Off to Sin City!!

I am taking a hiatus this week (sorry I dont blog on vaca)..for a trip to Vegas. I've been there a couple times already but I am due for some hot sun, gambling, and debauchery! I will have my full review when I return...blog ya later xoxo

Can you make that with Bacon?

Everyone seems to be obsessed with Bacon flavoured foods and drinks these days. The latest...chocolate bacon muffins..sounds kinda gross eh? Im not even sure I want to try to bake these at home. The muffins may go in the trash AND stink up my house with a mixture of bacon and chocolate smells....hmmm. Then again, I am intrigued to see what they would taste like..maybe something for when I get the munchies? The muffins are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bacon esque foods. There's Bakon Vodka, even websites on how to make your own bacon infused vodka lol. The kicker? Bacon Foods..a whole website completely obsessed with bacon which includes membership fees ranked on how obsessed you are with bacon!! So much for people eating healthy these days right? I personally love bacon....but I prefer my vodka with a lime or cucumber...not pig fat~~

Making Something from Nothing

In our celebrity obsessed world, it is hard to stay on top of the headlines and capitalize on your 15 minutes of fame. There a hundred of talented singers, actors and athletes that are famous for a reason. It helps if they are good looking and funny or interesting as well. They make their $ doing their craft and the publicity and perks that come with being famous, are added bonuses. But how can you become famous if you dont have talent? A new wave of desperate celebrities have made something (fame) from nothing. Enter Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Speidi and now Paulina Gretzky. If you aren't smart, funny or talented, then you better be sleazy, trashy and slutty to get attention. From sex tapes to scandalous photos, these chics will stop at nothing for attention. I guess they are a little bored living off of Daddy's money. Anyway, its really sad that they crave media and public attention and will stop at nothing to get it. Probably weren't hugged enough as children..sigh! What message is this sending young girls though? Take your clothes off and be a whore to get what you want? At least Hilton and Kardashian ended up building their brand and businesses off their sex tape fame. But was it really worth it? Their children and grandchildren will see intimate sex videos of them that were supposedly "leaked" online. I dont feel sorry for them...they capitalized on the opportunity when they saw it. No matter what all  these ladies do in their careers, 20 years from now their name will always appear on Google along with sex tape, scandal and trashy...at least they will have money to wipe away the tears lol.

Outsourcing our lives

As we get busier and busier, we are spending more and more cash on hiring people to do mundane things. I am always telling my friends that I need an assistant to deal with my nonsense on a regular basis. We continue to take on more and more, extending our work hours and social obligations. When do we have time to do laundry? mail thank you cards? schedule appts? pick up dry cleaning? The list goes on and on. Technology was supposed to make our lives easier..but has it? How did our parents do all of this and make it look so easy? My parents both worked, raised two children, had a dog, social obligations, a big extended family to visit, skiing, swimming and music lessons to shuttle us to AND they did it all with no help. I never had a nanny, a grandma to watch me or a cleaning lady. They didnt have blackberrys or laptops to email friends. They saw people face to face and chatted on the phone with friends all the time. Sure they were busy and tired..but I never saw them stressed out. I guess we do work longer hours than our parents did as we are always expected to be "on call" answering our blackberrys during evenings and weekends. But still..an email here or a call there shouldn't cause us to be so far behind on daily tasks..but we are. We are now hiring people to not just watch our kids, mow our lawns or clean our houses. People are now hiring glorified errand boys to do their bidding. Its not unusual now for a family to have a cleaning lady, nanny/babysitter, dog walker and lawn care worker. Some households add chauffeur, cook or assistant to the list. We pay people to cut our hair, paint our nails, wash our dogs, make our meals,  drive our kids..leaving us with more free time right? If hiring people so we can have "less" to do and more "time" isnt working..then either we suck at time management or are too busy and need to trim the fat out of our lives. If you are too busy for your friends and family..then you are TOO busy. Starting saying NO or do you need to hire someone to do that for you?

Tea From David

There has been a lot of progress in the coffee world in terms of new beverages and cafes thanks to Starbucks, Second Cup and the like. Tea aficionados were forced to buy tea from mainstream coffee shops and only had a couple flavours to choose from. They were second class citizens vs. the posh coffee drinkers who had plenty of beverages to fight over. David's Tea has filled that gap in the market offering a wild array of teas for the pickiest of tea drinkers. The small retail shops serve tea, have seats for customers and allow buyers to smell and sample their teas before purchasing. Yes, as one may think, the tea ain't cheap. You are paying for the experience as well as the bright modern decor. But the bang is worth the buck so to speak. The teas are flavourful and refreshing with cute accessories to boot. I was never a tea fan, but David turned me into one. My current fav is Jessie's tea...mmmmm! David hasn't travelled to the states yet, but his teas are available for purchase online and if all goes well, he will be expanding beyond Canada soon. The brand is backed by the Segal name (Le Chateau etc) so its not likely to close up shop anytime soon.

