Dress Shop That Caught Our Eye in Vegas

Saw these cute dresses for prom and Sweet 16 nights... had to stop in and talk to shop owner, here in Vegas. Most dresses run $1,000-$2,000 and are all specially made. 

Aren't they beautiful? 

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Pets

Tis the season not only for joy and love, but also for pets..so we've found some cool gifts for pet lovers and their pets! Products like:

ILLUMISEEN LED DOG COLLAR & LEASH-

Let your dog light up the Holiday season with the Illumiseen LED Dog 

Collar and Leash. Both come in various sizes and there are 6 bright 

colors available so these will really add up to the festive spirit! You 

can even change the light between steady mode, rapid flashing and slow 

flashing with just 1 click. How cool! Aside from being lightweight, 

durable, and fully adjustable, the LED Dog Collar and Leash are great 

for keeping track of your dog especially on dark winter nights. Whether 

you’re playing a game of fetch or taking your nightly walk, you 

shouldn’t need to worry about losing Fido in the backyard or drivers 

failing to see your dog at night. These are USB rechargeable so no 

hassle with replacing batteries and no extra costs. The best part? Both 

products have LIFETIME WARRANTY!



**Watch this spot for more holiday gift ideas for pets!

It Was a Blast With Terry Fator and Friends!

This is our 5th trip to Vegas I believe. We had a daughter in for a trade show and another daughter decided to fly in as well from Canada. Although we're without one of the daughter's most of the day, we've had the evenings to all get together. Last night memories were created for the 4 of us going to the Terry Fator Show. Not our first time, but each show is a another great time with Terry, his puppets and his band/ staff.

Terry is an amazing singer, comedian, ventriloquist and celebrity impressionist . I'd love to see him at a karaoke night! He was a winner of "America's Got Talent" a few years back and has his act now at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

Erika saw him in Calgary and Ria has seen his show another year she was here for the trade show.

Terry adds humor and seriousness to his shows, everyone has laughs, some tears are shed, and we all walk away with wanting more.

It's been nice to see over the years that some of the characters have remained, some songs that are favorites are still there, but there is also the new additions, and top news bits are always added in for humor as well.

We all were really impressed with last night's show when Terry added in the song The Prayer  and sang with his band member... it was so well done. I really do hope they would  kept it as one of the regulars in the act.

One thing I also must ask you check out, and that's the Terry Fator Foundation. Terry helps out numerous charities and most worthy of your time to read about all the great things he has done and continues to do.

Thank you Terry for putting smiles on our faces last night and for continuing to be you.

Las Vegas Baby!

Met up with the girls the other day...and they are staying in a hotel not far from here, (Ria being near her trade show), and we are at the KOA in the city. Quite a nice place. All the conveniences of home. Got lucky that I thought I had 4 nights to pay for and it was a buy 3 get one free. So that alone saved me $70 CDN! Paid $10 to reserve a selected spot I wanted near dog run,  dumpsters, and main building.

Jakey got his dental cleaning all done- but just did not feel well coming out of this anesthetic. Never ate or drank for a day +...vet says as the dogs get older, (and he's 6) they have a harder time with it. We've made a note in file for next time so that perhaps it is something that can be looked at.

The bill was a heck of alot cheaper here though in Henderson, Nevada, than back home in Saskatchewan.. maybe a 1/4 of what we pay.. plus we got his Bordetella shot done too for $11. Easy on pocket book at least.

2018 Holiday Stocking Stuffers

Who doesnt love those stocking stuffers? We've begun getting together some stocking stuffer ideas for you all this year. Check them out below!

Colgate 360 Advanced Whitening Battery Toothbrush-

Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones during the holidays is never easy and filling up their stockings with things they’ll actually use is tricky. Colgate is helping to take the guess work out of your holiday shopping this season with their new 360 Advanced Battery Whitening Toothbrush.

This new toothbrush is lightweight and slim in design making it easier and more enjoyable to get a brighter smile. With 5X more plaque removal than a manual brush and a 2-minute timer, you’ll not only be gifting a better smile this holiday season, but also a better clean.


