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Although French Fries get a bad rap these days, there is a new twist being offered by some restaurants that can give you a healthier version of the classic favourite. Sweet potato fries are becoming more and more popular... Continued |
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There has been an interesting trend in Hollywood lately: making a sequel years after its predecessor (Live Free or Die Hard came 12 years after Die Hard With A Vengeance, Rocky Balboa 16 years after Rocky V, Star Wars The... Continued |
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If I were to ask most people to list a few of the great female musical talents of the 1960s, I suspect I would here names like Janis, Diana or Aretha and often ignoring Dusty. Similarly, lists of current... Continued |
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I have just discovered the most incredible line of skin care products. As the name suggests, they are entirely made from all-natural, organic ingredients. Each of the soaps smells and feels so luxurious, it’s really quite amazing.
But just... Continued |
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I’ve had my share of pet treats in my life. As a matter of fact, I have probably had a few other dogs’ share too. I am told I have a refined palate; while other dogs might wolf... Continued |
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OK, so I admit it, I have a serious makeup addiction! I have reviewed a few mascaras in the past already, but I just couldn’t control myself. I found another one that I just had to review as... Continued |
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Perfect for kissing under the missletoe, Benefit lipstick is silky smooth and feels like your lips are being conditioned and pampered as you wear it. The colour that I have tried is “But Officer” and it is a pretty,... Continued |
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The days of fuzzy VHS tapes are over! With the recordable DVD technology, we can now record our favourite TV shows right to DVD...and the best part is that you are then able to edit and search the DVDs at... Continued |
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I’ve had an affinity for The Hip since I first saw them perform live in a small club on New Years Eve 1989 (or was it 88?) I’ll admit that I have not followed them on all of their... Continued |
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The MAC lip conditioner is a must-have-for-all. The clear version is available as a balm, stick, and squeeze tube and also in a hand-full of lovely shades that are available in balm format only. The soft, silky texture... Continued |
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If you find yourself contemplating 'what am I doing with my life', or, 'why am I wasting my time being unhappy in my job', or, if you have ever had the urge to start your own business and just couldn't... Continued |
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There is no doubt that The Band casts a long musical shadow. Their influence can be felt in the music of today’s Alt-Country bands like Wilco, Blue Rodeo and so many others. When their debut recording “Music From... Continued |
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Don’t look for this one in the new release section of your local video store. Rear Window, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic suspense thriller from 1954 has withstood the test of time.
James Stewart plays J.B. Jeffries, a photographer who... Continued |
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OK, fine, so I’m not 15…but I still thoroughly enjoyed the entire series of the ‘Traveling Pants’ books by Ann Brashares. I had bought the original book for my younger sister Kat and decided to read a few pages... Continued |
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So, let me start by saying that in a million years, I wouldn’t have thought that I would ever be tempted by a Blackberry Green Tea Frappucino blended crème. The geniuses at Starbucks have done it again! I... Continued |
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There is nothing quite like receiving a gift in a perfectly wrapped Tiffany & Co. little blue box with a white ribbon. And hey, treating yourself is always fun too.
Not that I would ever pass up a Tiffany &... Continued |
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Is it a work of fiction or a clairvoyant vision of a not-so-distant future?
American Dreamz looks at a society more interested in a TV reality talent contest (à la American Idol) than its political leaders. Meanwhile, the President is... Continued |
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I have searched far and wide for the perfect mascara…and I think that I have finally found it. I was recently shopping at a Toronto-area spa and boutique (which shall remain nameless as their service was snooty and absolutely... Continued |
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Every so often, a new board game comes out that gets people talking… and playing. We all remember the Trivial Pursuit craze of the 1980s and Pictionary in the 90s. Well if I had to pick a board... Continued |
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Every now and then, you hear a voice that is so pure, so passionate and so honest, that you can’t help but give it your undivided attention. Kellylee Evans’ voice will get your attention.
Her debut release Fight... Continued |
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This is your introduction to my pup and ShopAware.com’s Pet Editor, Lucy. Every pet-associated theme discussed or mentioned on ShopAware must first pass the rigorous testing an approval of Miss Lucy.
