My HercuGlass Clear Mug is Virtually Unbreakable!

Recently I broke my one and only coffee mug.

It's not that we only have one mug, but it was the only one I used for coffee. I guess because I work from home (freelance writing) and every day is a little bit different, using the one mug brings a little bit of comfort and sanity to my often crazybusy workday.

So to prevent that from happening again, I looked to the glass experts HercuGlass and Santanoni Glass & Ceramics.

I got their best-selling Ultra-Break Resistant 13 oz. Clear Mug (pictured above), which holds enough coffee to get me through my harried mornings and is "thermal shock resistant." That means that it will stand up the usual bumps I put it through the day and won't fall apart at the drop of a hat like a reality show housewife.

Check out this amazing drop-test video and see just how much the Clear Mug can withstand!

And if your mug happens to fracture while pouring in a hot drink, HercuGlass will replace it. All you have to do is send it back to them. They will "analyze to see how it broke, so we can learn more about our process and how to improve it even more and send you a replacement." How awesome is that?!

At prices this low, you can afford to replace all your cups and glasses. I will not only do this at home, but when I open my restaurant, I'm using these almost unbreakable glasses and cups in the dining room. Why would you use anything else?

Shop the entire collection at HercuGlass and Santanoni Glass & Ceramics!

Make Drinks Like the Pros with Lime Tree Cove Cocktail Salts

Mixology has become one of North America's favourite pastimes.

My fella has become an excellent drink maker in recent months. Frothy, boozy concoctions from the 20s and 30s are a current fave.

But I do love classics such as Margaritas and Bloody Marys. The key to these fabulous beverages is in the rimming. If you don't line 'em with salt, they aren't the real deal. The problem is, how do you do it without making a huge mess?

I found the solution at Lime Tree Cove.

CEO Tim McCaffery writes about how the company started:

"We began when my fiancè asked me, 'Can you re-salt my margarita?' The concept of a better way to prepare rimmed cocktails was born."

Tim and his crew have created the perfect tools and ingredients (all natural) to rim your drinks with ease. 

The Barmaid (pictured above) takes drink rimming and salting to a whole new level. This handheld device allows you to make margaritas, mojitos, martinis, pina coladas, and whatever else you like to sip on. Just wet the rim of your glass with lime, lemon , etc. Place the Barmaid on the rim of your glass, press the button and go around the edge. The Barmaid does the rest, dispensing just the right amount of salt the the glass' edge. You can control the amount of salt by pressing more for more and less for less. Sooo easy!

Want something a little fancier than just plain salt? The Gourmet Samplers allow you an exciting range of spices and seasonings to try.  I taste-tested the Margarita Fiesta Sampler. Offering 4 variations to whet your whistle, there's something here for everyone: Tangy Lime Salt, Spicy Chili Salt, Sea Salt and Fresh Lemon Sugar for those wanting a sweet finish to their drink.

Next time your friends want to go out for drinks, tell 'em they can have handcrafted, personalized drinks at your place. Just see where you all end up.

Shop the entire Lime Tree Cove Collection now.

The New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle - The Only Bottle You Need

It's sweltering out. I bet you're drinking tons of water.

Are you still buying bottled water? Sure, that $1 or $2 might not seem like much when you purchase just the one, but think about how many you've bought this week. That's a trip to the movies!

I'm guilty of buying bottled water too. Often tap water doesn't taste fresh or clean to me, even though I know it's just fine.

The best solution I've found is the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle.

It has a filter right in it, so you can use plain old tap water. The filter gets rid of chlorine, making it fresh and tasty, as well as saving you tons of money and saving the environment from all those disposable plastic bottles.

Each filter provides the equivalent of 300 bottles of water, so you really get your money's worth and don't have to worry about changing the filter every few days like many on the market.

I love that it holds 600ml (20 oz.) of water! It's more than the regular bottles you buy, but not so much that it weighs you down.

The bottle is BPA-free and can accommodate all kinds of ice cubes. The screw tight lid is leak-proof, so whether you're commuting by subway, car or mountain range, your water stays in the bottle. And there is a nice sized twist on cap that allows you to drink and hydrate comfortably (I don't know how people drink from those wide-mouth ones without it dribbling all down their front).

This is my new favourite travel companion as it fits in cup holders (hallelujah!) and has a fun finger loop that makes it easy to carry, even if your hands are full (and when aren't they?)

