Funko Holidaze Pop! - Frute Brute

Yesterday, I brought you the Yummy Mummy Holidaze Pop! design inspired by Funko.  Today, the Monster Cereals wouldn't be complete without his partner in crime and resurrections - Frute Brute.  When Brute returned last year, I was thrilled!  I couldn't believe General Mills was giving us such an awesome return after years and years of hoping and waiting.  I'll admit, Yummy Mummy took the prize in terms of flavor and appearance, but Frute Brute wasn't too far behind and may have very well knocked off Frankenberry.  Believe me - around here, that isn't easy to do.  In fact, I love Frankenberry so much I just put myself in the mood for a bowl and the only negative I can find is that it isn't Frute Brute.  Oh well.. Maybe next year!

Frute Brute was a lot of fun to design and I'm personally loving the way both graphics turned out.  It's a shame that we'll never see Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute in stores, but at least we can imagine what they would have looked like.  Maybe the images I've posted will catch the eyes of Funko designers and entice them to bring these Monsters to fruition.  Of course, you reposting them wouldn't hurt, either!  Get the word out and maybe we'll be seeing our beloved Monster Cereals finally united!

Funko Holidaze Pop! - Yummy Mummy

Today, we're saying goodbye to the "Scream" collection and moving on to new characters from the world of horror and pop-culture.  I know some of you are wondering where all my posts about candy and cake have gone, but they're not forgotten.  I have plenty of junk food to talk about over the next 22 days and I'm sure we'll all have a blast celebrating the latter part of the season.  I look at The Holidaze Pop! designs as a bonus, this year.  In addition to what we're all used to, know, and love, these works of art pay homage to the world of Funko and so many characters whom will most likely never see the light of day.

When I first started collecting Funko Pop! figures, three of my most-wanted were, without a doubt, the Monster Cereals Trio.  I couldn't believe that they even made Frankenberry, Count Chocula and Boo Berry!  I figured they were so obscure that they'd never be touched, but Funko has done a great deal with them and I couldn't be happier to see them get their due respect.  But... what about our other two Monsters?  What about the legends?  What about Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute?  That's where I come in!

The Yummy Mummy Holidaze Pop! features a different design because he's actually the first I ever created.  A few months ago, I decided to play around with illustrator to see what I could come up with and this is what I envisioned.  If you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen and hopefully liked this piece of artwork.  You may even own The Yummy Mummy Holidaze t-shirt!  But if this is the first you're seeing the Yummy Mummy Pop!, then I hope you enjoy the design!

The return of Yummy Mummy in 2013 was probably the highlight of last year's Halloween.  There have been a few products released here and there, but nothing would compare to a Funko Pop! figure to join the treacherous General Mills trio!  When I originally posted the image above, a Funko designer by the name of Reis O'Brien reached out and informed me that the odds of seeing Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute on shelves are unlikely.  Unfortunately, the first set of three did not sell well enough to justify their release.  It seems as though these Holidaze designs will be as close as we're gonna get.

Tomorrow, I bring you Frute Brute!

DC Comics: Monster Cereal Boxes

We interrupt TMNT Week on The Holidaze for this very big, very special, Halloween news!  As a staple of the season, the General Mills' Monster Cereal characters of Frankenberry, Boo Berry, Count Chocula, Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy are thread into the fabric of The Holidaze.  I love the cereals for what they represent, but I love the characters even more.  As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate them as amazing artwork brought to us by the great people over at General Mills.  Thankfully, I'm not the only one who views them as pop-culture icons more than simple cereal mascots.  Over the years, their popularity has increased more and more, resulting in various toys, shirts, and collectibles to go along with the iconic cereals we've all grown up on.  General Mills, being the marketers they are, capitalized on this boom in 2013 by bringing back Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy from their tombs and re-releasing the legendary retro box art for all of us to collect and enjoy.  It was definitely the highlight of last year's Halloween season and, this year, General Mills is back at it again!

I first became aware of these new boxes on Instagram as the social media app is proving to be more powerful than given credit for.  Somebody was lucky enough to already receive a brand new box of Frankenberry and posted the image for fans to salivate over.  Today, General Mills confirmed that the comic illustrated boxes are in fact a reality and will be debuting this September!  But not only are they designed to look like comic heroes (or villains) but they're designed by actual DC Comics illustrators!  Now that's pretty awesome!  Once working for the Brooklyn Nets, I was there when Marvel joined forces with the team to create Nets' mascot, The Brooklyknight.  However, that was an utter disaster and complete failure.  This?  Oh no.. There's no way this will suffer the same fate.  DC Comics and their artists have done an incredible job and fans are already clamoring for these boxes on their kitchen tables!

