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! 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! 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! Top o' the Morning Blizzard

Had enough of the ice, winter boots and frigid temps? Desperately waiting for Spring's magnificent arrival? Well, before we can rush outside for a joyous dance through the budding tulips, there's one more wintery blast on the horizon. The good news? This storm isn't snowy but MINTY!


March welcomes an old favourite back into the fold, the Mint Oreo Blizzard. This whirlwind packs a punch of taste... crushed Oreos mingling within mint-infused vanilla soft serve. 


Sure, St. Patrick's Day may be a few weeks away, but it's never too early to start the celebrations! 


Just be sure to pace yourself, and the luck of the Irish shall be yours!

RATE IT! A Real Blizzard to Tackle

It's been days now... days of weather experts hyping up the mother of all snowstorms headed our way. Like many anxious Torontonians, I rushed to the shops yesterday to stock up on food so I didn't have to venture out today into the worst blizzard since '99. You know that crazy time when the mayor called the army in to help!


Waking up today, sure there's snow... maybe 10cm - max. That's not a blizzard, that's a joke! Many of the schools are closed, and people fearful of getting stranded stayed home for work, so there's probably a slew of kids and adults itching for a fun challenge. I say, ignore this faux blizzard silliness and head to Dairy Queen for the REAL deal!


February's Blizzard treat of the month has been unleashed and it's a wicked storm of tasty chocolate joy! Yes, it's THE best blizz on the block - the Midnight Truffle Blizzard. Your eyes aren't deceiving you - yes, we have met before... this Blizzard has appeared time and time again and unlike its namesake that associates itself with shovels, road salt, and snowbanks up to our eyeballs, this Blizzard wants to be your friend. 


Oh, yes. A friend like the Midnight Truffle Blizzard is always welcome! And best of all, no back-breaking shoveling required!

RATE IT! Happy Blizzard New Year

Okay, I'm a week or so late with the New Year Blizzard... I must admit that the January Blizz of the Month isn't quite my cup of tea -- yes, there are NUTS involved in this Nutty Banana treat... and well, FRUIT. This Blizzard is actually bordering on healthy so I will give it a pass and wait for February's beauty. Hopefully the Valentine month will bring a crush-worthy delicacy featuring chocolate, chocolate and MORE chocolate! 


I won't diss the January fruity concoction because a) it's so unique and different from all the Blizzards from the past year, and b) it's mid-Winter and we all need a little something special to pep us up -- and no doubt, this Nutty Banana Blizzard is someone's much needed guilty pleasure and how can I argue with that?

RATE IT! Reindeer Bites Blizzard

Ho Ho Holiday season treats are coming at us fast and furious! The most welcome of indulgences...the queen of Christmas diet splurges has to be DQ's Reindeer Bites Blizzard.

Um, wait a second... Reindeer Bites? Kinda an odd name! I mean it's not Reindeer 'Bites' as in... bites = terrible... or (perish the thought) as in little pieces of reindeer. Ugh, that's just too ghoulish for contemplation. No, it's Reindeer Bites meaning delicious chunks of caramel, chocolate, coconut and cookie -- all good, all yummy!

No reindeers were harmed in the making of this seasonal Blizzard treat!

Once again, Dairy Queen serves up a delectable early Christmas present! When you're out and about playing Santa for your nearest and dearest, be sure to give yourself the gift of a quiet moment with your very own Reindeer Bites Blizzard.

RATE IT! Return of the Great Pumpkin

When the calendar sheds another page and takes yet another step away from the glory of Summer, it's imperative that we have something to comfort us through this most cruel of season changes. Ah, the melancholy pain of rummaging through your closet to unearth that cozy parka you last set eyes upon months ago! It feels too soon! Bye, bye Summer.... hello Autumn. A time of departures (falling leaves! kiddies to school! hazy warm days!), the Fall certainly lives up to its name. Bummer.

But wait! All is not lost! Yes, the Fall can be a time of reflection, but there's no better occasion to celebrate the bounty of this chilly, yet colourful season. To coincide with the Autumn harvest and one of the best holidays of the year -- Thanksgiving! -- Dairy Queen steps up to comfort us with its traditional Pumpkin Pie Blizzard. Thank goodness some things never change! While we say goodbye to many things in the Fall, we get to say a big, gooey heartfelt HELLO to this seasonal treat! All pumpkin-y happiness mixed with vanilla soft serve, and crowned with whipped topping and a dash of nutmeg -- even the pumpkin patch-dwelling Linus would approve!

Like the beautiful changing leaves, this Blizzard is only here for our adoration for a limited time! Quick! Get to your local DQ ASAP to partake in one of the most flavourful joys of this brief season - definitely something to be thankful for! Enjoy!

RATE IT!/HATE IT! A Bit Nutty

It doesn't matter that the calendar boasts at least three more weeks of summer - when the kiddies trudge back to school, summer is officially kaput. 


