The Bachelor Recap – Episode 7: Sharks and other scary things.

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You might have expected us at in a nutshell to do something really sweet for Valentine’s Day. I mean, it’s not secret that we’re a little obssesed with each other and have done a number of posts gushing about the true love we’ve found in our soulmates, our best friends. Or maybe, you were expecting a creative recipe post “Just the cutest cupcakes you’ve ever seen” … sure to cut to the core of any man’s heart – his stomach. Right? Or what about a music playlist to steam things up a little this evening – Sinatra, Bublé, Shaggy .. all the classics.

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.

2012 Grammys: Let’s Break It Down

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I don’t know how the rest of you feel, but here at in a nutshell, we believe a night like the Grammys deserves a gathering. As one of those programs that leaves you marveling, toe tapping, sniffling, tweeting and vigorously mentally jotting down new sounds – this jam-packed event is bound to cause a little conversation and a little action. And so, in true Grammys style, four of the five nuts assembled to take part in our own living room awards show bash – a hilarious night that featured our male correspondent @Bakkesy and his sidekick partner-in-crime @JamesMay021, as well as outrageous up-to-the-second witty commentary, hilarious cyber-bantering with our Toronto nut, snacks, bevvies and one thousand laughs. And in between all of that, some very interesting things in music happened.

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 54th 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)

Wine Myths: Uncorked

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The world of  wine is somewhat mysterious, especially to the everyday consumer. It doesn’t help that there seems to be a cloud of urban legends hanging over the head of a glass of wine. So I’ve dug my way to the bottom of some of these perpetuated myths, hoping to erase their attachments to the world of wine. In a nutshell, here are the 10 most common myths about wine and the juicy truth that underlies each one.

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

Friday’s Fashion Fix

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The most famous Vogue editor-in-chief is Anna Wintour, a woman who controls the fashion world to such a degree that she often tells renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta and Valentino not to include certain looks in their runway shows. Even more shocking? They always listen. She’s integral in the high-fashion world, but she’s often seen as a stern figure, who takes herself and the work she does, a little too seriously.

The newest addition to the group of Vogue editors is Emanuelle Alt, the edgy mind behind Vogue Paris. This woman, in contrast, definitely infuses an element of fun into the work she does. The video above is the best proof of that. What other Vogue editor, who sees themselves as a defining figure in fashion, would channel an 80s music video by lip-synching to “Wake me up Before you Go-Go”? Instead of launching an expensive, extravagant campaign in order to re-launch the magazine’s website, Alt decided to get a group of models together and use her favourite Wham! song to encourage visitors to “Go-Go to Vogue.fr”

In the video, Alt sings along with top models Karmen Pedaru, Kendra Spears, Jasmine Tookes and Anja Rubik, as well as French TV host Mademoiselle Agnès. With this hilarious imitation of the original 80s video, I can’t help but think what the fashion world would be like if every designer, model, editor and influencer infused a little more fun and humanity into what they do. The truth is, fashion shouldn’t be such a cold, intimidating industry, and masterminds like Emanuelle Alt are helping to turn that around. In a nutshell, for a new take on it all, go-go to Vogue.fr, and don’t forget to have a little fun with your clothes!

The New Woman

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“I’m obsessively opposed to the typical.”

I’ll give you one guess as to which outrageous megastar lives by those words. Protruding cheek bones, male alter-egos, fluorescent wigs, girl-on-girl stage appearances and egg capsule transportation are only a few of the shock effects flaunted by artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ms. Spears and Aguilera as methods of enhancing their “craft” and pledging continued allegiance to the above quote. Performers, they are – there isn’t a doubt about that. Nor is there a doubt about the mark they’ve made on the industry.

But let’s set talk of the veterans aside to take attendance in the newest school of female-driven pop, hip-hop and rock; a class of equally impossible to ignore lady characters sporting similar neon uniforms, bejeweled nails, curious histories and alluring pouts – taunting men and women alike, probably already bored with the first period of this new journey. Aside from also possessing the common denominator in the rise and allure of award-winning female pop artists in the past four decades – flashy clothes, on-stage domination and pin-up potential – this brood of bad girl up-and-comers has a few other things they’re dreaming up. Rich songwriting, undeniable vocal talent, troubled dark sides and two middle fingers to anyone who thinks otherwise, to name a few.

