He’s a small fish in a big sea with one thing on his mind (not unlike other male species) – what can I do to attract a mate?Ahhh….think I’ll create a masterpiece like all the greats before me.
That’ll grab her attention!
Unfortunately the small Japanese Puffer Fish is apparently dull almost to the point of invisibility, but to compensate he’s probably nature’s greatest Artist. To get a female’s attention he creates something in the ocean floor which almost defies belief…with his only tool – his fins in order to attract her. How charming is that?
In his head a pound of mathematical perfection. He plows the sand, breaking it up into the finest of particles. He uses shells to decorate the bridges of his construction.
He can’t rest for more than a moment. He’s a total workhorse fish. He must work for 24 hours a day for one week or the current will destroy his creation.
A final tidy up and his masterpiece is complete! Because…
I would definitely go out with him..if I were a little fish. Looks aren’t everything!
“If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.” – Robert Frost (way before Jimmy Buffett sang it).
The best thing is to laugh with friends. I was in such good company on Saturday listening to Carol Burnett reminisce about her successful career in show business, specifically hilarious stories revolving around her weekly TV comedy “the Carol Burnett Show.”
The same show I used to watch with my parents. The one which set the bar for other comedians like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler but maybe not Amy Schumer . And laugh we did.
Hopefully most of you remember it, or at least know who I’m referring to. Carol Burnett is not only familiar but she’s a classic and a legend and a really warm person, in person. She makes you feel like you’re a friend, which you are, even if you aren’t if that makes any sense. She reminds you of family.
On a style note, it was interesting to learn that Bob Mackie designed all the costumes for every single episode for eleven straight running years. He’s the same designer who was responsible for the stunning gowns that Cher used to wear on her show. Blah, blah, blah…yeah, lots of stories. Lots of famous names, sadly many no longer around. And lots of questions answered in a witty & wonderful manner.
And then just before you know ittwo hours later came the time Carol had to say good night. Awwww…all good things come to an end. I could have listened to her all night.
So thought I’d share a few of my favourite clips from the series. One is a very short spoof from the movie classic “Gone With the Wind” (the one where Carol takes the curtain down literally to make a dress to greet Rhett Butler played by Harvey Korman) and the other is a full episode (I couldn’t find a shorten version) of a spoof from the old beach party movie “Beach Blanket Bingo” starring Annette Funicello. But this one has Carol playing Annette and Steve Martin as Frankie Avalon – too too funny. You can always skim through it. The scene with Carol & Steve on a surfboard……………had me in stitches!
Let’s just say…we all can use a good laugh!
On that note, wishing you a wacky wonderful weekend!
She’s 83 now. In Such Good Company is the name of Carol’s new memoir celebrating eleven years (and more) of laughter. Available anywhere books are sold.
A good comedian is a treasure. The challenge to make us laugh, a pleasure – d. king
Yesterday I wrote about doing a wardrobe check – to clear out what is no longer useful and keep only what works to bring out our best selves for a more polished look. Now I want to talk about polishing up our complexions.
Products for all seasons and all reasons.
Change of season means using lighter products and doing a makeover check. First off…
I’m told that half of all women wear the wrong shoe size (can that be true, really?) and two thirds wear the wrong size bra (we know we’re really 34B but we’ll buy a 34D…wishful thinking?). And I don’t know exactly how many of us use the wrong facial products but I’m guessing the numbers are pretty high.
Do you know your skin type?
Maybe you think you do but chances are your skin type falls into more than one category. Even those of us with so-called “normal” complexions experience flare ups and we all have battles from time to time. Some more than others. Skin is a living organ and it mirrors what’s happening in our lives and in our bodies. It constantly changes – hormones one week, stress the next. Taking medication, a change in diet, smoking, drinking, not sleeping, all of it can effect our mood and in turn, our skin.
General classifications are normal, combination, oily, dry, sensitive.
