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I am in the process of moving. 

It is time to move forward. 

Stretching my comforts, and challenging my computer literacy. 

The Leoness is moving to a better site, with richer offerings. 

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Horoscope: June 25- July 1

In my new life of leisure, I'm beyond restless. Everyday is a challenge to remain optimistic. I feel lost and void with out a solid goal within a tangible grasp. Today like the day before, I will create a list and strive to conjugate a list of options and derivatives. "What is it I want," I will ask myself, and "How will this action lead to an end goal?" It is okay to be unsure, as long as you use the time to acquaint  yourself more familiarly with possibilities. 

Enough mumble jumble, Happy Monday! Here are your Georgia Nicols Horoscopes for:

 June 25- July 1. 

Cancer:

You might feel as though you're being tested this week. It is not a midterm exam or a test where there are answers that are right or wrong. It's more like your beliefs are being tested. As the year progresses, you will feel increasingly idealistic about many things. As a result, you'll be more inclined to put the interests, needs and wants of others before your own. This is a tricky business because you don't want to be a doormat; you just want to be helpful to others. This week something will test you or demonstrate in some way just how realistic your ideals are. Remember: True generosity is giving what is needed.

Leo:

You're entering a popular year ahead, which is something you'll enjoy. But sometimes it's tricky handling the demands that others make on your time, isn't it? In your desire to please others or keep them happy, you might feel you're selling out your own freedom, independence or personal integrity. This is not good. This week something will happen that challenges this very question. In other words, how can you skillfully handle your relationship to others, yet not let yourself down or sell out? Another test might arise regarding your hopes and dreams for the future. How realistic are they? You might find out.

Virgo:

As Jupiter travels across the top of your chart this year, it will promote your good name among your peers. Eighteen months in the future, your reputation will be shining with accolades and praise that you earn in the coming months. All of this will build up to "send" you in a particular life direction. This week ahead could be a test for you to determine if you're going in the direction that you really want to go. Perhaps you have some kind of false optimism about what you can achieve? A splash of cold water might help you to be more realistic about where to put your efforts. After all, no one wants to put their money on the wrong horse.

Libra:

You're a social sign and you love ideas. Something in your life now encourages you to study or learn more about a philosophy, ideology or life-belief system. You want to learn and expand your world, not just out of curiosity but because you believe it will enrich your life or enhance you in some way. You might do this through reading, listening to teachers or traveling - all broadening experiences. (Especially reading, which can really broaden your butt!) However, how will you know that what you are learning is valuable or even credible? Something this week might arise to show you if you're on the right path or not.

Scorpio:

An interesting week ahead! Very likely, your values will be tested. Naturally, you embrace your values because they're yours; they reflect your core beliefs. But when you look back at your life since you were a young teenager, a few basic values have changed because you learned or experienced more. This week your values might be tested about something, especially related to how your values differ from the values of others, or something to do with shared property, inheritances, insurance matters and debt. If you're lucky, you'll be disillusioned, which means your illusions will be ripped away, letting you see things clearly. (Weird, eh?)

Sagittarius:

This week, your ruler Jupiter is tested by dreamy Neptune. This is the classic "wake up and smell the coffee" moment. (I hate smelling the coffee.) It means you have to ask yourself if your optimism and faith, especially in partners, committed relationships and close friendships, is well-placed. Perhaps you are not seeing the relationship for what it really is? Are you being suckered in and deceiving yourself? (You know who you are.) It's so easy to believe in what we want to believe, isn't it? Something could happen this week that makes you open your eyes to the truth of a close relationship. Could be good; could be bad. Either way, you will know the truth, which is far more important.

Capricorn:

Your reputation is so important to you. (Scandal is horrifying.) This is one of the reasons you're careful doing your job because you want the respect of others, especially bosses, parents and VIPs. In the coming year, you can improve your job or get a better job or get a better boss; but how will you do this? In the week ahead, something might occur that tests everything you think about your job or your ability to get a different job. For example, you might be listening to the wrong person or kidding yourself about your job in some way. Your challenge right now is to be as realistic as possible because you're dealing with your own future!

Aquarius:

Without question, you're looking at a fun-loving, playful, romantic year ahead. Many will take a fabulous vacation. All of you will be happier and enjoy pleasurable, relaxing moments. Relationships with children and romantic partners will be a source of pleasure and happiness. But all of this depends on your choices, doesn't it? It also depends on your ability to balance your need for fun and pleasure with the responsibilities you have to family, job and even yourself. This week could be a wake-up call regarding your values and decisions about how to allocate your time. (On the other hand, according to Mae West, "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.")

