Feel-good Friday: Change

Welcome September!

september2“The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everybody that summertime cannot last for ever. Even on the most beautiful days in the whole year – the days when summer is changing into autumn – the crickets spread the rumor of sadness and change.”
―E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web  (As a child adult I loved the book & animated movie).   I am proud to say I’ve never killed a spider.

Doesn’t it feel different already?  We’re in that in between stage – not quite summer (even though it is officially still summer) but not quite fall.   Temperature is a bit cooler and it gets darker earlier.  Just giving us a little glimpse of what to Fall for.  I actually don’t mind it as much as I thought.  I’m all for a little change as long as it’s not too too sudden or disturbing.  I’m trying to embrace change.  Not crazy life changing change….just little changes here and there that are healthy and positive.

What I’m Falling For this Year:
september4

For starters exercise and diet – and it’s not even New Year’s Eve!  I’m starting early.  That’s not to say I don’t look after myself  by getting proper exercise (I do) and eating as well as I can but I’m making an effort to do it better and more effectively.  I’m kick starting this because I’m of no use to the important people in my life or anyone else if I’m not in top notch health myself.

I believe in looking after yourself as best you can and keeping your house in order.  Otherwise things can get out of control.

I’m exploring some alternative methods of relaxation like meditation to help improve sleep and anxiety.  I’m looking into acupuncture….just because I believe it can help with a multitude of symptoms.  Not just for myself.

Getting back to reading.  By that I mean….books.  I have too many gathering dust up on the shelf.

Getting rid of excess.  Going through clothing and other items that I no longer have use for.  A few of these are bigger ticket items like condos & cars (possibly).

Dancing for exercise, enjoyment, expression, social and fun.

Language for communication & the mind (it is said to help prevent alzheimers).

Philanthropy because it feels good to help those more “in need”.

I’m researching some things on my own.  I will look forward to sharing them with you in the upcoming months.  I hope to bring more inspiring posts to this page over time.  That is the main purpose of having this blog.  By keeping track of things that inspire, make a difference and improve life mixed in with the usual fashion and fun.

Style is always inspiringseptember1

Only make sure they’re GOOD surprises!

 

Feel-good Friday: FUN

Highlight of my week in photos:

Starting with…forblog24

On the ferry ride over to Victoria we were lucky and so delighted to spot from a distance a pod of Orcas – not once, but twice!

Church + State Vineyards
Church + State Vineyards

We were joined by others for tastings and a great outdoor lunch with a view at Church & State Wines:1445 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC.  Then off to…

De Vine Vineyards6181B Old West Saanich Rd, Saanichton, BC.

Simply Devine
Simply De vine
Sitting on the grass outside
On the grass outside winery wearing my gingham picnic shoes.  Aren’t they cute.. or at least quaint?

forblog5

A frog hopped on my skirt, looked me in the eye and asked for a kiss.  I’m sorry little froggy but I already have my prince.  You’ll have to jump on someone else.forblog6

We went via private boat to stay at this Rustic  Oceanfront Cottage on a remote Gulf Island.forblog27

Cruising by Moonlight (this photo does not compare to how gorgeous it actually was). The night before the moon was red & I could not capture its incredible brilliance.forblog7

I heard scratching at the door around midnight.  Turns out it was the next door neighbour.  He was cute so I let him in and he made himself at home…right next to me in bed.forblog15

I woke up to this.  Unfortunately my little friend went home shortly after sunrise.  Guess he just wanted a warm body to curl up with.forblog12

Everyone seems to enjoy themselves when they have the freedom to do exactly as they please…..or just enjoy the peace and quiet.forblog13

And nature on the island.  Looking towards the beach with 4 deer and 2 fawns.

forblog8

This is grocery shopping island style at the local Sunday market.  The honour system is alive and well and besides everyone knows where you live.forblog16

But I picked these myself –  literally from several different trees.forblog19Then it was off camping in an even more rustic fashion.  I can’t pretend it was glamping.  At least by gorgeous waterfalls and lots of hiking trails.  No time to makeup.
forblog28We bathed in this calm crystal clear river.

