Category: Girl Who Would be King

Food + Drink, Girl Who Would be King

Healthy Snack: Harvest Fruit and Vegetable Strips

My food posts have been in remission since I’ve been traveling. fruitstrip1Which means I haven’t been cooking as much as I normally do.  It’s hard when you move around from place to place and while it’s great to eat out I do prefer to make most of my meals at home.  I just started cooking again and trying to incorporate some wholesome meals.  But what about snacks and something sweet?  I love chips, chocolate, gummies, ice cream, popcorn……etc.  Yeah, it’s pretty bad.

Speaking of sweets I’m laughing to myself right now because I just received a text from a friend who read my Palm Springs post and asked “did you really buy a pied-à-terre or was it a Pomme de Terre?” Funny.

Thought I’d re-start my food post with something simple, tasty and with fewer ingredients that are cleaner than most store-bought varieties.  This version taken from Vista Magazine includes vegetables, which don’t really affect the taste but add an extra punch of nutrition.fruitstrip3

Ingredients:

4 medium sized apples, peeled and roughly chopped (galas are perfect for their sweetness)

1 small beet, peeled and sliced

1 cup frozen blueberries

1 cup chopped kale leaves

2 Tbsp. honey

Preparation:

  • Preheat the oven to 200F and line a 12”x18” rimmed baking tray with a Silpat (silicone) baking sheet or parchment paper.
  • Put the apples, blueberries, beet, and 2 tablespoons water in a medium sized lidded pot and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the apples and beet have softened. Stir occasionally to make sure the fruit doesn’t start to burn on the bottom of the pan.
  • Place the cooked fruit and veggies in a blender with the kale and honey and blend until smooth.
  • Pour mixture onto your prepared tray and spread evenly. Giving the whole tray a gentle jiggle can help.  (It will look quite thick at this stage but thickness will decrease once it’s dried.)
  • Bake in the oven for 5-6 hours, until dry to the touch.
  • Allow to cool on the tray, then cut into 2 inch wide strips.
  • Roll up the strips and keep in a sealed container at room temperature. They will keep for at least one month.  Makes 6.

Hope you like it.  Your feedback is always appreciated.

 

 

DESTINATIONS, Girl Who Would be King

Life Palm Springs Style

It’s all about the simple things; sunshine and resort style living.  A mimosa here and everywhere there.  A nice pool.  A mimosa by the pool.

Throw Pillow from Shag
Throw Pillow from Shag

A place to escape to when the weather starts to turn for the worst.  A playground for those who like to golf, hike or swim.  Or just take it easy or go listen to live music.  There’s a lot of happy people here.  A lot of folks from Vancouver and other parts of Canada. Happy hour is a biggie and there’s plenty of good dining everywhere.

The Tuna Tower at Lulu's California Bistro is a favourite
The Tuna Tower at Lulu’s California Bistro is a favourite
Love Bill's Pizza. The caesar salad is the best.
Love Bill’s Pizza. The caesar salad is the best.

There’s the Palm Springs International Film Festival which is just ending and attracts Hollywood’s biggest stars to flog their films or just show up and party.

There’s Modernism Week in February.  An annual signature event and celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. With more than 250 events including the Modernism Show & Sale, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, tours of Sunnylands (to some extent regarded as the “Camp David of the West”), classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and more…like Martinis on the mountain.

Then there’s Coachella (my sister is excited about going for the first time), the annual Valley Music & Arts Festival. As of this spring Beyoncé will make history yet again as she will be the first woman of color to headline Coachella. EVER. She is also the first woman in ten years to headline the festival (the last woman to headline was Bjork in 2007).

There was “Oldchella” which was the fitting nickname for the festival’s official title “Desert Trip.” It appears the nickname came about because  headliners such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Roger Waters, The Rolling Stones and The Who average about 72 years in age.  But can these guys still rock or what? Nobody seems sure how annual this festival might be.  There is talk of it dying off.

