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

Alimentaria Mexicana

Alimentaria Mexicana, located at Granville Island, is second to none for Mexican food and cocktails here in Vancouver.

In actuality it is second to none for what I’ve tasted ~~and tested~~ anywhere outside Oaxaco; known as the gastronomic capital of Mexico. That’s saying a lot. I went there with my friend Rosa who is from Mexico City and she said the same thing. You’ll need to make a reservation as this place is becoming very popular and gets filled up quickly, Now I know why. Vegetarian options available.

The cantina offers exceptional quality, locally and internationally sourced artisanal products and provisions. And a few other extras…

Coming soon!

FABRICA

The first dedicated tortilleria in Canada. Handcraft artisanal tortillas comprising non-GMO native corn that is ethically sourced and traceable to families from an array of First Nations communities in Oaxaca.

MERCADO

The mercado will offer a curated selection of Mexican and Canadian specialty provisions as well as handmade textiles, pottery, tortilla presses and more.

Soon we’ll be able to pop by the cute ‘El Caminero’ take-out window and grab a bite to take and enjoy in the park, on the beach or in our own backyards.

Taken from Website:

Behind every chile, kernel of corn and native grain sourced from Mexico are stories with thousands of years of heritage, genetics and biodiversity attached to them.

https://alimentariamexicana.com/

Location: 1596 Johnston St. (across from the main market entrance – Granville Island).

For reservations: (236.521.8440)

Only Churros for dessert but with dulce de leche it’s enough to complete the evening.

Photos: d. king

STYLE

Vintage Fundraising Fashion

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP VINTAGE.

Everyone I know has been busy cleaning out their closets lately. Not necessarily to make way for more clothes/shoes/accessories although but because we women have become to realize that we don’t need so much stuff.

Ethical and sustainable fashion is a growing movement worldwide. Fashion blogs are talking about affordable fashion and more conscious style minimalism. Here in Vancouver we have a gently used boutique that fundraises for the Vancouver Hospice Society. The Vancouver Hospice is where my late husband spent his remaining days four years ago. Believe me when I say that this topic is not at the top of my list of things to talk about, however it was the most caring place to be for end of life care. They have an amazing staff and a support system that continues after your loved one has passed.

Vancouver Hospice Society (VHS) was incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 2003 by a group of dedicated individuals who recognized the need for a society that could advocate for people and families facing end-of-life issues.

A few years later, volunteers Dell Whelan and Jenny Shaw spearheaded the concept of a charity shop as a fundraising arm of VHS. The first HOB (Hospice Opportunity Boutique) opened its doors in 2006 selling quality gently used women’s clothing. HOB Too followed later, selling vintage treasures, housewares and furniture.

**Vancouver Hospice** – located in the residential neighbourhood of Shaughnessy.

Both stores rely solely on items donated from the community.

They are volunteer operated by two separate committees with over 140 volunteers in total. All funds raised go directly to VHS’s 8 bed hospice home on Granville Street.

If you’re in Vancouver check them out:

VISIT: The HOB Thrift Boutique

2236 West 41st Ave

Food + Drink

The Red Accordian

THIS PLACE is considered one of Vancouver’s Best Kept Secrets. And like most secrets you want to keep it all to yourself…

but sometimes you can’t help but share the news. Like right now. So get in the mood because if you’re…

feeling nostalgic? Or; feel like leaving the comfort of your home to go to the comfort of a place that feels like an extension of your home? Only one with amazing cocktails and menu? Is this beginning to sound like an ad? Its not!

It’s the Red Accordian. It’s my new comfort zone. It’s here in Vancouver’s downtown West End. I’m happy to endorse it.

I love so many things about this place. For starters I like the sign that points the direction as you walk around trying to locate it. I love the homey (not homely) building. I was last there when it was a French restaurant called “Le Gavroche” many years ago.

