December, 2009

Typically when you go to a restaurant, you have the expectation that you'll receive service; but Slappy Cakes is trying a different format that's been applied to Japanese food in the past, and is now being introduced to breakfast.

It's been a big year for fashion finds. We've seen the weird, the wild, the geeky and the gorgeous. With the New Year right around the corner, it's time to count down the top fun fashion finds of 2009, and in part I of this feature you'll be treated to the best in wearable gadgets and the just for fun fashions that were truly memorable!

It might be a bit of an oddball alliteration, but creepy, cutesy and chic really is the best way to describe this unusual skirt by Brian Lichtenberg. You decide which of the three "C's" you're leaning towards once you take a closer look.

Practically every family has a picky eater. Meal times can result in tantrums, thrown foods, and plenty of tears. Since it's not realistic to feed your child that one staple food item that your child will eat daily, Alphabet Plates has found another way to make mealtime fun.

2009 has been a hard year; you might not think it's a time period that would be memorialized in fashion but one designer has decided to take the economical situation of the year to inspire a line of accessories.

In 2009, a number of businesses were spotted that had services designed specifically with women and moms in mind. Sure, some of them might be sexist, some of them might be practical, and some of them might be completely strange, but they are what they are and they make up 2009's 15 best businesses for women and moms. Stay tuned for part two!

"In strengthening a synapse you build a connection, and certain synapses are encoding a memory. Those synapses have to be strengthened so that memory is in place and stays there. Strengthening synapses is a very important part of learning. What we have found appears to be one part of how that happens."  (Kenneth S. Kosik, co-director at UCSB's Neuroscience Research Institute)

Proving that sometimes the simplest of business concepts are the ones that make real waves, is one music company that has a multitude of celebrity clients.

For those guys who love fashion and feel the need to sparkle, there's a new clothing line sure to check both of those boxes and it doesn't come cheap!

A new environmental awareness initiative has sprung a really neat piece of fashion that actually, in some ways, benefits from pollution.

This year, mobile eateries have been all the range and have offered a greater menu that the typical street meat that many Americans have grown to expect from food trucks. A new restaurant on wheels does offer that traditional fare, but there's something else that they've done to really make themselves seen and heard.

Sometimes the coolest innovations in fashion have nothing to do with style. Those that can improve the health and lives of others are especially notable, and this is one accessory that could make a difference for those with arthritis.

In 2009, some pretty great businesses came across our radar. We've seen the strange, the unique, the hilarious, and the truly innovative that have reshaped our thoughts of what constitutes a business! This list recaps some of the best businesses of 2009.

During those icy months in cold climates conditions can be treacherous. It's not uncommon to do a butt plant (or face plant if you're not so lucky). Special grips and cleats can be added to your winter footwear to provide winter traction, but they're not exactly the most practical solution.

In 2009, some pretty great businesses came across our radar. We've seen the strange, the unique, the hilarious, and the truly innovative that have reshaped our thoughts of what constitutes a business! This list recaps some of the best businesses of 2009. This is part one, stay tuned for part 2 as well!

Often when people wear they're food it's not intentional, especially when pizza is the food in question with its gooey cheese and oozy sauce; but now a new line of accessories is making pizza fashionable. But no, I don't mean those leftovers from a meal.

The holiday shopping crunch is on, and shoppers no longer have time to dwell on the purchases that they're planning to make. That's why shops that feature a drive through, fast food style of shopping environment ideal because they allow shoppers to get in and get out!

It's about time to start considering what your New Year's resolutions will be this time around, and instead of pledging to start going to the gym or eating better (which you'll do, until February arrives); vow instead to try new experiences. If you're in Toronto, here's one great new thing to check out, but make sure you go with an appetite!

Since I've already given you an idea about some of the ugliest holiday sweaters out there to wear to get your Christmas groove on, the focus upon holiday attire really wouldn't be complete without featuring accessories. To round out your holiday wardrobe, here is a selection of fun, funky and ugly Christmas and holiday purses that you will certainly only tote once per year!

With all the holiday shopping each and every one of us are doing, be it online or while braving the crowds at the malls, there's a good chance that one of those purchases is going to be subject of a price cut. A deal is great, but there's no time to comparison shop after a purchase has been made, which is why Sprize is offering a solution.

Adults may appreciate customized beauty products, like the lip balms offered by Lipbalm Labz;  but kids like to get their hands dirty when they customize. With that in mind, here is one great product that any young and budding fashionista would love to receive this holiday season.

