I’ve been thinking about buying a new helmet for my scooter for the past three years now. Most of the ones I’ve come across are geared towards men.
This one shouts “look at me” – why don’t they have a female version or is it androgynous? Too tough looking for me.So instead of wearing a helmet I dyed my hair RED to match my MiO
A matching helmet did not come with my vintage-inspired creamsicle lookingscooter so I’ve been wearing one that a friend gave me (so that he could buy a nicer newer model) that is all scratched up and doesn’t really suit me. Mine is ‘real’ vintage but not in the good way. I can have one painted to match (that’s too matchy) or just buy a new one but every time I go to check them out I think the old one is good enough because the newer ones are just as ordinary. I don’t want something that looks like I’m riding a Harley and I don’t want one that looks like I’m riding a horse either. Maybe I should create some fashionable helmets for women with scooters? Or maybe I’ll just buy one of these:
the four variations in the series of ‘custom made helmets’ – by jyo john mullor
Dubai-based digital designer jyo john mullor has realized a series of helmet designs that appear to leave the human head totally exposed to outdoor elements. The trompe-l’œil effect brings about the illusion that a series of different people with shaved heads are seamlessly integrated into the plush, yet sturdy protective gear. Four variations include a motorcycle cap with ears and earrings, a simple bicycle style with shaved brunette hair, and a vintage safety hat with attached goggles stretching over the surface of the skin. Although not yet physical objects, Mullor’s ‘custom made helmets’ provide a look at the possibilities of extreme personalization, and would guarantee a double take on the road.
A vintage safety hat with attached goggles stretches over the surface of the skin. I could go with this.Now this style appeals to me. I even like the colour combo.
What do you think? Would YOU wear one of these?
Jia Jia says “yes” to this Vespa in mint condition with sidecar – but then it would be “what kind of helmet do I get for him?”
Just had to do it! Did you really think I was going to let one more week go by without posting a few more photos of my two BFF’s? (best furry friends).
I want to be a lounge lizard like Jack. He really makes himself at home.“But I love sushi – especially wild barbeque salmon. It’s so much better than that dead fish I found and tried to eat behind the Planetarium.”
Little did I know that Jack loves Thai food and I’m told he goes nuts for rum/raisin ice cream but I wouldn’t know because I’ve only given him french vanilla. I suppose I can always add rum to it, if he likes overproof. Now I have him on a different diet (one with much less alcohol) and have asked for joint-custody….at the very least.
My unbiased opinion of Jia Jia is even though he has some quirks he’s very smart and is the sweetest, kindest, most gentle and sensitive dog I’ve ever known.
Playful Jack likes to sleep curled up into a little ball with Jia Jia’s teddy bear. Good thing Jia Jia is so generous with his toys. It’s hard to keep the bed tidy but I don’t care about that as much anymore. I always cook an early dinner for them and walk them several times a day. They keep me occupied and they’re the best good company. I feel like they’re both old souls. Poor Jack does not have a warm coat for when the weather gets colder so I may need to buy him one…hee, hee.
I know just the place in Yaletown!
“Ha, ha…I’m up here & you can’t come up the stairs on your own. You’re so spoiled you always want to be carried up….and she always does. People say I have a long snout but you look like a little cow with YODA ears!”
I’ll try not to post photos of them for a while….no promises though!
In the meantime here is a new board I created on Pinterest for these two:
Wine & Dine – squinting in the Sunshine with my good friend Rosa who I met taking tango lessons about 12 years ago.
It has become a yearly tradition. A birthday celebration and rendezvous between two friends at the same place with a great ambience and view. I’m talking Sandbar rooftop, Granville Island. We talk about everything over a bottle of wine and discuss what has changed in the year since we’ve last been here. What were we talking about last time oh, I see…the same thing. What has changed? What have we learned? Where do we go from here? How can we improve on perfection. Of course I can’t give you all the details but there’s always lots of laughs.
Photo: Vancouver Sun
Honjin Sushidinner (regarded as having the best sushi in Vancouver – definitely one of the top places) in tatami room with adventurous visitors I met in Palm Springs who make their home in Philadelphia but travel all the time. Nice to meet up again.
Last night dinner at Cardero’s with seven other fun women before Theatre Under the Sky Stars (there were no stars in the sky last night) at Stanley Park to watch the hilarious musical Hairspray (not to be confused with “Hair” or “Shampoo”) – I loved John Travolta in the film version. The play was very entertaining with a talented cast who could really belt it out.
