I may not have loved all the movies that were nominated for awards last night, but I sure loved a lot of the winning looks. Here are my picks for best dressed at the Academy Awards 2023. In no particular order:
Loved seeing Dwayne Johnson in a pink Dolce + Gabbana suit jacket. With Emily Blunt wearing a chic white Valentino gown.Cara Delevigne put her supermodel skills to good use in a voluminous Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown with an oversized bow at the shoulder and high slit, plus the jewels. Photo: GettyIn a freshly-cut pixie and bold red lip, Michelle Williams selected an ethereal caped white custom Chanel gown with silvery details and full cape, plus Tiffany & Co. jewels. Photo: GettyMichelle Yeoh is a winner in her Dior Haute Couture gown with sheer yoke and rows of delicate feathers, plus tons of sparkling gems including in her hair as a headband. Photo: GettyOh Sandra;you chose well. Sandra Oh in a juicy citrus Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown with gathered cape-like sleeves and showstopping vintage jewels from Briony Raymond, including a Harry Winston pendant with a 77-carat citrine. Photo: GettyActress Danai Gurira wears a classic black strapless gown with raw edge with a meaningful structured updo encircled with gems. She looks super elegant.Actor Ke Huy Quan in a classic Giorgio Armani Made to Measure tux with elegant brooch and David Yurman cufflinks. Very dapper.Nominated for “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” Stephanie Hsu lit up the Oscars carpet in her vibrant watermelon pink strapless Valentino Haute Couture gown accessorized with Cartier sapphires and diamonds. Photo: GettyJanelle Monae in a cropped, plunging black bustier overlaid with an orange Vera Wang skirt and topped with a wide black bejeweled choker. Photo: Mike Coppola / Gerry. She pulls this bombshell look off well, where many others could not.Austin Butler says he picked his Saint Laurent tux (worn with Cartier jewelry) because it was beautiful. Yes it is; and so is he! Photo: GettyKerry Condon wears a sweetheart neckline gown by Atelier Versace in a sunshine yellow shade with a bold red lip. Photo: Mike Coppola GettySofia Carson dons a drop-waist custom gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture with a knockout emerald-and-diamond necklace she said required its own security detail. Photo: GettyEva Longoria stepped out in a sheer white lace dress with a low plunge neckline and lots of crystals by Zuhair Murad. Photo: Keven Mazur/Getty Images. This dress is a little busier than i usually like but I think she pulls it off beautifully and she looks great.
Iris Apfel – The Accidental Icon If this centenarian supermodel and muse isn’t an inspiration to women everywhere, I don’t know who is.
She was told “you’re not pretty and you’ll never be pretty, but it doesn’t matter. You have something much better – you have style!”
After watching a documentary about her life 8 years ago at Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) I became obsessed with her. She’s someone to admire, simply fascinating and lives her life with a joie de vivre like no other. At 102 years young, she’s still going strong. We should all be so lucky.
Her claim to fame as an American businesswoman was having an interior design business with her husband, Carl, from 1950 to 1992. She founded Old World Weavers in 1950, a small interior design textile company to recreate original fabrics from the beginning of the 19th Century and reproduce fabrics they found while traveling the world. Their career in textiles got them a contract with the White House that spanned nine presidencies. She helped nine first ladies decorate the White House according to their taste, combined with a “touch of Apfel”.
She obviously has a flair for fashion and great personal style. Some credit her for creating personal style. A trendsetter who follows no trends – a trend starter!
Apfel is the first living person who was not a designer to have her clothing and accessories exhibited at theCostume Institute Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in 2005. She is also the first woman over 100 to make a collaboration with H&M. Previous designers for the multinational fast-fashion clothing company (based in Sweden but pretty much all over now) have included Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld + Comme des Garçons .
She’s also the only person over 100 to have more than 2 Million followers on Instagram.
Married for 67 years, her husband Carl passed away on August 1st, 2015 at age 100. Apfel will celebrate her 103rd birthday on August 29, 2023.
Iris Apfel resides in Palm Beach. One day when I go back there, I’m going to find her.
It’s well worth watching this 2015 documentary trailer:
The woman who said “A woman is as old as she looks, but a man is never old until he stops looking” still offers hope to women everywhere – even if they’re not pretty and never will be. It’s all about how you present yourself.
Never has art and fashion co-existed so fervently as with the Coachella Valley’s celebrated husband and wife Pop Art team – Karen and Tony Barone. Their works have been collected and exhibited around the world.
