Week 52!

                                                                            Week 51 (Save $51)
                                                                            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... Congratulations!
  
May this New Year brings you a peace filled life, warmth and togetherness in your family and much prosperity!    

 

For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice.  And to make an end is to Make a Beginning.          T.S. Eliot

                                                                   ENJOY !

Christmas Wishes

                                                                                           Week 47 ( Save $47 )
                                                                                           Week 50 ( Save $50 )

 

I don't want much for Christmas.  I just want the person reading this to be healthy, happy and loved! Wishing you Snowflakes, Friendship and Winter Cheer!

 

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Hot cocoa on a stick

                                                                            Week 46 ( Save $ 46 )

I hope my absence has not stopped you from saving away weekly.  I am back and I hope to finish week 52 and looking forward to 2017 so we can start saving once again. 

Here is a super easy gift you can make during the Christmas season or anytime, chocolate has NO season's :) 

Recipe for one cocoa stick

1/4 cup of chocolate chip or merkin's chocolate melts 
small dressing container ( available at dollar store size: 1.5 inch high )
1/4 cup mini marshmallows

wooden long coffee stir sticks
cling plastic wrap
small clear gift bags (big enough to hold cocoa stock)
optional: tiny cupcake muffin liners

white card stock
black fine sharpie marker
hole puncher or a sharp pencil

Wipe and polish the inside of the small container with paper towel. This process will ensure the chocolate to be shiny and glossy once it molds. 

Melt the chocolate either over a double broiler or microwave . Pour the melted chocolate into the small container. Fill to the top. Cut a small piece of plastic cling wrap enough to wrap the top of the container.

 
Stick the stir stick through the plastic into the chocolate.

Allow the chocolate to set either at room temperature or in the refrigerator.  Once the chocolate is set. Remove the molded chocolate and set on muffin liner or clear gift bags.

Fill the clear bag with 1/4 cup of mini marshmallow (or more) 

Cut a tag to desire shape and write a simple instruction: "Stir into hot milk"

 
Punch a hole in the tag and tie to the kit.

Pair the hot cocoa stick with a store bought mug. Makes a great super quick gift anytime!

* All the ingredients and supplies can be found at your local dollar stores.








                                                                  

 ENJOY!

We Will Not Forget

                                                                                                   Week 41 ( Save $41 )

                                                                                                   Week 45 ( Save $45 )

 

 

 

 

Granola-ing

                                                                 Week 36 ( Save $36 )
                                                          Week 40 ( Save $40 )


I was never a big fan of cold breakfast cereal's as a child nor do I try to eat it today. Yes, I know, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day".  I have been having alternative hearty choices outside of the cereal box.  Whether it be left overs, home made soups, fresh fruits or old fashion oatmeal.

Over the years, I have discovered my all time favorite oatmeal,  taken to a alltime new level...revamped into granola. Now I cannot get enough of it because the combinations of homemade granola are endless. Who can ever be bored!

Every combination is delicious and so fresh. Super easy to make and cost less than store bought granola.  Eat it by the handful, with milk, or on desserts.

 Get granola creative by combining your oats, nuts, seeds and dry fruits, chocolate optional.  There are so many variety of nuts such as cashew, peanuts, almonds, pistachio's, just to list a few.  My favorite seed combinations are pumpkin and honey roasted sunflower seeds. The perfect balance of sweet, salty and crunch! 

The next question will be should I add dried cranberries, raisons, dried apples, blueberries, dates, apricots or cherries ...decisions, decisions.



Here is a basic recipe but add your twist by combining your favorites with less or more:

Combine in a large bowl :
2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of nuts, 1/3 cup of seeds, 1/2 cup of dried fruit, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon,  1 tsp of vanilla extract. dash of salt, 4 Tbsp coconut oil (optional) , 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey. 

Mix well and pour into parchment lined pan. 
 
Bake at 300 F for 30 minutes and stir every 10 minutes.  Cool completely and store in either big chunks or break down into smaller pieces into air tight container at room temperature for two weeks.

                                Keep Calm and Keep Granola-ing!

 

 

 

Fall's Marvelous Mums

                                                                          Week 32 ( Save $32 )
                                                                          Week 35 ( Save $35 )
                                                               

Gorgeous Chrysanthemums, garden mums, hardy mums or just plain old "mums" are a symbol of fall.  With it's rich shades of spectrum of colors and varieties of shapes. They can fill any garden with instant color whether it be borders, containers or anywhere!

