The frames were dated, as they surrounded an array of pressed flowers on a bed of green felt, totally circa 1970. I saw no reason that these brassy frames couldn’t be turned into something chic and stylish to spice up the grey walls of my bedroom.

I’ve always been fascinated with home decor tips that suggest using empty frames to fill a wall space. I almost find it to be counter-intuitive to hang something, that should contain a work of art or glimpse of a memory, with an empty space in the middle. However, after seeing it executed in a way that made the home seem warm instead of empty, I thought the empty frame idea might not be so bad. I also liked the use of this decorating style here and here.

After emptying out the frames, they still needed to be spruced up.The brassy edges were tarnished and gold simply isn’t part of my interior decor colour palette. I saw great potential in these two pieces as intense black frames and the DIY process of making them new-age chic was so simple!

This is what you need:

I used an auto-air colour paint, usually used for car touch-ups, because it will adhere best to metals. After 12 hours of drying, the frames were ready to hang.

As you can see, a very simple process for a rewarding final product. . .

Tell us what you think about picture frames with no pictures! Chic or cold? Ala mode or overdone?

Oh hey, cave. It's me, Meghan.

But, since the world keeps on spinning and I don’t have any mysterious caves just around the corner, I’ve had to face this like everyone else. Luckily, I have the most wonderful friends who put up with the various emotions that are associated with a bad day, week, month… When I’ve been angry and frustrated or when I’ve been a complete mess and shed some tears, they have been there with positive thoughts, prayers, advice and support.

The Babysitters Club Movie

This blast from the past is exactly how I feel about my friends. When the world is dumping on you, whether metaphorically or literally like the rain storm in this scene, sometimes you just need to be rescued by your friends.

Now and Then

And sometimes, you just need your friends to help you kick some ass!

Thelma & Louise

And well, let’s hope that I never go so far off the deep end that the deep end is a canyon. But, the best part about my friends is that I know if I had to, they’d all be ready to ride shotgun…in a nutshell.

Right?

I mostly agree with this statement. I think in general, the people you surround yourself with can say a lot about you. For example, me and my best girls, we’re all “nuts”. Ha. Seriously though.

But, does the statement still apply when it comes to family? Is it possible to be a completely sane, normal functioning human but have a family that belongs on a TLC after school special “The Terror Within”? Or what if you’re parents seem lovely but you’re completely cray … Teenage angst? Black sheep? Forgotten child?

In any case, the Bach leading ladies were on a quest to prove that they really are “the one” for Benny Boy with aid from a few family members. What we found was one cool family, one adorable Dad, one still crazy girl and a one sure fire send home.

Lindzi’s date started with … wayyyyyy too much makeup.

Tone it down, Lindzi!

Seriously, the girl has got to tone it down. She is so pretty! About 10 layers of makeup and 40 minutes less a week in the tanning bed and she’d be golden (no pub intended).

Lindzi also rehashed her “Welcome to dumpsville, population you” story. Now, let’s discuss this. I seriously thought that was just her shtick to get on the show. I mean, come on… WHAT adult would EVER say something like that? It’s impossible. So when she opened up about the fact that she thought she was going to marry Mr. Dumpsville I was floored. Completely shocked. HOW could a normal, sane, pretty young woman be with someone capable of such idiocy and more importantly, WHY would you ever admit it?

She also admitted that Dumpsville was her only ever boyfriend, which means she’ll probably blow it on the fantasy date. “That or Ben’s going to faint when her entire face rubs off on her pillow.” – Jess, on the sole inhabitant of dumpsville.

If the girls are to be judged by their parents, then Lindzi redeemed herself big time. Her folks seem fun loving, wild and RICH. Just an everyday chariot race to start the evening off. Followed by Smores and lots of drinks meant that this date was more fun then most of Ben’s. Where can Mr. Harry Cox (YES, that is her father’s name) sign up to be the next Bachelor? WHERE.

If  you watched the show last night, you’ll know that Kacie B was just DOOMED from the get go. Her marching band, baton-twirling entrance made us all cover our eyes in terror.

