Sometimes it’s just nice to get away even if it’s somewhere familiar, like the very city you live in.So I suggested we go away somewhere exotic for Christmas. A hotel overlooking the harbour and Stanley Park in Vancouver. A place where we could be quiet but party if we wanted to, and a welcome leisurely holistay.The weather was perfect for a couple of days. We walked a lot, we lounged and we ate. The dogs loved it.And it was very relaxing.And we had a few visitors. This one we were not expecting.I hate when good things come to an end!
It’s Christmas Eve dayand today also marks the first day of Hannukah
The Festival of Lights
Not only is the holiday’s lighting of candles beautifully symbolic of so many different things, but Hanukkah also creates a wonderful spirit of unison and love that I wish we saw more of during every other day of the year.
A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness
Taken at dog beach
And if you don’t have an actual minora don’t worry – it’s easy to make one yourself.
For the Russian JewFor the Trekkie InspiredFor the Surfer JewJew know any winos?Hello Kitty – JapaJew
May you have a feel-good festive holiday season. Peace, Love and all that jazz.
Jia Jia was in the Vancouver Sun newspaper on Saturday, December 3rd
Love On A Leash‘s Tammy Preast and Frank Dueck held a benefit for the Dhana Metta Rescue Society where, at age 14, Sheltie Jia Jia may have been a little old to still believe in Santa Claus. MALCOLM PARRY / PNGJack’s new holiday sweater. I was in a womans clothing store looking for something for a friend and came home with this sweater for Jack instead. Go figure! It was on sale – one size fits all the label said but somehow I doubt that.
If you want to really feel-good help out a dog in need. Get a rescue! Put a sparkle in his eye.
Yves Saint Laurent (top L) Marc Jacobs (top R), Hourglass (bottom L) & Givenchy (bottom R).
Yves Saint Laurent Sparkle Clash Multi-Use Palette
Unfold the gilded cover of this book-style palette and you’ll discover that it’s a pint-sized multitasking essential. The four eye shadows, highlighter, and two lip colors (plus brush applicators) will make sure you stay glam for every holiday fete.
Givenchy Le Prisme Superstellar Intense & Radiant Eye Shadow
This simple and sophisticated trio can be used on lids, cheeks, lips, or wherever else you’d like to add a little intergalactic sparkle. You’ll especially love how Titanium, the white shade, acts as a highlighter.
If you’re obsessed with the elegant glow of Hourglass’s highlighters, you need this bronzer, blush, and strobe powder quintet. The luminous formulas will make your skin look lit from within, and the marble-inspired compact will look stunning on your Instagram feed.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Object of Desire Face and Eye Palette
A limited edition face and eye palette featuring six gorgeous eyeshadows, blush, and bronzer to create a complete looks for the Holiday season!
Shades include:
O!Mega Bronzer in Tantric
Blush in Exhibitionist (peachy rose)
Luminizer in Make a Sheen (cool gold shimmer)
Eyeshadow in Lights On (beige shimmer), Candlelight (golden shimmer), Dimmer (matte light tan), Violet Hour (matte lavender), Twilight (deep plum shimmer), In the Dark (deep brown shimmer)
Leather Case
Marc Jacobs Beauty Holiday 2016 is available now at Sephora.com for a limited time. ($69)
I think this OPI set dark nail polish with glitter topcoat is perfect for the season. And of course the packaging is elegant. They also have a mini version for a stocking stuffer. Available in Canada at London Drugs
The holiday season always gives us good excuse to wear more bling.
No festive attire is complete without a bold lip
Nothing like an on trend sparkly neckpiece to perk up your spirits and your LBD or moto jacket.
The necklace I received in my surprise Winter Box of Style is the perfect accessory to pull together a head-turning outfit. So even though we love Cartier there are other magnificent choices out there for the season. Here a model shows us how to perk up our outfits with a little bling to take us from day to night.