This A-team of bad girls might not be mainstream paparazzi preoccupied, might put their foot in their mouths more than once, but they’ve got depth as well. They’re confusing and challenging – elements that might sustain them during an inevitably bumpy and long journey to the top. But they’re real, real things last – and what’s real is going to rule the school.

Thanks to the digital age – an era filled with devices, footage, access and heightened connectedness – the general population is, for the most part, unbelievably desensitized to sights and sounds that would have had our grandparents throwing their TV dinners off their laps and boycotting Ed Sullivan, and television, for life. The fact that in this day and age we’re hungry media consuming robots who are accustomed to short clicks and flicks that could lead to imagery blinding us with inappropriateness – is old news to you and me. We’re so rarely surprised, hardly shocked and most interestingly – we’re expecting the next wardrobe malfunction, on-stage intercourse simulation and racy lyric – so naturally, the bar has been raised, and the past twenty years have seen the rise of the performer, the scandal and jolting personas like Madge, Gaga and Spears. But even these acclaimed performers are hard to be surprised by anymore. Funnily enough, what’s surprising nowadays is when the good performer, the spectacle and the vixen – writes, sings and performs a thought-provoking or meaningful concept. Maybe it’s not fireworks and rhyming “love” with “above” – but creatively impressive elixirs like “depth” and “songwriting” go beyond the average near-naked performance and are like oil to this rusty and unphased robot spectator.

Enter Lana Del Rey – the subject of so much media scrutiny and intrigue. At first, seemingly a YouTube sensation with no real explanation, we wondered – was she Lizzy Grant, a pouty Lake Placid native with organic and haunting sounds, who self-coined her vampy persona the “Gangster Nancy Sinatra”? Or was she a manufactured project from the start – timed meticulously to enter with a predictable indie bang that would quickly translate into the mainstream limelight, and then lose its cool? Maybe a bit of both. Her talent, intrigue, and character – regardless of who thought it up – paired with chancy songs, chilling melodies, semi-confusing motivation and dark charm have made her the new spectacle. Her nearly motionless performance sway, although unlike a flashy choreographed dance routine, could be her image. Her album isn’t called Born This Way, it’s called Born To Die, and along with her obsession with Chateau Marmont and old, sad Hollywood glamour – we’re still trying to figure out why. With only a shallow pocket full of captivating songs – she, like the other vamps before her, has people talking. And that’s the point, isn’t it?

Swing on over to Maya Arulpragasam – or British emcee MIA – another ostentatious bad girl experimenting with bigger beats than some male counterparts, boasting a cocky tough persona and flipping the bird during the Superbowl halftime show. Having moved between Sri Lanka and the UK, laying claim to “more records than the KGB” and collaborating with hot shots who she would argue she’s hotter than – she’s often the definition of a sore thumb in female empowered mainstream hip-hop. Throw in Nicki Minaj, whose showy appearance and mainstream performance-style often gets grouped with those less intriguing than her, is musically like a cold splash of water after years of praying for fresh. It’s as if she breathed life into the scene; she may have children in tutus reciting her lines to Ellen Degeneres – but does her hard-hitting presence as the only woman on all-male collaboration tracks always sit easy in the ears? Absolutely not. She doesn’t hold back, she spits nastier rhymes than you’d think capable of such a petite, soft-featured woman – and next to her, the boys have stepped it up.

Kimbra, a 21 year-old hailing from New Zealand and making waves as part of Gotye’s indie hit “Somebody That I Used To Know”, is destined to be everything but a wing girl. This Nina Simon-inspired, smoky soul artist knows how to put her old voice to a big beat – something that’s beyond her years, something that’s fated for bigger fame. Her unconventional performances, quirky and inventive song concepts and exuded confidence are evidence she’s ready to roll with the big guns – and write a song that will make you dance and make you think. Imagine that. The late Amy Winehouse and ladies like Lykke Li, Florence, Cat Power, Zola Jesus have had other paths for themselves, and other sounds for us. Hallelujah.

