We made it to 52 weeks

                                                                              Week 52 ( Save $52 )

To my devoted readers:

I would like this opportunity to thank you all, who have been following my blog for the last 52 weeks... that means you would have saved an extra $1,378. Congrats!
 
As this year is ending, a New Year approaches us and may it bring you new hope, strength, and happiness.  Wishing you a prosperous 2016.

                                                                   ENJOY!

Cranberries

                                                                           Week 51 ( Save $51)

With Christmas just 5 days away, there is so much to do.  Don't stress over the little things, do what you can and everything always seem to come together at the end.

With that said and done, lets talk cranberries.

These cranberries were dropped off at my house and I really not sure what to do with them.  It's not a common staple fruit I deal with like apples and oranges.  What does one do with sweet tarty cranberries?  With a little help from my friend, we brain stormed to came up with these ideas:

1.  Baking: Toss cranberries into muffins, cookies,  cakes, scones and even pancakes.

2.  Mix cranberries into your favorite meats:  meatballs, meat loaves, and wings...why not?

3.  Take butter, cream cheese or camembert to another level by adding chopped cranberries.

4.  Add cranberries to your leafy salads, pasta or grain salads.

5.  Puree the cranberries and add it to your favorite oil dressing.

6.  Add cranberries to your favorite breakfast cereal , granola's or hot oatmeal.

7.  Add a spark of color into your favorite drink whether it be juices, soft drinks  or alcohol drinks.

8. Chopped cranberries to mayonaise to make that sandwich amazing.

9. Your favorite pie filling with cranberries to give it that extra zing.

10.  Mix Cranberries to jams and sauces

Cranberries seem to be a super fruit that is under rated and we only buy or use it during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I have a different perspective and respect for these little red berries and will be buying and using them more in my everyday cooking.  Look out for future everything cranberry blogs!

The gift of love.
The gift of peace.
The gift of happiness.
May all these be yours at Christmas.     

                                                      

Did you say Chocolate Pretzel's?

                                                                                Week 50 ( Save $50 )

Just when you thought nothing can get any better than chocolate ... this combination of salty pretzel and chocolate, takes it to another level.  They are just out of this world and delicious!  Make a batch or two today and dazzle your friends.

I love making these Holiday Chocolate covered Pretzel Rods. They are easy to make if you are just pouring one color.  Personally, I think the dark chocolate looks amazing!  Spot colors take a little more time especially with the intricate detailing. 

Supplies: Pretzel molds, 7" pretzel rods, melting chocolates, pretzel bags with ties can all be purchased from a large baking store, Michael's, online etc. 

Merkin's chocolate melts come in all colors and they are also available at larger bulk food stores.

The pretzel molds do come with an instruction sheet.  Here are my tips and instruction on making these delicious delights.


Hand wash the molds and dry thoroughly before using.

Give the clear molds a good rub and buff with paper towel every time before pouring.  The chocolate surface will unmold oh so shiny!





It's best to melt a few handful of chocolate melts in a small ramekin bowls in a pan of hot water that is 3/4 full to a simmer.  Melt the chocolates completely and stir until smooth.  Using a large pan, you can melt more than one color per ramekin.

Using a parfait spoon, spoon two spoons of the melted chocolate into dry mold. Place a pretzel rod into the mold with the chocolate.

Spoon enough chocolate to fill the remainder of the mold with the pretzel rod.

* If you are using one or more color for your molds as spot colors.  Pour carefully either by using a thin knife.  Allow the colors to dry completely before pouring the next color.  Cotton swabs are handy for cleaning accidental color drips.

Tap the mold lightly to remove any bubbles that may be trapped.

Repeat until all the molds are filled.

Place the filled molds carefully into refrigerator on a flat surface until set.  Twist the mold lightly to pop the finished pretzel rods.

How easy was that?  Now they are ready for tasting or packaging. 

It's best to package these delights quickly or they will quickly disappear.









                                                                     Enjoy!

DIY Tea Cozy

                                                                              Week 49 ( Save $49 )

Here is a easy DIY Tea Cozy project you can make for Christmas for the Tea Lover's in your life.  I tried to simplify the project for all sewing levels with the contrasting colors fabrics.  For those who are more elite with more sewing experience, you can add your twist on how you want to design and finish your cozy.   Note: Loop for the cozy topper is optional

This tea cozy will fit a 6 cup tea pot, whether it be a standard brown betty to a more modern spout tea pot.  The finished size of the cozy is approximately 10 x 14 inches. 

