A WOOD POST
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Slim Paley photo
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I’m absolutely stark raving mad about WOOD, particularly old wood, so compiling the images for this post was a labour of love for me. The photo above is of our octagonal porch in Sun Valley. The floors are reclaimed wood, with a stone border running round the perimeter. The walls are “papered” in real birch bark with thin switches of willow where the sheets of bark meet. Finding a tradesperson to do the installation was more difficult than, well, childbirth would only be a slight exaggeration, but where there’s a will there’s a way, right people?! Besides, you forget all about it when it’s over 
The speakers, electrical outlets and switch plates were all faux painted to disappear. My painter did such a great job but I’m not going to show you because I’ve been told to stop pointing out my “fauxed” stuff to everyone or there’s no point in “faux-ing” it. (Maybe I’ll sneak you a picture later) The fire place is river rock and metal with a very large single beam of old wood for the mantle. The light fixture is antique. One of my carpenters made the little octagonal table for me and the furniture is just indoor/outdoor wicker. In the summertime the windows can be removed and the room becomes a screened porch. I love to sit out here with my tea in the morning, watching the squirrels pick the bark off the railings we paid extra to find with bark, and listen to the river rushing by. Heaven.
Click here for the best “Wood” song ever
Norwegian Wood
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Slim Paley photo
The house during construction. The octagon porch is to the far rear left.
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Squirrel handiwork on the porch in Sun Valley
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Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto‘s 172 sq/ ft. bungalow with several different living levels.
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“Conversation Unique” by Yvonne Fehling and Jennie Peiz (Gallery S. Bensimon)
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DSquared Eau de Toilette for men
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A boy’s bathroom in Sun Valley.
The backsplashes and counter are zinc, vintage trough sink from the U.K. All the wood is reclaimed. The sink fixtures are copper plumbing pipes plated in nickel. (See early S.P. post “Pssst- Wanna Buy a Faucet?” Sept.09, for more S.V. bathroom photos)
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Stella McCartney wood cage handbag
How splendid is this?
If I were a chic little Fairy with modern taste I would live in it!
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Anyone know what hotel this is in NY?? I lost my credit- perhaps The Crosby St.?
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Wood iphone cases at;
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Shoe photo from Italian Vogue
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Matteo Thun for Rapsel
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Wooden radiators by i.radium.
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Slim Paley photo
A bedroom in Sun Valley.
Steeply pitched roof lines starting low on the bed wall and soaring toward the fireplace on the opposite wall help to create a very cozy haven.
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Feu de Bois candle by Diptique
This is one of my favourite scents (burning wood) by Diptique
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Rapsel wooden sink
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wooden toilet seat cover
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Yvette Laduk wool blend rug
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Front Porch in Sun Valley
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Alexandre Moronnoz‘s park bench can be added to and twisted at any given point to make legs or armrests
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Nasomatto Perfumes
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Wild flowers in an old wooden…thingy- Sun Valley
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COCO & IGOR
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Mads Mikkelson & Anna Mouglalis in Coco & Igor
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Just a mini post to tell you that if you love clothes, beautiful set design and Mads Mikkelsen (ding, ding, & DING) you must go see “Coco & Igor” The look and scenery might not be quite as beautiful as “Coco Avant Chanel” but the costume design and casting in this film about Chanel’s possible dalliance with Igor Stravinsky- deeevine. Anna Mouglalis is SO beautiful it almost hurts to look at her. Coco would be twirling in her pearls to have someone this gorgeous portraying her, and don’t even get me started on Mads (remember the James Bond villain from Casino Royale with the bleeding eye? That’s him) See this movie for three reasons; 1) you are going to develop a new crush, which is always fun 2) Coco’s clothes…oh, the clothes!! Better than “Coco Avant Chanel” If you’re anything like me you will be totally inspired to clean out your closets (again) and 3) Your posture might improve. I think every woman leaving this film is going to try to walk just a little like Anna Mouglalis, at least for the rest of the day (how does she walk like that?? Damn those French women!)
(French with English Sub-titles. And nudie scenes with Mads, which is sort of reason 4 )
See link to trailer below;
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The Real Deal
PS. LOVED the kaleidoscope visuals in the opening credits but is anyone else tired of credits that keep popping up 10 to 12 minutes into a movie?? Doesn’t it just hinder your surrender into the film, or is it just me ?
