Every child deserves to grow up with their basic necessities taken care of. Food, water, housing and an education shouldn’t be luxuries that are out of reach for any child. Unfortunately, in many poor countries that is exactly the case. The truth is that millions upon millions of children die every year do to lack of food, water and health care in their countries. Thankfully, there are organizations like Plan Canada that exist to help these children and their families. Of course, Plan Canada can’t do it all alone, and relies on the donations and sponsorship of ordinary people from all over Canada in order to meet their goals.

If you’re looking to do something positive and help the less fortunate, you should consider sponsoring a child through Plan Canada.  Choosing to sponsor a child means that money will be invested into the child’s community in order to provide sustainable access to water, food, education and health care. You will receive updated photos of the child as he or she grows, and have the opportunity to engage in correspondence with the child you sponsor. It’s a great way to make a tangible difference in the lives of people in the third world, who very desperately need help.

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Boxing day, which has now been expanded to Boxing Week in most areas, is truly a frugal gal’s dream. In fact I was very happy to get many gift cards for Christmas this year and immediately upon receiving them knew they’d be used during boxing week. Of course, I already knew I’d be hitting the mall on boxing day and boxing week depending on when the best sales were happening. Unfortunately, I slept in a little bit too long on boxing day, and so many of the good items were sold out by the time I got to the stores (and boy were the stores busy)! However, I have a big list of the best sales that are going on in my area and will continue to shop throughougt boxing week.

While many people don’t like to do boxing week shopping, as the crowds can be quite large, if have specific deals in mind it can be totally worth it. Personally I think the key is to have a good attitude and keep expectations low as to not be overly disappointed if the items you most desire are sold out before you arrive. So, happy shopping!

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During this holiday season, many people in Canada are looking to give a really great gift. It is not easy to come up with a practical gift that will really be appreciated by the recipient. A good gift to give that conveys a message of caring, and if you live in South Central Ontario, is a CAA gift membership. It would be ideal if all drivers had one, since sooner or later, they are bound to need it. This membership means that the member will receive expert roadside assistance 24/7, 365 days a year.

This CAA Gift Membership gift goes for a price as low as $64 +GST and you even get a bonus CAA radio flashlight with it. Additionally, keep in mind that being a member of the CAA also gives the member some significant discounts on services such as restaurants, hotels, car parts, flowers and much more. You could say that the membership is worth much more than the price of roadside assistance, due to the discounts that come with it. Overall, it is better to be safe than sorry, and any of the discounts that come with it could be enjoyed as well.

If you are still looking for a superb gift to give this holiday season, consider giving the CAA gift membership and you will surely be wholeheartedly thanked.

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It’s cold out. In fact, it’s freezing… so I wondered why are we all sitting around the house watching television (mostly hockey) and drinking all the hot cocoa we can get our hands on? I mean as fun as that is, it’s snowing outside and if it’s snowing here, then it’s really coming down on the mountains (which are an hour and a half away).

One of the great things about living close to mountains is that there are plenty of skiing opportunities to be had when the snow hits. It actually makes for a decently affordable mini vacation, as we just stay with friends and only have to pay for our lift passes and equipment rentals. So, today we are heading up and preparing to hit the slopes for some great skiing, fresh air and exercise!

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We are all looking to give and get nice gifts for the holiday season. One way to purchase some nice gifts is to go to the auction website by the name of Bidazzled. This auction site offers new, well known products at significantly low prices. The site was launched in early November, and admirably providing its services while funding a lung cancer charity. The type of business model it is based on is commonly known as Penny Auctions or Pay-Per-Bid. Bids are purchased in advance and then used in the auction bidding process to bid on the items you want. The auction is complete when there are no further bids.

With this system, the winner could win typically a product at a saving of more than 80% off of retail. Bidazzled then commonly makes an offer to the winner to repurchase the item for either cash, bids or a combination. Additionally, even bidders that didn’t win get something, up to 50 bonus bids.

Notably, there is a current promotion until January 15, where users can enter the following codes on the registration page, to receive 15 additional bids: Blog: BBP1202A and Twitter: BTP1202A

Bid packages are affordable and there is even a nice referral program where participants can receive more bonus bids. Head on over to the site and good luck with winning the auctions.

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My sister called a few days ago and while chatting she told me of her plans to organize her house and start preparing to part with any items she no longer uses. Noting that my own home could use such organization as well, I told her I would be doing the same thing. My sis then came up with a great idea - before she donated or discarded any of her unwanted items, I could go through them and take anything I wanted. Of course, in return I would allow her to do the same with my items.

