FUN – Page 59 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

personally speaking – Women need to HELP WOMEN in need

“CHANGE will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” ― Barack Obama

The Obama Administration said it over and over to the women of Afghanistan: “We will not abandon you. We will stand with you.”

Since the fall of the Taliban, women in Afghanistan are now starting to stand up for themselves by opening small businesses and rejoining the workforce. Three million girls are back in school and have taken their seats in universities. Things are slowly getting better but there is still plenty of room for improvement. More than half of school-age girls cannot access classrooms and only 20% of young women are literate.

Last week I attended a multimedia fundraising event called “Afghanistan Rising” presented by journalist Roberta Staley (who I met in our weekly Spanish speaking group) & Tallulah Photography. Roberta & Tallulah travelled to Kabul & surrounding areas to document the resurgence of education, gender equality, culture, fashion (see below – Zarif Designs) and civil society in Afghanistan. It was most interesting and educational for me (others attending agreed) to see the progress that has been made in the last decade and also how much is at stake. Most people are aware that when the Taliban were in power woman had virtually no rights. Any woman could be severally punished for as little as wearing the least amount of makeup or nail polish to even the sound of clicking heels. An affair would mean getting stoned to death. Of course education for women was forbidden. It is overwhelming what we take for granted here in North America – how lucky we are by comparison. I can’t imagine living life having to tread so lightly and being vigilant with every single move.

Tallulah Phography — Tallulah Photograph

They visited a beauty parlour where only the wives of Taliban members could previously go to get their hair & makeup done for weddings or in general. Even now, the only woman who would allow herself to be photographed was someone visiting from the U.K. who happened to be there to attend a wedding. No wonder they’re so careful. It takes time for the mindset to change after being suppressed for so long. Maybe we can do something to help make a positive change.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

The greatest investment that can be made in Afghanistan’s future is the investment in education, teacher training and through library and literacy programs.

“EDUCATION is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”― Nelson Mandela

The good news is that donations are providing funds to set up mini libraries and science labs and supporting literacy classes for small communities in Afghanistan. This is done by a joint initiative with a Foundation in the UK & Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WA) is a member-based, not-for-profit organization founded in 1996 with thirteen volunteer chapters across Canada. It is a non-religious, non-political, federally registered charity. The main goals are to advance education for Afghan women and their families and to educate Canadians about human rights in Afghanistan.

To find out more and/or sign up for their newsletters please visit www.CW4WAfghan.ca

“A teacher is a candle that burns to enlighten others” – Afghan Proverb

**Here is a recent International Feature for ELLE Canada on GENDER EQUALITY:
WRITING A NEW FUTURE – by Roberta Staley. Please click on link below to read:

http://robertastaley.ca/work/writing-new-future.html

Zarif Designs – Zolaykha Sherzad

Many brave women have entered civil society in Afghanistan as businesspersons, educators and politicians since the Taliban were routed from Kabul by NATO-led forces. Few, however, have done it more beautifully than Zolaykha Sherzad, the founder of Zarif Designs in Kabul. (Zarif means ‘precious in the Dari language.)

Sherzad has collected fabrics and bought traditional pieces of clothing from the marketplace for her designs. “I re-cut, reshaped and recreated 20 pieces for a pilot fashion show,” says the slight, dark-haired 44-year-old. The positive response to that initial fashion show led to the creation of Zarif Designs in 2005. Soon, Sherzad’s clothes were soon being sold internationally at agnès b. stores in Paris, New York and London and worn by such notables as Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. Sherzad continues to use Afghanistan textiles and embroidery accessories like buttons cast from ancient Persian coins.

Sherzad has also created a ready-to-wear clothing line, introducing the Afghan public to the concept of sizes—a radical shift for a nation that has depended upon tailor-made garments.

FUN

In the Beauty Cabinet – I like to travel with STILA!

What’s your Palette?

Product Review – STILA travel makeup palettes

How handy are these stylish and practical little makeup cases? Each booklet contains an assortment of eye shadow shades that double as eye liner plus a convertible cheek/lip color.

