How to Communicate on a Date

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS there should never be a dull moment of conversation when on a date with a wonderful woman. Good communication skills on a date will allow her to open up and be more comfortable with you...

While dining, the perfect gentleman knows never to talk with food in his mouth. Finish chewing and then begin to talk. She will rather wait until you finish chewing in order to hear you more clearly. Ask her questions when you see she is not eating or drinking. A good time to ask questions is when she has just finished chewing, not while she is chewing or has just put food in her mouth. Now while she is talking, you chew and eat, which will make for a great dining experience in which you enjoy great conversation while having a meal. 

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera

www.michaelferrera.com

Valentine's Day Date

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS Valentine's Day is usually one of the busiest dinner days of the year second only to Mother's Day! But this year it's on a Monday...

With that said make sure to plan your Valentines date ahead of time! To avoid the long waiting list or the awkward rush to finish the date in order to be ready for work the next day, here is a cool option. If you don't do it often and can, stay in and you cook for your Valentine's date that night.

So, pick up a nice bottle of wine, (get red wine mister, it's Valentine's) set the table, light a couple table candles and a few around the house, prepare a dinner that she will enjoy and let the Valentine's evening begin!

The way you finish the night is up to you, just make sure it's on a good note and that's Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Why Didn't She Call Back?

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS keep your cool! Even in awkward situations...

Have you ever been in the awkward situation when you call a chick and she doesn't call back? But that's not it, you happen to cross paths at a mutual event. Sounds funny huh, and can be very awkward but as the perfect gentleman what should you do?

If you happen to see a female in public that hasn’t called you back yet, it might seem awkward but keep your cool! There may be no particular reason as to why a she has not called you back so be cordial, be a gentleman and communicate as you would with a person you haven’t seen in a while. say hello to her, shake hands or hug and converse as you normally would. If the conversation continues to more than just hello and small talk, you can mention that you have called and if she has received your message. You can even say it in a joking way to lighten up the awkward moment for both of you. Whatever response she has, show no emotion as if it did not bother you and carry on. If you know why she may have not called you back be wise and just leave the topic alone.

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera

What does RSVP mean?

We have all received invitations that finish with the fancy letters "R.S.V.P" but what does that really mean? You probably know that it means we are suppose to reply if we are coming to the event, but the abbreviation R.S.V.P. actually means Répondez S'il Vous Plaît which is French for "Please Respond." 

The reason we see this phrase R.S.V.P. in the English language dating back to the late 18th Century is that many naturally adopted this French etiquette since it does sound fancy and it is a nice way to abbreviate the long phrase. Yes it all comes down to knowing that you have to reply in regards to your attendance to an event, but it sure is nice to know what the R.S.V.P. means on that next invitation you send out or receive.

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Répondez S'il Vous Plaît sounds like (Re-Pond-Zé-See-Voo-Plāa)

First Date Tips: 6 Steps to a Successful First Date

Ferrera Fresh Hint: GENTS The First dates the most important date, period!

Ahhh, yes the first date is always exciting for the simple fact that it is just New! However, the first date is your opportunity to display the gentleman that you are as well as observe and learn about the lady you are interested in.  Listening and good conversation will make this date successful without a doubt but remember dates are to be fun and not feel like an "interview." Here are 6 tips that will avoid date disasters and will make your first dates successful!

• Make sure to plan this date! It shows her that you take time and that she is important. There is no excuse not to plan the first date, period!
• Know a little about the weather for your date and a little bit about the things she likes and does not like as it pertains to food, fun and entertainment.
• There is no need for too much touching or being close on a first date. If it does happen let her initiate it.  She may continually and subtly invite you to be closer to her with small touches, and other flirtatious signs. Just take note and keep your cool. 
• The first date should be a place where you can actually talk! Movies, operas or plays just don’t work since you have to be silent in these places. Having dinner, a glass of wine, visit a café or a lounge is more appropriate since you can interact in conversation.
• Be very alert on the first date! Listen, respond, remember, take mental notes and know that all communication skills apply. Her body language and conversation will tell you whether this is the only date or if there will be other dates to follow.
• Keep your cool and do not be too romantic on the first date! This might even make her want you more because it gives the impression that you are polite enough to respect her space which she will be attracted to! But, let her initiate romantic interaction and you respond as you desire...

