tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511199978830927532024-02-07T06:26:20.812-05:00Diary of an Anonymous Canadian GirlNot a terribly good writer. Undoubtedly cold somewhere in Canada.
A blog about anything and everything in one girl's quest for happiness.*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-90164974984458724702011-01-13T10:05:00.000-05:002011-01-13T10:05:22.252-05:00To My Dear Readers....Someone has figured out who I am. I do appreciate her tact for not publically outing me on the blog, however, as I've said before, when it's no longer anonymous, I'm out for the count.<br />
<br />
And with a heavy heart, I have decided to shut down this blog as of tomorrow.<br />
<br />I will continue to read and follow you all in hopes of joining your journies and helping mine along the way.<br />
<br />
Thanks for a great year. I love you all.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I will leave my email open for a little longer if you'd like to chat : anonymouscanadiangirl {at}gmail {dot} com.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-88265406399459722572010-12-20T15:57:00.001-05:002010-12-20T15:58:31.016-05:00The 'Perks' of Loyalty Programs.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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In my {humble} opinion, it seems as though there are two
distinct schools of thought on this: yay or nay, no ambiguity.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I personally refuse to pay for loyalty programs. For instance, my Body Shop membership which
would normally be $10/year costs me nothing if I use the card 3 or 4 times a
year {which I do}. I wouldn’t pay the
$10 at the store – you want me to PAY YOU to come and shop in your store? Two words for you: starts with F and ends
with F!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgWh54KJDlly7yK-gdlfHCYJleQVktvM9wwvwDRrAKDRm0hvZ-Wk0ue4ubCxsnShPgaIsQngHUEH0rW5uiDTByq1AT8eTYB1Hszncfj5pfYveB1YtNU4JVT7TXUz_8G9kWu52AbkxAQk/s1600/Pet-Perks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgWh54KJDlly7yK-gdlfHCYJleQVktvM9wwvwDRrAKDRm0hvZ-Wk0ue4ubCxsnShPgaIsQngHUEH0rW5uiDTByq1AT8eTYB1Hszncfj5pfYveB1YtNU4JVT7TXUz_8G9kWu52AbkxAQk/s1600/Pet-Perks.gif" /></a>One such program whose merits I was unsure of was PetSmart’s
Pet Perks program. This program doesn’t
cost anything, but I wasn’t told an exact percentage of savings, nor exactly
what I was to get out of being a member.
I was in PetSmart doing some doggie Christmas shopping {yeah, I dress my
dog up…don’t judge} and remembered I was a member. Figuring my bill would be high because of the
8 things I bought, which included doggie toothpaste and various items of
clothing and toys, I handed over my Pet Perks card thinking nothing of it. Low and behold, that card entitled me to a
40% savings. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, you read that right: 40%. My bill went to $50.73 after tax to
$30.40. I can’t believe this. I didn’t have to pay for it and just for
patronizing your store, I get tremendous savings on things my dog <strike>needs</strike> wants
anyway. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you PetSmart.
Perhaps other loyalty programs can take the hint and learn what it
really means to attract and maintain a loyal customer base.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Feel freezies to share your loyalty stories {good or bad}
below. I’m sure we barganistas {or
bargainistos…whatevs you fancy} would love to hear about it!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hugs,</div>
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</div>
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*Canadian Girl</div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-31823178965457642202010-12-12T09:00:00.001-05:002010-12-12T09:00:03.854-05:00Crocs. What a crock.<i><b>{I love a good pun in the morning, don't you?}</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
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Comfort. That’s what
we all associate with Crocs, right? NOT.
