Beauty: Retro Inspired Eyes

The major spring trends that are blooming throughout the collections of various designers is a pastel color palate that compliments a romantic and vintage inspired apparel. Although an edgy black grunge eye may be one of my favourite looks- it doesn't go so well with the softer colours and styles. This easy make-up trick, is a modern take on a vintage look.

This look is freakishly easy to do at home; and is great date-night, or party look. The look can be achieved in 5 minutes- making it an ideal make-up rescue look for busy life and after sweat beauty.  

I promise this look only looks complicated. I've made a quick little video to help you master the look!

Retro Eyes:

First, lightly prime the eyelid. For a bold look, paint on white or light pink eye paint. For a more neutral look just use a white eyeshadow.

Next, using a white eyeliner heavily line the inner rim of the eye. Then begin to trace a cat-eye with the white liner.

Then switch to black angled brush or eye-liner. You will want to make a cat-eye with the black liner, (for perfect cat eyes, click here). Remember, that eyeliner always looks best when in thickens on the outer edges of your eyes

Lightly line your bottom lid. Start with a faint brush stroke under the inside corner of you and fan the color out, to shadow the cat eye. 

  Now, using a dark neutral shadow and either a firm small eye brush or an angled brush draw another thin line in the crease of the eye-lid.

Blend the line in well, and connect the two upper eye lines with a "V" shape at the far wing of the cat eye.

Switch brushes, and blend the line a little more. I like to blend on a light pink shadow to neutralize the look. Depending on the "era" that inspires you play around with the bottom eyeliner.

-Voila! So pretty. 

The Cost of Honesty

I remember, not so fondly, the first time that I got in trouble for doing what I thought was right. I was eight, and at figure skating practice. Growing up in Banff, is surreal. The town is small; and there are only ever  50 kids per grade. Whenever a new kid moved to town, it was a big deal. In grade 3; a new girl moved to town who was an incredible figure skater. Michelle, the new girl had all the cutest skating outfits, warm-up sweaters, and the attention of the coaches. I thought she was so cool.

Some of the other girls grew dangerously envious of Michelle. One day at practice Christa Morrison was mocking Michelle to me. Christa made a stink about Michelle's cute sweater. A few minutes later Christa come back laughing like a maniac. She had gone into Michelle's stuff, and flushed Michelle's nice wrap sweater down the toilet. I was horrified. I immediately ran to the bathroom to try and save Michelle's sweater. I tried to dry out the sweater-I tried to make it right. I told the adults, I told Michelle, I told Christa. Yet somehow in my attempt to be honest and helpful I was served the blame.

Bloomberg Businessweek magazine featured an article on Dan Zwirn that reminded me of the lessons, and the  hight costs that can result of doing the right thing. Dan Zwirn was a financial wizard who by the age of 33 had amounted a small personal fortune of $700 million, and was managing a multi-billion dollar hedge fund. In the financial craze of the mid 2000s before the crash Zwirn's firm had been making purchases and expanding its market presence through the use and fee's of investor dollars. In 2005, when Zwirm began to problem spot some of the internal clogged gears he went directly to the SEC to self report the problems at his firm.

When Zwirn turned him self into the SEC, he was pegged as a criminal pleading guilty. Zwirm became a subject of investigation, that would precede for the next 7 years. Zwirm lost his fortune, his toys, and his hedge fund; but what Zwirm did not loose is his sense of self. Zwirm chose to report "creative" book keeping. He was reprimanded. He was fined. Yet at the end of the day Zwirm, can look himself in the eye and know he did he atoned for his mistakes in management.

Sometimes, doing the right thing is expensive. There may be trouble, and there may get blamed for a crime you didn't commit. I'm not angry for being cast the shame of ruining Michelle's sweater. Instead, I am proud of my 8-year-old self. I am proud of her because she tried to act in accordance to her morals. She did what she thought was right. At the end of the day, one has to be proud of oneself.  I don't care what other people say, and/or think about me. I care about how I see myself. I would rather like myself for living true to who I am, then to be so afraid of "hypothetical" consequences. On the windy trail of life it is easy to become distracted by shortcuts and lured by false promises. In the mist of hype a very real fall to earth will leave some bruises. The bruises will fade, and the fall will be remembered as a saving grace.

Horoscopes: March 5-11

Happy Monday! I had the most fantastic weekend: Relaxing, exciting, and full of discoveries. I went up to Mt.Spokane for a some fresh snow on Saturday and rode the backside of the mountain for my first time. I love Mt. Spokane. It is such a great little resort, and so close. Then on Sunday, I re-discovered Roost. A vintage market in Spokane. Roost features the collections of several vendors. I became enamored with Sidecar vintage apparel.