DC illustrator, Dave Johnson, designed the new Frankenberry box and I don't think I could love it any more than I do.  I was getting tired of the most recent modern design being released over and over again.  At first, the CGI-styled design was cool, but it got stale really quick.  Besides Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy making their modern debut last year, I was over the style and, apparently, General Mills was too.  This updated box, which is more than phenomenal, gives Frankenberry a new lease on life.  He's back and better than ever in 2014.  No, no design will ever top the originals.  The retro art will always be my favorite, but this is just too cool to pass up and I love the fact that General Mills went, once again, that extra mile to make fans happy and, of course, bring in that extra profit.

Designed by Terry and Rachel Dodson, Count Chocula has been given a more realistic, human appearance.  At first, I didn't know what to think about his new image.  Part of him looks like a Halloween elf, another part looks like he came from a Harry Potter novel, and the rest of him looks like Maleficent on crack.  But, given it further thought, I do appreciate the new direction.  If Count Chocula truly existed in our world, I'd assume he'd be human.  Unlike all previous incarnations, this box features him as a man, as a vampire, who happens to love chocolate more than anything else in this world.  I think parts of him could have been altered to better fit that image, but they also couldn't stray too far away from the original design.  He still needed to look like Count Chocula and I think the DC artists found the perfect medium.  In a matter of hours, Count Chocula has really grown on me,

 

Boo Berry has maintained his classic appearance more than the other two characters and I'm happy to see that.  I don't think there's much you can do to change his image without completely changing the character himself.  He's always had those big eyes with the saggy lids, his top hat and bow tie, along with that sly smirk.  You can't remove or alter any of that because by doing so with one of those characteristics, you're losing the nostalgia.  His body is different by being just a tad bit less ghostly on top, but the bottom portion remains true to what he is.  This isn't my favorite of the three, but it's far superior to what we've been getting over the last few years.

Regardless of which box you prefer or which is your favorite, none of us can deny just how awesome these new designs are.  Personally, I'm looking for Franky first, but the other two will be coming home with me as soon as I see them.  All three will be joining the collection of Monster Cereal boxes.

 In even better news, General Mills will, once again, be re-releasing retro boxes exclusively to Target.  Now, General Mills could have re-released 2103's art, but they're too smart for that.  At my Target, those boxes sold out completely before the Halloween season came to an end.  That means many of us bought the 2013 retro boxes and have no need for another set.  Personally, I have 3 of each character and don't regret a thing.  But knowing that, General Mills will be releasing a set of new retro boxes celebrating 1979 and 1980.  In addition, each box will come with a cut-out mask of your favorite Monster Cereal characters.  Take a minute and think about how cool that is!!  These boxes have not been on store shelves since the early 80s and, in 2014, they'll be back for us to collect!  From a marketing perspective, think about how smart this is.  Use me, for example.. I'll be buying 3 DC Comics boxes, 3 retro boxes, and 3 more retro boxes to cut out those masks!  In one trip, General Mills just sold me 9 boxes of cereal.  Absolutely genius!

Here comes the bad news... Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute will not be included in this year's festivities!  Major bummer!!  I would have loved to see what DC artists could do with the Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute characters and the retro boxes would have been must-haves.  My wallet is thanking General Mills for keeping me from buying 15 boxes of cereal, but I'm not.  I truly believed they'd return this season, but I guess the 2013 campaign wasn't as successful as we thought.  It's a shame because real fans wind up missing out on incredible Halloween goodies, but General Mills needs to do smart business and, in the end, they're surely doing their part to make up for the lack of two legendary characters.

Thankfully, I have enough retro boxes stocked up to keep me happy.  They're expired and it sucks that we may never get that flavor again, but having the collectible boxes in my possession makes 2013 a success.  If you never picked up a box of Yummy Mummy or Frute Brute, I suggest you do so soon.  Once scalpers catch wind of their value, you'll end up paying 10x what those boxes were worth.

