12 things I couldn't live without

I came across a list that Ralph Lauren did of the 12 things he couldn't live without.. I got me thinking.. While an Aston Martin won't be on my list I was surprised by what was. The only rule I applied was that Family, Friends and Steve where not allowed.. this forcing me to think a wee bit more!

Here we go!

1. Living close to water. A lake. An ocean. A river. A marsh. Even a pond! I get spinney without water near by.

2. A really good hair stylist, currently Roxi and I can't see that changing unless one of us moves. Good hair can change everything: TRUTH.

3. Cowboy boots. I think they keep me in touch with a younger piece of of my soul, that little piece of me that still believes beyond the shadow of a doubt I will one day own a horse.

4. Jack Johnson, Broadway and really good pop music. Basically music that I can sing along to REALLY loud.

5. My china. It may have come from a marriage that has long since disintegrated but I really love it. We eat off it every day and it makes me feel good. It's Design Naif from Villeroy-Boch.

6. An escape plan. That's not as sinister as it sounds! The moment I had a car a learned what freedom was, that has never left me. No matter where I am or what I am doing in the back of my mind I know where the escape hatch is and have a plan in case it needs to be used by myself and those I love.

7. The red chair. It sits in the corner of our livingroom and celebrates style, sophistication and a funky spirit.

8. Great pair of jeans. Need I say more? (I am also going to add a great jacket, purse, bathing suit, interview and night out outfit.)

9. Warm summer nights. Truly a gift.

10. Harvest table. A family heirlom that my Mom passed along to me over 10 years ago. She had it redone when I was a teen and it has 4 fabulous pressback chairs. With every style evolution I have had threw various homes it has always "worked" I love it.

11. Animal Friends. Dogs, marrmots, cats, horses, a walrus! Relationships with different species brings growth, responsibility and generosity of spirit!

12. An opportunity to make a difference.

OK.. let's see your list! You don't have to do 12.. but I want to know, what can you NOT live without!

Review: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Any dream will do..

As a believer in dreams this sentiment has always agreed with me. Enough that it chokes me up a bit when ever I hear the opening to “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” because I know what is to come.

Tears? Joseph? What? I know, I don’t get it either. Really Joseph is an energetic romp to tell a biblically story to children with song, bright colours and laughter.

Sure .. a few sad parts.. but tears?

Something about the pure joy that seems to be infused into every part of this show just make the waterworks want to turn on!

I am happy to report I managed to keep a grip on it, mostly for my friend Erin who was at the show with me, if It had been my husband Steve, I might have a different story to tell.

If you can still get tickets for the run of this show I encourage you to do so!

Randy Leslie (Artisic Director & Producer) announced at the beginning of the show that it was 92% sold out! (UPDATE: Only matinee tickets left!!)

Kelowna Actors Studio has tackled Joe before ~ 6 years ago and managed to reunited some of the performers from that run into this one.. Heidi Hewitt returned as the narrator and blew my socks off! I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing her perform before and I hope that I get the opportunity again! Nate Flavel reprised his role as Joesph. Seriously I think I am developing a crush on this guy because he never fails me. Sometimes performers seem the same in every role they play. Not Nate. He is more than a great voice, he can act. (Ok I also think he looks pretty good in this role as well ~ good grief spending most of the time on stage wrapped in nothing but a mini skirt must be intimidating!) Chad Abrahamson returns as the Pharaoh/Simeon. Chad rocked. Elvis impersonators I usually find boring and it’s my least favourite number in the shows I have seen past. Well, not anymore! Well done! Bob Heyworth is back as Jacob/Potiphar and Darren Scuffi as Reuban two more performers that stood out! The last returnee was Cassidy Janzen who was once in the kids ensemble and now as one of Jacob’s wives.. which I am sure caused an explosion of more than a few age spots for some of the former cast!

I would be remiss if I didn’t add two sparkling cows up to the multi talented Norene Morrow! The props on this show were OUTSTANDING!

Really for me.. not a weak moment in the show. (OK. Hump Phrey the camel did almost fall over but I think that was just opening night jitters!) I was carried on a journey that made me want to stand up and sing along ~ Thank your lucky stars that didn’t happen and I left it to an outstandingly talented cast!

