Friday, July 31, 2009

RATE IT! Promising!!



Me likey! GG's Blair and Chuck get reacquainted on the streets of the Big Apple this summer.

Love it! Looks like season 3 of 'Gossip Girl' - set to set up shop on September 14 in North America - is going to be steamy

(photo: gossipgirl insider/the CW)

RATE IT! Tracey Ullman: They Don't Know

Time for another 80's gem!

LOVE this song and its cute video (ah.... Bay City Rollers gear!). Enjoy!


Thursday, July 30, 2009

RATE IT! Giant Tootsie Pop Pillow


The ultimate in comfort food -- a candy pillow! 

Much like the Double Bubble Gum bead pillow (which I own), Dylan's Candy Bar has added some new confectionary gems to their housewares collection. This giant Tootsie Pop caught my eye for its fresh look and typical non-pillow shape. Personally, Tootsie Pops are not my first choice for a sugar rush but as a living room accent, I'm so there!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

HATE IT! Mini Popcorn Vacuum


Look out mini cheeseburger vacuum.... the popcorn bucket is vying for your job. 

Yes, apparently this bundle of horribly rendered fake kernels is a crumb vacuum. Who knew?

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

RATE IT! Desktop Swing Ball

Swing ball. Isn't that just a *cough* more boring name for the game known as Zim Zam

We had a human-size version of this game when we were kids -- and yeah, it was called Zim Zam not some silly swing ball. It had a coil on top of the pole which was stuck into the grass. The ball was actually a yellow fuzzy tennis ball on the string. Wooden paddles -- which would probably be outlawed for today's kids -- were used to bat the ball 'round & 'round. 

Now you can have it all on your desk but under a lame more "classy" name. 

What's next for desktop retro fun? Lawn darts?

Monday, July 27, 2009

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ David Archuleta - For Real

What's a day around these parts without meeting a famous popstar? As my friend discovered, singers are partial to a decadent diner milkshake too.

RATE IT! Rubik's Salt Mill


Taking 1980's love & nostalgia to a whole new level!

With that distinctive Rubik's plastic-y cube-moving sound, you can season your tasties & enjoy a nod to the Ferris decade. 

Friday, July 24, 2009

RATE IT! Hello, Mr. Donut

Time to serve up some Friday weirdness....

I've had too much sugar as of late and yes, donuts are to blame but somehow I just can't stray from Tim Horton's (the plague of most Canadians).

Anyhoo.... here's a silly, freak out of a donut trip for you. Don't say that I didn't warn you.


Thursday, July 23, 2009

RATE IT! Important Artifacts...

Hands down, this ingenious book by Leanne Shapton is my next book purchase.

'Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion and Jewelery' -- not only beholds one of the longest titles ever encountered but also one of the quirkiest reason d'etre. You would be hard pressed to find a cooler storytelling technique.

Focusing on a series of personal miscellany, kooky knickknacks & heartfelt notes once held privately by the fictional coupling of the aforementioned Lenore & Harold, 'Important Artifacts' is set up like a public auction catalogue. Much like when a famous person dies and their personal effects end up on view & purchase via wealthy auction houses, these items are laid bare upon the demise of Lenore & Harold's love. Photos of everyday random objects mingle within the pages, witnesses to the birth of Lenore & Harold's four year relationship, its passionate life & eventual death. A smashed cup, a smudged handwritten note, stolen salt & pepper shakers all gather to tell their part of this fantastic story. 

And here's where Shapton excels & really nails the whole relationship thing on its messy head. We all accumulate 'stuff' from daily personal interactions, from friends & lovers - inconsequential items that resonate with a feeling, with a memory related to person once (or still?) deemed special. A crumpled receipt cherished from a favourite eatery where you dined on your first date. A pressed flower remaining from a bouquet gifted by an ex. Even ticket stubs from a memorable concert -- we're all guilty of collecting such life keepsakes. Most objects in the hands of others not associated with their special-ness would just be seen as life clutter. What's a stolen salt shaker without its human context but a rogue table accessory? Suffice it to say, in the eyes and heart of the beholder, it's probably a token from a night to end all nights, full of passion, laughter and unbridled excitement. One person's trash is always another's beloved treasure...especially when wrapped in memories.

I'm well & truly hooked. If you are too, check out Leanne Shapton speaking about her novel from her own perspective. You'll never regard your old relationship souvenirs in the same way again.



RATE IT! How to Be Popular


Some social dreams are never out of style.