Karen + Tony standing next to Tony’s rabbit paintings. Photo: d. king
I jumped at the chance to visit their hosted open house last week at Goldfield Home and Art on El Paseo in Palm Desert – during the monthly art walk along El Paseo. While sipping champagne, my friend Candy introduced me to her friend, Mary Orlin; who’s husband Jon is filming a documentary about this dynamic art team duo. Something I don’t want to miss as soon as it comes out.
Must say the studio knows how to greet guests in proper fashion. Photo: d. king
I’ve never put myself in so many photos but it was so much fun with plenty of distractions. Photo: Ramona Huth
Almost every fashion show I’ve gone to, the Barone’s have been there too, as well as every Modernism opening night party at the convention centre and other happening social events around town. They’re the topic of many conversations and for good reason. Wherever they show up your eyes immediately travel to Karen; a tiny, colorful chameleon-like butterfly. If anyone is her own muse, it’s Karen. Fun and fabulous with her fantasy fashion choices that compliment her personality. Karen has been designing clothes for most of her life; out of necessity, she says, due to her “tinier” figure that makes it difficult to find things that fit. Oh; I hear you Karen. Ha!
L-R : Candy, Mary, Karen, Tony. Photo: d. kingMy friend Ramona just lounging around. Photo: d. king
Karen herself is a work of art. A kind of mythological being as Tony has exhibited with his goddess-like visual paintings of her. Some of their sculptures and paintings appear childlike but many come with a message.
Remember the 9 giant wild rabbit installation you couldn’t miss when travelling from Rancho Mirage to Palm Desert? Well, you had to be here.
Photo: Desert Sun (a few of the bunnies)
The aluminum sculptures were created by the Barone’s. I don’t know this to be fact, but I’m wondering if it was to do with calling attention to the wild rabbit population across Europe being wiped out due to a deadly disease in the last few years. I’ll have to find out.
And this one:
Photo: taken from their website
DETAIL: Karen Barone enters the photo … not to take sides but “for scale”…
There are many issues dividing our country and ripping this nation apart… the one being addressed in this work of art is “The right to bare arms vs gun control”… Each side of this debate are deeply entrenched … this painting enters the conversation in terms of highlighting the division.
The “ENDANGERED SPECIES” is America … America is represented by the United States one dollar bill … also symbolic of the USA is the American Bald Eagle … in this painting the eagle is presented as a mythological female… part human … part bird: head of an eagle … wings for arms…
Check out this unique video art: “Spicy Playtime – Don’t Card Me” with Karen Barone
The adventure continues: Check out this 2020 article in local paper “Desert Sun” re Karen and Tony Barone’s self-guided art tour through Coachella Valley.
Photo taken from her website. Check out Look Book below.With Tziporah wearing my Emilio Pucci blouse from Mitchells Palm Springs.
What a pleasure to meet and chat with celebrated fashion icon Tziporah Salamon at the Curated Vintage Event in Palm Springs this past weekend. The event is a yearly gathering of prime vintage vendors of fashion and jewellery under one roof from all over the United States. Tziporah was also a guest speaker of Mitchell Karp’s (of Mitchells Palm Springs – premium vintage clothing and accessories) annual Modernism fashion show at Temple Isaiah, a midcentury modern structure . This time celebrating 1969 Academy Award style. Always a fun event.
Whether hailing a cab or riding a bike, always the style maven.
Photo taken from her website
Photo taken from her website
It was very easy to spot Tziporah at the event (photos don’t lie although for myself, sometimes I wish they did). I bought her book “Advanced Style” which she warmly signed for me. The beautiful hard covered book celebrates individual, ageless, timeless style for women of every age but focuses mostly on ageing women. Her personal style might be a tad eccentric for most people, although she demonstrates how to put together beautiful outfits to help women find their own personal style. She tailors it to the individual. She also takes women out of their comfort zone as she herself is a chameleon and an artist. Her originality elevates the act of dressing to an art form whether she’s styling herself or others.
Through dressing and your mood, you can re-invent yourself every single day. Let’s face it, we have to get dressed every day anyway. Fashion may not be your whole world, but it sure makes your world more fun.
