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

style: in the Closet

I’m trying… I am trying to be more minimalistic…..and have almost succeeded. Don’t laugh, it’s true.

I wasn’t going to post anything about closet cleanup &

this time (did you see my post re: needing more space?) https://intrigueimports.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/personally-speaking-i-need-more-space/ Where do we even begin? Is there a certain sequence to follow? And then just as I was putting this together…Boom…a post shows up in my inbox from fellow blogger Chelsea Spear. On her blog “Seablanket” she walks us through her near perfect solution. I say “near” because it might be a tiny tad unrealistic for people like me (who have a closet elsewhere to hold items they don’t have room for at home) but I do admire Chelsea’s method and it’s something I want to aspire to. Easier said than done right?

Five Solutions according to Chelsea:

One of the questions I’m asked most frequently regarding my minimalist lifestyle is where I store all my “extra stuff.” There is a very simple explanation, which is truly that I don’t have any extra stuff. I realize it’s easy to say but not to do, so I decided to take the opportunity to show you exactly what I mean, and be transparent about how this lifestyle looks for me.

Spring is here, and like many of you, I have been feeling a need to purge my closet and make room for warm weather and a fresh looking wardrobe. The hard part for me: I find it terribly hard to justify buying new items for my wardrobe when I don’t know enough about what I already have. What requires mending or replacing, what pieces I desire or exactly what I NEED?!? That’s last one is the most important. Below I’ll walk you through my own methods and hopefully help some of you as you take on the seemingly monstrous task of spring cleaning your wardrobe.

I start by emptying my entire closet. That includes, shoes, socks, undergarments, each and every piece of clothing or accessories you own, take them out of the closet and don’t put them back until you’ve asked yourself the following questions:

1. Does it need mending or replacing?
Here is where you get to weigh your options. Will mending do the trick? If so, why haven’t you gotten around to it yet?… could that be a sign that you don’t desire it any longer? Would it be best to replace the garment? Is sentimental value the only thing keeping it in your closet? Keeping items around that aren’t being worn because of the garments poor quality? Let it go!

2. Have I worn this in the last season (or if it’s “special” ask yourself if you’ve worn it in the last year)?
If you answer no, get rid of it. Sell it, donate it to a Salvation Army or Goodwill near you, seal it away in your attic for safe keeping, just get it out of your closet and free yourself of the distraction. If you’re like most people you think this rule won’t apply to you, because you spent your hard earned money on it, and it’s yours. But in all reality, most clothing pieces that aren’t worn are no longer desired by the owner. Chances are if you’re not wearing it this year, you won’t be wearing it in the future.

3. Does it have stains or holes or runs?

Yes or no, bottom line?! Toss it if it’s looking gross. Even if the item is super comfortable or you’ve had it since college so it’s sentimental, quit looking like a homeless person and trade in your over-worn and over-loved garments for something fresh, clean and simple.

4. Does it fit? Is it flattering?

This one is probably the most difficult, because it requires you to be 100% honest with yourself. If it’s too hard to decide on your own, grab a trusted friend and ask them for help. I always ask my friend Bethany, because she not only understands who I am, and how I wear my clothes, but she also knows my sense of style and my fashion goals. She will tell me if I’m heading in the wrong direction with a piece, or if it’s just not achieving the look I wanted. That honest but loving input is incredibly helpful and will save you a lot of time and bad decision making.

5. How many of these do I need?
Again… be honest with yourself. Do you really need all these graphic tees? Do all 15 pairs of blue jeans really look different, or are they just there cause you can’t let anything go? Go ahead… let them go, and keep the best.

While all of these spring cleaning “steps” may seem incredibly challenging, the rewards do pay off. For instance, I like to deep clean my closet with each passing season, and when I do I make a list of items that number one : I Need, and number two : I Want…. which means (say it with me) “I GO SHOPPING!” I do discipline myself to make sure that each pieces of clothing is pulling it’s own weight in my wardrobe, and if I buy something new, I make sure it’s replacing something else. That stained pair of jeans gets tossed when I bring home a new pair. That jacket goes away because it’s out of style but I know I can replace it this fall, with something more current.

My wardrobe is so streamlined these days that I can pretty much write on my calendar when I’m going to need a new pair of jeans or new socks, and when last years sweaters will need dry cleaning, mending and finally replacing. I am also able to continually update my look with each season, staying relevant to the trends or style I admire, without breaking the bank.

