2013-06-20T02:12:32-04:00 Lulu http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=lulu Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Lulu Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2951352 2013-03-25T19:00:00-04:00 2013-06-11T00:30:51-04:00

Lulu http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lulu/
1) It is Possible to Get Better with Age: On the surface it's easy to think that this expression applies only to men, as they seem to become only more handsome and distinguished as they age. For women, getting better with age is often about "figuring everything out". The prime example of the "figured it out phenomenon" that I look to is Jennifer Lopez. Ms Lopez, still quite a young woman, has improved in countless ways as she has gotten older. Her fashion choices have improved. Her hair and makeup are now always flawless. She has put it all together, which to me is an attribute of experience and wisdom. As time goes by, if we're lucky, we find the perfect hair colour, the best makeup and clothes that enhance our shapes. I swear that the best thing I ever did for my appearance was to ditch the red hair I had since I was fifteen and go back to the blonde hair I had as a young child. I look back at pictures of myself in my forties, and because I wanted to hang on to that 'signature' color, I looked older than I do now. Sometimes we need to break out of ruts and go outside our comfort zone. Sometimes we need to learn from those around us, but however we get there, figuring it all out can hold the keys to getting better with age.

2) Don't Underestimate the Power of Reinvention: Twenty years ago, who would have imagined that Arnold Schwarzenegger would be governor of California or that Madonna would author children's books? They themselves probably couldn't have even pictured it. But when we venture into unfamiliar territory, it's hard for our batteries not to be recharged. It's inspiring! After a lifetime as a singer, I never dreamed that I'd be involved in a skin care brand. But, Gail Federici (co-founder and former CEO of John Frieda Professional Hair Care/current CEO, Federici Brands) helped me reinvent myself in a completely new role. After launching Time Bomb anti-ageing skin care five years ago on QVC in the UK, Time Bomb will debut on QVC in the US on 28 March. The whole experience has given my life a new layer of meaning and purpose, which I feel helps keep me young.

3) It's All About Attitude: Attitude goes a long way as we age. A lot of people think of age as a detriment or use it as an excuse for slowing down. But others, like Betty White, have the attitude that age is just a matter of fact and simply go on living despite advanced age. At 89 she wrote a book, started acting on a new TV show and essentially just kept right on working like she always has. On ageing she says, "So many of us start dreading age when we're in high school. That's really a waste of a lovely life". That is a brilliant perspective. People tag people getting older as 'declining', but there are plenty of people who rail against that term. Betty White's attitude embodies the importance of laughter in the ageing process. When asked how she stays fit she answered, "I have a two-storey house and a bad memory so I'm always forgetting something and having to walk up and down the stairs. It's good exercise." Those who enjoy such longevity really have a lot of time to develop such wisdom, which is why we can learn so much from them. It's all about looking at the facts of life with humor and not taking ourselves too seriously, but also not giving in to the notion that we're "too old" to do things. At 86 Emmanuelle Riva recently starred in "Amour" and became the oldest actress ever nominated for an Oscar. For me, although it hasn't always been easy, I have enjoyed getting older. But much of that has to do with enriching my life with new experiences, staying current and keeping active. If your attitude allows you to approach life with the same energy and curiosity that you had in your teens and twenties, then your age will be nothing but a number.

4) A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss: It's a basic principle of physics that a body in motion tends to stay in motion. Tina Turner, Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Clinton, Bette Midler are exemplary women who never stop moving (both literally and figuratively). They embody a youthful spirit because they don't slow down. When we having young children, jobs and busy lives, we tend to think fondly about days when our calendars will be empty. But as we age, it's more important than ever to keep our calendars filled. For me, keeping my days filled, taking care of my grandchildren for the day, rehearsing for gigs, etc may be exhausting, but helps me stay young. Sure I may have to push myself harder, but it's a lot more satisfying now, at this stage in my life.

5) How You Look Impacts How You Feel: Putting effort into our appearance definitely correlates to how we feel. Taking the time to get dressed and do our hair and makeup is a reminder to ourselves - and a message to others - that we care! The pride that we take in our appearance when we're young shouldn't disappear as we get older. It's not about going to extreme lengths, but just enough so that when you look in the mirror before you go out, you smile. Helen Mirren, Goldie Hawn, Sophia Loren and Jane Fonda, all women who seem to be defying the ageing process, are great examples of how a little bit of effort goes a long way. And it's not about impressing others, but it's true that when you look good, you feel good!]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2654236 2013-02-09T18:22:11-05:00 2013-04-11T05:12:01-04:00

Lulu http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lulu/ upcoming gig at B.B. King Blues Club in New York City -- which if you can believe, after almost 50 years in music, will be my first live NYC concert. I am all about going back to my roots, singing the songs that I love most and paying tribute to some of my favourite artists. And in every song that I sing, there's a little piece of the influencers and inspirations that I encountered on my musical journey.

I grew up in a home filled with music. My father was always singing at the top of his lungs, and from the time I was a baby, he'd sing to me. His singing resonated so deeply in me, that practically before I could talk I was singing in tune. He had such a good voice but where I come from, everybody could sing! We were working-class and music was at our core. We'd gather with family and friends and neighbors and everyone would share a drink and a song. I can remember at three-years-old popping my head out, when I should have been asleep, asking my father "can I sing?"