A Pinning Monster

Pinterest is addictive..yes I am finally on the website and loving it! Its so cool...but I must say it is quite a time waster. Make sure its not linked to your facebook acct (check settings) as your friends on facebook will know exactly when/what you were doing on pinterest as it is added to your fbook news feed/timeline. Anyway, Ive created boards about what I love, what I like to read, as well as a board called ninjawesome (cause I am a tad obsessed with ninjas! lol). Warning: you may become a consumer whore after one week of pinning. Its so easy to see things you want (but dont actually need) as well as things other people like and you desperately want to copy. As if we werent already a consumer driven society already..pinterest is certainly capitalizing on it!!

What to Get MoM??

She's overworked and under appreciated. You never seem to have enough time for her in your life. She nags, you complain and you take things out on her all the time. What can you do to make up for this? Its been a while since you did anything really nice for her or bought her something just for her. But flowers and a card just aren't enough and neither is a loud brunch out with all the other unappreciated moms in town...hmmmm what to get her:

1. Spa day - treat her to a spa day or a day at body blitz (therapeutic waters), or purchase a spa gift card and make sure she uses it!!!

2.  An Ipad, E reader or an electronic device to bring her into the 21st century and ease her workload/give her a way to look up recipes on line (lol).

3. Magazine Subscription - get her one or more (dont be a cheapo) subscriptions to her fav magazines or newspapers. Something she wouldnt do for herself

4. DIY - download and burn her some dvds, cds or ebooks...or go buy some for her with your hard earned cash!!

5. Give her $ toward a trip/weekend getaway or another large purchase she has been putting off

6. She really just wants to spend time with you, so order in some good take out (her fav), crack a bottle of wine and spend some quality time

Whatever you do, dont buy her something for the home/kitchen!! BRUTAL!! Also, dont buy her some cheap scarf you saw in passing that you thought she might like. Put some thought into it and show the woman who carried you around for 9 months a little love and respect!!

Like a BOSS!!

This show is pretty cool. It debuted last fall and is starting its second season in August 2012. I am really not a fan of Kelsey Grammer, but his performance in Boss has come a long way from his Frasier days. The show centers around Grammer who is the mayor of Chicago. There are plenty of interesting characters and twisting plots that are an accurate portrayal of real political life. Last season was only 8 episodes..but it left me wanting more. Backstabbing, affairs and estranged family members are just some of the drama in Season one's plot. The show has received rave reviews and accolades including Grammer's Golden Globe Award in 2011. Watch a couple episodes and you will get pulled into the shady lives of Chicago's political elite.

The Return of the Ring?

Spoiler alert!! Did you watch GG this week? I am pretty sure as the season wraps, the Harry Winston ring Chuck gave to Blair will make a return. After all, the season finale is entitled, "The Return of the Ring". I know..I am soo perceptive! lol. Anyway, given that Blair has concerns about going to Rome with Dan and helped Chuck free his father last night, it is safe to say her heart still lies with Chuck. Long live Chair!! I wouldnt be surprised if Chuck busted out the ring again and gave us what we all wanted..a season 6 wedding uniting the Waldorf and Bass families...woohhoo! I guess we will all find out on May 14th when the show wraps until fall...sigh...a long summer in GG withdrawal!!

NYC population: Pippa?

Fresh from quitting her job and hiding from the UK social scene after her Paris gun scandal, Pippa is looking to make a change. She is considering the move to NYC since she will already be in the city for her book engagements this fall. It doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure out that the press and paps will be almost as bad as the UK in NYC..hello Pippa! Next to Hollywood, NYC is full of cameras and gossip pages..just ask TMZ and Page 6! Anyway, maybe she wants to leave the UK spotlight but NYC offers the next best place for this attention whore. She obviously doesnt want to fall off the map completely, maybe this is a stint to increase her popularity in the USA. If she wanted to keep a low profile, she could move to many other cities..NYC isnt called the Big Apple for no reason girl! Geez!! I guess we will have to wait to see what happens. In the meantime all single NYC bachelors are holding their breath waiting for a glimpse of her Royal Hotness!!

Math from Khan

We all hate math right? Most look at it as an evil necessary of life. We hate it because it was boring and hard and right before gym class..urgh. Some of us get nightmares just thinking about it. If you didnt do well at math, your chances of success in a lot of careers were limited. No engineering, science or med school for you..math dummie! This has all changed for kids nowadays with the Khan Academy. This website is full of interactive online lessons involving all levels of math..from counting to advanced calculus. There are tests at the end of each lesson and I must say..its rather fun!! The Khan Academy is a non profit educational organization started by Harvard and MIT graduate Salman Khan. The idea was conceived when he was teaching his nephew math, and realized how difficult it was for students to understand math and enjoy it. He saw the gap in learning that many of us have experienced since we were children. Teachers hate math as much as we do and many of them dont understand a lot of it. The Khan Academy has begun to revolutionize the education system with teachers and students using the program daily in schools across North America. Check out the website and try out a couple lessons..you will see what you missed during childhood.... those lucky kids today! Its great to see that an Ivey League graduate found a way to help out the world from somewhere besides Wall Street. If we waited for the government to change the world, we would be waiting a long time. Kudos to Khan for making change happen.

