Carters and Osh Kosh in Edmonton

Happy dance for Mom's in Edmonton, the children's clothing store, Carter's and Osh Kosh are OPEN.

Great deals are had by all with $6 onesies, $8 pajama's and $12 outfits. Who could ask for more, oh right, you, a coupon. Sign up at carters.com or oshkosh.com for a $10 off a $50 purchase coupon. Woot woot. Not to mention, once you sign up you will also recieve information about upcoming sales, and coupons for further discounts.

I only wish my little cupcake didn't already own everything in the store from a previous US shopping trip to Carter's and Osh Kosh. Well I guess just one more way to save money this year, but means I get to wait for summer stuff to reach the shelves.

Happy shopping Edmonton Moms.

iPhone

I live by lists, clenders, agendas, etc. I am known for always carrying an agenda. The husband says it because I am super highly crazy organized - I have two agendas, one on my phone and one that sits on my counter. I always know where I am, and where I am going.

When I recieved my iPhone I was so excited. Another way to stay connected and organized. The first app I downloaded, Total Baby, one way to stay on top of little V's diapers, feeding, bath, sleeping and so much more. It is awesome. I love it.

Since then I have downloaded many more apps, mostly cooking apps, but lately spending/budgeting apps. Awesome, one more way to keep ahead of our finances.

What apps have you downloaded?

Thank you Canada

One year ago this week, Canada celebrated the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. An experience that will go down in Canadian history as one of the most remarkable sporting events to unite a nation, in heart, speech and mind.

Walking down any street in Vancouver during the Olympics, comradier, pride and red and white maple leafs bleeding out our red mittens. Hearing the national anthem ring out in the streets, on the train, and in pubs. - We have arrived Canada.

The emotion. To explain the spirit of those games, there are no words. One year later, remembering how Canada celebrated, cheered and cried together, touches the heart. Those 16 days, Canada witnessed every emotion, we all sat at the edge of our seats, cheering loudly and proudly for our 206 athletes. Those games changed our country, we were given the opportunity to show our true North Strong and Free pride.

Thank you CANADA, thank you athletes.

Why I Love Starbucks

Let's try this again, last night I had the whole post written and one slight touch of the keyboard and all was lost. So here we go again.

I love Starbucks, ask anyone who knows me, they will tell you that I will choose Starbuck over Second Cup, Good Earth and Tim Horton's. I don't drink coffee, I drink a Grande two-pump sugar free vanilla, non-fat, extra hot, Chai Latte. Yum.

While I was pregnant the unthinkable happened, for the first trimester I couldn't drink a Chai Latte. Gasp, I often thought, what is wrong with this child, but it changed. By the second trimester. I was back at Starbucks, with a baby who kicked and jumped every time I walked into a Starbucks. Now that she is out of the womb, her face lights up when we walk into a Starbucks, haha.

So why do I love Starbucks? Well let me count the ways:

1) Their Chai tastes the best.

2) Shaken Green Tea Lemonade.

3) Consistancy. No matter what Starbuck I go to, my drink ALWAYS tastes the same.

4) No matter where I am in the world, I can find a Starbucks. Whether I am in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Kauai, Rome or Corfu, I can find a Starbucks.

5) Samples. I love how they have samples of their products, but not only product samples. They will also provide you a sample of a drink that they have if you've never had it before. Especially at Christmas.

6) Variety. I love that I can go to Starbucks and have something different, alas, I still get the good ol' standby, but if I wanted I could get something different.

7) Customer Service. The Baristas at Starbucks are always so helpful and happy. They have fantastic memories of the frequent customers. I can't count how many times, I had my drink made before I even paid for it. They knew me and knew my drink.

8) Free stuff, because my co-workers and I were such regulars, they would often provide us a free drink for someone back at the office. Love them. So thoughtful.

9) Never a mistake. And if there is, they fix it for free, no questions asked. You can even drive away and call them and they will provide you a two, if you order two, free drinks at a later time. AWESOME customer service. And last, but not least,

10) Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake and Marshmellow Rice Crispie Squares. Yum

So those are only 10, I am sure I could think of more. But let's leave it at 10.

January is post-partum depression awareness month

Post-partum depression is a common occurance in 10 to 20 per cent of new moms. In recent years, post-partum depression as eased itself out of the shadows, some women are still embarrassed to admit they are dancing with the post-partum devil.

Edmonton declared January post-partum depression month in hopes of shedding light on the truth. For those who may be experiencing it, I urge you to read "It Sucked and then I Cried," by Heather Armstrong. It is a humourous look at a serious issue. It is a great read from a great writer. She is also the author of a great blog, www.dooce.com.

Steal of a deal #1

I heart Bath and Body Works hand soap pumps. Well do I have a deal for you. For a limited time only - Bath and Body Works has all hand soap pumps on for $3. $3 - that is a crazy deal.

So go now, because they have a shopping basket full of deals. Happy Shopping.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy 2011.

This past Christmas our little family was fortunate enough to spend it in Kauai. It was beautiful, if you ever have an opportunity to go the Hawaii I would highly recommend Kauai. The weather, while it could have been a little less rain-y, it was beautiful, warm and humid. Our little girl's hair was curly, curly, curly. So cute.

This year I have taken on a new challenge. To try and spend less. Use coupons and GC as much as possible. It is my way of living best while spending less.

***Edited for spelling errors. sorry, I was really excited.