Making pancakes is very simple but we still turn towards those pre-packaged, processed boxed mixes. With Alton Brown’s recipe for a homemade pancake mix you can get the same convenience but without the processed nutritional nasties. It’s a lot cheaper as well!

Instant Pancake Mix:

From Alton Brown, Food Network

6 cups all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons baking soda

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar

• Combine all of the ingredients in a lidded container. Shake to mix and use it within 3 months.

Yield: 3 batches of pancakes.

Although, Alton Brown’s original recipe calls or buttermilk, I usually don’t have it in the fridge so I decided to use milk and added a splash of vanilla. It turned out mighty tasty

Since I didn’t add buttermilk, I also skipped the steps of separating the eggs, adding the whites to the milk, the yolks to the melted butter. You can still do that if you want but who wants to get this complicated in the morning?

Instant Pancakes:

Adapted from Alton Brown

2 eggs

1½ cups milk

4 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups Instant Pancake Mix, recipe above

Butter, for greasing the pan

Fresh fruit, optional

• Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F.
• Whisk together the eggs, milk, butter and vanilla in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
• Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don't try to work all the lumps out.
• Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
• Lightly butter the hot griddle or pan and wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)
• Gently ladle the pancake batter using a ¼ cup measure onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.
• Serve immediately or hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.

Yield: 12 pancakes

I love the versatility of this dish mostly because you can switch around the meat and vegetables to suit your needs and make use of whatever vegetable is lying around in your refrigerator. Use Napa cabbage, spinach, bean sprouts, green beans, peas or whatever else floats your boat.

It is filled with tons of fresh, colorful veggies, makes a giant bowlful and is great to take somewhere to share.

Asian-Style Beef and Veggie Noodles

1 lb or ½ kg lean ground beef (or chicken, turkey or any other meat)

4-5 tbsp soy sauce

2-3 tbsp sriracha chili sauce

2 tbsp white vinegar

1 tbsp sugar

2-3 tbsp oil

1 medium onion, sliced

2-3 large garlic cloves, chopped

1 tbsp ginger, chopped

½ head green (or red) cabbage, thinly sliced

2-3 carrots, shredded

2 whole bell peppers (red, yellow or green), thinly sliced

1 lb spaghetti or noodles, cooked, rinsed and cooled

3-4 scallions, chopped

Handful of chopped cilantro

• Marinade the ground beef for at least half an hour in soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar and sugar.
• In a wok or large pan on medium-high heat, sauté the onion in a tablespoon of oil and add ginger and garlic. Add in the ground beef and cook it through. Remove it in a bowl and set aside.
• In the same wok, add the rest of the oil and quickly sauté the cabbage, carrots, green beans, bell peppers until slightly softened but still crunchy. Remove from the heat and add in the ground beef and cooked spaghetti. Mix it and taste to see if it needs more soy sauce, vinegar or sriracha and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Top with the scallions and cilantro. Serve it warm on a large platter or chill it. It tastes just as good warm or cold.

Makes 8-10 servings.

It's still a few years away from the December 31st, 2016 deadline before Air Miles will be no longer, but if like me, you don't have enough points to even consider packing your bags, why not redeem existing points at the pumps? If you have at least 175 Air Miles, you can get $20 Shell gas certificate.

After going to the Air Miles website, it seems as though they are also starting another promo in March!

Click on the above link for more info & to check your balance.

One of the things I love doing is making bread. The wonders of bread-making never cease to amaze me. Granted, it does take some time and patience but the end result is more than worth the effort.

Without further ado, here is the recipe:

Homemade Bread

1½ cups warm water

1 tbsp active dry yeast

1 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp vegetable oil

2 tsp salt

3½ - 4 cups flour

 

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in the warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
• Add in 1-2 cups of the flour along with the oil and salt. Mix and keep adding in the remaining flour in ½ cup increments until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes on a floured surface until it is soft and elastic.
• Put the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately an hour until it has doubled in volume.
• Deflate the dough and shape it into two loaves. Place them at least 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rise again in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until it has doubled in size.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Lots of people have been buying up Poms this year!  Stores have been selling out of this well known superfood  like crazy because of a $1 off coupon they had offered.  Never had a pomegranate? Don't be intimidated, it's very easy fruit to harvest without mess.

1. Cut in 4

2. Soak in water and remove the pith and separate the seeds (The water will keep the seeds from breaking everywhere and creating a mess.)