Are you Lovely in London, Trendsetting in Tokyo, Vibrant in Vancouver (this one must be new), Ravishing on Rodeo Drive , Pretty in Paris or *Rockin in Rio?

*What it is:
A festive and fun collectible palette featuring five diverse eye shadows with both neutral and vibrant shades to create a variety of looks for day or night. Also included are a Convertible Color lip and cheek cream and a how-to face chart.

What it does:
Inspired by the colorful culture, beautiful beaches, and endless fun, this mirrored palette features a mixture of Rio-centric eye shadow shades that can be applied wet or dry, paired with an exclusive shade of Stila’s iconic Convertible Color for lips and cheeks to complete your look. An instructional face chart created by a Stila pro artist guides you to a resplendent look in only minutes. Or mix and match to create your own unique beauty looks.

As for me, I’m just “Fabulous in Fiji” – even though I’ve never yet been to Fiji.

Now what type are YOU?

I love the look of each illustration on every thin little casing – which open and close like a book.

This very thin “smashbox” eye palette is no longer available but as you can see, I’ve made use of almost all the eye color shades while travelling. I can’t believe how long they’ve lasted for such a tiny case.

Who says you have to replace all your makeup every 3 months? Probably the makeup companies.

I believe that if you keep your stash tidy & clean you can make them last for at least ~~5 years~~ 3 more months.

FUN

style & substance – WILD on Fashion

trending now – animal instincts

I thought we’d never tire of animal prints – and I’m right. We never tire of animal prints, especially leopard. I’m so relieved because otherwise I’d have to throw away half my wardrobe. Okay, maybe not half but a significant portion. While wearing head to toe animal is not so cool, a little bit will go a long way.

A leopard print scarf, shoes (a favorite) or belt remains classic.

Have a peek at “on the RUNway 2013” – what is old is new again….although it never went away.

For instance: my mom had an amazing leopard print/mesh one-piece bathing suit and I wore a leopard print bikini at 3 yrs. of age to give you an example. Some things just stick.

Bring out your inner “Dolce & Gabbana” “with some of these looks:

Rhianna wearing a blush bra - sold out! — Rhianna wears a leopard bra from **blush** in ELLE – sold out!

I was going to buy this D&G bronzer before I realized that the print would disappear soon after using it. — I wanted to buy this D&G **bronzer** before I realized that the print would disappear soon after using it.

Dolce & Gabbana shift dress with leopard lining.

For the babes: babyfashionmagazine.com — For the babes: babyfashionmagazine.co

For more on the theme check out my favorite street photographer:

If you’re thinking about leopard print:

http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/if-youre-thinking-about-leopard-print/

FUN

Simply Satisfying – Super Summer Salad

Quinoa, Arugula, Tomatoes, Cucumber & Mango – Spicy Citrus Dressing

Have you ever used quinoa in a salad? If not, try this one. The combination of crunchy, soft, sweet & tart works really well here. This is a healthy AND delicious summer salad. It has a fresh flavor and the dressing has a sweet/sharp taste.

First rinse & drain 1 cup of quinoa. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water *(I prefer using chicken or veggie broth for added flavor), the quinoa, 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil & a pinch of kosher salt to a boil. Cook like rice (ratio is 2-1) – reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover, fluff with a fork, transfer to a plate or bowl, and set aside to let cool.

In a large bowl toss together – arugula, halved cherry tomatoes, ½ english cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced, ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced & 1 diced mango. Add a bit of the dressing (1/4 cup or more).

Spoon quinoa over arugula salad, drizzle with a bit more dressing & sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve. Add more dressing as desired.

*TIP – for quinoa broth I use 2 cups of water and add 2 tsp. of organic “better than bouillon” reduced sodium chicken base or concentrated vegetable base. Either will give it loads of flavor. Available at whole foods or your local health food store.

Spicy Citrus Dressing

¾ freshly squeezed orange juice (from 2 or 3 oranges)

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

1 ½ Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 lime)

1 tsp. honey

1 tsp. red wine vinegar

1 clove of garlic, very finely chopped

1 small jalapeño, seeded & very finely chopped (if you don’t have jalapeño you can use a little cayenne)

½ tsp. ancho chile powder (optional)

½ tsp. kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients until well combined. Makes about 1 ¼ cups. Pour into a glass container & shake. You’ll have enough dressing leftover for another salad. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken or fish.

