FUN n' Finance

"Hit & Run"

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:23:00 +0000

Have you ever felt something was wrong before you actually knew it?
It feels like a 6th sense.

I was 14, up late one night, talking on the phone to my friend. It was late and NO ONE ever dared to call our house line. They called our teenage phone line that only my sister and I had access to.

ring, ring, ring, ring... ring, ring - no one picked up. Uh oh- I'm thinking my parents will be mad tomorrow.

beep beep, beep beep, beep beep - for some reason out of fear I did not pick up the other line.

scared I felt that bad feeling creep up inside.

ring, ring, ring, ring - my mom answered. I told my friend "I gotta go, I'll call you back later, I think somethings up". Sure enough my dad comes in, "Care can you go sleep in our bed in case Mark (my brother who was 8) wakes up and wonders where we are?" "Sure, what's going on?" I answered. "something happened to your sister, we are going to the hospital, we'll let you know as soon as we can" my dad replied.

The next morning (early) my mom takes me to Emergency at the Peace Arch Hospital to see my sister. "She's really bad Care" my mom warns me. "Her teeth are knocked out, her head is cut open and her one leg is swollen so bad you would hardly recognize her". Gulp - I don't remember replying, I just took it all in and prepared myself for the worst.

In I go and I remember when I saw my sister all I wanted to do was run and hug her so hard! Everything was pretty covered and she was on a lot of drugs to keep the pain at bay. I asked my mom, but she said she was too hurt to hug. My sister listening to this conversation says "you can hold my hand." So there I sat holding my sisters hand, not saying much.

My sister, my best friend, was hit by a car. A drunk driver late one night struck her when she was crossing the street to go to a friends house. The driver took off and fled the scene. The driver later admitted in court that he thought she was dead - so he fled to save himself. Thanks to her friends (who unfortunately witnessed it), other witnesses, and God - the driver was caught and most importantly my sister lived! The windshield was completely smashed open.

Lauren suffered many many injuries. 41 plus stitches in her head. A shattered leg - broken in 10 different places. Her front teeth knocked out. Road rash all over her body. She also suffered long term injuries - anxiety, depression to the point of wanting to commit suicide, immobility (because her leg was not healing properly for a handful of years), debilitating headaches, and colitis - to name a few.

Imagine being 17 years old and faced with all of that.

Amazingly, if you met her today, she would probably tell you a few things. One is that this is where her nickname "Hardcore Hanna" came from. Second, that she'll tell you this experience was a blessing.

A blessing?

My sister has taught me so much but this is probably the biggest.

This experience allowed her to see who the real Lauren is. Her true purpose in life. Which is really to help others who are struggling, find their way and heal themselves.

So I encourage you to think the same thing - no matter what it is that is getting you down, consider that this trial or set back may just be a blessing in disguise.

My sister and her beautiful daughter and husband (ok he is handsome not beautiful!)

This was my most recent speech at Toastmasters Jan 2013.

Our team 2012 Book Recommendations

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:42:00 +0000

If this holiday season allows you the time to settle down with a good book, then this is for you. My team (The Shewfelt McMillan Group) are avid readers. Each year we offer our 2012 top book selections - hope you get the chance to enjoy one or all!

Lois’s Pick:

Gone Girl – By Gillian Flynn

I LOVED this novel! It’s quirky and kept me guessing throughout. Not often I can read a full book on a flight, but I finished this one cover to cover going to New York!

Caroline’s Pick:

Unbroken: A World War II Story Of Survival, Resilience, And Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

I didn't know much about this book, but I had read good reviews. The struggles and the redemption of Louis Zamperini in this true story are incredible. If you enjoy reading inspirational stories of another person's life this is one is a must read.

Paul’s pick:

“Helping your child sleep through the night” Joanne Cuthbertson & Susie Schevill

With two boys under the age of 2 – this is the only book Paul has been able to read these days!

Linette’s Pick:

“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski

Set in rural Wisconsin in the first half of the 20^th century on a farm where the Sawtelle’s raise a fictional breed of dog. Edgar is the mute boy who raises them. A few of the chapters are narrated from a dog’s point of view. It’s a great coming of age story, reminded me a bit of the jungle book. Great story!!

Abby’s Pick:

Fragile Beasts by Tawni O’Dell

Clark’s Pick:

John Grisham – The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town

Roz’s pick:

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach

I am only half way through this novel, but am really enjoying it. It is a funny and touching comedy set in London and India. It gives deep messages about ageing, family and about how important it is to feel a part of something, such as a family or a group.