Opposites Attract An elegant statement necklace alongside a leather jacket makes for a stylish cool-girl result.Formal Finery Shut it down at the holiday party in an oversize tuxedo blazer, a velvet gown and the exclusive Dylanlex sparkler (The Zoe Report) Retail Value: $200Shine Surprise Layer the glistening piece under a blouse collar for unexpected sparkle.Dressed-Up Denim Transition your jean jacket to winter by layering it over cashmere.Off-Duty Cool Master weekend chic with a leather jacket, a soft white tee, boyfriend jeans and all the right accessories.Major Monochrome A crystal necklace puts a glamorous finishing touch on an all-white uniform for the office.
As told by an editor at purewow.com – an American digital media company that elevates the everyday from the everyday…. if you know what I mean.
You know when you’re in a particularly fabulous store and you just kinda moan, “Ugh, I want to live here”?
Well, the new Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion in the heart of Manhattan garners that same response. Although it’s not new. And it was actually home to a big-name financier back in the 1910s, until he sold it to the Cartier family in exchange for $100 and a double strand of 128 natural pearls (trust us, they were some good pearls). A century later the landmark still stands, and now with a major Manhattan-sized facelift. (Two and a half years, four times the size.) Here’s what made us go weak in the knees during a private tour of the place—or should we say palace?
A ROOM THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO A SCREEN QUEEN
Vacationing in the South of France is pretty dreamy. Vacationing in the South of France while your husband adorns you with custom Cartier jewels is the stuff of legends. The Elizabeth Taylor Salon in the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion is filled with gems as big as the movie star herself. And when you’re done fawning over those creations, you can turn your attention to the triptych of still photographs grabbed from a home movie, shot in August 1957 while Taylor and her husband, film producer Mike Todd, were vacationing in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France. It was there that Todd presented her with a Cartier ruby and diamond necklace—while she was in her bikini, mind you. (The photos on the wall feel like the most glamorous Instagram story, ever.)
AN IN-HOUSE PERFUMER TAKES RESIDENCE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR
A sensory experience unlike any other, the fourth floor is home to Cartier perfumer Mathilde Laurent’s 11 exclusive fragrances—each housed in a tiny red Cartier box. Simply take your pick, open the box and a video will begin to play, illustrating the scent. For what it’s worth, Number VII smells like a field of peonies.
THE OLD BALLROOM IS NOW HOME TO ALL THE DIAMONDS
All diamonds and engagement rings are located in this oval stunner named the Princess Grace Salon. And, quite honestly, the lighting might be the best in all of Manhattan.
AND, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE RING
Speaking of Princess Grace of Monaco, the original Cartier engagement ring (a flawless 10.48-carat emerald-cut jaw-dropper flanked by two baguettes) that she received from Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956 will be on exhibit from now until October 15. Sorry, no try-ons.
AND FINALLY, THE SECRET DOOR…
Last but certainly not least are all the little secrets dotting the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion’s six floors, such as a camouflaged door that connects this staircase to the private Jeanne Toussaint Salon, named after Cartier’s first artistic director. The mezzanine is strictly for VIPs only. Clients who are looking to commission one-of-a-kind, high-end pieces gain entry under the supervision of a Cartier employee.
On the prowlfor Cartier
Show me to the mezzanine please
But don’t forget… ENVY is one of the seven deadly sins!
With ONLY NINE MORE SLEEPS to go until Christmas if you’re not already in the spirit, then walking through the lobby of the Vancouver Sutton Place Hotel is the place to get it.
It’s the most festive looking lobby I’ve seen.
But in the true spirit of the season, they are not only striking to look at as they light up the lobby, there’s a purpose behind them. Every year many talented designers, stagers and retailers in the city come together with one goal – to create a mini wonderland using trees as their canvas.
The inspiring Christmas trees perfectly reflect their aesthetic and creativity. The uniquely adorned trees delight the community and raise funds for an amazing cause – PALS, a Vancouver-based innovative school for autistic children.
When you view the trees, you are asked to vote for your favourite tree with a donation. These valuable donations go towards PALS. One of their methods for teaching uses visual cues via iPad. The funds raised will help with purchasing and replacing iPads and iPad covers.
You must come down and see all the incredible trees in person – they are truly the best decorated trees in the city! A stroll through the lobby to view the trees and vote for your favourite one costs only $5, with all proceeds going to PALS.
