Melissa Henderson: Constant Chatter Deputy Editor
With a "See ya, hate to be ya" to the giant parking lot that is Los Angeles, Melissa Henderson sold the car, stuffed her husband into a suitcase and moved back home to Montreal, Canada, where they both now happily roam the streets by foot. She is also Very Busy not working on several unfinished novels.
Trained in journalism and linguistics at UCLA, Melissa has worked as a journalist and editor (news and magazine) since 2001. Her writing has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Brand X, Up! Magazine, Soundspike and Greater Long Beach, among other publications.
Articles by Melissa Henderson
It's time to shine the light on Bebe Buell, rock 'n' roll muse. Long before she became known as "Liv Tyler's mom," Buell was making music -- and not just with rock stars. To learn more about Buell's new album, "Hard Love," and score a copy of her single, "Normal Girl," read on.
You know those women who become best friends with their mothers-in-law, going shopping, chatting on the phone, doing pretty much everything with them? Didn't think so. Not to say it's all bad. There are simply some things in life that should be avoided at all costs. Obviously, any kind of land war in Asia. But just as deadly? Cooking with your mother-in-law.
Masochistic staffer Melissa Henderson has a new and deranged idea to try out: 30 yoga classes in 30 days. It may kill her, but we don't care. It'll be a good story. Note: Henderson hasn't worked out regularly in almost a decade. Please direct all betting inquiries to the editor.
Fall brings a lot of things -- the trade-in of those sultry late summer days for crisp weather, new beginnings, brightly colored leaves (for the luckies with actual seasons), fresh-pressed apple cider, Thanksgiving, FOOTBALL and a bunch of new movies to see. Here are a few to watch out for.
More than just a triumph of social media marketing, Kina Grannis is a singer/songwriter worth listening to -- online or off. Read on to learn how she parlayed a YouTube channel into a successful music career without enlisting the help of Usher. And there's a free MP3 in it for you, too.
Looking for a book that's a blast to read, but won't evaporate from your consciousness the minute you turn the last page? Rain Mitchell's "Tales from the Yoga Studio" offers a slyly clever peek into Lalaland's yoga scene. Nuanced characters, a compelling plot and more than a few laugh-out-loud moments will keep you reading this one well past your bedtime.
Last time CC staffer Melissa Henderson visited this topic, it was "where hath my youth and great aspirations gone?" as she tearfully downed half a bottle of wine and paged despondently through old photo albums. Now it's time for her to drag herself out of that oh-so-seductive well of self pity and do something about it.
As we move into the cooler months, soups, stews and curries become more and more attractive. Especially nice on a chilly autumn evening is the tasty Tofu Curry with Cauliflower and Apple. Quick and easy to make, this curry is also a great option for vegetarians, vegans and anyone avoiding gluten.
Got lashes? Staffer Melissa Henderson didn't, so she set off to forage for some. What she discovered was the intriguing world of lash extensions. Surprisingly, she did not return looking like a drag queen (not that we have anything against drag queens -- it's just not the best look for her.) Read on for the whats, wheres, hows and more.
The latest in Constant Chatter's Music Spotlight series shines the light on singer/songwriter Elizabeth Cook. Fusing country with backroads Americana, Cook's songs run the gamut of searing ballads to kick-up-yer-heels juke joint rock. Musician, radio host, writer and clogger, this lady is one to watch.
Looking to shake up your tuna salad recipe? Staffer Melissa Henderson got all experimental-like and came up with a new spin on the old-school version. [Read: Open can; dump in bowl. Stir in some mayo. Try not to fall asleep while eating.] Check out this recipe for Savory Tuna Salad for a nice change.
Picking up where part one of our series on food allergies left off -- what is gluten- and/or dairy-intolerance and more importantly, do I have it? -- we return to offer some relief. Here are several tips and tricks for navigating what can be an irritating -- if not downright devastating -- food allergy.
Never mind that "Not so fresh feeling." Ever get the "Holy crap, I look like I'm six months pregnant ... and where's the bathroom?" feeling after a few cheese and crackers? You may suffer from an allergy or sensitivity to wheat gluten and/or dairy. Read on for the whats, wheres and whys.
Mox-ie. Noun. Slang. /maw 'ksee/ 1. Spirit and courageousness in the face of difficulty. 2. Energy that cannot be contained; wild-eyed initiative. 3. That ferocious spark and lust for adventure we left behind in Wonderland when we picked up our 401(k)s and shut the door on our own unfettered possibility. (Go ahead, Alice: CLICK ME.)
Mother's Day has come and gone this year, but for many women the scars from that beloved May holiday remain. Join us as we explore ways in which to create a new tradition without destroying the old ... or the Olds.
Our plucky staffer Melissa Henderson risked salon savagery, potential scalp injury and the inevitability of us all laughing at her by going and getting herself a Weave -- just so you don't have to. (Fine. So we don't.) Read on for details of her Very Serious investigative journalism.
Got moxie? Kelly Timm aka Bo-Toxic of the San Diego Derby Dolls certainly does. A modern day superwoman, Kelly/Bo balances motherhood, marriage and career by honoring her inner wild woman -- roller skates, bruises, body-checks and all. Here's our one-on-one Q&A with a women who most definitely inspires us.
This edition of Constant Chatter's Music Spotlight series focuses on singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jenny O. We dare you not to finger-snap to the beat.
