RATE IT! Mad Men Season 3 DVDs

Hurrah! Today sees the release of the DVD set of the third season of 'Mad Men.'

Another great season -- with the incredible JFK assassination episode ---plus one of the best season finales *ever*.

You'll never look at a John Deere lawnmower the same again...

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

One Week

My first impressions -- even from a year ago -- still hold true.

RATE IT! I Lego NY!

Let's just face it...Lego is taking over the world, or at least the pop culture part of it.

We've seen Lego pop stars, Lego boomboxes, Lego artwork...now the plastic blocks are taking a bite out of the Big Apple. The I Lego NY booklet, crafted by Cristoph Niemann is a treasure trove of Manhattan favourites. Taxis, famous architecture, food, even whimsical glimpses of the idiosyncrasies that plague city dwellers (stepping in chewing gum, anyone?)...all make this book a joy to behold.

New York City as a tiny toy-town. Love it!

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl

It's Supergirls!

Sorry, but I don't think Wonder Woman would qualify!

Liz Funk's fantastic examination of the trials & tribulations of being a successful young woman nowadays is definitely worth a second look - even a year after its much anticipated release.

RATE IT! Peeps Takin' Over!

Following in the successful candy-coated heels of the Hershey and M&M stores, comes the sugary joy that is PEEPS!

Yes, Peeps....those somewhat sickly marshmallow blobs in the holiday shapes of chicks, rabbits & snowmen now have their very own store to call home.

Setting up shop in National Harbor, Maryland just prior to Christmas, Peeps & Company sells all sorts of Peeps products -- clothes, toys, as well as the fluorescent-hued candy treats. Best of all... the store features a yellow Peep-mobile with a freaky monstrous Easter chick Peep atop its roof.

Oh, dear... there goes the neighbourhood!

RATE IT! Mad Men Go Plastic

Following upon the success of their 'X-Files' and 'I Love Lucy' TV-themed dolls, this summer Mattel will be unveiling their latest pop culture cross-over ~ 'Mad Men' inspired "Barbie" dolls!

There's Don, Roger, Betty and -- yes! -- Joan! For $75 a pop, they can be your's.

Looks like Barbie just might be in luck! With the Draper marriage crumbling beyond repair, she can kick Ken to the curb and get some Madison Avenue action!

Big thanks to Gabrielle for the tip!

RATE IT! Dog Gone

Without a ton of cash, it's difficult for volunteer based non profits to have ad campaigns that get their message across in an unique & powerful way. The Sacramento, California SPCA managed to do just that with the creative genius of Glass McClure Advertising, a Sacramento based agency.

With the permission of United Features Syndicate, Paws Inc, and Warner Bros., Glass McClure employed the absence of our favourite pop culture pets -- Snoopy, Garfield & Scooby Doo - to convey the sad reality of a life without beloved pets. The tag line states: It's not the same without a pet. Adopt one.

Life IS better with a pet.

Hopefully with these fantastic ads, the message will get across loud and clear and more homeless animals will find their forever home.

To view all three of the ads, please click here.

HATE IT! Icky Fishy

Perhaps you have to *enjoy* sushi in order to find sushi-themed accessories endearing.

Me no likey. Give me a McDonald's Filet o' Fish over this goo anyday...

Sushi pillows, sushi erasers now there's sushi magnets.

Since when did squishy raw fish products = cute?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZOEY!

Happy, happy birthday, baby!

Our beloved Zoey Bean was born a year ago today, the only girl in a litter of five puppies. Looking back at this photo taken during her first week with her new parents, it's hard to believe that she was once so wee.

Living up to her breed, this little Schipperke has been a challenge and then some! She's turned our lives upside down - for the better, actually - and now we couldn't imagine our hectic lives without her. xoxox

RATE IT! Hachi: A Dog's Tale

I have heard so much about this moving story -- a well-known true story from Japan about a loyal dog named Hachiko, and his unwavering love & devotion for his master -- and now it's finally making its way onto DVD.

Apparently, the film had its North American theatrical release in December? I completely missed hearing about it then -- it probably got lost in the shuffle for all the holiday movies, and with shopping and the crazy pre-Christmas whirlwind, only saw a limited release.

I won't spoil the plot but take my word for it, if the movie is true to the real-life story, you MUST be prepared for tears...lots of 'em! "Hachi" has an award-winning pedigree... featuring multi-award nominees Richard Gere and Joan Allen, and Academy Award® winning director, Lasse Hallstrom (Cider House Rules), and is available on DVD in North America today.

Kinda fitting that such a lovely dog story is released on my Zoey's first birthday.

RATE IT! I Want a Cutlery Dress Too

Did you watch the Oscars® last night?