One more tip for good measure which you regular readers know from other post which is, always dress your best! Put your skills in to play from the gentleman’s style blogs and carry on your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Thanksgiving With Style!

First of all Happy Thanksgiving to all! Thank you for the continued views, blog reads and comments. I know there is a ton of valuable information here at "Life...With Style" by Michael Ferrera and we do our best to continue to provide you with useful information. Nonetheless, it's Thanksgiving week, a short work week, and another week to be thankful simply just for the gift of LIFE!

"With Style" as is in the title of the blog is an additive, a plus, a perk, a choice. But, the fact that we are able to have life in itself is enough for us all to be grateful and thankful all year around. In regards to the Style portion I encourage you to all add as part of life here are 3 Tips to make your Thanksgiving day more enjoyable:

1) Be on time! - This applies to both the host and the guest. If you are the one hosting Thanksgiving meal, make sure your food is prepared when your guest arrive and you are not still cooking! Your guest came to eat not to wait and eat. If you plan to have others cook with you, make sure they are aware of that and there are no surprises. As for the guest arriving to eat, please be on time especially if you are bringing a dish for others to eat. If there is a time set to eat, be respectful to that so that you do not hold up the party. If you know that you will be late because of other engagements, inform the host ahead of time.

2) Converse with Confidence! - Sometimes at holiday parties we are around family members we don't get to see regularly and the conversation can be awkward. I mean, you're technically family but this may be the first time you are meeting or haven't talked in years. The best way to avoid this awkward moment is to engage a third person or join into a conversation with the person you don't know and the person you do know while they are already talking.This gives you a common ground and possible introductions or backgrounds to be explained. After that, continue on talking to that person and get to know them. If you feel like you are the person that doesn't know many guest, you may need to mix & mingle a little more throughout the year. Use Facebook and Twitter to start building on relationships throughout the year!

3) Be Stylish in your Attire! - Yes, it is a holiday but that is not a day to take off your style! So on Thanksgiving day dress with style as your normally would. Do not hold back saying, " I don't want to slip on myself" or "maybe I'm too dressed up." It's cool, be yourself and you might even encourage others to step there style up or may want to direct them to this blog, "Life...With Style." ;) As you may know form reading other post the most important thing is style is being neat & organized!  If you remember these two components at all times your jeans, shoes, hats, or whatever you put on will have more value in your attire.

Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving and as usual live Life with Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

A Florist for A Gentleman!

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS Shhh, but you should have a business relationship with a few florist so that can help you and show you love throughout the year for your lady...or ladies...

Gentleman, there are almost two or three different occasions throughout the year that we for sure need to grab a beautiful bouquet of flowers for that special lady in your life. Among those days are Valentines Day, a birthday and anniversaries if you're lucky enough to be married. Not to mention, that you can send flowers for no reason at all, which ladies absolutely love! So when these days begin to come close there is no need for you to be running around, searching the Internet, and calling multiple stores looking for a some flowers. It is much more beneficial and convenient to find one or two florist that you know personally that also know you. Yes, cost is a factor but in the long run a "relationship" with a local florist will be more cost effect by getting favors and discounts because you're a regularly customer. In addition, when you call, pick up or have your flowers delivered you have the confidence of knowing your flowers are going to look good for that special lady! (or ladies if you're single, just kidding...but not really)

Remember, ladies (plural), does not have to mean a lady you're dating! We all may have mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, clients or friends that are deserving of an occasional flower arrangement. There also may be occasions, good and not so good, throughout the year that flowers are appropriate. Such occasions are sending a "Get Well" bouquet for someone that is ill, a bouquet for a friend after a passing in their family, or a generous "Thank You" bouquet as a kind gesture. All these yearly events will allow you build a positive relationship with your local florist which will be handsomely rewarding to you as a gentleman in many different ways! ;o)

That's Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Here are some flicks to add to your repertoire of "Girly Movies"

You dont have to like them, just know they exist and there's some flower shops scenes in them to grab some tips from too.

