LIGHTS OUT!

 

 

WWF 8^th Annual Earth Hour : March 29^th  8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Earth Hour is a global movement by Millions of people taking part around the world uniting to protect the Earth by switching off lights in homes, businesses, landmarks, etc.  This year over 170 countries will be participating in this important environmental movement.

The Effel Tower, the Empire State building, the Red Square, the House of Parliament, Sydney's Opera House, Buckingham Palace, just to list a few participants that will be dimming their lights to be part of this world wide event . 

Dim your lights and join the movement and make your commitment to a better planet.  Any small things we can do everyday can make a better future.  You can show the world what you are doing to celebrate Earth Hour.  You can post to your favorite social medias using #EarthHour. 

What events are happening tonight where you live?

There are candle lit concerts, lantern making and even yoga classes happening tonight here in Toronto.  I am sure they will be dimming the lights on the C.N. Tower. and other major buildings in the GTA.  Way to go, Toronto!

                                                                                                     Week 14 (save $14)


                                                                                                                                                    

Slow Cookers

 

                                                                                                week 13 (save $13)

There is nothing like the aroma of food simmering away in your slow cooker when you open the door of your home after a long day at work...It's just comforting. This is only one of many benefits of owing an slow cooker. 

• Slow cookers are ideal for anyone!  It saves you time, makes stress free nutritious /delicious meals and even desserts!

• It does not heat up your kitchen like your conventional oven.  The Ideal answer to cooking for those hot summer days.

•  It’s a small energy-efficient  appliance which takes up no or little space. It’s convenient, meals can be served right out of the slow cooker.  Which also mean, one less dish to wash!

• It’s simple appliance to operate.  Basically, you prepare all the ingredients to the cooker, turn it on, walk away and the slow cooker does all the hard work.

• It frees you from the kitchen and you can devote your  new " found " time to other activities whether it be errands, family or even a relaxing yoga class.

• It’s great for entertaining whether it be a holiday events, pot lucks, cooking for large group, and it allows you to spend more time with guests.

• The slow cooker, cooks the food at constant low temperature and maximizes the all the flavours of your food. It tenderizes your tougher cuts of meats.

 

• Your favorite recipes can be easily adapted for the slow cooker

• Use to simmer home made Potpourri (Look for future recipes)

 

There are so many different models of slow cookers in the market.  Make sure you do some research, consider the different variety of features, ask friends (who owns a slow cooker), read online reviews, etc. 

 

What an great investment and it makes perfect sense to own one!

What amazing dishes have you simmered up lately? 

(Look for future slow cooker recipes) 

 

A deeper look at Need and Want

                                                                                                 week 12 (save $12)

 

 

Do we really have a clear understanding of what our needs and wants are?  It’s such a blurry area and do we use it as an excuse to justify our bad purchasing habits?

Need- something you have to have
Want -something you would like to have

Our basic needs to live consist of shelter, food, water, and clothing but our circumstances with our needs may change as our lives change with illness, divorce, retirement, etc.

Everything else that’s beyond our basic needs that makes our lives more enjoyable and comfortable is a want. They can be things we love to have, believe we cannot live without or even things we don’t have the money to buy it.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to buy "extra things".  Life is to be lived and not survived.  When you can afford the things you want, do treat yourself along the way.  Just remember not to sink yourself financially in debt just to maintain things that you want...then there is a problem.

The next time you buy something, just ask yourself if it’s something you really need or want.  You may realize a majority of things are nothing but just wants.  This could be an eye opener for making better future spending choices and focusing on what is important...and it just might save you some extra cash in the long run!


Do share your stories with us.

Salmon Patties with Spicy Cilantro Dip

                                                                                                               Week 11 (save $11)

Even though we fast forwarded our clocks one hour a head today, it's a sign of Spring but baby, its still cold outside!  Here is a simple, quick immune booster heart-healthy recipe to warm you up.

click on image

Salmon Patties with Spicy Cilantro Dip
 
½ cup of whipped dressing  or Greek yoghourt

Chopped cilantro (or relish)

Pepper sauce to taste (or any hot sauce)

In a bowl combine the mayonaise, cilantro and  a few dashes of pepper sauce.  Set aside in fridge.

1 large egg

2 slices whole-wheat bread or white cut into cubes

1 tin (213 gram) of salmon, well drained

1 teaspoon of mustard

¼ cup  freshly chopped cilantro

Panko bread crumb

olive oil

Lemon cut into wedges

In a large bowl, whisk the egg .  Add the bread cubes to the egg and milk mixture.  Toss the salmon, mustard and cilantro together until combined.  Season with salt and pepper.  Scoop about  ¼ cup to form a patty about ½ inch thick.  Repeat and make 6 patties.

In a plate with about ½ cup of  panko, roll the patties in the bread crumb.
 
Heat a large non stick frying pan over medium heat, add about 1-2 tsp of olive oil and cook the patties until golden, about 3 minutes per side. 
 
Serve the salmon patties with a wedge of lemon and spicy cilantro sauce.

(Change up the recipe by adding your own twist with different herbs and savory ingredients)

Bon appetite!

 

Two Topics...Couponing and Price Matching

COUPONING             week 10 (save $10)   
                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Canada is only 146 years old or should I say young.  Can you believe that coupons have been around for over two hundred years in the U.S.? 
   


click on the image to view

Couponing became popular in the early 1900’s and the popularity grew especially during the Great Depression in the early 1930’s. In the 60’s, half of all families in America, began cutting coupons. In the 70’s over 30 billion coupons were distributed.  In the 90’s, over 83 % of Americans were using coupons. Today coupon’s continue still to be very popular with American’s    

Can you believe there is actually a reality show about couponing ... It's called "Extreme Couponing."  In the show, shoppers go over the top with coupon purchases. Hoard buggy loads of large quantities of goods for a ridiculous few dollars or even at times for free...only in America!

The reality with couponing is that it can cut the cost of your weekly grocery bill. Coupons are everywhere and as consumers, we should take advantage of these savings. 
Websites such as save.ca, canadafreestuff.com, smartcanucks.ca, etc. are filled with information and coupons.  Don’t forget to look out for coupons in your smartsavers flyers, magazines, product packaging, newspapers, etc. 

Do keep your eyes open for all the different  “freebies” and take advantage of FREE movie  passes, magazine subscriptions, food/household products, and even free gas  - now that is insane! Start looking, clipping away and you will be on your way to some “free” savings.

Do share your best coupon deal.



Price Matching between grocery stores = Super Savings for You!

 

With the rising inflation rate of food, I can actually control the rising prices of my grocery bill by price matching with flyers.  My local grocery store will price match their competitors lower prices.  What an amazing way to save money and time!  No more hitting multiple stores to catch the deals. Just remember to bring the flyers for the store to match. Yes, it’s that easy!

No frills, FreshCo, and Walmart support price matching. Metro, Sobey’s and Loblaws do not match BUT you can use their flyers to price match at the stores that do support price matching. To price match, the item has to be identical in brand, size, weight, flavour, color, etc.  They will even price match produce, bakery goods and even meats.  Just remember that each store location have their own rules, conditions and limits.  If you are unsure, just ask the manager.

Stock up on the flyer weeks when the stores have their “”buck or “two” sales. This week, I was able to save 20$, price matching, it could be a saving of $1040 per year.  What a fantastic simple way to stretch every dollar!

Share your price matched deals with us.