Merry Christmas!

I want to wish all of you a healthy and happy Christmas!

Merry Christmas to me!

I should feel guilty about my most recent purchase....but I don’t! LOL! For some odd reason, whenever I set out to buy a gift for someone, I end up finding something that I like.



This past Saturday I ventured off to Winners to look for some gifts for a few people on my Christmas list.


I perused the bag section, but I didn’t see anything perfect for my bff, so I wandered over to the section with wallets and clutches. I checked out a few cute clutches, and then I lay my eyes on a gorgeous Steve Madden grey, rocker chic-type clutch.

I looove this bag! I love the smattering of studs dancing on the bag and I also like the fact that it’s not too fancy, so I can wear it when I’m dolled up, or use it when I’m rocking jeans and heels.

I felt a bit bad for finding something for myself (okay, not too bad. The clutch was a paltry $24.99!), so I continued to search for a gift perfect for my bestie. Finally! I found something for her (sorry, I can’t write what I bought her, I’m sure she’ll read the blog!).


Hope your Christmas shopping is just as fun!


Michelle

Song of the Moment

Bruno Mars: Grenade

I am in love with Bruno Mars. Actually, I’m in love with his hit single, Grenade. It’s a deeply romantic, yet tragic love song that tugs at my heart. Seriously, I get teary-eyed every single time I listen to the song or watch the video. (yes, I’m way too sentimental!)


The song is about a guy who has fallen hard for a girl and would do just about anything for her (psst....I need to find a dude like that!). The object of his affection on the other hand, ain’t that interested and basically toys with his affection.


Check out some of the lyrics...
To give me all your love is all I ever asked, Cause what you don't understand is
I’d catch a grenade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Throw my hand on a blade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)
I’d jump in front of a train for ya (yeah, yeah , yeah)
You know I'd do anything for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah) Oh, oh
I would go through all this pain, Take a bullet straight through my brain,
Yes, I would die for ya baby ; But you won't do the same


Sad, huh? Honestly, who could say no to that? That woman is heartless! LOL.


To anyone that thinks that men have no feelings and aren’t romantic, they need to listen to this song. Bruno Mars is super romantic and sensitive. I stand corrected. I am not only in love with the song, I love Bruno Mars!

Michelle

Ask Michelle

Time for a name change! Although, I loved penning the advice column for my alter ego—Dear Angry Black Grrl, I thought to switch the name to something kindler, gentler (like myself!) and to the point. Angry Black Grrl is now called, Ask Michelle.



Remember to send your questions to michelle at happygrrls.com


Ask Michelle

Dear Michelle,

I need your advice!!! I started working at a new job a few months ago, and I was happy that everything seemed to be going well. I liked my job and my co-workers made my workday more fun. Then, out of the blue, my boss completely lost it on me. She yelled at me for about 20 minutes and embarrassed me in front of my co-workers. Basically, she made me feel like crap. I was convinced she was going to fire my ass.

Unfortunately her rants occur on a weekly basis. I told one of my co-workers about an incident and she said the boss has yelled at everyone and I should get used to it.


I’m not sure what to do. I like my job, but my boss is making my life a living hell.


I need your help!


Signed,
My boss is a bi%*#


Dear, my boss is a bi%*#


Girl, I have been there! I have had problem s with bosses in the past and I know it makes it harder to go to work. Emotionally, it can destroy you.


Is there anyone that you can speak to at your job to let them what’s going on? I would definitely alert someone in the HR department to let them know what is happening. Especially since you said your boss’ bad behaviour happens on a regular basis.


If you really don’t feel comfortable being at your job, you might have to give a lot of thought to your options. You can stay and see if things get better, or you can cut your losses and leave your job and search for something new.

Let me know what happens!

Michelle

Save or splurge?

Anyone that knows me is fully aware that I am a slightly frugal (ahem, cheap) girl. I looove scoring a bargain, but more importantly, I believe in spending my money wisely.



