Quote of the Week

When Canadian superstars like Drake, Justin Bieber, and Nickelback appear at an American Music Awards show, you know Canadians have reset norms for the mainstream industry. Not only do these Canadians take pride in their culture and alternative paths to fame i.e. YouTube, mixtapes, television programs, etc., they exude confidence in their eclectic and original fashion choices. But, one thing's for sure. Whether American or Canadian, older like JLo grinding in a barely there suit or younger like Sophie Grace and her sister belting out Nicki Minaj in pink tutus, every walk of life in the 2011 AMA's caused reaction - for better or worse.

Heidi Klum's a mom who's definitely still has it going on! Rocking a silver minidress (is it cutout? ah, the mystery), Heidi can show off her toned legs and still leave enough to the imagination.

Jennifer Morrison is white hot in blonde hair and a white dress! Actually, it's more cream. But, with her subtle waves and plunging neckline, Jennifer can still keep it simple - without the monotony!

While some can pull off simple sophistication, others may just be more naturally inclined to create complicated chaos. Katy Perry strikes a pose, assertive with her pink hair and flattering frock. Is it all written in Chinese, Japanese? Who knows - or cares? Katy's famously big bust and small waist take centre stage.

There's no doubt Mary J. Blige looks amazing, considering we can still tell while she's hiding in this overwhelming animal print. Not even a hint of her strong gams or solid stomach. Shame.

Speaking of overwhelming, Phoebe Price's "gown" - with faux fur? (I'm hoping) and unnecessary stripes running in every direction - is just too much. Too wild to be a wedding dress, but too tame to be a Lady Gaga outfit.

Damn, they're actually cute! Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez surely emulate some retro couple with their slick hairstyles and upscale attire. You know what they say - "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" - and the young ones have it made in old school Hollywood glamour. Impressive!

Winning three awards, Taylor Swift dresses the part - playing the country/pop princess she is. This strapless, sparkling glass of champagne is no "love story," though. Both Taylor and her dress are the real deal.

Cooking Burnout

For some odd reason, I’m always drawn to cookbooks and recipe magazines. It doesn’t matter if I’m in a gift shop on vacation, or waiting in line at the grocery store. They pull me in like a kid to a candy counter. And I devour them. Tasting the ingredients on my tongue as I read and dream about those dishes. Hot, fragrant and fresh from the oven.

As long as I’m not the one cooking them, that is.

Does anybody remember Lisa’s “hot cakes” from the old television show, Green Acres? Okay, I’m not that bad, but my culinary skills definitely leave something to be desired. And unfortunately, I don’t have Zsa Zsa Gabor’s “hotness” factor to make up for my lack of technique in the kitchen.

To be honest, I didn’t realize I even had a cooking problem until recently. Maybe because this deficiency hasn’t always been the case. Over the years, my culinary talents have followed a sort of bell-shaped curve.

As a teen, I started out pretty lame. Never did much cooking while living at home with my parents, aside from acting as “sous-chef” on occasion. During my college days I survived on and bologna ‘n cheese sandwiches supplemented by Doritos, M&M’s, (and sneaking tidbits from my roommates’ home-cooked meals when they weren’t looking). And believe it or not, my hubby cooked dinner the first six years we were married!

Then along came our first child. I became a stay-at-home mom and somehow making family meals ended up on my plate. I was cautious. Started out slow, following simple recipes to the letter. Gradually, my skills improved and I could diverge from the written word a bit. I even figured out how to use the Crockpot we’d received as a wedding gift.

But I think my skills must have peaked about the time my youngest was in middle school because I’ve been on a steady downhill progression ever since.

The thing is, I’m not sure why. It’s not that I don’t like cooking. Cooking is creative and I’m a creative person. Maybe the problem is I try to get too creative. Bored with simply following the recipe, I attempt to add my own personal flair…and fail. Epic fail.

I know part of the issue is being born without that female gene that allows women to multitask. Whenever I am cooking, if I attempt even the tiniest conversation, or to answer the phone or— Heaven forbid—sit down at the computer for “just a sec,” well, forget it. Whatever lovely cuisine I had planned is history.

It’s gotten so bad my son actually photographs my failed dinner “experiments” and sends them to his sister at college with notes attached stating: “SHE EXPECTS ME TO EAT THIS!!!” My daughter in turn finds great humor in posting these photographs on the web within her own blog.

Yeah. Real funny.

I struggled with what to do about this issue, even considered pulling a trick I learned from an old college friend who once confessed he “made dinner” for his new girlfriend by ordering delicious Chinese food from a local restaurant, then raced home to dump it all into his own pots and pans before she arrived.

