Lose That Girl

RATE IT! Dog Gone

2010-03-11T11:31:00.010-05:00

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

2010-03-10T00:01:00.004-05:00

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!

2010-03-09T08:37:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-09T00:01:00.004-05:00

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

2010-03-08T11:40:00.004-05:00

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

2010-03-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-04T00:01:00.008-05:00

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

2010-03-03T00:10:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-02T00:27:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-01T11:55:00.003-05:00

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

2010-03-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

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.

RATE IT! Voyage of Discovery

2010-02-26T00:06:00.000-05:00

I've been waiting and waiting -- not very patiently, mind you -- for NBC's television debut of the worldwide genealogy franchise, 'Who Do You Think You Are.'

Now after over a year's wait, the Lisa Kudrow (yep, 'Friends' Phoebe) produced series is about to launch on March 5 in North America. Much like the UK original, the American 'Who Do You Think You Are' delves into the family trees of famous folk -- in this case, Sarah Jessica Parker, Spike Lee, Brooke Shields, Matthew Broderick, Susan Sarandon, Emmitt Smith and Lisa Kudrow herself. Will the celebs be shocked at the newly revealed skeletons in their plush closets? Will there be tears? Please?! The UK version ALWAYS has tears -- even if they're just mine! I'm a sucker for people learning who they really, truly are!

Genealogy is a hard slog chock full of details and confusing twists, turns and horrible brick walls (I'm currently stuck with my English side) but it's also one of the most fulfilling hobbies one can take on. I fully recommend it -- and hopefully the same can be said for NBC's turn at 'Who Do You Think You Are.' Heck, its pedigree is pretty impressive!

RATE IT! Separated at Birth?

2010-02-25T08:30:00.006-05:00

Flamboyant American figure skater, Johnny Weir and "Tainted Love" Soft Cell-er, Marc Almond....

Okay it's a bit of a stretch...but both have a flair for sequins and blazing their own unique career paths. Not afraid to stand out in order to portray their "art." The mop of jet black hair & their skill with the liquid black eyeliner definitely helps too!

I love Marc Almond -- he has a voice like no other -- and I think Johnny Weir brings an interesting take to the figure skating world. Sometimes a serious genre needs a little shaking up and Johnny does just that.

The world would be a boring place if we all wore the same things, never made mistakes & did everything we could just to fit in and be like everyone else. For being true to themselves, I salute both Marc and Johnny -- and wish just wish that I could be as adept with black eye liner as these two!

RATE IT! Spoilt for Choice

2010-02-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

Since wee Zoey Bean came into our lives last May, our place has had many close encounters of the puppy toy kind.

We swore that our dog would never be spoiled. We swore that she'd only have as many toys as her little Ikea container would hold. We swore that we wouldn't spend loads of cash on expensive "human" toys that she'd just chew up and eat.

Yep, we've broken all our homemade rules. Zoey's toys would put many kids playrooms to shame. And the fact that her collection features so many pop culture faves (Mr. Bill, Dug & his dog pals from the Pixar movie "UP", and one of the 'Littlest Pet Shop' pooches...), it's quite easy to say that she is definitely her puppy momma's daughter!

Pop culture, not just for humans!

RATE IT! Simon Says.. To Go

2010-02-24T00:08:00.003-05:00

Do you remember this flashy electronic game? Long gone but obviously not forgotten by someone!

Simon Says ...is back, and wants to give your PSP a run for his money.

Small but mighty, Simon still wants you to follow his lighted way despite his new configuration as a tiny keychain plaything. Now you can take him on the go. Gaming simplicity at its best.

What's next? Head-to-head baseball as a key chain?

RATE IT! Virtue & Moir

2010-02-23T11:24:00.004-05:00

Bit bleary eyed this morning, but the reason was SO WORTH IT! Last night....late last night the best moment of the Vancouver Winter Olympics -- at least for this Canuck -- was the coronation of the new Olympic ice dance champions.

Canada's Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir, skating one of the most beautiful ice dances I've ever seen - flawless, poetic and passion-filled. Classy. One of the few pairs without gimmicky costumes (step forward 3rd place Russians). Thank goodness the judges did their job and awarded the highest marks of the competition to Tessa & Scott, clearly the most deserving.

So brilliant was their performance that skating experts are speaking of Virtue & Moir in the same breath as Torvill & Dean. Yep, they were that good!

CONGRATULATIONS, TESSA & SCOTT. WE ARE SO PROUD!!

Check out Tessa & Scott's official website here.

HATE IT! Trailer Trash Birthday

2010-02-23T00:01:00.003-05:00

Here's a way to bring the traditional blowing out of the birthday candles to a whole new low...

Pseudo lighters masquerading as a new take on birthday candles. For the over grown birthday boy, aged 26-ish who is more than happy with a 6-pack & a wife beater tee as his gifts.

Trailer trash-ific!

RATE IT! BAFTA'd

2010-02-22T08:26:00.006-05:00

Britain's version of the Oscars®, the BAFTAs swept through London this past weekend collecting all Tinseltown's glitteri up in its wake.