Source: http://www.chelseaspear.com/

FUN

simply satisfying – Almond Date Bars

These addictive energy bars are easy to make, easy to store and really easy to eat!

1 cup whole raw almonds
1 cup pitted dates (unsweetened) – about 12
1 cup raisins (unsweetened & *unsulphured). *No preservatives.
2 Tbsp. sunflower seeds
1 Tbsp. flax seeds (I buy the kind already ground with blueberries)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Put all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until ingredients form into a ball (the dates hold everything together, so if you need, add more). Pour the mix onto parchment paper & pat down with your hands. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Cut into squares, wrap in parchment paper and store in your refrigerator. You can freeze them too.

Tip #1: Cut a small piece of parchment paper to help pat the mixture down with. This will prevent mix from sticking to your hands.

TIP #2: Medjool dates are the best. You can try different combinations like cranberries instead of raisins, or a combo of half sour cherries & half raisins. Experiment.

TIP #3: The whole recipe is rounded out to a total of 2000 calories (It’s actually a bit less) so let’s say you cut the bars into 10 equal size pieces it works out to about 200 calories per bar. Not bad considering how rich & filling they are.

Enjoy!

Check out my food board on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/foodsavour-taste-flavor-relish-palate-enjoyment/

Art & Culture

ART/BASEL – the City and the Art

Basel (pronounced the same way as the herb) is a charming city in Switzerland. Basel is so tucked away on the northern edge of the country, bordering both France and Germany, that it’s not on the regular Geneva-Bern-Lucerne-Zurich route and is often forgotten. And what a shame that is (I’ll tell you why in a minute).

But first A LITTLE HISTORY:

It's worth a visit even to just ride the buses — It’s worth a visit even to just ride the buses

Basel is Switzerland’s third most populous city (approx. 195,000 inhabitants) and is located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet with suburbs in France and Germany. Basel straddles Europe’s greatest river – the Rhine. A small part of the city (Kleinbasel) sits on the northern shore, even though the rest of that riverbank is German – and so acts as Switzerland’s gateway to the sea. It’s a very pretty little city too.

CULTURE: for many Swiss people, Basel means the three Fs: football, Fasnacht (a large popular festival) and pharmaceuticals, all loved and hated in equal measure. But Switzerland’s third largest city has a lot more to offer than some effing stereotypes, a fact that is also lost on many foreigners visiting Switzerland. ART is a BIG deal. So are museums.

Amid all the museums and galleries that crowd into Basel, perhaps the quirkiest is the one dedicated to the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, aptly named “The Tinguely Museum.”

Jean Tinguely

Tinguely was born in Fribourg but grew up in Basel, and created the most amazing sculptures you are ever likely to see. Many look like they were put together by a mad scientist using laboratory leftovers. If you thought the Swiss were dull, this museum will change your mind. But I never thought they were dull. I had a Swiss German friend (a girl named Simone) who I met travelling in the Philippines who was extremely avantegarde and fun.

Moving right along, do you know what Basel, Miami Beach and Hong Kong have in common?

All three cities stage premier international art shows, providing a platform for artists and gallerists from all over the globe. It is considered the world’s largest and most prestigious fair for modern and contemporary art – goes by the name “ART BASEL.” Heard of it?

Art Basel was founded in 1970 by Basel art gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudi Bruckner and Balz Hilt. They put their passion and determination behind a visionary idea of their city and decided to feature only museum quality art work. Art Basel was founded and met with an immediate approval, with more than 16,300 visitors its inaugural year. The fair used a selection process which chose the most elite and exclusive art galleries to participate. These special exhibitions allowed visitors to experience the art on a more global scale, as well as focus on particularly important featured artists.

After more than 30 years of shows, Art Basel extended its fair from Switzerland, to Miami in 2002. Just last year, Hong Kong was added to the list of art-forward cities to participate. Art Basel currently hosts 300 exhibitors from all over the world, with a reported 75,000 to Miami’s location, with many of the exhibitors entirely selling out.

The Art Market’s boom amid world economic sluggishness is a sign of the growing gulf between the rich and the super-super-rich. Taken from The Wall Street Journal (on Opinion Europe – June/20/2013):

A Matter of Taste and Millions

Art Basel is the world’s largest and most prestigious fair for modern and contemporary art. Art Basel offers collectors the most expansive and high quality buying venue of the year. It provides an extraordinary overview of primary and secondary market material. And, increasingly, it is responding to the growth of the global art market, offering a more comprehensive look at galleries and art making practices around the world. It has for a long time set the standard among art fairs.