3. Enjoy them as a snack or juice them (The actual seed is edible, but you can spit them out lol!)

When choosing a pom look for ones that are a nice red with not many brown spots.  If they have soft spots or look dehydrated they are past prime, do not purchase. You can eat the "pith" (the white inside) but it will have you running to the bathroom as it's a natural and powerful diuretic.

Vitamin C

Pomegranates are extremely rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important in treating colds, helping wounds heal, helping skin maintain its elasticity, preventing cataracts and in sustaining overall health.

Vitamin B5

Pomegranates are plentiful in Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid. This essential vitamin is crucial in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Beta Carotene

Pomegranates are a good source of beta carotene. Also referred to as Vitamin A, this vitamin has strong antioxidant features and is critical for good eyesight.

Other Vitamins

Pomegranates also contain thiamin, riboflavin, folate, folic acid, and vitamin E. These all play an important role in cell metabolism, enzyme function and general well being.

Minerals and Immunity

Pomegranates are abundant in potassium, an indispensable mineral and electrolyte. They also contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and selenium. The pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants and may boost the immune system to help ward off infection.

Polyphenol and Fiber

Pomegrantes are rich in polyphenol, which helps protect cells in the body from free radicals. Polyphenol is beneficial in treating everything from high cholesterol levels to slowing down the aging process. Pomegranates are a good source of fiber and are also low in calories

 Source for vitamin information.

Recently, I've become bffs with my mechanic and Autotrader. Although he's a nice (and honest guy), the former isn't really a good thing on my bank account!

I'm driving a '98 Honda Civic and within the past 2 months, I've easily put down $800 on maintenance things that go along with owning an older vehicle. And now, it may be time to move on, but to what?

I wish selecting a car was like ordering off the McDonald's menu - with no surprises and you're familiar with every item. However, one of the main problems when looking for a new car is that there are just too many options out there: new/used, if so what year, which make/model, has this car been in a wreck, etc. etc.

So after doing some research, here are some tips that I've compiled if you're looking for a new (used) car:

1. Know your budget. When buying a car, new or used, there are lots of hidden fees involved, including taxes, registration, licensing fees, perhaps a dealership fee, etc. So consider all these additional cost when looking at the sticker price. If you're planning to trade in your current vehicle, consider the value of your car;

2. Figure out the size of the vehicle that will fit your needs. I recently rode in my friend's new Toyota Yaris and we were rubbing elbows! And personally, this is something that I know would bother me, i.e. rubbing elbows with my passenger, especially on longer trips, so I immediately ruled out sub-compact cars!;

3. What do you like? While driving 'round, keep your eyes peeled on the type of cars that you like and research whether or not these cars are in your price range. I quickly ruled out the Mini when I found out that they're owned by BMW = expensive on repairs/maintenance!

4. Keep on open-mind when shopping. Perhaps consider a make/model car that you've heard good things about, through trusted friends/family members. It's also a good idea to contact car enthusiast friends/family members to ask them for ideas...as if you need anymore options!

5. Consider things like fuel economy and future repair/maintenance costs. (This is sort of related to Tip #1.) The car that I'm eyeing is European which translates into EXPENSIVE. So even though the sticker price is within my budget, I may have to toss my fantasy aside for something more practical.

6. Look beyond the dealerships. Cast your net wide. I don't know about you, but personally, I *hate* visiting dealerships mainly because I'm a woman and I can literally feel the car salesman sizing me up! So I wouldn't recommend the dealership route UNLESS you've narrowed down the field a bit. Instead, do some online research via sites like Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, etc.

7. Bring in the muscle/numbers person. Once you've narrowed down the choices and are serious to buy, bring along someone who KNOWS how to assess what's going on under the hood &/or how to sift through all the fine print, financing crap to determine if you're actually getting a deal. Remember, there is always room for negotiation, especially at this time of year or come September when the new models roll out!

8. Be prepared to walk away. If the car just doesn't feel right, is beyond your means, be honest with yourself and walk away. There are tons of other options out there that will meet your needs! So be patient and don't make any rash decisions.

Are there any cars that you'd advise against? Do you have any car shopping tips to share?

I don’t know about you but all I want to do in winter is to hibernate, eat hot comfort food and curl up with a good book. And although most of us make the New Year’s resolution to lose weight, it is kind of hard to achieve our goals when the cold, bleak winter practically demands us to eat those comfort foods. But, making small healthy changes to those foods will allow you to enjoy them and still keep your resolutions intact.

