Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

beauty that makes scents: Frankincense

Only wise women use Frankincense

The word Frankincense comes from the word “franc encens” which means quality incense in old French.

Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia frereana) is a tree or shrub that produces a gum or resin that can be steam distilled into an essential oil with HUGE health benefits. Although frankincense trees can be grown anywhere, they are most popular in the middle east and the region of Oman is known for producing the best, highest quality oils today.

Frankincense has long been esteemed as being holy in the Middle East. Remember the old bible story about the three wise guys who came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh? Once three of the most prized items in the world, two now mostly forgotten and overlooked. Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda medicine and for the first time is being taken seriously by medical science. Thanks to some scientists, Frankincense may again be worth its weight in gold.

Frankincense is known to have emotional and spiritual affects because of its high vibrational aroma which is why it is commonly used in prayer and meditation. But aside from all that, basically I just love the scent. It is one of the oils used in the “Divine Hydrating Facial Mist.” It is believed that the oil will transmit messages to the limbic system of the brain which is known to influence the nervous system. A little bit of oil goes a long way. Frankincense oil is known to improve skin tone, heal cuts and grazes and infected skin. When combined with the other oils used and the floral waters (especially rose) it is extremely beneficial as a treatment for dry, mature or wrinkled skin. It also helps to lessen the appearance of scarring.

Most people have heard of this essential oil, many have tried it but sometimes it’s nice to know a little more about the overall benefits:Frankincense has many uses. Traditionally it was burned as incense, and also charred and ground into a powder to produce the heavy kohl eyeliner used by Egyptian women.

Now used in skin care products, it is known for its ability to prevent and reduce wrinkling.

To use the oil in meditation, add four drops to a vaporizer. As you inhale the oil, it helps to slow down and deepen the breath which in turn brings a sense of peace, restores balance and opens the mind, increasing awareness and spiritual understanding. It is also thought to help the release of past traumas, helping someone coping with grief to ‘let go’ and come to terms.

On a totally different note: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAYBELLINE. Going strong & still looking good at 100 years old!

Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s Maybelline!

Remember that slogan? To this day the company’s pink+green Great Lash Mascara is still a top seller. The company has released a 100 year Milestone limited edition “commemoration collection” available in stores today. Prices range from $4.49 to $9.99. So if you’re not born with it….go out and buy it. Isn’t that what they want us to do?

Film Reviews, STYLE

STYLE in Film – with IRIS

GLAMOUR is IRIS APFEL

I am so going to see this documentary! I’m sure it will be rated right up there with other favourite arty ones I really enjoyed like Herb and Dorothy, Searching for Sugarman and Valentino: The Last Emperor.

With more than a dash of eccentricity and over 75 years in fashion and interior design, Iris Apfel is an inspiring life force well into her ninth decade. She’s strong, quick-witted and always flamboyantly dressed. Iris retains her enthusiasm for life in fashion, art and people. What I admire about her is that she’s completely unique – true to herself with good values and work ethic. Sadly there are not enough women like her.

Iris says:

About her style: “I like to improvise”

“Someone told me you’re not pretty, you’ll never be pretty but it doesn’t matter, you have something much better – you have STYLE!” I couldn’t agree more.

“It’s better to be happy than well dressed”

“I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.”

“A woman is as old as she looks, but a man is never old until he stops looking”

Watch the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo8jwJ_2l0c and if you’re the least bit into style (of course you are, you’re reading this) then GO SEE IT! I know I can’t wait to.

From the Director of Grey Gardens (I thought it was excellent) and Gimme Shelter – Albert Maysles

Two years ago I posted about Iris:https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2013/03/26/style-substance-according-to-a-chic-91-year-old/

FUN

Food: Italian Potluck – Milan Expo 2015

From May 1 through October 31, Milan is a hosting an international pot luck dinner at Expo 2015, that once-every-few-years universal world fair where countries come together for a thematic event. This year’s theme, “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” will explore food culture and sustainability as seen through 170 country and corporate participants. This is my kind of Expo!

Together they are bringing food conversation to the table in a multi-cultural village of pavilions, theaters, conference halls, and parks where food finesse is just an hors d’oeuvre and tastings plus table talk are the main courses.

Pavilions make up the core of Expo 2015: Unique stand-alone structures that share food ideas and concepts and are architectural celebrations in their own right.