I speak for all women. Tank: Bear Dance Clothing (L.A.)Sometimes I want to be invisible…but it’s nice that it matches my beach bag. Coco’s Closet
And of course these two characters continue to engage me:
They look guilty. I surprised them.Waiting patiently outside Market Meats
“We’ve been sooo good so far today maybe she’ll forget about the snapping at that dog and person yesterday. What do you think she’s buying for us this time?”
You ain’t seen nothin until you WATCH THIS (1 minute video) and you will know why these dogs are SO SPECIAL:
Life is too short not to have some fun. Enjoy your weekend.
Remember the controversial ad campaigns for Benetton?
Children don’t know hate – they are taught it
They captured our attention with amazing imagery that had nothing to do with their clothes. The ads grabbed our attention because it was hard to escape many of the disturbing images which came with a message. They were meant to get stuck in our brain. I can’t remember all the sweaters I bought from Benetton but I do remember the ads.
I stumbled across this article which examines fashion’s new lifestyle approach to advertising through the lens of Jamie Hawkesworth’s India campaign for Trademark. Fascinating!Fashion advertising is an arena that, over the past few years, has evolved into an artistic entity of its own. As brands seek to consolidate and communicate a message that extends beyond the clothes they are putting onto the rails, those at the top of their game have eschewed traditional handbag shots and replaced them with montages that speak to a broader picture of lifestyle luxury – and Jamie Hawkesworth is often the man responsible.
In a market saturated with disposable imagery, it seems as though sustained success is coming from advertising with aesthetic longevity. Earlier this week in The Washington Post, Sarah Halzack noted that, in spite of an ever-expanding post-recession luxury market, flashy, logo-heavy glamour is no longer in *Vogue – a trend that is seeing profits fall for megabrands like Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton while those of their smaller counterparts (like Loewe and Miu Miu, also featuring Hawkesworth-shot campaigns) rise. “These are [brands] that really control the supply, and therefore they manipulate the market and the desire for their products,” explains luxury marketer Thomai Serdari – and, with the release of Gucci’s new campaign video and imagery this week, which has Glen Luchford documenting a softly intimate, Wes Anderson-style shoot and short film, it is clear that the big brands are paying attention.
One of the labels that is tapping into this idea of editorial-style lifestyle messaging is new American brand Trademark, whose S/S15 campaign was shot by Jamie Hawkesworth on a trip to India. “We were always fans of Jamie’s early work, particularly his series taken at a bus station in Preston,” explained founders Pookie and Louise Burch. “The images felt like documentary photography which was something we were both drawn to. We wanted to shoot the images for Trademark in the same vein so it felt natural.”
Sending Hawkesworth off with a suitcase of clothing resulted in a series of images that look as much like someone’s (brilliant) holiday photographs as clothing advertisements, just as his shots for Loewe’s accessories collaboration with John Allen are like family snapshots or his A/W15 Miu Miu campaign like an insight into a (very chic) schoolgirl’s life. In this new spirit of lifestyle shots, brands are paying to place advertising in magazines, and some of the pages that they buy don’t even end up featuring clothes.
John Allen x Loewe Photography by Jamie Hawkesworth
When a new label like Trademark makes a statement like, “The focus wasn’t on the clothing” about a (presumably fairly high-budget) campaign, it is clear that there is a shift in direction for those with the savvy to really listen to consumers: and consumers are buying into more than just ostentatiously trend-led pieces, but into an entire aesthetic. Jamie Hawkesworth presents relatable yet aspirational scenarios – an artfully-arranged pencil pot, a beautiful statue observed on holiday in India – and the occasional garment or bag just fits alongside. This is the new era of brand identity – one that extends beyond seasonal pieces – and it is one that seems to be selling.
I still love glamorous imagery in ads but I have great appreciation for where this Trademark direction is taking us.
It’s obvious that shopping is not high up on the list of what dogs love to do.
First Stop. We hope she finds a card quickly so we can get outta here
These two were so well behaved but got bored when I went into almost every shop on 4th Ave. looking for a little something for myself a friend.
Hurry up….just grab any woofin card!
At this point they were not interested even when I modelled some outfits and asked for their opinion.
If you don’t make up your mind we may have to pee on this grass
If shopping was considered a major sport (isn’t it?) and entered into the Olympics I’d be a contender….and bring home the GOLD.