Pisces:

How wonderful that the next 18 months will bring you a happier home life and an enriched appreciation of where you live. In fact, this blessing is so strong it also applies to real-estate transactions. Nevertheless, to make this good fortune work for you and loved ones, you have to be realistic about what you want to achieve and what is actually possible. You have to clearly define to yourself what you want. If you go into a big supermarket and have no idea what you want, when you get home you'll no doubt discover you need more things. Something might happen this week that makes you realize what you do and don't need in your personal life.

Aries:

The power of positive thinking is a wonderful thing. Many books have been written about this and it cannot be disputed that everything you see around you and everything you touch began with a thought in someone's mind. So thoughts are important. In the coming year (and beginning this week) you will easily enjoy a more positive frame of mind. You'll be more optimistic and eager to share your ideas with others. But how valid are your ideas and values? That's always a tricky question, isn't it? This week something might occur to test your grasp of reality. (Hey, our gene pool always needs a lifeguard.)

Taurus:

You are a tactile sign and you certainly value what you can touch and hold, especially mortgage-free land. As an archetype, Taurus is the country Squire or the banker. You want tangible security in your lifetime. (Preferably surrounded by beautiful things, antiques and excellent food and drink.) However, some of your ideas - about money, assets and possessions and how to keep them, hold them, or what to do with them - are going to be tested this week. For example, it's true that money and possessions are wonderful to have, but for what purpose? How do they alter you, change you or edify you? When you think about it, you never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul.

Gemini:

I've been writing (and will continue to do so) about what a great year this is for Gemini. Through a celestial fluke, Venus is in your sign for 18 weeks, a rare occurrence that will not happen again for 105 years. And now, lucky Jupiter is in Gemini where it will stay for a year. Goody for you! But that's only part of your chart. It doesn't mean a gallon of paint can't tip over and ruin the trunk of your car. Even though you have this blessing of good fortune, there are other factors at play. This week something could happen that will put it all in perspective for you. Even though this is a favorable time for Gemini's, don't take risks. Don't think you're bulletproof

Eat: Roasted Vegetable Salad

This salad is absolutely delicious. The dish is warm, colorful, and filling. A perfect salad for a cold summers days. The weather in Calgary has been depressing and Vancouveresque lately; complete with endless rain. The warm roasted root vegetables are sweet and mix nice with the tang of the mustard dressing. Roasting and prepping the veggies takes a bit of time, but the salad will export you to a wonderful summer utopia void of bad weather blues. 

Roasted Vegetable Salad with Dijon Dressing

Ingredients:

Roasted Vegetables

1 large yam peeled and diced

2 large parsnips, peeled and chopped

1 fennel bulb quartered and sliced thinly

1 red onion sliced, and chopped

2 zucchini quartered and sliced

1 lb mushrooms halved

1 eggplant, cubed

3 beets peeled and quartered

1 bulb garlic (less two cloves)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

dressing:

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic minced

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1/3 cup olive oil

1 cup fresh basil, julienned

4 cups baby spinach

Preparation:

preheat the oven to 375

prep all vegetables, and divide into 3 different mixing bowls. 

(beets in one, yams, fennel and parsnips, and all other veggies).

Whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Pour the oil evenly between the 3 bowls. And cover vegetables evenly. 

Transfer the veggies to baking trays. One for the beets, yams, parsnips and fennel (as they take longer to cook), and one for the remaining veggies. 

Roast for 20 minutes,  flip the roast yams/beets and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. 

Take out the remaining veggies and let cool.

In a small bowl combine the salad dressing, and whisk until smooth. 

In a large salad bowl toss the cooled roast veggies with the spinach and dressing. 

-enjoy!

Nu-West Spirt: Community Focused

I am proud to be from Calgary, the heart of the NU-WEST a city that does well by doing good. I had the privilege of attending two incredible parties on Thursday (June 21): Burnco's 100th anniversary, and Brett Wilson's annual garden party. The garden party benefited Calgary counseling and eating disorder prevention. An issue I relate to. Brett's Garden Party raised $300,000 to fund Juno House, BodyWhys, and Calgary Counseling.

Burnco's Party was a celebration of family business. Burnco Cement company was founded by Jim Burns the first. Burns Came to Albert in 1902 when Calgary had a population of 4398. Burns took a job for the railroad and worked in Revelstok. In 1912 after hearing news of the bombing construction business Burns moved to Calgary and started a cement and sandstone supplier company. Burns worked hard as both Calgary and Burns Company grew. In 1947 Jim Burns sold his company to his son Jim Burns the second.

 Burns 2 was always on the look out for new and innovative technology that would increase the efficiency of his operations. In the 1950's Burns introduced the cement mixing truck to western Canada. The mixing truck simplified the job by cutting the hours required to perform a job as well as gave the company leverage to grow. Burns 2, passed the Burnco torch onto his son Jim Burns 3 in the mid 60's.

