On Men, and their minds

As promised yesterday.... today we are going to take an interesting look at what gets a guy tied up in knots.
For this little expose, we've dug deep, researched large and compiled some interesting findings. If you agree, disagree or have any opinion, please feel free to share it with the rest of us.

Our point of reference is from Journalist Neil Chethik and his book: "VoiceMale—What Husbands Really Think About Their Marriages, Their Wives, Sex, Housework and Commitment".

Chethik used 300 American husbands and in-depth interviews with 70 men in all stages of marriage, here's what he found:

#1) 93 % would marry the same woman again, 82 percent are satisfied with their sex lives, however, men are sometimes "astounded by how long women can go without thinking about sex."

#2) he discovered a parallel between housework and sex; the happier their wives were in the division of housework, the happier the men were with their sex lives.

#3) there is a practical side beyond chemistry that makes a man want to get married. Men look at pros and cons and what kind of partnership he would have with a particular woman. Because of sports, they are schooled in how to be a teammate, how to communicate without necessarily using words, how to work for common goals. If a man can meet a woman who he thinks will be on his side, he's likely to be very attracted to her. Most men are interested in finding that person who is a partner, friend and lover through life.

#4) what attracts men beyond first physical attraction, is someone who is temperamentally positive, enthusiastic and adventurous. Men recognize that women often set the emotional tone of the home. If the woman is exciting and upbeat, that will mean that the home will be that way. The same stands if she's negative, critical and unhappy. The other thing is self-confidence. Men who are looking for women might know they're not [ranked] a 10, but that they have many "10" qualities and they emphasize those qualities. Men apparently know they are not 10s most of the time either, therefore they understand the need to look for what is beautiful about a person.

#5) how Men express emotion is very different from women. When asked, some Men said: "I'll fill up her gas tank when it's low. I get her car washed." There's an expression gap between the way men want to say it, and the way women want to hear it.

#6) why those men who had affairs had them: Most men admitted that it didn't have much to do with their wives or whether they were getting enough sex. It was mostly due to their own struggle with commitment and the tradeoffs that come with marriage. Most men are able to overcome the tendency to want to be with other women—they fantasize [and] sometimes flirt, but the vast majority don't take the next step—they decided that their relationship was more important than the temporary satisfaction they might get.

#7) the most surprising facts about these tidbits of information for the author? 60 percent of men said that their wives had changed them in a significant way and 90 percent said that it was a change for the better. Men recognize that marriage is life-changing, and they usually like their wives enough to be changed by her. Men don't want to be criticized or nagged or complained to, they want to be accepted, but once they feel accepted, they are willing to change.

Can I tell you if 'VoiceMale' is worth reading - sorry, no I can't. It may be an interesting study in the 'inner works and wonders' of our males - but as they would say 'who cares?'

We also dropped in on our friends over at 'AskMen.com' to find out what was really going on in the male brain. As it turns out we were just in time for the release of this year's 'Top 49 Men' as voted on my the readers of the online Mag. The 'Top Man of 2006' - none other than George Clooney. Numbers 2 - 5 were: Jay-Z, Richard Branson ( a personal fave), Lance Armstrong, (understandable) Tom Ford, fashion designer (really???). Rounding out the 'Top 49' and no disgrace at all was Jeremy Piven.

AskMen.com also lists off it's top three searches, these should come as not shock: workout routines, how to stop hair loss and six pack abs. AskMen.com also offers two of it's very own books for sale: 'Doc's Love System' and 'More Dating'. Single women RUN AND HIDE!!!!!!!

To all of our male readers - sorry guys - I've got nothing.

Tomorrow I promise, we'll find someone else to pick on or better still more products, features and services to occupy our thoughts with. Till then - Have a Hot Cherry Day!

Monday morning 'whatevers'

Ah yes, Monday morning. At least in this corner of Canada the sun is shinning today. It is actually the first day in many that I can recall seeing blue skies. Tomorrow though - rain.

Being Monday, it is likely a very good day to cover off a bunch of whatevers.
Ramblings and carrying on.

Here's some of my questions for the week:
#1) Are there any 'boyshort' panties that don't bunch up under tight pants? Seriously. I love the look and wear ability of these panties, but they bunch. There must be some that don't. Any thoughts? Did you know, that women pay upwards from $100 per pair for panties made by Aubade and Simone Perele? Do they really fit any better I wonder. By my calculation, you can get approximately 20 pairs of nice panties from LaSenza for the same amount.

#2) Microdermabrasion. 'The solution for lessening the appearance of superficial scars and fine lines, shrinking dilated pores, reducing skin thickness and treating mild acne'. Essentially, there are two ways to achieve results. Seek out a Dermatologist who has a machine that sprays aluminum oxide micro-crystals, salt or sodium bicarbonate on the skin, which blasts away layers of dead cells. Or, do it yourself home treatments. (which don't sound near as painful) Why bother.
Well, apparently women today (and many men who won't talk about it in mixed company) don't mind so much 'getting older', as much as they mind 'looking older'. It is a billion dollar industry and growing.

Costs for 'not looking your age' range from $100 - 600.00 per session. They include treatments from Botox Injections to at home Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peel (prices range from $20 - 150.00 per at home kit which do get the job done, just not as 'deeply' as professional treatments).

Trouble with all of this is which one and do you bother. There are so many products and services on the market today, how's anyone to know which one works for them? We need to do a group review of products - what do you think?

#3) Since when is 90% of the population caught up with their looks?
Now this isn't something that is restricted to women. However, men just don't talk about it as much. Women are constantly assessing their own 'beauty value', men only seem to do it at a few times through their lives and only for very brief time frames i.e. under a couple of months: Early teens 13-15 years old, mid 20's - the settling down time, late 30's early 40's - the life evaluation time frame, late 50's - is this all there is going to be in my life time.

Men also don't fret about things they can't change easily. True many worried endlessly about receding hair lines and pattern baldness, but now that can be handled much easier not near the effort goes into it. When was the last time you saw a man look in the mirror and mumble about needing to lose 5 Lbs? Get the point.

Women obsess about so much; hair, weight, wrinkles, being seen, not being seen, fashion, food, kids, parents, the weather. Are they having enough sex, is the sex they are having fulfilling, should they be experimenting more - oh wait, nope that's more of a guy thing too.

Point is, women are and have always been very 'hard' on themselves. Women's mags focus on this fact and I believe exasperate it. Think about it for a moment....... if a woman's magazine featured 'average, normal sized women, with average normal skin, average normal hair, average normal (affordable) clothing - what would the appeal be? If the majority of women out there looked like the ones featured in glossy, there would be little appeal to look like something they were not. Not to mention, men wouldn't know that there ever was a difference and then women wouldn't fret about men being judgmental and not being attractive to them..... Without women lusting after new, different, guaranteed to drop off years and pounds - why would there be advertisers and how would those magazines make their money?

#4) Even though they sell to unsuspecting women 'Dove' is doing something to battle the image obsession amongst women, particularly our daughters. Check out their latest video and campaign.

For tomorrow's entry, I'm going to go deep undercover and find out what really bothers and gets a man's knickers in a knot. Watch out 'Ask Men' I'm coming over to do some research. Later in the week we'll take a look at some interesting findings and comments about bi-sexuality.

In the meantime - share you stories, findings and ramblings with us. Have a wonderful Hot Cherry day!