Tziporah was a favourite muse of the late New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham. She is regularly photographed in the New York press and teaches style seminars titled “The Art of Dressing.” She appears in the book and documentary “Advanced Style”and in Lanvin’s advertising campaigns. Salamon appears regularly in her one-woman show, “The Fabric of My Life,” a sartorial visual autobiography. She is absolutely delightful and an inspiration.
“Tziporah is a combination of entertainer, genius, artist, archetypal Magician, a flash of Pierrot, 1920’s glamour, with Asian flair, timeless beauty and the energy and fun of a Hummingbird…”
It’s fun to be fearless at times and discover a different side of yourself. Tsiporah brings out the muse in all of us.
I am my own muse, the subject I know best– Frida Kahlo
March is Fashion Month in Palm Springs. Well; actually, every month is fashion month here.
Since I haven’t written much about personal style lately, I thought it would be fun to post a few things to do on that topic. Starting with Nancy Sinatra’s impact as a trailblazer in not only music, but fashion.
As part of Modernism Week, I attended a special presentation of Nancy Sinatra’s music, videos, and photos from her personal archives at the Annenberg Theatre, followed by a discussion of her influence in music and fashion. With Nancy herself, her daughter Amanda, and a few others.
Photo: d. king
A few days later, the people of Palm Springs gave Nancy the boot(s) – literally. We honored her with a dance performance in the street to the re-boot (ha; punintended) of the iconic song “These Boots are Made For Walking.” A double decker bus rode by Arenas street, dancers wearing go-go boots got off and choreographically danced to the tune as Nancy stood by and watched from one of the local hotspots. DJ Mod girl spun disco tunes while we grooved to the aspiring and inspiring copycats. But we all know there’s really only “one Nancy!”
So let’s delve a little further on why Nancy Sinatra had such an impact on us – on her own merit; aside from the fact that Frank Sinatra was her dad.
Photo: d. king That’s Nancy on a slightly chilly day wearing scarves. Her daughter Amanda is wearing “Nancy Sinatra Fan Club” yellow sweatshirt.
In the early 60’s her following was mostly in Europe and Japan but with her release of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin” In 1966, she gained popularity in the US. The song instantly went to #1 on the charts.
She brought back to America, British designer Mary Quant’s go-go boot trend. Nancy Sinatra may have popularized the look a while ago, but the footwear craze seems to be very much in style today and hopefully here to stay.
Beyonce as Foxxy Cleopartra in Austin Powers “Goldmember” channelled a Sinatraesque vibe with her big hair and sexy clothing.
Obsessed Magazine pointed out that Quentin Tarantino sampled her 1966 song “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” in the opening of his film “Kill Bill: Vol. One.” As a result, the song was introduced to younger audience and gained popularity.
Her influence was also felt in Austin Powers “The Last of the Secret Agents.” Check out this YouTube video:
The following was taken from an excellent indepth article written by Kate Hutchinson for the “The Independent” (full article fellow).
Nancy Sinatra who cut countless peerless tracks with producer Lee Hazlewood – swirls of peachy psychedelia, outlaw country, and strings that appeared to sweep across ocean roads – that have been used in Tarantino films or covered by Beyoncé. She made films with Elvis. She sang one of the great Bond songs. She is a stone-cold showbiz legend.
Her influence criss-crosses the decades, too. In the Nineties, Sinatra found fans among indie-rockers like Kim Gordon, Kim Deal and Beck. Then in the mid-2000s, a revival spearheaded by her daughters, Angela and Amanda, out came a compilation of Sinatra duets with the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Bono and Morrissey. Others will remember the omnipresence of that Audio Bullys remix of her Cher cover, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)”. Or her cameo in The Sopranos. Her Factory Girl of the Canyons look – PVC knee-high, white boots, relaxed beehive – was mimicked by the “fembots” in Austin Powers. A decade later, you have Lana Del Rey saying she styled herself as a “gangsta Nancy Sinatra”, country princess Kacey Musgraves covering her songs, and Angel Olsen referencing her dramatic orchestral arrangements.
Susan Claassen is remarkable as “Edith Head” in her one woman theatrical production “A Conversation with Edith Head” presented by Modernism Week, Palm Springs. The show was SOLD OUT and received a well deserved standing ovation.
Susan Claassen‘s uncanny resemblance to Edith Head, with friend Bob Mackie.