Nancy’s Pick:

“Sarah’s Key” – Tatiana de Rosnay

It was enlightening to see how the French Resistance risked their lives to save so many. It was also gripping story of family loss and sacrifice in the war of which helps me to understand the pain of this era for so many people.

Norm's Pick:
In our fractious time, this book holds guidance for the newly elected US president, as it looks back 150 years to Lincoln’s presidential leadership in the United States. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln is a book by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. The book is a biographical portrait of Abraham Lincoln and some of the men who served with him in his cabinet from 1861 to 1865. Three of his Cabinet members had previously run against Lincoln in the election of 1860 and were considered his staunch political enemies. This is the story of Lincoln's mostly successful attempts to reconcile conflicting personalities and political factions on the path toward the abolition of slavery and victory in the US Civil War.

The Best Christmas Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 20:26:00 +0000

Today in my networking group - my good friend Susi Vasseur said the best present you can give your family this year is to be PRESENT! Funny isn't it... how we all run around at this time of the year getting gifts for family, friends, and we forget that often the most special thing we can do is put down the phone, stop thinking about the money, and BE with the ones you love. Giving gifts of love, laughter, and TIME - by listening to your family are what make lasting holiday memories.

This is what my mom does so well. She embodies the Christmas spirit by loving her family (lucky us!) and making sure we all spend time together. We go to church, we make dinner together, we go for a Christmas day walk (we spend Xmas in Southern California), and we play games - puzzles, cards, Catch-phrase! These are the memories that are so fond to me.

This is a good idea to keep in mind when making your shopping list!

Source: gordongossip.blogspot.com via Care on Pinterest

My favourite holiday treat!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 22:35:00 +0000

Source: ellenzee.tumblr.com via Colette on Pinterest

Mandarin Oranges! .... I know this is probably not what you were thinking. The beauty of loving these delicious treats during the holidays is that they are also really good for you! According to "Heal with Foods.org" there are two top benefits of eating mandarins. I highly recommending reading the full link here for all the details.

1. Due to phytochemicals and vitamin C in the peel and juice, this can prevent some forms of cancer by inhibiting growth. Also contributes to your health by boosting the "good cholesterol in your body. However, there were some notes if you currently have cancer to watch for. Read the article if this relates to you.

2. Considered a fantastic beauty food with vitamins that help build up your collagen (which gives your skin the structural support it needs to look good).

Aside from tasting delicious, these treats are great for your health. If you have late night cravings like I do, these can be a life saver!

What is your favourite holiday treat?

Naturally Flavoured Water Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:24:00 +0000

Do you drink a lot of water and sometimes find you need a change? Want to drink juice but don't want the added sugar? Having found an incredible website - The Yummy Life in which Monica nicely gives you a break down of how to make all different types of flavoured water.

Source: theyummylife.com via Care on Pinterest

One of my all time favourites is Orange, Lemon, and Cucumber water. The longer you let the flavours infuse the better it will taste. If you make a big jug of this type of water - just make sure you drink it over the next couple of days so the fruit stays fresh and does not turn bad.

Happy Drinking!

Wednesday Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:56:00 +0000

Source: imgfave.com via Cecily on Pinterest

BE positive!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:18:00 +0000

Source: sequinsandstripes.com via Care on Pinterest

What's your success this week?

Fall Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:04:00 +0000

Fall is back - you can feel it, taste it, smell it, see it - even hear the leaves falling and the wind howling. All 5 senses are fully experiencing this new season. Just by the facebook posts and updates alone, you can tell people are starting to switch gears. So what are some fun ways to switch into the Fall/ Autumn gear?

Here are my essentials for the fall season:

** Keep in mind I am a financial person and in no way a fashion blogger... haha so my fashion sense may not be "current" -- more reflective of how I feel that day! I admire those fashionista's that make style look so easy!

Scarfs, Boots, & Tights

Source: countingstonesheep.tumblr.com via Madison on Pinterest

Source: wanelo.com via Hannah on Pinterest

Source: t.cn via Jinbo on Pinterest

Comfort Foods

I'm not sure what is better on a cold day than warm soup with fresh bread or my sisters homemade shepherds pie...mmm. Comfort foods really get me excited about fall! I'm not sure why, but the ultimate comfort food to me is breakfast for dinner... waffles, eggs, pancakes, bacon, fruit, omelets... it's all possible and it's all delish. When I was young, my mom used to make us cornbread muffins and she would let us pour maple syrup on them with butter - fresh from the oven! It was such a treat when she made breakfast for dinner and we never complained. While today I like to take a more "healthy approach" and include my fruits and veggies, I relish thinking about those fun times together. So what's my point? Don't let life pass you by with out enjoying these special moments you or your kids will remember for a long time!

