| |
Contributing Writers:
A look at the cool writers behind the articles...
We'd be squatting in a ditch somewhere, trying to start a fire with our shoes, if it weren't for our contributing writers, who rock with the best of 'em.
CALL ME!
Anna
Anna just graduated from the University of Surrey, London, in the United Kingdom, with a brand spankin’ new degree in Psychology. It was whilst at University that she discovered her love for writing; her dream career would be working as a fashion journalist for a magazine in New York. She’d also love to be an actor, and feels there’s something appealing in being able to take a character and bring them to life. She currently writes advice pieces and fashion and beauty articles, aimed to inspire and inform.
Weaknesses: Would be shopping, and more shopping.
Music: Depends on how I feel in the moment. I love The Pussycat Dolls, The Fray…
Film: How To Lose a Guy In Ten Days, and Just My Luck.
Things I Love To Do: Write (obviously), surf (while visiting Australia recently, I tried my hand at surfing which I absolutely loved…although I wasn’t very good at it!), and shopping for clothes and shoes and trying new looks.
Three Things I Can’t Live Without: My phone, my computer, my bag, and so much more! (OK, so that wasn’t three.)
If I Were a Character From “Sex and the City,” I’d Be: Well, I write, I have no luck with men, and my weakness is shopping…so I guess it would be Carrie.
Read Her Article:
With some tips and strategies, Anna helps us deal with stress.Barb
Barb just turned 33 in April but she still feels like she's 25. A graduate of the Fashion Merchandising program at Seneca College, Barb now works at a software company. She hopes to one day work as a wardrobe consultant or stylist since that's her dream job.
What's In My CD Player Right Now: Dixie Chicks - they rock.
What's In My DVD Player Right Now: Spanish, awaiting my viewing.
Three Things I Can't Live Without: Well, obviously a mall. Good wine. And my Fritos regular cornchips.
Freakiest Fact: I have wide feet and a bunion on my left foot that I call "Bob." I call him, but he never answers.
People Would Be Most Surprised to Know: Thunderstorms and barbeques make me very nervous.
Guilty Pleasure: Shopping...and napping...though not at the same time.
In Five Years I'll Be: Either married or not. But I'll be making millions working in my own wardrobe consultant/stylist business. Julia Roberts and Jessica Simpson will be knocking down my door!
What Inspires Me: People, music, breathtaking photography, color.
Read Her Article:
Barb tells you about the best places to shop for the hottest spring looks.Bee
Bee tackles those three little words in his own Dating Diary, reviews Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (which he really, really liked), and goes where no man has gone before: to the bath. He also puts his two cents in where it counts the most: in our Relationship Survey.Dani
Dani graduated from the University of Toronto (St. George Campus) with a double major in Life Science and English in June 2005. Now she's at the Ryerson School of Journalism in their two year program (for university graduates), contemplating magazine or print journalism. She's currently trying to write for The Eyeopener (Ryerson's independent paper). Although she enjoys listening to music through her headphones, mouthing the words with conviction, she has recently become an even bigger fan of solo dance parties (the music of choice being from the late 80s and mid-90s). Her guilty pleasures are gossip magazines, ice cream, Kit Kats, and Smartfood (the big bags). She has a severe allergy to all nuts and is always looking for new and delicious nut-free foods - especially desserts, although she's recently realized that sampling all of them is not a good idea.
Read Her Article:
Dani uncovers the continuing saga of being a single grrl in the city:
Read her first instalment here.
And her hilarious follow-up here.
What do exes and Batman have in common? Read on to find out.
The biter, and other pangs of first kisses.
How are men and cupcakes related? Dani breaks it down for us in The Bug.
Dani goes undercover and gets the scoop on speed dating:
Dani tells us what speed dating is really like.
After her speed dating stint, Dani agrees to meet one of her suitors. But is her date all that it's cracked up to be?
EmalynEmalyn Franco-Romano is a freelance journalist from Brampton, Ontario.
Read Her Article:
Emalyn gives us the lowdown on the latest Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
ErinErin graduated from York University with a degree in business but eventually pursued a career in fashion, her first love. Erin works as a Fashion Consultant and helps busy women shop for their business and business casual wardrobes. Although her first passion lies in fashion, she has always enjoyed writing and expressing herself through her words. In her spare time, Erin enjoys skiing, watching sports (especially hockey), hanging out with her friends, and of course, shopping.
Read Her Article:
Erin tells us what's hot:
Erin discusses wearable trends for fall.
Erin tackles the upcoming fall fashion trends.
Don't know what to wear this spring? Erin can help.
From runway to your closet, Erin dicusses fall's newest styles.
Looking for colour? Look no further than Erin's report on the spring's latest trends.
