Wedding season peaks in August and the wedding I attended in Montreal was beyond beautiful, as was the bride. Therefore I appreciated seeing these bridal dresses amongst the other fabulous fashion at the Barbie Expo.
Going to the Barbie Expo while in Montreal was not intended, but it turned out to be an added bonus. It’s the largest permanent exhibit of Barbie dolls in the world.
This is an haute couture Barbie Exposition, where on display is an array of the worlds most exclusive and unique Barbies. A space where fashion meets history, featuring some of the most incredible high-fashion looks you’ve ever seen. Have a sneak peek:
Designers include Christian Dior, Donna Karen, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Oscar De La Renta, Christian Louboutin, Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen and many more.
Bridal gowns by Vera Wang. Monique L’Huillier, Carolina Herrera, Badgley Mischka, Bob Mackie and more.
Unfortunately at this time the expo is undergoing a renovation, but keep checking to find out when it will re open. It’s well worth the visit when in Montreal.
This one didn’t make it to market but I think she looks beautiful and I love the dress, especially with the cape.
Watch the virtual tour here: (if you get this blog via e-mail please click on the “Barbie Bridal” title at the top of page to bring you to the full website.
The Barbie slogan “You Can be Anything” is proof in itself. Over the years the brand has expanded to include ethnic, kitsch, celebrity, designer and now represents people with disabilities. They come curvy, petite, rounded and tall. They have it all. Their goth to glamour is shown here at their very own museum in Montreal…
Bob Mackie (whom I had the pleasure of meeting in Palm Springs) has a few cases dedicated to his super glam designs alone.
Growing up with Mattel
Mary Poppins + Mr. Dawes (Julie Andrews/Dick Van Dyke). I believe that’s Lawrence of Arabia behind them – looking more like Johnny Depp. These are all part of the Barbie collection.
Everyone knows Mattel because we all grew up with one of the following iconic brands: Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price® and more. At least these are the trademarks and toys I’m most familiar with. The company’s motto is to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. I’m not really sure about the full potential part but the wonder of childhood I’m quite familiar with. Of course some of these toys make you think and have educational purposes, especially during the time of no cell phones. Mattel, the company, either owns or licenses these brands in partnership with global entertainment companies. Their reach is huge!
Morticia Addams + hubby Gomez with Frank Sinatra behind them. These dolls are all under the figurehead of the Barbie brand that includes a range of fashion dolls and accessories.David was nice enough to open the doors to show me around and this is the catalogue of around 1,000 dolls from all over the world at the museum – closed for renos at the moment. https://expobarbie.ca/
Gone are the childhood gender identification toys of yesteryear. But for me personally, it’s a wonder I don’t have any kids because my dolls were everything. I loved pushing them in strollers and treating them as if they were the real thing. Funny to even think about it now.
But then Barbie came along and changed everything. Baby dolls were pushed by the wayside to make room for seemingly adult looking dolls without genitals that you could dress up or down from wearing jeans to haute couture. It started out innocently enough but the fashion show soon began. Then came the friends, the sisters, the pseudo boyfriend Ken and finally the house, the car, the keys to the car and a condo in Florida just kidding about that. The clothes were a constant because she was very socially involved and couldn’t be seen wearing the same thing twice. Everything looked good on her too. She could rock a bikini and then change into an evening gown and look equally amazing. Her skin tone was very even, her polish never chipped and her hair perfect – but if not; you could always put a wig on her. She’s into the plastic but never had plastic surgery.
Legally Blondecrazy, right?
Get this: she has a last name! Her full name is Barbie Millicent Roberts as do her sisters; Chelsea, Stacie, and Skipper Roberts.
I’m a Barbie girl in the Barbie world Life in plastic, it’s fantastic You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere Imagination, life is your creation
My Barbie dolls went shopping, had tea parties and hung out in their perfect Barbie world. I never questioned whether or not any of them had jobs in order to afford their nice wardrobe and accessories. That was my parents’ department. I believe playing with Barbie(s) expanded by sense of style and the love for the colour pink.
Sandra Dee + Farrah Fawcett made it to screen but not to store.