COCO & IGOR Click for the trailer
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Friday Favourites Interuptus
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Olgaphoto
Must I hide my face when I go out now??
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Well- You won’t believe it, but I didn’t get Friday Favourites posted yesterday because the power went out . I was sick . I was kidnapped!! Ohmigod. It was like super traumatic and everything, but my husband paid the ransom, I’m home again, safe and sound and I think I gained a couple of new Slim Paley readers in my captors
Due to the kidnapping, I wasn’t able to shop this week (every cloud has a silver lining) so my purchasing recommendations will have to be aborted ’til next Friday. But hey- it won’t kill you not to shop for a week. After what I’ve been through I’ve got a whole new outlook on life. Dressing comfortably, always having a good book and an extra snack in your bag for unexpected situations- these are the things that are far more important than the newest shampoo for dry hair. That being said, I did want to share that my Thai connection came through and I’m happily in receipt of 3 bottles of the Rausch egg-a-licious mega shampoo for dry hair. Happiness!!
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But back to The Kidnapping.
I have a theory so stay with me here…
First I posted this;
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Slim Paley photo
and these…
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in my BRRR! ICEBERGS, BOOKS & BAUBLES post.
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Shortly after (suspiciously shortly after, I might add) Karl Lagerfeld presented “his” Fall 2010 collection;
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Coincidence you say? I would have granted you that until THIS happened;
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I submit as evidence, photos I posted in June from my trip to the Chelsea Flower show in London:
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John Galliano shows “His” 2010/2011 couture show for Dior last week in Paris;
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Coincidence?? Ha! I think not.
Obviously my captors were hired by Karl and Johnny G. ( there may be others…we’ll see as more collections roll out)
Luckily Dear Readers, I revealed nothing.
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Omg- speaking of revealing nothing, or rather everything (not to mention having A.D.D.), have you heard the Mel Gibson telephone call to his ex-(I’m presuming) girlfriend? Or as she probably calls it- “Tuesdays with Mel”?!
Ouch
Mel- What happened??!
But I digress,
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Lastly, Dear Designers- if you’re reading and this…and you KNOW you are…
Just sign up for my email subscription- It’s a lot cheaper than the lengths you’ve been going to
J.G.- your “disguise” isn’t working mon ami
Karl- showing the love (or so I thought 
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(Thanks for the suggestion Lady Eve)
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Happy Weekend Everyone!
Oh wait!!
I forgot I wanted to share this with those of you who don’t follow my copious Tweets on Twitter This is so funny ;
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OK, I’m really hanging up now
bye!
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Can’t Quite Let Go of The Stripes…
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Slim Paley photo
From My Garden
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These candy-cane striped roses are growing like mad in my garden this year. They don’t have much scent and even though the colours really go with nothing in my home, I still love them because they make everyone smile!
Which is a good thing right now as we haven’t seen the sun in Santa Barbara since 1982. OK, I might be channeling my mother and exaggerating just a bit, but seriously- enough with the gloomy skies already. I don’t know what the temperature’s like in your part of the world (unless you’re in NY of course. JEALOUS!!) and I know you might be slightly stripe-fatigued, having just finished the July 4th weekend and all, but it was actually cold and rainy here today (and I got a driving violation) and this Red & White Stripe post made my day just a little bit brighter. Hope it does the same for you
Some classic “White Stripes” Music to shop by;
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Cote Sud
I love a touch of red & white stripe in a room- so happy, so alive, so FRESH!
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Primrose London, UK
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Ashwankaban
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Anouska Hempel
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Chanel Cruise 2010
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Sexy Clown?
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Oberto Gili photo
I could live in Oberto Gili’s photographs
His book 2003 book “Luxury of Space” is a classic.
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Sim Paley photo
Roman Pastries
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Vogue
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From The Chelsea Flower Show
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Jean Paul Gaultier’s “Classique Summer 2010″ Limited Edition
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Gap Varsity Sweater $49.50
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Pottery Barn (on SALE now!! in blue & white also)
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Red & white tents make me happy too
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Jason Loucas
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Sorry I have no credit for the photo but whoever did this room- LOVING
Love, Love, LOVE!
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Country Living
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Zastavki.com
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Tom’s
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Vogue
White Stripes Wife, Red-head Karen Elson
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Mui Mui Cruise 2010
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Liberty London
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My Little Man
Sorry- I couldn’t resist including this…maybe this is why I really love red & white stripes so much
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Gap $24.50
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Claggettwilson.com
So charming and American! (oh- The Gardener’s Cottage – This is for YOU!)
