Black Canadian Queen 2014 - Go Fund Me Campaign

Hello peeps,

I hope you remember my previous post about entering into a beauty pageant, if not here it is! Well it's crunch time now with the event in Toronto, Ontario on June 6th & 7th!

With the help of my primary sponsors Leerox Technology and Eleganiza Couture, click the links below and contribute to my "Go Fund Me" campaign:

http://www.gofundme.com/josephinemensah-bcq2014

I hope to raise $1000+ by Sunday May 25th at midnight! Also share this link with your social network using the hashtags: #Josephine Mensah #blackcanaidanawards #blackcanadianqueen #BCA2014

Your support is greatly appreciated:)

xoxox

Lady J

Beauty in a Patch?

Hey all:

Has your life as busy as mine? *whew!*

By the way have you seen this controversial video from Dove?

*Spoiler Alert*

How did you like it?

When I first saw it, I wanted to call shenanigans....I mean a beauty patch, like really? I thought maybe it would be damaging for the wearer, full of "happy hormones" and "artificial chemicals"....but artificial is right "beauty is a state of mind" and no one can tell you otherwise!

Although this was just a placebo effect on the women involved, it's a larger commentary on idealistic beauty standards that the media puts out there about the "right size" and the "right" combination of features.

As the media begins to diversify with bloggers and other user-generated content such as you and me, the stage opens up to voices of women who have overcome obstacles as well as grow and continue to be filled with self-acceptance. It is a life-long trek for many, but it's possible. Take care of yourselves!

xxxxxooooo

Lady J 

Body Image Empowerment!

Hi all,

For many women (and in recent years men) it has been difficult to accept one's body as it is...but rather many speak very critically and in a self-deprecating manner about their self-image!
As we are all a part of consuming the mass media and idealized representations, we believe that our bodies are unworthy of love and acceptance.

Even compliments and positive affirmations from others covers up our insecurities momentarily till one begins believing the negatives again....it's really an uphill battle.

Below is a lovely poem from a talented artist,  Rachael Wiley called "10 Honest Thoughts on Being LOVED by a Skinny Boy"....she has such a fantastic way of weaving her words that you can easily envision the scenes she presents:

It gave me chills when I first heard it and made me thinks "that's going on the blog"!

xoxox

Lady J 

Shopping in Saskatoon - Part 2

Hi friends:

How is the month of February treating you?

In continuation with the local shopping series, the next installment is here!

Flashback Clothing Collective
Drinkle Mall (Lower Level)
115 - 3rd Avenue South, Suite #6

• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Open Wed - Fri 12-5:30pm & Sat. 11:30am-5pm

Facebook Page - Flashback Clothing Collective

Flashback is a wonderful vintage clothing and accessories store here in Saskatoon's Drinkle Mall. I remember walking down 3rd Ave this past Fall and came across their sandwich board on the street...and being being very intrigued by the name as well as the possibility of vintage treasures within!

The store has been arranged by decade, so you are able to easily pick out the item's references and understand its influence on today's styles:

Also the owner Shanon, has a wealth of knowledge about every piece of merchandise and able to discuss an piece's historical context with shoppers. She mentioned to me that her merchandise comes from her and her family's personal collections but Shanon also purchases vintage items from women who are down-sizing and/or cleaning out attics and storage rooms from their rural and urban properties throughout the province.

When it comes to vintage shopping, be sure to have lots of time to spare, since half the fun is in the find as well as this will give you a chance to inspect a piece properly and consider its fit!!! Also before you get ready to stop over at Flashback, be sure to hit up the various ATMs downtown since it is a "cash only" shop!

xxxxoxo

Lady J 

Style Watch: Holiday Party Outfits

Season's Greetings Fashionitas:

The holidays are coming up so fast,  in 4 more sleeps to be exact!

Hopefully you are attending holiday parties throughout the month and enjoying all the little treats and drinks available.

Below are a few festive trends I have noticed this season!!!:

I love how this white and cream coloured dress glows on her skintone:

Photo Credit: glamour.com

A beautiful sweater for your daytime events:

Photo Credit: lyst.com

A pair of fancy coloured or brocade print pants (Lady J has a pair of the black and gold ones in her closet!):

Photo Credit: oliviapalermocom

 Metallics have been consistently a part of the holiday colour palette:

Photo Credit: Google Images

Photo Credit: Google Images

Or one can glow in all shades of green (the fringe dress is one of my favourite):

Photo Credit: Google Images



Whatever you plan to wear to your festivities, remember to be merry and joyful for all that you have!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

xoxoxo

Lady J

55 gentle ways to take care of yourself....

Hello out there,

With 2013 winding down and the holiday rush along with everyone busy taking care of last minute details and counting their pennies until the new year arrives...please take a minute to focus on the importance of self-care:

Take a read through "55 gentle ways to take care of yourself when you're busy, busy, busy":

Photo Credit: Google Images 

xoxo

Lady J

What I'm Into...Cactus Plants

By no means do I have a "green-thumb", however the bloom of this Christmas Cactus plant at the office is taking my breath away. I LOVE its hot-pink hue!