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More island shopping at Coombs Old Country Market (they have everything you can imagine) even goats up on the roof.forblog18

This one is saying “p…. off”forblog23Then a visit with my one & only sis on return with me sitting and her lying down on her lovely deck with a fluffy friend named Rufus – a lambadoodle.forblog22

She gifted me with tickets to Gwen Stefani last night at Rogers Arena.  My friend and I & millions of millennials among us really enjoyed the energy in that stadium.  Gwen is not even real – at 46 she rocks in every single capacity!  My friend asked “where have we gone wrong?

The week is still going strong!

Photos: d. king

 

Think: mean girls grow up to be mean women

It has to start somewhere……meangirls4

This might be a little off my regular subject matter but it has a lot to do with life and how women treat and regard one another.  I’m questioning why some women are intentionally not supportive of other women, why some will go behind your back, deliberately try to make you look bad and play one against the other in a sneaky manner.  And think they can get away with it.  It’s so high school!  Speaking of which…meangirls1And you have to wonder where it all comes from. Why do some women purposely work against you instead of with you? Why are women so competitive?  Maybe the same way men are?  It’s a competitive world no doubt.  But you don’t have to be nasty about it.

I don’t relate to this type of negative behaviour but I’m willing to bet most women reading this have experienced some type of purposeful hurt caused by another woman with the main intent to make you look less than, embarrass you or try to one-up you.  Yeah, you know what I’m talking about right?  It’s not a feel-good feeling.  Here is a recent example of an unpleasant experience of mine:

A woman I know but who is not a close friend  (even though it seemed like she wanted my friendship) was starting to call me on a regular basis to complain about another woman we know who did not treat her in a very respectful manner.  I listened to her and it seemed that she was being treated unfairly by adult bullying (sadly, there is such a thing). I offered my opinion in that I suggested that she not come down to the mean womans level. It felt uncomfortable but I thought she was a little shy at standing up for herself so tried to help as best I could.  Well….

In a strange twist of events the next time I saw these two women together they appeared buddy buddy and the woman who was calling me to complain ended up turning around in front of the one who bullied her and ended up acting just like her.  She behaved in the exact manner which bothered her – she put me down right in front of this other woman. This happened shortly after I listened to all her complaining and offered the best advice I knew.  And it was so unnecessary and immature of her to do so.

Did she perhaps think that by acting this way she would gain some respect?  Who knows?  I stepped away from the matter a little befuddled.  But…at the same time knowing who not to trust.  And…

This is all to say…..what gives girls?meangirls7

Let’s rethink how we want to be regarded.  Stop playing silly games.  Your boyfriend, husband, friend, whoever will eventually get to know the real you.  It may take a while but believe me…mean girls who turn into mean women never end up winning in the end.

End of story

Respect Ladies!meangirls5

Thoughts?

 

 

 

 

 

Style: girls in cocktail dresses

FEMININE ALLURE

Chanel cocktail dress, Vogue May 1926
Chanel cocktail dress, Vogue May 1926

While researching womens elegant evening wear from the 1920’s I came across these glam photos and wanted to share them.  I love this era which embodied elegance, decadence and fabulousness.

Marlene Dietrich, 1932
Marlene Dietrich
Silent film actress Thalia Barbarova, c. 1920s.
Silent film actress Thalia Barbarova
I don't know but I love the look
I don’t know who this is but I love the look
Three Model 1926. Photograph by Edward Steichen for Vogue. From left to right: Alden Gay wearing a black and white chiffon dress by Madame Frances and a wide-brimmed hat; Marion Morehouse, wearing a light-colored chiffon dress by Jay-Thorpe, with a wide-brimmed hat; Miss Collier, holding a parasol, and wearing a printed chiffon and lace dress with a Tuscan straw hat.
Three Models 1926. Photograph by Edward Steichen for Vogue. From left to right: Alden Gay wearing a black and white chiffon dress by Madame Frances and a wide-brimmed hat; Marion Morehouse, wearing a light-colored chiffon dress by Jay-Thorpe, with a wide-brimmed hat; Miss Collier, holding a parasol, and wearing a printed chiffon and lace dress with a Tuscan straw hat.
Myrna Loy, c. 1920s. (with pearls down the back)
Myrna Loy

Because let’s face it…one can never have too many cocktails cocktail dresses.

See you back here very soon!

Destination: RIO

Rio has one of the most spectacular settings of any city I’ve ever been to.rio1No matter which direction you turn it has the most magnificent scenery.  Dramatic and breath taking. It’s a city famous for its beaches but there is also plenty of culture, great food and of course year round mild temperatures.  The people are vibrant.

I was lucky to have had the opportunity to visit on several occasions while living in São Paulo.  The flight is less than an hour and it made a perfect getaway.

At the time I didn’t have Instagram on my phone so when I saw these photos published in Allure Magazine (a popular womens beauty magazine to do mostly with makeup & skincare) I found them well…alluring to say the least.

With the Olympics starting this Friday in Rio and a friend who has just left to volunteer I thought it would be perfect timing to share Instagram photos and a couple of my own of this fabulous city.

 Pão de Açúcar
Pão de Açúcar

1. Pão de Açúcar

Sugarloaf Mountain, as it’s known in English, gets its name from its shape and is one of the most iconic stops in Rio. You can start your day by taking the cable car up to the top of the rounded peak. But don’t wait until you get to the top to take out your camera—the panoramic views from the car are just as impressive (and Insta-worthy!). People have been enjoying this breathtaking ride since the bubble-shaped cable car opened in 1912—it was even featured in the 1979 James Bond film Moonraker.

Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer

2. Christ the Redeemer

This landmark is one of the most recognizable symbols of Rio. Standing 125 feet tall, it’s practically impossible to miss. The sculpture is located atop Corcovado Mountain, and it’s listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This is definitely a place where playing with a camera drone pays off, allowing you to capture both the sculpture and the city at its feet. A view like this can definitely leave you feeling #blessed.

One of my photos taken from a helicopter ride
One of my photos taken from a helicopter ride
 Ipanema Beach
Ipanema Beach

3. Ipanema Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing on the steamy shore of Ipanema Beach. This world-famous beach is located in one of the most affluent neighborhoods of Rio. Pack a big sun hat and a teeny bikini and get ready to sip coconut water while the hustle and bustle of the city melts into sea foam. All you have to do is wait for sunset’s magical light to capture the shadows of sunbathers and the mountains in the back.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

4. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

The Rio Botanical Garden is a tropical jungle you can get lost in and still easily find your way back to the city. The beautiful greenhouse, many gazebos, and flowing fountains are complemented by the lush nature that surrounds them. Find your way to the Avenue of Royal Palms located within the garden. This long road flanked by enormous palm trees makes it easy to spend hours taking amazing photos.

 Mirante Dona Marta
Mirante Dona Marta

5. Mirante Dona Marta

Who doesn’t love a good panoramic view? Located inside the Tijuca Forest, this lookout offers one of the most all-encompassing views of Rio de Janeiro, covering everything from Christ the Redeemer to Sugarloaf Mountain and the city in between. If sunset photos of this amazing skyline leave you wanting more, the observation deck also functions as a helipad, from which you can take thrilling helicopter tours of the city. Be sure to carry an extra set of memory cards for your camera just in case.

my photo
my photo looking towards Ipanema

Of course the city has its well documented down side with poverty and corruption which should not be forgotten amid the natural beauty and the thrill of the games.

Leave you wanting more?

Source: Julie Cid for Allure.com

Feel-good Friday: YES way Rosé

Hot days call for cool drinks.  Iced tea, Lemonade, and Rosé come to mind.

Photo: Courtesy of Sugarfina / Whispering Angel  
Photo: Courtesy of Sugarfina / Whispering Angel

I must admit I’m really not a rosé wine lover preferring instead a nice white like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for patio pre-dinner sipping.  But then I came across this intriguing combo.  At first I thought Whaaaat this is nuts!  But then again it might be the perfect summer pairing.

Everyone’s clamoring to get their hands on Sugarfina’s new Whispering Angel Rosé–infused gummy bears. Someone was on to something.  So if you love gummy bears (as I do, being somewhat of a connoisseur preferring chocolate covered gummies) and you also love rosé then incorporating the two into one recipe might be the answer to your summer confectionary dreams.

