Aww Struck With Devil's Tower Monument

Wow- we really were glad we went off the beaten path a bit and saw the Devil's Tower Monument in Wyoming. A must see.. complete with campgrounds in the area, Trading Post store full of souveniers and it's own Praire Dog Town!

Review: Tree-Free Greeting Cards (Canada)

Review by: Cynthia

Are you looking to brighten someone's day? 

Our reviewer Cynthia says:

"I absolutely love Tree-Free greeting cards!  They are so colorful, and the art is one of a kind.  These cards will catch your eye every single time!  They even have matching envelopes, which make them even more special. 
What I enjoy most is sending Tree-Free cards through the mail at least once a week, brightening up someone else's day."

Made in Canada cards, from earth friendly materials! Supporting Canadian artists! It's the greeting card of choice.

Types of Trading

When you’re considering taking your business at home to the next level, you can often get ground down by the daunting tasks ahead. Trading can seem especially intimidating if you don’t understand the terminology, or have a clear vision for your what your business requires. There are various types of system development trading to contemplate when expanding your business.

Image via www.pixabay.com (copyright-free)

Algorithmic trading

Simply put, an Algorithm is a set of instructions. Algorithmic trading, often known as algo-trading) is where computer systems are programmed to comply with a specific set of instructions for trade, to produce profits faster and more efficiently than any possible human trader. By removing humans from the trading process, it removes the margin of human error and judgment and makes markets more liquid. Algorithmic trading is based on rules; mathematical model, price, timing, and quantity. A computer can be programmed with an algorithm - for example, to buy shares of the stock when its 50-day moving average goes below the previously set moving average - and it from then, no human interaction is needed. The algorithmic trading software will do the rest for you. There are many benefits of algorithmic trading. It is cost effective (best price trades, decreased transaction costs, etc), precise and can make concurrent automated checks on various market conditions.

Discretionary trading

Discretionary trading is quite the contrary to the above, using human discernment and decisions to enter and exit trades rather than being automated. This is usually a decision made on the basis of the current market conditions. Discretionary trading is not easy; you must have certain qualities to demonstrate the confidence to see a trade through. A discretionary trader will still work with systems for security of the deal. There are plenty of positives to this kind of trading. Human analysis is often required to pick out and consider the lousy context in trades, where perhaps a system may highlight an impressive looking deal. However, using intuition to make arrangements does not always sit right with traders, and so algo-trading is often the preferred method.

Image via www.pixabay.com (copyright-free)

Hybrid trading

Hybrid trading, as the name implies, is simply (or not!) a combination of both algorithmic trading and discretionary trading. Effectively, instructions are entered into an automated system, but ‘exits’ are made optional to the trader. The trade may be bound by several rules; however the trader has the option to override the system. The benefits (a negative for some, maybe) of this are that you the trader, can still have input and make decisions. Hybrid trading gives traders a choice between traditional discretionary trading, and the more modern, faster automated algo system.

All in all, when looking to expand your business, there is much to consider. Not only the likes of trading, finances, software/systems, and changes to the market; but also ensuring that your business is ready for anything. Problems may arise at any given time - the key ingredient to a successful business is to be prepared.

These are the three main types of trading. Determining which is right for you, as a trader, and your business is, in itself, discretionary.

A Stop At Theodore Roosevelt National Park- North End and Some Road Side Oddities

Since we were driving right by on the highway, we decided to make a lunch stop at the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit. After stopping at the Visitor Centre though to check on the roads and such we realized it was a longer drive than we wanted to do on the winding road and only did part of it and turned around. The weather has been so miserable and cold that not much you can do outdoors. After viewing some buffalo there and some of the scenary, we turned back and continued south. 

Stopped in Bowman,ND for these road side oddities-

Cowboy holding an American flag and riding a red-white-blue missile propped on an old firetruck. Also a weather vane plane and a not so safe bridge .

Passing Through Davidson, Sask.

I always like these quirky road side attractions.. always tell Gerry- "can we stop here for pictures?"
As long as most are RV friendly for our size and tow we usually will stop.
This is at Davidson, Sask.- was very cold there this morning. Quick photo and back in the RV. 
-11 with the windchill but heard we missed the snow storm they are getting back home today.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Men

Our collection of great gift ideas for any man in your life for the holiday season. Gift away!


