Horoscope: April 30- May 6

I wish optimism and positivity where infinite. I'm not a pessimist by any means; just a realist. Each days brings with it a sense of surprise and uncertainty. I like routines interrupted by chance. The days that flow without a hitch scare me. Like the calm before the storm. I know change is on the horizon. Maybe the discomfort and tension I feel is due to my uncertainty and the uncertainty of those around me. Time to take a breath and relax. 

Check out your weekly Georgia Nicols Horoscope for April 30- May 6. 

Taurus:

You'll notice the Full Moon this week because its opposite your sign. Around Wednesday you'll feel tension building up between you and others. There is nothing you can do about this except to be patient and tolerant. By the weekend you might be snarling at others, which is not like you. (Like Libra, you need peace and harmony.) Since forewarned is forearmed, you can approach this week knowing you have to act with more patience than usual and resist the urge to be critical or discouraging. By Sunday, difficulties will start to resolve themselves. (Hey, with so much good fortune happening in your sign, it's easy to cut others some slack, isn't it?)

Gemini:

The Full Moon at the end of this week could trigger a buildup of tension within you that actually negatively impacts your health. (Obviously, all stress and tension is bad for your health and good for the pharmaceutical industries.) As this unusually long sojourn of Mars (until July/August) provokes conflict at home and with family members - chill out! The tension related to the buildup of the Full Moon this week will also add to the stress. (Oy!) Accept this reality. Send out for dark chocolate. Pamper yourself and, especially, don't burden yourself with too much to do. In other words, your motto this week is, "I'm going to be good to me."

Cancer:

Since the Moon is your ruler, you feel the emotional roller-coaster of every Full Moon. And I'm sure you'll agree with All Signs above that each Full Moon is different. This one could create tension with friends or members of groups. It could also create tension with your kids and romantic prospects. Meanwhile, as this tension with others increases, ironically you might take it out on authority figures: bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs. (Whaaat?) Hey, this is just a map of what is potentially possible. It doesn't have to happen. After all, you control what comes out of your mouth. So you can set the tone in all these relationships if you have the self-discipline. (Good luck.)

Leo:

This is going to be a relatively tough Full Moon for your sign because the Full Moon in Scorpio is mathematically at odds with Leo. You might be frustrated dealing with people in authority and family members, especially parents. By the weekend, this could make you feel emotionally badgered to the point you are critical of the media, plans for travel and dealings with others in publishing, the law and medicine. (Grrr.) Remind yourself this is a short-lived squeeze play. Why incur the wrath of others when by next week it's all history? Skillful means is about timing. You gotta know when to hold and when to fold. (You know this.)

Virgo:

You will have to be careful this week because the Full Moon, which occurs at the end of the week, will gradually create tension that builds up within you - and this tension could easily provoke accidents (verbal or physical). Who wants an accident? "Not I," said the cat. Yes, be like the Little Red Hen and maintain your course with heads-down perseverance. Don't get hung up on quarrels about taxes, debt, inheritances and shared property. Postpone these discussions until the following week. Alice Walker said, "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."

Libra:

Disputes with others could definitely build up this week as you get closer to the Full Moon on Saturday. These disputes will be with partners and close friends and will probably focus on shared property or how the cost of something is divided or how a specific amount of money should be spent. Mercury is in Aries, which is directly opposite your sign. This means you feel quarrelsome with others! And as the Full Moon nears, you'll feel more emotional! (An explosive combo, as you can see.) But you don't have to be victimized by this. You're in charge of your reactions to others, aren't you? Demonstrate grace under pressure. Be the smooth Libra you truly are.

Scorpio:

The only Full Moon in your sign all year occurs this week. (It peaks on Saturday.) This will easily set up tension between you and others, especially partners, family members, bosses, parents and authority figures. (Have I left anyone out?) You might sublimate this tension into quarrels with co-workers or possibly even health issues. Not the ideal solution, is it? Instead, channel some of this aggression into competitive sports. Sex is also very sweet and promising right now. Use Jupiter's lovely influence to enhance your relationship with partners and close friends. In other words, you have a choice. Choose wisely!

