Wednesday, June 30, 2010

RATE IT! Top 10 Wedding Apps

I love a good app, and even though I've already taken my own trip down the aisle, I still had to have a go with all the iTunes wedding apps. 


Shame they didn't exist when I got married.


Please check out my latest assignment for Slice.ca: Top 10 Wedding Apps


Making wedding stress a thing of the past one app at a time!


And for more wedding-themed fun, compare your fave wedding movie list with mine

RATE IT! The Five Ghosts


Gift yourself a delicious treat ~ music that gives you goosebumps.

The Five Ghosts - by Stars


Truly haunting, simply gorgeous. 
If the first single, Fixed didn't capture your heart, tracks like I Died So I Could Haunt You, Dead Hearts and Wasted Daylight will. 


Available now via iTunes and in your local music shop. 

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

HATE IT! Week's Worst Airbrushing Award...




...on a magazine cover goes to.... OK Weekly-- the silly US version.



Jennifer "Yes! I Am Having a Baby!" Aniston = plastic fantastic, available now on shop shelves everywhere. 


Does any part of her face look real on this cover? Since when did waxy become attractive? OK's art department has really done Jenn a disservice with this cover.  Ew. 

Monday, June 28, 2010

RATE IT! Fifth Avenue, 5 AM

If you've ever wanted to discover the inside scoop on one of the most beloved Hollywood films of all time, now is your chance. 


'Fifth Avenue, 5 AM' by Sam Wasson, delivers all the details, many revealed for the first time, behind the making of 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' Apparently, Truman Capote, the author of the novella from which the film version of 'Tiffany's' was based, wanted Marilyn Monroe to star in the role that eventually went to Audrey Hepburn. Can you imagine? The movie would have been a completely different experience without dainty Audrey. 


'Breakfast at Tiffany's' has been featured in many pop culture enterprises, including the delightful 'Summer at Tiffany' -- a must read if you're a fan of Audrey's movie, or the famed jewellery store -- but in 'Fifth Avenue, 5 AM' it's the very first time the movie myth itself gets examined on its own terms. 


'Fifth Avenue, 5 AM' is published by Harper Studio and can be purchased from Amazon.com, and most bookshops. 

Friday, June 25, 2010

RATE IT! Ben & Jerry's New MVP

As if we needed another reason to adore Ben & Jerry's...


The Kings of Ice Cream have created a yummy new flavour that does more than just satisfy taste buds. 


Check out my latest article for Vervegirl.com to find out how eating ice cream can help kids across Canada realize a dream. 

RATE IT! Grown Ups

Most movie posters and banners are so bland and boring. 


Not the case with this banner ad for 'Grown Ups' starring Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and pals. 
Funny and so brilliant! Not sure if the movie which opens today in theatres measures up, but here's hoping!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

RATE IT! Happy Bunny

It's hard to believe that Happy Bunny, the witty, tell-it-like-it-is rascal of a rabbit is turning ten years old this year.


Geez, I hope by disclosing his age in such a public fashion that I didn't cause Happy Bunny to throw up a little in his mouth?*


To celebrate, Happy Bunny's creator/Dad, Jim Benton will be at the haven of candy-holics everywhere -- Dylan's Candy Bar in Manhattan this coming Saturday between 2-4pm


Schmooze with Jim, eat copious amounts of Happy Bunny-inspired chocolate, and blurt out what's on your mind, all in the true spirit of said rabbit. 


*not to be gross but I stole these words straight out of Happy Bunny's mouth.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

RATE IT! Don of a New Era


Wahey! The first sneak peeks from the upcoming fourth season of 'Mad Men' have finally been released to press and fans alike! Time to scour each and every shot for plot clues and spoilers...


Hmm, can't spot anything juicy just yet but it appears that Don & co., having gone renegade from Sterling Cooper, have some decorating to do in that new office. At least with the bar missing, perhaps they'll get some work done. And check out Peggy's early '60s do! Is it just me or does she look much older? Not sure about wiser though.


'Mad Men' returns to North American TV screens on July 25 on AMC. Bring it!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

RATE IT! You're The One That I Want

Who doesn't love the John Travolta-Olivia Newton-John movie,  'Grease'? 


Well, Paramount is banking on the fact that everyone loves 'Grease' as it re-releases the 1978 musical into select theatres stateside as a sing-a-long version on July 8.


