This summer, it’s time to make the most delicious Cosmopolitan and Apple Martini. Or do you prefer a Gin and Tonic? Or just like to pour a glass of wine? Whatever your desired drink maybe, it’s time to become the best bartender in town. When creating a cocktail, the trick is finding the perfect measurement. We have the essentials to include in your at home-bar.

Do you eat your food too fast? I do! Being Persian, we are food lovers but we also eat our meals fast (very fast), as we love to go back for seconds. Does this sound familiar? Certain cultures are very good at eating slow. I always feel embarrassed eating dinner with my Chinese or Japanese friends because I’ve inhaled my plate while they are just about start. While your friends might find it rude to tell you to slow down but what about a fork?

Are you a soda lover? I have a confession to make, I use to drink at least one can of Diet Coke or Ginger Ale a day.  I know, terrible! Over consumption on drinks with aspartame and other questionable ingredients, is awful for your body. But I was a soda addict until I discovered the SodaStream, which has changed my life.

I finally had the chance the review the iRobot Roomba. A robot to do my vacuuming – how come it has taken me so long to test this product! The idea of having a robot take the lead on doing a dreaded household choir sounds like a match made in heaven. The iRobot does the vacuuming but don’t be fooled you still have to chaperone.

Your mom deserves to be pampered on Mother’s Day. She’s the only woman to provide you with a beautiful life, unconditional love, and will always be there for you in a time of need. Plus, she’s simply the best mom!  Spend some quality time with your mom on May 12 for Mother's Day and get her a gift to make her really feel special. Even if your mom says she doesn’t want anything, you should still get her something --because deep down she'd be very grateful to recieve a thoughtful gift. We've listed a bunch of great ideas that we know your mom would love. 

Thanks to my trusty teams in Future Shop's appliances department and Breville, I had the good fortune of meeting and spending time with documentary filmmaker Joe Cross of his award-winning "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead." 

Check out this short video about Joe's story and get inspired to "juice on."

St. Patrick’s day is just around the corner. Are you going to dye your hair green? Please don’t, I was just joking. However, it’s time to get your best green-inspired shirt and rock the party on Sunday March 17^th. Instead of dying your hair green, get some food coloring and bake some shamrock shaped cupcakes or green-velvet waffles. Enjoy those green treats with a pint of Irish beer, topped off with Guinness Ice Cream. Green is a yummy color. 

Despite all the media coverage of Nick Diaz almost being pulled from the fight after being a no-show at press events, while his opponent, Georges St-Pierre, does his job and promotes the big event - UFC 158 St-Pierre vs Diaz is happening on March 16^th at Bell Center. Are you ready for the ultimate fight?

Spring is just around the corner, March 20^th to be exact. Which makes perfect sense for the Dieticians of Canada to mark March as Nutrition Awareness Month. Now, that the cold winter months will soon be over and the weather is getting warmer, it'll be easier for you to move away from the "cozy meals" and add more salads.

‘Tis the season to make healthier choices. But, let me emphasize that making healthier choices can be flavorful and delicious. And your body will thank you. Here are some tips to make it easier. 

Love pizza and a Star Wars Fan? Then you’ll be drooling over the R2-D2 Pizza Cutter.

You better believe that this pizza cutter includes all wonderful quirks from everyone’s favorite droid such as the appropriate beeps and boops.  Plus, it even whistlers while you slice the pizza. Are you in Star Wars Heaven?  It’s another kitchen-themed gadget to put on your list. Time to put the beeps and boops into action. What would R2-D2’s favorite pizza be?

It’s still cold out and you are wondering why I’m offering a sangria recipe, right? Well, this is a winter sangria recipe. I made this for a holiday party and New Year’s celebration – it was a success among guests. We are using red wine to give that cozy feeling and the cranberry gives a winter cheer. You'll love this easy to make recipe. 

Could you imagine the day where your meat will come from a printer and not a cow? This day might happen sooner than possibly imagined. Back in September, I reported that Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, had invested $350,000 into a 3D Bioprinting company called Modern Meadow (read article). Now, this US start-up has given an estimated price tag for a printed hamburger.

Sometimes the simplest gadgets are the most brilliant, especially in the kitchen. The creative inventors at Quirky designed the Glide for your knife to make cleaning the food debris easy and safe. Again, it’s simple yet so useful…and sometimes I ponder, “how come I didn’t think of that?”

It’s a new day and a new year, welcome 2013. Let’s start the New Year with a healthy and nutritious breakfast.  Like many of you, these past few weeks, we attended many holiday parties and indulged in egg-nog, rum, wine, as well as over ate the high-caloric foods both savory and sweet.  Yes, we can admit it, that last few weeks were gluttonous. Today is the day to start healthy. It’s time to start your New Year’s resolution and make foods with clean ingredients that is both nutritious and delicious. In order to make healthy meals, it’s important to have the right kitchen gadgets. That’s why Cuisinart and Future Shop have teamed up to give away the ultimate healthy start appliance gift package.

Janette Ewen is Canada's leading home décor and lifestyle expert and has expanded her savvy talents to the United States as she lives between Toronto and Santa Monica. This busy stylist is in the process of launching a new creative studio called Parker Barrow with her business partner Jef Hancock. Does the company’s name sound familiar? Well, it’s the last names of Bonnie Clyde. This partnership seems like it’ll cause some trouble…all in the name of style, fashion, and home décor. Expect a gangster entrance in January 2013 from this duo.

In this series, we find out what is on Janette Ewen's Kitchen Playlist.