While my father inspired me to sing, my mother helped shape a love, respect and admiration for music. She was very pro-American when it came to culture, so my earliest influences were all American artists. She loved the Andy Williams Show, the Rosemary Clooney Show and singers like Theresa Brewer, Connie Francis and Brenda Lee. I inherited my mother's inclination toward American tastes. When I entered my teen years, I was inherently drawn to music from the other side of the pond -- anything British was simply "to stiff upper lip for me."

Like all teenagers, I experienced that joyous rite of passage of discovering my own music... Ray Charles, Mahalia Jackson, Muddy Waters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. These artists and Black music were some of my earliest influences. Finding the blues and gospel was like finding my religion. I call it a "Church thing." I was raised a Scottish Presbyterian, and from a completely different world from these artists, but listening to Ray Charles sing "I Got A Woman" felt like home. It's only fitting that I will be on stage at B.B. King's during Black History Month to honor these voices that have meant so much to me throughout my life.

When I was 13, I was performing with my own band -- all older boys -- and I wanted to desperately to be "hip." All the boys were checking out late-night gigs at clubs -- something I wasn't "allowed" to do. One night I manipulated my mother into letting me go see a singer by the name of Alex Harvey and it changed my life. He took the stage in a black leather suit, black boots, black hair and he opened his mouth and let out a sound that knocked me out. He was singing "Shout." It was a revelation and it led me to discover the Isley Brothers and the gifted writer/producer Bert Burns, who I was lucky to work with just a few years later.

Like most teenage girls, I was obsessed with The Beatles. I was drawn to them because they were adorable, of course, but what really got me was that they were influenced and moved by the same sound that had captured me. And that was happening all over the UK with young musicians like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Van Morrison and more, who were all wrapped up in the blues sound that American culture had cast aside. For me it didn't get much better than Solomon Burke, to whom I always felt a kindred connection. And to this day, the songs of Otis Redding, Smokey Robinson and Etta James are some of my favourite songs to sing.

It's been a long journey from Glasgow to New York City, and it's taken me awhile to get here. But I am excited about having the opportunity to share my love for this music and these artists on stage in one of the greatest cities in the world.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2497085 2013-01-17T19:00:00-05:00 2013-03-19T05:12:01-04:00

Lulu http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lulu/
The Singles - The Best of Pure Pop

Rihanna - Diamonds: I recently read a New York magazine article about the state of the music industry and a profile of the band Grizzly Bear. One of the facts that I found so interesting is that "since 2008, there have been 66 No. 1 songs, and six artists are behind almost half of them." Rihanna is one of those six artists and she alone can claim nine of those No. 1 songs. Diamonds is her latest hit and I love it. Her voice and he style is so unique, which makes her instantly identifiable, which in this day and age is critical!

Fun - We Are Young ft. Janelle Monae: voted the most popular song of 2012 on Facebook and why not? I just feel happy when I hear this song - even though I'm not so sure about that first verse. It's got the chorus, melody and hooks that get inside your head. The chorus captures the joy and simple freedom of youth.

Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven: Easily one of my favourites because of the richness of this track. It's a masterpiece, arranged to perfection and more than that, it bridges the gap between and sounds like today and yesterday (the music of my youth) at the same time. It's that convergence that I am drawn to. He is the real deal, in the mould of the old-school writers like Ashford and Simpson, Neil Diamond, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Smokey Robinson, Neil Sedaka, etc. Bruno Mars, along with Cee Lo Green and Ne*Yo are carrying on the legacy of these hit makers.

The Lumineers - Ho Hey: I can't resist this song. It's stripped down folk with a killer hook that's simple and brilliant at the same time. "I belong with you, you belong with me. You're my sweetheart"... it's a classic love song and it's infectious.

Labrinth - Express Yourself: Another brilliant convergence of old school and new school. Express Yourself samples a "take me to church" funk/soul song and adds a young, new, fresh spin. It reminds me of the sound that first inspired me as a young girl in Glasgow. It does more than make me want to get up and dance; it lights the fire in me!

Olly Murs - Troublemaker - I've loved Olly Murs since Dance With Me Tonight. Plain and simple, this song is a great collaboration between Olly and Flo Rida, who both bring their different styles to the table to make a great song.

Adam Lambert - Trespassing: Speaking of voices, it doesn't get much better than my friend Adam Lambert. Trespassing is a driving, dance, anthem with attitude, a mean beat and Adam's incredible voice.

The Albums

Bobby Womack - The Bravest Man in The Universe: I worked with Bobby Womack on my album Together in 2002. We recorded the song I'm Back for More together, and then performed on television together a number of times. Working with Bobby was one of the highlights of my career. I have always held his talent in such esteem, and was so grateful to have the chance to work with him. His is one of the most soulful and unforgettable voices of the last fifty years. His latest album has reflective, confessional overtones and takes soul music to new heights. The production, samples and the arrangements are modern and fresh, but Bobby's voice is raw, true, pure soul. I can feel his emotion in my own heart throughout the album.