Well, after we both managed to complete our organization tasks, we got together and started to go through the unneeded items. It became quite a little fun “treasure hunt” for both of us, and we actually both ended up with a few things that we wanted. On my part I received a fondue set (my sis had two) and a few clothing items, while my sister took a bunch of shoes that I no longer wear. It worked out great for both of us, so it might be something that some of you would like to try as well!

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There are few things as satisfying as the smell and taste of the day’s first cup of coffee. And heck, the second, third and fourth cups aren’t too bad either! However, it can be inconvenient to always have to run down to the local cafe when the urge for a specialty coffee like a Cappuccino or Cafe Mocha strikes, and so most of us settle for regular home made coffee more times than not. Well, if you’re lucky enough you may just be able to snag yourself a free NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine by entering the free contest at Sweetspot.ca. The contest is very easy to enter, as you simply fill out a few details (so that they’ll know how to contact you if you win), and you’re set.

The machine itself quite impressive as it makes single servings of popular coffee drinks such as Espressos, Cafe Mochas, Cappuccinos, Americanos, and even cold drinks like Iced Cappuccinos! It’s an advanced machine capable of producing all of the foam and froth that you’d expect with such beverages. You can even customize the heat and strength of the beverage to meet your personal tastes. It’s the perfect item for those who love to entertain, both around the holidays and rest of the year as well. The machine is also quite decorative, coming in three different colors (red, black, white) which are all accentuated with chrome. So if you love coffee, you’ll no doubt love the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine.

Important Note: The contest is only open to Canadians and runs from November 2nd to December 20th of this year.

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An interesting topic came up within my group of friends today, as it was learned that some of us (not me!) are avid regifters. I was quite surprised to learn of this, as I had always considered it bad etiquette to “regift” a present, and was surprised that my friends were so straightforward in admitting they do such things. However, once they explained their reasoning - that they regift items they don’t care for as not to be wasteful - it did sort of make sense. I mean, is it not better to thoughtfully regift an item that you know someone might like, rather than let it sit in your closet gathering dust? It does sound like the more environmentally friendly thing to do, as reusing an item is better than buying a new one.

Personally, I think I’d be too afraid of being found out, and I am probably too sentimental to give away gifts that a friend or family member spent time picking out, however I no longer see regifting as a bad thing, as it clearly does have some benefits.

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As some of you may know, I am a major foodie as well as a sports junkie and as such I’ve spent many weekends hanging out with friends while enjoying a little (or a lot) of both. So, when I came across a contest that offers folks the chance to win great “Gameday” prizes by purchasing Bistro Crustini products, I was eager to share it here with you guys.

If you’re not familiar with the Bistro Crustini products than you’re missing out, as they’re warm and flaky on the outside and cheesy, meaty and just plain delicious on the inside. They’re quick and easy to zap up in the microwave, and make for perfect football finger foods! So where does the contest come in? Well, when you purchase a box of Bistro Crustini you simply enter the product’s UPC code on the Game Day contest’s website (nestle-gameday.ca), and you’ll have a chance to instantly win some great prizes. Grand prizes include VIP tickets for two to watch the big game in Las Vegas, including airfare, hotel accommodation, limo service and even $1,500 spending money! There are also a variety of secondary prizes to be won such as home theatre systems and digital cameras.

Keep in mind that the contest is only open to Canadian residents and only one entry per person will be counted.

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Now I don’t like to toot my own horn, however the fact of the matter is that I have lost some rather significant weight this year, and would hate to blow it by pigging out on holiday goodies. While I do engage in a fair bit of baking at home, it doesn’t cause me to over eat as my husband pretty much devours everything straight out of the oven (and he never gains a pound, of course). However, it never fails that I gain approximately five pounds every holiday season! Well this year it’s going to be different!

It will be hard not to fall into old habits as there will surely be an abundance of holiday goodies to try, delicious fattening food items to eat, and off course enough egg nog to ensure that everyone has a very nice time(my downfall). However with a little self restraint and a continued commitment to exercise, my “inevitable” holiday weight gain will be avoided.For those of you who are in the same boat as me, I recommend avoiding over eating by filling up on veggies (before enjoying some of the more calorie laden dishes on the table), staying away from alcohol and allowing yourself a small treat here and there in order to keep your sanity.

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