Friday, August 30, 2013
Recipes for a Long Weekend!
Did you know Canada.. It's Labour Day weekend! With just about everything is closed, it's the last big hurrah of summer before (most) of the kids head back to school on the Tuesday and a lot of people celebrate this weekend with a family BBQ, one last camping trip, or maybe a last dip in the pool. For all these fun get togethers we need yummy food and drinks to share with friends and family, check out a list of some of our favourite, easy to make recipes to host a party or bring a dish to a friend's deck.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Jamberry Nails are coming to Canada!!
Did you know Canada.. this is BIG BIG news! Jamberry Nails officially launched in the U.S. in 2011 and became a multimillion dollar direct selling company. They are now arriving in Canada as of September 1st!
You apply Jamberry nail wraps yourself at home in just minutes. They are a solid film covering so they don't chip or scratch like nail polish. They are even surviving the summer with 3 kids, with polish I can't even get 24 hours without a chip, so that's telling you something. Lasting up to two weeks on your fingernails and eight weeks on your toes. And they are BEAUTIFUL! The style options are absolutely endless!
I am on my second set now and I can't even begin to tell you how many compliments I am receiveing, absolutely everywhere! When grabbing my coffee at Timmies, from other Mom's during playdates, at the grocery store, everyone comments on how beautiful, cool and natural they look! These are not fake nails of old, Jamberry Nail wraps are a chemical, latex free, salon quality nail wrap that bonds to your nail with heat and pressure to give you a water tight seal. You get a salon quality look for a fraction of the cost!
Here's how it works:
Since my nails are so short I actually cut the wraps in half so I didn't waste them and extended the use! You'll have a few leftovers and I was thinking if you had a matching polish at home you could even just put a wrap on your ring finger for a cool look! (remember the polish will chip and wear long before the wrap though)
Not just for adults either, there's Jamberry Juniors for girls, how awesome would it be to have a Jamberry themed birthday party where all the girls came to the at home "spa" and got their nails done??
If you have ever thought about a career in direct sales you will definitely want to get in on the ground floor with Jamberry Nails! I hope there is a consultant near me, I already have a slew of Mom's, friends and co-workers that are dying to attend a party! Contact Alisha Pierce at alisha.pierce@yahoo.com to get started TODAY!
Who would love to be a Jamberry consultant or love to host a party??
You apply Jamberry nail wraps yourself at home in just minutes. They are a solid film covering so they don't chip or scratch like nail polish. They are even surviving the summer with 3 kids, with polish I can't even get 24 hours without a chip, so that's telling you something. Lasting up to two weeks on your fingernails and eight weeks on your toes. And they are BEAUTIFUL! The style options are absolutely endless!
I am on my second set now and I can't even begin to tell you how many compliments I am receiveing, absolutely everywhere! When grabbing my coffee at Timmies, from other Mom's during playdates, at the grocery store, everyone comments on how beautiful, cool and natural they look! These are not fake nails of old, Jamberry Nail wraps are a chemical, latex free, salon quality nail wrap that bonds to your nail with heat and pressure to give you a water tight seal. You get a salon quality look for a fraction of the cost!
Here's how it works:
- Clean unpolished nails with alcohol wipes (I actually skipped this step and it still lasted 2 weeks!) and push back your cuticles
- Match a nail with the nail wrap that will fit best
- Peel off the nail wrap and warm the back of it with a hair dryer, just 10-15 seconds until soft
- While still warm press onto your nail, no worries if you got it crocked, just lift it up and reapply, then press around the edges
- Trim the top and file downwards
- Apply heat again for a few seconds to make sure it sticks and you are done!
The first time definitely takes a little getting used to the routine, but on my second application I was a pro and done in less than 10 minutes!
Since my nails are so short I actually cut the wraps in half so I didn't waste them and extended the use! You'll have a few leftovers and I was thinking if you had a matching polish at home you could even just put a wrap on your ring finger for a cool look! (remember the polish will chip and wear long before the wrap though)
Not just for adults either, there's Jamberry Juniors for girls, how awesome would it be to have a Jamberry themed birthday party where all the girls came to the at home "spa" and got their nails done??
