Ghazal Elhaei

I got asked to bring a picture to life in painting form. Here’s the final result sitting in her new home on the Island. ✌🏼🎨✨

I have done a lot of work this week, internally and externally. Going through my own internal oppressions, facing micro aggressions and having some really hard conversations with myself and those closest to me. I keep coming back to Floyd.⁣ ⁣ For those who don’t know who Floyd was to me, he was one of my mom’s best friends. He came into my life when I was 12 years old and immediately took me in as his own. Through the years, he taught me how to paint, how to build business, how to create community and how to be the best version of myself. This is where his nickname, “Agent Pops,” came to play. He was my biggest advocate and the greatest male influence I could’ve asked for. Two and a half years ago, he passed away. This painting has spoken to me to so much over the last few days. I miss him so much. He was a teacher in so many moments - his art was used to teach. ⁣ ⁣ He always loved the power of the brush; that everyone would see and learn something new from the same work of art. I know I can create sustainable change through art. I will support other artists, create and continue his message. I will take responsibility for my lack of understanding in politics and policies, I will study, question and learn. I will vote. I will fundraise. I will support as best as I can. I won’t stop. ⁣ ⁣ I am grateful that I grew up seeing the world through your eyes as well. I’m honoured that you chose me to be your daughter. Your legacy will continue on, forever. | All artwork was created by Floyd Sinclair Sandiford. ✨ #restinpower

Now playing: You were the one to show me divine love, love, love, love. #macmiller

This photo holds so much meaning for me. Of a connection - a love and deep, quiet understanding - a father & daughter bond that was so unique. It wasn’t blood that connected us. It was our spirits and our soul. This past week, it has taken on an entirely new meaning. The anger, sadness and exhaustion that has been simmering within a minority and on the reverse, a majority that holds deep seeded racism, desensitized perspective and commentary - has resulted in two bubbles; both of which have burst. There are so many narratives that have been floating around. What’s appropriate to say? Should I say anything? Quotes circulating, judgement passing and deep level of discomfort for all. But please, consider this photo. Consider that what we need to add into the equation is empathy. To hold someone’s hand who is screaming to be heard. If our skin isn’t the same, our culture, our background. If you have the privilege. Speak up. Be kind. If you don’t know, ask questions. If you don’t understand, admit it. Do your research. Study facts, not just opinions. Follow those who are outside of your cultural norms. But don’t stay silent. Silence is compliance. Get loud. Stay loud. Scream empathy. Scream love. Stay strong and please, stay safe.

Currently playing: .PAAK✨ ⁣ ⁣ This was such a fun project to do. Seems like these days, I’ve been painting everything. I’m super inspired by the record art lately. It marries two of my favourite loves beautifully. I used some old records that were going to be thrown out because they were so scratched. Sustainable art. ✌🏼 ⁣If I put out a collection, would you grab one? What would you want to see? Let me know in the comments below. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #toutbyg #artbyge #ghazalelhaei #paakhouse #paintwithpaak

It’s #worldcocktailday today and I’m reminiscing on all of the cocktails I’ve made and drank over the years. Cheers to my fellow bartenders and all of your creativity and passion. Today, I celebrate you. 🍸✨ #cheers

Just gnoccing around with @bonappetitmag for a little Mother’s Day gift. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Our original gift of tickets to @aliciakeys is a little up in the air - so I hosted a virtual cooking class with my mom to make up for it. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I didn’t have any sage so improvised on the sage butter and made some rosemary butter sauce instead. ⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #BAreaders #bonappetitmag #sweetpotatognocchi

Random fact: I’m notorious for having conversations in my sleep. When I was a pre-teen, there was a night that I passed out with the lights on. (As you do, this was a regular - still is 🤷🏻‍♀️- occurrence.) Mom came into the room to turn the lights off, I woke up and the conversation went like this: ⁣ ⁣ G: “Hey mom, do you know who Chuck Norris is?” ⁣ Mom: “yeah?” ⁣ G: “You’re my Chuck Norris.” ⁣ ⁣ We still laugh about this over a decade later. ⁣In my own weird way, she was dubbed my hero. ⁣This life so far has been a roller coaster of many highs and lows but regardless of the circumstances: I know you have my back no matter what. Thanks for always putting up with my crazy; crazy moods, crazy love, and crazy dreams. I am who I am because of the opportunities and the experiences you have provided. It hasn’t always been easy but we get through it. Love you Chuck Norris😉. Happy Mother’s Day. 🥰⁣ ⁣ *video from pre-COVID days. #happymothersday

It’s a cauliflower day in my casa, took the leftover cauliflower rice from lunch and made some patties with homemade tzatziki using @yoggu.yogurt and a little truffle hummus for dinner - LOVE how well they all pair together. 💫 Happy Friday folks. 🤗

