RATE IT! Glittering Christmas Cities

I love a good Christmas city. I like snow, the decorations...


I recently wrote an article for Reader's Digest.ca about several gorgeous Christmas destinations perfect for people full of holiday spirit.


10 Festive Christmas Destinations


Hope you enjoy this enchanted holiday travelogue!


(photo: mine!)

RATE IT! Christmas CAN Be Sunny

I've been quite busy this holiday season with a bunch of articles toasting the Christmas season. Here's one of my most heart-warming - so to speak! 

The 10 Sunniest Christmas Vacations ~ My latest article for Reader's Digest.ca.


Snow haters, rejoice! You do have options!

HATE IT! Like Crazy

Anyone who follows me on Twitter will have seen a flurry of tweets in anticipation of the movie, 'Like Crazy'. It's been feted at Sundance and has had plenty of critic-worthy buzz, but for me none of those shiny accolades really matter. I'll like a movie if it speaks to me, or touches my soul in some way. It doesn't have to be a cinematic masterpiece, or winner of a truck load of glittering gold statuettes. If I like it, that's enough for me.

I took a weekday afternoon off work to catch this movie. I was so looking forward to it! The reason? The long distance relationship theme. I love movies that deal with this sort of relationship conundrum. You see, I've been there, done that and now have the husband to prove it. We endured an 18-month long distance relationship - me in Canada, he in England - and we found a way to make it work until we both had our feet firmly planted on the same soil. 


Back in the throes of our long distance drama, we weren't fortunate to have all the bells and whistles available for the distance challenged today. We had email, and the phone - THAT'S IT. Back in the late '90s, Skype didn't exist. I didn't own a cell phone, so texts were out of the question, nor did I have a computer at home. I could only send emails from work. Somehow, someway without instant messaging, texting, Twitter or Facebook, we made it work. It was a tough slog. I won't lie and say it was easy, because it wasn't. 


So... along comes this little movie 'Like Crazy', about two California college kids besotted with one another. She's a Brit. He's American. She overstays her time in the US and falls foul with her visa. Whoopsie. She's not allowed back into the US until they get this easily avoidable mess done and dusted. And so begins their long distance affair. 


Cut to the chase... I really despised this movie. For all the critics who are foaming at the mouth over this cinematic "gem", saying it's "so lifelike", and "real" -- have YOU ever been in the midst of a long distance relationship?  I sincerely doubt it. Having walked in the shoes of these two characters, I found their behaviour to be completely unrealistic. Here are my main beefs:


They were lazy -- constantly playing phone tag, leaving sad sack messages and texts for one another: "I missed you." "Please call me!" C'MON! You might have a day or two of phone tag, but if you're truly committed to the other person, this situ just does not happen! You set a time to talk and stick to it. They both had cell phones - more than me and my future husband had. Cry me a river. Through the time of their on-screen relationship, technology began to sprout all sorts of new communication toys - gee, wish I had that luxury during my tenure an ocean away from my guy. 


They whine way too much -- yes, long distance love is heartbreaking, sad, exciting and extremely difficult. The situation is constantly having its way with your emotions. I get it. But whining and complaining about it all the bloody time - enough! If you don't like how it feels, get out of the relationship - or, better yet, MOVE. Yes, up sticks and live on the same continent, in the same city. Cancel out the "long distance" part of the relationship. Okay, she couldn't return to the USA because of her Visa snafu, but he could of flitted over to London. Dude ran his own business. Surely, the boss wouldn't mind too much if you took a short leave of absence. Ultimately, as a long distance relationship participant, YOU have a choice in the matter. Either get with the program and ride the wave, or shut up and move on. But I guess if they did that, we wouldn't have a movie, would we? So cue all the stupid drama, longing looks through glass doors, and unrealistic nuances and fill those cinema seats with hipsters who think this movie is art.


The dude -- sorry, but I don't see how this fella is such a lady killer. Let's look at the evidence: first, he nets Felicity Jones. She's gorgeous, British, quirky and even more adorable than Zooey Deschanel. But while he's separated from her by the miles, his heart wanders and a new girl strolls into his orbit. It's Jennifer Lawrence, people! Another total fox (sorry, for sounding like Wayne's World here). This guy makes furniture in the movie - good job, resourceful... nothing wrong with that profession, but he doesn't seem to have an outstanding sense of humour, a magnetic personality, or a great intellect. He's no Aidan Shaw. He's not the best conversationalist (as seen in his lack of communication with his Brit honey back in the UK). What's to like here? Why does he have all the babes falling at his feet? I didn't buy his attractiveness to all these beautiful women. Not for one second. The guy was just so...oatmeal... all beige and blah.