**Watch this spot for more stocking stuffer ideas- coming soon!

What's New With Us

We'll be heading out tomorrow and making our way towards Vegas - 
Will be taking Jakey to the vet on Tuesday for a teeth cleaning and check up, then heading into the city and staying at one of the KOA's. Costs more than parking any old place, but we're in a secure location and will have peace of mind. We'll also be close to Ria and Erika. Yes! Both girls will be there too. Ria has a trade show to attend and Erika is also flying in from Calgary. And we'll be there for at least 4 days. Will be great to spend time together and Jakey will be so excited to see both of them again.

Had to buy a new brake caliper for the RV. We bought one before we left home but not sure if was defective or the wrong one but ended up leaking on us. Gerry noticed we had little for brakes last week when we went to go out. Checked them and realized we had a slow leak. In the end we ended up getting $58 USD for the one we took off but still had to pay $140 for a new one. Good thing Gerry is jack of all trades and was able to do the work himself.

Got my hair colored a few days ago.Obviously though, the hair dresser and I were not on the same page. My once blonder hair is now quite brunette with a few blonde streaks. I am not too happy but dont want to go back and have it fixed either...although she said she would change it. I am going to try a few natural remedies and see if I can lighten it myself. If not then maybe I will think about going back. Still up in the air about it now. Not one for big changes either and prefer my hair lighter.

Is anyone thinking about Christmas yet? In Canada Thanksgiving is in October so we have more time in between to think about Christmas. In USA it comes quite fast from celebrating Thanksgiving to jumping to Christmas. Either way.. it's coming... 

On this Remembrance/ Veterans Day however let us all remember those that have fought for our countries and lost their lives, and those that continue to serve and protect.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Her

This holiday season surprise your mom, sister, daughter or friend with these glamorous, useful and budget-friendly gift ideas.


Hoa Kai Blankets-

These beautiful Turkish blankets are hand-loomed by the worlds finest textile weavers in Southeast Turkey from 100% Turkish cotton. These blankets are Eco-friendly and lavish perfect for picnics at the park or laying out with family or friends at the beach. Not to add quick drying, light weight, sand resistant, multifunctional, and longer-lasting then an ordinary blanket. With eye-catching colors and hand-tied fringes. Colors do not fade or bleed over time. Machine wash in cool water with like colors (no harsh detergents, dryer sheets, or bleach) and tumble on low heat or hang to dry.
100% Turkish Cotton
90in x 106in
(228cm x 270cm)



Large Utility Tote – Sea Turtle Tango-

This sturdy all-around functional tote is one of Thirty-One’s most popular items, and is great for carrying holiday gifts, makes a great camping tote, sports equipment bag, picnic basket or beach/pool tote. Capable of holding heavy loads, this big tote makes the perfect storage piece or closet organizer for just about anything around the house, including toys, books, blankets, laundry, tools, seasonal clothing or shoes, holiday decorations, car care items and more. Wire support around the top allows it to keep its shape and stand up when in use, and collapse down for easy storage when not in use. There also is a Top-A-Tote lid that can be added, and the tote can be personalized. 



**Watch this spot for more gift giving ideas coming soon.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Teens

This holiday season give the teen on your list  something they won't roll their eyes at. These great gift ideas for teens will be sure to please!

Go TRaX HOVERFLY ION SELF BALANCING HOVERBOARD-

Say hello to the future of hoverboards! With a powerful 200-watt electric engine and 4 miles on a single battery charge you can spend more time riding and less time plugged-in. The ION hoverboard is equipped with intuitive LED headlights and tail lights and a self-balancing feature making it a perfect beginners hoverboard.

Mr. Bubble Retro Bubble Bath Ornament-

This iconic bubble bath has been making bath time fun for more than 50 years. Enjoy the nostalgia with eight ounces of bubble bath, packaged in a retro replica of the original 1961 bubble bath box design. The festive hanging design allows you to tuck the surprise gift right on the tree or attach to a stocking hook. Retailing for $3.00, this product is available starting Nov. 25 at Target and online at Target.com.