This video ISN'T Kelowna Actors Studio! As soon as they have theirs done I promise to post it!






Show Times
Thursday - Sunday evenings:
Dinner - Doors open 6:20 p.m.
Dessert only: Doors open 7:30 p.m.
Show begins: 8 p.m.

Saturday matinee:
Doors open 12:30 p.m.
Show begins: 1:00 p.m.

Single Ticket Pricing
Dinner, Dessert & Theatre Tickets
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings
$66 Adult
$58 Student/Senior
Sunday Evenings
$62 Adult
$54 Student/Senior

Dessert & Theatre Tickets
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings
$42 Adult | $36 Student/Senior
Saturday Matinee & Sunday Evenings
$38 Adult | $32 Student/Seniors

www.kelownaactorsstudio.com for more info!

Guest blogger!! A great post from Suzi at Natures Fare!

We don’t think there is anything better than Okanagan summers. Scorching hot days on the lake and at the beach melt away into evening BBQs with friends and nights playing golf until the sun goes down. I’ve been taking my PGX religiously for the past year knowing that over the next few months it will be too hot most days to wear anything but my bathing suit, and slowly but surely it is helping me to reach my weight loss goals. I’ve managed to lose three more pounds this past month and am looking forward to taking advantage of all the beautiful beaches and outdoor activities the Okanagan has to offer.

Summer presents its own unique set of challenges for healthy eating. The farmer’s markets and shelves at Nature’s Fare are already bursting with local, organic produce in all colours of the rainbow, which makes this season the best time to start incorporating more whole foods into our diets. However, it is also the season when it is all too easy to rely on quick, processed, and packaged foods for a day at the lake or on the boat. The convenience of these foods comes at a high cost. Processed foods are designed to have long shelf lives, and as a result, are often full of artificial ingredients such as MSG, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, genetically modified organisms, and artificial sweeteners. To top it off, they can be very high in calories and the wrong kinds of fats while offering almost nothing in terms of nutrition. On the other hand, whole foods like organic vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are full of micronutrient vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibre. And as we know, fibre keeps us feeling full for longer, making it easier to resist cravings and stick to our healthy eating plans. Instead of grabbing for candy or a chocolate bar, consider a locally grown organic peach or nectarine to satisfy your sweet tooth. Replace your white bread with sprouted grain bread and your white rice with brown rice or quinoa, a Peruvian superfood packed with protein. Try some raw almonds or spicy kale chips instead of potato chips when you’re feeling the need for something crunchy or salty. Here is one of my favourite summer recipes – make a double batch so that you have enough for dinner tonight and enough leftovers for the beach tomorrow.



Grilled Organic Vegetable Whole Grain Pasta Salad (adapted from epicurious.com)



½ cup organic Italian parsley

½ cup organic fresh basil

1 large organic garlic clove

1.5 tbsp organic red wine vinegar

1.5 tbsp organic balsamic vinegar

½ cup organic extra virgin olive oil + 2 tbsp extra for grilling

2 large organic ears of corn, husked

2 large organic zucchini, cut in half lengthwise

1 large organic red bell pepper, cut into small chunks

1 large organic red onion, cut into three large rounds

1 pint organic cherry tomatoes, cut in halves

½ cup organic kalamata olives (or more, depending on preference)

½ cup organic feta or goat cheese, crumbled



¾ pound organic whole grain fusilli pasta (I like to use spelt or Ezekiel pasta for this recipe)



Directions:



Make vinaigrette by blending parsley, basil, both vinegars, garlic, and olive oil together using a blender or food processor. Season with sea salt and vinegar to taste.



Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold water and place in a large bowl. Toss with 2 tbsp of the vinaigrette.



Light barbeque and set to medium heat. Brush zucchini, corncobs, and onion with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Grill until cooked through, turning often, about 10-12 minutes. When cool, cut kernels from corncobs and cut zucchini and onion into small chunks about the same size as the red pepper. Add grilled vegetables to pasta along with the red peppers, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with vinaigrette and crumbled feta cheese. This salad tastes best at room temperature.



Thanks and hope to see you soon!!