Learn more about this wonderful flora!

xo

Lady J 

What are your thoughts on Social Media???

Hi all,

Below is a really interesting 17 minute video discussing Social Media today as a great user-generated platform for alternative media and/or a way of disconnecting from reality.

Enjoy!

I'm really curious to read what you think, so feel free to leave a comment and we can start up a discussion of our own!

xxxxo
Lady J 

Style Watch: Fall Capes & Wraps

Hello loves,

Now that the Fall season is officially upon us....What are you filling your wardrobes with?

As for me I'm doubling up on some of my summer clothes and adding layered items to transition into this cooler season. One item in particular that I am noticing all over is the cape/wrap. It looks like everyone and their mother is using capes as an alternative to the traditional Fall coat. Take a peek at some cute styles:

Bright hues:

 Even fur-trimmed:

More classic cuts: 

Metallic and sequins (My personal fav, surprise suprise):

*All images are courtesy of Google Images

So as the leaves continue to change colour and the air becomes more and more frosty what is your favourite item of Fall?

xo

Lady J 

Veggie Lasagna Heaven!

Hi, I hope your weekend is going well!

This is will be my first of many cooking posts! My sister and I were able to make a vegetable lasagna last night, the following is the step-by-step recipe:

First we boiled about 9 or so lasagna noodles (Healthy Harvest - Wholewheat) in a pot of boiling water...we left it unsalted since we are trying to cut down on sodium for about 20-25 mins:

While the pasta sheets boil, we went ahead and chopped our veggies for the filling. 

We started with mincing about 3 gloves of fresh garlic:

Then continued with onions, tomatoes (4 small ones), broccoli, and 2 green bell peppers: 

(For those who would make a meat-filled lasagna now would be the time to cook the ground meat and chop your choice of veggies). The last time I made lasagna, I included grated carrots....so keep an open mind and be creative with your ingredients. 

Fry your onions and minced garlic in either a saucepan with 2tbs of oil until the onions are translucent (we used a wok since it's easier to stir):



We added our veggies into the wok just after....I love the colours!

Next we blended spices separately and added some water from the mixed veggies to drizzle on our filling. Spices includes about 1 tbs of the following: Italian seasoning, oregano, ground ginger, paprika, cilantro, and a dash of salt and black pepper:



Then we added 2 tbs of tomato paste to thicken the mix and some chopped dill to add more flavour:





















Looks good right?

After straining the boiled lasagna sheets, we let them cool for a couple of minutes and began layering within a rectangular glass dish. First with the sheets then the filling:



Then we the spread the (Tex-Mex) cheese evenly. This was my favourite part since I was eating handfuls of it on the side hehehehe



So you will repeat this layering technique again for the top layer.

Also for those of you who maybe feeding a very a large amount of people, you may do a 3 layer lasagna. 

Lastly, into the oven it goes at 380 degrees F for about 30 mins (just enough to solidify the sauce and melt the cheese):

Hmmmmm can you smell it through the screen?

Finally we garnished it with a sprinkle of cilantro for style and enjoyed a good plateful;)

Comment on the recipe and share your cooking secrets!!!

xoxoxo

Lady J

25 Things You Don’t Have To Justify To Anyone

Hello there,

Hope your week is going well! I found this lovely article that I wanted to share with you about "25 Things You Don’t Have To Justify To Anyone"....go forth with whatever you destiny holds and embrace the lessons of your past!

Live freely!

Photo Credit: Google Images 

xoxoxo

Lady J

P.S. My favourites are # 9 and #12, share yours in the comments section!

Blog Anniversary!

"Style by Lady J" is now 1 month old!!!

I have now reached just under 700 views in 30 days, with audiences from across Canada, Europe and as far away as Australia and Saudi Arabia! YAH!

Photo Credit: Google Images & Picasa 3 

Also additional feedback is always welcome! I'm curious about your thoughts on the new "Navigation Bar" and "Let's Connect" tools...are they helping or harming your viewing experience? Don't be shy, leave a comment and/or email me!

oxo

Lady J 

Style Watch: Printed Bottoms

Hi everyone!

Throughout the Summer I have noticed so many amazing ladies and gents rocking printed pants and shoes!

I used to be scared of wearing prints on the bottom since I have a "pear-shaped" body, but now I can't resist the cute selection of pieces in stores this season!

         Photo Credit: Images via Google Images 

Style Tip: I would say, if you are heavier on the bottom just be mindful about the size of the print and not to mention the volume of your garment! For example: opt for a slightly looser skirt and/or straight leg rather than a voluminizing wide-leg trouser to balance out your smaller upper frame...but most importantly don't forget to be confident in what you choose to wear and WORK IT!!!

Loving this trend, it's such a refreshing pop of colour! What is your favourite printed piece in your wardrobe or is this trend not for you???

xoxoxo

Lady J 

TGIF and I'm loving it!

Had a tough week like me? I suggest you....

Photo Credit: Facebook

Enjoy your weekend everyone:)