What did I like about this movie?


I really, really loved Felicity Jones. She's a scene stealer, and all HER buzz is warranted. She's captivating on the screen and the camera loves her. No doubt she'll grab plenty of interesting roles after this star turn - and she deserves each and every one of them. 


But beyond this cute Brit actress, I didn't find much to rave about in 'Like Crazy.' It was flat, a tad boring and very unrealistic. I never once felt sorry for these characters. There was nothing really redeeming about either one of them. If you really want to be with someone who lives half a world away, you do ANYTHING to make it work. No expense is too much. Time is just a minor diversion. You make it work. These two didn't try hard enough. I know, I've been there. 


I've previously written about long distance relationships for Best Health and Slice. Click on the links to explore more. 

RATE IT! Love Hearts Coin Purse

How can you not love this perfect little stockings stuffer?

Love Heart coin purse - adorable. 

RATE IT! Cosmic Christmas

Love, love, LOVE this Christmas cartoon special from back in the late '70s. This Canadian gem called 'Cosmic Christmas' was a staple on TV screens in the Great White North for several years and then suddenly, like the aliens in the story, it disappeared. I'm guessing that there must have been a rights issue because we haven't seen this special on TV for years. I really wish someone would sort out their library or talk to their lawyers and get this program back on TV during the build-up to Christmas where it belongs!


Check out part one here... and if you like what you see, you can view the remaining parts on YouTube. 

RATE IT! New Holiday Tunes

It's now officially December - let the holiday tunes ring out! 


Now, I know that many retailers have already jumped the gun, and have been playing Christmas music for weeks now. But if you can still stomach a seasonal song or two, take a look at one of my latest articles for Slice.ca. This piece is giving all the latest (and most noteworthy) Christmas albums the once over. Some albums are new this year, while others are from last year or the year before. 


A little bit of holiday flavour for everyone! Read and enjoy!


(photo © Jackie Middleton)

RATE IT! Paperchase London Collection

Blame Paperchase. My affection for all things London is heightened once again. The UK retailer of fun, sassy greeting cards, decorations and gifts has a somewhat new collection of items all with a London motif. 


Choose from notebooks, magnets, mugs... there's a little bit of London for all tastes. I'm partial to the laptop case. And the bunting. Oh, and the pencil cases are cute too. I currently use a Paperchase pencil case to hold all my iPhone accessories - the charger, earphones, etc. Hmm.. maybe it's time for an update. 

RATE IT! Travel Destinations for a Sugar Rush

Travel and eating go hand-in-hand ... well, in MY world they do...so it seemed only natural for my latest article to be about 10 Destinations to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth. 

Dig in to my latest piece for Reader's Digest.ca. Best of all? No calories!

RATE IT! Gingerdead Men Cookie Cutters

A little too late for Halloween, but early for Christmas, this comedic take on holiday nibbles has bite. GingerDEAD Men ... why not? Ghoulishly presented by the gang at Perpetual Kid.

RATE IT! Hipster Puppies

While I don't have time for their hipster owners, I DO have plenty of time for the four-legged hipster variety. 'Hipster Puppies' by Christopher R. Weingarten is so dog-gone cute, you can easily forgive these cool canines for their overt trendy tendencies. Bicycles, bandanas and retro glasses are all in fashion with this dog gang. I must admit, I do love the cat's eye look as worn by the black and white fuzzball. 

RATE IT! Back FOR the Future

When pop culture and a good cause come together, everybody wins.

Nike has introduced 'Back to the Future' style kicks for a special one-time only event. They're auctioning off 1,500 pairs of the Nike Mag shoes -- all in aid of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Want to bid? Visit Nikemag.ebay.com and get a pair before they're all gone. PC Mag is reporting that some pairs are going for as high as $3,500 today. Here's the fun video promoting the auction... featuring Saturday Night Live's Bill Hader as the shoe salesman, and Christopher Lloyd in his old the 'Back to the Future' role.