I Work With A Creep

Halloween is upon us...( say this next part in your best Vincent Price voice) The only night of the year where the veil is lifted between our world and the world of the dead. When the dead can walk among us, watch us, and steal our staplers..BOooOOOooOOOO.

I work with a creep.....

I'm sure you do as well...except mine is a genuine creep....like a ghost, spirit, poltergeist, presence, whatever you want to call it...it's creepy.

I started working at this establishment 5 years ago. I think he's been there longer, I don't know,he won't tell me, he's not incredibly chatty. In the past he has thrown items across the room, shaken light fixtures, slammed doors, the ubiquitous footsteps on the stairs, flipped over chairs, turned on appliances and spewed CD's all over the place inside our 300 disc changer. He has appeared to some staff as a dark and shadowy figure, walked through one staff member, who will never forget the feeling, and calls names.... like says the names of staff members..(one time, I was finishing off someone's birthday cake in the staff room and I think I heard him call me Fatass ......the bastard..) Quite frankly...he scares the crap outta me.

but what alarms me the most...is the way the staff has adapted to this?

the establishment is 20 years old...the building is waaaaay older. Every individual in that place has at least one experience with said spirit and everyone just shrugs and giggles and makes that face like....Oh it's just him..he's being silly again...up to his old tricks again...blahblah.

They are all so cavalier it KILLS me!!!

I am one of those people that needs to know EVERYTHING. I can't stand anything unanswered. I nearly drove my mother insane ( insaner??? ) when I was a child by asking her daily for almost 6 months to explain where we go after we die..in DETAIL..So, as you can imagine, the undead floating around the place I work at just isn't sitting well with me. But it's the attitude by all fellow staffers, this kinda ' ignore it and accept it and move on thing ' that freaks me out. Take for example, last incident, big heavy wooden chair flipped completely over and laying on the floor a few feet away from where it was. I, of course..scream...and run to find other staffers because I would prefer to be with my peers when the malevolent spirits from the other side decide to take my soul. When I find them..I tell them all about what transpired...using expletives appropriately. What happens next, ALWAYS happens, my peers decide to reconstruct the scene...kinda like CSI , but without that annoying David Caruso guy who....talks.......like...thissss...( and was voted sexiest man??? BY WHOM???? anyway, that's another blog entirely ). They upright the chair...draw trajectory lines with broomsticks...try and reenact the crime using all available sources...could it have been the wind? perhaps it was already at an angle? perhaps you may have tipped it over accidentally when you passed by it? Or perhaps????.....Hmmmmmm maybe, just maybe, the scary freaking ghost that does stuff like this all the time did THIS too!!!They attempt to find some reason why this occurred before they shrug and say....hmmmm...well isn't that odd? I don't know how that happened?

This year I decided I need to know the truth... I've been researching the paranormal quite extensively...okay, well, I've been perusing some ghost sites whilst waiting for my Ipod to update..and I have stumbled upon some interesting stuff .

Aside from calling out any paranormal investigators....measuring ectoplasm, and magnetic resonance..proton packs and infrared thermal accuity devices.( which sound really expensive and would probably cut into my highlights and french manicure money )..there exists something called EVP...and apparently I can do this all by myself, without any fancy schmancy equipment...or a priest.

according to The Shadowlands.net..........

EVP is a way to communicate with spirits. Researchers believe that the voices of the dead can be recorded and played back on magnetic audio tape. It is the most modern way to communicate with the spirit world. Some skeptics believe that they are not voices of the dead but radio or CB transmissions.
It has been said that Thomas Edison was working on an EVP device. However the credit for discovering EVP goes to Fredrich Jurgenson when he was recording bird sonds in the Sweedish countryside and on play back he distinctly heard the voice of a man discussing nocturnal bird songs in Norwegian. He had heard nothing during the recording but many voices on playback, some giving him instructions on how to record more voices.

Interesting eh??? I read all bout it...and apparently all I need is a tape recorder and a I don't even have to be there..just hit record and split the scene....sounded good to me...untilllll....I heard this....

http://ghoststudy.com/agony.ram


That is, an actual EVP, from some chicks house??? WTF?!?!??! What the hell is that SCREAMING???

and I bet she still live there???I would be outta that place in a heartbeat...

And then I started to think about it? AndI realized that all the people at work that experience all of this stuff and act so blase about it have a very good reason to. It's easy to accept it ...if perhaps there could be a logical scientific explanation as opposed to an in your face 'this place is totally haunted ' reason. They don't want any proof that the ghost really exists , ignorance truly IS bliss. I completely understand that...

I still may plant a recorder there...just for fun...just one dark night, when I feel his presence around me, when the hair on the back of my neck stands up and I find my eyes casting upwards on the staircase, expecting to catch a misty outline of him...on one of those nights I WILL leave my recorder there and, if the next day, I play it back and I hear an ominous voice say......youuuu realllyyy don'ttt neeed thattt cakkkke, Fattassssss! I am so quitting.

'Mall-Rat Curls'? What the heck?

Do you recognize the women to the right? The picture is straight out of 1993 - well, it is Mariah Carey.
Now according to Christopher Turner, 'even the 'mall-rat curls' and ho-hum dress couldn't keep Mariah down'.

Now, I'm not a fan of either Mariah or Christ-o-pher Tur-ner, but I would like to know one thing.... who the heck is he and what gives with the 'mall-rat curls'. Is he just another in a long list of self appointed fashion guru's put on this earth and the pages of magazines and the internet - telling women how they should and shouldn't look, discouraging personal style and directing all women to be as he approves? These guys make me ill.

Which brings me to a funny conversation I had last week with a close friend of mine. She says 'don't you find it funny how the balding, paunchy, poorly dressed, un-kept, bad breathed men are always the pickiest, opinionated, jerks when it comes to women?' I couldn't agree with her more. She also shared what most of us already know - 'us girls are just way too hard on ourselves' - we should really be more like most men and not give a shit.

But, why is that the case. What gives the guy, with a paunch hanging over his pants (which are likely sliding down his butt) and the ketchup stain on his shirt (which is missing a button and looks like the dog slept on it last night) any right to comment on, condemn or voice his opinion

(which is usually something like....'hummm, she a bit on the porky side for me, I like my women a whole lot thinner and better dressed than that one') about the women he encounters.

Now, just for the record - I happen to really like shaved headed guys. I encourage any man who has thinning hair he is fretting about to just get rid of it. Either go super short or take it all off baby. There's this hot older guy, in our gym who....... yeah, you know the rest of the story.

Back to these so called fashion experts. Who the heck are they to say that 'skinny jeans look good on every body type? And, 'you need to have a least a few pairs in your closet'. For what? To take up extra hanger room, jammed in beside other 'got to have, clothes that never look good on this body'. I'm here to tell you, this year's fashion statement 'skinny jeans' do NOT look good on every body type! Oh, and 'Average' is NOT 5'8" 108lbs, size 2/4! Check the stats baby - that's a 12 year old girl and even then, likely not the average.