A Gentleman's Worse-Case Date Scenarios

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Keep your "cool" even in the most awkward situations!

GENTS we've all had a variety of experiences in dating! Some good and some...not so good! Hopefully, the good ones outweigh the bad. Nonetheless, I recently caught a glimpse of an article on AskMen.com titled The Top 10: Worse Case Date Scenarios and I thought, how timely is this read after the last blog post on Inexpensive Date Ideas. The article is funny until you hit number 1, which had no humor at all in my opinion, since we've all probably have had at least 1 or 2 of the Top 10 Worst-Cases Date Scenarios happen in our dating experiences! (Don't leave me hanging on this one gents, ladies read this blog too!)

The one thing that I saw that would make almost all of these Worst-Case Date Scenario not so bad is to just be a gentleman! When you are respectful, considerate and have confidence you'll be able to handle any situation! So take note: A respectful gentleman is always sure enough "Life...With Style"

Check Top 10: Worse-Case Date Scenario article then please come back and tell us how many of these scenarios you've experienced, both Gents & Ladies! You DO NOT need to say which ones, but just how many situations have happened. My confession is below! (SMH & LOL)

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Cheap Dates: Inexpensive Ideas that are Rich in Quality

Ferrera Fresh Tip: GENTS The same things that helped you get your lady interested are the same things you should continue to do in the relationship to keep her…

After receiving at least a handful of personal emails, Facebook messages and tweets in the last week about how how more men should use the fresh tips. I’m encouraged to simply nudge us gentleman to always keep it fresh in relationships with the ladies!

I’m no relationship coach but because of the fresh tips I’ve received messages from different ladies that the men they have dated don’t take time to “plan” a nice date. That men minimize the quality of dates over time, or that men get too comfortable now that they are in the relationship by not doing the things they used to do.

Many times ladies don’t always need to have the expensive, luxurious dates but they do want to know that a man took time to plan, set aside time, and shows that he genuinely cares. We all know that dinners and movies are classic dates but think about how many dinners and movies she have experienced. (chuckle)

So think outside the box gents and always keep your dates fresh! A Ferrera Fresh Tip to remember that will liven up your dates and minimizes the cost of the date is, “think like a child, but make sure your actions are mature!” Meaning: have fun while dating these wonderful ladies, gents! Dating should not be a "chore" but an enjoyable experience for you and her. Be creative and you might even save some money and have more dates! Until next time ladies and gents, I’ll leave you with 10 fresh date ideas that the ladies will love!

1. Cook dinner together! Find a few recipes from the food network and mix it up together in the kitchen. It’s a great time to flirt with her and enjoy a meal in an intimate setting.

2. Race car driving! Not the kiddy go-karts, but there are some race centers that have adult size karts that you both can race and play! It makes for great future “remember when we…” conversations!

3. Picnic at the beach! Not only do you get to check her out in a swimsuit, but it’s a nice “planned” hangout. Not to mention you can show off your fitness if you’ve read the fitness post!

4. Wine tasting! Sounds expensive but it’s not! With just a little planning you can find a tour and wine tasting for two at very minimal or no cost!

5. Miniature Golfing! Remember when you did this as kids? She does too, which is why she’ll like it! Again great time to flirt and to friendly compete with her.

6. Art Walk! If she likes art, visit a local museum and just walk around, wink, and flirt with her as you pretend to look at art! It may not be the coolest thing for you to do, but it could get the girl! ;o)

7. “Weekday dates!” Meet her for a short lunch, happy hour after work, meet up for appetizers, or meet her for  a glass of wine at a roof top location. All of these things shows you’ve planned.