The list goes on. Welcome to the new age and the new mainstream woman. We’re slowly peeling away our desensitized layers because we’re ready to feel something from music again, something that makes us proud. We want a song that we look up the lyrics to. We want to dance to something because it makes us feel good – and because we’re dancing for what it stands for also. This growing gang of new girls on the block are equipped with the words, looks and moves to make that kind of historical impact on music – and even though they might be a little dangerous, a little weird and a little different at times, a lot of change has never been a bad thing.

5 ways to say I love you

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Whether you are celebrating solo or in a pair, don’t let Valentine’s Day go unnoticed. Here are a few simple and lovable tricks to make the day all the more enjoyable for yourself and others.

1. Breakfast in Bed. This is a fun way to put a spin the old “breakfast in bed” treat. If you have a loved one snuggled up in your sheets, this is a really cute way to start off the day.

2. Decor. Not one to usually opt for red or pink hues in decoration? Find a sweet and simple way to decorate for February 14th.

3. Bubbles. But when it comes to drinks, think pink. Nothing says Valentine’s Day quite like pink bubbles!

4.You. Love yourself. Treat yourself to a festive manicure or pedicure.

5.Love notes. Leave behind a love note. They never go out of fashion and will surely bring a smile to his/her face.

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Falling hard for Red Bull Crashed Ice

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If the tiny maple leaf in our logo, photos of us bundled on snowy streets, or constant references to all things ‘true North strong and free’ haven’t given it away … we’re a pretty proud group of Canadian girls.

And with that, comes an innate love for all things maple, woodland or ice related.

So when the opportunity presented itself to attend the Ottawa qualifiers for the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Tournament, to be held in Québec City, over St. Patty’s Day weekend, three out of five nuts (+ Shannon) couldn’t think of a better Tuesday evening activity.

didn't know what we were in for...

I must also say, that there were other factors that drew us to the not-so-close Bell Sensplex in Kanata. Our homegirl, Allison (who we’ve gushed about before here), runs the SHOW at Red Bull.

Hiiiiiii. I'm the BAWSE.

Any opportunity to see our Field Marketing Specialist, who we don’t get to see often enough, is a reason to trek to any distance. We also had some boy competitors we were there to see … who ended up giving us a lot to cheer about.

So, after making our way to the rink, spotting Al from afar and settling in with Starbucks in our mitted hands, I don’t think we were really ready for what we were about to see.

Hundreds of competitors were divided into heats where they were asked to perform an obstacle course at high speed. The top ten with the best time would advance to the finals in March.

Basically it went a little like this: skate around a marker, dive under a pole, skate around another marker, speed to the end of the ice, around two other markers, dive under a pole, jump over a pole, dive under a pole, sharp turn around another marker, one more and skate to finish line. Oh, and if you touch anything it doesn’t count. Easy right!?

Pretty sure Kate made this guy fall by banging on the glass...

As the whistle blew, Kate’s blood pressure skyrocketed and even though we didn’t know any of the competitors in the first few runs, we were cheering them on like they were our first born children.

Skaters knocked down polls, collided into barriers, slipped at the corners and had all of us in serious hysterics. For four ladies who would have probably not made it without Bambi’ing onto all fours, two seconds in to the race ….. this was some serious entertainment.

In the end, not only did we get to watch our gurl Allie in action, have a full evening of belly aching laughs and a new atmosphere to appreciate, but two of the boys we were cheering on held it DOWN with first and third place finishes, sending them to the finals in Q-City. As if we needed another excuse to jump up and down, squeal like little girls and cause a scene we had basically started since we set our knee-high-boot-clad feet into the arena. Full. Blown. Shrieks.

Our new friend and two-time RBCI finalist, Adam Skube, just owning the competition. Too bad we were too busy hopping up and down to snap one of Paul Tremblay. (Photo: Courtesy of Ottawa Citizen)

So in conclusion, if #RBCI is coming to your city, you’d be wise to cancel your plans for the evening, convince your most athletic friends to try out and get a seat by the glass.

You won’t regret it, and much like us, you’ll hardly be able to resist the prospect of a roadie in March to Québec City… in a nutshell.