Bootilicious

Yesterday I said, that there is no such thing as a magic fix. I live by the axiom. I have my thought; and am quite happy with my behind. However I do love to have my ideology challenged and my viewpoint rotated. Yesterday, I said shortcuts don't work. Today, I say maybe it is okay to cheat every once and a while.

Puttising around town this morning, I discovered Skinnygirl shape wear (by Bethany Frankel the Creator of the Skinnygirl Margarita). More specifically I discovered the secret service, Booty enhancing undies. At first sight, I laughed kinda uncontrollably. Then the wisdom of  Sir Mixalot, flooded my conscience in rhyme: "I like big Butts and I cannot lie, you other brothers can't deny...", and the fallacy of quick fixes led me to a rational purchase decision.

                        Rocking the Booty Booster                 Not Rocking the Booty Booster

I'm not so sure what I think of the booty booster; It is kinda like when a boy you like find out you stuff your bra, and you are instantly embarrassed for the blatant false marketing. That being said I think everyone needs to form their own opinion. If you want a bootilicious booty: The shorts do lift without applying to much bulk.

If you do decide to cheat, think of the booty booster as cover up or concealer. You can put it over a zit or flat tush, but it won't make the zit go away or the tush grow. If you want a beautiful behind sans padding you have to work for it. 

Personally, I think I'll use these to replace my Burton impact shorts for snowboarding, a lot less bulky. 

Magically Fit

There is no such thing as a quick fix. Achieving your ideal fitness is a result of commitment to your goal, and adjusting your lifestyle. In the past few years companies like Sketchers and Reebok have had huge success through the innovation of traditional training shoes: The toning shoe. 

Sketchers Shape Ups, and Reebok's Easy tone claim to incorporate leading edge fitness science to grant the user a super hot backside instantly. Rebook claimed that just putting your foot into an easy tone shoe, could tighten your ass 28% more effectively than other shoes. 

The claim Reebok made concerning its product benefit was investigated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  Reebok has since made a $25 million settlement with FTC over deceptive marketing. The research done by the FTC concluded that minimal benefits may be temporally achieved; however in contrast the toning shoes have actually caused more harm. A record number of customer complaints for any one product has been associated with toning shoes. The shoes may cause serious injury including but limited to sprains, strains, fractures, and the material alteration of walking gait mechanics. 

Toning shoes are designed to challenge your balance: they add a core stability challenge to walking. Kind of like how high heels challenge your balance. The problem is, toning shoes are being sold and marketed as an exercises shoe, not as a special occasions shoe. I don't know many people who exercises is massive stilettos; so why risk toning shoes?

If you want get toned, you have to put in the effort. Find work out that fit, and combine cardio and muscles structure work.  

Try this Tracy Anderson Leg workout; your ass will thank you.

Indulge your wardrobe

Fall means sweaters, jackets, tights, and so much more. Fall is wardrobe heaven. 

The louder the look- the more I want to replicate. 

My Fall Wish list reads like The Dolce Vita Catalogue:

Leo Cropped Fur (foux)  Jacket

                                       DV  Wynne Dress                          Daphne Wedge Boot

I spy a colour trend; Indulge in the season and the shades fashionably. 

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A great BOD

We all want a great BOD right?  But a great BOD is so much more that outward appearances. In marketing the acronym BOD stands for: Brand Awareness, Objectives/Outcome, and Differentiators.
In short the questions marketers need to ask are: who are we, what is our desired outcome; our objective, and how are we different from our competitors; in product and in our message?

Brands are like personalities they're all a little different and need to be celebrated for their uniqueness. I was running like fool on the treadmill earlier today, doing my TAM inspired workout, when a commercial for Rembrandt Teeth whitening came on. The commercial was eerily familiar; it was a near clone of an Orbit Gum Campaign.

The Rembrandt Commercial features an attractive woman dressed professionally in white. Her accent is commanding, and slightly un-identifiable. Is it German, or Future-esque? Not sure. The Rembrandt lady invites us into her laboratory to show us her "Deep Clean" findings.

In the orbit commercial we are again introduced to an attractive woman dressed in white with a hard to place accent. This woman similarly welcomes us to "The Orbit Institute," where she announces the findings of focus group study.

Both Commercials attempt to show product innovation. When I first saw the Rembrandt commercial I thought: Dang they've got a BODY; Brand, objective, different, and YIKES! Copy Cat strategy. 

I immediately questioned if Orbit Gum and Rembrandt were siblings within a large master company (nope). Orbit is a sub-brand of Wriggles, and Rembrandt is a division of Johnson and Johnson. 