RATE IT! Back to School with Snoopy

When I was a kid, most of the school children (me included) would walk home for lunch each and every day. Only a few kids who were bused to our school from the outer corners of our town, would stay and tuck into a packed lunch. I never had the opportunity to cart around a funky lunch box -- and yeah, I was actually envious of the kids who did. I'll always remember the NHL lunch boxes the boys had. If I didn't live so close to the school, I would have definitely had a Toronto Maple Leafs one. 

Or... perhaps a Snoopy inspired lunch box like this gem available from Perpetual Kid. Snoopy never goes out of fashion in my books. Unfortunately I work from home now so the need for a case to tote my lunch is unnecessary. I'll just have to admire this cute lunch box from afar. 

RATE IT! Paul Rudd Pitches Harvey Weinstein

As a freelance writer, I have to pitch ideas for articles all the time. Emailing queries is a tough task.


Here's a funny look at Paul Rudd's silly attempt at pitching -- in person -- his creative vision to Hollywood bigwig, Harvey Weinstein. From the folk at Funny or Die.

Paul Rudd Pitches Harvey Weinstein from Paul Rudd      

RATE IT! Geek Chic

Nerd alert... and I mean that in the nicest way possible. 


A beaut of a carry-all from Fred Flare. 

RATE IT! Stop the Environment

Funny or Die go where no one else will dare....


The stars are trying to rally everyone to their cause... Stop the Environment. Relax. It's funny! Ed Asner alone is worth a look.

Stop The Environment from Ed Asner      

RATE IT! Duran Duran Appreciation Day

It's August 10 -- that can only mean ONE thing!


Happy Duran Duran Appreciation Day! 

Yes, it's the real deal. 

RATE IT! Tagged Retro-Style

I'm a sucker for travel-related accessories, so I was thrilled to find a Flight 001 store in Chicago. Just like the NYC shop, the Chi-town version did not disappoint. 


The usual suspects of travel paraphernalia were present and accounted for (nifty toiletry bags, gadgets for packing, passport covers, laptop bags -- so many fab items to choose from!) but they also had the coolest luggage tags. Yes, I do love a fun baggage tag. We ended up purchasing several - not only for ourselves but also as gifts for family. The favourite? This cassette tape tag. If the old school muso look isn't for you, how about a retro Scooter, or Rubik's Cube (another one we gifted). 


So cute and functional at the same time. The only problem? Every time we travel, I'll be worried that someone else will fall in love with our funky tags and steal them!


Flight 001 has a terrific online shop, so there's no need to feel left out if you can't visit their stores in person. 


(images: Flight 001)

RATE IT! Sprinkles

Last month when I wasn't following in Ferris Bueller's footsteps in Chicago, I was swooning over a new crush. 


Sprinkles. Where have you been all my life?


Sprinkles is an American cupcake powerhouse. Who knew that such delights awaited me in Chicagoland? I feel like I'm the last person on earth to discover this yummy indulgence. So much time wasted. So many cupcakes not eaten...


Candace Nelson created Sprinkles a few years ago in California and now her delicious enterprise has shops in several U.S. cities including New York City, Beverly Hills, Washington D.C., Dallas and of course, Chicago. Their cupcakes are moist, mouthwatering bundles of joy made fresh on the premises. I kid you not. Sprinkles take cupcakes seriously - and their dedication is palatable (literally!). 


Here's just a sampling of their flavours: dark chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, red velvet, lemon coconut, black and white, cinnamon sugar, carrot...to name but a few. And if you want to attempt to recreate the Sprinkles experience at home, you can purchase cupcake mixes in store. Genius!


The Sprinkles shops are all immaculate, uncluttered and simple in design - IT WORKS! The focus is on the cupcakes and let me tell you, it is love at first sight! Each cake is perfectly formed, not sloppy -- so unlike my first (and only!) visit to the famous Magnolia Bakery (yes, the very cupcake place featured in Sex and the City) in Manhattan. Sprinkles easily trumps Magnolia. There, I said it. 


For now, my crush will have to be an unrequited one. My memories - so vivid that I could almost taste them - will have to carry me through until I can be reunited with my love. Sprinkles has yet to open shop in Canada. They hope to bring their sweet offerings here soon and possibly to other cities... Boston, London! When they do arrive in Toronto, I will be first in line waiting to place my order for a vanilla milk chocolate, peanut butter chip and chocolate marshmallow!