Materials:
 
Piece of cotton fabric for the front of the tea cozy. Enough to cut 2 pieces of the pattern folded ( I suggest 11 x 17 - times 2 or larger )

Piece of quilted fabric for inside. Enough to cut 2 pieces of the pattern folded
( I suggest 11 x 17 -  times 2 or larger )

Double wide bias tape or quilting binding ( or make from remnants of scraps )

Matching thread


Instructions:

1.  Draw a pattern using an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper. 

This pattern is only half a cozy. Place the pattern on folded fabric to cut full size or cut out two patterns and tape together to make full size pattern.

Note:  1/2 inch seam lines are included. 

>Make sure all the fabric are prewashed, dried and pressed.

2.  Pin and cut 2 fabric pieces of the cotton (fronts) and 2 quilted (inside) on folded fabric.
(The quilted fabric will insulate and keep the tea pot warm just like a little jacket) 

3.  Cut 5 inch bias tape for top loop.

Cut 29 inch x 2 inch strip for bias tape and 2 inch x 5 inch for top loop. 

>Cut only if you are making your own seam binding. Follow the Instructions to follow below for sewing.

4.  Pin 1 front fabric to 1 quilted for each (I like to hand base my pieces together)










5.  Make the loop with the bias store bought 5 inch tape by stitching on the folded raw edge
                        or
> If you are making your own seam binding for the loop, fold the 2 inch by 5 inch in half on the 2 inch side.
 
Press and fold the raw edge again and press.  Finish by sewing on the edge and you will have an 1/2 inch x 5 inch for the loop.

6.  Fold the loop in half and centre the folded loop on the front side top of the cozy.  Make sure the loop is on the finished side facing towards the bottom opening. Pin the loop and the 2 fronts together on the curvy edge.

7.  Sew 1/2 inch seams all around curvy edge and carefully over the loop on the wrong side.  Turn the cozy to the right side and press.




 

8.  Finish the bottom edge opening with your seam binding.  Pin and top stitch the trim around the base on the right side of your cozy.  Press the cozy and your done!

> If you are making your own contrasting seam binding.  Fold and press the 2 inch x 29 inch on the 1 inch side.  Pin and top stitch the trim on the bottom.  The edge will be raw but with a zigzag stitch, it will finish the edge nicely.

There you have it a simple tea pot cozy warmer that will warm someone's teapot and heart. 
  

                       I hope you enjoyed the project

Lay's 2015 Winning flavor

                                                                          Week 47 ( Save $47 )
                                                                   Week 48 ( Save $48 )


I only had a chance to taste 3 of the 4 final flavours.  My winning pick would have to be the Butter Chicken.  Second would be the P.E.I. Scalloped potatoes and I just did not like the Montreal Smoked meat flavor and that turned me off on even buying a bag of the baked bean flavour.  I noticed that the store shelves were always stocked with the Baked Beans and Montreal Smoked meat flavour chips.  Maybe that was a sign that they were just not too popular with many potato chip connoisseur's vs. the other flavors.

 Flavours I tested

2015 Winning Flavor

                        

 

Look out for the P.E.I. Scalloped Potato Chips, coming to a store near you. Yum!

                                                Enjoy!

 

Priceless memories

                                                                                   Week 45 ( Save $45 )
                                                           Week 46 ( Save $46 )

It's a sign that Christmas is just around the corner when our neighbours across the border just celebrated their Thanksgiving this week.  We have less than 30 days to pull and put everything together before December 25th.  With our busy lifestyles trying to juggle family and work on a day to day basis, no wonder why December is a very stressful month.

I feel the true meaning of Christmas has got lost through out the years with all the commercialism of materialistic things. Christmas is about love and sharing with friends and family.  It's not about how much you spent or how many gifts you received or bought . It's a celebration of faith, hope and love. 

Christmas truly is a magical time and remember that greatest gifts from the heart can never be wrapped in the finest paper nor ribbons. 

Celebrate this Christmas season and everyday after with a kinder and giving heart.  Christmas is everyday.


                                              Enjoy!

Remberance Day

  

 

 

We must Honor

We must Remember

Today and Always

 

Movember

Week 43 ( Save $43 )
Week 44 ( Save $44)

November is also known as Movember.  Movember is a global campaign to support men's health to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. 

