Kobo - my first experience with a full-sized eReader

One of the cool things about working in an agency with a consumer practice is some of the fun stuff that shows up in the office – often ahead of it being available in stores.

Kobo eReader is one of those items – it’s the new eBook reader being launched into the Canadian marketplace by Chapters • Indigo next month, just in time for Mother’s Day. When I saw a Kobo eReader box in the office, I asked if I could borrow one for a review because I really wanted to try one.

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J.K. Rowling’s Innovation Inspired an Entire Generation (and their Parents)

One of the cool things I did while I was in Chicago earlier this month, was visit Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry. Almost the entire time I was there, I couldn’t help but think of the displays of innovation all around me, particularly while taking in the Harry Potter exhibit.

So, I wrote a post for FH Innovation’s blog. Why don’t you check it out and let me know what you think: J.K. Rowling’s Innovation Inspired an Entire Generation (and their Parents)

I’d love to know who inspired you this summer and why.

And by the way, before you travel with your family, check your existing museum, gallery and science centre memberships - you’ll probably find they’re also a treasure trove of discount or free admission passes at other places around the world.


(Full disclosure, Fleishman Hillard is the parent company of iStudio, my employer. I’m a member of the FH Innovation practice group.)

Why you should buy Six Pixels of Separation - the book

Some of the best things in life are free – some things you buy are even better.

Yesterday I returned from our family vacation aka Spodek Road Trip 2009 where we drove through to the U.S. Midwest and spent five glorious days in Chicago. The drive seemed incredibly quick. Why? I took my friend Mitch along. Well, actually I took a complimentary galley copy of his new book Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone, along for the ride. I was engaged the whole time and the drive flew by.

Several years ago, when I started reading blogs and listening to podcasts on a regular basis, I started reading Mitch Joel’s blog and listening to his podcast. I learned a lot from him for free. To this day, he continues sharing his wisdom and those of other digital marketing thought leaders for free. You can also read his regular column bi-montly in both the Montreal Gazette and Vancouver Sun.

And why should you bother?
Well, through his personal experience building his own personal online brand and Twist Image, his successful digital marketing business he shares the secrets of his success. He also shares real-life stories of other successful businesses and entrepreneurs who used the power of social media to get ahead. (I admit it, I’m somewhat biased because Mitch is Canadian. He refers to Canadian examples plus he talks about events I’ve attended like geek dinners and podcamps. Update: I was thrilled when I saw he included Kate Trgovac’s wonderful Squidoo lenses too.)

Like many other fans, I wondered what else I could learn from the book that I couldn’t get for free. I learned a lot and that I’d want my own copy even if I had to buy it and here’s a little secret – it’s even better than what Mitch gives away for free.

If you have a business big or small and your looking for ways to “Burn the Ships” or stand out in the crowd, Six Pixels of Separation: Everyone is Connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone provides a wonderful overview with great tactical advice to help you navigate your journey in easily digestible chapters. Best thing is, Mitch explains how you can connect yourself and/or your business to everyone – your customers and potential customers – without having to understand technology or be a geek.

If by chance you’re interested in purchasing multiple copies, Chris Brogan has a special offer. Trust me and trust a Trust Agent, if you’re an entrepreneur with a blog or about to launch one, here’s another great way buying Six Pixels of Separation will help you gain exposure.



Did you read any good books this summer? How will they help connect you or your business better?

Hidden gems in Ann Arbour

Wondering why I’ve been so quiet lately? My family was on a road trip to Chicago with a stopover in Ann Arbour, Michigan.

As you know, no vacation is complete without a visit to at least one local treasure. And we found one in Vault of Midnight Comics Books and Stuff. It was no surprise this place has a 4.5 star rating on yelp.

This comic lovers’ dream is a haven for indie comic book creators. Don’t you just love this sign on a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf designated for local talent?
There’s also a 6’ tall, 100 lb Uglydoll on display that you can custom order and have delivered to your home directly from the manufacturer. Apparently, it arrives in a box the size of a fridge.

We had a lovely dinner at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company – it was perfect family fare with tasty food and a descent children’s menu. One day I’d like to go back with Mr. B and dine on the patio of one of the lovely restaurants on Main Street. The food looked and smelled delicious. We had no idea that it was named one of the best Midwest food towns by Midwest Living Magazine earlier this year.