@inanutshellca "I can't speak. I feel like this is a scene from drop dead gorgeous." - @JessHuddles #thebachelor

She then proceeded to yap like a small dog when she flung herself into Ben’s arms, despite how it rained on her parade. Literally. It was raining and she legit brought a parade. Imbecile.

The beginning portion of the date did however allow us to contemplate what kind of atrocious mane of a head would be created if Ben and Kacie were to breed. Shudder. We think this likeness of Ben pretty much sums it up:

If the hair, marching band and overall lackluster performance of the opening part of Kacie B’s date didn’t solidify her limo ride home, her parents definitely put the seal on that envelope. Holy mother of Mary.

This. is. a. disaster.

Were they ever on Team “Loathe Ben” … from her Mom telling him they didn’t want them to live together after engagement … to her Dad just flat out disagreeing with the whole scenario, this date was more awkward, less …anything positive. Ben handled it well tho: “I have feelings for your daughter andalsosomeoftheotherwomen.” Just DYING to get outta there.

As always, our male correspondent @Bakkesy summed it up best:

@Bakkesy: Just apple juices and long, weird talks at the Kacie B household. #getmeoutofhere @BenFlajnik

Overall the B family was just brutal.

@inanutshellca “Wow. I completely foresee Kacie B blowing up her family home after this.” – @JessHuddles #thebachelor

Of course the real main event was finding out what kind of creatures Courtney spawned from. No wonder they kept this hometown date for last, we were getting antsy about it four minutes into the show.

@inanutshellca Waiting with bated breath to see the cyborgs that are Courtney’s parents. #thebachelor

But one more date stood in our way, Nicki’s. Can’t say we were made about it at all. Nicki’s date was fun and cute and NORMAL. Despite coming from a divorced family, her parents came together to make Ben feel special and welcome. Nicki’s Dad made our room full of Daddy’s girl die with his adorable speech about protecting his daughter. And so, Nicki sails into first place as our favourite and … NICKI’S DAD WINS MVBD (Most Valuable Bach-Daddy). Way to go you soft hearted, weeping, rock of a man.

 @Bakkesy Not a dry eye in the place with @jamesmay021 #Lyon #Thebachelor

“If the Dad is crying do they lose extra points?”  – Meg, on being ruthless in our #BachPool.

Cyborg time.

Mom-myyy?

Despite the fact that Courtney’s dad wore a terrible argyle vest, Courtney’s mom looked like a female Bruce Jenner and Courtney’s sister openly talked about the skinny dipping date in front of her parents … the whole fam was borderline normal. It was upsetting. Seriously. I could not WAIT to see what kind of spells they were going to cook up over a cauldron while Ben ate a gingerbread cookie.

But alas, Cray Courtney almost seemed normal for a few minutes … UNTIL. She left the relatively normal fam and decided to venture out on her own to stage a FAKE wedding. WHAT!? If this had happened with any other girl Benny Boy would have ran for the hills. In fact, I was sort of pleased as it was happening because I thought he just might. But, the lovesick little winemaker is clearly enamored with the SUPER intelligent and sweet (please!) model. Yuck. If a fake wedding can’t deter him from this backstabbing brunette, then it’s a done deal. They should have just ACTUALLY performed the wedding right then and there. Shucks.

IS THIS HAPPENING!?

We all let out a sigh of relief to see Ben back in L.A and back in the arms of Chris. B. Harrison. Wish he was a Bachelor option, always knows just what to say … almost like it was scripted.

Just a truly compassionate individual

But, despite deliberations about who was going home it was clear from the first twirl. Bye bye Kacie. Shockingly she showed an incredible amount of class and grace as she said her goodbyes to Ben and left the premises. Only to unleash the FURY when alone in the limo. Poor sweet Kacie B. was dropping f-bombs like it was her job and was not doubt plotting the arson that will take place on her family home. No hearts in the sky with her hands tonight, I’m afraid.

