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.

Smell Good & Stay on Her Mind

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Gentleman, if you want to stay on her mind, have an awesome fresh scent and she will smell you there, even when you're not!

Why is it that when we smell a particular scent that it brings up memories of that event,  moment or person? Many times it is not even the scent that is the most enjoyable part, but it is the scent that brings us to remembrance.

In professor Trygg Engen's book Odor Sensation and Memory he explains why we react so instinctively to scent. Although I will not go into detail about the book specifics it is important that we take note. If scent has such a powerful affect on memory then its only right that we smell good to stay on her mind gentlemen. The body wash we use, the environments we're in, and of course the cologne we choose all play a part in how ladies remember us.

When you embrace her for that gentlemanly kiss, pass by in close proximity, hug or caress her she embraces your scent! Knowing this, you can stay on her mind long after you are gone gents! If she ever compliments your cologne you're wearing, you may want to stick with that one for a while. Your scent will make her remember the good times she has with you or that she has not yet had.  Then, just for a moment, she may pause and reminisce on the wonderful gentleman that you are! And that's all you need to stay on her mind and have her wanting you more. That's Life...with Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Ferrera Fresh Fitness Travel Tips

How easily a workout plan can be thrown off guard!

Above finding the right workout, the right fitness trainer, and eating plan the most important part of a fitness plan is to stick with it! Yet with the business of life, we all have times we're traveling for business (or leisure) and the overload of sponsored dinners, lunch on the go and quick snacks can thrown a fitness plan for a loop. Our bodies can get use to workout habits and the gym at a set time, so what do we do in our life with style?

1. Use the hotel gym! Yes, most resort style hotels have a fitness center many times free or sometimes half to cost of your at home gym member ship, which is why we hesitate to pay for it. But sometimes we don't have time for fitness while out of town and not to mention that some of the "gyms" are not too good, so...

2. Use the Ferrera Fresh "I-got-10-minutes-to-MAiNtain"! - What this is, is simple fitness exercises you can do in your hotel room so that your body and mind can stay active even in a short period of time, just to keep the fitness habit. By trying a push-up and sit-up routine before hopping in the shower can get your heart pumping and body muscles working. Go for 100 of each or 10 different exercises for 1 minute each. Stretching is good to add before and after your workout too, or...

3. Use the pool! - Many ladies just like to lay around the pool in a cute swimsuit and a book, but you can use it for fitness, which is a good workout. Just before the pool will close, or early in the morning, do a few swim strokes for about 10-15 mins. The reason this is good is that (one) most of us do not swim everyday, so a short actual swim session will use body parts we do not use often giving you a full body workout. (Two) allows you to hold breath causing an unknown breathing exercise by making your lungs work harder and (three) swimming allows your heart rate to get up quickly with an uncommon activity.

So keep it fresh, "Ferrera Fresh" that is and even when you're traveling in style, you can still live a fit "Life...With Style!" Hint: this works for ladies too.

Also see Men's Health for a great article on other tips for fitness & travel!

Yours Truly,
Michael Ferrera
via Orlando, FL

Male Grooming

Over the past 2 or so years we've seen a drastic shift in males putting more care into grooming themselves. With the consistent influx of GQ, Esquire and of course lady mag's stressing the importance of a well groomed man; gents have considered haircuts more often, MAN-manicure, and even MASK-uline facials. However in the April '10 issue of GQ we see an article asking, "has male grooming gone too far?" Among the male eyebrow waxing, and pedicures by men we see some gents go the complete opposite. It even features photos of lady hunk Brad Pitt and football star Randy Moss rocking full rugged beards with not much grooming, to say the least, in a interesting humorous read. (Take a look when you can)

It definitely made me think is a life with style what magazines, movie stars, televisions shows and blogs tell us? Not at all! A "Life...With Style" is what you choose, in your style! It's what makes you unique and individual, which is the reason why "Life...With Style" by Michael Ferrera was created. To encourage you with stylish ideas to enhance your current lifestyle. Yes, blogs & GQ style magazines can give you helpful tips, advice and ideas. But when all the reading, watching, and reviewing is done, it's up to you to choose what you like, what to tweak into making it your own life with style!

So if Man-manicures, pedicures and facial are your thing, hey, do it! If not, pay no attention it cost you nothing...(maybe.) Yes, pampering oneself feels great but we also know that women still want a man in their gentleMAN. Fresh haircuts, shaves, and so on are always nice complements, but whatever you choose, choose to be confident in your "Life...With Style"

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Be you, do you, there's no one else better for you to be...

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

A Fit Lifestyle

Earlier this year "Life With Style" by Michael Ferrera encouraged you to stay focused, and disciplined in your workout goals this year in our blog post Why wait? Start now and New Year, New Image.

As we start the second quarter of the year it might be time to kick the workout up a notch! If you haven't be as consistent as you want make sure to revisit your goals (yes your fitness goals should be on paper) and find little ways you can get back on track and stay focused. You still have time before beach season.

For you who has been on track with your fitness program, nice work! Your style and wardrobe will appreciate your fitness habits, keep it up. In a recent article by Men's Health I read about ways to enhance your workout and Overcoming Exercise Excuses. We've heard them all: "I look fine," "my body needs rest," "It's raining," "I'm bored" and the list of excuses goes on. Get over it! By planning your fitness activities, it can help your habits and improve your overall image. Take a look the MH article for quick reminders and tips that will encourage you in living a "fit" Life...With Style!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Get your fitness workout in! Not only does it make you look good & feel good but it's simply SEXY...

