Author: Debbie King

A blog about LIFE and STYLE
Food + Drink, Girl Who Would be King

Grill Talk: lime-marinated Mahi Mahi

Surprise, surprise…who knew?  It’s actually quite easy to barbeque.

Everyone except me it seems. But honestly confession….I recently barbequed for the very first time. For someone who has always enjoyed cooking in all its various forms, I’ve never had the desire to barbeque until now, even though I find many things taste better when on the grill – even vegetables. For no reason I can think of,  I’ve always left it up to others, specifically my husband to do the honors.  But now that I’m on my own and in the company of more than one barbeque I thought it was time to give it a go.  Because I’m doing some things I’ve never done before how daring of me. So once I fired it up; mystery solved! This is my third time grilling in the past two weeks, and each time dinner was surprisingly delicious.  And simple.  And quick.

My first attempt was Wild Alaskan Salmon coated with mayo, grainy mustard & spices.  Then it was a boneless rib-eye steak and now:

Lime-Marinated Mahi Mahi

Hawaii Mahimahi is an excellent source of healthy, extra lean protein. It is also low in saturated fat and low in sodium. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium. It (like most fish) should not be over cooked and flakes easily when done properly.  It’s also very meaty, almost steak-like in texture.  So if you want to re-create a tropical flavor this recipe will do so.  Enjoy.

Directions

  1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
  2. Whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, lime juice, and grated lime zest together in a bowl to make the marinade.
  3. Place the mahi mahi fillets in the marinade and turn to coat; allow to marinate at least 15 minutes.
  4. Cook on the preheated grill until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  5. Garnish with twists of lime zest to serve (optional).

What is your favorite thing to grill?

 

  

 

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

Beauty: DIY Rose Water Toner/Spritz 

There are some beauty products that are worth splurging on, and then there are those you can make yourself – which are as good or better than anything you can buy. 

Take rose water for example.  It’s super easy to make and has a host of healing benefits.  But the smell alone like a walk through a rose garden, is heavenly enough to perk you up.  Applied to your face after cleansing with a cotton ball and/or spritzed lightly before applying cream will freshen you up and prepare your skin to absorb the moisture.

As a skin soother, rosewater is an all-in-one solution. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce excessive skin redness, whether from broken capillaries or general skin blotchiness. It also has hydrating properties that help to soothe dry, irritated skin, and is used as a cooling treatment for sunburns.

Rosewater has mild astringent qualities, making it a good choice to remove excess skin oil and tone pores. You can even use it as a cleanser itself to remove excess dirt and oil, thus keeping pores unclogged.

Many beauty companies have Rose Water as part of their beauty product line such as “fresh”

To make rose water you need just two cups of distilled water (you can also use Spring), and clean rose petals.  I used beautiful red rainforest petals.  I added a teaspoon of vodka, which acts as a preservative but you don’t have to.  It can be alcohol-free but it may not last as long.  And of course vodka on it’s very own or with a few olives is a necessary beauty pick-me-up (for another post).  Kidding! sort-of

Simmer all the ingredients on low  for about 30 minutes. Let it cool before straining into bottles.  I keep a larger glass bottle in the fridge and refill a smaller one.  That’s it.  I compared mine to one from another leading brand and am happy to say that mine compared just as well…maybe more so (but of course I’m biased).

Have you tried making your own?

 

 

 

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: Bodysuit Revival

Bodysuits are Back in a Big way.

Actress Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched) – taken in London, England 1964

Some of them even have no back.  But no matter how they come, there’s a lot to be said about a perfect bodysuit.  I used to wear them a lot.  And then I didn’t.  Mostly because they fell out of fashion with the lowrise pant phase and it was hard to find a good one except for Wolford, who always carried them.

They’re the ideal layering piece.  And as you can see, they’ve been around for a long while.

Wolford Berlin Stretch Jersey Bodysuit -$240

 This bodysuit by Wolford means investing in the best. While a bit of a splurge, it’s the ultimate foundation piece when going for a seamless look.

Privacy Please Bara Bodysuit ($88) – you’ll get so much wear out of this simple bodysuit all year long.

Not only do they stay in place when tucked into high-waisted pants and skirts, but they’re also thin enough that they don’t add any unnecessary bulk. Under pretty blouses, the extra layer will keep you warm.  You can also leave a few extra buttons undone.

And you want one with No VPL.  That’s important.