And so ends another thrilling episode of the season and another BachyParty for the books. A family day well spent with our Bach Fam. Nothing brings people closer like blood boiling drama …

#BachPool Standings

Shannon 411
Kate 398
Rhiannon 328
Jess 299
Catherine 293
Meghan 227

To make myself feel better about my dismal standings ... here's Jenna. I miss her. #Jennaiscray

Other than being a complete waste of perfectly productive thinking time, overanalyzing is often an altogether negative activity. The longer you question a given scenario, the more room you leave for damaging conclusions. Without sounding like a self-help expert or a Dr. Phil episode, I believe that taking the time to become aware of a habit like overthinking is important, and having the ability to control it will make room for fresh and fruitful reasoning. Tina Fey once said, ”You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” While I’m sure you spend your time analyzing more serious situations, the premise of it all is right there in her words. Overthinking will get you nowhere. If you haven’t thought of whatever you’re searching for already, it’s not going to magically appear amidst your ridiculous assumptions and doubts. The key to stopping this futile process is in the following steps, and if I’m wrong, then at least I’ve distracted you for a few moments.

1. Acknowledge If you’ve ever stopped and said the words “am I overthinking this?” You probably are. Once you’re aware of the process, you’ll begin to notice yourself doing it more and more. Instead of brushing off the label you’ve given your activity, stop yourself from continuing and be aware of it the next time it happens …and the next time.

2. Don’t Assume This is probably the most toxic thought process out there. Making assumptions about people or situations is incredibly unproductive, and most of the time we don’t even know we’re making them. Be conscious of the thoughts you have…are they fact, or is that wild imagination of yours secretly at play? The more overthinking you do, the more assumptions you’ll likely make.

3. Talk it Through Of course there’s no way around actually tackling a subject that’s bothering you. But if you keep it in rather than talk it through, it will remain in your puzzled brain for way too long. Discuss things with someone who’s removed from the situation and make it brief. Overthinking can happen out loud too!

4. Get a Hobby If you’re at the point where your thinking process is overworked and unproductive, do something that you love to get your mind off things. Go for a run, write a blog post, read a book, cook a meal…whatever it takes to get your head out of the gutter.

5. Tackle the Problem If the thing you’re contemplating is a serious matter that you truly can’t shake, tackle it head on rather than mulling it over for weeks. Call the friend who upset you, approach your boyfriend about his behavior, write a letter, do whatever it takes. You may find out the person never knew this was an issue.

6. Forget about Perfection A lot of thinking time is spent worrying about our behaviour, our words or any other possible formula of situations. Remember that nobody’s perfect and fretting about the past will truly get you nowhere. Many of the mistakes you make will be forgotten by others, only to remain on your list of regrets. Try not to put yourself up on a pedestal, you have plenty of time for redemption.

7. Be Proactive If there’s anything good that can come out of overthinking, it’s a lesson. If you feel bad about your behavior, take a mental note for next time, and then move on. Feeling sorry for something you can’t resolve is, again, pointless.

8. Look Ahead Remember when you were in high school and every crush, every exam, every argument seemed so monumental? As much as those teenage years are our most dramatic, we don’t really stop thinking that way. When you’re worrying about something, thinking about how important it will be in 6 months might help calm you down. Remember, it’s all relative.

Evidently, there are certain thoughts that you’ll never escape, some more serious than others. But no matter what, controlling the time you spend analyzing a problem is definitely something you can tackle and managing unhealthy thoughts is important for your mental health. There’s nothing worse than wasting your time on a problem you’ve assumed exists, and keeping it all in will only make your habits worse. While quitting cold turkey is definitely not an option, limiting the time you spend scrutinizing is completely feasible …in a nutshell. 

Ottawa has finally seen its first inkling of a Montreal-style bistro. Humming with good vibrations, Town has managed to cup its hand around the coal of “trendy” and amalgamates it with decadent food, fine service and a spicy wine list.

Can you tell that this will be a rave review?

Town is located in the heart of the golden triangle and stretches back along a narrow  piece of real estate which enormously lends to that wonderful cosmopolitan vibe. It is tiny and cozy, not to mention the place is always packed.The service is wonderfully attentive without being invasive and the servers know their sh*t.

On to the food.

