The Leoness is a bit of everything; fashion, fitness, food, facts, fiction, fright, fun, etc.

If you love anything I've posted or you have an effin rad lead- Please email me at: laleoness@gmail.com

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Drink: Starbucks Happy Hour(s).


The Coffee super giant, has been struggling with strategy formulations to help stores maintain a steady flow of traffic. It seems, and this will come as a shock, that the busiest time of day for any Starbucks venue is the morning shift: predominantly between 6am and 10am.

 Demand for coffee beverages will spike throughout the day, and often in response to social/community activities. (Yes the day after a societal celebration, coffee sales will increase.)  The afternoon and evening rush of Starbucks stores has never really steeped. For some strange reason, unknown to myself, customers don't typically like to drink coffee in the evening.

To fight evening lulls, and threats of after work beverage substitution Starbucks has been toying with the idea of wine and beer sales. By years end, Starbucks will have a wine and beer menu at a projected 25 stores in the US.


Starbucks piloted the project in Seattle WA, and Portland OR. The pricing strategy of the wine and beer is in consistency with coffee prices. A Starbucks beer starts at $5, and a wine at $7. Unfortunately for drink customizers, Starbucks will have a no-modification policy on alcoholic beverages. You will be able to order, a grande Pinot Noir; not a grande half pinot, half chardonnay, on ice blended.




Personally, I'm excited for the shenanigans of artistic drunks "working" at a Starbucks near me. Actual tormented writers will take to the bottle and complementary wi-fi as they penned newly minted memoirs. The artisan nachos, a fab compliment to the Broadway worthy and inspiring public meltdowns of the literary geniuses.


Look for new vino friendly Starbucks' coming to Chicago, Southern California, and Atlanta by summer; with east coast expansion planned for the fall.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Horoscope: Feb. 6th - Feb. 12th


Happy Monday! I love it when you can see the moon in the sky all day long. Today is one of those days. It's bright, big, and beautiful. Tomorrow is a full moon; and I suppose the howling has begun. My mom is a doctor, and she would always say that on a full moon the ER would be its busiest all month. I don't know much about the full moon superstition; but it's always fun to have a random excuse to blame fun on. So play, and enjoy, and check out your Georgia Nicols horoscope for the week. 

Aquarius:
Aquarius is the opposite sign of Leo. You are two ends of the same blank. Since every Full Moon is an opposition of the Sun and Moon, it follows that the Full Moon in Leo this week (the only one all year) is taking place directly opposite your sign. This is bound to create tension and potential conflict with partners and close friends. No way around it. Therefore, whatever happens in large measure will depend upon your tolerance, patience and ability to deal with the situation, no? Furthermore, friendship is very important to you. Obviously, an easy-going, friendly attitude will serve you well now. Don't be quick to take offense. Not even a tiny gate.

Pisces:
Health issues could become a concern this week. Yet, ironically, by the end of the week the same health issues might diminish or even disappear. This increase of intensity followed by a release of the problem might also apply to your situation at work. It is the natural rhythm of every Full Moon. Therefore, don't get your belly in a rash about anything this week because everything will likely be resolved by the end of the week. Be patient. Mars opposite your sign now tempts you to find fault with close friends and partners. This, however, will not disappear in a week. But it will certainly give you gumption and resolve!

Aries:
The Full Moon this week might agitate romantic relationships or social occasions. It could bring stress to sports events and relationships with children. Keep this in mind when you're enjoying entertaining diversions, the arts, musical performances, the theatre, sports or situations where you want to have fun. There will be a subtle challenge! Something will be ajar. Fortunately, Full Moon tension lasts for only 48 hours (approximately). Enjoy the company of others, but at all times be aware your patience and diplomacy might be tested. (Will Rogers said diplomacy is the art of saying "nice doggie" until you can find a rock.)