BCBG – Floral Lace Bodysuit

BCBG’s Cato Floral Lace Bodysuit is a sleek lingerie-inspired bodysuit with intricate vintage details, and it shows the perfect flash of skin. The slimming striped mesh and plunging floral-lace neckline accented with scalloped trim accentuates your waist, while its chic long sleeves keep you cozy. Best of all, the bodysuit’s thong design is perfect for smooth layering (read: no unflattering VPL).

Madewell Lennon Striped Jersey Bodysuit -$45

Madewell: This bodysuit version stays sleek under high-waisted jeans and you don’t have to worry about your T-shirt looking sloppy. Bonus: It also won’t ever ride up!

Good thing I never got rid of a few of mine – what goes around comes around!

How about you?  Are you a fan or not?

 

 

Food + Drink, Girl Who Would be King

Stylish Food – Gucci’s Haute New Restaurant

 When I think dream of Gucci, what usually comes to mind is:

 

 

 

 

 

Instead of THIS:

But when in Rome Florence you can now dine out Gucci-style.  It appears that the latest trend is mixing famous high-end fashion houses with cuisine.

The Italian fashion house has opened a 50-seat restaurant, Gucci Osteria, in Florence where three-Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura will serve up high-end dishes.

The Gucci restaurant is sited behind the walls of the 14th century Palazzo della Mercanzia building, overlooking the city’s most famous square, Piazza della Signoria. Visitors can treat themselves to the likes of Parmigiano Reggiano tortellini, Peruvian-inspired tostadas, pork belly buns and mushroom risotto for €20 to €30 euros per dish.

Few strategies come without an element of risk, however.

*Bernstein analyst Mario Ortelli said that if luxury companies did not provide a gastronomic experience that matched their other goods, it could dilute their brands. “The experience has to be luxurious and recognizable,” he said.  At least fashionably plated right?

“Food is luxury as much as fashion,” said Stefano Cantino, strategic marketing director at Prada, which owns exclusive Milan patisserie Marchesi.

“Barriers have been broken.”

The Gucci Osteria restaurant is part of “Gucci Garden,” which includes an exhibition area, a bazaar-like boutique and a cinema room. “Haute couture and haute cuisine are a recipe made in heaven,” chef Bottura told reporters.

So if you can’t have that special Gucci bag or pair of loafers you can always get a loaf of Gucci bread.   But to do so, you still have to get to Florence.

btw, just because you asked….this is my new favorite neutral:

Source: businessoffashion.com

*Bernstein is widely recognized as Wall Street’s premier sell-side research and brokerage firm, with a global equity trading platform that spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

 

 

Girl Who Would be King

Monday Mood Board #15

secret supper club – birthday surprise

Lisa + Debbie

It was that time again. My sister flew to Palm Springs for my birthday which was on the 19th.  We had the pleasure of meeting a very talented entertainer at a local nightspot  who told us about this secret supper club.  Of course we were intrigued.

The idea being slightly ‘”diner en blanc like” but only in the fashion that it’s in a location that you only find out about hours before you go.  Although they told us the location was close enough to where we were staying.  All we knew was the price, which included a gourmet four-course dinner and that there would be fabulous entertainment, and a theme.  And that it would be special. And maybe somewhat campy, but definitely one-off.

 

 

 

 

A secret location behind a secret door which was RED.  We went to Rouge.

PS UNDERGROUND IS A SECRET MEMBER’S ONLY SUPPER CLUB!!!

It’s for Foodies. Cocktail menu was great too. Sometimes they venture out to warehouses, galleries, shuttered restaurants, private estates or just about anywhere they can set up tables.  It’s part of the mystique.  Each underground event is unique unto itself. The menu for each event is as much of a surprise as the location.  It is always evolving and changing based on the season and products available.  One thing for sure – it is top-notch! 

It was an exceptionally fun evening.

Wanted to share a few pics – but we had to keep a few of them private. Although we had to tell you about 

 Because we I can’t keep a secret!
Art & Culture

Modern Lifestyle: For the love of Architecture

I wanted to prove that I, as an individual, deserved a place in the world – Paul Revere Williams.

Focus on Palm Springs Modernism and Preserving the Legacy of Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980): Architect to the Stars…and Everyone Else.

Residence in Hollywood, Calif., designed in 1928 by Paul R Williams for banking executive Victor Rosetti.

“Expensive homes are my business and social housing is my hobby,” Williams once said.

