Stylesetters
Second weekend of COACHELLA is coming up. Here’s a random splattering of some festival glamsters. Around town it’s fun to watch. It’s not hard to tell who’s going. 
Always a pleasure!
Author: Debbie King
A blog about LIFE and STYLE
Hummus is an essential party pleasing dip. You can buy it, however it’s pretty easy to make, plus it’s extremely healthy. Hummus is rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. The best thing is that it tastes soooo good.
Ingredients:
16 oz. can garbanzo beans (chickpeas, rinsed)
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. cumin
1 garlic clove
1 Tbsp. Tahini (sesame paste)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
sea salt to taste
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
Pinch of Cayenne (optional)
TIP: add a few tablespoons of water to mix (if too thick) and you prefer to avoid adding more oil.
Process:
This recipe really could not be any easier. The key to smooth hummus is letting the food processor do all of the work. Throw the garbanzo beans, lemon juice, cumin, garlic, tahini, and rest into the food processor. Turn the food processor on for about 30 seconds and then slowly pour in the olive oil. Add a few tbsp. of water if it looks like the hummus is too thick. The food processor really helps in creating that creamy texture we all love.
For toppings I love toasting some pine nuts in a pan. Simmer some herbs in olive oil and pour over top. Parsley is great too.
Store in the refrigerator in an air tight container. Homemade hummus usually lasts for about 7-10 days in the refrigerator. But I can assure you it won’t last that long.
where Art meets Fashion…
Here’s a story about a most remarkable renovation/restoration
This is something else I’ve been meaning to post because not only is it highly unusual, it’s extraordinary.
A new Oscar de la Renta boutique in New York was undergoing renovations three months ago when something unusual was discovered on the second floor. When workers were clearing out garbage and debris at the end of the space on that floor, something seemed definitely amiss. As they were clearing and resurfacing, something else resurfaced.
Something had been hidden behind a wall, and it wasn’t asbestos. It was a 10-by-20-foot oil painting of an elaborately coiffed and dressed 17th-century marquis and assorted courtiers entering the city of Jerusalem.
Full Story here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/21/fashion/the-treasure-behind-the-wall.html
I couldn’t think of a better feel-good photo to go into the weekend than this one.
My two beasties letting loose & cooling off in a sprinkler system that we discovered on our walk. It just reinforced my feeling that:
Nothing more to add except….HAVE A HAPPY WEEKEND!
Hidden Paradise is the very appropriate tour name given by the Palm Springs Historical Society to refer to The Mesa; an eclectic and beautifully secluded hillside neighborhood. I took all of these photos two days ago, on the last day of the tour for this season. It was a hot one….and I’m not referring to just the tour.
I was invited to go on this relatively new tour, not being aware of how incredibly close in proximity The Mesa is to where I reside. I’m really happy I chose this walking tour from several the society offers because it’s another hidden jewel that I’m told many locals don’t even know about. Even though some of the homes you can see from a distance, you may not know how to get there.
As they say on their website it is truly a slice of paradise. The amazing variety of architecture ranges from the romantic Spanish Colonial Revival of the 1920’s to today’s dramatic contemporary styles. Even one original mid-century modern home that stands out.
With a glamorous past it has long been home to the Hollywood elite (Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner, Cher, Joseph Cotten, Henry Mancini, *Johnny Mercer, Jack Warner of Warner Brothers Studios, among others). Many have been celebrities from the World of Music – singers, composers, lyricists and musicians. Even the cartoonist Lee Holley, known for Denis the Menace and comic strip Bugs Bunny who passed away in his home here just last year. Our guide told us that he was so friendly he’d give away some of his original cartoon drawings.
There are many vacation rentals here now too. One home had no outside windows at all in the front to keep passersby from peering inside. But I’m telling you; never judge a house from the outside.
Unless you’re lucky enough to get an invite to one of Barry Manilow’s fundraising shindigs, you can see his home and that of his friend Suzanne Somers from the outside only. However the area itself which is larger than it appears is striking just to walk around and see the gorgeous gardens. In fact, it was really more of a garden/landscape tour than home tour – walking around for 2 hours+.