Erin answers all your burning fashion questions:
Erin ponders belts, as well as other great debates, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin suggests some hot purses, as well as other summer favourites, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin tackles skinny jeans, as well as other fashion woes, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin waxes poetic about tapered pants, as well as other gems, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin gushes about fall coats, as well as other autumn treats, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin recommends an updated redneck look, as well as other wearable styles, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin comments on the perfect outdoor wedding outfit, as well as other quandaries, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin talks travel wear, as well as other tribulations, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin tackles your burning skirt-length questions, as well as other head scratchers, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin discusses fall accessories, as well as other upcoming fashion trends, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin answers your questions about brown and black pairings, as well as other fashion dilemmas, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin schools us on shirts for him, the latest trends in watches, as well as other fashion do's and don'ts, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin teaches us about matching jean colours, as well as other fashion faux paus, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin espounds the greatness of business casual, as well as other fashion musts, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin explores cowboy couture, as well as other fashion know-hows, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin talks fall coats, and other must-have trends, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin gives us the lowdown on skinny jeans, and other hot buys, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin hashes out pantyhose dilemmas, and other fashion woes, in our Dear Shopaholic.
Erin tackles everyday fashion advice:
You've got the attitude, the smarts, and the qualifications, but do you have the look? Erin schools us in how to Dress For Success.
What body type are you? Find out in Erin's guide, and see what styles are best suited to you.Lara
Lara Roccatani is a recent University of Toronto graduate with a B.A. in Theology, History and Jewish Studies. She is currently doing stand up comedy, and freelance writing in her spare time.
Interests: Religion and politics, and talking about both at work.
Turn ons: Ph.D.s and M.D.s.
Turn offs: Not agreeing with me.
In Five Years I'll Be: A writer and Theology professor, or comedian, but definately happily married to an M.D.
Read Her Article:
Lara shares her story of a first date from hell.
MeredithAs you can see from her picture, Meredith was thrilled to learn that George W. is really made out of cardboard. This revelation, which occurred on a road trip to Fredricksburg, VA, has taught her to be more forgiving and intrigued by two-dimensional people. Consequently, she has changed her major from Underwater Basket Weaving to Anthropology, where she enjoys a closer look at idiot policy makers in their natural habitat - without having to dabble in all that Poli-Sci slush. She is also finishing up her Bachelor of Education and is involved in several community newspapers and a community radio station. You may remember her from such science fiction movies as: Sexiest Nerd Alive, Attack of the Four Foot Woman, and "Blind Date" featuring special guest, Godzilla.
Read Her Article:
Meredith lets you in on all the hot date spots for the summer.
Meredith gets the lowdown on female condoms.
Meredith writes a cool sci-fi story for us, Left Ajar.
What's all the buzz surrounding metrosexuality? Meredith fills us in.
Meredith writes the quintessential guide for travelling abroad.Noa
Ever since she moved to Toronto two-and-a-half years ago from her native Vancouver, Noa's life has literally (pun intended) revolved around writing. She graduated in April 2004 from Ryerson University's journalism program, and became involved with Happygrrls after spending the better part of a morning's subway commute reading a profile of Happygrrls in the Metro, a paper she doesn't usually pick up. Figuring it was fate, she pitched a column that would profile happy grrls with cool careers. And the rest, as they say, is her-story.
What's In My CD Player Right Now: Self-titled burned CD (I didn't write or sing the songs, but it took me a while to figure out how to burn them off my computer, so I figured I deserved some credit!)
What's In My DVD Player Right Now: Nothing. My boyfriend pawned it last week. Long story.
Three Things I Can't Live Without: Cats (the animals, not the musical), dessert (of any kind) and the treadmill at the gym (to offset the dessert).
Freakiest Fact: I own 26 bikinis.
If I Were A Character on "Sex and the City," I'd Be: Carrie, for so many reasons (not least of which is my bad habit of overspending on clothes).
People Would Be Most Surprised to Know: I only wear three of my bikinis.
Guilty Pleasure: Napping on sunny Saturday afternoons.
In Five Years I'll Be: More experienced, so I'll have more to write about.
What Inspires Me: Passion, kindness, depth and empathy.
Read Her Article:
Noa profiles some very cool women with equally cool careers:
Noa interviews Amie Heenan, an up-and-coming entrepreneur with a flair for fashion and a business sense to match.
Don't mess with her: Noa does a one-on-one with Erin Roulston, a constable with the Vancouver Police Department.
Noa sits down with Canadian ballerina, Courtney Lutz.
Need a little help with your wardrobe? Noa interviews Erin Nadler of image consulting company, Images That Suit.
Noa sits down with philanthropist and editor-in-chief of Wish magazine, Jane Francisco.
Noa shows us how to spring clean our computers.
Hello Kitty turns 30! Noa gives us details on the birthday bash, as well as what you can purchase in the likeness of this lovable feline.
In Strip to Fit, Noa throws all caution to the wind and enrolls in a strip aerobics class.
Want a hassle-free makeover? Noa shows us how.
Back pain? Neck strain? Follow Noa's easy tips to get your back into shape.