Heat Holders-

Heat Holders offers oversized blankets for her in a variety of colours! She'll stay nice and warm on the couch, wrapped in her Heat Holders blanket. Incredibly soft, easy to care for fabric, big 70¾" x 78¾" size and in 16 colour choices.


For him- The Chunky Rib Heat Holders® Hat -

This hat is exceptionally thermally effective, with a HeatWeaver® plush insulating liner specially developed to hold heat in. Very efficient at using the heat that naturally rises from his head to keep him warmer for longer, and looking stylish too!


***Watch this spot for more gift giving ideas- coming soon!

7 Ways To Stay Out of Holiday Debt

The holidays can be stressful for people with forced family gatherings and required attendance at office parties and other celebrations. Throw in the financial burden of gift-giving and it’s no wonder people experience extra stress during the holiday season.

The holidays are always an expensive time of year. In many cases, people must put purchases on their credit cards to cover cash flow shortfalls. They vow to pay it back on January 1st, however, many don’t and instead, end up carrying a high balance well into the new year. While a one-time high credit card bill isn't a big problem, if it continues to happen it could lead to a never-ending cycle of debt.

However, be encouraged that it's possible to break the cycle of going into debt during the holidays. If you're committed to improving your habits, you could even avoid going into debt altogether. All it requires is planning and commitment on your part. You may have to make some sacrifices but the reward will be worth your investment.

Check out the following list of seven ways to avoid going into debt this holiday season.

Smart Tips for Avoiding Holiday Debt

1. Comprise a Strategy

You want to be generous during the holidays but without the right strategies in place, buying gifts could easily blow your budget. That’s why a plan is so important. And, it has to be a realistic one, taking into account the actual amount you spent last year. That includes wrapping paper, gifts, and hospitality. Go through your list and identify any opportunities to lower the amount you spend this year. In doing so, you are being proactive about your budget and eliminating the need to use your credit cards.

Make detailed lists of everything you plan to buy this holiday season to ensure you don’t overspend or purchase something you don’t need. When deciding what to give and to whom, be honest with yourself. Do you have the spare cash without dipping into savings or racking up more debt? If the answer is no, then you’ll need to curb your list or the type of gifts you're going to give. Not everyone expects or even wants a holiday gift, so don't feel pressured into giving gifts to every single person you know.

2. Make a List and Stick to It

One of the quickest ways to lose control of your spending is to not have a list — or to have one but refuse to follow it. Whether you have three or 10 people to buy gifts for, you want to have a detailed plan as to what you will buy them and how much it will cost. If you stick to the list, there won't be any surprises and you may even be able to leave your credit card in your wallet.

List all of the gifts you plan to buy, including what you plan to give to charities. No matter how small the gift, write it on your list. The fewer surprises you have regarding money, the likelier you are to stay out of debt.

3. Avoid Store Credit Cards

Retailers aren’t the only ones that roll out deals during the holidays. Credit card companies typically offer various sign-up offers and deals, as well. After all, the more you charge to a store card, the more money they make — which is why consumers have to be very careful about charging holiday gifts.

If you can pay the balance in full and on time each month, a store credit card can be a smart move toward increasing your credit score and getting good deals on gifts. However, if you carry a balance each month, you will be hit with hefty fees in the form of double-digit interest rates and your credit score will decrease. The average retail charge card carries an APR between 15% to 20% and sometimes even more.  The last thing you want to do is chase rewards and open too many store credit cards. For responsible consumers, credit cards can be a way to save. Some consumers, for example, use their cash back credit cards during the holidays and then apply the rewards automatically to their balance.

4. Give More Creative Gifts

The holidays are all about sharing and showing your appreciation to family and friends — it's not a time to rack up debt. Sometimes the gifts that come from the heart are much more meaningful than the store-bought ones. If you are short on cash or simply want to get more meaning out of the gift-giving aspect of the holidays, consider a homemade gift. Baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies for a favorite aunt will mean more than store-bought ones. Knitting a scarf, sewing a pillow, or painting a picture can have more impact than less personal gifts and will cost less. Yes, creative gift-giving requires time, however, you might be surprised by how much you enjoy the process. More than likely, it won’t feel like a chore. Also, you can donate some of the money you save to your favorite charity. 