From Vogue:

The luxury candy company put the latest batch of pretty, pink-hued gummies, aptly named the Yes Way Rosé collection, on presale on its site on July 11. Though they’re not set to arrive until August, the gummies (which are imported from Germany) currently have a whopping waitlist of over 12,000 people! Yes way, that many people not only want to drink their rosé, but eat it too.

In case you can’t wait until August, there are a few alternatives. If you’re feeling lucky, you could try to win a box or two through the @sugarfina Instagram giveaway contests. A more realistic option, however, is to go for Sugarfina’s Champagne Bears made with Dom Pérignon brut and rosé. They’re just as cute (made in delicate pale pink and white versions) and delicious, and you still get the rosé-infused effect, but you don’t have to deal with a wait time.

If you’re ordering these gummies hoping to get a buzz, however, you’re going to have to get a bit more crafty—the alcohol has been cooked out. A quick and very easy way to make your own is to buy regular gummy bears from your local grocery store and a bottle of rosé (it doesn’t need to be expensive, a $10 Provence style will do just fine). Put the package of gummies in a bowl and just pour the wine on top—just enough to coat the gummies but not completely drench them. Let them soak overnight and they’re ready to go in the morning. Tip: If you keep them in the fridge, the gummies maintain their original texture and consistency better than if they’re left at room temperature.gummyrose2

Feeling slightly more ambitious? Make your own rosé gummies from scratch with this recipe below. It’s much easier than you would ever imagine—they take about 10 minutes to create. Again, no need for expensive wine, just go with an affordable rosé you normally like to drink. Order gummy bear molds on Amazon, or Sur Le Table’s rose chocolate mold, which is perfect for making them extra pretty, like the flower-shaped ones that Sugarfina does. You’ll also need a thermometer (if you want to keep the alcohol from burning off, make sure the temperature stays at around 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and doesn’t go above 159 degrees), gelatin, some sort of sweetener (either honey or maple syrup, or go with granulated sugar), and pink food coloring if you want to boost the color up a bit. Once the mixture is done and in the molds, refrigerate them for at least two hours or until they’re firm. Voilà. They have a slightly different texture and flavor than the actual rosé gummies—a little softer and less sweet—but they certainly make for a fun way to impress dinner party guests.

Rosé Gummies
1 cup rosé
5 T powdered gelatin
One half cup of granulated sugar, or 2 to 4 T maple syrup or honey

Cook the rosé in a small saucepan on low heat. Slowly, add the gelatin, one tablespoon at a time, into the mixture. Once the gelatin has dissolved, add sweetener to your liking (taste the mixture and add accordingly) and pour it in the molds. Allow it to set for at least two hours or more. Keep in mind, these need to stay refrigerated.

Source: Kristin Tice Studeman

 

Style: SHARP Men

Other than GQ magazine, where do men go to get ideas about

S T Y L E

sharp5
sharp6And how to look more, uh, Sharp?

They can try SHARP  which is a Canadian Toronto based magazine published eight times a year. Six regular issues and two “SHARP: The Book for Men” special editions targeting premium and luxury consumers.
Touted as the essential reference for the modern man.  Basically the issues feature the absolute best in not only fashion but travel, drinks, timepieces and automotive.  Man Made!

sharp4Apparently the launch party for the S/S 2016  book in Toronto was fabulous. There aren’t many fashionable events dedicated solely to men, so when one comes around it’s a big deal.

What better way to celebrate men at their best than with a party featuring a Breitling Fighter Jet Simulator, interactive Harley-Davidson display, and rare scotch tasting by Balvenie? They also had live cigar rolling and custom shoe painting. Automotive sponsor Jaguar was also on-hand with their latest models: the F-PACE SUV, the XF luxury sedan, and the XE sport sedan.  sharp1sharp2

And where was I?? Elsewhere… but I will try to make the next one. I mean…hello world?

To order a free trial issue:

http://contempomedia.ca/sharp/offers/handbook/?kcod=NW16DGADsharp3

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