“I don’t stalk people — just their stories.”

Fashion loving and food crazed, it’s the stories behind the stories that I love, and how I get them always a crazy story too.  I just can’t help it.  When it comes to food and fashion, I’d plunge from a plane to find out about it, no matter how many Louboutins I lose.  Just don’t tell my husband……

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Kangaroo Island Feastival – 2013

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Have you ever fantasized about leaving civilization behind for a remote island paradise, surrounded by pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlife? Admit it, of course you have! That bittersweet road trip itch you just can’t seem to shake, perhaps right this very moment. Spending your days frolicking with the sea lions or on an Aussie adventure sailing before a gourmet dinner, on-board the luxury yacht “Lady Eugenie” in a sexy swimsuit isn’t too shabby my friends. A beach with no footprints, other than those left by little penguins returning to roost? Oh how this travel temptation can bring a grown fearless Food Stalker to her knees.

Kangaroo Island Feastival 2013 had it all this year; breathtakingly beautiful beaches, local wines and fabulous food, all thanks to visionary founder/producer Nick Hannaford. The event brings together those passionate about Kangaroo Island’s produce – from chefs and producers to residents hosting dinners in their own homes, all with a wealth of food and wine knowledge. Continue reading

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In The Mix….

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Look, let’s get one thing straight, it takes time to develop expert Stalker Skills. Like a lioness in the jungle one must learn to hunt and seize the moment with no fear. Let’s be honest, I’ve never wanted to be Jane. I’ve always wanted to be Tarzan swinging through the trees in a loin cloth with no top, feeling the breeze blowing in my short platinum hair. Don’t they have a pill for this sort of compulsion? Forgive me as I fear my brain is still on island mode! One thing is for sure, after the Women’s Day Conference last Saturday, I needed a foodie fix and found myself heading towards The OC Mix”If you are looking for a funky, hip urban hot spot, this is it. Go ahead, get out of your comfort zone this Saturday and come visit. This place is the best new reason to pull off the 405 freeway (well, that and Sak’s Fifth Avenue a few exits before). Continue reading

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11th Annual Women’s Journey Conference – 2013

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What a fabulous way for this Food Stalker to spend a Saturday, at a “day spa” for the soul! Dedicated to empowering women and building self-esteem in young girls, Women’s Journey Conference 2013 on Mother’s Day Eve at University California Irvine brought generations of women – mothers, daughters & grandmothers – together to celebrate the journey and plight of girls and women everywhere. Attracting women of all backgrounds, talents, and experiences to share their wisdom and advice, it was an empowering and uplifting day, to be sure.

Since its inception in 2002, Women’s Journey Conference has assisted women of all ages to improve their feelings of self-worth and efficacy. Providing motivational workshops, inspiring (often famous) speakers, invigorating entertainment, shopping opportunities and time-out for self-reflection, this day encourages women of all ages to heal, inspire, lead empowered lives and live their unique dreams and talents. Reminding each and every attendee and participant how beautiful, valuable and powerful she truly is, speakers like Marianne Williamson, Marci Shimoff, BJ Gallagher and Claire Zammit reminded us to smile and own our individual and collective force to go forth and thrive. Continue reading

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Personality and Jewelry Will Conquer Everything…

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This Style-Spy met one of my favorite fashion icons, the spectacular Zandra Rhodes, at the prestigious 7° Gallery in Laguna Beach for ArtWalk to coincide with Los Angeles BritWeek. What a smashing experience to see fashionistas sipping cocktails while trying on exquisite Zandra Rhodes dresses. Wearing her creations, dancers swirled to the sounds of “Zandra In The Sky With Diamonds”. Zandra’s dresses are the ultimate dress-up dress and her own lifestyle is as dramatic, glamorous and extrovert as her designs. She is not only creative and extremely accomplished, but the warmest person you will ever meet. It’s as if you have met an old friend…

Zandra has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion with her spectacular pink hair, theatrical makeup and feels personality and jewelry will conquer everything.  In her view character and personality override everything and once you reach a certain maturity, age is not a factor.  A woman could say anything and you would be overwhelmed by her character. Can we have a big round of applause for this kind of thinking ladies?! Continue reading

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Off The Grid…

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What happens when a Food Stalker ends up on a lush private island full of jungle animals in the unspoiled wilds off the coast Mexico? She befriends even the monkeys while on Safari in the open landscape of course! Look, I didn’t intend to spend the day with wildebeest, peacocks, zebra and deer. I thought I’d be adding another layer of sunblock while reading the latest issue of “Delicious” magazine, sipping bubbly truth be told. After a year of traveling, researching and documenting, this huntress was on a mission to escape to a land of beauty and wonder (without technology). A trip to Africa had been on my bucket list for years and when I tell you this was the next best thing, I’m not joking! Remember the film “Out of Africa” with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford? The poetic cinematography alone was well worth the price of admission except Meryl wouldn’t have dashed over a pier in 4 inch Givenchy heels. But that’s how it is when I get that urge. I can still envision the scene with Redford washing Streep’s long locks of hair in the river…be still my beating heart!

My journey took me to a private island ( I could tell you but I’d have to kill you) which is surrounded by a massive lagoon. Majestic and mysterious, even the Duchess of Windsor and her husband made a trip here many years ago. Oh the time they must have had hauling all her trunks from the landing strip to the main residence! The island is now owned by a wonderful family who love the wild land and tranquility. As the story goes, thirty years ago the patriarch of this wonderful family had “Noah’s Ark” in mind when he transported pairs of various exotic animals from all over the world. The end result today is a magical kingdom which words cannot describe. Continue reading

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