Heather Prosak's blog

Missed the Superbowl Commercials? Get 'em here!!

Experts said this was the best year for Superbowl Commercials and I'd have to agree.  My favourites were Betty White playing football for Snickers and the baby love triangle for  E-Trade.

What was yours?

Click here to watch

A Very Special Little Girl Helps Out

We had Victoria in the studio just before Christmas.  She's 11 years old but already gives back in big ways.  For a few years now, her dad Mike told us how Victoria saves money all year long and gives it to the Regina Humane Society. 

Victoria stopped by for a very special reason- to surprise the Humane Society with the amount she had raised.  It turns out that Victoria has behind her cause.  Thanks to her dad's co-workers, Victoria's family, friends and school, she brought in a donation of almost $430. 

Way to go Victoria!!!!!!

Regina's Top 5 Christmas Movies

Getting Regina's Top 5 Christmas Movies came about innocently enough.  I was telling Brad how I couldn't wait to watch my favourite, The Sound of Music and he didn't understand how I could even consider it a movie for the holiday season as there is no reference to Christmas at all.  It wasn't long after that and we were getting calls about your favourite.

The votes are in and here is Regina's Top 5 Christmas Movies!!!

1 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
2 - Home Alone
3 - Polar Express
4 - Miracle on 34th Street
5 - The Christmas Shoes

Thanks for voting and Merry Christmas from Brad and Heather

How To....To Quick and Easy Appetizers

Getting ready for Christmas can be hectic.   In an effort to save you time and give you more of it to spend with your family we had CJ Katz, our Big Dog food expert in the studio.  CJ shared 2 quick and easy appetizers that you can make for get togethers.  Scroll down to see the recipes.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

10 whole jalapeno peppers

cream cheese to fill each pepper

10 slices bacon

 

Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and through the stem. Remove seeds (this is where the heat is. Keep seeds if you want suicidal jalapeno poppers). Fill each jalapeno half with cream cheese and then wrap 1/2 a slice of bacon around each pepper. Secure bacon with a toothpick. Place on greased or parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake 450 for 15 minutes. Can also be smoked on an outdoor smoker.

For a lower-fat version, omit bacon and bake as is.

Variation - add a little grated Monterey Cheese to the cream cheese before filling jalapenos!

 

Smoked Oysters and Feta-Pine Nut Canapés 

1-250 g package regular cream cheese, softened

½ cup plain yogurt

3 tbsp toasted pine nuts

2 tbsp (packed) chopped fresh basil

1 garlic clove, minced

1-7 oz package feta cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup chopped drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

1-2 tins smoked oysters

1 box whole wheat crackers

Place cream cheese, yogurt, pine nuts, basil and garlic in food processor. Blend until smooth.

Transfer to bowl. Add feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Combine well. Transfer to serving bowl.

 

To serve, spread cream cheese mixture on cracker and top with one smoked oyster.

 

(Feta-Pine Nut Spread can be made up to 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

 

Thanks to CJ Katz for coming in and sharing her recipes with us.

To see more, check out CJ's website here

Great Christmas Gift Idea

It's no secret that Christmas is my favourite time of the year.  So much so, that I think it should be 365 days.   
When my friend Michelle, gave me an early gift, I was ecstatic. 
Michelle donated to a national organization involved in helping people in poverty stricken countries with a picture attached to my card that read, "Heather, for your gift, I've helped this woman in Africa." 

Timing couldn't be more perfect because this morning we had Melanie and Jason on the show to talk about how you can do the same thing this Christmas and impact someone's life right here in Regina. A website has been set up to help the less fortunate, the big difference is that you actually get to choose from their wish list.

You can look through each person's story and their wishlist.   Click here to see the list at homelesspartners.com 

Keep this website in mind as you do your Christmas shopping.  This would be a unique way to say Merry Christmas to someone you know and make someone's Christmas extra special in Regina.

GOOOO RIDERS

I came across this video the other day and with "mom's" permission, Brad and I shared it with our Big Dog listeners.  So what happens when you live with someone who cheers for a rival sports team and is 2 years old....and cheers for the Stamps?  Well that's when mom HAS to step in!!!

Meet Tyler and his mom Leah as she tries to get him to see the light!!!

Wear Your Poppy

We had the opportunity to have Warrant Officer Al Pociuk in the studio just before Remembrance Day.  It was amazing to see someone who has gone to Bosnia numerous times and Afghanastan just recently, stay so humble about his job.

