It’s here! A remarkable Spring that’s more like a slightly cooler version of Summer….
Some random photos taken with my camera phone on a walk and a bike ride.
“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.” – Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast.
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” – Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karnina
I have plenty of plans and projects to keep me occupied. How about you?
Shea Butter: the multi-purpose all natural Vitamin A, E & F skin cream (with SPF 6) is derived from the seed of the Shea (Karite) tree which is found in the dry arid regions of Central Africa. The pits are collected to sun dry and then roasted to get it ready for the difficult work of extracting the creamy, rich solid oil by hand. This butter has an amazing amount of healing properties and softening capability. Shea butter has been used in Africa and other countries for years as it provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production. It’s one of the ingredients used to make the “Divine Balm” for “Skin so Divine“. On it’s own it is very rich but splendid when mixed with the other healing oils which make up this amazing balm.
Here are 21 uses of Shea Butter
Dry skin
Skin rash
Skin peeling, after tanning
Blemishes and wrinkles
Itchy skin
Sunburn
Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave
Small skin wounds
Skin cracks
Tough or rough skin (on feet)
Cold weather
Frost bites
Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
Insect bites
Healthy skin
Muscle fatigue, aches and tension
Use before and after strenuous exercise
Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
Eczema
Dermatitis
Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems, etc.)
Need to update your spring wardrobe? Head down to Coco’s Closet tomorrow (Thursday, May 7th) and 10% of all purchases for the day will be donated to a very good cause – the *Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Western Canada. A UNIQUE, LA-INSPIRED BOUTIQUE in Vancouver’s Kits Neighbourhood.
Brochu Walker – Harrison Shrug
Coco’s Closet offers Vancouver’s style-savvy women a fun, relaxed environment featuring hard-to-find fashions and accessories straight out of the latest magazines.Lots of Great Brands! Stop by Coco’s Closet to add a splash of LA hotness to yours!
Equipment Silk ShirtMother
Address: 2190 West 4th Ave (next to Purdy’s Chocolates).
MAY IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS MONTH – HELP SUPPORT SOMEONE WITH CF
*About CYSTIC FIBROSIS (or CF) in a nutshell : Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease of the secretory glands, including the glands that make mucus and sweat.”Inherited” means the disease is passed from parents to children through genes. People who have CF inherit two faulty genes for the disease—one from each parent. The parents likely don’t have the disease themselves. CF mainly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines and sinuses.
The symptoms and severity of CF vary. Sometimes there are few symptoms. Other times, the symptoms may become more severe. As the disease gets worse, the symptoms become more severe with increasing regularity. Lung function often starts to decline in early childhood in people who have CF. Over time, damage to the lungs can cause severe breathing problems.
Early treatment for CF can improve quality of life and increase lifespan. Treatments may include nutritional and respiratory therapies, medicines, exercise, and other treatments. As these treatments continue to improve, so does life expectancy for those who have the disease. Today, some people who have CF are living into their forties or fifties, or longer.
I have a friend in her mid fifties who has CF and has had a double lung, heart and kidney transplant because of this disease. She’s doing remarkably well, looks good and is basically a living miracle. Because of this I try to help support the CF foundation (Vancouver chapter) to retrieve silent auction items for their yearly gala fundraising event in Vancouver. See my previous post: https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2014/11/08/health-matters-raising-awareness-key-to-a-cure-for-cf/
To help celebrate cinco de mayo and in conjunction with the Vancouver International Tequila Expo here are three exciting FOOD & DRINK events planned for this month – Vancouver Agave Week:
EAST VAN TACO SAFARI - Tuesday May 26th – 7pm
Have you been wanting to try a bunch of the up and coming Taco restaurants but haven’t had the time to do it right? This is the event for you!You will start the evening at Taco Bar Gastownand then we’ll transport you to points east to enjoy tacos with tequila and mezcal pairings at Los Cuervos Taqueria, Sal y Limon (new this year!), La Mezcaleria, Tacofino Commissary, before returning to Taco Bar Gastown to end the night with…you guessed it - more tacos and mezcal! A unique way to spend the ULTIMATE Taco Tuesday! Tickets: $79.95
COOKING & PAIRING WITH AGAVE - Wednesday May 27th – 7 pm
Are you interested in a complete culinary experience? We’ve paired with the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts to create a unique evening of Cooking and Pairing with Agave. You will spend the evening in the school’s kitchen with PICA’s chef instructors learning to cook a Mexican inspired meal and unique food and agave pairings. It’s hands on - from the preparation to the tasting. We have just 24 spots in this unique full participation event. Tickets: $120
DOWNTOWN FOOD& AGAVE SAFARI - Thursday May 28th – 7pm
Join us for the first ever Downtown Food & Agave Safari! We’ll be experiencing delicious food and drink pairings as we visit some of Vancouver’s top restaurants and watering holes. We start at Joe Fortes Seafood & Chophouse, and then we’ll board a trolley to culinary nirvana – exploring gastronomic delights at every stop - all exquisitely paired with tequila and mezcal to sip alongside the chefs’ creations! Stops at: Joe Fortes Seafood & Chophouse, Coast, Lift Bar & Grill, and Left Bank, before heading to Uva Wine and Cocktail Bar to end the night with…more culinary goodness paired with agave spirits! Tickets: $95
Take life with a grain of salt, a slice of lime and a shot of tequila!
