RATE IT! Gingerdead Men Cookie Cutters

A little too late for Halloween, but early for Christmas, this comedic take on holiday nibbles has bite. GingerDEAD Men ... why not? Ghoulishly presented by the gang at Perpetual Kid.

RATE IT! Back FOR the Future

When pop culture and a good cause come together, everybody wins.

Nike has introduced 'Back to the Future' style kicks for a special one-time only event. They're auctioning off 1,500 pairs of the Nike Mag shoes -- all in aid of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Want to bid? Visit Nikemag.ebay.com and get a pair before they're all gone. PC Mag is reporting that some pairs are going for as high as $3,500 today. Here's the fun video promoting the auction... featuring Saturday Night Live's Bill Hader as the shoe salesman, and Christopher Lloyd in his old the 'Back to the Future' role.

RATE IT! Back to School with Snoopy

When I was a kid, most of the school children (me included) would walk home for lunch each and every day. Only a few kids who were bused to our school from the outer corners of our town, would stay and tuck into a packed lunch. I never had the opportunity to cart around a funky lunch box -- and yeah, I was actually envious of the kids who did. I'll always remember the NHL lunch boxes the boys had. If I didn't live so close to the school, I would have definitely had a Toronto Maple Leafs one. 

Or... perhaps a Snoopy inspired lunch box like this gem available from Perpetual Kid. Snoopy never goes out of fashion in my books. Unfortunately I work from home now so the need for a case to tote my lunch is unnecessary. I'll just have to admire this cute lunch box from afar. 

RATE IT! Wear If You Dare

Take a peek at these crystal encrusted shoes. What word springs into your mind? Ridiculous? Ouch? How about... fundraisers? 

Turns out these crazy Christian Louboutin eight inch heels are not intended for the trendy gal about town. Nope, they were created for an auction to benefit the English National Ballet. On closer inspection, it all makes perfect sense. The heels actually resemble ballet slippers. 


No doubt some Louboutin obsessive will make a pretty spectacular bid in order to nab this one-of-a-kind footwear. 


Let's just hope they end up in a display case and not on someone's poor feet!

RATE IT! Another Stamp of Approval

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - that's Prince William & Kate Middleton - will be landing in Canada today! The royal couple will be celebrating my country's 144th birthday on Friday, and visiting several provinces during their nine day trip to the Great White North.


To celebrate this special occasion, Canada Post has just released its 3rd stamp featuring Wills & Kate. This new version features a post-wedding snap of the newlyweds. Earlier stamps were released to mark the royal wedding back in April, and displayed their official engagement photos. 


Want in the royal festivities? Click on the Canada Post link above, and shop to your heart's content. 

RATE IT! Shawshank Redemption - Totally '80s

Movie fans will LOVE this re-edit of the Shawshank Redemption... given the '80s montage treatment. Somewhere Kenny Loggins is smiling. From the brainiacs at Funny or Die.

Awesome 80's Montage: Shawshank - watch more funny videos

RATE IT! Ice Cream Sandwich Pillow

You can keep your House and Garden ultra-trendy home decor. Instead, I'll gladly take this nifty ice cream sandwich pillow into my abode. It's cute, looks comfy and never takes itself too seriously. 

I think I've finally found the perfect match for the cupcake pillow. 

RATE IT! Pre-Summer Checklist

I love a good checklist! With summer in the wings, it's time to take care of some necessary business *now* in order to fully enjoy the few hot months that we DO have.

Don't miss out on any 'to do' list necessities. Here's my pre-summer checklist, my latest article for Slice.ca. 

RATE IT! Sweet Dreams Cupcake Pillow

Sleep on it? I'd rather eat it. The Sweet Dreams Cupcake Pillow. 


I couldn't have named it better!

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! Classic Chatter Phone

A toy time blast from the past!

Fisher Price is rolling out a kiddie favourite from days gone by - I even remember having one!

Meet the Classic Chatter Telephone. Sure, it's not as slim as an iPhone, and the old school rotary dial might confuse the younger set - but with it's jiggly eyes, and happy-go-lucky voice, this retro toy is still a gem!

Times may change but classics stand the test of time.

RATE IT! Royal Cup Cakes

With the royal wedding happening later this week, what better time is there to indulge in some aristocratic splendor yourself?


These cupcake holders are royally delicious!

RATE IT! Sausage Dog Leash

I love this product for its hilarity factor... sausage links, as a dog leash? Why not!


Now, I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't be caught dead walking down the street with Zoey attached to this contraption - but I would LOVE to see someone else.. someone much braver than I, strutting around the city with pup in tow. 


