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

Style – stay chic even while you SLEEP

I love loungewear!

Apartment, the Shop

It’s evening ~~or not~~, you’re at home ~~or not~~, it’s cold outside, you’re ready to relax, to be warm, comfy, cosy, and unwind in a pair of snuggly PJ’s. Don’t you?

These luxe and loungy choices makes looking chic so easy, you could do it in your sleep.

TopShop

THE PAJAMA PARTY!

This photo (from Olivia von Halle’s latest lookbook) makes me want to put on some girly pajamas, invite my best girlfriends over, pop some champagne, and frolic in the British countryside.

Photo by Grace Atwood via [StripesandSequins]
That last part might not be so realistic, but seriously… how dreamy is this image!? The pajamas made of 100% silk, were inspired by Coco Chanel’s lounging pajamas and designed to be something glamorous enough to have a gin & tonic in before bed… a girl after my own heart.

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for casual style…even at home or at bedtime.

Bottoms Up my friends!

FUN

Food – Thai Tofu-Quinoa Salad

This healthy low-calorie, high-protein dish is simply delish!It makes a great lunch but can easily suffice as a side salad for dinner (especially with salmon or chicken). Serves 4. It’s only 330 calories per serving.

Ingredients:

Extra-Firm Tofu

Quinoa

2 Carrots

Red Cabbage

Frozen Edamame

Green Onion

Cilantro

Sauce:

Lime juice (from ½ a lime)

Natural Peanut Butter

*Tamari (or low-sodium soy sauce)

Honey

Grated Ginger

2 Garlic Cloves

Hot Chili Flakes

Sesame Seeds

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray with oil. Arrange half of a 350g package of extra-firm tofu (patted dry and cut into 3/4 in. cubes) on prepared sheet. Bake in centre of oven until tofu is golden brown – about 20 minutes. Transer to a rack and cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Cook ¾ cup rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan according to package directions. Scoop quinoa into large bowl to cool completely, about 30 minutes. You can also make this in advance, like a day or two ahead.

Whisk 2 Tbsp. lime juice (half of a regular size lime) with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter, 1 Tbsp. water, 1 Tbsp. Tamari, 2 tsp. honey, 2 tsp. finely grated ginger, 1 or 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ – 1 tsp. hot red chili flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.

Stir 2 coarsely grated carrots into cooled quinoa along with 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1 cup thawed frozen edamame, 1 thinly sliced green onion, ½ cup chopped cilantro, 4 tsp. toasted sesame seeds and cooled tofu. Drizzle with dressing, then toss to coat.

Serve cold or at room temperature.

Do you know the difference between Tamari & Soy?

Even though both sauces are similar in color and flavor, there are actually a number of differences between the two. While both soy sauce and tamari are byproducts of fermented soybeans, the main difference between the two is the presence of wheat. Many recipes that call for soy sauce often include a note to substitute tamari in its place to make the recipe gluten-free.

Tamari: Little to no wheat (always double-check if avoiding gluten)
Soy Sauce: Includes wheat (not gluten-free)

Other Differences – Soy sauce and its many forms are found widely throughout Asia, but tamari is specifically a Japanese form of soy sauce, traditionally made as a byproduct of miso paste. The differences in production give each sauce its own unique flavor. Tamari has a darker color and richer flavor than the common Chinese soy sauce you may be more familiar with. It also tastes more balanced and less salty than the sometimes harsh bite of soy sauce, which makes it great for dipping.

Instead of keeping one or the other in your cupboard, consider stocking up on both sauces and experimenting with them in dishes that call for soy.

DESTINATIONS

Travel/Luxury: the Exclusive “all-inclusive”

Le blanc spa resort – Cancun

I’m not usually into all-inclusive vacations but I think I can resort to this. My brother and his girlfriend just got back from Le blanc spa resort in Cancun and by what they described and by the looks of these photos it makes me want to jump on a plane right now. In actuality I will be heading on a plane soon enough to go to a different part of Mexico but I know I won’t be getting my own private butler there. More on this later.