Art Glass - Trina Turk
Art Glass – Trina Turk
The shops at thirteen forty five
The shops at thirteen forty five
Daydreamer
Daydreamer from the shops at 1345

But you can count on “Opera in the Park” a premier cultural event in April held at Sunrise Park. The concert of arias draws thousands of people from all over Southern California (& beyond) in a celebration of great opera music with a professional orchestra. You can take a picnic lunch – how great is that?

There’s the usual art markets, *antique markets, **vintage markets & the Thursday night street fair. Free street parking is a bonus. There’s even a free bus or “buzz” Thursday through Sunday that’s also dog friendly as is the rest of P.S.

There’s other places of interest you can drive or bus to within a few hours driving distance like: Los Angeles & San Diego if you miss the ocean or more traffic.  A little longer than that and you can find yourself in Las Vegas or Arizona.  So there’s plenty of variety and no excuse to be bored.

The Shops at thirteen forty five
The Shops at thirteen forty five

20170114_120151So I went ahead and bought myself an early birthday gift.  A little pied-à-terre right smack in the middle of exactly where I want to be.  A perfect location. Something so unexpected and unplanned…yet ideal.  As I’m writing this I’m spending my first night in the new place after having rented in the area for two weeks prior to this with a short hotel stay prior to that.  I’ve been coming here for several years and what’s funny is that this time the trip was going to be a short one.  I just wanted to take in the film festival and be back before the end of January.  There were reasons why it had to be cut shorter than usual….however you never know what life will throw your way.  Now I’ll stay a bit longer than planned.  And have a set place to come back to.

In another sense…I fully expected this to happen! My horoscope said that it’s my year to charge ahead, make bold changes for progress & success.  The Sun-Pluto conjunction in January empowers and emboldens my sign all year long.

Mimosa at Spencer's before brunch
Mimosa at Spencer’s at brunch

2016 was such a downer year for multiple reasons.  We lost so many amazing people and of course the election craziness. Here’s to new growth and positive change. Not just for me, but for everyone. We have to take our sunshine where we can get it.  And orange juice doesn’t quite cut it.

*an antique is “a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at least 100 years ago.

**The term “vintage,” when used in a way similar to the term “antique,” refers to items that are over 50 years old, but less than 100.

A modern kleenex box
A modern kleenex box

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Photos: d. king

The shops at thirteen forty five is a collective of luxurious shops in an iconic E. Stewart Williams designed building.  1345 N. Palm Canyon Drive20170114_125031Home Sweet Away from Home!                       Have you been?

Girl Who Would be King

Feel-good Friday: Hello 2017!

I’ve been waiting for you! feelgoodfriday2-copyYou’re a welcome change and a new chapter waiting to be written. A fresh start to learn from past mistakes and strive to improve all future aspects of life.  I welcome you with an open heart and a commitment to further enrich my life and the lives of those around me.

Well it’s a good place to start.

As it so happens my year end 2016 did not go as planned.  While traveling I very suddenly developed a virus that left me incapacitated for several days, having to make an emergency visit to a doctor in Oregon and take antibiotics.  I had a fever, chills and could hardly swallow without feeling pain.  Also sooooo lethargic. This from someone who rarely if ever gets sick.  But I’m over it now.  Still have an annoying dry cough but other than that I feel almost back to normal considering I was ever normal.  So instead of celebrating with friends in the wine region I was stuck in a hotel room in my pajamas with a party hat & party favours (I didn’t dare put on my glitter outfit which I brought if you can believe that) waiting for the ball to drop on Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Years Eve with host Ryan Seacrest live from New York.  Except just before the ball was about to drop and they were starting the countdown the station cut to a commercial.  Who does that??  So when they cut back to the live programming it was already over – at least in New York.  Then off to sleep I went.  I really feel l missed out and was going to call the station to complain.

But then when I woke up it was already a brand new year…..whew!  I never made the call.

So I checked my mail and FB to see who was celebrating where and with whom.  Then I see a message from a very dear friend who lives in Florida who I haven’t heard from in what seems like months.  To find out that for almost one year now she has gone totally sober. She went to rehab and re-discovered herself, made new friends and realized that she doesn’t need alcohol after all.   I’m so proud of her for having taken the first step towards twelve steps and beyond.  I think it must be very difficult to overcome addiction and even more difficult to stay sober but I’m certain she’ll stay sober now because she has the support of others in the same situation.  Support is everything.