Available now from Fred Flare. Buy it if you dare!

RATE IT! I Love Kermit

Because I do! Some things we never outgrow. 

Muppet-astic lunchbox. Now I just need an office to go to!

From Perpetual Kid. 

RATE IT! Holy USB, Batman!

Kiss goodbye to boring computer accessories! Batman has saved the day (yet again!). 


Comic geek chic rules with this set of too cool for school USB flash drives. The Joker, Batman...what's not to like?


Not only will these 2 GB gizmos save important docs for you, but in return they'll offer up lots of Batman-inspired goodness including avatars, wallpapers and more. Best of all, these drives are compatible with PC and Mac. 


Priced at $36 US & available now from Fred Flare. 

RATE IT! Smithy to the Rescue

Don't you hate when you feel like you're missing out? Seems like the Brits have all the fun especially when it's that Comic Relief time of the year. 


Every two years, Comic Relief holds its 'Red Nose Day' bringing together stars from television, movies, sports, politics and music to raise money to help erase poverty in the UK and Africa. The aim is to provide buzz-worthy entertainment that will encourage people to donate to the cause. Red Nose Day was such a success (there have been 11 of them so far since the '80s), Comic Relief created a second massive endeavour, Sports Relief. This initiative kicks off in the years between each Red Nose Day. In other words, one year it's Red Nose Day, the next it's Sports Relief. Here in 2011, it was Red Nose Day's time to shine. 


This year was epic! Numerous videos were broadcast on BBC that once again raised the bar in the hilarity stakes. My favourite was the latest Smithy video... Smithy being the much loved character actor/writer James Corden created for the hit TV series, 'Gavin & Stacey.' Smithy has appeared in several Comic Relief vids, and his latest adventure does not disappoint! My British friends were first introduced to this video late last week when it made its debut on the BBC and then went completely viral. Us North Americans will also enjoy it -- even if you don't recognize all the celebs that appear, you'll still be stunned by who you DO recognize. If only us North Americans could throw such a worthwhile party. 


Enjoy, and donate if you can. Please visit Comic Relief's official webpage here. 

RATE IT! Nifty Wedding Souvenir

The wedding of the year hasn't happened yet and already the souvenir sellers are in overdrive.


Most keepsakes commemorating the nuptials of Prince William & Kate Middleton are tacky, and embarrassing but this one takes the cake for being subtle and quite lovely.


It's a tea towel marking the April 29 festivities. Just when you were ready to wash your hands of all the hoopla, this sweet little towel comes calling. The retro tree-carved initials of W & K complete this beautiful item.


And did you catch the 'I do' in the 'In London' banner? Genius. 

RATE IT! The Best Dance Moves...Ever

Why spend hours watching those annoying dance programs on TV when you can pick up a few tricks in a cheap, and cheerful way?

Get your groove on with 'The Best Dance Moves in the World...Ever,' a delightfully, fun book with easy-to-follow diagrams. 


Channel John Travolta with the Hustle, or Thriller-era Michael Jackson. Speaking of the King of Pop, check out the Thriller zombie dance! (shown at right). The diagrams even feature a MJ-lookalike complete with red outfit, white socks and black loafers -- straight out of the music video! Such details make this book a winner. 


For less than $20, you can learn some moves, and have a giggle at the artwork - a bargain!

RATE IT! Mad Over Bieber

You know that you're a pop culture staple when you get the 'Mad Magazine' treatment.


Teen dream, Justin Bieber meets 'Mad' stalwart, Alfred E. Neuman. 


Nice work! And not a hair out of place!

RATE IT! Thunderbirds Are Go-ing Postal Too!

Great Britain is certainly living up to its name! Why is the UK getting my stamp of approval once again?


On the heels of their Christmas Wallace & Gromit philatelist treasure trove, they're unleashing yet another pop culture collection -- Thunderbird postage stamps are launched today. 


Honouring the 50th anniversary of Gerry Anderson's puppet-tastic TV program, this Royal Mail special edition features stamps for Stingray, Captain Scarlet, Fireball XL5, Supercar and more! What's most exciting... for the first time, the Royal Mail has gone high-tech, featuring a sheet of four 'motion' stamps. When the small page is tilted back and forth, the opening sequence of Thunderbirds plays out -- pure genius!


Last week it was announced that the US Postal Service is releasing a series of Pixar stamps in 2011. Meanwhile, us Canadians have to make do with Queen Elizabeth II, flowers and the odd hockey player. C'mon, Canada Post - pull up your socks!