But with the finest of them you may omit the salt and the lime, and it will be completely genuine! Let these spirits lift yours!
If the upcoming Fourth Annual Vancouver International Tequila Expo (VITE)
taking place on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel is anything like the one my friends raved about last year, it will be a raging success.
Joe Fortes sponsored a recent VITE media event which I was lucky enough to attend. While I’m no connoisseur, I can attest to sampling several exceptionally smooth & outstanding varieties from a host of participating dealers. Last October I spent some time in Oaxaca, Mexico so I became more familiar with Mexcal and was delighted to find some here too.
¡Viva tequila!
It’s a celebration of all things agave – without the blue agave plant there would be no tequila.
The Hyatt Regency event will run from 7 to 10 pm and is presented by First Majestic and sponsored by Legacy Liquor Store, the BMW Store, Joe Fortes, Sysco Vancouver, Tourism Mexico and La Mezcaleria. This year will feature 100% agave mezcals alongside the wide range of 100% agave tequilas, including exclusive offerings not yet available in BC.
The evening will feature unique samples of Mexican food pairings by restaurants including Joe Fortes, Sysco Vancouver, La Mezcaleria and Mosaic Bar & Grille.
The Peloton de La Muerte Cocktail Competition will be a returning feature of the show, where a selection of Vancouver’s expert bartenders will have the opportunity to showcase their own agave-based creations, in a friendly competition meant to show off their versatility of agave-based spirits.
Mexcal Selection
Legacy Liquor Store (purveyors of premium spirits) will be hosting an onsite-liquor store for the first time that will feature products available at the show.
Tickets are on sale until they run out through Tickets Tonight. Single tickets are $69, with a group rate of 6 people+ available for a reduced price of $59.
Not just another pretty bottle. Much more depth!
INTERESTING FACTS you may not know about Tequila:
It’s one of the most misunderstood drinks, surrounded by years of myths and legends – just another reason to love it.
To Be Called Tequila, It Must Be Produced In Mexico. Just as true champagne must hail from France, tequila has Denomination of Origin, meaning that it has to be produced in Mexico, mainly in the western Mexican state of Jalisco. The states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas are also acceptable.
Tequila Is Technically A Mezcal.
But mezcal is not tequila. Got that? The main difference between the two is the plant. All tequila must be produced using blue agave, whereas a variety of agave plants can be used to make a single mexcal batch.
If you’re scared of the worm, don’t be! They’re found in mezcal, not tequila. The worm, or gusano, actually originated largely as a marketing ploy. It is the larvae of a type of moth that lives on the agave plant.
The Machete Used To Chop Agave Leaves Is Called A “Coa”…and it has circular blades. The Men Who Use The Coa Are Called Jimadors.
Have a heart! Only The Agave Heart Is Used To Make Tequila.
Tequila Does NOT Contain Psychedelic Properties. Then how do you explain…nevermind! In the mid-20th century, tequila sales spiked after California residents thought it was a psychadelic. Nope. They were just confusing mezcal with mescaline (the psychoactive alkaloid of peyote).