On that note, but certainly not to be mistaken with health food (all those potatoes!), here is a Spiced Potato and Ground Beef with Peas (“Aloo Keema” which literally means Potato Ground Beef) with warm and earthy Indian spices.

You’ll need onion, tomato, ginger and garlic.

And don’t forget the potatoes!

The Spices a.k.a the most important part.

Aloo Keema: Spiced Potato and Ground Beef with Peas

1-2tbsp olive oil

1kg or ½ kg lean ground beef

5-6 medium potatoes, cubed

1 medium onion, chopped

1 small tomato, chopped

3-4 minced or grated garlic cloves

1tsp minced or grated ginger

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp turmeric

¼ tsp red chili powder

½ tsp cumin seeds

½ cup frozen peas

Handful of cilantro, chopped

2-3 green chilies, julienned, seeds removed (optional)

3 scallions, chopped (optional)

• In a large saucepan on medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté them. As soon as the onions start to turn golden brown, add the tomato and minced ginger and garlic. Let it cook for a minute.

• Add in the ground beef, breaking any chunks, and cook it through. When the ground beef is brown, add in salt, pepper, ground cumin, turmeric, red chili powder and cumin seeds (if using). You should also taste it at this point to see if it requires more heat or salt and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add in the cubed potatoes and mix everything together.

• Lower the heat to medium-low. Add in about half a cup of water, cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.

• Once the potatoes are cooked, turn the heat off and stir in the cilantro, green chilies (if using) or scallions (if using). Serve with chapati/roti or naan, green chutney, and salad or just enjoy it as is.

A brand new year has started and the holiday season is coming to a end.  You have probably visited more shopping malls and department stores than you are willing to admit and frankly you are sick of it.  However if you are a smart and savvy shopper, you have saved a little bit of money for what I like to call "Mid-January Blowout Deals".  Yes folks, there are great deals to be found and in my experience the best ones pop up within the two months.  Here is a list of the top 15 post-Christmas items to purchase at deeply discounted prices:

1) Christmas anything - decorations, gift bags, lights, cards and more.  Everything is at least 50% off and if you don't mind storing the stuff for a year, this is the best time to find deals on Christmas merchandise.
2) Christmas themed merchandise - candles, tissue boxes, chocolates and more.  Every year companies put out Christmas themed items such as peppermint candles, candy-cane-shaped chocolate and shiny red tissue boxes.  And of course, when the holiday season is over the remaining items go on sale.  Keep a watch out for things that may apply to two or more holidays.  I always purchase red wrapper chocolates and give them out on Valentine's Day.  Guess what?  No one knows the difference and the chocolates are still within the expiry date.
3) Gift sets - perfume, shampoo, razors, body wash, bath items and more.  I have been known to stock my shelves with nothing but items from post-Christmas gift sets.  I buy items I will use over the year at a fraction of the cost and sometimes even get a bonus item.  Just remember, gift sets are nothing but everyday products in fancy packaging!
4) Weight loss items - tread mills, diet pills, gym memberships, weights and more.  One of the top three New Year's resolutions is to lose weight, get healthy and stay fit.  If this is your goal for the next year, now is a good time to invest a little money to help you get into shape!
5) Electronics - digital cameras, computers, televisions and more.  A new year means new technology.  Many electronics shops are receiving new stock and they need to get rid of last year's models.  If you don't mind owning something that is not the latest technology, then this is the time to pick up your new gadget.
6) Winter Clothing - We have now reached the middle of the winter season (hopefully) and generally this is the time many winter items go on sale.  It is sometimes better to wait until mid-February to get a really great deals on these items, however if you want selection, now is the time to buy winter merchandise.
7) Toys - It is not uncommon for many stores to overstock the toy department for the holiday season.  Even though it seems the kids got way too many toys for Christmas there are always birthdays, baby showers and more, so stock up for the upcoming year!
8 ) Organization Items - storage containers, shelves, baskets and more.  Another common New Year's resolution is to get more organized.  This is usually fueled by the question "Where are we going to put all the new stuff?"  If you need to declutter your life, now is a good time to purchase items to help you achieve your goal.
9) Quit Smoking Aids - This is a really common goal among most smokers.  And not surprisingly, they choose a new year as their start date to stop smoking.  Thus, many companies will issue discounts or high value coupons on stop smoking aids to assist in your new venture to be smoke free.
10) Automobiles - A major goal for most car dealerships is promoting the latest model.  And obviously, the latest model is not a 2011 vehicle.  There is a noticeable difference in the price between a new and old model.  And really, sometimes the new model isn't that much different than the old one.
11) Office Supplies - Tax time is right around the corner and luckily most office supply companies want to help you get your taxes done.  There are usually great deals on office merchandise starting around mid-February.
12) Snow Blowers - I wouldn't rush out for a snow blower right now, however towards mid-March I would watch the flyers for snow blower discounts.  As far as the stores are concerned, they want these off their showroom floors to make room for gardening tools.
13) Sheets & Towels - It is a mystery to me as to why these items go on sale in January, but every year there is a White Sale somewhere.  Maybe this has something to do with getting organized?  Anyway, the prices on linens are fantastic at this time of year, so get out there and treat yourself to a new set of 1000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets! 
14) Gift Returns/Exchanges - You get three identical DVD players for Christmas and now you have to return two of them.  However, sometimes by the time it travels home with the original purchaser, gets wrapped, stored until Christmas, opened, and finally returned, the box is looking a little used.  There is nothing wrong with the product, but the packaging does not say "buy me".  Stores will frequently accept these returns and then put them back out on the floor at a discounted price.  However, be wary of these products.  Make sure it is just the box that is a little beat up, and not the item you wish to purchase.
15) Jewelry - January, March and April are not traditionally "gift giving months" unlike February (Valentine's Day) and May (Mother's Day).  So, in anticipation of slow sales most jewelry stores will put their items on sale.  I recommend you buy now and avoid the price hike that occurs two weeks before any major gift-giving holiday.

