derailed by life’s stresses.  Habits require no willpower, no decision – they stick because they are effortless and automatic.

The key to changing behaviour is to reinforce the habits you want with the right reward.  Or at least that’s what a recent article in Marie Claire magazine had to say.

Then does that mean if you’re a shopoholic in order to stop you must buy more?  If so, where’s the next shoe store?

Speaking of shoes………….

 

Summer is around the corner………or so it seems if you consider all the references to “the sea” in all the latest fashion magazines and on the runway.  Don’t we all gravitate towards things from the SEA?  We must make the most of summer months by wearing little summer dresses, seashell necklaces & carrying wicker handbags.  Oh; and flip flops.

Alright maybe it’s a bit premature but looking at these photos makes me feel better.

 

 

Tell me as a little girl you never pretended to be a Mermaid.  There is something fascinating and mysterious about them.  This book by Margot Datz that I picked up in Florida is fabulous for us grown up mermaids.

It is a handbook for the landlocked mermaid, survival tips for the stranded sea nymph’s soul.

The world has changed but Fairytales are still going strong if it’s any indication from all the new movies coming out.

Have you ever seen a mermaid’s lingerie?  She invented the fishnet stockings!  She put the naughty in nautical!

 

 

 

 

For now we say goodbye to the beautiful Oregon coastline as we make our way home.

 

Here are reasons why I need a little NAPA now & again:

Life is too short to drink bad wine

I love their pour, pour attitude

Rosy cheeks means less makeup

Sunshine Market for finding all your fresh & difficult to find items.

Dean & Deluca – pristine & purveyors of everything good in food, wine, etc.

The town of St. Helena with its olive oil tastings, art galleries, little shops and restaurant/cafes.

This little piggy went to “MARKET” – the restaurant in St. Helena where we found out that they have complimentary corking for any unopened bottle of wine you bring in.  They also have an outstanding fresh market daily menu & their own extensive wine list.

Too little time – too many wineries.  Here’s what we managed yesterday:

The Coppola winery because inside its like a movie set.  Sofia Coppola has her own wine.  It must be nice to have one named after you.  Mine would be “The Whine Queen”.  Let me say his movies are much better than his wine.

“Orin Swift” where we took home an elusive “Prisoner” and learned a lesson.  That wines labelled “old vines” must be at least 50 years old to qualify for the name and those that are labelled “ancient vines” must be at least 99 years old.  See, older is better!

“Clos du Bois” in Geyserville, Sonoma County where we bought the “petit verdot”.

“Chateau St-Jean” which make my favourite Chardonnay but now they make my favourite limited release pinot reserve.

The best for last was the “Jacuzzi” (Italian varietals) where you can have a chocolate shot – hollowed out to fill with wine of your choice – now we’re talking!

 

Animal prints are classic and they’re still being seen on the runways & all the major magazines– will we ever tire of them?  My mom used to have an amazing leopard print one-piece with mesh inserts that to this day I’ve yet to see another one quite like it.  At one time she looked fabulous wearing it too.  Unfortunately we’ve lost track of its whereabouts.

If you’re daring & obviously comfortable enough with your fab body to wear the Michael Kors snakeskin swimsuit  then my hats off to you.  It’s absolutely sexy but pricey.  If instead you gravitate towards leopard & would like an equally sexy swimsuit then the Coquette limited edition monokini is the one for you – & the cost is substantially less.