I stopped buying bottled water, thanks to the New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottle. I've already saved a ton of time (no need to search out a store for water anymore), money (it's safely stashed in my wallet ) and the environment (no recycling anymore bottles).

What seems like a teeny switch actually makes a helluva difference.

Make the change too! Get the whole family/office/posse  New Rubbermaid Filter Fresh Water Bottles.

Intuition Does More Than Liven Up Your Water

I am trying really, really hard to drink more water because I know it is important to stay hydrated and and replenish my system.

I find it difficult though because it is so plain and unexciting.

One of the best ways I've discovered to revitalize not only my container of water, but my body, is with Intuition.

This amazing new line of prevenative drink products adds flavour AND ingredients that enhance your life in various ways. A tube containing juice concentrates, natural flavours and medicinal herbs makes it easy to add to your water bottle. It won't clot like powders and the flavours are discernable, but not overpowering. You can also add it your water, wherever you happen to be - at home, the office, on the go - making it a convenient and flavourful way to drink throughout the day. Oh, and it's affordable too.

This naturally produced product of Canada includes ingredients from naturally grown plants and vegetation.

My Vitality is wild strawberry flavoured with a hearty kick of spice. This caffeine-free concentrates includes ginko biloba, Asian ginseng and other energy boosting herbs that will help you get throughout the day without feeling sluggish. You can safely use and drink up to 6 tubes a day - you can't say that about those expensive sugary energy drinks, can you? And feel free to turn it up a little, by making The Vitality Daiquiri! Drinks before dinner just got a little more exciting...

I really like Vitality My Waistline. This refreshing lemongrass lemonade stimulates your metabolism while supressing your appetite using natural ingredients such as yerba mate and dandelion root. You can have up to 4 tubes a day and since it's so tasty (thanks to Michelle Hunt, co-founder of The Martini Club International Inc. for creating such exciting flavour profiles) you probably will.

There are new flavours just about to be released (sooo good) so be sure to check back often for new products.

Purchase Vitality now online or in health stores across Canada.

Need a Quick Pick Me Up? ReVyte Revitalizes You Anytime Day or Night

Are you tired?

Is that you stayed up too late watching a movie on cable? Was it that huge lunch that you just devoured and now you're slumbering at your desk? Did you just come from a meeting that left you feeling completely exhausted and depleted? Have you been burning the candle at both ends and now you're wondering how you're going to get through the day?

Whatever the reason (mine: it was so hot and sticky last night, I tossed and turned without catching much shut eye at all and then I was thinking about all that work waiting for me on my desk and... well, you get the idea), there is help available.

ReVyte is an effervescent vitamin supplement tablet that dissolves in water and delivers a walloping pack of vitamins (A, C and B12, for example) and energy (caffeine and ginseng extract), so that you can get through your day.

You simply dissolve 1 or 2 tablets (2 tablets per pack) in a glass or bottle of water. It goes from creamy light yellow to shockingly electric yellow in just a minute.  The flavour is subtle - lemon/lime - but you'll start to feel peppy quickly. I felt renewed and revived after just a few minutes of having just half of my water!

ReVyte does not contain any dairy, sugar or animal products, with the ingredients listed on the back of the package.

While you don't want to come to rely on having a ReVyte every day, it's nice to know it's there when you need it.

Cocktails, Anyone? Ultimate Bar Book Has Got You Covered!

Because our summers are so short here, I think we tend to take them pretty seriously. So on the first warmish day, you'll see us outside on patios, imbibing in a cocktail or two. Sure we'll still have our coats on, but there's nothing more summery than taking a few minutes out to enjoy a good drink.

The problem happens when you get home and realize that all you know how to make are lame cocktails from the 90s. How are you supposed to entertain your friends serving Long Island Iced Teas and Rum & Cokes?

That's why you've got to get yourself a copy of Ultimate Bar Book. It has the classic drinks you've known and loved with an introduction to the newest drink recipes that will impress the crowd - and having them come back for more, no doubt!

You won't have to worry about running out because there are more than 1,000 recipes (that oughta get you through at least the summer!) and that's not just regular drinks - there's garnishes, rims, infusions, and syrups; punches, gelatin shooters, hot drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages here too.

And in case you've never really set up a home bar before, author Mittie Hellmich tells you everything you need to get started.

