I haven't done much shopping this winter. A pair of shoes and a purse for me, but for the most part it's been hockey equipment for the boys.
Shopping is not a hobby of mine. I prefer to get in and get out, rather than meander. I guess I'm kind of a "guy" that way.
However, I do like a little on-line shopping and FREE SHIPPING DAY (December 15th - ish) is my favourite way to do the whole Christmas shopping thing. This brings me to today's point.... Orb Clothing.
Orbclothing.ca is a Canadian company out of Vancouver. They make relaxed clothing, of exceptional quality, in a responsible and ethical manner. I "discovered" them on free shipping day when I purchased a sweatshirt. I have since made 2 additional purchases and each time I am awestruck by the detail and effort they put into producing a quality garment. The whole philosophy of their business and manner in which they conduct themselves is very "Mountain Equipment Co-op of the 1990s" to me. (And that's a very good thing.)
They also know how to throw a sale. Seriously good sales. (Like this weekend when they offered 75% off Winter merchandise plus free shipping.) Use the link above and they will send you a $10 coupon just for giving them a try.
I bought a jacket. I expect it will last for years and years and years. Unlike the mass-made crap you find in every chain store. The seams, the details and the thoughtful Canadian climate touches make this jacket simply outstanding.
Anyways.... one last bargain before my weary head hits the pillow tonight.... Shoppers Drug Mart has great deals in their grocery section on until Thursday this week. (March 14th). Christie crackers (like Ritz and Triscuit) are on for $1.99. They also have all their microwavable Lean Cuisine/Stouffers (I like the lasagna) on sale for $1.99. Those are great for lunches and for those of us too lazy to cook for ourselves after a long work day. Shredded cheese and taco kits were each $3.99 and Cheerios were $1.99. Lots of great grocery items to fill your cart with, plus you get their Optimum points. Win-win.
Showing posts with label canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label canada. Show all posts
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Your fragile health
It's 6 weeks into the new year. So, where are you on your own health?
The Heart and Stroke foundation has launched a new set of ads referring to your last 10 years. How will you live your last 10 years? With health, or using health care? I think they are the best ads I've seen in years, with regards to taking care of ourselves.
See them here: Heartandstroke.com
They also have helpful articles on signs of a stroke, prevention, health preservation.
February, is of course, Heart and Stroke Month. So this is a perfect time to tune in and to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet in order that your last 10 years are as healthful and active as possible.
Heart and Stroke is of course dear to me, as my mother is a stroke survivor and continues to work at regaining mobility and independence. Emotionally and physically, there are many challenges.
I'm not asking you to donate, or to participate in any public way, my simple wish in this regard is that you to consider my request to invest in your own health. It could be a new pair of sneakers and a plan to walk more, or it could be doubling your fruit budget at the grocery store. Invest in your own health. It's so very important.
It's time that YOU and your health moved up on the priority list. No one is going to do it for you. Do it for yourself, please.
The Heart and Stroke foundation has launched a new set of ads referring to your last 10 years. How will you live your last 10 years? With health, or using health care? I think they are the best ads I've seen in years, with regards to taking care of ourselves.
See them here: Heartandstroke.com
They also have helpful articles on signs of a stroke, prevention, health preservation.
February, is of course, Heart and Stroke Month. So this is a perfect time to tune in and to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet in order that your last 10 years are as healthful and active as possible.
Heart and Stroke is of course dear to me, as my mother is a stroke survivor and continues to work at regaining mobility and independence. Emotionally and physically, there are many challenges.
I'm not asking you to donate, or to participate in any public way, my simple wish in this regard is that you to consider my request to invest in your own health. It could be a new pair of sneakers and a plan to walk more, or it could be doubling your fruit budget at the grocery store. Invest in your own health. It's so very important.
It's time that YOU and your health moved up on the priority list. No one is going to do it for you. Do it for yourself, please.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Ok, Bell, Let's Do This
#BellLetsTalk
It's a Canadian corporate driven day, initiated by Bell Canada, to talk about mental health issues. For each Facebook share, and tweet with the hashtag BellLetsTalk the company is donating 5 cents. Considering there were over 25 million hits by Noon, this is going to be a big day.
Depression is just one of many mental health issues that plagues "Normal" Canadians. I say, normal, because I believe most everyone understands, feels, or can relate to depression. If we don't battle with it ourselves, we certainly know someone who does.
It comes in varying degrees. People guard it... some better than others. Whether you burst into tears or not, depression affects your health. It also affects your family. It can affect your job, your relationships and your ability to feel whole. With depression, it feels like something is missing. Like you can't muster the strength to compete or fulfill your duties.
