Ask Michelle

Are you dealing with some issues that you want to resolve?  E-mail me at michelle at happygrrls.com and I will try to include it in the next installment of Ask Michelle

Dear Michelle

I know that you normally deal with relationship type questions, but I have a real problem that I don’t know how to solve on my own.

Okay, my issue is work related.  I started a new job a few months ago and I like it a lot. I love most of my co-workers and I even like my boss.  However, one of my co-workers is making my life a living hell.  She teases me about everything—my clothes, what I eat for lunch and the way I apply my makeup!  The girl is a major biatch.  I’m not sure what to do.  I’ve taken it for the past 3 months (my probation period), but I can’t take it anymore.  Please help!  : (

Signed, 

No more bullying

Dear No More Bullying

I am so sorry to hear that you’re treated like that at work.  It’s sad to see that bullying doesn’t necessarily stop at school—sometimes it shows up in the workplace.

I am not an expert in the field (you may need to consult the website - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) but what I would suggest is that you speak to your co-worker to let her know that you don’t like the way she treats you.  It’s demeaning, degrading and creating a stressful situation.   It is possible that she may not know that what she is saying to you is upsetting you.  If she persists, take the issue to your manager or Human Resources Department. It is best that your manager is aware of the issue so that it can be addressed and resolved.

Good luck.  Please let me know how it works out.

Michelle

latest purchase

I probably didn’t need to buy this bag, but I wanted it!  :  )

The bright and happy orange colour spoke to me.  I knew once I locked eyes with this cross body bag, I had to buy it. 

The cost: $29.99

The store: Winners

Michelle

Movie Review

Think Like A Man

Having trouble trying to figure out the opposite sex?  Need a few laughs to get you out of your funk?  I suggest you check out the new comedy, Think Like A Man.

The concept of the movie is based on Steve Harvey's - Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man bestselling relationship book.  It's a  self help book about understanding men, and getting what you want out of relationships.  I love that it is written for women from a male point of view (I really need to get my hands on that book!). The movie follows 4 couples as they deal with their relationship and issues that arise.

Kevin Hart is hilarious!

The storyline is surprisingly quite intelligent as well as funny.  It’s not a typical romantic comedy or chick flick (not a fan of either), as it is hilarious and imparts some much needed info (again, I really need to get my hands on that book!).

The entire cast did an amazing job, but the breakout star is definitely Kevin Hart.  He is incredibly funny!  I will see this movie again so I can hear some of his jokes that I missed the first time around.

If you’re in desperate need of an entertaining comedy that’s actually funny (and if you're like me and need your Michael Ealy fix!), then check out Think Like A Man.  You won't be disappointed. 

Michelle

A few questions with Yasmine Louis

When I like something, I REALLY like it.  Remember last month when I visited the boutique Fresh Collective and fell in love with their fashions?  Well....since then I’ve been obsessing over Yasmine Louis’ tee-shirts.  So much so that I had to reach out to her.  I had to let her know how cool her apparel is, and most importantly, to share her brilliance with the happygrrls’ audience.

Enjoy!

Hometown

Lots...but Toronto is my favorite.

Did you always want to be a designer?

Making art was never a question. I just always made stuff and sold it, even as a teenager in the streets of Montreal. And I can't imagine not making things.  

How did you come up with the concept for your t-shirts?

My everyday life. I wanted to have a line of clothing that had a meaning to me, not just a pretty print. Each of my prints (image and text) are inspired by a photo I've taken and by a specific moment. English is my second language (French being my mother tongue), but it's important to me to keep the sentences as I would say them, even if it sounds a bit odd. My work is almost like a journal... "today was almost perfect", "i lied and went to see a matinee", "i think it's going to be very awesome", these are all quotes from my everyday life, thoughts, or things I did.

What is the silk screen process like?

I have help before a big show, someone to assist me with ironing, folding etc., but I do all the printing myself. I can't imagine having someone else printing my work. I love the moment when you lift up the screen and see that perfect print. Impeccable lines. I love mixing colours and being in front of a blank shirt -- making something new every time.

Printing can be fast or slow depending on how you approach the technique. I use multiple screens and all my shirts are different so it can be time

What inspires you?

Toronto, good and bad days.

Where can we find your creations?

My studio on appointment, shows (check out my next show date on my website at www.yasminelouis.com), Fresh Collective stores and Millicent Vee in the Distillery.

Thanks, Yasmine!

Michelle

Hmmm, street food!

Okay, is it me, or are you addicted to the Food Network’s mouth-watering, totally delish ode to street food TV show, Eat St?  Cool, I knew I wasn’t alone. 

Who could possible resist a show devoted to displaying the culinary delights cooked on a food truck?  Not me.  Each and every week after I watch an episode, I always utter the same phrase, “Why aren’t there more food trucks in Toronto”?

Looks like someone heard me!  I recently found out (via my sis) that there is a website called Toronto Food Trucks that can help you find and track down food trucks in the Toronto area.

They deliver you the latest news on the burgeoning food truck scene, and it even boasts customer reviews—so you’ll know which one to check out. 

It’s better if you sign up (don’t worry it’s free) and they will e-mail you the location of the food trucks.  If you don’t want to sign up, you can always follow them on Twitter and get the details.

Can’t wait to nibble on some sweet street eats!  Yay!

Michelle

Petite Feet Shoe Sale

A friend called and asked if I was interested in going with her and her friend to the Petite Feet Shoe sale.  Since I’m a sista with anything but “petite” feet, I told her I wasn’t sure. She assured me that the sale offered a range of sizes, so I accepted the invitation. LOL!

OMG, there were hoards of women with baskets and baskets of super sexy shoes trying to get their shop on! 

I had a major purchase earlier in the day, so I was only allowed to look and not buy.  Actually the line up to pay for the pretty little shoes was crazy!  So we took a quick glimpse around, and we then we were off for dinner.

If you are interested in getting a few pairs for the summer, check out the sale at

The International Centre – Hall 4

69oo Airport Road, Mississauga,

* It runs from April 5^th – April 8, 2012

Have fun shopping!

Michelle