Taurus:
You are a Fixed Sign (don't worry, you can have kids) and the Full Moon in Leo this week is in a Fixed Sign, which means you'll feel the energy of this Full Moon more than other Full Moons. It's as if the brakes are on. People are rigid and unrelenting. You might face tough choices between the demands of career, family and your public life versus the demands of home, family and your personal life. You're torn in two directions. You can't keep everyone happy. Well, it's true, you can't keep everyone happy. Lincoln's saying about "fooling the people" applies to pleasing them as well: You can please all the people some of the time, and you can please some of the people all the time, but you can't please all the people all the time.

Gemini:
The energy of the Full Moon this week is accident prone for your sign, so be careful. Think before you speak and act, which includes driving, jogging and walking. Accidents don't have to occur but they will if you're emotionally distracted or upset. Therefore, be cool. And remember: It's hard to keep your shirt on if you have to get something off your chest. Speaking of which, did you know the sign Gemini rules the hands, arms, lungs and chest area? This is why many Gemini people are barrel chested and (considering the lungs) extremely talkative! Yada yada yada.

Cancer:
The Full Moon in this week will intensify areas of your life involved with money and cash flow. You might be more concerned than usual about how to earn money. Similarly, you might be more concerned than usual about how to divide money or deal with shared possessions or jointly-held property. You have to face someone head on even though their values are very different from your values. (Everyone thinks their own values are best. In fact, if you ask a roomful of people how many think they are good drivers, everyone will raise their hand!) It was ever thus. This Full Moon tension subsides by the end of the week.

Leo:
The only Full Moon in your sign all year takes place this week. (Break out the bubbly!) In truth, every Full Moon can create tension with partners and close friends for the person of that particular sign. This is because each Full Moon is an opposition of the Sun and Moon, which is an opposition of female and male energy. (And we know the e-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail.) So you cannot escape this. The tension will be there. But you can choose how to go with it. It's up to you. Let's face it - you are a regal, royal sign. This is an opportunity (if not a responsibility) to be generous and cut others some slack. Take the high road because anything less is beneath you.




Virgo:
The Full Moon this week is taking place in a secret, hidden part of your chart. (Twilight Zone riff here.) This is why you might feel unusual impulses being stirred up within you, because they are! Since this could be emotionally confusing for you, in turn it could create difficulties with co-workers or even your approach to a particular job you're doing. ("I'm melting! I'm melting!") Of course, you can cope with this beautifully. Just be aware that some kind of tension is triggering things in your subconscious, and this is why you're sucking your thumb on the bus on the way to work in the morning. (Not recommended.)

Libra:
The Full Moon this week is taking place in a secret, hidden part of your chart. (Twilight Zone riff here.) This is why you might feel unusual impulses being stirred up within you, because they are! Since this could be emotionally confusing for you, in turn it could create difficulties with co-workers or even your approach to a particular job you're doing. ("I'm melting! I'm melting!") Of course, you can cope with this beautifully. Just be aware that some kind of tension is triggering things in your subconscious, and this is why you're sucking your thumb on the bus on the way to work in the morning. (Not recommended.)

Scorpio:
Difficulties with friends, especially in group situations, might arise due to the tension caused by the Full Moon this week. Female acquaintances, again in group situations, might be your most challenging encounters. At another level, some kind of agitation could prompt you to change your goals for the future. You might think to yourself, "I can't do that," or alternatively, "I can do this!" (A major factor in achieving any goal is your headspace and your belief that you can do it, no question. How else can one explain the success of people like Paris Hilton who had to struggle for everything they got?) Romantic tension is also possible, plus parents might feel tension with kids. Everything is mellow by the end of the week.

Sagittarius:
Like Gemini (your opposite sign) you might find this particular Full Moon is an accident-prone time for you. You're eager to travel and enlighten others about your plans. You're busy with short trips. You've got places to go, things to do, people to see. All this activity plus busy errands accelerates your daily pace, but you love it. You're also focused on redecorating or tweaking your digs to make things look more attractive. (Home Sweet Home.) Therefore, don't be distracted by arguments with siblings, relatives and neighbours. Put a lid on things. You don't have time to argue with others. Furthermore, you need this like a fish needs a bicycle.