Take this tome of real tips for teen popularity, all pulled from the 1960s & 1970s. As much as times change, some gals will always want to be in the IN-crowd. Chock full of retro-tastic artwork & photos, 'How to Be Popular' may not win you friends & influence people, but it will have you laughing at many of the suggestions found inside. A sense of humour is always better than a bunch of sycophants following you around, right?


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

RATE IT! Dog Pretzel

Look what she can do!

As a *very* proud puppy mama, I'm taking this opportunity to show how wildly creative my little Schipperke baby is... with the assistance of her favourite fuzzy wolf toy.

Dog pretzel! A Schipperke with a twist! Ta da!

(photo: me!)

RATE IT! Gossip Girl Back at Work

Summer's a time when many of us are kicking back, taking time off from work -- but that's not the scenario for the cast of 'Gossip Girl'. With barely a few weeks off this season, the cast are back at their daily grind during Manhattan's sticky, steamy summer.

Season three is bound to be as delectable as the previous two, and with Blair and Chuck together, it's like extra fudge on your McD's ice cream sundae. Hot & yummy!!

Lots of news from the set... new characters (including Joanna Garcia the lead character from now-cancelled CW series, Privileged), new hooks and new schools for our favourite spoilt clique. 

I know that I've said it far too many times already but ---I cannot wait for September 14!!!

(photo: gossipgirlinsider.com)

RATE IT! Unzipped Glass Bag


File this one under 'what will they think of next'. 

A hand-blown candy dish modeled after a disposable zip loc bag. Serve up some treats & make a statement all at the same time.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ The Art of Racing in the Rain

You don't have to be a dog person to enjoy this moving story of a life-long friendship full of love, joy and tragedy. 

HATE IT! Twinkie Coin Purse

Hot on the heels after debating the merits of the bacon wallet, comes the Twinkie coin purse.

Just what everyone needs, right? 

Twinkies, unfortunately are not the glamour puss of the Hostess chemical-cake dessert world. That title would rightfully go to the famous cupcake with the white icing squiggle -- which is also available as a coin purse. It's much much nicer, more funky, and let's face it, more attractive. 

I'd skip this bland yellow blob masquerading as a Twinkie wannabee and opt for the cupcake coin purse. Definitely.

Monday, July 20, 2009

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ Traveling? Here's Your First Destination

Make like a scout and be prepared -- even for the joyful event that is a vacation. A happy trip is one that's planned & packed properly, with no room for unwelcome surprises!

RATE IT! Ghostly Ice Cream Tee



BOO!

I-Scream!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Who knew that Casper the Friendly Ghost was such a dessert fan?

I've never been that keen on this wee ghosty but I do like his new ice cream friendly t-shirt.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ Sweet Feet

Rainy days (and Mondays) won't get you down with these splash dodgers!

Friday, July 17, 2009

RATE IT! (500) Days of Summer

Not since 'One Week' has there been a movie that I *so* wanted to see!

Opening TODAY '(500) Days of Summer' is THAT movie starring the quirky & adorable Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon-Levitt (yes, he was the kid on '3rd Rock from the Sun' - truly!).

A different sort of romantic comedy!


HATE IT! Jeremy's Pumped


My fondness for Jeremy Piven is well documented in this little corner of the blog-o-sphere. Yep, I did travel down to NYC to catch him on Broadway in 'Speed the Plow' -- thank goodness *before* his questionable exit from said show with mercury poisoning --- so he says. Whatever. Still like him even if he's excuses are ridiculous.

Anyway, this cover of 'Men's Fitness' had me wondering.... Jeremy IS fit, but I don't believe he's THAT buff. Photoshopped, much?

Thursday, July 16, 2009

RATE IT! Be Pop Tart Bedazzled




If you can play with your food, why not wear it as well. 


Not your run of the mill toaster treat. Check out that 'tude!


RATE IT! Food Face Plate





Yes, my secret is out. I'm just juvenile enough to find this silly plate a must have!

Playing with your food -- not only is it allowed but encouraged with this dinnerware.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

RATE IT! Bridget's Back!


Variety is reporting that Renee Zellweger is set to reprise her role as Bridget Jones for a third installment.

Working Title, the production company at the heart of the movies, is developing the new flick with hopes to have filming underway in late 2010. 

Time to send skinny Renee some Dairy Queen Blizzards & Tim Horton's donuts to gain back Bridg's normal gal curves!

HATE IT! Celebrity Ho-Hum

Check out the cover of the latest issue of 'Us' magazine -- the fly on the wall bible for all things celebrity & vacuous. 