The Orbit lady, commercials have been around for a while. I as a consumer recognize the marketing BOD, employed by Orbit. The Rembrandt commercials fails to stand out, in my mind. Its campaign compliments Orbit Gum better that its own product. I like many my age have a selective attention span, for a commercial to grab my attention and make me watch it has to be different. 

Dance for fitness

As if you need a reason to dance, but in case you do: exercisers who opt for dance aerobics or dance inspired cardio and conditioning have less concentrated body fat. Dance freaks, typically have flatter tummies.  Dancing is believed to reduce the Buddha Belly syndrome because the whole body is engaged in the movements, which tricks us into performing. 

Dance is fantastic because our largest muscles (which burn the most calories) are in our legs.  Dance utilizes minor and major leg movements through the incorporate of a wide variety of leg movements including plies, leaps, kicks, and attitudes. The whole body is working- 

The challenge of following choreography and keeping up with the beat stimulates the mind. Focus is required. The active memory engagement compliments and enhances our short term memory.  

The high energy music can boosts our moods. Leaving us more positive and willing to add our own personal twist to the movements. This further engages self expression which builds confidence.

 SO in short I'm saying Dance; You'll look better, feel better, and even remember more. The Tracy Anderson Method is my personal favorite: try her, or take a zumba class.

 I don't care- Just dance.  

In love- with a crock-pot

I am head over heels in love, I feel in like on Thursday when I bought a slow cooker. I was thinking: who has time to cook. The slow cooker sat in my car all weekend. I wasn't convinced; I have limited counter space and the slow cooker isn't mini-sized.  The dilemma was short lived and easily compromised. I want hot meals, and I don't want to cook after a stress full day. 

I set up the slow cooker and followed the directions. Seriously, I'm in shock at the simplicity of the appliance. To complement my new appliance I purchased, "The Vegan Slow Cooker," by Kathy Hester. I am amazed at the variety of foods you can make in a slow cooker and am excited to expand my culinary comfort zone. 

For my first slow cooked meal, I decided to make my own Seitan ( a meat substitute). Seitan is uber tasty and freakishly easy to make. 

In the Crock-Pot on low combine:

- 4 cups vegetable broth

-3 cups water

- 1 cup chopped celery

- 1 sliced jalapeno

- some cilantro

- 1 lime juiced

To make the seitan, first get a big mixing bowl out, and combine:

- 1 cup water

- 1 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten

- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast

-1 tablespoon tomato paste

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon garlic powder, onion powder, and or whatever you feel like (Rosemary is a tasty add in)

- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

mix it all together and knead the dough for a few minutes, and then let it rest for 10minutes.

Roll out the dough and shape it however you like. Put the "strips" in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours (the seitan will float on top of the broth once their cooked).

This recipe makes a fair amount. You can use some of it ASAP mix it into stir-fry's, pasta, whatever... and  freeze the rest. Enjoy. 

weekely HOROSCOPE or Horror-scopr? (Sept 26-Oct 2)

Drinking coffee and flipping through the newspaper in search of the daily horoscope was a fixture of my childhood. My whole family; Mom, Dad, Me, Doug, and Tay would all fight for the frivolous advice. It was fun and it is silly but I still love reading my horoscope. 

Starting today every Monday; I am gonna post weekly horoscopes by Gorgia Nicols. So check your planets. 

All Horoscopes are for the week of September 26-October 2.

Capricorn- A heard of planets at high noon in your chart now forces you to give serious thought to your life direction in general. Its that's simple. Not only must you consider your life direction, you must also think about your relationships with authority figures, parents, bosses, teachers, vips, police..etc. Are your goals your goals? The new moon this week in an opportunity in your life to make resolutions. What is it you REALLY want to achieve?

Aquarius-  You have an inquiring mind this week. The new moon is your chance to give thought to your education, knowledge and experience of life. Pretty heady stuff. What further education or training or life experiences would you recommend your self? What needs personal exploration? Maybe travel- is there somewhere you want to go or a course you want to take? Consider the questions asked by the new moon.

Pisces- No matter how lighthearted and fancy-free we like to be, we never can ignore the practical, can we? The New Moon this week urges you to focus on shared property, taxes, debt, inheritances and anything you share with others. Now is the time to define where your responsibilities begin and end. Figure out just how much you owe. (Aagghh!) What is your debt scene? Know this in stark terms because instead of scaring you (which you might fear), it will be empowering. Get the true picture of your assets and liabilities and you will see what needs to be done. After all, an expert is just an ordinary person away from home.