What’s so interesting is that many dolls became less significant or faded away altogether, but Barbie became a mainstay – not only for girls everywhere but for Mattel; the manufacturer who launched them in 1959. The company was founded in Los Angeles by Harold Matson and the husband-and-wife business team duo of Ruth and Elliot Handler in January 1945. By now and especially since the movie, we know that Barbie was created by Ruth Handler. Barbie was named after Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and Ken after her son, Kenneth. And what a savvy businesswoman she was to create something that remains strong to this day and just as fashion changes, Barbie changes right alongside fashion. To put it clearly “All Barbies matter!”
some of the beauties that didn’t make the cut – you know it’s a competitive world out there!
So out of sheer childhood history and curiosity (not to mention the perfect casting) I went to see the movie with a few ex-Barbie doll playing friends. It was very enjoyable, the sets are amazing and the message is insightful. A real non-guilty pleasure.
This Bob Mackie designed Barbie didn’t make it to market either – but I love it! Something to do with the circus outfit on a swing.fashion mavens
Then someone posted on Facebook about a Barbie Expo (museum) that had taken place in Montreal. Since I was going to Montreal I wanted to check it out. As it so happens the expo (or museum if you want to call it that) was in re-construction mode and not open to the public. But lucky me; I had an in with someone connected to Cours Mont-Royal (the upscale shopping mall that houses the extremely well curated event) who was able to open the doors to show me around. It was fabulous! Way more interesting than I had ever imagined.
Once the expo re opens and you happen to be visiting Montreal or you already live here and haven’t been….put it on your list of “must sees.” Really – it’s brilliant!
When I stepped into Montreal’s most luxurious day spa last week, I might’ve been having a bit of a chocolate craving.
Waiting Area
This was my first time at Spa Diva, voted the finest spa in Montreal for 6 consecutive years in a row and recognized as the largest and most luxurious full-service day spa in Canada. Now I understand way. The spa is located downtown Montreal on the second floor of the elegantLes Cours Mont-Royal; a prime shopping and dining destination. Such a beautifully decorated mall.
To get there I decided to take the metro from my hotel which was located midtown Montreal. I hadn’t taken the metro in years and almost forgot how convenient, fast and super easy it is. I arrived at Peel station in minutes where there’s an entrance to the mall. Once inside I took the winding staircase up to the second floor where Spa Diva is located.
What a gorgeous mall. Photo: d. king
Before my service I was met by a very pleasant esthetician named Yenzy, who escorted me to my very own change room complete with private shower with all the amenities, plush robe and slippers and a key to lock up when ready. Everyone who books a service gets their own room. How nice is that?
I had a tough time choosing from the multitude of services available but finally decided on a decadent chocolate body wrap. It was amazing. I was smothered and scrubbed all over in warm luscious salted chocolate combined with the healing properties of soy. I was then body wrapped and left to rest for about 15 minutes before Yenzy returned. This treatment is a natural detox to satisfy the body’s craving for replenishment andchocolate and revitalization (the brochure was right) while leaving skin hydrated and feeling very very smooth. It’s followed up with a mini tension relieving facial massage. Sooo relaxing.
Then you get to relax in a deluxe waiting area until they’re ready for you on the most comfy sofa beds drinking tea or lemonade and eat chocolate covered strawberries. That is divine enough on its own. They don’t rush you. You’re allowed to spend as long as you like (except for staying overnight of course) after whatever service you’re having too.
If I didn’t have to catch a flight back to Vancouver that same day I would’ve tried to add on something else. But I’ll definitely go back when in Montreal next.
To be fair, this mural of Leonard Cohen isn’t situated in Old Montreal…but since we’re talking about charm I had to include it. After all, Leonard Cohen was synonymous with everything charming about Montreal. The self confessed man who was born in a suit was a true gentleman, poet and all around music legend.
This last trip to Montreal was primarily to attend the wedding of a family member but it would not have been complete without an evening in Old Montreal. Montreal after dark is enchanting.
If Paris is the city of light, Montreal gives it a run for its money! The city beams with artistic light installations. One of the oldest and most famous lights in Montreal is the rotating beacon of Place Ville Marie in the downtown core (not shown here).
