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

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Party Shoes, and new invites

I am of the belief that one can never have to many shoes. I love shoes; and one day aspire to have a "Ferris Wheel of Heels" in my yet to be designed glorious walk in closet. I don't discriminate against shoes. I love them all. I love me heels, my boots, my flats, and my runners.

I'm pretty sure that my love for heels is unrequited, and somewhat abusive. I love them; yet they constantly torture my poor feet, and always end up making a scene. Considering it is party season, my heels have been a little more out going than usual, and my feet are passively resisting the inevitable of going out in high heels. I have been looking for a pair of convertible flats for a while, at first I tried the Dr. Sheol's and was disappointed by how flimsy and ugly the shoes were. 


I'm sorry Dr. Sheol's, but I am at a party, rocking a party dress. I don't really want to wreck the look with your flimsy, might as well be wearing sandals in the snow type shoes. After my disasters evening with Dr. Sheol's I gave up and mocked the ludicrous promises of convertible shoes. That is until I discovered Tieks. 

Tieks, are a designer ballet flat reinvented. Tieks by Gavrieli, are innovative and stylish, the shoes have taken the split sole design made popular by convertible shoes and have applied it to a more stylish and sturdy shoe. Tieks are being marketing as: " Designer Flats, that you can fit in your purse and wear all day, every day." 
...And that is exactly what they are. I am so thrilled with my teaks; the company, and of course the little blue box they came in. 

Friday, December 16, 2011

Dear Mr. Mailman

Send me a card, 
No send me a purse. Yes that's more desired. 
You can send it by mail, no envelope required. 
Just address to me, and I will thank you profusely when it comes. 
You don't need to worry, 
The purse is secure- It seals effortless with a click.
The postal system is magnificant. 
Really, you shouldn't be concerned.
Send me a letter, so beautiffuly addressed in an oversized Foley & Corinna clutch


- Love this bag! 


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Cardio Toned.


Toning Balls help increase the intensity of any workout. The weighted ball helps to tone the body by safely adding resistance. Toning balls are great for targeting problem areas, and are safe to use; especially  for those with injuries. I like to use a small weighted toning ball (max 3lbs). Toning Balls are in expensive and easy to find. I got mine at Target for $10.   

When you ad resistance to a cardio workout, your body is forced to concentrate on the slower toning movements, as opposed to just wandering in the happy cardio thoughts. I day dream all the time during cardio.  Adding resistance to my cardio helps me, to stay present and receive the most benefits of my cardio workout.

I've been incorporating a small toning ball into my tramp workouts, and have been enjoying the shift in focus. This routine: is a low impact workout that require focus. 




If you are considering getting a rebounder, or just want to try it out. My fitness Idol, Tracy Anderson, had just added rebounders to her online store. They are selling for $70 dollars, which is a fair introductory price (and allot cheaper that a treadmill). 

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Perfect gift...

How do you buy a gift for the person who seems to have everything, the oh-so picky friend, or the in laws that you don't know to well?


You think simple and functional; like a nice wine opener or bottle stopper. A small appliance that is easy to use, and can help with holiday entertaining. This gift idea is especially appreciated by the party hosts.



You avoid brightly colored and overly patterned gifts; aim for functionality over trend. Look for an item with clean lines.

You aim high, impress your gift recipients with a present that looks more expensive than it is. Like a carved rock candle holder or glass blown crushed wine bottle cheese plate. The functionality of the gift is high, and the design is unique enough to showcase your personal style without being loud.

You downsize the quantity of your gift and upscale the personal quality of the present. Make each gift unique. I love thrift stores and vintage shops because I can often find unique,"one of a kind" presents for all of my friends and family.





And if I'm playing my "social cards" right, I will be able to refresh my party notes to pick up a gift that is perfect. Like a fancy tea-cup candle for tea lover, or a personalized travel mug with hand warmers for the winter enthusiast.


Gifting is easy, if you take notes, and think simple. 
Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Marketing the Stereotype

So much of the marketing focus; is creating a campaign that appeals to a targeted audience. The consumer decision making process follows a stereotypical problem recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision, and post purchase evaluation.


Marketing is a guesstimating science that attempts to play to the specific "interests" of a target audience.

In short; although marketers will cringe at my definition, marketing is the series of actions a company strategically research and execute to best reach the ideal target market. Marketing is a process that centralizes the concepts of assumptions, stereotypes, and an inherent desire for both consumers and the company to be realized as an ideal version of oneself. I love marketing, I love the ability to craft messages unique for a particular audience. I am interested in the social science, of being able to profile an audience.

