My husband always said that love should be shown every day, not once a year when consumerism is at its finest.

I wholeheartedly agreed.

Then we had kids.

As the kids grew up, they started noticing heart-shaped chocolate boxes, long-stemmed roses, fluffy pink stuffed animals and greeting cards proclaiming “true love” all around them... but never in our home. So, they started asking why we don’t celebrate our love on this day, the most love-filled day of the year.

Oh boy. Here we go.

How do you tell your kids that not buying into all this Valentine's Day hoopla doesn't necessarily mean that you love each other any less?

How do you tell them that you believe businesses are using our very real feelings as another sneaky way of getting us to reach for our wallets?

How do you tell them your thoughts and yet not dampen their excitement of being able to show you their love?

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have the heart.

Love is sharing your strawberries with your friends.

I didn’t want to be labelled the Valentine's Day "Scrooge."

Although I don’t go for all the consumerism, I do love my family a whole lot. So, I pack heart-shaped sandwiches along with little love notes into their lunch bags. When they come home after school, we bake pink cupcakes with red sprinkles on top. We even purchase some Valentine's Day cards for their classmates.

We still express our love often, but now we just add a little extra oomph on this extra special day of love.

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

• 3 surprising results from our sex survey, plus a giveaway from The Body Shop
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• Have a green and happy Valentine’s Day

On first appearance he looks like your typical golden Labrador. But an article earlier this week from the Daily Mail introduced readers to what really is a seven-year-old Super Dog.

Byron’s owner, Kate Cross, suffers from Ehlers Danlos syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects her joints, skin and blood vessels. As the article explains, her joints are so weak that she could dislocate a shoulder just from opening a door.

About five or six years ago, Kate’s emotional state began to suffer. She’d been forced to take early retirement from her job as a schoolteacher and had basically sought refuge in the safety of her home. As she says in the Daily Mail:

'When I first got Byron, I hadn’t left the house by myself for almost 18 months. I felt useless, and I hated going outside – people stared and didn’t know how to speak to me.

"Once, I was in my wheelchair going through the park, when a gang of teenage boys playing football decided to use my chair for target practice. I was so upset, I couldn’t imagine going out again. I became afraid of the world."

Then she heard about Canine Partners, a charity that matches assistance dogs with people who need help. Now, thanks to Byron, Kate not only has an easier time with her day-to-day activities but also feels free again. “Byron hasn’t just changed my life; he’s given me my life back,” she says.

Byron knows more than 100 different commands and is able – among other things – to:

• open and close doors
• load and unload the washing machine
• make the bed
• take money out of the ATM (Kate just has to key in her pass code)
• help with the groceries by fetching items from the lower shelves, loading the conveyor belt and handing Kate’s purse to the cashier

A best friend, indeed.

Over to you: how much of a rock star is Byron?

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The 2012 Sex Survey results are in!

Here are the three sauciest secrets revealed:

1. You really have a thing for actors named Ryan
Last year, respondents chose Ryan Reynolds as the sexiest Canadian man. He won again this year, by a mere 1 per cent over fellow actor Ryan Gosling. Combined, the two Ryans took 53 per cent of all votes cast, easily beating the other contenders.

2. You think a sexual partner's sexiest trait is… their sense of humour
Oh, come on. In fact, a partner's hot body or good looks didn't even make it into the top three. We've all heard that love is blind, but is sex appeal blind, too? Seems counter-intuitive to me.

(In case you were wondering, the top three sexiest traits are: Sense of humour, raw sex appeal and intellect.)

3. Sexting is on the rise
Be sure to put a lock on your smartphone! This year 36 per cent said they'd sent a saucy picture or video of themselves to another -- a rise of 6 per cent over last year's results.

For all the sexy stats, you can visit us at canadianliving.com/sexsurvey.

A decadent giveaway -- just in time for Valentine's Day
Looking ahead to Valentine's, the Body Shop has sent over goodies from their new Chocomania line - including their famous body butter, body scrub, shower cream, soap and body lotion. Believe me when I say they smell divine.

This Chocomania gift set smells good enough to eat. Photo credit: The Body Shop

For your chance to win, leave a comment below and let me know what you look forward to most about Valentine's Day. Is it spending time with your main squeeze, getting a cute card from your kids, or indulging in a chocolate treat or two?

I'll announce two winners here next Wed., Feb. 15, 2012.

• Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
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• New Year’s resolutions: how are you faring?
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• Have a green and happy Valentine’s Day

You got the shot, only to review it a few seconds later and find that's it's a whirl of blur. Artistic, maybe. But not exactly something you can send to Grandma and Grandpa. It happens to the best of us, doesn't it?

Whether you're an amateur or a professional, mastering a few photography basics can make more of your snapshots worthy of framing and displaying. The following pro tips from Toronto-based photographer, Jennifer Pearson, will help you to take better photos starting...now.

1. Motion
It may seem counter-intuitive, but holding your camera as still as possible, while tracking your moving subject, can keep your subject in focus. That's what I didn't do right in this shot:

Moving traffic on Toronto's Gardiner Expressway blurs while the sunset remains clear with a steady hand. Photo by Jen Melo

Had I tracked the traffic with my camera as it zoomed by, I could've gotten a clearer shot of the cars, but that probably would've blurred the lovely sunset. And so, I learned, every shot is a photography lesson.

According to Pearson, manually adjusting camera settings in favour of a quick shutter speed (choose a higher number) can help you to capture your action shots at their best. And that's probably what I should've done to get a clearer shot of the zooming cars. Noted for next time.

But video just might be the best way to capture the action, so consider shooting video clips too. Had I spent more time with my new Panasonic Lumix GF3X's instruction manual, I'd have known that it has an auto-focus function that can lock its focus on a subject while in video mode, and gradually shift its focus to another moving subject at my fingertip's command.

2. Lighting

Light and shadows add dimension to my treasured hibiscus bloom, non? Photo by Jen Melo

Whether you're shooting with a flash indoors or outside in natural lighting, know where your light is and pay attention to those shadows.

When photographing outdoors seek "open shade," a photographer's trick for ensuring a flattering photo. Position your subject under an awning for example, with the sun behind you, and over your shoulder. This magical lighting can help make your subject's eyes look bright and vivid while eliminating squinting and distracting shadows.

When shooting indoors and flash is too harsh, consider manually adjusting your camera's exposure setting or directing the flash upwards, "bouncing" it off a low, light-coloured ceiling.

