Stone Town, Zanzibar –  a step back in time

dhow2Like legendary Timbuktu or Kathmandu – the name alone is almost reason enough to make the trip.

Exotic Zanzibar is a maze of narrow streets, winding alleys, bustling bazaars, crooked passages and crumbling houses with overhanging balconies. But there is romance a plenty on this island with collectible antiques, local wood carvings, spice market and historical hotels.

but then there's this hotel - the Manta Resort if you're looking for James Bond type experience of staying underwater.
but then there’s this new under water hotel – the Manta Resort if you’re looking for a James Bond type experience…and who isn’t?

Zanzibar Door 3From Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, we boarded a ferry boat to lengendary Zanzibar and spent the day wandering around exotic old Stone Town.  The name is appropriate considering all the old stone walkways.Zanzibar Window 2Zanzibar window 1

Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar where little has changed in the last 200 years (except for the hotel above). The original owners of the many grand Arab houses vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. This one-upmanship is particularly reflected in the brass-studded, carved, wooden doors – there are more than 500 different examples of this handiwork. You can spend many idle hours and days just wandering through the fascinating labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways. The symbol of Zanzibar is the dhow boat (photo above).  Many of these boats can be seen along the shores ferrying people around the island and taking fishermen out for the day’s catch.

Stone Town was recently and deservedly declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.Zanzibar fruit stand

The market is a great place to visit even if you don’t want to buy anything. It is a vibrant place where everything under the sun is bought and sold. People bring their produce here from all over the island, and other people come to buy things they can’t get in their own villages. Of special interest is the huge selection of brightly coloured kangas (worn by the local women, it is a rectangle of pure cotton cloth with a border all around it, printed in bold zanzibar1designs and bright colours) and the auctions that are held regularly.  I brought back many colourful striped scarves and two chunky neckpieces not normally my style (shown here in photos).

a chunky turquouse/coral/amber neckpiece
old turquoise/coral/amber choker

jewelryzanzibar2

Zanzibar – an Island Tour:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTPhCjQvQc0

Source: Zanzibar.net and the book called “1,000 places to see before you die” – a traveler’s life list by Patricia Schultz.

 A MAZE ing!
A MAZE ing!

 Have you been?

 

Photos: Lisa King (except for Manta Resort).

words – about meteors

A few weeks ago I was out walking my dog around 10:00 at night near the beach when I suddenly looked up….to witness something super bright shooting above my head at lightening speed. meteor showerIt seemed to be very close but I didn’t know what it was.  There were a few other people around although they didn’t seemed to notice. It was brief but undeniably other worldly, and seemed to land in the water only a few feet away.  I thought that maybe it was my imagination but on the news that evening there were several reports of a big bright meteor falling from the sky.  Very cool.

negative4I love this description:

“I have realized; it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most. That I see and feel who I really am, the most! I think that’s what a comet is like, you see, a comet is born in the outer realms of the universe! But it’s only when it ventures too close to our sun or to other stars that it releases the blazing “tail” behind it and shoots brazen through the heavens! And meteors become sucked into our atmosphere before they burst like firecrackers and realize that they’re shooting stars! That’s why I enjoy taking myself out of my own element, my own comfort zone, and hurling myself out into the unknown. Because it’s during those scary moments, those unsure steps taken, that I am able to see that I’m like a comet hitting a new atmosphere: suddenly I illuminate magnificently and fire dusts begin to fall off of me! I discover a smile I didn’t know I had, I uncover a feeling that I didn’t know existed in me… I see myself. I’m a shooting star. A meteor shower. But I’m not going to die out. I guess I’m more like a comet then. I’m just going to keep on coming back.”  – C. JoyBell C.

 

 

Health MATTERS: blocking Negativity

negative1Have you noticed how spending time with certain people can leave you feeling drained? 