Sagittarius:

Several areas could be potentially contentious for you this week. One of them is definitely job-related because this is where the stress of this week's Full Moon will hit you. You might feel that an all-or-nothing situation is at hand. "It's my way or the highway!" (Hard to get a win/win solution with this attitude.) Criticism might also put a damper on romantic relationships and dealings with sports or children. This kind of negative thinking is always a bummer, as you well know. Remember Goethe's advice about dealing with kids: "Criticism does much but encouragement does more." Actually, this applies to almost all relationships, doesn't it?

Capricorn:

Things are going pretty well at work and this is good. Your desire to travel and explore life is also just as strong as ever. But something to do with sports, romance, vacations and children will be a source of tension for you this week. Furthermore, this tension will spill over into your private life and your relationship with family members. ("I was raised by wolves!") For your own happiness (and the happiness of others), refrain from being judgmental or critical of parents, relatives and family members. If you can act with patience and tolerance, your life will be so much easier! And isn't that what you really want? After all, the purpose of life is to be happy.

Aquarius:

I'm not going to sugarcoat this. The Full Moon this week is tough for Aquarius, Leo, Taurus and Scorpio. Factoid. (In truth, it's tough for everyone!) Therefore, please note this is an accident-prone week for you. This does not mean there's an accident out there with your name on it waiting to happen. Not at all. You have some say in this matter. It means you could be frustrated, annoyed, angry or distracted and that is why you might do or say something you regret. I'm simply pointing out the potential and what you must guard against. It's the classic situation that happens when you feel angry with bosses, parents or family members. Focus instead on romance, vacations and playful escapes because these DO have your name on them!

Pisces:

Take extra precautions this week. Guard against accidents or impulsively doing or saying something out of anger. A good rule of thumb is: If you act with discipline you'll have no regrets. So if you do something and you regret it, you didn't act with discipline; and if you do something and you don't regret it, then you did act with discipline. (And if you don't do something and you regret it, then you didn't act with discipline; and if you don't do something and you don't regret it, then you did act with discipline.) Remembering this has kept me out of a few jams. Squabbles about money and possessions will just be a bummer. Let them go. Try not to react if people who are older or more experienced rain on your parade. Cut them some slack.

Aries:

Your focus continues to be on money, earnings, spending and making an inventory of your wealth and possessions. (It's always good to know what you own, especially when you have as many projects on the go as you do!) Don't forget to look under the bed. Ironically, it's your preoccupation with your cash flow, earnings or something you own that could trigger problems at the end of the week with others. Arguments with partners and close friends (probably about money or who owns what or who should repair what or how to divide something) could ensue. You will definitely have to demonstrate patience and rein in your Aries impulse to bluntly speak your mind. After all, who wants egg on their face? (It's happened.)

Eat: Vegan French Toast

My first cook book was blue and made specially for kids. I was obsessed with. When I first began playing in the kitchen it was all about baking, pancakes, and french toast. Obviously my taste has evolved beyond sugar highs. As ski season (in Banff) began to wrap up; I found myself comforted by knowing Saturday mornings could be spent watching cartoons and making breakfast.

My Vegan French is a lighter and gluten free alternative to old school comfort breakfasts. French toast is  a bite down memory lane- 

I had forgotten how relaxing and enjoyable a carb overdose breakfast can be. 

Vegan French Toast:

Ingredients

1 loaf old whole wheat bread,  french bread, or gluten free bread (sliced to your desired serving).

2 over ripe bananas

1 1/2 cup soy milk

1 cup frozen blueberries 

( I like Stahlbush Island Farms because the farm is 100% sustainable)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp nutmeg

dash of salt

1/4 cup agave syrup 

1 tbsp vanilla

Instructions: 

In a large bowl mash the bananas. Add the soy milk and mix well.  

In a small microwavable bowl nuke the blueberries until soft and juicy. Pour the blueberries and juice into the banana milk mix. Combine until smooth"ish". Add the apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, salt, agave, and vanilla. Whisk until you get a light froth. 

Oil a large skillet or fry pan on medium heat. 

Gently soak one piece of bread at time. 

Place the sloppy bread in the fry pan and cook until golden on each side (about 3 per side). 