The ambiance now is a warm combination of part bordello, part your grandparents furniture, part old movie set. There’s a friendly bartender (co-owner Jaime took care of us) and lots of nooks & crannies to sit yourself down. Not only that; but an outdoor deck, a downstairs patio and a lounge. Good service, good food (our bread that came with the best hummus ever was actually fried dough – I would live on this, although I know better). I’m not kidding when I say it was that good.

They have a wine list however the cocktail list was too intriguing not to try. I had Grandma’s Garden Gin & Tonic Copa with odd society wallflower (light pink) gin, fever tree aromatic tonic and flower petals. My friend ordered long table cucumber gin, fentiman’s tonic, cucumber ribbon and pea tendrils. See what I’m talking about?

As for the name of the place…it’s named after the accordion that used to belong to the mother of the Serbian wife of the other co-owner who’s name is Cale. I feel nostalgic because the only instrument my dad played was an accordion. He once came home with a red accordion for me when I was very young (I know; I know…like what was he thinking?) so to indulge him I took a few lessons and could actually play a few tunes. Until I got tired of it.

But I won’t get tired of this Red Accordian – it’s a tough place to leave.

Photos: d. king

Website: https://www.theredaccordion.com

Address: 1616 Alberni Street, Vancouver, B.C.

THINKAboutit

August Reflections – new beginnings

Can you believe it? The first week of August is almost over. Or; the second week of August is almost here.

Any way you look at it everyone seems to relish the month of August…soaking up the remains of summer. Maybe it’s because school starts in September and people begin to get ready for Fall. In any event, the month ahead is when many people begin to get more serious about…all kinds of things.

I’ve started early. I’ve started my New Year as of August 1^st even with a few new resolutions. And I feel really good about it. Out with the old, In with the new so to speak. Some unexpected changes have occurred. And just like that…a new beginning has emerged. Sometimes something pushes you to get over the hump. You never see it coming but in hindsight it all makes sense. Listen to your intuition (it’s always right) and if you get red flags pay attention. As Maya Angelou wisely said “when someone shows you who they are the first time, believe them.” Try not to let them show you time and time again before you realize who they were all along. Personality is different than Character. Someone with a strong personality might not have strength of character. Someone else can be quiet and unassuming but have a trusting character. Yes; there’s a big difference. Both are important but if I had to choose – character would win hands down!

So without looking back I choose to forge ahead and make new beginnings. This website is still a passion and will carry on (with more content next month; after all, I want to enjoy what’s left of August) and I’ll introduce something new and find out where it leads.

Oh; and I learned about Lughnasadh (prounounced lunasa) exactly on August 1^st.

On the first day of August a little hummingbird appeared out of nowhere while I was sitting outside enjoying coffee and laughing with a friend. He flapped around us for about 30 seconds before flitting off – perhaps he felt the positive energy. My feeder wasn’t even out and I hadn’t seen one for a few months. Hummingbirds represent joy, healing, good luck, messages from spirits, and other special qualities. An uplifting sign.

So getting back to Lughnasadh…celebrated halfway between summer solstice and autumn equinox. It’s the so-called festival of light which ushers in the harvest season to celebrate with friends and family.

Lughnasadh is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and has pagan origins. The festival itself is named after the god Lugh. A Gaelic event that historically was widely observed throughout Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

And also very important: the festival is also a time for change, rebirth (not in the sense of physical death, but death of what we no longer need on our path) and thus for the new beginning. Ahhh yes!

Therefore, a straw doll is often burned on August 1. It stands as a symbol of evil, the dark, the shadow. Burned also because the element of fire also stands for the light. And Lughnasadh is the festival of light. And August 1st is the beginning of the harvest of fruits.

And when we have reaped the harvest, then we are prepared for the dark and cold winter. We spend it in the close circle of our self-chosen family. We use it to gather new strength and discuss new ideas.

So here’s to strength of character, new ideas, growth and harmony. Oh; and the harvest.

