2012: A Look Back In Music

If there’s one thing that moves me, its music.  Certain songs usually mirror whatever I am going through in my life at the time. Music heals me when I’m heartbroken; it gets me pumped when I am ready for a night out, and it relaxes me when I need to kick back and chill.  Music truly is the soundtrack to life.

Whenever I compile a “Best of” list for the year, it undoubtedly is always music based. 

I listened to a variety of genres this year- pop, R&B, hip hop, soca and reggae.  All had a profound effect on me.  I can distinctly remember when I first heard each and every one of these songs.  That’s why it was so easy for me to assemble this list of songs.

So without further delay, here’s my list of my most cherished songs of 2012. Enjoy!

Take Care- Drake feat. Rihanna

This song was released earlier on in the year, but it still makes me shiver whenever I hear it.  I felt this song. I lived this song.  I love this song.

We Are Young- Fun feat. Janelle Monae

I don’t care what genre of music you listen to, you gotta love this song. It is sooooo much fun to sing.  It’s such an anthem for anyone –young or old. This song rocks!

Thinkin Bout You- Frank Ocean

There really are no words to say.... this song speaks for itself.  It is amazingly perfect.

Somebody That I Used To Know- Gotye feat. Kimbra

There is no question that this is probably the awesomest song I heard in about 5 years!  I love the use of the xylophone, the authentic breakup lyrics, and the overall playful, child-like quality of the song.  Too cool!

Where Have YouBeen- Rihanna

If you read this blog religiously and if you know me, you know I had to include a song from RiRi.  I pretty much liked all of her songs, but this is the standout.

Mercy- Kanye West feat. Big Sean Pusha T and 2 Chainz

Damn, I love this song. Love the braggadocio, love the machismo (I don’t normally love machismo, but it works on this song!). This song is arrogance at its best. There’s no surprise that it’s a Kanye track!

Mr. Fete- Machel Montano

Since I am a semi-Trinidadian (pssst...my family hails from the gorgeous island), I had to big up my roots with a soca song.  I listened to more soca this year than ever, and this song always had me wining up!  This is true party music!  (FYI - To wine- it’s a form of dance, involves gyration of hips, can be slow or fast and must always be sexy.)  

Only Man She Wants- Popcaan

Continuing with the island vibe, I had to rep Jamaica and give some love to this reggae song.  Although this song came out in late 2011, it’s been a staple on my phone and my iPods.  I love it. It’s incredibly infectious and fun to listen to. It’s the song I listen to on my way to work.

Adorn- Miguel

Sexy, sexy, sexy song.  Miguel is the second coming of Prince. 

The Motto- Drake feat. Lil Wayne and Tyga

Yes, my boy Drake made the list again!  This is the song that I blast when I need to feel super confident.

and I can't forget.....

Kelly Clarkson.  So glad she came out with another amazing CD this year and her concert this summer in Toronto was awesome!

Okay, y’all just read what I loooved about 2012, now here’s a few things that made me say WTF!

Snoop changing his name to Snoop Lion and pretending to be a reggae artist.

Snoop + reggae= Fail. Oh, and no one is ever calling him Snoop Lion. Ever.

2 Chainz

This name is even worse than Snoop Lion

Wyclef Jean on his motorcycle in his undies to celebrate his 43^rd birthday!

I appreciate the fact that Wyclef feels good about himself and his body at the tender age of 43 years old, but this pic is waaay too creepy. Why, Wyclef, why???

Darwin and his infamous coat!

Darwin, a.k.a.The Ikea Monkey

Why is it that someone actually owns a pet monkey?  And more importantly, why does this lil primate have a waaaay better coat than I do?

Lindsay Lohan having the audacity to play Elizabeth Taylor in the biopic- Liz and Dick. 

I actually like Lindsay Lohan (can’t help it. Mean Girls is tha ish!), but she is not creatively nor emotionally equipped to play Elizabeth Taylor. Don’t know if I am angry with her, or the casting director.

Hangover 3

The Hangover was awesome, Hangover 2 was a waste of money and a waste of film.   Now can someone tell me why the F*@! they are making Hangover 3??

The new hosts of 106& Park

 Yes, this show targets preteens as well as teens, but I like to check it out from time to time (I’m sooo not even close to the demographics!). Not sure why there are 4 hosts as opposed to 2.  (rapper Bow Wow is actually one of the hosts!) Fail!

So that’s my take on 2012.  What did you think?  Let me know which songs and artists you thought were the best 2012 to offer.

Michelle

Untitled

I rarely comment on events that happen in the news.  Not because I don’t find them interesting; it’s just that my blog takes on a light-hearted, not-so-serious vibe.

But after hearing about the events that happened a week ago, I felt that I needed to write about the tragic loss. I needed a week to be able to gather my thoughts and write something.

I found out about the horrific school shooting at work after I came back from my lunch break.  I read about it online and I proceeded to tell one of my co-workers.  We both read in horror and absolute disbelief about the senseless crime that was committed earlier that day.

When I came home I watched the news and got more information about what had transpired.  I thought to myself – I don’t know how anyone.... any human could be so heartless, cruel and selfish to shoot innocent children and adults and his own mother.  Why did he gun them down?

Poor defenseless children were ripped from their parents’ arms for no good reason.  My heart bleeds for them. 

Over the next few days, I watched more news footage about the children that lost their lives, the heroic teacher who shielded her students from gunfire, and for the principal who lost her life for trying to protect her school.  I tried like hell to fight back the tears. I wasn’t always successful.