8. Go bowling! A classic date and another friendly competitive hangout.

9. Go sightseeing! Chances are if you’ve lived in an area for a while there are a ton of historic places that you both haven’t explored. Do some light Google research and go see them.

10. Read a cook book, a lifestyle magazine or a blog together and do an activity you find interesting! Hint: “Life with Style” by Michael Ferrera is a good place to start.

Yours Truly,

Michael Ferrera

Tie Care

The male necktie! The daily office jewelry for our neck as men. The necktie is to a man, what the everyday necklace is to a woman...

Neckties come "a dime a dozen" and can be expensive or cheap. Either way, don't you hate when you spill food or something on your necktie? The best way to avoid this is simply eating more carefully not to spill. But if it does happen, does that mean the tie is ruined? Can you clean it? How? All of these questions occur even when the smallest spill gets on the necktie, expensive one or not. So let me share with you a few tips on caring for your ties!

Addressing the most popular question first, can you clean a silk necktie? The answer is, yes! The best thing to do is clean it a soon as possible. Even if you're at the table, take a napkin and whip it off immediately so that it does not set into the silk. The tricks you've heard about using club soda and stuff like that do not work, so don't do it! That may work for cotton but does not work for silk. You will only cause more damage to your tie. The better option is to simply use a little warm water. "Little" meaning a fingertip amount of water, just enough to clean the spot that is on your tie. You will not damage your tie. When done, just let it air dry and you'll be fine.

Here are some other quick "tie tips" that are often over looked, but can be very useful in caring for your ties:

1. Un-make your tie! Rather than just pulling the small end out of the knot when taking off your tie, undo your tie in the reverse motion of which you tied it. This allows for the small threads and silks not to be stressed out or torn fast over time.

2. Roll your ties up! Many of us hang our ties up when done, but it is actually better to roll your ties up until the next time. When your ties hang for a long time, the weight of the tie lining can weigh your tie down, causing it not to look as crisp after hanging for a while. Yes, you can hang your ties, but rolling them is better.

3. Keep ties in the dark! Most ties are kept in the closet which is great so that the silk is not in the direction of the sun or strong light. If you do have a light in your closet, make sure the ties are not near or directly under it. By ties being in dark and cool areas will allow the silk to keep it's rich color and softness.

There you have it gents, and ladies caring for their man! Care for your ties, they are a great complement to your fashionable "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

The Valentine's Day...Date Continued

As stated in the previous "Life...With Style" blog there are other options if you're not a cool chef in the kitchen...

The second option is again "go custom" choose a restaurant that ONLY takes reservations. That is sweet, cool, "Ferrera Fresh," exclusive, all the above. It says "I know what I'm doing." Again, out of the norm and you avoid the waiting foolishness, that's for the rookies. Many golf & country clubs, or city bistros offer this type of service and have a very nice selection of food at that. Note: Contact Michael Ferrera if you would like restaurant recommendations & ideas. The place you go will know it Valentine's so they will set the mood for you, no need to worry about that. Also if you can request a particular waiter/waitress if you've been to this place before and you know a name before you even get there, your Valentine will beyond impressed!

Finally, the convo for the night is light talk about her, how beautiful she is and why you're spending this night with her. No boardroom numbers tonight sir. Keep it cool, and chill as if still is the norm for you, even it's not. Comment on her earrings, bracelet, fashionable high heels or other things she may have on that are out of the ordinary. It lets her know that you pay attention to her and are interested.

