**This awesome coupon is available again! Print now if you missed it last time!**

General Mills has made whole grain cereal shopping much easier now that they have a white check on the top of their cereals that have whole grains as their first ingredient! In honor of this, they just released a HIGH VALUE .75/2 General Mills cereal coupon. I printed my coupon and it is valid thru 2/11/12. Print this now as I expect it will go quickly. To print, go HERE and then click where it says “Click Here to Print Your Coupon”.

AddictedToSaving.com

ALL-STAR WEEKEND
Ottawa hosts the NHL top talent this weekend, starting with drafts to team Alfredsson, captained by forward Daniel Alfredsson of our Ottawa Senators, and rival team Chara, led by Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara. Then, see the stars shine in a skills competition. The six challenges end in an elimination shootout that will decide the winner. Or hit up the Fan Fair at the Ottawa Convention Centre to show off your all-star skills, meet NHL mascots and alumni, and mug beside the Stanley Cup. Full event information here.

Ottawa spoken word poet Festrell will compete in the Women's Slam Championship this weekend.

WOMEN’S SLAM
Join the lively audience that will judge Ottawa’s first Women’s Poetry Slam Championship. The top four contenders earn a feature spot in Ottawa’s VERSeFest 2012. The 12 poets will be a mix of up-and-comers and seasoned scenesters, including Capital Slam Co-founder Elissa Molino and two-time Canadian Festival of Spoken Word Competitor Festrell.  Saturday. Jan. 28, 7 p.m. . Art’s Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave. www.versefest.ca

SIX MOMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF AN URBAN FOREST
Explore the role of trees in the city with this new exhibit at the historical Bytown Museum. From early street-tree planting to the role of arborists as mediators between plant life and the built environment, the exhibit includes artefacts from famous trees of the past and digital maps that reveal how the canopy has changed since 1920. Curated by Carleton University professor Joanna Dean and graduate student Will Knight. Opening reception Sunday, Jan. 29, 1 -4 p.m.; exhibit on until May 27. Vernissage free; regular admission , seniors and students, children 5-12. Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane. www.bytownmuseum.ca

ART CHILD (FREE!)
Let the kids let it out this weekend, with painting, poetry, music and dance in the inaugural Art Child. Billed as a ‘creative-coping workshop,’ the aim is to help children work through social conflicts with creative expression. Acting, art, dance, and writing classes for kids of all ages are being offered in the Atrium at Carleton University. Saturday, Jan, 28. Noon to 8 p.m. www.indaindustry.com

WHISKEY TASTING ROBBIE BURNS DAY
Celebrate Scotland’s favourite son with Scotland’s favourite drink. Let Geoffrey Skeggs guide you through a whiskey tasting in honour of Robbie Burns. The whiskeys will be paired with mouth-watering food. Friday, Jan. 27. 7 p.m. . 19+. Billings Estate Museum, 2100 Cabot St. www.ottawa.ca/museums

RED DEATH MASQUERADE (AND THE AFTERMATH)
Make a grand appearance at Ottawa Goth Syndicate’s ball. The evening is inspired by the Edgar Allan Poe short story “Masque of the Red Death,” and will feature mood music and a reading by author by Liisa Ladouceur, author of Encyclopedia Gothica. The following day, pick up new pieces of alternative fashion and accessories, as well as art, music, and magazines at The Aftermath, a showcase of “everything your little black heart desires.” Masquerade tickets: in advance or at the door (includes admission to The Aftermath showcase), but if you can’t make it to the ball it’s only to get into shopping the next day. Friday, Jan. 27, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday, Jan. 28. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Montgomery Legion, 330 Kent St., 2^nd floor. www.ottawagoth.ca

WEDDING SHOW (FREE!)
Getting married this year? This event includes fashion shows with designs for the entire bridal party at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Peruse over 100 exhibitors, who will offer brides-to-be a chance to see, taste, and talk about their dream wedding, from venue to menu. Saturday, Jan. 28 and Sunday, Jan 29. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the CE Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr., http://www.ottawaweddingshow.com