Source: sticktoyourhips.blogspot.com via Christi on Pinterest

DO Yoga & Let Go of your Stress!

Yoga keeps me sane! Yoga keeps me on the path I want to be on - zen, balanced, focused, refreshed, renewed... I really believe Yoga is a way of life not a "fitness regimen" to keep you looking fit. I find during these fall months my yoga practice tends to shift as well. I find myself holding poses longer, getting into the areas I worked so hard during summer activities. I learned last weekend that Yoga will help you release stress and that stress if left untreated will only lead to illness. So take care of that stress friends! If you need any yoga help go to www.yogo.tv and try online classes - your first week is free.

Source: fitnessmagazine.com via Care on Pinterest

How to Save $3,000 a year!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 16:52:00 +0000

When I was little I used to think my packed lunches were the worst. I would see friends go into line at the cafeteria and think "that's not fair", that looks way better than my peanut butter and banana sandwich! As a kid I didn't have a choice, I didn't have a job, or any money, so how was I going to buy that lunch? Today, as a professional, I have the ability to start my day with a latte, and go for a "business" lunch. I have wrote about the cost of this before in my post Latte Effect. Today, I want to share with you an infographic thanks to www.creditsc ore.net, on how to save $3,000 by taking your lunch to work everyday.

Now based on my trusty investment calculator, if you invested $250 a month (which is $3000 annually) and were able to get a return of 7% annually - in 10 years that money would be worth $42,763! Now if you think that's not worth it... I'm not sure what else to say!

Thanks to CreditScore.net for This Graphic

Holy Time Flies!

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 22:06:00 +0000

Hello Friends! Sorry I've been so absent... time sure flies when you're life is really moving and shaking! I have not blogged for a couple of weeks (or more) and here's what I've been up to!

Working. Since the summer we've been working on a team charter, business planning, marketing plan and even streamlining out business! I even got my Portfolio Managers license which is a goal most of us are working towards. Working on your business feels really good - this old team will be sparkling clean by the end of this year!

Reading. Here's my latest reads that I loved - recommended by Lois (2nd to the left on the right hand side of the above photo).
- Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford (2009)
- Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn (2012)
- The Fault in our Stars - John Green (2012)
* Highly recommend these 3 books!

Hanging out with Stella!
with flowers (a poppy) in her hair :)

Selling some honey! Yep I know it might not be the one thing you thought I was up to... but it's true. Since last summer or longer my boyfriend and his parents are beekeepers. They started with one hive which grew and has since become a fixture in their backyard. Surrounded by a beautiful backyard full of flowers, trees, and plants these bee's are thriving and happy. They've collected over 150 lbs of honey this year and there is no humanly possible way we can consume that much in a year! So we've decided to sell a few jars to those who are interested. Mainly just friends - so far the feedback has been "the best honey I've ever tasted"... and nope that wasn't from me!

Day to Day Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:47:00 +0000

Hello friends!

I've been feeling pretty tired lately, just been busy and lots of things on my plate. Seems like MANY others feel similar to me in September. For those of you who need a pick me up... here are my tips/tricks!

Chocolate: yes a little bit goes a long way and life is more fun when you add chocolate in the mix!

Source: coffee-tea-and-sympathy.tumblr.com via Care on Pinterest

Kick your Feet up!
Literally lay somewhere where you can kick your feet above your head. It is great for circulation (as I am often told by my yogi sister!)

Source: picasaweb.google.com via Care on Pinterest

Laugh!
Life is meant to be enjoyed - spend some time laughing, you'd be surprised how refreshing it can be!

Source: google.ca via Care on Pinterest

Add Music to your Activities:
Making dinner? Cleaning house? Add some uplifting music and see where your mood takes you... often times it helps you relax and you'll probably find yourself singing or dancing along. Great energizers!

Source: inspirationtimesmotivation.tumblr.com via Care on Pinterest

What's your favourite way to stay energized?

Financial Planning.. what's the point!?

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:13:00 +0000

One of my concerns in finance, is that it feels like there are some folks out there that appear to not think about their future. I believe there are a few reasons. One might be they don't have to worry about the future (they are already financially well off). I believe the other reason is that, it is easier not to think about the future if it is not a pretty picture.

