Daughter's First Quilt Show Entry

Our oldest daughter Ria is entering this quilt, titled :" Ex Boyfriend,  in her first ever quilt show this week. Something to be proud of and she said alot of hours put in!
Way to go Ria we're proud of you!

Today's Quick Tip

If your not already doing it, start saving your pocket change for something you'd like to treat yourself or your family to.

We have a coin sorter that we throw our quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies into. Once a compartment  fills, we roll that money and save it towards trips we go on.

Involve the whole family with having everyone throw in their spare change. Saving towards a nice family meal out, family travel or something smaller perhaps.

Lay's Delivers-A New Taste Sensation For Western Canadians

I'll admit, I try to stay away from chips, but sometimes they get the better of me. Then we have Gerry, who doesnt even try to stay away from them. He's into a bag every night with t.v or a movie.He's gotta have that salty munch! Plus chips are a must have for hime with a movie or tv.

We were in for a treat though when we recently had the opportunity to try Lay's new wavy chips, in smoky barbeque and old fashioned ketchup.

Available only in Western Canada:British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, these chips are sure to please any chip lover.

The Wavy Lay’s Smoky BBQ potato chips

 – a spicier, smokier, more savoury taste with added heat for those Westerners looking for a stronger bite.
Gerry loves  bbq chips so he reviewed these.Said the waves really held the flavor into the chip, and the chips also offered more of a generous flavor topping than he had had before on their regular chips.
He did as well notice that their was more of an intense bbq flavor with these chips and absolutely loved them!

The Wavy Lay’s Old Fashioned Ketchup potato chips

– a sweeter, more tomato taste for the Western consumer who enjoys an old fashioned favourite.
I'm serious now, I reviewed the ketchup chips as I love ketchup flavoring the most out of all flavorings that they can add to a chip, and I'm thinking about getting myself back into that opened bag of chips in the cupboard just thinking about these!
Like I said I do try to avoid chips if I can but with Gerry eating them all the time while he watches t.v, I often find myself caving, and saying I will only have a tiny bowl full.Tried that with these old fashioned ketchup chips only to have to get myself another refill! The ketchup flavor is intense! Love, love, love it!

We highly recommend these chips- for real, so Western Canada, head out and get yourself some!

Places to Vacation: Calgary, Alberta-Canada

When many people think of a stereotypical Canadian city, Calgary, Alberta often springs to the forefront of the mind.


Calgary is nestled in prairie and the foothills, the city is in close range to the magnificent Canadian Rockies. In many visitors’ minds this is the land of the western cowboy, a fact that if further supported by the annual Calgary Stampede a rodeo and festival held every July, billed as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. There is a lot more to Calgary, than the stampede. Experiencing a great economic boost from the oil industry, Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, and the fifth largest metropolitan area in Canada. In 1988, it was the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter games and still continues to be paradise for active people.


With a bustling downtown and picturesque surroundings, Calgary is a great place to visit in the summer, or anytime of the year.

Thinking of a trip to the area? A few great "must do's" include:

-Visit the Calgary Tower-

Located 191 metres above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in the city and is a must-see on any visitor's itinerary. On the Observation Deck you'll experience a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the foothills, and the prairies.
Stand on the amazing glass floor for a birds-eye view of the city streets below.
Dining and a gift shop also available.



- Visit the Calgary Zoo

From the splendour of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, the Calgary Zoo takes you on an unforgettable journey to see over 1,000 animals from around the world. The new ENMAX Conservatory offers a relaxing space for visitors to enjoy the lush gardens and seasonal butterfly display. Plus, don't miss their new Penguin Plunge exhibit opening in early 2012; it’s sure to be an incredible experience for all ages!

-The Calgary Military Museum-

The Military Museums is dedicated to representing Canada's navy, army, and air force and educating the public, particularly youth, about Canada's military.

Experience the victories, tragedies, and sacrifices of the Canadian Forces. Walk through a First World War trench, witness a bomber squadron’s mission over enemy territory, and experience life at the helm in a Second World War wheelhouse. The Military Museums is dedicated to representing Canada’s army, air force, and navy and to educating the public about Canada’s military.

TELUS Spark, the new Science Centre-

Discover for yourself what makes the world around us so undeniably incredible by exploring over 100 exhibits, programs and demonstrations across four exhibit Galleries, an expanded and enhanced Creative Kids Museum, a Presentation Theatre, Calgary's only HD Digital Dome Theatre (open from Spring 2012), a Feature Gallery that will play host travelling exhibitions from 2013, and an Outdoor Park.

Earth Day- April 22

With the spring already here and the start of summer just around the corner, many of us are eager to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors after our winter hibernation indoors.


It is the things that bring us the most pleasure in the upcoming months, the glorious trees, smell of fresh cut grass, the sandy beaches, the vast hiking trails and the warm clean air that we take the most for granted.


This April 22 is International Earth Day, a moment of celebration for our planet and its natural environment. It is the perfect time to reflect on the parts of nature that make you happy as well as strive to make this planet a better place for this and future generations.


So this Earth day, go outside and make a difference by planting a tree or even cleaning up, enjoy the great natural environment that your neighbourhood has to offer.