Most people will experience combination skin at some point. The ‘T Zone’ around the nose, forehead and eyes is naturally a bit oilier than the rest of the skin on your face, so one way to find out what mood your skin is in is to clean this area with a light cleanser, followed by a good toner and then leave it for a couple of hours. The results may not be what you’re expecting.
If you find that the skin is very tight, it may be that you need to start using a richer formula for a while to deal with any excess dryness.
Sensitive skin usually benefits from something lighter, like a gel or serum, while skin prone to breakouts or redness may need special attention with regular masks designed to soothe and cleanse the pores.
Customized Skin Care
Then there are problem conditions like acne, rosacea or eczema which can really get in the way of you and your best self. They make you tend to want to hide from the world.
Did you know that you can help ease your problem situation and in some cases clear it up entirely by abiding by some dietary tips and some simple at-home remedies?
This according to skin care guru *Kate Somerville:
Dietary Tips for Treating Acne: be wary of dairy, white sugar, white flour and saturated fats. Milk contains steroid hormones and other compounds that can contribute to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne. Sugars boost insulin which can increase oil production and the growth of pore-clogging cells.
At-Home Remedies for Treating Acne: Find products with different active ingredients to target acne like sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, tea-tree oil and salicylic acid. it’s essential that products don’t strip or over dry the skin because it will over-compensate by producing excess oil.
Dietary Tips for Treating Rosacea: diet plays a large role in rosacea. Avoid trigger foods such as caffeine, white sugar, white flour, alcohol and spicy food. Eat food that encourages the growth of good bacteria like leafy greens, high-fiber foods and probiotics.
At-Home Remedies for Treating Rosacea: Look for products containing calming agents like mineral masks, aloe, lavender and green tea. For severe rosacea see your dermatologist, there are great topical antibiotics available.
Dietary Tips for Treating Eczema: If you’re having a severe eczema breakout, stop eating all dairy, wheat and sugar. Eat whole, unprocessed foods and stay away from acidic items like tomatoes and vinegar. Drinking lemon water will keep you hydrated and make your system more alkaline which is crucial when you’re battling eczema.
At-Home Remedies for Treating Eczema: bathing is better than showering when your skin is dry, because a shower can actually strip oils. Make sure the temperature isn’t too hot and avoid products with fragrance. Try adding goat’s milk or colloidal oatmeal to your bath and apply your lotion, oils or eczema cream as soon as you get out of the tub to seal in hydration.
*At the Kate Somerville “Skin Health Experts Clinic” they use blue and red LED light therapy which aids in treating and clearing up acne, eczema and rosacea.
The treatment is supposed to stimulate cell growth and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which heals and relieves pain. Have any of you tried it?
I guess the answer to perfect skin is to never eat sugar, dairy or fat and get at least 8 solid hours of sleep every night, don’t drink any alcohol and try not to stress. But hey; we’re only human.
What kind of skin type do you think you have? If you don’t mind sharing I’d like to know and also how you deal with any specific skin care problems.
Every now and again we have to do a wardrobe check.
Bette Davis & her eyes wearing classic leopard-print.
It’s not easy to let go of some clothing. I’ve been going through my things and keeping on hand “only” those items which look good, fit properly (= well made), which is mostly comfortable, classic clothing mixed with some trendy pieces. Which leaves me with only two remaining outfits in my closet...but I believe if you have some key attire you can dress it up with great accessories like belts, scarves and all kinds of jewelery. Of course, shoes and bags are important too, but like houses first you build a foundation.
Stripes are always “on trend” and tend to bring out your “inner French-girl“
Certain things make it so much simpler to get ready when you’re in a hurry to get out the door. No more “what on earth am I going to wear” if you have a few go-to (= basic) pieces that can be mixed and matched with ease. So here are some wardrobe staples to make it easier. You probably already have most of them in your closet.
Not saying you should have only these staples in your wardrobe, but if you have them, you’re pretty much ready for anything. And I like to be ready for anything!