I wish you all a productive, and energetic week. I always love full moons, especially when the moon appears XL in the sky. Enjoy the beauty of the full moon, this week as energies amp up my goal is to just recognize the tensions and to try and breath through any discomfort. (As cheezy as that may sound.) With that being said, here are your Georgia Nicols horoscopes for March 5-11.
 

Pisces:

Once a year, the Full Moon is opposite your sign. This is what is happening this week. Naturally, this creates tension with partners and close friends. You are inclined to feel victimized when you're upset. (It's a Pisces thang.) Don't do this. We all have bummer Full Moons, c'est la vie. With Neptune now in your sign, your sensitivity to everything is heightened! (And you are highly sensitive to begin with.) Fortunately, siblings, relatives and neighbours are sweetly supportive. Go with what works and forget about what doesn't work. Be like Scarlett O'Hara, "I'll cry about that tomorrow." (Actually, laughter keeps everyone off guard; they wonder what you're up to.)

Aries:

You might feel tension with co-workers building up this week, due to the Full Moon. (You'll notice it Wednesday/Thursday.) Fortunately, you are hiding right now, as it were. And who can blame you, since Mercury is going retrograde in your sign! (Dontcha love it?) But lo! What is that clink of coin I hear? Opportunities to make money, or boost your earnings, or buy something beautiful for yourself or others, or lay the groundwork for getting a better job all exist for you this week. Yes! This makes sense because you are taking your powah. From this year forward, you are working towards a career peak around 2018. Remember this and wear deodorant when you go out. ("I'm so hot!")

Taurus:

Any of the difficulties you experience this week will likely manifest in areas related to romance, love affairs, vacations, the arts, the entertainment world, show business and the hospitality industry. (Oh no! All the fun stuff.) Difficulties with children will also be par for the course. Fortunately, Tauruses make the best parents in the zodiac (did you know this?). That's because Taurus parents know the first thing you do with kids is give them three square meals a day and a good bed to sleep in. The basics. Early in the week, you'll feel sweet and sympathetic with others. Kind of gosh, golly, gee about something. No doubt this will endear you to someone. Hey, don't knock it. Endearing is good.

Gemini:

Everyone notices you now because the Sun is still high in your chart. (Bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs especially notice you!) You might want to keep this in mind if you feel like acting out (the Full Moon will probably put you in a bind by pulling you in two directions, trying to please home and family as well as your career and your job). Oy! Not an easy trick to pull off. Something unusual in your family setting will take place late in the week. It could affect your home or a family member. It might even have something to do with your children. ("I've got the place childproofed but the kids still keep getting in!")

Cancer:

Because the Moon is your ruler, naturally you will feel the tension this week before Thursday's Full Moon. Do be careful because this particular Full Moon can attract accident-prone situations to you, especially walking, jogging and driving. Well, I would have to include speaking as well. That covers a pretty broad range, doesn't it? In other words, watch what you say and watch what you do. Nevertheless, despite these tensions, group activities will be rewarding for you. In fact, a platonic or casual friendship could heat up into something romantic. (Ooo la la.) Something from your past, probably related to bosses or authority figures, is starting to come your way. You might want to look extra-good.

Leo:

This Full Moon is going to bring financial pressure to your scene. (Why is there always so much month left at the end of the money?) You know that you spend big - what Leo doesn't? But the joke is, you can do an about-face so fast it can leave others slack-jawed; but you must be motivated. For example, you will save fantastically if you want to go on a vacation or want to buy something special. Again, you have to be motivated. You're not the type to save for a rainy day, but a great raincoat? Now, that's another thing! You'll be juggling bills and expenses related to others to hopefully dovetail with your own earnings. Ouch! Hey, join the club. We number millions. And we've got cool jackets!

Virgo:

The only Full Moon in your sign all year is taking place this week. Meanwhile, back in the ring, you've got your gloves on and you're ready for bear! (That's because Mars is in your sign now and for months ahead.) Connect the dots. This Full Moon will make you impatient with partners and close friends and vice versa

Libra:

Just accept the fact that the Full Moon on Thursday will create some tension (before and after), either to your health, your job or both. This might simply mean that you feel impatient with someone or disappointed with your own progress about something. Many of you are on a health kick right now. I can relate. After taking years to gain weight, I am disappointed if I don't lose a few pounds the first afternoon of dieting. (I mean, is there no justice?) Fortunately, romance is very sweet and sexual this week, and the assets and wealth of others can benefit you. Don't worry about this Full Moon too much. Just remember to cut others a lot of slack, which you like to do anyway.

