Horoscopes Nov.7-13

I hope you all enjoyed your extra hour of sleep this Monday morning. Here is your weekly Georgia Nicols Horoscope for November 7-13, 2011.  

Scorpio:

 Without question, life is so stimulating you hardly know what to look at first! Expect new, fresh experiences this week. Many of you will travel to unusual places, others will begin a new job or start to live in a new home, or you might experience a completely new environment for some reason. Whatever the case, you feel your week is full of surprises, fresh events, exciting expeditions and wonderful learning experiences. Lucky you! Unusual new friendships or partnerships are also part of this equation. In other words, your head is swimming with possibilities because your life is full of stimulating choices. Do get out of bed. There's a big, exciting world just waiting for you!

Sagittarius:

In many ways, your week will be very similar to Scorpio (see above). However, the major difference will be that many of your surprises will be hidden and secretive. Or to put it another way: different, unusual experiences that occur for you will be interior. You might be the only person who really knows about them. In fact, you might truly be amazed or have a personal epiphany about something, even though your outward existence doesn't seem to be changing too much. This doesn't mean that these surprises are "less." It simply means that whatever is new and exciting for you is not that obvious to others. I think the secretive aspect makes everything even more exciting, don't you?

Capricorn:

Expect to meet new people and certainly to make new friends this week. Many of you will do so through a group, club or organization. Or someone will introduce you to someone in a class or meeting. The new people you meet will be slightly mind-blowing, jarring or stimulating. They could be unorthodox, bizarre or from a different background. You might join an unusual group. Whatever happens could prompt you to change your goals or head you into a new direction. You will feel highly influenced by others. Yet again, a love interest could suddenly begin. Perhaps a friend will become a lover? Be on the lookout for something different, that's for sure.

Aquarius:

Many different, unusual things might happen this week that suddenly catapult you into greater publicity or more high viz. Important people might notice you. Definitely people in authority -- bosses, parents, teachers and yes, the police -- will notice you as well. On the whole, it looks good. This sudden hit of attention is probably a positive thing. Something quirky and unexpected is likely to happen as well. Romance with a boss or someone "different" or very unlikely might suddenly begin. You might get an offer, a raise or praise that amazes you. Someone might encourage you in a way that allows you to promote your career or get your name up in lights. Everything is happening quickly! If something is dangled in front of you and you want it, grab it fast.

Pisces:

Travel, higher education, something to do with publishing, the media, medicine and the law are just some areas that hold exciting thrills for you. Many of you will be in different places and environments this week. It's very exciting. You're meeting different people and seeing exotic places. If you're not in a physically different environment, then ideas are hitting you in a mental way. Consciousness-expanding ideas or a new cultural awareness might stretch your ideas of life and your experience of the world. Romance with someone from another country or a different culture is also highly likely. Suffice to say your usual daily routine is different this week! Grab the baton and run with it. When things are changing all around you, make the most of it.

Aries:

Lucky you! Surprise opportunities for sex along with unexpected gifts, favours, goodies and outright cash can come your way this week. (Oh my, who knew?) Major bonanza! Furthermore, these opportunities (read into this what you will) will be a learning experience for you. You might be shocked or pleasantly surprised by something. It's very likely you will meet someone unusual or "different," possibly someone from another country or a different cultural background. In fact, it will most likely be this very difference that you find so fascinating and intriguing! (No matter how shy you are, I think you'll be surprised at your willingness to experiment.)

Taurus:

When it comes to partnerships and close friendships, anything can happen this week. Some relationships might suddenly split up. More likely, other relationships will suddenly begin anew and very "afresh." You might be attracted to someone younger who is different and exciting. You might want a different arrangement with someone: more freedom, less restrictions and expectations. Perhaps more flexibility in a relationship? Suddenly, you're open to unconventional arrangements but hey - will these sabotage an existing partnership? (Hmmm.) Basically you want more excitement in your life! (Isn't it curious how sexy shoes are exciting when we're really most comfortable in slippers?) Go figure.

