You can learn a lot from a dog
or; a bear
“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.” – A.A. Milne
People tell me I smile waaay too much! That’s their problem!
CHECK THIS OUT: http://www.metabolicwarrior.com/
You know what they say; if something seems too good to be true, it probably is…except maybe in this case!
We woman already pay a lot for upkeep and that includes our skincare regime. And our skincare regime usually includes an expensive serum. So if you found out you could buy a serum with a really good active ingredient for only $6 you wouldn’t believe me right?
On average a regular glycolic acid-based serum costs around $42. An antioxidant serum of choice costs about $163. These are hefty prices, sure. But they’re serums. Paying top dollar for high concentrations of anti-aging ingredients is just the way it goes, isn’t it?
If you ask Toronto-based beauty brand Deciem, the answer will be a resounding No. The brand has released a new collection of serums that promises the same ingredients as luxury products, except these SKUs boast prices as low as $6.
The new line is called The Ordinary and offers a total of 10 serums, the most expensive of which is $15. Since launching earlier this month, the brand has sold over 43,000 units. I wonder why?
Self-termed “the abnormal beauty company,” Deciem positions its image on the fringe of the beauty market. What makes The Ordinary’s serums unique is their simplicity—each bottle contains only one or two active ingredients, like vitamin C, hylauronic acid, and retinoid (all of which we’re used to seeing in our pricier serums). Deciem’s founder Brandon Truaxe says that because of the low ingredient count, the products can be manufactured and packaged more affordably.
So where can you buy them? Deciem sells all of its ranges on the company website, as well as choice retailers around the globe (U.S. brick-and-mortar locations are in the works). Though the company is fairly under-the-radar stateside, it has become wildly popular in the UK, mostly due to the success of their hand and body care brand Hand Chemistry.
Want to experience the budget-friendly wonders of The Ordinary? Shop some of their serums below!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 ($7)
If you’re aiming to give your skin an intense dose of moisture, cart this $7 hyaluronic acid serum.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% ($6)
This skin-protecting vitamin C serum miraculously comes in at less than $6 per bottle.
The Ordinary “Buffet” ($15)
At less than $15, this peptide-packed serum is the brand’s most expensive SKU.
What’s to lose? The only bad thing is if you don’t like it you haven’t lost much money trying something new. If you do like it………. GREAT!
The Turtleneck; a Classic reborn
Though it took a sartorial break for a couple of decades, it’s back and chicer than ever. The turtleneck is a strong, simple and smart staple if you can refer to an item of clothing as being “smart”
A black turtleneck sweater is a classic that works as a canvas for jewelry or scarves and looks great either super casual with jeans or dressed up with a skirt, jumpsuit or blazer.
Just before leaving on my trip I hummed & hawed for several minutes seconds over buying a tight teal turtleneck but then I bought it. My excuse – I liked the material, the weather was getting colder and it was an unexpected pop of colour. I think they’re pretty practical and nevermind that you are up to your neck in material…it can look quite sexy. Maybe more so than a way too low-cut top. Wear it with:
A BOLD COAT and CROSSBODY BAG
WITH A MOTO JACKET AND HIGH-WAISTED PANTS
WITH COLORFUL PANTS AND A FAUX-FUR TOPPER
WITH A TRENCH AND VELVET BOOTIES (for something right on trend)
Because the point being is you want to stay warm and stylish!
This is the exact opposite of my last food post but important nonetheless
Have you heard about The World’s First Cupcake ATM that dispenses freshly baked cupcakes and cookies 24/7?
Sprinkles is sprinkling cupcake dust on the angels (or Angelenos) who live in and around Beverly Hills. Oh; as if they don’t already have it all! You can get cash & cupcakes at the same time…Dreams really do come true! Now they’re available in other lucky locations.
For Sprinkles addicts on the go, the ATM conveniently nestled between Sprinkles Cupcakes and the brand new Sprinkles Ice Cream, is continuously restocked day and night with a variety of freshly baked cupcakes and cookies! How sweet!
WATCH THIS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTZWlxW2wG4&index=1&list=PLBC9880171E43B315
However, for those of you who are not close to Beverly Hills or to one of the other Sprinkles locations sprinkled here and there in cities like New York, Disney (it’s a world onto itself), Dallas, Vegas (ATM across from Caesar’s Palace) or Nashville then boy do I have a recipe for YOU!
This is the delightfully famous Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcake recipe which I made last week and will probably never (in this case the phrase “never say never” means exactly that) make again. Maybe I didn’t have a bowl deep enough to keep the mixture from flying all over the kitchen or maybe it’s just that the color “red” is not the best to remove from a white counter. Hownever, they were a delectably delicious hit and I have leftover icing in the freezer. So…I’ll just go to the closest ATM next time I drive through Beverly Hills.
