Ask Michelle

Have some issues that you want to get resolved in 2011? E-mail me at michelle at happygrrls.com and I will try to include it in the next instalment of Ask Michelle



Dear Michelle,
I have a little problem. I used to be friends with my best friend’s sister, but we have become less close over the years. Nothing major happened, we just grew apart. Ironically, my best friend and I have become great friends during this time.


My problem with my besties’ sis is that even though we don’t have a great friendship anymore, she randomly calls me up when she needs help. Sometimes it’s for a ride to the mall; if she needs some help with homework, and believe it or not, if she needs a reference for a job!


At first I didn’t think much of it because she’s still kinda my friend, but the fact that she calls me out of the blue only when she needs something is starting to really piss me off!

She’ll call me, and then I won’t hear from her for at least 3 months. I don’t want to sound rude, but we’re not even good friends anymore and I don’t like that she calls and texts me when she needs help. How do I tell her to leave me alone? What should I do?


Signed, I don’t like users!


Dear I don’t like users!
I totally agree with you. I don’t like it when someone talks to you only when they need something from you. That’s not how a friendship works.


Your situation is a little complicated, though. On one hand you don’t want to jeopardize your relationship with your best friend by being rude to her sis, but on the other hand, she’s totally taking advantage of your kindness!


Maybe what you might want to do is be less available to her. When she calls or texts you, don’t answer. I know it sounds super immature and juvenile, but after a while she’ll get the picture and stop using you and probably move onto the next victim!


Hope that works for you. Let me know how it works out.




Michelle

Happy New Year: A look back at 2010



2010: Year in Review

 



I love the beginning of a new year because it gives me a chance to reflect on the past 365 days. And my fave part of looking back is reflecting on the songs and artists that made the year special.

Here’s a short list of the songs that made 2010 memorable.


Teenage Dream, Katy Perry
This has become one of my all time fave songs. Serious. Say what you will about Katy Perry, but she has created an awesome youth anthem.


Find Your Love, Drake
I love practically all of Drake’s songs (it was very difficult to choose just one for this list!), but this song is my favourite. Not only is the song hot, but the tropical setting for the video ups its sexy factor!


OMG, Usher f/ will.i. am
This high energy single is great for getting your dance on in the club or getting your sweat on in the gym. OMG came out earlier this year, but has yet to leave my playlist.

Telephone, Lady Gaga f/Beyonce
Awesome song and equally entertaining video. Gaga owned 2010!


Grenade, Bruno Mars
A tormented love song? How could I not love it. J’adore Bruno Mars.

Bullet Proof, La Roux
This isn’t a song that I would normally listen to, but I have to admit, this bubbly dance track is so catchy and infectious, it’s damn near impossible to ignore. I love the 80s vibe and techno feel. This song reminds me of the summer of 2010.


Only Girl In The World, Rihanna
Thankfully Rihanna released this upbeat song. Her last CD was a little depressing (remember the song, Russian Roulette?) and I was actually questioning if I would ever like another Rihanna track. Luckily Only Girl In The World was released and I have remained a Rihanna fan.


Your Love, Nicki Minaj
What Nicki lacks in talent, she more than makes up with her wildly fascinating personality and creativity. She took an almost forgotten Annie Lennox track and retooled it to create one of the hottest songs of the year. Shout-outs to Lil X for the riveting video!


Monday Morning, Melanie Fiona
After listening to the song just once at work, I fell in love. It’s a melange of Motown-esque orchestration with a hint of reggae. Her raspy soulful voice blows all the wannabe songtresses out of the water. She’s def my fave new artist of the year.

I Invented Sex, Trey Songz

Okay, the title is a little raunchy and boastful, but it really is a great r&b song(ahem, baby making song!). On this track, Trey lets his woman know that he’s that good, that it’s like he invented sex. Daaaam!

Thanks for reading my list. What do ya think? What were some of your fave songs for 2010?

-Michelle

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