This is not a scientifically backed up study, just personal experience. We have bought many cars in our 15 years of marriage (and I had bought 3 before we were married). One way we save money is to NEVER buy new. We buy a vehicle that is 2-3 years old and save on the vast depreciation that occurs in those first few years.

Another thing we do is look for a car that might have slightly higher kilometers. Not hugely, but just a little. This allows us more room to negotiate. We also…

I am thankful for a reliable vehicle

I remember the days when we couldn’t afford a car that had any type of warranty, let alone even a guarantee it would run. Often they would have the strong smell of a previous smoker, and the kind of feeling that you’d want to shower each time you got out of it. I am thankful that we have been blessed enough to be able to have a few cars now that are pretty much guaranteed to start when you turn the key!

Warmest…

Our wonderful sponsor, gDiapers is having a sale, and you’re invited…..to , SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!!!!  Okay, now that the inner cheer-leader in me has subsided, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty!

Until April 17th all gRefills are 15% off!  That’s right!  So hop on over to …

Today is the day!  I was there at noon sharp, and let me tell you, the savings are HUGE!  This year’s Luved Clothing Styles were $45, and past styles were as low as $25!  Woohoo!  Was super excited to meet with our sponsor face to face, and support them in such a wonderful opportunity!  You REALLY need to head over and check out the sale yourself.  The sale ends at 9PM tonight!  I actually have been kicking myself for leaving behind…

If you are looking to get in shape on a budget, there are many options. You can take up running, or work out at home with or without weights. If you don’t know where to start, there are a number of exercise videos and tutorials that are available free of charge through YouTube. Here are some of our top picks:

1) LiveStrong

2) …

I am thankful for Reid’s Dairy

This is a stop we used to always make on our way up towards Ottawa. They used to be the home of the Looney Shake (get a milkshake for a buck), and had their dairy in an awesome medieval looking castle in Belleville, Ontario. I haven’t been there for years, and don’t even see signs on the highway for them anymore, but I can still see the tops of the castle towers from the highway and my curiosity is piqued!

Warmest…

Hello wonderful readers!  This is another awesome giveaway I’ve been eagerly anticipating sharing with you!

It all started when we had the issue with Toys’R Us and the diaper genie. I am very happy to say that I was contacted by their Executive Manager of Customer Relations and in the end was issued a gift card…

Remember back when I kept complaining that I was getting no sleep? That Poppet was keeping my up most of the night? That she’d wake up, and even after bringing her into our room, would just nurse and nurse, and toss and turn, and be generally restless? I felt at times I just couldn’t take it anymore. It got as bad as having to sit outside her room in the hall where she could see us (or even in her room) just to get her to settle and drift off. (Needless to say, I got a lot of blogging done!)…

I am thankful for passing lanes

I remember when we used to head up to the cottage as a teenager. Highway 400 would end at Barrie – Highway 11 would continue on towards Huntsville, and Highway 69 towards Sudbury. That was the direction we would head. It was only 1 lane, but there was a super wide shoulder, and it was understood that if you were a slow vehicle, that when safe you would pull over and drive on the shoulder and let the faster cars pass by.…

Omelettes, how boring! What? Not in this house! I got the idea from when we lived in Oklahoma. Our favourite breakfast eatery was Jimmy’s Egg. There we would order a 10 (that’s right, 10!) topping omelette and split it with 2 coffees! This thing was huge! Family omelettes are a staple last-minute meal deal when I’m short on time, but we’re as hungry as can be! I simply make one HUGE omelette and cut it in 3.…

I am thankful for poetry

I have been known to write a few lines of rhyme myself, and find it a great outlet. I haven’t really done as much since Poppet was born, but I really need to get back to it. I love to read an emotionally passionate poem!

Warmest regards,

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Warmest regards,…

I am thankful for rain

The kind that pours down in the spring, bringing grey days and a sense of peace. Awakening all the buds from their winter slumber.

Warmest regards,

If you enjoy our posts, please consider taking a moment to follow us!  Pardon My Poppet is onTwitter, …

Usually when we travel, we try to find anything and everything that might, in a pinch, be able to keep a tired Poppet happy long enough to keep us sane enough!  We hand books back one at a time, replenishing little hands when the previous item has been tossed into the nether-regions of the belly of the van.  When this supply runs out we try food – Poppet LOVES food (of course she does, look at who her Mummy is!).  When even food won’t fit the bill we turn to the iPad.  Poppet, at 16 months…

I am thankful for naps

I know this may sound like a repeat, but it isn’t. This is referring to the adult kind. Poppet went down for a nap and I went to catch up on some reading. Couldn’t keep my eyes open, and woke up 3 hours later when she did! Guess I needed that!

Warmest regards,

If you enjoy our posts, please consider taking a moment to…

Winnie the Pooh is an icon. Well, not just Winnie the Pooh, but all his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, Roo, Rabbit and all the other fabulous characters are a part of our culture. From a very early age we get to know these characters so well, they seem to become our friends too, as well as Christopher Robin’s.

So what is it that makes Winnie the Pooh such an enduring classic? Why is it that year after year, A. A. Milne’s remarkable creation continues to…

“Hello Young Man! Hello Young Lady!”

Are we in the right place? I mean, young, perhaps if we stretch the definition a bit (or more than a bit), but what customs agent in their right mind offers such a joyful greeting right out of the gate before he’s even found out if you’re smuggling drugs or not? Apparently US Customs Agent Marsh does! What a breath of fresh air! Usually, but unfortunately understandable, agents or police officers in carrying out their duties can become distrustful,…

You hear all the time from your travelling friends how they travelled to little markets abroad and got this item and that item for a fraction of the first stated price. How’d they do it? Through bargaining for a discount.

In our western culture we tend to shy away from barter style buying. There are even car dealerships that have a no negotiating policy, and they flourish! Many do not like the uncomfortable feeling of asking a sales person if a discount is available. Sales people know…