Lucy is wearing one of the hottest new canine... Continued |
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My mother bought this book for me for Christmas and although I had a stack of others that were waiting in line to be read first, she insisted that I start it immediately. So I did…and what a fantastic... Continued |
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There was a whole lot of hype around the movie. There was a whole lot of controversy around the novel. There was a plagiarism lawsuit. There was even a hubbub about casting decisions. But how does... Continued |
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I found out about this amazing product through Kat, ShopAware.com’s Teen Editor. I had to pick some up because it looked so great on her…and I just love it. It goes on very smooth and lasts for hours... Continued |
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I was given the Hay-Boy Little Black Purse as a gift and I absolutely adore it. I get compliments on it all the time. One of the greatest things about this purse is that it has interchangeable covers... Continued |
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Whenever anyone suggests I should listen to an album of covers, I swear my ears retreat into my head just a little. They are so often mediocre re-workings of classic songs that only serve to make you want to... Continued |
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If you’re a fan of Coca-Cola Classic but you want to cut down on your sugar intake, you now have a great option in Coke Zero. I’ve never been a huge fan of Diet Coke as it doesn’t have... Continued |
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I was not given the gift of either really curly or really straight hair. And if you’re anything like me, the humidity of summer can wreak havoc on the ‘do. As my hair is naturally wavy, I straighten... Continued |
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‘Absolutely Fabulous’ is the best way that I can describe this great new invention that was a collaboration between Kraft and Braun. If you are a lover of great coffee, lattés, cappuccinos, etc. then this is the machine for... Continued |
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Faces Metaliglow is a wonderful addition to your summer beauty regime. It is a liquid shimmer lotion for the face and body that comes in two shades. It is a silky smooth lotion that only requires a small... Continued |
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You either love ‘em or there’s something wrong with you…just kidding! Although it’s not for everyone, The Gilmore Girls has had a phenomenal following of loyal viewers since day 1. The series is going into its 7th and... Continued |
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I was already a fan of the new Trident Splash sugar-free chewing gum (mostly the vanilla peppermint flavour) but I am also pretty excited about the Apple with Raspberry flavour that is the newest addition to the brand.
I tend to... Continued |
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I have very pale skin and am not able to use many of the bronzers that are available on the market as they usually tend to have too much colour and make me look orange. This is why I... Continued |
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Ever since Bottle Rocket, Owen Wilson has made a career out of portraying charming, goof-ball characters in buddy comedies. Taking a cue from previous roles like the ones he played in Wedding Crashers, Shanghai Noon and I Spy, Wilson... Continued |
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While browsing through Chapters one day, my eye was caught by an intriguing cover for a book called The Joys of Much Too Much by Bonnie Fuller. I picked it up and was sold instantly after reading the dust... Continued |
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This wonderful little vile of ‘aroma-theraputic bliss’ is one of the best things that I have come across in my travels of late. The tiny bottle is only a few inches long and has a roller ball applicator that... Continued |
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Last month, I suggested you find the newest album by Slaid Cleaves; this time, I’d like to suggest an artist who is almost as obscure by the name of Sondre Lerche. This Scandinavian singer-songwriter first caught my ear with... Continued |
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Bruce Springsteen has garnered the reputation of putting on one of the best live shows in the world of rock. One of his concerts is usually a 3 hours + of high energy rock and roll. This reputation... Continued |
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I have recently had the opportunity to drive the new 2006 Ford Fusion while my car was in the shop for repairs. Usually, I’m not crazy about domestic vehicles. Fords have always been my least favourite. ... Continued |
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OK, so I will admit to a few too many sleepless nights watching infomercials. I often get caught up watching clips of Dean Martin roasts or the latest 70s music CD collection informercial hosted by Leif Garrett (or someone... Continued |
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If you’re looking for light, entertaining, mindless fare, keep moving. On the other hand if you’re interested in a DVD that will challenge your beliefs and at the very least give you reason to think, stretch your brain and... Continued |
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Really, I don’t often buy TV advertised items. (See this month’s review of The Magic Bullet) But now, I have purchased two in one month!