(photos by: Jackie Middleton - cupcakes shown: chocolate marshmallow, vanilla milk chocolate)

RATE IT! Ferris Bueller's Chicago

A week ago today, I was in Chicago. It was my first time in the windy city and to be honest, most of what I knew of this metropolis I had gleamed from Ferris Bueller.

That's right -- Ferris Bueller of John Hughes' '80s teen movie fame. The flick owes many of its most memorable moments to the wonderful city of Chicago where it was shot. See the beautiful painting to the left - it served as the centre piece to one of the most gorgeous scenes of the film. Remember Cameron, Ferris' best friend falling under its dotty spell?

When I travel, I want to feel like I really know a place before I get there. Who wants to waste time bumbling around lost and confused? While I was knee-deep in Chicago facts and info for my trip, I pitched an article idea to The Toronto Star newspaper and the result is my Ferris Bueller's Chicago - 25th Anniversary Edition story.

It appeared in print on the front page of the Toronto Star's weekend travel section back on July 23 - as luck would have it, I was actually *in* Chicago at the time. Seems quite fitting actually. It may not include all of the delights Chicago has to offer but my story will help you find many of the places that Ferris conquered. Enjoy the online version here!

(Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte at the Art Institute of Chicago ~ photo by: Jackie Middleton)

RATE IT! I've Been Nominated!

Each year, the Canadian Weblog Awards celebrates the brightest and best in Canuck blogs. I'm honoured to be among the list of nominees this year -- not in one category, but TWO!




Lose That Girl is up for the Best Humour and Best Pop Culture & Entertainment blog.

I'm in great company sharing the nominee categories with several of my favourite blogs: Jennifer Villamere, Couchtime and Sexy Typewriter. Winners of each category will be chosen by a jury of our peers at the end of 2011. How's that for a Happy New Year's present!

HATE IT! T-Shirt Fail

Why, oh why would a grown man want to wear THIS t-shirt? 
Enlighten me. 

On sale now at Fred Flare. Don't let this tee scare you away from their site. They have plenty of really cool stuff...

RATE IT! Yummy Keychains

Any excuse to celebrate the happiness that is dessert is a 'rate it' in my world. 



Kid Robot - thank you SO MUCH for creating this taste-tempting array of dessert keychains. S'mores, jelly mould, smiling ice cream sandwiches, popsicles, bundt cake, chocolate dipped strawberries... 


I'm having a sugar rush just thinking about this delicious bounty!

RATE IT! Wear If You Dare

Take a peek at these crystal encrusted shoes. What word springs into your mind? Ridiculous? Ouch? How about... fundraisers? 

Turns out these crazy Christian Louboutin eight inch heels are not intended for the trendy gal about town. Nope, they were created for an auction to benefit the English National Ballet. On closer inspection, it all makes perfect sense. The heels actually resemble ballet slippers. 


No doubt some Louboutin obsessive will make a pretty spectacular bid in order to nab this one-of-a-kind footwear. 


Let's just hope they end up in a display case and not on someone's poor feet!

RATE IT! Happy Canada Day!

It's my beloved country's birthday. We're 144 years young! 


Timbits for everyone! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

RATE IT! Another Stamp of Approval

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - that's Prince William & Kate Middleton - will be landing in Canada today! The royal couple will be celebrating my country's 144th birthday on Friday, and visiting several provinces during their nine day trip to the Great White North.


To celebrate this special occasion, Canada Post has just released its 3rd stamp featuring Wills & Kate. This new version features a post-wedding snap of the newlyweds. Earlier stamps were released to mark the royal wedding back in April, and displayed their official engagement photos. 


Want in the royal festivities? Click on the Canada Post link above, and shop to your heart's content. 

RATE IT! JK Rowling Climbs Her Family Tree

As a genealogy fanatic, I'm thrilled to hear that BBC are showcasing yet another series of their excellent Who Do You Think You Are this summer. 


Unfamiliar with the TV program? WDYTYA takes celebrities on a journey of a lifetime - an exploration into their family history. The series has been so successful that it has spawned American, Australian, and Canadian versions in addition to the eight seasons in Britain. The latest sampling due to air in the UK this August boasts Harry Potter creator, JK Rowling, Gavin & Stacey's Larry Lamb, comedian Alan Carr, UK Olympic medalist Sebastian Coe, and Bee Gee Robin Gibb. 