If you have ever thought about a career in direct sales you will definitely want to get in on the ground floor with Jamberry Nails! I hope there is a consultant near me, I already have a slew of Mom's, friends and co-workers that are dying to attend a party! Contact Alisha Pierce at alisha.pierce@yahoo.com to get started TODAY!
Who would love to be a Jamberry consultant or love to host a party??
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Are You Ready to Start Your Own Business? 6 Things to Plan For
Did you know Canada.. Small businesses make up approximately 98 percent of
Canada's employers, with more than 1.1 million small businesses employing more
than 5.1 million workers around the country. Truly, small business is the
backbone of the country's industry. Are you ready to become the next small
business success story? Here's what you need to plan for so you can succeed.
Draft a Serious Business Plan
A business plan covers these four aspects of your new business:
No business survives without an effective marketing strategy, so this should be part of your plan and included in the initial loans you apply for. Since no business owner is able to see the full picture from inception, it's important to update and adapt the business plan as you proceed through the steps below. Some plans may not work out, and new ideals will surface as things unfold.
Set Up a Flexible Communications Strategy
Before you open the doors for the first customer, you need a way for prospective employees, customers, loan officers, and suppliers to get in touch with you. Shop around, because your local phone company isn't your only option.
Many business use BlackBerry's mobile device management solutions to create a comprehensive, all-encompassing telecommunications system without land lines or cable Internet providers. This way, you and all your employees have a reliable, affordable way to access phones, text messages, and the Internet, either from their own devices or from corporate-owned ones.
Choose the Best Location
There are several things to consider when choosing a location:
Look for Financing
There are a number of government financing options as well; many banks and financial institutions are willing to lend money to start-up businesses. Don't be tempted to swoop up the first loan opportunity that comes along, though. Wait until you have several offers in hand in order to get the best interest rate, the most generous loan, and agreeable payment terms. You'll need your business plan as well as your other market research, when you go to apply for these loans and grants.
Stock the Business
Now it's time to focus on inventory, including the things you'll need to produce work: office machines, break room supplies, and other necessities. Take advantage of rewards cards, online discount retailers like Overstock.com, and wholesalers like Costco. Unfortunately, Sam's Club closed its Canadian stores, but there are ways to get free office supplies with services like Freecycle Network.
Get Necessary Licensing
You'll need to register your business name with the government, which is now done online. You'll then need to get the necessary licensing from your province and the local municipal government. Each province and territory handles business licensing differently, as does each municipality, so check the local laws governing business with your local government. Some local governments make provisions for handling licenses and permits online, while others require business owners to come in person to apply for licenses and permits.
Starting a business and getting it running smoothly is a lengthy process, but don't let the detailed nature of the task get you down. Owning your own business is one of the most liberating things you can do, allowing you to showcase your creative talents, work ethic, management skills, and industry knowledge all at once. Taking the proper steps at the beginning of the process lays a solid foundation for the success you desire.
Whether you're one of the 2.2 million self-employed Canadian workers, or one of the 1.1 million owners of small businesses, a solid plan and faithful follow through are the most powerful keys to success.
Draft a Serious Business Plan
Image via Flickr photosteve101
A business plan covers these four aspects of your new business:
- Defines the goals and objectives of the business
- Outlines the business' needs for financing
- Includes a plan for marketing the business
- Is updated regularly as plans develop and grow
No business survives without an effective marketing strategy, so this should be part of your plan and included in the initial loans you apply for. Since no business owner is able to see the full picture from inception, it's important to update and adapt the business plan as you proceed through the steps below. Some plans may not work out, and new ideals will surface as things unfold.
Set Up a Flexible Communications Strategy
Before you open the doors for the first customer, you need a way for prospective employees, customers, loan officers, and suppliers to get in touch with you. Shop around, because your local phone company isn't your only option.