If you start now, you'll be ready to be the first to host a cool cocktails fete celebrating the season. Buy your copy of Ultimate Bar Book now and always be prepared to host a little soiree or a big blowout.

p.s. And in case you've celebrated a little too much, there are some hangover tips included in the book as well. It really does have everything!

reBloom Helps You Get a Good Night's Sleep, Naturally

I'll be honest. I haven't been sleeping all that well lately.

After coming off of an intense 3 month work project, I now stay up worrying about all the things I've  got to catch up on. That, along with all the things I want to accomplish this year and well, you get the idea... It's lead to months of horrible sleep and never really feeling caught up.

Until reBloom.

I was skeptical actually. I mean, I know lavender is calming and soothing, but could it along with a few other natural ingredients really induce sleep?

I am thrilled to report the answer is yes!

All you do is drink the tiny bottle (or half if you prefer) 30-60 minutes before bed. I actually brought my work and blackberry with me (I know, I have some serious issues to work on) and about an hour later, I started to get sleepy. Now granted it was almost 1 a.m. so I should have been drowsy, but here's the thing: I actually slept through the night for once and awoke feeling rested.

Using just valerian (a natural sleep aid used since Roman times), chamomile, the aforementioned lavender extract, melatonin (which you've no doubt already tried for curing sleepless nights) and l-theanine (an amino acid in green tea), filtered water and salt, reBloom did the trick.

It tastes like a slightly thick herbal tea or like an aloe drink from the health food store. Pleasant enough, but you'll be so distracted by lack of sleep that I doubt you'll think much about the taste. You know that cycle where you're just trying to get through because you are so exhausted?

Like you, I've tried many natural remedies in the past, but they never worked. I'd toss and turn as if I'd just downed a coffee, not a herbal elixir. But reBloom is different. Maybe because Jonathon Bunt, CEO and Founder made it outta love. For his wife. So she wouldn't have to take Ambien for the rest of her life. Or maybe it's because it's the right combination of things that allows you to quiet your mind and find sleep again.

Either way, I am grateful to have found reBloom.

Sleep can be yours again. Naturally and at an affordable price.

Zzzzzz...

Bulldog Gin Takes Gin to a Whole New Level

Premium vodkas get a lot of press because they often have famous faces attached to them.

But Bulldog Gin deserves serious accolades too - Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave it the highest rating for a gin ever.

That's because it's not only quadruple-distilled, but it's infused with 12 botanicals that you've never experienced in a spirit before - Dragon eye ("cousin of the lychee fruit and long heralded as an ancient Asian aphrodisiac"), coriander, poppy, lavender, juniper, lemon, almond, liquorice, angelica, lotus leaves, cassia and orris.

You experience them as soon as it enters your mouth. There is this warm heat initially and then the individual flavours start to pop around on your tongue like Pop Rocks: there's the lavender and lemon, followed by juniper and almond... it's incredibly exhilarating.

The celebration continues with each sip. It builds and loosens you right up. It is seriously sexy. Almost creamy, and on the verge of sparkly, like fireworks. And I know you might not think of dry gins like this, but this one's changing the game.  I mean, just check out the bottle!

I enjoy it just as it is on the rocks, but you should take advantage of the amazing cocktails listed on the website and facebook.They have even gone to the trouble of categorizing them for you - basic, seasonal, exotic, classic and shots. I like the British Mule (only 136 calories!), London Light, and Bulldog Mojito, Bulldog Fizz, Negroni, but seriously, you can't go wrong with this gin.

And for those of you that don't normally drink (or like) gin, Bulldog Gin might just change your mind.

Buy Bulldog Gin now and finally have drinks that delight you from head to toe.

Riazul 100% Blue Agave Premium Tequila - Changing How You Think of Tequila

I hope you've learned your lesson about tequila.

No, not the one about pounding them back while singing "Pour Some Sugar on Me" when you were 19, or having too much on that week away in Mexico/Cuba/St. Maarten.

I mean the one that:

1. Tequilas can be a fine liquor that actually taste good

2. Many tequilas are meant to be sipped on, like scotch, whiskey and brandy

3. Not all tequilas are created equal

One of my recent discoveries and favourite finds is Riazul Premium 100% Blue Agave Tequila.