{*insert Borat accent here* } </div>
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<br /></div>
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I recently purchased {and returned} a pair of ‘dress Crocs’,
which was in direct violation of any and all fashion rules I have. However, I
was desperate for a comfortable, yet <i>moderately</i>
attractive alternative to running shoes for my walk to work. Whilest browsing about, I came across these
puppies:</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglegMFRsZQyj_inacrvTa4vzW1rVzCxq37tgcBVD0BbxKtFyQl7MzAKknRKd4cx6TTmQwte7Q9m-xIQ9yJHqPcSWPFlbInNlpL1mFsexgziJPbcCIMR9YDLOpB01PULOVp9-wJFDIRi7Q/s1600/IMG00012-20100810-1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglegMFRsZQyj_inacrvTa4vzW1rVzCxq37tgcBVD0BbxKtFyQl7MzAKknRKd4cx6TTmQwte7Q9m-xIQ9yJHqPcSWPFlbInNlpL1mFsexgziJPbcCIMR9YDLOpB01PULOVp9-wJFDIRi7Q/s320/IMG00012-20100810-1327.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{click for larger...if you want}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<b>BAD. DO NOT BUY
THEM.</b> Comfort my ass! These not only gave me blisters, but gave off
a farting sound while I walked. I fart
enough as it is. I don’t need my feet
doing it too! </div>
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<br /></div>
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For those of you that swear by Crocs {and I hope don’t wear
the ones with the big holes that attempt to look like clogs out of the house},
I commend you and congratulate you on your comfort. I, however, will never wear them. Alas, I’d much rather look good and be
fart-free while getting blisters on my toes!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hugs,<br />
</div>
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*Canadian Girl</div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-44727319775147883622010-12-09T10:22:00.000-05:002010-12-09T10:22:38.199-05:00Biz Etiquette/Budge Question.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="entry-content">Krystal over at <a href="http://www.givemebackmyfivebucks.com/">Give Me Back My Five Bucks</a> posted an interesting question on her Twitter the other day:<span> </span><b><i>“Do u always give when ppl in the office are
collecting $$ for wedding/retirement/bday/baby present? What if it's for
someone u don't know?”.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="entry-content">This is something that I’m unsure
of where the proper ‘etiquette’ lies.<span>
</span>What if you’re on a budget like me?<span>
</span>What if you don’t really know the person and wouldn’t buy a gift
otherwise?<span> </span>What if you simply don’t like
him or her?<span> </span>{so what, I’m a bitch.<span> </span>Deal with it…}<span> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="entry-content">I <i><u>always</u></i> feel judged when going around to do this.<span> </span>Now that I’ve switched to a smaller company,
I don’t think it’ll be as big of an issue {that, and I’m far happier here and
love everyone I work with…well almost everyone…}.<span> </span>However, given that I’m still early on in my
career, and though I don’t plan on leaving, you never know where life will take
you, so I thought I’d go here to my public forum and ask what the proper
etiquette would be.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="entry-content">How much is proper to give?<span> </span>Should you feel obliged to <b>ALWAYS</b> contribute, or is it fair to
just reserve the dollaz for those you like/are close with/are your boss?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="entry-content">Eff.<span> </span>So many questions.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="entry-content">I’m seriously stumped.<span> </span>Readers - throw me a bone please in the
comments below!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="entry-content">Follow Krystal’s Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/krystalatwork">here</a>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="entry-content">Hugs,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="entry-content">*Canadian Girl</span></div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-37515059747562812632010-12-08T09:54:00.000-05:002010-12-08T09:54:35.103-05:00No Spend November.I finally hit my no spend goal!!! Woot woot!! <br />
<br />
14/12 for <strike>Mo</strike>November. <br />
<br />
Too bad that with Christmas coming, it's going to be one spendy December!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl<br />
<br />*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-74670737958381828512010-12-03T09:39:00.000-05:002010-12-03T09:39:16.011-05:00November Numbers.<br />
If you've been reading for a month or so, you'll remember from <a href="http://diaryofananonymouscanadiangirl.blogspot.com/2010/11/monthly-spending-category-challenge.html">this</a> post that I've been tracking all spending categories for the month of November. I did some crunching yesterday, and here's what it looks like:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmtnlfQSjCc5_0_7J5k7cg7luN_nKmLfKmVgyndGRjaH0_aq_4M0vH0PbrotCaEz_Gq7YW-V6a8_xBCyXf-eydxC6ocet8HjMmss4BuURnkWn0uyFBycQUkbCjl9_1I41jY5BgvCLZPU/s1600/November+round+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmtnlfQSjCc5_0_7J5k7cg7luN_nKmLfKmVgyndGRjaH0_aq_4M0vH0PbrotCaEz_Gq7YW-V6a8_xBCyXf-eydxC6ocet8HjMmss4BuURnkWn0uyFBycQUkbCjl9_1I41jY5BgvCLZPU/s1600/November+round+up.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
...perhaps I should quit drinking. NEVER! I loves me some wine. <br />
