Countdown to Christmas
Published December 11, 2009 @ 07:27 in Around the House, Being Mommy, Shopping and Stuff
There is a house that I drive by, not daily but often enough, that does a countdown to Christmas with an easel on the front lawn. "13 more sleeps until Christmas"
I hate it. I hate parents who count in "sleeps". I hate the pressure of knowing exactly how many more days I have to finish the million and one things on my list. I am busy and rushed enough without having to feel worse every time I drive by this house.
The past few weeks, I have actually started going different routes just to avoid the house in the neighbourhood with the countdown. How's that for Christmas spirit?
I am about 80% done my present shopping list. Today and tomorrow I have to clean the house to prepare for the purchase of our Christmas Tree (Step One: Remove the 4 sets of hockey equipment airing out in the living room)
Real or fake? Obviously, I love real. Better for the environment; smell better; look better. Husband and I have NEVER had a fake tree. One year we kept our real tree so long, as it hadn't dropped a needle yet in mid-January, that we had to take it somewhere to dump it ourselves - it was too late for the city trucks. We used to go with the longer needled Scotch Pine, until we discovered the Fraser Fir. I've heard that they actually release sap to glue the needles to the branches as they dry out. Plus, I have a slightly neurotic Husband when it comes to watering things, so we stick with real.
Still on my Christmas to do list?
- Gifts for Teachers and coaches
- Clean house
- Get tree
- Decorate tree
- Find decorations and stockings
- Finish wrapping
- Buy stocking stuffers
- Sing a carol, or two
- Bake something with ginger or cloves
- Clean again
- Find the kids Advent Calendars after they've gone to bed and help them "catch up"
OK, the last thing, 100% true. On December 1st, Daughter tore into her and her brother's advent calendars. He was upset, she didn't understand the whole "waiting and having only one per day" (really, who does? Oh - maybe if I counted in sleeps I could explain waiting to her!)
So, I put the calendars high and out of reach. The best part? Son One seems to be the only child to grabs his down every morning for his chocolate. Did I mention that my kids got Lindt Advent Calendars this year? Yes!
Hope your plans are starting to come together...
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Gosh Darn City of Toronto
Published November 10, 2009 @ 16:58 in Shopping and Stuff
I am the only one who is really, really annoyed by the plastic bag tax?
For lunch today I went through the drive through at Swiss Chalet. They asked if I wanted a bag with that. Are you kidding me? I get charged 5 cents on top of my order at a fast food restaurant? All food should have to be packed in paper. That should haven't been part of this stupid bylaw. I am tired of ordering $40 or $50 worth of food, and having to pay an extra 5 cents for a plastic bad.
Look, I don't want to trash the planet for my kids any more than the next person. However, I am far from being an environmentalist. I actually used to bring my reusable bags to the grocery store before the bylaw was in place. Now, I seldom do, my own private protest against this city that sucks.
I have a hard time believing in global warming, since I haven't seen the docudrama with the polar bear falling into the ocean. Instead, I read Michael Crichton's State of Fear. And I have suffered through the past few years of terrible winters and mediocre summers. (NOTE: This is my first time ever in my life getting snow tires on my vehicle, so my prediction is that it will not be a snowy winter.)
Honestly, I think that almost 7 billion people on our planet is far too many, and we haven't exactly allowed Malthusian Population Checks to really keep our population in check.
It is not that I love wasting plastic bags, or sticking them in land fills for a few hundred years. I just hate ordering from Green Mango and having them ask me if I want a bag with that.
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Toronto Public Libraries
Published September 2, 2009 @ 16:49 in Shopping and Stuff
Growing up, I used to love the libraries. I am not sure bookstores were quite as prolific when I was kid, before Chapters, but I always loved to read and loved the feel of books.
One of my dreams as a girl was to grow up and have a house with a library; a separate room with floor to ceiling shelves filled with every book imaginable. I wasn't looking for first editions, or hard cover - just books that I had read and loved.
There are books the I love, and reread over and over. Often I lend these out, never to get them back. I think that I have purchased at least three copies of both, The Princess Bride and Not Wanted on the Voyage, yet I currently don't have a single copy of either of these. I am actually so in love with reading, that I don't even care.
Some books I read just once, and gladly give them away. I am not emotionally attached to all books, just those amazing ones that I can read 10 times and still find something delightful and new.
My Chapters bills were getting out of hand, and I decided that I no longer had the funds to read a book a day and dispose of it. So I discovered the Toronto Public Libraries website. I used to love ordering from Chapters online - getting brown card board boxes filled with something new and great to read. The first books which I ever ordered from Chapters were the second and third Harry Potter books, over 10 years ago.