PS: Speaking of harvest – I have a harvest of home grown tomatoes that are starting to ripen. That’s a story in itself. I’m growing both beefsteak and little grape tomatoes. I’ve been tending my garden for a few months now…only to find out that as soon as they began to turn red a few bites were taken out of 4 tomatoes. Oh those crows! No problem – I have lots more where that came from, so off to Canadian Tire I go to buy bird netting. Then my boyfriend made a trellis around the plants which when he was finished included not only the stretch netting, but also wire hangers and scotch tape. As you can only imagine, I wasn’t fond of the aesthetics. But if it kept the crows away I’d take it down once all the tomatoes were eaten. Then that evening we were invited next door to a friend’s house for dinner. My boyfriend decided to go back into my place to get something else to drink. I went home to find out what was taking him so long. He took longer than expected because he had to loosen a mouse from the netting as he was eating the tomatoes (the mouse; not the boyfriend – at least that’s what he told me!). I didn’t bother to find out what is sold to keep mice, rats and/or racoons away because

the tomato project will not continue.

To be continued…

STYLE

Style Showcase – Anna Kosturova

You may have begun to notice that I’m featuring more local artists, designers, shops and restaurants on this website than before.

Since there were travel restrictions for a long while, I looked closer to home and began to pay more attention to artists within my own circles, city and surroundings. And let me tell you – we do not lack here in British Columbia for local talent in plenty of areas. And so it is with great pleasure that I share another chic boutique owned by a local designer I recently met by the name of Anna Kosturova. Anna’s gorgeous pop-up shop is located in Gastown, Vancouver where she sells her ethically made and sustainable designs of the most exquisite crochet clothing. Shown here in photos taken by me.

The vibe in the shop is pure Summer at it’s absolute finest. And if crochet isn’t your thing, there’s enough locally made eye candy inside to attract any fashionista worth his/her salt. If you’re wondering where this phrase originated (of course you are!) the saying “worth its salt” originated with the ancient Romans, who valued salt highly. A true fashionista values genuine “style” – even if it’s not really their own style so to speak. Speaking of which….

Nap Lovers Candles by Pourlair, Sandals & Flip Flops by Malvados, Photographic Prints by Rebecca Amber, Hard Kombucha sign by Plenty…and plenty more like sunglasses, handbags, hats, bikinis….it’s possible I may have missed some things…there’s a lot to look at.

Pure Paradise!

this photo by Anna Kosturova

Website: https://annakosturova.com/

Photos: d. king

Art & Culture

ART from the Heart

Is your house lighted or a dark prison? Are you living in every room or only one? Are you living on a small level or listening to the call of your soul?

These are words from Jan Maccormack, a talented artist friend who resides in Sechelt, Sunshine Coast, B.C.

I’m so impressed with Jan’s colorful and soulful paintings that truly come from the heart. If I had to select only one, I’d have a tough time choosing. Jan’s creativity results from her obsessive, experimental & restless nature. She paints using many different styles. They’re all so beautiful and uplifting...just had to share them with you.

The Gateway in & out of this Incarnation (Series) by Jan Maccormack

The more lit your Soul, the more clearly you’ll see through illusions. Allow yourself an inspiring glimpse of the bigger picture. Capture your creative visions, dreams, insights and intuitions as they are amplified. Paint them, draw them, write them, dance them, cook them, pour them, sew them, mind map them, sculpt them ….. whatever embeds and imprints them into your heart, your psyche, your soma and your memory banks.

As of now… commit to lighting ‘all’ those rooms in your psyche.

You have the genius of heightened perception, seeing things, knowing things, and being there. The blessings, the grace, the heart’s wonder are full. As this way of being ripens and matures, you draw the same kinds of marvels and wonders from others which makes it possible for the vibrancy to spread, grow and effortlessly bring this world alive!

I am thankful for existence today. I am grateful for where my life is, at/in this moment.

Where to find Jan’s ART:

Website: www.janmaccormack.com

https://www.facebook.com/janmaccormackartist

https://www.instagram.com/janmaccormack_artist/

Health + LifeStyle

Mentally Mindful

R U OK?