2013 Monster Cereal Retro Boxes

Finally, Halloween 2013's number one attraction has been found.  Since the official announcement by General Mills, I've been looking everywhere for the new Monster Cereal boxes.  As you've read, Yummy Mummy was found fairly early.  Frute Brute evaded me for a bit longer, but nothing aggravated me more than Target and their lack of Halloween supply.  Seriously, it's sad how angry I got when I walked into Target and saw those giant pencils still hanging from their ceiling.  They mockingly pointed me in the right direction, only to disappoint me with aisles of folders, notebooks, and way too many images of Justin Bieber.

But, on Friday the 13th, we ventured out to a Target in Linden, NJ because they seemed to have their stuff much more together than Jersey City.  Oh and did they ever.  Halloween galore!!  But nothing more important than the main event!

My girlfriend ran toward the boxes.  I walked rapidly in an attempt to look cool and act like it's no big deal.  It's just cereal, right?  Yeah, okay.. in my mind, I was squealing like the little girls who bought those Justin Bieber folders.  I guess these Monster Cereal characters are to me what he is to 13-year-old teenagers.  Not sure what that says about me, but I'll own it.  I was excited and couldn't hide it.  We even took pictures in front of the boxes.  Even I won't post those embarrassments, but I will say that I was caught posing with Frute Brute and Count Chocula by a man who couldn't have turned the corner any faster.  No shame.

The head honcho.  The leader of the pack.  The most legendary and well-known Monster Cereal character of 'em all - Count Chocula!  I love this box, and all the boxes, for the fact that they're so simple.  No shadows, no shading, just classic 2-D illustration and color.  I'm also very happy that they didn't slap on any "Limited Edition 2013 Box" tag on the front.  Other than the cereal bowl  and some text, this is as close to the original as we're going to get.  I just feel bad for anybody who ever spent more than $50 on an actual retro box.  Ouch, that's gotta hurt when I picked this up for $2.50.  My only complaint is that the Count was a bit bent in the lower right corner.  Unfortunately, they were all like that.

Frankenberry has always been my favorite character.  I love everything about him, but his retro version is the best incarnation of the monster.  I've seen plenty of classic images, but the color in photos pales in comparison to the color in person.  As soon as we saw them on the shelf, this guy stood out to me most.  He's a hot pink color with strawberry nails!  How can you not appreciate this guy?  In terms of flavor, he's held my top spot for years, but Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy have been giving him a run for his money.  I'll admit, it's hard to be objective when they're so fresh and new with all this hype around them, but their flavor is just as good, if not better, than my favorite monster cereal.

Boo Berry gets a bum wrap.  He was even put on the bottom shelf for nobody to see or care about.  Honestly, that's how I feel about Boo Berry at times.  He's my least favorite character and his flavor is usually the last one I go to.  But I really don't know why because, when I do pour myself some Boo, it's delicious and I ask myself why I don't have more.  Maybe it's part of the mysteriousness that comes along with being a ghost.  He's hard to find, isn't given a second thought, but strikes hard and fast when it's time to be noticed.  We'll go with that so we don't hurt his feelings, but at least he has an awesome box.  I love how the blue color pops off the box and it's 100x better than the modern General Mills version.

He's baaaaccckkk!  I have to thank General Mills for this box because, not only is it classic, but it's a quadrillion times better than the modern box.  If not for this retro return, I would have complained throughout my entire Frute Brute review because, really, he looks nothing like this on the 2013 box.  This is the way he's supposed to look!  Here, he actually looks like a wolf who's more into eating cereal than slicking his hair back for all the chicks at Arnold's (Happy Days, anyone?)

Yes! Fruity Yummy Mummy back in a retro box!!  This is awesome for so many reasons.  As I've mentioned in the past, I've always wanted to own the original monster cereal boxes, but they're way too expensive on Ebay.  The big three are reasonable for their age, but Yummy Mummy is the one I've wanted most and there was no way to justify spending over $100 on a cardboard box.  I would have had to get lucky or hope for a re-release.  Who woulda thought I'd get my wish and General Mills would re-release this unbelievable box?  Now, I finally have it and for only $2.50!  That's a steal, in my opinion, and it's only one reason why I'm happy to see this box back on shelves.  The other is the design itself.  I love everything about Yummy Mummy and this exact image is one that I modified for The Holidaze Halloween banner in 2012.  It's very cool to see him rise from the dead to make thousands of children and adults happy.  Some happier over cereal than they should be. *Raises hand*

This was the biggest story of Halloween and I'm extremely glad to see it executed by General Mills.  They truly did an amazing job on these boxes and marketed everything perfectly.  As a fan of the season and these cereal characters, I couldn't be happier with the results.