Ann Arbour’s Foodie Nation


Oh ya, and there’s one more cool thing about Ann Arbour – all the cafes seem to have free wifi.

Did you find any hidden gems this summer?

Exploiting Chaos sparks innovation and a free preview

Here’s a little guessing game for you. Stick with it until the end, and you’ll get a little treat. Promise.

Did you know...
These iconic companies were all found during times of chaos, specifically during economic recession?

Disney, CNN, MTV, Hyatt, Burger King, FedEx, Microsoft, Apple, Gillette, AT&T, Texas Instruments, 20th Century Fox, IBM, Merck, Hershey’s, IHOP, Eli Lilly, Coors, Bristol-Myers, Sun, Amgen, The Jim Henson Company, LexisNexis, Autodesk, Adobe, Symantec, Electronic Arts, Fortune, GE, and Hewlett-Packard.

- Jeremy Gutsche, Exploiting Chaos

(Candice Faktor made a similar case about innovation at a TGGD, earlier this year.)

Jeremy Gutsche, chief trend hunter, TrendHunter, lives in Toronto?

I was invited to attend my first flash mob today to help launch his new book, EXPLOITING CHAOS: 150 Ways to Spark Innovation During Times of Change, arriving in stores this Tuesday, September 1?

I missed the flash mob fun because I’m sick? Ya, I know, it sucks big time. He was giving away all kinds of free stuff including advance copies of his book to the first 100 people – and I would have been there on time for sure.

Fleishman Hillard’s Innovation Practice Group and Trend Hunter have arranged for you to have a sneak peek? It’s true. Download chapter 1 for free.

After you’ve read the preview, let us know what you think.

(Full disclosure, Fleishman Hillard is the parent company of iStudio, my employer. When people download chapter 1 of Exploiting Chaos from this page, TrendHunter will help drive traffic to Innovation What are We Thinking, FH Innovation practice’s blog. My invitation to the flash mob launch was a totally random, I received it from a Facebook friend. Oh ya, and I’m thrilled to be a new member of the FH Innovation practice group.)

Launch for Opportunity Rings

What?
You’re invited to the launch of Globe and Mail contributor Sheryl Steinberg’s new book, Opportunity Rings!

Thanks to June MacDonald who shared the invitation to this event.

Sheryl describes Opportunity Rings as a “comedic novel” about women and technology. It sounds like a fun read for any digital diva who loves gadgets. I won’t be able to make it so please let us know what you think if you go. Check out Sheryl’s Facebook page.

When?
Thursday, Apr. 30, 2009
7 p.m.

Where?
Indigo Books
Manulife Centre
55 Bloor St. W. (See map.)
Toronto

rsvp@keyporter.com

What to name the baby?

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Rebecca Atkinson wonders what to name the baby and shares a bunch of resources both online and in print.

Now that I’m past the first trimester, it’s time to get serious about things such as names for the little baby growing inside me. I mean after all, you can only call the unborn-one “It” for so long before it begins to make baby Atkinson sound like a scary Stephen King clown.

Being first-time parents, we had absolutely no idea where to begin. First stop: Chapters. Mark and I spent a long time pouring over the baby-name books. We wanted to make sure we had something that would have more than just celebrity baby names. After going through a dozen or so titles, we settled on 100,000 + Baby Names: The Most Complete Baby Name Book for $16.95.

Being a web marketer, I really should have turned online first, as the book was a bit of a disappointment. We ended up wowed by the number of names it claimed to have, instead of paying attention to the focus. Nothing against many of the names, they would have been fine for many babies born in France, Korea, Germany, Iceland… you get the picture. It also counts each form of name as a separate name, rather than giving the root name and all the possibilities or spellings; thus making that 100,000 number not so realistic.

It was only when Eden sent me a link to read about Baby Name Brainstorm: Interactive Baby Naming, did I realize the error of my ways. Baby Name Brainstorm is an interactive tool that lets you explore names and their connotations, even helping parents find similar names that sound like one they might be interested in.

The web is full of baby name sites – a quick Google search shows Mark and I could have saved our shekels and just gone online and found everything we were hoping to find in the book we bought, if not more, for free on the web.