Our mental health: It’s on everyone’s mind…no pun intended. And with good reason. With so many uncertainties coming to us all at once, how do any of us manage to stay sane in today’s world?

Among various causes for concern, the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly not helped. It has negatively affected many people’s mental health and created new barriers for people already suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, a share that has been largely consistent, up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019.

The good news is that people are becoming more open to discussing this previously taboo personal issue. Especially since famous people like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle bring it into the open to try to raise awareness and help end the stigma related to this problem. The reasoning being that no-one should keep a stiff upper lip at the expense of their own well-being.

We know that blocking emotions for any length of time is not healthy. It can result in severe psychological effects. So aside from talking to anyone from a professional to a friend, what else can we do?

Aside from a good night’s sleep (not always the easiest to accomplish if you have anxiety) can nutrition help?

According to Inspire Health (a Canadian leader in integrative cancer care with medical doctors, clinical counselors, dietitians and exercise therapists all working together to help support people dealing with cancer) it can have a positive effect.

My husband and I were regulars at Inspire Health in Vancouver when he was going through his cancer journey. While they sadly to say could not save him, for many months they were very helpful in helping to raise spirits by offering classes on everything from group meditation to acupuncture, counselling and healthy eating classes. All with people going through similar circumstances in a safe, peaceful and nurturing environment.

After almost four years I still receive e-mails from Inspire Health. Here is the latest which I’m happy to share with you:

From INSPIRE HEALTH Blog:

Our mental health and emotional well-being are not always the easiest topics to discuss — and this may be one of the reasons why these topics are not always explored in a medical appointment. Strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions often include medications, stress reduction, and counselling. But, excitingly, there is new and emerging evidence showing that nutrition can also play a significant role in supporting our mental health.

You may have heard of the amazing neurotransmitter called serotonin, which helps to regulate sleep, appetite, and mood, and also helps to inhibit pain. Did you know that 95% of our serotonin is produced in our intestinal tract? This production is influenced by the kinds and amounts of different bacteria that live in that gastrointestinal tract, also known as the microbiome.

The gut is connected directly to brain processes via the gut-brain axis. This axis includes the vagus nerve and nervous system, chemicals called neurotransmitters, the immune system, and the chemicals produced by the microbes and bacteria living in the gut. Think of the microbiome as an amazingly diverse forest system where we want various species of trees, fungi, moss, grasses, and other plants to thrive.

We have been hearing about probiotics for at least the past decade, and we are now realizing the importance of not only eating foods rich in probiotics (e.g.: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso) but also feeding these bacteria with fibre. In addition to fibre, there are also specific nutrients in our foods that support our mental health, which include our B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Keeping blood sugars relatively stable can also be supportive for our mental well-being. We can keep these sugars stable by creating a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre in our meals and snacks.

So, can nutrition support mental health? Yes, and in many ways!

Here are a few practical tips:

Feed the bacteria in the gut with a good amount of fibre each day. Aim for 20-30 grams per day, unless you have been advised differently by your physician.

- Ground flax in your morning cereal
- Top your yogurt with berries and bran bud type cereal
- Swap your white or whole wheat bread product for whole grain or sprouted grain
- Incorporate more beans and lentils into your meals and snacks

Get your nutrients from whole foods as much as possible and include foods with B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 fats.

- B Vitamins: salmon, leafy greens, eggs, legumes
- Vitamin D: salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, eggs, fortified foods
- Omega 3: flaxseed, chia, walnuts, salmon, sardines, hemp hearts

Create balance in meals and snacks.

