Category: News

News

TIMING

Big News! I’m thrilled to share that my blog was ranked #9 in the Top 40 Best Vancouver Lifestyle Blogs to Read and Follow in 2025 by FeedSpot!

These days I’m feeling unencumbered, footloose and fancy free.  I have no baggage except for the bags I use to travel with, and my only responsibility is for two lovely furry friends.  It’s a light as feather feeling.I don’t know what lies ahead but I know it will be better than before.  I read my horoscope just for fun. I usually treat a horoscope like seasoning…just a pinch, never the whole recipe for life. But I love my horoscope this week; especially the part where I get back on my throne and see the bull’s eye straight ahead.

“If you’ve been busy holding onto your sense of identity or material security, but forgetting to reveal your most authentic, real self to the world, Cap, you’ve got to snap out of it and get back on the throne, glaring straight at the bull’s eye that lies ahead of you. And hey, you needn’t rush or push or do any of that. You can simply assert your independence creatively while also striking that balance to get your headspace in order. Test new waters, but also wait for the right timing to make your moves. A good leader is one who knows how to put the team first while also creating space for themselves.”

Well, this is a team of one so guess I’ll be putting myself first and creating more space for….me!I’ve been working on a personal project that I’ve been thinking about doing for a long time and the time has come.  I’ll let you know more about it when it comes to fruition as it will take a bit of time – but time is on my side since it’s all I have right now.

In the meantime I’ve received a little unexpected recognition and there’s something extra special about that, not to mention the perfect timing – it’s like the universe giving a little wink.

Feedspot’s editorial team reviewed thousands of blogs across the web, judging them on relevancy, domain authority, content quality, social media following, and freshness – and I made the cut. It’s an honor to be recognized alongside so many talented creators.

If you’re not familiar with Feedspot, it’s a global content discovery platform with roots in the U.S. It helps users follow and organize updates from blogs, podcasts, news sites, YouTube channels, and RSS feeds – all in one place. With over 2.4 million monthly visitors, it’s a go-to resource for marketers, PR pros, and media enthusiasts looking to connect with top voices in every niche.

Here’s what they had to say about my blog:

9. Girl Who Would be KING

Blog https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/
Girl Who Would Be KING is an elegant lifestyle blog that blends mindfulness, style, wellness, and personal growth. It’s about appreciating small rituals, celebrating everyday elegance, nurturing your habits, and finding inspiration. 

Here are the rest:

https://bloggers.feedspot.com/vancouver_lifestyle_blogs/

Thank you. I’m feeling grateful

News

What’s in store for 2024?

Many people say it’s going to be an amazing year.  I’m not sure how they know this, but it’s always better to be optimistic.  I only hope that it’s better than the one we left behind.

Indian Canyons Golf Course (I don’t golf but I love walking around here). Photo: d. king

I ended the last year dancing away to an amazing live band called “Raincross Drive” at our clubhouse here – along with a surprise visit from an old friend from Vancouver who happened to be in the area.  Even though he popped the champagne cork which hit the ceiling and brought down a lighting fixture which fell on the head of a woman who runs the clubhouse, (just a little bump and hopefully only temporary amnesia) we all survived the year. These things happen.  

I’m trying to think of significant things that happened for me personally in 2023 and I honestly can’t say what they were.  Aside from getting Adele (Layla’s litter mate 7 years later) it was mostly business as usual.  I’m making an effort to clear up clutter in my home, my closet, my office space again; boooring!. Ended up buying a few things at the vintage market.  New Year: out with the old, in with the old.

 I spent a very quiet Christmas in Palm Springs which I’m surprisingly pleased turned out to be quite pleasant considering it was minus a tree, presents and people.  A first.  I managed to make a restaurant worthy dinner for one (and two canines) and realized I can do without all the trappings and over commercialization of Christmas.  Having said that, I’m not sure I want to make this a regular yearly event.  It’s only one day after all, but it’s a day where everyone tends to celebrate with family and/or friends so it was unusual. But I have to say; it turned out to be pretty okay. I was invited to a friend’s home in Los Angeles but didn’t want to deal with driving in holiday traffic. Now on to 2024:

It’s been a wonderful year so far.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has begun and so far I’ve seen an excellent documentary “MERCHANT/IVORY.”