If you go to the Toronto Public Libraries website, you can place "holds" on books - just like ordering from Chapters (except that you have to pick them up!) I get an email when the book is in, and I have 7 days to swing by the library to get it. Then I have three weeks to read it. AMAZING! Of course if the book is popular, I may need to wait awhile. And for some book club books, if the wait is long, I end up buying it anyway. However, thanks to the library, there are always at least 3 books on my night table waiting to be read.
This year when I opened my renewal envelop from Chapters for my iRewards, I had to laugh. iRewards memberships now cost $25, and according to the wonderful Chapters marketing department, last year with iRewards I saved $17.98!!! Wow - they should really pull all the letters where people spent more on iRewards membership than they saved.
This year, I've already saved $25 by NOT buying the iRewards. Membership at the Toronto Public Libraries - FREE! Oh, and they have GREAT NEW DVDs TOO! We are lucky here in this city - our libraries are actually some of the most used libraries in the world. Next time you need a book, give it a try.
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Movies of the week
Published August 21, 2009 @ 14:14 in Shopping and Stuff
This week I saw three movies - Ponyo, Time Travelers Wife, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
First, I went with Daughter and Son Two and some cousins to see Ponyo. I had no idea what to expect, but apparently 150 million people in Japan have seen and loved it. It is a story about a little fish who is magic and turns into a girl. There is a little lesson on ecology thrown it, but the focus is love. Beautifully done, it moved more slowly than most new kids cartoon movies. It was much less jarring for Daughter.
I read Time Travelers Wife for bookclub years ago. I remember crying, and the general story, but I had forgotten all the little bits. The movie was very well done; both Erin Bana and Rachel McAdams were amazing. But I didn't cry. I guess when you turn a 500+ page book into a movie, you lose a little something. Still worth seeing.
Than Wednesday I went to see the most recent installment in the Harry Potter series. I love Harry Potter. This movie was much more subtle then the others. I don't think that the kids will enjoy it as much as some of the action focused ones, but I loved it. Can't wait for the next one!
These are some great movies for the summer. Daughter just fell and got hurt, so I have to run. No blood or broken bones, so all will be fine.
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PANTRY - Toronto's Kitchen Cupboard
Published July 23, 2009 @ 09:40 in Shopping and Stuff
A few days ago I visited this amazing new store in the west end of Toronto - The Pantry at 974 College Street.
I walked in, and felt like I was going back in time to a comfortable local store. It is open and airy, with high ceilings and natural light. The counter area is the heart of the store, but there are shelves, displays, tables, chairs and couches - and the shop is open to the kitchen further emphasizing the warm and homey feel.
I purchased a mochachino - possibly the best I have ever tried, and decided to take my time as I didn't have the kids with me.
As I perused the shelves, at first I was overwhelmed by the selection. Then I realized that while there were six different balsamic vinegars, they were each sure to be the best, loving curated by the owner for its unique charm. There were jellies and jams, syrups and oils, teas, crackers, cookies and biscuits, mustards and spices, everything else that you could possible want to find in your own well-stocked pantry.
I picked up some chips and honey, and went to check out the prepared, fresh food.
Every day, the chef prepares delicious and wholesome foods for you to take home. The selection has something for everyone, and the idea is that they are prepared with the best ingredients to offer outstanding value. I got some of the curried vegetables with coconut, pulled pork, and macaroni and cheese. They were individual servings, but when I combined it for a dinner, Husband and I both ate until we were full and still had left overs.
I bought some amazing dark organic chocolate, fresh bread, and went on my way with everything in a nice sturdy paper bag.
I've since learned that the Pantry has options that would be great for a new mom. You can order food, to be delivered along with compostable cutlery and plates - breakfast, lunch and dinner! They can include toddler meals for a sibling, or toys and cookies. The cupcakes looked amazing, too.
There are so many great little finds around the city - stores that are wonderful in theory and practice. Great food, great value, amazing atmosphere all exist at The Pantry. And something about their local, green and organic policies make me feel good shopping there. Check it out!
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WE WILL ROCK YOU!
Published June 25, 2009 @ 09:37 in Shopping and Stuff
Last night I skipped hockey *GASP* and went to see WE WILL ROCK YOU with my mom and sister. I LOVED IT! Unfortunately, it is only playing until this weekend, so if you haven't seen it yet, I guess you've missed it.
OK, so I have always been a closet Queen fan. Who isn't? Even my kids can sing, "We are the Champions" though I am sure they have never heard of Queen or Freddie Mercury. I remember the first time I heard "Who wants to live forever." I was at a birthday party and we watching HIGHLANDER. I don't remember much about the movie, but I was in love with the music.