Serve hot, with fresh berries, "Melt"butter, and maple syrup. So good! 

-enjoy!

Style: Mullet Hemlines

Billy Ray Cyrus can rejoice: the Mullet is BACK with a vengeance. The infamous haircut is swapping styling hair for chopping up hemlines and reversing the "party in the back business in the front" metaphor in a fashionable way. 

Mullet inspired tailoring had been seen in the past few years predominately in shirts and sweaters. This season, the mullet momentum has picked up steam and is charging into mass contemporary fashion. The mullet hemline in the perfect compromise in the maxi vs mini skirt debate. To quote Billy Ray Cyrus says: "A mullets just the best of both worlds." 

The trend unfortunately named the "mullet hemline," is a sexy twist to a modest look. The short front highlights toned legs; while covering more problem proved areas. The mullet hemline look is flattering on all body types. 

The look is a little edgy, funky, and totally sexy. If you have mixed feeling about the trend ease in slowly. Start with a neutral colored skirt: that can be dressed up or down. Pair the skirt with a simple tank for a casual look or dress it up with a blazer. Once you comfortable dive in deeper and choose more extreme mullet hemlines paired with vibrant neon's. 

Try it out-  I dare you!

Splash of Neon

Winning the lottery, or discovering a new element is a pretty big deal; unless of course you are Sir William Ramsey. Sir Ramsey made the discovery of five new elements in the 1890's, all of which bear a strong family resemblance to helium. The elements discovered by Sir. Ramsey: are all gasses, all odorless/colorless, and all nonreactive. Sir Ramsey coined his gasses, "the noble gasses." (Argon, Neon, Krypton, Xenon, and Radon).

Neon was discover in 1898. The word "neon" is  Greek  for: new one. Ramsey and his team discovered that neon burns in bright crimson. The neon glow sparked a trend. Neon, became the symbol of new. The electric colors are shocking and playful.  Neon, in still a novelty today.  A splash of neon can add vibrancy to any outfit or room. If some of the neon fashion trends are too flashy for you wear; think about adding new life to an old picture frame.

Neon spray paint is to find, and available at most hardware stores. Before you get started wipe down the frame to remove any dust. 

Take out the glass, and the back of the frame. 

And to avoid hefty fines lay down some old news paper. 

Shake the cans vehemently- and liberally over the frame (both front and back).

Allow at least an hour of dry time between layers and sides. 

Up-cycling old frames into new neon statement frames is a risk free way to enjoy the neon trend. 

- Enjoy the New!

Sweat: Greener

I saw an interesting article on Recycle Bank last week that highlighted the energy saving benefits of running outside vs. inside on a treadmill. The article stated that if just half off all Nike+ users ran outside instead of on a treadmill for a week enough energy would be saved to power Seattle.

 I find the statement hard to believe, as the research was one sided and funded by a zealous environmental group. Regardless, running out side is such a joy. Especially when the weather is nice. Mix up your cardio: go for a run. 

Then come back and tone your legs/core with me in an easy 15 minute routine. All you need for the my workout is a toning ball (which can be purchased on line Tracyandersonmethod.com).  Bikini season is almost here. Flaunt your assets with confidence, and get your ass is shape.

Beauty: Radiant Skin

Summer is fast approaching. The Days are noticeably longer, and the weather is heating up. Personally, (it is okay if you think I am insane), I hate summer. I hate the sunburns, the bug bites, the constant dewy-ness of persistent humidity. For an extra extra pale skin white girl from the arctic circle summer can be painful. While summer and I might not temperately agree with each other I have to admit that summer beauty is effortlessly stunning. Skin glows; and makeup is subtle. 

Summer skin is radiant; with an effervescent I just did something naughty glow. Fortunately, the look can be faked for those seeking solace from the harsh heat. Radiant skin is easy to fake. 

To get the look, start with a clean face and prime as regular. Mix an illuminator into your foundation or tinted moisturizer ( I like to you Too Faced Beauty Balm). Beauty Balms are a great foundation alternative providing coverage, sun protection, and healthy minerals.  In the video, I start with a completely nude face and walk you through the steps for easy summer radiance. 

-Tres Chic.