3. Framing
"Pay attention to your background," says Pearson. "It can make or break your shot."

Look for simple and/or interesting backgrounds like a brick wall, for example, to make your subject stand out. For picture-perfect results, look for natural or architectural borders and frames such as archways and door frames.

You can find plenty of framing options at playgrounds too, but if you want to avoid having a bunch of strangers' kids in your shot, follow Pearson's advice: "Get there early."

4. Composition
Experiment with the rule of thirds. Break up your frame into thirds vertically and horizontally. As you look through the viewfinder or at your camera's LCD screen, align your subject with the lines or place a focal point such as a person's eyes where the lines intersect. "It can make for a more interesting shot," Pearson explains.

5. Creativity
With digital photography enabling you to photograph and delete without incurring film and photo processing costs (remember those days?), dare to try various approaches and unleash your creativity. Alternate close-up shots with wide shots, people and objects, to help tell a story. Use photo filter options (if available on your camera) and see your photos in new and different ways.

More expert photography tips:

• Play with angles. Shoot from above, below and on the same level as your subject.
• Forget the fake smiles and try some candid shots. Avoid instructing, "smile!" before every shot. Some of Pearson's most "soulful" portraits come from natural facial expressions, free from coaching.
• Use the grid feature on your camera's view, not only to work with the rule of thirds, but also to use the straight lines as guides. Say goodbye to crooked shots of horizons or tall buildings.
• I've said it before but it's worth repeating. Read your camera's instruction manual and take time to get to know your camera's settings. There could be plenty of unexplored features just waiting to turn your photos into wonderful works of art. Or at least some answers on how to find that shutter speed setting that'll help you to get that perfect portrait of your active child.

Motion shots are my biggest challenges so some of my favourite subjects -- kids and pets -- are commonly the sources of my photo woes but I'm learning more with every shot I take.

And now, I'd love to hear your thoughts on your most common photography challenges so please post a comment below. Would you rather photograph a squirmy two-year old or a hyperactive dog? How about shooting both the dog and the kid together? I welcome -- and look forward to -- your photography tips.

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Valentine's Day is coming. Romance is in the air. And things are heating up in Canmore, Alberta.

Courtesy: Tourism Canmore

The majestic vista of the Canadian Rockies peeking your mountainview window, moonlit snowshoe excursions, mid-mornings on the ski hills followed by fine meal by a fireplace, snuggling under a warm blanket on an afternoon dog-sled ride, and then booking a spa treatment at Chateau Canmore or one of the other chateaux or lodges. Surely this makes Canmore the most romantic Valentine destination in Canada. The highlights of their current "Do It In Canmore Kananaskis" campaign campaign is enough to make you blush - if not book a plane ticket.

The New Romance: Where else in the world can you and your date spend the day tracking wolves, coyotes or the crafty linx? Or go snowshoeing with a guide? (Okay, three could be a crowd but safety comes first when you're outdoors.) Canadian Rockies Adventure Centre, Kananaskis Outfitters and Mahikan Trails are three outfitters who can show you a good time on the wild side of Canmore-Kananaskis country.

There's a lot more on offer. You and your beau can strap on your blades and head to the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park or beautiful Mt. Norquay in Banff.

Try ice-walking in Grotto Canyon, Mount Shark, Spray Valley (Courtesy: Tourism Canmore)

What's the lure of ice-walking? Let me quote the folks behind "Just Do It in Canmore-Kananaskis" :

Just imagine making your way across a polished sheet of glass covering the floor of a canyon from wall to wall. Your ice cleats grip the surface as you turn to look at your incredible surroundings. You snap a picture, walk another two feet and snap another shot.

If that doesn't entice you, I can only suggest that your heart urgently requires a handful of de-icing salt.

Fine dining in Canmore: options aplenty (Courtesy: Tourism Canmore)

Dining options run the gamut from wallet-friendly to fine international cuisine. Check out the list of Dining and Nightlife options in Canmore. Best bet: You're in Alberta - go for the steak!

One dish = dinner for two: Win a Canadian Living Cook-book

Does Canmore tickle your fancy? Or have you got another suggestion for the Most Romantic Place in Canada to spend Valentine? Post your suggestion below and you'll automatically be entered to win one of 5 of our latest Canadian Living cookbooks, "The One Dish."

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This is what I'll be doing – watching the Super Bowl. No, not for the game, I don't really like watching football. For the commercials. Super Bowl ads can cost millions of dollars for a 30-second spot, so they're usually a cut above the regular ones.

Here’s my favourite Top 10 Superbowl ads. I love the Snickers one with Betty White and the Coke one and the Walmart ad. And the Planter's Peanuts one is pretty funny – but the cat-herding one kills me, I’ve watched it a million times!

I’m having an argument with myself though over the best Super Bowl commercial ever. One part of me says that this was the most amazing one ever and it started the whole debate. It’s the Apple ad that introduced the Macintosh to the world in 1984. It almost gives me goosebumps thinking about the revolution that it started.

But the part of me that loves cars, creativity, kids and their imaginations says this one from last year is the winner hands-down. The kid is so cute and so much is conveyed to the viewer with so little dialogue. Everything pops in this video – especially the kid’s body language.

Seriously, I think they are both brilliant for different reasons. I can’t decide.

And so, I’d love to know, which one is your favourite?

Or am I missing something bigger? Is there a better one than these two and I am totally missing it?

Let me know. Please. As soon as possible. So I can stop the voices in my head.

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Who doesn't love ELMO?

My son showed me this video the other night.

I fell in love with it from the get go. Actually, I think I loved it even before I saw it (my son was singing it all through dinner - "I  got Dorothy in a tank and I ain't afraid to show it... I'm Elmo and I know it").

We must have replayed it a gazzilion times that night. My family loved it so much, I wanted to share it with you.

Kids, look at these crayons,
Kids, look at these crayons,
Kids, look at these crayons,
Uh-huh.
I make art.

I dare you not to have this playing in your head all day long.

Tickle, Tickle, Tickle, Tickle, Tickle, Yah.

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February is Heart Month, and Global Pet Foods is asking you to open yours to the homeless animals in your community.

(image via Wikipedia)

Their seventh annual Show Us Your Heart campaign aims to raise money for local animal shelters. Each Global Pet Food store across Canada has chosen a local shelter to support, so any money you donate goes directly to the homeless pets in your area.