Old Montreal is the oldest area in the city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, dating back to New France. Old Montreal itself is a major tourist draw; with the oldest of its buildings dating to the 17th century, it is one of the oldest urban areas in North America. This pic taken from images.
After dark, the city transforms: the bare stone walls of Old Montréal become history projected, while the Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up in flashes of colour over the St. Lawrence River. Building facades in the entertainment district turn into movie screens, and the power of light to trick the eye gives some of Montréal’s first buildings all new life.
this one is a bit haunting
Spanning several blocks near the waterfront of the Saint Lawrence River, Old Montreal is home to historical sites dating back to the 17th century that showcase the city’s indigenous and colonial past. The district also offers a taste of Montreal’s contemporary cultural standing, from art and food to health. Local musicians and dancers entertain in various areas and the place is alive with a European vibe. Actually Montreal is the most European city in all of Canada.
There may be an American flag but we’re still in Canada.
We had just finished watching a flamenco dancer in the square.
I love all the outdoor cafés, restaurants & shops along the cobblestone streets.
And then there’s all the ART GALLERIES – a sampling of some of my favourites here:
A splattering of photos from our joie de vivre trip in Montreal.
Pre-wedding celebration at the home of the bride and groom – Shanny & Pete.
My siblings and I attended the weddings (plural because our gorgeous Irish/Italian cousin Shanny married a very nice Indian man named Puneet (or Pete as we call him) so there was first a modern Indian style wedding at the Hilton followed by a more traditional wedding at Jardin Royalmount the following day. Jardin is a sophisticated outdoor/indoor venue for hosting private events and special occasions for hundreds of guests. The whole setup is quite beautiful. Prior to these two weddings there was a private party at their lovely home situated across from a lake for close friends and family members.
After these celebratory events we spent a couple nights in the Laurentians at my cousin John’s house in Estérel on the lake. It was amazing. I loved re-visiting the quaint little village of Saint-Sauveur for all the shops and bakeries. I got to also re connect with an old friend at her country home and lastly, my childhood bestie over dinner on my last night there at the Rib ‘n Reef; a Montreal favourite steakhouse. We reminisced about the past, caught up on the present and talked about what the future may hold. I can’t describe how wonderful it was seeing her after so many years. All I can say is that if you’re truly connected with someone, the time and distance doesn’t matter when you meet up again. You just pick up where you last left off. But back to the reason we went to Montreal in the first place….
The catered event had various food tables with all kinds of seafood including lobster rolls, a pizza bar and bartenders hired from the Ritz Carlton no less (the iconic hotel where Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton) serving up any kind of cocktail you can imagine. Also a DJ. So so much fun.
Sisters Hayley + Gail. Photo: d. king
Lisa getting henna on her hand. I did the same. Photo: d. king
Shanny & Pete with her dad John and his Fiancée Stephanie. Photo: d. king
3 sisters with their mother.
Stephanie + Tyaa (Shanny’s sister). Photo: d. king
Indian Buffet (one of several tables with amazing delicious delicacies). Photo: d. king
with Lisa
Lisa and Brad; my sister & brother
Bridesmaids. Photo: d. king
With Lisa, Stephanie, cousin Liz + Lucia (who married our uncle Chuck and now lives in Florida)
Cousin Adan + Brad. Photo: d. king
Stephanie + John (Lucia + cousin Frankie behind them) Photo: d. king
Lisa in the Garden. Photo: d. king
The celebrated couple Pete and Shanny. Photo: d. king
More photos and stories to follow including Old Montreal, Barbie Expo and Canada’s most luxurious day spa.
Summer doesn’t last forever so we soak up the remaining sunshine while we can. Ideally with no pressure and no major plans.
My appetite for movies is like my appetite for food – a little bit of this; a little bit of that but with variety. This summer I’ve watched more movies in theatres than any other I can remember in recent history. All the films I’ve seen were good for different reasons. However they all have one thing in common; they’re all about impossible missions achieved by an action hero and a supporting team.
Mission Impossible (part one) for sheer edge of yourseatactionentertainment, special effects and because Tom Cruise is so good in it. I like his message at the start of the film. He appears genuine in wanting to get people back to big screen movie houses. I can see why. This one is definitely meant to be seen on the biggest screen possible.
