Monday Mood: Running Wild

Wild Wild Horses

These ethereal images of horses running amok are from an annual wild horse event in Duelmen, Germany.

REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler
In this May 26, 2018 photo, young men separate the young stallions from one of Europe’s last herds of wild horses. About 400 native breed horses are left to find food and shelter and must cope with illness and death. Only once a year they have direct contact with humans when the young stallions are caught from the flock, that was first mentioned in chronicles 700 years ago. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Isn’t it a sight?

REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

I herd about this beautiful show and found it hauntingly intriguing.  It would make a gorgeous painting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty: Alert Eye Cream from Israel

Inspired by nature; anything that incorporates that into my beauty routine which actually works, is a plus and makes me feel better.
Spotlight on Alert Eye Cream from Lavidobased in the heart of the Galilee.
I started using this product two months ago after reading up on it.  It had great reviews and I ran out of the eye cream I was using. This delicate, water-based eye cream was touted as a miracle-worker spiked with plant-based hyaluronic acid and a complex of antiaging natural oils to fight puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.  Also good under makeup.  I was sold and they in turn got another sale.
What it is: a lightweight hydrosol water-based cream, formulated with plant-based hyaluronic acid, cold-pressed avocado and pomegranate seed oils, rose hip and citrus extracts. Supposed to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and is clinically proven to show significant improvement in skin hydration, texture, firmness and elasticity. 
The beginning: Made in Israel by herbalist Ido Magal who established Lavido in 2003 in the Galilee Valley, inspired by childhood memories of tending her grandmother’s organic garden. A nice little story.

The Sea of Galilee has a reputation of mythic proportions. Since time immemorial, the Sea of Galilee has provided sustenance, fresh water, and a living for all the peoples that have settled in the area. Many are aware of its history, but far fewer know that the Sea of Galilee’s sweet waters and thermal hot springs, all fed by the Jordan and Yarmouk rivers, have been used since Roman times for their healing and recuperative powers.

Find out more at:  https://www.lavido.com

Trending now: Cotton Candy Clothing

Not only for little girls. Women are wearing pretty pastels on trend for Spring + Summer. They’re soft and feminine.  They look like…

violet #michaelkors pink #tomford pistachio #siesmarjan lemon sorbet #hermes

But that doesn’t mean giving up on brights and neutrals.  Of course not.  You can make room for a pleasing little pastel hit here and there and not feel like you’re going to an Easter parade.  Personally lilac is my favorite with soft yellow a close second.

But for ice cream in general I love a good pistachio.

image: society 19

If you want to just play try a pastel eyeshadow for starters.  Puts the fun in fashion.

Goes well with a tan.

What’s your favorite pastel?

 

 

Dishing: Cauliflower Rice

AHA…Another healthy alternative.  This one for rice.

I’m sure you’ve seen it on many a menu of late.  If you haven’t made it already I urge you to try it.  It’s simple and you can serve it up pretty much any way you would with regular rice.  Just add garnish.

Image: A Food Centric Life (with parmesan and herbs).

Among its advantages: It’s made from one of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables you can get, so it’s loaded with nutrients including fiber, vitamins C, K and B6, and potassium. Cauliflower has 25 calories per cup vs. 218 for a cup of cooked brown rice.

Directions:

  1. To make the cauliflower rice, break up the florets and pulse cauliflower in the bowl of a food processor until it resembles rice, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.
  2. One example: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and white pepper; set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium skillet over low heat.
  4. Add the cauliflower, and stir to combine. Stir frequently, until the cauliflower has softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.Spoon the cauliflower into a large serving bowl, pour sauce over top. Serve warm.

You can gently stir fry or sauté with it using in place of rice for paella or risotto or just mixed with other vegetables. Cauliflower is like a chameleon – it will change it’s flavour depending on how you use it.  It’s not as boring as it looks.