Life throws you some curveballs sometimes.  An illness, a death of a dear friend or family member and you need a sympathetic ear.  A friend who will just listen.  But then there are people who just thrive on complaining about every negative thing in their lives….and it never seems to end.  Once in a while I can understand, but not an endless stream. I came across the following on another blog –http://thenursesshift.com/ (experience greater health, balance and abundance through holistic health choices, enhanced nutrition and a dash of Metaphysics.)

I am sure that most people can think of someone who they would rather avoid than bathe in their negativity. They may not even be very negative, but you just find that after being with them, you feel drained. What about those day’s where you are just feeling off or in a bad mood? You could have just created this mood yourself, or you could have picked it up from the person you just had coffee with. What many people aren’t aware of is that they are picking up energies from other people and these energies are not always the kind you would want. Eventually, these unwanted energies will cause diseases.negative2

Some people are extremely sensitive to other people’s moods and energies. These people are called Empaths. Empaths feel other people’s anxiety, stress and tensions very deeply. By the way, DOGS are considered to be empaths which makes sense if you think about it – they are always watching your facial expressions and sensitive to everything. EVERYTHING is energy (even if you can’t see it) and just like a leech can attach to your leg in water (YUK), someone’s negative energy can attach to you, which is even nastier. As much as I would like to completely avoid negative energy, this is not always possible. In my work, I am in several different hospitals on a weekly basis, so I am often dealing with people who have illnesses and mental health issues, and because of this I have had to learn to protect myself.

I’ll give you an example of an experience that I had this week where someone came to me who had just been diagnosed with Cancer, and was scheduled for surgery and radiation. She was very emotional and needed someone to talk to. I discussed her situation with her and at the end of the conversation gave her a hug. Then I went about my day and almost immediately, I started to feel very drained and off. I recognized that I wasn’t feeling myself at all, but silly me, I didn’t make the connection.

That evening I was completely exhausted and went to bed really early. In fact, I actually thought I was coming down with something. I woke up at 2 am with extreme anxiety (which is something I never get). As I lay in bed tossing and turning, I started to put 2 and 2 together, and realized that this energy I was feeling WAS NOT MINE. I immediately got up, smudged (see Smudging below) myself with sage and felt better. This was a great lesson and reminder to me, not to let my guard down. I thought to myself – what did I do back when I had no idea about energy, and what do other people do who don’t realize that they need to protect themselves? The amazing news is that YOU can protect yourself from picking up the nasty energies that have no place in your life – read on…

Here are 8 simple, yet powerful ways for you to protect yourself:

1) Crystals and stones – there are many different crystals for protection. I like Black Tourmaline, Labradorite, and Hematite. I don’t leave home without mine. They should be worn on the left side of the body. Try holding different stones and see how they make you feel.

2) Smudging – originating from the Native American tradition, this is a powerful cleansing method. With an intention to remove negative energy from the body, cleanse the body with the smoke from the herbs. Sage is the most common herb used. Sweetgrass and cedar are used as well.

3) Salt bath – taking a bath in salt is very cleansing to your aura. Regular table salt or sea salts can be used. You can also add in essential oils, I like lavender, cedarwood, and neroli.

4) Affirmations – repeat to yourself 3 times: I am surrounded by protection, no negative energies can touch me, and I repel all unwanted energies. I do this at the start of my day and anytime I am in a situation with tension.

5) Surrounding yourself with a shield – I like to imagine a shield of gold light around me, other colours can be used as well. I do this several times a day. Be sure that you visualize the colour coming beneath your feet (up your soles) and sealing up.

6) Meditation – connect to your breath and get into the present moment.

7) Practice Yoga – yoga balances out the chakras and can move around stagnant energy.

8) Energy Healing – energy healers can remove all the unwanted energy, cleanse and balance the chakras, and aura. If you are dealing with very strong energies, I would recommend seeing an energy healer.

