Spoken not just in my voice, but the collective voice of women everywhere. (Yes, for this occasion, I nominated myself as the spokesperson for all women. Just this one time!)
Christmas is two weeks away. This advice likely comes 12 days to early for most men, but hey... I've got a lot to do in the next 2 weeks. Saving your ass at the last minute isn't on my to-do list this year.
So, men... listen up. (You can thank me later.)
1. Don't buy lingerie for us. We know what you want. Lingerie will not help your cause. Vacuuming the living room and taking the kids out while we try to wrap gifts... that MIGHT help. But seriously, you don't know what size we are, and no teenager working at the lingerie store is going to save the day. Non refundable. Just don't. Seriously.
2. Don't buy a cookbook or frying pan, or humidifier or tool set. Basically...anything that comes from Canadian Tire or Home Dept (except for a new fancy kitchen) is going to fail your attempt as a Christmas gift. Seriously.
3. Don't buy anything that you can fetch from Wal-Mart at 5AM to avoid the Christmas shopping rush. Seriously.
4. Don't buy your wife the same box of Pot of Gold chocolates that you gave your secretary, the bus driver, your kid's teacher, or your ex-wife. Buying in bulk might save you time, but won't save your ass. Seriously.
5. Don't buy the generic $10 bath set or moisturizer set. OMG, don't you know we spend hundreds of dollars on eye creams, and wrinkle fillers and miracle creams to avoid aging, wrinkling and sagging? If it's not guaranteed, proven to work or on Dr. Oz or Oprah, we don't want it. And even if we want it.... we DO NOT want you to buy it for us. That would just acknowledge you know about the aging, wrinkling and sagging, and you DO NOT want to acknowledge that. Seriously.
6. (Yes, I know it says 5, but I'm on a roll.) Do not buy my Christmas gift at the liquor store. Yes, I know this is the one shopping trip you look forward to and it's the once-a-year event when you willingly push a cart.... but no. You and your buddies cannot go shopping together and just grab tequila. Even if it IS Patron. We see that as an attempt to get us back to the lingerie store. Seriously.
Disclaimer: This list applies to husbands. Newlyweds and boyfriends might have some luck with #1, 5 or 6. However, #3 & 4 are bad news regardless. Actually, with the right card, a boyfriend might be able to make a tool belt and cheap slippers into a romantic gift... but husbands should know better. Don't you remember the year you bought the frying pan? Nobody wants to relive THAT again.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Fast Five: Gift ideas
Gift giving can have its challenges whether it's a birthday, anniversary or Christmas. The gift recipient is obviously a special person to you, so a special, thoughtful gift is obviously what you're after. I have a couple generic suggestions.
1. Support their hobby or sporting interests. New tools, certificates or even a class. If he's into photography, what about a Blacks.ca certificate for prints or frames? If the recipient is a baker, what about some new silicone tools or commercial cookie sheets. Restaurant supply stores have some really cool stuff for the home chef too.
2. Does she have a coffee habit? Ground coffee to use at home, a stack of t-discs for the tassimo or gift cards for tim hortons/starbucks/local shop. If you're making up a gift basket (amazing idea for office gift exchanges) make sure to add some syrup or liqueurs as appropriate. Cookies & chocolates too.
3. Restaurant gift cards. Everyone has to eat. Eating out is a treat some folks don't normally have money in the budget for. This is one time I recommend chain/franchises. Your recipient can use it on the road too.
4. I rarely suggest clothes or perfume or makeup as gifts. Those thing are very hard to get right. The wrong scent can be a throw away gift. Again.... gift card for that kind of thing.
5. Make it personal. Did you share a concert or a game that was amazing? Save the ticket stub? Scrapbook it or frame it or even just return the ticket stub with a personal note sharing your memories.
I've written letters as gifts when $$ was tight. Home-made coupons are great too. Wouldn't your mom love help with the laundry or help with organizing the christmas ornaments after the holiday? Nothing more precious than the gifts of time & love.
1. Support their hobby or sporting interests. New tools, certificates or even a class. If he's into photography, what about a Blacks.ca certificate for prints or frames? If the recipient is a baker, what about some new silicone tools or commercial cookie sheets. Restaurant supply stores have some really cool stuff for the home chef too.
2. Does she have a coffee habit? Ground coffee to use at home, a stack of t-discs for the tassimo or gift cards for tim hortons/starbucks/local shop. If you're making up a gift basket (amazing idea for office gift exchanges) make sure to add some syrup or liqueurs as appropriate. Cookies & chocolates too.
3. Restaurant gift cards. Everyone has to eat. Eating out is a treat some folks don't normally have money in the budget for. This is one time I recommend chain/franchises. Your recipient can use it on the road too.
4. I rarely suggest clothes or perfume or makeup as gifts. Those thing are very hard to get right. The wrong scent can be a throw away gift. Again.... gift card for that kind of thing.
5. Make it personal. Did you share a concert or a game that was amazing? Save the ticket stub? Scrapbook it or frame it or even just return the ticket stub with a personal note sharing your memories.