I've read most of Ben Elton, and I do enjoy him. The story was obviously his creation - irony, sarcasm and pop culture braided together. The singers were amazing. However, the plot was not quite as rich as Mamma Mia.
Camilla Scott was in it, and while I had seen her in Mamma Mia, WE WILL ROCK YOU showcased her voice. WOW. I also have to say that I now have a little crush on Yvan Pedneault, the French-Canadian who played Galileo. Rumour in the audience was that he just returned from being ill, and he coughed a few times during the performance. But he was great!
The show is all high energy, and with a (mostly) young and amazing cast, it was a great night out.
It was very loud, like a rock concert. An older woman sitting near me actually went and asked them to turn it down a little during intermission; she was offered ear plugs. Some audience members took the ushers up on the offer. They also served popcorn and slushies.
A man sitting near my sister last night was on his own. She got to talking to him during the intermission, and learned that he had really wanted to see the show as he was here in Toronto for just a few days on business. He arrived only to find out that it was sold out. However, a teacher with a student group had extra tickets as some students didn't show up, so she gave him one. He got one amazing free show - thanks teacher for being so nice!
I actually gave one of the performers a boost a Walmart last winter. He gave me his card and said if I ever come, I should call him for a back-stage tour. Unfortunately, I had lost his card. It didn't matter. Last night he wasn't there and his role was played by the understudy.
Today I am going download the music to my iPod. I've missed Queen.
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What are you driving?
Published June 18, 2009 @ 13:30 in Shopping and Stuff
In an earlier life, I used to work in automotive advertising. Back then, at 23 years old, I swore that I would never, in a million years, drive a minivan.
Guess what I drive, 10 years later? A Toyota Sienna Minivan. And I love it!
I assumed I would go for one of those fancy SUVs when and if I needed the space, but I really didn't have an extra $15,000 to spend just to say that I wasn't a minivan mom. Plus, when test driving, I fell in love with the van. It drives like a car, and actually is easier to steer and park than my mid-size sedan. I actually parallel-parked in on Bloor Street on a busy Saturday afternoon just after purchase - no problem!
When I announced that we were expected number three, we knew that we would need a new vehicle. Husband's car was 12 years old, and mine was 9. Neither had room for three car seats, and with the province changing the seat belt law... either it was take two cars everywhere or get one that fit the entire family.
Husband shopped for six months before making his decision. We ended up with a 2006 Toyota Sienna LE 8 seater (no AWD or leather seats). All three kids general sit in the second row, though we can put two in the third row easily. Lots of room for hockey and other sports gear - we often travel with the kids bikes right in the van.
I think there are close to 24 cup holders. The first time Husband drove the new van he said that he would buy anything buy a Toyota ever again. And it has been 3 1/2 years, and there is only one thing that we would change about the van.
It needs one of the privacy, noise blocking screens like in the limos between the adults (drivers) up front and the kids. That is the only feature that we wish was an option. Especially yesterday... Please Toyota Engineers - take our advice!
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Kiehl's - My New Favourite Cream!
Published May 11, 2009 @ 10:10 in Shopping and Stuff
This is my absolute new favourite cream!
Like most moms, I think I wash my hands about a million times a day. Every winter I end with terrible dry and itchy hands. Not sure that my skin is really that sensitive, but with all of the washing and scrubbing my hands hurt and sting with most hand creams.
Kiehl Pharmacy has been an institution in New York City since 1851, where they have "been dedicated to serving customers formulas for skin and hair made with uniquely efficacious, natural ingredients."
A friend is a Kiehl's ambassador; this means that she shops there enough to get invited to special parties like new product launches. Last week she took me along. We got a free mascara, just for attending, plus I got a hand massage and treatment. I found my hands getting irritated even with their gentle, organic cream. Then I saw and tried the one for babies.
Nurturing Cream for Face and Body is a pediatrician tested cream for babies, and I thought that if it were gentle enough for a baby's face, it could work on my hands.
I AM AMAZED!!! It is wonderful. If I could figure out a way of taking a picture of my own hands, and of not offending anyone with my lack of manicure, then I would show you. My hands are soft, smooth and silky.
GIVE-AWAY TIME!
Add a comment to this email, and I will enter your email in a draw for a full-sized Kiehl's Baby Nurtuting Cream for Face and Body ($21) value. Tell me about your favourite new product find - either for you or your child, or just why you want to try Kiehl's Nurturing Cream. I will put all of the names in a hat, and draw one next Tuesday May 19th. Send this link to anyone who you think may benefit from a cream to sooth their hardworking hands (probably any other mom that you know).
Kiehl's dot com
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Webkinz SUCKS!
