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

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Beauty: Easy VaVaVoom Hair


Last week, I shared my new go-to trick for fabulous after sweat hair. This week, the trick, gets a little bit fresh, and vamps up your after gym hair even more. This trick, (courtesy of Stephanie Kocielski hair artist extraordinaire and  VP of education for Paul Mitchell Systems), will blow your flimsy flat hair off and away to Neverland.

 You will need to start with some Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Lemon Sage Spray, a comb, and a blow dryer. Follow the Steps for sweat proof hair: After your workout/ rendezvous, spritz some of the lemon sage spray into your hair. Then flip your head upside down and comb out the tangles. Once you are satisfactory de-tangled, and some heat and blow dry. 

The Tea Tree Spray is crucial for achieving this look. The spray sucks up all the excess oil from your scalp and strands, which makes your hair look and feel shower clean. Big Bodied hair, always looks best  when fresh. 

For Exxxtra Body, a la Celeb Steeze, put your tea-tree-ed hair back up in:

A.) A super high pony tale. (If you have long hair)

B.) High Pigtails, (if you have long medium hair, or what exxxtra body)

C.) In sections (if you have medium length hair)


Take a large curling iron, and set the tail in sections. 



Clip each curl with a bobbie pin, and let cool. While you get dressed and dolled up. 


Take the pins out,  gently toss your hair, and enjoy the feeling of Dulce Glam!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

SEXXX: Vegan Aphrodisiacs






 Nothing says, "I Love You," like a good old fashioned primal response. Forget the roses, and think Oh. These vegan approved aphrodisiacs not only taste great but will help motivate you to make the move. Happy Valentines Day!


Dark Chocolate:
Is there a valentines day, or industry with out chocolate? Of course not. Chocolate is a Valentines day staple (along with wine) because of its "lovely" qualities. Chocolate contains anandaminde: a psychoactive feel-good chemical, and phenylethylamine: a chemical that encourages the feeling of excitement by its release of dopamine to the pleasure seeking brain. The Cacao of the chocolate also contains tryptophan which is an essential ingredient in the production of serotonin, (the happy chemical).


Aniseed and Licorice:
Aniseed a sweet licorice flavored spice, and licorice root of which both make the flavour of licorice. These sweet flavours are rumored to help increase female sexual desires.




Celery:
The net negative caloric vegetable contains androsterone, and adrostenol. Two properties that insist in arousal.


Chili Peppers:
Chilie Peppers are loaded with capsaicin, a heat producing oil, which naturally stimulates circulation and endorphins. When you munch on a hot pepper, you immediately fell a rush of something...adrenelaline, sweat, increased heart rate, etc. The physical responses you may have to eating chilies mimics those you may fell when falling head over heels.


Cinnamon:
Cinnamon, like the capsaicin in chili peppers helps "warm up" the body. Cinnamon is also an anti inflammatory which helps neutralize blood sugar, and flatten problem areas.


Asparagus:
Asparagus has been praised as an aphrodisiac since th3 1600's. Asparagus is full of potassium and folic acid. Folic acid increases the production of histamine. A necessary component for both sexes to climax.

Basil:
 Basil, a member of the mint family, helps promote circulation of juices through out the body and "nether" areas. Basil, by increasing private circulation is believed to stimulate the sex drive.


Bananas:
 The sensually shaped fruit is regarded as a symbol of fertility in Hindu cultures. The sturdy shaped fruit is chock full of potassium and B vitamins, which help produce xxx hormones. Bananas also contain the male libido enhancing bromelain enzyme.




Red Wine:
Just a glass of the grape juice can help increase the body's blow flow; allowing you to better relax. Watch how much you drink though to much red wine will inhibit performance.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Horoscopes: Feb 13- Feb 19


Happy Monday, and Valentines week! I hope you all had a great weekend. I certainly did. My month has been busy, and is only getting busier. No complaints here though, I love it. I had a great weekend skiing Red Mountain in Rossland BC. The mountain is incredible: the terrain unbelievable, and the snow plentiful. Next weekend I trade in snow for sun as I head to Orange County. 

If anyone has any suggestions for things I should do or  see while down in Laguna Beach please let me know. I hope you are all keeping busy....(and get madly spoiled this week!) Here are your Georgia Nicols weekly horoscope for February 13- 19. 


Aquarius: 

"Show me the money!" You might be more concerned with cash flow, earnings, and scaring up money to cover your bills in the next six weeks. This doesn't mean there's a lack of it, although isn't that almost always the case? But it does mean you're more focused on how you earn your money and what you do with it. You're also giving a lot of thought to major purchases and what you want to do with something you already own. In other words, you're trying to be more powerful and influential in your own life by how you handle your resources. Great. Nothing wrong with that. Do take note: Many of you can make money from writing, talking and selling in the month ahead. Yada yada yada.