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Skonahemma
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More buds coming!
And coming for Fall… Dior Couture 2010/11
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Carrera glasses (available on Net a Porter)
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Dear Powers That Be;
Do you see these sunglasses?? Did I mention it is July 7th and I am located in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA but today I had to light the fire, wear a jacket and use my umbrella?!
Are you aware that you might possibly be OVERDOING it just a wee bit in NY and it might possibly be a good idea to spread the Climatic Love around a little?
No pressure…
Love,
Slim
(unless you’re the motorcycle cop who gave me the ticket- Hellloooo, Mr. No Sense of Humour – No love for you )
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Oh, and PS. My Twitter page has been broken since Friday night- Anybody else having issues??
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Happy July 4th To You!!
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Slim Paley photos
Happy 4th of July weekend to everyone here in the U.S.A.!!
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This 4th of July holds a little extra personal meaning for our family this year as my British born and raised, 79 year old father decided he was going to become an American Citizen.
He sent away for all the forms and study material, drove to downtown L.A. early one morning and passed the exam with flying colours (“Jolly good” he said, “They couldn’t wait to adopt me”) Since his swearing in ceremony last month a small but highly prized American flag sits proudly waving upon his desk- right beside the scrolling screen-saver images of the English countryside. I suspect a mail box flag any day now. A rather amusing tip of the Bowler hat, shall we say, to American Independence! What possessed him after 15 years of residing here, and many years before that in Canada? Not sure really, but he’s the first on my side of the family eligible to vote… not to mention participate in jury duty. And who knows…perhaps if my husband has his way with me (which has been known to happen at least a couple of times ) I, too, will be waiving the Stars & Stripes soon!
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In the meantime, here’s what my American boys, friends and family will be enjoying along with their burgers, hot dogs and wings;
I found this fun, healthy and unusual salad in Better Homes & Gardens magazine last month. It’s a perfect summer accompaniment to any picnic or barbeque and can be made ahead. The burst of blueberries is a delicious surprise!
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Corn & Blueberry Salad
6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 small cucumber, sliced
¼ cup finely chopped red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 Tbsp lime juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp honey
½ tsp ground cumin
Cook corn in a pot of salted water till tender, about 5-8 min.
Once cool enough to handle cut the corn from the cobs.
In a serving bowl combine the corn, blueberries, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno.
For the dressing, in a screw-top jar combine lime juice, oil, honey, cumin and ½ tsp salt. Cover and shake well to combine. Add to the salad and mix well. Let the salad refrigerate overnight up to 24 hours before serving. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
(Recipe from Better Homes & Gardens magazine)
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Photo from MAC
What I’ll be wearing tomorrow
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What I’ll be drinking…
Mint Tonic
If you love mint (I adore it) it’s the easiest thing in the world to grow in your garden or window box and this is one fabulous and delicious way to get your summer mint fix;
To Make Mint Juice; blend 2 cups of freshly washed mint leaves with 1/2 cup of fresh lime or lemon juice and 1/2 cup of castor sugar (or the equivalent amount in Agave Syrup- not sure how much that would be) in a small blender.
Simply mix mint juice, grapefruit juice (fresh if possible) and tonic water according to taste (Vodka or gin may be added if desperate measures are called for) Add ice.
Note 1) The drink will not be as clear or pretty as the one above as the blended mint floats around in it.
Note 2) Tiny bits of mint can stick to the teeth not unlike it’s leafy brother the spinach particle.
Note 3) Bits tend to stick more if vodka or gin is added but you won’t care as much.
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Martha eat your heart out
If your 4th of July festivities find you at the beach tomorrow and someone just happens to step in a spot of tar- no worries! I discovered a magical tar-removing technique a couple of weekends ago when my son came home with a map of India on the sole of his foot (to scale). I’d heard that cooking oil was a good option, but I happened to have just cooked up some bacon and had a jar full of left-over fat. I whipped up the warm fat in a bowl with a little bit of Dawn dish detergent and voila- clean as a whistle in a few seconds! Just keep the family dog away from the feet for awhile and make sure you label it before putting it back in the fridge. God- I know Martha is so jealous of me right now.