But that could get expensive.

Then I considered taking cooking lessons. But my youngest is now a junior in high school. In two years we’re empty nesters. What do I need great cooking skills for then? I don’t even have to pretend I’m eating my vegetables anymore if I don’t want to.

I finally concluded the real problem is: I’m burned out. Heck, after 20 years of cooking for my family, I’m ready to retire. So instead of cooking lessons, I think it’s time to pass the scorch—er, torch. Yessiree, maybe I’ll just kick back and let my beloved children do the cooking. How about that? My son can handle the school year, and my daughter can take care of the summers. Sure, they may not be happy about it at first. But I’m actually helping them develop a necessary life skill. It’s only good parenting, right? And for me, it’s a win-win. Nice dinners on the table every night (at least none worse than I’m serving now), and I don’t have to listen to any more jokes or view any more online pictures of my cooking fiascos.

And just for the record, I am a decent baker. I make great snickerdoodles and a mean batch of M & M/chocolate chip cookies. So I’ll still be able to pull off the successful cookie-baking grandma role someday. But for now…

Seriously. I think it’s a good plan.

It’s got potential.

Quote of the Week

"Never mistake motion for action."

~ Ernest Hemingway ~

Image by: fictures

ANOTHER "MONROE" SEX SYMBOL: IS MANDY MONROE THE NEXT MARILYN MONROE?

While she may be only 23, Mandy already exhibits Marilyn Monroe-esque characteristics. Like Marilyn, Mandy can simultaneously become the curvaceous girl next door and sweet sex symbol. However, Mandy integrates herself not only as her own person but as her own authentic 2011 version of Marilyn. She is not as known as Marilyn – of course – but she makes sure her face and voice are known. She is outspoken, (literally) tattooed with her thoughts, and doesn’t deceive with a corset or even much with photoshop. And, most importantly, she is influential. Women can both envy and admire her, because not only is Mandy irreplaceable; she does not represent an impossible, airbrushed fantasy.

Mandy stems from a striking genetic collaboration of Russian and Chinese. In her late teens, she started off in a wholesome bridal magazine. Still barely legal tattooed flesh , she successfully broke the mold of a conventional Hooters girl. Despite the fact that she challenges Playboy’s Barbie doll standards, she still aroused, titillated, and stimulated in the Toronto division of the 2010 Girls of Playboy Golf. She even debuted her natural female form in the erotic book “Confessions Sauvages.”

Whether she’s causing a stir in SHARP magazine for breaking Facebook “laws” or playing a riot in American Pie: Beta House, Mandy promotes her talent through various mediums. She has been elected as a feature guest multiple times this year: in the 2011 World of Motorcycles Expos (London and Kitchener), 2011 Super Show/International Bike Show, and the National Motorcycle Show (Toronto). She has graced the backpage as a Toronto Sun Sunshine Girl and a couple of times, either as feature or cover, of The Rider’s Mag (two consecutive months in a row – that’s a record, no?)

You can catch Mandy in the upcoming film Breakaway, playing a club dancer in a Ludacris music video. Or in a few calendars, including her own! And you can check out her food for thought here – in our exclusive interview. Here, Mandy talks about Hooters, adult magazines, cheaters, bullies, and that famous Ludacris music video. Check it out!

Being a Hooters Girl

I actually really enjoyed working at Hooters. I did SO well; everybody loved me and my tattoos! But, back then, I had fewer than I do now. It's a shame to say but, after about 3 months I realized that these girls were not only ditzy but much more friendly with the managers than any employee should be. Guys did try to pick me up, but not as much as you might think - nothing over the top. The managers were bigger pigs than the customers. Not every girl had big breasts. I will say the only thing that might have bothered me was the way the shorts were made with the elastic band did push out my love handles. (Laughs). But, what can I do?

Her Ideal Wedding

My ideal wedding would be extra glamorous! I can't wait for my wedding day. It will be all white and baby blue, my favorite color. Not TOO many people - close friends and family, of course. It will be a Russian and Serbian mixed wedding, with all foods from those nationalities. I am half Russian, and my boyfriend - who I am planning to marry - is Serbian. If I ever get rich enough, I would love for Shania Twain to sing at my wedding.

Posing for Adult Magazines

I will admit I have thought about Penthouse and Hustler, only because I was so desperate to get a cover on a magazine - ANY magazine. I was offered the cover of some adult magazines, but I thought about it, and I think my beauty is more than the raunchy, sexy kind. Even though I could pull that off, I am very versatile. But no, especially since I got with my current boyfriend, he wouldn't like that, and I think I would be disrespecting him if I were to do that now. Playboy though I would still do, and my boyfriend would not like it, but he understands how much it would mean to me. The title of being in Playboy is very big in the modeling industry, it opens a lot of doors, but it does close some at the same time too!

