Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
365 TV-free activities you can do with your child
This book is written by Steve and Ruth Bennett. I will try to follow some of them with my baby.
It's never too soon to discipline
It's never too soon to discipline - written by Dr. Ruth Peters - is my favorite book now.
"Too many parents today behave as though they were afraid of their children. Dr. Ruth Peters helps parents find the courage to discipline, to be proactive, and to get control of their families... and to do so early, while their children are small."
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Banana Republic - Green way
3/4-sleeve crochet button cardigan
Novelty crochet buttons on a fitted silhouette updates our classic crewneck cardigan. Layer with suiting essentials for the workday or with casual chinos for weekend escapes.
$64.00
- 100% Cotton.
- Machine wash cold.
- Imported.
- Crewneck. 3/4-sleeves.
- Seven-button front.
Cap-sleeve twist-front top
Infuse a pop of color into your wardrobe with a flattering sweetheart cap sleeve.
$39.00
- 94% Micromodal, 6% Spandex.
- Machine wash cold.
- Imported.
- Sweetheart neck. Cap sleeves.
- Hits at the hip.
Silk/cotton printed blouse
A basketweave print adds a graphic element to our work-ready blouse.
$69.00- 53% Silk, 47% Cotton.
- Dry clean.
- Imported.
- Short sleeves. Five-button front.
- Hits at the hip.
'Veronique' strappy platform wedge
This sassy-meets-preppy wedge is multi-strapped with a thick woven heel for making legs look longer.
$78.00- Imported.
- Canvas upper.
- Metallic leather lining.
- Buckle: enamel over nickel hardware finish.
- Leather outsole finish.
- 4" basket weave wedge heel.
'Oriana' shielded sandal Comfortably chic, this sandal comes in an array of delightfully vivid colors.
$78.00
- Imported.
- Patent leather upper.
- Leather footbed.
- Shield: shiny nickel finish.
- BR rubber-embossed outsole finish.
- 3/4" patent leather-covered heel.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
KitchenAid - Ultra Power Stand Mixer
Features
- Powerful 10-speed 300 W motor
- 4.5 qt stainless steel mixing bowl with handle
- Tilt-up mixer head for easy bowl removal
- Includes dough hook, wire whip and flat beater
Read all reviews about this product.
Buy it in Canadian Tire
Buy same brand on Amazon.com
Ten way to save energgy and reduce your bill
The Energy Action Council of Toronto (EnerACT) is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting renewable energy and energy conservation. EnerACT’s "Smart Steps, Simple Solutions" program provides information on the way in which you can reduce your energy bills at home: whether your home is a house or an apartment.
To make it even easier for you to achieve significant savings, EnerACT has made its Smart Living Journal – a simple, 12-week guide to lower energy bills – available on the “Challenge” section of its website: www.smartliving.ca.
Here are the top ten ways to lower your energy usage:
1. Install low-flow showerheads: Your shower accounts for about 30 - 40 percent of your hot water use. In addition to this, install aerators on your kitchen and bathroom taps. These two measures can reduce your water usage by as much as 50 percent. Finally, you should consider installing a toilet tank dam. All of these materials are available in the City of Toronto’s low-cost water conservation kits. To find out more call (416) 392-4546 or visit www.city.toronto.on.ca/watereff/index.htm.
2. Lower your hot water heater to 49 degrees and drain any sediment: Heating cold water is very energy intensive — and also a great place to save energy. Although you need to keep your water heater above 48 degrees C to prevent bacteria from building up, many hot water heaters are set too high. Experts also recommend draining a pint or so of water from your water heater a few times a year to reduce sediment and increase efficiency.
3. Add insulation to your hot-water heater: As long as you’re dealing with your water heater, you might as well add some insulation. Since the standard hot water heater is on all the time, adding extra insulation will save more energy than you think. Most hardware stores sell pre-made insulator “jackets” that can be easily wrapped around one’s water heater. Experts estimate that adding insulation to your water heater and any exposed pipes can knock up to 15 percent off the costs of heating water. Caution: Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before taking this step.
4. Check for and seal any cracks or gaps: Home heating is the single largest use of energy for the average customer. And since experts estimate that all of the tiny gaps and cracks in an older home are roughly equivalent to a one-foot square hole punched in your wall, sealing any cracks or gaps with caulking and weather-stripping can greatly improve energy efficiency. First, you should test your home for air tightness. On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, etc. Observe the smoke to see if a draft is present. After you’ve sealed the gaps, think about adding some insulation to your floor, ceiling or walls — a bit of modern insulation can often work wonders for older houses.
5. Install a programmable thermostat: These wonders of modern technology give you greater control over your home comfort. In winter, set the thermostat to 21 degrees C when you are awake and 17 degrees C when you are asleep. In summer, set the thermostat to 26 degrees C and use a ceiling fan to cool your place. When the temperature outside falls to at least two degrees lower than the temperature inside, you should “vent” your home - that is, open your windows to let cool air in.
6. Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights: Compact fluorescent light bulbs use only about a third as much electricity as standard incandescents. According to some experts, if you substitute compact fluorescent bulbs for a quarter of the incandescents used in high-use areas, you can cut the amount of electricity you use on lighting by half.
7. Install motion detectors and light dimmers: Outdoor lights that are left on all night can add unnecessary costs to your power bill. Using a bulb or fixture with a motion detector solves the problem. And, while it is preferable to replace your incandescents with fluorescents, in cases where you are unable to do so try installing a light dimmer. This simple device can help you save big on your lighting costs. For example, an incandescent light dimmed by 25 percent can save 10 percent on energy use and extend the life of the bulb.
8. Look for EnerGuide and Energy Star certified appliances: All major electrical appliances sold in Canada must meet minimum energy efficiency standards and are required to display an EnerGuide label. For appliances, an indicator arrow on the left side of the EnerGuide scale means lower operating costs and long-term savings. When shopping for an air conditioner, look for display models with an indicator arrow to the right on the EnerGuide scale. The international Energy Star mark is also a good way to select energy-efficient appliances and office equipment. The Energy Star mark means that the unit meets strict energy conservation standards.
9. Cover your windows: In winter, close your curtains and shades at night; open them during sunny days. Keep windows on the south side of your house clean to maximize solar gain. Plant deciduous trees/plants at the south side of your house so that it shades your house in summer but allows for direct solar heating in winter.
10. Discontinue the use of your second refrigerator. Old beer fridge in the basement? Unplug it and make the trek upstairs to your new, energy-efficient fridge in the kitchen. It will be good for your heart -- and your energy bill.
Resources:
Smart Living: www.smartliving.ca
EnerACT: www.eneract.org
Monday, March 17, 2008
Banana Republic - Dress in dress
Silk dot-print wrap dress
Gumdrop dots update our wrap dress for a party-ready outfit.
About this product:- 100% Silk.
- Dry clean.
- Imported.
- Measures 40 3/8" from center back.
- Inner detachable slip dress.
Price: $150.00
Silk floral hem dress Garden pretty: an attention-grabbing floral print grows lavishly across our silk dress while an empire-cut waist flatters the figure.
fabric & care
- 100% Silk.
- Dry clean.
- Imported.
- Measures 34" from center back.
- Crewneck. Sleeveless.
- Straight skirt.
- Hidden on-seam pocket. Five-button closure in back. Fully lined.
Buy now
Silk square-print dress
Fun in the sun. A refreshing lemonade hue brightens up our graphic dress for Summer party fashion.
fabric & care
- 100% Silk.
- Dry clean.
- Imported.
- Measures 28" from center back.
- Sleeveless.
- Hidden onseam pockets, hidden back zip. Fully lined.
Buy now
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Guess - Beauty inside
Big, beautiful style. Adjustable spaghetti straps lead to a V neckline. Lacing detail and buttons at bust. Check pattern and embroidered print. Back keyhole with bold bow tie. A spicy look for summer. Halter top with ribbon ties at neck. Cut-away sleeves. Handkerchief hem. Front paisley print. Bold satin banding. Add to your summer with tropical flowers. Tank straps and V neckline. Banding detail at empire waist with tie at back for shape. A-line shape. Side zip and hook and eye detail.
Mini Check Cami
Y81L1201
CAD $60.08*
Buy online
Ella Tunic
Y8220500 CAD $70.27*
Buy online
Copa Top
Y81A6208 CAD $70.27*
Buy online
And more...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
How to be a Social Butterfly
Successfully make small talk
Jodi Helmer
Let’s face it: Everybody hates making small talk with strangers. But unless you plan on never attending another wedding, cocktail party or office picnic, it’s a necessary evil. Angela Watrous, coauthor of Talk to Me: Conversation Tips for the Small-Talk Challenged, gives her top five tips to help you become a small-talk pro.
1. Chat up the supermarket cashier. (Or your waiter at 
2. Kill ’em with kindness. Looking for a surefire way to start a conversation? A little flattery never hurt. Complimenting someone on an unusual necklace or killer pumps is an easy way to break the ice.
3. Tread lightly. Be careful about bringing up current events as a means to start conversation. Topics like campaign finance and the war in
4. Fly solo. According to Watrous, you’re much more likely to approach another person when you’re on your own, so resist the urge to spend the entire evening with your friend or spouse. Instead, think of that person as your home base and check in with each other periodically.
5. Have an exit strategy. Stuck in a conversation about stamp collecting? Keep it simple. Excuse yourself to refill your glass—most people will know you’re moving on.
Source: Woman's Day Magazine