Don`t wait until last minute - start your holiday shopping now!

Holiday shopping can be a pain! The line ups at the mall are unbearable and takes up precious time many of us would rather be spending with loved ones.

Yes it`s only the beginning of summer but maybe it`s time to start thinking about at least saving for the holidays and the presents we`ll be purchasing for our loved ones.

Would the chaos be easier if we could just click on a website and choose our favorite stores to buy from. no line ups, no pushy sales people and no parking wars! Just click on your computer, point to what you want and purchase! it`s that simple.

Many Americans shop on Black Friday, which is the Friday before Thanksgiving in November. A website called Black Friday.net black friday sales has a list of your favorite stores and ads for the 2008 Black Friday sales before anyone else gets to see them! How cool is that. Stores like BestBuy, Toys R Us, Home Depot and Linens n’ Things are all listed.

Give this site a try and I guarantee, the next holiday season will be easy for you. No more beating the line ups and wondering, last minute what your loved ones would be happy to receive on Christmas day!

This is an excellent way to be proactive. I’ll admit, I’m one of those people who finishes her Christmas shopping on Christmas eve. This kind of behaviour is often reserved for men. But no, this is a fault of many many people. This site is amazing and I hope everyone just at least checks it out.

Amy Winehouse - poor girl

Has anyone seen the recent pictures of Amy Winehouse? The poor girl is now sporting around a diaper.

Maybe if she was Paris Hilton, the diaper would be the next 'biggest thing'. But in reality this is just sad. Hopefully she does have a health issue and is dealing with it effectively.

Really though, isn't a diaper better than showing off your privates when exiting a vehicle? How hideous was the site of Brittney Spears when she tried pulling the no underwear down there trend? I was half kidding there actually. This is actually quite disturbing and I can only feel bad for the successful musician-turned-crack-addict. Someone get this girl some serious help!

http://perezhilton.com/?p=21176&cp=2

I signed up for PPP!

I was finally approved for PayPerPost word of mouth ethics

Payperpost is a great way to do what I already enjoy doing, which is blog and the best part is I also get paid for it! I can't wait to start making money through this great website. Maybe it will help pay for my upcoming nuptials or honeymoon?

I kept applying to PPP but kept getting denied because my blog was too new. Thankfully, I finally acquired enough posts to qualify and here I am. As I continue on this new-found journey, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on how the website is working for me. How bad can blogging for my favourite topics and products be? Especially if I'm making extra funds to do it?

So you're now wondering, "how did you hear about this fantastic website?". To be honest, I first came upon the website when I was looking for freelance writing jobs. I had never thought of blogging for money before and didn’t realize it even existed. When I read all about how the PPP program works, I couldn’t wait to get started! While I’m just a beginner, I would suggest this to anyone who has their own blog. Where can you go wrong?

Keep your fingers crossed for me. Maybe this will be a great ‘side gig’ for me and help with my expenses too. I wouldn’t mind going for that extra massage or that dinner on the beach on my honeymoon;)

Maid of Honour duties - Showers of fun

This past weekend I threw my friend Lindsay a bridal shower! What a beautiful day and I'm so happy the event was a success.

I'm so honoured to be a Maid of Honour. I've been a bridesmaid before but being a MOH (Maid of Honour) is quite different and more resposibility! I'm in charge of shower(s), bachelorettes and - oh my - the speech! So far so good. The shower was perfect. Many thanks to my mom and the brides mom. I don't know how anyone could throw such an event alone.

I can happily say my friend is so not a bridezilla. She is the most easy going bride I've ever met. Her and I might come in for a tie. Ok ok, maybe my bridal party would disagree. I'm not sure:) Tips on keeping the sanity for future Maids of Honours:

1. Save for the event. The shower does cost money and if you save for the occassion you won't be overly stressed when the day arrives.

2. Get outside help! If there are no other bridesmaids, ask family members and/or friends for some assistance. You can't do this alone.

3. Be ready for the unexpected. People who you didnt' think were coming, may still come. Or they may bring their children!

4. Feel free to play some games, but reality is that many people aren't so keen on the idea so keep the games simple.

NitWit Neighbours

Let me first begin this post by acknowledging to the world that yes, perhaps I shouldn't be living under anyone. I've never been good at being on the bottom. ok ok *wink *wink.

Seriously though, maybe I've just been instilled with a different thought process than everyone else but if I were to live in an old house/apartment building with hardwood floors, I would definitely be cautious not to disturb the people down below.