Spot a fake with Noa's guide, Fake or Fendi?.
Tired of baking in the sun? Noa introduces us to Benefit Cosmetics, which includes a line of awesome and health conscious self-tanners.
Need some help packing smartly? Noa tells you how.
Noa shows you how to choose a credit card that fits your needs and budget.
Ever wonder why people throw rice at weddings? Or why bridesmaids dress like hideous fuschia clones? Noa uncovers the meanings and origins behind these, and other, wedding rituals.
Want to help the environment this holiday season? Noa shares some great tips on what you can do to have a green Christmas.
Noa checks out the Canadian Urban Music Awards and rounds up the night's winners and highlights.
Feeling sluggish at the start of every new year? Noa gives us some real resolutions that are both powerful and achievable.
Noa shows us how the best things in life are free by profiling a great cause.
And you thought breaking up was hard to do...Noa explores how the internet is making it even harder.Phan
Cute as a button and just as charming, her only weakness is…shopping!!! Which makes for the perfect ingredient to be our Fashion Expert. Phan is our resident fashionista - always up for a good sale or a bargain hunt, and is always ahead in fashion trends. She radiates sweetness - but don't litter in front of her, unless you're ready to face the consequences! Phan may be small in stature, but her legendary appetitite has been basis for many a-folklore.
Alias/Nom de Plume: hunnylu
What's in My CD Player Right Now: Coldplay
What's in My DVD Player Right Now: Pirates of the Caribbean
Three Things I Can't Live Without: Coffee, heels, and carbs.
Freakiest Fact: Getting pampered with a pedicure is an excruciatingly, painfully…ticklish experience for me. One was already too much to bear.
If I Were a Character on "Sex & The City," I'd Be: The conservative one…what's her name?
Best Pickup Line: We noticed you noticing us (I don't think that was true though).
When People Think of This, I'm the First Person That Pops Up: Crêpes with vanilla and chocolate ice cream, berries and bananas, drizzled with chocolate syrup and strawberry purée, topped off with whip cream.
In Five Years I'll Be: Maybe a dancer, pianist, or designer…but always a dreamer.
What Inspires Me: Music, design, joie de vivre, and thoughtfulness.
Read Her Article:
Phan, our roving fashionista, gives you the lowdown on the month's hottest trends and answers your fashion-related dilemmas.Shari
Michelle's sis, Shari, was delighted to contribute to the site, and by delighted, I mean, she had no choice. Thank you, girl! Before she jetted off to Cuba for a sun-filled week, she read the fashionesque novel, The Devil Wears Prada, and provided us with a book review from the first time author, Lauren Weisberger.Sheena
Sheena has written poetry about her friends and keeps a journal because she loves to write. In fact, she sometimes thinks she writes better than she speaks. She's "currently" (wink, wink) learning to play the guitar which was originally something to do to kill time since she lives in Alaska. No just kidding. She doesn't live in Alaska, but she does live north of the TTC bus routes, which (to some people) can be seen as the same thing. She just learned to rollerblade again last year, so look out for her on the trails this summer (hint: she'll be the one who'll probably spend more time falling than actually blading)! She has an old dog named Shiney that she adores ("I love that mutt!") and she loves good music, good drinks, great friends, and the time to take it all in.
Alias/Nom de Plume: SheShe
What's In My CD Player Right Now: Elephunk (Black Eyed Peas, finally!), Meteora (Linkin Park), This Is Me Then (J. Lo.) - just joking, I'm using that as a coaster.
Three Things I Can't Live Without: My wallet, my journal, my cellphone.
Freakiest Fact: You can't sneeze with your eyes open? Oh...you mean about me...
If I Were a Character on "Sex & The City," I'd Be: I'd like to think I'm Carrie, but no, i'm more closer to Charlotte or Miranda.
Best Pickup Line: Now that I've walked by, I will allow you to take down my phone number. No...it's more along the lines of: is this seat taken?
When People Think of This, I'm the First Person That Pops Up: I don't know, I don't think I've ever asked that...
In Five Years I'll Be: Selling the majority of my shares of some incredibly profitable company (that I bought for pennies) so I can retire to some tropical island-like place(regardless of which one) where I can fulfill my life-long dream of being a jet-setting socialite/actress/whatever the hell else is fashionable these days (as long as there a slash).
What Inspires Me: It will always be the weekend!
Read Her Article:
Sheena gives you the lowdown on the Canadian Idol auditions.
Sheena wraps up the Concert for Toronto.
Looking for the hottest trends? Check out Sheena's Do's and Don'ts of the summer.
Sheena does the Battle of the Sexes with us on our Relationship Survey.
Sheena reviews Britney Spears' In The Zone.Sunshine goes head-to-head with Dear Angry Black Grrl and gives us the lowdown from the other half's perspective. He also picks our Happygrrl of the Month and tells us why she rocks.