I’m not the kind of girl that plunks down a lot of money on designer products, because frankly, you can get the same results from more affordable selections.


Through my many years of trial and error, I have to come to the conclusion that I would probably think twice before spending a lot of money on higher priced cosmetics.


There is one product in particular that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on to get great results.


Lip gloss


Honestly, I have tried tons of designer lip glosses and I have gotten the same, if not better results, from drugstore items.

My new go-to lipgloss is L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche in Rich Rose. I use this lipgloss (which costs less than $10!! Woo hooo) practically every day. It provides me with vibrant colour, staying power, and the most important thing of all, it is not gloppy.


I’m not saying that you can’t pamper yourself and treat yourself to something nice, but just remember, if you can save on one item, you can splurge somewhere else.


Have fun shopping!

Michelle

Trick or Treat!

This entry is meant for adults 19 years and older.

When I went trick or treating as a kid, I always looked forward to getting piles and piles of Halloween chocolate. It didn’t matter if I got the regular sized chocolate bar or the tiny snack sizes; I wanted c-h-o-c-o-l-a-t-e! I guess you can tell I had a serious chocolate addiction as a kid, eh? Perhaps that’s why I was super hyper!


However, I’m all grown up and my obsession with chocolate persists. I enjoy everything from chocolate cakes, cookies and chocolate martinis. Mmmm, chocolate martinis!


So you know I was beyond excited when I found out that there was a cooler coming out that was based on the yummy Cadbury chocolate bar, Caramilk.

The Caramilk Cream Cooler is an alcoholic beverage made with real cream and double distilled vodka. Sounds divine, no?!


I was sent a few samples of the cooler and I quickly gulped one down after a looong exhausting day at work. I decided to have another one a few days later just to get a real sense of the drink and to provide an accurate review.

I will confess, it was gooood! It’s creamy, chocolaty and not too strong (5% alcohol). It’s more of a dessert beverage, with a little kick of vodka.


The taste is similar to Bailey’s, but it leans more on the chocolaty side than on the coffee flavoured side.


Since I’m no kid anymore, I won’t be snacking on chocolate treats this Halloween—I’ll be hanging out with a few friends and sipping on a few Caramilk Cream coolers. Good times!

* I just want to wish everyone a happy Halloween and to remember to please drink responsibly!

Michelle

Comfy Fall fashions

As much as I love to expose skin in the hot summer months, I look forward to Fall because of the warm cozy fashions that I get to snuggle up in.





I recently bought a pair of knee high suede boots, skinny jeans (pssst....I caved in a bought a pair ) and a boyfriend cardigan. This is my go-to outfit for the season! I feel equal parts comfortable and sexy when wearing it.

I love how I am able to flaunt my curves in this simple outfit. The jeans hug my hips, while the boyfriend cardigan frames my hourglass figure. My boots, which are almost the star of the outfit, are sooo comfortably chic it’s crazy!!! (these boots are like walking on air!)

I’m already planning on doing some more shopping and getting more thick sweaters, skinny jeans (I’m hooked on them now!) and perhaps another pair of boots.


So what’s your fave Fall item?


Michelle

Beauty 411

Joe Fresh

In a previous post I mentioned that I received an e-mail from Joe Fresh letting me know about the Fall fashions that were about to hit the streets. Honestly, the e-mail had me at “Joe Fresh fashions.” Seriously. I am a huuuggge Joe Fresh fan/shopper. It’s embarrassing to know that all the sales people across the GTA, know me! LOL


When I visited the site, I mentally picked out the items that I planned to purchase. I liked the cute cardis and the scrumptious looking jackets. I decided that the black motorcycle jacket was the one for me.


So I headed over to one of the biggest locations—I wanted to ensure that my jacket was there, but guess what happened....? The jacket was nowhere to be found. I circled the store about 5 times until I realized that it was all sold out. Although I was a little (a lot!) disappointed, I still managed to browse around, to see if there was anything that tickled my fancy.