Gemini:

Unexpected situations will occur that are work-related. Surprise flirtations on the job might catch you off guard but oh, what fun! (You love an adoring peanut gallery.) However, your surprises at work could be related to technology and electronics -- ah yes, shiny new equipment. (There seems to be shiny new equipment somewhere in the picture.) Younger, attractive, creative co-workers might be an exciting introduction to your life. Unexpected work-related travel is also possible. Almost certainly you will learn something new, either inadvertently or through training. Stimulating people will give you new insights! This week is all new and fresh! (Did you know smoking is the leading cause of statistics?)

Cancer:

What a playful, flirtatious, fun-loving week ahead! Get ready for unexpected invitations to parties and social events. You might hear surprise news related to sports and gambling. Others will suddenly have an opportunity to take a vacation. Movies, the theatre and the performing arts plus delightful times with children are just some of the things to add to your smorgasbord of wonderful choices about how to have a fun time this week. Naturally, romance, especially with someone new and "different," or unexpected love affairs and thrilling flirtations are part of the package. You expected less? You won't have time to write in a diary (which is a pity).

Leo:

All kinds of innovations and unexpected changes are taking place where you live, or at your home, or within your family sphere. Something different is definitely happening! Unexpected company might be camped out where you live or, vice versa, you might be camping out on someone else's sofa! Surprise real-estate deals might suddenly take place. Younger people will be involved in your life more than usual, especially at home. New purchases (possibly high tech or electronic or modern art) will please you. Basically, something to do with your family relationships and where you live is turned upside down and sliding sideways. But it's fuuuun!

Virgo:

The week ahead is particularly exciting for you! All kinds of unexpected, different, amazing detours will take place. You will definitely meet new people, visit new places or encounter fresh, exciting new ideas. It won't be a boring week. However, some of these fun detours might be detours you had not planned on. (Gulp.) In other words, admittedly, things can go sideways in a New York minute. But if you stay in a positive frame of mind, it will all be good. In fact, isn't that one of the definitions of happiness? i.e. The ability to enjoy the scenery on a detour? Stay flexible and light on your feet. Neighbours, relatives and siblings could be the source of a few surprises as well. New information, perhaps even gossip, will be very thought-provoking!

Libra:

 Expect a few surprises, financially speaking, this week. Some of you might start a new job or dream up new money-making ideas. Others might make impulsive and exciting purchases. (Very possibly high tech stuff or modern art.) Things seem to be unpredictable and surprising with respect to your cash flow and even your possessions or something you own. If you have a chance to boost your earnings or buy something you really want, you'll have to act quickly because your window of opportunity will be very brief. By the same token, something might happen that gives your self-worth or your image a boost. "Hey, I like me!"

Vegan Veggies, Mac and Cheese

Seriously, who doesn't secretly crave comfort food every once and a while? There is something magical about a warm meal full of childhood nostalgia; where one bite can uplift any bad mood blues. As a vegan, comfort foods require a little more imagination. But when you get it right, you are in for a true  taste delight. 

What I love most about mac and cheese is how easy it is to make, and load up with extra veggies. 

Vegan, Slow Cooked, Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

1 Can sweet potato puree

4 cups non dairy milk

1 package of frozen spinach cut

1 package of frozen broccoli

1 cup  dried whole wheat macaroni

1 cup chopped mushrooms

1/3 cup nutritional yeast

1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 block vegan cheddar cheese shredded

( 1/2 tsp liquid smoke, optional)

1 tsp garlic

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp cajun seasoning

salt and pepper to taste  

First, lightly oil the crock of your slow cooker. Then toss all the dry ingredients in (veggies, macaroni, seasoning). Be sure to stir well to combine. Then slowly pour in the milk, vinegar and liquid smoke. Again stir well. Lastly stir in the shredded cheese. 