At my recent visit to the Canadian Nation Exhibition, I stopped briefly to watch... Continued |
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Whether you’re looking to embark on a new path in life or just re-energize your current circumstances, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari is the quintessential ‘change your life’ guide. Regardless of what path you are on, this book... Continued |
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Zach Braff is doing a great job developing two distinct career paths: the TV sitcom star on the long-running Scrubs and the romantic lead in edgy romantic comedies. His first foray into the genre was in 2004’s Garden State... Continued |
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Do you have a sweet tooth and very little time? I think I have found the perfect, very quick desert. The geniuses at Betty Crocker have come up with a microwave chocolate Molten Cake. I know what... Continued |
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The new very PINK and very cherry TAB Energy drink is perfect for ShopAware readers. It has a great tangy taste and provides all of the caffeine jolting pleasure that one would expect from the new rage in energy... Continued |
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Are you a movie buff? I am. And as a movie buff, I have a bible that I must pick up every year. Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide includes over 17,000 movie reviews ranging from the worst bombs... Continued |
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Hi, my name is Fred, and I have a problem. I am a Tim Horton’s addict. I know I am not alone in this one, judging by the familiar faces I see in the line-up every morning. ... Continued |
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Here’s one you might have missed when it first came out a few years back. When Randy Newman first appeared on the L.A. music scene in the late 60’s, he was a bit of an anomaly. At the... Continued |
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A few classic rock superstars from the 1960s and 70s have recently come back with some excellent releases. The lest year has seen some really good albums from Paul McCartney, Bob Seger, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Tom... Continued |
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Sports drinks haven’t always had the best reputation for tasting great… but they didn’t necessarily need to as they performed a function in replacing electrolytes during working out and vigorous sports and exercise. But now the world of the... Continued |
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Although I love many different kinds of chocolate, I do consider myself to be a true chocolate covered marshmallow aficionado. Now this may seem to be something that should be pretty straightforward…how different can two chocolate covered marshmallows be?... Continued |
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As we enter into the winter months, many of us have to start paying closer attention to our skin. The cold temperatures and bitter winds can wreak havoc on our skin and cause severe dryness.
I am always... Continued |
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My mother-in-law introduced me to a wonderful product that you really must try if you are a fan of crème brûlée.
Not only are the crème brûlée desserts themselves wonderfully delectable but the individual servings come in a cute... Continued |
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It’s getting very cold outside now and being that I only weigh six and a half pounds, I really have to bundle up before heading outside. The coat that I am wearing is by American Kennel Club and it... Continued |
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Not all of us have the time to prepare every single dish that we serve for the (seeming) 50+ various dinner parties that we host over the holiday season, so it’s great when we can find a handy dandy prepared... Continued |
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The Cat came back! Now recording under the name Yusuf Islam, Cat Stevens has returned with his first full length pop album in 28 years. As a person who has worn out the grooves of his LP of Tea... Continued |
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This aptly titled book that chronicles the life of Audrey Hepburn beautifully, both pictorially and in written word is an absolute delight. For anyone who has followed the career of Audrey from Roman Holiday, to Sabrina, to Funny Face,... Continued |
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If you haven’t heard of “The Secret” DVD yet then prepare yourself for a treat. For those of us wanting more out of life…wanting to make sure that we reach our ultimate potential, The Secret sheds new light on... Continued |
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I received this wonderful little red velour make-up bag by H&M as a gift for my birthday and have received numerous compliments every time I have taken it out of my purse to get something. It is just adorable... Continued |
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The “Versailles” bag collection from designer Stephanie Johnson is a must have for any girl. The bags are available in other prints but this particular one does the trick for me. The bags showcase beautiful little black velvet... Continued |
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So all the rage now is using a primer prior to applying your mascara. While I originally thought this sounded absolutely crazy, I must admit that I am now a believer. WOW…what a huge difference this makes in... Continued |
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Being a real fan of the book, I was hesitant to see the movie version of The Devil Wears Prada. I couldn’t really see Anne Hathaway in the role of the main character but I was very pleasantly surprised.... Continued |
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I got the coolest toy for Christmas this year. I must have been a very good boy. Under the tree, I found an 80 GB iPod Video. That’s the grand-daddy of the i-Pods (until they come out... Continued |
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On a recent (and long) road trip, I had the pleasure of reading Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries. Well, I didn’t really read it; it was an audiobook read by Anne Hathaway. You might remember the movie of... Continued |
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Neil Young has talked about delving into his considerable archives for years. Fans have long been anticipating a series of releases in the form of boxsets. Well, it seems Neil decided to tackle them one disc at a... Continued |
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36 years after The Beatles broke up, comes the release of a brand new album. Well, sort of. It all started when the folks at Cirque Du Soleil wanted to create a new show in Las Vegas utilizing... Continued |
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Once you’ve had your wonderful spa day after reading this month’s article “Take A Spa Day”, you can keep your feet feeling wonderful even longer by using Gehwol’s Foot Balm for Rough Dry Skin. If your feet are like... Continued |
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This product pick is especially for Valentine’s Day. Yes, I know, there isn’t actually a “product” featured at all in this “pick” but really…is it possible for anything to come out of this box on Valentine’s Day that wouldn’t... Continued |
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Not all nail polishes are created equal. There are those that take ten coats to actually create the colour concentration that appears in the bottle and there are some that are so thick and gooey that they take 3... Continued |
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Another pink item, just in time for Valentine’s Day is the new Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats from Kellogg’s. Start your Valentine’s day off right by serving them a bowl of pink goodness. This classic breakfast cereal has a... Continued |
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Aah… romantic movies. There are so many great ones to choose from this Valentine’s season, that I just couldn’t pick one. So I picked three instead all of them staring one of the most romantic leading ladies in... Continued |
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It was one of my favourite films of 2006. The story is completely original. The screenplay is smart, funny, touching and inspiring. The look of the film is completely arresting. The acting, by a stellar cast,... Continued |
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Spring may be on the way but it’s still chilly outside so I was thrilled to find this cute little pink fur coat to keep me both stylish and warm. It even has a luxurious pink satin lining to... Continued |
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At first glance, seeing the word “multigrain” on a bag of Tostitos just seemed strange but I figured I would give it a whirl…and boy was I glad I did. The flavour is fantastic and you’re getting more fiber... Continued |
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Montreal based singer-songwriter Rob Lutes has been making a name for himself on the local music scene with consistently strong recorded efforts. His live sets are also always solid.