For those of you brave enough to attempt it – here it is:
Sprinkles Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Yields 12 insanely delicious cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup salted butter, firm but not cold*
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 Tbsp red food coloring (food grade of course – it’s safe)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
- 1 recipe Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup salted butter, firm but not cold (if using unsalted add 1/8 tsp salt)
- 6 oz cream cheese, cold (I recommend using Philadelphia brand in this recipe)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder and baking soda, set aside. In a separate large mixing bowl, with an electric hand mixer on medium speed, whip together butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in eggs one at a time stirring after each addition. (Now stand back and change out of any nice shirt you have on and) Add red food coloring and vanilla extract and mix until combine. In a small mixing bowl (or in the measuring cup you used to measure milk), combine milk and 1 tsp vinegar. Add milk mixture and flour mixture to cupcake mixture, alternating in two separate batches, mixing until combine after each addition. Divide batter evenly among 12 paper lined muffin cups, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake in preheated oven 18-21 minutes until toothpick inserted into center of cupcake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool about 2 minutes in muffin tin, then transfer to wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container to cool completely (this just helps them retain more moisture). Once cooled completely, spread generously with Cream Cheese Frosting (just as sprinkles does, lots of frosting!).
- 9635 S Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
- Phone:(310) 274-8765
You’re welcome!
There’s an abundance of inspiration in art, design and architecture to be found in and around Palm Springs.
I’m always on the lookout for something unique and I found it when I stopped into Christopher Kennedy’s incredible interior design store/studio.
Christopher Kennedy is a nationally-published interior designer and modern furniture designer based in Palm Springs, California. He was just named Best Interior Designer by Desert Outlook Magazine.
Born in San Francisco and raised on California’s Central Coast, he brings a synthesis of big-city style and relaxed resort living to his work. He combines vintage and contemporary sensibilities to create spaces that are layered, liveable, and inviting. Neither trapped by tradition nor tied to trends, the hallmarks of Christopher’s style is easy elegance and casual sophistication.
His current projects include beach houses in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Malibu; lofts in New York; and numerous desert projects in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells and La Quinta. Known for his unique brand of luxurious modernism, his work has been featured in Luxe, Dwell, Palm Springs Life Magazine, California 
Homes, and The Los Angeles Times.
Photos: d. king
Source: taken from website – christopherkennedy.com
Manifesto
We believe that design is powerful and transformative.
We believe in wiping the slate clean from time to time and the power of a fresh coat of white paint.
We believe in hand-written thank you notes and old-fashioned telephone calls.
We believe that there is a place for books in our homes and in our lives.
We believe that food tastes better and is more nourishing when the table is set.
We believe in the importance of travel — of the opportunities it presents for learning, growth, and discovery. We also believe in the joy of returning home, after a long day at work or a long journey abroad.
I believe in ALL of the above
Address: 590 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs Phone: 760.325.3214
I’m so happy to be reporting again about happiness and health going hand in hand. It’s really everything you need to live a good life. And it’s always timely because…
Good health and happiness: to achieve one, you need the other, but bumps along the journey can get in the way of our goals.
“Without good health it’s hard to be happy,” says Michelle W. Book, holistic nutritionist for the Canadian Health Food Association. “Focusing on a few key pillars can make all the difference.”
Understanding your nutritional needs is for everyone to consider, not only Canadians.
Ideally, we’d all be eating balanced meals rich with nutritious, organic foods. Reality is, many people often eat convenience foods because of their busy lives or treat “cheat days” too kindly. As a result, they aren’t getting the necessary nutrients.
Most of us don’t consume enough minerals like magnesium, calcium or potassium, and fail to get enough vitamin D and fibre in their diets.
Strengthen your immune system
Getting sick is the worst. Sickness motivates an entire pathway inside our bodies that can lead to something called “sickness behaviour.” This can lead to confusion, lethargy, social withdrawal, anxiety and depression, the result of our immune system cells releasing tiny chemicals, called cytokines, which impact the way our brain sends signals and can slow us down and depress our mood. Keeping our immune system in good working order can help to reduce the severity and duration of illness. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help as taking a good multi-vitamin to fill in the nutritional gaps.
Keep Stress at Bay
Stress increases our need for nutrients. Heightened stress increases the breakdown of carbohydrates and protein, which rely on Vitamin C and B to be broken down, meaning you use up your store of these nutrients more quickly. Finding time to eat a healthy, balance diet when you’re stressed can often be difficult. When dealing with stress, it’s important to ensure your body’s mineral needs are met. High stress levels deplete the magnesium in the body, which can result in a “downward spiral” in one’s ability to cope with stress. Mineral supplementation, including magnesium and zinc, may improve psychological measures of anxiety or stress.