Regardless of your financial situation in life financial plans can be of GREAT importance.

Here's WHY:

1. To see the future:
We all want a crystal ball that can tell us where and what things will look like down the road. Are we going to be famous, keep all our hair... well I can't tell you that, but financial plans can sure give you a good look at the "type" of lifestyle you can lead. EX. None if you don't plan for it!

2. Taxes
For those people who know they will be A-OK financially, have you ever wondered how much taxes you might have to pay down the road? You might be able to get a close approximate estimate on death to show what that would look like for your family.

3. Legacy
To figure out what YOUR LEGACY will look like. What do you want to be remembered for? What do you want to leave to your children/family? A financial plan can give you some guidelines as to what that looks like so you can build plans to achieve those dreams.

4. PLAN
This is my girlfriends favourite word and you should see her plans... amazing! Have you ever been driving to an unknown destination and thanked your lucky stars you have an iPhone with GPS and it planned your travel time for you. When you have a plan clearly laid out...how easy is it to stick to it? Do you sometimes get traffic, or construction stops... YES, but your goals are on paper, with directions to achieve - so you are that much more likely to achieve them. ** We all know life happens, and plans are only plans. It is important that yours change with you when life happens.

What's your financial plan?

Leaders are made, not born

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 21:06:00 +0000

Funny that for a long time, I always thought the opposite. I thought that leaders are born with an innate talent to shine, or an innate talent to get things done. It seems like I always thought this was a natural gift - especially for my sister and my mother.

Almost 3 years ago today I found Toastmasters in White Rock - Early Edition Toastmasters (the best club)! I realized that I already have some skills (leadership and public speaking) and if I worked on them just like you work on your fitness... you can become a pretty amazing leader AND public speaker. Woah...

I remember when I first joined and I was shaking and so nervous to speak to a group of 30 polished speakers...thinking the whole time "I wonder what they are thinking of me". Fast forward to today and I am told all the time (because I still don't believe it) that I am a great public speaker and I have a strong but sweet presence. How cool is that!

That is what a leader is in my opinion. Someone who isn't paralyzed by what others think, and someone who can stand up and speak on what they believe in. The public speaking skill is really just a way to communicate what you feel passionately about - what you want to lead others in. The two go hand in hand.

So when I saw this short video on the winners from Toastmasters International - speakers from all over the world - I was excited to watch it. Keep in mind - all of these speakers have been practicing in Toastmasters! Every week they have a meeting and practice all sorts of skills. What I love most is that it shows me that anyone has the ability to be an incredible leader... you just have to work at it!

What the Olympics can do for you...

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:52:00 +0000

Go Canada Go!

I have to admit... I've been watching the Olympics non stop. I watch them on the TV all day at work, my iPad for the replays, and to top it off - I even follow some athletes on twitter. (Christine Sinclair @sincy12)

I'm not ashamed to say I am SO INSPIRED! Whether you follow the Olympics or think it is a waste of money, you cannot deny the incredible dedication it takes to win a medal in London. I am so impressed (and have also been unimpressed) with the attitude and character of many of these women and men. The young athletes that take to their sport with courage and confidence is incredible.

How come more of us don't do this in our everyday lives? There are always things in life that need more courage and confidence. For some it is sports, career, fitness, education, finance...(or all of those)! Imagine if you took just an ounce of confidence from some of these talented athletes!

I met with a client today and she implied that she'd never understand the language of finance. I told her that it takes practice, time, effort and eventually you will start to see the benefits. It also takes a change of attitude... yes it may be difficult to understand, but if you want to learn, you will!

If you are inspired by the Olympics like me, spend some time this weekend thinking about how you can bring some of their determination to different areas of your life. I already am!

Alabama Shakes

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:15:00 +0000

I've always loved music. Normally I would tell my brother what music to download, but recently he told me what to check out and I'm really loving it! It's not new...but early this year...

If you like rock n roll, you might like the Alabama Shakes!

If you listen to the Peak radio station in Vancouver you've probably heard this... check out some of my favourites below...

Acne: I didn't know I could love coconut oil more than I already do...

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Source: nutiva.com via Kristin on Pinterest

I believe coconut oil is one of the best NATURAL beauty secrets out there. While I have no formal education in this area, I seem to really enjoy natural foods and remedies. My boyfriends mother showed me this website called www.earthclinic.com and I have used many of the awesome remedies. YES they work (at least they did for me).

