Next week, Hollywood’s A-listers will walk down the red carpet to celebrate an evening of great film. With this year’s best picture category featuring 10 nominations, I tasked myself with watching as many of the films as possible—for research purposes, of course. Last week, I sat down to watch one of this year’s most interesting nominees, The Artist.

The movie takes place in Hollywood between the years 1927 and 1932 and tells the tale of the relationship between a silent film star and a rising young actress as silent movies fall out of fashion and are replaced by talkies. The film has no dialogue, but is accompanied by a great soundtrack that helps carry the audience from scene to scene and helps to explain the plot line.

Admittedly, when I sat down to watch the two-hour picture, I was a little concerned that the lack of dialogue would have me lose interest or not follow the story. I soon realized that the story came through nicely by way of the actors’ facial expressions, gestures and few lines of text. The constantly changing pace and tone of the score also added interest to the film, while the likability of the characters made me want to find out how it all ended. Despite the movie’s lack of colour, the beautiful costuming was another aspect of the film that kept me intrigued. Flashy flapper dresses and tuxedos complete with tails, all in crisp contrasts of black and white, seemed to make every outfit sparkle.

Simple and sweet, The Artist gives us a glimpse of old Hollywood. In a film industry that has seen tremendous innovations in sound effects and editing, creating a silent film for today’s modern audience was a risky move. If The Artist were to win the best picture category, I believe it is the film’s charm and uniqueness that will do it for Michel Hazanavicious. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it; if only so you can say you’ve had the experience of watching a silent film.

Have you seen The Artist? I'd love to hear what you thought of it. Tell me by posting a comment below.

by Tanya Colledge
Stimuli Magazine Contributor
Twitter: @tanyafanya
email: tanya@stimulimag.ca

Over the past month, Stimuli has featured a couple posts on different nail regiments such as Shellac and Revlon’s Nail Enamel to help keep your fingers looking perfectly manicured. As someone who hates the sight of chipped polish, I’m always on the hunt for something that will keep my nails looking great, for longer and of course, for less.

Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips are a great way for those of us who don’t have an hour to sit down and wait while our polish dries, but want a lasting, stylish look. Made from real nail polish, Salon Effects strips are inspired by the latest designs in fashion prints, patterns, and colours to provide over 40 different styles to suit your nail needs.

How do they work? Start with clean, bare nails and select the nail strip that best fits your nail size. Remove the protective plastic film and backing and press the strip against the nail. Once the sticker is secured, file down the excess with a filer, and voilà, a perfect manicure!

Here's a look at the colour and pattern choices:

These Salon Effects strips are perfect for those last minute Friday night plans or when you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up. Best of all, the polish lasts up to 10 days—much better than your average polish. When you’re tired of the colour or pattern, simply remove the strip with your everyday nail polish remover and you’ll be all set to try out a new colour.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips are available at most drug stores and go for about $9.98.  Try it out and tell us what you think by posting a comment.

by Tanya Colledge
Stimuli Magazine Contributor
twitter: @tanyafanya

Inspiration can be found all around us. It can be found in a fabric pattern, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or even a picture of a sunset. Over the years, the Internet has become a tremendous tool for finding new ideas and collecting images of what inspires us. But with everything in a digital format, finding a way to use these pieces to inspire us in hopes to tackle that next DIY project, plan a wedding, or even find your personal style, has been a challenge. And then came Pinterest.

A friend of mine told me about this website a few months ago and I've been hooked ever since. Pinterest is an online tool that lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web by way of pinboards--a new age version of an inspiration board. Browse boards created by other users, upload your own pictures, and like images that interest you. You can then use the themed pinboards you've created to help you plan an special event, decorate your home, and even organize your favorite recipes.

Pinterest's goal is to connect individuals around the world through things they find interesting. These connections can lead you to discovering a new favourite book, a unique hairstyle, or even give you that extra motivation you need to hit up the gym. There are millions of new pins added to the site every week, so there's always something new to see.