Here are a few other foods you may want to consider to improve your immune health:
Nuts: Include nuts in your diet, which provide you with a perfect blend of immune-boosting nutrients, including protein, vitamin E, zinc and selenium. Cashews and pecans in particular are some of the higher nut-based zinc sources, while Brazil nuts are high in selenium.
Kimchi: This fermented cabbage dish from Korea is rich in vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and antioxidant enzymes. It’s also a healthy whole-food source of probiotics, the good gut bacteria that keep your immune system in check.
Garlic: This member of the allium family has been shown to reduce cold symptoms and improve immune cell activity.
Probiotic supplements: Lactobacillus probiotics in particular have been shown to improve the immune systems of both our gut and our entire body.
Mushrooms: Reishi mushroom extracts contain bioactive compounds called “lectins” that increase the activity of our white blood cells.
And Mindfulness is of growing importance:
A nasty unexpected virus attacked me while traveling which was of major concern. I don’t know where it came from and don’t remember ever having taken antibiotics before but I was willing to do whatever it took to get rid of it, or discontinue the trip and go back home. I felt like the worse version of myself. Anyway, the reality is that while it took at least one week to clear up and feel almost back to normal, the worst part lasted for only two days. Not bad considering. I can only attribute it to an overall healthier way of living. Granted I did get sick in the first place but I guess it could have lasted a lot longer. I suppose you can call it being more mindful in general. So I’m right on trend.
A growing trend to de-stress is practicing mindfulness. There’s research connecting the benefits of stress reduction through practicing mindfulness with the health of our immune system. Practicing mindfulness has a number of positive impacts on the immune system, including reducing inflammation markers and stress hormones, and has also been shown to increase some immune cells and improve activity in the areas of the brain responsible for coordinating the immune system.
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult, we just need to remember to do it.” ~Sharon Salzberg
Incorporating mindfulness into your lifestyle can actually help to minimize the occurrence, length and severity of the flu or common cold. Some aspects of mindfulness can be simple to include in your everyday routine, such as paying attention to your breathing, tuning into your body’s physical sensations and practicing mindful meditation.
I like this quote:
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
Source: Canadian Health Food Association
THE FIRST WINTER LAYER
Among my Winter Box of Style findings was a full size Sunday Riley Brightening Enzyme Water Cream. I’ve been curious about trying this product but thought I don’t really need it, I already have my skincare routine. But after having been complexionally (yes, it’s a word I created) & seasonally skin stressed with having to take antibiotics and now being in dry desert air, it has become my morning skin savior to pack major moisture before adding sunscreen.
That’s why I’m putting it in my beauty post.
Apparently it’s also a solution for dark spots, dryness, fine lines and wrinkes. But personally it’s for sucking in more moisture.
If you want to know more…
Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream delivers an intense water drench with two forms of hyaluronic acid and tamarind extract, creating visibly hydrated and plumped skin. Papaya enzymes smooth and exfoliate while alpha-arbutin and giant white bird of paradise extracts work to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and illuminate the complexion.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Phthalates
“I was inspired by the skin-plumping power of water creams, but I wanted to make something special. I formulated Tidal to be a brightening treatment, infused into a water cream for a cutting-edge answer to both alternative signs of aging, including hyperpigmentation. The quest for the ultimate, all-skin-types moisturizer was born. Papaya enzymes smooth the skin and gently exfoliate for immediate improvement in texture.”—Sunday Riley
Other than the price of $65, this product is cruelty-free
I guess that’s all you really need to know. You can buy it at Sephora.
Remember days of the week underwear?
This Alberta Ferretti limited edition capsule collection is related to those, only in a high-fashion (with a price to match), we want to show you kind of way.
The pre-fall 2017 launch is available for purchase fresh off the runway (she’s the most recent designer to join the see-now-buy-now movement).
Happily named “Rainbow Week,” the collection comprises seven luxe knits in a variety of punchy, mood-boosting hues, each emblazoned with a different day of the week—a reminder to live every day with optimism. Style them with your favorite high-waist, straight-leg jeans for the perfect off-duty look or dress them up with a sexy sheer lace skirt.
If you don’t want to amuse them, confuse them. Wear the wrong day!
Alberta Ferretti available at saksfifthavenue.com | $495
Source: Andrea Cheng for InStyle
My food posts have been in remission since I’ve been traveling. 
Which means I haven’t been cooking as much as I normally do. It’s hard when you move around from place to place and while it’s great to eat out I do prefer to make most of my meals at home. I just started cooking again and trying to incorporate some wholesome meals. But what about snacks and something sweet? I love chips, chocolate, gummies, ice cream, popcorn……etc. Yeah, it’s pretty bad.
Speaking of sweets I’m laughing to myself right now because I just received a text from a friend who read my Palm Springs post and asked “did you really buy a pied-à-terre or was it a Pomme de Terre?” Funny.