To get to the point, we had new neighbours move in above us three weeks ago. A great couple who seemed very pleasant, and I know they still are, but it's just that one pet peeve of mine making me cringe. They are heavy walkers and they tend to walk around above our bedroom very early in the morning.

When our landlords lived above us, they were aware of the hardwood floors and they made a point to avoid the room above our bedroom early in the mornings, especially on the weekend. They strategically implied in their rental ad, when they were ready to move out, that the three bedroom apartment is perfect for a couple. They also apparently chose between a couple who didn't take their shoes off and a couple who did (our current neighbours). These new neighbours were also informed where our bedroom is and that it'd be nice if they refrained from using the room above ours as their bedroom (seeing as they had two other rooms to choose from) and walking around in there early in the mornings.

Well low and behold, our new neighbours walk around above our bedroom at 6a.m on weekdays and before 8a.m. on weekends. I think this really bothers me because they appear to be younger than my fiance and I and I was hoping we would be crawling home from the bar together on a Saturday night! Not the case. What we have here are a couple of people who are homebodies and my nightmare - Morning people!

I will confront them this weekend when the weather appears to be nice and sunny. Hopefully everyone is in a good mood? I'm sure I'll be tired from the Sunday morning wake up stomp. But I need to confront them and politely be upfront. I'm nervous as I'm more of a passive person. I'd rather them hear me complain about them through closed doors. But I suppose it's time for me to grow up. Wish me luck.

The Midtown - Meets you more than halfway

My new favourite bar in Toronto is officially The Midtown.

Located in the heart of Toronto's Little Italy at College and Bathurst streets, the not-so-extravegant looking venue holds more punch than it seems at first glance. The store front bar extends its invitation to the public with its friendly bouncers. Yes I did say that correctly. A bar in Toronto does actually have friendly security staff.

Walking into the bar, I was immediately greeted by a smiling bartender. No having to flirt your way to great service at this place. The staff will serve on a first come basis. I didn't feel as though I was competing with the 19 year old-short-skirt crowd at this place. The back bar made me feel as though I was at a quaint house party. Bottles of PC brand cola, sprite and ginger ale line the bar and a pleasant hostess is waiting there to serve. Along with the houseparty theme was the DJ. Spinning my favourite hits from University, including Ashante, Big Pun and City High!

Feeling very comfortable with the staff and crowd of mid-twenty to upper-thirty-somethings, and the friendly staff, I felt free to enjoy myself and my friends without feeling as though I'm always on guard should a young 19 year old want to pick a fight over wearing the same mini skirt.

The Midtown is certainly a great place to visit if you would like to just relax and have a great time dancing, chatting or sitting with friends.

For more information visit http://www.torontolife.com/guide/bars-and-clubs/bars/midtown/

The others just aren't the same

Having no car is proving to be more difficult than I originally imagined.

When the car broke down, I wrote it off and thought I would just rent when I needed one. Being naive, I didn't think the rental agencies would try to take me for all I'm worth!

It's the May long weekend and I had plans to visit a friend in Sarnia. When I went to rent a car, each place said 'oops we're closed on Sunday AND Monday. You must rent until we're back open until Tuesday!". Yes of course they say I can drop the car off anytime I like. Even when they are closed. But I still have to pay for it until they are open.

Does this make sense? I suppose it does for the companies who are trying to get rich off its customers. But for me, I'm now seriously considering just purchasing a new car. But does that make sense? Why is it that a car is such a pertinent part of life? Before losing it, I took my car for granted, thinking it would take me anywhere whenever I wanted. I didn't think it would just be gone so suddenly. Yes yes, I am certainly still mourning the damn old car.

Booty Wins in America's Next Top Model - Cycle 10

After watching the season finale last night, I can honestly say I'm happy with the end result! Finally curves seemed to be making a comeback in the fashion world (on reality tv anyways).

20 year old student, Whitney Thompson from Atlantic Beach, Florida claimed the prize - a management deal with Elite Model Management; a $100,000 contract with cosmetics company CoverGirl; and a cover story and six-page fashion spread in an issue of Seventeen magazine, after a grueling cycle of sharing a household with ’stick thin’ wannabe’s and catty personalities.

I, myself modelled for Elite Models while in High School. Needless to say however, never in my life would I have thought they would be supporting the crowning of a 'full figured' model and taking her on as one of their own.