Since I already have way too many Joe pieces, I headed over to the cosmetics area. I have a bunch of eye shadows (surprise, surprise!), so I glanced at the selection of nail polish.


I saw their Fall nail polish line and I fell in love with a few hues. I picked up Storm (a creamy grey colour), Gunmetal (dark grey with silver flecks) and Brick (reddish brown shade).  It was a steal for 3/$10!


Even though I had my heart set on the jacket (*I’m still searching for it, or something similar), I’m glad that I can at least update my wardrobe with a few cute nail polishes.


Thanks, Joe!

-Michelle

What song reminds you of summer 2010?

Everybody knows that today (psst...the first day of school) sadly marks the end of summer madness. *tears streaming down cheek*


I haven’t been in school for a long time, but I too get a little blue at the beginning of September. Summer brings a sense of excitement, sunny days and good old fashioned fun with friends. And on the flip side, fall signals bad weather and doing hours and hours of homework. Who wouldn’t be depressed? LOL!


But what pulls me out of my fall funk is when I happen to hear a song that makes me think of the 2 months of summery bliss.


My song of the summer for 2010 was released towards the end of the season, but it totally captures the euphoric feeling of summer.


The song that reminds me of summer is....... Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream (California Gurls from Katy is also very summer-ish, but that song got really annoying after 5 listens!).

I chose Teenage Dream because it evokes the carefree, invincible feeling every teenager feels when they’re not in school. You spend your days and nights at the beach living it up with your friends (okay, just substitute the beach for the mall!) and life is good.


This song also recalls the summer romances that may have only lasted mere weeks, but felt like it was the best moment ever!


Teenage Dream gets me singing and thinking about my carefree days as a teenager. Man, this song gets me every time! Check the video here


What’s your song of the summer?

Happygrrl of the Month - Nicki Minaj

Let’s face it, she ain’t no Lauryn Hill, but Nicki Minaj is most def the baddest chick bitch in the rap game right now.


Her skillz and crazy-sexy-cool-persona have made her the girl you run to when you want your single upgraded. Just ask Ludacris, Usher, Mariah, and Drake (her Young Money lablemate). They’ve all worked with her, and believe me, their singles definitely benefited.


Her current single, Your Love—which I completely loooove—is sitting comfortably at #6 on Billboard’s top 100 R&B/Hip hop chart. I suspect that it will be number 1 in no time due to her epic-like video (the video’s Samurai theme is quite engaging, no?) and the cool Annie Lennox sample.


Nicki Minaj first caught my attention after I heard a couple of her collaborations with other artists. I thought they were good, but what really freaked me out was that she would sometimes rap in a kooky, albeit entertaining voice. At first I thought she was out of her damn mind, but after I heard the actual lyrics, I thought her delivery was very creative.


Although a lot of people are drawing comparisons to Lil Kim (she wears colourful wigs just like Lil Kim did back in the day, and like Lil Kim, Nicki ain’t shy about flaunting her hyper sexuality), I actually think she’s more Missy Elliot (think Missy from the Supa Dupa Fly days) with a pinch of Lil Kim and a dash of Lady Gaga.


Nicki Minaj is sooo worthy of the title of Happygrrl of the Month if nothing more than the fact that she’s the baddest rap chick with ridiculous swagger, and that she has brought a sense of humour back to rap music. And not in the corny Will Smith way!


Want some more info on Nicki Minaj? Check out some stats below.
Full Name: Onika Maraj
Birth date: December 8, 1984
Born in: Trinidad and then moved to Queens, New York
Label: Signed to Young Money in August 2009
CD: Her debut CD Pink Friday is due to be released November 23, 2010

Michelle

Where did summer go???

I can’t believe that summer is practically over. Seriously, once the CNE opens, fall is right around the corner. Boo!


But there is an upside to the end of summer......Fall fashion!