Now before you throw in the towel, there is one sparkling refreshing treat at the end of this hot, steamy summer. Yes, the latest Dairy Queen Blizzard is here for your ogling pleasure... and you're right on the money if you think we've got a repeat offender on our hands - sorta.


Think back to early January when we *really* had something to complain about where the weather was concerned. Well, back in the first month of 2010, DQ unleashed their Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard on the starving masses. It seems the nutty symphony of tastes was a crowd pleaser because the pecan gang is back for more, but this time, they're cleverly disguised as the Pecan Pie Blizzard. Crafty!


Now, my loyalties to all things Blizz does not embrace their treats of the nutty variety so I'll just sit this round out and let all of you passionate pecan lovers line up in the queue first and enjoy your month to celebrate. I'll be waiting for another chocolate-based Blizzard to take its place come early October.


Don't mind me... I'll be quite happy spending the last few days of summer sunshine this September enjoying my lifeline, the Chocolate Xtreme Blizzard. Enjoy, everyone!

RATE IT! Oreo Isn't Ready to Go

July has seen a flurry of Blizzard enjoyment, and Oreo is all to blame!


Looks like the famous cookie isn't ready to call it a day... and is making a second consecutive Blizzard appearance in the Great White North.


Canada's August Blizz of the Month is the wonderful icon of icy deliciousness, the Oreo Blizzard. Not to be confused with the July Blizzard, the Oreo Brownie Earthquake Most-Amazing-Blizzard-of-all-Time. 


Both are required eating. 


And don't forget... August 12 is Miracle Treat Day in Canada. Purchase your favourite Blizzard treat that day and help support the Children's Miracle Network hospital. Visit www.MiracleTreatDay.com for more info on this worthy cause. 

RATE IT! Forecast Calls for Mini Blizzard

Welcome to August! 


While many peeps are in flip flop/suntanning/gotta get to the beach mode, my mind is all about the latest frosty Blizzard on the horizon!


Meet the new DQ Mini Blizzard! Big enough to pack plenty of taste, but small enough so you don't have to share! Mini Blizzards are now available in Canada - they're already on the menu in the States.


It's true! Good things DO come in small packages!

RATE IT! Eat, Pray, Love

Only 4 days until this masterpiece of summery deliciousness is gone... hopefully, not forever.


Dairy Queen's Oreo Brownie Earthquake Blizzard.


You must try it. You must. It's important to spoil yourself once in awhile. 


Miss it at your own peril. This Blizzard of the Month will be only a melted memory once August 1st rolls around. 


Eat it. Pray that it returns. Love it. 

RATE IT! Heatwave Blizzard

Whew! Temperatures are baking upwards into the 40 degree Celsius range. Could I be forgiven for believing that July's Dairy Queen Blizzard of the Month was a just a taste tempting mirage?


But thankfully, IT'S REAL!


I give you the Oreo Brownie Earthquake Blizzard. 


Yes, a moment of silence in respect for this awe inspiring icy treat is perfectly within reason. 


This Blizz quite simply takes my breath away. Crumbly Oreo pieces, chunky chocolatey brownies, drizzled hot fudge sauce....marshmallow!...and vanilla soft serve! It's almost too much to comprehend. My blood sugar soars to new heights just pondering its creamy taste.


Did the mini earthquake of two weeks ago cause the Canadian DQ HQ to concoct a Blizzard of such perfection as an ode to the lovely planet we inhabit? Clearly, the heat is getting to me, and I'm just being sillier than usual. Perhaps I should just tuck into the Oreo Brownie Earthquake, and simply enjoy. I'll take a large one, please and thank you!


DQ, you've really done it this time! Thanks for spoiling us ever so much this July! 


UPDATE: the Blizz being served up to our American friends is actually the Pecan Pie Blizzard. Better you than me! 

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!

RATE IT! May Blizzards

Springtime in Canada, eh? It's not unheard of to have a few snow flurries here in May, I mean it happened just last week (not in Toronto but outside of it. Brrr). Geez, I feel like I'm tempting fate just mentioning that weather fact -- but to make up for this little faux pas, let me tell you about *another* icy blast travelling through our neck of the woods that is a GOOD thing!


The Dairy Queen Blizzardmobile -- it's HERE! Well, tomorrow it will be here in Toronto at Yonge-Dundas Square at 11am sharp. Bring your appetites and your sunscreen (yep, it's gonna be a scorcher out there) and spend your lunch hour celebrating the 25th anniversary of our best friend, Blizz!

HATE IT! Buster Bar Blizzard of the Month

Forget Chinese astrology and 2010 being the 'Year of the Tiger'! 


2010 is REALLY the year of the Dairy Queen Blizzard. After all, it's our favourite treat's 25th birthday, and to mark the occasion in mouth-watering style, DQ has created the ultimate in ice cream trucks, the cleverly designed Blizzardmobile, visiting a city near you!