I've written letters as gifts when $$ was tight. Home-made coupons are great too. Wouldn't your mom love help with the laundry or help with organizing the christmas ornaments after the holiday? Nothing more precious than the gifts of time & love.
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!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Fast 5 Travel Tips: How to roll with the punches
Not everything is going to go smoothly in life, or on vacation. There will be delays, detours and unplanned events. It doesn't have to derail the good times. Here's how to roll with it, and keep smiling.
1. Bring your confirmation numbers and receipts. Especially if you booked with a 3rd party like Expedia or Hotwire etc. Having proof at your fingertips will make for a more smooth check-in even when the hotel has no record of your booking.
2. Plane delay.... these things happen. Yelling at the desk agent will not help. If there's a chance to re-route, you can often do it yourself quickly and without charge at the self-help kiosk. Get the seats on the next plane out before someone else does.
3. Rain or inclement weather ruining your planned hike or day at the amusement park? Don't disappoint the kids.... have an indoor backup plan ready to go. A quick call to the concierge will work if you hadn't pre-planned something.
4. Sick child? If it's not serious, and they just need to rest at the hotel, this is a great time to divide & conquer. Have one parent take the other kid(s) out for some personal time. The parent left on nurse duty will get to go out on their own later when it's time to switch off. Don't forget to bring back a treat for the ailing child.
5. Keep smiling. See the bright side of things! Remember you're on vacation. You could be at home doing laundry!
1. Bring your confirmation numbers and receipts. Especially if you booked with a 3rd party like Expedia or Hotwire etc. Having proof at your fingertips will make for a more smooth check-in even when the hotel has no record of your booking.
2. Plane delay.... these things happen. Yelling at the desk agent will not help. If there's a chance to re-route, you can often do it yourself quickly and without charge at the self-help kiosk. Get the seats on the next plane out before someone else does.
3. Rain or inclement weather ruining your planned hike or day at the amusement park? Don't disappoint the kids.... have an indoor backup plan ready to go. A quick call to the concierge will work if you hadn't pre-planned something.
4. Sick child? If it's not serious, and they just need to rest at the hotel, this is a great time to divide & conquer. Have one parent take the other kid(s) out for some personal time. The parent left on nurse duty will get to go out on their own later when it's time to switch off. Don't forget to bring back a treat for the ailing child.
5. Keep smiling. See the bright side of things! Remember you're on vacation. You could be at home doing laundry!
Vacation Bargains Abound
I've been looking around at all my favourite discount travel sites lately. Not for myself, but for any friend who asks. I'm happy to do this. I'm certainly not a travel agent, but I have had a pretty wide variety of travel experiences and adventures in the last 10 years.
We have managed to tote our kids to Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, North Dakota, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, The Turks & Caicos, The Bahamas and Hawaii. We've travelled by passenger train, car, plane and cruise ship.
We've gone hiking, skiing, swimming, surfing, shopping, to amusement parks and more. It's felt a little crazy at times, but it's been good. I have no regrets at all.
My hubby and I also do the classic couples' getaway to Vegas every now and again. Personally, I love Vegas. I'd go anytime. I think one of the things I like so much about Vegas is the nightlife. It's the opposite of my hometown. My hometown exists, Monday to Friday, from 9AM -9PM. After that, the place shuts down and seems like a sleepy hollow. So, to have concerts and plays and people out enjoying life after dark seems exciting. I like the change of pace.
But I'm not ready or able to plan another family vacation. Not yet anyway. As I stated last week, I seem to have lost my spark. Though, I am genuinely ok with researching on behalf of friends.
There are lots of amazing bargains out there right now. 5* golf vacations to california for about $700 including taxes, hotel and airfare. Cheap jaunts to Cuba at under $1000. Luxury caribbean cruises around $800 (Airfare extra). Lots of bargains to Florida & Arizona. Vegas is always cheap in the first part of December & the last part of January.
I priced out one golf vacation during the 3rd week of January at $800. The identical trip in late February is sitting around $1700. So yeah, that's what I consider a bargain. 5* trip, at 3* price. But truly, it's about getting the type of vacation that works for your family, at a time that's convenient, at a price you can afford. I would caution to never ever take a vacation that the only thing that interests you is the price. If you go somewhere you hate, it's truly no bargain.
--------------
Travel sites I like:
www.itravel2000.com
www.redtag.ca
www.yqrdeals.ca www.yegdeals.ca www.ywgdeals.ca (Deals specific to your local airport)
www.aircanadavacations.com (Check out their last minute specials.)
Both Redtag and Itravel2000 will chart the vacations days before and after your selected date and show you a grid of the varied prices. This is an amazing feature, as sometimes a day can make a $500 difference, and you'd never know unless you see this comparison. Each site also searches all the package providers for you. It will show you if Westjet has a better price than Air Canada on the nearly identical vacation.
We have managed to tote our kids to Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, Minnesota, North Dakota, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, The Turks & Caicos, The Bahamas and Hawaii. We've travelled by passenger train, car, plane and cruise ship.