Here are a few more websites aimed at helping you find that perfect name – many of which have forums and communities that you can participate in if you register (for free) so you can share/discuss your baby name dilemmas with other parents around the world.
• http://babynames.com/
• http://www.babyhold.com/
• http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/
• http://www.babycenter.ca/pregnancy/naming/
• http://www.thinkbabynames.com/

Lesson learned from this baby name experience:
1. Do your research online first before you commit to purchasing anything.
2. Look to see if you can get the same thing online for free.
3. Participating in online communities can help solidify your choices in an unbiased environment, or expose you to new ones you never would have considered.

The One Hundred - are you a stylish woman?

The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own by Nina Garcia and illustrated by Ruben Toledo.

You may remember I thoroughly enjoyed The Little Black Book of Style. So, when HarperCollins Canada told me about Nina Garcia’s latest book, The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own, I wasn’t shy and asked for a copy right away.

(I guess I owe them a huge apology. It took me a while to get around to reading the book and even longer to write this post, which is not to say I didn’t enjoy it – I did. I enjoyed it very much in fact. I’ve just been focusing on other things. What can I say… such is life for a hobbyist blogger. )

Unlike Garcia’s first book, there wasn’t any empowering message this time around but I found it just as valuable, if not more so.

I own a mere 36 of the one-hundred-must-have pieces. I’m not sure whether I should be disappointed because according to Garcia, I’m nowhere near being a stylish woman; or, whether I should be happy because it means I have a lot of shopping to do in order to get all the necessary classics into my closet.

Garcia’s list is wide-ranging and includes:
• Blackberry (with a list of links to er favourite websites)
• black opaque tights (one of my fave s and on this season’s “must-have” list)
• classic pearls
• little black dress
• little white dress (I can do without one of those, can you?)
• safari jackets (I didn’t know YSL made them a high fashion item 50 years ago, did you?); and,
• yoga gear (unfortunately she asks us to promise not to wear yoga pants on an airplane – was she spying on me?).

I also liked the way she organized her list – alphabetically – shares the history of specific styles via “fashion 101” sidebars and enlightens us about the designer and/or celebrity who made them famous.

Garcia does a great job of sharing where you can buy specific items, when to invest the big bucks and when you can save your hard-earned cash. If I have one criticism it’s that she could have done a better job of telling you where to buy things for less.

As always, part of the charm of her books is the wonderful illustrations throughout by Ruben Toledo. The One Hundred is a quick read and one book you’ll want to keep on hand. It also makes a perfect gift for someone who needs a new wardrobe whether she’s recently lost a lot of weight, needs an intervention from the folks at What Not to Wear or a bit of both.

Win a copy of Katie Brown Celebrates: Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round

My friend Kim Vallée of the wonderful blog At Home with Kim Vallée, is giving away 5 copies of Katie Brown Celebrates: Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round due in stores November 8.

According to Kim, “Katie will inspire you to host a party every month of the year. The premise of the book is excellent.”

If you entertain, Katie Brown Celebrates should provide lots of inspiration. If you don’t entertain but know someone who does, it will make a wonderful gift this holiday season.

The contest is open to all Canadian and U.S. residents excluding Quebec. To enter, first you’ll need to register at Places on Kim’s blog and “Praize” 3 places:

1. your favorite place to eat (i.e., restaurant, caterer, fine grocery shop, market, etc.)
2. your favorite shop for clothes, and
3. your favorite place to sleep (i.e., hotel, bed and breakfast, etc.)

Second you’ll need to leave a comment on Kim’s blog. The winners will be randomly selected. Check out the blog for instructions.

The contest closes on Oct. 22 at 11:59 p.m. There aren’t a lot of entries yet so the odds of winning are pretty high.

Good luck!

Just One More Book celebrates episode 400!

Just One More Book is a wonderful podcast about children’s books. Husband and wife team, Andrea Ross and Mark Blevis (two of the co-organizers of Podcasters Across Borders) have been sharing their passion and knowledge for 2 years. Today they reached 400 episodes.

Andrea and Mark record four episodes each week from their favourite Ottawa coffee shop, discussing their favourite books for kids of all ages, including a weekly interview with a different children’s book author.