As much as I loooove warm weather (wearing dresses, sandals, and my cute sunglasses), I adore fall fashions. Fall usually brings rich colours, warmer textures, and tons of tailored jackets.


I received an e-mail from Joe Fresh letting me know about their fall 2010 line, and I am literally counting down til I get my hands on some of their jackets. Check the fall line here.


I guess fall ain’t sooo bad! Happy shopping!

Michelle

Song of the moment

Doesn’t it drive you crazy when you like a song that you have no reason liking? You’re not a fan of the artist, nor the genre, but you astoundingly can’t get enough of the song.



Here’s my dilemma.


Last week I started a new job in a new office, and I am relieved to say I love my new surroundings. It’s a very chill environment and my co-workers have bent over backwards to make me feel very comfortable.  Thanks, guys!


Getting back to the reason for this post, one of my co-workers usually starts her day by logging into her computer, and then finding her fave online radio station. I’m cool with her station of choice because it plays a mix of genres (some old school, r&b, dance and pop), and TONS of top 40.


For part of the day I tune out some of the songs (read: anything too bubblegum and pop-think Justin Bieber), but for some ungodly reason, I’ve been humming along to a song that I’m slightly embarrassed for liking (psst….it could be the fact that the song is played 50 million times a day! LOL).


My normal workday turns into party mode when I hear Ke$ha’s single, Your Love Is My Drug. It’s soooo damn catchy! The lyrics are anything but profound, but my co-worker and I usually perk up and do our little desk dance by our computer screen when it comes on. 

Maybe it'e me, but this song is the epitome of a summer hit single.  It has equal parts happy, fun and complete fluff.  It's so my guilty pleasure.


Not only do I like this song, I’m kinda digging the video.....don’t judge me!

Michelle

Love Lush Cosmetics?

I am a major Lush fan. I have been writing about their products for almost 8 years!  So I had to share with you their amazing new contest.


They are launching 10 new products and are giving them away to 10 facebook fans.

To enter, all you have to do is "like" Lush on Facebook for your chance to win.

*Be sure to go to the Lush website to get complete contest information.

Good luck!


Michelle

My essential summer beauty products

When summertime hits, it’s time for me to modify my beauty routine. I’m not hiding under tons of clothing anymore, so when the temperature starts to smoulder, I bring out my essentials.



Check out a few products that I can’t go without when the summer heat hits.

Mango bath & shower gel, Body Shop

I completely love this bath and shower gel. The tropical mango scent evokes sunny days, warm summer nights and sexy summer flings. Okay, I’m totally being stupid, but this shower gel is my personal fave!

I love the lusciousness of the scent, and the fact that the fragrance lasts for hours and hours, scores big with me.

This shower gel makes me feel sexy!

Palmers Cocoa Butter
I’m always singing the praises of cocoa butter. Not only does it keep your skin silky smooth and hydrated during extremely scorching weather, it actually fades any blemishes on the skin (mosquito bites, scratches, scars).


I wouldn’t even think of taking away from its chocolaty aroma by applying perfume. I wear this lotion solo. Yes, it is that yummy!

Lady Speed stick 24/7 Satin Pear, deodorant
I never would have thought that I would be writing about my deodorant, but damn it, this deodorant is essential on those hot and hazy summer days. (I wear Dove deodorant for sensitive skin in the cold, winter months).


This deodorant gets my stamp of approval because it keeps me smelling great, even when it’s overbearingly hot (remember last week?).

Schick Intuition, Razor
I haven’t gotten into waxing my legs as of yet (psssst... I only got into getting my eyebrows done a few months ago), so I religiously shave my legs quite frequently during the summer months. Honestly, I hate doing it, but if I plan on donning cute flirty dresses and skirts, I have no choice! LOL!


My razor of choice is Schick Intuition. I love it because it moisturizes your skin while you shave. It already comes with shower gel added, so you don’t need to apply any.


My skin looks and feels sumptuously smooth for days on end. This is def my go-to razor.