EDITH HEAD – Trailblazer
Edith Head was a legend. Pardon the pun, but she was a Head of her time. One of the most prolific costume designers of the twentieth century, she received an unprecedented 35 Academy Award nominations and won a record-breaking eight Oscars at a time when the industry and world in general was dominated by men. Her career spanned 58 years of movie making. She liked to call herself a “Magician.” The word is suitable considering the magic she created with her design skills. She raised rear ends, made waists look smaller, legs longer and hid imperfections like no other.
“There’s nothing like a row of Oscars for putting the fear of God into an actress who thinks she knows everything about dress designing.” – Edith Head
Edith Head became as famous as the stars she dressed. With her signature glasses, straight bangs and tailored suits, her distinctive style made her a recognizable personality in her own right.
Looking exactly like Edith Head with trademark glasses and all, Susan Claassenbrings us back to the time when Head dressed glamorous movie stars such as Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Lana Turner, Paul Newman, John Wayne, Bette Davis, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich and many more. Some of the original costumes and photographs were on stage. However, preferring never to upstage whoever she was dressing, Head only liked to wear four colors herself: black, white, beige and brown.
Design for Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954).
With wit and intellect, Claassen relives and re tells stories when Head worked with actors like Mae West, Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Stanwyck and a young Elizabeth Taylor. Not gonna lie; it was fun finding out who was naughty and who was nice! A few tidbits: Taylor was fascinated by a signature necklace worn by Head to the point where it was left for her in Head’s will. Funnily enough there were no diamonds in the necklace but it was an eye-catching, original, vintage piece. Head formed special relationships with the famous she dressed and recounted those stories. For instance, when Grace Kelly became princess Grace and moved to Monaco, she would always visit Head when returning to Los Angeles. Kelly always wore white gloves so on one visit Head made little white gloves for her young daughters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie.
In 1961 Edith Head hired Bob Mackie to be her sketch artist at Paramount Studios. Mackie would later become another famous designer (he designed all of the costumes for the Carole Burnett Show, all of Cher’s costumes and many more including sketching the famous sequined dress worn my Marilyn Monroe when she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to JFK). As luck would have it, I met and spoke with him for several minutes before the show began. He said that the actress (Susan Claassen) was a good friend of his and that he also knew Edith Head and that she helped start his career. I had met him last year at the book store Just Fabulous when I bought his beautiful book “The Art of Bob Mackie” and told him how much I love the book and it brought back so many good memories. Also, he looked just fabulous.
The real Edith Head with a young Bob Mackie. Photo: WWD
Edith Head died in 1981 of a progressive and rare blood disease, myeloid metaplasia, two weeks after completing work on her last film “Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid.” She left her estate to the Motion Picture and Television Fund and to other charitable organizations aiding Native American children and her beloved animals. Her funeral was attended by hundreds, including not only Hollywood’s stars but also the backlot people. A Paramount security guard dressed in a uniform designed by Edith Head mused, “I remember her real well. At Christmas she took care of every one on the lot. She was the greatest designer in the world. Edith Head was quite a girl.” And that she was.
Head’s no nonsense straightforward personality inspired the character of Edna Mode in The Incredibles.
Outside the Annenberg Theatre before the show with Bob Mackie.
Modernism week in Palm Springs is considered the holy grail of modernist design celebrating mid-century architecture and culture from 1946 to 1973.
d. king
With a plethora of all kinds of events taking place all over town, people enjoy swanky home tours, themed parties, fashion, art, film and talks. Something for everyone.
Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint
I happen to be a film/music/classics lover so took in a legendary screening of a once-upon-a-time live television show called “Our Town” which was filmed very much like a play. The presentation was shown at the intimate Annenberg Theatre, located inside the Palm Springs Art Museum. I chose it after learning how extremely careful they had to be to re-master this 1955 musical about a small New Hampshire town in the early 20th century where change comes slowly. Starring Frank Sinatra , Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint. Followed by a panel discussion about Sinatra’s greatest decade in music and film.
For me, you guessed it – Sinatra was the main draw. Just seeing him in his prime singing songs both familiar and forgotten was worth checking out. But I never realized how great an actress Eva Marie Saint was. Now 98 years old, Saint played a very convincing17 year old, even though she was in her early 30’s at the time. No wonder she won an Academy Award in 1954 for best supporting actress for “On the Waterfront.” The very same year that Sinatra won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “From Here to Eternity.”
So is everything old, new again? Not necessarily. Considered a lost treasure, this musical with a very poignant message, was telecast a few times in the past at the Museum of Broadcasting in Manhattan.