The economics of Junk Mail

Trash, rubbish, garbage, crap- whatever you throw away, do so. Bury it deep in a landfill or send it off to sea. It's not your problem, you did the right thing taking out your trash. The country isn't in a garbage crisis: At least not yet.

The Trash Crisis of the millennium is not an acute problem; it can't be solved by simply changing behaviour. For crisis prevention a systematic initiative needs to be addressed. The average North American produces 1.3 tons of garbage each year (about 7 pounds per day).  Once our trash is collected the discarded waste is out of mind. Remember, there is plenty of room in the landfills for decades of trash to collect.

Of course I am being facetious, the crap we through away is not exactly environmental healthy. Nor is it cheep. Waste is a cost; and wastefulness is just a ridiculously stupid economical strategy. Waste is bad for business, customers, and the environment.

More than half of the mail carried by the US postal Service and Canada Post is junk mail. In 2011; 85 billion pieced of junk mail were sent via the US Postal Service. 4 million tons of junk mail were distributed and disposed of without thought. As taxpayers; we all subsidize federal post systems that carry  junk mail.

 A typical flyer cost 2-10 cents to print; at a small run of 2000 flyers the person sending the flyers in only losing about $400 from pocket. Though to get the true cost of the flyer transportation and disposal cost need be considered. From a consumer perspective, NOTHING annoys me more that a flyer placed on my windshield or in my mail box. I don't want irrelevant junk mail. As a customer, junk mail annoys me- and in receiving junk mail I am less likely to support the company who was trying to get my attention with a silly piece of paper.  Of the 4 million tons of junk mail floating around the US it is estimated that only 1 million ton will be recycled.

The brilliance of social networking and marketing is that it allows customers and business to interact on a personal and mutually beneficial platform. Business now have the ability to directly interact with their target market. There is no need for junk mail and flyers. Junk mail is just a waste of  primary, secondary, tertiary and capital resources.

Horoscope: April 23-29

Happy Monday- It looks like Spring has finally sprung. The gentle beauty of cherry blossoms are living up the bare trees. To sound cliche; spring is always a time of new beginning, and revived outlook. I'm apprehensive of spring this year. My life is changing; I'll be leaving the comfort of routine associated with school for an undeclared adventure. The eternal optimist in me know the journey ahead is promised to be "one hell of ride," I just have to learn to let go and to allow for life to happen. With spring in the air; rethink, reorganize and redo what needs to be done. Enough said, check out your Georgia Nicols horoscope for April 23 - April 29. 

Taurus:

This is such a fortunate time for you! Of course, the Sun and lucky Jupiter are in your sign this month. (Yay me!) This attracts favourable circumstances and important people to you. In addition, Mars promises you a playful, prankish, flirtatious summer. You can expect to have fun with vacations, explore the arts, enjoy sports and playful activities with kids, as well as explore frisky, physical sexual adventures. Meanwhile, "The King was in his counting house counting out his money." Yes, fair Venus will bring you opportunities to increase your earnings, as well as opportunities to buy gorgeous treasures for yourself and loved ones. (You do love your trinkets.) Not too shabby, eh wot?

Gemini:

Even though you're working behind the scenes and planning your new year ahead, don't forget that Venus is in your sign until August. This is so rare! (It's usually there for only three weeks once a year.) Incidentally, this phenomenon will not occur again for more than a century, so make the most of it. You're going to have such a fun-loving, pleasurable summer! Venus will help you make peace with others and make new friends. Venus also makes you more attractive in other people's eyes, which is why you'll enjoy shopping for wardrobe goodies. It will also ameliorate the aggression, chaos and increased activity taking place at home due to renovations or visiting guests. You're extremely fortunate to be alive while this influence occurs.

Cancer:

This long duration of Venus and Mars (in their respective signs) for the summer will produce a rather unusual situation. Mars is hyping your communications with everyone. Now and for the summer ahead, you'll be more forthright, direct and bold about going after what you want. This is an asset for those who sell, market, teach, act, write or drive for a living. (You're go, go, go!) Meanwhile, in a secretive way, Venus is hiding in your chart until August. (This long influence will never happen again in your lifetime.) For some, it will manifest as a secret love affair. Others simply will be content with moments of solitude and feeling pleased with themselves. "I like me." (You'll almost be purring.)