You Can Turn Tequila Into Diamonds. You don’t say! Physicists at the National Autonomous University of Mexico figured out a way to make artificial diamonds out of tequila. Sadly, the synthetic diamonds are too small to be turned into jewelry, but they can be used for an array of electronic and industrial purposes.
Serious Tequila Aficionados Generally Don’t Do Shots. Instead, they sip tequila from a special tequila glassor brandy snifter. That way, the agave flavours and aromas can be properly enjoyed.
A Bottle Of Tequila Can Last Unopened For Years. But really, does yours stay unopened for that long??
However, once you open a bottle, you have about one to two months before oxidation and evaporation lower the quality of the tequila and destroys the agave profile. So, you want to drink up within 3 to 6 months, at which point it becomes more like a bourbon.
HEALTH FACTS (YES, that’s right).
Studies have shown that if consumed in moderation, tequila can cut the risk of dementia by 37%.
It also has a component that can help lower LDL levels, aka bad cholesterol.
Unlike other forms of alcohol, tequila is not a depressant.
As with most alcohol, tequila can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 30-40%.
The blue agave plant has components that can help stimulate the immune system and fight obesity.
Two weeks ago I posted about artist Judith Henry who incorporates masks as part of her mixed-media artwork compositions that explore the various roles we play.She hides behind a mask and becomes part of her canvas (above), just as we sometimes hide a part of our personality in certain settings and depending on the situation.
It got me thinking about the ‘masks’ we all wear, to what extent we tend to layer ourselves at times and the reasons why. I don’t know the psychology behind it, but I think it’s fairly simple to explain.
In theory, ‘masks’ are a persona that we put on top of the ‘real thing.’ It is a version of our ‘true selves. It’s not necessarily that we aren’t being authentic, but we can edit our personalities and decorate the versions we prefer to share to the world.
Why do we feel the need to do this?
What they shield are those parts of us that for whatever reasons, we don’t like or accept; or that others need us to hide to make them feel more comfortable. Or we don’t feel comfortable telling the complete truth for fear of breaking down so we are in actuality protecting ourselves from being hurt, our pride from rejection or to keep us from looking like a complete fool. Okay, maybe it’s not so simple after all.
I’m sure that if everyone let down their complete guard to anyone who asked “how are you today” people might be surprised and not be able to fully accept or handle exactly how you’re really doing. It’s keeping a barrier of politeness and having boundaries. In other words, “not wearing your life on your sleeve” at the first introduction.
Then there are societal rules that make it easier for us to fit in so we can adapt to situations like when we’re looking for work or meeting new people for the first time. We don’t want to appear too needy or too shy but sometimes we are exactly that. That’s just the rules of the game folks.
Interesting subject though don’t you think?
I’m just great, thank you very much…Sure!
Two poems on the matter:
“She had blue skin,
And so did he.
He kept it hid
And so did she.
They searched for blue
Their whole life through,
Then passed right by-
And never knew.” – Shel Silverstein, Every Thing On It
We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,–
This debt we pay to human guile;
With torn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtleties.
Why should the world be overwise,
In counting all our tears and sighs?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.
We sing, but oh the clay is vile
Beneath our feet, and long the mile;
But let the world dream otherwise, We wear the mask! – Paul Laurence Dunbar
Rooted in Tradition, Enhanced by ScienceIt was suggested to me recently that I look into Theracurmin capsules. I already know the benefits of ingesting Turmeric and many other spices – part of the reason that I decided to make curries again was because of using the various amounts of spices required. My aim is to incorporate tasty meals that have health benefits to boot. Sometimes it also helps to supplement.
Here is an article by Dr. Michael T. Murray forliving naturally which explains the benefits of this natural product.