Pisces: 
The Sun, Mercury and Neptune are all in Pisces. This certainly empowers you for the next month and gives you an opportunity to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Inexplicably, auspicious circumstances and important people will be attracted to you. Naturally, this is your chance to use these situations to your advantage. Make the most of it. Many of you will also have a chance to make some fun purchases in the next several weeks. Expect to buy precious goodies for yourself and loved ones. You're learning how to handle your impatience with partners and close friends, and what a maturing experience it is! (Frankly, I'm impressed.)
Aries:

With fair Venus in your sign, you feel social! You want to schmooze, circulate and charm others. (And you must do this!) Incidentally, this is also an excellent time to shop for wardrobe goodies because you like what you see in the mirror. You'll be delighted with discovered treasures. However, both Mercury and the Sun are "hiding" in your chart right now, which indicates you need time alone to ponder your future. Therefore, work alone or behind the scenes whenever possible so that you can think about what you want "your" new year (a mere month away) to embrace. It's all up to you!
Taurus:  

The next six weeks might be one of the most popular times of the year for you. Accept all invitations. Enjoy the company of others. Join clubs, groups and associations. Meet people for coffee, lunch and dinner because not only will you enjoy lively conversation and the stimulation of others, you'll find that you're eager to share your dreams for the future. By all means, don't hesitate to do this. Talk to others about your goals and wishes because their feedback will help you. They might make a suggestion, or offer an introduction, or put a new spin on things for you. Who knows?

Gemini: 
This is the only time all year when the Sun is slowly moving across the top of your chart acting like a spotlight on you. Naturally, this thrusts you into the limelight, especially in the eyes of bosses, parents, teachers, VIPs and the police. (Authority figures all!) The good news is this fabulous lighting makes you look unbelievably competent and capable to them. (Don't do or say anything to enlighten them otherwise.) Just accept this great PR and run with it. Ask for what you want. Accept increased responsibilities that might come your way. Since everyone thinks you're the cat's meow, milk this! Meanwhile, friendships are very warm now, especially with creative, artistic types.

Cancer:  

It appears some of you will develop crushes on bosses or explore love affairs with someone who is older, richer, wiser or more worldly. ("I love it when you talk technical!") This same planetary alignment could mean people in authority will ask for your creative input on things. Perhaps they want your help in furniture arrangement, layout, design, landscaping, book design - could be anything. Definitely be open to this! Your major thrust in the month ahead, however, is a desire to travel and explore new places and see new faces. You want to get outta Dodge! You want adventure and, hopefully, you want to be able to learn something new and exciting as well. Romance with someone from another country or a different culture could begin. Ole!

Leo: 

You might be surprised at how passionately you feel about practically everything in the next six weeks. It's as if your world is suddenly black-and-white and intensely so! One can see the obvious advantage if you're in a sexually passionate relationship. (Go big or go home!) However, others might feel the same degree of passion dealing with issues about shared property, inheritances, dealing with other people's values, or approaching how to share responsibilities for someone or something. In the month ahead, because your appreciation of beauty is heightened, visit places that are like eye candy: pristine nature, gorgeous parks, art galleries, museums and wonderful architectural buildings. Drink it all in!

Virgo: 

During the next month, the Sun will be as far away from your sign as it gets all year and, as the Sun is your source of energy, you will feel depleted and much more tired than usual. Admittedly, fiery Mars is in your sign giving you an energy blast. Nevertheless, you will need more sleep. Respect your need for this. (But not on the job. People frown on sleeping employees. Always have, always will.) Romance will be unusually affectionate and sweet for many of you. This is also a time when you can expect gifts, goodies and favours from others to come your way. There's an old saying, "A small gift is better than a great promise." (Works for me.)

Libra: 
Everyone knows how much you love to schmooze but I suspect fewer know how hard you work when motivated. (And Toots, in the next six weeks, you're motivated!) Not only are you busy at work, you're also busy with behind-the-scenes activities (which might include tweaking your digs because this is something you always like to do). Your ambiance matters to you. Many of you will also be more hands-on with whatever work you're doing. (It is what it is.) Along with all this, many of you are on a health kick as well! You're turning over a new leaf with more exercise and a healthier approach to eating. You can't kid yourself anymore that a balanced diet is a hotdog in each hand.
Scorpio:
  Lucky you! The next six weeks are going to be all about parties, play time, vacations, fun diversions, the arts, movies, sports events and joyful times with children. Naturally, you will have someone charming to share all this with because the same planetary configurations that trigger these fun times will also trigger opportunities for romance, love affairs and a boost to your love life! Yay! (Mom always liked you best.) Work-related romances are very strong possibilities now. Even warm friendships that are work related might begin now. Co-workers are supportive. In turn, you're happy to give your creative input on the job as well. (It's all so lovey-dovey, it's pathetic.)
Sagittarius:
Home, family and your private life will be your primary concern during the next six weeks. Family events will be important, and discussions with a parent could be significant. Many of you will tackle home repairs or have big family discussions about what should happen in the future. Don't worry because there's lots of time for play. Despite this emphasis on home, this is also a fabulous time for a vacation, and an equally fabulous time for love affairs, romance and exploring your creative expression in the arts. Continue to look for ways to improve your job because they exist. Many of you can get a better job this year!
Capricorn:

This week you will notice that the pace of your days is accelerating. This speedy tempo will continue for almost six weeks, so get used to it. Short trips, errands, increased time spent with siblings and neighbours plus conversations with everyone on top of increased reading and writing are just some of the reasons you're flying around with an outboard motor on your ass. Fear not. You can handle it all! Others are impressed with your organizational skills, as well as your keen efforts to entertain at home and continue redecorating where you live! And on top of all of this, travel opportunities continue to come your way! (Gasp.) "Step aside. A lot of men didn't and a lot of men died."