Check out my previous blog post on Marfa, the little ART town of Texas https://intrigueimports.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/scene-in-a-giant-of-a-sleepy-little-town-in-texas/

Have you been to the city of Basel, Marfa or any of the Art Basel fairs?

FUN

Words – the difference between school and life

In school you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.

If you have learned to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secret to getting along – whether it be business, family relations or life itself – Bernard Meltzer

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.

FUN

Health MATTERS – packaging claims and misdemeanours

Are grocery labels too promising?

You can hardly grocery shop without being bombarded by products promising you more vitamins, more fiber, more nutrients, more everything. Almost half of all new items that make their way to store shelves carry at least one health claim on their packaging. Below is a listing of reality-check lingo so you know exactly what you’re getting from your favourite foods.

Claim: with Omega-3s

Truth: don’t get too excited as heart-healthy omega-3s get top billing on everything from peanut butter to milk and breads. Some products contain only 32 milligrams of the healthy fat per serving – one tenth the amount in a half ounce of salmon. You’re better off following the American Heart Association’s guidelines, which recommend eating at least two weekly servings (3.5 ounces cooked) of fatty fish like salmon or trout to get the most omega-3s in your diet.

Claim: Good source of Antioxidants

Truth: Packaged foods need to contain only 10 percent of your daily intake of antioxidants, like vitamin A, C, and E, to be considered a “good source,” according to the Food and Drug Aministration. Instead, consume a full spectrum of antioxidants from natural sources like fruits and vegetables. One small carrot, for example, provides more than twice the amount of Vitamin A than a full serving of one antioxidant-enriched cereal does. Aim for four servings of fresh fruits and five servings of veggies per day – the more colourful they are, the higher the antioxidant levels.

Claim: High in Fiber

Truth: Some loaves of bread, energy bars, and even waffles can deliver up to 35 percent of your daily fiber requirement per serving, but much of the added fiber can be man-made or extracted from plants. And while studies have shown that a high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, the research applies to naturally occurring fiber. To meet your daily needs, stick to natural sources like bran, oats, berries, and broccoli.

Claim: Made with Whole Grains

Truth: Crackers, breads, and cereals that carry this promise must offer some whole grains (higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than their refined counterparts), but companies aren’t obligated to disclose the actual amount, and there’s no required minimum. In fact, one popular brand of “whole-wheat” crackers contains a measly five grams of whole grains per serving – 1/16 of your recommended daily intake. Avoid confusion in the bread aisle by choosing foods that say they’re “100 percent whole grain” – that label ensures that the product contains no refined flours.

Source: Johannah Sakimura for “O”

THINKAboutit

personally – it’s better to spend quality time with quality people

Yes, this makes perfect sense. Why would you want to do otherwise? I just came across a blog post written by a passionate couple (and admirers of the human spirit) about the habits of highly successful people of which this was one of them. Marc and Angel Chernoff enjoy sharing inspirational advice and practical tips for life on their popular personal development blog, “Marc and Angel Hack Life.” Currently the site contains over 600 articles on happiness, productivity, emotional intelligence, relationships, and general self-improvement, and has attracted over 100 million page views since its inception in 2006. This goes to show that many people are still searching ~~not me of course~~ for ways to increase their personal overall significance in life. This is taken from their blog and I think we can all agree:

You are the average of the people you spend the most time with. And that’s why it’s not always where you are in life, but who you have by your side that matters most. Some people drain you and others provide soul food. So be sure to get in the company of those who feed your spirit, and give the gift of your absence to those who do not appreciate your presence. There’s no need to rush into a relationship you are unsure of, or socialize with those who hold you back.

Spend more time with nice people who are smart, driven and open-minded about personal growth and opportunity. Use websites like “meetup.com” to search for local community groups of people with similar passions and goals. These people are out there – I know because I see they even have a happy hour meetup which would be perfect for me!

But seriously, the bottom line is that relationships should help you, not hurt you. Surround yourself with people who reflect the person you want to be. Choose friends who you are proud to know, people you admire, people who care about you and respect you – people who make your day a little brighter simply by being in it. Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the energy and hope out of you.

This is discussed in more detail in the “relationships “chapter of a book they wrote entitled: 1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently.

Hope you have a nice and relaxing weekend. As for me, I’m trying to be more successful so later on I’ll be off to meet some happy people over happy hour. Cheers!

As in sports, if you want to improve your game play with people who are better than you.

FUN

beauty biz – Supersize me!