Published April 24, 2009 @ 14:17 in Shopping and Stuff
My kids all have these crazy Webkinz stuffed animals. They were between $15 and $20 each, and we have over 20 of them in the house. We also went through a year when we purchased webkinz for almost every birthday or Christmas present. Ganz Toys - You do the math.
The appeal with Webkinz is that you have access to this online world where you take care of your pets, feed them, and create a home for them. If you don't visit for a while, your pet may get ill and need to visit the doctor. The kids can also play games to get webkinz money so that they can pay for more virtual stuff.
Son One first got into this when he started kindergarten - our first experience with peer-pressure. Son Two, of course, wanted one next. Son One actually convinced Son Two to spend all of his webkinz money buying stuff, and then mailing it to Son One's webkinz. I was actually so stunned at his deviousness that I wasn't sure whether to punish or congratulate him on his cleverness. When in doubt, punish.
Today I tried to log daughter into Webkinz world. There is one game that she thinks she can play. (Last year for Easter Daughter got a bunny webkinz.) Apparently, you need to buy a new webkinz at least once a year to keep you account active. All of the webkinz money daughter has accumulated - GONE!
I can understand the account disappearing if it hasn't been used for a year. But to close an account because a new purchase hasn't been made - what kind of evil marketers are these webkinz people? She is only three - you fools! Ganz toys - You suck. Webkinz people, I am very, very disappointed in you. Guess what we won't be buying again.
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A shopping field trip
Published April 17, 2009 @ 13:46 in Shopping and Stuff
Yesterday I went shopping to Sherway Gardens, a mall in the west end. I saw all of these teenagers in yellow T-shirts. Yep, a school field trip to a mall. Why didn't they have these when I was in school?
I am not sure what the purpose was, but it may have been sex education given the 20 or so teen boys who stood in front of La Senza staring at the lingerie clad mannequins (I thought they were usually in pajamas, but not yesterday.) It was actually very funny walking by a swarm of boys, drinking their pops and milkshakes, staring at the mannequins. I am pretty sure that the manager of La Senza wasn't thrilled.
I remember a choir trip to England was I was 14. On the second last day, we were given the choice of a tour of the Tower of London, or a shopping afternoon. I chose the shopping. To this day I have never seen the Tower of London, but I hear it is pretty cool. I think I went to Harrods, another London tourist attraction.
At 12:30 pm, all the yellow T-shirted students were loaded onto a school bus and went back to school. What a fun way to spend the morning.
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Taking the kids
Published April 14, 2009 @ 08:07 in Amazing Kids, Shopping and Stuff
Yesterday I was old Mother Hubbard. Except that we have a cat instead of a dog. But the cupboards were bare.
Last night my plan was to leave after sushi to run out to the grocery store so that we could eat today. I knew it was a little crazy. With the stores closed on Friday and Sunday, I knew it would be busy, but I couldn't put it off any longer.
I wrote my list, gathered my bags, and went to leave. Three little children, who really wanted to go grocery shopping at 8 pm last night, followed me.
They each got a job to do: Son One - the list; Son Two - the bags; and, Daughter - stop crying or I will leave you at home with your father.
Lately I have been getting off easy. Either I take Daughter to the grocery store while her brothers are at school, or I go alone when Husband is home. Last night they wanted to come, and I was pretty sure it would be find.
First, they each got to pick one treat that Son One added to the list (at first I find it hard when he became literate as Husband and I could no longer spell everything we didn't want the kids to know, but now it comes in handy.) On the drive I explained the regular rules to them: we stick together; no fighting; no yelling; and no running.
Daughter sat in the cart, while the boys picked out the items. We had a 10-minute wait at the deli counter, and I think that they kept most people entertained. The kids were actually better behaved than some of the adults at the store.
After 45 minutes, we lined up to pay. They wanted to do the self-checkout, but I had a full cart and I really wanted them home in bed.
As soon as we were in line, the compliments started:
Oh, they are so beautiful!
You are all such good helpers to mommy.
Look at them all!
You should be the coach for the Leafs! You do a great job with your team.
And then comments change:
You really have your hands full.
You brought the whole team shopping?
You are so brave.
How many are there?
Is it so shocking for one person to be responsible for 3 kids? OK, maybe there is a certain bravery required to be a parent, but I don't really count grocery shopping. They are 3, 5, and 7 - all of them can listen and follow direction. Plus, they are my kids! I shouldn't have had three kids if I could take them all somewhere and get things done. Yes, it is hard sometimes. If I really need back-up, there is Husband and Nana - but that is usually in response to the all of them not wanted to go somewhere, or the place we are going needed to be just me, or just me and one child (like a specialist's appointment.)
