horoscopes: April 16- April 22

Happy Monday, Ya'll! I've been soaking up some sun in South Carolina for the past few days. The beach is beautiful. I love watching the water roll in and out with the tide. The ocean is hypnotic; so much so that I don't feel myself burning to a crisp. The sun-rays have left beautiful marks on my back; oh tan lines! 

As I recover from my zebra strips, the words of wisdom from Gergia Nicols will penetrate my thoughts reminding me that tan lines are not the end of the world. 

Aries:

In the month ahead, you'll be focused on money, earnings and cash flow. You'll think about how to boost your earnings, get a better job or make money on the side. Plus, you might make a major purchase. (Heavy focus on money!) You'll also be concerned with possessions and the things you own. Specifically, you'll want to feel that what you own helps you in your life, not hinders you. (In other words, do you own your stuff or does it own you?) Naturally, if you do buy something, you'll want to show it off! And at the most subtle level, the month ahead will prompt you to think more deeply about your value system: What really matters in life? Hmmm.

Taurus:

This week the Sun returns to your sign for the first time in a year, which means it's all about you and it's your chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. Take note: While this is a good thing, it can make you a tad overbearing when dealing with others. Nevertheless, it's totally appropriate in the month ahead to be self-centred and concerned with yourself. It's not selfishness. It simply means it's time to focus on you. Furthermore, you have a strong need to express yourself to others and this is valid. It's one time of year when your first duty is yourself. (Yes, you can have seconds on dessert.)

Gemini:

Observe your behaviour in the next month to identify self-defeating acts. We all send out two signals to the world: one is what we consciously say and do and the other one is what unconsciously propels us. Although we might not be aware of it, others see both. (Yikes!) But in the month ahead, your unconscious self can really grab you by the throat. Childhood behaviour patterns that are no longer appropriate might manifest in an embarrassing way. Grab this chance to identify them and let them go! ("Be gone!") Because your personal year is ending, the next four-to-six weeks is a good time to look back and see how well you're doing at the art of living.

Cancer:

Many of you love to garden, which is why the pastoral influence of the Taurus Sun excites you. This excitement translates into energy in your personality, which is why you're going to be much more popular during the next six weeks. Not only will you enjoy involvement with groups and friends, others will love to see you as well. Get out and schmooze! Team efforts will be productive. (In fact, it's a good time to form working relationships.) Speak freely about your hopes and dreams for the future because others might be able to help you (almost a certainty). Plus you're excited about your ideals.

Leo:

The Sun is now slowly moving across the top of your chart acting like a spotlight and drawing attention to you, especially from bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. And this lighting is flattering! Everyone think you're hot! Naturally, you can use this to your advantage. Go after what you want. Make your pitch. Demand the advantage. You'll be surprised how easily doors will open for you. This is also the perfect time to think about your life direction in general. Where are you headed? Where do you want to go? Meanwhile, back at the ranch, many of you are involved with parents more than usual. (My parents turned out pretty well.)

Virgo:

Mars in your sign is moving forward again, so you're charged up and raring to go! In part, this is why you're so keen to grab more of life in the next six weeks. You want to travel, see new places, meet new faces and learn new facts. You want adventure, fresh knowledge and the feeling that life is stimulating! You're Gene Kelly strutting across the stage singing "Got-ta dance!" This is a fabulous time to take a course or enroll in any kind of study or take up a new hobby. By all means, travel anywhere if you can! You'll love discussions that are metaphysical, philosophical, spiritual, religious and political because you're drawn to big ideas.

Libra:

Your love of restaurants, social fun, chic clothes and a beautiful home is tough on your pocketbook. ("Laugh now, pay later" can land you in debt.) Because you've enjoyed recent travels and splurges, now your financial reality is coming home to roost. This is why you'll be focused on debt, taxes, inheritances, insurance matters and shared property in the next month. You want to reduce your debt so you can have more fun in the future! Along with this desire, you want to improve your life at many levels. You'll be making lists of daily habits you wish you could cultivate to become a better person or live a richer life. Nothing wrong with that. Focus on what you want to achieve.

Scorpio:

The Sun is your source of energy and this is the only time all year when the Sun is opposite your sign. This means you need to get more rest. Factoid. Do yourself a favour and acknowledge this. Furthermore, the Sun opposite your sign makes you focus keenly on partnerships and close friendships. Good! Clean up messy situations and examine your relationships with others. Do these relationships benefit you? After all, it's a two-way street. You must be as good for your partner as he or she is for you for both parties to be happy, right? This is also the best month of the year to consult experts - lawyers, counselors, accountants and astrologers. Do it.