Love Always Finds a Way

Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy are back together..wooohoo! I was worried there for a bit that they might not find their way back together for the 4th time in 7 years. However, their love and friendship managed to rekindle their romance as the two have been secretly hanging out for a while now. Chelsy is said to have been not a fan of the royal life, but it looks as if love trumps all.  Harry hasn't exactly been waiting by the phone for Chelsy to call. He has tried his fair sampling of the crop. But at the end of the day, its Chelsy he wants by his side..awww! Does this mean another royal wedding???

Now those are Someecards!

I am sure you have probably heard of this site already...and possibly sent some of their ridiculously inappropriate cards to other people. Join the club! I am obsessed with these e cards and will still drop my jaw over some of their captions. There is not a holiday or event that you cant find a card for on here. I usually struggle with trying to not send the mean one that I really want to send. This one is just an example of some of the random cards that are on there. However, know that there were many other cards that aren't for the faint of heart...just check out this one. Hopefully this site gets a good laugh out of you or serves as a worthwhile distraction at work. I already know you will start sending out these cards asap..its just a question of how many!

Passion..it will set you free

The key to success in life is to find your passion. Or at least that's what they say. I was watching the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2012 show the other night and I was once again reminded of the power of doing something you truly love. So many larger than life musicians commented on how happy they were being in a band and even Flea from the Chili's got emotional when discussing how free music made him feel. The stories of each band inducted that night were similar. The Beastie Boys, Chili Peppers and Guns n Roses have all been through a lot of drama, fame, heartache, riches and troubles over the years but their love for the music and their brethren  persevered. At a young age, these boys fell in love with music and their instruments eagerly waiting for school to end so they could go home and jam with their friends. Nothing else mattered to them but their songs and those whom played them with. Girls, drugs, sex and crime, came and went, but their true passion never waned through it all. I often wonder if this passion and creativity is still possible in life. Particularly in regards to our youth. Kids are so distracted these days by the internet and TV, that they don't make enough room for creativity and fun. There are no longer jam sessions in their parents basements. They have video games, texting and steaming movies to keep them busy. Its when kids go outside and explore that they use their imagination and find their passion. Steve Jobs once said that your destiny finds you. I do believe in this theory. However, individuals also need to leave the comfort of their house for such destiny to find them. Imagine if any of those musicians had never been given a guitar or a drum kit? What if they spent their time watching TV or being shuttled back and forth from soccer game to kumon?. Kids today have no time to play, explore and find what makes them tick, what makes them smile and what sets them free. Wondering the streets of NYC allowed the Beastie Boys to be influenced by music and people that they would have never encountered playing video games in their bedrooms while downloading songs on their Ipods.

RIP MCA

When I heard the news Friday that Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys had passed away, I didn't want to believe it. I knew he had been battling cancer since 2009, but he just seemed too young to die. I like many of my friends, thought the Beastie Boys would live forever and continue the fight for our right to party. Yauch was such an innovator of music and the arts in general. He was involved in all aspects of the arts including films and documentaries. Its sad that we have lost such a creative and benevolent man too soon. He had a fun sense of humour that translated with all ages and fit in well with his out of the box thinking. But for every Nathaniel Hornblower stunt, there were his kind words and acts that showed another side to the Beasties. It is sad that there will never be another Beasties concert..an end to one of the greatest live bands in history.

Mo Money Mo Problems??

It seems as though Steve Jobs left Apple with a legacy of products...2-5 years worth of projects that are in various stages of  R&D. Tim Cook being promoted as CEO after a stint as head of operations was no accident. Apple's next move: to buy up their supply chain in their quest to control the world. With over $7 billion to spend on capital expenditures in 2012, Apple has been busy vetting Asian factories in hopes of controlling their suppliers and cutting out all competition. Once these measures are in place, who can compete with Apple's margins? It is said that this move is not just a step towards controlling costs and the competition. It also secures Apple's place in their next frontier: TV. Owning their equipment will cut costs by up to 20% and control production on memory and screens. They already know what products they want to launch, its just a matter of controlling the process. Can someone say $1000 stock price??

$12 million and counting...

 While everyone else on The Hills was partying like rock stars and gossiping on their hungover days, Lauren Conrad was building an empire. Sure, a lot of characters from the show became famous for a while and jump started their career after The Hills. However, for many of them, their 15 minutes of fame are over. Lauren was the only one who was able to keep her head out of all the drama, plastic surgery and hardcore drugs to see the business opportunities at hand. She used her role on a hit TV show to launch her own clothing lines, series of books and websites to build her brand. It was so easy for her to get caught up in the ridiculousness of her LA lifestyle but we never did see her in a scandalous or inappropriate light. She stayed focused and kept her eye on the prize. Sure she went through some drama and although I don't approve of all her choices, she certainly is an inspiration to many girls out there on how to stay classy among the trashy and capitalize on a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Looking for somewhere to eat??