I get depressed. I've talked about it a little. I elude to it at other times. I've never sought medical help or have taken medication for it. That makes me "normal" too. Many Canadians, most even, DON'T ever bring it up with their doctor. Rather, we turn to each other. Try to talk it out with friends. We keep busy with activities and we deny that its a problem.
I thought I was pretty good at keeping my emotions in check, until one day my young son said, "I know why daddy let you get the puppy." Surprised, and confused, I pressed for the answer. His reply, "because the puppy will make you get out of bed and do things. You can't just lie around being depressed."
That was a little shocking to hear. And I guess, it's true. The puppy does force me to participate. The puppy takes me for long walks. That helps. The puppy looks at me like I rule the earth... that helps too, I guess. The puppy depends on me. That keeps me going. The puppy is an extension of my family. I am here, and will always be here for my family.
My self-diagnosis is less about depression and more about exhaustion. I work many 70 hour weeks. I don't always eat properly. I don't get enough sunshine or family time. Work keeps me from having a social life. All true, but not excuses. I try to help myself with motivational words, photo reminders of my family. Dressing in bright colours, connecting with the outdoors, travelling, pursuing hobbies, listening to music and getting enough rest... these things all help. But it doesn't solve it. Depression just sits there. It waits for the opportunity to spread. Some days are good. Some days are lousy.
Sometimes it makes me very quiet. I disappear from communication. I hide. I do the minimum required to get through the day. But if anyone needs me, I'll be there. I put others first. I probably alway will. Myself I don't believe I need outside help. This isn't a cry for attention either. I'm just saying... if you feel like this too, it's OK. Depression is just one of many emotions that we share. It makes us human.
Depression isn't about weakness. You can be the best athlete, or scientist or doctor. You could also be a receptionist who greets everyone with a smile, or a television personality. You could also be a child. If depression affected your child, your brother, or your neighbour you would help if you could.
Bell Canada has the right idea. Start talking. If you want to help, don't stop when the answer to "how are you" is Fine or Good. Ask again. Ask, how are you really doing? You might just get a different answer.
------------
#BellLetsTalk has a toolkit. There are resources out there. If you, or anyone you care about is just hanging on by a thread, please throw them a lifeline.
It's a Canadian corporate driven day, initiated by Bell Canada, to talk about mental health issues. For each Facebook share, and tweet with the hashtag BellLetsTalk the company is donating 5 cents. Considering there were over 25 million hits by Noon, this is going to be a big day.
Depression is just one of many mental health issues that plagues "Normal" Canadians. I say, normal, because I believe most everyone understands, feels, or can relate to depression. If we don't battle with it ourselves, we certainly know someone who does.
It comes in varying degrees. People guard it... some better than others. Whether you burst into tears or not, depression affects your health. It also affects your family. It can affect your job, your relationships and your ability to feel whole. With depression, it feels like something is missing. Like you can't muster the strength to compete or fulfill your duties.
I get depressed. I've talked about it a little. I elude to it at other times. I've never sought medical help or have taken medication for it. That makes me "normal" too. Many Canadians, most even, DON'T ever bring it up with their doctor. Rather, we turn to each other. Try to talk it out with friends. We keep busy with activities and we deny that its a problem.
I thought I was pretty good at keeping my emotions in check, until one day my young son said, "I know why daddy let you get the puppy." Surprised, and confused, I pressed for the answer. His reply, "because the puppy will make you get out of bed and do things. You can't just lie around being depressed."
That was a little shocking to hear. And I guess, it's true. The puppy does force me to participate. The puppy takes me for long walks. That helps. The puppy looks at me like I rule the earth... that helps too, I guess. The puppy depends on me. That keeps me going. The puppy is an extension of my family. I am here, and will always be here for my family.
My self-diagnosis is less about depression and more about exhaustion. I work many 70 hour weeks. I don't always eat properly. I don't get enough sunshine or family time. Work keeps me from having a social life. All true, but not excuses. I try to help myself with motivational words, photo reminders of my family. Dressing in bright colours, connecting with the outdoors, travelling, pursuing hobbies, listening to music and getting enough rest... these things all help. But it doesn't solve it. Depression just sits there. It waits for the opportunity to spread. Some days are good. Some days are lousy.
Sometimes it makes me very quiet. I disappear from communication. I hide. I do the minimum required to get through the day. But if anyone needs me, I'll be there. I put others first. I probably alway will. Myself I don't believe I need outside help. This isn't a cry for attention either. I'm just saying... if you feel like this too, it's OK. Depression is just one of many emotions that we share. It makes us human.