Here are just a few places that will feel the love:

• In Sydney, N.S., ABAS Society, an animal rescue for abused and neglected dogs
• In Saint John, N.B., Earth Spirit Horse Rescue, a group dedicated to saving horses from abuse, neglect and slaughter
• In Aurora, Ont., North Toronto Cat Rescue, a volunteer-run, no-kill and no-release shelter
• In Saskatoon, New Hope Dog Rescue, a network of foster homes for dogs
• In Crossfield, Alta., animal rescue shelter Tails to Tell

So how do you get involved? There are several ways:

1. Visit your local Global Pet Foods store between now and Feb. 14 to donate in person. (Global and Hill's Science Diet will give $1 for every donation they receive.)
2. Text “heart” to 20222 to donate $5.
3. Make a donation via their Facebook page.

Last year's campaign ran for just one week and raised $100,000. Here's hoping even more animals are reached this year.

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"No room at the inn, but you can sleep in my stable." Sounds biblical, I know. But those words were actually uttered to me by Helmut, owner of a small auberge in the the little out-of-the-way mountain village of Gimmelwald, Switzerland.

It was the end of a long day, and I had to sleep somewhere. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I climbed up into the loft above his stable - only to find half a dozen other tourists. And that's when a voice piped up through the dark, "Hi there, we're from Ontario. Do you speak English?" I remember feeling surprised but sheepish. There I was, back-packing around the world and I run into folks from my home province.

It never surprises where I'll run into other Canadian travellers. When we take to the big highway we're apt to end up anywhere. But we do have our habits, which is mirrored in this recent list compiled by Hotwire.com, a discount travel site, based on the habits of Canadians who travelled on Family Day weekend 2011 (the third Monday in February).

Here's their list of 10 most popular destinations for Canadian travellers:

Canadians love New York City. Everyone needs to see Lady Liberty at least once in their lifetime. (Photo: Derek Jensen)

Three Canadian cities made it to the list: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, along with a few American cities (New York, Orlando) which are perennial favourites among Canadians.

1. New York City, New York
2. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
3. Montreal, Quebec
4. Vancouver, British Columbia
5. Orlando, Florida
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
8. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
10. Phoenix, Arizona

The cafe scene and street life of Montreal are tops in Canada -if not the world (Photo: Bonjour Quebec)

If I could choose a weekend getaway from this list my number one pick (on this snowy day in January) would be Las Vegas (not for the gambling strip but for the day trips to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam). Vancouver and Montreal would tie for second (if I could transplant Stanley Park in the heart of Old Montreal I'd move in a nano sec). My third pick? Well, I'd have to say Minneapolis because (a) I've never been there and (b) to out why it appeals to so many Canadians.

Stanley Park, Vancouver. My favourite city green space in all of Canada (Courtesy: Thorfinn Stainforth)

I mean, who comes into work on a Monday and boasts about having gone to Minneapolis for the weekend? Maybe I'm out of the loop. I'd love to know what I'm missing.

So why do Canadians love New York so much? For me, it's an equal mix of Broadway shows, the sites (everyone's gotta get a close-up of Lady Liberty at some point) and the personality of New Yorkers. They're a breed unto themselves - direct, helpful, blunt, a unique urban chutzpah.

Have you been to New York? What's you're No. recommendation?

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We were invited to embark upon an epic journey -  the only one of its kind in Canada.  MagiQuest - It's a journey fraught with mystery and filled with magic.

Cool or what?

We entered a world of MagiQuest, a live action, interative adventure game that had the whole family casting spells, vanquishing goblins and yes, slaying dragons. With a simple wave of a wand, siblings united, parents and grandparents were a welcomed force in the quest.

Armed with our wands, an extra ounce of courage, and some really cool wizard names, we enbarked on our adventure at Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls.  My boys were set in character, not Harry Potter, but Sir Swordhand Darkeyes and Sir Shieldheart Littleknight.

The game is incorporated into the lodge's hallways, landscape and lobby. Medieval characters are flowing throughout the enchanted woods, forgotten halls and tangled woods.

It was a little confusing at first, and we probably didn't follow all the rules, but for a 6 and a 4 year old it was just awesome to make treasure chests magically open, framed photos speak and items light up all in a wave of a wand.

Needless to say, they didn't complete their quest.  They got so easily distracted with the other adventures offered at the lodge.  Story time in the lobby, Cub Club, Northern Lights Arcade, and oh yeah, the Water Park (again, again, and again)!

So many decisions.............................................for a little wizard.

So for now, we bid thee adieu, till next time.

Image via Wikipedia

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It's a story about a married couple. The husband has a debilitating heart attack and has to be moved into an assisted-living facility. She falls in love and marries someone else, then moves to be with him. But get this, they move her first husband, too, so he could still be a part of the family.

I bawled my eyes out because it was so touching. As part of his marriage vows, her new husband promised to always love her and her daughters, adding, “And I promise to always help you provide compassionate care for Robert [her original huband].” Let me know if it makes you cry or if it’s just me. http://wapo.st/AbDNeI

I'm pretty sure this is love. Or is it? Is it just guilt? Is it simply compassion? Maybe. But it is also a testament to the bond that love creates between two people. And now, another person, her new husband is helping her to achieve what many people really could not even envision. And that's the power of love.

When you marry someone and say, “I promise to love you no matter what until you die,” does that really mean forever, through anything, through a debilitating heart attack? Or does it mean a 72-day marriage like Kim Kardashian's? Would I do it? I want to say yes, but I don't have the courage to answer that right now and I truly, really hope that I'm never forced to make that decision.

Would you?

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In October, with her lung function at 24%, she found out that she would need a transplant and was recently placed on the organ donation list. Along with her mother, she moved into an apartment near Toronto General hospital and is awaiting the call. It could be weeks, months or even years away.

Justin responded to Helene's request with this tweet ...

help spread the word for @alungstory http://www.alungstory.ca/ #BeAnOrganDonor.

It took less than 36 hours for the pop star to raise awareness for the cause. Since his tweet, online registration is up over 600%.

This is a beautiful example of courage, optimism and wisdom. Because Justin has a huge following, he is able to reach out and influence his friends, they influence their parents and it’s this kind of domino effect that can reap positive results.

