Almost one year has passed since the inaugrial Alumni Face-Off, now known as the RUHS Alumni Face-Off.  How did this begin?

With all of the school closings happening at the time I was in true disbelief from it all.

What could I do being a fan of education and athletics?  I am a promoter, having promoted the largest 21 and up nightclub in Metro Detroit, The Post Bar, Novi I would do another kind of event… enter Alumni Face-Off.

Alumni Face-Off was a grander scale, an event I have no experience in.  I needed help and I knew who to call upon.  I requested the services of two of the most invested Redford Union graduates I have ever come across, Tony Mamo and Chris Jackett.

Together we helped spearhead a movement.  A movement that shows we care about a school and district we belonged to.  What happened?

Well, we put two generations on the pitch to face off against each other.  Team 90′s took the pitch against Team 2K+ in a fusion match.  This was an Ali, Tyson type dream match up.

We had great support for the match.  We had former Alumni from many sports come out.  I had friends that graduated high school from Allen Park, Farmington Hills, and other high schools support the cause.  This was not just a soccer match, this was an event to raise money for a good cause.

I did this for my son and his generation.

I want my son to get the best education he deserves.  I want to make a difference.  If I can use my promotion to raise money for the academic and athletic sides of the coin I will.

Money raised this year will be split 50% between the athletic and academic split of the school.  My hope is that current Redford Union High School Union High School students realize what we are trying to do for them.  My hope is that they come to the match and bring their friends and family.  My hope is that the community of Redford Township comes out to support the very place they live.

I have lived in three different states and three different countries.  I still bleed Blue & Gold.

I will be facing off again against players I used to coach.

It will be fun to take on a few of the players I used to coach after I graduated.  The shame is that out of the 40 girls I used to coach on Varsity, none of them signed up to play.  Well, I will see Pablo again, one of my favorite players to have coached.

As far as the girls are concerned and the majority of players that have not

signed up I am a bit disappointed.  In all honesty its not a soccer thing, its a responsibility thing.

Whatever school you attended, it gave you memories, it gave you experience.  It helped make you.

The few women that played last year and the couple that will play this year, that is commendable, that is inspiration.  Strong Redford Union High School women without a doubt.

I am looking forward to taking the field with my 90′s teammates like Eric Scott, Dan Kelley, Scott Gillard, and Kurt Garcia to name a few.

I don’t gotta convince a body through the gates.  This is a cheap event to get through the gates, it goes beyond all that.

This social event to begin the summer will be a wonderful event to come too and more importantly will raise money for Redford Union High School.

I’ll see ya’ll there with the media included.

Friday, June 1st

7:00 p.m. kick-off

Howard Kraft Field, Redford Township, MI 

I am thankful for my smart phone because I do enjoy some quality apps such as ones that help me train my clients.

I downloaded RunKeeper to my Galaxy X2 and must say I so far co-sign it.  It is a great way to track your activity such as running, walking, hiking, cycling to name a few.

As a trainer I may only see a client two or three time out of a given week.  That is two or three hours of structured training in a week that totals 168 hours.  Basically the client must stay motivated throughout their week without me being there the entire time.

I feel the RunKeeper app is a great app for staying motivated, being accountable, setting & maintaining goals.

You can also go online to www.runkeeper.com and view your activity in detail.  Their are a lot of great features from the application itself to the website where you can add friends to your street team.  If Facebook has friends, RunKeeper has street team members.

I am definitely going to encourage you to download this app if you have a smart phone.  If you do not have a smart phone their are still ways of tracking your activity such as a pedometer, journal, heart rate monitor.

Okay, well, it’s off to bed.  I have Amanda bright and early for a PT session.

I know I have not added a journal entry in quite sometime.  I should be updating my journal more than my blog I suppose.  It was a gorgeous day today, 80 degrees outside and took some clients outdoors today.

Well I read another trainers blog today and must say I am impressed.  Their is definitely a reason why this guy has been training professional athletes all his life.  I loved his views on functionality and stabilizer muscle work.  He really put bodybuilding’s incomplete compound movements on notice.

He has been training WWE’s Triple H for over two years.

To read the blog entry, click the link below -

http://defrancostraining.com/ask-joe-test/41-strength-training/258-train-like-the-game-triple-hs-intense-training-regimen.html

I have a lot too give and so little at the same time.  Hallmark deems this Sunday as Mother’s Day.  As I see it, Mother’s Day should be absolutely everyday.

