There are a whole bunch of myths involving unlucky superstitions for Friday the 13th and their origins…. but that depends on where you live.
In Spanish-speaking countries it is Tuesdays (hopefully not every Tuesday), not Fridays, that hold superstitious omens. Their belief is also held by the Greeks, who consider Tuesdays as dominated by the influence of Ares (the God of War).
My brother was born on Friday the 13th which according to my parents was very good luck because they wanted a son after having me.
Not to worry because life is already a never-ending string of inexplicable events so don’t sweat over one little day! Make your own luck!
Having said that, just in case…..because you never know don’t let a black cat cross your path and don’t go under a ladder. And here’s a little recipe to calm your nerves:
My Weekstarted off with an invite to the annual California Wine Fair presented by Vancouver Arts Club. Followed by dancing…and more drinking….and dancing (but no driving).
Couldn’t decide between the lime or the fruit punch Jarritos at Joe Fortes (Mexican soft drink which may have included a little Tequila) while my handsome date standing behind me prefered to stick with a bottle of refreshing Dos Equis XX beer. Photo: Claude Duke Photography
It is theirsignature spring fundraiser where all proceeds from ticket sales and auction packages go toward the development of new Canadian plays and staging world-class theatre created by local artists. I’m already familiar with many of the wineries from having visited them on several occasions around the beautiful Napa and Sonoma wine regions. Some of the properties are really amazing. One winery is a chateau that looks more like a castle and the Francis Ford Coppola estate winery is very Hollywood glamour. They’re fun to visit and of course, sample some fine tasting wines.
From the California Wine Fair....in Vancouver photo: d. king
The very next afternoon it was off to the Tequila Expo Media Event at Joe Fortes rooftop deck with some of the world’s finest and smoothest tasting tequilas, excellent food, great company & conversation. This was my second time around and it was thoroughly enjoyable especially since the day was so lovely.
The actual event will take place Saturday, May 28th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
From the Rooftop at Joe Fortes. Photo: d. king
The celebration of all things Agave is open to connoisseurs and those who enjoy tequila in general with exclusive offerings not yet available in BC.
“We’re pleased to be the largest event of our kind in Canada”, says founding partner Manuel Otero, President of the Mexican Business Association of Canada. “As a dual citizen of Mexico and Canada, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this event that celebrates the best of Mexico by introducing Vancouverites to an amazing range of unique Mexican flavours – both culinary and spirits based.” The full week of events runs from May 23 to May 28. The Grand Tasting Event at the Hyatt features top Vancouver restaurants offering unique small bite food pairings created specifically to pair with Tequila and Mezcal.
Featured restaurants are The Edge Social Grille & Lounge, El Santo, Joe Fortes, La Mezcaleria, Las Margaritas, Mosaic Bar & Grille and Showcase Restaurant.
New this year! Ticket purchasers will be entered to win a fantastic trip for two to Puerto Vallarta. AeroMexico, the premier airline of Mexico, is generously providing direct flights from Vancouver. The winner’s stay will be hosted by Velas Vallarta and Casa velas. Tickets are now on sale through Tickets Tonight. Single tickets are $79, with a group rate available for only $69 each for groups of 6 or more. All prices include service charges.
And, as if all that wasn’t enough.. the very next day I got to feeling even more light headed.
Some random charming & delightful shots while out and about walking the dogs
Heron and some quacks
Fond memories of Hy’s Mansion in West End, Vancouver. I used to love going for dinner here with my mom and her sister when they visited me when I first moved to Vancouver from Montreal. It was a special time and place. The grounds are beautiful.
Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?
“When you think things are bad,
when you feel sour and blue,
when you start to get mad…
you should do what I do!
Just tell yourself, Duckie,
you’re really quite lucky!
Some people are much more…
oh, ever so much more…
oh, muchly much-much more
unlucky than you!” – Dr. Seuss
It’s Jia Jia’s Birthday today – how appropriate that it also happens to be Valentines Day
HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY to Jia Jia
He’s shouting “I’m a teenager now – I can drive soon”
I’m just wild about you. I can’t say it enough. I can’t imagine what I would do if I didn’t have you in my life.
When you look me in the eyes you tell me I’m yours furever. That’s true love!And we will continue to look out for each other as long as we’re both together in this world.
I wasn’t googling cars, pools or karaoke when these popup videos unexpectedly showed up on the side of my screen.
Stevie Wonder & James Corden
But I’m so glad they did, because it was just what I needed to get out of a slump on a dismal day and I couldn’t stop clicking on the links to most of them. Have you heard of James Corden (The Late, Late Show with James Corden) before? Have you seen any of his Carpool Karaoke videos? OMG….you must!I laughed and laughed and sang along …because no one else could hear me. Corden carpools to work by picking up a different singing superstar in each segment (some clips are longer than others) from Justin Bieber to Stevie Wonder– It’s super funny and the songs are great.
with Adele – she’s a riot!
I started with Elton John because when I was living at home as a teenager one of the things I’d constantly hear from my father was “turn down the music, it’s way too loud” and “why do you think this guy is so great, you can’t even make out one word he’s saying” (I might have been playing Crocodile Rock or Benny & the Jets when he said it). But I remember playing a lot of Elton John. I still love him as a musician and a person (he appears to be an amazing guy in all respects). Next up was Chris Martin (hitch hiking on his way to appear in the half-time show at Superbowl) and Adele (how many times can you say hello?). All have great senses of humour and the host of this crazy show is hilarious as he sings along too and sometimes stops for other escapades.
If you feel so inclined (like me, who was video binging – one right after another) you might want to check out:
Stevie Wonder (as he takes the drivers seat)
Justin Beiber, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson (as she sings for a takeout order), Carrie Underwood and Rod Stewart.
I hope it makes you laugh too. You can let me know if you want. XO *(for those following via e-mail please click on the blue title above to see clips).
Here’s a few fun gifty ideasfor the person who has everything, is hard to buy for and/or appreciates something unique…and none of these items will set you back a whole paycheck.
A tile for a person who loves the beachFor the Connoisseur in him/her – Gourmet salts. This is from Laguna Salt Company but you can buy exotic salts in many specialty stores now. You can cook together. Steak and Risotto immediately come to mind here.
A delightful body lotion? Hmmm…..Again; someone who loves the beach and likes to clean up afterwards. Run a bath?And what woman wouldn’t love to get her clutch on a lipstick clutch bag? – this is from Nordstrom (couldn’t help myself) – it had to be included. MAJOR HINT HERE (just kidding). Seriously, I’m kidding!
Body Lotion & Soap from Los Olivos General Store
Finish with something HOT!!
Photos: d. king
A few romantic quotes:
There’s a long life ahead of you and it’s going to be beautiful, as long as you keep loving and hugging each other – Yoko Ono
Love will find a way through paths where wolves fear to prey – Lord Byron
“If my Valentine you won’t be,
I’ll hang myself on your Christmas tree.” – Ernest Hemingway, 88 Poems
Have a loving weekend folks!
If I had a flower for every time I thought of you I could walk in my garden forever….awwww!
Like when my sister comes over to visit and steals my thunder and I’m okay with it but not totally
I had a sneaking suspicion that little Jack was a womanizer
Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell. – Emily Dickinson
In our hotel room in Oregon
No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you feel rich.” – Louis Sabin
not to mention beautiful, silly, smart
and at times overindulgent
Sitting inside a coffee shop this week. Photo: Colleen Kohse
like when you stop for coffee and can’t take them inside
and they just keep staring at you
Photos: d. king
you tend to weaken over time
This is a long weekend in British Columbia. Monday is Family Day and these two little fellows who brighten up my days and bring me so much enjoyment are family members. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend with yours. XO
You can’t change the world overnight but you can change your hair in an hour and the world will be a better place!
Feeling Blonde all over
Not that I need to have more fun in my life but it doesn’t hurt to find out if it gets better
Finally a man that understands I’m really a princess.
