Ask Michelle

Dear Michelle,

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthy and lose weight.  I’m proud to say that I am starting to exercise and I am slowly but surely learning how to eat better.  I’m not obsessing over losing tons of weight, but I could stand to lose a couple (okay 20) pounds.

I’m trying to eat healthy by cutting out fast food.  I might have it once in a while, but for now I want to be healthy.  My problem is that when I hang out with my friends, they only want to eat fast food. We don’t make a lot of money, so eating on the cheap is usually food that’s bad for us (e.g. fries, fried chicken, and cheesy pizzas). 

How do I tell my friends that I want to hang out with them, but I don’t want to eat junk food all the time?  How can I do that without offending my friends?

Signed, No More Grease!

Dear No More Grease,

That’s commendable of you that you want to live a healthier lifestyle. I’m sure that you can do it as long as you stay focused.

Your friends on the other hand, might stand in your way of achieving your goal.  I’m not saying that you have to ditch them and find some healthy friends (that might help or at least hang out with like minded people), but you have to tell them that you’re watching what you eat and that you don’t to be tempted by unhealthy choices.

I know it’s kinda scary confronting your friends, but it might help you in the long round.  The next time your friends ask if you want to grab a quick bite, just say to them, “I would love to, but I’ve given up fast food for a bit; would you mind going for something light?”  Okay, I realize that they might mock you for that, but you need to inform them of your path to healthier living.  Either that or you might need to limit your time you hang out with your friends.

Hope that helps!

If you would like Michelle to help you with any of your work, relationship or friend issue,  e-mail her at michelle at happygrrls.com

Michelle

Happy New Year!!

I’m a tad bit late, but I didn’t want to start the year without wishing my online friends a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.  Let’s hope 2012 is great!

As usual, when a new year begins, I like to reflect on the year that just passed.  I typically write about the artists, songs and videos that that left a mark on the previous year, but this time around I would like to focus solely on the artists that impacted me.

When I think of the insanely awesome music that was released in 2011, there are 2 artists that come to mind right away—Adele and Bruno Mars.

I am a fan of other artists—Rihanna, Usher, Kanye West, Drake etc., but Adele and Bruno Mars not only produced music, they created art.

Artist of the Year- Female

Truth be told, I jumped on the Adele bandwagon way later than most.  A few years back I heard that the talented songstress was the second coming of Amy Winehouse, but I was happy with Amy, so I didn’t seek her out.  I appreciated Adele’s throwback, Motown-y voice and style, but just one Amy was good enough for me.

When I heard the song Chasing Pavements, I thought to myself “who sings this song cuz it’s freaking amazing!  ” I still didn’t call myself an Adele fan when I found out that she was the incredible singer behind the song.  Even when her widely beloved single, Rolling in the Deep hit the airwaves and was embraced by all, she still didn’t get me.  No, I’m not proud of my stubborn ways.

What was the song that finally got me you ask....?  Someone Like You. 

The first time I heard the emotionally charged song (a song I could sadly relate to) was when I sat down to watch some TV.   I got comfy on the couch to do some serious channel surfing and I landed on the 2011 BRIT Awards. She wore a black dress, hair pulled back, and stood with a microphone in hand and accompanied by her piano player. Then, she belted out a larger than life song with intense honesty and vulnerability. I froze. I was mesmerized by her power.

It was magic. I have never witnessed such artistry in all my life. She killed the performance! Her voice was so damn amazing she didn’t even need the piano man.  It was real, deep and melancholy.  I was overcome with emotion. I couldn’t help but tear up.  Adele finally got me.

From that day on I became an Adele fan.  

Artist of the Year- Male

Unlike my initial hesitant feelings for Adele, I liked Bruno Mars from the very beginning. He appeared on the scene when I was getting sooo sick of hearing mindless drivel and longed to hear music that made me feel something...anything!   And listening to his soulful, Motown inspired ditties, was like the answers to my prayers.

I previously declared my undying love for Bruno Mars—née Peter Gene Hernandez, last year with his unrequited love anthem, Grenade.  I enjoyed his earlier releases- Just The Way You Are, Nothin’ On You- B.O.B  f/ Bruno Mars, but Grenade solidified his talent.  Anyone that can make gut wrenching heartache sound so endearing was okay in my book.

Just when I thought that I couldn’t love him anymore, he released his ode to slothfulness – The Lazy Song.  As surprising as it sounds, it was actually very good! (Classic line- I’ll be lounging on the couch just chilling in my Snuggie, Click to MTV so they teach me how to Dougie...”) C’mon, you know you liked it too!

To me Bruno was one of the best artists of 2011 because he didn’t sound like everyone else.  He created a distinctive nostalgic style that made him one of the coolest artists to work with.    