This episode was a musical adaption of Thornton Wilder’s 1938 play “Our Town,” (later made into a movie) with songs by Jimmy van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. Based on the play, the story shares the idea that we live life without really appreciating what it has to offer. Once we die, and are able to see what we had, it is really too late. Major themes of the play include mortality, appreciating life, companionship and marriage, love, and the circle of life. As the subject matter suggests: there is something eternal in all of us.
Perhaps I’m feeling nostalgic even though this was before my time – more my parents time. Maybe I’m trying to relive a bit of their past. A much simpler, old-fashioned more glamorous era that I’d prefer to have been a part of; except for the fact that I might not be around now. A time when milk and newspapers got delivered every morning and nobody locked their front doors. Sadly, a bygone era.
Immediately following the screening there was an interesting panel discussion with filmmaker Jim Burns, Sinatra’s granddaughter Amanda Erlinger (Nancy’s daughter) and Executive Producer, Brook Babcock. Erlinger was kind enough to share archival photos from her fascinating personal collection along with stories about her famous grandfather. We had an insider’s glimpse into his life. One thing for sure is that he appreciated his fellow musicians and went to great measures to make sure they got treated fairly.
Some fun facts about the show:
37 million viewers tuned in for the show which was filmed in one take and in 3 parts, very much like a play itself. Speaking of theatre in general, we wonder why it is that Sinatra never ended up doing a Broadway play or musical during his long career.
“Our Town” is the only time Paul Newman and Sinatra headlined together in a narrative production. Newman and Eva Marie Saint would subsequently lead the cast of Exodus together in 1960.
All episodes of this Producers’ Showcase were broadcast in full color although only black and white *kinescopes remain for most of the shows, including “Our Town” as well as a 90-minute version of “The Petrified Forest” starring Humphrey Bogart, Henry Fonda and Lauren Bacall.
A bit of cinematic history:
A few years ago at the Palm Springs Film Festival (PSIFF), I really loved the documentary “Sinatra in Palm Springs: the Place he Called Home.”
*kinescopes were used to make records of live television programs before videotape recording was practical. They were in common use in the late 1940s, and were replaced in the 1950s by videotape.
If you’re interested here is the original movie of “Our Town” starring another Palm Springs local – the late William Holden.
Intermittent Fasting is gaining popularity among those who want to lose weight and burn fat. Anyone here want to burn fat?It’s a much healthier option than going full on starvation mode, and a lot easier than you think.
I’ve never been one to fast, however, without even realizing it, I’ve been intermittent fasting (IF for short) for the past several weeks and feel so much better for doing so. All I’m doing is not eating breakfast first thing in the morning and eating dinner earlier than usual. Except for maybe a weekend night, I try to finish my last meal no later than 7:00 pm and have breakfast mid morning. Makes for a much better sleep too having those extra hours before bedtime with no snacking after dinner.
As I love eating, I don’t do well with diets, however I’ve tried several diets in the past. Many diets focus on what to eat, but intermittent fasting is all about when you eat. Technically you’re fasting for 16 hours every day, and restricting meals to an 8-hour eating window. This is the most popular form of intermittent fasting, known as the 16/8 method.
Here’s a good beginner’s guide to Intermittent Fasting:
Intermittent Fasting – A Beginner’s Guide
by Brad King February 16, 2023
There is so much interest surrounding the topic of intermittent fasting or IF these days, however there is also a great deal of confusion surrounding IF. I hope to clear up much of this confusion and in the process, give you more clarity on the subject and a quick starter guide for those who wish to try it out for yourself.
IF 101
IF is a dietary strategy in which a person avoids the intake of food for many hours each day. The actual time varies depending on a person’s goals, individual needs and health profile, however research indicates that most health benefits occur during a fasting period of at least 14 hours each day, and optimally 16 hours or more. As an example, this would equate to a person ending their last meal at 7PM each night and starting their first meal of the day at 11AM the next morning. So, in effect, you would be eating for a time period of 8 hours each day.
Many people begin IF for weight loss, as there is often a calorie deficit experienced with this type of program, but the real benefits in terms of weight loss actually come from IF’s ability to control excess blood sugar levels. Every time we eat—especially high carbohydrate foods—we experience elevated blood glucose, which places our bodies into a fat storage mode for many hours afterwards.