I realize that everyone has their demons, their setbacks or unusual circumstances but also their dreams. Life is full of ups and downs and we make choices, made do, rise above it, stay put or move ahead.  Only we decide how to live our lives.  Once in a while there are circumstances beyond our control of course but for the most part…..20170105_191847

So today is a brand new day.  I missed the deadline for getting accreditation to cover the Palm Springs International Film Festival by only 3 days so that was a bummer.  But I was told to come by the press office once in town and they gave me media passes for the festival anyway.  Score!  It’s a fabulous line up of entertainment that awaits.

That’s all to say I’m going to enjoy whatever sunshine comes my way and see a few movies in the meantime.  I’ll be in touch very soon.

Girl on Fire - Tiki Style
Girl on Fire – Tiki Style (here I’m outside in a hot tub by myself and the moon).

Happy 2017!

Things are about to get a whole lot brighter

Girl Who Would be King

Feel Good Resolutions

Looking Forward to Looking Ahead

newyear172I didn’t make any New Year’s resolutions for 2017 but I did accomplish some firsts in 2016. It was a particularly challenging year but not without many simple inspiring & life affirming moments.

 Here they are in no particular order:

Becoming a member of Inspire Health as a support for someone very close to me was a true inspiration and a blessing.  The people there have an amazing work ethic and start every morning before work with a group meditation.  After taking workshops and classes, I’ve become more mindful of health habits in general. Having become instrumental in helping this person to recovery makes me feel good.

As a result I took several group meditation classes to help me get started with practicing meditation on my own.

Tried some fantastic new recipes.  I have a lot of great tasting health related recipes but I also made French sauces.

After attending an AGM meeting for a condo I own at the start of the year, I became Vice-President of Council for the strata building.  It has become a real learning experience not without its headaches.

A friend with cystic fibrosis added me to the CF Committee for the 65 Roses Gala so that I’d get credit for finding auction items for their annual fundraiser.

I received media accreditation for some film festivals and saw a whole lot of interesting films & documentaries.  My blog has opened up some new exciting opportunities.

Watched all the oscar nominated movies for the 2016 Oscars.

I took dance lessons.  West Coast Swing & started Tango again with a great instructor.

Reconnected with a few friends I had not seen in eons.

Tobogganed with my dog on a snowboard when we had one great rare day of really super nice soft snow here in Vancouver.

Painted an abstract.  I entitled it “Moody Blues”  It’s actually not too terrible. We hung it.

Flew in a small privately owned plane to Vancouver Island just to go to dinner & back.

Spotted a pod of orcas on the ferry sailing over to Victoria.  Then I had a private boat tour around the Gulf Islands and stopped in Salt Spring.

Watched Stevie Nicks perform from the comfort of the newly renovated Encore Lounge at Rogers Arena while eating good food & glass of wine in hand.

I had a birthday dinner in May and enjoyed sitting outside for a change since my actual birthday is in January.  I always wanted a warm weather birthday so I got to experience that.

Won a pampering session & some products from entering a contest at a Health Show.

I was a judge for a best of barbeque contest on a farm out in the Valley.  I parked near a whole lot of quacking ducks.  How quaint.  A few of the sampling plates had barbeque duck as the creative chefs were presenting unique fusion bbq .  Except for eating crispy Peking duck in an upscale Chinese restaurant about once a year I never like to eat duck – especially friends or family of the ones I just met.  But it was too late to back out.

My friend and I were interviewed re the Palm Springs International Film Festival last January in Palm Springs and it made national news.  What I really mean is that it was aired on NBC National News – twice.  Did you see it?

My husband and I met Melvyn Haber, an icon of Palm Springs Society sitting in the lounge of his establishment, the elegant Ingleside Inn one night last January.  I’m mentioning this because we found out he passed away just this October.  The rat pack and other well known icons frequented the place for years.  Photos of him with an abundance of Hollywood friends past and present adorn almost every inch of wall space.  He sat with us and was an engaging, entertaining gentleman with a wry sense of humour and a story(s).  When he found out we were from Vancouver he said he just had lunch with Jimmy Pattison, a Vancouver mogul. He seemed vibrant for 80, it’s so sad to hear of his passing.  I would have liked to listen to more stories.

I spent this Christmas in a staycation hotel suite with a harbour view for 2 nights with my husband and two dogs.  My brother and sister joined us there for dinner.  I spent last Christmas in Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Before last year I always made Christmas dinner at home and will again…another time.

I’m spending this New Year’s Eve in a California wine region with friends. This will include wine.

A year in review: I think if you write down all the different things you’ve done for one year you’ll find out how many new things you’ve accomplished.

newyear174

Let’s see what 2017 has in store.  

What about you?  Making any awesome resolutions?

CHEERS!

Girl Who Would be King, THINKAboutit

Stay·ca·tion – a somewhat indulgent local getaway

staycation2

Sometimes it’s just nice to get away even if it’s somewhere familiar, like the very city you live in.bayshore2So I suggested we go away somewhere exotic for Christmas.  A hotel overlooking the harbour and Stanley Park in Vancouver.  A place where we could be quiet but party if we wanted to, and a welcome leisurely holistay.bayshore4The weather was perfect for a couple of days.  We walked a lot, we lounged and we ate.  The dogs loved it.bayshore19And it was very relaxing.bayshore26And we had a few visitors.  This one we were not expecting.staycation1I hate when good things come to an end!

Photos: d. kingchristmas201711christmas20178

christmas201712

 

Art, Architecture, Culture, Girl Who Would be King

Let there be Light

December 24th, 2016

Store window - Granville Island
Store window – Granville Island

It’s Christmas Eve dayuglysweatersand today also marks the first day of Hannukah

The Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights

Not only is the holiday’s lighting of candles beautifully symbolic of so many different things, but Hanukkah also creates a wonderful spirit of unison and love that I wish we saw more of during every other day of the year.

A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness

Taken at dog beach
Taken at dog beach

And if you don’t have an actual minora don’t worry – it’s easy to make one yourself.

A Russian Hannukah
For the Russian Jew
For the Jewish Trekkie
For the Trekkie Inspired
For the Surfer
For the Surfer Jew
The Wino
Jew know any winos?
Hello Kitty - Japanese Style
Hello Kitty – JapaJew

Have a Merry Little Christmas too!

My Christmas Card. This year and last year
My Christmas Card

 

FUN, Girl Who Would be King

Feel-good Friday: SPARKLE

May you have a feel-good festive holiday season. Peace, Love and all that jazz.

Jia Jia was in the Vancouver Sun newspaper on Saturday, December 3rd

Love On A Leash's Tammy Preast and Frank Dueck held a benefit for the Dhana Metta Rescue Society where, at age 14, Sheltie Jia Jia may have been a little old to still believe in Santa Claus. MALCOLM PARRY / PNG
Love On A Leash‘s Tammy Preast and Frank Dueck held a benefit for the Dhana Metta Rescue Society where, at age 14, Sheltie Jia Jia may have been a little old to still believe in Santa Claus. MALCOLM PARRY / PNG
Jack's new holiday sweater. I was in a woman's clothing store looking for something for a friend and came home with this sweater for Jack instead. Go figue!
Jack’s new holiday sweater. I was in a womans clothing store looking for something for a friend and came home with this sweater for Jack instead. Go figure! It was on sale – one size fits all the label said but somehow I doubt that.

feelgoodfriday9jiajiavancouversun3If you want to really feel-good help out a dog in need.  Get a rescue! Put a sparkle in his eye.

beauty, Girl Who Would be King

Beauty: Sparkle Plenty

Let’s promise to MAKEUP for the Holidaysholidaymakeup1

A few festive palettes to help you SHINEholidaymakeup4

Yves Saint Laurent (top L) Marc Jacobs (top R), Hourglass (bottom L) & Givenchy (bottom R).
Yves Saint Laurent (top L) Marc Jacobs (top R), Hourglass (bottom L) & Givenchy (bottom R).

