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

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

Beachside Wedding Attire

Ever been invited to a wedding and wonder what you're going to wear? Then to top it off you get invited to a beach side wedding so now you have to worry about sand, wind, sun and all the trimming of a beach while having stylish attire for a wedding. So what do you do?

This week we address this issue for both ladies & gent at Fabulously Ever After .com. A wedding & event planning company located in Los Angeles, California. In the post you will find beach side wedding tips on what shoes to wear, accessories to add and of course how to keep your cool!

Check it out at FabulouslyEverAfter.com and while you're there browse around and some of their other stuff.

They're absolutely fabulous!

Yours truly,
Michael Ferrera

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Happy Valentine's Day from "Life...With Style" & Michael Ferrera!

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 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