If you're not the crafty type, consider other creative ways to save on gifts. For instance, have a secret Santa or white elephant party instead of a gift exchange. It will limit the number of gifts everyone has to purchase and will inject entertainment and excitement into the holidays.

5. Swap Old Traditions for New Memories

Santa Claus is synonymous with Christmas — and, as a side effect, expecting heaps of presents under the tree have become the norm for many families. However, if you swap some of the more commercial traditions, you can save a ton of money and avoid racking up credit card debt. For instance, instead of getting a gift for everyone on your list, volunteer at a charity in their name. Go DIY with the decorations, adorning the house with homemade creations. Or, skip gift-giving altogether and take a trip instead. Your family will remember that long after they tick off the list of holiday gifts they received.

6. Save Up Cash in Advance

Thanks to the culture of gift-giving in America, retailers are usually in hiring mode during the holiday season, staffing up to handle the crowds. That affords you the ability to raise extra cash that can go toward holiday purchases. There are countless seasonal jobs in stores, restaurants, and other consumer-facing businesses. The gig economy has also opened up other opportunities for you to earn extra cash. You can get a side job driving for Uber, delivering groceries for DoorDash, or walking dogs for TaskRabbit to name a few. You can even become a freelance consultant on the side if you have a useful skill.

If you don't have the time or desire to get a part-time job, consider selling used goods. The Internet has made it very easy to unload your used clothing, devices, and appliances. Mobile apps like Poshmark or OfferUp act as local marketplaces where you can sell your items to people in your neighborhood. Allocate that cash for holiday spending so you won't need to rely on a credit card.

7. Decrease Your Daily Spending

Consider cutting costs on things you buy on a daily or monthly basis. For instance, you can make coffee at home instead of buying it at the coffee shop or, you could walk to work instead of taking the subway. If you start slashing your expenses a month before the holidays, you could save hundreds of dollars and then use that money to buy gifts. Decreasing your spending doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your lifestyle, though. If you find ways to cut the little expenses in advance, your savings will add up.

Final Thoughts

The holidays have long been associated with costly credit card debt as consumers try to celebrate the season with pricey gifts. If left unchecked, such habits create a vicious cycle where the high-interest rate debt climbs year after year. Thankfully, that doesn’t have to be your fate forever. There are ways to bankroll the holidays without relying on your credit card. Making a plan, sticking to it and thinking outside the box are surefire ways to ensure you don’t blow your holiday budget. Plus, swapping out commercialized traditions with more creative, heartfelt ones could spark new joy and lifelong memories that you might not experience otherwise.

What methods do you employ to save money during the holidays?

Brian Smith is a writer and financial consultant with over 16 years of professional experience. He continues to consult clients individually and through his writing. He lives and works in Chicago.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

This holiday gift guide for kids will make your holiday shopping a lot easier! See our favorites for Christmas this year. Treat the little ones on your list to presents they'll use again and again in our list of gifts for kids.

• MagicPad™

• Kids can create art that glows with the all-new MagicPad™!
• MagicPad™ features an amazing crystal-clear, light-up screen that not only brings art to life, but also makes learning fun!
• Kids just insert one of the stencils behind the screen featuring games, art or learning. Once their drawing is complete, press the color-change button to choose from 8 different light effects to see their creation glow!
• Kids can also create freely without using a stencil to make fun neon signs and whatever else they dream up!
• MagicPad’s screen easily wipes clean and is portable for fun on the go
• It also has a built-in stand, so kids can display their creations, or it makes for a perfect nightlight.
• Each set includes a MagicPad™, 3 Dual-Sided Neon Pens (for six total colors), 30 Stencils, a Glow-Boost Card, Eraser Cloth and a Fun Guide.
• Recommended Age: 3+
• MSRP: $19.99
• Availability: Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and BuyMagicPad.com
• For additional accessories visit MagicPadStore.com

**Watch this spot for more gifting ideas for kids !