Remember, as stated in the beginning of the V-Day Series keep your cool this Valentine's Day, it's just another way to display the gentleman that you are and you don't need a so called "Valentine's Day" to display it. That's "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
love blogger for
Michael Ferrera

The Dynamic Datng Coach

DeAnne Lorraine
"Dynamic Dating Coach"

As we start February its time for us gents to start thinking about the day ladies do more than we do, Valentine's Day! Rather than huff & puff about the drag of planning dinner reservations and so forth, use this day to display your swagger, your cool, your uniqueness! We all know about the roses and chocolates that ladies love, but what do we do when seeking new ideas? We do exactly what the best athletes, and business professionals do...ask a coach!

DeAnne Lorraine is a professional dating coach who specializes in working with individuals to create a plan for attracting the opposite sex and enhancing existing relationships! Throughout one of her programs titled the "Inner Game" DeAnne states that she is not about a quick fix or a confident alter ego but encourages her clients to focus on unique attributes and of the genuine value that you bring to the other person! (hmm, ponder on that)

DeAnne Lorraine and designer Michael Ferrera, have had the opportunity to meet earlier in 2009 through social media and have communicated regularly to share ideas on how their expertise compliment one another. Colors, styles, and cuts of your attire all play a part in the dating experience and can be very strategic in the message you want to portray to the other person.. Statistics have shown that 93% of all communication is non-verbal with body language, tone and presentation. DeAnne also agrees that a stunning image is important when first capturing the eyes of the opposite sex.

DeAnne Lorraine is not just for one gender but ladies and gents alike. She's a perfect for the busy single business professional, the attractive always studying grad student, the middle aged back to dating individual as well as couples who want to improve their existing relationship.

Yes, some gents may be saying, I have no problem with the ladies or my girlfriend or wife loves me and I know I make her happy. That is fantastic, and I encourage to continue to do it because she's worth every bit of it! For you gentleman, take a glace at DeAnneLorraine.com for quick & simple ideas to enhance what you are already doing.

So as we approach V-Day ladies and gents be unique, show your style, make your Valentine not only smile but glow as you continue to live every aspect of Life...With Style!

Yours truly
love blogger for
Michael Ferrera

Deanne Lorraine is located in San Diego California and has been seen on Good Morning America, The Rachel Ray Show, San Diego Fox 5 as well as her own Deanne Lorraine YouTube channel. Please do check out her work at the links above, join her free dating newsletter, and contact for her personalized services.

DeAnne Lorraine

Sigh...Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is approaching fellas and although cliche and done by all of us, the chocolates and bouquet of roses is almost a must. (which ladies never get tired of by the way) Make sure to plan early so that you're not the guy that is left without roses because they're sold out! Also, remember Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, which means some places may be closed or have awkward delivery schedules. Plan accordingly gents...

A suggestion this year is to "go custom" with your roses. Visit your favorite florist and have the roses in the bouquet individually wrapped. You say, "Huh?" Yeah, a good florist will know exactly what you mean. They create a super fresh bouquet for you where each stem and rose is wrapped, with tissue paper, or other type of gauze material, with other frills and flares allowing the rose to still show and look amazing. She's going to love it!

It shows you go outside the norm and took time the plan by doing something special for her. Some ladies have never received something like this as well, so you'll get major 'points'. Shhhh, I won't tell her you got the idea from a fashion & lifestyle blog if you don't. Cost is not too much more expensive, many times we just don't know the florist offers this type of service, so we miss it.

So make it happen this year gents, be unique, as Valentine's Day is just another day to display your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
ghost blogger for
Michael Ferrera

Why Wait? Start Now!

With the New Year right around the corner, we all have resolutions and goals that we want to accomplish. My suggestion is to start on your goals now! This week before the New Year is a great way to "practice." If your goal is to eat better, lose weight, wake up earlier, improve on your image, start a new venture or whatever it is. Practice those things now, which can jump-start your goals for 2010.

Remember life is simply a series of decisions and habits! Make wise decisions and create good habits to be the best you into the next year. That's "Life...With Style!"

Yours Truly,
Michael Ferrera

Happy Holidays!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

As an avid fitness & fashion fanatic, the holiday food can be a bummer to fitness success. Being a regular reader of Men's Health magazine and online blogs, I had to share this insightful article on avoiding the holiday weight gain.