I’m not a parent yet, but I am a devoted aunt and a loving caring person, who feels for the Newtown community.  My heart bleeds for them.  Nothing we say, or write can bring back their bundles of joy.

All I wanted to do was to let them know that they are in my hearts and in my prayers. 

-Michelle

What Not To Do At Your Office Christmas Party

Love it or hate it, the season for office holiday parties is quickly approaching.   #Scary!

Luckily I had mine a week ago and it was pretty painless. My co-workers and I feasted on a nicely prepared turkey dinner, had interesting conversation over said turkey, and then we were quickly on our merry way.  Drama free.

However, I’ve been to many staff Christmas parties in the past, and I’ve seen when staff parties can go terribly, terribly wrong.  I guess anything can happen when you mix alcohol and poor judgement.  Lol

Since I have attended a lot of holiday parties, I decided to compile a list of  

What Not To Do At Your Office Party. Enjoy!

Don’t complain about work

Okay,  I know you don’t really want to go to the office party to spend a couple of hours talking about work, but if you do decide to go, at least be cheery about it.  Don’t be the Debbie Downer of the office and lament about everything that sucks about your job.  Just have a great attitude and hopefully have a good time.  At least you don’t have to cook dinner that night!

Don’t make rude or offensive jokes

True, you are not in the office, but yes, you should act like you are still on the clock.  Don’t tell the filthiest joke you know, or speak about anything inflammatory (ahem, religion, politics!).  Just keep it light and friendly.   Remember, it’s a joyous occasion.  Just have fun.

Don’t dress inappropriately – nothing too risqué

Keep this in mind, whenever you are surrounded by your co-workers and employer, please dress appropriately.  Read: do not dress for a night out at the club!

If you want to stand out at the Christmas party, forget the super short mini-dress; why not wear some tasteful bling or a sequined top?   Yes, I know I sound like a grandmother, but I think it’s better to look professional rather than the office hoochie!

Don’t drink excessively

First of all, if you are going to drink, PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE. PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE. I can’t stress this enough. 

If you are going to have a drink, please keep it to a minimum. Over the years, I have unfortunately witnessed colleagues  getting crunk and actin’ the fool.  If you know you can’t handle more than one drink, then stop!  I’m sure you don’t want to wake up the next morning wandering where your car, cell phone or underwear is! Be responsible!

Which leads into the last What Not To Do At Your Office Christmas Party

picture taken from Glamour magazine

Don’t hit on or make out with anyone

It’s okay if you have a crush on a co-worker, stuff happens. But don’t, I repeat, don’t fully make out with them in front of all of your co-workers.  If the mood strikes you and you want to show your office crush how you feel, at least retreat to a secluded place.  But keep in mind there are always eyes watching! Lol.  You might have some explaining to do the next day. Try to keep your actions PG. 

So that was my brief list of things you might want to avoid at your office party.  Remember, it is a staff party, so try to have fun....just not tooooo much fun!

Michelle

The Perfect Pink Lipstick

When I was younger, I wore vibrant reds and deep burgundies (which are on trend now) to express my love of dramatic lip colour as well to show my wannabe bad attitude.  (psst...I was sooo unsuccessful with the last one! Lol!)

Once I outgrew the “in your face strong lip”, I discovered the simplicity of the nude glossy lip, and I fully embraced it for years. 

After needing a slight change a few years ago, I fell in love with the subtle beauty of pink lip gloss. I didn’t like wearing barely there colours anymore, and wearing discreet pinks kept my look natural but polished.  Suffice it to say, I wore pale pink lip gloss for years...until....

I had a brief stint with vibrant reds last winter (I’m sure I will be embracing the sultry colour again very soon!).  Reds allowed me to tap into my inner vixen and add more “sex appeal” to my look.  But since I am a creature of habit, my love affair with all things pink resurfaced.

Perhaps my revisit to pink is the Minaj effect.    Although Nicki Minaj’s overall look can be a bit much to say the least, her pout is always painted with the perfect shade of pink – whether it’s baby pink, fuchsia, or even bubblegum, it always seems to work.  She actually made me realize that wearing pink doesn’t have to look childish; it can be sexy and fashion forward. 

As much as I loved my tried and true staple lip gloss (ahem, L’Oreal Rich Pink 120 still rocks), I wanted to find new shade that would add a bit of punch and zing.  I turned to YouTube to help me search out the perfect pink (yes, some people go to department stores, I check out YouTube!).  Thanks to BeautyByJJ for showing me how each one of her pink lip colours looks.  Very helpful.

Here are my new go-tos

Pink in the Afternoon

 Pink in the Afternoon - Revlon 415

It’s pink, but very appropriate for work.  Not too flashy, just enough femininity!

Airy Fairy

Airy Fairy – Rimmel 070

This was my go to lipstick in the summer.  It looked very sexy when my skin was tanned and radiant.  For the fall, I wear it with a swipe of pink lipgloss.  (*I use L’Oreal 120)

Candy Pink

Candy Pink – Revlon 008

This is a definite favourite.  It’s just enough pink without being too over the top.  A bonus is that my lips look plump and hydrated when I wear it. It’s a pink lip colour that can be worn for any occasion.

Spellbound

Spellbound – COVERGIRL 325

Just bought this after seeing it featured on a few blogs.  I love the way it looks.  It’s got all the swagger and sexiness of a red lip, but the flirtiness of a pink. 

p.s. if you are applying a pink lipstick, be sure to line your lips with a pink or nude lip liner.  I use Annabelle waterproof lip liner in Nude.

So those are my round up of pink lipsticks.  What are some of your faves?

Michelle