It was also a strong reminder for me,  while these men and women are fighting, we have a part to play.  it's important we show our support.  Whether it's going to the Remembrance Day Services on November 11, wearing the poppy or just walking up to someone in uniform to tell them how much you respect what they do.

This week, Brad and I wanted to have guests on that were involved in one way or another with Remembrance Day.  A local songwriter and author came by Big Dog to talk about her latest children's book.  It's based on her dad's life and how he met his dad for the first time when he was 5 years old, when he came back from WWII.


Click here to see and hear Marny Duncan-Cary.

Ask our food expert

With Regina's very first specialty wine store opening this week in the city, we checked in with C.J. Katz - our resident food and wine expert to tell us about food pairings.

Top Food Matches

 

If you're really into food and wine pairing, a terrific book to add to your collection is "What to Drink with What You Eat" by Dornenburg and Page.

Here are some food and wine matches that are sublime together.

 

Tapas with manzanilla sherry

Guacamole with Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

Tapenade toasts with dry rosé

Onion tart with Alsace Pinot Gris

Oysters with Chablis

Pan-fried scallops with Austrian Gruner Veltiner

Gravlax with dry Vouvray

Salmon in a spicy crust with Californian, Australian or New Zealand Pinot Noir

Chinese food with New World Sparkling

Chicken satay with Australian Semillon

Roast turkey with Australian Shiraz or a Pinot Noir

Roast lamb with red Bordeaux or Rioja

Roast or grilled beef with Ribero del Duero or a super Cabernet Sauvignon

Pheasant with mature red Burgundy

Venison with Barolo

Foie gras with Sauternes

Goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc

Dark chocolate dessert with Banyuls or tawny port

Apricot tart with Hungarian Tokaji Aszu

Pecan pie with Australian Liqueur Muscat

Hazelnut biscotti with vin Santo

Pizza and Italian Chianti

Leg of lamb with Spanish Rioja, Cabernet or Bordeaux from Pauillac

Camembert cheese with Calvados

 

Beer and pretzels

Sashimi with sake

Milk and cookies

Pizza and coke

Root beer float with vanilla ice cream

 

 

Check out more food and wine pairing ideas at C.J's website    SAVOURLIFE

It's Been Busy But Fun

We've had the chance to do quite a few things and meet a lot of people the last few months so we thought we'd share some of the pics from our Dog's Breakfast album with you!



Click here to check out the pics!!

What to do with the Thanksgiving Leftovers

It's Thanksgiving Monday and if you're making that big turkey meal , it's ineviteable you'll have LEFTOVERS.  Brad and I thought it would be a great idea to bring in an expert to talk about recipe's for leftovers instead having to eat turkey sandwiches for a week. 

While getting ready to cook her Thanksgiving meal, cooking expert C.J. Katz from Savour Life Magazine joined us in the Doghouse with her tips. 

Fajitas - choose your favorite toppings along with some gently heated through pieces of turkey meat - white or dark - it's your choice, and voila,~a little taste of Mexico!

~

For lunch or a light supper, try some cooked turkey in a wrap or a panini. Try it with a~dollop of cranberry sauce, a bit of stuffing and some arugula leaves.

~

Quiche - Another light supper idea! Sauté some onion and a bit of broccoli (if you have leftovers, don't bother sauteing it). In a medium bowl, beat together 3-4 eggs. Toss in the broccoli and turkey along with a good handful of cheese (blue, old or Swiss are great). Pour into a partially baked pie shell and bake about 45 minutes at 375F. Serve with a side salad.

P.S. If you're gluten intolerant, omit the crust and bake in a greased pie plate and presto, you've got a frittata.

~
And here are few other ideas to help you get through that turkey.

add some turkey to your next salad

freeze chopped or torn turkey in 1-2 cup bags. Freeze for use in casseroles.

or.... make up a few casseroles to pull out of the freezer on days when you know you'll be too stressed to make supper.

throw a handful of turkey during the last 5 minutes of preparing a great stir-fry.

And of course, save the turkey carcass to make a terrific soup.

 

If you're looking for more tasty recipes, check out CJ's website www.savourlife.ca.

When Pink Is Just A Colour (with Video!)

I am very blessed to have the job I have. It allows me to meet many people from different walks of life. Every so often there's the one person who stands out, whether it's something they've done or with something they've said.

We had the priviledge of talking with Kal Hourd when he performed at Craven this year so when we heard he was in Regina, he stopped by the studio.

I'd heard a lot about a song he wrote called "When Pink is Just A Colour Again" but didn't hear it until he performed it in The Doghouse.