When we fast, our bodies shift from using glucose as its primary energy source to releasing and burning stored fat. Fasting allows insulin levels to drop, and when the body is in a fasted state long enough, the body enters a state of ketosis, where stored fat breaks down into fatty acids, which are then transported to the liver and converted into ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, and acetone), which can then be used as a healthy form of energy for the body and brain.
Obviously weight loss (coming primarily from our fat stores) is a great reason for many to start IF, but IF has the ability to increase our overall health in many more ways than trimming our waistlines. For instance, research suggests that IF can also improve our cellular health, and the promotion of biological longevity.
IF seems to attain better health by activating a process known as autophagy. Autophagy is the body’s natural cleansing process in which old, worn or damaged cells are broken down and removed from the body. Autophagy is necessary for optimal health, and has been shown to exert numerous health enhancing effects, help us look and feel better and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Aside from enhancing ones health profile through autophagy, IF has also been shown to increase the production of one of our most powerful pituitary hormones called human growth hormone (HGH), which has documented anti-aging properties and is responsible for better skin, bone, muscle mass, enhanced sleep cycles and also fat loss.
Finally, IF has also been shown to help lower the incidence of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and heart disease by improving overall insulin sensitivity, and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
Brad’s 5-step plan for getting started with intermittent fasting
Begin slowly: It’s critical to ease into intermittent fasting. Begin with shorter fasting periods and gradually lengthen them as your body adjusts. Start by eliminating snacking between meals and not eating anything after 7PM.
Choose the appropriate fasting method: There are several types of intermittent fasting (IF), including time-restricted feeding, in which you fast for a set number of hours each day, and alternate day fasting, in which you fast every other day. Select the method that best fits your lifestyle and schedule.
Stay hydrated: It is critical to drink plenty of water during a fast in order to stay hydrated and flush out toxins. Sugary and artificially sweetened drinks should be avoided because they can disrupt the fasting process and negate any benefits by raising glucose and insulin.
Eat healthy: IF should not be used as an excuse to consume unhealthy foods. Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats during non-fasting periods and stay away from excess carbs—especially processed ones—as much as possible.
Consult a medical professional: Before embarking on any new dietary regimen, it is critical to consult with a doctor or a nutritionist to determine whether IF is safe and appropriate for you. Fasting may be contraindicated in people with certain medical conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.
To summarize, IF is a dietary approach with numerous health benefits, including weight loss, improved cellular health, and biological longevity. It is possible to reap the benefits and improve overall health and wellness by following a healthy and well-planned IF program.
Disclaimer: Of course there are some who should stay away from IF – Children and teens under age 18. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with type 1 diabetes who take insulin.
What do rock concerts and Valentine’s day have in common?
They both begin with a spontaneous emotion but over time the performance becomes ritualized and people anticipate the expected songs/gifts and they both must deliver.
Head’s up to men everywhere – women like to be spoiled every day of the year. Romance is natural and not something forced, and gifts should be unexpected instead of expected. So don’t save it only for one commercially enforced day of the year. Holidays imposed upon us for the sole purpose of profit making are not expression of a loving sentiment. However, it’s a not so subtle reminder to show appreciation for those we love and sometimes for those we don’t.
Having once lived in Japan I remember a few customary rituals to do with their version of Valentine’s Day.
First off, there’s White Day – the male counterpart to Valentine’s Dayin Japan, where the tradition is that women give expensive chocolates to men they’re romantically involved with, and cheaper chocolates to their coworkers, bosses and sometime older brothers.
Giri-choco (義理チョコ) is a custom where woman give chocolates to male colleagues. It’s an unspoken obligation to give chocolates to your boss.
Whereas Honmei choco (本命チョコ, or “true love chocolate”) is inspired by romantic interest and given to husbands, boyfriends, or a potential love interest.
Here’s a sprinkling of some of my favourite Valentine quotes:
“It is not love that makes a relationship complicated; it’s the people in it who do.” — Unknown
“I wanted to make it really special on Valentine’s Day, so I tied my boyfriend up. And for three solid hours, I watched whatever I wanted on TV.” — Tracy Smith
“Valentine’s Day: the holiday that reminds you that if you don’t have a special someone, you’re alone.” —Lewis Black
“You can’t buy love, but you can pay heavily for it.” — Henny Youngman
“Remember, your Valentine’s card shows you care enough to send the very best, even though you’re too lazy to put it in your own words.” — Melanie White
“One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry.” — Oscar Wilde”
outside a restaurant in Palm Springs
“If Christmas is considered the most wonderful time of the year, then Valentine’s Day is most definitely the LOVEliest day of the year.” – d. king
ENJOY!