Director Stephen Soucy (L) for a Q&A afterwards.  Unfortunately I don’t remember the interviewers name. Photo: d. king

It’s about legendary Director/Producer duo James Ivory and Ismail Merchant, who made Oscar winning movies like “ROOM WITH A VIEW” and “HOWARDS END” (which many will want to re-visit; but so many other films that you may have not heard of, or maybe forgot about) – all shot in India or America. Fascinating story, footage and interviews with people like Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and others. Their collaborative relationship in both life and business lasted more than 40 years. During that time they made 44 films together.  (23 of them were scripted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from 1927–2013 in some capacity).  Real life stories are my favourite and this one was full of brilliance.

After that, a yummy cocktail at a very new and very fabulous speakeasy in an Old Hollywood designed boutique hotel.  Located in Old Las Palmas.

Photo: d. king

The Velvet Rope is owned and designed by David Rios, a local whom I met earlier that day.  More about this in a separate post (I took tons of photos as all the rooms were themed and so much fun to visit). Glamour all the way!

Kevin (the bartender) at Club Valerie; an elegant Hollywood Regency style speakeasy.
This cocktail was really yummy but doesn’t have a name because this place is so new that the menus are in the process of being printed.

Last night I was invited to a gorgeous private home for viewing the Golden Globe Awards along with a small group of people.  The food was delicious and the company; an interesting and creative bunch. Really enjoyed it. What I learned is that there’s really only two degrees of separation, and, if you think you’ve seen all the latest films + TV series on all the various screening platforms; you haven’t!  I was shocked at how many I’ve missed or never even heard of.  I’m mostly a Netflix/Prime/Crave devotee so, if they’ve been on Apple or Hulu or god knows where else, chances are I haven’t seen it.  But I made note of a bunch and might have to add a few more channels. They sure know how to get you!

Cheers to a bright new year!  Photo by Kevin the bartendar.

Starting the second week of the month with a few new places to check out.  If there’s anything of relevance (of course there will be) I’ll share it here – after I get caught up with a couple other things I have yet to share.

I hope this year brings you Peace, Good Health, Good Fortune, Good Food, Good Friends, Good Viewing, Good Reading, Love and Happiness. XO

News

Monday Mood: Tis the Season

Well here we are…

Before leaving on our road trip South, I posted pics of falling leaves and trees in the midst of Autumn in Vancouver.   What a difference a few days make…

Here with my friend Miranda at Spa Rosa – Miramonte (Tommy Bahama) Resort  located in Indian Wells.  More about this in a follow-up post after the New Year.

But now, in just a few more days, it will be officially winter and soon after that, a brand new year.  We always say how hard it is to believe how fast a year goes by; but then before we know it, we’re already in it.

La Quinta. Photo: d. king
Photo: d. king
Farmers Market, Old Town, La Quinta. Photo: d. king

Since being in Palm Springs for over a month now I’ve enjoyed meeting up with some old friends and a little side trip to L.A.

With my friend Natalia. Pacific Palisades, L.A.

Cocktails with Yvette at Seymour’s Speakeasy, Palm Springs.  They make the best.  Cheers!

I’m enjoying taking things a bit slower than usual and have not made too many plans (except for a few films during film fest and some events during Modernism week, followed by a couple fashion shows during Fashion Week).  These are all spread out and have to be planned in advance otherwise they sell out.

In the meantime I’m partaking in a weekly book club (over video chat), yoga, cocktails and canines… while succeeding to block out the world chaos and chatter that goes along with it. 

With friend Ramona at Sunnylands. They have free outdoor yoga every Friday in an amazing setting.
Rodeo Drive. Photo: d. king
Adele (l) & Layla (r). Photo: d. king

We plan to have a quiet little Christmas.  How about you?

Photo: d. king

 

 

 

 

 

 

News

Feel-good Friday: Adele

Introducing Adele; our newest little family member.

Sunday July 2nd will mark two weeks since we picked up Layla’s sister in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine valley. 

she’s the one in the back

What’s extra special about this is that Adele happens to be Layla’s real sister – as in her litter mate from 7 years ago. What are the chances? A beautiful, healthy, well-mannered little delight who follows me around everywhere. And a perfect companion for Layla.

