First Lady Michelle Obama may be more popular than her husband these days due to the backlash of the government shutdown, but she's created somewhat of a 'shutdown' herself.

The childhood obesity trailblazer and healthy eating and lifestyle advocate, canceled invitations to California fundraisers that generate thousands of dollars for the Democratic National Committee -- a double ouch on the Democratic front.

Due to the government shutdown, the first lady had to cancel her trip to Los Angeles on Friday, where she was scheduled to headline a $32,000-a-head political fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at the Hancock Park home of "Everybody Loves Raymond" creator Philip Rosenthal and his actress wife, Monica.

In addition, Obama also has been forced to cancel plans to join House minority leader Nancy Pelosi for a "Woman's Brunch" fundraiser at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Tickets for this event had a hefty price tag, ranging from $32,000 to $500 each. The proceeds were intended to support the Democrats' efforts to recapture the House, where they need to pick up 17 seats to reclaim their majority.

Chit-chat and snapshots with the first lady on the side also brings in funds -- Obama "was supposed to give an 'off-the-cuff' discussion of current issues with a small group of deep-pocketed donors paying $32,000 each to sit in on the conversation," THR adds. "Other invited guests were set to pay between $1,250 and $10,000 for meet-and-greet and photo opportunities with the first lady, upping the DNC's take on the evening considerably."

The government shutdown has caused these events to take a back seat, "as even privately financed travel is a non-starter for the first family. Their normal government transport has been curtailed because of the impasse with the GOP-controlled house over its attempts to use the budget resolution to defund the Affordable Health Care Act, President Obama's signature legislative achievement."

The graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School and former corporate attorney shines at these type of affairs. Also a notable fashionista, Obama has become a favorite of Hollywood. She has appeared on several television shows and announced the Best Picture for the Academy Awards.

The 49-year-old, who ranked No. 4 out of 100 on Forbes' "Most Powerful Women" list, points out that her life hasn't always been glamorous. At a keynote address in March, she addressed the hardships of balancing work and family life, saying, "It wasn't that long ago that I was juggling a demanding job with two small children and a husband who traveled. "

With the government shutdown, it looks like both Michelle and Barack will be staying put for a little while.