You may be exhausted from Christmas shopping or dashing to get Boxing Day deals, but don't quit yet!  As I mentioned before, some of the best deals are coming in the next few weeks.

Please let us know if we are missing any items from this list!  Also, inform us of any great sales you have come across in the last few days.

Just a reminder to everyone that quite a few Boxing Day sales have already started online!  Here are a few that you may want to check out:

- Future Shop Canada
- Best Buy Canada
- Walmart Canada
- Staples
- Visions
- EB Games

Please refer to our forum for more Boxing Day deals and flyers!

It’s winter and all you want is comfort food and what better way to get that comfort but from this delicious garlic bread. Eat it alongside a piping hot bowl of chicken noodle soup and hopefully you’ll be all set to brave the crowds on Boxing Day.

So, without further ado, here is the recipe:

Cheesy Herb Garlic Bread

1 loaf of french bread or baguette

5-6 garlic cloves

½ cup softened unsalted butter

3-4 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, cilantro or parsley)

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

1 cup shredded cheese

• Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400.
• Mince or grate the garlic into a fine paste. Mix the garlic with softened butter, herbs, salt and pepper.
• Cut the bread lengthwise in half and spread the butter mixture on both sides. Sandwich the bread back together and wrap the loaf in foil. Place the wrapped loaf onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and turn the oven to the broil setting.
• Sprinkle both sides of the bread with the shredded cheese. Broil it for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and bread is crisp.

While on my way to my mechanic, in rush hour traffic, my car seized up and it felt as though an anchor dropped down from the back! My car was not going anywhere.

(When I mentioned to a coworker that I was off to the mechanic, due to a precarious noise, he said, "Call me, I have CAA!" However, I never thought that I would take him up on his offer.)

Quickly, I called said coworker and he was able to pass on his CAA Membership number to me. (Enter Tow Trucker #1 in which I waved away, saying that I was already on the phone with CAA.) Immediately, I called CAA by dialing *222 on my cell phone, but the operator said that the member had to be WITH me. So that idea was nixed!

The CAA operator did mention that I can sign up and use the benefits right away, so I filed that information away.

(Enter Mysterious Motorist who asked if I was okay. He then pulled over, asked me if I needed a cell phone. When I said that I was fine, he gave me some religious reading material to peruse while the dinner traffic whizzed by me. Shortly after this kind motorist stopped, Tow Trucker #2 came by as well in which I again denied his assistance.)

Since I was getting desperate, I just called the phone number on a business card of a tow company I used a couple of years back when I had a flat. After providing the operator my coordinates, I asked how much a tow of approximately 10k would cost: $100 + HST. He added that if I decided to go with another Trucker to please call him to cancel.

At this point, Tow Trucker #3 stops, I waved him away as well. Do these people have an App that helps them to locate stranded motorists??