I admit, I buy this trash weekly -- it's visual junk food that I cannot kick. Some of you may call coffee your vice of choice, mine is 'Us' magazine (I'd never stoop as low as to purchase 'Star' or 'In Touch' -- I do have some standards).

But *are* cracks finally creeping into my fondness for said zine? There's absolutely NOTHING on this cover that is of *any* interest to me. NOTHING. Na da. 

Z list celebs (Kendra), non-stories (Jon Gosselin) and Nick & Jess.... blech. When celeb culture hits the bottom of the barrel...

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ And Then We Came to the End

With all the layoffs and job uncertainly *still* -- this book is still a timely read. You'll laugh, you'll cringe! You'll be glad that you don't work in this workplace! 


~~ Action Figure Undies

Best to be prepared -- you never know when you'll be called upon to save the world. Muscles, not included.

RATE IT! Mad Men ~ Season 2

The horrendous poutine nightmares of yesterday totally clogged up my mind, thus I missed the fact that the exquisite 'Mad Men' season two DVD set had been released. A must buy.... unlike poutine *barf*

One day late -- better late than never, right? Right!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

RATE IT! Pet Airways

Dog-gone it! Looks like my Schipperke puppy might get to fly the friendly skies after all!

The first all-pet airline took flight today in New York state. Yep, you read correctly: ALL PET airline! Alysa Binder & Dan Wiesel -- the founders of Pet Airways, were fed up with pet unfriendly airlines that would cram man's best friend deep into the dark, hot underbelly of their planes. In a bold and totally unique move, Binder & Wiesel's new company removed all the typical 'human' seats to equip their Pet Airways cabins with roomy pet crates. Pets receive pre-boarding walks & bathroom breaks & human attention every 15 minutes while in flight. Gee, that's better treatment than us humans get while traveling!

With five planes in their fleet and New York, Denver, L.A., Chicago, Washington D.C. & Chicago as their ports of call, Pet Airways already has its first two months of flights all booked up. 

As a pet owner, I think this idea is such a refreshing take on air travel for our nearest & dearest! It's very very cool but the one thing that rubs me the wrong way... we can't travel *with* our pets on Pet Airways. I'm all for safety for traveling pets and no doubt they'll feel less stressed going this route, but it would be even *better* if the airline was open for pets AND their owners within the cabin. Can't say that I would ship off my Schip all on her own.

HATE IT! Poutine

New York magazine is all a flutter over the emergence of a poutine in gotham city. 

Seriously? Poutine has become the meal/snack of Manhattan trendoids?! 

It's DISGUSTING!! Blobby cheese curds trapped in goopy tepid gravy suffocating poor french fries?! It's the most vile "edible" creation to ever see the light of day. Even us Canucks are on the fence (for the most part) about this nasty, puke-inspiring dish. 

Spare me. If poutine establishments in NYC mean the concoction will be less visible here in Canada, I'm all for it. 

Monday, July 13, 2009

RATE IT! Dogs in Space DVD Release - Update!

FINALLY!!!! After YEARS of waiting, the proper *official* DVD release of the magnificent 'Dogs in Space' is happening! 

August 28 !!!

A long wait but definitely worth it!! Director Richard Lowenstein is offering up a two-disc set with commentaries, behind the scenes viz, trailers, music videos including Michael Hutchence's haunting 'Rooms for the Memory' and more!

I'll be counting the days!! You can too! Order your's by clicking here. Be sure to check your DVD player's region first -- a multi-region player would be the best bet. 


RATE IT! Kermit Tote


Ah! I *love* this bag...

Even the lining is special, with Muppet sketches plus cute Kermit pins on the bag's outside. Adorable! It's never been more cool to be green!


Sunday, July 12, 2009

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ Build-a-Bear United Stylee

A year ago, I wanted it -- now, it's mine! All the cool kids (and bears) have this kit.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

RATE IT! Big Brother is Back!

Yeah, baby! Looks like season 11 is actually going to be entertaining! I know that I'm not the only one who had to forgo the series the past two summers. The casting was - dire ... life's too precious to spend hour upon hour watching aggravating twats with low I.Q.s attempting to win a million dollars. But this season.... I think the producers corralled a good mix of people to make this summer's offering actually watchable *and* addictive. The first ep on Thursday night was the old BB that I've come to know and shamelessly love. 

Looping the housemates into high school cliques (jocks, brains, oddities and popular) is pure genius. Everyone can relate! I, for one, am back on the US Big Brother bandwagon and playing to type, I'm cheering on the oddities first, and the brains second.