Well, I couldn’t have been happier. Tuna tartare with truffle oil? Yes please. Beef Carpaggio? Bring it on. Ricotta stuffed meatballs? Err, not something I would usually order on a menu but folks, this dish is beautiful. You can practically cut the meatballs with a straw. The wine list was also perfectly suited to a restaurant of this caliber. Many of the eye catching bottles were also offered by the glass- a must in a small plates establishment. Did I mention that not only do they offer an array of small plates for the variety-nosher, but also a good selection of hearty entrees as well.

It seems like Town has it all, at least enough to keep this foodie happy and going back for more.

Town

296 Elgin St.

613.695.8696

images via 1 2

via 1 2 3

The biggest, of which being: TIME. OFF.

Monday marks the beginning of “reading week” for university students in Ottawa and just around the corner is March Break … so while I toil away day in and day out at my desk, it feels like the whole world is departing on vacation. Talks of Mexico, Dominican, Cuba, Florida, Greece are starting to wear away at my psyche. It’s practically all I can do from showing up to work in a bikini and creating vats of sangria in the office coffe pot.

But alas, I suppose I’ll keep my composure. And while my eyes may twitch at the phrase “I need to start packing” or “base tan” I have found my own little ways to trick my brain into thinking, I too, am just a few days away from being a beached whale on a coast somewhere, being fed grapes by a newly friended squirrel monkey. Sigh.

So for my most recent dinner party I made an appetizer that made me think of balconies, ocean waves and coronas instead of the more depressing reality of salt-stained boots, anti-freeze and shovels.

Easy-Peasy Coconut Shrimp Recipe + Sauce

Ingredients

SHRIMP directions

-Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

-Beat the eggs in a cereal-sized bowl

- Pour flour into another small bowl and play coconut into a third

- Take a shrimp and dip it in the following order: flour, egg, flour again, coconut. You must be a little extra agressive at the coconut stage, to make sure each shrimp gets well coated.

- Place shrimp on a non-stick baking sheet

- Repeat the process until desired quantity of shrimp is finished

Place the baking sheet in the pre-heated oven and let the shrimp bake for 10 – 12 minutes, or until golden brown. ** Note: For extra crispy shrimp, fry in a pan with a bit of oil. **

SAUCE directions

Combine marmalade, dijon and horseradish and stir well. For added sweetness, add a drop of honey. Serve together.

…And voila! Pull out the old blender, make a batch of rum-heavy daquiris, put on your best “sounds of the sea” CD and kick back with your feast. For any working gal that is chained to your desk, like I am, it will ALMOST do the trick.

Wanting this.

But, come on now, nuts. Could there BE a more appropriate Valentine’s Day post than a recap of the quintessential romance of our time – The BACHELOR. No, nuts. No, there is not.

If you are in a relationship, by reading this you can be thankful. Thankful that you are not constantly meeting crazies like Courtney. Or, that you’re with someone who doesn’t use spine crippling analogies at every possible given opportunity like Ben Flajnik. And if you read this and are thinking, “Actually, my boyfriend DOES do that … or yes, my girlfriend does get a twitch in her eye as though she was posessed by the devil TOO.” Well then, in a nutshell has served a life-altering purpose. And when you reach the hills that you’ve ran to, you can send us a thank you note.

But, perhaps even a bigger sigh of relief will come reading this if you’re single. Why, spouseless nuts? Because. You, unlike the people on this show, have not stooped to the level of reality TV to find love. Probably, because you have your sanity. And that my friends, is better than any bouquet of red roses, heart shaped box of choclates, or plush stuffed teddy. (Ok, fine.. maybe not the teddy.)

With that said, last night’s episode of the Bachelor was by far the worst one yet for three reasons: 1) Ben has managed to weed out the likes of *most* of our favourites / the craziest women on the planet – Jenna, Blakely, Jennifer – etc. Entertainment value is suffering. There was no one left to curl up in fedal position and declare their premature love. 2) There wasn’t nearly enough Chris B. Harrison 3) Ben proved that he is a COMPLETE. IDIOT. More to follow.