When buying mums, select tightly closed buds that show small bit of color...it's much nicer to know what exact color you will be bring home! It's nice to buy full bloom of instant color and seasonal but if you are hoping for a "hardy" true perennial it may not may not happen. Mums sold in garden centres in the fall have been coaxed to bud for the fall to bloom meaning all the energy has been inputted into the plant to bloom and not growing the roots.

The mum's in my garden have been blooming in late summer into the fall for the last three years and it always puzzled me. 
"Are mums perennials?” the answer is a distinct yes—and no....?

I was told that my mums have established its roots and considered truly hardy. They survived the sub- zero winters year after year.  Is it just luck or did I do something right for once? They are confusing plant groups with so many botanical names. They are perennials, but their survival depends on when you get them and where you live in the Zone.

There is a trick to getting those beautiful fall bloomers to over winter successfully. Perennial mums require excellent drainage and early planting.   Add compost no matter what type of soil you have to the beds and planting hole. This will ensure the mums gets a good snooze and root protection through the cold winter months. Do not prune even if it turns brown.

Early planting means the earlier you put the spectacular mums into the ground the better!  But if the winters are too cold where you live or you did not plant them earlier enough.   Bring the mums into the basement or a dark closet and water well. The plants will hibernate for the winter and check to make sure the roots are weekly damp.  In the spring, slowly acclimate the plant to light daily.  Place the plant in the garden after the last frost.

If this perennial process sounds like it's too much work, then just treat them as annuals. There is no guarantee that the plants will survive the winter even if you have taken the steps to sufficient winterize them.  If they do survive, it's all worth it at the end when the different shades of yellows, oranges, maroons and reds pop up year after year for you to enjoy!


Tips for fall flowering: Just pinch the plant back periodically throughout the summer.  Start pinching when the plant are 4 to 5 inches and repeat every few weeks until mid July. This will cause the plant to grow bushy and by late summer it should be covered with flower buds.

 
 

All Eyes on Scanned Pricing

                                                                                  Week 30 ( Save $30 )
                                                                                  Week 31 ( Save $31 )

What if I told you that you can get up to $100 or more of FREE stuff .. all you have to do is be a sharper and informed consumer and look at your cash receipts or scan items. That is all to it! ... and thank you to SCOP!

SCOP ? Never heard of it...what is that gibberish all about?   SCOP is also known as the Scanning Code of Practice. This code was enacted in June 2002 as a promise from major retailers to the consumer that will be accurate scanning at the register on all UPC codes.  It basically means “the price we have listed on our shelves will be the price that rings up at the register”.


The Code state: If the product scans in at a price HIGHER than the price listed on the shelf, the customer is entitled to receive the item free, up to a $10 imaximum (customer will receive $10 off when the item costs $10 or more).

SCOP does not include pharmacy related products or price-ticketed items (ex. markdowns, 50% off tickets or red ticket items for quick sales). 


Example senario's of how the code works:

1.  If you were to find an item with a label on the shelf advertising it at $9.99, but when scanned it rings up at $12.00, you would end up getting the item for FREE because the lower advertised/correct price of $9.99 is less than $10.  SCOP only applies to the first item. The other item would ring in with the adjusted lower price that was advertised on the shelf.

AND

Note that each item has its own unique UPC. Such items, often shampoos, conditioners and hairspray have different UPC codes even though the store may be advertising a sale of $5 each.

If all three items ring in incorrectly, you would get the shampoo, conditioner and hairspray FREE if they have different UPC codes on the bottles.

2.  If you were to find an item advertised in a store flyer for $50, but when scanned it rings up at $60, you would pay $40 for the product after SCOP is applied because they would subtract $10 from the advertised/correct price of $50.

3. If you were to find an item with a shelf label of $12.00 and it rings up at $9.99, SCOP does not apply at all because the price is lower at the checkout than advertised. You would most likely pay the scanned price of $9.99, not the $12.00.

Finally, if you were to find an item with a price sticker affixed to the item itself for $9.99, but when scanned it rings up at $12.00, SCOP would not apply because it does not apply to products that are individually labelled with a price. You would most likely pay the lower price of $9.99
.
The Scanning Code of Practice does not apply when items have price tickets on them. It only applies for displayed signs in stores. So If the store did not remove it's sales price display from last weeks sale. SCOP is applied here. You will pay at the display price not the scanned price.