My coworker called back to check up. I tell him that it's going to cost me $100 to get towed to my mechanic in which he responded, "That's EXPENSIVE!" Duh. I asked him how much CAA was and he stated that it was under $100/year.

I had to think on my feet, but immediately after I got off the phone with my coworker, I sign up for CAA on the spot. As I needed a tow right away, there was some kind of additional fee, but I figured that $140+ was a much better value than a one-time, $100 tow...for less than 10k!

Granted, I never asked any of those Truckers their fee, but even though it may seem as though they wanted to help, most likely, they were there to gouge! So if you are driving an older vehicle, consider signing up for CAA or another tow company such as Canadian Tire. It'll save you money and possibly your life in case of an emergency!

This dip recipe is delightfully refreshing, simple, and it’s also incredibly healthy, especially when you’re looking for a respite between all those Christmas cookies. It also requires only three ingredients:

Plain yogurt or thick Greek yogurt (Plain yogurt can usually be found on sale for $2 or less).

Fresh cilantro (regularly $1 per bunch) and sea salt (Aurora Sea Salt is on sale at Sobeys for only $0.88).

In a blender or food processor, puree the cilantro. Add the yogurt and sea salt to the emerald green cilantro puree.

Thoroughly mix and serve alongside those Baked Potato Wedges.

Cilantro-Yogurt Dip

1cup cilantro* puree

2-2½ cups plain yogurt

½ tsp sea salt

Puree the cilantro in a blender or food processor and you could also put in a few tablespoons of your yogurt to the puree if it needs some help in breaking down. Take a cup of the puree and mix with the rest of the yogurt and salt. Enjoy the delicious green goodness!

*Note: The cilantro  can be substituted with other herbs of your preference such as mint, basil or parsley.

Recently there has been a series of Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum Points thefts that were a result of several factors, including people giving out their Optimum account numbers without knowing that is almost enough for their accounts to be hacked into. Although the reasons behind the thefts can be attributed to poor judgment on the customer’s side, I believe  there’s a major loophole in the Optimum points system that attracted so many scammers. So I decided to investigate the root of the problem:

Why are Shoppers Optimum points so easy to steal?

First, I analyzed the online login system, which can be found here.

As a Computer Engineer with more than 8 years of experience in developing (programming) websites, I figured I’d be able to understand the backend and the logical problem behind the system. However, I quickly learned that it doesn’t require backend analysis, or in fact much computer knowledge at all, to see the huge loopholes and problems in the system.

At login, after inputting your Shoppers Optimum Card number, you have 3 options to log in:

• Date of Birth OR
• Postal Code OR
• Password

The very simple combination of Shoppers Optimum Card number and postal code are two things that are relatively easy to get.

Another potential weakness in the system: the Shoppers Optimum Card number is not really a secret.  Although Shoppers Drug Mart is finally starring-out the Optimum number on receipts, it didn’t do that in the recent past. And unlike credit cards, I never personally felt or treated my Shoppers Optimum Point Card number as a secret. I think many people share the same feeling, and have operated the same way.

Furthermore, customers don’t feel secure entering their date of birth on the website. Unfortunately, it’s just a very poorly designed website system.

And a weak system leaves the door open for scamming and social engineering, the art of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.

One Shoppers customer recently provided a nice illustration of what’s at stake and how easy it is to become the victim of Optimum Point theft on the Shoppers Facebook Fanpage:

I have many different cards in my wallet and I really do appreciate the Optimum Points program. However even though I have not given out my card number to anyone, I am very aware that the simple act of leaving my Optimum card on the counter or losing my wallet means that the points could be gone in the blink of an eye. No identification whatsoever is required to use the card and just a postal code is sufficient to access my account. For those whose cards have 350,000 points on them it is like carrying close to $1,000 cash in your wallet. Not something most of us would do....

The humble, yet delicious, potato is extremely versatile and this recipe, a healthier version of a French fry, makes for a good side dish and a great snack.

First off preheat your oven to 400°F/204°C and peel approximately 3lbs of Russet potatoes (note white potatoes are on sale at No Frills this week at $3.47 for 20lbs), or if you like them with the skins on, then just give them a good scrub. Slice them into wedges, roughly equal in size.

In a mortar and pestle (or any other device of your choosing) crush 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds

And 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds. You just want the seeds to release their aroma and although you can use coriander and cumin powder, I prefer using the whole seeds.