Sound of Freedom, based on a true story, is an excellent film with a powerful message. It’s been sweeping the box office. It’s unfortunately a real life under the radar drama about ruthless child traffickers and a dangerous mission to save a child in the Colombian jungle with time running out. It is not without controversy but then again; what movie isn’t these days? If Barbie has endured some controversy, you can only imagine what this can mean. Anyway, this film sheds a light on a delicate subject most of us don’t give much or any thought to.
An interesting fact is that this film was finished in early 2018, was bought by Fox, but then when Disney acquired Fox it immediately shelved the film. Right away, that gave the movie a kind of forbidden, subversive appeal. Eventually, the distribution rights were sold to Angel Studios, a company in Utah that produced the historical drama The Chosen. Since Sound of Freedom started showing in theaters, some viewers have alleged instances of sabotage intended to prevent them from seeing the film. Good luck with that! Before the end of this month Sound of Freedom broke $100 million in revenue. It’s not as graphic as one might think given the story line as the film maker took careful precaution so as not to incite pedophiles – thank goodness for that. We got the gist of it anyway and it’s not a feel-good movie but it brings awareness to what went on and what’s been going on behind closed doors and open borders for a long time. It’s nothing new but this movie brings attention to an uncomfortable matter.
The real Mission Impossible was to get the atom bomb before the Germans did. My only complaint about Oppenheimer is that it could have been shorter in length. I didn’t expect to like this historical movie as much as I did; but I did – especially in 70mm. It’s not so much about the making of the atom bomb as it is about the man behind the movie title himself. Everything about this film is well executed; the story (the book was about 800 pages long – no wonder the movie is 3 hours!), the directing, the acting, the cinematography, sound and editing. I think it covered all Oscar worthy bases. I suspect it will win at least one award.
Last but not least (okay, maybe least) is Barbie. No; I was not going to miss this movie especially after seeing the trailer. Of course I went with a few like-minded ex Barbie playing women friends and not all of us were wearing pink and yes; it was all women in the audience. There might’ve been a few Kens but if so I didn’t notice any. All I can say is that it was just sheer guilty-pleasure entertaining fun. I think the casting was spot-on – I mean how can you go wrong with Margot Robbie playing Barbie and Ryan Gosling (with a six-pack that didn’t go unnoticed) playing Ken. I’m over everyone making such a big deal about this movie and the messages it represents. Take it for what it is everyone – just a very cute movie with awesome sets and a message that by now should not be something new. Yawn!
As for the rest of the summer, I’m off to Montreal for a family wedding (more on that later) and for my siblings and me – somewhat of a family/friends reunion. It will be a bittersweet trip as the last time we were all there was along with my late husband to celebrate our auntie Ada (our mom’s only sister) with a surprise 80th on a Tiki boat in the Laurentians. She’s since passed as has our uncle Chuck (our mom’s only brother) from a shockingly unexpected heart attack last year. His wife will join us. Instead of being told we should “move on” after a tragedy or death, I prefer to instead move forward because moving on just doesn’t seem appropriate.
Other things I’ve started this summer was a book club over breakfast with a close friend (we’re starting our second book), getting another dog and heading up a monthly cocktail club to explore some new and old Vancouver establishments. Simple pleasures at this time is what I like best. No apologies.
How about you? I hope your summer is going well and I’ll be back here sometime soon. Enjoy! XO
These people will make your catering dreams come true!
The Rooted Table is a one stop bespoke personal chef service in Vancouver, BC. A small but happy team of chefs, nutritionists and food artists who help their clients feel their best through the creation of beautifully plated, healthy, delicious food.
this pic taken from Rooted Table website
One of the recent wine tastings I attended hired “The Rooted Table” to cater their event. I have never before at any casual wine tasting seen such a wide variety of scrumptious looking platters with attentive detail to design, healthy ingredients and taste. Everything was super delicious and as soon as one platter was empty they came back with more.
seared shrimp on cucumber, with grilled corn slaw, chimmichurri, edible flower.grilled sirloin on focaccia, whipped herby ricotta, balsamic pearl onion _ jammy tomato.Crispy sesame rice balls with spicy ahi tuna, pickled jalapeno + cucumber.