And this isn't the end. It's just the beginning. Although Helene's need for an organ donation is immediate, the result of donors signing up today will help beneficiaries 10, 20, 30 years down the road and beyond.

Helene, you're an inspiration to us all. You're a beautiful woman inside and out and you're going to change the world with your optimism and your infectious smile.

Keep doing what you're doing.

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Oh, just cancel my flight. No way the plane has this much leg room (image via Wikipedia).

It’s a question Air Canada, Jazz and WestJet have been mulling over since late last year. In December, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) ruled that the airlines had to modify their policy on allowing cats in aircraft cabins. (The policy counted a cat in his crate as one piece of carry-on baggage.)

The decision came about after three passengers who suffer from severe cat allergies issued a complaint. The CTA ruled that the airlines must do one of two things:

• ban cats from being on the same flights as passengers with severe cat allergies (“severe” in this case meaning respiratory problems, not just sneezing and a running nose); OR
• upgrade all of their planes’ air filters AND ensure a five-row buffer zone between travelling cats and passengers with allergies.

And the solution doesn’t appear to be as simple as people just leaving the family feline behind while the rest of the gang flies to Maui for a sunny holiday. For some people cats act as “emotional support animals” – basically, they’re not only a pet, but also a service animal. As such, the animal is permitted on the flight as long as the passenger can provide a note from a certified mental-health professional.

Having had time to consider their options, Air Canada finds its hands tied. As reported in The Calgary Herald:

“Air Canada says that with the exception of its Dash-8 fleet, it is ‘prepared to implement the accommodation suggested by the agency’ – namely, to upgrade the air quality and to create a cat-free buffer zone of five rows between a person with a disability as a result of their cat allergy and cats carried as pets in the cabin.

With its Dash-8 fleet, Air Canada said cats who are deemed as pets would not be carried when there is a passenger ‘with a demonstrated allergy to cats that amounts to a disability.’

But a ban on a cat classified as an emotional support animal on Dash-8 flights could put the airline ‘in breach of other legislative requirements.’”

So, indeed, what’s an airline to do? Let Fluffy fly, but be prepared to revoke his boarding pass for some Dash-8 flights (and if he does fly risk the possible – but probably unlikely – scenario of the cat breaking free from his crate and commandeering the cockpit). Or keep Fluffy grounded and risk breaking the law.

Do you travel with your pet? And what do you think of this situation: Should the rights of the passenger with allergies come before the rights of the passenger who requires the presence of their pet to travel in comfort?

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But what we wanted to know was how they drove. This past fall, we took five green vehicles for a spin. Here’s what we thought of our rides.

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V

Toyota Prius V

Suggested price: $27,200 (base); $38,500 (premium)
What it is: full hybrid: its electric motors are powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and a 1.8 L four-cylinder engine. Note: premium gas required.
Fuel economy: 4.3 L/100 km city; 4.8 L/100 km highway
Nice to know: The climate-control system uses an electric compressor, meaning you don’t need the engine to run the air conditioning.
Review: "I fell hard for this car. The comfy interior has a surprising amount of legroom, even in the back. One huge bonus: the hatchback design and fold-flat seats let you cram in anything from suitcases to 2x4s. Running the car in Eco mode drained its pep, but Power mode allowed normal acceleration when zooming onto a busy highway. I loved watching the display to see how often I could get the electric motor to take over. It made me want to start hypermiling!"
– Tina Anson Mine, executive editor, Food & Books

2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Suggested price: $29,999 (base); $34,499 (premium)
What it is: full hybrid: its electric motor is powered by a lithium-polymer battery pack and 2.4 L four-cylinder gas engine. Note: regular gas required.
Fuel economy: 5.5 L/100 km city; 4.6 L/100 km highway
Nice to know: Designed for highway driving, the Sonata can reach up to 100 km/h in electric-only mode.
Review: "The zippiness of this car is a pleasant surprise. I expected a hybrid to need time to switch operating modes, but it reacted just like any other vehicle and, in some instances – like when I accelerated to merge on the highway – it performed better. I also enjoyed the extras. If you know where to look, the computer tells you how "green" you're driving. The one downside is the size of the trunk; since that’s where the battery is stored, space is limited."
– Erin Poetschke, managing editor

2011 FORD FUSION HYBRID

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Suggested price: $34,499
What it is: full hybrid: its electric motor is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and a 1.4 L four-cylinder gas engine. Note: regular gas required.
Fuel economy: 4.6 L/100 km city; 5.4 L/100 km highway
Nice to know: The interior seating is made from 85 per cent post-industrial materials.
Review: "It’s a good thing the dashboard lit up when I turned the car on; otherwise, I never would’ve known it was ready to go – it’s that quiet! It rode just as smooth as a non-hybrid when I took it for a spin through the city streets and later on the highway. With the fun displays tracking my eco- status, I made it my mission to improve the car’s fuel economy from when I got it on Friday to when I turned it in on Monday. Mission accomplished! My only complaint: For vertically challenged drivers like myself, seeing out the rear-view mirror is a strain on the neck."
– Wendy Graves, senior editor, Life

2012 CHEVROLET VOLT

Chevrolet Volt

Suggested price: $41,500
What it is: electric with extended range – when the battery is depleted, a gas-powered generator kicks in. Note: premium gas required.
Range: between 40 km and 80 km on electric power (depending on driving style and conditions); up to 580 km total
Nice to know: If you only use the car for short trips and are diligent about charging it, you may never need to use the gas engine. Since this actually isn’t good for the vehicle, the Volt will occasionally ask for permission to turn on the engine to keep it fresh.
Review: "I was initially intimated after my how-to lesson on where to find power stations to plug the car in and how to “power up” at home. But after 10 minutes of driving, I realized this is one of the coolest vehicles I’ve ever driven: it’s electric first, gas second. I liked the centre-stack LCD screens that are touch-sensitive, highly interactive and easy to use. While the price tag is high, there are cash-back incentives through government programs. Combine that with your gas savings and suddenly the cost is a little more palatable."
– Susan Antonacci, editor-in-chief

2012 NISSAN LEAF

Nissan Leaf

Suggested price: $38,395
What it is: full electric
Range: up to 160 km on a full charge (depending on driving style and conditions)
Nice to know: The “Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians” system gives a whole new meaning to safety. With no internal combustion engine, the car is quite quiet. At speeds slower than 26 km/h, the car will emit an “approaching sound” so pedestrians know your car is nearby. Once the car reaches at least 31 km/h, the car becomes “audible” on its own.
Review: "The first thing I noticed about the Leaf? No tailpipe. It felt good driving away and not leaving a trail of carbon dioxide in my wake. A quick switch over to Eco drive mode improved my mileage but made for a slightly bumpier ride. The eco display system not only showed me how much distance I had left with the charge, but also how much more I could have if I turned the air conditioner off."
– Wendy Graves, senior editor, Life

Do you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle? And if not, how would you rate your interest in trying one out?