The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter: I first heard the Avett Brothers following their 2009 album, I And Love And You and was captivated by the haunting title song. This year's album, The Carpenter was produced by Rick Rubin. The whole album is solid from first track to the last, but if you only check out one song, give Live and Die a listen. The song is like a sunny day.

Alabama Shakes - Boys and Girls: When I first heard lead singer Brittany Howard's tough, soulful voice, it caught me a little off guard! It's unexpected, but a very pleasant surprise. Alabama Shakes have a hybrid sound that calls to mind Motown, 60's soul and classic rock & roll. My favourite track on the album is the anthem Hold On and I love to sing along.

Bonnie Raitt - Slipstream: I've been a long time disciple of Bonnie Raitt and have a deep appreciation for the way she's evolved over the course of her career. She's a true artist who has paid her dues; she's studied, she's lived, she's worked hard and her style, interpretation, her voice have all benefited. She is one of the most talented slide guitarists (male or female!) who has ever lived! Her passion shines through on this album. Her voice conveys heartache like nothing else! I love her take on Gerry Rafferty's Right Down the Line. She reinvents the song with a modern, reggae twist.

Anastacia - It's A Man's World: Back in 2009/2010 I toured with Anastacia and Chaka Kahn and had an amazing time sharing the stage with these incredible singers. Anastacia's vocals are so powerful and she sings with such abandon - so much so that she calls herself a "freak". Her release It's A Man's World is a collection of songs made famous by male singers, which she interprets in her own unique and incomparable way. This album is a step closer to what Ana should be, which is the lead singer in a killer rock band, with Slash or Jimmy Page behind her.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.2322912 2012-12-18T19:00:00-05:00 2013-02-17T05:12:01-05:00

Lulu http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lulu/
So, while I've received the cookie-cutter answer "nothing" every time I pose the question "what do you want for Christmas?", I still do have my own ideas about the gifts I'd most like to give. I've decided this year to give meaningful gifts - in other words, gifts that keep on giving.

It's fine to give someone a traditional gift like a sweater, perfume a book. But why not support a company that "pays it forward". Or, purchase a special limited-edition gift from a charity. These are some of my favourite sources for meaningful giving where you can not only shop for the best gifts, but also shop for a better world!

1) Elton John AIDS foundation Candle - A candle is always a can't miss gift at Christmas. They make a perfect hostess gift - but when you purchase the EJAF candle, they also make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. I love the "Christmas tree" fragrance of these candles and the fact that a portion of proceeds from each candle sold supports such a critical cause.

2) The Brave Foundation - According to the Brave Foundation's website, "over 30 million people are enslaved today, meaning that there are more slaves today than at any point in human history." Hard to believe, isn't it? This website sells bracelets made by craftswomen in Cambodia. Sales from these bracelets support organizations like the Somaly Mam Foundation. And most importantly, these bracelets help shine the light and raise awareness of human trafficking.

3) Tom's - One of my favourite gifts to give because everyone loves them! Tom's brought the "one for one" concept mainstream and what a difference this company is making. For every pair of shoes sold, a pair is given to someone in need. Brilliant!

4) Falling Whistles - I am a big fan of jewelry and the symbolism behind this particular piece is so incredibly powerful. In war torn Congo, no one - not even the smallest children - are spared the harsh realities of war. In fact, they are often sent to the front lines of the fighting with nothing but whistles around their necks. Proceeds from the sales of their whistle necklaces "help end the war in Congo with proceeds going to help their on-the-ground programs that are creating vocational training schools for women affected by the war to provide them with skills traning, hope, and opportunities to have a better life."

5) Jack's Soap - Like candles, soap is a great "plus" gift...a little extra something for a gift bag or hostess gift. Bringing the one for one concept to soap, Jack's Soap operates based on the astounding fact that "each year over 5 million people die of diseases caused by poor water quality and lack of proper hygiene and half of those deaths could be prevented with just a single bar of soap."

6) Warby Parker - Whether you want a pair of stylish frames for yourself, or sunglasses to gift to someone special, check out Warby Parker. For each pair purchased, a pair is donated to someone in need! Doesn't get any easier than that.

7) Krochet Kids - Who doesn't love a new winter hat for Christmas, especially when the purchase of said hat helps "empower the women of Northern Uganda and Peru with the assets, skills, and knowledge to lift themselves and their families out of poverty." Krochet Kids provides jobs, education and mentorship to enact lasting, fundamental changes in the lives of those in need.

8) Project RED - There's literally something for everyone in the Project RED shop, all designed to support the fight against AIDS. Skateboard decks, beanbags chairs, techie goodies and more.

9) Orphans International Worldwide - Reusable totes make a great gift. Not only are they good for the environment, but this particular bag supports children in need all around the world. What's best is it's adorable and only $5.00!

10) Music Philanthropy - No Christmas list would be complete without a little music!!! Pandora is offering limited-edition posters in exchange for a $10 donation to their music philanthropy program

What about you? What types of gifts are you giving this year? What are your favourite meaningful gifts?]]>