For the next 30 days (or until the end of this month) , we will see more Mo growth on more men and it's finally ok to stare at some handsome guy because they are walking billboards raising awareness, funds and supporting the cause. It even gives you an excuse to strike up a conversation with that total handsome stranger ...

Movember encourages men to talk/communicate and to take action and control when it comes to their health. 

Do your part by supporting your Mo Bros and donate to this worthy global cause.

 

 

Grow your moustache

 

 

Halloween, it's a scary fact

                                                                                          Week 42 ( Save $42)

 

 

Saturday October 31st, Halloween

I have such fond memories with the days leading up to Halloween.  Whether it be the costumes, the parties, the pumpkin carving or just binging on the assortment of chocolate bars.

Did you know that Halloween is not only celebrated only in North America and Canada? It originated in Ireland and today the U.K, Puerto Rico, Australia and New Zealand all celebrate this festive occasion.

This once simple tradition of children trick-or-treating with their home made costumes or painted faces with their pillow cases knocking on doors for sweet treats has now exploded into this multi billion dollar global business !  

How did Halloween become a business that earns so much money year after year?  What has driven consumers to spend like this?   How has this non traditional holiday become such a demand that there has been an industry created around it?  

Well...Whether you are buying a costume for your kids, yourself and your dog, purchasing treats to give out or just buying decorations for your house or party, you are giving your money to the thriving Halloween Industry. 
The bottom line is, this is what the consumer wants to spend their hard earn dollars on at the end of October. 


                                                    Happy Halloween!
                                          
                                            Have Fun and Keep it SImple !

Federal Election Day...Go and Vote!

                                                                                           Week $41 (Save $41)
                                                                                              

Monday October 19th, 2015

 

The polling stations will be opened from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Bring your Notice of Registration Card and one piece of valid identification to your assigned polling station and make your vote count! 

This is a very important Election for Canada.  This Federal Election will determine whether our present Prime Minister will keep his position for another 4 years or Not.   Let me say ... may the best man or woman win!

Thanksgiving, eh!

                                                                                    Week 39 ( Save $39 )
                                                                                    Week 40 ( Save $40 )

Where has the time gone?  It's hard to believe this is the last long weekend here in Canada before Christmas. 


Enjoy your weekend with your friends and family.  Remember, there is always something to be thankful for.

And to our American friends south of the border, Happy Columbus Day!

Quinoa ?

                                                                        Week 37 ( Save $37 )
                                                                        Week 38 ( Save $38 )

 

Quinoa ( pronounced  Keen-wa)  also known as of the world's healthiest "Super Food".  This gluten free ancient whole grain is packed with iron, vitamin E,  vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and fiber.

It has become such an popular food choice ideal for those who are physically active, vegetarians to those who are just health conscious and for those who have digestive disorders such as wheat allergies, etc.

Now that we know its nutrient values, how does one prepare this super food  that is so complete with protein and all the essential amino acids.  It actually is a easy, quick and versatile to prepare.  Substitute quinoa for rice, grains in your recipes.  It's even ideal for breakfast, believe it or not.  I add cooked quinoa to my cooked oatmeal and  top it off  by adding  chopped apples, berries, raisons and a dash of cinnamon.   Don't forget to add it to your baked goods...yum!

Here is super packed colorful salad I love to take for lunch.  Add your twist by adding your favorite vegetables. 

1/4 uncooked washed quinoa
1/2 cup  of water

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking. Agitate and rinse well for at least 3 minutes.
Place the quinoa with the water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Stir occasionally.  Cover and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes.  Drain well and let the cooked grains air dry.


I carrot cut up into match sticks   

edamame beans
broccoli
red pepper diced
corn
celery diced
raisons

In a large bowl with the cooked quinoa, mix together the vegetables with your favorite oil dressing ( I use a sundried tomato dressing here).  Season with fresh herbs, salt and pepper.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Just before serving, why not add avocado, fresh berries and feta cheese.  The combinations are endless! which makes this salad so versatile and delicious. 
  


                                       What have you created with your Quinoa?

                                                                   ENJOY!

Lay's Chip finalists are finally out!