Why not try the top 50 restaurants? This list was just updated recently and no one was surprised to see Noma at #1. Good luck getting a reso at any of the top ten restaurants. Spain has become more of a culinary treasure nabbing three spots in the top ten. NYC is still represented with Per Se, and Eleven Madison Park. Alinea in Chicago places in 7th, down one place from #6 last year. To be on the list is a blessing and a curse. Sure the notoriety guarantees a booked restaurant for years and a huge career boost for the chefs and management. However, the fame can be overwhelming for some places and will lead to thousands of phone calls and dare I say..too much press! La Grenouillere was awarded "The One to Watch" Award..possibly a contender for the #1 spot one day...book a table while you can..chop chop!!

He's STILL got it!!

Political views aside...President Obama still has game! Did you see him on Jimmy Fallon last week? When they slow jammed the news together? Hilarious!! Obama is back..where was he for the past four years?? He was his old charming, funny, charismatic self. He even appeared a bit nervous which was nice to see. In contrast to dull, egotistical, rich as hell Romney, he is such a breath of fresh air. He may not win the election at the end of this year but its nice to see he hasn't lost his sense of humour and his ability to show how much he truly cares about the future. He has tried his best with the odds stacked against him and still hasn't lost his quest to make America strong again. Let's not forget how awesome and funny Fallon is...love him!!

Of all the Bachelors in Canada...

They had to choose this guy? Such a typical selection. Lets pick a football player so it will appeal to all the American viewers when really football isn't even that popular here. Brad Smith was chosen to be the bachelor on Bachelor Canada starting this fall. I am sure he's a nice guy and all..but do we really need a washed up boring football player to represent the best of our country? Did I mention his Dad is a senator..so ya...he's not exactly going to get scandalous on TV. Even his press shot is bad. Guaranteed he will have a nice shirtless body and a great smile but it ends there ladies. His name is BRAD SMITH...how more boring can you get? I really hope I am wrong in this case and I do feel bad for bashing someone I don't know. Alas, you can't blame me! In a country of 30+ million people, there HAD to be a better choice. Need I remind you that he isn't even famous...or cute! Sigh...the jury is out till the fall premiere.

Ending Illness

This is a powerful and informative book...and I highly recommend you read it. Written by an oncologist named David Agus, The End of Illness takes the reader on a journey towards better health. Throw away all previous beliefs and habits as this book is sure to change your views on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sure the book has received some controversy especially considering that Agus has gone up against the multi-billion dollar vitamin industry. But keep in mind this information is coming from a credible source with years of research behind him. It was no surprise to me that some of the fads behind research and nutrition today..are just that....fads!! Agus stresses the importance of an active lifestyle daily (more standing vs. sitting etc) as opposed to strenuous bursts of exercise. He also emphasizes the need for most people over 45 to take statins and have their genes sequenced to determine individual precursors for disease. Its by no coincidence that Agus is the founder of Navigenics..so one may think this is a shameless publicity stunt. As with every book, you are free to read with caution and conclude what you will. I am happy to write about a book that offers a refreshing point of view on health and not a doomsday message about the futur

Broken Hearts

Is it just me or is 2012 a weird year? I know the Mayan calendar ends in December so people are a little freaked out about the world ending this year. I am more optimistic and don't think the world is going to end tomorrow...BUT I do find the sad passing of many young people in the first few months of this year a little freaky. Sarah Burke, a Canadian ski champion passed away during a training accident in January. Nik Zoricic was involved in an accident during a ski cross race in March that resulted in death. Piermario Morosini, a young Italian soccer player went into cardiac arrest during a soccer game in early April and was pronounced dead shortly after. Bolton midfielder, Fabrice Muamba was able to survive a similar heart attack in March and is now stabilized and recovering well. Today, we found out that Norwegian swimmer Alexander Dale Oen,  was found dead in his hotel room at a training session in Arizona. What is going on? Accidents are one thing, but top athletes in their 20s shouldn't be dying from heart attacks. We are taught that heart failure happens to the old, the obese and the severely unhealthy. But these athletes were at the top of their sport and surely had strong cardiovascular systems. Were they over trained? Did their hearts just simply give out or give up? I don't think anyone has the answer. I hope these events inspire researchers and physicians to investigate the reasons behind these deaths as they are obviously more than a coincidence. My thoughts go out to their families and friends as they cope with the loss of their loved one.

An All Bass Reunion

Spoiler alert!!! Say it ain't so GG..Bart Bass is alive and well? So Chuck Bass never really lost his father or his mother? Hmmmm this thickens the plot for sure. Its hard to believe that Jack Bass is Chuck's real dad but then again, Chuck and Bart have nothing in common...so it only makes sense. Wow! I didnt see this one coming at all. I guess we will have to stay tuned to see what Chuck does AND to find out why Bart is alive. Better question..why was Bart ever pronounced dead? What is being hidden from poor Chuck? Of course Blair was the one to first find Bart.. leaving us all to hope and dream for a Chair reunion. If I can't have Chuck..then long live CHAIR!!! Cant believe I have to wait for next Monday to find out what happens...

