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

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Eat: Pico De Gallo


In my opinion fresh salsa is practically perfect. The aroma of the cilantro, the citrus, the spice... I could go on. Pico De Gallo is ridiculously easy to make, and tastes a million times better than any store bought salsa. Homemade salsa allows you to control the amount of sodium you put in the side dish making Pico De Gallo heart healthy. 

I like to add celery to my Pico De Gallo because it ups the crunch, helping to satisfy my chip cravings. 

Pico De Gallo
2 cups chopped roma tomatoes (aprx. 2 lbs)
1 red onion chopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 serrano pepper finley chopped
Juice of one lime
Juice of one lemon
1/4 chopped cilantro
1 tsp olive oil
salt an pepper to taste

In a large bowl mix the tomatoes, onion, serrano (or jalapeño) pepper, cilantro, celery, lime/lemon juice, and oil. Stir well to to even up the spice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. devour immediately with chips, or save it for later. Store in a reusable container, Pico De Gallo keeps for about 10 days in the fridge. 

-Enjoy

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Smile




There is nothing more beautiful than a smile, pure and genuine. A genuine smile is: charismatic, powerful, warm, and open. 

Today, smile lovingly with your soul and enjoy the act of sharing contentment. 


"Every time you smile at someone, It is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."
-Mother Teresa

Friday, June 8, 2012

Watch: The Father Of Invention


"Father of Invention" is a wickedly funny movie that satires The American Dream. Father of invention was originally released in 2010 by  Trigger Street Productions. The movie in my opinion did not receive adequate promotion, because Trigger Studio was busy promoting "The Social Network." Father Of Invention is "pee yourself funny," and the humor is complemented by a sweet and sincere plot.



The movie cast, for the most part incredible. Kevin Spacey is a genius, Virginia Madsen is comic gold, John Stamos is sooo pretty, and Craig Robinson is the next Bernie Mac. The only weak link to the star infused ensemble cast was Camillia Belle who really can't act. In her defense though, what would you expect from a ex jonas bro gf?

Father of invention is the story of Robert Axle a One Time master innovator and infomercial brand extraordinaire, whom  was the concept behind so many genius inventions including the faulty "Abs Lounger/ TV Remote. In true reckless fashion the abs surfer was faulty product responsible for the amputation of customers fingers. The product was pulled from the market, and Axle found himself behind bars for gross product recklessness. After 8 years in prison Axle is released, and forced out and back in to the real world with no job, and a family that has happily moved on. The story is the comical telling of family reunited by imperfections, and the persistence necessary to achieve success.


I highly recommend adding "Father of Invention" to your movie cue, or loading it on your tablet for your next  flight. You will enjoy it.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Tone: Bridge Series



On busy days, when time is  nonexistent  I find myself wishing for a magical exercise routine. A routine that could reduce and prevent back pain; while strengthening and toning the paraspinal muscles, the quadriceps, the hamstrings, the abdominal, and the gluteal muscles. A workout I could squeeze in anywhere and still achieve results. 

Luckily, the pelvic bridge is that magic exercise. Bridge work is popular with trainers and pilates instructors for its strengthening perks, with physical therapists as a back injury rehabilitation exercise, as well as with sex experts, and new mothers, for the moves added perk of strengthening the pelvic floor. 
Bridge work tones your ass, legs, and abs.


The bridge helps alleviate back pain by stretching out the hip flexers, and engaging the back muscles. When in a bridge pose you can concentrate on and feel the alignment of your body allowing you the foresight to concentrate on posture. This bridge series is a challenging workout designed for tone maximization.  

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Style: WET Locks


So what if the "wet" hair look is somewhat unkempt, the style if effortless chic, laid-back, and sexy. The high shine wet look is iconic of what summer is meant to represent laze a fair days, and broken ACU's. My love affair with summer is and always will be a 90's inspired flirtation with grunge. In my mind summer is the International Date Line Hotel, in Tonga. The hotel built in another lifetime is slowly slipping into a state of disrepair. Summer is the state of disrepair where days are endless and nights forgotten. Summer is hot, humid, and wet. Why not embrace summer with the wet hair look seen on the runways. 

The look is ridiculously easy to replicate, even with out being a total grease ball. To get look apply gently rub a dime sized amount of coconut oil or argon oil on your hands and work into the hair.


 For a NYC version apply the oil close to your part and gently work the oil mid way down your hair. 

For a sporty version, apply the oil to the scalp and pull your hair up into a high bun or pony tail. 

   
For a morning after or I spent the night on the beach look apply the oil to the ends of your hair. You may want to double up product for this look. 