                                                                                        Week 36 ( Save $36 )

I have noticed the new Lay's chip flavors on the store shelves since the beginning of August but have not had a chance to blog nor start judging the flavors for myself.  I will act quickly since the contest runs until the end of this September and the flavors are for a limited time. 

Apparently, there were close to a million submissions...now that is just a million crazy flavors!  Canadians will have a chance to vote on the final four flavors chosen by Lay's Canada.  

The four flavours that got selected are:

Cowboy BBQ Beans

Butter Chicken

Montreal Smoked Meat

PEI Scalloped Potatoes






                Ok Canada, go vote at Lays.ca/Flavour, on Twitter or Instagram, or by text.

                                               Which flavor are you voting for? 

Labor Day

                                                                                Week 35 (Save $35)



It's hard to believe that the summer is coming to an end especially with all the great hot weather we are getting.  The truth of the matter is, it's September and it's the Labor Day weekend. 

By next week, the kiddies will be back to school and we will be back to some sort of work routine.

With that said, we still have this long weekend to enjoy! So, Kick your feet up and Relax!

 

 

 

YOGA

                                                             Week 34 (Save $34)

Maybe you have tried a yoga class and discovered that it made you feel so good!  Yoga aims to build a well balance, flexible body and a clear mind.  Some like the increase of muscle strength and toning, while others benefit the energy and vitality.  With all the different benefits, explains why so many people find yoga so addictive!

  

Yoga engages the mind as well as the body. If you practise with patience and consistency, your flexibility will improve. Many benefits of yoga come just from breathing correctly. In fact, as long as you’re breathing, you can practise yoga!

 

To fully benefit, find a class that right for you and make time to practice up to 3 times per week and you will soon see the instant gratification and lasting transformation. You do not have to be particularly fit to start, yoga is ideal for all ages and fitness levels. 
 

 

Sun Salutation is an easy 12 step to start your morning and all you need is 5 minutes!

 



 

 

                                    Don't forget to breathe!
                                                 Enjoy!

 

Happy National Dog Day!

                                                                                     Week 32 ( Save $32 )
                                                                                     Week 33 ( Save $33 )

Summer Bucket Checklist

                                                                   Week 31 (Save $31)

 

Ahh, with the hot weather and Summer in full swing, sometimes we need  inspiration for fun before the Labor Day weekend hits.  Grab a pen and paper and make a check list and see how many you can cross off. Whether it be nostalgic, relaxing, or just because.  Get outside and enjoy what summer has to offer. 

Here is my list of suggestions:

Run through the sprinkler

Ride a bike

Take a long walk on the boardwalk

Go to the beach

Play miniature golf

Go fly a kite

Catch fireflies at night

Build a sandcastle

Check out a garage sale or two

Pick fresh fruit and vegetables at a farm

Go karting

Buy an ice cream from the ice cream truck

Have a camp fire

Rent or Go to a cottage

Swimming in the Lake

Roasting Marshmallows and make tons of S'mores

Make a big pitcher of ice tea or fresh lemonade

Eat lots of watermelons

Have a big bbq bash with friends and family

Picnic  in the park

Napping on a hammock

Go see a movie at a drive-in

Star gazing

Attend an outdoor concert

Go camping

Hiking

Visit a farmer's market

Water sports: canoeing, paddling, kayaking

Ride the rollercoaster

Play tennis, golf, baseball, or just toss a Frisbee

Go day tripping

Read a book

Go see a play in the park

Go sailing

Drinks on a local patio with friends

Go for a long drive in the country

                                          
                                        Enjoy and Have Fun!


 

Proud to be Canadian

                                                                                                 Week 30 (Save $30)


 Team Canada won a record 217 medals at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games:
 78 gold, 69 silver and 70 bronze.

                                  
                                  Congratulations Team Canada !  

 

The flags are flying high at the Athlete's Village

 

 

 

 

 Men's Heap ready to start

 

Melissa Bishop wins Gold in the Women's 800 for Canada

 

 

Up and personal with our Gold medal winner

 

Soaking in the Sun and Sporting Events

 

                                             Week 29 ( Save $29)

 

 

 

 

A few pictures from inside the Pan Am Village

 

 

 

Here is Canada House

 

 

                     Cheering on the Canadian Women's Beach volleyball team

                                                       What a great game!

 

 
                        Team Columbia getting ready for the race at the Velodrome


                                                   ** More pictures to follow

                                         Which events are you soaking in?