Many business use BlackBerry's mobile device management solutions to create a comprehensive, all-encompassing telecommunications system without land lines or cable Internet providers. This way, you and all your employees have a reliable, affordable way to access phones, text messages, and the Internet, either from their own devices or from corporate-owned ones.
Choose the Best Location
There are several things to consider when choosing a location:
- Is the property zoned for the type of business you're opening there?
- Do nearby businesses compliment or compete with yours?
- Is the community capable of supporting the business with enough customers and employees?
- If you outgrow the facility here, what will your options be for moving to a larger building?
- Is the crime rate low so patrons and employees won't be afraid of walking to and from their vehicles?
Look for Financing
There are a number of government financing options as well; many banks and financial institutions are willing to lend money to start-up businesses. Don't be tempted to swoop up the first loan opportunity that comes along, though. Wait until you have several offers in hand in order to get the best interest rate, the most generous loan, and agreeable payment terms. You'll need your business plan as well as your other market research, when you go to apply for these loans and grants.
Stock the Business
Now it's time to focus on inventory, including the things you'll need to produce work: office machines, break room supplies, and other necessities. Take advantage of rewards cards, online discount retailers like Overstock.com, and wholesalers like Costco. Unfortunately, Sam's Club closed its Canadian stores, but there are ways to get free office supplies with services like Freecycle Network.
Get Necessary Licensing
You'll need to register your business name with the government, which is now done online. You'll then need to get the necessary licensing from your province and the local municipal government. Each province and territory handles business licensing differently, as does each municipality, so check the local laws governing business with your local government. Some local governments make provisions for handling licenses and permits online, while others require business owners to come in person to apply for licenses and permits.
Starting a business and getting it running smoothly is a lengthy process, but don't let the detailed nature of the task get you down. Owning your own business is one of the most liberating things you can do, allowing you to showcase your creative talents, work ethic, management skills, and industry knowledge all at once. Taking the proper steps at the beginning of the process lays a solid foundation for the success you desire.
Whether you're one of the 2.2 million self-employed Canadian workers, or one of the 1.1 million owners of small businesses, a solid plan and faithful follow through are the most powerful keys to success.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Back to School with Well.ca #PGMom
Did you know Canada.. the big day is drawing ever nearer, but there's still time to shop at Well.ca for a few must haves and have them arrive before the start of school!
With Well.ca you could pick up this sweet P&G teen bundle for the little woman in your life heading to high school, Easy-Ups for your toddler starting pre-school or Tide to Go for your kids' back packs - Well.ca has you covered with P&G essentials.
To my cart I also added some much needed CoverGirl foundation for me for those early mornings and a 3 pack of Puffs for the kids to take on the first day.
Enter below for your chance to win a $10 coupon code for Well.ca so you too can pick up a last minute item! This is a FLASH giveaway, ends August 28th at midnight! Good luck Canada!
Giveaway
With Well.ca you could pick up this sweet P&G teen bundle for the little woman in your life heading to high school, Easy-Ups for your toddler starting pre-school or Tide to Go for your kids' back packs - Well.ca has you covered with P&G essentials.
To my cart I also added some much needed CoverGirl foundation for me for those early mornings and a 3 pack of Puffs for the kids to take on the first day.
Enter below for your chance to win a $10 coupon code for Well.ca so you too can pick up a last minute item! This is a FLASH giveaway, ends August 28th at midnight! Good luck Canada!
Giveaway
Back to School with DK Canada
Did you know Canada.. it's Back to School time! Our friends at DK Canada have you covered with every reference book, books about science, math the natural world and more! As always, their books are fully illustrated and expertly researched, great additions to any home.
We surprised our boys with a couple new books from DK Canada and we have been enjoying them every single day.