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

50 Shades Of Industry Stimulation


The Fifty Shades Of Grey Trilogy, by E.L. James, have caused quiet a stir in the bedroom. The fetish fueled book has peeked a sexual curiosity in women and as a result has stimulated the pleasure toy industry. Pure Romance, a sex toy company that models its sales campaign using the "tuber wear party" methodology, has had a 20% increase in party bookings since the books April release. The increased party bookings has led to an increase in sales and Pure Romance is on track to achieve $120 million in sales for 2012.


50 Shades Of Grey was originally written as "twilight" fan fiction. The book explores the sex/love affair of Billionaire Christian Grey as he transforms the virgin college student Anastasia Steele into his sex goddess. 50 Shades of Grey is expected to become the highest grossing book series for Vintage Publishing House. In addition to the millions that 50 Shades of Grey is earning for Random House (the parent company), the book presents an opportunity for product licensing arrangements and royalties. The sex industry has seen a very obvious spike in sales of partner focused products, specifically in the BDSM market. It seems that women are curious to explore the pleasures of hand cuffs, riding crops and in recreating their own Red Room's of Pleasure.

The pop culture reference of adult entertainment does have an impact of the sex industry. In the early 2000's when "The Rabbit", appeared on Sex and The City, the toy literally bounced of the shelves and procreated numerous wannabe products. What is potentially unique about the 50 Shades Of Grey product line is the unlimited potential for product offerings from massage candles, to lingerie, to swings, etc. Adult retailers are enjoying the peaked demand created by E.L James and her descriptive imagination. Retailers, such as Babeland, are using the momentum of the novel to perpetuate market curiosity. Babeland has recreated a 50 shades inspired in store promotion that gives away a copy of the hit book with purchase.


At the moment however none of the "spin off" type products are in away related to Ms. James. However the author is currently pursuing a licensing agent. 50 Shades of Grey is transforming the sex industry and redefining the target demographic. The book has seamlessly managed to transform a taboo topic into a mainstream curiosity. Huge business, marketing and revenue maximization opportunities are available for The Fifty Shades of product lines. I will be interested to see how well the E.L. James does at managing the brand of Grey that will undoubtedly come of her hit trilogy.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Horoscope: June 4- 10


Happy Monday! My weekend was spent in a classroom at at the University of Calgary, taking a GMAT prep course. The GMAT is a masterful profit driven entity, owned by Pearson Publishers. I am not looking forward to taking the GMAT as 4 hours of computer dictated testing does not sound overly enticing. Unfortunately the test is a necessary evil for the pursuit of higher education. Like my horoscope suggests i am in a state of planning, and visioning what I want for my new year. The universe always has a funny way of presenting new opportunities, and tying up loose ends. This week, I want to challenge myself by letting go of self expectations, and to remember that it is okay to be in state of uncertainty. Like Greg Brown said in his commencement address, "plans change and evolve."


With that, here are your Georgia Nicols horoscopes for the week of June 4-10. 


Gemini:
Your future's so bright you're gonna need shades. Fair Venus has been in your sign since April - so unusual! (It's normally there for three weeks once a year.) And it will stay until August, making you charming and boosting your social scene. (I repeat: Shop for wardrobe goodies.) And now the Sun is in your sign, giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. In about a week, lucky Jupiter returns to your sign for the first time since 2001 to stay until the summer of 2013, magnifying your good fortune and attracting favourable circumstances and important people to you. All these opportunities guarantee that you'll be working hard at something you like in about a year 'cause you're on a roll!

Cancer:
This is a time of preparation because your birthday is about three weeks away. Since this marks the beginning of your "personal" year, why not prepare for it? If you clearly define some goals, the odds that they will become a reality hugely increase. If you know your goals it is easier to do or go after what you want and, secondly, when you know where you're headed, it's easier to make choices. Take a moment to think about how you're doing at the art of living. What do you want in your new "personal" year? It's curious how we make plans for sport events, parties, business and family occasions, and yet we rarely plan our future. (Even though the future is where you're going to spend the rest of your life!) Sheesh.