It’s labour of love and an excellent free resource for parents, teachers and anyone else who wants to expand their knowledge of children’s books. Just One More Book has exposed me to new titles and authors and I’m sure it will do the same for you.

Congratulations Andrea and Mark for your generosity and support of literacy in the community!

Check it out and let us know what you think.

Tip of the Week – Check out out miniBookExpo for free books

Looking for something to read this summer?

Wanna choose a great book or two for free? It’s easy. All you need to do is check out the miniBookExpo. The rules are pretty simple, basically, you choose a book and agree to blog about it within a month.

Last year I read The Manny and so far, I’ve selected 2011 by Richard Laermer this year. Stay tuned for my review.

Don’t have your own blog? No problem. You can submit your review to Alexa Clark, the wonderful woman who conceived the miniBookExpo three years ago. She’ll post it for you.

Photo credit: lexnger on Flickr

Lauren Weisberger @ Indigo Bay & Bloor

Who and What?
Lauren Weisberger of The Devil Wears Prada fame will be speaking about her new book, chasing harry winston

Where?
Indigo Manulife (Bay & Bloor)
55 Bloor St. W. (see map)
Toronto

When?
Tuesday, Jun. 24
7:00 p.m.-9:00p.m.

Beauty Confidential - how to look like a million bucks for less

One of my favourite holiday surprises was receiving a copy of Beauty Confidential, a new book by former magazine beauty editor, Nadine Haobsh (aka blogger Jolie in NYC).

Nadine is big on developing personal style and doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to beauty even if it’s the mantra espoused by her peers.

Although I read beauty mags at the hairdresser, I’ve never paid much attention to beauty books. Until now that is.

Beauty Confidential is written in a light conversational style and chalk full of valuable tips about every beauty concern under the sun. The format is useful too. Each chapter includes a “product guide” listing each product mentioned in the chapter, along with it’s website address and price range. How handy.

If you’re like me and find yourself collecting cosmetics, hair care and skin care goodies, this handy little beauty book is a must read. You’ll learn when to save your money and what products are splurge-worthy in order to look your best.

Good haircuts and colour are worth the big bucks but you can follow Nadine’s illustrated step-by-step instructions and learn to blow-dry your own hair like a pro. Learn how to groom and trim your eyebrows properly, give your self a professional manicure and lots more. Why throw money away on expensive nail polish when you don’t have to when the less-expensive brands will do. Did you know lots of drugstore skincare products are formulated the same way as others costing megabucks?

You’ll get lists of all the best beauty products (i.e. shampoo, mascara, skin cream, blush, foundation, sunscreen, etc.) and why those products have earned their stripes. Even some of my personal favourites including Lancôme Definicils mascara, Essie nail polish and Cetaphil were list-worthy. ; )

So, if you’re like most women I know and have a stockpile of make-up, skin creams, hair care, body lotions and potions, Beauty Confidential is a smart investment.

Tip of the Week – Books, cards and calendars for less

A few weeks ago, my 9-yr-old showed me a coffee table book at Indigo he wanted for Chanukah. When I saw the $50 CDN price tag I gasped (it was marked $40 US). I’m thrilled he loves books but thought $50 for one was a bit steep.

I inquired if they’d be honouring U.S. prices. A cashier told me to check the price online. Sure enough, Nicktoons was selling for $33 CDN online ($31.35 for iRewards customers). I added a couple other items from my gift list and saved the shipping costs too.

I like the convenience of online shopping but wish pricing and promotions were the same for one store regardless of the channel I choose.

This week, the Chapters•Indigo chain launched an in-store promo too. Save 10-40% (or more) until Dec. 24 on:
• books
• calendars
• greeting cards
• magazines
• Chicken Soup and Klutz series.

I scooped up a new children’s reference book for 45% off the marked price - they combined two promos!

Although some of the in-store coupons say they are for one item only, cashiers aren’t collecting them. You can use them more than once!

Keep an eye out for other retailers offering books, cards, magazines and gift wrap for U.S. prices.

Tags: Chapters, exchange rate, Indigo, iRewards

And the winner is...

Congratulations to Alexandra Ruget of Panem et Circenses who wins a copy of Nina Garcia’s The Little Black Book of Style.

