Valentine's Day Prep

Though I would recommend showing your lover, wife, husband, significant other etc love every day of the year, its about that time of year again when many lovers will be in the dog house--they will be in so much trouble because they will forget the special day--Valentine's Day. For those of you who have no clue when that is (sense the sarcasm?) It is on Feburary 14th.

Do not wait until the very last minute to plan. Some people plan a year in advance. Though that is something I do not recommend as you do not know what tomorrow holds, plan at least two months in advance. If you try finding lingerie now online for Valentine's Day you will be hardpressed to find something quiet easily as many online stores are already sold out. But if you plan from around December, or at least start your plans from then, when Valentine's rolls around, you will be set with little to no pesky surprises.

Now, if you are of those lovers who is on top of the ball but you want some new ideas for the romantic day I may have a few suggestions. If your lover is a romance/erotica reader why not get her a Kindle stock full of her favorite writers? A Kindle is a hand-held reading device that reads ebooks galore!

Not into those books? Alright, try a nice little trip away. If you cannot afford to leave the country then leave the city behind. Niagara Falls is nice this time of year but everyone is going there. Don't be everyone else! You don't want to be cooped up in a hotel with a bunch of lovers who have no regard for anyone else and the noise levels can be out of countrol. Try a cozy little B&B in Bobcaygeon, or somewhere in the East Coast.  If you can afford to leave the country for Valentine's Day, might I suggest Paris, Prague, The Caribbean or Spain. These countries are typically the romance capitals of the world. Go somewhere where romance is tops at this time of year.

If you cannot afford to travel period, might I suggest a nice time at home. Have someone babysit the kids or have the kids do a sleep over at someone else's place and cook a nice meal, run your lover a warm bath (it is winter and Canada gets EXTREMELY cold), play some soft music (may I suggest Luther Vandross or Brian McKnight) as well as light some candles, buy some flowers and a nice card and have some quiet time together.  For some recipes for Valentine's Day simply click here and here then enjoy!

For you plus size female lovers, there is lingerie for you too. Check out Hips and Curves. They will definately have something for you. Please be sure if you order things at the last minute, to have it expressed to you so it will be to you on time for that special night and day.

Here's wishing you and yours a lovely day filled with joy, laughter, love and romance; Happy Valentine's Day to all!

WORLD MUSIC: Taeyang

Photo taken from Always Taeyang

Born Dong Young Bae, we, K-pop fans, know him as Taeyang (meaning Solar) and member of uber popular South Korean band Big Bang.  Within and out of the band, Taeyang AKA Sol, has been burning up the charts. Before that, Taeyang appeared in Jinusean's "Ayo" video and was drafted into the YG Entertaiment family at the tender age of twelve. 

Known for his smooth dance moves which includes Krumpin, this heart throb has been scaling the Korean charts with his band and without. His first solo mini album "HOT" was released in 2008 and his first full length album "Solar" was released in 2010.  SOLAR darted up the charts and was number 2 on the iTunes Top R&B Albums in the United States and number 1 in Canada.

At twenty two years old, Taeyang has made a name for himself as a singer, dancer, rapper and writer.  Backed by a production team that includes TEDDY, Taeyang has manged to contribute to albums belonging to the likes of G Dragon (his fellow Big Bang cast member), Kush, Yang Hyun Suk.

His song titles includes PRAYER, WHERE U AT (aka Wedding Dress), ONLY LOOK AT ME, and his english rendition I'LL BE THERE. 

No matter what he does, or what name you know him as, Taeyang is a certified performer and talent.

Live performance for "I'LL BE THERE" (In Korean)



Video for "I'll Be There" (English)

Cold White Powder--Oh My!



Photo by Remmy Duchene



So your kids woke up this morning, barged into your room and bounce on the bed screaming at the top of their lungs--that means you may have to get a baby-sitter because some schools might be closed due to the heavy snow Toronto received throughout the night.

While the while dust covering everything is beautiful to look at, it is freezing outside and with the high winds, snow is blow everywhere, smashing against walls and blinding pedestrians and drivers alike.  Mother nature in all her fury visiting the great white north.

The day may not be as warm as you'd like and the snow caked sidewalks and streets may be a hindrance, but please take it slow out there.  Here are some tips that will hopefully help you and keep you and others around you, safe.