Starting with:
THE PERFECT WHITE T SHIRT(s)
Just like dating men & vice versa, there is loads to choose from but you have to weed through a ton before you come across a good one. Having said that, V-neck or crew, slim fit or oversized, finding the right white tee can be tricky, but it’s totally worth the hunt. This staple is casual and comfortable without looking sloppy, and is perfect for pairing with everything from your favorite jeans to under a business suit. Buy in multiples.
A NAVY BLAZER
If you think blazers are limited to the boardroom, think again. This structured topper is actually pretty versatile, as seen above. Black might read a touch more corporate, but in navy, a tailored blazer (worn with everything from dress pants to boyfriend jeans) says you mean business but also have a keen sense of style.
WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
How cool does this girl look? A slightly loose fitting button-down is relaxed, comfortable and super chic, in a crispy, borrowed-from-the-boys way.
CLASSIC TRENCH for Elements meets Elegance.
A timeless addition to any outfit, the classic trench never goes out of style. It also works for pretty much anyone, regardless of personal style. Think: an elegant Audrey Hepburn strolling along the Seine. The one in photo is a Burberry but there are many other styles with many price points.
TAILORED BLACK PANTS
Various black pants will take you from work to the weekend, depending on how you style them. The difference between these and any other pair of pants is tailoring: You want them to be fitted but not overly tight.
SILK CAMISOLE for LAYERING
Whether peeking out from beneath a blazer or worn on its own, a silky camisole can read sweet (tucked into that A-line midi skirt) or sexy (tucked into a curve-hugging pencil skirt), depending on your mood.
DENIM JACKET
Another all-season piece, a jean jacket adds an element of cool to any outfit. Draped over your shoulders with a breezy summer dress, it’s both relaxed and utilitarian.
WHITE PANTS (optional) but super chicJEANS that fit well in all the right placesLITTLE BLACK DRESS (es)
Ever gotten a last-minute dinner or drinks invitation and had no time to choose your outfit? That’s where the LBD comes in. A total workhorse, this should be a dress you’re comfortable in and can wear a bunch of different ways for a bunch of different occasions. On its own it’s fairly plain and simple, so you can also get a lot of wear out of it without anyone noticing.
Which brings me to some other options like a Tuxedo Jacket, Dressy Dress (for those special occasions) and different length size skirts. And something edgy like:
Maybe a little faux SHOW STOPPER like Gene Tierney is wearing
You know good bagels especially if you’re from Montreal or New York.
Making homemade bagels takes a little bit of patience, but is so worth it when your kitchen smells like heaven—and you get to eat them.
Ingredients:
5 cups flour (preferably bread flour)
1 teaspoon yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons honey or *barley malt syrup
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
2 cups of water
Directions:
In a standup mixer fitted with the dough-hook, combine the yeast, and 2 cups water. Give it a quick stir to get the yeast excited. Add the sugar, salt, and honey and stir.
Slowly add the 5 cups flour and mix for 5 minutes (stopping to scrape down the sides if need be). After 5 minutes, the dough should be tacky but not sticky. Drop the dough ball into a lightly oiled bowl and cover the bowl with lightly oiled cellophane and set it in a warm place to rise for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, the dough should have doubled in size. At this point, you dump your dough onto the counter and either pinch or cut the dough into 12 approximately equal-sized pieces. Roll them into balls and leave on 2 Silpat or parchment-lined cookie sheets, topped with a lightly damped towel, for 20 minutes.
They will have puffed a bit and now it’s time to poke the hole in the middle. Poke your finger through and stretch a 2-inch hole. Throw ‘em back down on the cookie sheets and let ’em rise for 20 more minutes.
Meanwhile…..pre-heat your oven to 500° degrees F and get your ‘everything’ toppings together in a bowl, as well as a large (preferably wide) stockpot 3/4 full of boiling water with 2 tablespoons of honey mixed in. Turn it down to a simmer, and when the bagels have finished their second 20-minute proof, plop 3 or 4 in, making sure not to crowd them. Simmer them in the water for 30 seconds on each side, then place them back on the cookie sheets. Immediately sprinkle liberally with toppings.