Sunday, February 12, 2012

EAT: Cucumber Dill Salad

This Salad, is one of my all time favourite eats. It is light, tangy, and refreshing. It is a cleansing salad, with flavour.


Cucumbers, like watermelon are 95% water; so they help keep the body hydrated and temperate. Cucumbers are one of the best foods for helping the body flush out toxins. Cucumbers are rich in both potassium and magnesium. Studies on the vegetable have been shown to suggest that eating cucumbers can help lower blood pressure, and hypertension.


Salad: 
5 cucumbers peeled and thinly sliced
1 red onion, diced
2 cups of spinach 
2 bunches chopped dill

In a large salad bowl combine the cucumbers. onion, spinach, and dill.


Dressing: 
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp sea salt
5 cloves of garlic; peeled/minced

In a high speed blender, or by hand combine the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. 

Fold the dressing into the salad, and mix well.

Enjoy! 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Read: Rules of Civility


In a world before Gossip Girl, the allure and secrecy of the Upper East Side of Manhattan was just as intoxicating. Rules of Civility is a novel written by Amor Towles that follows Katey Kontent the daughter of Russian immigrants as she climbs the hypothetical and very real steps of New York society.

Rules of Civility, begins new years 1937. Where Katey and her boardinghouse room-mate are lounging at a dive jazz bar stretching their $3 as far as possible, when  smouldering sexy, and sophisticate young banker, Tinker Grey, joins in on their new years celebration.


Infatuated with the lifestyle and the characters of New York Society; and life changing circumstances, Katey leaves her secretarial pool and begins her journey of navigating through the foux, fake, and real. Where her desire to believe the presentations, isolates her from the truth of the circumstances.


Rules of Civility, is a reflection of time and place. It is a collection of memories that in turn make a person. The poise secured by wealth, is nothing but a facade; and the dream of importance's is over shadowed by insecurities. Rules of Civility is titled after the rules George Washington described as decent behaviour.


Amor Towles; debut novel, is reads as easily as a dirty martini. Rules of Civility, transported me to a different place and time, so well described I could smell the fresh leather of the chauffeured Bentley. Towles writes with rich language that is embelished by his wit and wisdom. The cast of characters that Towles introduces are all lovable despite their flaws. After all, one can only climb with the help of others. It is the commitment to self truths that allows for grace and success to flow, regardless of the setting.




I highly recommend reading "Rules of Civility," A drama-rich read loaded with scandal.

Friday, February 10, 2012

LSTN: Lana Del Rey


I'm loving the new album by Lana Del Rey. It's funky, edgy, and poppy. Del Rey has been described as a "self-styled gangster steezed Nancy Sinatra."

Del Rey's voice, is deep and textured and her lyrics are written in a modern classical prose style. The album is diverse; complete with jazzy up beat tunes and with intimate ballads. I love it.

Elizabeth Grant, AKA, Lana Del Rey crafted her stage for purpose and aninimity. The name is inspired by the glamour and destruction found at the seaside. Del Rey wanted a name that she could use as tool to shape her music.

Lana Del Rey signed with Interscope records, and Polydor in October 2011. Around the same time she released her debut single, "Video Games," online. The response to the song was overwhelming. Lana Del Rey's album, "Born to Die," is incredible. I have it on repeat constantly...and it makes a great TAM mat workout soundtrack.
Check out the Video for, "Video Games."

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Tone: Heart Shaped Tush For Valentine's.

St. Valentine, was a martyred saint. The legend goes, that St. Valentine suffered a tragic death after a forbidden love affair. His heart was put on display, as a sacrifice and caution to the villagers. One of the more believed reasons explaining why a heart is the symbol of valentines day. 


The modern, graphic of a heart, bears no resemblance to that of a functioning living heart, (or St. Valentine's heart).  The commercialized graphic is a symbol that was inspired by the shape of a woman's derriere. With the tail of the heart, being a woman's lean and shapely legs. A toned tush, is beautiful and this workout will help tone your tush to heart perfection by Valentines Day.



I'm on day nine of my "cleanse," and I'm finding my energy a little lower than usual. I'm following the Tracy Anderson Method Diet, and the recipes are easy and tasty.  This workout is not demanding however it will kill your a$$. For best results make sure you stay focused on your cardio, and change up your play list. 


Happy Valentine's Day, prep everyone!