Friday, March 30, 2012

Late Again!

Friday, March 30, 2012

OMG it's been  long week.  I'm sorry I'm late again.  Been busy and doing a lot of research on what's out there that's worthy to post.

First off, I wish to announce that the smartest breed in the world is the "Border Collie".  Our baby Sam is a cross between a Border Collie and Labrador Retriever.  She's a great mix.  Lovable, fiercely loyal and likes to "herd" (that's the Border Collie in her).  When our cats were alive, that's exactly what she would do was round them up.  It was hilarious.


We got her when she was 10 weeks old.  It was love at first sight.  She'll be 14 this year.  A Virgo like myself.  I confess I'm an animal lover.  One of the reasons is that they love unconditionally.

Now I must admit that when I was very young I was mauled by a bulldog.  From that moment on I was deathly afraid of dogs.  Any dog would send me running.  Years later I read somewhere that to get over your fear of dogs was to get a puppy.  So that's what I did and I've never looked back. 

She's part of the family and I love her like a child.  We're the only parents she's ever known.

Everyone should have a pet.  If you don't then I feel sad for you.  You are missing out.

Now on another topic:

I've been following the buzz about Alicia Silverstone and her "bird feeding" her son.  I don't understand the people that are against it.  First off it's done for two reasons.  Bonding much like nursing your child and to prevent choking because you are chewing the food first before feeding your child.

When the kid was a little girl she used to open my mouth to get the gum  I had been chewing and then put it in her own mouth.  She turned out just fine.


I think it's "much ado about nothing."

Now a helpful hint I would like to share with you:

In the winter bring your Hibiscus plants inside and water twice a week.  It will survive indoors as long as it has light.  We fell in love with these beautiful flowers while on vacation in Cuba and then in the Dominican.  We have a Hibiscus tree which can grow to 5 feet (ours is about 4 ft.)and a smaller plant about 1.5 ft.).  Both are flouishing and I can't wait to take them back outside as they add so much beauty to our patio in the summer months.

Also, I have managed to keep my Red Poinsetta alive from early December by a regiman of a "little" water every second day and  at a little light.  This beautiful plant was a Christmas gift that I hope to keep going until next Christmas.

Now for "free stuff".  Check out "FreestuffToronto.com".  Depending on what you're looking for there's lots to choose from.

Check out your weekly flyers too.  I used to pitch them out without a second glance.  No more.  There are deals out there, you just have to know where to look.

Also, "word of mouth".  If you need something, mention it to people like co-workers, close friends, family members.  Unless you say it, no one will know.

Now I'd like to share a pic of me taken by my late father in '58 or '59 showing his second wife (beside me) a woman who I loved dearly as well as two of my younger sisters.  Everyone in the picture has passed on except myself, including the photographer (my father) so it's a treasured memory.  I hated the flash, it hurt my eyes. 



Hug the ones you love.  We never know how long they'll be in our lives. Until later...

Ciao!


  

    

Monday, March 19, 2012

St. Paddy's Day

Monday, March 19, 2012

What a weekend!  Warm weather, St. Paddy's Day on Saturday.  It doesn't get any better than that.

We went to our usual haunt - Cooper's, a neighbourhood Irish pub where all the waitresses know us and it's 5 minutes from home.

On Saturday we got there around 2:30 in the afternoon and already it was packed.  The dancers put on their first show at 12 p.m. but we didn't want to go that early.  Wearing our "green" and getting great seats to see the shows, it was a great way to celebrate and be "Irish" at least for the day.  Although I did continue to wear green on Sunday as well because well,  I just love green.

Being an Ulster Scot (a name for Scottish protestants who moved to Northern Ireland and married Irish) on my mother's side and Scottish and English on my father's, I felt right at home.

Anyone who's a fan of "Riverdance" like I am can appreciate the sound of the dancer's heels hitting the wood floors in the traditional step dancing.  It's in my blood and in my soul.  I could never get enough. My feet never stopped moving the whole time I was there.

Some pics from Saturday


Well it's over for another year.  Maybe next year I can swing a trip to Dublin with the kid although we are planning to return to Italy but you never know...