Capricorn:
Certain financial issues might come to a head this week. They could be related to your earnings, your job, something you own, or something you share with others like jointly-held property or the joint responsibility for someone or something. (This covers a lot of territory!) You see now that something has to be done, and you are the likely person to resolve things. Small wonder, considering your excellent organizational skills and endurance when it comes to hard work. ("Work! The bane of the drinking class.") After this Full Moon is finished, difficulties with taxes, debt, inheritances and shared property might be better resolved. (Yay! A light at the end of the tunnel that isn't a train.)

Sunday, February 5, 2012

EAT: Cheezy Guacamole and Bean Dip



So it is Superbowl. I personally am not the biggest football geek, but I do enjoy the hospitality of the game and the commercials. As a vegan/vegetarian is can be a challenge to find ridiculously tasty tailgate appetizers. Every one is munching on dips and you are typically left snacking on a sorry looking veggie platter. This dip is the vegan anti-veggie plate. It is a loaded bean dip; with avocados, non-dairy cheese, non-dairy  sour cream, and veggies. The dip is ridiculously easy to throw together. If you are watching the game at a friends house just cover the baking dish and take the dip to go. I made this for my dad and brother for  the Canadian version of the Super Bowl, "The Gray Cup," and they had no idea it was vegan.


 Guacamole and Bean Kicker Dip

1 (16 oz) can re-fried black beans
3 large avocados
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup vegan sour cream
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 small can mild green chilies drained
4 tomatoes chopped
1 chopped onion
1 cup chopped zucchini
2 cups vegan cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cilantro

Pre-heat the oven to 350 F

To start assembling you will  need  an 8' by 8' baking dish.  Spread the re-fried beans at the  bottom. Sprinkle the onions on top of the beans. 


In a mixing bowl mash the avocados with the lemon and lime juice, and then spread over top of the onions. Sprinkle with the zucchini. 

In a separate mixing bowl combine the sour cream with the taco seasoning. Then spread over the zucchini. I personally don't like olives...but if you do sprinkle the olives and the chili's on top of the sour cream layer. 

Add the chopped tomatoes, and cover with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes. 


Garnish with cilantro, and serve the dip with tortilla chips. 

-Enjoy!


Saturday, February 4, 2012

Wear: Jason Wu for Target


Jason Wu's, is a prodigy  new aged fashion designer. Wu, a Taiwanese American Fashion designer began is career at age 9. He learned to sew, by designing looks for dolls. Wu designed for Integrity Toys all through high school. In his senior year, Integrity Toys, named Wu their creative director. During Wu's senior year of high school he became more interested in high-fashion and made decided to become a fashion designer. Wu's designs are modern, sophisticated, fresh, and always ready to wear.





 Jason Wu's, Mischief collaboration for Target hits stores, and online, on Sunday. Wu's line will be available for shoppers from February 5th  2012,  in of course limited quantity, until March 6th 2012. 

The line is all Wu, showcasing his signature style of easy to wear elegance; at a discount. Wu's Line for Target is odd priced (to psychologically communicate value) the line ranges from: $19.99-$59.99.


Past designer collaborations for discount stores have opened with chaos. When,  Missoni for Target opened in September 2011 the demand from shoppers crashed the Target website. And the Versace collaboration sparked heated fist fights between shoppers at a Hong Kong store. Here's to hoping, for smooth shopping  at Target and Jason Wu, or to chance to finally break out the aerobic kick-boxing moves.



Friday, February 3, 2012

Teaser: Superbowl 2012 commercials

The Superbowl is an American Holiday. That truly can be enjoyed by multiple audiences. Sport fans get their plays, marketers get their commercials, and everyone else gets awesome entertainment in watching or partaking in the shenanigans. Personally, I don't care about football. What I do love, is the commercials. The coveted commercial breaks of the Superbowl are the royal court of advertisement air time. Companies dish out millions of dollars for the 30 second time slot. With so much prestige on the line, no ad agency or advertiser wants to play a shit-tay commercial with bad 80's inspired voice over. The super bowl is the chance for advertiser to give-er  hell, showing of their best ads. 