Following in the uber-successful dance steps of 'Mamma Mia', 'Grease' will be the same classic flick we all know and love (and can sing by heart), but it will have newly added lyrics bouncing along the screen. Who doesn't want to take in this gem of a movie again on the big screen all the while singing at the top of your lungs? I DO! I DO!


Right now, the movie is only slated to appear for a two week period in just a sprinkling of US cities. Want 'Grease Sing-a-Long' to take a bow in your neck of the woods? Tweet #Grease on Twitter and click here for more info!

Friday, June 18, 2010

RATE IT! A Different Kind of Model

I could never be a typical model... I like my chocolate, french fries & Dairy Queen Blizzards way too much but body part modeling? 


I know, it kinda sounds ghoulish but really, it's anything but! 


Enjoy my latest article for Vervegirl.com! 

Thursday, June 17, 2010

HATE IT! Miley's Ear Tattoo




The little lady does yet another questionable thing...





Check out Miley Cyrus and her latest accessory.




Can't spot it? 


Dive in for a close up on her ear.


Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you. That's a LOVE tattoo tucked into the curl of her right ear. 


Classy!


Miley will be hosting the MMVA Awards this Sunday in Toronto so local peeps can get a first hand look at this new addition. Sure beats a sparkling pair of earrings in the attention-grabbing stakes. 


(photo: Splash)

RATE IT! BMX Bandits

If you're looking for a movie review, I'm sorry but you've come to the wrong place. I'm just having a laugh at the expense of this Australian 1980s flick, 'BMX Bandits.' So of its time! 


I haven't actually watched this piece of nostalgia but I did come across it while researching an '80s themed article that I've been working on.


Check out the cover... that's a pre-fame, pre-hair conditioner (it appears!) Nicole Kidman! 


Bet she wishes this cheesy bit of celluloid would quietly disappear. 

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

RATE IT! Look at This F*cking Hipster

In my books, it's always a good thing when bloggers earn publishing deals. Case in point, 1,000 Awesome Things, List of the Day and Shit My Dad Says


Time to add Look at This F*cking Hipster to the ranks of witty web writers now peddling their wares on a bookstore shelf near you.


I *LOVE* this website, and I know that I'll just bust a gut laughing at the new book! 


Having a laugh at the expense of people who try a little bit too hard is always worth the trouble. 


Especially when these trendsters think they're too cool for school and look down upon everyone else. Ooh, I sound so Grade 11!


LATFH is available via Amazon, and the link found on its website. 

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

HATE IT! Vuvuzela iPhone Horror

Watching the World Cup? If you're like me & have your TV perpetually tuned to all the footy action in South Africa, you're probably experiencing a little buzzing in the ears.


Yep, the annoying Vuvuzelas, South Africa's noisemaker of choice. England fans may prefer a good ol' dirty chant on the terraces, but their World Cup hosts like to toot their own horn again, and again... and *sigh* again.


Watching the matches with the sound turned down is one big bummer. Wearing earplugs, even worse! So if the best way to jostle back into the spirit of the tourney is to join them at their own game, well now you CAN! iTunes has an app for that - the Vuvuzela app. It's free, it can be customized to feature your team's kit colour and just like the real deal, it's noisy. 


Full disclosure -- I did download the Vuvuzela app to my iPhone before the England-US match last Saturday, but have since been forbidden by friends and family to use it especially in public. Can't say that I blame them!

RATE IT! Toy Story 3 PEZ



Toy Story 3 opens in theatres on June 18! In anticipation of this long awaited sequel to the sequel, PEZ is game for a laugh with these new candy dispensers featuring six of the most popular TS characters.



There's Buz, Jesse, Woody, Hamm, Slinky Dog and Rex, all awaiting their PEZ forever home.


Would you care to adopt? Yeah, I thought so too!

Monday, June 14, 2010

HATE IT! Royal Assumptions

Correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I know, Prince William and Kate Middleton are *not* engaged. 


Yes, there have been a plethora of rumours and whispers of impending announcements but that's just it -- they're RUMOURS, nothing based in fact. No blinding ring on Kate's left hand, no official wedding souvenirs being churned out by the house of Windsor. 


So the arrival of this latest issue of OK magazine -- the American version, I must add -- is very annoying, very ridiculous in all its wedding excitement. Can I just say that this "exclusive royal special" is just entirely made up nonsense? The whole cover story is based on fantasy. What could have happened...what could be on the cards, blah blah blah. And how many times could they add Diana into the mix?


Talk about a waste of space. OK must have run out of busty bimbos to write about!