But, we managed to make the most of it having the BEST hashtag-BachyParty, yet. Complete with a scrapbook tribute to Blakley and live appearance from our male correspondent @Bakkesy and sidekick (sorry, I’m not as nice as Jess) @jamesmay021

The show started out with promise, as instantly Nicki was minus 10 points for saying she’s falling in love with Ben and then sobbing to the camera. Six minutes in. This is what I live for.  While she lost complete composure, Lindzi secured the one on one (Jess was elated, serious #girlcrush). But their date quickly turned into the most annoying date in Bachelor history. Naysayers, say nay all you want. But the fact that they were jumping out of a helicopter into water made for the cheesiest conversation about taking leaps of faith and …. I can’t even go on. It is still making my skin crawl.

Just plummet and get it over with. Save us. Please

“Making out while doggy paddling seems like it would be very tiring,” – Kate, on the couple that can overcome any obstacle.

Courtney had a mini breakdown with Emily got the second one on one date. She was crying and we were rejoicing. Everything was glorious until she did one of her infamous “ha HA’s” and I was shaken to my core. God that woman is frightening.

— commercial break —

We died watching this. You’re welcome. “I got the ro-ose”

igottheroose

– and now back to the program –

Emily looks like a blonde Rachel McAdams and Ben's hair is as bad as Owen Wilson's ... this scene is wedding crashers remade

Emily was in contention to be MVB again (three-peat). Seriously, we love her. And she is getting a PhD, which means she is le-git. Even when she said “If only my boyfriend didn’t have five other girlfriends, this would be great!” we were like YES. At least you have a grasp on reality! Unlike anyone that’s ever been on The Bachelor before. In history.

Courtney got partial redemption, however, when she was picked for the final one on one date of the week. Their date was probably the coolest one, visiting ancient ruins. But, you could see that Courtney, the model, didn’t care. at. all. She just wanted to sip from her water glass (did no one else find that incredibly out of place)? And complain about life as a model and bachelor contestant.

Push her off, Ben. Push. her. off.

“I had a tough day yesterday” – Courtney … “Another tough day yesterday?” – Ben …. This is what your life could be like, Ben. EVERY. DAY.

Courtney also revealed that in her spare time she’s an active COD player when she showed off her kill shot skills. Screenname: CrayCourt

But she REALLY topped off the night when she said in an indignant voice: “My job is rough. I am the TALENT.” Courtney. Just. Wow.

Turn those guns on yourself, Courtney. Save humanity.

@inanutshellca @Bakkesy cannot take Courtney any longer #groaning #thebachelor

The group date saw the rest of the ladies pile into a boat and do what every girl dreams of doing to fall in love. SWIM WITH SHARKS. Um, hello. When did Bachelor become survival of the fittest? Pretty sure everyone at our #BachyParty would have been sent home after blood curddling screams, wails and wetting the boat.

Nothing says romance like losing a limb.

@Bakkesy Sharks scare me. Courtney terrifies me #psycho. @inanutshellca

Somehow they managed to get through that, even though Kacie B. hilariously stated “This isn’t fun anymore.”

She ALSO hilariously stated TO BEN that she was falling in love with him which meant a full RESET of her points in our #BachPool … about effing time. I was pumped, Kate was not.

The group date girls also gave ben the low-down on the Cray Whoretney situation and it APPEARED he had listened when he skipped the rose ceremony and then in a moment of heart-stopping TV mastery, asked to see Courtney before giving out the roses.

@inanutshellca Ben will pull Courtney aside. Courtney will tell Ben exactly what he wants to hear. Courtney will still not go home. #benyoushouldgohome #thebachelor

If I had been there I would have been chanting "Walk the plank! Walk the plank!" ... and then I would have been sent home.

And that is EXACTLY what he did. Saying siyanara to Rachel the hottie and Emily, our favourite.

Both girls were crushed, obvs. And Courtney, staying true to form left us with this: See ya, wouldn’t wanna be ya.

"I got the rooo-ose"

#b!*ch

We are QUITE excited however to meet Courtney’s family next week. We wonder if they’ll be in full warlock attire or if they’ll put on Muggle clothes for the cameras.

#BachPoolStandings

Shannon 367
Kate 351 (ha!)
Rhiannon 288
Jess 271
Catherine 268 (victory is within reach … or maybe 3rd place anyway)
Meghan 208

Until next week, addicts.