Focusing on food discussions, the Expo village brings together countries and food concerns in different Clusters. Countries will ask you to think differently about what you know about food through dedicated topics like grains, coffee, chocolate, and climate zones. The Slow Food pavilion celebrates the Italian-born movement and radicalizes it for the 21st century. Pavilion Zero and Future Food District (created with MIT’s SENSEable City Lab) are poised to take you back to the future. And if you’re bored, there’s always Cirque du Soleil‘s Allavita! at the open-air theater.

It’s food. It’s a celebration of food. And it’s chefs celebrating. Some of the world’s biggest kitchen names will be heading to Milan for demonstrations, conversations, and even a little giving back. Italy’s top chef Massimo Bottura and 40 of his famous friends will take host a charity kitchen and cook with Expo leftovers at the Refettorio Ambrosiano.

Spaghetti Bolognese – I just made a batch

If you go: It’s a six-month food party. You’ll need a game plan and a great pair of walking shoes. Visiting the Expo is like heading to a food-focused theme park. You are going to want to take your time and to be there for more than one day. Why don’t you make it a holiday? Milan for Food and Shopping...Cosa c’è di meglio (what could be better)?

From Milan: The Expo is in Rho, 20 minutes northwest of Milan’s city center.

Source: Forbes.com – Erica Firpo for Fathom

Art & Culture

ICON – the UNIQUE Lives of Shirley MacLaine

Anyone familiar with bestselling author and Academy Award winning actress Shirley MacLaine knows that she’s lived a journey of many lifetimes.

On May 26^th, Shirley MacLaine will be gracing the stage of the Vancouver Orpheum not to sing, dance, act or read an excerpt from one of her many intriguing books – but to share in stories about her own life experiences with trademark wit and candour to a captivated audience as part of the intimate “unique lives” series.

I’ll be one of those people engrossed in hearing whatever she has to say. Because let’s face it, even if you’re not a fan you cannot deny that it has been a life (including past lives) well lived.

With credits too numerous to mention on a blog, let’s take a little peek into the world of this living legend:

The daughter of a drama teacher, she started out as a dancer. She will take you down memory lane with movie and television clips from her illustrious career starting in 1955 with her first movie, Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Trouble with Harry“.

With a film career too long to mention – you’ll see clips from “Irma la Douce“, “Sweet Charity“, “Two Mules for Sister Sara“, and most recently, “Glee” and “Downton Abbey“. Not only will you hear about her award-winning film and stage career, but also her years with the “Rat-Pack“, her journey on the Camino, and her greatest passion: the spirit, mind and body.

Members of the audience will get a chance to ask Shirley questions during a question and answer session.

Five of my personal favourite films from her extraordinary career:

The Turning Point (1977), she stars as a former dancer who gave up her career to have a family. Her daughter follows in her footsteps, and MacLaine’s character is forced to confront her old dance rival (Anne Bancroft).

In 1983, MacLaine finally claimed her Oscar statue for Terms of Endearment. She plays Aurora Greenway, a woman with a troubled relationship with her daughter, in the film. Debra Winger stars as her daughter and Jack Nicholson as her love interest in this popular tearjerker. In her acceptance speech at the Academy Awards, MacLaine said “I have wondered for 26 years what this would feel like,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. Vanity Fair also notes that she added “I deserve this.”

Steel Magnolias with Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts. The quip that stands out: “I’m not as sweet as I used to be.” Set in Louisiana, she plays Ouiser Boudreaux, a woman who through years of turmoil and heartbreak, becomes more cynical, hardened and wiseass. But you can’t help but love her. She embodies wisdom, cynicism, sarcasm, and snarky humor…all mixed into one fabulous southern lady…how can you ask for more.

She tackled the role of one of her real-life contemporaries. In Postcards from the Edge, based on Carrie Fisher’s memoir, MacLaine plays actress Debbie Reynolds. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Reynolds gave MacLaine at least one critique of her performance. “She didn’t think I should have put vodka in the smoothie,” MacLaine said.

In 1960, MacLaine delivered one of her best performances in The Apartment. She co-starred with Jack Lemmon in this Billy Wilder classic, playing a young elevator operator named Fran Kubelik who has an affair with the company’s big boss, but later falls for Lemmon’s character.

So there you have it – I’ll be all over that!

Tickets: http://uniquelives.com/vancouver

THINKAboutit

In Praise of all Good Mothers!