My husband says he will leave me if I don’t stop shopping. God, I’m going to miss that man.MAX the blue healer says “hey mates, I think we deserve a beer for being such good sports”
FYI: here is a partial list of major dog-friendly businesses:
Clothing (unfortunately not the places I usually frequent)
ULTIMATE Protein Smoothie with frozen wild blueberries, organic banana, low fat yogurt, almond milk, flax & chia seeds and the ABOVE (Brad King’s ULTIMATE Fibrelean, Wild Greens & Energy Protein – all Vegan, all amazing. And a bunch of the littlest mermaids which make it taste all that much better.
Here are some of my latest obsessions:
A pedicure with a totally different colour. Did you know that Tiffany owns the patent for the Tiffany blue colour? That’s why you will never find it. This is the closest I’ve come to Tiffany this week.Homemade Soap – good enough to EAT!
JACK, the Jack Russell Terrier from Thailand who stole my heart and is quickly taking advantage and I’m totally letting him.
He looks so innocentEspecially when he’s sleepingBut he can be a little devil. Here he pretends to be a statue.Feeling bubbly – Rendezvous with a view.
Ahhhh…a perfect way to end a hectic work week (well not quite if you know what I mean, but close enough)!
“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” – Leonardo da Vinci
William Wegman
ArteBA — Buenos Aires’ Annual Contemporary Art Fair
A piece by Pablo Zel in ArteBA 2012A piece by Marta Minujín – from Arte BALaura Ann Jacobs – Top Drawer Trappings of the Bon Ton, 2006Elaine Buckholtz – Wo Hing Cinemascope, 2015 OFFERED BY SASHA WOLF GALLERY
Above: Geoengineered Collusion by Franco DeFrancesca, 2014. A multidisciplinary artist since 2004, Franco DeFrancesca has created sculpture/installations, photography, digital art, and sound. He investigates the links between art and memory, history and technology, and uses digital imaging as a means to navigate the territory between photography and painting.
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance– Aristotle
I’ve been giving more thought lately to the fact that there might be something to this mind.body.spirit (MBS) fixation.
to be more at peace
MBS: It’s nothing new in life but now it seems we’re getting it shoved in our faces more and more. What with almost more yoga studios opening up than coffee shops and the latest trend (which is really an ancient practice) of meditativeworkshops. I think it means we need help or at least direction. MBS pretty much covers everything. It encompasses our ‘whole’ being. Infact the three work together as a unit to create a ‘whole’. If all three are in sync you have more power. I thought I would touch on the subject of how it has affected me personally. I’m working on all three areas simultaneously to expand my mind and improve my thinking, my body and create a general feeling of lightness and well being.
MIND
The mind is an amazing tool. There really is no limit to how much you can learn if you set your mind to it. You have to challenge yourself otherwise it’s too easy to get lazy. I’m opening a new chapter in my life. I used to read all kinds of books so now I’m trying to get back to reading more often. I prefer non-fiction or fiction based on fact. Books like Kite-Runner and Poisonwood Bible I couldn’t put down. I like books that teach you something. I’m interested in language and am trying to make more of an effort to brush up on my Spanish. My blog was created out of having an inquisitive nature and an interest in many topics and a forum for things I care about. I’m wondering if I’ll ever run out of new things to talk about since I’ve written well over 1,000 posts to date. I never gave the numbers much thought until the WordPress people alerted me to that fact and said congrats.
I have an active imagination which sometimes works against me. It lay dormant for quite some time but it’s being re-activated.
Once in grade school we had to write a composition incorporating satire so mine was entitled “Jet Black and the Seven Warts” (a rendition of the Snow White fairytale in case you didn’t get it). It was about a beautiful black girl who had some issues to deal with. The warts were really euphemisms for her troubles and her not being able to get past what she saw as warts and not feeling worthy. The teacher took me aside but I got an A+.
I try to use imagination in cooking too by taking different recipes and making them my own and even inventing new ones. I like variety. If I try something in a restaurant that I like I’ll try to re-create it at home as best I can without having the recipe.
When I was little and found out that the meat I was eating came from slaughtering an animal I told my mother I wanted to be a vegetarian. Luckily I liked vegetables but she didn’t like that idea so she played a harmless little mind game with me telling me that there was another kind of meat that was really made out of vegetables, not animal…not too far off from what you can get today with tofu & tempeh, etc. Anyway, I believed her and would always ask “what kind of meat are we eating, the kind from the animal or the one they made to taste like that?” Of course we were really eating the animal but by the time I found out the truth 15 years old it was too late. To this day I don’t eat veal, rabbit or lamb (unless we go to Stepho’s Greek restaurant and someone else orders the roast lamb & I have to sample it because it’s so good). I have a thing against eating baby animals – it’s better if they have a life before I dig in. I do have a conscience but it is somewhat hypocritical.