The idea I like most to avoid mindless eating is to: Talk more, Eat less! The holidays are a great time to catch up and talk with loved ones we don't get to see all year. Therefore, by you indulging in quality conversations, it automatically will cause you to overlook the constant munching on the ginger bread cookies, or rice krispies treats!

Take a look at the article for quick ideas to stay fit this holiday season while still living "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Dine in, with Style!

Enjoying a nice meal out every so often is a great treat, and a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones and friends. But if there's one thing I learned in this economic climate, it’s that dining out is a luxury, not a necessity. There's nothing in style about spending $150-$200 a week eating out. Did you know that spending $20 a day eating out can add up to almost $7,500 over the course of a year?!?

So, instead of heading to my favorite 5-star restaurant, corner fish fry or family bakery every time my cravings hit, I've taken this opportunity to brush up on my cooking and baking skills.

Though I was hesitant at first, I must say that cooking has since turned into a fun hobby. Not only do I cook for myself, but my friends and I also pitch in on ingredients and get together for a fun night in at someone’s home. No valet parking fees, overpriced liquor, unhealthy restaurant food, hefty server tips for big parties, or headaches over splitting the check at the end of the night. Instead, you can have a healthy, yet tasty, 3-course meal, with wine for less than $10 a person.

For delicious recipes, try cookbooks, like Patti LaBelle's Recipes for the Good Life, cooking blogs, including one of my favorites, For the Gourmandise In Us All, and cooking websites, such as celebrity chef Rachael Ray and celeberity chef Brian Scott.

Whether you choose to dine out or dine in, keep it consistent in "Life...With Style."

Ghost Blogger for
Michael Ferrera

Famous...Cupcakes?

On October 7th the stars were out, but the cupcakes were the stars of the show! Famous CUPCAKES, along with the Kardashian sisters, hosted a private launch party at the grand opening of the new Beverly Hills bakery. In an intimate social setting with extravagant models, a wine bar, fresh rolled sushi, and famous CUPCAKES for the guests to enjoy, Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney Kardashian stepped out to help introduce the newest cupcake craze.

Famous CUPCAKES are baked fresh everyday, with the finest all-natural and organic ingredients. Most importantly though, they’re made with lots of love and passion. The famous CUPCAKES, Beverly Hills store officially opens to the public on October 12, 2009 to satisfy your cupcake cravings.

If you’re in Beverly Hills, stop by the famous CUPCAKES store for stylish cupcakes, perfect for your “Life…With Style!”

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Mini Famous Cupcakes

Cupcake Ice Sculpture

Famous Cupcake Entertainment

Dining...With Style!

Ahhh, “dinner is served,” with style! Last week, I visited Arroyo Chop House in Pasadena for dinner with my father. It was my first time dining at Arroyo, but my father has eaten there a few times before. On one of those occasions, with a former owner of the San Antonio Spurs. Needless to say, I expected a first-class dining experience, which I did receive!

With its dark mahogany walls and art-deco inspired murals, the Arroyo Chop House is the perfect restaurant at which to enjoy a romantic date or to celebrate a special occasion. The menu features a half dozen cuts of meat to choose from, including a filet mignon that will absolutely melt in your mouth and a porterhouse that is extremely flavorful.

We began the meal with a basket of warm garlic bread, followed by a spinach and pear salad garnished with candied walnuts. I wasn’t particularly in the mood for beef that evening, so I opted to try the Alaskan King Crab Legs, and my dad ordered the Porterhouse steak. To conclude this fabulous meal, we shared the famous Chocolate Souffle. Everything was delicious, and the service was top-notch!

The next time you visit Pasadena, give the Arroyo Chop House a try, for an enjoyable dining experience while living “Life…With Style!”

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.arroyochophouse.com.

Michelle Stewart
Marketing Specialist