The honor of being a super bowl commercial is huge, and the recognition for the being the best is like a championship ring for the creative concept team. The high costs of air time, and the often lavish expenses to produce a "Super Bowl Sunday" worth ad has companies paying top dollars for award winning directors, and personalities. This year, companies are leaking their super bowl commercials early, just to start a buzz. 

Check out a few of the teaser ads: 

The Adorable, Mr. Quiggly, for Sketchers.


The beautiful, David Beckham, for H&M,


And, the reclusive, Ms. Brown, for M&M's.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Sweat: Exercise Detox!


I am really for February. January is always such a long and depressing month: the days are long, and the excitement of the new year fades with each past dated party invite. February, on the other hand is just a baby of a month where no subject is too taboo. I'm excited. For the month of February my friend and I are attempting a detox of sorts. One month of no alcohol, and no junk foods. One month, just to restart!

Exercise is an important component of any detoxification process. Aerobic exercises helps release toxins through the breath, and through perspiration. Aerobics are my guilty pleasure. I love the high energy. The Tracy Anderson Method combines an aerobic dance routine with a muscle toning routine to redesign the body. 

Dance Cardio, and Urban Rebounding are among the best exercises for body detoxification. Jumping on the mini tramp allows an exerciser to work out at a higher gravitational force witch helps to strengthen and rebuild muscle tissue.  While dance cardio requires an element of mental engagement to follow along.

Follow along, to this quick 15 minute Cardio and muscle toning routine!



Here are some detox benefits of urban rebounding and dance cardio:
  •  Strengthens the glandular system
  •  Helps to increase circulation and oxygen flow.
  •  Conditions and strengthens the heart which allows the resting heart to beat less often.
  •  It provides an extremely effective 'no impact' exercise
  •  It increases metabolism which assists the body in burning more calories.
  •  Increases the performance of both the heart and the circulatory system
  •  Stimulates the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system
  •  Enhances digestion, relaxation, sleep patterns, nerve impulses and muscle fiber








Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Beauty: Cat Eyes



Cat eyes are: a bold, sophisticated, and sexy look. That are stunning on all shapes and sizes of eyes. Many ladies, myself included, fear replicating the sassy look on themselves because they claim to lack the artistic intent required to pull off the look. Creating a bold yet beautiful cat eye is easy. A classic cat-eye is a perfect compliment to showoff your stunning complexion. Spring beauty is all about a bold yet natural look. Fresh made fierce. The trick with drawing cat eyes, is to be patient, and to work step by step.  

First you will want to prime your eyelids. A primer will just neutralize the color variation of the skin. A primer will also help keep eyeshadow and eye liner fresh longer.

Use a light neutral color to highlight the inner corner of your eye, and a darker neutral to lightly couture. Blend the colors together to maintain a very light and neutral eye. 

Once a base shadow is applied you can start working the cat-look. You will need a strong liner. I like to use a liquid liner, however liquid liners are unforgiving. Make-up artist; Shalaine Howell, recommends starting with a pencil, or a shadow liner. Find a thin angled brush and coat it with eye liner. Starting just above the pupil of your eye draw a line on an upward slant. Fan the line out about 1/4 inch.  



Once the line is winged out, you will need to bring the line back by drawing a little triangle to connect the lower eyelid and the upper eyelid. This is a trick to custom fit the cat look to your eye shape. Use a blending brush to help enhance or soften the look. You can play with the thickness of your eyeliner. 

For a more dramatic cat eye, line your inner eye lid after you have winged out your liner. You will want to line your inner eyes at different angle. Carefully using the slanted brush dust a fine line under your lashes. This will create an illusion of a larger and wider eye. 

If you need to mute the look gently blend in another layer of eyeshadow. 


Mascara is the ultimate icing for the feline look. You will want to curl your lashes. You can do this by bending your mascara wand to give it a curl. (Eyelash curlers, crimp the lashes which can accidentally cause the lashes to break.) When applying mascara start in the center of your eye and fan out the brush, being mindful to reach all of your lashes. If you mess up, weight for the mascara to dry  before rubbing it off to avoid smudging your makeup.

On your bottom lashes you will just want to separate the lashes and then lightly coat with mascara. 


And Voila, Your eyes look stunning!