Valentine's Day Garments

We'll I know you're thinking, we're a clothing company and haven't mentioned anything about attire for the Valentine's evening, "What is that?" I hope you know you have to dress "fly" if your in the Michael Ferrera brand or not. Depending on where you are going, or not going, a suit and tie may be appropriate. But for us who wear suits daily and want the clean & cool casual look, going with crisp denim, dress shirt and a well fit blazer is it! Ditch the tie and add a handkerchief for a little flare and cool. Again, RED handkerchief for us not so smart ones out there, but if you can pull off pink, do it! Now the only thing you have to do now is not spill on your garments! Cause with well planned evening like this she's reminded why she's with you in the first place. Now daters, significant others and spouses I'll leave the rest if the night up to you...

By the way, Ladies, Don't forget to do your part! Yes, you have a part...Bring out the beautiful, magnificent woman that you are. Let him know why he's with you. Put on the black dress, elongated earrings are, and ooohh yes, high heels, we love them! Add if there is a bracelet, a watch, or necklace he may have bought you, wear that! And of course, you know bold lipstick is must tonight, we love that! The clear extra sexy lip gloss always works and you know it's Valentine's Day so red is perfect.

Finally, for the evening ladies, be you, relax, have fun, don't put too much pressure on him. Lighten it up by doing something for him too. A small gift is nice. Try a nice necktie, a watch, a gift card, shirt certificate or some simple candies and a kiss is fine too. But a gift is not a mandatory for either party on Valentine's Day, just enjoy the moment together. Nonetheless, thank him and compliment him for being the gentleman that he is by the end of the night!

Happy Valentines Day!

Yours truly
Michael Ferrera

Designer Michael Ferrera
"Life...With Style"

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

'10 Gentleman!

After finally getting past the front cover featuring the oh so glamorous and sexy Rihanna, the first issue of 2010 GQ did stay true to the gentleman. Yes, a gentleman does appreciate a beautiful lady, but we want to know the things that keep us in style, and up beat in order to get the lady.

In this issue of GQ there is great emphasis on wardrobe & image enhancements for 2010, a topic we recently addressed in our blog. In the top 6 things to enhance your wardrobe this year GQ says to add color in your dress shirts. With #6 being "know the power of three." A three piece suit that is. The three piece suit holds so much value because it can be mixed and match with other pieces of clothing in a minimum of 7 different ways, including a casual cool look of just denim and vest. (The third piece) So, remember to invest in the three piece suit.

This issue also features a list of the top 10 new restaurants in the nation, where California was mentioned twice with The Bazaar - Los Angeles and 54 Mint - San Fransisco. Finally, in the this issue we see athlete turned super model in Derrick Rose. Rose is the star of the NBA franchise Chicago Bulls, but here we see him "Ferrera Fresh" in high fashion leather jackets, neckties, and limited edition sneakers.

Nonetheless, check out not only Ms. hot Rihanna, but the inside of January's GQ for hints & tips on adding to your "Life...With Style!"

Yours truly,
ghost blogger for
Michael Ferrera

Derrick Rose GQ '10

Derrick Rose GQ '10

MFCC doing "Research"

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

Merry Christmas from "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

A Gent With a Lady at Christmas

Gents, the holidays are here and you may have seen the holiday "Ferrera Fresh Tips" on Twitter!

For some reason the girlfriend, spouse, daughters, or female friends seem to be more happy and joyous during the holiday season than we are. Maybe it's because we're the one's buying the expensive gifts. (Just Kidding)

I don't know, but perhaps in the cold weather they like the closeness and warmth of the man they love, and that's you! Gentleman remember to embrace it. Comfort them, be the man they fell in love with, at all times. Now that you have your lady don't slack off and say "I used to do..." or "I don't have to anymore." Yes, continue to give the nice gifts, love & affection, and the surprises you gave on that first Christmas together. With ladies it never gets old...

Remember a gentleman gives gifts to ladies, children and other gents as well. Enjoy the holidays! Live Life...With Style!

Ferrera Fresh Tip: Gents for some reason ladies like the holidays more than us. Enjoy it with her, never minimize her excitement...

2:05 PM Dec 9th from web

Yours truly,

Michael Ferrera

Dream Your Image

A Michael Ferrera Fresh tip to keeping your cool with the rush of the morning is to envision what your are going to wear the night before and wake up and make it happen. As you lie down to sleep think of your closet. The slacks, the shirts, the ties, jeans, tees, and shoes. Start pairing them up in your head, see it, feel it, and wake up and make it happen!

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

Nail, Style!

As a lady who lives her “Life…With Style,” it’s extremely important to take good care of yourself. One of the many ways I do this is to treat myself to a manicure and pedicure every two weeks. There are many benefits to getting a regular mani/pedi, including making your hands and feet look better, preventing nail diseases and disorders, strengthening nails, growing naturally long nails, and much more. Best of all, it is deeply relaxing and can give you added confidence to your appearance.

Here’s a quick overview of what’s hot in terms of nail color this fall/winter:

Super dark shades

Deep, almost black colors, such as midnight blue, dark emerald, deep wine purple and delicious raisin, are popular this season.

Matte colors

Deep, powerful colors without shine are also big for fall/winter. Keep in mind that matte polishes do not wear as long as regular nail lacquers and should not be worn with base or top coats.

Shades of white

Surprisingly, the summer trend of bright, thick whites (a la Gwen Stefani) is still appropriate for fall.

Even though life can be super busy at times, always remember to pamper yourself and to live “Life…With Style!”

Michelle Stewart

Marketing Specialist