No woman should ever marry a man who hated his mother

“When God Created Mothers”

When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said. “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”

And God said, “Have you read the specs on this order?” She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts…all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands.”

The angel shook her head slowly and said. “Six pairs of hands…. no way.”

It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” God remarked, “it’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.”

That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel. God nodded.

One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.”

God,” said the angel touching his sleeve gently, “Get some rest tomorrow….”

I can’t,” said God, “I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick…can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger…and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower.”

The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed.

But tough!” said God excitedly. “You can imagine what this mother can do or endure.”

Can it think?”

Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise,” said the Creator.

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek.

There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model.”

It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”

What’s it for?”

It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride.”

You are a genius, ” said the angel.

Somberly, God said, “I didn’t put it there.”

– Erma Bombeck, When God Created Mothers

I miss my mom every day!

FUN

health MATTERS: can dancing the TANGO improve cognitive function?

mind-body-spirit
How nice to know that aside from the sheer pleasure of dancing the tango there might be a health benefit to go along with it. Tango may be the most passionate of all dances but it has a structure that goes along with the flow, so I consider it to be the “thinking man’s dance.”

So I wasn’t surprised to find out that that according to the non-profit organization Dance for PD® (Parkinson’s disease), the answer is YES, it does help to improve cognitive function.

The following was written by Ruth Buczynski, PhD for the National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine.

Because Parkinson’s is a brain disorder, some people thought it might be uniquely affected by something like dance. So they approached the Mark Morris Dance Group in Brooklyn, New York, about creating a program for people diagnosed with the disease.

Dance for PD® has been holding classes since 2001 and has witnessed the profound positive impact it has had among participants. But most of this evidence was anecdotal.

Scientific evidence of the program’s effectiveness was just beginning to be published.

In the nearly four years since I first started following Dance for PD®, the science has caught up. I heard about a 2015 study focusing on participants, but when I went to look it up, I was amazed at the number of studies published just in the first few months of 2015 that look at the topic.

Given this wealth of studies from research facilities around the world, I had a hard time highlighting just one. So instead, let’s look at some of the most recent findings on dance as an intervention for Parkinson’s:

46 patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson’s participated in Japanese researchers Hiroko Hashimoto et al’s study. They found that dance improved motor function, cognitive function, and mental symptoms. (Effects of dance on motor functions, cognitive functions, and mental symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: A quasi-randomized pilot trial. Complimentary Therapies in Medicine, Apr. 2015)
Researchers out of Canada and Sweden investigated the use of tango lessons to improve motor and non-motor functions of people with Parkinson’s Disease. They found that the Argentine tango can improve balance and functional mobility and are calling on larger studies to test benefits on cognition and fatigue. (Tango for treatment of motor and non-motor manifestations in Parkinson’s disease: A randomized control study. Complimentary Therapies in Medicine, Apr. 2015)
Irish investigators led by Dr. Amanda Clifford took ten participants and had them attend weekly Irish dancing lessons, along with a parallel home practice, over an 8-week period. This preliminary study found that Irish set dancing is feasible for people with Parkinson’s and could increase their quality of life (Is Irish set dancing feasible for people with Parkinson’s disease in Ireland? Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2015)
A May 2015 [epub Feb. 2015] literature review in Maturitus concluded that studies support the idea that dance can cause “substantial and wide-ranging benefits” in people who suffer from Parkinson’s, in addition to the older population in general.

One of the things that fascinated me about these studies was the sheer number of countries that are currently researching the neurological possibilities of dance for people with Parkinson’s.

This is a treatment strategy that could be used anywhere in the world.

And then, let the neuroplasticity begin.

In our Brain-Smart webinar series, we’ve been talking about practical and innovative strategies for working with the power of neuroplasticity to strengthen and heal the brain. The webinars are free to watch at the time of broadcast – you just need to sign up.

What are your reactions to using dance as a therapeutic intervention?

Source: http://www.nicabm.com/ (National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioural Medicine – a pioneer and leader in the field of mind-body-spirit medicine.).

FUN

Feel-good Friday: In Full Bloom

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?

beauty

beauty: Shea’s the one!

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.)

http://skinsodivine.com

FUN

style: In Coco’s Closet with good cause!

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, Stone — **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 Shirt — **Equipment** Silk Shirt

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/

Food + Drink

FOOD: going on safari with agave

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 Gastown and 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

To order tickets and for more information: http://www.vantequilaexpo.com/about_expo.php