As the summer months are upon us, my skin has become quite oily. Unfortunately, acne has come with it. I decided to try earthclinic and I found out that I could use coconut oil as a cleanser.

I know... oil as a cleanser? Weird! My boyfriend said the same thing to me. Trust me, you have to try it before you knock it.

Here's how it works - use about 1/2 a tsp and let it warm up in your palms. Rub palms together and once it becomes a liquid start to gently rub over your face. Feel free to rub over your eyes to get off your eye makeup. Once you get your face nice and oily, soak a face towel in hot water and place the towel across your face for 30 - 60 secs. Gently rub off the dirt and this will clean your face. Follow with a quick splash of cold water. No moisturizer needed afterwards as you'll feel a light coat of coconut oil still on your face. I have been loving this!

If you are facing the same problems as me I would highly recommend trying it.
Here's an infographic for more information...

Source: infofit.ca via Care on Pinterest

I scream for Ice Cream...

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Don't we all scream for ice cream? Probably... unless you have a dairy allergy and then what do you eat instead?

Source: bakingbites.com via Care on Pinterest

Coconut milk ice cream has come to be my favourite... possibly of all time. It still has that same thick and creamy taste with no bloating or any other not so fun side effects you may experience.

Coconut milk ice cream also has to be one of the easiest... buy a can of full fat coconut milk... add your favourite ingredient (cocoa powder, blended up fresh strawberries (or any other fruit), or add your vanilla extract and keep it simple.

Here's how I make mine...

1 can of coconut milk
1 cup of almond milk or 1 cup of cashew cream (any other milk I like to add to give some variety - but the thickness of cashew cream is the best!)
1/3 cup of maple syrup, agave or cane sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder

Mix together in a blender

Add to your ice cream maker (I use Cuisinart) if you don't have one of these invest in some decent popsicle molds and it doesn't even matter... pour into molds or into ice cream maker and start the process. Within 20 to 30 mins they should be complete!

JUST before the process is done...more than 1/2 way through I like to add chunks of dark chocolate to my ice cream. Hits the spot.

Scoop into a dish and pour a little Baileys or Kaluha over top and enjoy!

I Really Love Food... Good Healthy Guilt Free Food

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 02:10:00 +0000

I really love food... good healthy guilt free food. Food that has so many flavours that your taste buds feel happy and complete... no sugar is needed to finish your meal. More often than not, I find myself CRAVING sugar after a meal. I bet it is out of habit (in my family we always have dessert after dinner). I find cooking food that satisfy's your taste buds really helps "do the trick". Here is the latest recipe I really enjoyed eating!

Tempeh Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice

To make your sauce here's the quick low down:
- 6 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of almond milk (or coconut milk if you have it handy)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of tamari (we use wheat free)
- 1 to 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 hot pepper diced very small or cayenne pepper (a few dashes to taste)
** optional - agave nectar or maple syrup for sweetener (just as easy to not use any)

Cut up your tempeh into bite sized pieces and let marinade in sauce above. Keep extra for stir fry.

Stir Fry
- cut up all your veggies you like ( bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, broccoli...etc)
- if you like onions add coconut oil to your pan on medium heat and cook up your onions for 3 to 5 mins.
- then add your tough veggies first (carrots, cabbage) using your least tough veggies last (kale, spinach etc).

Add tempeh and sauce and continue to cook for another few mins until everything is cooked to your taste. We prefer ours a little crispy vs. overcooked.

Cauliflower Rice
- grate your raw cauliflower
- add in salt and some curry powder or other spices (paprika, tumeric etc).
- in a pan heat up coconut oil and add in your cauliflower and cook for 3 to 5 mins until done.

Enjoy and Eat!

Healthy Summer Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 03:45:00 +0000

As you may (or may not) have noticed... my last post seems to be awhile ago. Guess why?
SUNSHINE!!!!!!!
The sun came out and I find myself reacquainted with my love of the outdoors and all the glorious activities BC has to offer. Here are some of my favourite summer activities...

1. SUP: Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Thanks to a local Canadian SUP company Harding Boards I can take our board down my parents back steps and onto White Rock beach for a Pacific paddle. Seals, crabs, fish, fresh air, salt water, kelp are just a few fun things you'll find paddling. Not to mention this can be a great workout (carrying your board out to the water and paddling for as long as you want). Lots of people even do Yoga on SUP's! If you have seen paddlers out there and have been wanting to try it... DO it!