Math Made Easy 10 Minutes a Day: Grade JK-1 - provides quick exercises in math for Canadian children. The book includes a 10 minute timer which the boys LOVE pressing the button and checking the clock. They also love that each page is a single task with full interaction and it's been fun for the whole family. Using topics like animals, birthday parties, your family and more, it's been a great experience to work with this book. Each title in this series tests a range of skills and knowledge in the areas of number, shape, data-handling, measurement, and probability. Fully adapted to match Canadian curriculum requirements, these workbooks to support math learning at different levels of ability while fun Beat the Clock exercises develop quick mental math agility, including recalling the all-important times tables.
Everything You Need to Know About Snakes - we enjoy the book Everything You Need to Know About Sharks constantly from DK Canada, so I knew my boys would love this one about snakes and I was right! Readers will discover how far a cobra can spit, a gallery of fangs, how to survive a snake attack, the life cycle of a snake, and the Titanoboa — a 50-foot-long prehistoric snake — while also learning about lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and turtles. Amazing photos all through out the book, beautiful colours, we have REALLY been enjoying this one, even if it does give me the creepy crawlies once and awhile with the realistic photos!
Right now in DK Canada's Back to School Boutique you can save 30% off!!! I love it when companies have sales on the products you need NOW, and these will be fantastic additions to your library at home for nightly study, future projects and discovery!
We surprised our boys with a couple new books from DK Canada and we have been enjoying them every single day.
Math Made Easy 10 Minutes a Day: Grade JK-1 - provides quick exercises in math for Canadian children. The book includes a 10 minute timer which the boys LOVE pressing the button and checking the clock. They also love that each page is a single task with full interaction and it's been fun for the whole family. Using topics like animals, birthday parties, your family and more, it's been a great experience to work with this book. Each title in this series tests a range of skills and knowledge in the areas of number, shape, data-handling, measurement, and probability. Fully adapted to match Canadian curriculum requirements, these workbooks to support math learning at different levels of ability while fun Beat the Clock exercises develop quick mental math agility, including recalling the all-important times tables.
Everything You Need to Know About Snakes - we enjoy the book Everything You Need to Know About Sharks constantly from DK Canada, so I knew my boys would love this one about snakes and I was right! Readers will discover how far a cobra can spit, a gallery of fangs, how to survive a snake attack, the life cycle of a snake, and the Titanoboa — a 50-foot-long prehistoric snake — while also learning about lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, and turtles. Amazing photos all through out the book, beautiful colours, we have REALLY been enjoying this one, even if it does give me the creepy crawlies once and awhile with the realistic photos!
Right now in DK Canada's Back to School Boutique you can save 30% off!!! I love it when companies have sales on the products you need NOW, and these will be fantastic additions to your library at home for nightly study, future projects and discovery!
Canadian Giveaway Linky! 08/26
Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Philips AVENT Natural Essentials Set #AVENTmomsCA
Did you know Canada.. we are very excited to be an AVENTmom - we are huge fans of their products, I used AVENT bottles, sterilizer and more with my twins and we have been enjoying the Philips AVENT Natural Essentials Set with our new little man!
Philips AVENT is a leader in parenting and baby products. The Philips AVENT product range includes breastfeeding, bottle feeding, toddler feeding, baby monitors and newborn gifts.
The Philips AVENT Natural Essentials Set provides the help parents need for safe, easy feeding and sterilizing. This set includes two 4-ounce and two 9-ounce BPA-free bottles featuring a clinically proven anti-colic valve within the nipple that reduces colic for less air in baby’s tummy and a more comfortable feeding experience. The set also includes an express microwave sterilizer which cleans bottles in just two minutes. Finally it includes two newborn silicone Soothie pacifiers to calm newborns while respecting the shape of their growing mouths and a rounded-head bottle brush that helps clean every inch of baby's feeding supplies.
All pieces in this set are BPA-free, and the bottles and nipples are interchangeable with other Natural Philips AVENT bottles or nipples.
I love the express microwave sterilizer, easy to use, nice to clean many bottles at once (perfect for busy families like ours!), and really appreciated the set coming with the rounded-head bottle brush - a must have and perfect to not have to buy one separately!
You can see this little man likes the bottles too! Comfortable for Mom to hold, easy to stick in the diaper bag or purse while on the go, never any leaks either!