Pop the trays in the oven for 5 minutes then turn the heat down to 350° F degrees. Rotate the pans and let them cook for 10-12 more minutes. They should be golden brown and they should smell like heaven.
Everything Topping:
2 Tablespoons poppy seeds
2 Tablespoons sesame seeds
1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
1 Tablespoon dried garlic flakes
1 Tablespoon coarse salt
egg wash:1 egg white beaten with 1 Tablespoon water (brushed overtop to prevent toppings from burning)
If you want to get really creative you can create your own cream cheese spreads – eg: sundried tomatoes mixed into softened cream cheese, etc.
*Malt syrup, a sweetener, gives bagels their characteristic flavour. Barley malt syrup is available at most supermarkets, but if you can’t find it, use brown rice syrup, honey, or agave. Though these are not traditionally used in bagel making, they are completely acceptable substitutions. Some people even prefer the flavour of honey or agave to barley malt, especially fans of Montreal-style bagels, which are boiled in honey-sweetened water.
And remember; you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy them!
Time: takes about 2 hours. Serves: 12
Source: The Dinner Bell: part of a brunch for the cast and crew of “High Maintenance”
You might want to linger over your mocha or lattes by Melannie Aquino, a barista at the Elite Audio Coffee Bar in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood. Mostly because as you can see from the following photos, they’re dazzling masterpieces in a cup.
I’ll have my latte with Ice Cream on top
Melannie uses a metal skewer and a pot of chocolate to draw remarkably detailed sketches of everything from sweet-faced pugs to London’s Big Ben atop the frothy foam. Aquino, who grew up in Hawaii and moved to San Francisco 10 years ago, was recently named the best coffee artist in the world by Mashable. Without question she’s the best in San Francisco.“I thought that was a really bold statement…” Aquino says. “I may be one of the best, but I don’t think I’m the best. It’s a lot about perception.”
Most coffee art is made by “free pouring” steamed milk into a shot of espresso and adjusting the pour to create certain patterns and designs. The drawing method, Aquino says, is unique and she knows of only a few other “drawing” artists through Instagram.
“With a latte, the picture starts degrading after a few minutes,” she says. “Whereas with a mocha it sticks together for about 20 minutes.”
Whole milk works best, while almond doesn’t cooperate.
Requests:
Corgi dogs are currently the most commonly requested, and unicorns were popular for a while. R2D2 is also a favorite because a video of her creating the droid was featured on Instagram on Star Wars Day. She won’t do portraits or company logos. Once a girl used one of her creations to ask a boy out to prom. “While he was in the bathroom, she ordered his drink and asked me to write ‘Prom?'” she says. “He said yes.”Aquino has always been a doodler, but she says her ability improved when she was studying film at the Academy of Art and required to take a drawing class.
“I’ve always been doodling throughout my life, but that class really showed me the basics of shape and shadowing and that’s where I learned to make my drawings a little more refined,” she says.
Moving to San Francisco and going to art school wasn’t what Aquino’s parents had in mind for their daughter. “It’s one of those things where they wanted me to go to college and get a stable job,” she says. “And they wanted me to stay in Hawaii.”
But now that Aquino has over 22,000 followers on Instagram, websites calling her the best at her craft and people from all over the world coming to Elite to order her creations, she says her parents are proud, and most importantly she’s happy with what she’s doing.
When I’m next in San Francisco I can’t wait for my JiaJia (he’s my sheltie dog) latte ooops, I mean mocha with whole milk
Jack, staring out his living room window is thinking one of three things: Where did my humans disappear to? What will I eat for dinner? Are there really rabbits, squirrels and mice at the end of the rainbow ? (as told to him by his mother as a young pup).
Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
All of us under its spell, we know that it’s probably magic
I’m a big kid at heart. I love this song performed by John Legend, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy (another style icon), and Queen Latifah. It is definitely Feel-Good.
On another Feel-good note: The many faces of Carol Burnett.
I’m so glad we had this time together. Fond memories of simpler times and fun clean comedy.