Oh and a very Happy Valentines Day from everyone at in a nutshell. Make sure to show the special ones in your life some love today, ESPECIALLY your very best girlfriends.

As obviously just a little bit of a music nut, the Grammys are without a doubt my favourite night in television. My thoughts on the evening are best re-iterated through something country veteran Reba McEntire’s noted promptly upon presenting an early performance – how it really is the one evening on television when musicians of all ages, all backgrounds and all genres congregate to celebrate the most powerful thing in the world and, in my mind, the most uniting – music.

So, in order to re-celebrate music’s biggest night from the home front – let’s take a happy peak back at the some of the memorable events that made this monumental 54^th Grammy Awards something of a spectacle. If you’re looking for the negative, I’m sure you’ll have no shortage of re-caps to find out any blunders – but in the mean time, here are some of the pleasant happenings:

TOP TEN MEMORABLE 2012 GRAMMY MOMENTS:

1) Jennifer Hudson’s Whitney Houston Tribute: Well, this performance was inevitably bound to cripple every single spectator watching – no matter how black anyone’s lump of coal heart is when it comes to the great vocalist who passed suddenly just one day before the broadcast. Hudson, undoubtedly one of the most talented performers of our generation, took the stage to solemnly perform Houston’s hit single from The Bodyguard’s greatest-selling soundtrack of all time, “I Will Always Love You,” and proved immediately she couldn’t have been a better choice to sing the weighty tribute. Before impeccably bellowing each note, maintaining her composure despite being brought to tears during rehearsals and raising the audience to their feet – Hudson’s initial uttering of the opening “If I should stay…” was already cause to have this blissful tribute go down in history as one of the most powerful ever.

2) Adele’s Straight-Up Sweep of Her Categories: Can we really be surprised? I made the mistake of trying to share the love in my Grammy pool picks, when I should have known better – she is unstoppable and completely deserving following her exemplary year in music. This shining vocalist and humble doll of a performer was the ideal inductee into the megastar Grammy-sweeping hall of fame, winning all six of her nominated categories (including Song and Record of the Year – a rare double-win), and sparkling as that undeniably gigantic voice who might ease the pain of having recently lost another one. Aside from her clean sweep and modest on-stage acceptance speeches, Adele brought the brought the house down during her performance of the reprimanding break-up favourite “Rolling in the Deep” – an effortless act that proved a little throat surgery can’t stop this magnificent new icon.

3) LL Cool J hosting: My appreciation for LL and his ever-present cap? Surprisingly heightened following his calm and collected role as host of this year’s show. As we all observed, he only really introduced artists and presenters briefly – but when he pointed out that “This night is about something universal and healing; this night is about music,” outdated newsboy caps around the world went off to him.

4) Bruno Mars Being Something of a Superstar: I have to say, this little jazzed-up boy wonder and his Doo Wops and Hooligans trendy troop really impressed me. The bullhorn toss, the fancy James Brown-reminiscent footwork, sharp outfits and a whole lot of love for the 60s were only a few of the items that wowed me during the new kid on the block’s pumped-up presentation. Obviously pulling moves and costume looks out of the tickle trunk left over from days as a toddler Elvis impersonator – Mars’ overall new-meets-old concept had us grooving in our seats.

5) Foo Fighters…the first time around: I love the boys of Foo, and pity the Foos who don’t. After decades of absolutely searing stages with thumping drum solos, electric riffs and Dave Grohl’s infinite growl, I love to see that they’re still able to rouse a crowd, young and old, the way they do. Anyone who’s seen them live can attest to their explosive rock execution, and despite the fact that I didn’t think they needed to be on stage four times throughout the show, I was very pleased to see them  up there the first time – and a second with our favourite spin-savvy Canadian rodent, DeadMau5.