Please visit our friends who are also doing their part each and everyday, caring for our Earth:




-Pet Smart-


Top Paw Reusable Shopping Bag

o Display your love for animals with the PetSmart Reusable Shopping Bag. Made from 100% cotton, this shopping bag is reusable for convenience and is designed with a fun, animal-themed design so pet parents can show off your love for animals on your shopping trips.

- KONG Naturals Mouse Cat Toys

o KONG Naturals are ecologically responsible cat toys, designed to appeal to the natural instincts of the indoor cat. All materials and dyes come from natural, renewable resources, meaning these are more than just cat toys - they're fun with a purpose.


-3M-

Just in time for Earth Day, 3M is introducing Scotch Greener Masking Tapes – available in Basic and Performance painting. Made with 56% renewable resources, these are a great way to help you reduce waste and conserve paper without giving up great performance. Available now at Wal-Mart, Target, paint stories and drug stores. For more information, please visit www.3M.com

Handcrafted Curtain Accessories

You can buy pretty much everything on the internet these days and window treatments are no exception. Whether it’s roller blinds, curtain poles that you want, or just accessories like curtain rings, track supports and finials, you’re guaranteed to find it on the world wide web. This way you can buy everything you need to create your own mark on a room without leaving your seat.

For those not in the know, finials and midials are decorative pieces that can be added to curtain poles to enhance and complement their appearance. Finials take their place at either end of the pole, whilst midials are more flexible and can be slid anywhere along the pole. Whilst these are available in a huge variety of shapes, sizes and designs, they won’t be perfect for everyone.

Thankfully for those of a creative persuasion, you can add a new lease of life and character to curtain poles by making your own accessories. Handcrafted curtain rings and other accessories are a simple way to spice up a bland curtain pole whilst adding a touch of unique character. Here is a quick guide to to create your very own curtain rings for the home.

It’s important to realise that absolutely no amount of fabric is too little and leftovers often prove handy one way or another. Firstly, make sure you purchase some curtain rings that both fit and match the curtain pole you are decorating. Next up, get all your required materials and tools in one place. The bare minimum you need is your fabric pieces, glue (either white glue, or even better fabric and plastic glue), sticky tape, a paintbrush and a pair of scissors.

Now it’s time to get started. Get your fabric and cut strips from it that are about a quarter of an inch wide. The longer the strips are the better; even 30 inches isn’t too long. Then wrap the rings you have bought with the fabric and maybe even paint over the fabric if the colour isn’t right for you. If you aren’t going to paint it however, then ensure that the edges of all the fabric overlaps so none of the original curtain rings are on show. Wrap it as tightly as you possibly can whilst remaining neat, and tape it down with the sticky tape and glue.

If you don’t have any fabric spare, then it’s possible to make decorative rings with paper napkins without them looking tacky. Be sure to completely coat the ring with glue and keep lashing the glue on as you wrap to ensure it doesn’t completely dry out before you finish.

Finally, why not consider sprucing your poles up with some beads or colourful string? These can be carefully wrapped around the pole, or weaved in and out of the rings to wonderful effect.

Messy Supper Clean Up Just Got a Whole Lot Easier with Finish Canada

I recently had the opportunity to try Finish dishwasher products.

Finish Quantum powerball went in my dishwasher when I made crockpot stew yesterday.Although I always spray crockpot with a cooking spray, it will always seem to stick.As you can see by the pictures, it was a mess in the crockpot.Then it sits with the rest of the dishes in the dishwasher till we have a full load to wash, which can sometimes be the next day, since there is only two of us at home now.

I have used other dishwashing detergent and none have cleaned my crockpot so well. I usually have to still scrub some spots off that didn't quite get clean, but by using the pots and pans cycle and a Finish Quantum powerball, my crockpot and all my other supper dishes came out  quite clean.

I am currently using the Finish Jet Dry rinse agent which has honestly helped turbo dry my dishes once they finish their wash.


“Disclosure: I am part of the Finish Blogger Program by Mom Central. I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Save Big With Clearly Contacts (Canada Only)

Clearly Contacts Customer Appreciation Event- save big!

Gerry just ordered new transition progressive glasses and saved $110 with this offer.

Not sure how long this offer lasts but take advantage of it now if you need new glasses.Plus, orders of $99 or more (after discounts) receive free shipping.

The Re-Do On The Door Knobs

Yesterday I shared with you on how Gerry took all the brass door knobs and hinges we had in our 80's trailer and sprayed them with aluminum spray paint. Now we have a whole new updated look.
Did about 6 doors-saving us at least $100!

Have You Heard of Groupon?

Have you heard of Groupon yet? I just came across them today, but since I'm small town, I personally won't be able to use alot of their deals till I travel. The closest location/city to me is 6 hours away,but for those of you living in big centres, or near big centres, there's some great deals to be had here.

Groupon negotiates huge discounts on popular local goods, services and cultural events. Then they offer the deals to thousands of subscribers in a free daily email. The deals are activated only when a minimum number of people agree to buy. So their subscribers get a great deal and the business gets a ton of new customers. Win-win.

More than just a deal site, Groupon is a city guide, a social tool and the best way to experience your city without paying full price.
Plus, sign up, refer friends, and get $10 off your next purchases.
C$10 in Groupon Bucks for every friend you refer when they make their first purchase. It's their way of saying "thanks" for spreading the word and increasing their collective buying power! Groupon Bucks can be used toward any Groupon purchase, and they never expire.
Check them out!