30 before 30?

30 things to know before 30. Seeing as how I have just 6 months before my 30th birthday, I thought I would have a gander. This "list" became famous in 1997 by Pamela Redmond Satran and was rewritten in 2005. It was originally an article in Glamour magazine and is now a published book available for all young women to read. Some items every woman must have on the list include: a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra, a friend to laugh with and a friend to cry with, a decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone in your family. OK, I already feel slightly inadequate. What we should know: how to fall in love without losing yourself, how to take control of your own birthday (I will never learn this one), how to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship. I guess these are all worthwhile lessons. I am not sure the book will be worth a full read since the list is already quite comprehensive. Though it is nice to know that not everyone has everything on track by 30 and knowing yourself and what you want is the greatest accomplishment of all.

DO-BUY

I went to Dubai this past winter and in a nut shell, it is Las Vegas on crack (except no alcohol or illegal drugs). You can get prescription medications (antibiotics, Viagra etc) from the pharmacist for cash. Dubai is a cool place to see but really, its just tall sky scrapers in the middle of a desert. The Emiratis have taken every western monument and made it bigger and better. Want the worlds largest mall? DONE. The worlds tallest building DONE. A 6 star hotel..done and done. The city is 80% expatriates (Americans and Asians) who dont have much regard for the local culture or language. They are there to make $, party and leave. Speaking of partying, sure the clubs are fun and all, however alcohol is only allowed on hotel properties. So all clubs/bars are highly controlled at hotel sites and its tough to buy or consume alcohol even in hotel hallways. Though it may seem like a desert paradise, the Emiratis keep tight control over residents and visitors. Their rules are strictly enforced and its not easy to forget that you are their visitor and must abide by their customs. By all means, stay and shop and enjoy almost all the places you could at home (Starbucks, Versace etc). Spend your money in the lush hotels, boutiques and warm sandy beaches. Get lost in the landscape of the crazy buildings and beautiful architecture but remember Dubai is anything but home.

Must Sees:  Ski Dubai
                   Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building)
                   Burj Al Arab (Six star hotel)
                   Dubai Mall
                   Mall of Emirates
                   Palm Islands
                  Mahiki

Its not always rainbows and butterflies

Ok so I came to the realization that I will never be Serena Van Der Woodsen or Blake Lively for that matter. But that doesn't mean I can't copy everything "they" do. I keep meaning to look up where Serena's famous wall decor came from and I finally got to it this morning. Of course, its not sold at retail but rather a commissioned piece by Paul Villinski. Something I clearly can't afford..sigh. I must say..his creations are gorgeous especially considering that they are crafted out of recycled beer cans. The next best do it yourself version I could find was by Umbra. It pales in comparison to Serena's wall, but at least its cheaper and crafted from your very hands lol.

Joe Fresh

$3 nail polish in bright colours..$29 coral skinny jeans and the cutest scarves and hats are some of the reasons I find myself shopping at Joe. My boyfriend hates that I buy clothes where most people buy lettuce and BBQ sauce, but I love good quality clothes at a bargain. Joe is the clothing line found in most Loblaw's stores and it now has its own flagship locations in Toronto and NYC..not bad! Joe Mimran (formerly Club Monaco) is the brains and design behind Joe Fresh and its hip young style. Ok so the clothing isn't perfect..not all items are in stock at each store and if you don't grab a dress it when you see it, good luck ever seeing it again (especially in your size!). You snooze you lose girlfriend. Then again, that could be a marketing strategy as the clothes change quite often to keep new customers coming. Some of the sizes are quite big so even though you can return items easily, make sure you pick a size smaller than what you would wear at other stores as the clothes tend to fit a bit big. Check it out if you haven't already and be prepared to tell people where you bought your new dress or shirt as they WILL ask. Wear your Joe clothes with pride (even if they were in the same shopping cart as your eggs yesterday).

Bon Iver

Bon Iver won the 2012 Grammy for Best New Artist and it was well deserved. Struggling with mono at his dad's cabin in the woods of Wisconsin, the music and idea behind Bon Iver (bon hiver - "good winter" in French) was born. Somewhere between the plaid shirts and cold weather came the inspiration for hits such as For Emma and Skinny Love. The music is a little folksy for me but I love playing it during long drives or blasting it as background music in my house. The band's version of "I cant make you love me" has brought many to tears. Its rare to have musicians write, produce and perform their own music these days..especially with such passion and emotion. The fact that the band has become so popular and is now winning mainstream awards, restores my faith in us all and our ability to recognize real talent.

The rental search made easier...

Looking for a new pad? Its stressful isn't it? I have been there many times before and it can be quite the process. Enter PADMAPPER..a website that consolidates all home search engines (craigslist, view it, kijiji) for you on a nice map of your desired city. You can narrow the search by location, number of bedrooms and price range etc. Its easier to look at apartments using the map locator anyway. They also have information about the local area (walk scores, whats nearby and price comparisons). Its only for rental units though, so eager home buyers are stuck with mls.ca for now..suckers!