Mix the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic cloves, crushed cumin, crushed coriander, salt and pepper. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, while turning them once at the half-way mark.

Serve with a refreshing yogurt-coriander dip (recipe coming soon) and enjoy the golden brown deliciousness, with a crispy crust, soft, fluffy insides and roasted garlicky goodness. If you’re feeling guilty, at least you’ll feel better with the knowledge that they are much better than deep fried French fries.

Here is the recipe card:

Baked Potato Wedges

3lbs Russet Potatoes

3-4 tbsp Olive Oil

I tsp Cumin Seeds

1 tsp Coriander Seeds

1 tsp Salt

¼ tsp Pepper

5-6 Garlic Cloves (whole or sliced)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Peel potatoes (or give them a good scrub if you’re leaving the skins on) and cut into wedges.

3. Crush cumin and coriander seeds with a mortar and pestle.

4. Mix potatoes with olive oil, garlic cloves, crushed cumin, crushed coriander, salt and pepper.

5. Place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning them once at the half-way mark.

This recipe oozes laziness mostly because it is dead simple to make and only uses two ingredients (seriously!).  It’s great for those times when you’re bogged down in work or just not feeling up to spending more time in the kitchen than necessary. More importantly, it costs literally next to nothing!

Pillsbury Pie Crust (purchased for $1 after sale and coupon).

and Smucker’s Raspberry spread (almost $2 after sale and coupon).

So, first things first, let’s unroll the crust (yeah, the menial labour, I know!)

And spread two heaping tablespoons of the raspberry filling, making sure to leave an inch gap on all sides so the filling doesn’t ooze out.

Roll it up into a log shape and cut it into half-inch slices. One crust should yield about 12 pinwheels.

Place it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and feel free to top with coarse sugar for more texture. I also sprinkled some with shredded coconut, but choose whatever topping floats your boat. Finally, place the tray into a preheated oven (350°F/180°C ) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Et, voila! A dessert that looks and tastes like you spend quite a while making it.

There are many of you who are already aware of all the hidden coupons via save.ca, websaver.ca and brandsaver.ca. However, there are many out there who still have lots of questions and may not be aware of all these wonderful "secret" coupons!  We have a list in our forum of all the hidden coupons that is updated daily by various Smart Canucks members.  The list changes frequently, so check back from time to time to see if there are new coupons available or if previously offered coupons have been removed.  The list appears to be completely up-to-date as of today (November 29, 2011). 

Click here to check out our hidden coupons list! 

PLEASE NOTE:  You will notice many of the portals currently have "no coupons available".  However, sometimes new coupons are added to the existing portals, thus they are not completely removed from the list.

I don't know if anyone has told you, but Christmas really is for kids.  The holiday season is magical, almost like a fairy tale.  The bright colors, inviting scents, delicious treats, good company, fantastical stories about an elderly man delivering gifts all over the world in a single night...well...it is easy to see why kids just get so excited about Christmas.  Their excitement is contagious and the next thing you know you find yourself combing the stores to purchase the "best toy ever".  And then reality sets in.  What do you buy?  You ask them what they want and they will usually give you a list a mile long, but somehow that seems unfulfilling.  Perhaps it is because you remember the year before when you bought them exactly what they wanted, just to find it in a toy bin collecting dust two weeks later.  You jump on the internet and start sorting through endless "Top 10 Toy Lists" to find a special toy that is durable, reasonably priced and one that will actually get played with.  All the lists seem so convincing and eventually you shut off your computer more confused than before.  And the question still remains: what do I get this kid for Christmas?

Thus, I give you "Ultimate Guide To Purchasing Children’s Christmas Gifts".  Here are tips, tricks and ideas for buying a gift for the youngster in your life.

Babies 0-6 months
I have always found it kind of pointless to buy toys for this age group (especially when they seem to be more amazed by their own hand as they wave it back and forth in front of their face), but everyone wants to buy for a baby.  And not just a baby, a NEW baby.  The newest addition to the family always seems to get the most gifts!

Tips & Tricks
 • buy things that grow with the baby.  In other words, if you are buying something that attaches to the side of the crib, make sure it is something that can be taken off and played with when the baby sits up.
 • buy things that are colorful.
 • buy things that have patterns.
 • don't buy toys that are too heavy.  Some of the baby toys are far too heavy for small arms.  It is nice to buy "big", but it may also be pointless if the child can't even pick it up.
 • buy things with music that isn't annoying.  Hit the "Try Me" button before you purchase the toy.  If you can't stand the music after 10 seconds, don't buy it.  The children won't like it and neither will the parents.