Header Photo: d. king **(if you receive this via e-mail you can click on the title to get the full screen.)
This is a bit no; a lot off my usual topic path but let’s stop to think for a moment about what this day represents.
So cute. Photo: CNN
For me; whenever I think about Groundhog Day I think about the movie by the same name with Bill Murray and the déjà vu feeling of reliving the same day over and over.
While we don’t exactly repeat the same pattern every single day of our lives, our morning and evening rituals tend to be predictably the same.
Speaking of habitual habits, today I decided to break my morning routine..if only alittle. I still brushed my teeth, walked my dog and had a coffee first thing after waking but then I meditated and wrote in a journal some empowering words and what I intend to accomplish if only for today. I was instructed to do so when I started the Aligned Woman Workshop Series with a group of fabulous women. As women we tend to multi-task and many times take on more than we can chew; so this workshop is about setting boundaries, creating balance and bringing more abundance into our lives, among other topics.
But getting back to today, February 2nd…
I never fully understood why people rely on a little furry creature to tell them how long winter will last instead of a regular weather person. But I go along with it like so many others. If you don’t already know (good for you if you do) and if you’re so inclined to read about it, here’s a bit of interesting information on an annual tradition that’s about as strange as anything can get.
How did Groundhog Day go from a kooky local ritual to an annual celebration even those of us who don’t worry about winter can find the fun in?
There’s a wealth of information out there if you look for it but I’ll try to break it down (which is one of the things I do best).
A group of men wearing top hats and tuxedos gather around and wait for a groundhog named Phil (always named Phil) to come out of his hole (known as a burrow), and if Phil sees his shadow (let’s assume they know he sees or doesn’t see it), the town gets six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow the town gets an early Spring.
The town is called Punxsutawney (pronounced Punk – sue – tan-ee) located in Pennsylvania. It’s actually a borough in Jefferson County, PA.
On this day, thousands of people including international media visit the town for an annual weather prediction by Phil.
But did you know…
Before using groundhogs they relied on badgers for the winter/spring update . A regular badger, not to be confused with the honey badger (the one who doesn’t give a damn about anything if you witnessed some of the videos about them on YouTube – also considered one of the most aggressive and dangerous animals in the world).
Getting back to the groundhog:
Before he was a celebrity, he was lunch. Yes; him and his family! In a terrible twist, the earliest Groundhog Days of the 19th century involved devouring poor Phil after he made his prediction. The year 1887 was the year of the “Groundhog Picnic.” Pennsylvania historian Christopher Davis wrote that locals cooked up groundhog as a “special local dish,” served at the Punxsutawney Elk Lodge, whose members would go on to create the town’s Groundhog Club. Diners were “pleased at how tender” the poor groundhog’s meat was, Davis said.
I’m so happy they stopped doing this but I’m certain the groundhog is even happier.
I have a feeling badger meat is not as tender although I haven’t tried it either. I have read that people, especially in countries such as Russia, Croatia and China, have eaten badgers for centuries.
Oh well; according to Phil they’re getting another six weeks of winter.
She obviously has a flair for fashion and great personal style. Some credit her for creating personal style. A trendsetter who follows no trends – a trend starter!
Edith Head was a legend. Pardon the pun, but she was a Head of her time. One of the most prolific costume designers of the twentieth century, she received an unprecedented 35 Academy Award nominations and won a record-breaking eight Oscars at a time when the industry and world in general was dominated by men. Her career spanned 58 years of movie making. She liked to call herself a “Magician.” The word is suitable considering the magic she created with her design skills. She raised rear ends, made waists look smaller, legs longer and hid imperfections like no other. 
For me, you guessed it – Sinatra was the main draw. Just seeing him in his prime singing songs both familiar and forgotten was worth checking out. But I never realized how great an actress Eva Marie Saint was. Now 98 years old, Saint played a very convincing17 year old, even though she was in her early 30’s at the time. No wonder she won an Academy Award in 1954 for best supporting actress for “On the Waterfront.” The very same year that Sinatra won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “From Here to Eternity.” 
It’s a much healthier option than going full on starvation mode, and a lot easier than you think.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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