My mother grew up in Germany alongside her five sisters and two brothers.  She moved to the United States after marrying my father.  My mother is a strong human and strong woman.

She left all that was familiar to her.  She left language, friends, family and country to begin a new, unfamiliar life.  She took a chance on love and I was birthed.

My mom and I were not extremely close when I was younger.  It was not until college where I would say my mom and I became close.  My mom is my best friend.

She was hard on me growing up but I appreciate that now.  I know deep down my mom wanted the best for me.

My mom is a passionate woman, strong inside and out.  My mom started out here in the States doing part time jobs and became self employed through hard work and determination.  It would appear that foreigners show us on a daily basis what can be accomplished if their is the will.

Well the way my mother saw it, she was going to find her way through her will.

A lot of my hustle comes from her.  A lot of who I am, comes from her.  She is the hardest worker I know.  She is the most loving mother, grand mother, human I know.  Nobody can replace my mom.

My mom, born Andrea Maria Breitenbach is now Andrea Maria Dadourian.  She is a wife, mom, friend, business owner.  She can not be defined.

If it was not for my mom I know I would not be here.  I would not be able to breathe the fresh Wisconsin air.  I would not be able to have another chance at life if it was not for my mom.

My mom has raised me and supported me through all the trials and tribulations.  I do not deserve such a wonderful mom, she is a modern day saint.

I could never make it all up to my mom.  I know I have put her through hell throughout the years.  All a son can do is work on being better so that his mom does not have to worry about him anymore.

You are the best woman I know.  You are lovely in every way and an inspiration to me everyday.  Mothers Day is Hallmark, all the cards in the world would not be able to express my love and appreciation for you.

I love you!

“…ain’t  a woman alive that could take my mamas place…” Tupac Shakur

Realize this, you can eat healthy these days at all “Fast Food” chains, most even have a designated portion of the menu just for low calorie options.  You need to know what to order when you decide to go fast but that is a whole other Michael Dadourian Blog entry to be published for later.

Let’s talk Tacos and lets talk simple.

Here is what you are going to need -

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 green pepper
• 1 onion
• 1 large jar of salsa (no added sugar)
• 1 package of tortillas (soft and/or hard)
• olive oil or cooking spray

Once you have all that out on the counter, prep time should not take long.

Put a bit of olive oil in a large skillet turn the stove top on low to medium heat.  After you do that, dice an onion and a green pepper.

Put the ground beef into the large skillet to brown.  As that is browning nicely add the diced onion and green peppers.

Keep browning the beef as you cook the onions and green peppers.

Once the beef is browned it is time to drain the fat.

Once all the fat is drained from the skillet it is time to add your favorite large jar of salsa to the skillet.  This is going to add the spice to the beef, onion, green pepper combination.  Let that sit in there for a few minutes on low heat and you’ll be ready to serve.

You can use any tortilla you want or you can easily make this into a taco salad with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, low fat cheese.

This is a simple recipe, does not take long to prepare and cook.

You can make this as healthy or unhealthy as you want.  Stay with low fat cheeses, extremely lean beef, etc.

Let me know what you think.  Do you have a favorite taco recipe?

At 70 km/h (43 mph) you can possibly understand why this fish is pure protein without the fat, its muscle tissue is made for underwater performance.

Since we do not live in water we usually do not see the wonders of this incredibly large underwater athlete.  What we see is meat from a can or package, a simple can opener or tear and we have a pure protein to start a meal.  Their has been controversy as to how these fish are fished and I will not get into that.  I always try and shop for brands that are the purest and most natural at fishing, farming, etc.  Even if I have to pay more, I will, in order to get the best quality of food for my body.

This meal is what I like to call a Tuna Fusion Bowl.  Fusion foods are becoming more popular and incorporate many styles of cuisine to make a primary dish.  Since America is the true to life melting pot it seems only right we fuse many foods from around the world together to make diverse dishes.

Many Americans eat Tuna on a regular basis.  A traditional method is of making a Tuna dish has been to dice onions, pickles, add mayonnaise and mix the contents together.

As good as that is in a bowl or in between to bread slices, it has a bit too many calories to help add more inches to this and to that.

I have found dressing up Tuna can be fun and easy.  I have experimented with all sorts of herbs, dressings, etc.  They all have made the Tuna just taste weird to me.