Leo:

This rare, lengthy stay of Venus and Mars in two signs will make you spend lots of money this summer. Indeed, this influence has been here for awhile, so you're already spending! Fortunately, Mars will energize everything to do with your cash flow, possessions and approach to money. This means you're also eager to earn money. You're similarly eager to organize your possessions and get rid of what you don't need and make the best use of what you have. "Out with the old, in with the new!" Meanwhile, Venus urges you to madly socialize. Friendships, clubs, groups and organizations all beckon to you this summer. (Friends can become lovers and lovers can become friends.)

Virgo:

You're super-revved with Mars in your sign for so many months. (From November of last year until July this year.) This hugely activates your life! It also gives you a wonderful chance to show the world what you can do. However, you are coming on like gangbusters! (You're more of a fighter for your rights than usual.) Because you're so aggressive and your physical energy is so high, you'll get a lot done but you might also be insensitive to others. "Outta my way! I've got things to do!" All summer, Venus, at the top of your chart, will attract romance with older, richer, worldlier partners. You'll also be asked to give your creative input to special projects. ("Perfect! That blue needed just a bit more white in it.")

Libra:

Not for more than 100 years will Venus have such a long run in this part of your chart. And what part of your chart might that be? It's the part that makes you want to travel, seek adventure and learn. Venus will bring you pleasurable trips this summer as well as possible love affairs with people from other cultures and different countries. Publishing, the media, higher education, medicine and the law will be blessed and might boost your income. Meanwhile, Mars continues to linger in a hidden part of your chart threatening to reveal childish, self-defeating behaviour (Moi?). When upset with others, don't confront them - confront yourself! Time to grow up. (Mars will also encourage secret love affairs.)

Scorpio:

You're receiving a double combo of lovely influences for the summer. (This is most unusual and will never again occur in your lifetime.) One of the influences (Mars) makes you unusually competitive in your dealings with others, especially group situations. It also inspires you to aggressively pursue your goals. (Physical activity will be unusually rewarding for you.) Meanwhile, fair Venus will attract gifts, goodies and favours from others all summer long, as well as promote affectionate, sweet sex. (Woot!) Many of you will benefit indirectly because your partner will earn more money. Others will inherit (where there's a will, there's a way).

Sagittarius:

This rare, unusually lengthy duration of Venus and Mars in their respective signs is powerful for your sign because Mars is at the top of your chart and Venus is opposite your sign. This means your ambition is stimulated as never before. You are totally stoked with energy to achieve certain goals. You will not be daunted or held back. You're just going to bloody well do it: "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" Meanwhile, fair Venus beautifully sweetens relationships with partners and close friends. You'll find it easy to express your affections for others. You can even make favourable headway with enemies. Coochy-coo!

Capricorn:

You must be amazed at the opportunities you have to travel, take vacations plus enjoy yourself and party with others. (And it's not as if you're sitting around getting dusty. You're working hard as well.) This month, you are totally focused on fun, romance, sports and playful times with children. But for the whole summer, these party times are nicely balanced with establishing an easy rapport with co-workers, one that is mutually beneficial. In addition to which, you will continue to explore opportunities to travel, get further education and make the most of inroads in publishing, the media, medicine and the law. You wanted more?

Aquarius:

Many Aquarians are completely involved in the most fantastic love affair of their lives. (You might be married to this person or not.) Everything to do with romance, love affairs, the arts, playful times with children, vacations and sports will be highly rewarding for you this summer. On top of that, your sex drive is strong. You're ready for fun! Not only that, you will confidently defend your own best interests and make sure you get your fair share of the pie. If you have to divide something or discuss an inheritance or dispute about shared property, you'll be confident and successful. Continue to tap into your creative talent.

Pisces:

Busy, busy you! Short trips, mucho errands and conversations with others keep you on the go. But in the bigger picture, this summer you'll want to entertain at home and do whatever you can to beautify your digs. You'll buy goodies for where you live or paint and redecorate. Relations with family members will be more affectionate and peaceful. (This is wonderfully restoring for you.) But more than that, this will anchor you because Mars opposite your sign continues to create conflict with friends and partners when you least expect it. The upside is you're ready to defend yourself. You have the guts to clear the air with others and speak your mind. Hey, this is a good thing!