Of course, the thrill is in the hunt and that's over, so now I need to find something else to do with my free time.  I highly doubt that this will be the last time you see the Monster Cereals, because I have a few ideas in mind as we progress toward Halloween, but scouring store after store is done.  I'm just relieved that I actually found them.  There was so much hype attached to these cereals that I expected Ebayers to wipe Target out and sell them two-years from now.  That still may be the case, so make sure you get your boxes when you see them!!  We don't know if Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute will be back next year and, personally, I highly doubt the retro boxes will be released again, so let's enjoy this while it lasts!

Frute Brute is Back!

As I noted in the Fruity Yummy Mummy review, the legendary Monster Cereals have made their return to store shelves.  On that day, I luckily found Yummy Mummy just as Walgreens received their shipment, but Frute Brute was nowhere to be found and, since, all 5 monsters have alluded me.  I thought that marked the beginning of their return, but it was just a tease.  For as happy as I was to find Yummy Mummy, especially in such an awesome way, I was bummed by going another two-weeks before anything else appeared.  Now, finally, for the first time ever, Frute Brute is mine!

Much like Yummy Mummy, Frute Brute's flavor has been changed since the original last lived.  Also, like Michael Jordan returning with a new number after retirement, Frute Brute has had a name-change.  Once known as "Fruit Brute," the iconic werewolf has returned from what we thought was his extinction and is now cherry flavored.  Because the cereal was discontinued in 1984, three years before I was born, I can't tell you what the original flavor tasted like.  Similar to Fruity Yummy Mummy, the original was an overall fruit flavored cereal and, from what I read, it was extremely popular.  My love for these characters didn't come from their flavors, it was due to their appearance.  I absolutely loved the artistic style and personality applied to these guys and while Frute Brute doesn't look anything like his original incarnation, his reputation precedes him enough for me to overlook his appearance.  I'm willing to overlook the fact that he looks like wolverine.. and Elvis.. and Fonzi.. and John Travolta.  I'm also willing to overlook his snout, especially with the retro boxes on the horizon.

As soon as I opened the box, I was surprised by the smell.  The cherry flavor flies right out of the bag and tingles your neurons.  Yummy Mummy had a healthy scent, as if you were really sniffing oranges, but Frute Brute is sweet, sugary, and seductive.  Yes, I just compared a breakfast cereal to seduction.  That's how good this is.

As for the flavor, I liked this a lot more than Fruity Yummy Mummy.  See, Yummy Mummy is cool because it tastes unlike anything else I've ever had.  The orange flavor is so distinct that you know it's new, different, and unique.  Although Frute Brute isn't anything out of the ordinary, it still manages to separate itself from cereals like Trix and Froot Loops.  It definitely reigns in a league of its own and I thought it was delicious.  Between the two of them, it really comes down to what you're in the mood for on that day and time.  This is why I'm happy they changed the flavors from the original to their new varieties.  Instead of buying two boxes for exactly the same results, we now have two new tastes to dance on our buds as we progress through the Halloween season.  Can't ask for much more from General Mills.

For the first time ever, the legends are together!  I might have mentioned it before, but these two have never been available at the same time.  Years ago, Yummy Mummy screwed over and replaced Frute Brute to make them bitter rivals.  But now, like Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart, the hatchet has been buried and they've made amends to join forces, reunite with their Monster Cereal brethren, and make this Halloween one of, if not the, greatest of all-time!

But, the question remains, what would cereal taste like if we truly did "unite" Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy?  Only one way to find out..

Combining all 5 Monster Cereals has already been dubbed "The Monster Mash," but I don't think I'd like that.  Between the chocolate and four fruit flavors, it just sounds like a waste of highly sought after cereal.  But, bringing Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy together to somewhat recreate what these two might have tasted like in the 80s sounds like a great idea.  However, it needs a name.  Yummy Brute? Fruity Mummy? Classic Crunch? I don't know, I used up all my creativity on the Hi-C Horror Boxes (cheap plug.)  But I can at least tell you what if it's any good!