I hope you give these a try and see what works best for you. When I use these techniques I feel more in control, especially where my emotions are concerned. Protecting yourself will allow you to move through your day with more ease and energy. In the long term, keeping your energies balanced will greatly improve your health and prevent disease.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

― Nikola Tesla via http://thenursesshift.com/

 

 

Feel-good Friday: Fun at Playland

Confession #1 – I used to be an amusement park junkie.playland6playland10

Confession #2 – I have also been on every ride at almost every Disneyland in the world (except for the newer ones in China – but there’s still time). My favourite to date is still Disney World in Orlando, Florida.  Anyway, this is all to say that a lot of time had passed since I’d been on rides and I almost forgot the childlike excitement and anticipation of the experience.  Until last Monday, September 1st  when my sister gifted me & a few others with entry to the PNE which included free unlimited ride passes at Playland.  I would not have wanted to waste them, plus I don’t remember the last time I was there.playland11

For years I had no fear while riding the big rickety wooden roller coaster with my dad at Belmont Park in Montreal and remember the fights that ensued with my parents over the fact that my dad let me stand up on the ride.  Of course I was not supposed to tell my mom but I was proud that he let me do it.  After the private venture park closed for good (in 1983 followed by a Montreal-style police raid) we defected to La Ronde (also in Montreal), and much later tried out all the roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto.  Yes, every single one!playland7

But that was then and I quickly realized I’m not nearly so daring now.  I was surprised and disappointed that I actually had to psyche myself up to go on several of the rides at Playland and they weren’t even the most exciting ones.  But I also realized that I’m still a kid at heart and still got nervous and excited even though I was standing in line with 6 year-olds, arguing over which one of us would get to sit up front (and finally striking a deal with an 8 year old because he also wanted to sit up front – (which separated the friend I went with, making her sit on her own 2 cars behind).  I caught friend sticking her tongue out at the two 6 year olds sitting in the middle car.  She (also nervous because it had been so long) said she wanted to be seated right behind us but they purposefully made sure that that would not happen and ran ahead of her giggling – after promising not to do so.  Meanies!playland1Lesson: little brats turn into big brats. 

playland5

Confession #3 – I have never been for actual Confession and I thank god for that!

playland3Have you faced your fears lately?  Which rides are your favourite?

 

Beauty biz – Glitter be Gone!

I like to wear a bit of glitter and then take a quick dipglitter2

 with the new Sephora dip your nails inside instant nail polish remover.  So easy and no more need for messy cotton balls. I have their regular remover which is excellent except for when you wear glitter polish.  And girls like glitter.  It will take it off eventually but after too many trys so I’m glad they came up with this one.  I tested it on removing a polish that had two extra coats of Sally Hansen triple shine glitter top coat which is really hard to remove with normal nail polish remover. It worked but don’t be impatient because it takes several seconds. That stuff is very hard to get off.  Mostly it works ultrafast and is effective.  They claim that it also removes nail patches, all types of nail art, including nail tattoos, and pen marks.glitter1

How to use it:
Just a quick dip into the foam and sparkles and nail polish instantly (or almost instantly) come off your fingertips. It comes with an exclusive scrubbing sponge to help remove the toughest products.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens and is dermatologist tested.  Cost $12

Have you tried it?

style – Bootie Call

my new suede boots
my new grey no fuss suede pull-ons for tucked in skinnies or pants worn over-casual/dressy.

We can expect a few more weeks of sunshine here and there but you know what’s around the corner.  Time to put your best Fall Foot Forward….whether it be practical, riding (that’s not really a bootie but we love it anyway), motorcycle, funky casual or casual dressy. They all have a place in your shoe closet.

 

I’m looking for comfort, walkability (to some degree – at least two blocks) and Style.

my new distressed looking fringe benefit boots
my new distressed looking boots with fringe benefits – Ralph Lauren.  Definitely to be worn with jeans. Funky/Casual.

Boots with fringe will be HOT in colder weather.