My mom had a terrible birth with me. Infact she nearly died and didn’t see me for about a week later. But then she went on to have two more. Apparently you can train your mind to forget the pain.
I listened to Shirley Maclaine talk about her own journey at the Unique Lives event and explain how you have to listen to your gut and follow your intuition. Sometimes your mind tries to play tricks with you so you have to sort out what is real and what is not. Sometimes that’s a challenge but I think deep down we do know the answer. I believe with a strong mind and will you can create the life you want.
A healthy mind can only be found in a healthy body – Nelson Mandela
BODY
Since I took my first running workshop about 5 years ago I’ve been running ever since. My very first run was the Vancouver Sun Run 10K and when it was over I went home to a big surprise party that my family and friends threw as if I had just completed running the Boston Marathon. How could I top that (I mean the party)? From there the next goal was to train for the Nike Women’s half marathon in San Francisco but the real reason was to get the Tiffany necklace handed out at the finish line by a handsome fireman wearing a suit. I did this run twice and last year the Vancouver SeaWheeze. Nike wasn’t only about the necklace only a bit, more the fireman it was a fun run through the streets of San Francisco and went to prove to myself that I could actually complete it.
Now when I’m out running by myself my mind runs right along with me and I think about a lot of things during my much shorter runs.
In the day of the Jane Fonda Workout (I once went to her studio and took a JF class in Beverly Hills – wore a cute outfit with matching headband ) I never felt that yoga was the answer to getting in shape because it wasn’t fast enough.
I used to not be into it so much, preferring workout classes using weights instead but now I’ve gone back. I’m not a super yogi type girl but I enjoy the variety of styles and postures and am starting to see results especially when we focus on the core. The core is very important and this time I want to get right down to the abs. I’ve never really had abs (certainly never a six-pack) but I always knew they were only too shy to come out. Now I’m starting to see some signs. I’ve never felt sexier. It makes me want to work harder on getting leaner, more defined and fit. Not skinny (I don’t like skinny) just in the best shape possible for myself. It’s a personal goal. Especially since my last trip when I came back and couldn’t fit into a pair of jeans I wanted to wear. I just found my tightest pair and was able to not only get into them but do up the zipper (because getting into them doesn’t mean having to do them up). It’s because I don’t hold back on holidays. For the most part I eat really healthy but I have to have a piece of chocolate or something sweet every day. I’m crazy about all kinds of cookies. If it’s true that you are what you eat then I’m the United Nations. I enjoy food too much and don’t exercise any enough self control. It’s one (there are a few more) of my weaknesses. It’s just that this last trip it caught up to me. But now I just have to use my mind to control my body to lift my spirit.
SPIRIT
A healthy spirit can only be found in a healthy mind – me
Okay this is a tough one, how do you describe spirit. It’s just a feeling right? As in you either have a good spirit or you don’t. No, it’s more complicated than that.
For whatever reason I do believe in karma so I try to be mindful because there’s always that little voice that says “it will come back to you if you’re not careful.”
It’s trying to do the best you can. I realize that’s it’s very difficult to be all things to all people. I’ve at times spread myself too thin and it doesn’t really work to anyone’s advantage, especially mine. I’m trying to let go of some things that are beyond my control and not let my emotions get the better of me – mind over matter. So far I haven’t successfully succeeded but I will. My intuition is very good and I’m trying to pay attention to tap more into my *psychic ability which I think is about clueing in to the energy around us. When you’re able to tap in, that’s when things begin to open up and all kinds of magical stuff starts to happen. It’s eerie but fascinating what you can draw to you if you open up your heart. This is truly “the secret.” I was talking to a friend the other day about a person we both know who we find to be emotionally draining and so we discussed having boundaries and having to say “no” and be okay with it. We have to be giving but we have to protect ourselves at the same time. Negative energy is not healthy so if you experience that trapped feeling you have to let go. Looking after yourself is not a case of being egotistical or selfish it just makes you stronger. I think we have to look after ourselves before we can look after another.
Basically in a nutshell improving our MBS is work in itself but rewarding and it will help to make us better human beings.
Balance your mind, body and soul. If any of these three things are out of balance our lives will be in a state of constant turmoil and unease – walking my talk.
Photo: d. king
Any thoughts?
Psychic messages: Just as I was typing in the word “SeaWheeze” above I heard my phone message me. It was from the “SeaWheeze” people letting me know that friends and family can sign up to volunteer at the run adding – “If they’re anything like you, we love them already.”