Yesterday I went shopping for a few hours with my new running friends. They were glad that I was able to come, and commented on how wonderful my husband was to stay home with the three kids. They are his kids! He is parenting, not babysitting. If he wasn't able to watch all three, we shouldn't have had three.
As the kids get older, it gets easier and easier to go places with them. It also gets easier and easier to find someone to leave them with. I am starting to find a freedom that I thought I had lost forever when my first son was born, but I can actually have some time to myself without feeling guilty.
They have learned that if they behave, they are more likely to be taken along to different places than left behind. Win-win. I look like a super amazing mom for being able to keep all of the kids in line, the kids are able to go different places and sometimes even get stuff.
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Shoes and shopping
Published April 4, 2009 @ 08:38 in Loving Daddy, Shopping and Stuff
Growing up, I remember my father often walking into our entrance way and asking if we were having a shoe sale. My foyer is smaller, but I think we have almost the same number of shoes.
I like shoes, but I am no Carrie Bradshaw. Last night I realized a key difference between my husband and I, and it is shoes.
I don't know exactly how many pairs of shoes I have (I would guess in the 25-40 pair range). I do know that I have bought five pairs since February. I have enough shoes, but I still literally dream of finding the perfect pair of black pumps (earlier this week - it was actually a nightmare! I was in a church bazaar like store with long tables, looking for black shoes.) My perfect black pumps would be about 3 inch heels, with an almond toe, and either patent leather or faux croc. I have running shoes for running, casual running shoes for walking, casual shoes, casual dress shoes, dress shoes, pumps, wedges, peep-toes, flip-flops, high-heeled boots, and winter boots.
Husband owns 6 pairs of footwear (only three of them shoes):
1) Sorels - real winter boots for playing in the snow with the kids
2) Lace-up winter boots - for going places in the winter that doesn't require the Sorels
3) Brown, casual lace-up shoes - for every day
4) Running shoes - for running, or athletic activities with the kids
5) Sandals
6) Black dress shoes - he wears these every day to work. All of his suits go with black. Monday to Friday. 9 hours a day. Same shoes.
I guess this goes back to the opposites attract thing. Daughter and Son One have inherited my love of footwear. Son Two is his father's son.
Shoes and shopping go hand in hand. Those of us in my house who like shoes, also like to shop. Those who don't care about shoes, don't shop.
My mother remembers buying Son Two a jacket at the Gap. He had a hand-me-down from his older brother, and Nana found a nice one and a good deal. Son Two looked at it and said, "A jacket? I already got one."
By the way, I recently discovered that I have 6 winter jackets or coats.
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Another Blow
Published April 2, 2009 @ 18:48 in Being Mommy, Shopping and Stuff
Yes, another blow to my week. I have "misplaced" my sunglasses.
Those who know me know I love sunglasses. It is my usual purchase on vacation, especially if I can score a great pair in duty free. Alas, I have a long history of losing or breaking sunglasses.
Favourite pairs of the past include a pair of Vuarnets that were broken on some moguls I had no business trying to ski. Next were the best of all time - a pair of Guccis bought with a signing bonus. Left on the floor by Son One and stepped on by my father. I almost cried. The last pair to go were Versace. Daughter grabbed each of the arms and pulled like a wishbone, "broken!" she announced, proud at age two to get the word right.
Now my Maui Jims. I wore them to take Son One to school this morning, and now I can't find them anywhere.
I have an old pair of Dolce & Gabbana, but honestly they make crap sunglasses.
I hope to find them soon. And I am sort of glad it is supposed to rain tomorrow 'cause I may not miss them quite so much.
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Minivan?
Published March 16, 2009 @ 21:39 in Amazing Kids, Shopping and Stuff
Do you own a minivan? I swore that I would never drive one. However, while pregnant with our third child, Husband convinced me to give one a try as we couldn't afford a big SUV.
I love our minivan. We drive a Toyota Sienna LE that seats eight. First of all, it drives like a car, not a truck. It is so comfortable and easy to maneuver that I can parallel park on Bloor Street in Saturday afternoon traffic without a problem. As soon as we bought it, Husband exclaimed he would never drive anything but a Toyota. I have a feeling I will driving a Sienna until my Daughter goes away to university.
For the past three years we have had all three children, in their car and booster seats, in the middle row. It has three individual captain's chairs, but without the armrests, and having them close and easily accessible has been wonderful.
Until now. Recently, the kids have started fighting when we drive. Hitting, touching, pinching. Just bothering one another because they are too close.
Luckily, with most minivans, you have many seating configuration options. I am thinking of keeping Daughter behind the driver, removing the middle seat and placing Son Two in his booster behind the passenger, and then leaving Son One the third row, all to himself. May have Husband set that up for us this week to try out over March Break.