Aries- This week is a reality check for you because the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Saturn are all in Libra, directly opposing your sign. This is not at all a typical event. (You can run but you can't hide.) You will be forced to look at your partnerships, both intimate and professional. Perhaps even close friendships. Little fights or challenges might bring something to a head. Now you have to deal with it. The thing to ask yourself is, "Do you want to keep this person in your life?" If the answer is yes, then be ready to compromise or do what is necessary to maintain the relationship. Fortunately, you're brave and courageous. And it takes guts to do this. (Your real question is, "What can you do to improve all your closest relationships?")

Taurus- Oh my! You have a very strong impulse right now to pull your act together. You want to get better organized at home and work. (This is good.) This is why you're working hard to do so and others are helping you. In fact, "help" could become "cozy" because a work-related romance might begin. (Especially with someone of an age difference.) Nevertheless, the New Moon that occurs this week urges you to scrutinize your work habits and figure out how you can get more bang for your buck. How can you be more efficient? What can you do to make your life run more smoothly? And while you're on this make-my-life-better kick, ask yourself how you can improve your health? Eh wot?

Gemini- Romance, love affairs, sports, show business, the entertainment world, the hospitality industry plus vacations and your kids are where it's at right now. You can make money in these areas. You can also party hard! The likelihood for love and romance is strong. If you meet someone new, they might be older, more serious or more established. This is a great time to make plans for a vacation or even slip away on one. Think about your life and ask yourself if you have a good balance between work and play. Too much of one creates a sacrifice or loss with the other. Too boring if you work too much and too pointless if you play too much. Think how you can achieve a healthy balance.

Cancer- Home is important to you. That's why this is a propitious time. The Sun, the New Moon, Mercury, Venus and Saturn all urge you to secure your home base and make your home more attractive. Attend to repairs. Fix what is broken. Entertain at home. Enjoy family discussions. Take full advantage of the New Moon this week and ask yourself what you can do to improve your home as well as your family relationships. That's the ballpark for you this week. Whatever improvements you make to your home and your family will really please you, in a rewarding and satisfying way. (And if you're going to draw on the wall, do it behind the couch.)

Leo- A lot of Leos are falling into worry mode lately. (Surely, you've noticed.) It could be because you're dealing with job changes, residential moves and major shifts to your daily milieu. All of this is just putting the finishing touches on something you started around 2005-06. You will stay in this fuzzy state of uncertainty for the next two years. But it's not really uncertainty. You're learning how to communicate in an entirely new way. That's why this New Moon is important to you. It urges you to scrutinize all your communications with others. Are you really clear? Do you really listen? Of course, you think you do, but do you?

Virgo- There's no question money, finances, cash flow and earnings consume you right now. Not to worry. This is what should be happening. The New Moon, plus four other planets, are forcing you to focus on ways to earn money, better ways to handle what you own and, beyond that, what your true value system is. In other words, what really matters in life? Are you your bank account? (Surely not. More likely, you are your car.) Consider this an opportunity - the New Moon - to give serious thought to these questions. Uncertainty is troubling. (Of course, certainty is absurd.) Figure out what you know and what you don't know and that's it. There are no answers, only cross-references.

Libra- Several years ago, you gave up a lot, and now you're on new turf wondering who you really are. Gads! What should you wear? What should your image be? And where is your life headed? (Minor details.) Fear not, it's all part of the program. This week, the only New Moon in your sign all year takes place. Ah ha! It's your opportunity for a reality check. What kind of impression do you create? Look in the mirror. How dated are you? What can you do to create the image you would like to create? This is the week to really think about this. (How can you live your life in the style to which you want to get accustomed?)

Scorpio- Your ambition is strong now. However, a gaggle of planets are hiding in your chart, which is a sign this is the perfect time to lie low and work behind the scenes. Furthermore, this is also the time to figure out what you want your new year to be all about. The more specific you are about what you hope to achieve, the more likely it will manifest in your life. It always works that way. (When you know what you want, it affects your decision-making process.) Secret love affairs might blossom for some of you. However, basically partnerships are a blessing this year. Lucky Scorpios!

Sagittarius- You're loving this popularity because it's fun schmoozing with others. Groups, classes, conferences, meetings (or whatever) fascinate you and provide opportunities to chat and share your ideas for the future with others. (Hmmm, romance with someone older will begin for some of you.) Nevertheless, the New Moon this week urges you to think about the friends you have. Do you hang out with quality people? Do you want to have different friends? These are the questions to ponder this week. (Your friends affect your life because they affect the decisions you make, which in turn, affects your future.)