Aries:

This double whammy of Mars and Venus means you'll accomplish a lot this summer for two reasons: The first is your ruler Mars will motivate you to be super-productive. You'll take pride in how hard you work and how much you accomplish in the next few months. Not only will you want to be efficiently productive, you'll also want to improve your health. Therefore, you have all this motivation and energy! Meanwhile, Venus will give you the means to accomplish what you want because Venus makes you charming, diplomatic and able to talk about anything to anyone. Venus will also enhance your ability to discover how much love there is in your everyday world. And hey, do let others know how much you care for them as well, hmmm?

Drink Greener: Home Brewed Sweet Tea

When I am on the run, I will grab a bottled water, juice, or kambucha with out thought. The convince of single serving drinks in undeniable. Over the past year, with the help of my Soda Stream, I have cut down on my plastic bottle waste. However; I'm not perfect- I takes organization, preparation, and commitment to cut back on ones reckless consumption. 

Bottled water/beverages are packaged in polyethylene terephthalate plastic (PET). PET emits toxins such as nickel, ethyl benzene, ethylene oxide, and benzene into our air and water through production. The toxins above are common human allergens. Their presence in our  air and water are believed to be trigger high rates of Asthma, emphysema, and eczema. Our bodies can't process the heavy metallic  and ethyl properties. 

On a green note, only 14% of plastic single use beverage bottles are recycled in the US. PET, plastic is reliant on petroleum. It's estimated the US and Canada combined consume over 55 billion plastic bottles a year. The amount of energy required to manufacture the plastic bottles is equivalent to 18 million barrels of oil (enough to fuel and run a million suburbans for a year). Out at sea, in the pacific ocean, there is an island of trash equal in size to the contented of Africa, (The great Pacific Garbage Reef). The Pacific Garbage Reef is disgusting. 

In honor of Earth Week, I am pledging to commit to eliminating and reducing the amount of plastic beverage bottles I consume. I can make my own sodas with Soda Stream, and brew my own sweet tea. 

Home Brewed Charleston Inspired Sweet Tea

Ingredients:

8 cups water

6 large tea bags

3/4 cup agave syrup

3 lemons slices

Mint

Prep:

Fill a large stock pot with the water, and bring to a boil. 

Add the agave; and mix well. 

Turn off the stove, and add the tea bags. Allow the tea to steep for half an hour. 

Add the lemon slices, and transfer the tea to a large pitcher. 

Serve over ice, and sprig of mint.

-enjoy

Style: maxi-evolution

From our humble prehistoric ancestry, men and women have evolved to the sophisticated and politically correct beings that we are. Our capacity to rationalizes on a pc level is the rabbit in the race against the turtle, genetic evolution.

(Bill Blass)

From our hunting and gathering days; men and women have evolved to see differently. Women; tend to gravitate to color. Presumably from our need to find colored berries and root vegetable. As women, what we notice first about a style, decoration, or look is the color. We tend to like neutral colors with a pop of color. Like a nude face, with a bold lip.

 In contrast, men from their days of hunting, see movement before color. In order to hunt efficiently, men needed to be able to instinctually  react to muscle twitches. Many sports psychologist believe that the male ability to see movement in action is the reason why male professional sports play at a higher level.

(Calvin Klein Spring 2012) 

When it comes to fashion, men are attracted to how fabric hangs and moves on the body. Think: Oscar De La Renta, Jason Wu, Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein. Male designers, design with movement in mind. Clothing that flows effortlessly on and around the body is elegant, sexy, and beautiful.

(Mulberry Spring 2012)

Mix in some flow to your wardrobe with flowing skirts, blouses and dresses. The maxi look is dominating summer fashion. To keep the maxi look fresh, stick to rental pastel colors like nude, and mint; or bold on trend prints.