Stores that are signed up with SCOP and agreed to follow the code:

• Best Buy
• Canada Safeway Limited
• Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd.
• Co-op Atlantic
• Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd.
• Federated Co-operatives Limited
• Future Shop
• Giant Tiger Stores Ltd.
• Home Hardware (2 franchisees only)
• Lawton Drug Stores
• Loblaw Companies Limited
• London Drugs
• Longos Brothers Fruit Markets
• Lovell Drugs
• Metro Inc.
• Overwaitea Food Group
• Pharma-Save (BC only)
• Rona
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• Sobeys Inc
• The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company of Canada Limited
• The Groupe Jean Coutu (NB and ON only)
• The Harry Watson Group
• The Home Depot Canada
• The North West Company
• Thrifty Foods
• Toys R Us
• Wal*Mart Canada Corp.
• + 1374 independent locations

The Scanning Code of Practice is endorsed by the Competition Bureau of Canada and was created from the collaborative efforts of the Retail Council of Canada, the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores, the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors.

If you are not satisfied with the cashier’s decision regarding the application of the Code, at a participating store, the Competition Bureau recommends you first speak to the store manager or supervisor. If you are still dissatisfied, you may register a complaint with the Scanner Price Accuracy Committee, by calling 1-866-499-4599.

Tips for taking advantage of the code:

 

SCOP happens a lot on the first morning of the advertise sales week. Some of the stores have not changed over all shelf and display prices from the previous week.  Nor have their systems have fully been updated with the new sales prices.  You may stumble on a few good deals.

A new sales flyer, a new cycle of errors.  Keep a sharp eye out on the those days.  Once the errors have been caught by the retailer, you guaranteed those price tags will be updated quite quickly.

If you happen to return to the store on a different day and the price have not been corrected, you can take advantage of another SCOP item effortlessly.

From time to time, you will benefit from the UPC's that were not inputted into the computer programs correctly from the price switch. 

Check your purchases before you reach the check out with some retailers in-store price scanners for consumers.  You can find out before you head to the check out if you have any SCOP items or take advantage of the other products.

One experience a few weeks back, when I was out buying 3 packages of hot dogs.  The hot dogs rang in at $5.97. The cashier and I discussed the price difference, I was 100% sure the hot dogs were displayed at $3.00.  The floor manager went back to check the price.  At the cash, I was checking the UPC 's on the packaging while waiting, I knew for sure I was getting 2 packages for free ( YAY! ) and willing to pay only $3.00 for the whole lot (I had two packages of the all beef and one package of the cheddar ).  In speaking to the floor manager, he was impressed that I actually caught price scan and surprised that NO other customers caught the price discrepancy all  week since today was the final sales date.  I was so proud of myself for calling them on the SCOP "card".   Duly noted: I was entitled in this matter.. hotdoggins!
 

In most cases, the cashiers are trained on the scanning code of practice and will implement SCOP but for those cashiers who forgotten or  undertrained who look at you baffled and have never heard of such nonsense.  Just point out the white sticker displayed and you may need to ask a store manager to resolve your pricing issue.  You actually have rights!

Look for the SCOP sign posted in the entrance doors or look just below the cash register check outs, usually where you sign for your credit card or debit transactions. This signage has been there all this time but we missed it for some reason. 

It absolutely does PAY OFF to watch the register prices as consumers and we can take advantage of this law in Canada protecting our right to freebies!


                                                           Good Luck!

 

Get ready to compost

                                                                               Week 28 ( Save $28)
                                                        Week 29  (Save $29)

What is composting?

Composting is a simple, natural easy way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into dark nutrient earthy decomposed rich plant food.  The compost creates humus which helps soils retain moisture and ward off plant diseases and pests. No more need for chemical fertilizers!  Composting can reduce your landfill waste up to 50% .. so let's get composting!

Here are a few tips to start your back yard composting:

Select a level spot on the earth where there is good sun exposure and good water drainage to place your bin.

Add acceptable organic materials *. such as your kitchen scraps, garden waste, etc.  Make sure the material are broken into small pieces, this will speed up the composting process.

Keep the pile moist but not soaking wet (or remove the lid just before a rainfall) The pile should not smell or have an odor.  If it does, try adding some dry leaves to absorb the moisture.