Sagittarius:

You're making To Do lists because you're so keen to get better organized. You want your life to run efficiently and effectively. You want to finish tasks you've already begun. You want to establish a better sense of order. In part, this is because you're also keen to improve your health and you know that cluttered surroundings contribute to a cluttered mind, and your mind is everything. Vigorous, daily outdoor exercise is probably on your list along with getting rid of whatever you don't need. You love to lighten your load because it means greater freedom in the future, which of course means freedom to travel. Yes!

Capricorn:

Oh joy! You're entering one of the most fun-filled months of the year! In fact, all this fun stuff will continue for six-to-eight weeks, depending on whether you're an early or late Capricorn. Because it's your turn to party, you're motivated to get out and have a good time. You also want the freedom to be able to express who you are. (Good.) Everything around you feels lighter, prankish and social. Your involvement in sports, the Arts and children will be increasingly rewarding. Your passion to have a good time encourages love affairs and romance to flourish. Needless to say, this is the perfect time of year to take a vacation! (Ya think?) Enjoy these good times.

Aquarius:

This month your attention swings to home, family and domestic matters. Some will cocoon at home to relax or tackle special projects. Others will be involved with family members, especially a parent. Because you're doing lots of personal self-evaluation and evaluating your surroundings, you'll think a lot about your personal lifestyle. This focus will manifest externally (as you check out where you live and your relations with family members) and internally (as you acquire a deeper, psychological self-awareness). "So Crates" (as he was called in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure) espoused "Know thyself." And Lao Tzu said, "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened." I always say, "Who is picking up this tab?"

Pisces:

Strap on your sneakers because you hit the pavement running this month! You're busy. You've got places to go, things to do, people to see. You'll love the pace because you feel excited and "up" about life. Furthermore, you're stimulated by talking to everyone, running around doing errands and taking short trips. As the tempo of your life accelerates, you'll be increasingly aware of the need for clear communications with others. In fact, the next six weeks are the perfect time to tell others exactly what you think. Don't leave them in the dark. Spell it out for them. Many of you will read, write and study more as well. Life takes on a thrilling quality because you are so stoked about being alive!

Eat:Vegan Berry Grunts

I'm on a bit of a baking kick; there is something so uplifting in home made goodies. There is a comfort and an aroma that fills the entire house, (or apartment). I love it, a warm treat for a somewhat moody day. 

This Berry Grunt recipe is ridiculously easy; and devilishly good. 

Ingredients: 

Berry Filling:

4 cups frozen berries ( I like Stahlbush Island Farms berries best because they are sustainable grown and relatively local.)

3/4 sucanat or raw cane sugar

1 lemon, juiced

1 tbsp vanilla

1/2 cup water

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger

Pastry Mix:

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup spelt flour

1tbs baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon, 

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 cup coconut oil, or earth balance margarine

1 cup vanilla soy milk (or alternative)

2 tbsp agave syrup

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 F

In a large sauce pan combine the berries, lemon juice, and the water. Stirring until the berries are thawed and the mixture is beginning to simmer. Add the sugar, vanilla, Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Remove from the heat, and mix until the sugar is dissolved. Set the berries aside. 

In a large mixing bowl combine the flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Cut the coconut oil or margarine into the flour mix. Until you get a crumbly mixture. 

Transfer your berry mix to a baking friendly dish. I tend to use a loaf pan. 

Add the soy milk, and agave syrup to the flour/margarine to form a soft biscuit dough. Break the dough of in clumps and layer it on top of the berries. Sprinkle with some extra sugar and bake for 20 minutes. 

Serve warm, and enjoy!

First Impressions

I have learned to listen to my initial "first impression," whether be it in regards to people, places, products,  or problems. I enjoy meeting people, and exploring life. My initial reactions to situations don't predict my future. Instead they grant me curiosity to better explore an opportunity or meet a new friend. I like karmic and charismatic pull of opportunities. First impressions matter, the impression has to be strong in either a negative or positive allure. As my mom always says; "The opposite of love isn't hate it is indifference."

In managing image and impressions the worst placement is in the indifferent category. If a brand were to have an indifferent personality it would be indistinguishable from alternatives. Strong initial emotional connections pull an audience in forcing brand awareness.