Some things are just better bigger – this is one of them. Product Review:

I’m in bliss…literally. Being a huge fan of luxurious body butters and body lotions by bliss you can imagine my delight at finding a super sized version in vanilla and bergamot – two of my favourite scents.

Already familiar with their original lemon sage (which gained a huge following as it was the #1 body cream for over a decade and used to be available only at Bliss spa locations) this was a delightful purchase from Nordstrom’s. It’s completely moisturizing with a very familiar & pleasant fragrance(this aromatic moisture mix has amber, lemon, bergamot, myrrh and musk, putting the ‘thrilla’ back in vanilla) which means it can be used in place of a light fragrance. Made without parabens. I found that mixing this with a little bit of lavender lotion creates a signature scent.

Available in Canada at: http://www.canadabeautysupply.ca/bliss-super-sized-vanilla-bergamot-body-butter-moisture-cream-14-ounce/

Price: $51.00 for 14 oz.

beauty board on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/beauty-products-i-cant-live-without/

Have you tried them?

FUN

style now – into Africa

Trending Now or you could say “finally” as it only takes a matter of time for what has

Bustier - Emilio Pucci S/S 2014 — Bustier – Emilio Pucci S/S 2014

been in fashion somewhere in the world for centuries to make its way over to this hemisphere.

On this side of the globe Masai and other African fabrics are having a fashion moment, but maybe it will last longer than a Paris or New York Minute.

More Emilio Pucci S/S — **Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2014**

Last week I posted about wearing beads and shells in “going global” but this is different. Summer weather always brings out a certain amount of shell and beaded belongings but mostly in shoes and other accessories. I bought a t-shirt with a shelled collar that was not the norm a few years ago. But now the Spring/Summer runways were featuring traditional “Masai” fashion incorporated into daily wear like dresses, skirts, jackets and even a bustier as seen at on the Emilio Pucci S/S runway (photo above). And why not? Not only is it fun and colorful, but it has a rich history behind it. So along with fringe, art prints and florals, the shows featured Masai embellished beading for all kinds of clothing along with other African prints.

I bought several pairs of these leather/beaded sandals in Tanzania – all one of a kind.

Some History: The Masai have been creating bead jewelry for a long time, well before their first contact with Europeans. Beadwork has been an important part of Masai culture for many years. The women set aside time every day to meet and work on beaded jewelry which includes colorful necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. It is considered the duty of every Masai women to learn the jewelry making craft. All the tribes beadwork is made by the women but is worn by both women and men. The jewelry they create is not only beautiful but also has important cultural significance. The beadwork an individual wears will signify their age and social status. Generally individuals of high social standing will wear more colorful and intricate jewelry. Beads also serve as an important source of income for the Masai. Tourist visiting the Masai regions in Kenya and northern Tanzania will find many beautiful pieces for sale that make great gifts for both women and men.

These are a few examples of how beading was incorporated into the shows. Keep in mind these are obviously over the top. I can’t see anyone in my city dressing this way unless they put beading on fleece. I would carry the clutch bag, wear a wide beaded belt, sandals and some beading here and there on clothing but certainly not all together and not to excess.

Louis Vuitton‘s take on the traditional Masai blanket.

What would you wear?

FUN

simply satisfying – DIY Infused Sea Salts & Spices

my own blend - sel de provence — **my own blend – sel de provence**

Salts, Herbs & Spice make everything Nice. There’s nothing confusing about infusing. These do-it-yourself finishing salts are not only great to have on hand for everyday meals but they also make an excellent hostess gift. Find a nice little container to put them in (as shown), tie a bow or ribbon & voila! They’re not fussy and you can tweak them to your liking.

For instance, I dry fresh lavender flowers, grind them (in a coffee grinder used specifically for purposes other than grinding coffee) and then put them into a container (I keep several clean empty ones on hand for this purpose ) with either course Himalayan pink salt or kosher salt for a nice flavor to add to pork roasts or potatoes. Add rosemary, thyme & oregano leaves for Sel-de-Provence.

**Malt Vinegar** – tastes better than it looks

This simple malt-vinegarsalt takes a few minutes of work to yield a summer’s worth of pub-fries type seasoning. In addition to chips (or any kind of potato dish), you can use it on shellfish or fried fish. Try it on popcorn too. I like to thinly slice Yukon gold potatoes & bake them at 375 F until done with a bit of olive oil & this salt sprinkled over them – tastes like a day at the beach.