Even with the birthday celebrations in full swing, DQ are still making each month special in itself with their 'Blizzard of the Month' special treats. May is no different as they proclaim this month as an ode to the Buster Bar Blizzard, all peanuts, chocolate chunks, hot fudge and vanilla soft serve. 


Nice for some... not so nice for me. Yep, being selfish yet again as this treat is a no-go for me. Peanuts.... silly, peanuts -- are the main attraction of this concoction. Leave them out, and I'm so THERE! Sorry, DQ, just can't partake. If you could replace the actual peanuts with Reese's peanut butter cups...well, then I'd be quite happy to raise a cup with everyone else in praise of May's arrival. But alas...I'll just have to make do with the regular Blizz standby, the Chocolate X-treme. 


Not bad, eh? I'll gladly take this stand-in and leave the May Blizzard of the Month for the peanut lovers out there. 

RATE IT! Blizzard on Wheels

Looks like there's going to be a chill in the air this coming Summer. Have no fear...flip flops, shorts & tank tops are still the dress code because this Summer-bound freeze isn't due to the disappearance of global warming but the *arrival* of the Dairy Queen Blizzardmobile!

Talk about pimping your ride - the traditional ice cream van is getting the ultimate makeover just in time for the heat & humidity. Love the DQ red plastic spoons as windshield wipers, and the overflowing Blizz popping out of the roof. Me thinks that might be an Oreo Blizzard? The big red lips though...um, DQ might want a rethink. They're kinda scary!

Making its way across the US and Canada from April through to August, the DQ Blizzardmobile will be stopping in several cities each day (Yay! Toronto IS on the list - May 18) to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the DQ Blizzard. Spot this ice cream dream on wheels and a special Mini Blizzard treat will be yours. Blizz fans may also get the chance to jump inside the Blizzard Blaster (a huge life size Blizzard cup!) & earn DQ coupons for all sorts of delectable products.

Dairy Queen's Facebook page will update the progress of the Blizzardmobile so you won't miss out on any ice cream stalking opportunities. Most importantly of all, if you *do* encounter the DQ crew in your travels, be sure to make a donation to the Children's Miracle Network when you pick up your mini Blizzard -- DQ will be accepting donations for this wonderful charity throughout the tour, plus two of their destinations (Minneapolis, Aug. 5; Calgary, Aug. 12) coincide with Miracle Treat Day, the DQ tradition where a $1 from every Blizz purchased goes to the Children's Miracle Network.

It's a win-win situation!

RATE IT! Blizzard Forecast

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! Groundhog Blizzard Joy

It's Groundhog Day today, kiddies!

Are we doomed with six more (DREADED) weeks of this frozen hell they call Winter, or will it all be over lickety split? As per the wacky North American tradition, Canada's Wiarton Willie, and his American cousin, Punxsutawney Phil, will be dragged out of their toasty burrows by some scary dudes wearing top hats (!?) in the hopes of forecasting an early Spring.

"Legend" has it that if they see their shadows & high-tail it back inside their warm dens, we're punished with six more long, draggy weeks of Winter. Failing that, if no shadow greets the rodents, Spring's just around the corner -- supposedly. Year in, year out Willie & Phil get centre stage... and this year, they're not the only ones making a well-timed February comeback.

February's Blizzard of the Month is one worth repeating. Yup, IT'S BACK!!!! Celebrated all month long *last April*, the Midnight Truffle Blizzard from Dairy Queen is making a comeback in grand style! Dark chocolate truffles... cocoa fudge! Welcome back, dear old friend! At this point I don't even care if Spring is delayed... with this Blizzard of the Month treat, February can drag on and on and I won't complain one bit!

Don't be surprised if after all their weather forecasting festivities Willie and Phil make a run for the nearest Dairy Queen today -- can't say that I blame them!

HATE IT! Pecan't.... Sorry!

A new year, a new decade.... welcome 20-10!

With a clean slate ahead of us, there's much to look forward to... including 12 monthly Dairy Queen Blizzard celebrations!! Whoo-hoo!

January is always a difficult slog... all that post-Christmas let-down punctuated with a flurry of bill payments, plus the chilly reality of several months of blinding cold ahead for many of us in the northern hemisphere. But still, we *still* gleefully await the unveiling of the latest Blizzard of the Month. Regardless of the frigid temps outside, it's ALWAYS Dairy Queen time! Who can say "no" to a little frosty joy in a waxy paper cup??

This month... *I* must say no. It pains me, it does. I'm saying no.... not because of some cock-eyed New Year's resolution banning treats or anything like that, but.... because the January Blizz of the Month is just plain nuts.... pecans, to be specific.

Meet the Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard. Caramel, chocolate and pecans. You lost me there with the nuts. So not a fan...but I'm sure many will enjoy this New Year's offering. If I was trying to be good and avoid all decadent treats, well Dairy Queen has made it easy for me this month. I just can't..... pecan't, to be precise.

Til February then...