Top 8 Health Benefits of Cauliflower

  • Helps Reduce Cancer Risk.
  • Fights Inflammation.
  • Decreases Risk for Heart Disease and Brain Disorders.
  • Provides High Levels of Vitamins and Minerals (Especially Vitamin C and Vitamin K)
  • Improves Digestion and Detoxification.
  • Aids in Weight Loss.
  • Helps Balance Hormones.
  • Preserves Eye Health.

Have you tried it?

 

 

 

MONDAY Mood: Meghan Mania

 What the World needs NOW

I know I’ve posted the above quote before, but I love the image and the message is obvious.  And after watching the royal wedding in my p.j’s from the comfort of my sister’s sofa, it became so clear.  Meghan Markle now known as the duchess of Sussex is the role model referred to in the message.  She’s already begun to shake things up and put her markle on the world and is destined to make a difference.  You go girl!

Steve Parsons/AFP/Getty Images

There is no woman alive who does not live for a happy ending.

Here’s to Love & Modern Day Fairy Tales.

 

 

 

 

 

Feel-good Friday: California Coasting

Monterey + Carmel

When the desert got too hot to handle I decided to stay a few nights with friends who live along the coast.

Top L (product logo from my friends company Reforestation Technologies International – RTi. They did the logo then by chance came across the same vintage truck shown on the logo which was for sale and bought it.  Top R (view from Sakura Japanese Restaurant in Monterey) Bottom L (their beautiful dogs Beau & Chase).  We want to live Carefree; at least that’s the intent. 

It had been several years since I’d been to Monterey and Carmel but I remember liking it a lot. There’s not much not to like about it.  For starters it’s pretty picturesque especially if you take the famous 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach, one of the most scenic drives in the world.  You twine through the impressive Del Monte Forest and take in the hypnotic coastline and golf’s greatest landmarks.  Which leads me (and everyone else who does the windy drive) to the beach town called Carmel-by-the-Sea.  The name has a nice ring to it don’t you think?

Top L, middle, R and bottom L taken at historic Mission Ranch (currently owned by Clint Eastwood). I will blog about this separately because it’s so deserving.  I’m standing by the truck Clint Eastwood drove in the movie Bridges of Madison County. Bottom middle taken at Cypress Inn (garden restaurant) owned by Doris Day.  Bottom R – Carmel’s never ending white sandy beach.  Ahhhh…

Carmel is a fairytale.  It’s known for museums, art galleries, a library and little cottages strewn along cobblestone streets.   Unique local shops and restaurants complete this charming village built on the Monterey Peninsula.  A great plus is it’s also dog friendly, even on the beach.  Thank you Doris Day. She was responsible for making Carmel doggy heaven here on earth.  One more reason to want to move there.

Five Fun Facts about Carmel

Clint Eastwood was once the mayor but it has been more than 30 years and visitors continue to ask Is Clint Eastwood still the mayor?

 No chain restaurants.

Whaaat? With no fast food restaurants the city’s enchanting eateries and tasting rooms offer a full range of cuisine and wine tasting all within walking distance from the over 40 hotels and inns.

I love this one: No street addresses. Unwilling to see their village become citified, Carmel’s founding fathers rejected the practice house- to-house mail delivery in favor of a central post office. To this day, there are still no addresses, parking meters or street lights, and no sidewalks outside of Carmel’s downtown commercial area. Those seeking directions receive hints such as fifth house on the east side of Torres Street, green trim, driftwood fence or by the legendary names adorning most houses, such as Hansel or Sea Urchin. It is, by the way, bad luck to change the name on a Carmel cottage.  And why would you?  Afterall I want to be Carefree .

There used to be an unusual law of prohibiting selling and eating ice cream on public streets.  In 1986 Clint Eastwood and the new council elected along with him, overturned the ordinance and other similar laws that they considered to be too restrictive to businesses and visitors. Dirty Harry to the rescue!

This is the best:

You need a permit to wear high heels?

Though often mistakenly thought of as an urban myth, the municipal code of Carmel bans wearing shoes having heels more than 2 inches in height or with a base of less than one square inch unless the wearer has obtained a permit for them. While the local police do not cite those in violation of the ordinance, this seemingly peculiar law was authored by the city attorney in 1963 to defend the city from lawsuits resulting from wearers of high-heeled shoes tripping over irregular pavement distorted by tree roots. Permits are available without charge at City Hall.