Friday, June 11, 2010

RATE IT! World Cup Kickoff

Don't bother to call, text or send out a search party. 


I'm *ahem* out of the office - til July 11 or until England get knocked out (please...for the love of Wayne Rooney & Joe Cole, no!).


At times like this, it really pays to be a freelancer - so to speak!


The World Cup, the largest, coolest sporting event on the planet kicks off today in South Africa. Time to wave the flag & catch footy fever. Face painting? No thanks, but honesty it's your call.


GO ENGLAND!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

HATE IT! Rihanna




Pop princess Rihanna is golden on the July 2010 issue of Elle magazine.



Am I the only one disappointed that the synchronicity between the purple & gold mini dress, and her hair wasn't fully realized? Looks like the job was only partially completed. She's got the goldilocks but no purple tresses. Fail!



RATE IT! Stars

"You hold my heart...."


*swoon*


Love, LOVE, love this song from Stars, the amazing band from Montreal. If you don't know these guys already, it's time for an introduction - and if you do know them, just sit back and enjoy another helping of musical joy. "Fixed" by Stars, taken from the forthcoming album, 'The Five Ghosts' released on June 22. 


Yes, bit of a musical crush here but can you blame me when the song is so lush?






Wednesday, June 9, 2010

RATE IT! Reliving the '80s

As a kid who grew up in the '80s, I'm a sucker for pretty much anything that resembles that decade. 


Well, scratch that comment...sorta... you can keep most of the cringeworthy '80s fashion but I'll always have time for the music, magazines, movies and all the pop culture gems from that era -- but especially, the music. Baby boomers may have their memory music entrenched in the '60s but I'm '80s British new wave/pop all the way.


You don't have to tell me that I'm being completely predictable when it comes to my keen curiosity surrounding the latest book from author, Rob Sheffield. Titled "Talking to Girls About Duran Duran," -- Hooked already? I am -- the novel is a memoir of Rob's wonder years deep in the '80s when everyday life seemed to mirror a John Hughes' flick & all the girls held mad crushes on John Taylor of Duran Duran. It's true... most girls did lust after JT. Me, I was a Simon girl all the way - but you already knew that!


Good times! 


I can't wait to get my mitts on this book! Rob's previous novel, "Love is a Mixed Tape" is a fun read and he'll always get top props in my mind for including Saint Etienne on one of its playlists. 


"Talking to Girls About Duran Duran" is published in North America by Dutton Adult, a subsidiary of Penguin Books. 

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

RATE IT! Lourdes Ciccone


If you didn't notice that this magazine was dated 2010, you could easily believe that this young lady is Madonna, aged 13. 


Like mother, like daughter - here's Madonna's eldest, Lourdes on the cover of Germany's 'Quality' magazine. 


Apparently, it's her first cover appearance but I sincerely doubt that she'd give her first interview or photo shoot to a magazine that's not well known outside of its own borders. Must be just a stock photo used for the cover, but nevertheless, Lourdes looks gorgeous and is going to grow up to be a heartbreaker just like her mom.

RATE IT! Chatterbox

Seriously? It's called a chatterbox? I've heard cootie catchers, or fortune tellers but never chatterboxes. How did I survive childhood not knowing the correct name?


Do you remember those folded paper thingys that you made at school? The elaborate origami-esque playthings that you used to tell your friends who they were going to marry, or worse, what they smelled like? Okay, maybe it was just my friends who wrote in such nasties. 


Britain's Rockett St. George is selling a ceramic version - turned upside down - that serves as a dish for yummy nibbles. Who would have thought?


Want to revisit your misspent youth? You can learn how to make a paper chatterbox/cootie catcher here...or if you're feeling really creative, check out this spangely decorated version here

Monday, June 7, 2010

RATE IT! Manifesto!

Remember the striking "Keep Calm and Carry On" posters that seemed to be everywhere the past two years? People loved the slogan, loved the retro artwork -- I did too.


Pedlars in the UK have taken this love one step further with two really funky manifesto posters now available on their website.


The first, the Pedlars Manifesto tells us to 'visit Scotland, walk the dog and play every day.' It also instructs us to 'learn Welsh.' Hmm, living in Canada, I should probably learn French properly first but thanks for the suggestion!


The second poster, the Aardvark Manifesto continues the old school look but gets a little more hardcore, declaring 'kill your TV' and 'make stuff.' Sorry, no can do, especially on the killing the TV front. I'm already behind in Coronation Street enough as it is. I do like the advice to 'keep it wonky.' That in itself makes this poster a keeper in my books. 