I’m not the only one that thinks he can do no wrong.  At the 2011 MTV VMA Awards he was asked to pay tribute to Amy Winehouse by performing her song, Valerie.  And of course, he did a great job.

Just like Adele, Bruno’s music captured the sound of Motown with lush orchestration and doo wop melodies.  Even his look is a throwback to the 50s and 60s.  Seriously, can anyone else can rock a pompadour quite like Bruno? 

Honourable Mention- Nicki Minaj

I had to add Nicki Minaj to the mix.  She may not be the best Emcee ever, but she gave us something we never thought we wanted with our rap:  entertainment.  What other rapper would wear multi-coloured wigs (BTW, I’m would soooooooooo love to rock any one of them!), crazyass get-ups and from time to time, would speak with a British accent? Um, Nicki would! 

As side from her eccentric behaviour, her music took an introspective tone on some of her songs.  In her hit single Moment 4 Life - f/ Drake, she was able to speak about her impending fame and embracing her popularity. 

Nicki was definitely the golden girl in 2011 as her music stayed on the charts for the entire year. Hits like Super Bass, Your Love,  Fly- f/ Rihanna ruled the airwaves and iTunes. 

My fave thing about Nicki is how she injects her crazy persona throughout her music and videos.  She’s one of the handful of people that can truly embrace different personalities in song without being committed. Thanks for the fun, Nicki!

Those are my picks for 2011.  Who were your fave artists?

Michelle

My early Christmas present

Mark &  Jem on the radio

(Photo credit: Wayne Williams / W2 Images)

I fell in love with radio personalities Mark & Jem aka - the dynamic duo, in 2001.  I thoroughly enjoyed their hilarious banter and outrageous antics on their early morning program – The Morning Rush on that other radio station that shall remain nameless.  I loved the show so much that I sought out Jem (pssst... she’s my bff, okay, in my head that is!) and begged for an interview.  Being the sweetest and nicest person ever, she agreed and I had the pleasure of interviewing her.

For the past 5 years I have waited with bated breath to see Mark and Jem return to radio.  I was always upset that they were abuptly given walking papers from their previous employer in 2006 without informing their very loyal audience as to what happened to our fave hosts.  Even though I knew they were gone from the station, I would tune in periodically and hope and pray that Mark and Jem’s voice would emanate from the radio.

My heartfelt prayers were answered in late November 2011 when I heard that they would bless us all with their new morning radio program on the new station G98.7fm. Soooo happy! 

G 98.7 fm is the first ever Urban Adult Contemporary format serving the Greater Toronto Area, encompassing a broad and mature mix of new and old R&B, Soul, Reggae, Hip Hop, Gospel and Smooth Jazz music.

I tuned into Mark and Jem’s show (Mon- Fri 6am - 10 am) on my morning trek and I fell in love all over again.  They are what the airwaves needed.

This is the best Christmas present ever. Thanks for coming back to radio.

Michelle

Funky accessories for gift giving...or for yourself!

Christmas is right around the corner and if you’re stuck on what to get your mom, sister, daughter, bestie, neighbour, or even boss, check out the accessories that I bought (pssst....I bought them for myself [my bad!], but I’m certain you’d want to share them with your loved ones!).

Knitted caps

It’s getting kinda cold out, eh?  If you’re like me, I’m positive that you want to stay warm and look good while doing so.  So what do you do?  I suggest you peruse the assortment of knitted hats/caps at Ardene. 

They are soooo affordably priced; I almost walked out of there with all the hats!  But instead, I controlled myself and  I purchased 2 (they are currently priced 3/$15—I bought 2 and bought a belt that was on sale for 3/$15).

Love the black sequined hat for every day, and I completely love the bright yellow one.  I wear the sunny yellow hat when I really want to stand out! 

Leopard print clutch from Payless

Payless offers more than reasonably priced footwear.  You can’t go wrong by walking by their other sections—like the accessory section. 

I just happened to be looking for some shoes when I strolled over to the handbag/purse wall.  I glanced at the cutest li’l clutch that would be oh-so perfect for a girls’ night out.  It was part of their BOGO event (buy one get one half off), so I scooped up another clutch for 7 bucks!  Price of the leopard clutch- 22.99.

This compact clutch can be paired with an LBD or even a sexy red number.  Can’t wait to rock this!

Love my bling!

When I don’t want to drop a lot of money on a whole new outfit, I tend to stock up on jewellery. Statement necklaces and rings breathe new life into your tried and true staple outfits. 

I usually hit my fave spots for jewellery- Le Chateau, Aldo Accessories and RW & Co.  But a few weeks ago, I ventured to The Bay.  Not the place you normally think of when you think of jewellery, but there were some renovations done to the location that I went to, and I must say, the jewellery selection was pretty nice.

I walked around for about 40 minutes before I decided on 4 rather awesome necklaces. My fave was this gold toned feather necklace adorned with blue stones.  It was $24.00 on sale for 25% off.