Scorpio:

Tension with children, the arts, sports, show business, the entertainment world and hospitality industry are all strong possibilities because of the Full Moon that occurs this week. In fact, this tension might even manifest with children - namely, your kids! Obviously, your only recourse is patience, tolerance and a bit of understanding. (Ya think?) Who wants to exacerbate this problem? Far better to put out little fires before they become bigger ones. You might feel this tension with a friend or a member of a group as well. Fortunately, sweet (and romantic) support from partners and other friends will tide you over these rough spots. In fact, partnerships look excellent for you this year!

Sagittarius:

Your focus on home, family and your personal life continues. However, ironically, the Full Moon this week challenges everything at home. Difficulties with parents or authority figures, or demands from your home and career could be tough to juggle. In addition, relatives from the past are back in your life again. Do your best to avoid family squabbles. Social occasions, romance, sports and the arts are all sources of fun and pleasure. Continue to look for ways to improve your job (and your health) because they exist. (Of course, no amount of careful planning will ever replace dumb luck.)

Capricorn:

Take extra precautions this week. You might blurt out something you later regret, or you might do something regrettable. It's not because you've lost your good judgment; you're always aware of your place in society and what others think. This kind of accidental slip will simply be the Full Moon playing tricks on you. A sense of haste or agitation could make you flustered, which in turn could cause an accident. Therefore, chill out. If business from the past - especially with siblings and relatives - arises again, don't let it bother you. (Admittedly, it's hard to keep your shirt on when you want to get something off your chest.)

Aquarius:

You feel increasing concern about your finances. You want to take care of your own needs (naturally) but you also feel an obligation to address the needs of others or perhaps to repay something. (A Full Moon situation always makes you feel you can't do both.) Many of you are worried about debt right now. Take note: If you are looking for work or ways to boost your income, I suggest you return to previous ideas, old jobs and places where you applied before. In other words, retrace your steps. This way you'll be working with the energy of the pending Mercury retrograde and it will actually help you.

- Georgia Nicols

Eat: Pumpkin Pie Brownies

I'm taking a persuasion course right now, and the course focuses more on the innate and intuitive manipulations and observations of persuasive messages in action. Because, persuasion, is seen as a communication variable the course is classified as a speech class. As the class name would suggest speeches and presentations are a crucial component of the course. I gave my presentation just before the weekend on scarcity and its effects on persuasion. The question being, do we value what is scarce, or what has recently become scarce. Social Scientist, Stephen Ward, conducted an experiment to test the effects of scarcity on the desirability of an item. The test, being: "The Cookie Test."

Stephan Ward, had two test variables. The first being a cookie jar, jam packed with cookies, and the other being a cookie jar with only 2 cookies. In every situation, and with every participant the cookie jar with fewer cookies was considered more desirable. The scarce cookies were exactly the same, and had no proof of enhanced taste. Since my presentation, dealt with persuasive concepts and with cookies-I thought what would be a better way to "persuade" my class mates to pay attention to my presentation; then through the subtly bribery of freshly baked treats. 

I was inspired by a can of  Farmer's Market Organic canned pumpkin pie, and a recipe I found for Pumpkin Pie Brownies. I felt strangely inappropriate baking with pumpkin in March, sort of like wearing white after labour day. There is no law against pumpkin consumption and it is just so tasty. Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants and in  anti-inflammatory. The high levels of beta-carotene in pumpkin are great for health and skin health 

Vegan (GF) Pumpkin Pie Brownies:

Preheat the oven to 350 F

Brownie layer

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (melted)

1/2 can Farmer's Market "pumpkin pie"

3/4 cup sucanat or brown sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup non-dairy milk

1 tbsp vanilla

1/4 cocoa powder

1 tbsp arrowroot powder

1 cup spelt flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

In a small microwavable bowl, nuke the chocolate chips for a minute and a half, or until melted. Set aside.

In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, sugar, oil, milk, and the vanilla. Stir until well the coconut oil is well cut in and the mix is combined. 

Shift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and the salt. Then stir in the melted chocolate until smooth. 

Pumpkin Layer

The remaining 1/2 can Farmer's Market "pumpkin pie"

2 Tbsp arrowroot powder

1/2 cup non-dairy milk

1/4 cup molasses

1tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

Mix all the pumpkin layer ingredients together and stir until evenly combined.

In a lightly greased  9" square baking pan pour the brownie mix into the pan. Then with a spatula pour the pumpkin mix on top of the brownie mix. Try to really evenly spread out the pumpkin layer. 

Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the pumpkin layer looks firm. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool. 

Eat: warm and freshly baked, or chilled. Make sure to store these tasty treats in a refrigerator.

-Enjoy!