Anyway, my usual "deal of the week" will be on my next post along with some helpful hints and dressing on a budget so please stay tuned.

Enjoy the warm weather this week and be thankful for all you have.

Ciao



Thursday, March 15, 2012

Three Hours Thursday

Thursday. March 15, 2012

Well I made it.  Three hours later.  That's how long I was in the dental chair.  I didn't have to have gas but a lot of needles to freeze.  When the freezing wore off the pain set in.

Anyway, I'm okay.  Still lots more dental work to be done but I'll suck it up.

Here are the latest photos of my beautiful Nat:




More to come on my next post but still dopey from all the meds.

Ciao!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Tiring Tuesday

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Yes, it's tiring Tuesday.  Still adjusting to the time change I think.  All I know is I'm very tired but trying to keep my blog updated as often as I can. 

Watching for some fabulous deals this week and will keep you posted as soon as I find any that jump out at me.

I will also be adding - "Looking Good on an Budget" .  Basically, it's for the fashion-minded woman who does not have unlimited funds.  Ways to work with the pieces you already have and ways to save on new purchases to expand and enhance your look.

Here is a preview:

One of my favorite haunts is the "George" fashion line at Walmart.  Affordable fashions that fit any budget.  Before buying, check the material for practicality.  Some items don't wash well and end up looking nothing like they did when you bought them.   I hate to try on clothes but do yourself a favor and make the effort.  I've learned that the hard way.  Looks great on the rack but not when you take it home and put it on.

I rarely pay full price on anything.  If something is a little big but a great buy I"ll have it altered to make it fit perfectly and make sure it's still a deal once I add in the cost of the alterations.

I still wear clothing ten years or older but they fit well and have classic lines that never go out of style.

More to come so stay tuned.

Now for a couple of pics from the weekend:


Hubby cooking!



The kid in our kitchen

Now please wish me luck on Thursday as I am having "dental surgery".  Not wanted but much needed.  If I don't return to post well.....you know what's happened.  It was just too much for me...hehe.

Ciao





Saturday, March 10, 2012

I know I'm Late

Saturday, March 10, 2012

I know I'm late but I've been busy this week.

The father of a good friend of ours passed away after a long battle with diabetes.  He has lost both parents now and it's sad.  We went Tuesday night for the "viewing" and many of our friends were there including a few we hadn't seen since the last funeral we attended.  That funeral was for Louisa, a good friend who had been taken too young from ovarian cancer.  It had gone into remission for awhile then came back with a vengeance.  She left behind a young son whom she had with another dear friend.  Her young life was cut short  from a cancer that affects too many women, young and old.  I'll always remember her smaile and off-beat sense of humor.

This month hubby and I have to go play Bingo in honor of his mom whose birthday would have been this month.  We do this each year at this time because she was such a bingo fan.  Just to let her know we're thinking of her and the all the fun we had with her.

Well today we are waiting for the kid's arrival who by the way went back to her natural blonde hair.  I knew that was going to happen.  Anyway, we have some errands to do but other than that not too much going on.  Trying to get an early start to my spring cleaning.  Need to spruce the place up a bit.  Also have some movies to watch and of course NAPS if I get the chance.

Now for my weekly "Deals of the Week":

There are great deals at Walmart from Friday, March 9 to Thursday, March 15:

They are now carrying Dyson vaccums.  They are pricey but worth every penny.  We bought one years ago when they were even more expensive but I've never regretted it.  Picks up like no other. 

Also, if you're looking for a new television.  There are limited quantities for the RCA 32"LED TV on for $218.00.  That's practically free.

The Canon Rebel T3 digital camera with 12.2 megapixels - $476.00

Have fun shopping!!!



Ciao!
 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Monday Dread

Monday, March 5, 2012

Why Monday dread.  Well shortly I have to get ready for the dentist.  Oh I know a lot of you have no fear of the dentist.  Well I do.  It goes back to my childhood when I had a denist who did not believe in "freezing".  My uncle would hold one of my arms down and the nurse would hold the other.  I was traumatized.  Unfortunately, that fear has stayed with me so even though I need to go I dread it.