I have one question for minivan manufacturers - have you ever considered glass sound-proof privacy screens like on limos to pop up between the driver and the rear of the vehicle? Just a thought.
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iPod
Published March 13, 2009 @ 23:03 in Shopping and Stuff
Son Two's iPod Nano broke. I am not sure how exactly - it was working, then the centre button was stuck and it wasn't.
I called the Apple Store. They advised me to book an appointment online. Sort of weird; but it worked. I arrived 12 minutes before my time, and was seen within 5 minutes by an associate at the Genius Bar (a little full of themselves at Apple, aren't they?)
After listening to my explanation, the employee tried to get it working. He asked if we synced with a Mac or PC at home. Then, when he couldn't get it working, he informed me that they don't fix iPods, just replace them.
They can look up every Apple product by the serial number. I didn't see the screen, but I am assuming that it has the purchase date and warranty information.
I left with a brand new, identical purple, iPod Nano for my son in less than 20 minutes.
Impressed by the service? Definitely. But I am little worried about the QDR of the actually product, since it was 2 months old and lightly used. Son is happy with his new iPod, so for now, all is well. Thanks Apple.
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Talking to Americans
Published March 6, 2009 @ 17:25 in Shopping and Stuff
There is no logic in this country. I swear people here are so lazy that they don't even bother to think.
Outlet shopping
You get these coupon books by showing you CAA card (or triple A). However, the girl was hell bent on trying to find out if my mother and I were related by blood. I don't generally feel the need to share information with people I don't know, but my mother-in-law was with us and she likes to share.
Why do they need to know? Well, then we don't each get a coupon book.
My mother and father, who have the same name, live in the same house, and pay one CAA fee, can each get their own because they are not related by blood.
My mother and I, with different last names, different addresses, and who each pay our own fees, need to share.
Logical? (OK, in all honesty, I don't have a CAA membership and had borrowed my sister's card to get the free booklet. I kept my name, but she didn't. So my alias was different than my mother's surname.)
At the Gap my mother was buying a T-shirt.
"Zip Code?" the employee asked.
"Oh, I don't live in the states." my mother answered.
"Really? You must practice your English a lot. You speak very well."
"I live in Canada."
Do Americans really think that they are the only country in the world that speaks English? What about ENGLAND?
At Victoria's Secret I couldn't find anything. Their outlets are awful!
As I checked out, the sales girls asked, "did you find everything you were looking for?"
"Actually, no," I answered.
"Oh."
She actually had no response. Obviously, she cared about as much as the Walmart employee, who when listening to my customer concerns, informed me that he was feeling sick. Was I supposed to care?
I am tired of the assumptions that Canada is a frozen tundra. I am tired of the fake, "have a nice days" and the really unhelpful service. I just want to go home.
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Do you miss your Mommy?
Published March 3, 2009 @ 18:39 in Being Mommy, Shopping and Stuff
Today Daddy took the boys to Universal Islands of Adventure. Later they are supposed to be staying over night with my in-laws. I haven't heard from them yet, so everything must be going OK.
I got to do some shopping, and it was great today. A Gap employee has restored my faith in American retail employees. He searched the entire store for something, held open the bathroom door for my daughter, and looked all around the store for me when I left my sunglasses in the change room - what a guy!
But I miss my boys. I know it has only been about 8 hours, but I miss them. The world seems so quiet, and I have this weird sort of freedom. Except that I have forgotten what it is like to do what I want.
I used to be incredibly decisive. Today I couldn't even decide what I wanted to eat for lunch (the good news is that I just ate Daughter's as she changed her mind.) Actually, it worked out well because it turns out she didn't want the pizza for dinner either, so I had two meals that I didn't have to think about.
A break from the kids is nice. I can relax and be myself again, and appreciate the kids for who they are. I hope the boys miss me, too.
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Shopping... not so great
Published March 2, 2009 @ 18:09 in Shopping and Stuff
Shopping was OK, though I got nothing for myself.
I went to the Premier Outlets. Daughter got a pair of pink running shoes from Geox, and the boys each got Converse All Stars, all three pairs for less than $60 total! I also bought some clothes for a friend who just had a baby. I spent less than $83 total.
Kids are now at the age where all of them really have to be present when I purchase something for them, or they may not like it.
Nana bought two dresses for Daughter. She was awake for the first, but had fallen asleep in the stroller for the second. I loved it. Daughter was not as impressed.
"That is not my dress."
"Yes, Nana bought one for you and one for your cousin."
"But I hate it!"
With Daughter, you can usually convince her to wear something if it was purchased by her Nana, and her cousin has the same one. I really hope that we can get her into the dress.