Honourable Mention

Glorious Mud, Lush

This product is new to me, but after one use, it looks like I might be a fan.

It’s a cleansing bar that has deep exfoliating properties. You rub it on your body; let it work its magic for a minute, then you rinse it off. It’s like having a mud bath conveniently located in your shower.

Once you rub it on your body, your skin feels fantastically supple. The only drawback when using this mud bar is that the bathtub looks like you’ve been rolling around in mud for about an hour. So after you use this product, expect to scrub the tub.

Those were just a handful of my personal fave products. What do you use in the summer to keep your skin glowing?

Michelle

Were Chris Brown’s tears for real?

It’s been a week since the BET awards aired, and I finally have the chance to sit down and discuss my take on Chris Brown’s breakdown at the award show.



I wasn’t going to comment on it, but I felt that with the proliferation of opinions online, I wanted to at least put my 2 cents in.


First of all, I was a Chris Brown fan before I found out about what happened between Rihanna and him. I loved his music (No Air, Jordin Sparks f/ Chris Brown is my personal fave!), but I stopped playing his songs after the incident. It just felt weird hearing him croon about love and crushes after I found out that he was capable of committing such a horrific act.


I did feel kinda bad for him after he apologized and carried out the community service and he still was not getting any airplay. Although I hate him for what he did, at least he is young enough to learn from the experience and make changes in his life.


On June 27th, 2010 Chris Brown performed a tribute to his idol, Michael Jackson. He finally got to celebrate and honour the man whom he loved. Honestly, it was a great performance. He really captured the essence of Michael through dance.


After the iconic dance moves, he started to sing Michael’s “Man in the Mirror.” His voice was cracking and tears were flowing off his chin. It was evident that he was overcome with emotion.


Some say that he was faking, and that it was a calculated move to win back his fans. I thought that too for a quick second, and then I realized that his emotion was quite real.


I feel that it wasn’t solely paying homage to Michael Jackson that got him choked up, but it was also being in front of his peers and reflecting on the lyrics (I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror, I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways, And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer, If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place (If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place),Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change). The lyrics definitely reflected his life.


To me, I felt that he was thinking about his situation and what has transpired over the year and a half and he became overcome with emotion.


He made a mistake, a HUGE mistake, and he can’t run from it, but I believe that he is ready to start over—not just his career, but his life. Good luck, Chris.

Michelle

Texting: When not to text

Have we lost the art of conversation? I’ve been pondering this issue for the longest time because of the millions of modes of communication at one’s fingertips. E-mail, facebook, myspace, MSN (even that seems so prehistoric now!) and the infamous text.

Gone are the days when someone would pick up the phone and talk; it’s much easier and convenient to send a quick e-mail or text.



The reason that I bring this up is that I was recently set up by one of my good friends. She set me up with a guy that she thought I would totally click with. He was nice, cute, a little shy, but still a decent guy.



We initially communicated through e-mail as my friend thought it was the safest medium, so she simply gave him my personal e-mail address.

 Once he was less weirded out by the thought of being set up by our mutual friend, he felt comfortable enough to e-mail and eventually text me. Little did I know how much of a texter he was.



I thought that it was sweet that he would send me a daily text to see how I was, but I found it a little strange that it was his only mode of communicating with me. My friend said that he was shy, but I didn’t think that he was that shy!



Unfortunately, he was that shy!



After receiving his texts for about a month, I decided that if he wasn’t going to call, it was up to me to make the “first move.” Grrls, let me tell y’all, it didn’t go over too well.



He was quite nervous on the phone and eerily very quiet (I think I actually scared him!). Once I calmed him down and let him know I wasn’t a random crazy chick, he was okay. Quiet, but okay. I ended the call quickly and we eventually went back to good old reliable texting.



I realize that he wasn’t comfortable speaking (to a woman) on the phone or in person (believe it or not, we actually went out on one date, and I’m pretty sure I spoke for the entire date. Yes, I’m a chatty grrl, but still!). It was actually kinda sad because when I did ask him a few questions, he seemed sooooo interesting. His social life was quite active, so I couldn’t understand why he was socially inept. As interesting as he was, his inability to speak got in the way.