Many hotels recognize the importance of first impressions: stating that they only have 15 minutes to wow or annoy guests. In North America alone, over 90% of travel accommodation and itineraries are made online. With heavy Internet sales the importance fro hotels to make a good first impression is magnified. If the virtual presentation of the facility exceeds the actual facility then there is a brand disconnect problem.

In attempts  to maximize first impression management, many hotels are stressing the importance of well trained and knowledgeable front desk employees. The front line staff of an organization has the ability to make a direct impact on customers experience. Front line employees have to power to "up the ante,' of guest experience.

Uniform presentation of amenities in any business is important, as it effectively communicates product consistencies. When I travel, I immediately notice the front lobby. A nice lobby accented with friendly staff in clean uniforms  will heavily impact my overall impression of the hotel/resort. A beautiful lobby showcases the hotels personality as well as its attention to overall detail.

As a kid, getting ready for a flight was an adventure in itself. I loved the promise of plane food in flight entertainment, and pillows. The days of hassle free air travel are long gone replaced by a skeleton service with expensive add-ons. The more inconvenient air travel becomes the greater the importance for hotels and attraction venues to maximise customer first impressions.  As a consumer I love nothing more than a product or service that surpasses my expectations.

Simple Ways To maximize first impressions:

- Be prepared: Know who you are meeting, where you are meeting the basic reason for the meeting.

- Be Respectful: Address guest and customers by their proper name (I.e Mr. Smith) until instructed other wise. 

- Be proactive: Mention gym facilities, Internet passwords, and kids programs when applicable. Show guest that you know how to enhance their customer experience.

- Be personable: Smile, welcome guests, and share your favorite part of the hotel/resort/business with your guest/customer.

- Be accommodating: Life Happens, and understand the various needs of customers is important. Make it easy for customers to make changes or to enquire about alternatives. 

As customers we have the power to choose where we eat, stay, and shop. If a business wants my dollar, I let them work for it. 

Read: Story Of Beautiful Girl

"The Story of Beautiful Girl," by Rachel Simon is a heart warming love story inspired by another time; another world. The book begins, with a simple dedication: For those who were put away.

"The Story of Beautiful Girl," is an invisible love story that serves as a social commentary. The story takes place at a "school" for the mentally challenged. Up until the 1970s, many children with disabilities were often placed in institution away from their family and hidden from society. The Story of Beautiful Girl, centers on the love of two students; a mute beautiful girl, and a deaf black man.

Institution life, was anything but glamorous. The students were treated like convict; abused and misunderstood. Lynnie, the beautiful girl, and Buddy (the deaf man) make a decision one autumn night to escape the school. Lynnie is pregnant; and wishes to giver her child a better life, outside of the school. Lynnie and Buddy roam the street looking for a friendly house, in the midst of a raging storm, when a man in a lighthouse appears on a mail box. Lynnie heads to the house and rings the doorbell. The young couple is greeted by an elderly woman named Martha. Lynnie's freedom does not last long. Officials from the school are hot on her trail, in a manic chaos Buddy escapes and Martha is left with a newborn baby girl. The Story of Beautiful Girl, is a tale of love and of a lifes journey to reunite a family against all odds. The book inspires hope.

Rachel Simon, writes from her heart. Simon grew up with a mentally challenged sister. Simon writes with empathy and respect. The Story of Beautiful Girl, highlights the lessons that fully able people learn through their interactions with those perceived to be challenged. The story is honest, emotional, and raw. The Story of Beautiful Girl challenges the reader to examine his or her faults before casting judgment. While reading the book I cried, laughed, raged, and gave thanks.

The Story of Beautiful Girl, follows the characters on a 40 year journey through heart ache and disillusionment only to prove the strength of human compassion and determination. Thank you Rachel Simon, for sharing your compassion. The Story of Beautiful girl, is a beautiful read-That will leave you feeling whole; with the knowledge that there is always a place you can go back to.

Sweat: Heavenly Abs

"I Scream, 

You Scream, 

We all Scream- for Screen Proof Abs!"

No one dreams of rocking an inny minny bikini with intentions of showing off their double budda bella. According to prevention magazine both men and women agree that the stomach is their biggest problem area. In hopes of flattening the midsection billions of crunches are performed each day across North America.  Our Abs are made up of many smaller muscle groups. Over use of one group can prevent exercises from being effective.

A strong core: helps protect the spine, increases balance, and can elevate your fitness and skill level in recreation activities. I love to snowboard, and by training my core I am able to progress my riding while preventing injuries. 