I hope Hollywood took note at the eclectic assortment of BAFTA winners. Sure, 'Avatar' may have raked in the most cash but a plethora of greenbacks does not mean a movie has the most heart or best performances. James Cameron's blue-hued epic won just two awards -- neither of which were for Director, Best Picture (both went to 'The Hurt Locker' -- with Cameron's ex, Kathryn Bigelow at the helm), or for acting (thank goodness!). Nope, the BAFTAs did the right thing and granted their lead actor trophies to the lovely Carey Mulligan ('An Education') and the humble Colin Firth ('A Single Man').

At least one motion picture academy set the right tone. Will Hollywood follow suit? I'm not holding my breath!

(photo of winner Colin Firth with Kate Winslet: Joanne Davidson)

RATE IT! Tom Brokaw Explains...

2010-02-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

...Canada to the US.

A must-see clip from NBC's pre-Winter Olympics coverage.

RATE IT! Yep, It's Pretty...

2010-02-19T00:37:00.000-05:00

Steve Nash, Kim Cattrall, Michael J. Fox, Ryan Reynolds, Sarah McLachlan and Eric McCormick all have one thing in common...

Sure, a green screen was used, but so what? It's still gorgeous scenery.

RATE IT! Official Olympic App

2010-02-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

How did we survive the Olympics without phone apps?

Depending on where you're geographically located, you may be privy to several phone apps for the Winter Olympics. In Canada, there are at least three: CTV's official broadcast app, NBC's official broadcast app, and the 2010 Guide: the Official Mobile Spectator Guide.

Hands down, the 2010 Guide is THE app to have. Where the CTV and NBC apps end, the Official app -- brought to us by Bell -- goes above and beyond. All sports are represented with thorough descriptions of each event, plus venue details, maps and medal standings. Best of all, the information is continually updated. Say for example you're watching women's figure skating live on TV...open the 2010 Guide app and select women's figure skating. The app will automatically update the standings, skater info (including what music they're performing to) and more! While the app won't completely eliminate the need to watch the Games on television, it will enrich the viewing experience. On the go? This app will keep you completely on course & in the know.

Scroll through the latest Games' news, keep track of your favourite events and check out what non-sport activities (concerts! performances!) are happening in Vancouver & Whistler - you can even follow Twitter feeds! It's all here, and it's wrapped up in a cool, easy to navigate style.

Best Olympic app by far -- and it's FREE! No wonder it's the #1 free app on iTunes at the moment! With a week of the Games still left to go, there's still plenty of time to enjoy this useful & fun app.

RATE IT! Patriotic Pastry

2010-02-18T15:06:00.003-05:00

With the Vancouver Winter Olympics in full swing, Canadians from coast to coast are bursting with pride for their team and country.

It would only be fitting for Canada's premier coffee establishment, Tim Horton's, to show their national joy as only they can... with patriotic pastries, of course!

Meet the Canada Donut. 220 calories of sugary joy in the guise of a classic donut topped with vanilla fondant & red maple leaf sprinkles.

IT. IS. DELICIOUS! Canadians KNOW their donuts -- this one is not to be missed.

Get 'em before they're gone. Just like the Winter Olympics, Tim Horton's Canada Donut will only be around for a limited time only.

HATE IT! What's that Crunch?

2010-02-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

No, it's not a stale bag of Lay's sour cream potato chips, or past-their-sell-by date pretzels...

Nope, it's a handy snack size bag of crispy Crick-ettes. You read that right - CRICKETS!

REAL ....well, *dead* crickettes, seasoned in a grab bag with a choice of zesty flavours including sour cream & onion, bacon & cheddar or salt & vinegar for the Anglophiles in the room....

I don't think there's enough vinegar in the world to make these insect husks delectable. I'll pass, thanks.

RATE IT! Keep Calm Gallery

2010-02-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

What was once a cool, trendy print, The Keep Calm & Carry On poster/t-shirt/mug, exploded out of the UK and became THE must have slogan accoutrement. I think most design magazines featured it in some regard and really, who could blame them? It's fab. Simple, to the point and inspirational.

That said, there's a wonderful place where you can buy the aforementioned poster as well as many others inspired by it. The Keep Calm Gallery is a smorgasbord of creative motivating influences -- be it, towels, posters, mugs or cards.

Take the sunny 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade', or the refreshing 'tea revives you.' Feeling bossy - well, there's always 'eat your greens,' and the very effective "Get Lost!" cheekily overlaid on a map, of course.

There's a mood lifter for all tastes.

I feel better already!

RATE IT! Whose Game??

2010-02-16T08:30:00.006-05:00

...OUR GAME!

So happy that it's back!!! Coca Cola Canada has resurrected the exhilarating hockey commercial they lovingly created (with McLaren McCann Advertising in Toronto) for the previous Winter Olympics.

It's brilliant, it's exciting...and just in time for the Canadian men's hockey team to take to the ice for their first game of the tourney later today. Canada's women are already crushing the competition, winning 18-0 and 10-0 --- now tell me whose game it is? Yep, still OURS!

Got goosebumps? I do!