So, what are we going to do about it? Just rant away, complain to ourselves. No way girlfriend.
Here's what I propose:
#1- the next time you are standing beside 'hiding the fact that I'm loosing my hair' with the paunch and he makes a comment about another women not being up to his standard - ask him just what the standard acceptable is for a man who needs to loose 50lbs and either shave that comb over or get implants.
#2 - develop your own style. Who gives a shit if it's on the runway this year - do you like it, does it look good on you, does it say 'I'm one hot mama'?
#3 - kiss the postman. Why? I don't know, it gets your mind off being pissed at 'potbelly-guy'.
#4 - as my friend Sylvia would say 'don't be afraid to be beautiful!'
#5 - join a group of Hot Cherry Review shoppers and come on out for an evening of trying on those new fashion statement clothes - try before you buy! (email us with your contact info and we'll let you know when it's happening)

In closing, a wee remark to buddy Chris-to-pher (likely a fashion faux pas himself) - I kinda like Mariah’s 'mall rat curls' - better to have curls than no hair at all!

Yes, its almost the best day of the year!

It's that time of year..... again.... Halloween!

I love Halloween, always have, always will. I'm not sure if it's the tradition, the preparation or just the fun in getting dressed up and being someone or something different.

The best parties, with the best stories always seem to be Halloween event, so many people like this day as much as I do.

This year, celebration night for the adults amongst us is Saturday, October 28th. In the small rural town that I live close to, the evening starts off with a 'Maskeraid Parade' winding its way through the streets. In other area towns, there are 'Haunted Walks', 'Ghost Stories' and all kinds of pumpkin events.

In a Ipsos-Reid survey just released, 50% of adult Canadians said they would put on a costume and go out this year. (the highest percentages from Ontario and Atlantic Canada - was there ever any doubt?)

So, if you are like some people I know, you are planning on going out, but haven't given any real consideration to a costume. So that you can't come up with the worn out old excuses 'I didn't know what to wear', we've scoured the resources and come up with some ideas for you.

Here we go:

My favorite, 'Chick Magnet' attach Barbie Dolls all over self

'French Kiss', wrap yourself in padding and aluminum foil, put a red beret on your head

'Cereal Killer', attach miniature cereal boxes with plastic knives in them all over your body

'Can-Can Dancer', wear a long, older style skirt, underneath attach cans, lift up your skirt when you are dancing so everyone can see your 'can-cans'

Another one of my favorites; 'Bubble Bath', dress in a pale colour c/with shower cap, attach blue, pink and white small balloons all over yourself, carry a back brush, rubber ducky, soap around your neck

'Pimp and his hoes', dress in a flashy outfit and carry as many garden hoes as possible

'Bag Lady', make an entire set of clothes from used bags

'Money Launderer', use a mesh laundry bag with holes cut in it for arms and legs, stuff it with play money and attach it to yourself with clothes pegs

'Web Server', dress like a waitress or waiter, carry a serving tray with spider webs draped over it

Need more ideas, check out this cool site; The Costume Idea Zone - wicked wonderful ideas.

We thought you might like to see this!

TORONTO (CP) - Fourteen years after they were pulled from North American markets, silicone gel breast implants are making a return to Canada.

Health Canada announced Friday it has issued licences to two companies that make the implants, lifting restrictions on the use of the devices effective immediately. Mentor Corp. and Allergan Inc. make the approved products.

The manufacturers had to agree to continue a long-term study of the safety of the implants and to develop new product labelling after holding focus group sessions with Canadian doctors and women who have the devices implanted.

Dr. Supriya Sharma said Health Canada was persuaded, based on a thorough study of extensive evidence, that the products were safe for use. She said officials plowed through 65,000 pages of documents.

"I think it's safe to say that these medical devices are the most intensively studied medical devices in medical history," said Sharma, associate director general of Health Canada's therapeutics products directorate.

"(But) medical and scientific literature is constantly evolving. So should any information come to light we would obviously analyze that information and take appropriate action."

She said Health Canada was not deterred by last week's revelation from a U.S. watchdog group, Public Citizen, that a whistleblower has alleged Mentor withheld safety information from the Food and Drug Administration. Sharma said there is evidence to question the credibility of the allegations.

Plastic surgeons applauded the decision.

"This is an excellent product and by far superior to the saline product, which was an approved product," said Dr. Julie Khanna, a cosmetic surgeon from Oakville, Ont., who does about 175 breast implant operations a year.

"As a surgeon, for my patients, I'm thrilled," she said.

"Silicon as a material has probably been looked at with much more scrutiny and greater care than almost any implantable device in human beings," said Dr. Mitchell Brown, a professor of plastic surgery at the University of Toronto and a member of an expert panel that advised Health Canada on the decision.

The controversial products were pulled from the Canadian market by their manufacturers in 1992, in the face of a growing chorus of health concerns. Women complained that the implants, especially those that ruptured or leaked, triggered auto-immune diseases like lupus as well as heart conditions.

Manufacturer Dow Corning paid up to US$2.35 billion to settle class-action lawsuits involving more than 300,000 women, including some from Canada, who said their health was harmed by the devices.

"It's really been scrutinized," Brown said. "There have been an enormous number of studies and they have not demonstrated a link or a relationship."

But a former NDP member of Parliament who was among those who campaigned against the devices in the early 1990s was dismayed by Health Canada's decision. Joy Langan lost a breast to cancer and had a silicone breast implant. She has since had the device removed.

"I'm still not convinced they're safe," said Langan, a West Coast representative for the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

The Bloc Quebecois's associate health critic was also unhappy with the decision.

"I think it's very shocking and unfortunate. It has jeopardized women's health for many years and it will for many years to come," Nicole Demers said.

It is not clear to what extent Friday's announcement will change practice in Canada.

Though silicone gel implants haven't been licensed for general use, they have been available through a special access program since 1999. Sharma said about 25,000 have been implanted since then and acknowledged that few requests logged by surgeons would have been turned down.

Khanna said the approvals will really only lighten her paperwork load - and perhaps ease the minds of patients. She said she hasn't implanted a saline breast device in the last 18 months.

Under the conditions set by Health Canada, the manufacturers must continue to provide data for at least 10 years from an ongoing clinical trial.

They must also agree to launch another large and long-term study, involving tens of thousands of women in Canada and elsewhere, looking to see if there are rare side-effects that would only become apparent once large numbers of women have received the devices.

As well, Health Canada wants the companies to study the condition of "retrieved" implants when, at some point in the future, women have them extracted or replaced.

The department did not concur with calls that it set up a national registry of women who receive breast implants.

The licensing decision followed a review by a panel of scientific experts as well as public hearings into the issue.

** the Hot Cherry Review's thoughts.
We are still chewing on this one. What do you think? Given that this is Breast Cancer Awareness month and all.......
Share you thoughts with us and our readers.

The case for getting things gone and red boots

It will come as no surprise to regular readers and those who know me personally, when I say 'I love ebay'!

My story of the day starts with a horse race that I can't attend. I thought I could but circumstances beyond my control are not allowing me to. I currently own 4 tickets to this major race event. A few hours ago, I owned 6. Sold 2 of them on ebay. With any luck, I'll sell the other 4. The other thing I like about eBay, is PayPal.

So, I've sold a few things and bought many on eBay, using PayPal to complete my transactions. I can say (knock on wood) that I have been very happy with the outcome. eBay has an interesting system of 'self policing' wherein the users of the auctions are encouraged to leave feedback about those they are dealing with. This is public record. Any one can check your 'score' and decide for themselves if they want to 'deal' with you or not.

eBay doesn't stop there. Say for example that my ticket sales go south, that the winning bidder decides that they don't want the tickets and won't pay. I can file a grievance with eBay and leave the negative feedback so that other bidders won't be caught. The winner of the auction can do the same, if for example, I do not ship after they have paid.