<br />
It's important to note that the $169 in the clothes/gifts category was for 2 gorgeous dresses for my bday/Christmas parties. I have very few hot little dresses, so this was a treat to myself. The transportation portion of my budget is hefty this month due to rising gas prices, and the 'beauty' category the same simply because I needed a hair-doing this month. <br />
<br />
I'm $22.41 in the red over my $400 budget. I'm going to list a pair of sunglasses {Armani...big and round, so totes in style but too wide for my skinny, long face} on Kijiji/Craigslist to see if I can make up the shortfall.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you all for your comments on my last post regarding moneyville.ca. I'm glad as many of you find <i>certain</i> posts as useless as I do!<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-11964571216514305042010-11-28T14:17:00.001-05:002010-11-30T14:10:50.819-05:00Reading Moneyville.ca.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
How many of you have been reading the new moneyville.ca site
posted by the Toronto Star? I know
Krystal over @ <a href="http://www.givemebackmyfivebucks.com/">Give Me Back My Five Bucks</a> posts on the blog there frequently,
however I tend to think she’s one of the few there with the experience and
know-how to post insightful blogs that people can utilize and learn from.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not trying to negate the fact that moms who post don’t
know how to save a buck or stretch a family budget, I’m just simply noting that
their tips and experience doesn’t really relate to the younger, internet and
blog saavy readership that moneyville.ca attempts to capture.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Let’s dissect this post here from Adam Goodman. Have a read thru, and I’ll bet you’re hard
pressed to find any innovation whatsoever, or anything of true merit in his
post. It’s the same old dribble that we’re
used to hearing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The post starts with the title ‘How I Saved $7,000
Painlessly’. Intriguing, no? Who wouldn’t like a list of ways to save
$7,000 without cramping their style <i>too</i>
much? WRONG. The premise of his whole post for ‘painlessly’
saving $7,000 is this: you should pay yourself first before paying your
debts. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Hrm? Come again now? He says in one of the last bits of his post
that his savings account is $7,000.
However, he had student debt when he first graduated which he struggled
to pay off. Now, I don’t know about you,
but I’d much rather maintain a small emergency fund and use any excess ‘reserves’
to pay down that debt. Unless my savings
account has 12% interest, it’s not worth the trade-off. That’s a few thousand {or even hundred…}
dollars that could have been <b>much</b>
better utilized.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He says it was painless to save the $7,000, but I think that
when you muse over debt and are up at night thinking about money issues, it
entirely negates the pain.</div>
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<b><i>{Disclaimer: I’m all for an emergency fund, however I sure wasn’t
socking away $100 per month when I was in major debt and wanted to get
out. I did it in small increments and
stopped at $1,000.}</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let’s look at an example:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Using what Mr. Goodman professes, we’d be saving $100 per
month for a year. With a simple
calculation of compound interest, that means we’d be making roughly $188 per
year and growing our deposit to a mere $288.
I’m out of debt now, so $188 is great, but when I had big debts to pay,
that $188 would’ve gone a long way! It’s not much when you consider a debt of
$5,000 or more, where the monthly interest amounts to about half that total
yearly savings.</div>
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<br /></div>
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For example, let’s take a calculation of someone who’d be in
roughly $7,000 debt and it will take almost a year to pay off:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 33pt;">
Without the $288 the debt payoff
would look somewhat as follows, using a roughly 7.5% interest rate on the debt
and it would be paid off at the beginning of June: </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SrpBsdjAzLCup-628dTCzsDKlNpyuil4TI55pFkaON08h3-hVr8sTMw8mC5ec9tD0Ti-LRswBPLMRd0iFq5WlOH4HPlxi5beWMQKZ7OtUZdS587d43EIjHA1Ute9tfqJZfp_nHed4Ok/s1600/Oct+2010+no+288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SrpBsdjAzLCup-628dTCzsDKlNpyuil4TI55pFkaON08h3-hVr8sTMw8mC5ec9tD0Ti-LRswBPLMRd0iFq5WlOH4HPlxi5beWMQKZ7OtUZdS587d43EIjHA1Ute9tfqJZfp_nHed4Ok/s320/Oct+2010+no+288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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With the $288 <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>{applied to the
last payment, considering it would take roughly a year to compound the interest
– I know, I know, it’s JUST an illustration of a point, not what would be
really earned in the time frame}</i></span>, the debt is cleared almost an entire month
earlier. And this is without
consideration of any snowballed funds towards the debt. To me being clear of that debt a month