6) Old Timers For The Win: People are often astonished when some of the more elderly rockers can still bring the masses to their feet, race across stages and rip a guitar solo that someone twenty years their junior might struggle with. I never am. Although I realize that their physicality might be limiting as the years go on (unless you’re Mick Jagger and have chugged from the fountain of muscle elasticity and youth) – the old boys of rock ‘n roll, the founders and the contributors to the greatness of the genre will always have that ability deep-rooted in their soul. Talent like that doesn’t fade; Sir Paul McCartney doesn’t forget those feisty guitar licks from his days as a Beatle or Wing, Joe Walsh and Springsteen absolutely recall how to full-body jam and the Beach Boys don’t overlook how their voices still sound like songbirds when harmonically paired together. And I’m so very thankful for that – for these icons who still grace us with their presence on stage, and help us remember that musical ability and the passion to share it is timeless.

7) Bon Iver Is. The. Champion: Justin Vernon…where do I begin? His breakthrough band, Bon Iver, is one of my greatest musical loves – and until I got to finally see them this past summer, life was really just a tad incomplete. Not only winning Best Alt-Rock album, but beating a slew of trendy new stars like Nicki Minaj and J.Cole to win Best New Artist, Bon Iver humbly thanked a lengthy list of special people including “Katie” (folk goddess girlfriend Kathleen Edwards), the musical talent that couldn’t be there, as well as the voters who he commended for the “sweet hook-up.” Genius musician, hilarious man.

8) Rihanna’s Scorching Performance/Appearance: Men (and women) everywhere were without a doubt zeroed in on RiRi as the “only girl in the world” during both her solo and Coldplay collaboration performance on stage. Stunning attire that unbashfully showed off her banging bod and fashion fearlessness absolutely garnered a few fist pumps out of us ladies; the cherry on top being that her voice sounded top-notch and her feminine confidence was infectious.

9) The Civil Wars Break Onto The Big Stage and Nab Two Wins: Although this powerhouse duo from Nashville, Tennessee are still mildly under the radar – their undeniable country/folk talent and breathtaking debut album are, in my mind, more than enough cause to have them up on that stage (even if only for a brief snippet of their hit song) and winning awards. These two will absolutely stand the test of time, and if you haven’t had the chance to listen to them in full, please do – they’ll twang and two-step you into oblivion.

10) The Boss [pronounced baw-s or bow-s]: Defined as – master of or over; manage; direct; control. Sounds about right. Bruce Springsteen, the best for last, the clear holder of this title and opening act of the big show, was once quoted saying, “We’re here to re-dedicate you to the Power, the Passion, the Mystery and the Ministry of Rock ‘N Roll.” In the Church of LL, who promptly noted that Springsteen still writes his music “for the people,” I only have one response in agreement with Preacher Cool J – Amen.

What was your favourite performance of the night? Grammy Moment? Outfit? Blunder? Exorcist re-enactment? Let us know and comment below! (Rhyming? Maybe next year is my year in the rap category…)

Sources (1,2,3)

MYTH # 1: The printed word “Reserve” on a wine label indicates the wine to be special or of higher quality wine.

For the everyday consumer this word on a label immediately pops out. When something is labelled “Reserve” we automatically associate it with being a prestigious product and something that is likely worth a few extra bucks. Unfortunately for us, wine makers know this and will use the term “Reserve” as a marketing strategy rather than a pledge of quality product.  This tactic is particularly exploited in North America where wine makers are not bound by any laws that set guidelines on what can and can’t be labeled as reserve. So more often than not, if you are buying a wine from North America, you should read the fine print to get the whole picture. Spain and a few other countries actually adhere to regional laws that specifiy the guidlines of what meets a “reserve” quality wine.

MYTH # 2: All wine gets better with age.

This is the opposite of true. In fact, the large majority of wines being sold in our market (LCBO) are not meant to age more than a few years, if that. Cellaring wine is a very complicated and expensive process and there are only a handful of wines that are suitable for those kind of conditions. An expensive Riesling or Bordeaux may stand the test of time and cellar for upwards of 10 years, but generally speaking, most wines just want to have fun while they’re young.

MYTH # 3: White wine should be chilled when served.

   Myth #3 is a tricky one. It is not entirely a fallacy: white wine should be served cooler than room temperature. Should it be served right out of the freezer? Definitely not. Even if you love the refreshing feeling of an ice-cold beverage, think about the difference in flavour of a freshly cracked beer versus a beer that has been sitting out for 30 minutes. We all know that cooler temperatures act as preservatives and the same thing happens to the aromas and flavours of an ice cold wine. Instead of allowing the wine to be as crisp and flavourful as it should be, a chilled serving will stifle the wine’s true potential.