A simple toss up in a complicated word. ✨ Food has been a haven for me over these past few weeks. Testing new recipes, trying out my favourites and taking the time to fully encompass the experience of a meal. ⁣ ⁣ This number was a quick stir-fry (and a go-to of mine) consisting of ginger-hoisin seasoned tofu, broccoli, mushrooms and carrots on brown rice. What is your go to recipe? Comment below and let me know! 🥦💫⁣ ⁣ #BAreaders #nytcooking #homechef

WOW. Okay, so the last few months have a been a hell of a rollercoaster. Last night I decided to stop worrying about perfection and just publish: so, I’ve officially launched @supercallpodcast 💫 This is something I’ve been working on for a while and once we entered into March, everything got put on hold due to obvious reasons and over the last two weeks despite a few of the personal changes I’ve been facing - I just knew I needed to get going. The first episode isn’t perfect, but it’s a start. And if I’ve learned anything is that it’s better to just do and take it a day at a time. It’s available for streaming on Spotify right now, and will be up on other platforms soon! Be sure to follow the Instagram page for all of the updates on what’s to come. Special shoutout to @georgiamaydesign for designing this beautiful gal for me! Lots of love! G #vancouver #supercallpodcast #podcasts

What has only been 14 days has felt like an eternity since I’ve seen my team in person. With a total of fifty of us at our location; these folks have been my family since I started a little over four years ago. It’s funny how despite the bullshit and the nuances of our day to day on the job; how much each of these individuals have become a major part of my life. I didn’t start as their superior but rather their peer and found myself becoming their manager within a short time. Friendships may have changed, some relationships aren’t the same anymore but the love still runs incredibly deep. Deeper than the smell of Najibs in my hair and clothes. I’m missing them a bunch today - no one’s bugged me about tips, schedule changes and candy runs; it feels weird. I was completely burnt out (truth is, I still am) once #COVID19 hit with it’s aftermath on us and our hospitality industry; having to lay off my staff, then also being laid off myself. I have only in the last day or two - had a real chance to reflect. This shit is so fucking hard. @nubatown is offering take-out, delivery and meal kits! If you are craving some of that healthy and delicious goodness, please support us and order a thing or two. It’ll help keep the lights on for all of us to reunite once this all has past - now I’m going to make a cocktail, because I’d usually be making something new for the staff to try during changeover. #nubagastown . . . . . . __ #nubatown #hospitalityindustry #vancouvereats #igersvancouver #vancouverfood #vancouver #eeeeeats #explorebc #onetable #savehospitalityca

As each day passes - albeit it seems like this month has been a year long - I find that I’m truly starting to slow down and not feel guilty about it. I was going through my record collections earlier today and found Carole Kings’ Tapestry record. This was one of the first two records I bought in my early teens from a Salvation Army. $1 for this record, and $1 for Billy Joel’s The Stranger. In the last dozen or so years, these two records and artist have been there for me in ways I couldn’t even describe. Like @michaelfranti said, “music has the power to bring people together like no art form.” I can’t wait to dance with my friends and family once these dark times past. What songs or records are getting you through this time? What playlists are you listening to? Let me know in the comments below and let’s share more of the little things that are now becoming the big things. 🎧💫 #feedthesoul #amplifyyourstyle . . . . ______ #houseplantjournal #decorinspiration #neutralshades #liveunscripted #theartofslowliving #mydomaine #theslowdowncollective #momentslikethese #interiorblogger #mybeigemood #apttherapy #goldenhour #urbanjungleblog #plantnerd #houseplantdiary #plantgang #crosleyradio

Despite the uncertainty of tomorrow, I’ve been grateful for the time to better nourish myself. My mind, my soul, my body and the last few days; a special focus on my tummy. Because of my knee injury, my ability to do intense workouts has slowed down and it’s been focusing on healing - so I’ve been experimenting with a more plant based driven diet to assist in that. A few people that I love to follow who have inspired some of these dishes include @erinireland @table_fortynine @bonappetitmag @biancazapatka 💫 Who do you follow for recipes and inspiration? #eeeeeats

Here's to the women. The woman that raised me. The women that taught me friendship. The women who taught me patience. The women who give love even when they have nothing left to give. The women who led fearlessly in times of absolute uncertainty. The women that can hang with the men, and then some. The women who speak out loud. The women who stand up when the rest of the world is sitting down. The women who say, fuck the status quo. The women who say FUCK and stay unfiltered. The women who hold no boundaries. And a shoutout to the men who stand by these women no matter what. Thank you for making me the woman I am today. Here's to making HERstory. Happy International Women's Day. #iwd2020