Friday, July 10, 2009

RATE IT! Finally...a MJ-Free Cover!

I don't think that I'm alone in suffering from an overdose of Michael Jackson the past two weeks. 

Yes, he was a stellar entertainer but the media circus is *so* overdone and exploitive. For a man who was so careful to shield his children from the media glare, the Jackson family certainly aren't acting out his wishes. They didn't waste any time in trotting the three kids out for public consumption. Not only have they lost the most important person in their lives, but now they're locked into the Jackson family juggernaut of questionable child-raising practices. Poor kids. Anything to make a buck or the lead news story, eh? For shame.

Sorry for the long winded rant there... what I *meant* to be crowing about was this zine. I'm relieved to see that the good folk at 'Entertainment Weekly' have done their MJ bit and are now moving on with this lovely 'Harry Potter' cover on this week's issue. Well done!


A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ Hostess Cup Cake Coin Purse

Have your cake *and* take it with you!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

HATE IT! Tin Roof Brownie Blizzard

Ooh, feeling a bit harsh today....having scarfed down a record number of Chocolate X-treme Blizzards -- aka in my good books as 'Blizzard Perfection!' -- this month, I do feel a tad let down by the Blizz of the Month this go around.

The title is VERY promising: Tin Roof Brownie Blizzard. If the name doesn't snag you into its frozen chocolately web, the brownies captured in the photograph surely will. But..... Houston, we have a problem.... namely, chocolate covered peanuts. Gasp!

Wrong, so wrong.... one addition too many. I love peanut butter mixed in with my chocolate but not in the guise of their original nutty entity. Say no to peanuts....cloaked in chocolate and hidden in your Blizzard.

Sorry, Dairy Queen.

RATE IT! Now Panic and Freak Out




Ha ha! It HAD to happen! 

To answer the extremely popular 'Keep Calm and Carry On' posters (raved about here earlier)... the perfect retort mug: 'Now Panic and Freak Out'.

Count me in!


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

RATE IT! Maynards Soccer Ad

It's impossible for me NOT to adore this new candy ad from Maynards.

A trip on the Toronto subway (the TTC) turns into a candy-soccer fest. 
Candy & soccer -- two of my favourite things married together in a cute commercial -- and in my own city to boot.


Tuesday, July 7, 2009

RATE IT! Beach Thingy Chair Thingy


Just in time for Summer...

Meet... the beach thingy chair back thingy!

Looks like your days of toting an uncomfortable folding chair to the beach are numbered.

Conventional chairs are always hard to open, squish you in unfortunate places and often fold up *while* you're sitting on it. With the 'beach thingy' by Larry Laske, all your beach seat problems melt away with the Summer heat.

Basically, these colourful inventions are just plain ol' seat backs. You push the seat's prongs into the sand and presto!! Instant seat back on the beach! Available in a happy array of colours, collect them all!

To be frank, I haven't actually tried one of these babies, but I'm intrigued & think they're definitely worth a try or two!

Monday, July 6, 2009

RATE IT! Keep Calm and Carry On

Love, love, LOVE this war-time slogan!! 

The 'Keep Calm and Carry On' British propaganda poster, recently resurrected as a funky home decor accessory, has now become a t-shirt, mousemat, mug and more. 

The poster & phrase originally created back in 1939 to calm UK citizens during WWII has become timeless and, heck... cool. Inspirational with that stiff upper British lip. LOVE IT!


Sunday, July 5, 2009

A Year Ago on Lose That Girl


~~ The End of the Alphabet

An average novel, this book is not. Enjoy this quick read that stays with you even after the cover is closed. 

~~ Funky Luggage Tags

Who says travel can't be silly? Take the fun with you!

Friday, July 3, 2009

HATE IT! Zipper Hoop Earrings


Fashion shouldn't be painful! Erk!

These earrings just look like a big, messy OUCH to me!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

RATE IT! Will Ferrell Sunscreen


Want some laughs with your sunscreen?

Check out this hilarious Will Ferrell sunscreen. Truly! It's REAL! And what's even better, proceeds are collected to aid cancer survivors. 

A good cause supported while protecting yourself out in the sun. What more could you want? 

Will Ferrell parading around in a Speedo...? Well.....

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

RATE IT! Happy Canada Day


Today is Canada's birthday...

Happy Canada Day, gorgeous! And because I've been eating far too many Tim Horton's donuts as of late, I'm spreading the joy and offering up some of their Canadian baked gems to everyone! Enjoy.


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