Since it is a metal, you can wear it with all colours. I paired it with a brightly coloured dress and the necklace became the focus of the outfit.

Hope my suggestions help you with your gift giving needs.  Have fun shopping.

Michelle

Song of the moment

 “Without You” - David Guetta featuring Usher

I just got back from a weeklong trip to Trinidad and I am trying like crazy to see when I can return. It was blissfully fun and captured the 3 things that I treasure the most—blue skies, palm trees and family.  I loved every minute of my short but sweet escape.

On this trip I heard a lot of music (and ate a loooot of food!).  I, of course, heard a lot of soca and dancehall, but surprisingly I heard a lot of pop and dance music.  Rihanna’s “We Found Love”, was played on every street corner (BTW, I love this song too, I am an official Rihanna fan!). 

But the song that reminds of the good times spent in Trinidad is......Without You- David Guetta featuring Usher.

I heard the song before my trip but I didn’t pay that much attention to it.  I thought it was pretty much typical David Guetta.  However, hearing it blast at loud levels everywhere I travelled in Trinidad, made me a fan (psssssst...repetition works, eh! LOL).  And so, this is my song of the moment.

Check the video here.

Michelle

Charity begins at home

Bras for the women of the Congo

I received an e-mail not too long ago from Alicia Vianga—successful business woman and the owner of Premier Jour Lingerie—asking if I could lend a helping hand to a cause that she was supporting.

Even though I met Alicia 3 years ago, I remember meeting her like it was yesterday. I appreciated how she put me at ease when she conducted my very first bra fitting.  (pssst...at first I felt a little weirded out about having someone checking out my girls, but then I totally got into it!)  

So when she asked if I could help out with her cause Bras for the women of the Congo, there was no question—I would definitely help out in any way that I can.  The best way that could think of spreading the word was through my blog. 

Alicia is on a crusade to collect 1000 bras for the women of the Congo.  Although a peace accord was signed in 2003 to end a devastating civil war happening in Congo, violence still rages—and women unfairly bear the brunt. These women have been savagely raped and tortured every day.  And if being assaulted wasn’t enough, these poor women were shunned when they tried to go back to their homes and husbands. 

Alicia would like to make these women feel whole again by asking women to donate their gently used bras to send to our sisters. You will receive  $25 gift certificate toward your new purchase.

If you would like to donate your bras, please visit Premier Jour Lingerie at

1288 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON M6C 1E1
416-654-1868www.pjlingerie.com



Thank you

-Michelle

My fave purchases for Fall 2011

I adore the lushness of fall fashions—the luxe fabrics, the barrage of tall boots, and the big snugly, yet chic sweaters—they almost make me forget that old man winter is slowly rearing his ugly head. Boo!

So you shouldn’t be shocked to know that I revel in shopping for fall.  But instead of going out and buying every trendy item for the fall season, I thought that it would be wise to purchase a few key pieces to bring my fall wardrobe to the next level.

Go with colour!

I love that the colour palette for this season doesn’t necessarily stick to boring drab shades (I like greys and blacks, but it gets kinda boring after a while!).  This season showcases rainbow-esque vibrant colours.  This is one trend that I completely welcomed. Instead of opting for clothing in sombre tones, I made a conscious decision to be adventurous and add some daring colour to my life.  I did so by snapping up a bright fuchsia dress to add to my wardrobe. 



I know this dress looks shapeless,
but once it's on, it contours to your curves



I bought this fully lined body-skimming jumper at Joe Fresh (yes, I know, I own every Joe Fresh dress! My bad!) for a measly $39. 

I played up the majestic nature of the colour by accessorizing with gold jewellery. Girls, it looked amazing!

Honorary mention

Yellowy goodness!

While I was shopping at Joe’s I couldn’t help but enhance my wardrobe with even more colour. I had to pick up this insanely intense mustard yellow cardigan (the cost: $19). So cute!  I love that I can choose a variety of colours to pair it with—blue, purple, grey, green...the list goes on and on!

Luxe fabrics

My most fave purchase so far of the season has to be my chestnut coloured leather Valentina bag. Damn this purse is sexy!

It is sleek and sophisticated (read: very grown up)—a purse that I’m not normally drawn to, but I have to admit, it’s scrumptiously bourgeois but I love it!  I know that it’s a good investment and I am sure that I will have for years to come. 

I saw it at Winners, picked it up, looked at the price tag, put it down and walked away. I came back to it, picked it up, modelled it, and walked away. I came back to it a third time, picked it up, looked in the mirror and saw how fab it looked, and ran directly to the cash register. I bought this butter-soft leather purse for $99.99.

Those are a few of my purchases for the Fall season. What purchases have you made for Fall 2011?

- Michelle