Turn the pile over with a pitchfork once in a while to give it some air.

With the natural elements of heat and sun, your compost will be ready to use within a few months to a year.  Results would be this rich and dark crumbly compost.

You can continue to compost through the winter months.  The process will slow down but once the spring arrives the pile will become active again.

For a " no fuss" option to composting, the decomposition may take much longer but the results will be the same.

*acceptable organic materials : fruit and vegetables, coffee, tea, egg shells, garden waste: grass trimming, leaves, twigs, plants, flowers, dried weeds, peanut shells, and saw dust.

**Never add any meat scraps, fats or even milk products. 


Remember that Composting is FREE and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

 

 

Strawberries to jams

                                                                         Week 26 ( Save $26 )
                                                    Week 27 ( Save $27 )

Strawberry season is finally in full swing at your local berry you-pick farms across Ontario.  This year the strawberry season has been pushed back due to the long winter and the wet cool spring. But with the hot summer weather, these delicate berries may not be able to bear the heat and the season may be cut shorter.  Gather your friends and families and head to the berry patches and get picking before these delicious sweet organic strawberries are gone for another year.

Wouldn't it be amazing if we could just bottle summer it in a jar? Why not turn summer's yield into delicious jams - you will be able to enjoy a bit of summer all year long.

This is an simple delicious strawberry jam recipe that does not use pectin.
This recipe yields 3 small jars.  Feel free to double or triple the recipe or try any combinations of berries such as blackberries, raspberries or blueberries. 

Ingredients:
6 cups of fresh strawberries ( washed, dried, hulled, cut to same size )
3 cups of white sugar
2 Tbsp. of lemon juice

In a heavy bottom pot, mix together the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice.  Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.  Increase the heat to high to bring to a rolling boil. Stir often and skim off any of the impurities forming on top of the jam.  Cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes . 


In sterile jars, fill the jars leaving 1/4 to 1/2 headspace and seal with the sterile lids.  Process the jams in in water bath for 15 minutes.  Remove the jars and allow the jars to cool over night.  Tighten the lids and store in cool dark place. 

Is it just pure coincidence that strawberries are heart shaped? Everything about strawberries are good for your heart. It packed with antioxidants, fiber and full of vitamins.                            

Enjoy mother nature's perfect fruit this summer !

Happy Father's Day

                                                                Week 25  ( Save $25)

 

Happy Mother's Day!

                                                                                        Week 17 ( Save $17 )
                                                                                        Week 18 ( Save $18 )

 

Remember Mom on Mother's Day and everyday !



 

Earth Day

                                                                        Week 15 ( Save $15 )
                                                                        Week 16 ( Save $16 )

 

 

 

Make today and everyday, Earth Day!

 

 

 

Laptops hate drinks!

                                                                     Week 13 ( Save $13 )
                                                                     Week 14 ( Save $14 )

There should be a permanent big red warning label on all portable computer devices :  Keep all drinks and food away! 

It a common and known fact that water and electricity do not mix...but why do we still choose to eat and drink by our laptop and tablets. > *guilty

With the portability of computer devices, drink spills are more common than we think.  We think we are so careful with our devices until that unfortunate hot tea accidentally gets knocked over.  > eek*

What do you do when something spills on your laptop?  To be able to act calmly and quickly is key while going through that emotional roller coaster of panic. > DOH ! I've lost everything because I never back up anything!*

First, unplug all power cords and turn the laptop over to remove the battery. Do not try shutting down the laptop.  This will reduce the risk of electrical damage.  Turn the laptop upside down if you cannot get to the battery.  This will reduce the risk of the liquid penetrating and reaching the motherboard. > this is not happening ! *

Allow the liquid to drain as much as possible and blot dry the liquid spillage on the keyboard and allow the laptop to dry for 48 hours. Do not attempt to use a hair dryer to speed up the process, it may melt or damage the laptop. > there is no quick fix or answer *

Depending on the type of spill there may be deeper damage to the laptop.  A small amount of water or green tea maybe hopeful compared to drinks with lots of sugars and milks products are bad news.  Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine will instantly kill them instantly.  > sucks *