- Like a smoothie for breakfast? Make sure there is enough protein by including foods such as nuts, seeds, nut butter, yogurt, or soft tofu.
- Soup or salad for lunch? Make a soup creamier and full of protein by blending soaked cashews. Add nuts, seeds, beans, or another protein source to salads.
- Balance your dinner. Try for half of your plate as veg/fruit, ¼ as your starch (rice, quinoa, potatoes, pasta) and the last ¼ as your protein source – fish, beans, tofu, poultry, etc.
- Add to your snack. When having a piece of fruit, try adding some nuts or nut butter (e.g., apple slices with almond butter) or try one of our delicious snack recipes from our website such as the spiced carrot cake globes.

Can Nutrition Support Mental Health and Well-Being?

ON ANOTHER NOTE: I would like to give reference to a website of a personal friend who offers mentorship for mind, body and soul. Her name is Sabine. She comes highly recommended. Sabine’s workshops and seminars are offered online or in person (if you happen to live in Vancouver or in Berlin when she’s there). As an economist, published author, keynote speaker on wholeness and an expert in consciousness development and holistic marketing, her main focus is helping individuals, couples, and organizations in inner change processes. Her spiritual initiations and retreats help to transform fears, blockages, resistances, doubts and traumas. Well being at it’s core.

Human beings cannot solve current and future challenges on the same levels of consciousness on which they created them. Disbalances that show themselves individually, collectively, regionally and globally in the form of diseases, crises, conflicts and wars in all systems can neither be permanently controlled nor fought. They can, however, be completely transformed. Through higher levels of consciousness. Their attainment requires a whole transformation – Sabine Schneider – Founder

https://sheizas.com/

Remember; your life only gets better when you do!

Sources:

Forbes Magazine

KFF

Health + LifeStyle

Supplement Sunday: CoenzymeQ10

CoQ10: More than just Heart Health

Composition with food that contains Coenzyme Q10.

This article was written by Chancellor Faloon from Life Extension Magazine (the science of a healthier life).

I’ve been taking Life Extension Supplements which unfortunately are not available in Canada (although you can order them online) for over a year now and have had no issues whatsoever with asthma or otherwise. The quality is top-notch and I’ve added CoQ10 to my repertoire of necessary supplements. Their magazine offers so many interesting articles…so I thought it best to share a few from the experts – starting with CoQ10. References are included at bottom of page.

While CoQ10 is best known for promoting heart health, research is continually showing a diverse range of body-wide applications.

CoQ10 Improves Metabolic Syndrome
A meta-analysis was done of trials that tested coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on patients with metabolic syndrome. Compared to a a placebo, CoQ10 supplementation lowered inflammation markers and increased levels of a cell-signaling protein related to improved regulation of glucose and fatty-acid breakdown.¹
CoQ10 Increases Blood Flow
In a clinical trial, CoQ10 (ubiquinol) improved cardiovascular function, as shown by increased flow-mediated dilation² (widening of an artery when blood flow increases) and levels of nitric oxide (which aids in dilation). Harmful LDL oxidation was reduced with a higher dose.³
CoQ10 Enhances Exercise Performance
Exercise performance and several biomarkers related to fatigue were improved in mice and humans given CoQ10 (ubiquinol). Liver and muscle glycogen content increased, providing the body with more fuel for prolonged exercise.^4-6
CoQ10 Increases Cellular Energy
In a cell study, CoQ10 (ubiquinol) was able to prevent age-induced oxidative stress, increase the formation of new *mitochondria (the cells’ energy generators), and was associated with the removal of old, damaged *mitochondria.⁷
CoQ10 Protects Aging Heart Muscle
A recent review shows supporting evidence that CoQ10 can benefit heart failure patients by preventing age-related reductions in myocardial (heart muscle) ATP, the powerhouse of our cells.⁸
CoQ10 Mediates Inflammation
To see if CoQ10 could prevent damage that may occur with strenuous exercise, 100 firemen were randomized to receive CoQ10 (ubiquinol) or a placebo. The CoQ10 group had significantly improved hematological (blood) parameters, increases in beneficial growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines.⁹
CoQ10 Protects Against Acetaminophen Liver Injury
A study in mice found that CoQ10 protected against acetaminophen– (Tylenol®) induced liver injury. CoQ10 also enhanced removal of damaged *mitochondria.¹⁰

*Mitochondria (in the most simple terms I was able to find) are known as the powerhouses of the cell. They are **organelles that act like a digestive system which takes in nutrients, breaks them down, and creates energy rich molecules for the cell. The biochemical processes of the cell are known as cellular respiration.