Depression isn't about weakness. You can be the best athlete, or scientist or doctor. You could also be a receptionist who greets everyone with a smile, or a television personality. You could also be a child. If depression affected your child, your brother, or your neighbour you would help if you could.
Bell Canada has the right idea. Start talking. If you want to help, don't stop when the answer to "how are you" is Fine or Good. Ask again. Ask, how are you really doing? You might just get a different answer.
------------
#BellLetsTalk has a toolkit. There are resources out there. If you, or anyone you care about is just hanging on by a thread, please throw them a lifeline.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Cross Border Healthy
Canadians have, for decades, travelled to the United States in search of bargains and a little escape from the every day. To make a border-run for a quick weekend of shopping is pretty normal. If you go with your family, it's an inexpensive change from the ordinary. Kids love to swim in the hotel pool. The self -serve waffles at the continental breakfast station are a fun treat. It's a good chance for families to re-connect.
There is, of course, a considerable argument for shopping at home. "Buy local." "Buy Canadian." Buying your goods at home contributes to the local economy. Whether it's a mom and pop shop, or a US Big Box retailer, if its in your community, it supports the local community by providing jobs, taxes and charitable support.
However, there are benefits to travelling as well. And I feel this applies to wherever you travel, near or far, and regardless of purpose. When you leave your own community (for a vacations/business trip) you AND your community benefits for these reasons:
1. Perspective. When you see how other people live you appreciate what you have yourself. For example, in the flood of 2011 cities and towns in 2 provinces and 2 states were significantly affected, though none greater than Minot, North Dakota. The city was flooded. Many homes and businesses completely destroyed by 15 feet of water that submerged everything. This community is like ours. It could have been us. Minot is rebuilding. They want visitors. An injection of "outside money" is how they are going to bounce back. Visiting is how we can show friendly support.
2. New ideas. It's a reality, franchises are born in the United States, and later enjoyed by Canadians. For entrepreneurs, it's a treasure chest of ideas. When new businesses/franchises set up at home, your community benefits through employment, commercial real estate use and more.
3. You can't live in a bubble. To stay in your own 10 mile zone is not healthy. Live. Explore.
4. Respect. Travelling across borders requires stops at Customs. This is a formal process, not to be taken lightly. This process can show children another aspect of law enforcement, show them how honesty, integrity and respect for laws helps us live in a civil society.
5. Work your brain. To travel means to learn. To learn means to create new paths in your brain. To only travel in the familiar literally stimulates your mind less. You use less brain function. For example, if you drive by the same billboard every day and it says "Stay at Super8 for Less" you begin to ignore it. It's part of the landscape. Your brain assumes it will be there and pays no attention. However, if one day it says, "Buy milk at Barneys" your brain receives new stimulus. Now, imagine going someplace new where every sign is new. Brain stimulus slows aging and preserves brain function. Never stop learning!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Train Again
I've had lots of questions about my experiences on the train and I'm happy to share my story. It seems that it's a nostalgic, romantic thought for most... taking the train across Canada. And I can assure you that it is indeed spectacular and the view from the rail is magnificent. I suppose it could have been romantic, though my journey was not. We travelled with two young children. What could possibly be romantic about that? LOL
Train stations, and Via Rail stations in Canada specifically, still have an air of elegance about them. A presence notably lacking in airports. The train station in Montreal, Quebec is so cosmopolitan. It sits beneath the fabulous Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, and the station itself is packed with merchants and French charm. (That's a story I'll share another day.)
This train trip takes us from Winnipeg to Jasper.
We had a deluxe cabin for our family of 4. This included bunk beds (or berths as they are called) and our own private washroom. Meals in the formal dining room were also included, as was access to the observation car. (I can't recall if it had another name.)
The meals were wonderful. They were served in an elegantly appointed dining car. Each group of guests had their own designated table and server for each meal. We enjoyed getting to know our server and she got to know the meal preferences and quirks of our children. The dining car was one of the highlights of the trip. It really made an impression on me. I loved the pale pink table cloths and sipping wine as we watched the world go by.
The "observation" car, with it's relaxed seating, newspapers, coffee, fruit and juice made everyone feel comfortable. I recall great conversations among guests in a environment that put everyone at ease. The chance to see wildlife, mountains and statuesque trees from within our glass ceilinged car, was pretty amazing too.
When we arrived in Jasper, we were downtown, in the heart of all the action. Jasper is a very laid back, ski town. It was amazing. Log cabins, totem poles and breathtaking mountain views right from our first steps out of the train station. Jasper was a pretty amazing destination, though the journey itself to get there was equally impressive. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!
I have a favourite snapshot from the trip. To me, it tells the whole story and reminds me of why we took to the rails. The photo is of my two boys, at daybreak in the train yard in Edmonton. They are perched on the berth gazing in awe out the window. That photo for me, says it all and reminds me why I put so much effort into planning these family trips.
Train stations, and Via Rail stations in Canada specifically, still have an air of elegance about them. A presence notably lacking in airports. The train station in Montreal, Quebec is so cosmopolitan. It sits beneath the fabulous Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, and the station itself is packed with merchants and French charm. (That's a story I'll share another day.)
This train trip takes us from Winnipeg to Jasper.
We had a deluxe cabin for our family of 4. This included bunk beds (or berths as they are called) and our own private washroom. Meals in the formal dining room were also included, as was access to the observation car. (I can't recall if it had another name.)
The meals were wonderful. They were served in an elegantly appointed dining car. Each group of guests had their own designated table and server for each meal. We enjoyed getting to know our server and she got to know the meal preferences and quirks of our children. The dining car was one of the highlights of the trip. It really made an impression on me. I loved the pale pink table cloths and sipping wine as we watched the world go by.
The "observation" car, with it's relaxed seating, newspapers, coffee, fruit and juice made everyone feel comfortable. I recall great conversations among guests in a environment that put everyone at ease. The chance to see wildlife, mountains and statuesque trees from within our glass ceilinged car, was pretty amazing too.
When we arrived in Jasper, we were downtown, in the heart of all the action. Jasper is a very laid back, ski town. It was amazing. Log cabins, totem poles and breathtaking mountain views right from our first steps out of the train station. Jasper was a pretty amazing destination, though the journey itself to get there was equally impressive. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!
Friday, November 12, 2010
National Pride
Canada is a pretty amazing country. Count yourself blessed if you've been able to see it from coast to coast. Recently, I took a trip to Montreal Quebec. It was a homecoming of sorts. For me, it all started in Quebec. The daughter of an air force pilot, my family had been stationed in many difference cities & provinces. I just happened to arrive on the scene in Quebec.
So here I was, an adult, back in my home province. Though attending a conference, there was a little bit of time to explore. Montreal has an absolutely amazing series of tunnels. It's an underground city. You can literally visit thousands of shops and restaurants below ground. It does take a bit to get used to and like the prairie girl I am, felt the need to 'pop up' to the surface every now and again to see daylight and get oriented on exactly where I was.
As a hockey lover, I had a very important event planned and had been looking forward to it all week. It was, to be, the absolute highlight of the trip. The Montreal Canadiens were playing the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Center. The game itself was pretty 'beige". A 3-2 loss for the Canadiens. But, I will have to say that I enjoyed cheering for the Canadiens, wearing their hockey colours and experiencing hockey in this historic place.
Though, the moment engraved in my brain absolutely has to be the singing of the National Anthem.
So there we were, wearing our hockey colours, standing among 20, 000 hockey fans when the anthem started. The next thing I knew we (myself included) were belting out 'O Canada", the bilingual version. I had goosebumps. 20,000 hockey fans, filled with Canadian pride putting their heart and lungs into our song. I'll never forget it. There, at the centre of Canadian hockey history, a swelling of National pride that I could feel. Such a good feeling.
So here I was, an adult, back in my home province. Though attending a conference, there was a little bit of time to explore. Montreal has an absolutely amazing series of tunnels. It's an underground city. You can literally visit thousands of shops and restaurants below ground. It does take a bit to get used to and like the prairie girl I am, felt the need to 'pop up' to the surface every now and again to see daylight and get oriented on exactly where I was.
As a hockey lover, I had a very important event planned and had been looking forward to it all week. It was, to be, the absolute highlight of the trip. The Montreal Canadiens were playing the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Center. The game itself was pretty 'beige". A 3-2 loss for the Canadiens. But, I will have to say that I enjoyed cheering for the Canadiens, wearing their hockey colours and experiencing hockey in this historic place.
Though, the moment engraved in my brain absolutely has to be the singing of the National Anthem.
So there we were, wearing our hockey colours, standing among 20, 000 hockey fans when the anthem started. The next thing I knew we (myself included) were belting out 'O Canada", the bilingual version. I had goosebumps. 20,000 hockey fans, filled with Canadian pride putting their heart and lungs into our song. I'll never forget it. There, at the centre of Canadian hockey history, a swelling of National pride that I could feel. Such a good feeling.
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