Thought I’d re-start my food post with something simple, tasty and with fewer ingredients that are cleaner than most store-bought varieties. This version taken from Vista Magazine includes vegetables, which don’t really affect the taste but add an extra punch of nutrition.
Ingredients:
4 medium sized apples, peeled and roughly chopped (galas are perfect for their sweetness)
1 small beet, peeled and sliced
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup chopped kale leaves
2 Tbsp. honey
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 200F and line a 12”x18” rimmed baking tray with a Silpat (silicone) baking sheet or parchment paper.
- Put the apples, blueberries, beet, and 2 tablespoons water in a medium sized lidded pot and cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the apples and beet have softened. Stir occasionally to make sure the fruit doesn’t start to burn on the bottom of the pan.
- Place the cooked fruit and veggies in a blender with the kale and honey and blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture onto your prepared tray and spread evenly. Giving the whole tray a gentle jiggle can help. (It will look quite thick at this stage but thickness will decrease once it’s dried.)
- Bake in the oven for 5-6 hours, until dry to the touch.
- Allow to cool on the tray, then cut into 2 inch wide strips.
- Roll up the strips and keep in a sealed container at room temperature. They will keep for at least one month. Makes 6.
Hope you like it. Your feedback is always appreciated.
It’s all about the simple things; sunshine and resort style living. A mimosa here and everywhere there. A nice pool. A mimosa by the pool.
A place to escape to when the weather starts to turn for the worst. A playground for those who like to golf, hike or swim. Or just take it easy or go listen to live music. There’s a lot of happy people here. A lot of folks from Vancouver and other parts of Canada. Happy hour is a biggie and there’s plenty of good dining everywhere.
There’s the Palm Springs International Film Festival which is just ending and attracts Hollywood’s biggest stars to flog their films or just show up and party.
There’s Modernism Week in February. An annual signature event and celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture. With more than 250 events including the Modernism Show & Sale, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties and live music, walking and bike tours, tours of Sunnylands (to some extent regarded as the “Camp David of the West”), classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and more…like Martinis on the mountain.
Then there’s Coachella (my sister is excited about going for the first time), the annual Valley Music & Arts Festival. As of this spring Beyoncé will make history yet again as she will be the first woman of color to headline Coachella. EVER. She is also the first woman in ten years to headline the festival (the last woman to headline was Bjork in 2007).
There was “Oldchella” which was the fitting nickname for the festival’s official title “Desert Trip.” It appears the nickname came about because headliners such as Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Roger Waters, The Rolling Stones and The Who average about 72 years in age. But can these guys still rock or what? Nobody seems sure how annual this festival might be. There is talk of it dying off.
But you can count on “Opera in the Park” a premier cultural event in April held at Sunrise Park. The concert of arias draws thousands of people from all over Southern California (& beyond) in a celebration of great opera music with a professional orchestra. You can take a picnic lunch – how great is that?
There’s the usual art markets, *antique markets, **vintage markets & the Thursday night street fair. Free street parking is a bonus. There’s even a free bus or “buzz” Thursday through Sunday that’s also dog friendly as is the rest of P.S.
There’s other places of interest you can drive or bus to within a few hours driving distance like: Los Angeles & San Diego if you miss the ocean or more traffic. A little longer than that and you can find yourself in Las Vegas or Arizona. So there’s plenty of variety and no excuse to be bored.
So I went ahead and bought myself an early birthday gift. A little pied-à-terre right smack in the middle of exactly where I want to be. A perfect location. Something so unexpected and unplanned…yet ideal. As I’m writing this I’m spending my first night in the new place after having rented in the area for two weeks prior to this with a short hotel stay prior to that. I’ve been coming here for several years and what’s funny is that this time the trip was going to be a short one. I just wanted to take in the film festival and be back before the end of January. There were reasons why it had to be cut shorter than usual….however you never know what life will throw your way. Now I’ll stay a bit longer than planned. And have a set place to come back to.
In another sense…I fully expected this to happen! My horoscope said that it’s my year to charge ahead, make bold changes for progress & success. The Sun-Pluto conjunction in January empowers and emboldens my sign all year long.
2016 was such a downer year for multiple reasons. We lost so many amazing people and of course the election craziness. Here’s to new growth and positive change. Not just for me, but for everyone. We have to take our sunshine where we can get it. And orange juice doesn’t quite cut it.
*an antique is “a work of art, piece of furniture, or decorative object made at least 100 years ago.
**The term “vintage,” when used in a way similar to the term “antique,” refers to items that are over 50 years old, but less than 100.
Photos: d. king
The shops at thirteen forty five is a collective of luxurious shops in an iconic E. Stewart Williams designed building. 1345 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Home Sweet Away from Home! Have you been?
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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