earlier means far more than the $288 opportunity cost: </div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDrd2kLpATo-QqmxQt23gKxhf4atsSXQlyprbkHdGz7y0gHHrvzux4jzOGTYZ9kw2xrtwNnbzzQDxPIzOnH9Ocic9frjDOfr7gq58mVq79KpWpfa078s9qGpF_-GAIBCW9uiWW20hyphenhyphenRI/s1600/Oct2010with288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqDrd2kLpATo-QqmxQt23gKxhf4atsSXQlyprbkHdGz7y0gHHrvzux4jzOGTYZ9kw2xrtwNnbzzQDxPIzOnH9Ocic9frjDOfr7gq58mVq79KpWpfa078s9qGpF_-GAIBCW9uiWW20hyphenhyphenRI/s320/Oct2010with288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Moral of the
story: Adam Goodman, your <strike>ideas</strike> idea sucks. Congratulations for being out of student
debt. But if you want to expand your horizons
a little, think outside the box and create real savings tips. Most normal people who are struggling on
limited incomes and wanting to payoff debt can think of way better things to do
with $100 per month. Moneyville.ca –
perhaps you should reconsider who you allow to blog on your site {not you,
Krystal – you’re great} and ensure the blog is a real PF blog and not just some
site where anyone with a savings account and a computer can post. </b></div>
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Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below. But note, please, that any hateful comments will not be approved :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hugs, </div>
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<br /></div>
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*Canadian Girl</div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-50219231327796384192010-11-25T12:00:00.001-05:002010-11-25T12:00:03.538-05:00Monthly Spending Category Challenge: Update #2.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this post here, I provided an update on Categorize
November. I said I’d have money for my
trip fund. <b>FAIL</b>! I got $50 from grandma.
That’s it! I guess I can’t
complain; that’s $50 more than I had before, and my parents aren’t obligated to
purchase me a gift, since paying for the majority of my wedding is gift enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, I had really hoped to have more to put in the trip
fund! Oh well, just looks like it’s
going to involve me scrimping more to save enough for one last trip before we’re
a married couple. Sounds so weird. Oh emmm geee!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Hugs,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Canadian Girl</div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-21111323386639991172010-11-25T09:00:00.000-05:002010-11-23T11:32:58.701-05:00Christmas Gifts. Oy!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think I’m organized for <strike>Christmas</strike> Christmukah. I’ve got my Dad and Fiancée’s Dad completely
done, and am halfway done the Future Mother in Law. All that’s left are my Mom, Sister and Fiancée.
The fiancée will be splitting the cost of some gifts with me, so that
alleviates the dolla pressure a little for me!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The budget? It’s
under $400 so far, and I’m going to give myself that limit. This includes stockings for Mom and fiancée –
but Dad will split the cost of some of Mom’s gifts with me as he always does
{that’s the trade-off…I do all the shopping!}.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think this budget is realistic, though it may seem a
little high, it essentially allows me to spend almost $60 each {and that’s <b>with </b>sharing of the cost, so it’ll
actually be more in monetary value}. Be
that as it may, the cost isn’t always what should be considered first in the
gift. I think this year I’ve managed to
create {read = make} gifts and purchase gifts that people will truly like, all
the while saving some pennies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will update more on the Christmukah sitch as it develops.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hugs,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Canadian Girl</div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-53735093417660961002010-11-23T11:21:00.000-05:002010-11-23T11:21:13.806-05:00Dying to be Thin Again.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been reading Carla’s blog over @ <a href="http://halfdozendaily.wordpress.com/">My ½ Dozen Daily</a>.<span> </span>She’s a little shorter than me, and 117
lbs.<span> </span>That’s where I’d like to be.<span> </span>I’m currently 135, and weight has been a
struggle my ENTIRE life.<span> </span>I look back at
pics of me when I was in uni, just over 2.5 years ago, and I was crazy thin and
willowy.<span> </span>What the eff has happened to
me?<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My brain tells me I’m not fat – I’m 5’9” {5’10” on a good
day} and 135 lbs.<span> </span>That’s on the cusp of
underweight.<span> </span>But I’m dying to be
thinner.<span> </span>I’ve battled eating disorders
in the past, and it seems like they’re about to show their ugly heads
again.<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I need some tips to lose weight.<span> </span>I exercise, I eat right, but don’t want to
sacrifice my social life or mental health in the process.<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tips….please…..</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl<br />