SNOWSHOEING AT PINHEY’S POINT
Strap on snowshoes and head out under the stars to explore Ottawa’s geoheritage at Pinhey’s Point Historic Site. Take in the beauty of a winter’s night and discover the geoheritage of the Ottawa River and its surroundings. After the hour-long hike heat up with a hot chocolate around a bonfire. Saturday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. , free for children 11 and under. 270 Pinhey’s Point Rd., Dunrobin. www.ottawa.ca/museums

Ottawa Magazine

As publishers tune their business models around digital content, one thing they’re learning is that they can never stop learning.

read more

eMedia Vitals – Digital, Mobile and Social Media Engagement Strategies & Tactics

Shop Talk is written by OM senior editor Dayanti Karunaratne and Sarah Fischer, OM account executive and fashion maven.

Erica pairs bright red cropped pants with a delicate, neutral blouse, and adds another pop of colour with her pumps. Photo courtesy www.ericawark.com

Sarah came across a beautiful fur vest while on vacation over Christmas — as soon as she put it on at the store, she was smitten. But also a bit confused.

“I have been wearing it around the house because I instantly feel more confident and sexy in my new statement piece. But, the more I thought about it I was at a loss for what to wear under it!”

Sarah called up our friend, stylist Erica Wark, for some advice — Erica is a big fan of faux fur, as you can see on her website.

“Faux fur is a great way to update any look,” says Erica. “Layering is such an important tool when it comes to the winter, so why not do it all while adding a luxurious feel to your outfit!”

She offered the following rules of thumb when putting together an outfit with a fur vest:

“If you’re adding faux fur, always make sure the items underneath are streamlined or of a softer texture. Otherwise you’ll be adding extra bulk to the body, and nobody wants that.”

With a sweater and a light-weight blouse underneath, the fur vest elevates the style of a casual outfit. Photo courtesy www.ericawark.com

Then Erica gave us three examples of outfits to help show us the versatility of a fur vest. I love how she paired her bright red cropped pants with neutrals — and added another pop of colour with her pumps! Her second look is perfect for the office, while the third makes for energetic evening ensemble. (Hint: If you are looking to sport your vest for a night on the town, add some leather!)

Erica chose leather leggings paired with over-the-knee boots, a sheer blouse, and a beautiful statement necklace. Photo courtesy www.ericawark.com

Ottawa Magazine

MSLK believes transferring relationships fostered on social media to in-person encounters is a recipe for success. Companies are able to reach a wider audience through all of today’s online channels and utilizing social media to augment face-to-face encounters such as trade shows, events, and in-store promotions has proven to enhance results.

I was one of a group of six social media experts who were interviewed by Rob Murphy and GCI magazine at the end of last year to hear our thoughts on “Using Social Media to Enhance Face-to-Face Encounters.” Here are a few insights:

• The real win comes when virtual tactics are integrated into traditional face-to-face programs.
• For most industries, promotions on Twitter and Facebook are a safe bet; add in LinkedIn if you have an authoritative spokesperson or a key speaker at the event.
• Make sure to use hash tags for all promotions around your events.
• At larger events, tweet at the event’s hash tag and expand your reach.
• Tweet during events to involve contacts and press those who can’t be there live.
• Accept questions at events via Twitter; answer them live and virtually.
• Listen to your followers before and after an event to truly understand what topics are relevant to them.
• Make sure to promote your attendance at larger events in advance. Let people know you are interested in meeting up!
• Make sure you have a content plan to continue to engage new contacts after the event.

An integrated marketing strategy is crucial for keeping in touch with customers in today’s fast-paced world. Virtual communication is still no substitute for face-to-face interaction. However, these virtual efforts will help you ensure that no face-to-face opportunity is missed. In addition, these virtual tools will foster a consistent and continued relationship throughout the year.

reactions

PARIS, France — Bandana Tewari has made a name for herself as one of the fashion industry’s smartest commentators. As fashion features director of Vogue India, she has quickly become the go-to source for anyone who wants to learn about the country’s rapidly evolving luxury market. Recently, she was named to Industrie magazine’s Fashion Media A-list, alongside other leading fashion commentators [...]
The Business of Fashion

We are thrilled to officially announce that our new packaging for Wigwam just won an American Packaging Design Award! Only 20% of the 1600 entries were awarded in the fastest-growing segment of awards categories.

According to the letter of congratulations:

“For nearly five decades, Graphic Design USA has sponsored national design competitions that spotlight areas of excellence and opportunity for creative professionals. Of these, the American Package Design Awards is the fast growing. The reason is simple but profound: marketers are challenged as never before to convey their message. Package design — along with the related disciplines of POP and instore graphics — are increasingly the difference-makers in the consumer’s purchasing decision. This competition celebrates well-designed graphics, of course, but also the power of design to advance the brand promise and forge an emotional connection with the buyer at the moment of truth.”

Making this even better is that we were able to top ourselves… having won the same award for our soon-to-be-the-old packaging in 2008. Lightening has definitely struck twice, and it feels even better than it did the first time! Congrats to all at MSLK and Wigwam who helped make this as great as it could be.

Look for the new packaging as it arrives in stores this spring!

reactions

Singer Taylor Swift and actor Zac Efron have reportedly enjoyed a flirty dinner date. Swift and Efron, who have been friends for years, were spotted sharing a romantic corner table at a restaurant here.
DOORMagazine – Online Web Magazine

Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin, co-commissioned by Atlanta Ballet and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), will receive its world premiere in Atlanta February 10 to 19 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, followed by the Canadian premiere in the fall.
Dance Studio Life

Electronic Music has gained popularity since the late 1970s. At that time, electronic sounds began to dominate production of popular songs. Throughout the 1980s, electronically related sounds were important in recording of mainstream rock and pop songs. By the early 1990s, many musicians and producers had risen to fame as a result of applying more electronically synthesized sounds that were heavily appreciated by fans.

Instrumentation

There has been increasing change of styles in producing mainstream records. This is because song composers and producers have developed the act of creating alternative versions of compositions that they have already written or produced. Hip hop fusion has resulted from use of electronically influenced sounds and has gained popularity among fans. Nowadays, reggae artists have become fond of electronic sounds that are used to make remixes.

Everyone Does It

Riddims and reggaetons are compositions that are recently very popular among youngsters due to their refined taste. Late 1970s and early 1980s was the period when electronic sound started being used by musicians in recording and producing songs. By early 1990s, electronic sounds had fully penetrated mainstream rock and pop performances.

Remixing

From early 1990s to date, electronic sounds have been undergoing modification. This has been possible due to recent computer and sound synthesizer technologies. Audio workstations, drum machines, sequencers and other electronic musical instruments have continually contributed in the changing styles used in recording compositions. This has made it possible for potential song producers and individuals to generate sounds and beats of their interest.

Any Type Of Use

Unlike electronic dance compositions which are essentially created for dancing purposes, electronica compositions have been designed for a wide variety of uses. They can be played in the background when certain activities are taking place or for foreground listening. Electronic related genres have become very common to headphone users, earphone users and in chill out zones mainly visited by teenagers.

Evolving Sounds

Electronic sounds have over time influenced the changing styles in mainstream song records. In the late 1970s, electronic sounds started being the key basis in recoding popular songs. They were later frequently used in mainstream pop and rock recordings . Song producers and musicians who embraced the use of synthesized and computer generated sounds in 1990s become very famous. Every promoter in town was looking for them to perform in big concerts and gatherings. A new genre called Dubstep Music is proof of evolving sounds.

Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

A culture of playing electronic compositions in social events especially at night has gained popularity. Raves have become of interest to researchers throughout the world due to the attributes associated with them. It is claimed that raves appreciate technology and in such events fantasy dominates. During raves, people mainly teenagers abuse drugs and involve in unprotected sex. This has been criticized by scores of people who preach against immorality.

Modern Electronica is mainly for listening and not for dancing purposes. Most TV advertisements have electronic background sound effects which are also common in automobiles. Video game sound effects are developed from famous and largely accepted soundtracks. Business products advertised on street billboards and neon signs use electronic related sound effects. This has largely advertised this type of genre in most parts of the world. I like Dubstep Music a lot. people use Ableton Live to create electronic music.