So how do you feel about texting when getting to know someone? Is it appropriate? How much is too much texting?




Holla at me at michelle at happygrrls.com or leave a message and let me know!






Michelle

Divas in the City Update

My bff and I went to the Divas in the City last night and had a fab time. We sat for the inspirational info-sessions on topics ranging from finance to having amazing sex. I must admit, I enjoyed the latter session the most!! LOL!

I want to thank Laura and Nikki for having a forum that showcases the success of women. Thanks, grrls!

Michelle

Beauty 411

Are you like me and sport raccoon eyes after you’ve washed your face? My mascara (especially waterproof) can be stubborn at times and it takes FOREVER for me to wash it off.

Being the impatient girl that you know and love, I wanted to put an end to this torture, and find something that removes my makeup, quickly and safely.

I went to the drugstore and randomly chose L’Oreal’s Ideal Balance Cleansing cloths. I already use L’Oreal products, so I thought to give it a try as it is a brand I trust.


I tried the cloths after I caked on some eye shadow and mascara. I thought, “If it can remove all of this, it must be good!” I took a cloth out from the pack and gently wiped my eyes. The mascara and eye shadow came off after a couple of wipes.

This products gets marks for effectiveness, but it loses a few for the smell (the smell ain’t that bad, it’s just that it smells a bit medicinal to me).


Overall, I am glad that I chose this product.

Michelle

Wanna be divafied?

If you read the blog regularly (I know you do, now show me some love and follow the blog!), you probably have seen Laura Furtado’s name scattered in a few entries. That’s because I think she’s one of the most amazing females I’ve ever met. She’s ambitious, positive, high energy and a budding mogul. (*she’s sooo my bff in my head!)



Laura is the owner and founder of the highly successful company DivaGirl Inc. It consists of 3 divisions—DivaGirl Fitness, DivaGirl Entertainment and DivaGirl Beauty.

You’d think that with overseeing all of that she wouldn’t have time for anything else. Wrong! Ms. Furtado, along with equally successful entrepreneur Nikki Bergen (she’s the founder of Grace Corps Studio—a mobile Stott Pilates training company with locations in physical therapy clinics all over the GTA) have joined forces to create Divas in the City, an interactive forum for independent females who work hard, are driven, but also want to feel fabulous. The event is all about promoting how to feel good about yourself and embracing your inner Carrie Bradshaw! You can count me in!

Divas in the City will showcase experts from 7 areas that are of importance to every diva. There will be sessions on Money/Finance, Food, Fashion, Purpose/Goal setting, Fitness, Relationships and Beauty.

Sound good to you?

Here are the details:

Date: Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Time: 6:00pm-10:30pm

Venue: The Spoke Club, 600 King St. W, 4th floor

You can buy tickets here.

* If you need more information, please click here. Hope to see ya there!
 
 
Michelle

Deal Of The Month

In late April and early May, I set out to buy a birthday gift for one of my BFFs, but I had the hardest time trying to find something for her. I looked for a nice handbag, a signature perfume, even a fancy wallet—anything to show my bestie that she’s very much appreciated. I looked for weeks in every mall imaginable but I always came home empty handed. A wise shopper once told me, that you should never plan to shop for someone else, because you’ll wind up buying something for yourself.


Okay, so the wise shopper wasn’t totally off. On my last attempt to shop for my friend, I found something that screamed my name!! Sorry, girl!


I really wasn’t planning on making a purchase, but after quickly dropping by Smart Set, I took sight of a candy coloured coral bib necklace hanging on a rack. (pssst... they are all the rage for summer 2010!)


I thought to myself, I’m not shopping for myself today, so I should continue to look for something for my friend. But for some reason I couldn’t take my eyes off of the necklace.