 

This song is so powerful, if you missed it here'sour interview with Kal and his liveacoustic performance.

Kal was asked to perform When Pink Is Just a Colour at the CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 4th.

His new cd is called "Haven't Even Met Yet" and "Pink" is also on the cd.


...and here's the video, 'Artists Unleashed'!

You Have a Right To Know

Yesterday I was on location at the U of R talking about knowing your rights when it comes to privacy.  
Members from the Information and Privacy Commissioner's Officer were there to spread the word.  The message was simple...if you have questions about bodies of governement, ask away.  If you want to know what the governement has listed about you, you have a right to know as well.

Don't Mess With Taylor

I'm watching the CCMA's last night and my phone goes off.  It's my friend Christa asking me if I've seen what just happened on the MTV awards.  Turns out Taylor Swift wins an award and as she accepts it....Kanye West interrupts her acceptance speech.

It was like your worst dream coming to life.  Taylor was speechless then walked off the stage, devastated. 

Since it happened, the support surround Taylor Swift coming from all genres of music is incredible.  If you missed it...here's what happened.

Heather Prosak's blog

I Text and Drive

No I'm not proud of it but as soon as I became the owner of a blackberry, it just seemed so easy.  Now, picking up the phone while I'm driving seems like the norm.   I know just how dangerous it can be after one of my friends was hit from behind when she was at a red light.  As she looked in her rear view mirror she saw a car coming a little too fast, the driver's head was down.  Fortunately for both of them the only damage was to the cars.  As the driver got out, she said, "I am so sorry, I just looked down for a second to send a text."  That story hit me and hopefully, if you have a tendancy to pick up the phone when driving you'll think twice when you see this video.

The video may show teens  texting and driving but I know a lot of adults that do it.


*****THIS VIDEO IS GRAPHIC

Would You Let Your Kids Play With This?

 

It's a controversial new doll that lets little girls pretend breast feed.  Toymakers out of Spain have made a doll that comes with a special halter top its young "mothers" wear as they pretend to breast-feed their "babies.

The doll - called Bebe Gloton, which translates as "gluttonous baby" - makes sucking noises as it "feeds."

Like many other dolls, Bebe Gloton can cry, signaling she wants more milk.

Some doctors wonder if Bebe Gloton might speed up maternal urges in the little girls who play it.

What do you think......just click below.

Bad Boys and Women Who Love Them

I knew that title would get your attention.

So I came across a picture of Billy Currington with his new black eye.  Always loved him, thought he was a cutie but there was something about the black eye that took my "admiration" up a notch. 

It's the age old question - why do women love bad boys?

After this morning's show, it seems the opinions are split. 

Either we want to change them or we see bad boys as being more spontaneous than the "good guy."

What do you think? 

And for your viewing pleasure....Billy Currington. 

Embracing Life

I had to call this blog "Embracing Life" after seeing a video blog done by Taylor Swift. This comes just weeks after her performance at Craven Country Jamboree where I had the chance to meet her. She was so humble and real. It's clear fame hasn't affected her in any way. So I stumble on the latest blog by Taylor yesterday and I couldn't help but think about how much she embraces life. She just goes out of her way to find joy and she gives others joy. Yes, she has loads of money now but you can see that it's NOT the money that's making her happy (definitely a perk but not the reason) You'll see what I mean...check out her video below.

Don't You Hate It

I hate when I'm watching a movie and theeeeeen it happens.....you know.....IT HAPPENS.  You have to decide between missing a great part of a movie or going to the bathroom.  Well the bathroom tends to win with me but there's always that tug of war....when's a good time to leave?  Now?  Later?

You don't have to worry anymore....

Check this out...a website that tells you what parts of movies you can afford to miss and for how long....appropriately titled "runpee.com."  Click here.

A Dose of Reality

 

The week of Relay for Life was a tough one for me.  As I got ready to emcee part of Relay for Life with Brad on Friday I also received bad news leading up to it.

My cousin Jordan, who had been battling leukemia for 15 months and was  found to be in remission in April died Monday night at the childrens' hospital in winnipeg.  The leukemia had moved to his central nervous system. 

Jordan had just graduated from highschool.  Had his first car and his first girlfriend.  Through his fight he's the guy you never heard complain.  NEVER. 

He carried a wicked sense of humour, even when he was hooked up to tubes in the hospital room.  He had a bet going on with the nurses  during the Stanley Cup....up for grabs...a free slurpee.