The root of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, has been used in India for thousands of years as the principal spice in curry and as an Ayurvedic medicine for supporting the body’s natural inflammatory response system. A century ago turmeric’s primary active compound, curcumin, was isolated. This valuable natural compound gives turmeric its vibrant yellow color and its medicinal qualities. An explosion of scientific research, literally thousands of studies, with curcumin has deepened and expanded our understanding of curcumin’s unique health effects in supporting many body functions. While much research has documented curcumin’s effects, most research has focused on in vitro (test tube) or animal studies. The big shadow over curcumin is that in humans its oral absorption (bioavailability) is quite low and once it is absorbed it is rapidly changed to other compounds or broken down. Clinical studies show that amounts as high as 12 grams of curcumin powder failed to significantly raise blood levels. To address this issue of poor bioavailability, a number of processing techniques have been developed to enhance the absorption of curcumin. Natural Factors Curcumin Rich Turmeric Root Extract contains Theracurmin, a natural turmeric extract preparation with by far the highest absorption profile.
What is Theracurmin?
Theracurmin is an all-natural preparation that utilizes advanced techniques to reduce the particle size of curcumin then disperse it with a very unique natural suspension to dramatically increase its solubility. The result is a dramatic increase in the absorption of curcumin compared to all other commercial forms tested, including other enhanced forms of curcumin. At equal dosage levels, Theracurmin produces blood levels in human and animal studies that are 30-40 times greater than regular curcumin.
Theracurmin Increases “Free” Curcumin
Theracurmin is the only curcumin preparation to demonstrate a clear dose response. What this means is that even small dosages of Theracurmin increase blood measurements of curcumin and as the dosage Turmeric Root Extract Theracurmin™ Highly Bioavailable Curcumin increases so does the blood level. This increase is linear, meaning that it increases in the blood in a parallel fashion to the dosage. This absorption profile is extremely important as the effectiveness of curcumin within the body requires achieving effective concentrations. Theracurmin is able to achieve necessary concentrations within the body that are not likely to be easily achieved, if at all, with other curcumin preparations. In addition to being poorly absorbed, curcumin is rapidly metabolized in the liver. When measuring levels of curcumin in the blood during absorption studies the value of curcumin is based upon total curcuminoids including metabolites. The only product form that has shown to actually increase the free curcumin form is Theracurmin. As free curcumin is significantly more active than the metabolites, it is extremely likely that Theracurmin is not only better absorbed, but it also produces additional benefits compared to other supplemental forms of curcumin.
What Are The Benefits of Theracurmin?
What research has continually documented is that curcumin is highly pleiotropic, meaning it exerts multiple actions. Foremost is curcumin’s ability to influence many factors involved when normal inflammatory processes get out of balance. It has also demonstrated significant effects in preventing the accumulation of compounds associated with premature aging. For example, beta-amyloid is a compound linked to aging in the brain. It is kind of like a biochemical scar in brain tissue that reflects damage due to inflammation. Curcumin is showing great promise in preserving brain health by preventing the accumulation of beta-amyloid. However, in order for this benefit to be realized, it must be absorbed. Here are some of the other benefits shown with curcumin: • Potent antioxidant • Supports the body’s natural inflammatory response system • Promotes the liver’s ability to detoxify.
How Much Theracurmin Do I Need?
The suggested usage of Theracurmin based upon current clinical evaluation is 150 to 300 mg per day. Although this amount is significantly lower than many other forms of curcumin, keep in mind that the amount of curcumin you take is not as important as how much you absorb.
Dr. Michael T. Murray is one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine. He has published nearly 30 books, including the best-selling Encyclopedia of Healing Foods and The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicine. He is chairman of Dr. Murray Natural Living, Inc. and director of product development at Natural Factors, which produces a line of vitamins and supplements. He is a graduate and faculty member of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.
Here is my healthful morning TEA with TUMERIC recipe:
Squeeze a few slices of lemon & fresh ginger into a mug and pour very warm to moderately hot water over top. Add about a tsp. each of cayenne pepper & powdered tumeric, Sprinkle a bit of dried cinnamon and add a tsp. of honey. Mix, drink & enjoy.
I crown this Save a Pitbull Day!What can be more uplifting than these Instagramphotos…just be a CAUSEAs a way to find shelter pitbulls happy homes, New York City photographer Sophie Gamand takes ethereal shots of them wearing adorable homemade flower crowns.