Paul Williams added the Crescent Wing to the Beverly Hills Hotel

One of my favorite months to be in Palm Springs is February, if only for the numerous events surrounding Modernism Week.  A feast for the senses; especially the eyes.

The mission of Modernism Week is to celebrate and foster appreciation of midcentury architecture and design, as well as contemporary thinking in these fields, by encouraging education, preservation and sustainable modern living as represented in the greater Palm Springs area.  But you don’t have to be here to appreciate it.  But if you are here, you’ll certainly enjoy it!

Paul Revere Williams Wins 2017 AIA Gold Medal, LAX Theme Building, 1961
Paul Revere Williams

The Man:

“California represented an acceptance of both Williams, as an African-American and his work. Maybe Southern California was the only place he could have achieved all this.” -Robert Timme, dean of the USC School of Architecture 

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz tapped Williams in 1954 to design their Palm Springs residence.  The Ball Arnaz home is an excellent example of his uncanny ability to transform a client’s dreams into substance.

Frank Sinatra also hired the architect to build a house. Williams recalled the experience designing for the crooner as particularly challenging.

“Frank Sinatra wanted a bedroom; press a button and the doors open to the patio. Press another button and the bed rolls out into the patio.”  Ahhhh….. if you can, why not?

In a nutshell….

Paul Revere Williams is an important part of Southern California’s architectural legacy. He’s well known for his sumptuous residential designs for movie stars, entertainment and business leaders, mastering a range of styles from Southern Colonial to Spanish Colonial, from Hollywood Regency to Modern. While residential design would remain an important part of his practice, in the course of his five-decade career, Williams designed thousands of buildings of all types, served on many municipal, state and federal commissions, and was active in political and social organizations earning the admiration and respect of his peers.

Modernism Week – February 15-25, 2018.

http://www.modernismweek.com/

In addition, Modernism Week will feature two talks about Williams and his influence in midcentury modern architecture.

The world is a better place because of him.

 

 

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Style: a Peek Inside the Rachel Zoe Winter Box

Okay, I must say I’m getting quite used to receiving my seasonal box of goodies. After all, it is curated by one stylish team.  So for the past two years I feel it would not be a start to a new season without it.  So there!This time the box was waiting for me on my arrival to Palm Springs.  And as usual I already had a look ahead at what was in store.  Because as much as I love an element of surprise….I just can’t help myself. And it’s always fun to get a little spoiled.  So here’s what’s INSIDE THE WINTER BOX:

RACHEL ZOE FOR BOX OF STYLE CLUTCH (in black or white)

Designed exclusively for Box of Style, Rachel drew inspiration from her favorite periods in fashion – the deco elegance of the 20s and the effortless glamour of the 60s and 70s.  Retail value: $125

HOUSE OF HARLOW 1960 MESA EARRINGSRachel collaborated with her dear friend Nicole Richie on these stunning earrings exclusively for Box of Style. These statement-makers can work into any look for that extra dose of sparkle.  Retail value: $115

OSEA
ESSENTIAL HYDRATING OIL

Hydration is everything. Apply as your first step in the morning and your last step before bed. It’s also perfect to keep in your handbag as your on-the-go refresher. Retail value: $68

TARTE
SEX KITTEN LIQUID LINER

A sleek cat eye transcends both time and style. From black-tie glam to rock ’n’ roll flair, it’s the ultimate finishing touch.  Retail value: $20

FAUX FUR STOLE (as in Unreal)

Pair this luxe alternative to your winter scarf with anything from a cocktail dress to a cozy sweater to completely elevate your look.  Retail value: $85

SUGAR PAPER “THE AGENDA”

I always have an agenda. In today’s digital world, many people still prefer to write things down, Rachel included. She chose motivating words from extraordinary women who inspire her every day, in hopes they will motivate you in the new year. I’m motivated!  Retail value: $48

I think this is a really fun and worthwhile subscription.  For as little as $100 you receive over $400 of luxury fashion and beauty selected for you each season.

Here’s how to order:

http://boxofstyle.thezoereport.com/

Don’t forget to tell them I sent you.

 

 

 

 

 

Film Reviews

PSIFF: The Last Movie Star

The closing choice to end the Palm Springs International Film Festival was a movie about faded fame and growing old.It was also a movie about a small town film festival awarding a lifetime achievement award to an over-the-hill beloved ex movie star.