Also in the lobby:
Just received my Winter Box of Style. Just in time because this curated product assortment will take me (and others who purchased it) from day to night this holiday season and well into the new year.
The full winter Box of Style on display, featuring a Soia & Kyo cable-knit hat (I chose mine in winter white out of 3 selections), exclusive Dylanlex Zoey necklace, Clinique Lip Color and Primer in Berry Pop, D.L. & Co. custom The Zoe Report Birch candle, Dagne Dover exclusive leather card case and Sunday Riley Tidal Enzyme Brightening Water Cream.
I started sharing contents/info about the Spring box set and so this season completes my final round of box sets for the whole year. Every 3 months I could not believe what was inside each of the boxes. The variety was always useful, stylish, current and thought given to the season. After all it is curated by stylist & editor-in-chief Rachel Zoe and her team.
This year, In a private bungalow at the storied Chateau Marmont, Rachel decided to host a glamorous dinner party specifically to celebrate her pride and joy of the season – the winter Box of Style.
Here are some of the highlights:
The tablescape at dinner.
Flanked by ever-fashionable friends like Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie, Rachel toasted to her latest launch—which features the exclusive, Swarovski-crystal-studded Dylanlex “Zoey” necklace that several attendees donned throughout the night—and enjoyed an evening among great company.
Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie (in middle) and Rachel Zoe (in gorgeous jumpsuit).Because it’s not a party without bubbly.Jessica Alba showing off her exclusive silver-plated Dylanlex Zoey necklace, which features gorgeous Swarovski crystals.
My personal favourites are:
The knit factor – Soia & Kyo Olivia Cable-Knit Beanie, Retail Value: $50the first winter layer – Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, Retail Value $65Clinique Berry Pop Lip Color + Primer, Retail Value: $24
Added Bonus: purse-size Viva La Juicy fragrance in this season’s assortment.
If you recall a while back I wrote about my BFF (best foraging friend) Bill.
And he’s still my only foraging friend. He gathers, smokes (not cigarettes or cigars), condenses, dries, dehydrates, bakes, liquifies, juices, turns fruit into leather and fills jars full of delectable delights of things you will most likely never find anywhere else. At least not done with the same amount of know-how, zest and love for foraging from start to finish.
It began as a hobby (Bill is a Foodie and a superb cook) but now his stuff is in demand in Vancouver Island local markets and other food suppliers. Not surprising since everything is made from scratch, in small batches and with the utmost attention to detail.
He was going to collaborate with monthly posts on this blog sharing stories of adventures from the wild world of foraging. Instead he’s just been way too busy picking, harvesting and filling orders, etc. so we’ll have to wait. But in the meantime to whet your appetite or curiosity I’ll share a few things I recently purchased after having tasted them.We might as well refer to it as Bill’s Wild West Coast
Sampling:
Descriptions by Bill
Saanich Peninsula Medlar Jelly – a rare and delicious jelly produced from Medlar’s planted in the 40’s and 50’s in North Saanich, BC.
Wallace Road Sloe Berry Jelly -these fall berries are members of the plum family and produce a tart jelly, great for serving with turkey, bbq chicken and the like.
Willis Point Arbutus Berry Jam -I only recently discovered that those pretty red berries on magnificent Arbutus are edible. I harvested those within reach and wished I could get higher for more.
Fernwood *Goumi berry Jam – this super-food Asian berry was growing in a hedge in town. A forager friend called me… I answered her call.
Oldfield Road Kiwi Jam – I had never seen Kiwi Fruit growing before and I had never heard of Kiwi Jam. I was given access to these super sweet ones in January and it is a really great interesting jam. Mosi (a fantastic bakery) used it in their Danish pastries for a few months.
Okanagan Syrah Grape Jelly – A friend from my time in the wine industry gave me access to Syrah Grapes in the Le Vieux Pin Vineyard. It is a delicious jelly that is less sweet, with a touch of that pepperiness that is characteristic of Syrah wine.