What's Cooking?

Sous Vide..ever heard of it? Its a newer method of cooking food in air tight plastic bags for a longer period of time (hours) in low temperatures in order to preserve the food's taste and freshness. The newest trend in cooking/food preparation has spun a whole plethora of products to assist with sous vide. But really..who has time for this? TV dinners and fast food are popular for a reason..people don't have 15 hours to cook a flank steak. Or better yet, most lifestyles don't allow for people to plan meals and cook this far in advance. Anyway, it seems to be a food "sport" among those that are male and into the science/math behind it all. I am all for new and exciting things to try, but the food better be DAMN good in order to justify the time and effort. There's also the whole issue of food safety as the lower cooking temperatures and air exposure leave the food vulnerable to all kinds of bacteria..sheesh! I will stick to my slow cooker once a week..its slow enough for me already.

No Love from the Pinterest..yet!

Anybody on Pinterest? I have a lot of friends who have recommended this site for me as it seems to be the newest social networking fad. Apparently it gets more hits/views than facebook right now..eat it Zuckerberg! Anyway, I "requested" an invite weeks ago to join the site and I'm still waiting to be "accepted". I feel like the last kid selected for the baseball team. The premise behind the site is digital scrapbooking, where you are able to "pin" interesting things to your page and have your friends comment and the like. I guess its best used for those who are doing renovations, planning a wedding or marketing their brand/products online. If you aren't a member..check it out and let me know if you are cool enough to be selected. (Though I am sure the start up company is just short staffed). At least that's what I keep telling myself!!

Five Years too long?

I saw the Five Year Engagement last night...meh! It comes out this Friday to a theatre near you but don't rush out to see it. I easily could've swapped out Emily Blunt for another chic flick actress like JLo or Jen Aniston. Jason Segel was a bit funny..but not as good as he was in "I LOVE YOU MAN" or "Forgetting Sarah Marshall". Most of the jokes were sadly already shown in the previews/commercials. It had its funny parts but was pretty predictable and kinda lame. Also, too many british accents for a movie set in San Fran for me anyway...keep an eye on Chris Pratt though..he was cute and very entertaining..the highlight of the movie if you ask me.

Homeland - a must see!

This show is pretty awesome. It wrapped its first season this past fall and also was a hit at the Emmys this year. Remember Claire Danes..from My So Called Life? Well she is back and better than ever. In fact, President Obama just admitted on Jimmy Fallon that Homeland is his favourite show. Great taste Mr. President!! The show has some intriguing story lines and characters that pull you in. I can only comment on the first five episodes which have left me nothing short of addicted. I cant wait to find out what happens and for season 2....coming to TV on September 30, 2012.

More of the Kardis!!!

Just when you thought you had seen the end of Khloe, Kim, Kourtney and all those other K’s…the family just signed on for THREE more seasons. Love them or hate them..its a done deal! I used to be a huge fan but then I went through Kardi overload and got a bit tired of their drama. Anyway, it could be worse..or could it? At least this season we get to see firsthand the newest K to the klan..KANYE..what what!!!

Love This BAND!!!

If you haven't bought their CD yet or downloaded their album on ITunes..then what exactly are you waiting for??? ITS AMAZEBALLS!!! Have a listen to the video (Little Talks) and fall in love with Of Monsters and Men..the best thing from Iceland since their bloody erupting Volcano!!

Draper looking Dapper in Plaid?

Don Draper can never look bad. This is just a statement of fact. I am still not sure how I feel about his recent plaid sport coat debut a couple weeks ago. His new wife bought it for him and I must say, I have mixed feelings. Mad Men is one of my favourite shows and its impact on the fashion scene has been awesome. Men are now bringing back the "dapper" look of the 60's with dark framed glasses, suave hair and of course, the yummy three piece suits and occasional fedora style hats. Even Banana Republic has joined in, debuting a Mad Men collection for the second time.  I have even been to a couple Mad Men themed parties..there is no end to the fun you can have. Anyway, back to the sport coat...perhaps this is an ode to the change in wardrobe experienced by men in the 50-60s when they slowly transitioned from full suits to business casual (turtlenecks, blazers and the like). Or maybe the coat is a symbol of how Draper's new wife (who no one really loves..where is JJ these days???), has a greater influence on his life and fashion choices. Draper looks so dapper in dark well fitted suits...he doesn't conform to fashion trends. I think he looks like an awkward lumberjack trying to fit in...when will this nightmare be over??

