ArtMarket: Extraordinary Treasures

Ladies, it’s our time to round up the army of beauties and leave your men at home! Oh, and by that, I mean leave them, but don’t forget their wallets and credit card pin numbers, CLEAR?! J

Mid-afternoon wine and delicious cheeses are recommended. After indulging, it’s time for your purpose-driven wanderlust. You’ll look for a haven packed with eccentric collections from all over Canada—one of a kind—exclusive, limited, seemingly fated to be yours and yours alone!

You, my dear, are just in time. In this part of the year, there are plenty of retail shows, juried craft shows, and all artesian exhibiting their striking handmade products from a diverse collection of cities across the country. You will expose a treasure of extraordinary, inimitable, designer clothing. You will find Nikki Babie, exquisite porcelain, chick leatherwork, rich woodwork, exotic jewelry…it will be the perfect opportunity to check off everyone from your Christmas list! You can almost see the faces of your loved ones light up over the endowments that they cannot find just elsewhere!

Looking around you will find yourself warm up inside. No, not the wine. It’s the festive atmosphere over meeting the artists, designers, and experiencing the sweets on your taste buds, as well as the tenderness and ardor that makes you want to stock up for the Holidays.

We love this. We love exhibiting at the retail craft shows during the Holiday Seasons. It enables me, Nikki Babie, to check and see how my designs fit and look on an assortment of body contours. Now on these events you can check our latest collection.  I must say that the new Bamboo Versatile Travel Collection has been a hit! Let us take you everywhere with it! You’ll simply adore it.

Bear in mind, fashionistas, that if you feel incredible in an outfit and it makes you stand taller, boiling your eyes up to a majestic sparkle, MAKE THE PURCHASE! Do not listen to anyone’s opinion! Follow your instincts since this is what we, fashionistas, do perfectly best: We listen to our inner truths…and we act on them!

Back to Prince Charming’s credit card and wallet…is that the devil in you hinting on a naughty smile? You know it…you deserve to spoil yourself with all the luxuries! He’ll understand, don’t worry.

 

XOXO,

Nikki ♥

ArtMarket: Calgary Alberta: New Telus Convention Centre: Nov.15-18:

Rendezvous Weekend

Hello Fashionistas!!!

Your knight in shining armor has just surprised you with an invitation to run away with him…well, for the weekend, at least.  J His romanticism just kicked in and everything was just so sudden! You are left with oh so little time to pack and the ticket is right there, lying on your bed, staring at you.

What will you do?

You scramble in your closet and panic. But then you stopped…why will you panic? Yes, you have to pack light since the invitation is too urgent. Yes, despite packing light, you have to remain desirable. Yes, you can’t just wear the same clothes over and over…but hey, you have a whole line of versatile clothes from Nikki Babie Inc., right? So, why with the cold feet? Let us take good care of you.

The functional and ingenuous collection created by Nikki Babie Inc. takes you everywhere from the hot-tup to a formal event. You can play with a lot of looks in five amazing pieces that will certainly cover your rendezvous weekend.  Start with the Voodookini which is made of double-layered bamboo jersey, with its hue creating an interesting contrast in color binding to match the RoguePant, the Jupe de Fringe, and the Jupe de Vie.

The alchemy plays in your head and you have decided that you are well coordinated in your ensemble, from head to toe. You got the Voodokini top and ends with a thong. Pull the thong higher over the hip, if you shall, to flaunt a wave of mystery and show how it is when the skirts are worn low on the bodice. Move with sexiness and allow the jupe de fringe to swish around your legs.

Check your list, you should have:

Voodookini

Aphrodite

Rogue or Ninja SkirtPant

Jupe de Vie or the Jupe de Fringe

Flamenco Wrap

Thongs, Flats, Stilettos, or Sexy Boots... depending on the climate you will be adventuring in.

All is set, fashionistas! We got you covered ♥

 

XOXO,

Nikki ♥
Photo: VoodooKini - Ink with Metalic Mauve Binding.

The 26 Healthiest Foods

 

Ola Fashionistas!

Just because I love and adore you…

Just because when you are “breathtaking,” is doesn’t mean you’re sick…  

Just because we want you as splendiferous inside, as well as outside…

…I discovered this amazing person that is also in a dedicated quest for eternal charm!