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;">.</span>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-70784893739671306612010-11-16T10:26:00.000-05:002010-11-16T10:26:02.348-05:00I'm Old.Well, it's official. I'm 25 today. I feel so old. Krystal over @ Give Me Back My Five Bucks did a post on feeling older than your age. You can link to it <a href="http://www.givemebackmyfivebucks.com/2010/11/12/relating-to-others-and-feeling-old/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I totally agree with everything she says. I'm often tired by 10pm, I feel like I'm no longer a kid, and I sometimes wish I had my care-free high school days back. Not only am I engaged, but I'm gainfully employed full time, own my own home, and pay all of my own bills without help from the parentals {you'd be surprised JUST how many of my friends get help from their parents...still...despite owning a home....}. I guess it's good to be grown up and totally self-sufficient at my {relatively} young age. I live my life on a budget, pay down bills as soon as they arrive, and try to be frugal without sacrificing the good things in my life. I guess that's all part of growing up, eh?! {yeah, it's my birthday and I'm Canadian. I'll say 'eh' if I want to!}<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZW6RrSGCl6kHPunkXKUKFU04aksmLwi9H_qRtOa5h6AeKp1O-JHTASU0Z-lyJNo-_KYxhn8NpsmXFm7FZ1mYwzwzHWtTMi6ujUMo-Qs27b9femb7vdKPgBJPCuea0EWuK-zSIlM4MyM/s1600/funny-dog-pictures-friggin-birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZW6RrSGCl6kHPunkXKUKFU04aksmLwi9H_qRtOa5h6AeKp1O-JHTASU0Z-lyJNo-_KYxhn8NpsmXFm7FZ1mYwzwzHWtTMi6ujUMo-Qs27b9femb7vdKPgBJPCuea0EWuK-zSIlM4MyM/s320/funny-dog-pictures-friggin-birthday.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{srsly...this dog's face pretty much sums up how I feel turning 25}</span></div>
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl<br />
<br />*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-12417172030731493912010-11-10T00:02:00.000-05:002010-11-10T00:02:00.681-05:00HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY TO MOI!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDtBdBGlW4gg75cKWVV6TS-85Hy6ELTBn0xcP9MAHILO4TD00bSXe-_F0xfcIoqGN0lTKniQAo1HHkjvzGABKTJWhzRGRIJD9IgJ_iaq0FYl0OLdND1h4mJ6KEYriiqk1hJfGU0iNjfM/s1600/blogiversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDtBdBGlW4gg75cKWVV6TS-85Hy6ELTBn0xcP9MAHILO4TD00bSXe-_F0xfcIoqGN0lTKniQAo1HHkjvzGABKTJWhzRGRIJD9IgJ_iaq0FYl0OLdND1h4mJ6KEYriiqk1hJfGU0iNjfM/s1600/blogiversary.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
To all of my dear readers,<br />
<br />
You are all the reason I keep posting. Thank you. <br />
<br />
As I look back and go thru the posts from a year ago today, I see such a juxtaposition in my own personality and sense of self from what lies here in front of me right now. I didn't know who I was, where I was going, or where I wanted to be, for that matter. I was lost - for lack of a better term. A lot has happened in the past year and has made me who I am today. I can stand here and say that I am finally happy. I've waited <strike>25</strike> 24.89 years for this and it's finally here. I couldn't have done it without the support of my dear readers.<br />
<br />
Here's to many more blog posts and to coming leaps and bounds from where I was one year ago today. <br />
<br />
I love you all. <br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-65974623071645601792010-11-09T09:21:00.001-05:002010-11-09T09:28:15.512-05:00Category Challenge: Update.Epic fail! Or win...depends on how you look at it. I've not been spending much at all. I've only bought things I need so far, like groceries, toiletries, leotards, and medications! I guess it's a win...but so much for my tracking!<br />
<br />
My birthday is coming up, so I hope to have some dolla billz to put towards my 'trip' fund. The <strike>bf</strike> fiancee and I are planning a sort of a last minute trip {to save $$$$} with another couple and are hoping to go in the New Year and save what's left of our sanity after a long, Canadian winter. The total budge there should be roughly $600 and we're hoping to get a 4 star or better hotel about 2 weeks before we leave. Suggestions are welcome!!<br />
<br />
Let's hope I start spending a little cash to track it...or not.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>PS</b><br />
<b>T<i>omorrow is my blogiversary! Can you believe it? A year of blogging. Whoda thunk it? </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-70661146987323994152010-11-01T07:00:00.001-04:002010-11-01T07:00:08.315-04:00Monthly Spending Category Challenge.This month, I am going to challenge myself to categorize each expenditure I make and to identify discernable, concrete ways to cut down on my cash out flows.<br />
<br />
It's going to take determination and really nit-picky notes on my budget tracker, but I think it'll be a cool exercise to really identify my indulgences. It'll be sort of a wants vs. needs exercise. I've obtained my inspiration from Jesse's post {click the link to the right to go to it}, whose blog is fantastic and entitled <a href="http://jessiesmoney.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-monthly-spend-report.html">Jessie's Money and Jordan's Too .</a><br />
<br />
Hers is more of a monthly budget, and mine will be too. However, she's far more diligent than I and keeps very accurate track every month like that! Let's hope this helps me get back on the <a href="http://diaryofananonymouscanadiangirl.blogspot.com/2010/10/getting-back-on-wagon.html">wagon</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-7690374398030161462010-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:002010-10-29T09:00:00.614-04:00Is Paying Off Debt an "Emergency"?Knowing that I'm a bit of a PF nerd, a friend recently posed a question to me: "should I use my $1,000 e-fund to pay off some small debt?". <br />