An** organelle is a subcellular structure that has one or more specific jobs to perform in the cell, much like an organ does in the body.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension® Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

Dludla PV, Orlando P, Silvestri S, et al. Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation Improves Adipokine Levels and Alleviates Inflammation and Lipid Peroxidation in Conditions of Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 May 4;21(9).
Kelm M. Flow-mediated dilatation in human circulation: diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2002 Jan;282(1):H1-5.
Sabbatinelli J, Orlando P, Galeazzi R, et al. Ubiquinol Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction in Subjects with Mild-to-Moderate Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2020 Apr 15;12(4).
Chen HC, Huang CC, Lin TJ, et al. Ubiquinol Supplementation Alters Exercise Induced Fatigue by Increasing Lipid Utilization in Mice. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 23;11(11).
Cooke M, Iosia M, Buford T, et al. Effects of acute and 14-day coenzyme Q10 supplementation on exercise performance in both trained and untrained individuals. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008 Mar 4;5:8.
Orlando P, Silvestri S, Galeazzi R, et al. Effect of ubiquinol supplementation on biochemical and oxidative stress indexes after intense exercise in young athletes. Redox Rep. 2018 Dec;23(1):136-45.
Niu YJ, Zhou W, Nie ZW, et al. Ubiquinol-10 delays postovulatory oocyte aging by improving mitochondrial renewal in pigs. Aging (Albany NY). 2020 Jan 20;12(2):1256-71.
Di Lorenzo A, Iannuzzo G, Parlato A, et al. Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement. J Clin Med. 2020 Apr 27;9(5):1266.
Diaz-Castro J, Moreno-Fernandez J, Chirosa I, et al. Beneficial Effect of Ubiquinol on Hematological and Inflammatory Signaling during Exercise. Nutrients. 2020 Feb 6;12(2).
Zhang P, Chen S, Tang H, et al. CoQ10 protects against acetaminophen-induced liver injury by enhancing mitophagy. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2021 Jan 1;410:115355.

Food + Drink

Edamame Elevated

During summer months and especially now with this scorching heat, I’m leaning towards quick ‘n easy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor.

Usually a side dish when ordering sushi, edamame is super easy to make at home and to serve as part of a Japanese home style dinner or as a snack or in a salad (with pods removed from shell).

I borrowed this simple and savory recipe from the unfortunately now defunct Jazz Cellar club in Vancouver. Along with listening to the best jazz musicians in the city, it was always a staple on their menu. It was also an elevated taste to what you would normally get in any Japanese restaurant where they serve up plain edamame with salt.

This recipe is a little different because I first steam the pods on their own then sauté them in a mix of toasted sesame oil, fresh chopped garlic + ginger, chili flakes and *soy sauce. Then mix everything together in a bowl and sprinkle generously with course sea salt.

Ok; well I guess that IS the recipe. Since the bulk of the flavor is on the outside…make sure to lick the pods.

*Unless you have a soy allergy, edamame is likely safe to eat. There are several health benefits of Edamame:

In addition to being a decent source of soy protein, edamame is rich in healthy fiber, antioxidants and vitamin K.

It does not raise blood sugar,

Edamame (RDI)	Mature soybeans (RDI)
Folate	78%	14%
Vitamin K1	33%	24%
Thiamine	13%	10%
Riboflavin	9%	17%
Iron	13%	29%
Copper	17%	20%
Manganese	51%	41%

Enjoy!

inspiration

Summer Breeze

It’s official. I read somewhere that the goal is…to create a life you don’t need a vacation from. I’m taking that to heart. Here are a few recent photos to keep the mood: