top5 favourites for 2013
One Summer: America, 1927 by
Bill Bryson
Bryson is a gifted storyteller, and his humour and ability to observe and recount details comes through clearly once again in this book. The summer of 1927 was a busy one in the U.S., to say the least. Bryson touches on Al Capone, Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, politics, weather,er crime, the economy and much more. Comes with a price tag of $34.95 and is published by Doubleday Canada. National Geographic photography workshop
If you’ve ever wanted to work alongside a National Geographic photographer, now you can. Really. The company offers weekend or weeklong workshops led by a renowned Nat Geo photographer. The workshops take place in some of the most photogenic cities in the world, including Paris, London, New York, San Francisco and Santa Fe. Participants work on their photography skills through field assignments, editing and critique sessions and more. The cost of these workshops starts at $1,595, and airfare to and from is not included. Check out ngexpeditions.com/photogift for
more information. Green & Black’s Organic Sea Salt bar
You’ll enjoy a taste of England with milk chocolate seasoned with flakes of sea salt from the seawaters of Anglesey, a British island. Green & Black’s has also introduced a second flavour: Burnt Toffee. Pieces of Yorkshire toffee covered in 60 per cent dark chocolate to create a bittersweet taste with subtle fruity notes. The 100 g bars have a MSRP of $3.99, and you find these and other flavours at major retailers, as well as specialty food, natural health and organic food stores.
Hot Wheels Triple Track Twister
This toy had kids and adults giggling as the car zipped around the tracks, a blur of speed and whizzing noise. The Triple Track Twister comes with three tracks, two controllers and one huge crash zone! Take control as you hit the red diverter to send cars on a collision course, or blast through the blue tunnel to take on a new track. One really cool feature is the iPad stand and Action Capture App to make the track come to life. Priced at $59.99 and available at major retailers.
Planet Sock Monkey™ dolls
These adorable, limited edition dolls were a huge hit around the office. Each monkey matched someone in the office, and what fun reading about them and checking out the costumes. Ima Bananerd has plaid pants and her favourite show is Monkeybusters. Eaton Dedd is a zombie monkey, and Long Sock Silver is a pirate monkey with dreadlocks and an eye patch. Each 10-inch knit monkey sells for $24.99. Go to outsetmedia.com/ patch/planet-sock-monkey for details.