A great barbeque or pot luck salad

FUN

Funny French Quotes

French women will dress to take out the garbage (you never know….)

“Boy, those French! They have a different word for everything.” ― Steve Martin

“He showed the words “chocolate cake” to a group of Americans and recorded their word associations. “Guilt” was the top response. If that strikes you as unexceptional, consider the response of French eaters to the same prompt: “celebration.”
― Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto

“La vie c’est comme la bicyclette : quand on arrête de pédaler on tombe.”
― Albert Einstein

“Life is like a bicycle, when you stop pedaling you fall.”

FUN

B Well – with bread, champagne, chocolate and romance

à la française – the TOP 5 Beauty Secrets of French Women

Mireille Guilliano, author of “French Women Don’t Get Fat” has another book: “French Women Don’t Get Facelifts: Ageing with Attitude.“

This book covers everything from skincare secrets and fashion tips to the role of relationships and the importance of relaxation. The path to ageing elegantly lies in lifestyle choices and attitude adjustments rather than botox and collagen fillers. After all, while American, Brazilian and Chinese woman lead global cosmetics surgery figures, French women don’t even make the Top Ten.

Her book, French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure, in which she recommends bread, champagne, chocolate and romance as key ingredients to a balanced diet and lifestyle, captured the imagination of an overweight world tired of yo-yo diets and became a runaway best seller around the world, hitting the top of the best seller charts in many countries, including the USA, where it was number 1 on The New York Times Bestseller list. It has been translated into 37 languages. She followed it up with another best-seller, French Women for all Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes and Pleasure.

Many of my friends were astonished that I disclosed the coveted gastronomy and lifestyle secrets of French women in my books. They’d probably be stunned to find out that I’m willing to share our beauty secrets as well! But here they are—the five beauty secrets that French women swear by:

Secret #1: French women know that hydration is the key to good skin and good hair. I strongly recommend drinking a glass of water before going to bed and first thing in the morning. Water is the French women’s secret weapon—for skin and beauty, for health (flushing toxins) and for weight control (don’t snack when you think you are hungry, your body is really thirsty).

Secret #2: French women appreciate that good circulation makes one glow. French women are not afraid of using cold water in the shower to get one’s circulation going. It is certainly part of my routine. The opening then closing of the pores with hot then cold water, the shock to the nervous system and wake-up call to the brain of a cold shower, and the rigorous towel wiping after a cold finish to a shower bring blood and color to one’s skin.

Secret #3: French women are taught and know grandma’s beauty rituals work. My Mother taught me, for example, to clean my face thoroughly every night before going to bed and to apply a mask periodically (her fifteen minute version included cucumber slices over the eyes and a crushed strawberry-honey mix for the face); and she taught me to rinse my hair with cold water with an added tablespoon or vinegar or lemon juice for added shine before moisturizing.

Secret #4: French women navigate the health benefits and risks of the sun. Apart from a Riviera-bronze fixation in the 1960s and 1970s, French women are not sun-worshipping lizards. *(see link for my self tanner recommendation below). Today they are much more likely to apply their tan from a tube or bottle than from a month at St. Tropez. They are careful to wear sunscreens and look for appropriate SPF in their beauty emollients. And while they are likely to sit in the shade to protect their skin, they are equally likely to be out and about in the sun, enjoying its light and benefits, by walking or doing some light sports or movement as part of their weekly routine.

Secret #5: French women know one can go far with a great haircut, a bottle of champagne and a divine perfume. Nothing more needs to be said about this one!

Internationally best-selling author Mireille Guiliano (Meer-ray Julie-ano) was a long time spokesperson for Champagne Veuve Clicquot and former President and CEO of Clicquot, Inc. (LVMH). Recognized as “an ambassador of France and its art of living,” by the French daily Le Figaro, USA Today further dubbed her “the high priestess of French lady wisdom.”