There are businesses renting just about everything these days, including workspaces like offices, product testing areas and more. Now, a new company is offering a different type of space for people to work in when they don't have their own, and it's something that could come in handy this holiday season.

We all know someone who just loves the holiday season so much that their daily wardrobe selection really reflects it. Yes, we're talking about Christmas sweaters, and while they have long since been a holiday wardrobe staple for misfits and holiday enthusiasts; they're also becoming trendy. Ugly Christmas sweater and outfit parties are becoming an annual tradition amongst people of all ages. If you're attending one of these gatherings, or simply have an old-fashioned love of the season and want to show it in your wardrobe choices; here are some great ideas for you!

Can you polish off this hamburger? How about two of them?

Better watch out. The hormone that controls your appetite, leptin, is critical - not only to your weight, your percentage of body fat, your risk of diabetes and heart attack... Now, it has been identified as a major factor in Alzheimer's disease.

Reusable bags are being made more convenient so those looking to adopt more eco-friendly methods of carrying their shopping can. A unique set of picnic totes doesn't necessary have a second practical purpose, but it is transformable!

[Editor -- The contest is closed.

The first 100 users to download the Twitsnaps iPhone application will win $20. Anyone can participate. All you have to do is download the iPhone app and upload 5 or more photographs on Twitsnaps.

We've all had days where hauling our butts out of bed, into the freezing cold to sit in traffic just doesn't feel like a desirable options. But, eventually office workers run out of excuses that they can use when they don't feel like they want to come in. Those with kids automatically have a foolproof escape plan, which is why one company has created a product that allows even the childless to cry "sick child" when they want to stay home.

Right on time for the holiday season is a new, innovative vending machine that's designed to prevent drunk driving. Let's be realistic, in concept it's not entirely new, but its approach to the market is unique!

This baby shoe designer proves that it's possible to break the mould even in baby wear, and escape from the typical pastels and teddy bears. These urban baby shoes have a unique inspiration that make them original and artistic.

You can't always judge a book by its cover. Lipbalm Labz is a business with a website that's extremely bland and almost verging on amateurish. But, the product they offer is high quality, and it's something that just about anyone will love since it features customization!

When it's a dreary winter or spring day out there, and you're hiding under the cover of an umbrella - there's little else to demonstrate you're fashion personality. Brighten up a dismal day with an accessory the adds a little pop of color in response to in climate weather.

It's nice to receive mail, but sometimes when your online friends want to send you a gift, you want to accept but don't necessarily want to give out your real address. This is a real issue, particularly with social media use on the rise; so now there's a company ready to address it.

There's nothing better than the opportunity to design your own fashion using a simple online application. Unfortunately for those men who are so inclined, there are fewer opportunities for them to get creative with fashion. Enter Blank Label, the solution to this dilemma.

It's merely an expression in some cases that "so and so has a big head", but for some people having a big head is about more than just ego - it's an actual physical trait that can make it a challenge to find hats, when they're designed for normal-headed people.

Everyone loves a Jelly Belly. The flavor and color choices are immense; they taste great; and unfortunately, they find their way directly to that part of your body where you've been trying to lose that last 5 pounds for ages. The solution? A new jelly belly electronic that you can wear.

Often the jewelry that we wear begins to signify an important period in our lives because of the memories that are formed through its acquisition and wear. Now, an Etsy store has actually created a customizable line that allows you to share your story.

If it's not enough that you can post everything that's on your mind for the entire world to see on Twitter, there's a new company that's ready to take your ego and apply it to print.

Sometimes the business of death takes different forms. It's not always about funerals and wakes; sometimes it's about murder.

Who knew that horses, cows and camels had feet that could be so trendy? Well, over the past year, there have been a number of interesting shoe designs made to resemble hooves. In some cases, designers are know, in other cases, no one seems to want to take credit for the funky designs (who would have thought?!). Whether this is a trend that you love or hate, it's probably one that you have strong feelings about, and here are some of the most fashionable and freaky cloven hoof shoe designs I've come across recently!

A niche business is one thing, but Erbert and Gerbert has found a new niche within a niche business concept to start with, and it's perfect for the holiday season.

The cooler weather is rolling in, and it's time to start hunting for fashionable accessories that are also warm. Let's face it, those two things are usually at odds with each other, but there's one set of hats and mitts that might finally make them a reality.

I wrote about YouBar a while back to introduce this innovative healthy food company that allows people to create their own delicious and nutritious treats, including customizable protein bars and shakes. You really can't beat a company that lets you create your own products. Now, they've introduced something else to their line...and it's mouth-watering!