Style: Spring Fashion Flings

I love winter and almost everything about it. What I dislike most about winter is the long nights void of sun. February, is a lovely month because it is still very much winter. You can ski, you can bundle up, and you can begin to become excited about garden parties and fresh wardrobs. The Spring collections for 2012, are very much in line with falls biggest trends.  Loud, and vibrant prints are back in bloom for, as is the court of the animal kingdom. New to spring fashion, is color, lots of soft pastel color and romantic Gatsby era frocks. Spring 2012 is a wonderlust of prints, colors, patterns, textures, and shapes.  

Florals:

The trend is bolder, and much more colorful this spring. The flowers are more birds of paradise, and less carnations. 

(Alexander Wang,  Thakoon, Altuzarra)

Animals/Africa:

The animals in court are more flamingos and electric cobras than elephants and garter snakes.The look  is pattern and texture driven. With Bold accents.  

(Commuun, Giles, L.A.M.B)

Sports Wear: 

The Sportswear fetish has been revamped and understated with sorbet colors, color blocking, and fitted silhouettes.

(Bill Blass, Rag & Bone, Vera Wang)

Gatsby (1920's) elegance.

In a whimsical and princess fariy tale fashion the fringe and pillowy designs inspried by the 1920's will have you time traveling and relishing in joy as you dress up for an evening alone or out on the town. 

( Lam, The Row, Oscar De La Renta)

Color Blocking:

The colors this spring are more coral, and tangorine. The Shape is less rigid and more flexible allowing the trend to transpire into more sportswear, and era driven looks.

 (Ohne Titel, Victoria Beckham, J. Mendel)

Pastels:
Easter egg colors, are huge, and everywhere. Mint nails, lavender hair, robins egg blue clutches. The colors are soft, and complementary to the other spring trends. Especially with the 1920's era- elegance.

 (Marc Jacobs, Phillip Lim, Wes Gordon)

Spring 2012, in Short is a cauldron of textures. Infused with in willowy florals, safari animals, sporty men's  wear, colors, and eras. I personally am loving the no fear fashions! 

Drink: Soda Stream & Cherry Cola

I love carbonated water. I love the bubbles, the fizz, the guilty association. I love the treat. I love water dressed up. The one kitchen accessory that I can't live with out is my Soda Stream. I love it, and I probably would not be so nice if it were to vanish from my life. 

Diet soda or pop, is lower in calories because it uses artificial sweeteners. However, recent research has shown that artificial sweeteners, like aspartame and splenda, tease the taste buds and stir up a fierce sugar desire. The sweet craving can not be satisfied by the artificial flavouring; and the body goes looking for fix. the need to satisfy the sweet tooth often results in glutenous caloric consumption. 

With my soda stream, I am able to make all the sparkling water and soda I want. Free of artificial sweeteners and image conscience price tags.  I recently found a recipe for home made cherry soda; which I now keep a stock of.

Homemade Cherry Soda:

1L (4 cups) Dark Cherry Juice

2 vanilla beans

Sparkling Water, (made with your soda stream)

In a sauce pan bring the cherry juice to a boil, and then place in the vanilla beans. Reduce heat and let simmer for an hour (approximately 2 cups should evaporate). Transfer the mixture to a container, and let cool. 

In a glass, over ice, mix one part concentrate with 3 parts sparkling water, for home made cherry cola. The concentrate will keep in the fridge for a month. 

-enjoy!

Fit: Exercises to travel with

                     

I spend a fair amount of time in hotel rooms and on the go. The amenities at a given "destination" are never constant. There might be no gym; or there might be a janitorial closet with a single 1980's exercise bike, and a stretch mat; or there might  be a state of the art 24/7 fitness and health center. Due to the unpredictability of fitness accommodations, and my own compulsive need to fit in a workout, I have taken to transforming and manipulating the setting of my hotel room to become my own personal fitness oasis. 

Hotel rooms are often liberally decorated with lights and mirrors. These simple features are perfect for a personalized workout because the mirrors help you concentrate on proper alignment and technique. My fitness inspiration, Tracy Anderson always stresses the importance of alignment and technique; because an exercise done right will not only produce targeted results faster but will also help prevent injuries.

Hotel rooms are always equipped with exercise props in the form of a chair, water bottles, and pillows. Many hotels, now provide DVD players, free wifi, and concierge service. The concierge can direct you on a great run route, or help you find a near by yoga studio. While staying at the Surf And Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, I took full advantage of the resorts fitness center and concierge advice for my cardio, yet choose to do my strength and toning exercises in my room overlooking the ocean. It was fabulous- and oh so relaxing. 

Fitness is a lifestyle, not something you can pick-up or drop when ever you want. To see results, and to gain the benefits of a fitter life you need to work at least 15 minutes a day of physical activity into your life. This is an easy 20 minute low intenity workout, that targets the gluts and leg muscles.

The first part is a warm up and light cardio. You will not need any equipment.

The Second Part focuses in on toning the tush and leg muscles. You will need a chair for this routine.