If you want the pure protein of the Tuna but add the complete compliment of carbohydrate and fat their is only one way to dress up Tuna, and it is not mayonnaise.

This meal is quick to prepare and it serves its function, here is what to do:

Add your package or can of white tuna into a bowl.  Then…

add a little taste of the Middle East in the form of Hummus to your bowl, a heaping tbsp to be exact.  Hummus is made of chick peas, a perfect low glycemic carbohydrate.  Add some pine nuts and half a tsp of olive oil next for your healthy fat burning fats.

Too add some color, spice, and more nutrients to your bowl I suggest adding Pico de gallo or also called Salsa Fresca.  Two or more tbsp, depending on your taste for spice will compliment this bowl nicely.

This fusion bowl mixes the rich flavor of the Middle East with spice of Latin America to make your Tuna that much better.

Let me know what you think or if you have your own Tuna recipe.

http://schoolhousepress.com/

I remember my first A-List crush was Tiffany Amber Thiessen who played Kelly in “Saved By The Bell.”  That was my girl back in the day.

Then in high school I dumped Kelly and went for the country cross over pop sensation, Shania Twain.  As I was maturing I was all about singers and I think I was cheating on Shania with  Janet Jackson at the time as well.

Fast forward to my A-List celebs these days.  Everyone seems to have a list of who is hot.  This is a topic that never gets old and everyone has their favorites.  Well I have had the top three in the list for some years now but my top 4 and 5 spot are a bit more recent.

I tried to not just choose based off appearance but by overall appeal and difference.  I do not have a true type but I do seem to gravitate towards certain attributes.

Well I am going to count down the list from 5 to 1, so here I go -

5. Hope Solo

The greatest goalkeeper in the world presently is also a fierce competitor.  She hates to lose and is there for her Team U.S.A teammates.  She is the first line of defense and the first line of the attack.

Hope Solo does not just do brilliantly keeping balls out of the net she is extremely gifted with a wonderful touch with both feet.

How talented of keeper is she, all you have to do is YouTube Hope Solo and watch this aggressive athlete who also happens to be gorgeous, run people over for the ball.

Hope Solo lands in number 5

4. Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj is not a pro athlete but a professional recording artist slash emcee.  Barbie has even earned the respect of Eminem as he is featured on her relentless track “Romans Revenge” on her debut album “Pink Friday.”

Talk about a cross over into the main stream, she went from underground hip hop to performing with Madonna at a super bowl and performing hits like “Right Through Me” and “Super Bass.”

She is on my list for spitting some of the craziest bars in music and having a body that just does not stop, meaning curves for days, a true “front back.”  She is black and beautiful with a work ethic is second to none.

Barbie rips into the 4th spot

3. Eva Mendes

I remember watching the opening scene of the film “We Own The Night” and that was more than confirmation that Eva Mendes is in MD’s Top 3.  She is one of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen on screen.

Not only is she great to look at but as an actress she is diverse.  She is good for drama but fun in a film like “Hitch” and outrageously funny in a cameo like in the film “The Other Guys.”

That trademark mole and those dimples are too easy to smile at let alone the rest of her body.

Eva backs into the 3rd spot.

2. Sofia Vergara

Meet South America’s most beautiful A-Lister, and star of “Modern Family.”  I must say I fell in crush with this woman way before it was cool to do so, like how everyone loves UFC because it’s main stream now.

Well this native Colombian comedian, actress, model is a triple threat to sex appeal especially with her accent.  She was in my top three when I saw the film “Four Brothers.”  That means before it was cool to love Sofia haha

She is extremely funny which is not talked about so much which perhaps is due to the fact her exotic beauty nearly steals all shows.  She has a wonderful, healthy body and gorgeous face.

Sofia is posted up at number 2.

1. Monica Belluci

The most underrated of them all and my number one since the film “Matrix Reloaded.”

Monica Belluci, born September 30th, 1964 in Italy first got her start in modeling at the age 13 where she signed with Elite Model Management.  She has posed for Dolce & Gabbana and French Elle.  She is also considered a Dior staple.

She first got my attention in the film “Matrix Reloaded” and ever since then has been in the top spot without a doubt.  Her accent and look is incredibly sexy and this model turned actress is diverse.  Notice the film “Passion of Christ”  and then watch the film “Shoot Em Up,” she is in them both and hardly recognizable.

Monica Belluci is definitely my A-List number one and has held down her spot for quite some time.