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Year of the Dragon

Festival cities are curious places. You know, those towns and cities which draw mega crowds for a stellar annual festival but when that particular event is over, well, there's not a lot to do. Party's over. It it's time to go home folks.

I remember spending a November weekend in Stratford, Ontario, home of one of the world's' most prestigious Shakespeare Festivals and one of my favourite getaways during the summer and early fall, and it felt like a ghost town. It wouldn't have surprised me to see tumbleweed bouncing down the barren windswept streets on the heels of a ghostly MacBeth.

But some cities keep the party going - year-round. Take Richmond, British Columbia, for instance, which is in the midst of hosting an exciting roster of events to celebrate Chinese New Year, including 12-course banquets (Peking duck two-ways, Pan-fried tiger prawns, fried live crab, sticky rice, shredded jellyfish, bean curd roll, braised bamboo shoots), dance performances, concerts, dragon festivals and prayer ceremonies at the Buddhist temple.

But if you're not in the Richmond area within the next few weeks, don't despair, the city's flourishing Asian heritage is an integral part of the cultural (and physical) landscape life every day of the year.

Traditional Chinese dance performance (Courtesy: Richmond Tourism)

If you're on a driving trip that takes you through British Columbia or if you're in Vancouver for a family vacation, take a short side trip to Richmond (and I mean short - you can get there in 20 minutes from Vancouver) and devote a few days to exploring British Columbia's fourth-largest city.

Somewhere between 60 and 65% of Richmond's 200,000-strong populace is of Asian decent, with citizens of Chinese ancestry accounting for 47%. This wonderful mix of Asian influences is evident in the restaurants, stores, festivals, cultural attractions as well as the music and languages you hear in the streets of Richmond.

And on the food front? I hear echoes of any Asian country I've visited. Chinese dim sum, Korean twist potato, Japanese takoyaki balls, Filipino talent shows, Chinese karaoke contests, beautiful statues of Buddha, dragon dances, xiao long bao (soup dumplings)...

Richmond, B.C. offers a year-round buffet of Asian food from China, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Malaysia...

I'm certainly not the first scribe to insist that the best way to get to know the culture of any place is to ramble (preferably with an empty stomach - so skip the western-style buffet in your hotel or mountain of waffles served in your B&B). Just hit the street and bring an empty sack or knapsack because you will do some serious shopping.

1. The Golden Village:

There are more than 200 Asian restaurants and eateries in Richmond, B.C.'s Golden Village

First-timers to Richmond typically get one bit of advice: head to Alexandra Road, known locally as Food Street. You'll be in the heart of The Golden Village:. Within a four-block radius of the Golden Village, near No. 3 Road, you can choose from more than 300 shops, three Hong Kong-inspired malls, Asian specialty grocery stores, electronic outlets, jewelry stores, art galleries, stores dedicated to Asian designer fashions, and no fewer than 200 restaurants. One of my Hong Kong-born neighbours in Toronto tells me the Golden Village in Richmond reminds her of home.

2. Aberdeen Centre

Dragon Dance at Aberdeen Centre Mall

The humungous, glass-panelled Aberdeen Center mall (4151 Hazelbridge Way) is the place to go whether you're shopping for a Ferrari, Fazioli piano or food. Seasoned or neophyte bargain shoppers can lose themselves Daiso, a Japanese emporium bursting with housewares, cosmetics, clothes, garden tools, with many priced around the $2 mark. There are frequent cultural exhibits and, depending on the day, you can catch some live Asian entertainment, as well.

When you've shopped your feet off, and it's time to satisfy that rumbling tummy, head up to the third floor where you'll find a food court that seats 800. Nosh your way through Wo Fun’s famous Chicken Wings, Shanghainese meals, pho... If you're in the mood for a proper sit-down, you're in the right place. Two Vancouverite friends are effusive about the Beijing-style Shredded Pork at Northern Delicacy and the crab claw balls at Fishermen’s Terrace.

Dishware, collectibles, clothes, jewellery...you can buy almost anything at the Aberdeen Centre

A bonus for visitors: Aberdeen Centre offers a special Tourist Program for out-of-towners (you could even bag a free gift!)

Two other (smaller) malls to check out: Yahoan Centre and Parker Place.

3. International Buddhist Temple

International Buddhist Temple, Richmond, British Columbia

Burning incense, golden Buddha statues, ornamental fountains and manicured gardens are the lure for visitors to the International Buddhist Temple. Located on Steveston Highway, it's the second-largest Buddhist temple in North America, and is said to rank among the best examples of Chinese temple construction outside mainland China.

Each year, on New Year’s morning, the temple hosts a prayer ceremony and a vegetarian lunch for as many as 10,000 people.

4. Best restaurants?

Mouth-watering Peking Duck (Courtesy: Bluetofu)

If time is tight, I share with you a trio of Asian restaurants to try. There are three that seem to crop up in the Top 5 Faves of my informal poll of West Coast gourmands and foodies:

• Executive Chef Tony Luk of Jade Seafood Restaurant won Chef of the Year at HSBC Chinese Restaurant Awards. His winning dishes included Sauteed Geoduck with Egg Whites and Italian Herbs; Drunken Free-Run Chicken with Yunnan Wild Morel Mushroom Sauce.

•The Shanghai pork dumpling is a perpetual favourite at Shanghai River.

• A colleague based in West Vancouver regularly makes the trek to Richmond for the Beijing-style Shredded Pork at Northern Delicacy.

I'm always on the lookout for great Asian eateries anywhere in Canada? Got one in your area? Post below and let me know.

Gung Hay Fat Choy.

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"La la la...I can't hear you...la la la"

"I don't have much, so there's nothing to fight over"

"I'll only need a will when I'm older"

No more excuses.  You need a legal will now.

You might not like to talk about death, tragic scenarios and heart-breaking possibilities but in order to protect yourself and your family, please make sure your wishes are fulfilled, with no error for misinterpretation and future challenges.