Arm Candy

I like beets, I like beats, and I think Beetle Juice is fricken fantastic movie. Random is wicked- insanity is under rated. Creativity trumps. Fresh ideas smash the status quo. Reality; is a wild card. Inspiration comes from all sources. 

My hometown, Banff Alberta Canada, Is my inspiration. I love it there; i find peace in the mountains. I find   inspiration through the mosaic of culture, nature, and personalities. I was home for a few weeks this summer and enjoyed browsing the shops. 

costume jewelery is a semi obsession of mine. I love. I found these bracelets made of old toys; and instantly wanted to create.

 Hot Wheels; arm candy.

Heels of massive destruction

Excuse me, Miss...

Miss, excuse me-  BUT, can you please remove any and all metal objects...

Miss, please make sure any and all weapons are off the person.

Miss, your shoes.

I need you take off your shoes. 

They are not acceptable carry on items.

Miss, your shoes are seen as a brute force object. 

Miss, your shoes are a weapon,

For the safety of our flight crew, and other passangers you can not travel with those shoes. 

I do however have a comfortable pair of disposable sandles for this slight inconvience.

Miss, did you hear me?

Your Shoes are not cleared for security. 

They can not go past this point.

 You can either take them off and check them- 

Miss, there is no need for hostility-

As I said polietly, you can either remove your shoes voluntarily...

 or I can call security. 

The future of Travel nightmares is correlated with this trend. To prevent future complications in airport security please vote NO, on heels of massive destruction. 

The Highs/Burns of celeb fashions

The highs, and the Crashes of Celebrity Fashions

(loved this article on cnn. Living)

What do all of these Celebs have in common?

Gwen- Love.Angel.Music.Baby

Malibu Dave

6126

Rich and Infamous

Some of the celebs are not like the others

Some of the celebs just don't belong....

Fuman Skeeto

Some, Victoria Beckham, have wicked style others not so much...

Ironically they all share a mad love for fashion; coupled with a desire to create their own brand. 

I'm just grateful that Chris Kirckpatrics from N'sync Fuman Skeeto  did not start a trend revolution.

Friday, Funday, Fitday

The work week is finally over, and I for one cannot be more excited. I love school, truly, but for the first time in my scholastic career I am actually a little overwhelmed by the work load. I know that insanity of pressure is all for my best interest. I'm thrilled to be out of my comfort zone; because that is where real lessons are learned.

My mind has been cruising the auto-bond on auto pilot all week. I have been a stress case; and am so excited to just go and sweat it all out. Nothing clears my head like the cocktail of fresh air and exercises.

Workouts need variety, and need your focus. You can't do the same exact workout everyday and expect changes in your body, mind, or spirit. As Tracy Anderson would say, You need to manipulate the accessory muscles into participating. Muscles need to be challenged and they need to be exhausted.

SO I'm going for a run today; not an ordinary run. A Tracy Anderson inspired run.

5km (30min):

- Warm up with a light jog for 2-4 mins

- High knee skip for 2-4 mins

- Side Shuffle for 2min each side

- Sprint for 1 min, slow jog for 30sec, sprint for 1min, slow jog for 30 sec

- easy jog for 2 mins

- running leaps (20 each side) (2 min)

- bum kicks for 1 min

- High Knee run for 1 min

- Walking High Leg kicks for 2 mins

- Light jog for 2 mins

- Repeat sprints (3min)

-Skip for 1 min

- Easy jog for 2 mins

-Walk for 1 min

(Walking Leg Kicks)

Create a play list, and get moving! 

(Tracy's Treadmill workout if you need more inspiration)

Net and flix

On Monday, I received an email from Reed Hasting co-founder and CEO of Netflix. The email was a mass publication responding to the less than ideal customer reactions to Netflix's new pricing strategy. 

Hasting introduces the email with; "I messed up, and owe you an apology." I have an appreciated for people who can admit to making mistakes. So, I approach Hastings letter with an open mind; curious about his reasoning.

As I read through the letter I could feel my head shake in disagreement. Hasting's decided that streaming video content and renting DVDs are two completely different products and there for should be two different businesses. The decision Hasting decided on: LETS SPIT THE COMPANY! 

DVD renters will continue to rent on line, through a new site, qwickster.com. Streamers will continue to watch on line through Netflix. 

In my analogy, Netflix (online streaming) is the crazy trophy wife who is taking her husband to curb for all he's got. "Quickster,"The original concept of Netflix is the loser husband who has just been played. 

In irony, neither of the services are likely to come out clean. The amount of cash spent, and continuing to be spent/lost in this nasty divorce is astronomical. As a customer, I don't want complications- I want consolidation of services. I want easy one click access to either streaming or renting. I think by separating the services Netflix is loosing focus of their mission statement and organizational objectives. 

On Tuesday, after Reed Hastings announcement, stock fell another 10%. Obviously, I am not alone in frustration towards Netflix. 

Fat Lashes

When it comes to fat there is one body part I want maximized; and it isn't my Kim Kardashian butt. I want Fat, voluptuous, lashes. Mascara: I can't live with out it. 

Mascara is a miracle worker. To just apply it leaves you feeling vitalized and fresh faced. I'm a mascara addict. I must have at least 6 different kind of mascara in my make up bag each with their own unique characteristics.

I use a rich brown mascara for days I don't have time to do make up. The brown looks less harsh against the face. I have a waterproof for the gym, and all sorts of lengthening, voluming, and condition mascaras. The way I see it is you cant go wrong with mascara.

When I stated wearing makeup, my mom instilled in me to never use someone elses mascara or to wear mascara older than 6 months. She's a doctor, so I take her advice seriously. I sometimes wanna stretch the life of a mascara but if starts to clump its time to say goodbye.  The 6 month life of mascara is to long, according to recent health research. Mascara should be trashed every three months. Failure to do so can cause: Red eye, pink-eye, itchy eyes, and conjunctivitis. 

Think about it- Our eyelashes evolved for the function of protecting our eyes. They catch all sorts of bacteria. When every we comb our lash lashes with the applicator what ever was on the hair is now on the brush and back in the tube. Mascara is moist and usually stored at room temperature. The Perfect breading ground for nasty bacterias. 

I'm not trying to freak you, Mascara is my go to beauty product love. Bacteria build up can be easily reduced by combing your eyelashes with a separate wand/comb before applying, by roatating the applicator into the tube, and by always removing left over makeup before applying new makeup. Beauty experts say that if there is one product to cheap on it would be mascara. There is virtually no difference between a $10 tube and a $20 tube. 

It's easy: for healthy eyes toss the tube every 90 days. 

Fall TV gems- 2 Broke Girls

Fall TV is finally here. I'm stoked. I swear at the end of a brain sucking day a cleverly written sit-com can given you the needed umph to crack a half crooked smile. CBS' new comedy: Two broke girls will lead you beyond a crooked smile and have you seizing with laughter.

Two Broke Girls, is the love child making, from Micheal Patrick King (Sex and the City) and Whitney Cummings (Chelsea Lately).

The Show centers on the lives of two twenty somethings trying to survive the concrete jungle of New York. Two Broke Girls stars Kat Dennings as Max Black, and Beth Behrs as Caroline Channing. Max is a savvy, tough, emotionally vacant Brooklyn girl. Max knows the city and survives on a month to month reality working two jobs she is a waitress at a dive dinner, and a Nanny for some "uppity social lite." Caroline in contrast is a frivolous upper-eastsider  with a sharp business sense and kind heart. Caroline's families billions is assets have been seized in result of her white collar criminal father. Apparently he was the mastermind of some ludicrous ponzy scheme.

Caroline, is completely out of touch with reality. She the skills to survive the working world. In a half serious attempt to join the working world while on "a Manahhatan hiatus" she shows up at the dinner with an exaggerated resume, and the expectation that waitress-ing is easy. The show is hilarious. It is a dark, ironic, sex and the city styled comedy. Complete with sexy men, cute fashion, wicked writing and black humour.  

Watch it, Tivo it- You won't be disappointed.

A bewitching Read

I'm kind of a nerd who loves to read. Escaping to a fictional universe is a such a joy, I love the poetism in sentences and I'm a sucker for stories of magic, love, the impossible...whatever. A strong writer  can solicit the imagination far more powerfully than any TV producer. The Twilight series was a fun easy read; the marriage of plausible and fantasy tickled my interest. Twilight was good, but the series has nothing on what is to be "The All Souls Trilogy," by Deborah Harkness.

The first book in the series: "A Discovery of Witches, (Harkness 2011) appeared on my desk randomly. I didn't open the book right away, in truth I doubted the books potential, a historical fiction, really? 