Being a stick-thin, awkward teenager, I was 'discovered'(not really) by the so-called 'Canada scout extrodinaire', Elmer Olsen, while shopping in my local Kitchener mall when I was just 15 years old. I ended up signing with the agency and modelling in mainly fashion shows, all the while having the agency constantly tell me my hips were too wide and my lips were too thin. At 5'10 and 118 pounds, I was hardly oozing the fat. And while modelling at such a young age and during such an awkward time in my life did provide me with some self esteem, it also provided extra insecurities I didn't need. Not once did I see curvey women gracing their walls. They didn't seem to want anything to do with anyone over the age of 18 and over 120 pounds.

I just am so happy Whitney came into the competition proclaiming, ”I have breasts, I have hips, I have a butt — and I am so proud of those things. I am here and I am me. I’m not going to change myself.” And she certainly didn't change!

Finding herself in the top three, among Anya Kop, a beautiful tall blond waif from Hawaii and Fatima Siad, tall and exotic from Somalia, Whitney remained true to herself, focusing on her goal and not allowing her weight or anyone else to bring her down. Luckily the two remaining in the end were Anya and Whitney. Lovely Anya who thought Whitney was beautiful when she cried, was nothing but genuine. The remaining two seemed such a tough decision, I was convinced they would have selected two.

After a strut down the Versace (we’re talking Donatella Versace!) runway in Rome, Anya looking like a true model and Whitney revealing her curves in a pink number a la Victoria Secret look-alike-model, the judges finalized their difficult decision.

I am quite satisfied with this season. Not only did it let the public know Elite Model Management is actually willing to take on a ‘plus size model’ but it’s ok to go into a competition like this and just be yourself and try your best. Good things can only come when you have a positive outlook - no matter what the cards may look like at first glance.

Another Sad Tale of Shameful Acts

After reading an article in The Toronto Star this morning, tears literally were brought to my eyes.

An Ajax couple are devastated after a robber broke into their home and stole a pendant filled with their son's ashes. The couple lost their baby son six years ago, 16 days after he was born. Lorraine Hutchinson received a pendant from a dear friend and her husband, Dave, placed some of their baby's ashes inside as a gift. Lorraine started to run after the death to cope with her grief and her husband explained she could wear the pendant and now run with her son.

I hope the person who robbed the couple's home at least returns the pendant. Assuming this person didn't realize what he or she was taking, hopefully the priceless jewellery isn't just thrown away. What a tragedy.

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/425221

Life is throwing me a Curve Ball

Lately I've been feeling like a large weight is sitting on my chest. It feels as though i'm literally going to cave in. That or just give up and be one of those people who hide in their apartment out of fear of facing the world on any given day.

It's not that anything terribly bad is happening to me, but little things seem to be happening in my life all at once. The car breaking down, coordinating maid of honour and bridal tasks and upcoming responsibilities, extra expenses I wasn't expecting, job dissatisfaction, family stress. I realize I get too caught up in worries and don't enjoy life as much as I should. I'm a constant ball of tension.

I need a vacation but we booked our honeymoon which is four months away. I need a career change but need the stability I have in my current position for the wedding, rent and now car rental payments. I feel as though I'm trapped in a large box with some room to maneuvre myself but very limited space to go where I want to be going.

It's Spring and the weather is beautiful, yet I'm still feeling anxious, tired and helpless. Very depressing I know. I need to bring myself out of this rut somehow and get a hold of my life. I know only I can change how I'm feeling. I just wish I had a genie who would grant me my life's wishes. I would take away my stress, provide myself with more money and never have to worry about stepping into an office, with it's politics, again.

Goodbye to an Old Friend

Unfortunately, my 626 Mazda Cronos passed away this weekend.

The 1993 vehicle was on its last legs, but we were in denial about the severity of its health issues. Driving on the Gardiner Expressway on our way out of Toronto, the car suddenly died. We were in the fast lane and managed to pull it over to the shoulder. Yes we were one of those people. The people you see at the side of the road on a busy Saturday afternoon, knowing full well a nice day suddenly turned into their nightmare. Yes that was us. To top it off, CAA was expired. Luckily they were nice enough to send over a tow truck anyways.

The mechanics gave the car a grim diagnosis that would cost thousands of dollars to repair. The timing belt as well as the water pump burst. Not only that but we had we had a hole in the muffler among other things. To fix the car would have cost more than it was worth. We had to make the decision finally to 'put it down' and walk away.

