Wednesday, December 23, 2009

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas is a little over 24 hours away, and I’m slowly getting into the spirit of the season. But what really gets me in the mood for Christmas is chilling on the couch and watching a few holiday movies.





Here’s a short list of movies that make me feel like a kid again. E-mail me and let me know what movies get you in the Christmas spirit.







1. The Sound of Music


2. Christmas Vacation


3. A Christmas Story


4. Home Alone


5. Goodfellas- yes, this mob classic is a must see at Christmas time


6. A Charlie Brown Christmas






Michelle

Monday, December 14, 2009

Deal of the Month

Yup, I’m finally updating the blog. Sorry for my extreme laziness—I’ll try to make it up to you and blog more frequently. Feel free to nag me via e-mail if I start slacking off again. LOL!


Merry Christmas to me?

During the Christmas season, I try to stay clear of the malls. Too many crowds, too many screaming kids, and forget about trying to find parking. But since I had to pick up a few things (pair of mittens, a Secret Santa present for one of my co-workers…), I decided to quickly go to the mall, get what I needed and jet back home.


As I was walking through the mall, I passed through Zellers to get to my first destination. But before I exited Zellers, I spotted from the corner of my eyes, the latest items from The Alfred Sung collection, (his exclusize collection for Zellers is called Pure). I’ve seen his collection before (I own one of the cardigans), but today I walked over to take a better look. There were TONS of cute dresses on display and believe me, I wanted to try all of them on.


Being that it is winter and I almost never wear dresses once the weather dips lower than 5 C, I thought it was more appropriate to look at some of the warm sweaters. I picked up a few thick sweaters but I found myself in front of the dresses again. I picked up a charcoal grey A-line dress with an attached sash, and headed towards the fitting room.

As luck would have it, the dress was the only item that I fit (okay, one of the sweaters fit, but I looked better in the dress!). I liked that it was something that I could dress up, or make it business casual enough that I could wear to work. The price tag read $34.97 which by no means is expensive, but I thought that I should put it down and concentrate on buying something for my Secret Santa, not myself. But for some unknown reason, I thought to scan the tag on the price checker machine to see if it was on sale. I scanned it, and the price read $20.00!!!??? I honestly looked at the machine a million times to make sure that it really said $20.00. Without hesitation, I walked over to the cashier gleefully holding my "soon to be" latest purchase. Even the cashier mentioned that I was a good shopper for spotting that sale. Holla!


I know that I should've bought something for my Secret Santa, but since I’ve been good all year long (some might say that‘s debatable!), I’ll just call this my Christmas gift to me!


 





-Michelle

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Congratulations


A big congrats goes out to E.B. from Toronto who answered our Halloween contest question correctly.




Contest question: Question: What was Michelle's "it" colour for the summer season?


The answer: yellow



A HUGE thanks goes out to all that entered the contest.

Michelle

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Single Review



Rihanna- Russian Roulette


No one is looking forward to Rihanna’s return to the game as much as I am. Yes, y’all, I am fully aware that the girl isn’t the greatest singer, but at least she releases fun songs that burn up the dance floor. C’mon, admit it, you know that you still know all the words to Umbrella and her hook for Live Your Life!

Just a few days ago I was fortunate enough to hear Russian Roulette—the first single off her latest cd, Rated R. I read in the blogosphere that her album was going to show a different side of Rihanna and expose a more emotional side.


So, I heard the track ....and.......it was okay, nothing spectacular (just like the Run this Town single...I hope I am not sensing a trend for her!). The song is slooooooow and comes across a tad morose and kinda gloomy.


Sample line,
“Take a breath, take it deep
Calm yourself, he says to me
If you play, you play for keeps
Take a gun, and count to three
I’m sweating now, moving slow
No time to think, my turn to go


Some are speculating that the song is about suicide, but I am not taking any of the lyrics literally. Considering the title of the song is Russian Roulette, I’m sure it’s just a metaphor for something else. i.e love, relationships....perhaps her time with Chris Brown...etc.


I’m just upset that she released a slow song rather than something I could dance to. Most artists who’ve been out of the limelight for a while release an up-tempo song to satisfy their fans and get a buzz going (Beyonce did that with Single Ladies and Mariah released Obsessed).


The song is definitely not one of her finest. It’s a little boring and something I can't get into. Hopefully she will shine on her next single. Sorry Rhi Rhi, but this song gets a 2.5/5


-Michelle

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Relating

Looks like  someone needs Dear Angry Black Grrl's help.  Check out the latest relationship problem...

Dear Angry Black Grrl

I have a problem and I know YOU will be able to give me some good advice.

I met a guy at a club recently. I was hanging with a friend of mine, and I happened to meet a guy who made my whole night more fun. His name is *Jason (names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent!) and he had me laughing all night long. He’s not really my type physically (he’s shorter than I’m used to), but he’s cool and has a great sense of humour.

Since we had such a good night together, we wanted to get to know each other better, so we planned to go on a date. So... we went out.....and unfortunately our date was majorly boring and I felt more of a friendship vibe from him. After the date I told my friend that I wasn’t really feeling him, but I was willing to give him one more chance.