What a beautiful gift for a baby shower, or easy for a new Mom to pick up everything she needs in one box.
To celebrate joining #AVENTmoms we have a sweet giveaway for our readers! Enter below for your chance to win this beautiful gift from Philips AVENT!
Giveaway
Philips AVENT is a leader in parenting and baby products. The Philips AVENT product range includes breastfeeding, bottle feeding, toddler feeding, baby monitors and newborn gifts.
The Philips AVENT Natural Essentials Set provides the help parents need for safe, easy feeding and sterilizing. This set includes two 4-ounce and two 9-ounce BPA-free bottles featuring a clinically proven anti-colic valve within the nipple that reduces colic for less air in baby’s tummy and a more comfortable feeding experience. The set also includes an express microwave sterilizer which cleans bottles in just two minutes. Finally it includes two newborn silicone Soothie pacifiers to calm newborns while respecting the shape of their growing mouths and a rounded-head bottle brush that helps clean every inch of baby's feeding supplies.
All pieces in this set are BPA-free, and the bottles and nipples are interchangeable with other Natural Philips AVENT bottles or nipples.
I love the express microwave sterilizer, easy to use, nice to clean many bottles at once (perfect for busy families like ours!), and really appreciated the set coming with the rounded-head bottle brush - a must have and perfect to not have to buy one separately!
You can see this little man likes the bottles too! Comfortable for Mom to hold, easy to stick in the diaper bag or purse while on the go, never any leaks either!
What a beautiful gift for a baby shower, or easy for a new Mom to pick up everything she needs in one box.
To celebrate joining #AVENTmoms we have a sweet giveaway for our readers! Enter below for your chance to win this beautiful gift from Philips AVENT!
Giveaway
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
All Inclusive Family Vacations
Did you know Canada.. when I think of an all inclusive vacation I often think it's meant for couples, or a group of adult friends, but places like Club Med offer all inclusive family vacations for Canadians!
Many resorts now offer something for everyone, you can enjoy the luxury of an inclusive vacation stay and enjoy time together as a family. Most beach resorts offer kids clubs where children can meet new friends, play games and have fun. There are also many adventures, excursions, pools and beaches to be enjoyed as a family.
A warm get away is always fun in the middle of winter isn't it? Many of us are dreaming of laying out on a beach instead of shoveling snow. You know I love Canada and all it has to offer, but I know many of you love a quick getaway break too!
Italy, France, Mexico and more amazing locations are waiting to be discovered. Something so great about Canada is how accepting, integrating and supportive we are of so many different cultures, how fun would it be to learn more about these places with the whole family. Great to chat about at school after the trip too!
Have you thought about using the better price points of an all inclusive vacation to show your family the world?
Many resorts now offer something for everyone, you can enjoy the luxury of an inclusive vacation stay and enjoy time together as a family. Most beach resorts offer kids clubs where children can meet new friends, play games and have fun. There are also many adventures, excursions, pools and beaches to be enjoyed as a family.
A warm get away is always fun in the middle of winter isn't it? Many of us are dreaming of laying out on a beach instead of shoveling snow. You know I love Canada and all it has to offer, but I know many of you love a quick getaway break too!
Italy, France, Mexico and more amazing locations are waiting to be discovered. Something so great about Canada is how accepting, integrating and supportive we are of so many different cultures, how fun would it be to learn more about these places with the whole family. Great to chat about at school after the trip too!
Have you thought about using the better price points of an all inclusive vacation to show your family the world?
Back to School with @HilroyCanada!
Did you know Canada.. it's only about 2 weeks to go here and the time to shop is now!
ACCO Brands Canada has you covered with products from Hilroy, MotherWord and more! That's right, Mom needs a few back to school products too doesn't she? Who else will organize these kids!