I was there to blog about a certain region of Portugal known mostly for white and sparkling wines but these special caterers deserved a separate shout out for their hard work which I found out is really a “labour of love.”
super green falafal on maple beet puree with crushed pistachio (vegan).
“Our team takes the stress of cooking off of our clients plates so that they can spend more time doing the things that light them up. At Rooted, we offer a wide range of services that help transform our clients’ lives including a personalized approach to custom meal prep, colourful catering for events and gatherings and gorgeous graze experiences.” – Hilary, Magnus and Paige – aka the team.
Hilary launched The Rooted Table after graduating from the Institute of Holistic Nutrition.
Magnus is a holistic nutritionist with a passion for food. He began his journey with an apprenticeship at a Michelin Restaurant in Germany.
harissa pulled chicken sliders, pineapple relish. cabbage slaw & lime aioli. Next to mini avocado toasts with tomato, radish, cucumber, pickled shallot + feta.
Paige turned her love of throwing fancy dinner parties into a full fledged catering business. Paige moved to Vancouver to attend Northwest Culinary Academy.
Art Downtown is an outdoor summer art festival where both new and established artists are encouraged to create and sell their work in an open setting that will inspire others and change the way quality art is circulated.
While galleries will always be a mainstay, this is a unique opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while appreciating art in the heart of downtown Vancouver while listening to live music.
This initiative encourages artists of all backgrounds in their quest for self-expression with various incentives in an inclusive space to share their creations with the public.
From now until September, artists will be presenting their work Wednesdays & Fridays at Lot 19, 855 West Hastings from 11 AM till 5 PM.
Brought to you in partnership with the Downtown Van (formerly Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association).
“Always make time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive.”
Heads up for a blissful one day celebration taking place in Desert Hot Springs this November – something to nourish your soul and rejuvenate your spirit.
Why Desert Hot Springs? Desert Hot Springs is a healing oasis to some of the purest hot and cold mineral springs in the world thanks to an underground aquifer beneath the city. At the festival you can participate in body and mind wellness while immersing yourself in a one-day celebration of nature, wellness, art, and sustainable fashion.
The Feel Good Festival was born from the hearts and minds of 3 desert locals who saw an opportunity to share all the things that they love about Desert Hot Springs. The rich natural beauty, the vibrant and rare wildlife, the sacred hot water, and the beautiful fresh air that abounds here in this secret hidden nook of the Coachella Valley… it truly is the perfect backdrop for people to get together and celebrate all things feeling good.
Jenn Kubat
Founded by Kathy Murphy (of Hampton Flea & Very Vintage, Palm Desert) and Jenn Kubat (Muse, the shop), and led by Angelina Padron (House of Energy), The Feel Good Festival is proud to present their debut show celebrating wellness and sustainability in Desert Hot Springs happening on Saturday November 11th, 2023.
Kathy Murphy
“We welcome you to take a step back from the daily grind of modern life and join us at the beautiful Cabot’s Pueblo Museum for a day of healing, wellness and community, and experience what it means to Feel Good in Desert Hot Springs!”
Introducing Adele; our newest little family member.
Sunday July 2nd will mark two weeks since we picked up Layla’s sister in British Columbia’s Okanagan wine valley.
she’s the one in the back
What’s extra special about this is that Adele happens to be Layla’s real sister – as in her litter mate from 7 years ago. What are the chances? A beautiful, healthy, well-mannered little delight who follows me around everywhere. And a perfect companion for Layla.
My male sheltie Jia Jia (who I’ll always miss) passed away 3 years ago in May, and I considered getting another companion for Layla about a year after that. We heard about an adult male sheltie up for adoption on Vancouver Island so we went there and when Layla didn’t approve we later checked out a puppy – which she didn’t approve of either.
Suffice to say she was okay as an only child. So that was that and we went on our merry way. Until about two weekends ago when we met Adele through word of mouth and brought her back to Vancouver.
Layla and I are very happy with the decision and we hope Adele feels the same way. Judging by these photos we think she does!
“If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat.” – Author Unknown
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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