On Sunday a friend was over for dinner. As soon as I said “let’s open up some bubbly” her phone had a new message. She showed me what it was – a friend sent her one of those moving images….of bubbles!
It’s becoming stylish to hire a life coach. Remember when life was simple (well simple enough when you were little and your parents made all the decisions on your behalf)? Why is it that now there appears to be more of a need for professional help for reasonably healthy individuals on how to live our lives? Are we capable of making our own decisions and choices without consulting a professional?
Are we that helpless, misguided and confused in our personal and professional choices? Hey, there’s nothing wrong with seeking help but where do we draw the line?
I can understand hiring a financial advisor to help sort out your financial goals, a marriage/couples counsellor or shrink for personal & trauma situations or a sports coach. I just never got the role of “lifestyle coach” so I did a bit of research. It’s kind of like having a personal trainer but for your life.
Just like the people who push athletes to greatness in sports, life and wellness coaches push their clients to find success and satisfaction from their job or lifestyle.
When considering a particular area of life, be it career, family, relationships, health, and so on, individuals fall into one of five camps:
1.I don’t know what I want;
2. I know what I want, but don’t know how to get it;
3. I know what I want and how to get it, but something keeps holding me back;
4. I know what I want, how to get it and I’m motivated and on track; and
5. I know what I want and I’ve already got it!
Life Coaching 101: Life coaching helps in an in-depth way that crosses all the contexts of your life. For example in your job and in retirement, in your personal life, your social ife, and in public areas. A life coach helps you, in just about any context, to do things like…
get unstuck, climb out of your box
create healthy habits
have more fun
unleash your creativity
improve your relationships
connect to your life purpose and your inner passions
develop your leadership potential
identify and reach your goals.
Anyone can call themselves a coach. It is true that being good life coach does not require certification or credentials from an accredited Coach Training Program.
But a Life Coach whose passion is in “being” a coach will want to be the best he/she can be. They’ll seek out a reputable coach training program. They’ll be a life-long-learner, a seeker who wants to give himself/herself knowledge and skills and tools beyond his/her natural (and excellent) intuition and listening skills.
What is the role as a client?
As the client you will bring to coaching the Agenda. Where you are at present in your life and where you want to be in the future. You will use the tools, concepts and principles that the coach will provide during each session to take the courageous actions which will help you create the life you want. You will be fully responsible for your transformation in accordance with your values, your preferences and your personal circumstances.
What is the role of coach?
The role of a coach is to help you maintain the focus on the way to your transformation and to notice the currents below the surface of what seems like calm shimmering water. With powerful questioning, intuition, inquiry, challenges and respect for who you are and where you are, a good coach will stretch you and challenge you, but above all will light the way when you are lost and can’t see the ‘bigger picture’ as doubt and fear is all you can see.
I can see a niche for this but what kind of people are qualified? If someone is going to set your life on track they better have a lot of attributes. The ideal coach would have to be emotionally balanced, very patient, financially secure or at least financially stable, have a spiritual nature, be lots of fun, has or has had a successful job or career, a people-person, healthy, creative, goal oriented, compassionate, a good listener, a bit of a fortune teller and a drill sargeant, a detective in helping you decide what you want and a true leader. In other words – if not perfect, then almost perfect.
I haven’t met anyone quite like this and until I do I’ll continue to make my own decisions which usually leads to making some mistakes but at least I have no one else to blame but myself. I am however considereng becoming a life coach should anyone care to hire me kidding of course.
Have you ever looked into becoming a life coach or considered hiring one?
I am so going to see this documentary! I’m sure it will be rated right up there with other favourite arty ones I really enjoyed like Herb and Dorothy, Searching for Sugarman and Valentino: The Last Emperor.
With more than a dash of eccentricity and over 75 years in fashion and interior design, Iris Apfel is an inspiring life force well into her ninth decade. She’s strong, quick-witted and always flamboyantly dressed. Iris retains her enthusiasm for life in fashion, art and people. What I admire about her is that she’s completely unique – true to herself with good values and work ethic. Sadly there are not enough women like her.
Iris says:
About her style: “I like to improvise”
“Someone told me you’re not pretty, you’ll never be pretty but it doesn’t matter, you have something much better – you have STYLE!” I couldn’t agree more.
“It’s better to be happy than well dressed”
“I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.”
“A woman is as old as she looks, but a man is never old until he stops looking”
Watch the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo8jwJ_2l0c and if you’re the least bit into style (of course you are, you’re reading this) then GO SEE IT! I know I can’t wait to.
From the Director of Grey Gardens (I thought it was excellent) and Gimme Shelter – Albert Maysles
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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