Step 1: Meet with a trusted legal advisor  who will make the process easier. Save time and come prepared with questions, documentations and options.

Do your homework

Image via Wikipedia

On your list, should be (if applicable):

• Naming a guardian for your children. First choice?  Backup?
• Choosing an executor. Will it be your spouse? Appoint someone else as co-executor?
• Organ donation and funeral service.  Any specific type of memorial or service you wish for yourself? Location? Trust me, this makes it easier for your children to know that they are doing as you wish.
• Keep a list of the names and contact information of your professional advisors and bank information such as; physician, lawyer, accountant, financial account numbers and institutions.
• Think about how would you want to divide your estate, with different possible scenerios. If only your spouse survives, if only your children survive or if no immediate family survives.

There is so much to think about. If you need some help to get started, use the Will Planning Guide offered by RBC . It's a good step. I'm filling my forms in now.

Take good care.

O.

Do you already have a will?

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We live in a wonderfully fantastic place. It's filled with endless possibilities.

As a baby born in 2012, the world is at your fingertips.

There are a few things, however, that you will probably never know. Things that were all too common to me when I was growing up. Things that I felt would be around forever and now seem so ancient and obsolete.

You, my dear child of 2012, will probably never know:

• What a record, cassette tape or CD is.

Image via Wikipedia

Music, as you know it has always been downloadable. You will never know what it's like to stand outside the music store for hours in the freezing rain before it's even open so you can be the first of your friends to hold that much-anticipated new release.

• What it's like to take pictures using film and having it developed at the photo shop.

Image via Wikipedia

With today's preview screens on cameras, you will never experience the anticipation of seeing those as-is photos for the first time in print format (cropped heads, red eyes and all). From the time you were born, pictures of you have been taken with a digital camera and shared with family and friends within seconds via social networking.

• How to call someone on a corded, rotary-dial, landline telephone.

Image via Wikipedia

You will never know what it's like to have a private conversation with your BFF on the family's only phone (stationed in the busiest room of the house -- the kitchen). Life for you will always include texting and cellphones, making it  much easier for you to talk about that cute boy in French class without fear of your parents overhearing.

• You will never have to open the pages of the dictionary to look up correct spellings and definitions.

Image via Wikipedia

Instead, without skipping a beat, you will automatically turn to the Internet for assistance.

• You will find it incomprehensible as to why we would ever...

Image via Wikipedia

leave our homes, hop in the car and drive to a video store to rent a movie when all you have to do is click a button on your remote or download it on your PC.

• Life for you will always have an increased sense of security.

Image via Wikipedia

You will probably never know what it's like to sleep comfortably with the doors unlocked and windows opened, sit in the backseat of your parents' car without a seatbelt or even ride your bike without a helmet.

My dear child of 2012, so much has evolved over the last few decades.

I wonder what changes you will see throughout your own life that your future children will probably never know.

• Puppy love
• The new year is a good time for hopes and dreams!
• Enjoying spring-like weather
• Eco-friendly diapers
• Riding around town …

Dolly isn't the only animal to have been cloned (image via Wikipedia).

Three years ago, Danielle's beloved dog named Trouble died. To say she loved her dog would be an understatement: he was both "the love of my life" and "like a child I never had."

In the three years since Trouble passed away, Danielle’s house has remained a shrine to him – a drawing of his likeness encompasses an entire wall and she has yet to throw out anything that was once his, including his toothbrush and toothpaste, the water that was left in his bowl and a piece of chicken that would've been his next meal.

On the TLC special “I Cloned My Pet,” she talked of how she went to South Korea and paid $50,000 to have her dog cloned. (South Korea is the only country where the cloning procedure on dogs is available.) Danielle now has a genetic replica of her beloved pet. His name? Double Trouble.

I’m having an even harder time wrapping my head around this than I did with the idea of pets getting plastic surgery. Yes, the cloned dog would be a physical twin, but his personality wouldn’t be the same. And don’t the most meaningful memories you have of a pet come from who he is, not from what he looks like – his habit of cosying up with the cat for a shared nap, or his tendency to steal your slippers and hold 'em for a king’s random of doggie treats.

I’m curious about what you think. Would you clone your pet?

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To help you with the inspiration bit, Canadianliving.com's Relationships editor, Tasia Rivero scoured a local wedding show in search of the latest and greatest wedding trends. Without further ado...Tasia, take it away! -- Jen Melo

Top 5 wedding trends for 2012
by Tasia Rivero

Last Friday, I attended The Wedding Co. Show at the Carlu Hotel in Toronto where 125 vendors met with happy couples looking for the best wedding wares. Organizer Catherine Lash hand-picked her favourite apparel and accessories designers, event organizers, photographers, pastry chefs and more to highlight the hottest wedding trends for 2012. Here are the top five trends you need to know if you're planning a wedding:

1. Fascinators reign supreme

Headpiece by David Dunkley, KCs Hats. KCsHats.com

The modern fascinator continues to be a hot wedding trend for Canadian brides. For 2012, expect to see brides in short veils ("bouquet-length"), birdcage netting covering part of the face, or feathers and/or floral headbands and hairpins.

2. Personalized bridal wear

Blue sponge necklace - also available as hanging earrings -- imported from Italy by Rue Pigalle.

This year, brides-to-be are keen on breaking up an all-white look with a touch of colour. Think dresses accented with gorgeous silk sashes, gem-coloured shoes to peek out from under full skirts, and showstopping coloured jewelry.

3. The sweets table

Decadent sweets table, Truffle Cake & Pastry. Truffletoronto.com

Wedding cake no longer stands alone. This year, expect to see an entire spread of toothsome treats: gourmet, colour-coordinated bowls of candy alongside baked goodies like cupcakes in regular and mini sizes, meringues, madeleines, macarons and cookies. Mmmmm.

4. Hand-crafted stationery

Calligraphy by Rajiv Surendra, Letters in Ink. Lettersinink.com

Wedding stationery was a huge part of the show. This year, couples have plenty of options when it comes to their save-the-date notes, wedding invitations and thank-you cards. Many of these items are uber-personalized, featuring quirky block letters with custom graphics and colours, or sophisticated, hand-drawn calligraphy.