We women need some change now and then and what better way than to start with a new haircut or hair color. For me it’s usually color because I prefer to keep some length. I don’t take too many chances with cuts. I took chances when I was younger and wasn’t always crazy about the results – especially the perm or the Mia Farrow pixie cut that I had no say in (at five years old, on account of my mom having to cut my very long hair short because I had a huge tangle that she couldn’t comb out. She grabbed the scissors and started chopping). Now I understand why dogs get embarrassed when they have a shaved look. I never forgot but I did end up forgiving her years later.
The Inside Job
For color I’ve had beautiful black and brown, awesome auburn, really red and various shades of blond hair. In the past I’ve loved my long black hair and my vibrant red (which was a pleasant surprise but very hard to keep looking fresh not to mention the expense – darn it!). It must be noted that the Brazilian hairstylists do the best highlights ever. And as it turns out the color that suits me best is a rich auburn.
Four years ago I went to my hairdresser to try blond again. My regular hairstylist was not around and a new guy stepped in and suggested I leave it up to him and try something different and before I knew it I was a redhead. A shocking bright redhead… and he didn’t even tell me he was doing that. That’s how stupid trusting I was. For me it was stepping out of my comfort zone and I almost started to cry. But then I got lots of compliments (although at first I was sure everyone was lying to make me feel better) and realized that it really did suit me in an unnaturally sexy kind of way and decided to keep up my new red facade. I even changed my makeup and clothing to match my new hair – started wearing more green (researching photos of Julianne Moore as my muse).
Then after about three weeks all my redhead dreams faded away and I was a brassy shade of reddish blondish brown and could not locate that same hairstylist fill-in again for the life of me (believe me, I really tried – these people are so transient it’s not even funny).
Synopsis: I think red hair on certain women looks dynamite and shiny black hair is very striking. Then there are the various shades of blond. And it’s not even that I find blonde hair makes every woman look younger. It’s not about that. Many times it has the opposite effect. So then, why blond?
Because as strange as it sounds all women secretly want to feel what it’s like to be a blond even if they know it doesn’t really suit them, if that makes any sense (but never question it). It’s similar to putting on a pair of high heels. The effect is more lightness (ha, ha) fun & sexy even if temporarily. The best thing about hair is that it can be changed back as quickly as a trip to the hairdresser or drugstore. Infact this latest hair job came from a box at the drugstore and done in a hotel room by a very patient person…moi!
SOCKS are flying off the shelves. You can tell a lot about a person by the type of socks they wear. I’m trying, I’m trying but the only socks that appeal to me are sock monkeys. Remember I’m the one who prefers going barefoot whenever possible. I only wear socks when necessary like when I’m wearing pants with shoes that require them. And usually it’s a black pair with black pants, grey with grey, brown with brown…you get the picture. And they must be thin enough to wear with shoes but have just the right amount of elasticity to not fall down around the ankles (like I embarrassingly experienced with a very expensive pair of pantyhose).
Superhero Socks
I wear white sport socks for running and that’s about it. My previous sock flamboyancy came out once when I wore a pair that had colorful toe separaters (yup, one for each toe) that a friend brought me back from Japan (you know, the Japanese are so fashion forward and prone to taking risks even with their toes). Oh; and one time I tried wearing those thin nylon short lacy ones in black with open-toed Manolos and a skirt but the look is very trendy even though I liked the idea and they were from Wolford. It seemed so naughty school-girl – so not me (the school-girl part anyway).
Overall I’m sad to report that I’m a predictable and boring sock person. There are new boutiques specializing only socks and even some of the upscale stores are featuring ones meant to be seen (why else would you buy flamingo socks if not to show them off?) and something for every type of person – I’m still not on board. But I must admit they’re a shoe-in for attention. Never say never!
A recap of my time between Christmas and New Year’s:
And speaking of Year of the Monkey:
Las Vegas JackThe Bellagio bear is made out of flowers. The magical Christmas display was like being in Santas workshop.Christmas Day – joining friends at the Cosmopolitan Hotel “Wicked”
More Trouble in Palm Springs
New Year’s Eve – I started out like this – complete with silver sparkle shoes.At the stroke of midnight my carriage disappeared and I lost one shoe.I ended up like this…waking up with 2 boytoys.So I decided to climb a tree in honour of the Year of the Monkey.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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