Honestly, the shopping is not that great. I don't know if it is because we are at the outlets, and they assume that tourists are doing the shopping so we are dumb enough just to buy it because it is the outlet.
There was a Tod's outlet; it was disgusting. The purses started at over $350, but the outlet was dirty and grubby looking, with really poor selection.
Coach was a mad house. Some of the purses there were nice, but the ones that I really liked were still over $200.
Tomorrow I am going to try the Prime Outlets. They seem to have the same stores, but we'll see what the prices look like there.
Still staying away from Walmart. Though there is something called "Bells" here that I may check out, along with Kohls.
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Walmart Sucks
Published March 1, 2009 @ 19:18 in Shopping and Stuff
I was going to title this post, "Americans are fat and stupid" but my husband says I shouldn't speak in absolutes, so really, it should be that most Americans are fat and stupid.
This is not the greatest country in the world. I used to think that Americans were generally very ignorant, however they are also rude and obnoxious.
I just had the WORST check out experience ever at a Walmart. Almost half an hour to check out. When I suggested to another employee, who had tried to help our incredibly clueless checkout girl, that maybe she needs more training or support, his only response was, "I'm sick."
At that point I asked if there was a manager I could speak with.
There is a self entitlement and self importance to the American culture. If Obama wants to fix his country, he has got to stop blowing sunshine up their asses, and be frank and honest with them.
1. Stop eating so much crap. The food here is crap. All processed garbage. You are what you eat, and you guys are eating crap.
2. Stop watching TV. Your news SUCKS. No wonder you don't know that Everest is in Asia and not Africa. Go ahead, try to find Iraq or Afghanistan on a map.
3. Stop the fakeness. The hair, the nails, the tans, the "have a nice days". You don't really care about anyone but yourself, so stop pretending that you do. And the fake nails and hair - do they only sell one colour of blond hair dye here?
4. Stop the rudeness. You are no better than the person standing beside you, so there is no reason why you deserve to go first. Wait you turn. Better yet, consider actually letting someone in front.
5. Stop buying and selling so much crap! There is junk everywhere. You don't need it. Try the three Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle. Really come on - you don't recycle?
OK, so it won't fix you, but it would be a start. Honestly, you are turning your country into a garbage can. It is like you country has become a giant Walmart nation, and it really sucks.
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Disney - see you in 5 years
Published February 28, 2009 @ 21:53 in Kids Activities, Shopping and Stuff
It cost US$483 and took 1 hour and 20 minutes to get into Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
The day wasn't starting out so good. At the first attraction, we actually had a 50+ year old man and his wife bud in front of us in line, and then stare me down daring me to say something. I didn't, of course, I am Canadian.
Is Disney World really the happiest place on earth? I would bet that if you did an exit survey, at least 50% of kids 10 and under would have cried at least once. Parents should be forced to consume prozac on entry, and random shots of tequila throughout the day.
On the plus side, the Fast Pass is a great idea. Food wasn't as crazy expensive as I expected, and as it also wasn't very good, the kids really didn't ask for much.
Each child picked one souvenir - Daughter got a Minnie Mouse purse, Son One a Mickey Pirates of the Caribbean Towel, and Son Two picked another Balzac Ball, but really big this time.
Favourite rides? Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain. Space Mountain was a little fast. Daughter's favourite was "It's a Small World" for the second visit in a row.
Best advice? Wait until your kids are over 40" to maximize ride options. Daughter was often bored waiting for the brothers, especially given the average waiting time was about 30 minutes without a Fast Pass.
The kids didn't want to meet any of the characters, which is actually a good thing as they are often hard to find and there are line-ups for pictures and autographs. However, we did see the Parade of Lights and everyone enjoyed that.
I have to say, for the most part, Disney really has its stuff together. Cast members, hosts, and employees are everywhere, very friendly and as helpful as they can be.
This was our third visit since we had kids. We keep saying that it will be a long time before we come back. The current plan is when Daughter is 8, but who knows. Maybe that crazy mouse will call us back sooner.
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Shoppers Drug Mart
Published February 14, 2009 @ 13:12 in Shopping and Stuff
Years ago, long before children, when husband and I still had some time to ourselves, he used to prepare monthly expense statements for me, along with quarterly net worth statements.
He made these beautiful pie charts of all of our expenses, so that I could understand exactly where my meager advertising paycheck was going. In order for him to do this, we had a receipt jar into which I would empty my wallet at least weekly. He would individually enter these receipts using excel, and prepare the reports. Really, he had a lot of free time on his hands.
The first month he asked about the receipts from Shoppers Drug Mart. I advised him to put them in miscellaneous. By month three he had broken them out. Shoppers Drug Mart was one of the largest expenses on my report.
"What do you keep buying at Shoppers Drug Mart?" he asked.