On the subject of payment. By using PayPal, you are able to protect your investment. If my winning bidder pays and I don't ship, PayPal will launch their own investigation and if the matter can not be resolved, they will refund the bidder the money he sent to me. It makes dealing online a whole lot easier and safer.

So, I sold my first pair of tickets - yippy - and bought myself a pair of really wicked 'Chinese red' high boots. Don't know what's gotten into me this year, but I have this thing for red. Not the muted red... the really hot red! (btw, if you have someone in your household, ie. your significant other who wonders where something, such as a wicked pair of hot red boots came from.... here's a great response 'I got them at a wicked price, through a second hand vendor - aren't they cool!' - not one word is a lie and you've got a clean conscience and a cool pair of boots)

I'm not alone with this fascination for hot Chinese red btw. According to this month's LouLou Magazine, red is the hippest colour of the fall. (I'm also becoming addicted to this mag, despite the fact that it is a 'Rogers' production, thanks in part to my 'Girly Friend' - Lanny - who is very tolerant when I borrow her copy and don't give it back for almost a month)

I opted for the tall version of hotness, though, I was torn. Also shown and seemingly 'hot' for this season are the ankle boots. I
think you might have to have a certain type of leg for these types of boots (aka long, thin, not athletic), so I went with what I know... tall is good (left). There is of course an even shorter version of the ankle book, which would look amazing with jeans. Justifying multiple pairs of boots in the same colour though, is a bit more of a challenge. Wait..... there's the 'case for black'! (back to the significant other and their questions - why do you need multiple pairs of the same colour boot? 'Why dearest, they are not the same style of boot. I can't wear the booties with a skirt and don't the tall ones just spell 'sex'?')

Want to find these cool finds? Let me know or check back in later today and when I find the links for you.

I've decided that my next post should be about Halloween - the best holiday (it should be National and a day off work). I'll cover last minute costumes, where to get the gear you need and some places to hang out for a wicked good time.

As always, your suggestions, comments and cool finds are welcome here! Have a rockin' Cherry Day.

Shopping Hell In the Nation's Capital!

Yes Baby, that's snow in the picture. No, not yet this year - but soon.

In fact, yesterday when I was out in this area of the city of Ottawa, it was indeed snowing. October 22nd and snow falling - doesn't that just get you in the spirit?

I spent yesterday in shopping malls. I don't like to shop in malls - too much of the sameness. Lacking in originality. Pushy, unhappy people, also shopping.

My biggest peeve about malls though - disgustingly unappreciative store clerks, who look down their noses at you when you are attempting to give them your hard earned dollar. You know the type..... not bright enough to figure out that if you don't drop your dollars in the store they are forced to work in, they won't have a job. Yes those ones. The ones that groan if you ask them to help you find a size. The ones who are pissed because you have just interrupted their conversation with the other clerk about last night's drunk at a bar down the street. The ones that when you help them give you back the correct change, screw up their little over made up faces, frown and curse your ignorance, not always under their breath. Oh, don't you just love mall shopping!

So, what on earth was I doing, out shopping on a wet and miserable Sunday in the Nation's Capital any ways? Well, I needed some things. Girly things. Must have accessories and yes, boots. (boots that I need because the Chinese Laundry boots I bought earlier in the season function well for sitting but make walking anywhere in them impossible) Weeks are getting busy, as they are for almost all women today, so having a bit of spare time on a weekend, I took advantage and headed into the masses.

Here's my recount of the day. A warning though, I don't have a whole lot in the way of kudos to pass around today.

I went trudging through the malls with a young friend of mine. She's pretty easy going and really doesn't say much about the service. Though I did catch her a couple of times rolling her eyes (which is her way of showing disgust - the same girl who won't say she doesn't like something, instead she says 'it's not something I would wear' - very tactful!) We started out at St Laurent Shopping Mall - not much has changed with this mall in the last couple of years. Typically parking is good, stores are mid level and plentiful, 2 anchors, The Bay and Sears.

My shopping partner ended up taking home a pair of cute winter boots from Aldo (which btw owns Transit - often you will find the exact same shoes in both stores, Transit can cost considerably less so they are worth checking out). It wasn't easy though. She found the boots she liked, waited about 10 minutes while the clerk went to find them in storage and when she did come back, they could only find one foot. Eventually with the help of another clerk, they located the missing boot. The purchase was made and we were on our way.

My personal highlight of the St Laurent stop was finding a killer pair of tights at 'Fancy Sox'. Not only were they what I was looking for, the help at the store was amazing. We were asked by all three clerks if they could help us. Once I found what I was looking for, one of them jumped in, found my size and completed my transaction. With a smile and sincere 'thank you'.
I mention the offer to help here as it wasn’t' something that happened in most of the other stores we were in. In fact, most of the clerks were either too occupied to be bothered, or simply looked at us with distain and went on about their re folding of clothes.

By this time we are getting hungry, after a very minimum conversation, due in part by the falling snow, we headed to Tim's for a bowl of chili and cup of coffee. Now, we should have been leery when the drive thru was backed up about 20 cars. Nevertheless, no, we go inside, well, just inside the door. Almost 10 minutes later we decide that we can be downtown in the same amount of time it is going to take us to get to the cash, so out we go.

Now I don't know many people who don't love a Tim's coffee, but come on. I refuse to give my money up and have to stand in line for over 10 minutes to do so.... as my co heart in crime said... and all for 'fast food'? (sign should say, NO FAST SERVICE HERE)

Next stop - Rideau Centre, in the heart of the city. Lovely place to shop. Almost great parking, big mall, amazing place to people watch - horrible shop clerks! Overall, even worse then the mall before. The winner of the 'why do I bother walking in your doors award' once again goes to LeChateau. Is this any surprise. What once used to be a very trendy, reasonably priced, amazing service store has degraded to a shop full of young adult women who couldn't be bothered in helping anyone out (we watched as they snubbed all the customers in the store, not just us). Needless to say, we did an about face and went and found some place else to look at 'trendy'.

I also want to talk about the science of selling footwear. When did it become so popular for clerks to suggest that you go up 2 sizes and then down size .5 of size with an 'insert', just because your size is not in stock? I asked the same clerk if their other stores might have the boot, her reply, 'yeah, likely - do you want the insert?' This btw was at Transit, a store that usually is very good in the service department. Not the Rideau Centre yesterday though. Overall it was a disgusting day for shoe/boot shopping. Every pair I wanted to try on were out of stock. We are talking no 7.5's and no 8's in over 20 different styles.

Once again, we ventured into 'Fancy Sox' and found the same wonderful helpful type of staff - sadly, the styles were the same and we couldn't find a thing that we really wanted to buy - though kudos to the staff at both locations!

Our last stop of the day was at Winners, Bayshore shopping centre. Now, the service at Winners is never anything outrageous. All staff are helpful if asked, but they won't chase you down to offer help. But really, it is what you expect from a wholesale clothing store - give me good products and reasonable prices and don't make me feel like a piece of crap because I walked into your store - and we are all good.

Find of the day - stockings, tights, leggings at 'Fancy Sox'. Winners also has a good selection of trendy leg coverings, at bargain basement prices.

Now the most frustrating thing about getting consistent poor service in retail is that no one cares. Companies hire managers who either won't, don't know how, or don't care to train their staff properly. Those who work at the stores and give out the attitude know that they won't be fired because there is such a shortage of people who want to work retail. It doesn't mean that we need to take it. Share your kudos and dislikes with the other readers of Hot Cherry Review. Sooner or later we are hoping that some district manager gets the hint and does something about their stores.

