Black Canadian Queen 2014 Journey!

 Hi all:  

What a wild ride 2014 has been, especially since a lot of my time has been spent promoting my Black Canadian Queen pageant campaign! It is getting close to the event date (June 7th) and I am getting to the end of my campaign, but I am giving one last PUSH! Here are ways to assist me in reaching my goals:

1)  DONATING to my Go Fund Me account (Special thanks to those who have!) There is just 12 hours left!!! 

2)  VOTING! for me as the Best Black Canadian Queen (Voting ends June 3rd 12am)

3)  VIEWING/LISTENING/SHARING my latest BCQ promotion on Spreecast with Chonilla (I come on at the 37min           mark)

4)  VIEWING/SHARING/COMMENTING/LIKING my YouTube video  (Currently at 150 views!!!!) and also my              social media links:

Official Contestant Website: http://jmyourblackcanadianqueen2014.blogspot.ca/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/jmyourblackcanadianqueen2014
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stylebyladyj

Also you can use the following hastags:  #blackcanadians #blackcanadianqueen #BCA2014Thank-you, your support is GREATLY appreciated!  

Living in Saskatoon:Free Flow Thursdays

Hey all,

For all professionals and business owners, living here in Saskatoon, there is a monthly event called "Free Flow Thursdays" put on my the Mane Productions team....on you guessed it....Thursday evenings. These networking events are a motivational way to chat with others looking to make meaningful business connections!

This time around it was at the Holiday Inn downtown and the dress-code was business casual so I opted for basic black slacks and an orangey-red bow blouse!!! It's becoming my signature look, those flirty bow blouses!!! Also check out my red/yellow/gold/blow string earrings for additional colour!

At the event I met a wonderful childern's book author, Marion Mutala who self-publishes her works about her family's Ukrainian heritage to educate kids as well as the adults who read to them about wedding, birthday and holiday traditions! *grins*

Also met up with the ladies of Saskatchewan Craft Council, Steph. C. (right) was a previous contact I made in my university days (too many years ago!), nice seeing her again!

 Look at that bustling room...

If you live in the city, I hope to see you next time:)

xxxooo
Lady J

Happy Mother's Day

Hello all:

For some ladies in my life, this is their first Mother's Day...enjoy every moment:)

xo 

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 

Ways to Make a Positive Change Last

Photo Credit: Google Images 

Hi everyone:

I have kicked off the new year with looking for articles that will allow me to further my motivation and grow my inner beauty in the projects that I am currently working on!

Let me be honest with you....procrastination has been a major barrier in my life (omg! not Lady J?!), well believe it! Recently, I have adopted a "15 minute" strategy, where I will work on a project for only 15 minutes to get started...then assess if I need to take a break or continue working. Surprisingly, 8/10 times focus sets in and I will continue working till I get it all done, realizing "wow that really wasn't that bad" or "I should have done that earlier".

So, that is one tip from me to you, but click on the Mind Body Green article to access 12 more ways to make a positive change last!

xxxooo

Lady J 

Nature...Beauty....Gratitude

In light of the end of 2013 may you acknowledge moments that have allowed you to grow and strengthen your inner self. Also entering the new year of 2014, may you carry that positive growth into the adventures that lay ahead!

Here is a wonderful TED talk to remind you of the interconnectedness of humanity:

Happy New Year from Style by 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

Beauty of the Soul

Hi all,

Have you missed me? Meditate on this thought!

Photo Credit: Stylist Canada

Ciao,

Lady J 

Too busy Gladiating!

Everyone who knows me, knows that I am ADDICTED to the political-drama series, Scandal!

The cast of characters are just excellent in the way they navigate through top secret information in Washington, DC and also their personal story-lines! From adultery to torture to assassinations to unethical elections, there is a little bit of spice for everyone to enjoy! Not to mention the main character Olivia Pope's wardrobe! #shedonnestolemystyle

Here is an intro to Season 3 on Thursday night at 9pm central time:

Also I found a hilarious Blooper Reel of highlights from Season 2! lol

xoxoxo

Lady J 

Lady J = Beauty Queen?

Yes, you read it right!!!

During the summer, I found out about the "Black Canadian Queen" Beauty Pageant through my LinkedIn account and decided to throw in my application #yolomaybe, and have now found out I will be the National Contestant for Saskatoon, SK my home city!

This pageant is an event hosted by the Black Canadians Media Group through the Diversity Advancement Network, and I'll compete on June 6th & & 7th in Toronto, Ontario Canada. I'm too excited!!! *eekkk*

Also it's not your ordinary beauty pageant, but rather a cultural and achievements-based event along with main values of bringing awareness of social issues affecting regional and international Black communities and positive media representation.

But of course I need your help, in the form of moral support, creative feedback as well as sponsorship opportunities to gain funding to compete effectively. Please click the image below to "Like" my Contestant Facebook Fan Page!

And also check out my Official Contestant Page to stay up to date with my incredible journey!