A couple days later I was talking to my friend again and she told me that she went out with Jason. I was a little shocked. I asked her why she went out with him and she said that, “She wanted to talk to him.” I was upset with her and hung up the phone. Am I being too emotional? I know he ain’t my man, but still. Was she wrong to date a guy that I just went out with?

Signed, my friend is a backstabber!

Dear my friend is a backstabber,

It’s good that she told you that foolishness on the phone because if she told you that in person, you would have every right to cut her!!! Kidding!

But seriously, what’s up with your friend? Is she really a friend? Honestly, that’s not a good look for her. Even though you and this guy weren’t dating exclusively, she shouldn’t have gone behind your back and dated him. If I were you, I’d let her know how you feel and go from there. If she doesn’t understand your point of view of the situation, then you pretty much know how she feels about your friendship. And on a side note, what’s up with Jason? Why was he trying to date both of you guys? You need to cuss him out too!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Contest Alert!




There are a few more weeks ‘til Halloween, but I can’t help but get excited. Basically any holiday where you get dressed up and get candy is good in my book! : )

So to celebrate one of my all time favourite holidays, I would like to reward a lucky reader with a Halloween prize pack from Lush. If you are lucky enough to be the first person to answer our contest question, you can win Ghost Shower Gel, Jacko Bath Bomb and the Cobweb bath bomb from Lush.

Question: What was Michelle’s “it” colour for the summer season? (Hint: The answer is located in an entry posted in July.)

Send your answers to
michelle@happygrrls.com before October 27th. (Late entries will not be accepted!) This contest is open to Canadian residents only.

Good luck!

Michelle


Sunday, September 27, 2009

Time to accessorize!






I may be a couple of months late for this trend, but it has finally worn me down and I really HAD to get one of those cute dangly chain necklaces. I know that they’ve been in for a while, but I really wanted to get one because they’re incredibly cute and can totally dress up any outfit—even a simple plain t-shirt.


I went to the mall and started my search. I really didn’t want to spend too much on it, especially since I have no idea how long this trend will last. I rather spend a lot of money on something that that I know will be around a lot longer.


My first stop was Dynamite. I usually shop there for jewelry because I tend to find a lot pieces at a great price. I did manage to find a nice simple silver dangly necklace within minutes of walking into the store. The fab necklace was only $12.00! I was soo exited I almost bought it on the spot, but I wanted to see what the other stores had to offer. So I made my way to Le Chateau.


I adore the jewelry selection at Le Chateau. They have everything that you could possibly want and they cater to women of all ages. Everything from super trendy to simple and elegant.


I studied the jewelry section until something caught my eye. I saw a blingalicious necklace that I really wanted to own, but it was a whopping $22.95!? I wasn’t feelin’ the price tag, so I put it back on the hook and headed straight to Ardene.


As soon as I walked in, I saw a sign on the wall that read, “3/$15”. Basically, anything on the wall was 3 for 15 bucks! Woo hoo! You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. It was virtually impossible to leave empty handed. The price point and the selection were insane!


The first piece that I picked up was a silver multi-strand necklace with a patch of black strands. It actually reminded me of a necklace that I saw Rihanna rocking in a photo. So you know it had to be hot! Cool, one down two more to go! Then I saw a long, gold chain with interlocking hoops that looked ridiculous…in a good way! I envisioned myself wearing a plunging neckline and donning this in-you-face necklace. I soooooo had to get it. So I picked it up and started the search for the last necklace to add to my collection.


Okay, the last one took a while to find. After a few minutes (which actually felt like eternity), I found a shiny silver necklace that was adorned cute chain links. I took all three necklaces to the cashier, paid for them and pranced merrily out of the store. I was sooo happy with my purchase. I basically got all three necklaces for the price of one! Even with the tax, it came up to $17!? Okay, I am the bargain diva! Holla!


-Michelle




Thursday, September 17, 2009

Beauty 411

Drugstore Beauty


I actually like makeup, but my application skills.....well, that’s another story. I normally slap on a gold tone eye shadow to my lids, brush on some mascara, and I’m good to go. If I’m feeling particularly adventurous, I’ll blend in a dark colour to add some pizzazz to my peepers!


On my day off from work I found myself at Walmart (yes, the fun never stops!), and I perused the makeup aisle. I was actually on the hunt for green eye shadow. I saw an advertisement with Rihanna wearing a cute combo of green and beige eye shadow, and I was hell-bent on finding that colour quad. Advertising works, eh!


I walked over to the Covergirl section and I found the eye shadow combo that I saw in the magazine. I liked the colour but decided not to get it because it didn’t quite complement my skin tone. I walked a little further down and I spotted Emerald Smokes—a green eye shadow quad from Maybelline. I liked the selection of khaki and dark green, but wondered what it would look like on my skin. I decided to get it because it was only 6.97!


When I got ready for work the next morning, I opted to debut my new eye shadow. I read the easy to follow instructions on the back of the quad. It didn’t take long to apply.....and grrls, my eyes looked FIERCE!! My eyes appeared wider and completely refreshed. It was exactly what I’ve been looking for.