It's difficult to tell the difference between the two cereals because they both share the same red "ghosts."  But Frute Brute has more of a yellow ghost while Yummy Mummy has orange.  Even though you may not be able to tell them apart visually, you will definitely be able to taste it.  Throwing them both into a bowl was a wonderful idea because, now, I've created more of a "fruit" flavored cereal.  As you're chewing, your tongue goes from orange to cherry and back again all in seconds.  If there was ever an "orange cherry" cereal, this is it.  I doubt this is what the original tasted like, but it may be as close as I'll ever get.  It's worth doing yourself if you buy enough boxes to waste a bowl.  By waste, I mean love.

Next up, the Retro Boxes.  When?  I have no idea.  If Target has given me any indication, probably by Christmas.

The Return of Fruity Yummy Mummy

And here. We. Go... If you're reading this, there's no way you could have missed the re-design of The Holidaze.  I like to call it my Halloween costume because, yes, on August 26th, 2013, The Holidaze is all decked out for the Halloween season.  I was going to wait.  I told myself over and over again that it's too early.  Last year, I waited until September 1st and, even then, I thought it was too early.  But Fall is right around the corner and, this year, companies are going all out and doing their best to make this the best Halloween of all-time!  That, along with last night's find, meant I could no longer wait.  Out with Slimer and in with this year's biggest attraction.

I decided to take the two-block walk to Walgreens yesterday to see if they had their Halloween products out on shelves. Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard about the return of Fruity Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute.  I've been looking for them like a mad man everywhere! Lately, in terms of Halloween, they're all I've really cared about.  So, I figured - students are just about ready to go back to school and Sunday is always a good time to check for new inventory.  I walked around for a second, attempting to build up the anticipation, before walking over to their seasonal aisle.  I turned the corner and.. BOOM.. absolutely nothing!  Books, folders, pencils, and pens.  There weren't even any orange boxes on the higher shelves.  What a bust.  Now I had to walk the longest two blocks of my life, empty handed, back home.

But then I remembered that I found them on the end caps, last year.  So I searched every end cap in the store and, again, came up short.  Finally, I walked down the food aisle, looked at the cereal and BOOM.. nothing!  However, I did notice that there was a lot of empty space on the shelves and thought, maybe - just maybe - they're stocking up soon!

I figured I'd leave and come back tomorrow.  I turned the corner, and, like a rainbow after a thunderstorm, I saw Frankenberry and Boo Berry sitting in their cases just waiting to be opened and stocked.  You would have thought I struck gold.  I knew this was my chance.  I also knew I could have asked somebody to check the back, but I actually enjoyed lurking around waiting for a possible appearance from Yummy Mummy.  It was like waiting for a fashionably late rock star to finally hit the stage for his first concert in 23 years.  I creeped around like a loser, down the froze foods aisle and, BOOM.. for real!

Finding the boxes on the shelf is always a thrill, but this was much cooler.  If you've read The Holidaze in previous years, you understand how big of a role the Monster Cereals play in enhancing the Halloween experience.  Not only are they nostalgic, they're awesome characters with different personalities that relate to the season.  Their boxes also make for great art and, as a graphic designer, I always appreciate that.  So to have Fruity Yummy Mummy back for the first time since 1990 is amazing.  It was like I discovered King Tut's tomb at a Walgreens in Jersey City.  Look at him, just lying there in his coffin.  I eagerly grabbed the tiny employee, asked him if I was able to open the box (like I was going to take no for an answer?) and took two home with me.

I know many of you might have purchased more than two boxes, if not the whole case.  I get that and I almost did!  But I'm waiting for the Retro Box pictured above.  Exclusive to Target, all 5 General Mills Monsters - Count Chocula, Frankenberry, Boo Berry, Yummy Mummy, and Frute Brute - will be available in their retro packaging!!  That's just insane!  For the last two years, I've been collecting cereal box art to display, framed, in my future kitchen.  I'm stocking up and, in that time, I've searched for an affordable Yummy Mummy on Ebay every month.  Every time there's one available, it sells for well over $100.  Now, thanks to General Mills, I'll be able to find all 5 for retail price.  It's a Halloween miracle!

The back of the box features a great illustration.  The "Big Three" hear something spooky as they eat their cereal in the light of a "fruity moon." After reluctantly going to check it out, they're scared down into the dungeon where they're approached by yet another spooky creature.  First of all, I like the fact that Count, Frank, and Boo are all afraid.  It highlights the spirit of the characters.  Second, it's a great story to bring back Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute.  At the end of the day, these 5 are friends and, like Brute says, "It's been years!"  Finally, thanks to that rare fruity moon, all 5 are together for the first time ever in 2013!