5. Communal dining tables

Communal table setting, Gorgeous Events. Gorgeousevents.ca

Long, communal dining tables are perhaps an unexpected trend at the show. This year, couples are embracing intimate receptions. Get the look by setting up a long, straight table, adorned with low floral arrangements to allow for unobstructed chatter between your guests.

Which of these top five wedding trends is your favourite? Least favourite?

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Is this...

Majestic Mount Everest (Photo: Pavel Novak)

...more wonderful or inspiring than this?

Iguazu Falls, Argentina, made a splash in the recent 7 New Wonders of Nature list (Photo: Martin St-Amant)

"Sketchy" and "non-scientific" is how award-winning travel blogger and G Adventures Wanderer in Residence Gary Arndt (and the guy behind Everything Everywhere and the affable devil's advocate on This Week in Travel podcast ) describes the process by which the most recent New 7 Wonders of Nature were chosen. You'll want to read his original post, the title of which says it all: The Absurdity Which Is The New 7 Wonders of Nature. Ouch!

I have to agree with Gary, though. The voting process does strike me as flawed -- and I also feel a tad guilty as I was certainly one of those media folks encouraging Canadians to vote for the sole Canadian entry, The Bay of Fundy. Pride and patriotism are honorable motives, but what happens when they skew the results in an unrealistic fashion?

In the 'unscientific polling,' people could vote multiple times (and did!), tourist boards launched marketing campaigns, politicians (especially in a few developing countries which, granted, could use a boost in tourism) publicly encouraged citizens to vote online, and launched massive and frenzied texting campaigns.

The result? As Gary and his cohorts have decried, the average travellers wouldn't have heard of a couple of these places. I had a vague idea about Jeju Islands and even after a quick Google search, I was scratching my head, trying to undrestand how it managed to hip-check the Grand Canyon off to the side.

"The biggest tragedy to this voting process," says Gary, "is that it turns what could be a genuinely constructive discussion about the greatest place our planet has to offer, into a crass attempt to exploit nationalism." (There were various questions in the international press about the appropriateness of the contest organizers' approach on the marketing front.)

Gary and other members of the G Adventures Wanderers in Residence program, veteran travellers including Jodi Ettenberg (Legal Nomads), jd Andrews (Explorer of the Earth) and others, dissected the 'winning' list and came up with their own New & Wonders of Nature.

But first, Gary's take on the official list announced at the end of 2011:

•1. South America's Amazon rainforest. - Gary: "Of the sites listed, I’d say that only one, the Amazon Basin, is really a no-brainer which should be included."

•2 .Vietnam's Halong Bay. Gary: "It's a great place, but in terms of this list, I'd say it's fairly marginal."

Halong Bay, a day trip from Hanoi, Vietnam (Photo: David Tennat)

•3 .Argentina's Iguazu Falls. Gary: "Again, I'm not saying it's not amazing, but compared to the Galapagos or the Grand Canyon? I don't think so."

•4. South Korea's Jeju Island. -- Gary: "Maybe the worst selection on the list. South Korea is a big rich country and the government put on a HUGE campaign to get people to vote. I actually considered visiting Jeju Island when I was in South Korea but passed because I thought there were better things to see.

Jeju Island, South Korea (Photo: Richard Fabi)

•5. Indonesia's Komodo national park. Gary: "I’ll grant you that Komodo Dragons are cool, but no one would care about the island if they weren’t there. Again, I don’t think it is even the most significant thing in Indonesia. Mount Bromo and Ujung Kulon National Park probably are more interesting."

•6. The Philippines' Puerto Princesa Underground River. Gary: "I’ve been there. It is interesting, but probably not even the most significant natural site in the Philippines. Yes, it is the longest underground river in the world, but I’m not sure that is that big of a deal." (Gary cites the incredibly ambitious drive by marketers and local politicians to get Filipinos to vote online.)

•7. South Africa's Table Mountain. Gary: "The only reason why Table Mountain is considered special is because of its proximity to Cape Town. Take that way and it's just another mesa like any other you can find in Africa, Australia or the U.S."

So, what would Gary and the G Adventures Wanderers choose to top the list?

The 'Alternative' New 7 Wonders of Nature:

1. Antarctica
2. Grand Canyon
3. Ngorongoro Crater
4. Galapagos Islands
5. Great Barrier Reef
6. Mount Everest
7. Amazon River Basin

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, is a mecca for wildlife (Photo: Gaurav P.)

What would be on YOUR list of New 7 Wonders of Nature? What Canadian entry would you love to see included?

Are the Rockies more appealing than the Grand Canyon? Is the Bay of Fundy more impressive than the above?

Over to you.

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This summer, I said yes to a trip to B.C., where I got to drink coffee every morning at the Kicking Horse café. Best cappuccinos ever! <3

Last summer, my friend invited me out to her cottage in British Columbia. I was all ready to say no. What about work? I had so much to do. What about my mom? Who would take her to do all her errands that week? What about? What about?

And yet, I really wanted to go. So I said yes. My friend and I went for long walks, we drank tea, we got up late, we had naps, we went on a beautiful hike, we shopped, we cooked and we killed ourselves laughing. I love spending time with her – and it was a lot of fun. Even now, when I think about it, it makes me happy.

The universe has endless possibilities for each of us. But it’s not like Walmart, where everything is readily available. You have to make a conscious effort to go for what you want. You have to take a risk, it's a leap of faith, and you have to trust that it will work out. And there’s the problem for some of us.

I always like to play it safe, and I’m waaaay more comfortable with no. But the problem with playing it safe is that you will never know what could have been. It closes a door before it can be opened. So this year, I’m starting with the premise of yes, and walking through open doors. No, not every one, but certainly a few more than I ever have before. I’m starting with five.

1. I’m saying yes to a new restaurant. I know what I like to eat. And so, I often end up at the same places with the same dishes. I’m always happy with my meal, but I know exactly what I’m getting all the time, and there are so many amazing restaurants and dishes out there that I have never tried. How do I know if I will like them or not unless l try them?

2. I’m taking a creative writing class. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve said, “I'm sure there’s a book inside me just dying to get out.” But I've always been afraid to write creatively, in case it's not good enough. In this case, I’m owning my fear and hopefully, a creative writing class will give me confidence.

3. I’m saying yes to a trip with my two sisters. I love them, and we've never been away together just the three of us, and we've been talking about it forever. I’m hoping it will be a really good memory for us.