We've gone hiking, skiing, swimming, surfing, shopping, to amusement parks and more. It's felt a little crazy at times, but it's been good. I have no regrets at all.
My hubby and I also do the classic couples' getaway to Vegas every now and again. Personally, I love Vegas. I'd go anytime. I think one of the things I like so much about Vegas is the nightlife. It's the opposite of my hometown. My hometown exists, Monday to Friday, from 9AM -9PM. After that, the place shuts down and seems like a sleepy hollow. So, to have concerts and plays and people out enjoying life after dark seems exciting. I like the change of pace.
But I'm not ready or able to plan another family vacation. Not yet anyway. As I stated last week, I seem to have lost my spark. Though, I am genuinely ok with researching on behalf of friends.
There are lots of amazing bargains out there right now. 5* golf vacations to california for about $700 including taxes, hotel and airfare. Cheap jaunts to Cuba at under $1000. Luxury caribbean cruises around $800 (Airfare extra). Lots of bargains to Florida & Arizona. Vegas is always cheap in the first part of December & the last part of January.
I priced out one golf vacation during the 3rd week of January at $800. The identical trip in late February is sitting around $1700. So yeah, that's what I consider a bargain. 5* trip, at 3* price. But truly, it's about getting the type of vacation that works for your family, at a time that's convenient, at a price you can afford. I would caution to never ever take a vacation that the only thing that interests you is the price. If you go somewhere you hate, it's truly no bargain.
--------------
Travel sites I like:
www.itravel2000.com
www.redtag.ca
www.yqrdeals.ca www.yegdeals.ca www.ywgdeals.ca (Deals specific to your local airport)
www.aircanadavacations.com (Check out their last minute specials.)
Both Redtag and Itravel2000 will chart the vacations days before and after your selected date and show you a grid of the varied prices. This is an amazing feature, as sometimes a day can make a $500 difference, and you'd never know unless you see this comparison. Each site also searches all the package providers for you. It will show you if Westjet has a better price than Air Canada on the nearly identical vacation.
Fast 5 Travel Tips: Is it your vacation?
Finding the vacation that suits you is almost as hard as finding the right shoes to go to a high school reunion. You need to have some patience and be really honest with yourself about what you want and what your goals are. If you can't walk in your shoes, even though they are pretty... are they the right choice?
It IS your vacation when:
1) All members of the travel party have something they are looking forward to
2) You choose activities you are genuinely excited about
3) You can't wait to write in your travel journal/blog/tell your friends
4) You are living within your budget and not stressing about money
5) You are NOT doing things out of obligation, guilt or because somewhere you read you HAVE TO visit/see/do a particular monument/activity that you're not actually interested in.
It IS your vacation when:
1) All members of the travel party have something they are looking forward to
2) You choose activities you are genuinely excited about
3) You can't wait to write in your travel journal/blog/tell your friends
4) You are living within your budget and not stressing about money
5) You are NOT doing things out of obligation, guilt or because somewhere you read you HAVE TO visit/see/do a particular monument/activity that you're not actually interested in.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Cleaning therapy
Today I tackled the all-purpose closet... aka, the giant junk drawer behind a door. In this hiding place I've accumulated a couple yeas worth of partially used craft supplies, or unused craft supplies with the best intentions. There's also some wrapping paper, some photos, some colouring books, some shipping stuff, and all the birthday cards I bought for people but never sent because I couldn't find them. (If that was an olympic sport, I'd be on that podium.)
So, I spread everything out in the living room with a garbage can, a recycling bag and a few clear boxes for keep items. The puppy was thrilled with the "buffet of toys" and things to taste that I put before her. LOL. She's a little goof but she did help me decide on a few things that should go into the garbage can immediately. Or immediately after she had them in her mouth!
All in all, I feel good about the project. I managed to release myself from the guilt of having unused craft supplies with no purpose. As a hockey mom, with barely enough time to make meals and clean jerseys, crafts are not really realistic for me at this stage.
Once I conceded I would never tackle that project that a starry-eyed me once envisioned, I lumped them all in a box labelled "Kindergarten/School." Surely, the classes at my kids' school will know what to do with these goodies. Perhaps they will even consider them a gift, and not the burden they have become in my junk closet.
It feels good to tackle that one. Where to next?
So, I spread everything out in the living room with a garbage can, a recycling bag and a few clear boxes for keep items. The puppy was thrilled with the "buffet of toys" and things to taste that I put before her. LOL. She's a little goof but she did help me decide on a few things that should go into the garbage can immediately. Or immediately after she had them in her mouth!
All in all, I feel good about the project. I managed to release myself from the guilt of having unused craft supplies with no purpose. As a hockey mom, with barely enough time to make meals and clean jerseys, crafts are not really realistic for me at this stage.
Once I conceded I would never tackle that project that a starry-eyed me once envisioned, I lumped them all in a box labelled "Kindergarten/School." Surely, the classes at my kids' school will know what to do with these goodies. Perhaps they will even consider them a gift, and not the burden they have become in my junk closet.
It feels good to tackle that one. Where to next?
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