The liquid can seep through the keyboard and damage the parts underneath it such as the touch pad, motherboard, memory, processor and don't forget about the keyboard.  I do not advise you to open up the laptop if you do not know what you are doing. You may even damage the electronics. Even if you attempted to give it a thorough cleaning there is always that problem with the residue when they dry.  Spillage is a silent killer because sometimes it takes days, weeks or even months before finally shorting out even if you get the device going again. Don't forget about the  long-term corrosion issue. > one expensive lesson *

It's best to take it to a reputable computer repair shop and let them asset the damage and provide you with estimate.  Sometimes its just not worth repairing if the damage cost is more than what your laptops is worth.  > cha - ching ching ching !*

Your repair guy may even be able to copy your hard disk ( providing it was not damaged ) to an external drive.  > YES! finally one piece of good news*

I am sure the local barista's and airline hostesses have seen their fair of spillage on a day to day basis.  Your best bet is to NOT set any drinks near your laptop or tablet.  
My repair guy's advice:  all drinks are to be kept an arms length away and don't forget to always back up your files. > maybe ready by next week (5 weeks later) Good grief ! *

My new rule is keep all drinks far away from my computer. I will let you know the outcome of my poor drinking laptop.  > there is hope! *

> * represents my thoughts



                                               I hope this blog was informative

                                                            
 

Winter is not getting the hint...

Week 12 ( Save $12 )

 

ENJOY! 

 

Everything is Green...

                                                                  Week 11 ( Save $11 )

 everything is green so think green!

Make your house smell amazing

                                                       Week 10 ( Save $10 )

Simmering potpourri is a lovely way to leave your home smelling warm and inviting and delicious!

Simple ingredients from your cupboard and citrus fruits to your stove and before you know it, it's heaven simmering on your stove. 

If you have a small slow cooker, just place the same ingredients into your slow cooker and let it simmer on low all day.


Stove Top Method:

Add 4 cups of water into a small sauce pan and desired ingredients (see scent combinations below)
Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low.  Do not let the water evaporate (add more water if needed)


Apple Pie: 2 slice apples, 1 lemon slice,  2 sticks of cinnamon, dash of vanilla extract

Spicy Vanilla: 4 whole cloves, 1 stick of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Ginger Spice: 10 slices of fresh ginger, 1 cinnamon stick and 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Lemon Rosemary: 1 sliced lemon, 3 springs of rosemary, 1 cinnamon stick and 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Cranberry Citrus: 1 cup of cranberries, 1/2 lemon and orange sliced, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 Tbsp. cloves

Spicy: 1 whole nutmeg, 1/2 Tbsp. whole clove and 5 star anise 2 cinnamon stick

Lime Mint: 2 limes sliced, 2 springs of fresh mint or 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract

The combinations are endless.  Try fresh or dried herbs, bay leaves, dried citrus peels, pine needles, to give your simmering potpourri a scented new twist. 

                          
                                              ENJOY!




 

 

 

There must be Popcorn !

                                                                 Week 9 ( Save $ 9 )

If your having an Oscar viewing party tonight or just propping your feet up to watch the award show alone, make sure you have good batch of popcorn on hand.

Here is my easy microwave lunch bag recipe for plain to caramel popcorn for one

Plain popcorn
paper lunch bags
1/4 cup of kernels

Measure 1/4 cup of kernels  into the paper bag and fold the top of the bag a few times. Microwave for  2 minutes ( note: every microwave may vary ) . Pick out the kernels that did not pop or re-pop.





Caramel popcorn

waxed paper lined on a cookie sheet     

bag of popped corn (from above recipe)

1/2 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp butter
1.5 Tbsp corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon of salt or sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda

1. Line the cookie sheet with waxed paper and keep aside.

2. In a microwaved container, add the brown sugar, butter corn syrup salt and vanilla together.  Microwave for 1 minutes. Stir and microwave for another minute or two until boiling ( depending on your microwave).

3. Remove the hot sugar mixture and add the baking soda and stir quickly.  The baking soda will start to foam. 

4. Pour the sugar mixture into the bag of popcorn bag and mix, toss and shake well.  Work quickly and fold the top of the bag a few times.

5. Microwave the bag for 15 seconds and shake and microwave the other side for another 15 second.  Make sure you do not microwave too long or it will burn.

6. Open the bag and pour the caramel corn on the wax tray.  Break up the clumps and cool completely until harden. Optional: sprinkle with dash of salt or cinnamon

There you have it ...When you think of movies, there has to be popcorn!

 

Enjoy!