Ride The Shadows, his third release, breathes with the deep spirit... Continued |
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MAC has done it again! First it was k.d. Lang, RuPaul, Lisa Marie Presley…and now …Barbie? Barbie is the newest celebrity spokesperson for MAC and there is an entire MAC line inspired by the consummate girl idol.
Many of... Continued |
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How would you like to get 2 for 1 savings every time you go out for dinner? Or maybe you would prefer to save on movie tickets at your local theatre. How about getting great discounts on hotels,... Continued |
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If you are like me and can’t seem to get enough greens into your diet and need some extra energy to help you through your day then give Greens+ Extra Energy a try. It looks weird and tastes a... Continued |
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I have recently discovered a great AND HEALTHY snack food. You may have tried this at your local Japanese restaurant as an appetizer. Edamame is a green soybean in the pod. You can find it in the... Continued |
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30 years of Canada’s Roots, Rock, Folk, Country and Blues Label distilled onto two CDs; you might wonder how it could possibly sound cohesive. The folks at Stony Plain have done it. The through line in every song,... Continued |
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If you have watched or read The Secret and just can’t get enough of the amazing energy that is out there right now for personal growth and fulfillment, then have I got a book for you! …And best of... Continued |
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I love bags and purses and have amassed quite a collection over the years. This bag is quite unique as it is hand made with beautiful quilting fabrics, reversible and large enough to carry my books or my knitting... Continued |
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When Double Indemnity was originally released in 1944, there were few other movies of its kind. The subject matter was considered a bit too seedy for public consumption by the Hayes Office, the censorship organization that dictated guidelines to... Continued |
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Accepted came and went pretty quickly in the movie theatres last year without much notice. It was then released on DVD just before Christmas to little or no fanfare. I think this is a bit of an undiscovered... Continued |
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As you can read in this month’s article “To MAC or PC…That Is The Question”, I have recently taken the plunge into Apple ownership. Yes, I purchased an iMac and am so far very happy with the decision.
The... Continued |
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I recently received a bar of the NBW (Nature’s Body Works) ‘The Beach Bar…with lime” soap as a gift from a friend. Upon first opening the gift, I thought it was a nice “decorative” and wonderful smelling soap but... Continued |
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Hear Ye, Hear Ye…new Crocs are available in different styles. Now, don’t get me wrong, the original Crocs style is fun and has its place but now we can enjoy more styles to suit different occasions.
The new... Continued |
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I had heard many times through various sources that apple cider vinegar was a natural wonder-tonic that could assist in our efforts to stay healthy. Among its long list of attributes is the relief from such ailments as acid... Continued |
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OK…Stop The Presses…I have just discovered the most amazing product…a diet chocolate that tastes wonderful and doesn’t contain any Maltitol (that crazy sugar substitute that leaves you doubled over, running for the nearest washroom).
ChocoPerfection is available in milk and dark... Continued |
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We were planning a party a while ago, and we wanted to serve our guests some BBQ. We thought “How are we going to feed 40 people something yummy from the grill?” We didn’t want to be tied... Continued |
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Few artists in rock history are as well suited for a musical as Queen. Let me be clear about this; I mean no disrespect at all. Freddie Mercury had an ear for the theatrical and often bombastic spectacle... Continued |
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WOW…The folks at Pupa Cosmetics have done it again!