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.Slim Paley photo
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Photos from Williams-Sonoma catalogue
Zoku Quick Pop Maker click here
I haven’t tried this machine yet, but I found it calling to me from the Williams-Sonoma catalogue upon our return home. (yes, believe it or not, I’ve had time to glance at a couple of catalogues-who rushes to unpack on a holiday weekend?) It looks fun and easy doesn’t it? Has anyone bought one yet, or am I to be the designated Popsicle Guinea Pig?!
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I will be trying this recipe for the adults;
Peach & Prosecco Icepops
3 cups unsweetened white grape juice
1 cup Prosecco (or ginger beer for non-alcoholics version )
3 TBLS fresh lemon juice
6 beautiful peaches, sliced
Combine grape juice, Prosecco and lemon juice in a container with a pour spout. Place 1 or 2 peach slices in each ice pop mold.
Gently pour liquid over peaches to cover. Secure Popsicle sticks, and freeze for at least 12 hours (if using a normal ice pop maker, less of course if you are using the Zoku! Hence popping $49 for the non-electric popsicle maker)
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While we are at the adult table;
Cheers!
Fill a nice tall chilled soda or large champagne flute with small scoops of your favourite lemon or orange sorbet and top with icy-cold sparkling wine. I would garnish it with a small sprig of mint or a thin slice of orange. Everything should be super cold or you will lose too much when it froths up. Add a straw or parfait spoon and serve immediately. Lemonade may be substituted for the wine at the children’s table.
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Bakingbites.com
Fun!
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What could possibly be more old-school Americana than the drive-in movie theatre?
West Wind Santa Barbara Drive-In
Lastly, the BIG news in our small town is after over 19 years of sitting desolate and forlorn out by the local airport (despite my husband’s oft repeated sweet dream when we’d drive by that he would buy it someday!) the drive-in is up and running again! At least for the summer. They are showing Toy Story III right now and we plan on going this weekend. Very exciting. Sending a big request out to all fellow Santa Barbarians to support this fun new thing to do with the kids. I think it’s a wonderful idea-Don’t you have such fond memories of going to the drive-In in your footie jammies, car stuffed with pillows and blankets, playing on the swings til it got dark, spying on the teenagers making out in other cars.. Dad driving away with the speaker still attached.
and you just know I will be bringing my own truffle salt
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Wishing you plenty of love and fun and sun this weekend!
And A MILLION THANK YOUS to all the awesome American troops for making this weekend possible for all of us.
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Small, HOT and a Big Hat
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Stunning orange blossomed trees on the golf course at Hualalai
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Well, believe it or not, my younger son did see the Newlyweds Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green in the hotel lobby yesterday morning. I asked him what she looked like and what was she wearing??! He said “Small, HOT and a big hat” That’s it. That’s the entire extent of important info you garner if you have boys.
Slim Paley photo of Vintage Hawaiian postcard
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The hike to the waterfall was fun, although it’s a little disconcerting when the transportation shows up and it’s a relic from M.A.S.H. The early years.
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The parched Kona Highway (taken with my iphone while driving- I mean while my husband was driving)
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Jungle Waterfalls
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My son swimming under the waterfalls
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Naturally, I wore the appropriate footwear
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What more could one need in life really??
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Bikram in the city
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I also did my first Bikram yoga class this morning. The room was 100 degrees. I hear it’s supposed to be 105 but I’m guessing the Four Seasons prefers not to KILL their customers on holiday. 10 people started, only 5 were left at the end. OH…MY…GOD!! now THAT ‘s a workout. I hate to admit it but I was ….sweating…there’s simply no way it can be construed as glowing. Sweating as in it pops out of the middle of your forearm…or your wrist. Did you know your wrists could sweat?! I was actually so focused on the novel amounts of water coming out of me that I found it easy to move through the sequence of poses. I had something else to think about besides the pain. Plus, I couldn’t wait to get back to show my family that I had some natural colour, hell, a FLUSH! I think I will sleep sooo well tonight, despite inhaling a large bag of Salt n’Vinegar chips after class which I feel mildly guilty about.
And here’s the best part about practicing Bikram in Hawaii…
Slim Paley photo………………………………Outdoor showers
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Slim Paley photo………………………………….A place to wind down afterwards…
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Slim Paley photo……………..There’s always Something to replenish your electrolytes
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And you can’t beat the outdoor meditation area
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Back to reality tomorrow, and to Friday Favourites again next week.
Please Keep an eye out for my 4th of July post
Happy Friday Everyone!!
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