<br />
This got me thinking - is debt really an emergency? Is your irresponsibility {or not - could be different circumstances} <u>really </u>considered to be an emergency of sorts?<br />
<br />
I told her that it could go 1 of 2 ways - if it was due to an emergency, yes, take the $1,000. If it wasn't and you're unsure about your future income, then don't touch it. I'm going to work with her to get the money reduced in a few months - right now, it's at roughly $7k, so it's a pittance comparatively speaking. She hasn't a foggy clue what a budget is, nor how to save or that she should be packing away a bit for retirement already. <br />
<br />
This is my first 'client' for lack of a better term {disclaimer: I am NOT a financial advisor; I'm just helping a chica out!}. Let's hope this goes well. I'm going to take a list of ways to save money, use my weekly budget tracker, and make her read Gail's <a href="http://gailvazoxlade.com/blog/archives/2254">blog</a> daily!<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-84069486735895739542010-10-27T09:18:00.000-04:002010-10-27T09:18:09.020-04:00News.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Big news.<b><span> </span>The BF
proposed!!</b><span> </span>WOOOOO HOOO!<span> </span>I’m engaged.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is scary, and exciting, and a huge surprise.<span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All I can think about is the <u>money</u>; where can I save without
affecting the time my guests have at the wedding?<span> </span>I’ve been to a few weddings where it’s
blatantly obvious where the money was skimped and where it wasn’t.<span> </span>I’ve also been to weddings where guests were
asked to do things like contribute to the bride and groom’s honeymoon instead
of gifts – this is not on the list for us, as I think it’s tacky for us to ask
people to send <b>US</b> on a trip when it may have been a year or more since they’ve
spent money on a trip for themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few ways I’ve come up with to save:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>designer sample sale dress – I can get one for $500 or
less {none of this Say Yes to the Dress over priced shizz for me….I’m a size 2…I
can fit into the mannequin stuff!}</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>make my own favours</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>make my own place cards and menus</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>use fake flowers in the centerpieces</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>get a friend to do the engagement pics {which, I’m not
even 100% sure I want yet!}</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>make my own invites</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>hire a friend to be the DJ</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span>-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span>ask friends to volunteer services instead of a gift –
ie. A makeup artist or hairdresser friend</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s only one problem:<span>
</span>I’m not crafty.<span> </span>Perhaps getting
things made on Etsy.com will be a better bet!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any tips from you married readers out there?<span> </span>How can I save without looking cheap?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hugs,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*Canadian Girl</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>PS</b></div>
This will <b>NOT</b> turn into a wedding blog. I will <b>NOT</b> be bridezilla. If you see that happening, please tell me in the comments. I love you all and want you to enjoy my blog!*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-68796344274631727462010-10-26T11:31:00.000-04:002010-10-26T11:31:45.833-04:00Getting Back on the Wagon.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks, Krystal for your tip {you can see her comment in a previous post}.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve gone back to ye ol’ <a href="http://diaryofananonymouscanadiangirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/re-jiggy-budget.html">budge</a> and I’m working on getting
back on the decreased spending wagon. Instead of
doing it weekly tho, I’m going to be doing just a monthly flat $600 {I haz gas
now to pay for!}, and tracking monthly spending with receipts stapled to the
expense list.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m still going to go for 12 ‘no spend’ days a month. However, I know I won’t make it this month
since I’ve had a ton to do with the new job, car etc. I will be starting my monthly updates in
November. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have some money to pay off from the purchase of the car
and savings to replenish {used in my month off work}, so I’ll have to update my
monthly budge once I get a picture of how my spending pattern is going to go.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl</div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-62308467973393983982010-10-15T12:19:00.003-04:002010-10-15T12:22:41.004-04:00New Job.I've started my new job this week. I'm loving it so far, but am totes finding it difficult to live on the reduced budge that's resulted from my month off.<br />
<br />
I went a little off the bandwagon and now I have to get myself back in gear - NYC just does that to you!<br />