You can read Alexandra’s style tip here.

Alexandra, please e-mail me with your mailing address.

Thanks to everyone who participated - your style tips are awesome. Special thanks HarperCollins Canada for providing the prize.

Technorati tags: Alexandra Ruget, HarperCollins, Nina Garcia, The Little Black Book of Style

Win The Little Black Book of Style

I just finished reading Nina Garcia’s The Little Black Book of Style. I’m pleased to report it’s not a little black book of superficial information about how to be the next Paris, Britney, Ashley or Mary-Kate. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Her inspiration comes from real women.

After a summer of bad blog pitches and tag lines making females feel like they’re never good enough, Nina Garcia starts the season off with a feel good message for young girls and older women alike – it’s inner beauty that matters. No matter what you wear (and this book goes into great depth about what to wear and what not to wear) it’s how you feel about yourself and how those feelings contribute to your personal sense of style that’s important. Yeah, Nina!

According to Garcia:

“Style comes from knowing who you and what you want to be in the world; it does not come from waiting to be somebody else, or wanting to be thinner, shorter, taller, prettier. Many of the most stylish women in the world have not been great beauties, but they have all drawn from an enormous amount of self-confidence. They made us think they were beautiful simply by believing in themselves.”

And don’t be fooled by her pedigree. This Elle fashion director and Project Runway judge with a penchant for the finest fabrics, jewels and designer labels, still knows the value of a bargain and has a warm place in her heart for H&M, my current fave.

When it comes to her tips on editing your closet, she wisely advocates buying clothes that fit instead of sizes you hope to wear someday:

“I much prefer to be seduced by chocolate and a pair of pants that flatters me.”

I think we’d get along famously. ; ) Garcia shares all kinds of great advice in this elegant coffee table book. I’m thinking of sharing in future “Tip of the Week” posts (of course I’ll be sure to give her credit.)

I thoroughly enjoyed The Little Black Book of Style. It’s written in an engaging fast-paced conversational style. Mini-interviews with couture designers including Michael Kors and Christian Louboutin and, successful models such as Iman and Heidi Klum (who shares her tips about pregnancy dressing) are insightful and inspiring. The playful illustrations by Ruben Toledo help make this a lovely gift for any woman in need of a boost.

Best of all, thanks to the folks at HarperCollins Canada I have a brand-new copy to give away. Interested? Share your favorite style tip. Leave a comment with your style tip by 5 p.m EST, Thursday, September 27. Comments will be entered into a random draw and the winner will be announced on the blog Friday, September 28. (Note: anonymous comments will be disqualified.)

Technorati tags: Elle, HarperCollins, Nina Garcia, Project Runway, Ruben Toledo, The Little Black Book of Style

Tip of the Week - deals on Facebook

Lately I’ve been finding all kinds of deals on Facebook. And guess what, I’m barely even trying. Between groups, status updates and other news feed info. from friends, I’m getting all kinds of discount offers and other shopping news.

Here are some of the deals I’ve seen lately:
• How to get 40% off Addidas merchandise
• Special discounts and product offers from Cake beauty products
• Sale news from secrets from your sister
• Coupon and freebie applications from RedFlagDeals
• An intro. offer from Chapters-Indigo for The Best Laid Plans: A Novel by Terry Fallis (24% off)

One catch, if you’re not already a member of Facebook, you’ll need to join first. And don’t forget to join the Bargainista group. ; )

Technorati tags: Addidas, Cake, Chapters-Indigo, Facebook, RedFlagDeals, secrets from your sister, Terry Fallis, The Best Laid Plans

The Manny and the miniBookExpo

This summer I’m participating in the miniBookExpo for Bloggers. You can too. All I had to do was choose a book (or two) from a pre-selected list and write a review. Special shout-out to Lex for organizing this event.

The Manny by Holly Peterson (published by The Dial Press) was my first selection. I have very mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I found it quite trivial and trashy; on the other hand, I couldn’t put it down.

Jamie Whitfield is the main character in this fish out of water story. A news producer with a middle-class upbringing, we meet her as a flustered mother of three and married into the upper crust of New York’s Park Avenue high-society. Richard, her high-strung corporate lawyer husband, is never around and whines incessantly that his million-dollar salary isn’t enough for him to keep up with the Joneses.