An overall great character study with an ageing Burt Reynolds in the starring role and a precociously under dressed, depressed, complex young woman perfectly played by Ariel Winter (Modern Family).  An almost unrecognizable Chevy Chase plays Sonny, friend to Vic Edwards (Reynolds character) who urges him to go to Knoxville, Tennessee to collect his award.

I loved this movie by Adam Rifkin (in attendance) who said that Burt Reynolds was his childhood idol.  He wrote the movie specifically for Burt and sent the script to his agent saying that if he decided not to do it, he would not make it period.  He got a call the very next day from Burt Reynolds.  Reynolds said that if the script was sent to him ten years ago the answer would be “no” but at this stage in his life he was ready.  I loved that he spliced film clips from Reynolds old movies like Deliverance & Smoky and the Bandit alongside what he looks like now.  It’s quite bittersweet to witness the differences between now and then.

And it’s a movie that makes you think about life in general.  Not just that of an ex-famous movie star.  It has all the necessary elements for audience appeal.  Humor, feel-good, sadness, regret, choices.  Some of the scenes brought tears to my eyes.  It was completely human and utterly charming.

What woman did not fall for the charms of Burt Reynolds in his glory days?  What a hunk he was with personality to top it all off.  Handsome, funny, talented with substance.  I mean just look at the women he used to date from Sally Field (the one who got away) to Dinah Shore.  How time flies.

I found this film to be a refreshing and honest look at life.  I highly recommend seeing it when it comes to a theatre near you sometime this year.  Especially if you like (or used to like) Burt Reynolds.

Then. It was a centrefold from Cosmopolitan Magazine. Yes, I had it!

Tomorrow: Best of Fest.  If you’re in the Palm Springs area you will want to check this out:  https://www.psfilmfest.org/2018-ps-film-festival/films/best-of-the-fest

Film Reviews

Documentary: Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood

As you may know I’m in Palm Springs where the International Film Festival (PSIFF) is still in full swing until it ends on the 15th.

Scotty Bower then

As you may also know I very unfortunately had to miss a whole bunch of great story telling due to some kind of awful virus I picked up.  So for my second movie only since arriving here on December 31st, just beginning to feel myself again, I chose a documentary. Documentaries are some of my favorite story telling because of the truth involved.

Also, this one was directed by Matt Tyrnauer who directed the phenomenal documentary feature Valentino: The Last Emperor (2009), which was short listed for an Oscar Nomination in 2010.  He’s also a special correspondent for Vanity Fair Magazine.  He was in attendance as was his subject, Scotty Bowers, a now 94 year old man with a carefree attitude and great smile.  And one amazing story.  Oh do tell…

Scotty and the Gang

After returning from Marine Corps combat during World War II, this handsome young man arrived in Los Angeles and started pumping gas and pimping (for lack of a better word although he’d prefer to say he ran an introduction service) at 5777 Hollywood Blvd. The gas station is no longer, but the memories are.

As Bowers tells it, an overture from a seemingly unlikely customer, the tweedy gentlemanly actor Walter Pidgeon, led to Hollywood connections with some of the biggest names at the time.  Names I won’t repeat here (you’ll have to see it yourself). Scotty got some of his pals into the act and pretty soon the Richfield station was flooded with customers looking for a quick trick.  The town pump.

Well this is old Hollywood news, is it not? I mean Hollywood has a history and we’ve heard the stories before (yawn, yawn).  Well….not exactly…like this.  Trust me when I tell you there’ll  be some new and eye raising reveals.  Really!

And then you’ve got to ask yourself “why am I here?”  I mean in the sense of being in a sold-out audience room full of voyeurs like yourself finding out personal information on people you’ve only heard about going back years before your time.  With a little bit of embarrassment for being party to it.  But then relishing the wicked information told through Scotty’s adventures.

As the story delves into his tortured past we can’t help but wonder if Scotty was making his own escape from reality.

The story is told extremely well, it flowed perfectly with just the right amount of interviews, humor involved and naughty intrigue.  A perfect afternoon escape with a man who makes no apologies for his choices – having been the discreet pleasure pleaser of the past to both sexes. Until aids came around to claim the life of Rock Hudson and he decided to shut it down.  As he put it “I enjoyed helping others.”

Scotty and his wife Lois Now

And in the manufactured Hollywood of yesteryear there was definitely a time and place for Scotty’s services and that of his posse.  Full Service indeed and Full Steam Ahead!

For tickets (while available):

https://www.psfilmfest.org/2018-ps-film-festival