<br />
Eff.<br />
<br />
How do you guys get back on track? I'm at a loss this time. I can't really go to cash only, and find it difficult to keep any and all receipts. What gives? Am I that out of it that I can't manage my own finances?<br />
<br />
Help!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-46126049899402580972010-10-08T20:49:00.000-04:002010-10-08T20:49:00.670-04:00Citibank Platinum Enrich is Gonzo. Officialz.I gave up a ring to Citibank today just to inquire as to when the CIBC takeover would be effected. The kind and knowledgable attendant on the phone informed me that CIBC has only purchased <i>some</i> of Citibank's Mastercard portfolio, and that my Enrich Platinum was part of that takeover. <br />
<br />
I will be issued a cheque for the cash portion {so as not to lose it}, and then re-issued a card with CIBC branding. Um...yeah. I'm on the hunt for a new Mastercard. I highly doubt that the same perks as the Platinum Enrich will be upheld when CIBC effects it's final takeover, and the lady I spoke with was of the same mindset.<br />
<br />
Therefore, I'm going to begin my foray, yet again, into the world of mastercards with perks. I like to have 1 of each - visa, mastercard and amex. Since my visa is Aeroplan points and I'll be using the mastercard strictly for my business and gas expenses, I <strike>need</strike> would like something that offers a similar cashback perk to the Platinum Enrich.<br />
<br />
I've narrowed my search to the cards as follows:<br />
<br />
- MBNA Smartcash<br />
- Capital One<br />
- BMO<br />
<br />
Any suggestions? I'm leaning towards one of the first two, and selecting one with cashback.<br />
<br />
Thoughts? Please comment :) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-68853200807044997762010-10-07T08:49:00.000-04:002010-10-07T08:49:51.052-04:00I'm BAAAACKKKK....Did you all miss me?? Ha. I know that was a resounding yes! *lolz*<br />
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I had a fantastic time in NYC. I'd forgotten how much I truly missed that place; despite living in a somewhat thriving metropolis, it's still my favourite place on earth.<br />
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Given that the bf was working all day every day, I had a lot of time to kill. I found some super cool stuff to do {besides shopping...which I did lots of} that was cheap or free. One of my favourite things to do was sit outside the NY Public Library {think SATC - Carrie's almost wedding} with a Starbucks and people watch, or do the same in Times Square. I could go on for hours.<br />
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Instead of doing that, I will give you all some NYC picture porn. You're welcome.<br />
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Hugs,<br />
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*Canadian Girl<br />
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<u><i><b>Oh PS!</b></i></u><br />
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Since this is a PF blog and all, I have to throw some PF shiznat out there: TD Bank now has a HUGE presence in NYC {and according to them, will be doing so in other States in the near future}. I was able to withdraw US funds from my Canadian account WITHOUT a fee. Can you believe it? Go TD!<br />
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<br />*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-53355595422525385452010-09-29T15:00:00.000-04:002010-09-29T15:00:00.742-04:00Separating Business from Personal.Now that I'm going to be going into this new job, it's imperative that I separate my business expenses from my personal. <br />
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I've got a Citi cashback mastercard that I think would be perfect to use. That way, I get a little something back for my business expenditures. This is just such a simple practice that so few people do. This way, I am able to know what is a personal budget item apart from what will be a business budget item that will be reimbursable. <br />
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I think that it would be so easy to get myself caught up in the payoff of my own personal visa {despite the incentive of CRAZY Aeroplan points from business expenses} that I would drive myself crazy spending my personal $$$ to pay back things that I don't even owe for. <br />
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I'd posted a while ago about CIBC taking over Citi's mastercard book of business, so I wonder if I'll get that cashback feature still once the deal goes thru in October. If I don't, I'll just have to use my Aerogold visa, I guess, or use my backup TD Rebate Rewards.<br />
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How do you separate business from personal expenses?<br />
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Hugs,<br />
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*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-71846136782443918752010-09-27T13:50:00.000-04:002010-09-27T13:50:00.497-04:00*Canadian Girl's Currently Loving: Riding Boots.To me, the ultimate in chic, old money and class lies in the classic riding boot {ok, so Lacoste and Hunter boots too, but I digress...}. I don't yet own a pair, and have been lusting after a pair for oh, about 6 seasons now. I'm more than convinced that they won't go out of style, but I'm just not sure how much I'm willing to spend. I'd love a long lasting, leather pair, but those are going to run me upwards of $300 I would imagine {and from what I've observed}. So, in the meantime to help me make my decision, I'm keeping a running list here. I would tend to choose brown leather, as that's what I wear more of. Nevertheless, you could pick any of these in black and they would STILL look stunning. <br />