TIPS

1. Avoid distractions - Cell phones, iPods, navigation systems etc are giant attention suckers.  When those thing go off you are almost always compelled to check them. Turn cell phones off or put them on silent or vibrate. Keep cell phones and anything that may steal your attention from the road in the backseat on the ground behind the driver's seat. This way you won't be tempted to reach for them.
2. Slow down - It is a myth that because you have winter tires, you can drive at your regular speed and be safe.  Winter tires are simply to assist your other precautions and may keep you save.  Drive at a speed that allows you to stop and/or react safely. Slow down to match the condition of the road. Remember, you may not always see the ice but it is still there and could cause an accident if you are speeding. Give yourself enough time to make it where you are going on time without breaking all speed limits. If a trip would normally take you an hour during the summer days without snow, give yourself an extra thirty to forty five minutes for the same trip during the winter. Getting there early and have to wait is much better than not getting there at all.
3. Be extra vigilant - Keep an eye out for pedestrians. During the winter, pedestrians tend to use every short-cut they can think of to avoid staying in the cold longer than they have to--these short-cuts often times include j-walking. Be sure to take note of the people around you as well as the vehicles.  Other drivers who do not adhere to the 'take it easy' advice during the winter time can put you, your passenger(s) and other motorists and pedestrians at risk. Be careful--because they are crazy doesn't mean you have to be.
4. Stay home - If you aren't going to work or something equally as important, stay home. In today's day and age, you don't have to leave home to pay bills and the like. Do not add to the clutter on the streets. Besides, it is warm in your house and cuts down on the chances of you getting frost bite. All joking aside (about the frost bite), if you don't have to go out, stay home; stay in, stay warm.
5. Dress appropriately - If you're not lucky enough--or unlucky, depending on who you ask--to have a car, dress warm.  Buses do not run on time or regularly as they would in the summer and if for some reason you miss one bus the next one could be a ways away. Dress warm enough so you can stand outside for at least an hour without heating. This minimizes your risk of getting sick.
6. Keep Warm - Keep warm out there. If you're waiting for the bus and it is taking longer than usual, stand inside the bus shelter. If one is not there, stand inside a store, or diner, or restaurant to keep warm. Storekeepers are usually understanding about that kind of thing as long as you do not block their customers or cause any kind of trouble.
7. Your Car - If for some reason your car breaks down, do not sit inside the car. During winters the blowing snow impair vision. Sitting in your car may not be the safest place for you to be.  Try getting to a gas station or call for help immediately.

Here's hoping these tips help you and your family. Keep warm and be safe out there.

FOODIE - Phoenix Pan Asian Cuisine

Looking for a new place for dinner tonight? How about after the rush of the holidays and you just do not feel like going back into the kitchen for another week? Take a trip into Scarborough for some Pan Asian food! 

The atmostphere in this restaurant is surprisingly homely. The smooth reds and browns make it peaceful to sit and have a delicious meal. Their menu is a great mixture of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Veitnamese food that will definately satisfy. Portions are large for a small price and the tast will have you coming back.

Located at 3730 Kingston Road (at the Scarborough Golf Club and Kingston Road intersection), it is a gem of a place that no one would expect to be where it is.  It stands out from the others with a moniker to draw attention.  Once you step through the doors, you are immediately transported into Asia.

Soft music plays in the background as their friendly staff (they are actually friendly) seat you and take your order. The servers smile and speak with you in such pleasant voices, you cannot help but be shocked. But if you do not wish to eat there, they offer take-out services as well! As you wait, you cannot help looking around, admiring the different paintings on the wall, the curtains and cushions at the windows and the potted plants that adorn the interior.  The space is not cluttered with tables and chairs. It gives way for an intimate dining experience.

Since it is winter may I suggest the Noodle Soup? Egg noodles with shredded vegetable in clear soup
Choice of chicken or shrimp

And before leaving, do not forget to place a quarter in the Red Budha's hand.

REVIEW: Doowops and Hooligans

When most artists debut their first album, it is with much fanfare and much-ado--sometimes if major publicity stunts. But Bruno Mars doesn't need all that.  With credits under his belt for his production role in the monster smash "Wavin Flag" and his song "Billionaire" with Travie McCoy and being featured in Glee, Bruno Mars is a certifiable musical genius! After listening to his album, it is evident that this artist is uber talented.

The album Doowops and Hooligans features Cee Lo Green (Knars Barklay)and Damion Marley (son to Jamaican reggae superstar, Bob Marley) but that isn't want stands out the most.  The album has a smooth jazz/blues/reggae/Beach Boys kind of feel to it and leave you feeling light and uplifted.  The first two singles from the album, Just the Way You Are and Grenade, have been released to major success and climbed the Much Music Video charts like wild fire! Any song to be released next will surely be as hot for these tracks are something to take notice of. From The Lazy Song, to Our First time and Talking to the Moon one must understand that this album is well worth whatever you pay for it.

Every song on this album has a writing credit to Bruno and where the songs are simple they are profound with meaning and light. The lyrics have you laughing one minute, sighing the next and crying the next. This album is for all seasons and all ages. It is a true pleasure to listen to.

The Uber Track(s) - Talking to the Moon & The Other Side (Featuring Cee Lo Green)

Welcome to 2011 - Year of the Rabbit!

Gong Hei Fard Choy!! Well of course it's not the Chinese New Year till around March but still! Happy New Year all you wonderful people! And remember, I know you are all going to party either alone, with a lover or with family but please remember if you drink, do NOT drive! Be safe out there, if it is snowing, slow down. Take good care out there! Welcome to the new year and may it hold for you all happiness and love!

Kadian Tracey