Dollar Store Top 10 Deals

1.  With two BIG dogs we go through a lot of poop bags.  a deal Paul found at the Dollarama is instead of buying the colourful poop bags from there go a few aisles over to the baby section and grab the bags to put diapers in.  You save .75 cents and a bonus is that they smell like baby powder.  Come on if you are pooper scoopin might as well have a nice scent to kinda cover up the other smell....

2. Gum 65-77 cents or 2 for $1

3. Candy brand names or $1 versions of the brand names. Hit here before heading to the movies and fill your pockets (make sure they are big so you can even sneak in a drink cuz the $1 store has them too)

4. Baking needs. I try to stick to the brand names.

5. Again sticking to brand names, you can get a little bit of a deal on health and beauty products. I have purchased everything from wax for my brows to conditioner, deodorant and even hair dye. 

6. PARTY PARTY PARTY - party supplies from loot bag goodies to coordinated dining accessories (the napkins are soooo pretty!) 

7. If you are going to a party you can get a card, gift bag and tissue here. Why pay $5+ for a card? So it says exactly what you were thinking but why not purchase a simple $1 store card and write your own thoughts? 

8. Then you could decorate your card with stickers from the office/school supply aisle.  We have found some unique items here (AC/DC & KISS folders and pretty push pins) and Crayola products.

9. Along with the fun school supplies there are toys. Depending on the season 

 

 

10. If you are a teacher  or work with kids you already know that the dollar store is great for craft supplies.

Although all these items are from Dollarama, where prices range from .77 to $3.00, I would recommend DollarTree where everything is $1.25.

*****Oh and best location of a Dollarama: in Bells Corners because it is next to FreshCo!!!
http://duhparenting101.blogspot.ca/2016/06/worth-trip.html

New Favourite Show About One Of My Favourite Places

Hello, Goodbye on CBC is my new favourite show.

It takes place at Toronto Pearson International airport.  I love the airport.  It's one of my favourite places to be.  One reason would be, if I am there I might be flying somewhere but I love going to pick people up too. I am a people watcher so I love seeing people reuniting and I love reuniting with whomever I am picking up, Noelle my sister, coming home from Australia or Paul coming back from Toronto.

The show has me in tears the whole time. But it is sooooo good, especially the surprise pick ups (1st episode: boyfriend surprises girlfriend!) 

Tomorrow Paul and I are going to Las Vegas.  I am so excited!!! I will be watching the goodbyes and the reuniting hellos and of course anticipating the adventures with Paul in Las Vegas. 

 From the show, you never know what someone's story is...well that is true anytime.

So if you need a pick up from the airport call me.  I will be there early just to watch.

CATCH'EM ALL!!!

"Ya Mom but they are still all looking at a screen."

This is what my son Breton tells me is a problem with the new Pokémon GO app/game.  Even though everyone is still looking at a screen, it is getting people outside!  Especially kids!  At this point, I do not care if they are looking at their screens.  People are outside and moving, walking around in order to collect and benefit themselves while playing Pokémon GO. 

This is very smart by the creators of Pokémon.  All these kids who originally collected and played the Pokémon card game are now twenty somethings, well versed in their personal technology and now they are back in the game.  It is not just the original players of Pokémon playing, children are out and about, even families.  Last night I had never seen so many people out walking in Barrhaven after dinner.

In our society, where obesity in children is so high, Pokémon GO makes me happy, to see kids being more active.  I have even heard of a boy on the Autism Spectrum, who rarely went outside but had a keen interest in technology, because of Pokémon GO, is now out the house collecting characters,

There is not only a physical benefit to this game but also a social element.  At a time when I have even admitted about all three of us in our household, sitting in the same room on different devices, Pokémon GO now has neighbours running into each other, helping one another find and collect these Pokémon characters.

Alas, I am somewhat sad to confess that my Iphone 4S is incapable of downloading Pokémon GO, well played Apple.  I will also admit I have an Iphone SE on order but it is not because I currently can not play Pokémon GO!  I got a really great deal and I am desperate for a better camera.  But honestly, Pokémon GO will be one of the first apps I download.  See ya on the streets of Barrhaven.

What's wrong with pink?

Recently I read Erica Phillips'  article in Canadian Running, "The Tyranny Of Pink" July/August 2016 issue. In it she complained about all the pink runners.  The photo accompanying the article shows several ladies running in pink tanks and Ts.  I just got my first pair of pink runners. I admit I tend to choose black runners with bright accents. So options other than pink are available.

I don't mind all the pink. To me pink represents support for the fight against breast cancer. I know not all pink wear is created for that purpose.

Maybe they need to make more pink items for men...

We Be Jammin'

Strawberry season is almost done but if you can get your hands on some strawberries try this:

Strawberry Freezer Jam!

This is the recipe from CERTO/Kraft website www.kraftrecipes.com :  The purple instructions is how I tweaked mine.

·         2 cups prepared fruit (buy about 1 qt. fully ripe strawberries) I did 3 cups

·         4 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl I only did 2 cups

·         1 pouch CERTO Fruit Pectin

·         2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice OMITTED

For one batch I used this pectin pouch so no sugar was needed.

I ladled my jam into 250ml jars, popped the lids on and put them in the freezer.  VOILA!!

I gave it as gifts and ate some myself

 

Pretty painters in the park!

Yesterday Daphne and I went to Ken Ross Park and did Painting In The Park!  It is put on by Pop Up Painters (see website below).  It was well organized and it started at 9:45 and we were done by 10:30.  They take you step by step through the painting. People ranged in age from 3 years old to 43 years old (ME)!  It is exactly like the paint notes you see advertised and probably know someone who has gone.  This only cost $10 and you don't have to purchase food or drinks, you can bring your own if you choose.

We are at the back!

https://www.facebook.com/Pop-Up-Painters-930938840260411/

http://www.popuppainters.ca/#!painting-in-the-park-2016/tqejl

****Get there a wee bit early, it fills up fast. We were there at 9:30 and it was pretty much full. I believe 18 was there max.

Hidden Gems

So spending time with Paul in Bells Corners has lead to the discovery of some hidden gems.

One of these gems is the Bells Corners Loblaws.  If you visit at the right time you can find some really great deals. It is a smaller store and I am not sure if it has as much traffic but they tend to drop prices, especially in their deli department, frequently to move stock out either because it is close to expiring (a lot of fancy cheeses we freeze) or the product just isn't moving quick enough but they need to make room for different newer items.  Whatever the reason, we are enjoying some exceptional lunches at the cottage.

Right beside the Loblaws (@Moodie and Richmond Rd) there is an Old Zellers.  This Zellers sells off overstock from The Bay...at huge discounts. Up to 70% off.  It carries everything from furniture to appliances to shoes to kitchenware and tons of clothing. A lot is high end (Ann Taylor, Lacoste) at major discounts. I seriously regret not purchasing a classic navy blue dress by Ann Taylor for $6.97!  I got my sister a gorgeous plaid dress coat for $35. Again it was Ann Taylor and was regularly $170!

If you need something, anything it is worth a try.

Enjoy:)