Michelle



Saturday, September 12, 2009

Happygrrl of the Month

DivaGirl Fitness

Laura Furtado


Diva is the female version of a hustla, of a hustla of a hustla. Those are the lyrics to Beyoncé’s hit single, Diva, but it’s also the perfect description of Laura Furtado. She is a driven, self-proclaimed workaholic who accomplishes everything that she sets her sites on.


I’ve been obsessed with Laura for at least 3 years now. I’ve heard about her legendary sensual dance classes (they were previously known as Laura Furtado's Sensual Dance For Women, and now go by the super cute name, DivaGirl Fitness) but I have yet to take one. Yes, despite being fully aware of the classes for quite some time, I embarrassingly haven’t had the privilege of taking any of them. I know.... shame on me and my lazy ass!


I realize that I should be more active and work out, but I’ve never had any interest in going to the gym. When I first heard about Laura’s sensual dance classes, I knew that it was something that I would enjoy. It’s not like a typical workout routine; women can get fit and feel healthy by dancing and having a good time. The fact that her classes incorporate a sexy vibe was also quite appealing to me. I’ll admit that I am freakishly fascinated with pole dancing and Strip to Fit classes, however, my timidity got the better of me. I felt a little nervous and insecure twirling up and down on a pole and pretending to strip for all to see. However, I have promised myself that I will conquer that fear soon and partake in one of her classes!


Over the past few years I’ve received Laura’s e-mails and newsletters and I’ve witnessed her become more and more successful. She started off only offering classes in Brampton, and she has now branched out by offering classes all across the GTA. There are even classes in Montreal!


Not only has she been successful with her dance classes, she has singlehandedly become a powerful brand. She has evolved into a multi-faceted empire, simply called DivaGirl Inc., which includes DivaGirl Fitness, DivaGirl Entertainment and the newest division, DivaGirl Beauty.


After receiving her latest e-mail, I decided that it was time to contact her. I had to meet her. I heard about her for so long I felt it was time to share her story.


I met her at 9:00AM on a Saturday morning for coffee. We spoke about her passion for dance (pssst...she’s been dancing since she was 6 years old!), the fact that she’s too busy to sleep, and that she has plans on writing a book. Check out what else I learned about her...


What inspired you to pursue dance as a career?

I kinda fell into it. I used to teach private hip hop classes and I started taking sexy dance classes with Sophie Luxton in Toronto. I eventually became a member of a sexy exotic troupe. I thought, “This is wicked!” So I found out more about the [sexy dance] trend happening in L.A. and then the person that I was teaching hip hop classes asked me, “Why don’t you start your own classes?”


Why haven’t you opened your own dance studio?

I didn’t want to be stuck in one location. I wanted to create a movement. In order to create a movement, you can’t sit still.


I thought to create a community where we are all freelance instructors. That is why DivaGirl has the potential to grow anywhere.


DivaGirl Fitness encompasses the DivaGirl licensee program in which we get other instructors on board to run their own DivaGirl classes in various cities. It’s my certification program. I certify instructors with sexy dance fitness classes.



How did you come up with the name?

I wanted something catchy that was going to be marketable. I’m very big on marketing and business and I know that if I wanted to have longevity, I had to make it fun.


I used the word “Diva” because it’s all about feeling confident, strong and taking charge of your own life—which is pretty much what our classes are based on. The word “Girl” plays off the playfulness of women.


Why did you change the name?

With Sensual Dance people got the wrong idea. They thought that the classes were more exotic, like stripping—which we teach (Strip to Fit), but we also offer other types of dance.


If I stuck with Laura Furtado Sensual Dance For Women, I would have been limited to the path of just dancing, which is great, but I think the drawback of dancers is if you just dance, you have limited opportunities. If you try to reposition it to encompass other areas of development, you will grow so much.


What dance styles do you offer?

Sexy Pole, Sexy Jazz Dancing, Show Girl, Strip to Fit (the most popular!), Belly dance, Broadway jazz, Caribbean Soul/Reggaeton, Dance grooves, Dancehall reggae, Girl-a-licious, Hip hop belly dance, Kama, Samba, Zumba, among others.


Have you considered offering classes in other locations?

My goal is to be in every major Canadian city.


What response have you gotten from your students?

They are extremely loyal. Some people have been with me since day one. Some clients say that I’m fun, and easy going. But I’m also a hard teacher in the sense that I really push people. I’m very energetic and full of life. I like seeing others get into it.


I get calls from women saying that they want to dance sexy. They want to dance sexy for their husband. I think it’s becoming more acceptable now.


What do you think about the shows—So You Think You Can Dance Canada, America’s Best Dance Crew etc?

It’s awesome. It’s about time that dance has been put in the limelight. There is so much talent that’s out there.


Can men attend?

No, we are a community of women who encourages women to get fit, have fun and feel sexy!




And with that last question the battery in my tape recorder died. Laura and I continued to chat like BFFs for half an hour more and I promised to take one of her dance classes. Wish me luck!


-Michelle