JK Rowling's involvement is particularly timely with the Harry Potter movie saga about to conclude in a few weeks time. Well done, BBC for this spell of programming magic. 

HATE IT! Rub & Smell Magazines

Hands up. Who despises the overpowering perfume strips that lurk in magazines? 


I do! As soon as I receive a fresh issue, I tear out the smelly culprit & toss it in the bin. Unfortunately the remnants of the stinker do remain for a short spell. At least the full-on stench has been sent to its rightful place. 


So you can imagine how pleased I am to see that the July 2011 issue of In Style has incorporated several seasonal scents within its pages. Have a sniff for yourself - there's popcorn, suntan lotion, watermelon... all there to give the reader a new of 'enjoying' the magazine.


I love In Style, but I'm passing on this issue. Sneezing my way through page by page is not my idea of a good time. Gives a whole new meaning to seasonal allergies! 

RATE IT! Shawshank Redemption - Totally '80s

Movie fans will LOVE this re-edit of the Shawshank Redemption... given the '80s montage treatment. Somewhere Kenny Loggins is smiling. From the brainiacs at Funny or Die.

Awesome 80's Montage: Shawshank - watch more funny videos

RATE IT! Pop Culture Dads - A Celebratory List

Father's Day is this coming Sunday. 


To celebrate the occasion, I took an inventory of ten of the most memorable Fathers in entertainment history. Did your favourite pop culture Dad make the cut? And which one reminds you of YOUR Pop?

See where your faves stack up in my latest article for Slice.ca. Click here & enjoy!

RATE IT! Pop Culture Pups

Dog gone it! Pop culture has gone to the dogs! 

Who doesn't like a four-legged scene stealer on the big (or little) screen? Hollywood has always been partial to talented canines, and who am I to disagree!

Here's my latest article for Reader's Digest.ca... 10 Pop Culture Pups. Enjoy!

And as for my Zoey, she'll always be a star in my eyes!

RATE IT! Go the F**k to Sleep

You don't have to be a parent to laugh at this off-kilter book. 


'Go the F**k to Sleep' by Adam Mansbach is a kids' book intended for adults. Don't let its appearance fool you. This seemingly kid-friendly story is not for the pre-school set - and that's part of its charm. 


Having had one too many nights where his beloved little angels wouldn't fall asleep, Mansbach came up with this funny story idea. Already claiming the #1 ranking atop Amazon's book charts in both the humour, and parenting categories, 'Go the F**k Asleep' has obviously struck a cord with many sleep deprived parents.


The title alone is worth the price of this book! Too funny! Available now from Amazon.com, or your local bookshop. 

HATE IT! Scary Ketchup & Mustard

It's a very rare occurrence where something gets the hands-down 'hate it' treatment around here... well, kiddies today is *that* day.


Blinking ketchup & mustard bottles ... need I say anymore? 


Scare the crap out of the neighbourhood kids at your next barbecue, or picnic with these creepy condiment containers. 

Never mind the under 12s, I'M going to have nightmares tonight!

RATE IT! Ice Cream Sandwich Pillow

You can keep your House and Garden ultra-trendy home decor. Instead, I'll gladly take this nifty ice cream sandwich pillow into my abode. It's cute, looks comfy and never takes itself too seriously. 

I think I've finally found the perfect match for the cupcake pillow. 

RATE IT! Reasons to Watch...Brides of Beverly Hills

Who can resist watching the trials and tribulations of a rich bride? 


Not me!

Slice is premiering a BRAND NEW wedding series on June 16 at 9:30pm ET -- Brides of Beverly Hills! If you - like me - enjoy all those pre-wedding jitters that go into tracking down the ideal wedding gown, then this show is for you. And if you need more convincing, check out my Top 10 Reasons to Watch Brides of Beverly Hills... my latest article for Slice.ca.

RATE IT! Brownie Batter Joy!

IT'S BAAAACKKKKK!


Yes, Dairy Queen's Brownie Batter Blizzard is making new friends across the country! Those of us already familiar with the creamy double-fudge brownie batter concoction are almost speechless about its return. 


We're too busy enjoying the brownie chunks intermingled with the vanilla soft serve to even contemplate much of...well, anything. 


Live in the moment. With a Brownie Batter Blizzard, that's really not a problem! The only question that remains: when can I have another one?