Cook on high for 2 hours, or until the pasta is al dente. For best result try to remember to stir the mix every half hour or so. Whole wheat past cooks slower that regular pasta. If you substitute a different pasta grain, be sure to read the cook time so avoid over cooking. 

Serve with fresh grape tomatoes, and sriracha for an added kick.

-Enjoy

Dreams Of Oscar De La Renta

I like Most girls have simple dreams of Luxury. I eagerly await the day I'll own, my very own Oscar de la Renta. A designer so praised for his ability to accentuate the natural curves of any woman. 

My dreams are simple. They consist of mostly fabric and decedent costumes. I dream of soft leather sparkling snake skin shoes, and hair ornaments to fit my mood.  

My dreams are achievable; that I know, as thanks to Veda Lux Boutique, I have achieved my dream of owning a vintage Oscar.

I may not have "the mucho denaro," to through down on a new gown. Used is fine by me.
 The beautiful thing about classy thrift shops is the owners passion for glamour and ability to find true gems. My Oscar is my prized vintage find.

Summer Hightower has a unique personal style and a daringness when it comes to fashion. I absolutely am in love with Veda Lux , and what I can find at her Mansion of Thrifty. Treat yourself, and play with your look.  Dress Up.

Low Fat, and Jump Free, Cardio.

The main stream definition of Aerobics implies a series of rhythmic large muscle exercises which usually include some variety of bouncing and/or jumping. I personally love aerobics and all the impact; however my joints at times, disagree. A good aerobic work out does not need to include jumping.

Low impact aerobics have  the same benefits of high impact aerobics, including: massive calorie burns, fat burning heart rate, improved bone density, stress reduction, improved coordination and balance, improved muscle tone, improved muscular endurance and flexibility,  improved muscular strength, improved posture, and improved overall body performance. 

Low impact aerobics excludes exercises where both feet leave the ground. It is important to add variety to your workout; and it is even more important to listen to your body.

 I'm super addicted to the Tracy Anderson Method, I love the dance cardio. Some days when I'm feeling low on energy or a little stiff I will modify the routine (take out the jumps) to minimize my potential for injury and maximize my workout benefits. 

There is no point pushing through a workout with burning shin splits, just relax and tone down the intensity. 

I've added a low impact, aerobic workout inspired by Tracy Anderson's dance Cardio. It is a great cardio sweet, sans joint impact. 

When following along, be sure to move your whole body, and exaggerate the bending of major joints. 

It is the major body muscles that burn the most calories. The harder you work the big muscles the more calories you will zap.

For the best workout results,  change up your workout. Follow Tracy's muscle structure routine and just remember to move. 

Happy Sweating!

Obvious Incognito

On my flight to Dominican Republic I was seated behind Bob Saget and his playmate Hope Dworaczyk (Playmate of the Year 2010). The pair looked like a strung out mess of celebrity taboo, In matching celebrity incognito of over priced sunglasses scarfs and full coverage brimmed hats, and overly injected lips.  The irony of the situation is dumbfounding, proclaimed celebrity incognito forces an innocent witness to noticed and gasp at the oh so rude fashion offenses.

At just 26, Hope looks nearly 40. Her face has had so much work that she is starting to look like MJ. It is such a travesty to forfeit  youthful and natural beauty in favour for collagen injections. There is nothing attractive about big, fat overly plump and swollen lips. Sorry Hope.

Vanity and the Facts

In the age of heroic chic and strung out beauty (early 90's) size 0 was introduced into the retail fashion market. The sizes told a story of a shrinking mass majority. The decreasing sizes flattered the market and woman shopped happily in the belief that they were actually shrinking and fitting into the coveted teeny tiny sizes of whimsical ideals. 

When Size 0 entered the market it was seen as ridiculous. Now Double and Triple 0's stock warehouses. Sizes are getting smaller. And on the contraire, we as a society are not getting any thinner. Vanity sizing is the act of cutting roomier petite sizes  to trick the general public into feeling giddy about how tiny a size they are. 