Being Too “Curvy” for the Industry

However, I have given up on Playboy. I don't respect them as much as I used to. I have applied over 50 times, attended live casting calls, and sent pictures to them online. They will not accept me, and I know why. I am too curvy/pudgy and tattooed for them. They are very close minded. They used to say they like the natural look, but now all I see are fake breasts all over their pages. They don't open their minds to the versatility of beauty all over the world. It comes in all shapes and sizes, but they don't see that.

I applied for some MMA Ring Girl jobs; some of them did like me, but one of the recruiters replied to me saying that they love my look but they would consider me, if I flattened my belly a bit more. If you look at my pictures, I have no six pack, but there's not much to flatten! I am FAR from perfect, I know I could have a banging body if I worked out a little more, but I have no need to. I like the way I am. We do not have to be bony or six packed-out to be models. It's just not like that anymore; people need to open their eyes a little more.

Modeling Scams

Any agency that asks for money is a scam; everyone knows that. Companies, not so much as certain photographers to look out for. If you are going to shoot with a photographer, always ask for at least 5 references from other models he's shot with, and ask them about their experience with him. Also, I am not comfortable with home studios but I do make exceptions, provided references or if friends of mine have shot with him. If you sense any weirdness or inappropriateness with a photographer, always trust your gut instinct. If you can, bring a friend with you for safety.

Being Too “Sexy for Facebook”

My images were all tasteful and in bikini or lingerie. I have haters; all of us models do. They get pissed, because their boyfriends are probably viewing our pages. Or they are insecure and hate to see me getting attention and being confident, so to make themselves feel better, they report me so they don't have to see me anymore. I've gotten used to it now, but it is annoying.

Her Calendar(s)

My calendar is going to have my modeling shots - nothing too fancy. It's my first, so it's pretty simple! I am in two calendars for 2013: Auto Body Hotties and Asian Mystique, which will be sold in Calendar Club stores next year.

Asian Women

Honestly, besides the perverted reasons men have for liking Asian women, I think it's the exotic features, especially with me being mixed (Chinese and Russian). It's the slant in the eyes, like with cat eyes, and I guess it's just something different next to the plain American girl-next-door look. Something different is always good! HINT HINT PLAYBOY!

Cheaters

There is nothing more I hate in life than CHEATERS. I am extremely strict, when it comes to cheating. Online cheating is the worst. It's so available and condoned it's disgusting, especially that AshleyMadison.com bullshit; that should NOT even be legal! BUT, if a guy is willing to cheat on his girlfriend, then he is worthless and should not be with her. I believe if you really, truly love somebody, you wouldn't even have to think twice about cheating on them. The thought should not even cross your mind.

I feel cheaters cheat because they are shitty people, evil in a way. They know they will be hurting their gf/bf and do it anyway, so in that sense, they are evil to me. They are obviously insecure as well; some guys/girls do it because they need to feel that they can still get whatever they want.

The cheated-on: they have to move on and set rules in their next relationship. My current boyfriend? I know he would never cheat on me. How do I know? He has been my best friend since we were 17, and the type of man he is - he is just a good soul and thinks of cheating the same way I do.

So, maybe putting a little fear in them might help, but that doesn't mean they won't do it. Bottom line: if they love you, they won't. If they don't love you, they will. I think there should be a law against cheaters. They should be locked up for 5 years minimum; that should teach them.

Bullies

I hate bullying. It's so cruel, and it really breaks my heart when I hear about kids committing suicide (as a result of bullying). The only way to really deal with this is leave it up to the parents. It's how these kids are raised that make them cruel bullies. Everything stems from home and how you were raised. Other than that, there needs to be harsher punishment. When someone bullies, especially if they bully a certain child to the point of suicide, they should be put in juvenile jail to scare the wits out of them. (That suicide) is indirect murder to me. I am also a firm believer that you treat others the way you want to be treated, and what goes around comes around. I would bully that bully back and see how they like it, but then it would just end in a bully war, but that is what I would do.

What Really Happened in the Ludacris Video

Well, this story will show you another terrible side of the modeling industry. Whores get dibs.

I was told I was getting a lead role, being next to Ludacris and what not. Then I find out an unattractive set of twins get that role, because they were apparently sucking off the talent manager. I was still right behind Ludacris in the video, but you can't even see me. At the end of the shoot, I said something to the guy that got me the job. And you know what he told me? That's just how the business is...