What a guy needs

Okay guys….. this one is for you.

We’ve devoted a huge amount of time to the wants, needs and must haves of all the ‘hip chicks’ and yes, we’ve neglected the ‘other gender’ almost completely. Just the way it happens sometimes.

Well, not any longer, today we are going to give our favorite ‘eye candy cool guys’ some cherry time. I came to the realization some time ago, that it can be pretty tough being a guy and dressing cool. Face it, men just don’t have the fashion attention spotlight on them. It doesn’t mean that they don’t like to dress to impress by wearing cool clothes and this year’s must have shoes, it does mean they simply do not have the kind of access women have.

It doesn’t stop at being an access issue either. Men don’t do ‘trendy’ the way women can and do and that’s where we come in. Not only for the cool guys, but for all of the ‘hip chicks’ that shop for the men in their lives.

When I want to weigh in on issues pertinent to men, I go to the one source that is all knowledgeable – AskMen.com. The site reads like most other ‘men’s’ sites – a bit provocative and a bit long on sexuality. Mixed in are articles on health and fitness, travel, relationship, gaming, cars and yes, some fashion.

I was able to find one article talking about the latest trends in men’s clothing. Some of their insight I could agree with, but this one trend they reported on, still has me wondering who? I don’t think I know a male that would dress like this, let alone citing it as a fashion trend. You make your mind up.

I do agree with the consensus that men’s fashion is a bit of a yawner. You have your black, grey, blue or brown business casual/business/dress pants. You have your brown, grey, blue, black casual cords, you have your black and blue jeans. There is good news though. This year, companies such as ‘the Gap’ have come out with textured pants for guys. Paired with a nice t-shirt, under long sleeved shirt, they work really well. Top it all off with a nice thigh length leather jacket and a great pair of shoes (no not sneakers) and the look is together and ‘different’.

A friend of mine likes the new look and I can’t blame him. The textured cords and jeans work well on most men while allowing for a bit of individuality. He's pictured to the left - these pants really work well - light grey with the darker grey accent. (yes he knows I'm using his picture!)

Another friend of mine is a shoe horse. In particular he seems to really like sneakers. He pairs them with the jeans, shirt over shirt look, loosely fitting on his 6’3” frame. I’d love to see him change it up now and again for a trendy pair of casual loafers and a bit dressier in the shirt department.

Which brings me to another issue with men’s clothing. The shirts. It never ceases to amaze me how many of the almost same shirt a man can have. (their defense of course is, ‘they are all slightly different in cut, texture and colour of white’ – where’d they get that from?) A business associate of mine loves to wear French cuffs. With his suit or as a stand alone shirt. A nice little extra that allows a shirt to stand out and say, ‘I am different’. Try to find one though, my husband took an entire day of shopping to find one that wasn’t white or pale blue.

In closing I just want to touch on one other little issue guys. Your underwear. You know how you notice how bad panty lines look – well, you have them too. If you are wearing pants that tuck a bit in the bum, pay attention to this detail. Boxers are nice under dress pants but for goodness sakes, make sure they don’t all bunch up. Good fitting underwear are important not only for your comfort but for the overall look as well. (if they fit well too, you won’t be adjusting near as much either!)

Do you have a men’s clothing story for us? We are all ears and pictures are very good too.

So, I leave you with this, also from that ‘magazine of authority for men’ advice from an article on ‘how to be a man again’- doing these things apparently will make all the difference. ‘Rent a muscle car, catcall chicks on the street, go to a monster truck rally, eat a heart-attack meal, wear your 2001 Baltimore Ravens Super bowl t-shirt, break a bone, get in a bar fight, grow a beard, cut down a tree, take apart your care engine, sit down in front of the TV for a 48-hour SPEEDtv marathon wearing track pants’.

What a girl wants!

What does every girl want? A hot partner that is sensitive to her needs, understanding, compassionate, who loves to shop, gossip and who is so intent on making sure her every need is attended to? No way Baby! According to our findings, hip chicks want plump lips, frizz free hair and an amazingly tiny waist. Who would have thought.

We stepped out, did some searching and look what we’ve found – the answers. These come with absolutely no guarantees for performance and reputation, rather like that hot partner we just described. We did think they were well worth mentioning though. Feel free to add comments of your own.

On the plump lips front, we found tons of products that claim to turn thin, unattractive lips into seductive full bodied morsels, to be envied by all. We give you Benefit Cosmetics from San Francisco and their products which they say ‘will solve your beauty dilemma’. From their website: ‘Watch your lips go from 'now' to 'WOW' the first time you apply. Your lips will appear younger, plumper and sexier with these neutral 'wear-me-all-the-time' shades. The proof is in the pucker. The tripeptide complex moisturizes lips, decreases lip furrows, enhances lip volume, improves smoothness of lips.’

Now on to the issue of frizz free hair. We turned to a few tried and true to help us out in this area. First, there is Pantene - the Proctor and Gamble company we’ve all come to know. They offer a product line for all hair types. Their newer ‘Pro-V Restoratives’ line offers a frizz fighting serum which works very well on most types of hair.

Marc Anthony Hair Care products has shown it is on it’s game with a few anti-frizz solutions as well. With any product however, results vary with different types of hair. We’ve tested two of the MA product line up: Moisture Gloss Daily Drops which is applied to dry hair and claims to give you deep moisturizing while you are on the go and Humidity Shield Anti Frizz Balm which claims to give curls frizz free shine all day long.

Our verdict – We’d go with the Pro-V Restoratives line over the slightly more expensive Marc Anthony line up. We found the Moisture Gloss Drops required huge amounts to be effective and we found the Humidity Shield just made the hair look dull and feel heavy, though it certainly did the job on the keeping the frizz away.

All of these products were tested on thick and curly heads of hair. We caution use of these products for anyone who has fine hair as they are simply too heavy.

In the case of hair care products we insist that no two heads are the same. It does pay to ask what that ‘great head of hair’ is wearing though if you feel it is of similar texture and consistency as yours.

We’d love to hear what you think and what products you recommend and those that you don’t wish on anyone. Oh and in case you are hanging on, waiting for the secret to a tiny waist – sorry, we haven’ t found that one just yet, but when we do, we will be here to share it with you.

While you are considering what little morsels you are going to share with the rest of us, here are a couple of interesting facts and numbers: Women in their 40’s refuse to skimp on their faces, this age group reports the highest increase in skin-care spending. 20 somethings site Angelina Jolie as the person they most want to be, while 30 somethings prefer Jennifer Aniston and 40 somethings want to be Cindy Crawford and Oprah is celebrated by 50 somethings. Hot Cherry’s of all ages though, cite mascara as their #1 can’t live without beauty item.

Would you like more information about these products we’ve reviewed today? Here you go:

Visit the Pantene Pro-V site by clicking here.

Benefit Cosmetics would love you visit them here.

Marc Anthony product descriptions can be found here.

Okay, we are starting the week off with ‘some of those things that make us shake our heads. Sit back and enjoy, click through the links to learn more.

For the guys, how about a business suit that allows you to look professional in the same time that it takes you to boot your computer? Introducing the ½ suit by ‘Business Bib’. Though they have an online store, we can’t seem to actually find out how much they charge or how many are available, if any.