When training your core, it important to engage the various accessory muscle groups. To effectively tone the abs, exercises need to be modified and designed to engage the smaller less used accessory muscles. 

Below is 12 minute intense ab routine, designed to engage the entire core (inspired by the Tracy Anderson Method). Follow along, remembering to keep your stomach in and shoulders relaxed. 

This routine is challenging and rewarding. Follow along, and you will be amazed as your core transforms!

Economical Beauty: DIY Make-up Remover

Make-up remover is the one beauty product that I constantly loose, forget, or spill. I hate spending money on the product because it inevitably vanishes to the land of displaced personal hygiene products. I'm sure my many lost make-up removers are fornicating somewhere hot with those careless run-away tooth brushes.  

If you, like me, wear mascara on a daily basis make-up remover is a crucial to prevent the dreaded "raccoon look." Old mascara can linger on lashes for days if not removed. Old make-up products if left on the skin to long can breed nasty bacteria and be the culprit of eye-infections. 

Make-up remover can be made easily at home, at a fraction of a price.

Refreshing Make-Up Remover:

In a small mixing bowl combine:

2 tbsp aloe vera gel

1/2 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp olive oil

Stir together, until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small re-usable container. Dip a q-tip, or cotton swap in your home-made make-up remover and wipe away old and smudged make-up. 

(Before and After)

Beauty Benefits:

Aloe Vera Gel, can purchased at most health food stores for nearly nothing ($1.99 at GNC). Aloe has a natural cooling property that helps refresh the eye by reducing puffiness.

Coconut Oil has a rich conditioning benefit, (great for hair!). The oil will provide extra vitamin e, and will absorb quickly into your skin.

Olive Oil, has the ability to magically break down waterproof mascara. The oil is high in omega fats, and when applied directly to the skin the oil can help even skin tone/texture. To prevent any greasy-fealing choose extra virgin olive oil. 

Style:Where to Invest

A convenient truth about modern fashion, is that almost every high end look will inspire millions of well tailored knock offs with virtually no wait time. With the quality improvements of cheep imitations items the designer looks often get liquidated to consumers through wear-house sales and discount sites. My closet is a collection of vintage gems, athletic wear, and funky trend pieces. I like to buy quality pieces, pieces that I know I will wear for more than one season.  Some trends are short lived, and others timeless. When investing in your wardrobe it is important to consider both the timeliness of an item, and the cost per wear.

Cost per wear: Price of the garment/number of  expected usages

Your best, and most valued fashion accessories and garments should always be; Your purse, your coat, your boots, and your glasses. These fashion essentials, have low cost per usage and can instantly vamp up any scruffy look.

A purse

Cost per use: Lets say you are like me, and dream of owning a  Channel Tote  which costs approximately $2,500. You know that you use a purse every day and will use the bag until it disintegrates. If you were to use the purse for 5 years straight (1,800 uses) the cost  per use of the bag would diminish to a meager $1.39. 

In contrast, a cheep "target" purse may look cute on the rack but will likely collect dust as it does not compliment your wardrobe to it's fullest potential. A good purse must go with your wardrobe, and can pull any look together in a seemingly effortless way. Designer purses often come with a manufacturers warranty that will repair damages cause by use. ( I have a well loved Louie Vuitton wallet that I have had for 7 years, and is being fixed by the LV).

A Coat

If you live anywhere close to the 49th parallel you are well schooled in the extremes differences of the seasons. A good coat can transition through the seasons, and can be used for a lifetime of winters. A fashion coat is not a ski jacket.

Nothing says instant glam better than a trench coat and big shades. Coats and jackets, like a purse have a low cost per use, and are often the only piece of clothing we frequently take off while in company.  A nice coat says something about your character.  A coat is one of those fashion pieces, that can act as a  social cue.

Boots

 Pretty much a no brainer in my mind. Go for something comfortable, and easy to walk in. Boots are great year round. They can be easily dressed up or down, to fit the setting. Good quality shoes are important for injuries. 

Glasses

 You might not be able to justify blowing $5000 of a Tom Ford coat, but you may be able to splurge $250 on a pair of good shades. Sunglasses are useful year round and fit wonderfully in your purse. In addition glasses are relatively affordable in contrast to other designer goodies. A sassy pair of shades can again like a purse and coat instantly lift your look and your mood. 

Shop around as you look for your statement pieces. Manu designer goods can be found for less on line and through sample sales.