This is something I already knew, but the point of putting a PRETTY girl next to the star in a video is to (grab the attention of the audience). I do say that there is beauty in everybody, but some are better looking than others, and when you are told that, you expect what you were promised.

So there was my confirmation - from the talent manager himself. Needless to say I was very irritated.

Coming Up Next!

Please go like my Facebook fan page! www.facebook.com/modelmandymonroe

You can see me next at the International Motorcycle Super Show in January 6,7,8 at the International Centre in Mississauga.

I'll be selling and signing my calendars (and some posters), plus taking pictures with fans and bikes! Stop by and say hello!

Quote of the Week

"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to

go to bed with satisfaction."

~ George Lorimer ~

Image by: Coneybeare

How I Spent My Summer: Adventures in Paris - The Final Chapter

It was our last Parisian morning. We checked out of our apartment (sniff, sniff), but since our flight home didn’t leave until later in the afternoon we enjoyed a final stroll through the city streets and along the Champs D’Élysées. Here are some of our more memorable street shots…

The ornate architecture is so inspiring…

Several times we had these “party busses” drive past us!

And check out the way Parisians park!

Whenever somebody wants to leave, they just start whacking against the cars in front and behind until they eventually maneuver their way out of the parking space. I guess that’s what “bumpers” are for, er, oui?

We also took one final sightseeing excursion to the top of the Arc de Triomphe.

As we stood in line to go to the top, I once again took advantage of my captive audience and shared the fact that this 160-foot triumphal arch was planned by Napoleon. He liked to think of himself as an heir to the Roman emperors so he had the arch built to celebrate his military successes. It’s actually inspired by Rome’s Arch of Titus. Check out the similarities…

Arch of Titus

Arc de Triomphe

Also, France’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is buried beneath the archway to honor soldiers lost in World War I. The Eternal Flame is rekindled every evening.

Here’s a detail of one side of the arch showing this incredible sculpture by Francois Rude, titled The Departure of the Volunteers, honoring the hallowed figures who fell on the fields of battle.

Finally, we climbed the nearly 300 steps to the top to see L’Étoile, the “star” effect of the 12 radiating avenues below.

Here’s the amazing vista down the Champs D’Élysées.

And see that massive hollowed-out square-frame structure in the horizon? That is La Défense, Europe's largest purpose-built business district.

Then…it was time.

Exhausted, we trudged onto the airplane where we discovered my well-travelled hubby had arranged a surprise for us. He’d used his Frequent Flyer Miles to upgrade all of us to Business Class! It was so awesome!

I realize all of you regular business class travelers won’t be impressed by this, but for the rest of you: Our seats reclined nearly horizontal without impacting the person sitting behind us at all! And the provided blankies were much bigger, warmer and comfier than mere economy class blankies.

Chris, the well-seasoned traveler that he is, immediately set up his bed and went to sleep. I knew I should have done the same thing but I was way too excited to sleep. Who knew when I would get to experience amenities like this again?! So instead, I enjoyed a marathon “chick flick fest” on my supersize movie screen while sipping champagne and dining on some of the best Parisian cuisine of our trip. I also played with every button, switch and lever available. I couldn’t believe Chris was sleeping through all this great stuff! Oh, to be so cavalier about such luxury! And apparently, he did not appreciate me waking him up to share every new found delight I encountered.

All in all it was an incredible adventure. Au Revoir Paris! Until next time!

Image by: ReneS

Epilogue

HOLLY: Oh. My. Gosh! Chris, hey Chris! This airplane seat has a massager in it!

CHRIS: Zzzzzzz.

JOSH: Mooooom! Ashleigh took champagne when the flight attendant was passing them out before the flight!

ASHLEIGH: Cut it out, Josh! I thought it was apple juice!

HOLLY: Never mind. We’re technically still in Paris, so it’s not illegal. Did you guys see that the seats have massagers in them?

CHRIS: Zzzzzzz.

If you’re feeling particularly inspired, click the links below for my previous Parisian posts:

Parts I-II (just skip the Quotes of the Week!)

Parts III – V (ditto note above!)

Parts VI-VII

crueltysfun

Quote of the Week

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quote of the Week

CANADIAN AND AMERICAN ARTISTS SHINE AT THE 2011 AMA'S

Cooking Burnout

Quote of the Week

ANOTHER "MONROE" SEX SYMBOL: IS MANDY MONROE THE NEXT MARILYN MONROE?

Quote of the Week

How I Spent My Summer: Adventures in Paris - The Final Chapter

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