Wild Red Huckleberry Jam – These are tasty little explosions of flavor wonderful sweetness… but they are really small and take hours to pick! These are from the new growth areas between Shirley and Jordan River.
Elderberry Jam (or jelly – the writing was blurry) soaked in single malt scotch.
Willis Point Road Rosehip Jelly – Rosehips are very plentiful around here but they are a lot of work to process. This jelly was viewed as a golden treasure by some of my Instagram forager friends back East.
Oregon Grape Jelly with Lavender – Before I moved to the coast I had never heard of these tangy berries. I harvested these near Munn Road before the effects of the drought dries them up. This is very good with cheeses and cold cuts.
Oldfield Road Italian Plum Jam -This is a very good jam on toast, but also served with cheeses.
Oldfield Road Brandied Cherries – I was given access to several cherry trees with both dark red and golden varieties, some of which I have had soaking in fine cognac since June. $15.00 per 500ml jar
Cowichan Bay Sweet Cherry Chutney – I had access to so many cherries, and they were ripening so fast… I found this recipe for sweet cherry chutney and gave it a whirl. $14.00 per 500 ml jar
Including:
Winter Chanterelle Powder $ 20.00 per 25 mg.
Dried Golden Chanterelles $ 8.00 per packet (13 to 15 g)
Dried Lobster Mushrooms $ 18.00 per packet (30 to 35 g)
The latest concept in entertainment/club dining is at Rogers Arena. I was lucky to be a guest last Friday night for Stevie Nicks, the legendary Fairy Godmother of ROCK on her
24 KARAT GOLD TOUR stop in Vancouver.
I knew I was invited to the show but never expected the space to be so impressive. And it’s a really good thing I didn’t have dinner beforehand because they said there would be food but…they never mentioned there would be so much. The new large room suite is only one month old. It is a complete renovation, redesign and upgrade of the former “Centre Ice Grill” with premium service and all the fine touches exclusive membership has to offer. Such as:
Our sushi chefOur wine at the well lit bara few of the available platters
Picture this – you’re sitting in the comfort of a wide-back chair with a plate of food and a glass of wine in front of you while watching and listening to the best entertainment to pass through Vancouver, B.C. It really doesn’t get much better!
dessert table
The area has comfy leather sofas to lounge on, walled fireplaces, tables overlooking the arena and four chef attended stations offering an abundance of mouth-watering dishes. The club is open for monthly/yearly membership and included in the exclusive fee package is fresh & exquisite rotating menus. Wine & Liquor is extra.
Oh wait…as an added bonus to an otherwise perfect evening the Pretenders opened up for Stevie Nicks. I forgot about how many great songs they have. And Chrissie Hynde’s voice is a good as ever – love her voice!
Come again?Encore is the perfect name for the watering hole because once you come here you definitely want to repeat the experience. It’s the rock concert equivalent of flying First Class. Once you experience it you cannot don’t want to ever go back.
The thing about music is that it evokes so many memories and the thing about all the other stuff is:
Now I’m ruined for all other concerts.
Her ENCORE (following Rhiannon) is one of my favourite songs “LANDSLIDE“. And she, as beautiful as ever. (If you want to see a video clip please visit my Instagram feed @ https://www.instagram.com/girlwhowouldbeking/
So I suggested we go away somewhere exotic for Christmas. A hotel overlooking the harbour and Stanley Park in Vancouver. A place where we could be quiet but party if we wanted to, and a welcome leisurely holistay.
The weather was perfect for a couple of days. We walked a lot, we lounged and we ate. The dogs loved it.
And it was very relaxing.
And we had a few visitors. This one we were not expecting.
I hate when good things come to an end!
and today also marks the first day of Hannukah
If you want to really feel-good help out a dog in need. Get a rescue! Put a sparkle in his eye.
Every year many talented designers, stagers and retailers in the city come together with one goal – to create a mini wonderland using trees as their canvas.
You must come down and see all the incredible trees in person – they are truly the best decorated trees in the city! A stroll through the lobby to view the trees and vote for your favourite one costs only $5, with all proceeds going to 
We might as well refer to it as Bill’s Wild West Coast
Now I’m ruined for all other concerts.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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