My male sheltie Jia Jia (who I’ll always miss) passed away 3 years ago in May, and I considered getting another companion for Layla about a year after that.  We heard about an adult male sheltie up for adoption on Vancouver Island so we went there and when Layla didn’t approve we later checked out a puppy – which she didn’t approve of either.

Suffice to say she was okay as an only child. So that was that and we went on our merry way.  Until about two weekends ago when we met Adele through word of mouth and brought her back to Vancouver.

Layla and I are very happy with the decision and we hope Adele feels the same way.  Judging by these photos we think she does!

“If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat.” – Author Unknown

News

Groundhog Day Grounding

This is a bit no; a lot off my usual topic path but let’s stop to think for a moment about what this day represents.

So cute. Photo: CNN

For me; whenever I think about Groundhog Day I think about the movie by the same name with Bill Murray and the déjà vu feeling of reliving the same day over and over.

While we don’t exactly repeat the same pattern every single day of our lives, our morning and evening rituals tend to be predictably the same.

Speaking of habitual habits, today I decided to break my morning routine..if only a little.  I still brushed my teeth, walked my dog and had a coffee first thing after waking but then I meditated and wrote in a journal some empowering words and what I intend to accomplish if only for today. I was instructed to do so when I started the Aligned Woman Workshop Series with a group of fabulous women. As women we tend to multi-task and many times take on more than we can chew; so this workshop is about setting boundaries, creating balance and bringing more abundance into our lives, among other topics. 

But getting back to today, February 2nd…

I never fully understood why people rely on a little furry creature to tell them how long winter will last instead of a regular weather person.  But I go along with it like so many others.  If you don’t already know (good for you if you do) and if you’re so inclined to read about it,  here’s a bit of interesting information on an annual tradition that’s about as strange as anything can get.

How did Groundhog Day go from a kooky local ritual to an annual celebration even those of us who don’t worry about winter can find the fun in?

There’s a wealth of information out there if you look for it but I’ll try to break it down (which is one of the things I do best).

A group of men wearing top hats and tuxedos gather around and wait for a groundhog named Phil (always named Phil) to come out of his hole (known as a burrow), and if Phil sees his shadow (let’s assume they know he sees or doesn’t see it), the town gets six more weeks of winter.  If he doesn’t see his shadow the town gets an early Spring.

The town is called Punxsutawney (pronounced Punk – sue – tan-ee) located in Pennsylvania. It’s actually a borough in Jefferson County, PA.

On this day, thousands of people including international media visit the town for an annual weather prediction by Phil.

But did you know…

Before using groundhogs they relied on badgers for the winter/spring update . A regular badger,  not to be confused with the honey badger (the one who doesn’t give a damn about anything if you witnessed some of the videos about them on YouTube – also considered one of the most aggressive and dangerous animals in the world). 

Getting back to the groundhog:

Before he was a celebrity, he was lunch. Yes; him and his family! In a terrible twist, the earliest Groundhog Days of the 19th century involved devouring poor Phil after he made his prediction. The year 1887 was the year of the “Groundhog Picnic.” Pennsylvania historian Christopher Davis wrote that locals cooked up groundhog as a “special local dish,” served at the Punxsutawney Elk Lodge, whose members would go on to create the town’s Groundhog Club. Diners were “pleased at how tender” the poor groundhog’s meat was, Davis said.

I’m so happy they stopped doing this but I’m certain the groundhog is even happier. 

I have a feeling badger meat is not as tender although I haven’t tried it either.  I have read that people, especially in countries such as Russia, Croatia and China, have eaten badgers for centuries.

Oh well; according to Phil they’re getting another six weeks of winter. 

News

Feel-good Friday: Oh it’s October

Here’s hoping your month gets off to a good start.

On this first day of October I’m attending my very first Zoom wedding, and hopefully my last. Well I’m not really attending – rather watching from my computer.  Yup, you read that right!  And to be fair; it is a very tiny gathering. still no excuse!  One of my best friends is re-marrying her ex-husband. Throughout their divorce of many years and other relationships, they’ve remained each others’ best friend – which only proves that friendship and respect are key ingredients for a successful partnership. The good thing is I don’t have to dress up although I might put on some makeup. I think all eyes will be on the couple exchanging vows…but just in case.  Can you believe I actually said “the good thing is that I don’t have to dress up?” 