“I volunteer at animal shelters a lot, but I always tense around pit bulls because of things I’d heard in the media. I wanted to confront my apprehensions.” “After researching, I found out that more than one million pit bulls are euthanized each year in the US,” she said. “Then the project started feeling more important to me.”“Shoots can take one minute, or thirty minutes,” says the photographer. “It completely depends on the dog.” Gamand makes a unique flower crown for each pup.Now try to top hat that?? www.sophiegamand.com @sophiegamand
I deserve to live
Won’t it make you feel good to save a dog (not just a pittbull, but any dog) from being euthanized?
Are you as tired as I am of hearing all the buzz surrounding anti-aging marketing?
All the advertising in magazines, newspapers and the internet implies that most of us are not content to age gracefully. While this advertising is aimed at women primarily, lots of men are paying attention too, but I find the ads are misleading. No product on earth should make these claims unless they can actually back it up with proven research (without those cheesy re-touched before & after pictures). How many of them can?
It’s not so much the fact of getting older but rather, looking older. If there was a magic pill to turn back the clock I’m sure everyone would take it. In the meantime, and eventually, aging is going to happen – deal with it! The notion that age can and should be transcended underlies an industry that has profits in the billions in the United States alone. Paired with the spending power and consumer habits of a characteristically youth-oriented generation, the search for a means of taking control of and ultimately conquering age has been met with a surge in available products and procedures to meet this demand.
Photo: huffington post.uk
While I’m not against those who opt for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, the numbers of those choosing to have them frighten me.
How about good old natural measures? We can age gracefully and stay youthful depending on how well we treat ourselves and our surrounding environment. What about using common sense and doing the best we can to stay strong and healthy. What we should most be concerned about is avoiding stress. If you have a lot of stress it will age you faster than anything.
Naturally good genes are a bonus, but you can eat well, exercise in moderation, try to get enough sleep, don’t drink too much, be nice to yourself, treat others well, find humour in life and use good products. (My conscience tells me not to use thosetested on animals) There is no compromising in these areas. Not only will you feel better but it will make you look good on the outside too.
Some skincare products can help prevent further wrinkles from forming and certain vitamins can help further the aging process but they can’t do all the work. You have to work together. But no matter what you do, the facts show that having a lot of stress (which we all do at times) in life weakens your system and in turn can contribute to sickness and aging. I suppose this is where meditation comes in handy (for those who know how to do it properly) and taking time out for yourself.
I don’t think anyone truly has all the answers but for me personally I find taking a long walk in fresh air helps to clear up thinking. Lately I’ve gone back to yoga (or semi-yoga, semi-workout since I’ve been breaking out a sweat) classes to help me work on my “core” issues. Seeing the results makes me feel better and makes me want to continue to get in the best shape I possibly can. Listening to music while cooking is another relaxer and dancing is always lots of fun. Anything that lifts your spirits is good for you. Shouldn’t we be concentrating on that.
Speaking of lifting your spirits, there’s something about this ad I like
Spring Fashion is popping up all over SCOOP, Vancouver’s favourite pop-up shop.
So what could be better than perusing the aisles while listening to music played by a deejay with a glass of bubbly in hand? That’s what happened when I attended their blogger evening last week at the South Granville Location.What used to be a rather small operation for up to six weeks at a time has turned out to be two store locations for all seasons. At present, Scoop is open for 6-8 weeks at certain times of the year. Those times being Spring/Summer and November/December.
Owner Deb Nichol strives to keep each of the Scoop locations fresh and exciting by creating a bit of a buzz surrounding the night before each opening so it’s always a surprise.The thing about Scoop is that there’s so much turnover of merchandise that each time you set foot inside you find something different. They source merchandise and get inspiration by traveling to places like New York, LA, Vegas, Atlanta and Toronto. Besides clothing, they offer jewellery, cards, candles and wall hangings. If you don’t scoop up something fast you may never see it again. Then again, I did come across a pair of linen pants I once purchased that they brought back the following year. Must have been a popular item. Normally I don’t want to see something repeated, but in this case I wanted another pair anyway so it was a good thing.
MOOD BOARD
Locations:
The Latest Scoop on S. Granville – 2928 Granville St.
The Latest Scoop in West Vancouver – 2470 Marine Dr.
It’s here! A remarkable Spring that’s more like a slightly cooler version of Summer….
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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