6 Tbsp. of course salt

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

¼ cup malt vinegar

Stir all ingredients together until a loose paste forms. Pour onto a rimmed baking sheet & spread into a thin layer. Let stand at room temperature, uncovered for a day or two. The paste will dry into a hard, cohesive sheet.

Rake and mash sheet with a fork until it develops into the texture of course salt. Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid and store in a cool, dry place up to 3 months (that is, if it lasts that long).

Citrus Salt:

This will add a bright finish to curries, soups and stews – you can even sprinkle it on banana bread.

Preheat oven to 300 F. In a medium bowl, mix ½ cup of flaky sea salt with 1 Tbsp. of grapefruit zest, 2 tsp. orange zest, and 1 tsp. lemon zest, working zest into salt to eliminate clumps. Add ½ tsp. ground fennel seed, and spread across a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until zest is dried out, about 15 minutes (it should crumble when pinched). Let cool, then store in an airtight jar up to 2-3 months. Makes ¾ cup.

Herbs de Provence

The flavor is amazing here. Delicious sprinkled on salads, soups, fish, chicken, beef and pork. Did I miss anything?

2 Tbsp. dried rosemary

1 Tbsp. fennel Seed

2 Tbsp. dried lavender flowers

2 Tbsp. dried Italian Parsley

2 Tbsp. Dried Savory

2 Tbsp. Dried Thyme

2 Tbsp. Dried Basil

2 Tbsp. Dried Marjoram

Grind rosemary & fennel seed in a spice grinder (which could be a second coffee grinder); transfer to a mixing bowl. Stir savory, thyme, basil, marjoram, lavender, parsley, oregano & tarragon with the rosemary mixture. Store in an air-tight container between uses. Makes 1 cup.

Jam containers are great. — Small size jam jars are perfect for this.

Flower Pepper (okay, I had a lot of flowers last summer – here’s a way to make them last all year long).

Mix black peppercorns with dried rose petals and lavender (or other edible flowers like Calendula) for a colorful mix of flavor. Use it with salads, eggs, fish, meat, chicken or pasta dishes – pretty much everything.

The added touch: for a more personalized feel you can create your own label to stick on the lid of any jar. The receiver will remember who it came from and what exactly is inside.

Note: Sufferers of asthma, ragweed, and hayfever should not consume composite flowers, and may have extreme allergies to ingesting any flowers at all. Composite flowers consist of a family of plants with heads composed of many florets, including the aster; daisy; dandelion; goldenrod; marigold; lettuces; ragweed; sunflower; thistle; zinnia.

AVOID: some flowers in particular to be avoided (but not a complete list) are: azalea, crocus, daffodil, foxglove, oleander, rhododendron, jack-in-the-pulpit, lily of the valley, and wisteria.

Have you ever tried creating your own versions?

Food board on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/foodsavour-taste-flavor-relish-palate-enjoyment/

Art & Culture

the Cutting Edge of Matisse

Things you might not know about one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century:

(1869-1954)

Initially trained as a lawyer, Matisse developed an interest in art only at age twenty-one.

Along with those of Pablo Picasso, his stylistic innovations fundamentally altered the course of modern art and affected the art of several generations of younger painters.

The Fall of Icarus, 1943

In the summer of 1904, while visiting his artist friend Paul Signac at Saint-Tropez, a small fishing village in Provence, Matisse discovered the bright light of southern France, which contributed to a change to a much brighter palette.

Matisse’s career can be divided into several periods that changed stylistically, but his underlying aim always remained the same: to discover “the essential character of things” and to produce an art “of balance, purity, and serenity,” as he himself put it in his “Notes of a Painter” in 1908.

In the autumn of 1917, Matisse traveled to Nice in the south of France, and eventually settled there for the rest of his life. No wonder – it’s so nice in Nice.

In the late 1940’s, sufffering from ill health, Matisse retired his paintbrush. A spirit as creative as his, however, was not to be restrained.

Until his death in 1954, the trailblazing colorist snipped and tore gouache-coated paper into graphic shapes that he assembled into vibrant compositions.

Debuting at London’s Tate Modern this spring, the exhibition “Henri Matisse: The Cut Outs” features some 120 of these works, from figurative pieces – botanical tableaux, nudes – to playful abstracts such as The Snail (shown), a nine-foot square 1953 masterpiece that is as striking today as ever.April 17 – September 7; tate.org.uk

My Art board on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/art-thats-fine/

Souces: http://www.metmuseum.org & Architectural Digest