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These are some amazeballs riding boots that I've found at varying pricepoints. I lust. Eff. I need a pair:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Gucci boots. Link <a href="http://www.gucci.com/ca-en/styles/250348A3N202174">here </a>on gucci.com. $1,535. Out of price range. But gorge. }</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{<a href="http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=356966&productGroup=356967&pwpHash=shop,pwp,c-100/hf-10001%2B70016%2B4294967141/t-WOMEN%27S%7CBOOTS/ipp-40/pn-2">Cole Haan</a> boots. A little closer to budget at $498. They also have Nike Air. Comes in black too.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Tory Burch Patterson Riding Boots - via <a href="http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/context_chooser.jsp">http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/context_chooser.jsp</a>. Pricey at $526, but I so LOVE Tory Burch}</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{more from Tory Burch. These are $495 USD, so pricey again, but I would venture that they're crazy comfy. <a href="http://www.toryburch.com/toryburch/browse/productDetail.jsp?icProduct=22108602&icSort=&icCategory=cat220020">Here</a> via toryburch.com}</span></div>
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The link wouldn't let me post images, but if you click on my link below, it will take you to the Zellers website. PURE by Alfred Sung makes some of the cutest work staples, including shoes and boots, at really reasonable prices. I've bought quite a few myself for work this year! Starting at $39.95, they may be the best option for me!</div>
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<a href="http://www.zellers.com/Content/EN/mom/pure/pure.html">Zellers</a> - sorry US readers, Zellers is only in Canada. Target may have something similar in their Mossimo line, I believe.</div>
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Hugs,</div>
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*Canadian Girl</div>
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<br /></div>*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-66660651202280952822010-09-25T14:00:00.000-04:002010-09-25T14:00:00.966-04:00Formspring?Would you loves be interested in me setting up a Formspring account?<br />
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I'm still interested in keeping this whole blog thing anonymous, but I think it would be a fun way to interact. I would only answer questions that still maintained my anonymity, but let you readers in a little more on me. It would allow for a forum for you guys to perhaps inspire blog posts, or ask PF questions.<br />
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Lemme know in the comments below....PLEASE.<br />
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Hugs,<br />
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*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-50735964614358641672010-09-24T09:00:00.002-04:002010-09-24T09:00:08.761-04:00Ways to Make More Money.I think we all want to make more money, but just don't know how.<br />
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I'm trying to find that ONE thing that I can do part time to bring in just an extra $100 per month. Time is a factor for me. I know there isn't something that's just going to make itself money, short of an investment property. However, let's be realistic, I don't have the cashflow for that right now!<br />
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Do any of you do something 'on the side' {and by on the side, I mean legal of course! *I kid, I kid*} to make more dollaz?<br />
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Even if it's just $100 more per month, I'd be interested to hear about it. Please comment below my loves!<br />
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Hugs,<br />
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*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751119997883092753.post-66606682014594166452010-09-22T13:35:00.000-04:002010-09-22T13:35:00.908-04:00New York State of Mind.Cliche title? You bet. I LOVE THIS CITY!<br />
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I'm in Manhattan right now, and am loving it. I feel like Sex and the City...without the Sex. Just the City. Or the ladies for that matter {miss you all my girls!!!}.<br />
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I've been here many times in my life, but always find something new and better to do than the last time.<br />
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I'm taking tons of <strike>profesh</strike> pics, so I'll do a post on that when I get back.<br />
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Will I do a post on how much I spent? Not likely. Sorry kiddies!!! I'm trying to not blow the budge, but this is way too hard....oy. I may go off the wagon. It'll be so worth it tho!<br />
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Hugs,<br />
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*Canadian Girl*Canadian Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03375957980602086639noreply@blogger.com0