Just in time for summer, the new Pupa Luminys baked eyeshadow singles provide striking shimmer and vibrancy in a variety of different shades and colours. The shadow can be... Continued |
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With movies like Shrek 3, Pirates Of The Caribbean – At World’s End, Spiderman 3 filling the theatres, 2007 is the Summer of sequels. One sequel that did not get as much attention as some of those blockbusters is... Continued |
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The recent scare with per foods has made Holly reconsider what she feeds me, her beloved Lucy. After speaking to some pet professionals and hearing some hair-raising tales about what might be found in other foods, we made the... Continued |
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The human rights efforts led by Amnesty International in Darfur are a perfect fit with the music and vision of John Lennon. One can easily imagine Lennon leading the artistic community in supporting the fight.
Lennon’s music has always been... Continued |
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With Finding Nemo, Toy Story, Cars and Monsters Inc., the folks at Disney and Pixar have been responsible for bringing us some of the most original and imaginative family films in the last few decades. This summer’s release, Ratatouille,... Continued |
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Do you ever come across and idea and think “WOW, that’s genius…why didn’t I think of that”? Well, I just had a moment like that when I found out about the new revolutionary moving and storage company called PODS.
The... Continued |
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Although I am of Mexican descent, I have always had a love for all things French. I dream of visiting Paris one day…and when I do, I will be ready for it in my new chi chi outfit. ... Continued |
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This August is proving to be a hot one…and what better to quench your summer thirst than a tall glass of icy cold lemonade. But it has to be a really tasty one, right? Well, not only did... Continued |
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Let me begin by addressing those readers who feel that tribute albums and cover versions are somehow less worthy of our attention then new music. Why is it that there can be countless recordings of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, hundreds... Continued |
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Those President’s Choice folks just don’t quit….they keep putting out fantastically simple yet wonderfully pleasing versions of our favourite traditional dishes. This summer’s favourite is definitely hard to decide on but I would have to say that a major... Continued |
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I know that I reviewed the Gilmore Girls DVD box sets when the sixth season was released, but as it is the best show ever to air on this planet, I felt it truly deserved another spotlight when I found... Continued |
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I recently had the great pleasure of hearing Dawn Tyler Watson & Paul Deslauriers perform live in a great intimate venue. It was a fantastic evening! It was a pairing of two true musicians enjoying the experience of... Continued |
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Just in time for my Fall Shopping Spree, Roots has released a fabulous line of K-9 clothes including this super-soft pink logo hoodie. I’ve always been a fan of the Roots brand of clothing and these new designs and... Continued |
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I was at once skeptical and intrigued when I saw that one of my classic favourite breakfast cereals had diversified once again by releasing Fruity Cheerios. A big fan of both the original and the Honey Nut Cheerios, I... Continued |
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Having just recently moved into a ‘new-for-me’ old house, I have been making what seems to be daily trips to Home Hardware. It seems as though the painting jobs might never end but thankfully I have found a paint... Continued |
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Fred and I have long battled for the virtues of our respected sides on the Starbucks versus Tim Hortons coffee debate. While both of us can admit enjoyment out of each of the contenders, we still seem divided on... Continued |
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Continuing in our efforts at ShopAware.com to enjoy healthier, natural alternatives, I have found a skin cream that is absolutely fabulous. The Botanical Therapeutic Skin Cream Plus is a blend of natural moisturizing oils and therapeutic botanical tree ... Continued |
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After the holiday season, I find I sometimes go into what I call treat withdrawls. After weeks of being surrounded by lovely, sweet baked goodies, I can’t just go back to life without any sweets at all. I... Continued |
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Like many people, we have been making efforts to become more green in our everyday lives. We have been more conscious of our consumption habits, we have been favouring organic, local produce and having a closer look at the... Continued |
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It’s no secret that I am a Beatles fanatic, so it was with cautious excitement that I approached the movie Across The Universe when I first heard about it. After all, the last time a film had been made... Continued |
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Being the start of a New Year, many of our favourite product picks for January are following a healthy theme…so I decided to include one of my favourite new drinks, the POM pomegranate tea. Not only is this a... Continued |
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To those of us who preferred Bugs Bunny and his often off-kilter and edgy humour to the saccharine sweetness of Disney animation, Enchanted may be just the right antidote. Here is a modern twist on the traditional fairy tales,... Continued |
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