GETTEES-

GETTEES is a Michigan-based clothing brand that was founded to bring value to both those who wear and those who buy their products as a champion of honest, quality American apparel manufacturing. By operating their own factory in Metro Detroit, Michigan and training a 100% American workforce, GETTEES has cut out unnecessary costs and third parties, resulting in lower production costs, lower prices for customers, and higher wages for their workers. The team sources only the highest quality materials across the U.S. - from thread and fabric to hangers and packaging - and have partnered with the few luxury-brand material suppliers left in the United States to use custom fabrics other brands won’t spend money on. GETTEES promises to be honest about every aspect of our business so customers know where their clothes come from, the faces behind them and can be proud to wear the shirt on their back. Treat that special someone with a shirt that has extreme comfort and is made by someone who cares this Holiday season.


Darn Tough Vermont-

Darn Tough Vermont is interested in one thing. Producing the best possible socks the world has to offer. That willingness to never give up, to never be satisfied, to go for that next peak, is what they are all about. Darn Tough’s product is distinguished from industry competitors by 100 percent USA manufacturing; exceptional comfort, durability and fit; True-Seamless™ technology; and an exclusive blend of either ultra-fine, premium Merino wool. Darn Tough Vermont’s Specialty line of socks includes Lifestyle, Hike, Running, Endurance, Vertical Ski/Ride, Bike, Hunt, Work and Juniors’ styles – all of which carry the industry’s only 100% unconditional lifetime guarantee.


Fresh Market Thermal – Charcoal Crosshatch-

This stylish, portable thermal from Thirty-One Gifts is large enough to hold all of his beverages and food, and is a must-have for sports outings, hunting trips, family picnics, tailgating, trips to the beach, days on the boat, potlucks, grocery shopping or weekend camping. Its water-resistant Leak Lock ® thermal lining means you can add ice to this cooler bag to keep food and drinks cold. Need more room? The sides unsnap and expand to give you more space inside. Long handles allow you to carry it over your shoulder when you need to be hands-free. The Fresh Market Thermal also features a zipper closure for securing contents and an exterior front pocket to hold other important items. Can be personalized for a small additional charge. 



Stanfield's-

Underwear & Sportswear. Free Shipping on Select Orders. Start Shopping Now for Christmas. Legendary Comfort. Made in Canada. The Underwear Company.  Sportswear, Winter Base Layers, Performance Clothing, Underwear,  and T-Shirts. Everything he can use for the holidays and beyond!




**Watch this spot for more ideas coming soon!

How to Throw a Big Party on a Small Budget

How to Throw a Big Party on a Small Budget

Do you spend hours on Pinterest, pinning elaborate decorations and party favors, dreaming of hosting your next party? Perhaps you have pinned photos of beautiful centerpieces featuring fresh-cut hydrangeas in crystal vases sitting in the middle of a dining room table set to perfection.

In your Pinterest-world, the dining room chairs are covered with soft material and tied back with a wide ribbon. The champagne sits in a crystal bucket waiting to be opened.  The lighting is soft, and you can almost hear the distant quartet, playing music in the background. And, the perfect honeymoon awaits the party’s end.

Then, you log into your banking app and see the balance available. Reality sits in, but the Pinterest board remains. How do you throw a big party on a small budget? It’s possible, but you will need to make some tough choices and plan ahead. Here are some tips on throwing big parties on a small budget.

Be strategic in your timing.

My son graduated from high school this spring, and he wanted to have barbecue at his party to celebrate. We’re from Kansas City where barbecue is life. While I would have loved to cater in my son’s favorite food for the entire guest list, I also realized that our party budget would not allow such extravagance. Instead, we had our family over from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During this time, we feasted on brisket and beans. After the leftover barbecue was stashed in the fridge, we pulled out my son’s second favorite food – doughnuts. From 2-5 that afternoon we hosted friends and neighbors who wanted to offer well wishes to my son.

We bought our doughnuts from the best place in KC, but it was still much cheaper than feeding the entire guest list a barbecue dinner. If you don’t want to feed everyone a full meal, then don’t have your party during mealtime.

Find discount party supplies online.

I get it. You want your event to be something that your guests remember. You want memorable and trendy decorations to adorn your house. Look online to see what decorations are for sale in your area. If you don't mind additional shipping costs, you can hide your IP address with a VPN to shop outside your area. Depending on your Zip Code, the price may vary since online stores often have different prices depending on where you access their site from.

Be creative with your searches. Even if you aren’t decorating for a wedding, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use someone’s wedding decorations or engagement party supplies for your event. If you are having an event during the time of a major holiday, let the holiday decorations be the backdrop for your party.

Buy your food from warehouse stores.

No one needs to know. Transfer the food to your serving dishes and recycle the containers. I have priced many of the food items at these stores, and by the time you purchase all the ingredients to create them yourself, you will have spent as much money as buying the food already prepared. It also makes budgeting for food easier.