On the side of the box, General Mills asks you to play some "Mega Monster Trivia."  What this tells me, along with everything else, is that the General Mills marketing team knows exactly who their target market is.  While all cereal is geared toward kids, this comeback was made for the adults and kids at heart.  I'm 26-years-old and I've never had Yummy Mummy.  Frute Brute was discontinued before I was even born, so even I'm a bit out of their range.  I just happen to be somebody who's obsessed with these characters and have been for years.  I even had the classic Yummy Mummy banner up top, last year.  I mean, I can't tell you how many times I've emailed or tweeted General Mills in an attempt to resurrect these guys.  I knew, just like all of you knew, that this would be a major hit.  So far, the hype has been unbelievable.

First, we have to talk about the way these legends look.  I don't know if they're ghosts or Pac-Man characters, but they're classic and the color is extremely vibrant.  I took photos outside in order to have the sunlight really illuminate their brightness.  It's basically a concoction of pink, red, yellow, and orange frosted cereal with purple, yellow, and lime green marshmallows.  It's beautiful.

Next, let's talk about the smell.  Usually, whenever you open up a box of General Mills Monster Cereal, you're smacked in the face by the fruity (or chocolatey) odor.  But, with Fruity Yummy Mummy, there wasn't much of a scent at all.  I think that's a testament to it's flavor - Orange Cream!  That's an interesting choice, but I was excited to see what they had in store for me!

I reallllly like the Orange Cream flavor!  Man, it's so different!  I know that the original Yummy Mummy had a different taste.  It was apparently more "fruity" rather than focusing on just one fruit, but I was too young to tell you which is better.  I don't know what the original tasted like, but I can tell you that this is awesome.  It reminds me a lot of Trix.  Imagine taking all of the yellow and orange Trix cereal, pouring them into a bowl, and eating them with marshmallows.  It's like that, but different.  It's hard to explain, but it's unlike any flavor I've ever had from a cereal.  It's a home run for GM!

I feel like Fruity Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute are the closest things we currently have to Jurassic Park.  Everybody thought these guys were extinct.  Even though we had always hoped to see some sap at General Mills bring them back, (see what I did there?) we knew it wasn't likely.  We knew it would be a long shot.  But now, here we are!  Here they are, in our presence, back in our lives to be loved and enjoyed!  It's pretty awesome and based on the amount of attention they've received in the last week, I know I'm not the only one pumped to see these pop icons back on shelves.  We just have to hope that Newman doesn't turn out the lights.  I'd hate to see what Yummy Mummy is capable of in the dark..

After snagging two boxes from the case, I asked the manager at Walgreens if he had any Frute Brute in the back.  He responded, "Froot Loops? Yeah we have that."  No no no no no... "Frute Brute! It's new.  Well, actually it's old but it's back with Yummy Mummy.  Ya know, this one?"  He looked at me, completely lost, assuming I was deranged.  Can't blame him, I'm the one asking for cereal that hasn't existed since the 80s.  He shrugged me off by saying "Uh, oh no, we didn't order that one."  From what I'm hearing, that honestly seems to be the case with most Walgreens.  What's the deal with that?  No love for Frute Brute?  He said the Halloween stuff would be out by Tuesday so to check back then.  I will and if.. no, WHEN I find Frute Brute, I'll be sure to give him his due on The Holidaze.  I can't wait.

Since it was first announced that Yummy Mummy and Frute Brute would be making their return to stores, it's been a whirlwind of excitement for nerds like me who share a love for the little things that make us happy.  It's all thanks to General Mills who, unlike most corporations, actually listened to their fans.  They realized that these legendary figures were in high demand and they supplied.  But they also went the extra mile.  While they could have just released these two in their modern 2013 boxes alone, they chose to include 5 retro boxes to truly set this Halloween apart from everything else.  That's the type of fan loyalty that leads to brand loyalty.  It's the type of business that should open the eyes of companies like Coca-Cola, who owns Minute Maid, to get Hi-C Ecto Cooler back out on shelves.  Yeah, I get that there's licensing behind that, but they could at least release the flavor, dye it green, and call it "Green Tangerine."  No excuses.  Do that and you'll be just as loved as General Mills is right now.  You'll also make a bunch of money.  Nostalgia is in!!  Adults who were kids 20-years ago want to experience that all over again and share it with their friends.  General Mills realizes that.  Who's next?