Burns 3 worked hard to expand Burnco into new territory while maintaining and promoting a strong family focused corporate culture. In 1993, Burns 3 sold Burnco to his son Scott Burns. Scott Burns leads Burnco with passion, commitment, and a strong will to maintain the family culture of Burnco. Today Burnco employs over 800 people and has diversified into four main operating units: Aggregate, Landscape Centers, Ready Mix, and Asphalt.

In honor of Burnco's 100th Birthday the company played tribute to the Humble Beginning of Calgary and Burnco. In recognition of innovation and community leadership Scott Burns on behave of Burnco made the generous donation of $1 million dollars to Sait Polytechnic. Proving a community focus is always on trend. Congrats Burnco on the big 100!

Shop: Cabin 108 Banff

My address book is a collection of my favorite shops each is bookmarked and saved in dewy decimal categorical filling system. I like to shop, and I like style. Shopping at independent one of kind boutiques is an adventure: one, where you are never certain of the treasures you'll find. When ever I am in Banff, I make sure to stop by Cabin 108.

Cabin 108, is located in the Clock Tower Mall on Banff Avenue. The store carries fashion forward brands at reasonable prices. The store proprietor has a wicked flare for fashion and stocks her boutique with emerging fashion labels that can't be found in mall stores. Cabin 108 is a non-pressure shopping environment that allows you to loose yourself while browsing (just like summers at the cabin). 

Everything sold at cabin is wearable and affordable. The shop is the perfect mix of lazy day (in style) comfort clothes mixed with party dresses, jewelry, funky finds, and business casual. Both of my outfits below are courtesy of Cabin. 

Tank: Lovers And Friends, necklace Free Whistle; 

Dress: See you Monday.

Cabin 108 has a great selection of: Toms, Free Whistle, Alter Ego, Lovers and Friends, and See You Monday. A trip to Banff isn't complete with out a stop at Cabin 108. 

Sweat: Sweet Savings

Why is it we, myself included, spend massive amounts of cash on fitness? It seems we are willing to pay everyone, and buy everything that is suggested to help us get in "dream" shape. We spend "x" amount on trainer,  on runners, on gym memberships...etc. The problem from my perspective: is that in paying other for our fitness aspiration we outsource our commitment and fitness motivation to third parties. Fitness is a personal goal, something we can only achieve through our own personal motivation and commitment. We are each responsible for our own fit lifestyle. I am a huge Tracy Anderson Addict, I love her workouts. They are portable, and constantly change. I can make an hour for myself at home, to plug in a DVD and get my sweat on. 

My friend at Sparkles and Spinach posted a pin about a "fit money jar" a few week ago. The idea is incredible. After a workout, you pay yourself for committing to your fitness goal. Since Tracy's workout includes a cardio section, and muscular section I pay myself 2 dollars for completing my workout ( and an extra dollar for sticking to my diet). The fit money jar sits on my desk and serves as motivation. I know that if I stay committed to my workouts and diet I will save $90  in one month. The money I save can be used to buy new lulu lemons or be put towards something I really want. 

Above is a quick 10 minute toning workout. Follow along, and pay yourself a dollar for completing the routine. 

Beauty: DIY Ombre Nails

I love, love, love, ombre nails. The trend is both soft and funky. Ombre nails can be toned up or down depending on your mood and attire. I saw this nail idea in Glamour and had to give it a try. 

DIY Ombre Nails 

You will need:

2 nail polish colors (one light, and one darker).

Colors can complement or clash, (doesn't matter).

chip resistant top coat

A makeup sponge- (or any sponge that has a flat side.)

A plastic sheet (to mix the nail colors on, and to contain the mess)

Toothpicks

Get The Look:

1. Paint your nails with the lighter of the nail colors, and wait for nails to dry completely. For a bolder look double coat each nail. 

2. On a flat surface paint a liberal amount of both colors side by side on the plastic. (colors should be just touching)

3. Using the toothpick swirl the two colors together where the colors meet. This will be the graduation of color: mix to personal long/short preference.

4. Dab your sponge in the polish, and collect the color.

5. Dab the paint covered sponge directly onto your nails. Dab lightly and move it around slightly to cover the whole nail. 

( Repeat this step as needed, just allow each layer to dry before re-sponging to prevent smudging.)

6.  Add a layer or two of a topcoat, (the sponge makes the mani textured so you may want to even out the surface).  

7. Clean up the excess nail polish around your finger using a cotton pad/ Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover. 

...and enjoy your beautiful ombre mani!