Jordan's last visit to the hospital was supposed to be a quick trip.  The doctor planned to run a few tests to make sure the lukemia was officially gone, instead Jordan was admitted.  What was supposed to be an overnight stay turned into a few weeks before Jordan eventually lost his battle...a 17 year old with more wisdom and strength than most men.   He never wavered from his positive thinking.  One of the comments I can clearly remember him saying...."whatever happens either way I'm a winner.  I walk away from this or I go to Heaven."    Strong words coming from a teenager.

After the funeral,  I had a press release on my desk...saying how much was raised for Relay for Life. 

On behalf of Jordan...thank you.  Over $437 thousand dollars was raised...

Sooo much to do at Farm Progress

Farm Progress Show is here....and I'm a fan. 

I know what you're thinking...what are you talking about Heather.  You don't live on a farm, didn't grow up in a farming family and probably have only been on a combine a handful of times in your life..... or was it a swather.  (I'm kidding)  Even though I may not be the most farming literate.  I have found ways to have fun at the Farm Progress Show.

Food - it's like a sample of what you'll get at the fair...and who doesn' t like fair food?  
Mini Donuts....I rest my case.

Keeping with the theme of food - the farmers market.  Still new but it's already three times as big as last year.  I could spend hours looking around - definitely a stop to make.

Okay so you may be like me and live in the city but if you at least stop at the new inventions area you're probably going to learn something new and it makes for a fun guessing game.

"What do you mean that's a portable watering system for livestock?  I stand corrected, but my guess was funnier"  (you get the idea)

Where else can you hear seminars on tools and strategies for successful farming to a jewellery designer who's creations have been on the Oscar red carpet.  I know, right....I've  grabbed your attention.

Annnnnd finally, the concerts - Aaron Pritchett and Adam Gregory....enough said. 

SHANIA SPEAKS

Ever since the end of Shania Twain and Mutt Lang's marriage I have to admit I have been caught up in finding out what happened.    It's common knowledge he cheated on her and shortly after that information came out we didn't hear from Shania. 

This is now.... on her official fan club site, Shania spoke to her fans about her new music and gave a glimpse into what she's been going through.

Dear Friends,

I am so excited to be writing to you personally again after so long.

First I want to apologize for the delay in releasing new music. Music is the basis of our relationship, after all, and I realize I'm not holding up very well on my end of the relationship! But music has a mind of it's own, and is ruled by a writer's emotions and state of mind, not by a time frame or wishful thinking. I wish like crazy that I had new music by now since I dream of how fun it would be to see you all again out on tour with new songs to sing, but as most of you know, I have been side-tracked slightly over this past year.

The personal issues that took place just over a year ago have been well documented, and there's no need to go into more detail here. Since then, I've been inspired by my pain to write and use writing as a therapy through the suffering. I truly wouldn't wish this on anybody as a means to get inspired, but it's been a productive period with so much emotion trying to find it's way out. However, there is no telling how long it will take me to actually finish these songs and record them so they can get out to you.

As many things as there have been to write about through this difficult time in my life, healing is serious business and has taken a lot of the wind out of my sails, slowing me down at times. As you know, I am a mom and all my energy goes to making sure my little man is healthy and happy in every way. This is a full time job, as any parent understands, but especially difficult when you are battling your own personal crisis at the same time while trying to spare your child of being affected by your own suffering.

One time when I was having a weak moment listening to some sad music and sobbing and slobbering over my computer's keyboard, Eja walked up behind me and asked me why I was crying. He wasn't sad at first-just totally surprised to see his mom crying (he is seven and never saw me cry before), and didn't know what to make of it. During this intense period, I was managing to hide my devastation from Eja and cried only when I was alone; but this one time was just too hard for me to control and I broke down. I was quick on my feet to answer him though and told Eja that music was very powerful and can make people quite emotional. It can make you want to dance, feel angry, happy or sad and that THIS this song was sad and made me cry. He accepted this, hugged me and went back to what he was doing. Phew, that was tough!

The energy it has taken me to deal with my personal life and managing to still be a responsible parent has been challenging, and while I have been putting what energy I have left at the end of each day into my writing, it's been hard to put it all together into song format.

Please be patient and I will do my best to continue working on a finished album!

Each morning I put my son on the school bus, feed our two dogs Sony and Dolly, drink my orange juice and sit down at the computer to write. I spend most of my time working with lyrics right now, sorting thoughts, expressions and concepts. It often comes out in the form of poetry, diary notes or e-mails to friends. My friends are great listeners and are very patient and generous about it. I often go back to my e-mails for song ideas. When I write in letter form, I don't hold back. I just write it as it comes without considering format, topic, manners, etc. Some of my best songwriting ideas are coming this way.