Source: hardingsup.ca via Care on Pinterest

This is my Stu on a beautiful sunset paddle.

2. BIKING!

BC has some of the best biking due to the many different levels of terrain available. For mountain bikers and cyclists, BC has some easy day rides and even some multi day adventures!

Source: jeremyridesbikes.com via Care on Pinterest

Recently my favourite route is to bike along the path from Surrey to Tswwassen - stop for a bite to eat and a coffee and head back on the trail to Surrey. You'll bike with the coastline in view almost the whole time and it is a fairly flat ride about 40 km long. On a nice day you can't beat it! If you're interested in this route click here for more details!

3. Yoga Online

Source: theyogolife.blogspot.ca via Care on Pinterest

I realize that many think that yoga is normally an "indoor activity", however, I encourage you to take it outside to enjoy your beautiful practice and weather! Makes it "awesomer" as some of my Rotary friends would say. Having a sister who started YOGO.tv which is a website where you can take yoga classes on-line, I've realized how easy it is to do yoga anywhere and any time. While that is not me in the photo (my sister in front) you can see how much FUN it can be to get outside and be active.

What are some of your favourite activities to do in the summer?

Summer Lovin'

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:59:00 +0000

Couldn't help myself with this post.

Since the sunshine has been out I am singing this song more than I care to admit!

So I will share it with you my friends... enjoy those summer nights.... oh yeah!

Canada Day in the Gulf Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:29:00 +0000

Canadians sure know how to party, eh! Check out these cute photos from Canada Day at Saturna Island in the Gulf Islands.

The Canadian Water Taxi...

Lamb BBQ on Saturna Island

Saturna Festivities

Parking Jam

We sure are Canadian EH!

Pictures from the Gulf

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 04:48:00 +0000

Having just come back from a lovely time on a **yacht... (**also learning this is the correct spelling not yaught) in the Southern Gulf Islands of BC, I wanted to dazzle my readers with some of my incredible photography. LOL!

On the way to Galiano - love to take photographs of the sky

Princess Cove at dusk

"Brewster" the best dog!

These mangy animals are actually kinda cute... they were foraging for breakfast

Ebb tide in Princess Cove

The first glimpse of my amateur photography...

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:25:00 +0000

After visiting my incredibly talented photographic family in Burlington, Vermont, I was inspired to snap shots of those things that bring me happiness recently. Here are a few... beware this is amateur photography at it's best!

My Uncle writing me a little note before I went to bed - Loved it!

My cat "Blue" - the original Yogi!

Kale growing in my garden... yum!

Something about hens and chicks that make my heart smile!

A mother hen from my grandmothers garden!

Save More Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:57:00 +0000

Thanks to The Money Finder Stephanie I learned something interesting this week... why people DON'T save efficiently.

If you read her article or watch the video below called "Save More Tomorrow" you'll learn a lot. I will summarize for you here (as best as I can):

- 1/10 people in the USA are actually saving for retirement
Most think they save too much... only .50% are actually saving too much...

WHY?
1. Procrastination, time, effort... it takes a lot of "work" to set this up and get it going - so most opt to do nothing (many of us are good procrastinators - right Stu!).
2. It also is not as much FUN to save now... when we can spend it NOW and have more FUN today!
3. We hate loosing things... often savings are seen as LOOSING money and we hate this...so we avoid it.

Solution:
- Save more tomorrow philosophy. As your income rises take monthly automatic payments out and you won't be losing it, it isn't too much work to set up, and you watch your savings GROW which is super FUN!

It's a simple idea yet one of the best ways to save long term... if you aren't doing it - talk to someone who can help you!

This is the smart man & the full video...

Fresh Food Tip- Berries

noreply@blogger.com (Caroline Hanna) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:26:00 +0000

Isn't it great when you find great tips online... it's often something I would never have thought about doing and then when you hear about it you think... oh right - that sounds so smart!

Here is one I thought I would pass along - thanks to Food Lush blog!

Source: foodlushblog.com via Care on Pinterest

This is for your fresh berries- the tip is when you get home from the store immediately soak your berries in one part vinegar (ex. 1 cup vinegar) to 10 parts water (or 10 cups water)... add more or less depending on how many berries you bought and how you are soaking them.

Why you may ask?

According to the food lush blog - the vinegar kills off any bacterial or mold spores which makes your yummy berries last much longer... weeks longer in many cases.

The nice thing about this is it's all eco friendly and vinegar can be super healthy for your body (if you follow the alkaline way of eating).

Hope this works for you and your fruits!