RATE IT! Travel Destinations for a Sugar Rush

Travel and eating go hand-in-hand ... well, in MY world they do...so it seemed only natural for my latest article to be about 10 Destinations to Indulge Your Sweet Tooth. 

Dig in to my latest piece for Reader's Digest.ca. Best of all? No calories!

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! Sweet Tarts Get a Taste of Spring

It's about time the Cadbury Easter Creme Egg rabbit had some serious candy competition.


Sweet Tarts, those tangy, bitter yet delish candies are ramping up the holiday confectionary competition with their new Easter collection. They've got bunnies, chicks and ducks - oh my!


We've only been privy to the boring round Sweet Tarts in our neck of the woods. I have no clue if this Easter parade of seasonable characters will flock up north here to Canada but... fear not, you can order your own Sweet Tarts online from Candy Warehouse. 


Sweet!

HATE IT! Peep Sushi

We haven't had much 'hate it' action on the blog as of late but when my friend Gabby sent me this tip, I just couldn't help but slip down into full-on negativity.

My 'hate it' radar was screaming, desperate to be heard! Ready for a festive serving of Peep sushi?


Now, I love Peeps, the American marshmallow Easter chicks and bunnies. Yep, the sickly sweet confectionary found in varying degrees of neon hilarity - they're a Spring time dietary staple. Sure, they're teeth-decaying monsters, but to devour a few in the run up to Easter, there's no harm done, right? Just have your trusty toothbrush nearby and you'll be fine. BUT... marrying the peepy goodness with healthy raw fish? What? You want me to toss my cookies here and now?

Sorry folks. No can do. Sushi at the best of times is a big, fat NO in my books.  Now, if you want to travel down this icky road - be my guest. You can learn how to make your own Peep sushi here. 


Good luck. Just don't come calling when your stomach rebels. 

RATE IT! Elvis PEZ

Want some cheese with your candy? 


Leave it to PEZ to create the ultimate in pop culture candy dispensers. All hail The King!


Not one but THREE Elvi for you to choose from: 1950s, 1960s and 1970s aka Vegas Elvis - complete the set. 


But wait, there's more! They come in a special tin along with a three-track CD. Now you can munch your Pez, marvel at Mr. Presley PEZ-afied, and listen away til your heart's content.  


It's just so cheesy! I can't help but like it...in all its silly, pop culture glory. 

RATE IT! Oh.... Fuuudge!

Film favourite Ralphie is back on the holiday scene causing trouble as only he can. This homemade fffffuudge company has taken this hilarious moment from 'A Christmas Story' and turned it into a welcome seasonal treat.


Being bad was never so delicious!


From Perpetual Kid.

RATE IT! Candy Icon

Here's a tasty Christmas treat for the pop culture aficionado on your list.


Selfridges in London is offering this Marilyn Monroe Chocolate Canvas. The famous Warhol print is re-worked completely in chocolate.


The canvas is solid white chocolate, and the colour print in Smarties. 


Enjoy the silverscreen's most popular bombshell and fulfill your sugar rush at the same time!


Also available: chocolate Snakes & Ladders, and Backgammon. Game on!

RATE IT! Cut the Rope

Attention iPhone and iPad app game addicts -- a new challenge is awaiting! If you're searching for a game to sever your affections for the hugely popular 'Angry Birds', 'Cut the Rope' just may be IT!


Chances are, you may already have this adorable yet addictive game lurking on your device - it's currently sitting pretty atop the iTunes game charts with other a million users - but in case you missed its quiet debut, here's the scoop.


Cut the Rope stars a little green monster called Om Nom. He's tiny and cute, but is in possession of a huge appetite for candy. Your quest, should you accept it, is to satisfy little Om Nom's sweet tooth, and keep him happy. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Well, not so fast... the premise is easy but the execution is a tad tricky.


Om Nom is stuck in a box... special delivery sat on your doorstep. You must get inside his cubic surroundings to feed him the candy that he so desperately craves. Dinner time wouldn't be so difficult if the treats weren't attached to a multitude of ropes - a ha! Get it? Cut the Rope? Now you know what you must do! 


Race against meddling spiders, avoid razor-sharp barbs, and make friends with balloons and bubbles -- and if you can catch a clutch of glowing stars along the way, you'll be Om Nom's best buddy. But remember, your main task is to feed those sweet candy morsels to Om Nom - or else!


Cut the Rope is incredibly addictive. I rarely play games on my iPhone but this one will convert even the most fair-weather of players. The animation is top notch and the soundtrack is worthy of a Pixar release. You would be hard pressed to find better value for $0.99!