RATE IT! Celebrity Cookbooks

Who doesn't like to eat? 


Well, by looking at some Hollywood stars it appears that they don't have the most healthy of appetites. Surprisingly, some do! Celebrity cookbooks are all the rage and with new collections from Sheryl Crow and Gwyneth Paltrow, there's much to digest.


Take a look at my Top 10 Celebrity Cookbooks article for Slice.ca, and I dare to come away without hunger pains!

RATE IT! Save Money, Update Your Wardrobe

With all the new clothes in the shops screaming 'it's summer!' it's easy to exercise your credit cards a little *too* much. Fear not, you can expand your summer wardrobe without verging on bankruptcy. 


Check out my latest article for Slice: How to Update Your Summer Wardrobe Without Breaking the Bank.

Hey, if you save some cash with my tips, how about treating me to a DQ Blizzard? Can't blame a girl for asking! 

RATE IT! Milk & Cookies

I don't think that I really have to explain why this book would be considered a 'rate it.' The subject matter pretty much speaks for itself. Cookies are a dietary staple for me. Some people struggle with their caffeine fix, while others partake in a sneaky cigarette between 9-5 meetings. For me, I'd rather enjoy a decadent, gooey chocolate chip cookie any day. Actually, scratch that..."a" cookie should be revised to "many" cookies. That's just how I roll - literally!


This drool-enticing cookbook, 'Milk & Cookies: 89 Heirloom Recipes from New York's Milk & Cookies Bakery' contains enough recipe delights to keep me busy for some time. And the next time I'm in NYC, I'm definitely visiting the bakery that spawned this book! 

RATE IT! Pre-Summer Checklist

I love a good checklist! With summer in the wings, it's time to take care of some necessary business *now* in order to fully enjoy the few hot months that we DO have.

Don't miss out on any 'to do' list necessities. Here's my pre-summer checklist, my latest article for Slice.ca. 

RATE IT! Popcorn Popper

Remember the good ol' days of Jiffypop popcorn? It was that magical foil pan that you shook across your stove's burner while the corn inside exploded into piece upon piece of yummy, salty popcorn. The foil dome that grew as the kernels popped was half the fun!


Jiffypop is now a relic of the past, but you can still have a neat-o popcorn experience with this nifty device from Vat19. Instead of using the stove, you employ your microwave. 


Just dump some kernels into the container - it's made of laboratory glass by the way, dishwasher safe too - add butter in the lid, and place the entire contraption in your microwave. Two minutes later, you'll open up your microwave to the hot, buttery smell of fresh popcorn.

It kinda looks like a wacky science experiment which makes this popper all the more endearing. Available for $20 from Vat19.com. 

RATE IT! Top 10 Summer Beach Reads

While you wait for summer to finally show her pretty face, here's some seasonal prep that will keep you from twiddling your thumbs in anticipation.


Ta da! The Top 10 Summer Beach Reads - yes, it's my latest article for Slice.ca. There's new bestsellers, old classics and a few hidden gems... all waiting to be carted along on your next beach-bound adventure. 


Before summer arrives, you can bookmark the reads you're interested in, and be fully prepared to hit the sand. 

RATE IT! Sweet Dreams Cupcake Pillow

Sleep on it? I'd rather eat it. The Sweet Dreams Cupcake Pillow. 


I couldn't have named it better!

RATE IT! Top 10 Fashion Trends for Summer

Just because Mother Nature is still cowering in the corner in her spring finery doesn't mean that the rest of us can't get a jump on summer. Sure, the official declaration that summer has arrived is still a few weeks away but it always pays to be prepared. 


To kick us into gear, here's my latest article for Slice - The Top 10 Fashion Trends for Summer.


Enjoy!

RATE IT! Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?

Kids of the '70s and '80s!  Remember all those gems of childhood that you loved so much? The toys, candy, and TV shows? Authors Gael Fashingbauer Cooper and Brian Bellmont don't want you to EVER forget!


"Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?" is a joyous romp down memory lane. Sea-Monkeys, Schoolhouse Rock, Shasta???? And here I thought that I was the only one who recalled these gems from when I was little. This book is a time machine for kids of all ages. They even mention Weebles! Ooh, time to go hunting for my Winnie the Pooh Weebles tree house!


This terrific book will be on store shelves, and available online on June 7. I'm getting one!