Try leaving the wine in your fridge for about 45 minutes before you serve it. That should do the trick.

MYTH #4: Fruit (other than grapes) that you smell and taste in wine, were used to make the wine.

Cherry. Plum. Raspberry. Melon. Banana. Lemon.

These are all familiar terms used to describe the aroma and flavour of wine. So wouldn’t it make sense that the wine maker added some cherry pits and banana peel to the must in order to impart those specific flavours? No. That doesn’t make sense at all when you think about it. The reason you are smelling these fruits is not because there is a healthy dose of lemon juice in your Sauvignon Blanc. It’s because each grape expresses itself differently after the fermentation process. That’s why there is such a wide range of grape varieties out there. Each one has its own personality and those personalities tend to permeate the scent and tastes that are familiar to us.

MYTH # 5: You can tell if a wine is good by smelling the cork.

If ever you are out for dinner with someone who thinks it is de rigueur to pick up the cork and smell it, you can go right ahead and snicker to yourself. Although the cork may indicate if the wine has been cellared properly, it doesn’t provide many other clues than that. This tradition has been carried down for centuries, from the early days of wine making when the authenticity of a wine would sometimes be at question. The cork was usually an indication of the wine’s authenticity and so developed the process of smelling and touching the cork before actually tasting the wine. But ultimately, there is nothing the cork can tell you that you won’t be able to smell or notice from the wine when it is in your glass.

MYTH # 6: Pinto Grigio and Pinot Gris are two different grapes.

This little gem of information needs to be heard, so I’m going to say it once, loud and proud. Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape. You might be thinking that the two expressions of this wine are completely different, and in thinking that you are absolutely right. The reason for giving two names to one grape is due to the way the grape is vinified.

Pinot Grigio (unless it is outrageously priced) can usually be chalked up to this: Pinot Gris’ watered down, flavourless little sister.  So for the sake of drinking something delicious, next time you wander over to the tried and true wine that tastes like water, go for it’s more flavourful expression and pick up a Pinot Gris. Your taste buds will thank you and so will I.

MYTH # 7: Uncorking a bottle of wine lets it breathe.

Merely popping the cork out of a bottle, really doesn’t do much for a wine. It may allow a little smidge of air to the wine, but overall you are better off decanting the wine so that it reaches it’s maximum flavour profile instead of letting the air dwindle away in the neck of the bottle.

MYTH # 8: Legs indicate the quality of a wine.

Legs always seem to be a hot topic of discussion when it comes to wine. People swirl and then are fascinated by the streaks that come pouring quickly or slowly down the walls of the glass. Most people are taken by the legs because they presume that dripping legs proves a good quality wine. That simply isn’t the case. When it comes to legs, you are discovering one thing and one thing only: The alcohol level. The higher the alcohol level, the more legs you’ll see. Let’s wash our hands of this myth, once and for all.

MYTH # 9: Riesling, especially from Germany, is always a sweet wine.

For a very long time, Germany used a process called chaptalization to add sugar to their wines. Because their grapes were growing in a cooler climate, the grapes would often not reach full ripeness and thus, sugar was added to the wines to balance the acidity. Unfortunately, this conundrum gave German Riesling the name of being a “sweet wine”. This is true for some Riesling, but now more than ever Riesling is being vinified dry and let me tell you, It. Is. Awesome. To find yourself a dry Riesling, it is never a SURE bet but here are two tips to send you sipping in the dry direction.

1) If the wine says “Trocken” you are looking good. “Troken” is German for “Dry”.

2) If the alcohol indicated is 12.5% or higher, the Riesling is likely a dry style.

Happy hunting!

MYTH # 10: France is the largest producer of wine in the world.

Although France is responsible for largest export of wine in the world, it does not hold the title for the largest producer. The Italians hold this title by a dog’s hair, beating out France by producing 360,000 more tonnes per year.

Have you heard something about wine that seems to be suspect? Let us know!

image via SteveGarfeild