Tomorrow I’m really excited to see Carol Burnett at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver. I have no idea what she’s going to do but that’s okay, she can just stand there for all I care. I loved watching her Acceptance Speech for a well deserved Life Time Achievement at SAG Awards 2016. If you haven’t seen it and you’re a fan you should google it.
I vividly remember watching the Carol Burnett showwith my family and grandparents. I had the pleasure of meeting Harvey Korman when I was called to work on another popular TV series while living in Tokyo. He was a regular on Carol Burnett and as suspected he was extremely pleasant. When doing their live TV skits the cast tried hard not to make each other laugh but always ended up cracking each other up. They didn’t care so much about being overly slick. Show is SOLD OUT!
Then we’ll head to the beach and get a head of beach bombshell hair
Or something like that
Because it’s freeing not to think about hair too much in the summer or try to create a casually toussled look like we’ve been to the beach, even if we haven’t.
For effortlessly chic, sexy undone hair that shouts “just got out of the ocean and my hair dried perfectly.”
And the best way to do that is with:
A product that will help do it for us. A product such as Quai Wave Spray. The one that all the women in the biz who matter use, so I’m told. Hey; I matter dammit!
So I am being sent some my way any day now. Because I love the way my hair dries naturally after having spent time in salt water. It’s the best!
Quai uses rice protein instead of salt in their spray. They say that the rice protein protects hair fibers from the inside against oxidative damage due to solar radiation and hair keratin from degradation.
I think it may work much better than the empty plastic spray bottle I filled up with ocean water thinking I could create my own natural hair product. It was ingenious by the way, just not perfect. It was too drying.
This feather light spray is formulated to give natural wave and body without any dryness or crunch.
What else you need to know:
Shake it up and spritz it on damp or dry hair from root to tip to activate natural waves, enhance texture, boost body, and give hair memory. Or, just mist the roots for extra volume.This product is scented with Ouai No. 2 Fragrance, containing notes of Italian lemon, amber, and white musk. No Parabens, No Animal Testing. Available at Sephora or visit their website: http://theouai.com/
*First five lines and the one below taken from the uplifting song Tomorrow from the Broadway musical “Annie”.
When I’m stuck with a day that’s grey and lonely I just stick up my chin and grin and say, the sun will come outeventually tomorrow. Sure I do! Then I know my hair will be better.
Get inspired by these bathing beauties from past to present.
Grace Kelly
It’s ALL about the Head Scarf
Rachel McAdams in one of my favourite films “The Notebook”Who can forget Darryl Hannah in “Splash”Liz Taylor “A Place in the Sun”Rihanna loves to take chances: on the cover of “Harper’s Bazaar”
That’s pretty much it for today
Do you have a favourite Style Icon? I mean other than me!
Land of Art, Charm, History, Tradition and Wonderful Wines.
Italian Days on the Drive. Photo: d. king
For three days in a row I enjoyed little Italian touches and some major ones, not in a physical sense but in other gratifying ways.
I made a typical Italian Rosé Sauce on Saturday. The kind I’ve been craving for ages; nicely rich & full of flavour. Simple and satisfying.
Because I wasn’t sure if I’d be eating
Italian on “Italian Days” the following day, Sunday. They have Italian Days in many cities across North America where they close the streets to traffic, put up white tents to sell odds ‘n ends by storefronts, have staged live music, many food vendors and crowds where you can hardly walk without bumping into someone and wait in line forever to get something you can normally get on any other given day. Anyway, in Vancouver it took place on Commercial Drive (aka “the Drive” on the East side of town ) in what used to be a mainly Italian neighbourhood but now houses an International variety of cuisine. I think I did notice a few Italians here and there but most of them probably left for the day. It was fun for a few hours especially from where I sat, comfortably under a heat lamp on a side street enjoying a glass of wine while watching the passersby and a plate of calamari. The real Italians were elsewhere, sitting inside one of the many Cafés sipping espresso.
Then yesterday (Monday) I spent part of the afternoon at the Vancouver Club with real Italians flown in fresh from Italy especially to educate the trade about the wonderful ancient wine growing regions for Prosecco & Valpolicella and of course to promote the wines.