The show was a hodge podge of the good (wins for Sandy Bullock, Kathryn Bigelow!), the bad (the intuitive dance segment - please!), and the ugly (Charlize Theron's gown! Cupcake boobs!). Add in some laughs from hosts, Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin, plus an opening song 'n' dance toe-tapper from Neil Patrick Harris and the night was quite entertaining.

Keeping things on a positive note... the best of the night for me...

The well-thought out tribute to filmmaker, John Hughes. Brat packers ahoy! I'd like to think that I've aged much better than they have! Sorry, Ally!

The presenting duo of Tina Fey & Robert Downey Jr. No one did it better.

Best dressed...'An Education' best actress nominee, Carey Mulligan and that Prada gown! Definitely not your average black frock, Carey's dress was bedazzled with miniature cutlery. Unique, kitschy with a fashionable sense of humour, this gown was an award winner in all categories.

Well done!

(photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

RATE IT!/HATE IT! Pretty 'n' Pinchy

This intriguing creation has me both charmed & perplexed.

To celebrate the upcoming release of Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' movie, Disney has gone for something more fletching (and expensive) than the typical mouseketeer ears. Yes, Disney is now doing .... jewellery couture.

This Disney Couture Tea Party Necklace is quite exquisite in its execution. Designer Tom Binns has carefully crafted this flurry of tea pots, cups, mini-saucers & cutlery into one of the more unique pieces of jewellery seen in ages. It's quite dainty and obviously meant for the most lady-like of wearers. I must say it's really pretty & I can't stop gazing at it, but I also ponder how comfy it would be to wear. Wouldn't those sticky-outy pieces of tableware poke and prod? Or pinch? And the noise... I bet it makes its fair share of clinky, clanky racket. Too noisy, too pinchy for me.

RATE IT! Star Wars Crochet

Star Wars, and the craft of crocheting seem like odd bed fellows... until you take a peep at these babies!

Adorable!

Ten tiny Star Wars characters, all made by hand by crochet. What talent! Darth Vader, Yoda, Chewbacca -- they're ALL here! Who knew crochet was so cool, and pop culture-esque!

Lucyravenscar of England -- you are a GENIUS!

You can purchase Lucy's patterns on Esty to make your own Star Wars crochet characters - if you dare! As for me I think it's best that I just admire this fabulous handywork from afar, and leave this unique craft to the professionals!

Check out Lucyravenscar's blog for more of her amazing work.

RATE IT! Foodie Ker-Plunk

Despite what your Mother told you, sometimes it's more than okay to play with your food.

Meet the Ker-plunk inspired Olive Drop, designed by Ernie Bakker. Olives stand-in for marbles, while cocktail picks hold the party nibbles aloft waiting for the fun to commence! Genius!

And it gets BETTER! See that tray at the bottom? It catches all the drizzling oil from the trapped olives creating the perfect spot to dip your bread or other appetizer treats. Neat & tidy, foodie fun!

Yum!

RATE IT! Blizzard Forecast

IT'S BACK.....!!!!

Suddenly it feels like March 2009 all over again.

Yep, the Mint Oreo Blizzard is claiming the third month of the year all over again (hmm...perhaps this Blizzard would have been more appropriate for February = Groundhog Day = the occasion that repeats over and over and over again?)

Okay, I'll stop over-analyzing the Blizzard of the Month choice & just give in to the fresh, frosty delight that this treat epitomizes! If you didn't already have a good reason to indulge... take this anniversary to heart. The Blizzard is celebrating 25 years in 2010.

Ah, as if I had to twist your arm!! Dig in and enjoy!

RATE IT! The Storybook Ending

Team Canada 3 - Team USA 2 (OT) -- thanks, Sidney Crosby!

The Olympic hockey result pretty much speaks for itself which is actually a very good thing. I've lost much of my voice after last night's Team Canada triumph over the good ol' US of A.

It was no surprise that the impromptu street level celebrations that went down across Canada went off without any problems, any violence. That's just us... polite! It was a blast! Waving the flag, screaming and partying with our fellow Canucks. There's nothing like Canada earning gold in our national sport to bring all of Canada together. Nothing sweeter!

Team USA really pushed Team Canada to the limit. The perfect ending to a wonderful Olympic Games in Vancouver. So happy, so bloody wiped out! Finally... we can get some rest!

(Team Canada photo: Jeff Vinnick, Hockey Canada)

RATE IT! Air Hockey Mini

Okay, I'm the first to admit that I'm playing to type.

I am...Canadian. Hockey obsessed. In love with toys = I really REALLY want this mini air hockey game. And I'm in massive Olympics withdrawal...

'Nuff said.

Get your game on at Fred Flare.