Read: 50 Shades Trilogy

50 Shades of Grey, is a mature tween literature inspired trilogy. My e-reader has become my most prized possession. I read all three hunger games novels via the kindle store. I love the discretion and privacy provided by e-readers. No one knows what you are reading. I first downloaded 50 shades of grey, after finishing "Mockingbird," (the best and last book in Susan Collins Hunger Games trilogy).  I can across "50 Shades of Grey," through an Internet search. I want to read the next trilogy obsession. 

"50 Shades of grey," is an intoxicating and erotic read that appeals to the inner goddess in every woman and her sexual fantasies. The "50 Shades trilogy," is x rated and infatuating. The author, E.L. James, wrote the books from a place of desire, desperation, and seduction. The novel is a play on her wildest sexual fantasies. "50 Shades of Grey," has erected a massive frenzy because the story appeals to all women whom dream of exciting and liberating sex lives. My alter ego came to life while reading "50 Shades of Grey."

The story explores the unconventional relationship between: Anastasia Steel, a 22 year old virgin and literature major; and Christian Grey, a 26 year old business tycoon. The couple met by fluke chance; and were both seduced by a carnal need for the other. "50 Shades of Grey," explores the karmic need and insatiable lure we are all capable of feeling. Primal attraction, fuels the trilogy as E.L. James dives in to un-explored rationalized desire. 

50 Shades of Grey, invites readers to a foreign world. Much of the activity described in full detail was beyond my personal comfort. The story of seduction, and magnetic attraction is what I related to in the novel. 50 Shades of Grey, should be read with an open mind. E.L. James is a fearless writer who challenges social norms in an eloquent, and language rich manner. "50 Shades of Grey," is the book every one's talking about. Pick it up, read it, and don't judge the book by it adult content. E.L James, is challenging taboo and writing for the modern world. 

Sweat Mistakes

When it comes to exercising we are all guilty of a few faux pas. I have a tendency to get stuck in exercise ruts, because I fail to mix-up my work outs. I love the Tracy Anderson Method, because she switches up the routine every 10 days. Staying constant with my TAM workouts has eliminated my exercise boredom. Before Tam, I was a cardio snob. I would spend hours running. When in my cardio only phases I struggled with achieving results. We all make mistakes, and below are a few of the biggest sweat mistakes we exercise fanatics are making. 

1. Excuses, Excuse Excuse:

" I just don't have time to fit in a workout...So-and-so needs me to do blah-blah-blah..."

When it comes to working out, or eating healthy the average woman has an advanced ability to make excuses and negotiate alternative plans to reduce lack of sweat guilt. In business success there is no room for excuses and costly negotiations are not viewed positively. Success is the result of handwork, and ownership of ones goals. This means accepting the challenges. Treat your fitness goal like an investment.

Make an appointment with the treadmill, buy yourself a new workout outfit; treat it like a business meeting, (or a beauty appointment). 

2. Ehh? Change up my workout-

Performing the same exercises routine every day is the surest way to get you in a fitness plateau. In addition the repetitive use of key muscles can cause injuries, and extreme muscle fatigue. Change up the intensities, and the exercises. Our bodies are smart, and they adapt quickly to new routines. To challenge muscles to constantly evolve workouts have to stay progressive and challenging. Break through your plateau to realize new potential. Changing up your routine will help make workouts more fun; and as a transferred benefit will make you more willing to make changes in other areas of your life. 

3. CARDIO Snob

Only spend time on the elliptical or treadmill in attempts to burn fat, and snub the poor weight room?

Cardio is crazy important; but it is best paired with weight training. If you fear bulking up opt for high reps and low weights via Tracy Anderson Style. Muscle burn more calories at rest than fat. To increase your resting metabolic rate up your strength training. 

4. Chatter Box Supreme

Excising with a buddy is a great way to stay motivated, but make sure you are concentrating on the workout not talking. If you can talk with ease; you aren't working hard enough. And don't even think about talking on the cell- which takes you out of the workout completely and increases your likelihood of gym related injuries.

5. Music 

The tunes you listen to subliminally determine the intensity of your workout. Make a play list with songs that match your workout. For cardio pick up beat tunes, and strength training pick a slower song with a more steady beat. Matching your play list to your workout will help maximize core benefits and will reduce your likelihood of injuries. 