Want more remembrances from the '70s and '80s? Check out their Genxtinct blog (how did I ever survive without this website? I'm hooked, like totally!)

RATE IT! Somebody to Love Me

Ear worms can be evil little pests! Songs that roll 'round and 'round in your head can drive you to distraction... except when the tune is a little piece of heaven.


The latest track stuck in my head? 'Somebody to Love Me' by Mark Ronson and Business Intl. When Mark's album came out last fall, I was immediately blown away by 'Record Collection,' the song featuring my ultimate pop star, Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon. But now a few months, and two trips to England later, I'm adding 'Somebody to Love Me' to my must-listen playlist in my iPod. I became reacquainted with the tune while shopping in London. You know when you hear a song you've heard before but this time in a different setting? And how it can instantly spark some interest? That's what happened to me. I love this song.


Once again, Mark Ronson turned to an '80s icon to add some vocal oomph. Boy George shares the singing duties in this one with a great artist named Andrew Wyatt, leader of Miike Snow. (and I just discovered that Andrew was once in an outfit with the fella from The Bird and the Bee who I *love*!).


And in this TV clip, I had to laugh when I spotted the drummer's wallet on laid out on his kit!





And if you want to see the official video - a complete '80s flashback - indulge in this clip. An old school Boy George lookalike, bare bums... what more could you want? :)



Mark Ronson - Somebody To  Love (Official Video) by PayeTaChatte

RATE IT! Pizza Puzzle

Stir crazy yet? When you've been locked up inside for days due to inclement weather (like we have been), you need a new challenge. While many people turn to their X-Box or Wii to waste endless hours, some of us prefer old school pursuits. Speaking of which, when's the last time you got well, and truly puzzled?


Here's a pizza pie that's truly outside the box!


Grab yourself a slice, and get to work! 400 pieces of puzzling cheesiness. Count me in! 

RATE IT! Classic Chatter Phone

A toy time blast from the past!

Fisher Price is rolling out a kiddie favourite from days gone by - I even remember having one!

Meet the Classic Chatter Telephone. Sure, it's not as slim as an iPhone, and the old school rotary dial might confuse the younger set - but with it's jiggly eyes, and happy-go-lucky voice, this retro toy is still a gem!

Times may change but classics stand the test of time.

RATE IT! Domo-nation

Never mind the Terminator... meet the Domo-nator!


Domo, the little Japanese monster with an abundance of attitude is back with not one new look, but a whole slew of them.


Mellon Domo, Tuxedo Domo, Strawberry.. purple fuzz.... so many monsters, so little time. 


I'm partial to the glam rock Domo complete with star 'tattoos' that even Ziggy Stardust would be proud of. 


Available now from Fred Flare. 

RATE IT! Ice Cream Record Breaker

Now here's a Guinness world record attempt worthy of support!

Today at noon in Toronto - Yonge/Dundas Square to be precise - Dairy Queen Canada are going to attempt to create the world's largest ice cream cake. That's 21,000 thousand pounds of ice creamy, Oreo joy.

I know where I want to be!

Donations will be accepted for the Children's Miracle Network, so you can feel less guilty about dining on ice cream on your lunch break. It's a win-win! 

And if the ice cream cake record can be broken, it's a bonus!

RATE IT! Friends of Mine

Can't help myself! Time for another trip down Duran Duran memory lane!


Here's a clip of 'Friends of Mine,' a track from the very first self-titled album. 


Enjoy!

RATE IT! iPaw'd

Why should your dog be left out of all the iPad fun? 


Meet iPaw'd... a pillow/toy that will make your canine one trendy pup. 

RATE IT! Retro Mother's Day

Mother's Day in North America is fast approaching on May 8.

I couldn't help but smile when I spotted this retro-look mug. I adore the cat's eye glasses... makes me think of my super stylish mum. She wore glasses just like this pair back in the '60s. 


Just lovely. 

RATE IT! Happy Wedding Day, Will & Kate

Don't you just love a good wedding? 


Obviously Canada Post does! Today they're releasing not one, but TWO special stamps featuring the happy couple. One version is for domestic mail. The other, more expensive one is for international letters. Both Queen Elizabeth, and Prince William approved the Canadian-made designs. I hope that Kate got to see them too! 


I am so happy that Canada, as a proud member of the Commonwealth, decided to produce these stamps. To the happy couple!