Happy Valentine's Day!!

 

Happy Valentine's Day!! 

I know this may not be the most popular of holidays, and I get that it's largely associated with girly things that most guys aren't in to, but it's a pretty cool day if you ask me.  It's a day to celebrate the love we have for not only our significant others, but everybody we hold close to our heart.  Whether it's your Mother, Father, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter, Friend, Cousin, Wife or Husband, today is a day to remind them how much they mean to you and let them know how much they're appreciated.  Candy, teddy bears, and balloons are great and they're one way of symbolizing that love and affection, but a simple word or warm embrace can do the trick.  You don't have to go out and spend money on the materialism that drives this site, but rather put the extra thought, that runs this site, behind your gesture to create an unforgettable memory or experience that lasts a lifetime.  It's not about what you do, but how you do it.  As is the case with everything, it's about going the extra mile to show somebody how much you care.

To commemorate this February 14th, here's a Valentine's Flashback Friday

In 2009, money was tight, but I wanted to create a memory for my girlfriend that would not only surprise her, but make her feel as special as she is to me.  So, we went down the shore on a cold February 13th and I went out to gather all the ingredients I needed to make some type of Valentine's Day breakfast.  The first thing I bought were a dozen roses and the biggest box of candy I could find.  I bought Valentine's Day cookies and donuts, made waffles and sandwiches because, honestly, I'm not much of a cook and that's about as good as it gets.  I picked up a box of cherry Pop-Tarts and Dr. Pepper Cherry to compliment the flavor and give us something red to drink.  To top it all off, I made her a bowl of Lucky Charms cereal.  But the kicker?  I picked out all of the heart-shaped marshmallows so that it would be her very own Valentine's Day cereal.  It was a huge hit and, of course, I scored some major brownie points for going the extra mile.  It cost me nothing but time but earned me the most beautiful smile I could ask for.

Looking back, I'm surprised General Mills hasn't released an all-hearts Lucky Charms cereal!  What are they waiting for?  That's perfect for V-Day and I'm speaking from experience.  Until then, start picking out those hearts, gentlemen!  She'll appreciate it!

Whether you're single, mingling, flirting, talking, in a relationship or not interested at all - you have somebody in your life that loves you and you love them back.  Use this day as an opportunity to embrace that feeling and show them how much they mean to you.

For all my Holidaze readers, I have two more Valentine's Day posts on deck to help commemorate the day and the connection I have with all of you.  After that, all this mushy gushy stuff is being put aside for green beer and shamrocks :) 

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.