You can go on a reconnaissance trip to your local warehouse store to determine your menu and quantity of food. If you search for recipes and buy the ingredients at the grocery store, you may be shocked at the total on your receipt.

Ask your friends and family to help.

I know what’s it like to have large groups of people in my home, especially our family. Most of my family members are so thankful that they don’t have to host the event that they willingly bring food and beverages to serve at the gathering. I know I would bring Crepes Suzette to any party that my sister hosted if that meant I didn’t have to have my 14 grade-school nieces and nephews running through my house.

And speaking of 14-grade-school nieces and nephews, let’s discuss alcohol.

Consider preparing a punch for your party. Perhaps you might want to supplement it with some beer and wine, but there is no need to keep a fully-stocked bar, so your uncle can drink his favorite whiskey all evening. Come up with a snazzy name for your punch. Make it a “tradition.”

Conclusion

The most important aspect of hosting a party is not Pinterest-worthy decorations and food. It’s more than party favors and a great playlist. The most important part of throwing a party is making others feel welcomed. There may be someone at your party who is going through a rough time. Spend time talking with that person. Maybe there’s someone there who doesn’t know the other partiers. Make thoughtful introductions. Perhaps there are some who are shy and have a hard time intermingling. Spend some one-on-one time with them.

People may not remember your decorations and food, but they will care about how you make them feel.

Sleeping Soundly With Saatva

A good night's sleep we can say without a doubt is important to everyone. 
We've had our king sized mattress for about 6 years now. When we got the mattress a few years back, we really didn't know much about picking a mattress out in store and the sales people certainly didn't help us much except with making the sale. We got the mattress on sale with free delivery if we signed up for the store's credit card. That was good enough for us- at the time.

Over the years though and with us getting older, we found our bodies needing a more comfortable mattress. We both were waking up with sore backs and hips.
So we started researching mattresses online.

After checking around we came across a company called Saatva, which manufactures in the USA AND Canada! They offered an affordable luxury mattress that was eco friendly, and not stuffed in a box. Doing some research and comparisons on their site of other brands, we thought we'd like to try it. Their mattress was hand-crafted, specially made once we placed the order, and made with with eco-friendly materials like 100% organic cotton and all-natural Talalay latex and a 15-year warranty. 

We are so glad we chose Saatva. We noticed such a difference in this mattress from our last. It conformed to our bodies, and we slept well and woke up equally as great. The mattresses come in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm.

I should say too that Saatva also carries awesome sheets and pillows @  Saatva Dreams. If your looking for comfort for yourself or looking to impress for a holiday gift, these are the sheets and pillows that will do it.

On a final note mattresses also come with free, white glove delivery to your home, free mattress removal and free returns! 

First Snowfall of the Season

Not something we wanted to see before we headed south. Meant shoveling today for Gerry- but should warm up again in the next few days, and we are still having some RV brake issues that we need to work out before we head south anyhow.

It's Time To Hit The Road Soon!

Time to hit the road soon- the weather is getting cooler and we're both ready for a get away.  We know we are always taking the chance with dodging the chance of snow on the way down, at least till the weather starts heating up in the states further south.

Hoping to avoid that white stuff and go a bit of a different path on the way down south, to see a few different things. In November we'll also be seeing Ria for a few days in Vegas as she will be there for DEMA. Booked about 4 days at the KOA in Las Vegas. Wanted to be camped somewhere that had amenities plus gated. $70 CDN a night there.

Gerry got gas yesterday for the beat and it took 184 litres of gas for $249.38 CDN. Would have been $270 CDN but he had a $20 CDN credit on our Petro Canada loyalty card. Filled propane too- $30.60 CDN.

We'll be on the road mid week and once again have a neighbor looking after our home and mom picking up my mail while I'm away.

Gerry bleeding the brakes today as is noticed when he did go out for gas and propane the other day he really didn't have an brake power! Said air in lines so getting that looked after today.

Have to get services turned off/ suspended, and water turned off next week. 
Monday being the holiday weekend, everything will be at a stand still.

Front street paved over the last few weeks as well as many of the main roads around town. End result was nice but not so much the detours. Heard someone squealing tires on our today.. couldn't leave it I guess!

Back has been bothering me so much - I assume arthritis,mornings mostly- that I'm turning to simple back exercises I found online that seem to be making a difference. Good as long as I am walking around but mornings getting out of bed can be rough. I walked all hunched over in the morning like I'm 80.

Used up a cup of rolled oats I had too in the freezer and made some oatmeal mini chips cookies. Turned out quite yummy!

And how is everyone else doing ?