So here is my question, who are your top A-List celebs?

My blogs over the years have been all over the place in that their was never a rhyme or reason for what I would publish and who my audience  was.  I normally drafted and published blog entries for me and that was the only consistent formula; I did not care either who I offended.  Eastern Michigan University may have been irresponsible for letting me earn a degree in language, literature and writing.

Honestly though, words can stir the soul and hopefully spark thought.  As I publish blog entries on the site please do not take everything I type as literal.  Just as a musician, a writer puts it out there for you the listener/reader to interpret.  

My Blog at michaeldadourian.com will cover topics in health & wellness, diseases, fashion, nutrition, knitting, etc.  My goal for the site is to not set limits.

I left a career in the YMCA to pursue so many other things, thankful for the opportunity to have done so many different things and traveled to so many different places.  I can appreciate so many topics of life so my BLOG will cover life, not just mine.  

I am pleased that we have guest bloggers on my site that will also be contributing on a consistent basis.    

The search bar works well so if their is something you want to find on the site, test it out.  If their is something you are looking for and can’t find it please contact me.

If you would like to see any specific topic covered please let me know!  

Welcome to my official blog, enjoy your stay and your day.

Best,

Michael Dadourian

That being said, I am even more excited that he has asked me to write about my 2 favorite things:  Fashion & Beauty!

I don’t know where my personal excitement for both of these topics came from.  I am not any kind of “fashionista” and I just love makeup – sometimes I think I missed my calling in life when it comes to the makeup industry and pursuing that passion.

So the first topic I want to bring your attention to is Spring /Summer wear, particularly the maxi dress.

These days just because it is warm or hot outside, you’d typically associate less clothes or short dresses but that doesn’t seem to be the case!

LESS ISN’T ALWAYS MORE LADIES!!!

One of the hottest trends is the long dress that we now seem to refer to as the maxi dress.  I can’t speak for when the name change happened but when was the last time you’ve heard someone say “long dress”?

Long can be sexy and classy!  You can have your cleavage out or covered!  Your back could be exposed with a plunging drop in the back or it could be covered up.  Light, airy and flowy…can sometimes be mysterious with the length of the dress…the possibilities with the allure or modesty of this dress are endless!

Have you been watching NBC’s “Fashion Star” on Tuesday nights?  If so, you’ve seen Nikki Poulos – she started week 1 on a bang with her FABULOUS maxis she displayed.  Check her out at http://nikkipoulos.com/.

Regardless, maxi dresses are all the rage!  They come in all sorts of styles and prints, solid colors and patterns.  They can be casual or elegant depending on your personal styling, and the event or place you are wearing the dress too!

I’d also like to add this dress is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing a woman could ever own as well as easy to wear!  That means more bang for your hard earned dollars!  I am a bit of a clothes hoarder but I love my pieces that are fairly simple and or are easy to wear and those are the pieces I keep going back to especially when I can change the look of the outfit by accessorizing.

Accessories are essential in rockin’ your maxi dress, here is a list of items that you will likely have a few items from:

• Flip flops (rubber or “fancy”) / sandals
• Wedges
• Long or short necklaces
• Chunky cuff bracelets
• Large statement rings
• All kinds of earrings
• Over-sized sunglasses are a MUST!!!!
• Fedora
• Panama hats
• Over-sized floppy hat (J-Lo style) hat
• Jean jackets
• Clutches
• Tote or hobo bags

From personal experience, you don’t need to spend a lot to “dress” your dress up!  You can get amazing steals at TJ Maxx, Ross, F21, Charlotte Russe and many other stores out there…those were just to name a few in the USA that are easily accessible coast to coast.

Ladies, please also keep in mind that maxi dresses are for everyBODY.  There are so many shapes and styles out there to accommodate YOUR shape and body type.  This is one piece of clothing that just works from all angles – accommodating all body types, price points, colors and styles and can be accessorized with a little or a lot!

Again ladies, less CAN be more with the maxi dress – keep in mind your own personal style and what you are wearing the dress for, and where you are wearing it to…

 For more of my ramblings about fashion, beauty and everything else under the sun, follow me at:  http://consultingmandy.wordpress.com/

Thank you Mandy for contributing to my site.  Stay tuned for more published entries from Mandy to michaeldadourian.com

Follow Mandy on Twitter ~  https://twitter.com/#!/consultingmandy