I had finished my summer reads early, I had  packed two books for a three week vacation at the lake cabin not realizing the total isolation I would endure. I was in desperate need of new novel. The cabin had no phone, Internet, and horrible cell service.  When I rediscover, A Discover of Witches, lounging about I was mystified.  Within minutes of reading I had become completely and irrevocably bewitched by the story line. I could not put the book down.

Deborah Harkness has created a world so believable that the fidelity of the circumstances could and would be plausible in our physical world. The world of the novel is populated by witches, demons, vampires and humans. The story is centered around an idea of origins: who are we, and where do we come from? When a young witch discovers an ancient manuscript that is believed to explain all that has ever been asked- chaos and confusion run amok.

The discovery is scandalized by creatures, and accompanied by forbidden love. The book is addictive. You have to read it! Its captivating; in short it is twilight for adults-. I am in  and eager state of  anticipation  awaiting the release of the second book in the soon to materialize All Souls Trilogy. 

JuMp- Tramp it up.

The cardio machines at the gym can get dull fast. Even with my favourite tunes playing I space out for entire work outs. Yes, we can receive benefits through "exercise blackouts," but the black outs prevent us from ever reaching our exercise goals.

An easy way to spice up a work out is to add some jumping movements. Plyometrics (jumping) stimulate the fast twitch muscles in our legs which burn more calories while evenly strengthening leg muscles. Jumping movements train the body to absorb impact this in turn leads to stronger and increased bone mass. Preventing osteoporosis.

In a recent study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, researches found that athletes who incorporated plyometrics into their workouts improved their balance, and reduced injuries. Most typical form of cardio (Cardio Machines) primarily exhaust quad muscles. Jumps require response from both hamstrings and quads: resulting in a more even muscular structure. The more balanced our legs muscles are the more protected our knees.

Mini-trampolines are incredible. Put on some music, follow a cardio workout and just jump. You'll be beat and energized in just half an hour. Tracy Anderson's tramp workout is constantly on my play list. Check it out, and tramp it up.

The Karma of Netflix

Lazy nights have not been the same since the birth of Netflix. Lazy nights,  once reserved for: ordering take out and browsing the shelves of your local Blockbuster/movie store. It was great; you could compare and contrast covers, find obscure titles, laugh at the straight to DVD releases, and force a compromise with your boy, family, friends on the movies in question. 

The tangibility of holding potentials, and choosing the next 90 minutes, or so, of entertainment was fiercely competitive/enjoyable in its own right. 

Now I'm lost on the online shuffle of "Recommended Features, according to my viewing history." I'm sorry, but I am not a one genera lady, I crave variety.  I miss the isles of the movie stores. I miss my eye catching a fun display, I miss trying earnestly to win the "Black Gumball," and I miss loading up for the evening with shitty candy. 

Netflix; and their immense database of online entertainment ruthlessly climbed the social ladder of customer appeal. In a last unicorn type story: one by one movie rental stores disappeared as Netflix become lord of lazy nights. The Netflix kingdom grew in riches.

 Entitlement to industry leadership became evident in the strategic operations of the company. Since Netflix (NFLX) IPO of $15 per stock in 2002 the value has sky scraped to $304.  In July of this year (2011) Netflix announced an increased subscription price. The rise in price was not accompanied by an explanation or with increased services. 

In reaction; an army of Netflix subscribers became livid. Subscription casualties are now on the rise. 600,000 have already been accounted for September 2011. On Sept 15 NFLX fell from over $211 per share to $155-  Netflix accumulated a loss of 26%  value in just two days.  

With increased competition offering online streaming and more RedBox's popping up round the neighbourhood, I question the future of Netflix. 

Dress Up-

Spokane May not have all the "rad"ness of the Venice board walk in Cali- And there certainly may not be endless avenues of amazing vintage shops stocked with even greater finds- But if you are willing to search with an explorers curiosity you will find more than you could dream.

The South Perry district of Spokane is pretty incredible; and so under rated. The vibe is relaxed; the locals are friendly. South Perry Street is an eclectic bouquet of slightly mixed matched businesses. 

I was so happy to stumble across Veda Lux: a tiny house transformed into a vintage oasis. It reminded me of Mr. Dress Up and his fabulous tickle trunk.

My first breath of Veda Lux was: "oh my, where do I begin?" before the though had a chance to process my interest was captured by a rack of boots. Even though the volume of inventory is impressive it took only minutes to discover classic treasures. 

My Finds:

Fringe boots...

a pretty rad day dress...

a wicked vintage crystal Drusy pendant.

SO go explore and dig around. And if you are ever in Spokane check out  Veda Lux on facebook-