Whew!  I was worried for a sec.  But for safety purposes I’ll definitely carry a measuring tape in my bag.

Images: d. king (except for the one I’m in – someone else took that).

 

 

Beauty: for the love of Coconuts

The Coconut Collection

Marc Jacobs Beauty

launched a series of products based on one of the most versatile fruits for skin, hair, and health.  Inspired by Jacobs’ love of coconut water and the glow of youthful-looking, radiant, well-hydrated skin.

Photo: Courtesy of Marc Jacobs Beauty

Four new products make up the limited-edition Coconut Fantasy Collection, and model Adwoa Aboah is the face of a beautiful new campaign shot by David Sims.

The coconut-themed collection includes old and new favorites, in sleek and Instagrammable white packaging with rose gold accents. The matte O!Mega Bronzer Coconut Perfect Tan compact is a giant bronzer, infused with a coconut scent. The Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eye Shadow Palette in Fantascene comes with seven cream, peach, coral, and warming copper and chocolate shades in matte, satin, and metallic finishes.

The collection is out now for a limited time, at Sephora, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.

Image: Marc Jacobs Website

taken from thecut.com

Dishing: Blackened Fish

Fresh & Flavorful

Photo: Taste of Home (this is blackened Halibut)

This is such a delicious way to serve up mildly flavoured quick-cooking fish like Tilapia, Perch, Cod or Red Snapper.  Perfect for rice bowls or tacos.

After making this you have options to serve the fish alongside fluffy rice & veggies or as the main ingredient for tacos.  Rockfish like Perch or Snapper is perfect for fish tacos. The fish will flake apart nicely so you can stuff your tacos with it along with fresh salsa (see my fire-roasted corn salsa recipe below) diced avocado, extra cilantro and fresh squeezed lime.

INGREDIENTS for 4 people

  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 4 fillets (4 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first eight ingredients. Add fillets, two at a time, and shake to coat.

In a large cast-iron skillet, cook fillets in butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Yield: 4 servings.

Originally published as Blackened Halibut in Simple & Delicious April/May 2012.

Photos: d. king  (Snapper for Two)

Fire Roasted Corn + Black Bean Salsa:

In a large bowl add chopped grape tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, black beans + fire roasted corn niblets (You can toast them over the stove to save time but it would be better grilled right from the husk.)  Toss with freshly squeezed lime juice + coarse salt. Add chopped avocado.  Little street tacos, rice on the side and you’re done.  It’s delicious.

 

 

Tacoachella

For the love of tacos, margaritas, friendship, parties with people you’ve never met and photography.  Not really in that order.  Before leaving Palm Springs my friend Tammy invited me to talented photographer Gary Dorothy’s amazing  garden + outdoor space to celebrate the sweet 16 year anniversary of his gorgeous gallery Imageville.  I admired a piece she and her husband David have of his in their home. It’s obvious that Gary also has a good eye for party detail. Complete with tended Margarita bar and a help yourself to tacos smorgasbord. And any Mexican-theme party would be totally incomplete without Bichon Frise piñatas right? Exactly. Simply divine!

Image: Gary Dorothy Photography

This from California’s Prestige Magazine Palm Springs Life:

You think you’ve seen our mountains, palm trees, architecture, and iconic places. Then you see Gary Dorothy’s photographs and realize you haven’t really seen them after all. The owner of Imageville — his gallery in downtown Palm Springs (La Plaza) has a curious eye that sees the desert from a different perspective.

Gary Dorothy Photography
I also wanted to include the Palm Springs Modern-style
home to convey what we who live here see in most neighborhoods, period pieces that reflect a simpler time long past but somehow preserved here in this unusual desert town. – Gary Dorothy
Couldn’t make up my mind

Check out the Website:  http://www.imageville.us/

Image of Gary Dorothy: Modtraveler.net