Here’s my pick for a great casual look for rainy days:

Sorel Medina Boot
Sorel Medina Boot

SOREL Medina Boot

  • UPPER
    Waterproof vulcanized rubber upper with waterproof full-grain leather detachable gaiter
    Lycra lining on upper and felt lining on gaiter.
  • FOOTBED
    Molded EVA footbed with arch support
    Pigskin leather topcover
  • MIDSOLE
    Vulcanized rubber
  • OUTSOLE
    Handcrafted rubber outsole with herringbone design.

Price – $225.  A solid, practical all around town Vancouver bootie.

Chelsea lately!
Chelsea lately….Fashionable, Practical, Walkable – all around perfection with a solid heel.  They come at all price points but shown here are some favourites.

A solid Chelsea boot should be a staple in every woman’s closet for the fall and winter seasons.

Above: LEOPARD-PRINT CALF-HAIR “HALLOW” BOOTS, $1,295, JIMMYCHOO.COM. FAUX-PATENT-LEATHER “RONAN” BOOTS, $150, FRENCH CONNECTION, USA​.FRENCH​CONNECTION​.COM. VELVET BOOTS, $430, PENELOPE CHILVERS, SHOPBOP.COM

 What’s your preference?

 

 

Lineup for Fall/Winter 2014-15

labourdayAlways celebrated on the first Monday of September, Labour Day originally gave workers the chance to campaign for better working conditions or pay, but now the day is part of a long weekend for many. Yay!

And Remember, you CAN wear white after today – just not so bright a white.dog-blog1For those of you who read this blog (among other blogs) and especially for those of you who write blogs, you can appreciate the challenge of continually trying to come up with original content and keeping it brief.  So I’ve decided to incorporate some old stuff into the mix which I hope you’ll find interesting, amusing and perhaps even useful. You can expect a few small changes from the daily lineup. I’m also open to suggestions if there is a category or subject of relevance you’d prefer to see.  I’m constantly looking at ways to improve this blog and enjoy working on it immensely.  I try not to plan too far in advance of what I’m going to write in order to keep things fresh. Thank you for checking in.

blogIn the meantime here’s a look at what to expect from upcoming daily posts.

MONDAY:

Travel/Lifestyle – re-visiting the world’s wonders starting with “Z” for Zanzibar.  I’ve recently come across many photos which invokes so many memories of great places I’ve visited and now I want to take you along for the journey.  Or;

Art/Culture – featuring an artist, talking about all aspects to do with art and cultural events.

TUESDAY:

Fabulous Food – (for foodies) a recipe, restaurant or specialty food item. This week we discover African Breese Specialty Foods (specializing in South African delicacies).

WEDNESDAY:

style – fun with fashion, style with substance.

THURSDAY:

beauty biz – everything to do with beauty including makeup and skincare product reviews.

FRIDAY:

Feel-good Friday – an inspiring thought or image.

SATURDAY:

health MATTERS – health related news and healthy tidbits.

SUNDAY:

words – generally inspirational quotes but it can also be a poem, story or excerpt from a book.

Enjoy your last day of freedom before you go back to work or school (except here in British Columbia where the teachers are still on strike).

 

Re-Fresh Friday: Relaxation & Adventure

The two best combinations that strike a perfect BALANCE.englishbay

Summer, I will surely miss your warmth.fromferryboat2

OTHER THINGS I WILL MISS are the long days, everyone is more friendly, the casualness of flip flops, all the neighbours I never get to see the rest of the year, sitting outside on any great deck in the city, picnics, sunsets, sunflowers, warm evenings, Drinking Rosé (yes, you can drink it after but it’s not the same), bumping into people you know while riding a bike, riding my scooter with a warm breeze and not having to wear a jacket (yes, I can ride it after but it’s not the same), camping in Oregon (yes, I mean it!), meeting for breakfast at the sailing club, sitting outside at the neighborhood bar/restaurant but mostly bar if truth be told around the corner where everyone knows your name (including the ones you don’t want to know) and especially not having to carry an umbrella.  I’ll stop here.  Jericho