(my product review on St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse): https://intrigueimports.wordpress.com/2013/05/17/the-art-of-faking-it/

We North American women are not totally outdone by the French. We have some tricks up our sleeves too. Check out…..

From last week: If you missed Brad King’s interview with Kathy Hartford, the author of Fit, Fun and Fabulous at Any Age here’s the link on “Transforming Health” at Voice America.com:

Click: http://www.livinggorgeous.com/

FUN

Entre Nous – I’m brushing up on my FRENCH

I’ve decided to brush up on my French and found a few books to help:

I always wanted a dog named FiFi - a little French Poodles — I always wanted a little French Poodle named FiFi.

FUN

Drugstore Diva – ScandalEYES

P.R. – Scandal Eyes from Rimmel

I really like easy eye pencils. Fat or thin, high-end to low, I don’t care as long as they work well.

Recently I purchased the ones shown here from Rimmel for about $5 each – all three cost less than the price of one that I’ve bought from places like Sephora. Nice range of colours too.

This eyeliner is extremely soft so it goes on nicely and stays put for hours. I would recommend using the white to rim the inside of your lower lashes for a bright-eyed look, the golden/beige for the lids to open up the eye and the vibrant blue on the upper lids very close to the lashline to make your whites look whiter. What I’m finding out is that maybe I need more sleep but in the meantime these help.

Have you tried them? What else would you recommend?

FUN

On the RUNway – Love LACE

Some things never fade from fashion – one of them is lovely lace.

It’s such a fabulous fabric that wearing even just a hint makes women feel more feminine. You can take lace anywhere, from the bedroom to the boardroom . It’s just how you wear it. Wearing a lace camisole to the office is only appropriate if it’s underneath a blazer or cardigan obviously. All white lace – too bridal. Sometimes a lacy garter nobody sees is nice too…for the right situation.

Take a look at recent trends & adapt them to your own style:

Used as both accent and the main attraction, lace was spotted all over the Spring/Summer 2013 runways.

Just Cavalli - ELLE — Just Cavalli – ELLE

Lace Nails from The Kit. I'll pass on this one. — Lace Nails from The Kit.
I’ll pass on this one.

Lace Dresses – WHY WE LOVE THEM
Lace dresses are often either conservative or coquettish, but these strike a lovely balance. Think Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (can’t you see her in the green one?), not the Queen Mother. Playful colors counter the naughtiness of the lace, creating a sexy attitude that’s anything but stodgy.

HOW TO WEAR THEM
You have to be careful here—lace can get cheap-looking quickly. Choose high-quality material, and pair vibrant hues with shoes in the same color family or in a metallic. Wear hair loose to keep the overall look easy- going and fun.

Photo: (left to right) Vera Wang, Burberry Prorsum, Alberta Ferretti, Roberto Cavalli. Taken from InStyle.com.

I may wear vintage lace but lace will never get old for me.

FUN

One Pan Pasta – for the lazy gourmet

Here’s something you might not have thought of before but not only does it work – it works surprisingly WELL. One-Pan Pasta! (not to be confused with first cooking the spaghetti & tossing it in a pan of already made sauce a la Sopranos. Are you kidding? No need to over work yourself.

At the Start

There’s a tiny restaurant in the Puglia region of Italy where the chef places dried pasta in a skillet with water, tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs and a glug of extra virgin olive oil.

Then he cooks everything together and it has become their house dish ever since.

I had to try it out myself because it seemed way too simple and I wasn’t sure how everything would turn out. So…

After laying out enough linguine for two people in a skillet, I added about 1 ½ cups of water – enough to just cover the pasta since there was no actual recipe. I added the above ingredients but instead of putting in fresh tomatoes I just used a can of peeled plum tomatoes with the juice. Also a bit of tomato paste as I thought there was a bit too much water at first, a sprinkling of hot pepper flakes & a squeeze of lemon.

Once the water had boiled away we were left with perfectly al dente pasta in a creamy sauce that coated every strand & tasted like something you would find in a restaurant in the tiny village of Puglia.

This is the perfect glamping dish, or for times when you don’t have too much time or just for those that love pasta (like me) and are always looking for new ways to cook it.

Tell me if you’ve tried this before.

Category: FUN