Le blanc spa resort is a luxurious environment with an all white décor to match the all white sandy beaches. It is an adults-only all-inclusive nestled along the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean. It is apparently a world onto itself.

The staff is trained to serve you and make you feel that this is not your typical resort. Service is professional, prompt and polite. The staff looks as good as they are (I read this) and the private butler is a real plus! The dining is fine world class. The rooms are clean with private Jacuzzi and French balcony with views of lagoon and resort or common areas. The spa is a sanctuary. They have an amazing fitness facility which also offers yoga & pilates.

It comes highly recommended by some very picky people. It seems like a dream vacation. And what about that butler?

I think I can do this!

http://www.leblancsparesort.com/

FUN

Words…little style pick-me-ups

Sometimes we gals just need a little style pick-me-up

Lauren Hutten from a Bazaar fashion shoot.

Glam up your day with a few fashion quotes from some favorite designers, style icons & girl crushes.

“Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing.” —Alexander Wang

What you can wear on your day off to walk your pink poodle — DO NOT let a pink poodle upstage you at any given moment – remember You set the stage!

“The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world.” – Alicia Keys at a Giorgio Armani party in New York, 2009.“I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.” – Carrie Bradshaw

“You can’t be melancholy in fashion because people don’t respond to it.” —Isaac Mizrahi

Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.” —Lauren Hutton

FUN

Feel-good Friday: Firepits

Here are some cool
ways to keep warm on a chilly evening.

Vancouver Home & Design Show

Vancouver Home & Design Show

Vancouver Home & Design Show

O for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention. – Shakespeare

FUN

beauty – AWARENESS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I thought it would be good to post a roundup list of skincare & makeup product ingredients (in alphabetical order) to make recognizing, understanding, and avoiding these ingredients easier for you.

THE NEVER LIST:

Animal fats, oils, and musks: tallow, rendered beef or mutton fat, oils or musks from animals like mink, emu and sharks that are procured after an animal has been killed. Found in: soap, salve, shaving products, lubricants, paints, and all types of cosmetics.

Benzalkonium chloride: a disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation and allergies. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.

Benzophenone and derivatives: a possible human carcinogen and hormone disruptor used as a fragrance ingredient and to absorb ultraviolet light. Found in: nail polish, sunscreen.

Bisphenol A (BPA): a hormone disruptor that may also alter DNA, used in plastics and resins. Found in: plastic bottles, lining of aluminum food cans, possibly in eyeshadow and styling gel.

Butoxyethanol: a solvent used to control viscosity, or a “fragrance” additive. It irritates skin and may cause cancer and reproductive toxicity. Found in: fragrance, hair color.

BHA and BHT: synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors, and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients: a byproduct of coal processing that is a known carcinogen. It is used as a colorant and an anti-dandruff agent. Found in: hair dye, shampoo.

1,4-dioxane: a by-product of manufacturing that is a probable human carcinogen (a known animal carcinogen) as well as toxic to organs and the respiratory system, and a skin irritant. Likely to be present where ethoxylated ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, PEGs, and ceteareth are listed on ingredient labels. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): a chelating (binding) agent added to cosmetics to improve stability. May be toxic to organs. Found in: hair color, moisturizers.

Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.

Formaldehyde: used as a preservative in cosmetics. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Present where quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol) and several other preservatives are listed. Beautycounter does not use any of these formaldehyde-donating preservatives. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Hydroquinone: a skin lightening chemical that inhibits the production of melanin
and is a linked to cancer, organ toxicity and skin irritation. Found in: skin lightening creams.

Methyl cellosolve: fragrance ingredient and solvent that is an irritant and a possible neurotoxin, developmental toxin, and cause of DNA mutations that could lead to cancer. Found in: anti-aging creams.

Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone: chemical preservatives that are among the most common irritants, sensitizers and causes of contact skin allergies. Found in: shampoo, conditioner, body wash.

Mercury and mercury compounds (also listed as Thimerosal): metallic element used as a preservative and antiseptic known to damage brain function. Found in: ear and eye drops; may be used in mascara.

Mineral Oil (also listed as liquid paraffin; liquid petrolatum; paraffin oil): a by-product of petroleum distillation that may cause contact dermatitis. Found in: baby lotions, cold creams, ointments.

Oxybenzone: sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.

Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, proply- and others): a class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Specially, parabens mimic estrogen; they can lock on to our cell’s own estrogen receptors and mess with important natural signals. They may play a role in triggering breast cancer. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.

Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others): a class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds): PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.

Resorcinol: a colorant and fragrance ingredient that is a skin irritant, toxic to the
immune system and organs, and suspected to cause hormone disruption. Found in: hair color.

Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A): a nutrient that may damage DNA and speed the growth of skin tumors when used topically. Found in: moisturizer, anti-aging skincare.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES): SLS and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of a petrochemical process called ethoxylation which is used to process other chemicals in order to make them less harsh. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Synthetic flavor or fragrance: an engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000+ stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets, and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.

Toluene: a volatile petrochemical solvent that is toxic to the immune system and can
cause birth defects. Found in: nail polish.

Triclosan and Triclocarban: antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.

Print out an Always-With-You Never List and carry in your wallet for easy reference while on the go.

Source: http://www.beautycounter.com/the-never-list

FUN

Style – the Great White

SHIRT

A crisp, white button-down shirt is one of the most important pieces in a womans wardrobe. It must be spotless whether it be long, short, fitted or loose and above all… perfect!

Ask any stylist or wardrobe consultant what the most important staple in a woman’s wardrobe is, and you can almost guarantee the answer you will be met with is a classic white blouse. For decades, white blouses for women have been both a basic workwear go-to and a stylish statement. The versatility is unmatched and the variations are endless.

Looking at both historical and modern perspectives, it is clear that white blouses for women will never lose their relevancy.

The white shirt can even be worn to black-tie events.

Layer your collar and cuffs with some statement knitwear, likeLupita Nyong'o on the Miu Miu front row. — **Layer your collar and cuffs** with some statement knitwear, likeLupita Nyong’o on the Miu Miu front row.

tunic style worn — tunic style paired with a classic black pant.

A white shirt is a true workhorse. It will see you through all seasons and all occasions. It will look fresh, sporty, relaxed and SEXXXY! What more can you ask for from one simple piece!?

Do you have a favourite?

Source: http://stylepremiere.com and http://oprah.com

FUN

Food – milk chocolate oatmeal cookies

I’m always in the mood to eat cookies but I don’t always feel like making them. Part of the problem is that whenever I do make them I end up eating more than I should. This recipe is really easy and fairly healthy as far as cookies go…..(brown sugar instead of white, oats and only 1 egg) so I couldn’t wait to make them. They’re quick and delicious and I just added coconut flakes. You can double the recipe but if you want to ensure you don’t eat too many, maybe it’s a good idea to stick to the original.

Brown Sugar Chocolate-Chip Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. fine sea salt

½ cup unsalted butter, either at room temperature or slightly chilled

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

½ quick oats

1 cup milk chocolate chips

unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

Preheat oven to 325F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment then spray baking sheets lightly with oil.

Stir flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Beat butter with sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until combined. Stir in oats and chocolate chips. Spoon 2 Tbsp. portions of dough, 3 in. apart, onto prepared sheets. Flatten them slightly using your fingers.

Bake in centre of oven until edges are golden but centres are soft, 12-15 minutes. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool completely. Pour yourself a glass of milk!

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. But let’s face it – they’ll only last one or two days at most.

Makes 12-16 cookies.

If you really need to know they’re about 200 calories per cookie.