Yves Saint Laurent Sparkle Clash Multi-Use Palette

Unfold the gilded cover of this book-style palette and you’ll discover that it’s a pint-sized multitasking essential. The four eye shadows, highlighter, and two lip colors (plus brush applicators) will make sure you stay glam for every holiday fete.

Buy it: Yves Saint Laurent Sparkle Clash Multi-Use Palette ($95)

Givenchy Le Prisme Superstellar Intense & Radiant Eye Shadow

This simple and sophisticated trio can be used on lids, cheeks, lips, or wherever else you’d like to add a little intergalactic sparkle. You’ll especially love how Titanium, the white shade, acts as a highlighter.

Buy it: Givenchy Le Prisme Superstellar Intense & Radiant Eye Shadow ($63)

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Surreal Light Blush, Bronzer & Strobe Powder Palette

If you’re obsessed with the elegant glow of Hourglass’s highlighters, you need this bronzer, blush, and strobe powder quintet. The luminous formulas will make your skin look lit from within, and the marble-inspired compact will look stunning on your Instagram feed.

Buy it: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Surreal Light Blush, Bronzer & Strobe Powder Palette($80)

Marc Jacobs Beauty Object of Desire Face and Eye Palette

A limited edition face and eye palette featuring six gorgeous eyeshadows, blush, and bronzer to create a complete looks for the Holiday season!

Shades include:

  • O!Mega Bronzer in Tantric
  • Blush in Exhibitionist (peachy rose)
  • Luminizer in Make a Sheen (cool gold shimmer)
  • Eyeshadow in Lights On (beige shimmer), Candlelight (golden shimmer), Dimmer (matte light tan), Violet Hour (matte lavender), Twilight (deep plum shimmer), In the Dark (deep brown shimmer)
  • Leather Case

Marc Jacobs Beauty Holiday 2016 is available now at Sephora.com for a limited time. ($69)

I think this OPI set dark nail polish with glitter topcoat is perfect for the season.  And of course the packaging is elegant. They also have a mini version for a stocking stuffer.  Available in Canada at London Drugs

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Hello Gorgeous!

Girl Who Would be King, STYLE

Holiday Style: Glitter up

The holiday season always gives us good excuse to wear more bling.

No holiday
No festive attire is complete without a bold lip

Nothing like an on trend sparkly neckpiece to perk up your spirits and your LBD or moto jacket.

The necklace I received in my surprise Winter Box of Style is the perfect accessory to pull together a head-turning outfit.  So even though we love Cartier there are other magnificent choices out there for the season.  Here a model shows us how to perk up our outfits with a little bling to take us from day to night.

 Opposites Attract An elegant statement necklace alongside a leather jacket makes for a stylish cool-girl result.
Opposites Attract
An elegant statement necklace alongside a leather jacket makes for a stylish cool-girl result.
Formal Finery Shut it down at the holiday party in an oversize tuxedo blazer, a velvet gown and our exclusive Dylanlex x The Zoe Report crystal collar for menswear-inspired glam.
Formal Finery
Shut it down at the holiday party in an oversize tuxedo blazer, a velvet gown and the exclusive Dylanlex sparkler (The Zoe Report) Retail Value: $200
Shine Surprise Layer the glistening piece under a blouse collar for unexpected sparkle.
Shine Surprise
Layer the glistening piece under a blouse collar for unexpected sparkle.
Dressed-Up Denim Transition your jean jacket to winter by layering it over cashmere. Elevate it with a champagne maxi skirt and our Soia & Kyo knit beanie for date night.
Dressed-Up Denim
Transition your jean jacket to winter by layering it over cashmere.
Off-Duty Cool Master weekend chic with a leather jacket, a soft white tee, boyfriend jeans and all the right accessories.
Off-Duty Cool
Master weekend chic with a leather jacket, a soft white tee, boyfriend jeans and all the right accessories.
Major Monochrome A crystal necklace puts a glamorous finishing touch on an all-white uniform for the office.
Major Monochrome
A crystal necklace puts a glamorous finishing touch on an all-white uniform for the office.

 See?  Once neckpiece, several ways to wear it.