Take away all your preconceptions about tequila because this brand is oh-so different. You'll enjoy a smooth feel and taste and even a little sweetness.

You have to try all three - Silver, Reposado and Anejo, which scored 94 out of a 100 on Tequila.net.  They will surprise and delight your palate.

Like many cocktails and spirits today, this artisan alcohol is made with great care. Riazul harvests and processes its agave in the highlands of Mexico, where the elevation is high, the climate is cool and the soil is red, rich in mineral content.

I love that their 250 acres of agave fields is tradition that has been passed down through the generations and that this artisan way of making such a rich and enjoyable spirit has continued on.

My fella and I enjoy sipping on these with just a little ice, but you can certainly make fine cocktails with them as well.

The important thing is that you embrace Riazul 100% Blue Agave Premium Tequilas. Because it might just be one of the best things you've ever tasted.

Need a Gift for the Foodie in Your Life? Eat Me: The Journal From Chronicle Books is Perfect!

Do you take pictures of what you're cooking and/or eating and then post them?

Do you flip through cooking magazines and cookbooks looking for new ideas for dinner?

Is your idea of a fun night out going out to restaurant?

Do you consider shopping for ingredients fun?

Or do you know someone that does?

Then you'll want to get your hands on the incredibly awesome Eat Me: The Journal from Chronicle Books.

Answer questions about your favourite childhood foods, take note of memorable meals, record family recipes, write down your own faves and explore your guilty pleasures in these fun and colourful easy-to-fill-out boxes.

Of course one of my favourite - and most used sections is the Restaurant Diary pages. I love the detail here:

- Date

- Dining Companions

- Restaurant Name

- Cuisine

- Address and Phone 

- Hours and Closed on (Brilliant feature!)

- Delivery & Delivery Free

- Overall Star Rating circle 1-5

- Price Range circle $ - $$$$

- Must-Order Items

- What to Avoid

- Comments

There are fun sections to fill out: food books that you're reading, dining disasters, rated cheap eats, a desserts section (oh my!), a cookbook wish list (you can photocopy the pages and give out to friends and family at holiday gift-giving time), food websites and blogs to follow, tracking your wine, favourite cocktail recipes and a kitchen wish list.

The lists of suggestions are fantastic too - 50 Cocktails Not be Be Missed, Checklist of the 100 foods you must try before you die, The top 10 pieces of cookware every kitchen needs and The top 10 tools every kitchen needs.

The fun modern-retro cover has a plastic cover, so whether you're reviewing a new resto or trying out a new recipe, you can keep it clean with a simple wipe.

There are few "foodie" gifts out there that I think food-lovers and cooks will actually use.

This is most definitely one of the one that will have food stains and wine rings on its pages.

But it now.

Celebrate With Quady's Incredible Essensia Dessert Wine

Being a restaurant reviewer, I have had the luxury of being able to eat way beyond my means.

I have also been able to compare the good with the bad, the mediocre with the sublime.

Though I am in no way a sommelier or wine afficiendo, I have learned through many a tasting how to identify a well-crafted dessert wine.

A bad dessert wine is bracing, acidic and achingly sweet.

A great dessert wine is warm and slightly sweet.  Quady Winery has been making wine since 1975 and their Essensia (2007 World Wine Championship) is one of the best I've ever had.

I like the unexpected aroma of orange blossom and apricots. Made with 100% Orange Muscat grape from California, it is fruity, but subtle.  There is no sickly sweetness or stickiness that I've found with lesser wines, and the finish is just as exquisite as when it first reached your taste buds.

Aged in 3 months in French Oak, there is a richness that I haven't experienced before in dessert wine. So pair it with chocolate, fruit, dessert or serve it on its own after dinner.

If I could choose only one dessert wine, I would choose Essensia.

And with Thanksgiving,Christmas coming up and all of the dinners and gathering in between, don't you want a wine you can absolutely count on?

Take the Stress Out of Entertaining With Tastefully Small Savory Bites

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving and Columbus Day in the States. 

Which means that many of us spent much of the weekend cooking up a storm for friends and family.

Having cooked dinners since a young age, I usually can come up with a main and sides with ease. But hors d'oeuvres? Ugh.

I usually have a hard time finding ones that are interesting, yet easy enough that I won't spend all night creating them while the rest of my dinner overcooks or burns.