Dylan, the eldest son, has some issues and at the suggestion of some of the other desperate trophy housewives in the school yard, Jamie decides to hire Peter Bailey, a “manny” (male nanny, get it?) so Dylan will have a male figure around the house (and she will too).

I’m sure you’ve already guessed how this story will end. There are a few plot twists and mid-way through, there is a whole other subplot dealing with Jamie’s career. At times, it seemed like I was reading two different stories.

Although Peterson does an excellent job of illustrating the lives of the uber-riche in NYC down to the finest detail, it seemed so superficial and shallow. However, when she focuses on Jamie’s career, her writing is more interesting and sophisticated. I’m sure the author’s own career in broadcasting helps give us readers insight only a person with first-hand experience could depict. Had Peterson focused more on Jamie’s career, it would have been a better book. Unfortunately, the story continues about an extra 100 pages, back to the predictable, trashy and mundane.

Much of The Manny was a rehashing of many girl-in-unhappy-relationship-meets-new-guy, new guy helps her confront her unhappiness. They realize they were made for each other, blah, blah blah.

The biggest disappointment was with Peterson’s perspective on personal wealth. As much as she mocks the wealthy Park Avenue lifestyle, in the end her bias comes across loud and clear: money does buy happiness. Read the book and you’ll know what I mean.

Have you read The Manny? What did you think? Which guilty pleasure(s) have you read this summer? Leave a comment.

Technorati tags: book club, guilty pleasures, Holly Peterson, miniBookExpo for Bloggers, The Manny

Muggle muddles: a lesson in blogger relations

I was vacationing in Halifax on July 20. It was pouring so we saw the late show of Hairspray at Park Lane. It ended just in time for the start of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows party at Frog Hollow Books - a wonderful indie bookstore. Inside, Harry Potter fans were having a wonderful time all dressed up, playing games and indulging in treats made especially for the occasion. The festivities spread a bit outside the store too.

With my cell phone camera in hand, I thought I’d get a shot or two and share the goings on. Unfortunately, that’s not all that happened. After I took a pic, a security guard popped out of nowhere. He demanded I remove the picture from my phone and stood over me until he was satisfied I did. Bummer! Apparently, Park Lane has a policy forbidding photographs.

In this day and age, they need to get with the program. The world is changing. Just think of how much free (and positive publicity) they are missing by not letting bloggers and other social media enthusiasts snap a few photos.

Technorati tags: blogger relations, cameras, digital photos, Frog Hollow Books, Park Lane

Town House - another great read from HarperCollins

A few weeks ago, I shared my thoughts about The Line Painter, a book I received and read as part of my membership in the HarperCollins group on Facebook. I just finished my second book: Town House by Tish Cohen. I couldn’t put it down. It’s a perfect summer read. It’s light, funny, poignant, original and has interesting, complex characters.

The story revolves around agoraphobic Jack Madigan, living off the riches of his late rock-star father and how his life changes once the money runs out. (In a brilliant move, Tish Cohen’s website asks readers to share their phobias. What a great way to engage readers.)

I stopped following the Facebook discussion after I read a rumour about the actor hired to play Jack in the movie version of the novel. What a disappointment. I prefer imagining characters myself.

After the first few pages, it became abundantly clear Town House is Tish Cohen’s tribute to John Cusack (the actor who is rumoured to play the lead.) I could hear each and every word Jack said being uttered by the actor himself. Coincidentally, I finished the second half of Town House on a flight to Nova Scotia. I went there to visit my childhood overnight camp ... the same place where Summerhood was filmed. It’s an upcoming movie narrated by none other than, you guessed it: John Cusack

Jack lives with his son Harlan and I couldn’t help but think of how he reminded me of Nick Tweed-Simmons. Cohen does a wonderful job of fleshing Jack’s character and the supporting ones as well.

I laughed out loud several times and I don’t want to ruin the book, in case you want to read it too.

What have you been reading this summer? Do you belong to a book club? Will you check out Town House?

Technorati tags: book clubs, Facebook, HarperCollins, John Cusack, Summerhood, Tish Cohen, Town House