A crown jewel of desert architecture, Ship of the Desert, is located here. Designer Trina Turk (love her clothes) resides here. I’ve seen this home from afar many times. I know a few people who’ve been to a cocktail party inside (there are no hallways) during Modernism week. They referred to Turk as a lovely and gracious host.
Michael, our patient tour guide was very knowledgeable about the homes and the people who lived/lives here and entertained us with some anecdotes and juicy gossip.
I highly recommend one of the walking tours (only $20) when visiting or even living in Palm Springs.
Other tours the Historical Society offers are Golden Era (Hollywood Homes of Old Las Palmas), Inns, Architecture and Glamour, The Tennis Club (Celebrity Haven), Rat Pack Playground (and Frank Sinatra’s Neighborhood in the Movie Colony), among Private Tours (Architecture gems and Palm Springs Highlights).
*Johnny Mercer wrote 1,500 songs and won 4 oscars. He’s probably most famous for writing Moon River for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Also the Days of Wine and Roses, Autumn Leaves, etc. He was a big fan of Barry Manilow and near the end of his life he donated all of his songs to Manilow.
I plan to go on other tours next season.
https://pshistoricalsociety.org/collections/walking-tours
If you love pizza and really….who doesn’t?
This flatbread tastes similar to a thin crust pizza (my personal favorite), but with less calories, and it’s perfect for when friends drop by unexpectedly (or not) and you want to serve up something relatively easy to make in a hurry and extremely tasty.
Try to have some staples on hand always. It will make your life much easier.
I start with a low-carb tomato-basil or Italian herb wrap or actual flatbread (available at pretty much any worthwhile grocery store).
Set the oven to 350F and put the flatbread on a tray for about five minutes on its own to crisp it up.
Then take it out and add the following (above photo shows what I had on hand at the time which thankfully ended up to be more than enough and extremely flavorful to boot).
tomato sauce and/or paste (I like the tube – it’s less messy)
Sliced tomato
Thinly sliced sweet onion
Artichoke Hearts
Kalamata Olives
Sundried Tomatoes
Grated cheese (mozzarella or parmesan)
A bit of Burrata…even better!
Drizzle with olive oil & a bit of balsamic and spices to taste.
Put back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Take it out. Cut into squares. Serve.
Tip: Of course you can vary the toppings to suit your taste! Spinach + Feta? If you’re a meat lover add pepperoni, etc. You can have fun with this. There are so many variations.
Soooo good!
THIS is gonna be good!
See Margot Robbie (she was so amazing in I, Tonya) as Sharon Tate in Quentin Tarantino’s new film.
Information taken from dazeddigital.com
Quentin Tarantino’s next movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, will chronicle late 60s Los Angeles, following a struggling actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) as they chase fame. The murder of Sharon Tate, Valley of the Dolls actress, model, and wife of director Roman Polanski, plays a major part in the film’s narrative.
Margot Robbie plays the late Sharon Tate, whose death at the hands of cult leader Charles Manson’s followers in 1969 shocked Hollywood and the world. The I, Tonya actor has now shared a first look at her character on set. She has long blonde hair worn in a similar style to Tate, with a black turtleneck, white miniskirt, and white go-go boots.
Tate – who was heavily pregnant – was murdered along with four others in the home she shared with Polanski, when four members of the infamous Manson family invaded. Manson demanded the attack after record producer Terry Melcher – who previously rented the house Tate was residing in – snubbed him over a recording contract.
Robbie previously told Indiewire that Tarantino was one of her “bucket-list directors”, and that “as long as I can remember, I’ve been a huge Tarantino fan.”
Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt shared an image of themselves in costume in set back in June. Tate reportedly appears as a neighbor. The cast also includes Burt Reynolds, Dakota Fanning, and Luke Perry among others.
The film is Tarantino’s ninth film, and his first since the Oscar-winning The Hateful Eight in 2015. The director has previously discussed retiring after his tenth feature film.
The movie is scheduled for release before the end of July, 2019 by Sony Pictures. The film was originally scheduled for release on August 9 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Tate–LaBianca murders.