 

Read through it and feel the amour!

Don Ward is a practicing Naturopathic therapist currently living in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

 

 

 

The 26 Healthiest Foods on the Planet
by Don Ward
www.innerglow.ca

The following is a "healthy food hot list" consisting of the 26 foods that will give you the biggest nutritional bang for you caloric buck, as well as decrease your risk for deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Along with each description is a suggestion as to how to incorporate these power-foods into your diet.

01. Apricots
The Power: Beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protect the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snacks on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients.

02. Avocados
The Power: Oleic acid, an unsaturated fat that helps lower overall cholesterol and raise levels of HDL, plus a good dose of fiber. One slice has 81 calories, 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber. Try a few slices instead of mayonnaise to dress up your next burger.

Proactol Fat Binder

03. Raspberries The Power: Ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer-cell growth. These berries are also packed with vitamin C and are high in fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. A cup has only 60 calories, 1 gram of fat and 8 grams of fiber. Top plain low-fat yogurt or oatmeal (another high fiber food) with fresh berries.

04. Cantaloupe The Power: Vitamin C (117mg in half a melon, almost twice the recommended daily dose) and beta-carotene - both powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage. Plus, half a melon has 853mg of potassium - almost twice as much as a banana, which helps lower blood pressure. Half a melon has 97 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Cut into cubes and freeze, then blend into an icy smoothie.

05. Cranberry Juice The Power: Helps fight bladder infections by preventing harmful bacteria from growing. A cup has 144 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Buy 100 percent juice concentrate and use it to spice up your daily H20 without adding sugar.

06. Tomato
The Power: Lycopene, one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of bladder, stomach and colon cancers in half if eaten daily. A tomato has 26 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Drizzle fresh slices with olive oil, because lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with a little fat.

08. Raisins
The Power: These little gems are a great source of iron, which helps the blood transport oxygen and which many women are short on. A half-cup has 218 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Sprinkle raisins on your morning oatmeal or bran cereal - women, consider this especially during your period.

08. Figs
The Power: A good source of potassium and fiber, figs also contain vitamin B6, which is responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, lowering cholesterol and preventing water retention. The Pill depletes B6, so if you use this method of birth control, make sure to get extra B6 in your diet. One fig has 37 to 48 calories, 0 fat and 2 grams of fiber. (Cookie lovers - fig bars have around 56 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber per cookie). Fresh figs are delicious simmered alongside a pork tenderloin and the dried variety make a great portable gym snack.

09. Lemons and Limes
The Power: Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, all of which help prevent cancer. A wedge has 2 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Buy a few of each and squeeze over salads, fish, beans and vegetables for fat free flavor. See also: Beneficial Bytes: Lemons and Limes.
Vegetables

10. Onions
The Power: Quercetin is one of the most powerful flavonoids (natural plant antioxidants). Studies show it helps protect against cancer. A cup (chopped) has 61 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Chop onions for the maximum phytonutrient boost, or if you hate to cry, roast them with a little olive oil and serve with rice or other vegetables.

11. Artichokes
The Power: These odd-looking vegetables contain silymarin, an antioxidant that helps prevent skin cancer, plus fiber to help control cholesterol. One medium artichoke has 60 calories, 0 fat and 7 grams of fiber. Steam over boiling water for 30 to 40 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice on top, then pluck the leaves off with your fingers and use your teeth to scrape off the rich-tasting skin. When you get to the heart, you have found the best part!

12. Ginger
The Power: Gingerols may help reduce queasiness; other compounds may help ward off migraines and arthritis pain by blocking inflammation-causing prostaglandins. A teaspoon of fresh gingerroot has only 1 calorie, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Peel the tough brown skin and slice or grate into a stir-fry.

13. Broccoli
The Power: Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which help protect against breast cancer. Broccoli also has lots of vitamin C and beta-carotene. One cup (chopped) has 25 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Don't overcook broccoli - instead, microwave or steam lightly to preserve phytonutrients. Squeeze fresh lemon on top for a zesty and taste, added nutrients and some vitamin C.