So now we are carless. Saying goodbye to that car was difficult but it was the right thing to do. I'll have to see how renting goes as purchasing a new car just isn't feasible at this point. The wedding is already eating up our savings! In the meantime rest in peace good car. You have been good to me but now it's time for us to part ways.

Timmy Does have a heart!

Thank goodness there is a heart or two in the land of timbits.

Read on:

http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/422936

Tim Hortens - What will firing a single mother solve?

On my way to grab my usual large coffee, double milk this morning, a coworker blatantly asked me if I felt comfortable purchasing something from a Corporation that fires single mothers.

I had not watched the news last night or this morning so of course I was interested in this statement. Opening up the front page of The Toronto Star, there it was, "Tim Hortons fires single mom over free Timbit".

In London Ontario, a single mother of four was fired from her job at Tim Hortens for giving an infant one timbit. One 16-cent mini donut! I thought I had missed something, so I read the article once more. Nothing in there did it say this woman assaulted a patron or employee, stole lunches for her or her friends or did anything that would justly constitute getting let go. Literally, this woman gave a small child a timbit because the child's mother - a regular - was having a hard day.

It seems to me, some people truly weren't provided with a heart when they were born. What kind of manager would terminate an employee for this behaviour? If anything at all, the woman only deserved a warning. The thought that this actually happened for this lame excuse has me wondering whether they were just waiting for this woman to cross the line somehow so they could let her go. There must have been some other underlying reason other than the fact that she simply gave away one timbit to one infant.

This brings me to a point I feel strongly about. I realize personality plays a large role in fitting in with coworkers at a job, but just because an employee and manager don't click, does this mean it's right to fire that person? Do some people use their upper management level and authority to the wrong advantage? Perhaps some managers need to learn how to resolve conflict in a constructive way rather than shove them out at the first sign of difference.

I feel for this poor woman and I only hope someone at Corporate Tim Hortens will realize what a cheap move this actually was. Perhaps they did this woman a favour and she will move on to sweeter things.

Honeymoon Booked!

We officially booked our honeymoon and are ecstatic about travelling to St. Lucia at the end of September!

We have both been so engulfed in planning our wedding day that the honeymoon was always an afterthought - up until last week. Originally, Aruba was the destination of choice. We both had our hearts set on the new Aruba Riu Palace. Wow what an extravagent place! We would have felt like royalty, however after much consideration and research, it was determined we would have to leave at 6a.m. the day after our wedding! Silly charter flights.

Upon this discovery, we were determined to find an alternative. Aruba was our number one destination due to the fact that it is apparently a Caribbean island least likely to be hit by a tropical storm. We will be departing at the tail end of the hurricane season (June to November) and didn't want to take any chances. Barbados, Curacao and St. Lucia were all alternative suggestions by travel agents.

Sandals Resorts never crossed my mind until we flipped through some brochures I had picked up at the latest bridal show I had attended. Shuffling through the pages, we came across the Sandals Regency in St. Lucia. What a beautiful looking spot! We booked it the next day. Now I have to wait four months until paradise.

Tall Comments - please go away

I was grabbing a coffee at Timothy's yesterday in my neighbourhood when a tall comment peaked out it's little head from a stranger who was eyeing me up and down.

I'm not clear on whether this strange man was trying out a pick up line or if he was just being flat out rude. Here I was, minding my own business, stirring the milk into my Irish Cream coffee when from behind me I hear "Wow you're tall, let me guess you play basketball?". The cringed feeling that entered my body must have appeared on my face. How could it not? This is the worst comment a man can make to a woman who already feels amazonian in heels, let alone having a bloat day. Nothing against female basketball players, I just don't feel I look very athletic. As I turned to him and said "no", then tried to continue on with my business, he then says "no? ok ok let me guess, high jump then?" Instead of letting him continue I gave him my bitchiest look and walked out. I hope he got the hint.

Seriously would he be asking a shorter than average person if she is a jockey? Does she gain winnings at Woodbine for riding horses? I mean really? Would that comment not be offensive? Then how do people think making basketball comments to me is perfectly ok? I know I'm tall. Duh, I've lived in my body for the last 28 years. I know I grew well above the average kids in my class, always standing in the back row for photos, looking down at my crush's head in grade school as we slowly danced to "I will always love you" during our school dances. Oh I'm well aware, so pointing out my height will in no way flatter me. Now letting me know I'm model tall is ok. That's associated with beauty and glam. I'm ok with that!

I suppose this person was just socially inept. After venting to my fiance afterwards, he assured me he finds me attractive and I'm happy to say that is and should be what is most important.