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.