14. Spinach
The Power: Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help fend off macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older people. Plus, studies show this green fountain of youth may help reverse some signs of aging. One cup has 7 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Add raw leaves to a salad or saute with a little olive oil and garlic.

15. Bok Choy (Chinese cabbage)
The Power: Brassinin, which some research suggests may help prevent breast tumors, plus indoles and isothiocyanates, which lower levels of estrogen, make this vegetable a double-barreled weapon against breast cancer. A cup will also give you 158mg of calcium (16 percent of your daily recommended requirement) to help beat osteoporosis. A cup (cooked) has 20 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Find it in your grocer's produce section or an Asian market. Slice the greens and juicy white stalks, then saute like spinach or toss into a stir-fry just before serving.

16. Squash (Butternut, Pumpkin, Acorn)
The Power: Winter squash has huge amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which may help protect against endometrial cancer. One cup (cooked) has 80 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Cut on in half, scoop out the seeds and bake or microwave until soft, then dust with cinnamon.

17. Watercress and Arugula
The Power: Phenethyl isothiocyanate, which, along with beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, may help keep cancer cells at bay. One cup has around 4 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Do not cook these leafy greens; instead, use them to garnish a sandwich or add a pungent, peppery taste to salad.

18. Garlic
The Power: The sulfur compounds that give garlic its pungent flavor can also lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even reduce your risk of stomach and colon cancer. A clove has 4 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Bake a whole head for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft and sweet and spread on bread instead of butter.
Grains, Beans, Dairy and Nuts

29. Quinoa
The Power: A half cup of cooked quinoa has 5 grams of protein, more than any other grain, plus iron, riboflavin and magnesium. A half-cup has 318 calories, 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber. Add to soup for a protein boost. Rinse first, or it will taste bitter.

20. Wheat Germ
The Power: A tablespoon gives you about 7 percent of your daily magnesium, which helps prevent muscle cramps; it is also a good source of vitamin E. One tablespoon has 27 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber. Sprinkle some over yogurt, fruit or cereal.

21. Lentils
The Power: Isoflavones, which may inhibit estrogen-promoted breast cancers, plus fiber for heart health and an impressive 9 grams of protein per half cup. A half-cup (cooked) has 115 calories, 0 fat and 8 grams of fiber. Isoflavones hold up through processing, so buy lentils canned, dried or already in soup. Take them to work, and you will have a protein packed lunch.

22. Peanuts
The Power: Studies show that peanuts or other nuts (which contain mostly unsaturated "good" fat) can lower your heart-disease risk by over 20 percent. One ounce has 166 calories, 14 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Keep a packet in your briefcase, gym bag or purse for a protein-packed post-workout nosh or an afternoon pick me up that will satisfy you until supper, or chop a few into a stir-fry for a Thai accent.

23. Pinto Beans
The Power: A half cup has more than 25 percent of your daily requirement of folate, which helps protect against heart disease and reduces the risk of birth defects. A half-cup (canned) has 103 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Drain a can, rinse and toss into a pot of vegetarian chili.

24. Yogurt
The Power: Bacteria in active-culture yogurt helps prevent yeast infections; calcium strengthens bones. A cup has 155 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 grams of fiber. Get the plain kind and mix in your own fruit to keep calories and sugar down. If you are lactose intolerant, never fear -- yogurt should not bother your tummy.

Seafood

25. Shellfish (Clams, Mussels) The Power: Vitamin B12 to support nerve and brain function, plus iron and hard-to-get minerals like magnesium and potassium. Three ounces has 126 to 146 calories, 2 to 4 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Try a bowl of tomato-based (and low fat) Manhattan clam chowder.

26. Salmon
The Power: Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, anchovies and cod are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiac disease. A 3-ounce portion (cooked) has 127 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 fiber. Brush fillets with ginger-soy marinade and grill or broil until fish flakes easily with a fork.

 Love

Nikki  xoxo

Androgyny is The New Black

 Ola Fashionistas!

Androgyny is the new black. Today, being a man or woman is not the issue. It’s all about being who you really are even if it’s scandalous. Exotic. Exquisite. They’re literally everything and more than what is in between.