I felt guilty for thinking of getting something for myself, so again I continued to look around the store trying desperately to find something that would be perfect for my friend......and of course I found nothing.




I finally gave in, put the necklace on the counter and told the sales person that I had to have it.


Turns out my must-have necklace was on sale for $6.00, down from $14.00, so I felt even better about the purchase.


I did end up finding something for my friend a week later, but I think buying the necklace for myself was a wise decision, no? LOL

-Michelle

Single Review

Usher

I’ve been perusing the charts for some singles to download (legally!) and I happened to see that newly divorced r&b heavyweight Usher, had not only one single on the chart, but three.



This gave me a great idea of reviewing all three singles and sharing with you which Usher song I liked the best. Which one is your fave?


Lil Freak, Usher feat Nicki Minaj
Not only is Usher a single dude again, he would like all the ladies to know that he’s horny and looking for some lovin’! Perhaps the title of the song was a dead giveaway, no?


Sample line: Hey girl I see you like that
you gettin excited you rockin like a pro with it girls
by the way you got right on that and now you counter kissin on a girl
I'm about to have a minajay [ménage] with this lady
look at those freaks at the bar looking for a star


Trust me, these are some of the tamer lyrics. Usher ain’t shy about expressing his turn-ons! FYI, this song is all about scoring a threesome.


X-rated content aside, the song ain’t all bad. However, after reading the lyrics, I like it less.


This is the kind of song that you will definitely hear in the clubs to get everyone moving. It has a good beat and the half-drunk club goers will surely be screaming the chorus!


Accompanying Usher on this song, is resident freaky girl Nicki Minaj. Even though she ain’t the most skilled emcee, she’s actually my fave part of the song. Who knew that someone could actually work in Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, Comet, Cupid, Blitzen into their rap? I find that oddly kinda funny!


Al though the song is not all bad, I definitely won’t download it. I’m no prude, but this song is a bit much for me. Onto the next single.


Hey Daddy, (Daddy’s Home), Usher
Okay, so if you read the review above, the same can be said about Daddy’s Home. Pssst....Usher’s still horny!


The good thing about this song is that it’s not as dirty as Lil Freak. It leans more to the sexy side and comes off sounding more romantic than pervy. He’s telling his boo that when he gets home, he will show her how much he missed her.


Sample lines: And I won't knock or ring no bells
You just poke that bottom up in the air
I'll get you hot, I know you oh so well
And when I walk in, all that I wanna hear
you say Daddy's home, Daddy's home for me


After hearing this song 536 times, it is stuck in my head. I like it, but is it worthy of a download? Not sure yet. Onto the last single.


OMG, Usher feat. Will.I. AM

Out of all 3 songs, this is the least provocative song. Usher continues his lust over hot women, but he isn’t as randy as he was in the previous 2 singles.


Sample line: I fell in love with shawty when I seen her on the dance floor
She was dancing sexy, pop, pop, popping, dropping, dropping low
Never ever has a lady hit me on the first sight
This was something special; this was just like dynamite


The theme and the sound of the song is pretty typical of an r&b single (guy spots girl dancing suggestively, guy is interested—I’m sure you can hear T-Pain, or Flo Rida on this track), but at least this song is very danceable (more so than Lil Freak).


I will say that the moment I heard the song I immediately liked it. It got me dancing even though I wasn’t really partial to the chorus (is it me or is it a little weird hearing a bunch of people screaming OHOHOH?)


So after reviewing all three I have chosen my favourite Usher single. The single worthy of a download is OMG. I like the high energy and the fact that he says "oh my gosh" appeals to my geeky side.  LOL!


What's your fave Usher single?

Q & A

Jessica Biffi

Even though talented fashion designer Jessica Biffi did not walk away with the most coveted prize on Project Runway Canada Season 2, I have been faithfully following her rising career. She ultimately lost to Sunny (I didn’t take it too badly. I adored his creations too!), but I knew it wouldn’t be the last time we would hear from Miss Jessica B.