So when I came across the Tastefully Small Series, I knew that I had found the perfect solution in Tastefully Small Savory Bites: Easy Sophisticated Hors D'oeuvres for Every Occasion by Kim Hendrickson.

Kim writes in the Introduction:

"The recipes in this book contain flavour combinations that I love, in shapes and presentations that will delight your guests yet can be made without anxiety or difficulty. Whether with drinks before dinner, an afternoon tea, or a sumptuous buffet, these recipes will wow your guests and leave you with energy to enjoy the party. These recipes are easy - and very far from the same old variations on meatballs and marinated shrimp."

There are 50 recipes to choose from, which means that I can entertain for until the spring and not have had to reuse a single recipe! And Kim has thoughtfully divided the recipes - seafood, meat, poultry and egg, vegetable and pastry-based bites, as well as naked canapes and helpful tips (like egg wash and estimating hors d'ouevre quantities) - so you can plan around your menu and any food allergies or sensitivities.

And just think about how awed your guests will be when you bring out Curried Cream Mussels, Persimmon Shrimp Bruschetta, Caramelized Onion Lamb Cups, Pulled Pork Scones, Mac 'n' Cheese Tomatoes and Wild Mushroom Rugelach.

What I love about Kim's food is that it is extremely impressive, but you don't have to flip through pages and pages of ingredients and directions. She keeps it simple, so that you can enjoy yourself without getting all stressed out.

I hope you don't mind, but I'm renaming this one my "Dinner Party Bible."

And next time you come 'round for drinks or dinner, don't give away my secret. There's nothing wrong with people thinking you've been slaving away in the kitchen all afternoon!

Get your copy now.

Make it an Occasion to Remember with the Bon Appetit Celebrations Deck

From now on, I'm throwing as many dinner parties and occasions to get together as I can.

I've realized that the two things I want most is:

1. To spend time with friends and family
2. To cook and feed people simple, but wonderful food.

And one of the best ways I've found to do that is with Bon Appetit Celebrations Deck: 50 Recipes for Special Parties and Happy Holidays All Year Long.

There is much to love about this little box o' cards.

First of all, it's really easy to plan out your party course by course - you simply lay out the cards!

You can turn them face down so that the rich photography tempts your tastebuds, or leave them with the recipe facing up. Will it be Super-Simple Pumpkin Tiramisu or Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes tonight?

The cards are colour-coded for your convenience, so you can mix and match easily and efficiently. And they are also designated with occasions and themes, so you can choose Linguine with Leeks, Radicchio, and Walnut Pesto for your Bridal Shower Lunch and know that it will be bang on for the event you're hosting.

I love how quickly a menu comes together this way. And it's so much fun - and darn easy - using cards instead of having a pile of heavy cookbooks to sift through!

You certainly don't have to throw a Celebration Dinner or "Just Moved" Open House Buffet and follow the cards exactly. Change it up and make it your own.

But when you're stuck and looking for ideas, the Labour Day Barbecue Feta Burgers with Grilled Red Onions and Plum-Almond Crumble with Vanilla-Bean Whipped Cream sure makes for a wonderful menu, doesn't it? And who says you have to wait for Halloween to make Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup and Ginger-Squash Cake with White Chocolate Frosting?!

Throwing an event or dinner party is fun, but a lot of work. The Bon Appetit Celebrations Deck: 50 Recipes for Special Parties and Happy Holidays All Year Long makes it easy to create a wonderful, memorable meal with great ease.

Which means, you'll have more time with your guests, which is why you invited them in the first place!

Take Your Dinner Party Up a Notch with Japanese Cocktails

I have always loved Japanese culture.

I studied it for about 10 years back in the day and still immerse myself in it whenever I can - yesterday my Dad and I went to the Japan Foundation's Winter Garden Show and right now I'm halfway through a great book about modern Japanese women.

Now I am completely obsessed with Yuki Kato's Japanese Cocktails: Mixed Drinks with Sake, Shochu, Whisky & More.

Cocktail expert Yuri Kato shows you how to find the key ingredients to these most original concoctions in this richly illustrated guide. Even if you've never tried any of the spirits mentioned in the book before, Yuri guides you with engaging, informative and entertaining tips on how to make these exhilarating cocktails. And as a bonus, you'll learn about Japan's rain season, why the Japanese are so smitten with baseball and the oldest Japanese cocktail.