Today also marks the first day that VIFF (Vancouver International Film Festival) begins.
VIFF celebrates its 40th edition from October 1-11, 2021 with a kaleidoscopic collection of Canadian work, East Asian cinema, powerful documentaries, narrative cinema from some of the world’s leading lights, elevated genre fare, and much more.  Big screen or small, VIFF is excited to share the 2021 program with film fans in Vancouver and across the country. Explore the full program at viff.org and on VIFF Connect starting today.

Antonio Banderas + Penelope Cruz in “Official Competition” Hmmm this should be interesting.
Ties between Tiger and Trainer: An Iranian Zookeeper takes Maya, a Bengal tiger he raised from birth for her first trip out of the Mashhad zoo for a film shoot by the Caspian Sea – once home to the now extinct Caspian tiger.

https://viff.org/Online/default.asp

I also want to introduce my exclusive local gift packages. 

The Champagne Birdcage

Something new although I’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time and always enjoyed putting gift baskets together for special occasions. Two options filled with small lot, carefully chosen wine/cheese/chocolate delights. A few of my favourite things packaged up to please for all kinds of celebrations.  Many of you don’t reside here in Vancouver, let alone Canada, but maybe you know someone who lives here and is looking to gift something unique.  Certain companies have gifted their clients and also special customers of some organizations have purchased these but hey; they also make a perfect wedding, anniversary or holiday present.  Have a peek and let me know what you think…

Available on my Shop page:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/shop/
Have an excellent weekend!
News

Happy Chinese New Year!

2020 is the Year of the Rat

Recent years of the Rat are: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

Rats are clever and quick thinkers.  Here’s proof:

The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first.

The Rat is also associated with the Earthly Branch (地支—dì zhī) Zi (子) and the midnight hours. In the terms of yin and yang (阴阳—yīn yáng), the Rat is yang and represents the beginning of a new day.

In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus.  More at link below:

Here’s what I’m up to this evening:

Introducing a new monthly Sunday Soiree at Jake’s restaurant, Palm Springs. They want to kick off by celebrating Chinese New Year. Since this town tends to celebrate the Rat Pack on any given day, how fitting that 2020 is officially the Year of the Rat!

It’s a chance for Jake’s (a hidden gem in a town of many large venues) friends, family and fans to get together for a party. While usually every night is a party at Jake’s, the new Sunday Soirees will have a theme and seating will be limited! It may be a dinner, cocktail party or a fundraiser, but whatever it will be an evening filled with great food and drinks! Their culinary team is working very hard to develop creative menus for each event, while the bartenders are also creating new cocktails for each night. The self-proclaimed friendliest staff in town will be there to welcome you and ensure you enjoy the festivities.

Chinese New Year 2020                 

                                                  Celebrating with the meanings behind the menu

Craft cocktails specially created for the evening! (means we just want to drink)

Passed dim sum, dumplings, and potstickers

(they symbolize unity, togetherness and harmony)

Amuse

Duck Confit Spring Roll  春卷

(since they look like bars of gold, spring rolls are a wish for prosperity and wealth)

Starter

Longevity Noodles with Lobster Broth and Tail Meat   长寿面

(long noodles = long life, lobster means endless money rolling in!)

Main Course

Steamed Cod Ginger Scallion Sauce   蒸鳕鱼与姜和葱

(The typical blessing is wishing you to have a surplus of food and money every year)

Kung Pao Chicken  功夫保鸡

It represents reunion and rebirth

Pineapple Fried Rice 菠萝炒饭       Mr Tso Cauliflower 先生椰菜花

(they just taste good!)

Dessert is an assortment of Chinese and American Pastries

More about Jake’s Restaurant:

Jake’s is a casual European-style bistro nestled in a secluded courtyard at the epicenter of the Uptown Design District of Palm Springs. Much like the architectural & style artisans that surround it, Jake’s takes cues from the past with a nod to the future in the kitchen & behind the bar. Classics menu items are given a surprising twist while new flavor combinations excite the palate. They meticulously select all of their wines, and the cocktails are creative and modern. With a vast selection of cakes!

Since 2007, Jake’s has defined al fresco dining in the area, often described as “quintessential Palm Springs” & recognized annually by OpenTable as one of the Top 100 Al Fresco Dining Spots in the USA.

More about the Rat:

https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/rat/