Unfortunately the Lululemon Seawheeze half marathon (the company responsible for turning so many of us into clones) didn’t make the cut because I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped although the scenery around Stanley Park was breathtaking and I managed to cross the finish line arm in arm with my sister.  That was special since I lost her in a crowd of 10,000 people within the first 10 minutes and met up with her again halfway through.  And I’m thankful that I didn’t get trampled on when I stupidly turned around to pick up her water bottle which fell out of her fanny pack.  20140611_143704

It’s too fast and too soon but we have something to look forward to.  Come on, what’s the best thing about Fall besides all that beautiful foliage falling to the ground….the CLOTHES!  So come on folks, Cheer up.BurrardbridgeMahonyandSons

Have a great long weekend. Meet back here in SEPTEMBER….which means Monday.

Solong to Summer
Solong to Summer

I know that summer doesn’t officially end until September 21st….but it’s not the same.

photos (except for the bicycle): Debbie King

 

 

 

 

style – timeless TWILLY


twilly6twilly2Hermès Twilly – a timeless classic.

Good enough for Grace
Good enough for Grace

These versatile  silk scarves are beautifully printed on both sides and so easy to wear. It’s longer in length much like a tie and stitched

Chic Headband
Chic Headband

on both sides.

They have a playful side.  A ladies necktie?  A silk bracelet?  A chic headband or ponytail holder? Many tie them to their handbags…even if they’re not Birkins.twilly3

Tied to a Birkin
Tied to a Birkin

It is one of my favourites from the famous french house of style. Now they have a longer version – called the maxi twilly but I prefer the tinier original.  twilly5And who can resist the little orange box?

 

What is your

favourite Hermès silk scarf?  

Simply Satisfying –   gluten free CHOCOLATE ALMOND TORTE

torte1Also known as Torta Caprese (named for the island of Capri from which this recipe originates).

If you like chocolate with almonds you will love this flourless recipe.  It is simply delicious and fairly easy to make.  You might ask, what is the difference between a torte and a cake?  The answer is nothing because the word “torte” comes from the Italian word “torta” which means a round bread or cake. So it is in fact a cake.  In Europe, most cakes are called tortes.

When comparing tortes and cakes, you will notice that the cake is lighter than the torte. Cakes are made with cake flour which makes them very light because of the gluten content of the flour. You’ll find that tortes are denser and richer therefore a smaller piece should be enough to satisfy.

Ingredients:

1 ¾ sticks (7/8 cup) unsalted butter

7 ounces (1 ¼ cups) blanched whole almonds

6 ounces (170kg) of the finest quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened) you can find.  I use Callebaut.

4 large eggs

1 cup fine coconut sugar (original recipe calls for granulated sugar)

Garnish with confectioners’ sugar (I sprinkle it over the cake with a fine sieve) and serve with whipped cream & berries. I like using raspberries because they have a sharpness which marries well with the sweetness (but it is not overly sweet) of the chocolate.  They also add prettiness to the final presentation.

Preheat oven to 350F and butter a 10-inch cake pan.  Line bottom of pan with a round of wax paper and butter paper.

Melt butter and cool.  In a food processor finely grind together almonds and chocolate.

Separate the eggs – yolks from whites.

In a bowl with an electric mixer beat yolks with sugar until very thick and pale, then beat in almond mixture with butter.

In another bowl with cleaned beaters beat whites with a pinch of salt until they just hold stiff peaks and whisk one fourth into almond mixture.  Fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly and spread batter evenly in pan.

Bake torte in middle of oven for about 50 minutes, or until it begins to pull away from side of pan and a tester comes out with moist crumbs remaining.  Cool on rack 5 minutes and then invert onto another rack.  Discard wax paper and cool torte completely.  Invert onto a plate.

A restaurant style presentation with a touch of mint & a chocolate wafer.
Try a lovely restaurant style presentation with a touch of mint & a chocolate wafer.

Torte may be made one day ahead and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature.

Enjoy!