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Manhattan Toy- Baby Whoozit
 2) Leap Frog Baby Counting Pal
 3) Fisher Price Brilliant Basics Little Superstar Classical Stacker
 4) Fisher Price: Rainforest Peek-a-Boo Leaves Musical Mobile
 5) Lamaze Stack, Roll & Crawl Ball

Babies 6-12 months
This is when the fun begins!  Babies at this age really begin to notice their toys, so shelling out a bit of money at this stage is completely worth it.

Tips & Tricks
 • buy things that are "chunky".  Babies are uncoordinated and they need things that are larger with smooth edges. 
 • buy things that are bright and colorful.
 • buy things that encourage walking/crawling
 • don't buy things with small pieces.  This is an obvious statement, but sometimes we forget how MUCH STUFF ends up in a baby's mouth.
 • buy things that make simple noises.  Music is a wonderful addition to any toy, but sometimes the simplest noises keep a baby entertained for hours.  Consider toys with a bell, rattle or squeaky toy attached.

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Playskool Step Start Walk n’ Ride
 2) Lamaze My First Fishbowl
 3) Melissa & Doug Wiggling Worm Grasping Toy
 4) Melissa & Doug Triple Stacking Set
 5) Fisher Price Classics Chatter Phone

Toddlers 12-24 months
They’re off!  Nearly all children are walking by the time they reach their second birthday.  Toys that encourage movement are a welcome addition to any toy room.  Also, purchase toys that focus on word development.  It is around this time children start to speak single words (a few may even speak a short sentence!).

Tips & Tricks
 • buy things that encourage walking.
 • buy things that encourage learning words.
 • buy things that encourage "figuring things out".  Simple puzzles, building blocks, jack-in-the-boxes are all great examples of toys that get a toddler thinking!
 • buy simple board books.  Toddlers love looking at large pictures with lots of color, texture and pop-ups.

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Melissa & Doug Barnyard Animals Puzzle (12 months) or Farm Sounds Puzzle (closer to 2 years)
 2) Manhattan Toy Baby Stella
 3) Lego Duplo Building Fun
 4) Little Tikes Shopping Cart
 5) Fisher Price Laugh n’ Learn Learning Home

Toddlers 2-3 Years
Oh, what can I say about a two year old?  Nothing else on Earth moves more than a two year old.  Nothing else on Earth has a shorter attention span than a two year old.  They need toys that will keep them busy and interested.

Tips & Tricks
 • buy toys that are a little more intricate.  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mean toys with small pieces.  I mean toys that have more detail.  The toys don't all have to be bright and blocky anymore. 
 • buy toys that encourage learning.  Large clocks, harder puzzles, less-than-obvious buttons that need to pushed.  Things that make them think a little harder.
 • buy books with simple sentences rather than one word books with large pictures.
 • buy toys that encourage physical activity.  Ride-on toys are a wonderful way to get a toddler moving!
 • buy children's CDs.  Two year olds love running around and dancing to music.

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
 2) Fisher Price Rock, Roll n’ Ride Trike
 3) Disney Cars Spy-Mater Ride-On
 4) Fisher Price Racin’ Ramps Garage Play
 5) Baby Einstein Sing & Play Music Collection

Children 3-5 Years
These are the years of imagination.  Any toy that can become a story is worth purchasing.  These are also the years of imitation.  Toys that are small versions of "big people" stuff are always a hit!

Tips & Tricks
 • buy toys that mimic "real life" objects.  Toy kitchens, vacuums, play food, shovels, brooms etc. will make the child feel like a special helper around the house.
 • buy toys that bring stories to life.  Does the child like fairy tales?  Buy a toy castle with a princess doll.  Does your child like comic book characters?  Buy a few figurines and maybe some dress-up clothes.
 • buy books that encourage early reading.  Purchase a book that teaches the alphabet, simple sounds or simple word recognition.
 • buy craft supplies.  Kids at this age love to color, cut, paste, glue…you name it.  This is another way for them to express their vivid imaginations.

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Fisher Price Imaginext DC Super Friends Batcave
 2) Disney Princess Sleeping Beauty Sparkle Dress
 3) Melissa & Doug Canada Floor Puzzle 48 Pieces
 4) Hasbro Play-Doh Classic Colors 4 Pack
 5) Melissa & Doug Sandwich Making Set

Children 6-12 Years
So many things happen between ages 6-12 it is hard to lump them into one group.  Most importantly, these are the learning years.  Everything a child learns during these years they will carry throughout their entire lives. 