A short history of Old World Wine Country:
The VALPOLICELLA territory has ancient origins, natural beauty and artistic value. In Roman times it was known for its fascinating landscape and its tranquility. Ancient palaces and noble villas are among the most attractive historical monuments in the area. During the rule of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, large land tenures were established: country houses turned into splendid villas, decorated by the best artists of that period, and became the place where aristocracy and intellectuals had their cultural gatherings. There are architectural jewels in the valley of Valpantena. Rural and town churches are spread all over the territory, enriching Valpolicella building panorama, made of small villages, courts, towers, capitals, fountains and dry stone walls. All these monuments were built by local peasants, whose technical mastery turned country labour into ART.Valpolicella “Superiore” is made from selected grapes grown in the best locations. It is aged for a year minimum thus obtaining its characteristic ruby-red colour with garnet shades; the nose is slightly ethereal with hints of vanilla. Its flavour fine, harmonious, dry and velvety. Especially fine when paired with second courses of red meat and medium seasoned cheeses.
Prosecco: not just a name.
chilled Prosecco bottles
Prosecco with friends: when I have a special occasion (which almost everything is a special occasion) I like to start the evening off with an Italian Prosecco. I never think too much about it, just that I like a nice tasting, tall cool glass of bubbly. But now I know a bit more about Prosecco Superiore and realize the refinement of the region it comes from. Apparently it makes a difference between various types of soil, climate and the skill of men (yes, men) who have passed down the art of their hand-crafted labour from one generation to the next. It is thanks to this experience that they can cultivate the steep slopes of the hills that they have adorned with manicured vineyards, creating an environment so spectacular that it is now a candidate to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So there is a “Superiore” for every occasion in three versions that vary in their residual sugar content. Brut, the driest style, Extra Dry, the most traditional version, and Dry. The sparkling wine also differs according to where it comes from within the region. So the best advice I can give is to try them all and find out which one(s) you love best.
Amarone Amore:
(ps: the individual bottles shown in photos are my picks for this week)
Amarone Wine: The Patriarch of Valpolicella Many wine lovers know Amarone on a first name basis, though relatively few are personally acquainted. This is most likely due to the high entrance fee. Perhaps you’ve seen him lingering at the bottom of a wine list next to other recognizable stars such as Brunello di Montalcino or Barolo and wondered:
What is the story on this dude? Is he worth it?
Yes. Amarone is worth the minimum $50-$60 ++ bottle price. While some wine prices are artificially inflated, there’s a practical explanation as to why Amarone is one of Italy’s top red wines. – and one of mine too. It comes with a good story:To tell it properly, we must begin at the end, with Amarone’s family name: Valpolicella. Like Romeo and Juliet – it is in fair Verona where we lay our scene…
Verona is a jewel of a city in northeastern Italy, an hour and a half due east of Venice by car. The town is home to an immaculate, picture-perfect medieval center, as well as one of the most untouched Roman amphitheaters in the world, where concerts and events are still held.
The 5 Levels of Valpolicella Wine
Tier 1:Valpolicella Classico
Tier 2:Valpolicella Superiore
Tier 3:Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso
Tier 4:Amarone della Valpolicella
Tier 5:Recioto della Valpolicella
Why is Amarone Wine so Expensive?
After harvesting the grapes for ‘Tier 1’ Valpolicella Classico, they are immediately crushed and fermented. This is a light, high acid red wine; it generally sees no oak aging and provides a perfect match for the traditional local appetizers. In Verona, everything tastes amazing when accompanied by delicious Valpolicella.
By contrast, the fruit destined to become Amarone takes quite a different journey before reaching the bottle. He is, after all, the family Patriarch – most wineries will select their older, more mature vines for this wine. Grapes are picked a bit later to ensure ripeness – usually in mid-October. Then, they are left all winter to dry into raisins.
Ahhh….think I’ll create a masterpiece like all the greats before me. 
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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