The names alone are priceless (Butter of the Forest, Zen Milk Bath and Meet Me at Hachiko) but you'll see that these libations are completely accessible - you can absolutely make them at home!

I am going to be hosting a lot of dinner parties in the next few months and you'd better believe that I'm going to rock the hell outta this little book!

I simply cannot wait to wow the crowd with Love Hotel, Tokyo Sidecar, Aloe Margarita and many, many more.

Ooh, I'm excited!

In fact, I think I'm going to start working on the menus to match right now...

Offer Refreshing Cocktails This Season With Iceberg Vodka!

Chances are you'll be entertaining this month.

You're not going to serve up the ol' standards, are you?!

First of all, get yourself Canadian Iceberg Vodka.

It's made with 12,000-year-old naturally pure Iceberg water and a triple-distilled grain spirit made from Ontario peaches and cream sweet corn.

Other vodkas just can't compete with that kind of uniqueness, this kind of quality.

And unlike other vodkas, you can drink this one on its own - it tastes that good.

So introduce your guests to a vodka that stands out from the crowd. Tell 'em to try it on its own or mix them up Cali Winter, So Cold, Moscow Mule or an Icepresso to keep cool.

You thought your friends liked you before the party. Wait until you serve 'em these!

Boost Your Energy With Super-Charged Smoothies!

As soon as the warm weather arrives, I cannot get enough of smoothies.

They are a delicious, filling way to not only cool down, but max out on fruits and vegetables.

I like them because it's an easy way to consume lots of fruit without having to do a lot of prep.

But buying them on the go can be awfully expensive. Sometimes it's almost $7 for just one.

Better to make them at home.

That's why you should get yourself a copy of Super-Charged Smoothies: More Than 60 Recipes for Energizing Smoothies.

And you need a guide, because although I'm sure you can make a basic blend of fruit, juice and ice, you'll want to know how to maximize your smoothies with "the nutrient-packed, disease-fighting, life-changing superfoods that promote energy and vitality," as authors (and twin sisters!) Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford illustrate.

You'll be able to cater your smoothies to your lifestyle and dietary needs. Want more energy but in a truly unique blend? Thai Bubble Tea Slush is a fun and exciting way to add zest and vigour to your day. Need more probiotics in your diet? Sippin' on Jasmine Honey Lassi oughtta do it!

I like that there's a whole section dedicated to ailments, so if you're suffering from nausea or arthritis, there's a smoothie that will help.

There is a section especially for kids and then for the adults only, alcoholic concoctions such as Cucumber Sake-Tinis and Orange Whiskey Sours that will delight your summer dinner party guests.

And a really comprehensive section on binders and ingredients shows you how to use and incorporate each into your smoothies. You'll learn about intriguing products such as agave nectar, Irish moss, cacao nibs and bee pollen. And use the hottest new items such as Kombucha, matcha powder and goji berries to give you the energy you need to get through your busy day.

Stop wasting your money on mass-made smoothies filled with sugars and fillers and make your own exciting blends at home!

Thanks to Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford, you can now get the energy you've been craving, in a healthy, convenient drink.

Just in time, too. We've still got a couple of months of hot weather ahead of us!

Meet the Leg Opener - The Sexiest Bottle Opener You'll Ever Own

Sure you could open your beer or soda with a regular opener.

But why would you when you can do it with the Leg Opener?

Goodness. It's a wonder, isn't it?

I mean, I just can't stop looking at it. It's so damn sexy!

Here's a video. Just try and look away:



And really, you've just got to feel the weight of this beauty. The heft of this mirror-polished stainless steel leg is gorgeous. Like cutlery from a 5-star restaurant.

It's got a "powerful rare earth magnet" that holds on tight wherever you put it and thanks to a transparent non-slip silicon ring, you'll protect your appliances and furniture from any further scratches (we can't help the ones made by the dog, sorry).

Functional enough to crack open a cold one and yet, beautiful enough to display proudly in your front hall.

And all for less than $30? That's a steal for a piece of sculpture as seductive as this.

Fire Monkey Empire, made up of marketing director Steve Martinez, and industrial designer Sam Deslandes, is a company to watch.

And behold.

Invigorate Your Backyard BBQ With Wine-A-Raita!

You've got the grill going. You have prepped the salads and made sure to load up on ice.

Now what?