Thanks in advance,

Josephine Mensah, Your Black Canadian Queen 2014

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 

We need Graffiti!!! 2013 SCYAP Show

Hi all,

I hope the middle of your week is going well! I wanted to mention a really cool organization here in the city called "Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming"or SCYAP for short!!!

Over my busy weekend, I was able to go to their graffiti show and meet some really interesting people, who are passionate about being creative! I actually heard about this event, through someone who sat at my table during the Luncheon En Vogue (the weird things that happen to me....). Enjoy the highlights of the event:

Various artists' paintings:

I love the self-portraits of the staff hanging on the wall:

Along with an art gallery viewing there were musical performances! I really liked the Northern Lights! Below are a few members (right to left) Gabrielle, Rory and another guy...but I didn't catch his name:( Their sound is a mix of all different music styles like jazz, folk, pop-rock etc....they play in venues all over Saskatoon, check them out if you have a chance! 

Met some really cool people from North Battleford, SK while listening to great music and watching graffiti artists and of course snacking on fruit hehehehe:

Before and After!

Even a random chess game broke out in between music sets:

Can you see the wedding photo-shoot going on while we're in the alley??? lol

Also SCYAP does drop-in art classes for all ages on Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:30-9pm and also Saturdays from 1-6pm, where you can use their art supplies to create your masterpieces....you might even bump into Lady J there!

xo
Lady J 

Luncheon en Vogue!

Last Friday afternoon, I attended a fabulous fundraiser through the Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre or SSAIC and an international women's organization Soroptimist's annual "Luncheon En Vogue Fundraiser"!!!

The event was of course a luncheon to bring awareness to the subject of assault and celebrate it's survivors but also Fashion Show/Silent Auction/Raffle prizes! The stakes were high with all the wonderful prizes there including Westjet Airline tickets to designer accessories and goodie bags etc. Event highlights are below:

Since it was causal Friday at work I rocked my acid washed jeans:

My place setting happened to be my fav colour, lilac purple! The menu was filled with veggies, salad, potatoes and baked chicken...oh and let me not forget the delicious Saskatoon Berry crumble for dessert: 

Do you see all of those goody surprise bags behind these lovely ladies? Attendees buy them at $10 - $40 and are matched with a corresponding numbers to win various prizes...and could you believe the lady in front of me in line got the last ticket?????

Also I bought raffle tickets to win baskets valued at over a $1000....of course they went to someone else in the end:(

I thought I would give it one last try and bought a $20 raffle ticket to win 2 WestJet tickets to anywhere they fly....let's just say I can cancel that vacation request at work this year! Oh my "luck" that afternoon..... 

Of course, it wouldn't be "en vogue" to not mention the models and fashion throughout the afternoon, all from local stores here in the city!

And guess what all these models have in common......

They're all Police Officers! lol

xoxox

Lady J 

Featured in "Bridges" Saskatoon's Local Newspaper!

Today has been an excellent day!

Honestly, I haven't been able say a bold statement like that in some time...it's always the day starts out well and then...(you know the rest) and/or it was a good day, then you are dropped a bomb that changes everything!

Well today, I was featured in a weekly Saskatoon paper under their #SaskatchewanFashion section which made me beam all day long:)

Click the link to view the full article:
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/bridges/Josephine+Mensah+Looking+stylish+budget/8923900/story.html

Also thanks to the staff at the Star Phoenix for making it happen!!!

What I'm into....YouRepeat

Hello all!

It has been a crazy week and I admit, I sort of fell off with blog posts within the last few days; however I have found out about an interesting site.

For all those addicted to Youtube (like me!) YouRepeat allows you to search and/or copy-paste video links to repeat your favourite Youtube videos:

Enjoy!

xox
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 

TGIF and I'm loving it!

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

Photo Credit: Facebook

Enjoy your weekend everyone:)

What I'm into....Music: Quadron

So for the last couple of weeks I have been loving and I mean LOVING this Danish duo "Quadron". They are a beautiful and intelligent pair that mix a lot of soul and R & B music, with some Euro-techno!!! You got to love that match but I will let them speak for themselves and their music:

Courtesy of Youtube.com

In other interviews, they have mentioned how they came up with their band name....The duo mentioned that they are both 1/4 Black since Coco's grandfather is of African-descent and Robin's grandfather is African-American. "Quadroon" as it's spelt in North America is a historical term not used too often and usually individuals are referred to as "bi-racial" and/or "multi-racial". 

Another thing I really adore is Robin's style who always has such a gentlemanly and minimalist look with tailored separates!!! Coco, has so many great retro outfits and funky accessories. She is a curvy girl and working every single angle, it's very refreshing in this weight-obsessed media world we live in! Also her wavy hairstyle really suits her face shape:) 

For more on this up and coming band check out and "like" their Facebook page!

Also their music was the soundtrack to my dinner party in A Wild Night:)
By the way I am curious about the new music that you are into, leave a comment!!!!!

Happy listening xox

Lady J