Stereotypes are generalizations about the typical characteristics of a person or  a group based on their appearance, place of origin, education, and or employment. Stereotypes are how we innately classify and catalogue our surroundings.

For example; I have believe that California is always sunny and a perfect 80 degrees.


As a Canadian I find this commercial hilarious, as it plays of the stereotype of Canadian weather. 

Stereotypes have been villainized as a judgmental categorical internal physche library Dewey Decimal system. We are warned about the dangers of stereotyping in grade school. Crafting conclusions based on stereotypes is a flawed and societal dangerous process. Especially if the stereotypes play to a negative image.


Ironically, on the positive, when a marketer plays to affect a desired psychosocial consequence the campaign will be crafted to play to an idealized stereotype. As a consumers, we are comfortable with stereotypes that portray a lifestyle we aspire to achieve. The use of celebrity endorsement and geographic marketing techniques have been successful because they play to an inherit wish for personal recognition, while poking fun at the present short comings.

Marketing is subjective, and will always be victim of criticism and false advertisements. As consumers, I believe that we demand and find comfort in the embellished stereotypes. As consumers we like stereotypes, until they push to far and offend a very real insecurity with in us.    

Monday, December 12, 2011

Weekly Horoscope: Dec 12-18


EEKKKs, I can not believe that it is already December 12th. Only 13 shopping days left to Christmas and I am so not ready! I hope that you are all a little more prepared for the Holidays than I am. Here is your weekly Gorgia Nicols horoscope for December 12-18th. 



Sagittarius:
In many ways, you're sitting pretty because for months ahead, fiery Mars will ignite and arouse your ambition as never before. It will be like a rocket going after what you want. Naturally, this can be used to your advantage! You're willing to work hard to promote your good name and reputation. However, independence is the keyword. You want to work on your own and you want to do your own thing. This could threaten bosses, parents and employers. (Ya think?) It might also get you in trouble with co-workers. Think of it as energy at your disposal. Use it to get things done, but don't be too competitive with others. And always tell the truth unless you're an exceedingly good liar.
Capricorn:
t's a given that in the next seven-to-eight months you're going to want to travel more than ever before in your life. So why not book a trip somewhere? It's called going with the flow. You will love a change of scenery! You're eager for adventure and hungry to learn something new, especially about other cultures and foreign countries. Others are just as eager to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, higher education and anything to do with medicine or the law. It's wonderful that thrilling opportunities await you in these areas because you now have the guts to pursue them! Just don't get sidetracked in conflicts about politics, religion or racial issues. Save your breath.

Aquarius:
Well, it's all taking place in the boudoir for you (actually, it can take place anywhere but preferably with the curtains closed). You are really sexually turned on and you're going to stay this way for months! (Of course there's more to life than sex. There's lawn bowling.) Since this focus of Mars is really a manifestation of energy in a certain part of your chart, do be careful because this same sexy energy can also manifest as disputes about shared property, inheritances, taxes, debt or anything you own jointly with others. You will also want to transform relationships - and partners - for the better. Tread carefully here. Mars is hitting their chart somewhere, too!

Pisces:
Mars opposite your sign for months can definitely produce tension with others, especially partners and close friends. (Gulp.) Be aware of this and do whatever you can to avoid conflicts because this strife will only make everyone miserable, including you. The upside is that this does give you the courage to put your cards on the table and express your grievances. But don't overdo it. Do not make a mountain out of a mole hill. Far better to be open to compromise, warm hugs and soft words. Or why not play bureaucracy? Everyone stands in a circle and the first one to do anything loses.
Aries:
It's not easy to be a team player right now. You feel competitive, independent and you want credit for whatever you do. You're certainly no slacker! You'll give 110 per cent to everything now and for months to come. You have lots of energy to work but - "I'll do it My Waaaaay." Ideally, you should find a way to work for yourself. And if you can't do that, then find a way to make your success the success of others. This same gung-ho energy applies to your desire to improve your health. You're very keen to do this! Start by swivelling your wrist every time you hold a drinking glass. Two to the left, two to the right. (Now look at all those bubbles!)

Taurus:
The part of your chart that is energized by Mars controls love affairs and romance. Yahoo! This is why you want to play the leading role in your own movie. Certainly, Mars will boost your sex drive, no question. But it will also energize your desire for self-expression in any form. Therefore, look for ways to express your creativity: drawing, dancing, singing, writing or whatever you like. You'll also enjoy sports and playful activities with children. In addition, show business, the entertainment world, and the hospitality industry will please you! Give yourself many chances to do these things. Now for the warning: Guard against fighting in sports. Be patient with your kids. Easy does it.