Below are links to some other cookie recipes I’ve made and posted before (all equally delicious):

Sweet ‘n Salty: https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2014/02/10/sweetly-satisfying-ultimate-chocolate-chip-cookies/

Vegan: https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2014/03/25/simply-satisfying-vegan-chocolate-chip-coconut-cookies/

Ultimate Dark: https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2012/11/06/simple-and-satisfying-the-ultimate-chocolate-chip-cookies/

DESTINATIONS

Utah: American Splendor

PARKS & RECREATION plus a bit of History.

Here are two miracles of nature that I highly recommend visiting not only for the breathless beauty of their rugged landscapes which makes for great hiking, but for the spiritual connection.

Arches National Park, Utah

300 million years of patient erosion has resulted in unbelievably dramatic landscapes. Here you will find the world’s largest concentration of natural stone arches. This National Park is a red, arid desert, punctuated with oddly eroded sandstone forms, balanced rocks, and arches. The 73,000-acre region has over 2,000 of these “miracles of nature.”

Monument Valley, Arizona.

Look familiar? You’ve seen it many times in many westerns (John Wayne spent a lot of time filming here).

Monument Valley provides perhaps the most enduring and definitive images of the American West.

from photo shoot Bazaar Magazine

One of the grandest – and most photographed landmarks (just look at these two magazine pages) in the United States, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is a sprawling, sandy preserve that spans the border between Arizona and Utah, bathing the region in rich red hues.

Dominated by crimson mesas and surreal sandstone towers – some as tall as 1,000 feet – the area is also known for dramatic, mesmerizing lighting, with the sun illuminating the towers and casting long shadows on the valley floor.

Bazaar Magazine

Alamo, *San Antonio, Texas

Located in the heart of one of the Nations top 10 largest cities, the Alamo is a must-see. In 1960, the story of the Alamo became bigger than life when John Wayne starred as Davy Crockett in a movie about the battle.

The History of the Alamo – a timeline:

The March 6, 1836 Battle of the Alamo was preceded by many battles between the newly arrived Texas colonists, called Texians, and the Mexican military. Texas was Mexican territory, following Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, and the settlers arriving from the United States wanted their independence from Mexico. But the story of the Alamo itself began more than 100 years earlier. Find out more at:http://visitsanantonio.com/english/Explore-San-Antonio/

*San Antonio has a lot of other things going for it besides “the Alamo.” It has a happening music scene, art museum and the beautiful River Walk with a host of attractions like restaurants, shops and hotels.

Sources: Arches National Park: http://www.visitutah.com/parks-monuments/national-parks/arches/

Monument Valley, Arizona: http://www.visitarizona.com/places-to-visit/arizona-parks-monuments/monument-valley-navajo-tribal-park

Photos: d. king

FUN

Words…relationships

Let’s have some FUN…..and not take life so seriously.

MEN vs WOMEN – some quotes that made me smile:

Buy a ship, name it relation. Now you have a RELATIONSHIP!

“I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.” – Groucho Marx

“A man can sleep around, no questions asked, but if a woman makes nineteen or twenty mistakes she’s a tramp.” – Joan Rivers

“Seems to me the basic conflict between men and women, sexually, is that men are like firemen. To men, sex is an emergency, and no matter what we’re doing we can be ready in two minutes. Women, on the other hand, are like fire. They’re very exciting, but the conditions have to be exactly right for it to occur.” – Jerry Seinfeld

According to a recent survey, men say the first thing they notice about women is their eyes. And women say the first thing they notice about men is they’re a bunch of liars. – Jay Leno

I want a man who is kind and understanding. Is that too much to ask of a millionaire? – Zsa Zsa Gabor

You’re 40 and he’s 22. Do you have to marry him? Couldn’t you just adopt him? – Ann Stanley, Forty Carats

“God gave men both a penis and a brain, but unfortunately not enough blood supply to run both at the same time.” – Robin Williams

“Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed.” – Albert Einstein

Happy Sunday!