I love the MotherWord New Mom notebook, it helps you track feedings, immunizations, sleep patterns, diaper changing, doctors appointments and more! I really love the bungee closure so if you are sticking a few extra papers inside you can keep everything together, because everything to do with baby seems to include a mountain of paper work doesn't it?? I also have some fun extra MotherWord stickers that I can write on to stick where ever I need them! MotherWord also offers Daily Agendas, the Ultimate Magnetic Family Calendar, everything to keep track of appointments, school functions, sporting events, play dates and about a million other things we do every week. :)
For the big kids we have really cool pencil cases and notebooks, everything is so much more fun and colourful than when I was growing up! I think I want to keep these notebooks for ME! ;) Hilroy offers tons of funky and fun back-to-school supplies with colour, textures and patterns like Glitter Glam, safari, colour splash, and chevrons!
Another item perfect for Mom or older students - the Mead Organizher loyalty card holder! Perfect for loyalty cards, business cards, gift cards, credit cards or even student cards! They come in fun and fashionable colours, perfect for every personality!
Follow Hilroy Canada on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest gear and you can visit retailers like Staples, Walmart and more to find these fantastic products that will have the whole family set for back-to-school! To celebrate the big back-to-school event we have an awesome prize pack to giveaway! Enter below for your chance to win THIS!
- Zwipes Dividers - Staples
- Notetote Purple Binder - Various retailers
- Hilroy Neon Nature Small Notebook - Walmart
- Hilroy Notebook with hearts - Various retailers
- Hilroy Enviro Recycled Line pencil pouch - various retailers
- Hilroy Neon Nature Casemade Binder - Walmart
- Motherword Perpetual Daily Agenda - Various retailers
- Motherword Stickers - Various retailers
- Motherword To Do List - Various retailers
- Motherword Ultimate Magnetic Family Calendar - various retailers
- Five Star Zipper Binder - Staples
Wow! One lucky Canadian reader will head back to school in style with this prize pack, enter now!
Giveaway
ACCO Brands Canada has you covered with products from Hilroy, MotherWord and more! That's right, Mom needs a few back to school products too doesn't she? Who else will organize these kids!
I love the MotherWord New Mom notebook, it helps you track feedings, immunizations, sleep patterns, diaper changing, doctors appointments and more! I really love the bungee closure so if you are sticking a few extra papers inside you can keep everything together, because everything to do with baby seems to include a mountain of paper work doesn't it?? I also have some fun extra MotherWord stickers that I can write on to stick where ever I need them! MotherWord also offers Daily Agendas, the Ultimate Magnetic Family Calendar, everything to keep track of appointments, school functions, sporting events, play dates and about a million other things we do every week. :)
For the big kids we have really cool pencil cases and notebooks, everything is so much more fun and colourful than when I was growing up! I think I want to keep these notebooks for ME! ;) Hilroy offers tons of funky and fun back-to-school supplies with colour, textures and patterns like Glitter Glam, safari, colour splash, and chevrons!
Another item perfect for Mom or older students - the Mead Organizher loyalty card holder! Perfect for loyalty cards, business cards, gift cards, credit cards or even student cards! They come in fun and fashionable colours, perfect for every personality!
Follow Hilroy Canada on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date on the latest gear and you can visit retailers like Staples, Walmart and more to find these fantastic products that will have the whole family set for back-to-school! To celebrate the big back-to-school event we have an awesome prize pack to giveaway! Enter below for your chance to win THIS!
- Zwipes Dividers - Staples
- Notetote Purple Binder - Various retailers- Hilroy Neon Nature Small Notebook - Walmart
- Hilroy Notebook with hearts - Various retailers
- Hilroy Enviro Recycled Line pencil pouch - various retailers
- Hilroy Neon Nature Casemade Binder - Walmart
- Motherword Perpetual Daily Agenda - Various retailers
- Motherword Stickers - Various retailers
- Motherword To Do List - Various retailers
- Motherword Ultimate Magnetic Family Calendar - various retailers
- Five Star Zipper Binder - Staples
Wow! One lucky Canadian reader will head back to school in style with this prize pack, enter now!
Giveaway
Monday, August 19, 2013
Canadian Giveaway Linky! 08/19
Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
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