The ‘Business Bib’ makes the man look like he is ready for any boardroom, just by slipping this ‘slip cover’ on over the top of his briefs and t-shirt. In minutes, he is ready for the conference web call. Don’t believe us, we don’t blame you, check it out for yourself.

This for the ladies. Have you ever had one of those days, running behind, you throw on a wee sleeveless tank, glance at your underarms and discover fuzz? Does anyone notice any ways? We, I didn’t think so, but according to a info zing sent to me this morning, ‘everyone notices’ (needless to say, I’m going to start watching people to see if they are checking out my pits).

There are solutions however, namely a shaving ‘spritz’ that allows you to splash a bit on and shave away. Now, I didn’t believe it and wondered first, why not just shave in the shower, so I followed the link. It brought me to a website for Shave.com – the ‘King of Shaves’. The site itself is actually pretty informative and for both men and women. Who would have thought. They even offer samples as well, but apparently not to Canadians…. Thanks.

Well that’s it for today – we’ll see what we can find for your interest tomorrow. Until then, remember we are always looking for other Hot Cherry Reviews. Want to share your finds with others, send us an email and we will hook you up.

Ohhh, now that's cool!

Being of a 'non-average' body shape or form and acquiring clothing and footwear for the 'non-average' body is and will likely always remain a challenge. So for all those 'non-average' amongst us, here's something for you.

That's you btw, hey tall chick, short chick, hippy chick, busty chick, pear, triangle and apple shaped- yeah just about all of us out there......

We found an online version of a bricks and mortar store in Mississauga's 'Village on the Lake' Port Credit. We give you: Long Legs, fashion for tall women
As recited by the co owners of the shop; 'Eighteen years ago if you would have told us we would be owners of a clothing store dedicated to providing quality apparel and shoes for tall women we both would have said 'impossible'. But years of friendship and countless hours of frustrating shopping experiences have led us down a different path. What was once a dream, to find a store where we could find stylish clothing with longer sleeve lengths and inseams is now a reality.'

They have an extensive line up of casual, business and dress attire, including footwear and yes - jeans.

Now for something completly different we give you Rawganique Organic Apperal Ltd. These folks hail from Northwest Road, Denman Island, British Columbia. What keeps it real about these folks is that they actually live what they preach - organics and being off the grid.

From their website: ‘Welcome to Rawganique.com Organic Cotton, Linen, & Hemp Clothing & Home Products, where the good life is the simple life. Please consider our website of sustainable products a quiet, old-fashioned retreat from the hecticness and rampant chemicalizations that are characteristic of the modern, conventional world -- we at Rawganique.com wholeheartedly embrace the Slow Is Beautiful Movement (slow living, slow food, slow cities, slow islands). May love, peace, purity of mind and spirit, happiness, goodwill, mindfulness, health, light, and sustainability prevail.’

Check them out! For those of you who are interested, there are alternatives!

I’ve spent the last two days in research mode on behalf of hip Canadian chicks everywhere. My quest is to find a one stop online shopping source for all of those things we covet, need and want – I’m talking fashion Baby! I’ve found plenty in the US but sadly, none ship to Canada – very disappointing. When they do, such as Victoria Secret the cost of shipping is outrageous. No where have I been able to find the likes of ‘personalshopper.com’ .

I’d be very interested in getting some feedback on this from anyone out there – your thoughts, ideas, links to great shopping sites. If I were to speculate, I’d say that the lack of available online sources has to do with two things: 1) retailers who would rather go it alone and who are too stingy to pay for cross promotion or 2) retailers who believe that Canadian women wouldn’t be interested.

Do you ever get the feeling the Canadian businesses often are just missing the mark?

Have a Hot Cherry weekend!

Hot-ness for today

Continuing the trend of the week..... what have we learned today.

There are a couple of really cool and interesting events happening both this coming weekend and next week. Geared for cool hip chicks.

It is l'Oreal Fashion Week time of year again. The event kicks off next Monday, October 16th and runs until the 21st. For information, tickets, schedules check out their site at

http://www.lorealfashionweek.ca/

As all hip chicks know, October is breast cancer awarness month. If you live in the Ottawa, Ontario region, this weekend, you have a chance to make a difference and a contribution. Oh, did I mention and have some fun?

The Lifestyle Event for Women^TM
Sunday, October 15th
Brookstreet

Blossom is a showcase of woman-owned and woman-managed businesses in the areas of fashion, accessories, catering, wellness, image, fitness, and more. Learn about entertaining, health, wealth, home décor, and image transformation. Shop for beautiful clothes, accessories to complement fall fashions, jewelry from some of Canada's hottest designers, or that original gift you've been looking for -- all while supporting breast cancer research. Click here for schedule information, tickets and details about the venue. Grab your girlfriends and spend a Sunday afternoon doing something fun.

A girl's right to indulge

Anyone who knows me knows my fondness for vintage clothing. The look and feel of days gone by is both fun to wear and an expression of character. There are problems with both collecting and wearing vintage though: ‘the look’ is often very hard to complete, fashion of the past is viewed in many eyes as outdated, accessories are difficult to find in wearable condition and the make-up and hair accessories are not made any more.

Today I found a solution to the last problem. Besame Cosmetics

‘Inspired by the sophisticated designs of the 1930s, '40s and the Art Deco movement, and guided by memories of her glamorous grandmother, Gabriela began crafting a modern line that translated into her own aesthetic vision. Gabriela's goal was to establish a cosmetics line that understood the needs of a modern woman-on-the-go while still providing the look, high quality and feel of the classic beauty.’

Besame Cosmetics offers its wonderfully feminine line of cosmetics online and through selected retailers. Now, shopping online for cosmetics for most is a daunting task. It is very difficult to decide on shades, product weights without knowing how the product looks on. Problem solved. The online site offers ‘trial products’, three application samples for $1.50 each plus shipping.

Other fun and interesting features of this online offering include a ‘Beauty Creator’ which helps you determine which shades will look best on you. A ‘Looks’ section, that allows you to click on a distinctive look and get the ‘recipe’ for it, using Besame Cosmetics and instructions on how to get the classic look.

The products come with raving reviews from all sorts of celebrities and fashion officiators. What astounded me though was how reasonably priced their products were. Certainly top shelf beauty counter but not out of reach. Every now and again, a girl deserves at least a little bit of pampering – there is no shame is feeling and looking beautiful – indulge yourself.

Now, I’m going back to the sample page myself to see what I can give a try to finish that ‘50’s outfit hanging in my closet. Enjoy!

What we've learned today

My 'reflections from sunny places desk calendar' today says, "There are as many ways to be happy as there are grains of sand by the sea". What an appropriate way to start this entry.

Though I am not going to delve deep into what should or shouldn't make any human happy, (that is truly a personal search and in-depth reflection) I do want to share with you this week, what others (aka people who make and create stuff we buy and use) think, makes us happy.

I get a series of 'briefs' that hit my inbox everyday. Some track consumer trends, others announce the next greatest gizmo or service. For today, I have a number of consumables and interesting facts.

Here is an interesting fact from The Centre for Media Research quotes an article from 'Comscore' to do with gaming: 'On average, gamers are 41 years of age with an average annual income of $55,000. Further, females account for 52 percent of the gaming audience. The average gamer has been online for nine years and 84 percent have broadband access at home.' Just think about it for a bit the correlations will amaze you.