The lost art of customer service

When is the last time you experienced really good customer service? Most of the time,  you probably feel like companies don't give a shit about you, and you may be right. When I travel to the States, I am bombarded with friendly customer service from employees of stores and restaurants. Actually, its borderline creepy. Perhaps that's because in Canada, we aren't used to someone wanting to genuinely help us out. Customer service usually varies between "I am desperate and want to stalk you" or "Texting my friends on my bberry is more important than you right now".  Companies used to bend over backwards for valued customers. You would think the recession would only motivate organizations to want to retain customers even more. I must say, American Express has outstanding customer service. They made this the focus of their new training program a couple years ago, and its really working. Employees aren't trained using scripts and talking points like other customer service representatives. Instead, they are taught empathy based training, and its working. I am completely loyal to Amex for this reason. Sure I pay a $120 annual fee for a host of perks and benefits, but when I call Amex for any reason, I am reminded why I don't mind paying. Their employees really "care" about your situation and work with you to solve it in a speedy manner. Even if they're faking their empathy, I don't care..its brilliant!! However, customers shouldn't have to pay extra in order to receive customer service, or in my case, avoid other companies that suck at it. One can blame lack of training, the gap technology has created between people or just plain apathy of most people towards others. Companies can use whatever excuse they want but customers aren't likely to forget bad experiences overnight.

How About them Apples?

Has your Ipod failed lately? Or your Iphone? It seems as though products are built to last 2-5 years these days. Whether its your cell, Ipod or LCD TV, chances are you are replacing devices more often than our parents ever did. My parents have appliances and TVs that have lasted over 15 years..crazy eh? My Ipod lasted 26 months before I held its funeral last weekend. This week alone, two other friends of mine had to replace their Iphones. Apple has a return/recycle program but its pretty much useless. They "recycle" your dead device and give you 10% off of a new one. So I decided to save the $20 and keep my Ipod since it still can play music on my Ipod dock at home. These devices, in particular Apple products, are meant to last a short time, just long enough past the one year warranty. Once the device has an issue, its over! I mean..there's no way of repairing it. You just have to cough up another $200+ for a brand new device. No wonder Apple is the richest company in the world. Sadly there is a field full of these "recycled" devices somewhere..le sigh!

Sunday Afternoon!

Oh the lazy Sunday afternoon...my most dreaded part of the week. You are most likely tired from Saturday night's activities OR dreading Monday morning..or in my case, BOTH. You have a million things to do that you avoided doing all week but no motivation to do them. Maybe this video will help...it always cheers me up!

Education is a life long process?

These days a bachelor's degree is about as common as a high school degree was ten years ago. In the competitive job market, one must have several degrees or experiences to set themselves apart. Of course, its not easy paying for more education and forcing yourself to jump back on the study train once you are done your undergraduate degree. However, if you aren't going to continue to upgrade your skills and education, then the next person in line for your job WILL. Depressing..I know! By the time we graduate with our Bachelor's degree...most of what we have learned will be obsolete. Education just isn't keeping up with the job market and the needs of employers out there. What can we do about this? Enter COURSERA and ITUNESU...both resources for (mostly) free courses on various topics in Science, Business and the Arts. Both websites offer seminars and courses from reputable universities that one can add to their resume or portfolio. Ok, so it may not be the same as a double major or a post-grad degree, but it WILL go along way in showing your employer (or potential employer) that you are a self-disciplined, eager, motivated quick learner. They don't need to know that you completed most of the course drinking wine in your pajamas while texting friends...yes the beauty of online learning!!

Following the Stars..

OK so I know this sounds like a pile of nonsense..but the optimistic/dream lover side of me forces me to read my horoscope everyday. Its scary how much I resemble the qualities of a true Sagittarius. I started reading my horoscope a couple of years ago and even though it doesn't always apply or make sense, it has been fairly accurate overall. I am a faithful follower of Phil Booth and though I hate to admit that I have "cheated" on him a couple times (with other astrologers), I always come back in the end. That's loyalty right? Try following him for a couple weeks and see if he "speaks" to you. I swear, I am a very logical and scientific based person..but like GG and TMZ etc..this is another one of my guilty pleasures..don't knock it till you try it!

Turkish Delights

I recently traveled to Istanbul Turkey in February and was pleasantly surprised by all the city had to offer. With a population of 17 million, Istanbul offers the best of Euro-Asia and is a four hour flight from 65 countries. It may not be a top travel choice for some, however, it is now one of the top 12 travel destinations. Istanbul is full of rich history, interesting culture and a pretty cool party scene. Must sees: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Reina (one of the world's top night clubs), Turkish Baths and of course, the late night hookah and shawarma places. The shopping is awesome, the people are friendly and the food is to die for. Flights with Turkish Airlines are relatively cheap and the service was superb. There's something to be said for Istanbul - a bridge between old and new connecting Europe and Asia - my new favourite city!

Onesie Chuck

I saw this a couple weeks ago on GG and I really couldn't stop laughing. Coming soon to the streets, the male onesie...in athletic form? Not sure if Mr. Bass was coming from an Olympic event or a local nursery school..but somehow I don't think this is the last we have seen of the male onesie. BTW..you can completely zip him up from head to toe (literally) and enclose him into his red jumpsuit..but who would want to do that? Unless there is room for two in there Mr. Bass?

One isn't the loneliest number?