Changing the subject, seeing Natalie yesterday was awesome as always.  She's much more alert now.  Some baby talk and she's able to keep her neck still.  A lot of changes in just a few short weeks.

Some photos from yesterday:



As you can see, we're proud grandparents.

I'll let you know how the dentist went assuming I return (lol).

Stay tuned.....

Ciao

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Super Sunday!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Why Super Sunday you ask?  Well we are going to visit Natalie today.  Haven't seen her since the boy's birthday party at our place.

Most recent pic:

Before the big swim!


Daddy and his Girl


I'm surfing!

Okay I'm a very proud grandmother.  I'm not ashamed to say.

So yesterday we went downtown to visit my sister-in-law and brother-in-law to show them the DVD we had made from old 8mm film.  After searching, Wal-mart was the cheapest quote we got. It was a trip down memory lane for hubby and his sis and included the 1976 trip my sister-in-law made to Italy with her dad.  Afterwards we went for a bite at the local hangout and  then on to Farmer's Market (one of my favorite spots) to browse and pick up up a few things.  I bought a gingerbrad loaf for $3.00.  I love the whole smell and atmosphere of the place.

The kid slept over last night since today we are headed to the boy's place for more visiting and to see my beloved Nat.

Now on another subject, I have to mention that Kelloggs has come out with gluten-free Rice Krispies.  Well I just had a bowl and believe me there is no difference in taste.  Fabulous.  Hats off to Kelloggs for stepping up to the plate. 

Helpful Tips:

On your next trip to the LCBO, pick up their (free) copy of Food & Drink.  It's chock full of receipes, etc.  This week the LCBO is celebrating wines so they are offering more books with great receipes for cooking with wine.  This week was "Italy".  Picked up some up for both us and the kid.

Buy air freshener from the dollar store.  It's cheap and does the same job as the more expensive ones.  I like the "Alibi" air freshener which neutralizes tobacco odors (great for us smokers).

When using paper and notepads, don't forget to use both sides.  They'll last longer which saves you money.

Well I'll be checking out more deals and websites so stay tuned.....more to come.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend and,

Ciao

Friday, March 2, 2012

Finally Friday!!!

Friday, March 2, 2011

Well we're finally here.  Finally Friday!!!

For years I was a single mom raising 2 kids and had to make a dollar stretch.  I found with a little bit of research and ingenuity I could save a bundle on things I previously took for granted.

This week there are a lot of deals out there.  If you need furniture or appliances, both Bad Boy and The Brick are having a 50% sale.  Of course there are daily deals on "Dealfind" and "Groupon".

Now along with letting you know deals of the week I'm also going to incorporate ways to save $$.

Helpful hints that I've learned over the years. 

The first one is when you are looking for flower arrangements, either as a gift or just to spruce up your spirits, most of the time you can avoid expensive "florists" .  "No Frills" offers beautiful arrangements starting at $3.99.  I have found these bunches last longer than  more expensive floral arrangements that hubby has bought me over the years from florists.  By cutting the stem on a slant and adding a bit of sugar to the water, I have had arrangements last up to 3 weeks.  Take off any leaves on the stems that will be immursed in water.  They will wilt and smell.  Change the water every 2 days and put near some sun if possible.

Now when it comes to buying gluten-free products try "Loblaw"s and "No Frills" rather than the more expensive health food stores.  Although the selection isn't the greatest you will save a lot.

Don't forget to claim yur gluten-free items on you tax return.  It;s not widely known but you can claim what you spend on food for yourself.  Keep all your receipts for audit purposes.

Now I have a problem with Wal-Mart.  I shop there a lot because you can't beat their prices on most products.  the problem is they offer no gluten-free products.  I will be writing them to see if we can change that.  I'm surprised a huge chain like Wal-Mart hasn't jumped on board.

Oh and if you have a cell phone, get rid of your lan line.  Why pay for 2 phones?  Makes no sense.

Stay tuned,

More to come...




Ciao