Time has a way of making everything right, and it is my hope that good music will eventually come out of it. I say "good music" since I don't want to just throw anything at you, just for the sake of hurrying up to get it out. I want my new music to be something I'm personally satisfied with and proud to share with you.

I have friends and family around constantly coaxing me to focus on my music. "Your fans miss you. They want new music. It's been too long." They're all dying for something new too, so they are pretty relentless about it! I know you certainly all do deserve new music and tour dates; not only because it's been so long, but also because of the HUGE support you've all given me during this period. The many blogs and e-mails have warmed my heart, strengthened my confidence, given me courage, and have often even made me laugh out loud...in a good way! I know I am not alone and realize through your support that you are all routing for Eja and I, and our well-being. Thank you!

The other day I started writing a few pages about being hungry as a kid. Some of it was painful to think about but it also made me laugh at the funny times. Reflecting on that period of my life, I realize how true it really is to learn to take the good with the bad. To appreciate that you can't have one without the other. The trick is to give the "good" at least as much of your energy as the "bad" and not to get stuck focussing more on the "bad". I decided to start writing about other stages of my life to help take my focus off the current phase I'm going through. When I'm feeling down, I figured changing my focus to write about other periods of my PAST would help pull me out of the sadness and on to new chapters in my life. It works.

I will sign off now but I look forward to my next letter/blog to you. I just wanted to fill you in a bit on what's going on with me and music, as well as extend my thanks for all of the support that you have given me over this last year and for all these years; and to assure you that I'm fine and managing very well, in fact. I'm enjoying my child, friends and family like I haven't in years, and it's great. I've been experiencing and seeing new things every day, living life with a different and more optimistic attitude. I've jumped out of an airplane at 10,000 feet, I'm riding Spanish and Arabian horses, traveling to exotic places, I've been deep sea diving for the first time! I pull the odd all-nighter, read more books, listen to Eja's favourite music with him, LOUD [ironically his favourite band is ACDC] and basically I'm enjoying life.

Till next time, my friends. Be well, and peace and happiness to all of you.

Love,

Shania

I'm loving Britain's Got Talent

I love Britain's Got Talent.  It showcases ordinary people with extraordinary talents.

Move over Susan Boyle - the 47 year old woman who wowed the judges and the world with her amazing voice.....there's someone new about to take over.

Check out the latest phenomenon to grace the stage and you'll see what I'm talking about.



CLICK HERE

I'm Sorry Mom

 
It's the day after Mother's Day and if you thought last weekend was busy for florists...this will suprise you. 

If you call a florist today, chances are they won't be getting to your order for a while.  Today (the day after Mother's Day) is quickly becoming the unofficial occasion for giving flowers - MOTHER'S WHOSE KIDS FORGOT FLOWERS DAY.
It's apology bouquets for mom. 
The positive in all this -  florists say the bouquets are usually a lot bigger than they are on Mother's Day.



What did I get my mom....the best present EVER.  A hi end hair straightener....it's a woman thing.

HAPPY CORNER GAS DAY

It's the official Corner Gas Day in Saskatchewan!!  A phenomenon across the prairies will end tonight.
 
I have been so excited ever since Brad told me he got a part in the final episode.  He can't tell me what his role is because of something called a lawsuit and privacy but whatever.  I guess I'll wait impatiently.

American Country Music Awards - Style Winners

So as much as I love watching awards shows, it's no secret that the best part for me is the fashion.

What would an awards ceremony be without the red carpet....check out all the glam here.

April Fool's Day

 

So if you've always wanted to pull a prank on someone but just couldn't come up with something...here are a few ideas to check out. 

CLICK HERE

Paparazzi in Regina??

 

So I think it's time to give up the dream of being a member of the paparazzi....do people actually dream about that??!!

Anyway, a Hollywood Starlet walks through the Regina Airport going completely unnoticed until pictures popped up on an American tabloid website.

Fashion First

We had Trish Kennedy  our fashion expert on the Dog's Breakfast to talk about what's new for spring.   Some things I can't wait for and others, well, let's just say I NEVER WANT THEM TO COME BACK.

What's your Irish Name?

Kevin, Can I Hug You?

Okay, I played it much cooler than that when I met Kevin Costner backstage before his show at Casino Regina.  Even though I wanted to ask for a hug, I decided to play it safe since no one in our group went in for one.  :)