Shuffle the play list around to change your workout. Try mixing a song of cardio between songs of strength training. Go to Spotify to get new music inspiration- 

AND always keep your music volume low enough to hear whats happening around you. 

Sleeping Beauty

Princess Aurora is the personification of beauty well rested. Her skin shines with a rejuvenated youthful freshness that is rare to see in someone over the age of 7. Princess Aurora's beauty is the result of her plentiful rest. With out her rest, she would look and feel just as frazzled as the rest of us. While it may be a near impossibility to disconnect from the world for an extended nap to reap beauty benefits; we can make the most of it through revamping our before bed beauty routine. Wake up prettier, thanks to Elle Canada!

Wash your face:

Wash away the day with a calming rental face wash to help open pores. Going to sleep with makeup, and environmental skin debris can clog pores and result in nasty volcanic zits. After washing your face apply a vitamin c, retinal, or glycol acid product to the skin either as a toner or moisturizer. These products are great to apply before bed as they are light sensitive.

Pamper your cuticles:

Massage a drop of cuticle oil on to your nail beds before bed to help promote health, strong, flexible nails. The cuticle oil will beautify your hands, and will help your manicures last longer. The more flexible our nails are, the less polish will chip. Apply cuticle oil before bed to allow the oil to really penetrate into your skin. Try Sparitual cuticle oil (Vegan Friendly).

Stay Away from the LCD light:

The harsh florescent light the radiates from LCD screens mimics a sunshine light. The LCD glare at night time can trick the body into believing that it's not time for bed. Research from the University of Toronto shows that florescent lighting prevents the body from producing melatonin a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycle. Turn of the computer, cell phone and TV an hour before bed to calm the body. Turning of LCD light before bed will instantly reduce dark circles under the eye as the body accepts a natural sleep cycle. 

Set a Bed Time:

Our bodies have a natural clock that responds to the natural day cycle. We like to be awake for daylight and asleep for nightfall. By setting a bed time, as juvenile as it may seem, you will be more awake and refreshed for your wake-up time. Assigning your self a bed time is a proactive way to stay focused on your daily routine. Beauty and intelligence are sharpest when fresh. Aim to sleep between 7 and 8 hour a night 

(wake up at 7, be in bed by 11).

If you have trouble falling asleep turn a fan on to help your body cool down. 

Newtons Laws of Finance

Sir Isaac Newton's 3 law of motion explain far more than simple inertia or physics. The laws of motion serve as a crucial basis to understand the complexities of personal finance. With out a simple understand of Newton's laws of motion; getting in financial shape will be an awkward and unsuccessful battle.

" Objects in motion, stay in motion- unless external force is applied"

Imagine the object in motion, being your personal expenses. Your expenses have no intuitive knowledge of your leisure schedule. If you go on holidays, your expenses will remain constant. If you go on holidays, the interest rate on your credit card statement will remain constant. The interest fee; will be added to your expenses. The longer your bills stay in motion the greater interest you will be charged. (Or the more you save; the greater interest earning you will receive.)

Keep you finances in motion, by paying of your debts each month in full. Doing so will eliminate nasty interest expenses. Keep your cash flow positive, by budgeting your earnings against your expenses. Simple?

"The force of an object is the combination of its mass, and acceleration"

Credit cards are greedy interest vampires. The average credit card company will charge an annual interest rate of 13-20% per year compounded monthly.

Say you owe $1000 on your credit card and the interest rate is 13%.
The effective annual interest rate on your card would be 13.8%.  (ear)= 1 + (rate/ periods)^periods-1
 EAR= 1+ (.13/12)^12-1

If you don't pay of your credit card bill, you will be charged interest on top of interest and your total pill will increase proportionately. At 13.8% interest the credit card company will be making $138, from you for every grand you owe. Interest debt can accumulate at lightning speed. To change the direction of your compounding expenses pay of your cards every month.

( If you open a saving account and deposits $20 in it every week for a year at a 6% EAR your measly contribution of $20 a month will grow to $1395.40 in 5 years. The interest will accrue and you will make money on your savings.

"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction" 

For a shopping spree on rodeo drive, you need dollar bills. You can't spend money if you don't have money. The opposite action of spending money, is earning money. Before you increase expenses examine way to increase your revenue.