I started reading this book last week and I find it quite interesting mainly because the idea that the majority of North American citizens live alone, is rarely spoken of.  Commercials and marketing campaigns are so often directed towards the family unit even though its well documented that more than half of people now live alone. We are told by the media that living alone can lead to loneliness and depression. However, it it quite the opposite. Those who live alone are less depressed and more likely to engage in social activities and are happier in general. Of course, living alone in these economic times is tough for all ages, but going solo is worth the price to most people. No longer imprisoned by social stigma, more people are branching out and choosing to live alone representing a significant untapped market for many potential products. It will be interesting to see which companies capitalize on this opportunity?

If you haven't experienced the joy of therapeutic waters then you are missing out. The newest trend in spas is water circuits where you pay $30-60 for use of the spa's waters/baths (steam room, sauna, cold plunge pools etc). The experience leaves you relaxed and "detoxified" (whatever that means). In lieu of spending $60+ for a one hour massage, you can spend about half as much for a relaxing spa experience. A lot of places also let you use the waters when you purchase a massage (which you may be able to claim with your health benefits - double bonus!!). This is a great idea for a girls weekend or bachelorette weekend. Although most facilities require silence in certain areas and you certainly won't wanna booze or party after this experience..so save it for the hangover day of the weekend when you have nothing scheduled but R&R. You will want to pass out after your waters experience.  Body Blitz Spa - Toronto is a women's only indoor water spa, Le Nordik is located in Chelsea Quebec (ten mins from downtown Ottawa, and is a gorgeous outdoor spa that I didn't want to leave last summer. My new favourite is Strom Spa in the Montreal area because its pretty new, beautiful and not that busy. Le Scandinave spa is also a popular place with many locations in Canada, but it is too commercialized and being wait-listed to use the waters is NOT relaxing...sigh!

Shit Girls Say...coming soon to bookshelves

"That dog needs some water!" "Is that hummus?" "Where are you?" "Listen..Listen..Listen". If you don't know what I am talking about, then you clearly have missed the three videos entitled "SHIT GIRLS SAY" on Youtube. As a female, I find them hilarious..mainly because they are SOO true. Girls do say the same shit all the time..but don't get sucked into all the other knock off videos cause they are LAME-O. These videos are now going to become a book written by the original video makers/Toronto comics Kyle Humphrey and Graydon Sheppard. I am sure a lot of us will run out and buy the book..though I am skeptical as to how many pages they can fill with "shit girls say"..surely we don't say enough stupid stuff to fill 200+ pages..or do we? "Urgh I can't believe I just ate all that!!"

The One and Only Diet..lose 20 lbs in 30 days!!

Timothy Ferriss...have you heard of him? Author of The Four Hour Work Week and The Four Hour Body is truly an inspiration on how to live a good and successful life. I have started following his diet in the FOUR HOUR BODY book and after two weeks, I am very happy with its results. Here are the rules/guidelines:
1. Avoid White Carbs (white bread, potatoes, pasta etc)
2. Drink A LOT of Water..don't drink your calories (aka no sports drinks, pop etc)
3. Eat Only Slow Carbs (Lentils and Beans)
4. ONE CHEAT DAY A WEEK (Amazeballs..go nuts and eat whatever you want!!)
5. Eat the same meals over and over again
6. Oh ya..no fruit




Believe it or not..its not that bad. After a week or two I didn't even wanna cheat on my cheat day. Weird right? I forced myself to stuff my face on my cheat day so it was easy to stick to the diet all week. He also allows red wine on this diet..so for all those wineos out there...you can sleep easy knowing you aren't depriving yourself of your guilty pleasures...check out the website/book for more info

The delusion of Gossip Girl

Have you been sucked into this show yet? I avoided watching Gossip Girl for years..but have recently become addicted to this show. I must say, I am so glad this show wasn't around when I was a teen. I had a hard enough time comparing myself to Donna or Kelly on 90210. Can you imagine being 16 and thinking you are going to grow up and be like Serena Van Der Woodsen? Considering these characters are in university/working full time, they certainly don't seem to be busy. Don't get me wrong..I love this show and secretly dream of a rich life with Chuck Bass..but really...really? How can this type of show be good for teens or young adults? What are they going to do when they graduate and realize they will never be able to live in Manhattan, let alone the Upper East Side? I guess it doesn't hurt to dream...I am as guilty as every other viewer. Maybe this show should have a disclaimer? After all...not everyone is a Vanderbilt or heir to a hotel empire..sigh!

Really though..What is next? Aren't we all searching for something more? I am finishing up my MBA program and even though many would think the world is my oyster, I have yet to find any opportunities to fit my skill set. I am lost in a world of job postings, random start up ideas and of course, debt. To say nothing of the pressure for me to buy my own house, raise a family and live a well balanced life...FML! Anyway, this blog is about my path thus far and hopefully towards a happy future. Will you take this journey with me? I promise inspiration, exciting ideas and plenty of venting sessions. As a 29 year old struggling to find her way, I hope we can help each other..xoxoox







www.richardjmaltz.com