This is a film worth waiting for. An incredible director with equally incredible actors.
Basic all around FUN with this Girl Gang over the past few days. Not sure where to start so….since pictures tell a story…
And it’s only FRIDAY!
Happy weekend everyone.
It’s been a month since I’ve received the Spring Box and I can’t believe that I haven’t shared what’s inside. Until now…
Thoughtfully choosing versatile, well-made pieces is the key to building a timeless closet. These photos and main descriptions are taken from Rachel Zoe’s Website. I find everything to be thoughtfully curated. Pieces to mix and match with what you already have. To order see below.
Tribe Alive Leather Clutch
Classic items like the leather clutch is an exclusive size available to Box of Style members. Just big enough to hold every day essentials like a wallet, keys, cell phone and lipstick (that’s an essential right?). I stow it inside a larger bag and simply take it out to use alone when need be like going out for dinner. A versatile hue, like the black of this clutch, pairs perfectly with all manner of ensembles.
Chan Luu Silk Scarf
Another essential is a silk scarf. Even though I own a numerous amount of silk scarves you can’t really have too many. Right?? Plus they’re so easy to store and tie in a multitude of ways. The Chan Luu silk scarf shown is available in 2 exclusive Rachel Zoe Collection prints: cactus flower or leopard. It was a toss up but I went with the leopard. This coming from the woman who wears scarves meant for her dogs (I know; it’s a problem).
Michelle Campbell Gold Talon Bracelet set
Edible Beauty Gold Rush Eye Balm
Skin Gym Gua Sha…..are you ready?
You heard it here first, gua shas are the new jade rollers. This rose quartz massage tool helps to drain toxins from the face by increasing circulation and decreasing puffiness. Great for long flights and mid-day pick me ups but with regular use as a part of your daily regime, you’ll see the best results.
Açaí (pronounced Ahh…Sigh….E) is like a slightly thicker smoothie in a bowl which you eat instead of drink.
I only recently jumped onto the Acai bowl bandwagon. After sampling a few delicious but costly breakfast bowls I decided to make my own.
I’m sure you’ve seen Acai pop up places here and there and maybe wondered what this mysterious name is all about. Actually it has been around forever. When I lived in Brazil I was lucky to find out about super fruits such as this along with Guarana and Acerola which were foreign to me at the time. It just took longer for a lot of North Americans to find out.
Açaí is a palm tree from South American that produces these small edible blackish-purple berries which are loaded with antioxidants (similar to blueberries) with many potential health benefits. They also deliver good-for-you fats and fiber, making them an overall generally healthy food.
Because of global demand for the berries, the tree is now cultivated for this purpose. Unfortunately you won’t be able to find fresh berries. Quality products are shock frozen right after harvesting to preserve as many nutrients as possible. Also, you shouldn’t find any additives or sweeteners in it. I recently bought a bag of frozen unsweetened organic acai puree (four packets in one bag) at Trader Joes for less than $5. Apparently it’s easy to find them at your local health food store.
INGREDIENTS for one:
1 package (100g) unsweeteted Acai puree, frozen
1/2 cup of your favorite granola or muesli (with nuts, raisins and seeds)
½ banana
1 cup mixed fresh fruit
1/2 cup goat milk *kefir (or yogurt)
½ cup coconut milk (optional)
1 tablespoon honey
Sprinkling of cinnamon (I also added some roasted cocoa nibs and extra unsweetened coconut chips).
Take the packet of frozen Acai and run it under warm water for a few minutes, then break it up into a bowl. Or if you have a blender like a Vitamix you can put it directly into that either alone or with some coconut water or milk, then stir and put into your bowl.
Then add granola, fruit and toppings. That’s it!
You can thank me later
*Kefir is a fermented milk drink similar in look and taste to a thin yogurt that is made with a yeast and bacterial fermentation starter of kefir grains. The drink originated in Eastern Europe and Russia. Goat Kefir is supposed to be easier on digestion.
I’ve been using Kefir instead of yogurt in smoothies for over a year now.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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