If you enjoy finding beautiful things online, like to be surrounded by images that can inspire you, or simply want a little distraction, check out Pinterest. Accounts are by invite only, so make sure you visit their website request an invitation. There is also a Pinterest app available for iPhone--so you can pin on the go! Here are a few examples of some boards you can create:

Plan a Wedding...

Find a New Recipe...

Get Crafty...

Follow Stimuli Magazine on Pinterest at pinterest.com/stimulimag.  Happy pinning everyone!

by Tanya Colledge
Stimuli Magazine Contributor

Happy New Year Stimulistas! With the turn of 2012, I have taken the time to reflect on many aspects of my life in hopes of finding areas for improvement. For over a year now, my lifestyle column, Tanya Talks Trends, has brought you the latest inside scoops on the hottest fashion trends, newest clothing boutiques and tips on how to be a more fashionable you. This year I am taking it upon myself to broaden the topics in my column to accommodate more than just fashion: restaurant reviews, fitness trends, DIY how-to’s, and perhaps even some interior design tips. Because as much as I love fashion, living a trendy lifestyle is more about the clothes on your back. So what do you guys think? I am open to any opinions, story ideas, and of course, insider scoops from all of you Stimulistas! Drop me an email at tanya@stimulimag.ca or tweet at me @tanyafanya.

With that piece of business out of the way, let’s get to my first column on the year...

I first mentioned Uli’s in a post before Christmas as a great gift certificate idea as a last minute Christmas gift. Uli’s Restaurant is one of White Rock’s original waterfront restaurants and has become a favourite amongst locals for its amazing food and friendly atmosphere. In 1986, a vibrant, witty, and adventurous Uli Blume opened the doors to his restaurant where patrons were invited into the comfortable space to enjoy a good meal. It was instant success. Today, it is his son, Tyson, that keeps Blume’s traditions and quality food alive. Serving a wide range of traditional dishes with an emphasis on carefully chosen ingredients—many from local farms—the dishes offer culinary simplicity that will have you craving more.   

Whether you are looking for a four-course meal, a quick bite before heading out for a stroll on the pier, or a pint to celebrate the weekend, you’ll always be welcomed at Uli’s. My personal favourite? For a starter or small snack, try the Bruchetta topped with pesto, fresh roma tomatoes, and grana padano. Still hungry? Then Uli’s burger is the way to go. Burnt onion relish, smoked cheddar, and a hearty beef patty on top of a challah bun served with a side of frites—my mouth is already watering!

So if you’re looking for a nice evening out, head down to White Rock and visit Uli’s. It can get quite busy in there, so make sure you call and make a reservation on weekends. Enjoy!

Visit their website at ulisrestaurant.com.

by Tanya Colledge
Stimuli Magazine Contributor


email: tanya@stimulimag.ca
twitter: @tanyafanya

Photo Credits: Uli's Restaurant
 

Well, the big day is only 5 days away. If you're like me and have left some gift shopping to the very last minute, you're probably in need of some good quick fixes for those last couple people on your list. The fashionista, mother-in-law, or your boss? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Avoid the embarrassment of stopping at 7Eleven on Christmas Day, here are my top picks for great last minute gift ideas:


For the fashionista: Warren Boutique, Hanky Panky gift set

The comfiest underwear around comes in a great three-pack that is perfect on its own or a special stocking stuffer.


 

For the mother-in-law: Le Chateau Outlet, pashmina scarves

Available in a variety of colours, these scarves make a perfect gift for any woman you're not quite sure what to buy. At a great deal, 1 for $15 or 2 for $25, you can't go wrong!
 

For the boss: Uli's, gift card

Give the gift of a great meal for the man or woman that runs the show at your office. They need to eat too, after all! Uli's is my new favorite restaurant down on the White Rock strip--using fresh, local ingredients, every menu item is carefully thought out and prepared. The Bruchetta is a must-try!


For the teen: Joe, nail polish, $6

A great stocking stuffer, Joe nail polish, or any of their great cosmetics make a great last minute gift for the young lady on your list.  Best of all, Superstore is open late so you can easily pop in to get what you need.


Happy shopping and most of all, happy holidays!

by Tanya Colledge
Stimuli Magazine Contributor
Twitter: @tanyafanya