Wine-A-Rita's what!

These intriguing drinks was invented by 2 friends and business partners, Donna & Judy.

And just think, isn't a frozen wine drink the perfect thing for your dinner party, weekend barbecue and this insane hot weather?

I mean, you're going to have a glass or two of wine anyway, so why not add a little excitement to it!

What's great about them is not only are they delicious, but they are so simple to make - just add wine, mix, ice and blend. Done!

Donna and Judy created Wine Glacé first (it won "best new drink" award in 2005 at the National Gourmet Show), and then the Peach Bellini, CosmoRita and Senorita were added to the line.

Wine Glacé is a great way to introduce yourself to the line and watch out - you might not wine without it after this! You can blend it with either red or white wine, which is nice, or you can mix it with fruit juice for a non-alcoholic version. And the fancy cloth bag it comes in is made by adults who have developmental disabilities. Gotta love that!

Peach Bellini is a great addition to your dinner party - just think how it will liven up your grilled pork chops or your cheese platter. You can use white wine, sparkling wine, Proscecco or Champagne for a refreshing, fruity cocktail. And for one without alcohol, go ahead and mix it with ginger ale - it's just as peachy!

For your girlfriend get togethers, you'll want to have CosmoRita on hand. Use white wine (Donna & Judy recommend Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc) or vodka and whip up an original version of this classic . Anyone can do a Cosmo, but you'll be the only one doing CosmoRitas.

As much as I love the taste of margaritas, after a big glass and a half, I feel full. That's why I love the lighter-tasting Senorita (plus it's made of two of your favourite drinks - margaritas and wine). It's the perfect combination.

I love the frothy, icy goodness of each of these. We've still got a long summer ahead of us - wouldn't you like to be drinking something cold and original?

Find out where to get Wine-A-Rita mixes near you and make entertaining fun and easy this season.

Celebrate The Week's End With Mary Jane's Relaxing Soda!

I don't know about you, but I could use all the help I can get in order to relax.

Like many of you, my work spills over from the week into the weekend. And then there's the fact that my desk is at the end of our bed, so I find it difficult to actually "get away" from the stress of work.

Then I found Mary Jane Relaxing Soda and suddenly, all was right with the world.

It's recommended that you drink it on an empty stomach - that way, you reap the most rewards (and let's face it, you're too busy and stressed to eat anyway). You get this calm feeling that settles you no matter what deadline you've got to meet or where you are or what you're dealing with.

Kind of like how you can feel after a hearty glass of wine, but without the headache and tiredness that goes along with it (I know you'll appreciate that as much as I do).

So for once you can ease your stress and still be able to function afterward. It's like it was made for our frenetic lifestyles!

And you don't have to go to the MJRS just when you're stressed about work. Have a slug (or 10) before you have to give a speech to your shareholders (hey, especially if you're passing on bad news). Pick up a bottle before googling your ex. Or if you simply want to relax and enjoy an evening with friends without having to resort to stories of cranky coworkers or obsessive-compulsive neighbours.

For whatever and wherever, you'll be surprised at just how many occasions throughout the day would be appropriate!

And you'll pleased to know, it gets better! The ingredients are all natural ( lightly carbonated water, cane sugar and herbal extracts such as passion flower and kava) and there's no high fructose corn syrup or melatonin to worry about.

In fact, thanks to Mary Jane's Relaxing Soda, you don't have to worry about worrying any longer.

And for once, you can relax and enjoy yourself.

What an amazing, freeing feeling.

p.s. It tastes great, so don't be surprised if you want another bottle.

Green Mountain Coffee's Donut House Collection is the Perfect Way to Start Your Day

We looove our Keurig Coffee Maker. I wrote about ours back in 2008 and we still cherish it as much as the day it arrived.

Why?

Because it not only makes a damn good cuppa coffee, but the best tea in the world too. Whenever we have guests over, they remark at how delicious their drink is and almost always request a second cup.

Our Keurig Single-Cup Brewing System uses K-Cups and I've just discovered Green Mountain Coffee's Donut House Collection. It includes:

- Donut House Coffee
- Donut House Decaf
- Chocolate Glazed Donut
- Cinnamon Roll

Not only is the one of the most delicious cups of coffee you'll have, but you get the enjoyment of a donut and cinnamon roll without all the fat and added calories.

I told you it was a great way to start your day!