I wanted to interview her ever since I saw her on the show (she looks like such a fun person, no?). It took me a year, but I finally sent her an e-mail and asked if she would like to be interviewed for the happygrrls blog. She replied within seconds and said yes (yay!), but due to her busy schedule, we would have to do an e-mail interview.


Although I didn’t meet her in person, her cheerfulness and passion totally came through in her responses. Check out her awesome answers below!


When did you know that you had a talent for fashion design?
I've always loved fashion, before I knew what "fashion" was. I really got my start in high school though. I took a fashion class in grade 11, and it was then that I realized that I had a natural talent for drafting, construction and making beautiful things. Ever since then, I've been working towards being a designer.


Did you ever think of pursuing something else? If so, what?
I've always been a creative person, so I think if I wasn't designing I would be in a creative field like art, other forms of design, or acting. But to be honest with you, this is all I've ever wanted to do, and I'm very fortunate to be able to do what I love.


What was it like being a part of Project Runway Canada?
Imagine the most amazing, stressful, dramatic, funny, scary and pressure-filled moments of your life and simmer it down to a series of weeks - and that is Project Runway Canada! It was a challenge, but one that was so worth all the hard work. The show has been a career launcher for me, and I am really very grateful to the series.


You honestly had the most chill attitude on the show! What did you do to keep yourself sane in such a hectic environment?
I was lucky because I met some amazing people that I bonded with right away. Adejoke and Sunny, really were the ones I was closest to, and still remain great friends with. Also, after each elimination I would go back to the house and get my pro nails on and de-stress that way. You just have to keep your head on right in stressful times like that. I was there for me, not for the drama and I just wanted to do what I can to do and not get caught up in that stuff.


How did your line at Addition-Elle and MXM come about?
I used to work at Additon Elle as a visual merchandiser. I had a lot of fun working at the Toronto flagship store, and for me as a designer I think it’s very important to have firsthand retail knowledge. After Project Runway Canada, I left to start my namesake line, Jessica Biffi. Addition Elle and MXM were very supportive of me while I was on the show, so it really was a natural fit. They asked if I would be interested in partnering with them in two plus size lines, and I jumped at it! Plus is something that I've always wanted to do, and I am so proud to be working with such leaders in the plus size market. Also - I love wearing the lines that I've created!!


What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?
This is going to sound cliché, but everything! Getting my start on the series was incredible! Launching Jessica Biffi at LG Fashion Week last season, meeting and being interviewed by Jeanne Beker, working with all the amazing partners I've had over the last two years, and now creating two plus size lines sold across Canada! Jessica Biffi the brand will soon be one year old - and what a year it’s been!!


What celeb would you love to see in your clothes?
I'm greedy - all of them!! I want everyone from Blake Lively to Gabourey Sidibe to rock Jessica Biffi!


What type of woman do you have in mind when you are designing clothes?
Someone that loves fashion, wants something beautiful but interesting, isn't afraid to be a little bit sexy, is confident and loves to express herself. Every season or project is different, but this is the essence of the Biffi woman.


What inspires you?
Anything and everything. I like to mix things together that someone might not fully understand at first, but the complete vision is so beautiful. I pull from music, art, technology, nature, people, politics, space - I'm all over the place. I think that's what's so amazing about creativity - it comes from all over if you are open to it. I also have some great muses in my life, and they play a big part in my design process.


What current trend(s) are you tired of seeing? Which ones do you love?
I'm SO over leggings as pants! Leggings are NOT pants! I love leggings, and under a short dress or great tunic - awesome! But with a shorter shirt and as a straight up bottom - no. I do love shoulder details - and see them happening for a while longer.


What fashion designers are you a fan of?
Hands down - Alexander McQueen. He was the love of my life. Everything he did had such an effect on me. I loved his use of tailoring and interesting mixes of textures and fabrications. He had such a strong voice - one that will always be with me.


Michelle