In 1937 a woman with a 32" inch bust would have worn a size 14, in 1967 that same woman would have worn a size 8, and today she would wear a size 0.  Marilyn Monroe, Today is praised for her plus sized beauty, the starlet wore a size 12-16. However, Marilyn's waist was only 25,"  today she would easily fit a size 2.

Vanity sizing fools us, it is an optical illusion. The question though is:

Do we want to be fooled, into believing we are something that we are not?

Pant sizes are based on inches. I wear a size 25 jean. When I take a measuring tap to the waist of my jeans the inch sizing does not match up. My jeans have a waist of 29" a 4 inch size difference. Now I understand that my jeans are fashioned to be worn low, but all other measurements aside; inches are not suggestions they are units of measurement. 

For many woman who don't keep a scale in the house or take measurements the tags on clothing is how we keep track of our waist. Vanity sizing is a dangerous illusion that can easily trick the mind into believing falsified facts. 

We as a society are not thinner, and we are not healthier in 2009 it was estimated that 1/4 of all North American woman are over weight. Vanity sizes nicely conceal the flaws in our physique with a discrete complement. As a society we are in denial, it is hard to place blame on retailers, who in truth are just meeting customer demands.  Vanity sizing works, because it woos us into believing fantasized facts. 

The numbers on the tags of our clothing define us, and impact our ego. We are glamorous and beautiful in sizes 4's, 2's,and 0's. Sizes may lie, and hold no truth, however a measuring tap does. Fitness guru Tracy Anderson advises clients to take weekly measurements of their body to help track progress. Witnessing your body transform and shrink through measurements is a motivating and honest achievement. Style advisers are now insisting to clients to rip out the size tags, wear what fits and flatters and to only believe actual measurements.  

Winter skin solutions

The East Coast has already had their first snow storm of the season. Which means, it is only a matter of time before we in the West get gifted with beautiful snow. I love winter, I love snow, I love everything about the season except the extreme cold and painful dry skin winter can cause. In the winter months we combat the outside chill with dry furnace air. The combination of dry air and cold air zaps moisture. 

The most common winter skin problems and their remedies are: 

Not moisturizing enough: 

Winter cloths such as wool, can irritate the skin, mix that irritation with the dry furnace air and you  have a recipe for dry, flaky, and itchy skin. A once a day, post shower moisturizer might not be enough. Come winter you should aim to moisturize 3 times a day. My favourite winter luxury creams are Pretty Peaushun, and Johnson & Johnson Baby lotion. 

Over exfoliation: 

In the winter, when suffering from dry skin it is common to make the mistake of over exfoliation. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells to make the skin appear brighter. In the winter we want to over exfoliate instinctively because our skin appears dry. However, doing so can cause more harm. When we over exfoliate in the winter we strip our faces of the good oils that help keep our skin moisturized. Come winter, exfoliate only once or twice a week. 

Using to a Harsh a cleanser:

Anti blemish cleansers and heavy duty cleansers are too much for winter. In the winter we need to swap out our summer skin products for a more gentle variation, (a milk based cleanser). Wash with lukewarm water.  

Forgetting to wear sunscreen:

Sunscreen is a must all year. UV rays are not exclusive with summer; they hang out in the winter too. In fact they can be even more potent in the winter. The UV rays reflect off of snow and ice which hits us with twice the force. SUNSCREEN is a must all year long. Use a day moisturizer with a spf 15 or higher and keep it with you. In winter a moisturizing sunscreens is your best friends. 

Taking HOT showers and baths:

Yes it is cold outside, and yes a nice scolding hot bath or shower might sound like the perfect way to relax. While your muscles may thank you profusely for the soak your skin wont. Long hot baths and showers can worsen dry skin. Try to limit your soak to ten minutes max, and use water a little cooler than normal. If your skin is still in need of moisturizing; an air humidifier in the bedroom can help offset the dry furnace air.