Are you looking for just the right piece of clothing to make a statement about yourself? How about a T-shirt that shows the public your very own 'Top 5 List'. t-lists.com is betting that you will like the idea. You can create your own list, pick a layout, order online and for $28.00 (plus shipping) you can have your very own partially custom 'list t-shirt'. I looked at the site, no, there is not layout or heading for a list of 'top 5 favorite positions'.

A company in the US has just taken 411 to a new mobile level. 'To use the CS411 service, mobile consumers simply send their search query to shortcode C-S-4-1-1 (27411) and enter their search query. The query can be the name or type of business along with a location entered as city or ZIP code. So, someone looking for pizza in New York might enter "Pizza.10001" or Pizza.New York, NY."

The request will return up to four results with names, phone numbers, addresses and Citysearch ratings of local businesses. Up to four relevant results will appear even if someone enters the name of a specific business or establishment.' You can read the entire article here.

Now that is rather a cool idea. I know something I would be likely to use (once I became proficient at using my phone's text tools) - to my knowledge though, there is no service like it available in Canada. I am not surprised; apparently, Canada is 2-4 years behind the US in wireless services. Is it any wonder why we don't get excited about our cell phones here - completely new conversation and off topic for today.

Given that we are fast approaching the Christmas season, here is one for those who utilize online shopping (another topic we will cover later). Chapters Indigo has just added 'Toys' to their inventory. "Hours of fun are guaranteed with the thousands of toys we’ve selected from trusted brands including Lego, Corolle, Thomas & Friends, Playmobil, Melissa & Doug, Bruder and more." Not only can you shop and order your toys online now, until the end of November, shipping is free.

The last couple of years Chapters Indigo have added 'Virgin Mobile Phones' and 'Apple I-pods' to their traditional bookshelves. Now it is toys. Chapter's goal? Well, an insider told me a few years ago that the company wants to become not only 'your go to bookstore' but also the first place you go to buy gifts. Well, only time will tell if toys will fit this vision. Check out this very good online version of the bricks and mortar store at Chapters.Indigo.ca

Now online - TOYS! Until November 30th, FREE SHIPPING on select toys. See site for details

That's it for my finds and me today. Feel free to share yours. Add your comments, post your links. Have a cherry fine day.

Rip offs and Kudos

Thanksgiving weekend…. Hummm….. turkey and yard work. That about sums up life in Canada this wonderful holiday. If you are one of the fortunate not to being doing the later, congrats.

I was at a wedding yesterday with my husband, the happy occasion for a couple who everyone would say, ‘was long overdue’. Though we share friends, like household chores (yeah right) this couple came from my husband’s younger days. It was a stunning wedding with the ceremony held at the Rockciffe Pavilion, in Ottawa, Ontario. For those not from the area, it is a beautiful spot over looking the Ottawa River, now owned and maintained by the National Capital Commission.

The reception was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, in downtown Ottawa. Though it is getting a wee bit old and could use a huge makeover, one can look past the small deficiencies (toilets that don’t flush, elevators so slow and infrequent that most could have run up to the Penthouse quicker) and stare indefinitely at the amazing view of the city. The sunset and vista were breath taking.

I want to send out kudos to the wait staff at the Hotel throughout dinner. Amazing. Efficient. Friendly. Helpful. I hope they were tipped well. They turned a rather typical humdrum wedding dinner into an elegant white glove feeling event. Thank you!

Now I want to go back to the NCC and them renting out the Pavilion for events. I looked it up, they charge $300 for two hours worth of use. For your 300 bucks you get – the use of the Pavilion. Leave it as you found it, no confetti, no mess, no chairs, tables etc. bring your own. There are no services available, oh, except public washrooms, which btw had no running water to the sinks. Oh and $100 extra per hour if you want more. This does not guarantee you any peace, quiet or privacy though. We had a family soccer game going on just behind the Pavilion, loud boats racing up and down the river (it was a beautiful day to be on the water) and a helicopter giving sight seeing tours overhead.

I don’t have a problem with government groups charging to use facilities, but $300. There were three weddings before and one after the one we attended. Do the math. That is $1500 for a day. Do a rough calculation with me; from May 1^st to October 31^st there are 26 weekends. Let’s say there are 4 weddings booked every weekend, that means the NCC rakes in $31,200 in fees for this one location. That’s not taking into account, weddings on other days of the week, special holidays etc. Excessive? Does it cost that much to maintain a piece of property? Or, is this just another example of government pulling from it’s people, more dollars.

I guess my fundamental problem with all of this is that as a Canadian Citizen, that I technically have some ownership in that property.

There are examples of charging the public for entrance to parks and properties that technically, the public’s tax dollar already goes to maintain and preserve. Consider all national and provincial parks/campsites as one example.

I know many would not agree with me on this front and counter that the public needs to pay in order to continue to have access to these areas. I can’t say I disagree completely. I am asking though, why do the fees need to be so high?

When I visited the Grand Canyon a few years back, I was stunned at how much it cost to get into the park so one could look into the giant crevice. (it is amazing though and if you have never seen this wonder of the earth live and in person, you must – it is guaranteed to humble you) I thought of how many Americans could never afford to take their families there to see this site. Yet their tax dollars were going towards maintaining and preserving it.

Perhaps this is the reason so many in our society have no interest in preserving the earth? They simply haven’t had an opportunity to take in what nature has to give, because the gate fees at the camp grounds are out of reach for them.

Maybe the government could actually charge less for entrance and then take different measures to actually engage the public in the maintenance of the parks and preserves. Can you imagine, being able to take your family for a weekend of camping, tree planting, brush clearing and actually learn something about the park and why it is preserved?

Wow, that was a long road away from the wedding. Which, yes was spectacular. The couple will indeed be very happy together – congratulations Kim and Ryan! Yes, it was long overdue.

Living the 'turkey bird' Goodlife?

So, it's 'turkey bird weekend' aka Thanksgiving. I believe Canadians everywhere would agree it is one of our most enjoyable holidays.

Students that have gone away for school are likely to 'come home' (this has many parents shaking their heads), as well, the long weekend affords travel time for families. It is a no pressure holiday as well - no gifts to buy, no extravagant parties to attend and when was the last time anyone participated in a turkey egg hunt?

If there is one draw back about this and every other holiday celebration is that food is involved. Not just your day to day fare.... the beloved turkey which on it's own is perfectly good for you, but heap that along side the mashed potatoes will butter and gravy, the cranberries, the veggies, the fresh bread covered in creamed butter. Then there is desert an assortment of pies, cakes and squares. By the end of a full course meal, everyone's waist is going to expand.

Now multiply this feast by 3 - the main day event of course, then the two days of leftovers. Before you know, the jeans you arrived to Mom's house in, no longer fit.

We have a solution. Go see the fitness and healthy lifestyle specialists at Goodlife Fitness. I have personally been going to gyms (on and off) for most of my adult life. The most important thing to me when choosing and sticking with a gym is whether I feel comfortable there.

Goodlife has over 200 gyms across Canada, opening new ones at an alarming rate. Whether you walk into your home gym, or one of many across you city, the experience remains the same. The gyms are laid out the same, the equipment is the same, and even the classes are the same. Did I mention that your membership is valid at any Goodlife location? Be that in your city or across the country.

If you are thinking it is about time to pay attention to your health or if you are looking to tone up a bit more, these people are our recommended pick for you. They offer trial memberships, access to coaches and personal trainers and people to help you achieve your goals.