Fashionistas,  introducing Filipino designer, Santi Obcena. Last  Philippine Fashion Week, he showcased his Bastarda Collection (“Bastarda” means “adopted” in Tagalog, or in Filipino colloquial term, “inferior”) which exudes a melange of the glamorous and the macabre. What’s more intriguing is that for his walk, he used transgendered ladies and gentlemen to show how versatile his designs are.

His designs are everything BUT inferior. The line will surprise you with the edgy cuts and provocative textures that will wow you to no end.

The piece closest to my heart is the Legarda.  I can see it take form with the Long Bamboo Fringe Scarf and it gives you the 007 look. The scarf will bring out your flirty side but will maintain the FIERCE on! Talk about the slits that go all the way up to the North Pole!

The world is now open to curious ideas. Gone are the days of stereotyping! In fashion, it’s all about breaking free and breaking all hell loose! 

 XOXO,

Nikki

Chaos ...

 

The clutter on your desk reveals it all: you’ve been through a very rough week—a week full of confusion, chaos, a tidal wave of deadlines, and a life tampered by the illusions of the city life. You attempt to multitask just to stay afloat, yet, it was never enough. And here you are, battered and beaten until no trace of beauty is left to flaunt.

I feel you. As a designer, we have mental overloads and creativity drains. When times like this kicks in, I pack my heart and search for my soul. It is imperative to salvage myself from the city and settle in the excitement of the unknown.   I long for sweet nirvana,isolating myself from familiar faces and discovering a whole new world. Feeling the rush of it all and stepping out of my comfort zone is my therapy to move forward. My perspective changes, my outlook are shifted, and I am soon a revision of my worn out self.

 

A designer lives in a world of peril. A world where the future is covered by haze and what’s left for you to get you through is your intuition and vision. It is a never ending battle of finding out what’s beautiful and divine, or how to twist the grotesque into a thing of delight. I, for one, don’t plan years in advance. I collect and compile my visions, and unleash them all when the time is right.

When will I know that the time is right, you might ask? You feel that.

You simply feel the desire slowly crawling in your veins as the picture in your mind builds itself piece by piece, and it becomes too much to contain that it becomes an explosion of revelation.

The Jupe de fringe is an offspring of my creative pursuits. I thought about that skirt 2 years before I gave birth to the pattern.  The Rouge SkirtPant as in a vault inside the depths of my consciousness and only after 3 years did I patterned it to existence. Timing is of the essence. As they say, creativity can never be rushed.

 My dear fashionistas, you all know this feeling. Every now and then, things get out of hand and bats are released from the belfry. Worry not. Just take a breather, do what you love, be what you love, and feel the love. Take a day or night to yourself and celebrate the joys of being you. Soon, you will be that prism that will reflect the positivity to everybody. Pass it on, fashionista! We call it Self Love.

XOXO

Nikki

 

In Photo above: Jupe de Fringe Skirt (12+ ways to wear)  & VoodoKini & Fringe Scarf

 

Lady Kalla...

He is slick. He is mysteriously remarkable. He tickles your curiosity and plays with your fancy. His raven hair complementing his charcoal pinstripe suit is a sight to see. He adores his coffee, and of all his ladies, he shares today’s treat with you.

He then slides a paper bag towards your way. You see his lips move and mouthed, “This is for you.” You open the bag and to your surprise, you see this gold darling—nothing like you've ever seen!  A spectacle of lights from the city reflects from it and seduces your senses. You are simply overwhelmed and your heart misses a beat when you realized that the constellation is no longer out there but right there within your touch.

He whispers how you deserve to be adorned with nothing less compared to Lady Diana. Your hands were cold, yet the iced diamonds seemed arctic. You hold within your palm a Lady Kalla Vacheron Constantin Timepiece: a Rolls-Royce on your wrist. It is not every day a lady like you gets to be embellished with a 26.80 carat weight, 126 diamonds, emerald-cut bracelet/watch...you must be a queen...HIS queen.

An unexplainable thrill married with fear creeps from inside your core...

Now, tell me fashionistas, what will your impulse drive you to do in this situation?

Lots of love, frenzy, and everything in between...

 

XOXO,

Nikki