4.  I’m saying yes to a piece of cheesecake. My friend Erin just said yes to one. I said no. I feel a little resentful. There were so many reasons to say no:  it’s too high in fat, I don't need it, I had a perfectly healthy lunch. But I can’t stop thinking about this lost opportunity to eat a delicious thing. No, I’m not supplementing my daily diet with cake, but I am going to have a piece of one if I feel like it.

5. I’m defining my dream. This week, my friend said yes to a move to Singapore with her husband and young child. She said that oddly enough, she always wanted to live in a place where she could wear flip-flops year-round. Now she’s going to live her dream. And it made me think, what’s my dream? I don't even have one. Seriously, if you don't have a dream, how can you live it?

How about you? Do you ever say no when you want to say yes?

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Just look all around you.

There's the guy on the bus on his iPad, the school-age child racing home to the computer, the teenage girl sitting in the coffee shop and texting on her cellphone, the young boy rocking out to the tunes on his mp3 player.

There's no hiding it. We live a fast-paced digital world.

As a parent, it can be very overwhelming.
Much of it is still foreign to me.

At first, I thought I would just shelter my children from the online world. No cellphones, no Facebook and limited computer access.

But I've since come to the realization that that's simply not an option.

Denying my kids access to our digital world is like asking them to take up shelter under a rock.

I need to embrace digital parenting.
I need to educate myself in how to use the digital devices and media the kids are using today.

Although I may find it difficult to guide them in an area where they know more than I, I can certainly put some rules into place - rules that will ease my worries and allow them to live freely in the 21st century.

• Keep the computer in a central place and have it accessible to the entire family
• Ask for passwords for social media sites. I've learned that this is the best way to protect them from online problems.
• Never allow them to subscribe to any newsletters or fill out any forms or questionnaires without my permission.
• Be clear with them about the potential problems that come with engaging in electronic communications. All Internet and text messages leave a trail that is easily accessible.

As they grow up, get jobs and start purchasing their own electronic equipment, I'm sure I will be faced with new challenges. But for now, I'm feeling a little more in control in an ever-expanding online world.

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According to a survey by U.K.-based website PetNet360.co.uk, 70 per cent of the adults they spoke with say that seeing a cute photo of, or hearing a funny story about, a pet cheers them up.

(image via Wikipedia)

This news seems like as good a reason as any for our second cute pet video round-up. (Not so much cute pictures, as cute moving pictures?) We start with one that's been viewed a mere 86 million times…

I'm usually sound asleep when the "Late Show" comes on, but I'll move my bedtime back a bit for Stupid Pet Tricks.

Mama cat snuggling her baby tight. I'm sure a couple dozen of the views on this one are by me alone.

Is there a video or photo that does the trick for you? Or is there a story about your pet that always cheers you up? Please share in the comments below.

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But mustn't grumble.

I've been lucky enough to do a bit of travelling in the last year and I can always live vicariously for the moment through my friends - and through such lists as the Traveller's Choice 2011 - Best Beaches Award (an annual endeavour from Trip Advisor. It's the perfect diversion on a nippy January day.

I liken Trip Advisor's list to the People's Choice Awards, only this particularly roll call celebrates beaches not boy bands and B-movies. And, quite frankly, I'm happy to read any release that doesn't refer to Justin Beiber! (Apologies to my young nieces.)

I wasn't too surprised to discover that the Traveller's Choice list of 25 contains not less than four Florida beaches and an equal number from Mexico. Some of the honorees were new to me, always a good thing. I was unfamiliar with Ayia Napa in Cyprus and while I've been to half a dozen beaches in Greece, Skiathos (#22) was off my radar.

So here's the round-up, according to followers of Trip Advisor, of the 25 Best Beaches in world for 2011.

1. Providenciales Beach (in the Turks and Caicos Island).

Providenciales Beach (Courtesy: TC Villas)

2. Boracay, Philippines

3. Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba

4. Negril, Jamaica

5. Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, Mexico (Photo: R. Imufomot)

6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

7. Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

9. Cape May, New Jersey

10. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

11. MaldivesLocated on the equator, south of Sri Lanka.

12. Panama City Beach, Florida

13. Miami Beach, Florida

14. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora, French Polynesia (Photo: Yves Picq)

15. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

16. Sanibel Island, Florida

17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico

18. Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico

19. Ayia Napa, Cyprus

20. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico (Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sanchez)

21.Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba

22. Skiathos, Greece

23. Clearwater, Florida

24. Honolulu, Hawaii

25. Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Phangan, Thailand (Photo: Dan Taylor)

So, is there a spectacular beach missing from the above list?

Based on my own travels, I'd rank the beach front in Mombasa, Kenya, near the top. But then my criteria probably differs. (Can camels, monkeys and wizened fisherman be found on any of the above 25 beaches? Perhaps not. It all depends what turns your crank when hanging out on a beach. To be honest with, any beach would make me happy today. The temperatures in my part of Ontario are going to nose-dive tomorrow.

What's your favourite beach in the world? What's missing from this list? I'd love to know.

I'm also curious: how many of these 25 have you been to?

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Remember those sketch boards when you just glide the button at the bottom and start a new?

Well, that's what January means to me. Fresh start with a new page.

Time to resolve to get in a better financial situation. I don't know what lies ahead for 2012, but my intention is to start it off a little more knowledge and accountability.

Here's my financially resolutions:

Image by alancleaver_2000 via Flickr

1. Resolve to tackle my debt.

I start by listing on paper all my financial debts - and the truth hurts - there's no use hiding it - it's just a fact.  I owe.

Seek guidance and advise from a trusted financial advisor.  Your individual goals are personal and distinct to your situation - your family.  An advisor just might be able to get you there faster, stronger, better.

2. Resolve to stick to my diet - cash diet.

I've never been quite good a maintaining a diet - well, at least with food. So, just so  I'm not tempted, I'm starting by hiding my credit cards. Afterall, orginally, they were  suppose to be used for emergencies only.

3. Resolve to commit - long term

It won't get better overnight, it needs time and patience.

"This journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Lao Tzu

I'm starting with little changes;

• Make my own coffee to take to work; bring my lunch;
• Arrange to have automatic monthly transfers to another bank account for those unexpected expenses. Let's start at $20.00 a month;
• Increase mortgage payments to bi-weekly;

My intentions are good. Fingers crossed.  Wish me luck.

What are your financial resolutions?

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