Check Goodlife Fitness out online for locations close to you and visit them in person. Tell them that you read about them in Hot Cherry Review!

POP goes Montreal

POP Montreal - 1000 bands, 50 venues - this weekend gig rocks! (rolls, excites, etc.)

'POP Montreal is a grass roots festival created and supported by people who love music and live performance. Founded in 2002 by Daniel Seligman, Noelle Sorbara, and Peter Rowan (who has since moved on down the 401), it has expanded in scope and vision every year, and will be celebrating it’s 5th anniversary from October 4th-8th.'

Not only are there heaps of live performances and events, there are informational sessions for Indie Artists as well.

This event is simply too big to chat about on here. Our recommendations - if you can fly, drive or hitch to Montreal for this coming weekend - you won't be disappointed. The Pop Montreal site has plenty of information and links for accommodation etc.

Enjoy and let us know what you thought! www.popmontreal.com

Okay, so yesterday we said we would do the ‘travel thing’ today. We were going to until we found this hot little number.

How about a designer that takes recycled materials and makes them into clothing and fashion items? What if this designer had a retail location in Montreal? What if this designer had a really cool website?

I know, too good to wait on!

‘Molly Klute’ is all that. An excerpt from their website explains everything: ‘Driven by the desire to be recognized as the founders of an environmentally responsible enterprise, Geneviève(s) Dumas and Flageol have created a whole range of clothing and accessories made from recycled materials. Their products distinguish themselves from others, as much by their originality as by their avant-garde edginess. They are part of this generation of designers who put forward their environmental conscience to develop a global branding strategy, a common vision to generate new tastes. Moly Kulte restyles, accessorizes and blasts a jacket, some shoes or a skirt with “Kulte” elements, a little unexpected something. Directed by two artists, as get background in visual art, graphic design and publicity, the aim of the enterprise is to blend together experience, know-how, creativity and multidisciplinary talents to create a fresh new approach of fashion and life in general.

Moly Kulte open his own atelier-boutique right on 4523 St-Denis street in Montreal. Grand opening on October 2006.’

Words can only say so much, check these ‘girls’ out. You will enjoy what you see. http://www.molykulte.com

Tomorrow's News.

Today's frustrations first. As it happens, and it always does, software is full of glitches - we call them bugs for a good reason.
This bug is all about the editor function with in Blogger - which is where Hot Cherry Review lives for the time being.

It seems we are unable currently to edit recently made posts - ie. today's post. So, please stick it out with us, we'll get everything working and looking good as soon as we can.

So, for tomorrow... we are going to take a look at a few sites that can help you score some really great travel deals. We'll tell you how we've managed to save big bucks and give you the links to do it yourself.

Good girls don't do that!

Good girls don't do that! Or do they?

If you are under the age of 18 or feel you will be offended in any way by a blunt discussion on sexuality, please, please - don't read on. (it is not worth the grief and aggravation for either of us if you do)

Sexuality and women - big topic and I'm not going to cover it in any depth. Fact is, more and more I am chatting to girlfriends about it. Conversation swings around from the type and frequency of sex at home, bisexuality and who's doing who. Not surprising. No one really starts the conversation off in these directions, it just sort of winds it's way there.

What is surprising is still how little women speak about sex and personal sexuality. Men on the other hand... well.... that's a bit of a different story. (though insiders tell me it's not so much that they speak about it in 'real terms', the conversations more likely go along the lines of who is getting it, who is dreaming about it and who really doesn't care much anymore)

And what is wrong with this? Personally I think it is a shame that so many women are still 'shy' about this area of their lives. I also believe that women are very uniformed, something we can all change. Being informed may mean that fewer women take risks in hopes of fulfilling their desires, curiosity and fantasies. (Many women will meet men that they know nothing about, engage in sex that turns out to be unfulfilling and experiences that could be harmful to them)

I'm not a 'sex and sexuality expert' and don't pretend to be. I am however pretty keen to bring you the links you must check out in these areas.

Grab a cup of coffee and close your office door before you check these sites out - no they are not rude, they are however, very factual.

Venus Envy - online, Ottawa, Halifax: From their mission statment; 'We believe that everyone has the right to pleasure and that exploring sexual pleasure is key to being a healthy human being. Sexuality is a core component of personal identity, and strongly influences how we all operate in the world — from what we buy, to where we live, to how we interact with others. Everyone has the right to the shameless exploration of sex and sensuality, free from the disapproval of pleasure so often the case in our sex-negative culture.'
Venus Envy has a unique approach (in the sex toy industry) to the subjects of sex and sexuality. They offer an online catalog where you can browse and read product reviews, you can order online or visit their two locations. Venus Envy also offers a variety of courses - you heard it - courses. They cover off topics such as 'Going Down, a guide to Fellatio'. 'This workshop will cover anatomy, technique, communication skills and tricks to please your lady with your lips. And tongue, and teeth, and hands, and then some!' and 'Erotic Talk, talking dirty for women'. 'Know what you want, but not sure how to get it? Whether you're not sure what words to use, or how to start spilling them out of your mouth, this workshop will give you ideas on how to make talking about sex just as great as doing it.'

This is a classy site and a wonderful store. The staff is helpful, well educated and sincer.

Our second find has one store in Toronto and an online offering as well. 'Come as you are' whose tag is 'Good Sex is a Co-operative Endeavour!' is unique. They are a worker owned and operated by Sarah Forbes-Roberts, Gill Lamon and Cory Silverberg through their parent company CAYA Co-operative Ltd. Their mandate at Come As You Are 'is to create an environment in which people can receive information and sexual products that encourage and inform them about various sexual possibilities.'

The CAYA site offers product, shopping and care guides as well as an online catalog and product ordering. Come as you are also offers courses, such as Take It Off With Confidence (Women and Trans People Only) Learn the ins & outs of stripping and lap dancing for your very own in-house " T & A " experience. This course covers: Appreciating your own body & your unique allure, Unleashing your inner exhibitionist, and The “ Tricks of the Trade ".

Now if information is more to your liking, we also found 'Ducky DooLittle' . Here's her Bio: What we 'Ducky Doolittle emerged from behind the peepshow glass to find herself at the head of the class as one of America's most celebrated sex educators. Every year Ducky performs for thousands of individuals of every age, gender and sexual orientation at universities, private events and on stages throughout North America. She has 17 years experience in the field of sex, including working as a peepshow girl in Times Square, a stripper, dominatrix, and a nudie magazine model. Her sex work developed into a successful career as a sex journalist for fashion and men's magazines. Ducky spent three years working on staff as a Sex Educator with the feminist sex toys store Babeland, holding the position of Education Coordinator and Lead Workshop Facilitator. Currently Ducky is writing, performing and works as a Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Counselor for five NYC hospital emergency rooms. She has trained with Planned Parenthood in comprehensive STD prevention and comprehensive & medically accurate sex education. Her current tour includes book release parties, book signings, sexuality workshops and one-woman shows. She can be seen in bookstores, on university campuses, feminist sex toy shops, nightclubs and theaters.'

What we really like about 'Ducky's' site is all of the information, links and frankness. Check it out and bookmark it. Oh, did we mention she also has a new book out

Hope you've found this little entry fasinating and enjoyable. Feel free to contribute yourself. We are always on the look out for hip, cool Cherry Pickers! Email us and join our ranks today.