You see, I never wore make-up back then, and I purchases my hair products at the salon (another crazy expense).
"Um. Hmm. I don't know. Nothing really. I needed some Benadryl last week."
Hundreds of dollars a month went to "nothing" at Shoppers Drug Mart. It was really baffling. Yesterday I went to Shoppers to buy Valentine's Day chocolate and cards. $80!
When we first good married we had a broker recommend we buy Shoppers' IPO at $35. But we couldn't; we didn't have any extra cash.
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Who Me? Patient? I don't think so.
Published February 13, 2009 @ 19:35 in Amazing Kids, Being Mommy, Shopping and Stuff
Yesterday I went grocery shopping with my daughter. It was the big grocery shop, and the store was fairly empty. We had no place to be for a few hours (though I was dressed and hoping to get in a quick run). At the checkout, daughter picked the self-checkout, and I thought, hey, why not?
Why not? Because she is three and thinks she can do it all by herself! That is why not! Damn husband for not keeping her well enough entertained so she would actually want to stay home with him instead of grocery shopping with me.
She knows how to scan anything with a bar code. I remind her to, "look for the stripes." But self-checkouts at the supermarkets are complicated - you have to have the timing down pat. Scan, bag, repeat. If you try to scan two items in a row without bagging, the system shuts down.
Did I mention that this was my big, weekly grocery shop and I had a full cart, including lots of bar-codeless produce?
The employee overseeing the self checkout was very helpful, and very patient. Over a dozen times he had to refresh the system because she touched the scale, double scanned, or pressed something wrong.
After about 10 minutes, since the three checkout lanes had no customers, we had an audience. Three employees, any of whom could have had us checked out in under three minutes. All were amazed at my daughter's checkout skills; one even commented that she could be a checkout-girl in a few years.
One employee asked if I was a teacher, since I was obviously so patient.
Who me? Patient? Are you kidding me? Microwave popcorn takes too long. Answer your phone after the first ring, for goodness sake! The speed limit is 40 km/h, not 35 you idiot!
Ask my husband. Ask my friends. Ask my family. Especially ask my children. Patient is not a word that anyone who knows me would ever use to describe me.
I smiled. 17 minutes to check ourselves out.
"Well, you know," I said, "we really have no where else to be. And as long as she is having fun, why not?"
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Mabel saved me $100
Published February 7, 2009 @ 21:04 in Kids Activities, Shopping and Stuff
My kids are pretty good at keeping their stuff together. But they are kids. After Son One decided to leave his hockey gloves behind, I decided we needed to label some stuff.
I called Mabel's Labels. A Canadian company, run by a mom, who operates out of Hamilton. I ordered the labels online on a Wednesday night, and received them Monday (regular mail - no delivery charge).
WOW! I bought a combo pack for $34, putting our last name and cell number on the tags. We received shoe tags, clothing tags, stickers and tag bags. I spent half an hour putting the labels on some stuff with the help of Son One. I did of the kids school bags, boots, coats, water bottles, and sports equipment. And I still have labels left over.
Yesterday it paid of. His brand new $135 jacket was accidentally taken by someone who swore she had one for her son just like. But she noticed our name and we got it back right away.
YEAH MABEL'S LABELS! Now if they could just included some sort of GPS monitoring with paging capabilities, I could even use them on my cell phone and car keys.
Mabel dot ca
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Swiss Chalet Rant
Published February 6, 2009 @ 23:05 in Shopping and Stuff
My entire family likes Swiss Chatel chicken. And I feel like it is a healthier alternative when eating out.
But I just can't do it anymore. Swiss Chalet - why do you make it so hard to get your delicious chicken and sauce?
We tried the drive-thru at Harvey's option. So ridiculously slow. And I've been honked at.
Next delivery. Half the time the order is wrong. How can you forget the sauce for a quarter chicken dinner? Oh - your driver can bring it by next time they are in the area? Great! Now I can drink it before bed.
Two weeks ago we wanted to eat in the dining room. The entrance was packed, and the hostess recommended that we pick-up take-out as the wait would be, "at least 30 minutes. And with the kids!" 20 minutes later I was leaving with our food and the entrance was EMPTY! The &@$! Hostess didn't want us with the kids. Isn't Swiss Chalet a family restaurant?
Tried the Call Ahead option. The first time I was yelled at by another customer for jumping the queue while trying to pick up my order. The manager actually ignored me when I asked about the proper process for pick-up when I've called ahead.
Tonight I tried call ahead again, but sent my husband. "It will be ready in 15 minutes." Really? Try 35!
Swiss Chalet! Please - what is the best method of procuring your delicious yet elusive chicken? I need to know!
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