I don't know if Yummy Mummy is available in your area, but check Walgreens to see if they have it in stock.  My local manager said that the sale date was August 20th but he had to wait for school inventory to sell first.  So, they should have it in the back if it's not on display.  Even if they have no idea what you're talking about, give it a shot.  You're the smart one for knowing all about Yummy Mummy, anyway.  No sight of retro boxes yet, but when I find them, they'll be here!

Summer's not over, but like it or not, Halloween is here :)

Cinnamon Roll Crunch

It has been a long time since I've written anything on The Holidaze.  There were so many things I missed, and so many things I meant to write about, but either never found the time or was limited in one way or another.  So, to catch up quickly, let me wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, Happy St. Patrick's Day, and Happy Easter.  I hope each holiday found you well and you enjoyed yourself.  Believe me, even though it wasn't shared with the three people who read this blog, I certainly had a great time.  No doubt, CK was in a 'daze!

But now, let's forget about what I missed and focus on the present.  Summer doesn't officially begin until June 20th, but that doesn't mean we can't kick the party off early.  In New Jersey, the weather has been beautiful for months.  The shorts and t-shirts are out and, before you know it, the beaches will be packed with bikinis, flip flops and board shorts.  It's one of the greatest times of year and should be celebrated as a three-month-long holiday.

There is so much you can get out of the Summer months.  Everything from food and snacks to parks, beaches and events.  In case you've forgotten, The Holidaze celebrates everything and anything that puts you in a daze during the holidays.  For Summer, the possibilities are endless and I plan on capturing as much as possible between now and our transition into Halloween.  To begin, let's talk about something that caught my eye yesterday and was fundamental in my decision to once again get motivated and rock this blog...

CINNAMON ROLL CRUNCH!

I'm the type of guy who can sit back and relax with a bowl of cereal at any time of day.  For some, it may strictly be a breakfast item, but not for me.  In fact, in my life, I've probably eaten more cereal before bed than I have upon waking up.  It's quick, it's simple, and it's awesome.  So whenever I find something new, especially when it relates to the time of year, you know it's on.

In October, Cap'n Crunch pumps me up with Halloween Crunch.  In December, they do it again with Christmas Crunch.  Both of those limited edition cereals are amazing, but at that time of year, while they're highly anticipated, they're also expected.  So, when I was walking down the aisle at Path Mark last night, this was a big surprise!  I was actually looking for the new Spider Man cereal, but this was much better than finding that.  Cinnamon Roll Crunch?  Awesome!

I don't know who manages the Cap'n Crunch brand, but they do an amazing job.  Every time they release something new (or even the classics,) they never cease to impress me.  Look at that box.  The graphics are perfect.  It's just enough without going overboard and, much like Summer, it emits the feeling of warmth.  It expresses Summer and, for that reason, it was a no brainer.

Cinnamon Roll Crunch Cereal looks like a box of golden Crunch Berries, but they're much softer and taste like..well..cinnamon!  I know, right? Who woulda guessed it?  It's actually not a flavor I would have ever associated with Cap'n Crunch, but that's what makes it even better.  You're not really sure what to expect when you buy this, but you can only assume it's going to be greatness.  Believe me, it is!

One of the greatest cereals I ever had as kid was French Toast Crunch made by General Mills.  Not only did it taste exactly like French Toast, but the cereal was shaped like bread.  It was tremendously popular in the CK household and I couldn't leave for school until the bowl was completely gone.  Then, out of nowhere, it was gone and I was stuck with Waffle Crisp.  Well, guess what?  Cinnamon Roll Crunch is as close to French Toast Crunch as you can get!

It's been a long time since I had French Toast Crunch, but I know the flavor is close, if not exactly the same!  In my opinion, the only difference is the shape.  There have been many cinnamon flavored cereals that have come and gone, each tasty in their own way, but this new Cap'n Crunch flavor takes the bun and I hope it sticks around.  It doesn't appear to be limited edition, so let's hope it isn't!

The back of the box features the "Family of Great Flavors" and a game that asks you to find the differences.  We've all seen this game before.  It's on hundreds of boxes of cereal, but it never gets old.  How many can you find?

For those of you too lazy to play, (or aren't any good at it) here are the differences..

Not too hard, right?

Now, get get yourself a box of new Cap'n Crunch Cinnamon Roll Cereal!