Gemini:
All this pumped energy of Mars is happening at home and within your family sphere. Its negative expression will be domestic strife and conflict. You'll be fighting with family members. (You know who you are.) Take a deep breath. Back off and create some space between you and others. Enough with this negative expression of energy because it only makes you (and everyone else) miserable. Its positive expression would be to use this energy in a constructive way by improving where you live. You might tackle renovations or do major cleanups or something like that. Since this energy is at your disposal, why not make the best use of it? Wouldn't that be smart and to your advantage?

Cancer:
Now and for months to come, your communications with others will be highly energized! You'll be bold and straightforward. You'll say what you mean and mean what you say. You'll be clear with others and state your intentions. This will definitely help you write, teach, act, sell, market or persuade people. The downside is obvious. Since you're so assertive, you could get in trouble, especially with siblings, relatives and neighbours. They might not be impressed with your new style! (Of course, you can't go back to the way you were when you were younger - you were shorter then and you weighed less.) Be happy with the new you.
Leo:
You're becoming obsessed with money. You're checking accounts and visiting your Treasure Room daily to count your gold. You're wondering how to earn more money, and make your money last into the future. How can you can feel secure about your finances so you can live happily forever after? And hey, we haven't even got to the part about how you want to spend your money! And while this is going on, you're also looking around you and beginning to appreciate your home and your belongings and everything you have. How curious! And at a deeper level, you wonder about life. What really matters? How should you best use the time left to you?

Virgo:
Look out world! For the first time in your life, fiery Mars is in your sign for months. You are so pumped! Not only will you be energized, it's almost as if the energy goes beyond you and energizes your whole life! Everything around you is busier! You've got things to do, places to go, people to see. It's fine with you as long as you're free to do what you want. (Aye, there's the rub.) This means people should not boss you around! Well, dream on. This is the real world. Sit up and be a person. Use this physical energy to do work that is meaningful. But resist the Diva thang. This energy can be very positive in your life or it could create problems with others. Your choice.
Libra:
This is a most curious time for you and will continue to be this way for months ahead because deep unconscious urges and ideas are bubbling to the surface now. This stuff surprises even you! Past behaviour patterns, old fears and insecurities and worries might haunt you. (What's with this?) Literally, your unconscious thoughts are surfacing! Now, here is the eye-opener: Why are these thoughts and urges hidden in your subconscious? It must be that you're denying their existence and their validity. In turn, this means you have to face aspects about yourself you would rather deny. But hey, we all do this. We all have these aspects. (I've been keeping mine in a shoebox under my bed for years.)
Scorpio:
You are going to have to use every ounce of diplomacy and charm to maintain good relationships with friends and acquaintances in group situations. (I am sure you know whereof I speak.) It's so easy to lose it with others right now. Basically, you might feel resentful. And this resentment will find a way of slipping out the side of your mouth. Not good for public relations. Instead, use this increased energy for physical activity with others. Sports and athletics will be fun! (And competitive!) You can also work with others and accomplish an enormous amount. Until next summer, this is the perfect time for you to formulate long-term goals and figure out how to pursue them. (If your bread is stale, make toast.)

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Vegan Onion Rings



  Onions, are amazing. They are a stable in many ingredients and have been used by native Americans and ancient Chinese for centuries as a medicine. Onions are known to decrease bronchial congestion and spasms. Onions are a rich source of fructo-oilgosaccharides, which stimulate the growth of healthy bacteria needed to fight of infections.On a cardiovascular scale, the high flavoured content of onions protect against cardiovascular disease by decreasing internal inflammation and lowering blood pressure. Onions are amazing, and my personal favorite way to eat em is as onion rings.



1 large white or yellow onion
2 tablespoons soy creamer
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 cup corn meal
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon agave syrup
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup soda water
1 cup plank bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 450 F, and gently spray a cooking sheet with oil. 

Slice the onion into half inch slices, and carefully separate into rings. In a large tuber ware container place the onion slices and add the soy creamer. Shake like crazy to cover the onions with the cream. Then gently remove the onions from the container and place aside. 

In the same container add the cornmeal, nutritional yeast, onion powder and mix together. 

In a separate bowl add together the vinegar, agave syrup, 1 tbsp oil, and half of the soda water. Add the dry mix to the wets mix and stir. The batter should be thin, and somewhat the consistency of pancake batter. Add more soda water as you see needed.

In another small bowl add the bread crumbs and 1 tbsp oil. Stir well. 


Carefully dip each onion ring into the batter, and then into the crumbs before placing on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. 

Enjoy!