Tribute to the Queen of All Berries

The Classic Strawberry Shortcake is the Queen of all things berry. Sweet, funny and cute -- she continues to inspire fashionistas of both genders and reminds us that her famous phrase, "Life is Delicious" continues to reign.

Strawberry Shortcake was originally created to grace the cover of children's greeting cards back in 1977 but a clever top executive for American Greetings, simply thought she was way too lovable to not present her to the world in bigger ways.

I personally have dedicated a corner of my room as a tribute to this fruity lifelong friend... I own a clock, an original record with her music from the cartoon, a watch, dolls and several other trinkets... and I continue collecting! (Good thing my husband doesn't mind half of the room being pink and girlie!)

Although cherries have become the most sought fruit in terms of jewelry and fashion for most pinup and rockabilly girls -- I kindly suggest we bring back the strawberry craze and here's why:

1. One cup of strawberries is only 45 calories and is an excellent source of Vitamin C and flavonoids.

2. Strawberry fruit juice can help discolored teeth.

3. Strawberry recipes can be fun, gourmet and eclectic like my favorite: Strawberry Shortcake (the dessert) with Grand Marnier Strawberry Compote and Chantilly Cream (my favorite New York City dessert), Strawberry Panachee, Strawberry Pistachio Mille-Feuillantines (a wafer delicacy) and even strawberry salsa!

3. This is a fact: the one and only classic Strawberry Shortcake character helped inspire fashion designer Roberto Cavalli (see runway models above, specifically the one on the right).

4. She also helped inspire the design of this most chic bathing suit (pictured above and sold at: www.delias.com )

5. Her group of friends include the likes of her pink cat, Custard, as well as Raspberry Tart, Huckleberry Pie, Apple Dumplin', Pie Pudding, Apricot, Raisin Cane -- and of course the villains, Sour Grapes and The Peculiar Purple Pie Man. (tasty!)

6. There's an Atari game about her, Strawberry Shortcake's Musical Match-Ups.

7. She has a savory perfume (for little girls) that we can use in an atomizer to smell even better after a strawberry bubble bath.

Cheers to the fragrant and savory red fruit -- and to character that makes it all the better: Strawberry Shortcake!