Leo:
In astrology, there's something called a "sextile." (And yes, it can be sexy.) Essentially, it describes when planets are 60 degrees apart and it's considered to be highly beneficial. (It has a sort of Venusian influence.) This fantastic Gemini hit that is embracing the world is sextile to your sign. (Surely you didn't think you would miss out on all this good stuff?) So you're in for a fabulous year ahead. In particular, it will boost your popularity, attract all kinds of people into your life, and help you make your hopes and dreams a reality. Yeah, yeah, it's a bit like the tooth fairy, which, of course, you know is your Mom. (But how does she get into the other kid's houses?)
Virgo:
This is the only time all year when the Sun moves across the top of your chart acting like a spotlight on you. This is why others now notice you more than usual, especially authority figures. And because this lighting is flattering to you, these authority figures will ask you to take on increased responsibilities. (You look so competent to them.) Don't worry. Just say yes. You don't have to be a rocket-scientist to fill the bill. This special "lighting" will dazzle them and you'll come out smelling like a rose. And hey, with Mars still in your sign (foreeeeever) you have the energy, drive, guts and determination to do anything. I say, grab the baton and run with it!
Libra:
You want to explore the world because you need to blow this pop stand. You need to grab every chance to travel or learn something new from people from other backgrounds and countries. You're hungry for something stimulating and exciting. Incidentally, you should know now is the perfect time to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, medicine, the law and higher education. (These areas are blessed for you.) But do travel! Meanwhile, romance with someone more educated or more experienced might rev your engines. What you are hungry for is something to expand your world and juice your life.
Scorpio:
This is a fortunate time for you in terms of benefiting from the wealth of others. It's an excellent time to ask for a loan or get a mortgage or a line of credit or establish a better situation regarding debt because, whatever the result, it will probably benefit you. Many of you will receive an inheritance or money back from the government. You might also benefit indirectly through your partner or a third party. Essentially, you can get money, gifts, assets and favours through others this month and in the coming year. Therefore, take a look at these things and get your ducks in a row. If there's something you want, this could be how you will get it. Meanwhile, romance swoons dizzily along!

Sagittarius:
Many planets now make you focus on partnerships and close friendships. (This focus is stronger than perhaps ever before in your life.) It's a beneficial influence and can prompt you to become seriously involved in a committed relationship, especially with someone older, richer or more experienced. It could also mean existing friendships and partnerships will become enriched and more meaningful. Naturally, this is an excellent month (and, for that matter, the year ahead) to enter into professional partnerships. It's a good time to consult experts and people who can help you simply because others CAN help you. (Nevertheless, marriage will continue to be the main cause for divorce.)

Capricorn:
Keep in mind you have a big chance this month (and for the coming year) to improve your job. You can get a better job, or better duties, or get rid of your evil boss (legally). Possibly, it means you'll put a new spin on your job or develop a different attitude to it. The upshot is something will change so that you feel greater fulfillment and happiness and a sense of accomplishment from your work. In the same way, you can beautifully improve your health in the coming year. Traditionally, you are a long-lived sign who looks young when you are old. Think of what you can do now to improve your health. Meanwhile, a work-related romance might begin for some, which is always a boost to mental health!

Aquarius:
This continues to be a playful, romantic time for your sign. Lucky Aquarians will take a vacation this month. Many of you will explore opportunities to express your creativity because you're alive with the desire to do your own thing. Playful activities with children will also delight. (In fact, your ability to deal with children is excellent now.) Naturally, romance is beautifully blessed because it's another fun diversion, which is where it's at for you right now. You feel confident about who you are, with no need to pretend to be anybody you aren't. Because you have a playful, fun-loving year to look forward to, start to alphabetize your blessings. The gods are smiling on you!
Pisces:
You're pleased that things at home are smoothing out and becoming more enjoyable, more pleasant and happier for everyone in the family. Many of you are redecorating and enjoying your home more, or you're enjoying your home more because family relationships are more loving and mutually generous. All this is happening because a fortunate blessing exists very strongly this month and, in fact, will linger for the next year in the part of your chart that's related to home, family and real estate. All these areas will beautifully improve! In fact, you are looking at the best year ahead for real-estate opportunities that you've had since 2001. Sweeeet!
Aries:
Grab every opportunity to take a short trip, be chummy with neighbours, siblings and relatives, tackle your To-Do list of errands and grapple with reading and writing, which so engrosses you. Yes! You're busy! (But it's fun busy and you like it.) Schmoozing is delightful because Venus makes you diplomatic and charming right now. And yet, on top of this, you're working hard at your job as well as getting better organized in your personal life. Bravo! You're even on a health kick. It appears you have lots of reasons to give yourself a pat on the back. No wonder a lovely career peak promises much in 2018.

Taurus:
Your money-making ideas are sound now, so don't hesitate to explore them. Even your purchases look delightful, especially those related to art and beautiful things. However, at a deeper level, you're searching for something more than just money and treasures. What you really want to discover is what matters, because you don't want to put your money on the wrong horse and regret it when it's too late. It's important to define your values because if you have the ability to attract what you want (which you do right now), wouldn't it be smart to know what it is you want? If you give thought to the car you drive or the clothes you wear, why not give thought to what matters most to you in life?