Get that 1920s Vintage Mobster/Flapper look

With numerous Halloween parties going on this month, I’ve compiled what I have found to be some fantastic sources to help you get ready for a 1920s vintage mobsters event like the Mobsters Ball happening in Stony Plain, AB on October 27.

Mobsters Ball

Costumes:

Guys: http://www.ehow.com/video_4993858_create-costume-men.html 

Molls: 

Hair:

Long hair:

When creating pin curls in the hair, remember to hold onto the end of the hair as you curl upward.  This will ensure the curl doesn’t fall out as you roll in upward.  Place your pin there as well (where ever the end of your hair is in that curl).  Remember to also use pins that are close to the colour of your hair.

Short hair:

Since I have long, thick curly hair, I’ve found the technique to do finger waves on myself is easiest using long clips or long bobby pins to hold finger waves.  The first video shows simple ways to do waves, although I push the comb and create a more defined “C” shape to form the “S” as the second video shows.  Key things to remember: Use a strong gel (Dippity Do I’ve found is really good and very cheap) and get some long bobby pins or clips.

Basic idea on how to do finger waves using clips: 

How to do technique finger waves: 

Hair for the Guys:

Slide part, slick it back.  Here’s a tutorial on how to get the 1920s slick look.  Also?  This video made me giggle.

Make up for the Dapper Flapper:

This video is long, but it is also the best video I’ve seen for 1920s makeup application:

Talk like a Mobster:

http://www.aetv.com/the-sopranos/slang-game/

5 Valentines Self-Love Activities in Edmonton

Valentines Day either brings on feelings of excitement and love, or nausea and gas.  I really do think that today is a day to celebrate love in general.  Whether that be love for your partner, or taking today to remind yourself that love isn't a flower, a chocolate or a diamond (note: although love isn't a diamond, I wouldn't not accept one cause it'd be rude.  Well, actually that's not true.  If its a conflict-free diamond, then that's okay)  

Today, take a moment to look in the mirror and be like that guy from SNL.  You're good enough, you're smart enough and dammit, people like you.  When you're done with your self-love, here's some awesome activities to do in Edmonton on Valentines day.

1. Valentines Party Featuring Mike Edel & Lindsey Walker with Justin Van Der Grift

  http://tx9.ca/UR19AR

2. Hatha Yoga at Noorish: http://noorish.ca/yoga/schedule/#Tue

3. Women’s Memorial Walk: http://womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com/national/

4. Love Stinks at The Starlight Room: http://www.starliteroom.ca/show.php?id=2365

5. Read Anti-Valentines for a giggle: http://www.meish.org/vd/

Alcohol Consumption at your Company Holiday Party

With the multitude of Holiday parties in full swing, we must remember our responsibilities as event planners, corporations and citizens to do our part in ensuring everyone arrives home alive to their families this Christmas season.  

When planning the annual company holiday party (or any party involving alcohol consumption), I advise companies to focus on their due diligence.  Companies can and have been held partially responsible for duty of care for the actions their employees take at their corporate holiday functions. 

Here are some tips for ensuring your company is taking care in leading by example for making your event memorable for the right reasons:

• Announce and advertise that your event promotes sober driving. 
• Arrange to have taxi chits available for any employees who want them.  Make sure to record the number of the chit and who has it on the form.  Follow up after the event and ask that all unused chits be returned.  Taxi chits can be costly; however, the cost for a cab ride is substantially lower to the cost of a life and any litigation for the employer.
• Have your MC include in the “housekeeping” at the beginning of the night what options are available to your guests.  Also remind them that this includes calling police for any suspected drunk drivers.
• Is your party being held at a hotel?  Often block bookings can be made at hotels for guests to stay the night after partying hard at your event.  Ask your hotel representative if they have a program for this.
• Speak with agencies such as Operation Red Nose if they are in your area.
• Monitor the consumption of your guests throughout the evening.  Identify and act on those that may have had too much.
• Ensure that your servers are ProServe certified.  This is a legal requirement in Alberta for anyone serving alcohol.
• Hold your party during the day time hour and have a dry party. 
• Ask for signature non-alcoholic beverages and then promote them at your event.
• Have all designated drivers wear a wrist band so they are identified and bartenders know not to serve any alcohol to them. Thank them openly for being a part of your sober management program. Cover the cost for them to drink pop, juice and coffee at your event.
• Have someone stationed at the exit to ask your guests how they are getting home. Support them should any issues arise.
• Make arrangements with a taxi company to have a few cars onsite at the conclusion of your event.
• Speak with your insurance provider on your responsibilities for Host Liquor Liabilities.
• Read “When Good Parties Go Bad: Liability For Employers” by McMillan http://www.mcmillan.ca/93731
• Contact MADD for additional support and tips 

Credit Free Digital Photos

Finally, here are some tips to consider as a guest while attending your corporate holiday function:

• Speak with your employer and ask them how they are promoting sober driving at the holiday party.
• If you notice someone overly intoxicated at the function, take action! Notify your host; ask them for assistance in handling this (at times) delicate situation.
• Call police if you suspect someone to be driving while intoxicated. Yes, it may be awkward and uncomfortable if this is someone you know personally however no amount of discomfort is worse than a loss of life or injury.
• While soberly driving, if you notice checkstops or where police are located, please don’t announce it on social media sites or on the radio. They are there to catch drunk drivers and save your life from being impacted because of it.  Support the local authorities in ensuring everyone gets home alive.
• Offer to be a designated driver and choose not to drink. Parties are a hoot when you’re sober!
• Obviously…don’t drink and drive. 

The holiday season is full of love, laughter and merriment!  Lets keep it that way.

Shop Local in Edmonton for Weddings or Christmas

Christmas season is upon us! Shops have adorned their windows with a variety of holiday baubles and bling.  I decided to take a walk around my area (which is amazing and I love) in Edmonton: Old Strathcona.  One of the reasons I love this area so much is there is literally something for everyone.  No matter what shop you enter, you’re sure to find something perfect and you’re supporting the local economy.

My Edmonton “staycation” started out at the Designer Sale at The Red Pony Consignment store.  Designers sold their wares in a super fun back shop (made me feel as though I was part of a secret fashionista club)  All of the designers were incredibly nice, knowledgable and fun.  Not even going to lie and say I didn’t buy anything . . .could’ve easily dropped a paycheck. . .. 

This gorgeous silk dress designed by Jessica Halabi (If you buy this then I get to borrow it for an indefinite period of time):

Brides:  are you looking for ultra gorgeous and unique bridesmaids dresses?  Definitely contact Jessica. 

Here’s another one of my fav’s from her:

Parasol and Cruze were also in attendance, and I nabbed myself a comfortable and gorgeous tank and bolero (I may or may not have the terminology correct, so designers, correct me)

Great hey?

 

To go with my new threads, I purchased this handmade metal feather headband:

All of the accessories were handmade, eco chic and fun!  Check out this stunner agate necklace from BangBang Bijoux. All of her accessories are repurposed and each piece has an amazing story behind it.  **Brides! This is perfect for Something Old AND Something New**

 Fun, yes?  

 Here is the contact info for all the designers:

Fridget Apparel www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fridget-Apparel/100036033540
Jessica Halabi Fashion www.facebook.com/JessicaHalabiFashion
Cruz by Gabriella www.facebook.com/#!/pages/CRUZ/136943409649188
Parasol by Corinna www.facebook.com/#!/parasol.designs
Cloud+Lolly Jewelry www.facebook.com/#!/cloudandlollyshop
BangBang Bijoux http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=154119178451

Moving on down the road, I stopped in at Ten Thousand Villages.  If you are a Christmas decorating nut then you’re going to be over the moon.  I love Ten Thousand Villages for three reasons: 1. Its free trade, you’re helping support an actual person somewhere; 2. Its very unique and fun; 3. ECO!  There were literally hundreds of different decorations to choose from.  As I moved away from the sparkly glittery trinkets and bows, I was stopped dead in my tracks for this:

Yes.  Coffee.  Don’t judge me.  The coffee is smooth, mild and perfect for a winter day.

Finally I travelled on to the Old Strathcona Farmers Market.  GO HERE.  I demand you too.  Tons of fresh food from LOCAL vendors.

And then there was this:

Although an old man decided it was his place to remind me that its fattening.  So, I scarfed this puppy down with reckless abandon.  I'd kill of a cinnamon tower wedding cake dripping in cheesecake icing.

Thank you, Old Strathcona and Whyte Ave for being amazing.  I’m truly blessed to live in probably the most kick-ass place in Edmonton.  

Final note, if you noticed from the above, everything I bought was eco –friendly and with the exception of my coffee, local.  I really encourage everyone to shop local for as much as possible.  You’re helping someone succeed in doing something they love and supporting our local economy.  I challenge all of you to shop local vendors first before going to big box and name brand. 

I am a FIERCE Woman . .. so to speak

I recently was nominated for a FIERCE Woman (Rising Star) Award in Edmonton, put on by MOM Magazine.  Thank you Cathy from The Green Tea Frog for nominating me, I'm truly honoured!  By the way, there is still time to nominate the FIERCE Women in your life!

Apparently nominees have to upload a video to YouTube telling them a bit about themselves (for me, my greatest influences and why I feel compelled to make a difference in the world). 

So without further verbose tendancies, here is my video entry:

So I'm wondering to everyone reading this, who are YOUR greatest influences?  Why do YOU feel compelled to make a difference in the world?

Thank you to all of my friends and family for their support and love! 

LOVE, PEACE and EMPOWERMENT!