Friday, June 4, 2010

RATE IT! Top 10 Wedding Movies

Summer's around the corner and you know what that means...


Wedding season is here! Get yourself prepped for the summer of love with my latest article for Slice.ca, Top 10 Wedding Movies.


Whether you are a wedding-aholic, or just like to watch the proceedings from the comfort & safety of your couch, there's a nuptial flick in this list for all tastes. 


And for more veiled hijinx, take the test with my wedding quizzes at Slice.ca. Click here for the Bridezilla challenge, and here to see if you're a Rich Bride or a Poor Bride.

RATE IT! Manners Can Be Fun

I know that I'm not the only one who finds some people more rude & self-absorbed than...well, EVER!


On the street, riding the subway, cutting in line at the grocery store -- manners seem to be pretty much extinct nowadays. Just last week, I took some time during the day to catch the new 'Sex & the City' movie and bingo! - there was a whole row of teenage girls with their flip-flopped feet propped up on top of the seats in front of them. I mean, who cares if someone wants to sit there without grubby footwear stuck in their ears?! Seriously, would you behave like that at home? No?! Then why does doing it in public, inconveniencing other people make it alright, you overindulged brats? (rant over - I feel better now, thanks!)


So upon finding this delightful little book, "Manners Can Be Fun" by Munro Leaf, I'm holding out hope that somehow, some way people will realize just how nice & sweet manners can be. If we all had a bunch, the world would be a much friendlier, kinder place. Cleaner too, I bet. 


This book was first published way back in 1936 -- I think we're overdue for a refresher, please & thank you. :)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

RATE IT! Jazz Hands World Cup Style

The World Cup is only 8 days away! If you haven't sorted out your goal scoring celebration yet, take a peek at this latest WC video starring Manchester United/England striker, Wayne Rooney and 'Gavin & Stacey's' James Corden. 


Show offs!


RATE IT! Cameron in Vogue

Unlike the Miley mess on the cover of Billboard magazine, here's an upcoming issue that is refreshing and lovely.


Check out Cameron Diaz on the July issue of British Vogue.


Note to Miley: this photo is what effortless looks like...


Cameron's new flick, "Knight and Day" co-starring Tom Cruise will hit theatres in late June. 

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

RATE IT! Berry Berry Good

The hot, humid summer months were tailor made for popsicles, ice cream cones & slushies, so the arrival of the June Dairy Queen Blizzard of the Month is one of the most anticipated moments for many!


And just between you & me, DQ have totally hit this one out of the Blizz ballpark. June, you are well & truly spoilt as you are the worthy recipient of the Strawberry Golden Oreo Blizzard. 


Take golden Oreos, mix them up with a summery symphony of strawberry pieces & DQ's creamy vanilla soft serve and you've got yourself one cool, sensational treat. And with the inclusion of the strawberry, you can even pretend that it's somewhat healthy. Ah, who am I kidding? Who cares if it's not healthy! It's yummy and right now, that's all that counts! I'll even let my bias towards all chocolate - all the time Blizzards go by the wayside. 


Yes, this one is THAT special! Dig in and enjoy!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

RATE IT! Picture Perfect

Even if it's not officially Summer it sure *feels* like Summer. Bloody hot out there.


Summer always means vacations, and fun in the sun, by the pool, on the lake...and PHOTOS! If your friends are shutter bugs who cannot let any moment go by without capturing it on film (or memory card), then the timing is perfect for this refresher course on how to get photo ready for your big paparazzi moment. 


Please check out my latest article for Vervegirl.com entitled "Bye Bye Camera Shy"


Say cheese!

HATE IT! Miley: A for Effort....

...but a D for execution. Ms. Cyrus is trying oh, so hard to be older, wiser than her 17 year old self on the cover of Billboard magazine... but it just comes off as overly produced and off-putting.


Truckloads of eye makeup, naughty PVC gloves and trout pout do not = mature & smart. Sorry. 


I'd almost think that she's trying to channel Girls Aloud singer, Cheryl Cole in this shot. She looks eerily similar to Britain's pop princess -- but then Miley probably doesn't even know who Cheryl is because according to this article, Miley doesn't care for pop music. Doesn't rate it, doesn't enjoy it and heck... don't you DARE call *her* music, pop music. She's a serious artist, y'all.


*ahem* 

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