RATE IT! Dylan's Candy Bar-bie

2009 saw Dylan's Candy Bar celebrating the 50th birthday of Mattel's iconic Barbie doll. The confectionary haven dreamed up all sorts of Barbie-inspired sweet treats -- decadent chocolates, breath-taking mints -- all dressed up in retro tins, wrappers and commemorative purses to delight Barbie fans young and old.

Now in 2010, Dylan's has gone one step further... this time, unveiling their very own official Dylan's Candy Bar Barbie. Never mind the Candy Man, it's all about Barbie!

Sporting a gown in the famous Dylan's Candy Bar colours, and boasting the most delectable accessories -- a lollipop and a candy necklace (but of course!), this Barbie isn't shy about enjoying a sugary indulgence or two!

This candy-loving Barbie retails for $34.95 US, and can be purchased in person or online from Dylan's Candy Bar.

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.

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!

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! Excel - The Trip

Hurrah! Back by popular demand in a brand *new* ad... the Excel gum donut with his pals, onion, coffee and new stinky bud, garlic.

Is it just me, or is donut packing some winter weight?

Bad breath was never so much fun. Enjoy!

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! Feeding My Addiction

You can keep your Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Second Cup's....there's a new cafe on the horizon that gets my ravenous vote.

Cadbury - yes, makers of Dairy Milk, Chocolate Buttons, Flake and all the BEST chocolate on the planet - are set to open several Cadbury-branded cafes serving afternoon tea and treats across the UK. Currently pencilled in to be called 'Cadbury Cocoa Houses', the first establishment is due to open in London before the close of 2010.

Word has it that large versions of their famous chocolate bars will be created on cafe premises! Looks like a trip to the UK later in the year might be just the treat!

RATE IT! Peeps Takin' Over!

Following in the successful candy-coated heels of the Hershey and M&M stores, comes the sugary joy that is PEEPS!

Yes, Peeps....those somewhat sickly marshmallow blobs in the holiday shapes of chicks, rabbits & snowmen now have their very own store to call home.

Setting up shop in National Harbor, Maryland just prior to Christmas, Peeps & Company sells all sorts of Peeps products -- clothes, toys, as well as the fluorescent-hued candy treats. Best of all... the store features a yellow Peep-mobile with a freaky monstrous Easter chick Peep atop its roof.

Oh, dear... there goes the neighbourhood!

RATE IT! Bittersweets

I've never been 100% comfortable with the idea of Valentine's Day. Let's face it, when you're alone without a "significant other", the day and all its red, smoochiness is just one big embarrassing bummer. Even when you're partner'ed up, it still reeks of obligation. You MUST buy chocolates, flowers or jewellery, or you're a horrible, heartless person. Pu-lease!!!

I don't like anyone telling me when and why I should gift my loved ones -- I'll do it throughout the year, thanks... and because of all this February 14 overt gooeyness that I despise year in, year out, I happen to LOVE these freaking fantastic Bittersweets -- they're Love Hearts gone hilariously wrong!

Instead of "I Love You", "Sugar Bear" and other sickly sweet sentiments, these Despair Inc. goodies declare: "U Turn Me Off", "Mommy Issues", "Awful In-laws", "Aging Poorly" and my personal fave, "Dog is Cuter." Choose from three hilarious black trimmed heart-shaped tins -- Dumped, Dejected or Dysfunctional, and celebrate anti-Valentine's Day!

*um....one of the candies in the 'Dumped' tin has the message, "U Have a Blog" --- just ignore that one, will you?

RATE IT! Your Thighs Will Hate You....

...but, so what?

Some things are worth the indulgence, right?? -- I'm looking at you, Everything But the Kitchen Sink chocolate bar!

Marshmallows, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, toffee and cashews all have starring roles in this tasty chocolate sensation from Dylan's Candy Bar.

Meal replacement at its very best!

HATE IT! Scary Valentine

With Valentine's Day fast on the approach, the scramble to find something unique and a little bit different has begun.

I say "unique and different"... and this product now up for grabs on Fred Flare's website certainly fits that criteria.

I give you the gummy heart.

*gulp*

Am I alone in finding this sickly candy "treat" a bit off? It's literally a chewy strawberry heart...not of the cute traditional Valentine shaped variety but the anatomically correct type of heart.

It's a bit too Jeffery Dahmer for my liking. I'll stick with the more staid boring heart shapes and leave items that look like the real thing to someone else....

Ew!

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...