Tips & Tricks
 • buy toys that encourage learning.  Globes, advanced puzzles, science experiments, advanced building blocks etc.
 • buy toys that encourage advanced creativity.  Clay, paint-by-numbers, sewing, quilting all take crafts to the next level.
 • buy toys that mimic school lessons.  Figure out what the child is learning in school and buy toys that expand on their classroom material.
 • buy toys that encourage physical activity.  Basketballs, bats, gloves, soccer balls etc. are simple ways to get kids moving.

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Imaginarium Classic Train Table with Roundhouse
 2) Lego City Tank Truck
 3) Razor E100 Scooter
 4) The Game Of Life – World Adventures
 5) Crayola Jewelry Boutique

Tweens & Teens 12+
Many think that toy buying ends at this age group, but that is not true!  There are still a few toys out there that will spark the interest of a tween or teen.  You just have to go looking for them....

Tips & Tricks
 • buy items that reflect the teen's interests.  Do they like hockey?  Buy them a new stick.  Do they like scrapbooking?  Buy them new cardstock paper and acid free stickers.
 • buy items that encourage PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.  Here come the teen years and with that comes a bit of laziness.  Get your teen off the couch by purchasing them a good quality bike or a new pair of skates.
 • don't resort to the old Nintendo/XBox 360/PS3 and other such video game consoles.  Yes, these are popular gifts for teens, but think outside the box and buy something that will help them learn, rather than simply “kill time”.
 • electronics.  You will never lose if you buy them an iPod, new headphones or new speakers.
 • Consider purchasing them a class/course.  Does the teen show an interest in going to the gym?  Buy them a gym membership.  Do they like music?  Suggest they take music lessons.  Extra-curricular activities during these years are SO IMPORTANT for building self-esteem and making social connections.

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley
 2) Kodak ZE1 Playful Video Camera
 3) Model cars, airplanes etc . (found at hobby stores or Michaels)
 4) Singing Machine Portable Karaoke
 5) Sports equipment

Parents
Yes, there are “toys” you can buy for parents!  Well, at least you can find some of these items at your local toy store.  These items may not be exciting for a child to open on Christmas day, but a parent would be thrilled to find these items under the tree!

Toy Recommendations:
 1) Imaginarium Lego Creativity Table – kids will want to build stuff on this large Lego base.  Also a great way to keep Lego organized.
 2) Imaginarium Book Sling – wooden frame with canvas slots to keep all your books visible and organized
 3) Little Tikes Sort & Store Toy Chest – lots of storage space for large toys
 4) Imaginarium Storage Bin Rack with 12 Bins – this is by far the best way to store toys.  Easy to clean, easy to keep things sorted, easy to access - #1 toy storage option.
 5) 3 Bin Toy Bench – bench with 3 bins underneath.  Great way to store toys and have a flat surface for sitting, coloring and more!

*The above article is simply my opinion and should not be referenced for other literature**

The next time you head out to Safeway for groceries, be sure to check out the "New At Safeway" webpages before leaving!  These pages are full of great coupons and product information on new merchandise that is being offered at Safeway.  They even have the information in sections (meats, deli, bakery, produce etc.), so you don't have to navigate through a long list of coupons you aren't interested in!  Simply select the coupons you want and print them out.  What a fast and easy way to save a little extra money!

Click here to view the "New At Safeway" webpages. 

Build-A-Bear Canada is offering a printable coupon for $5 off your purchase of $25 or more.  Excludes Build-A-Party celebration and Bear-Bucks cards.  Expires December 24, 2011.

Click here to print off your coupon.

Build-A-Bear is a great place to buy good quality stuffed animals and accessories.  We have a few in our home and they have held up very well to what I would consider a little more than general wear and tear.  However, these products are pricey.  If you want to purchase from Build-A-Bear without spending a fortune I suggest you pick one of the cheaper stuffed animals, buy accessories that are good "bang for the buck" (ie. purchase a dress for your stuffed animal, rather than a top, tights and a skirt), buy accessories that can double as toys (cell phone, play food etc.) and always try to use a coupon!

Lately I feel like I'm being bombarded with ads for the Baby Bullet. So I thought I'd  bust some myths and share some of my tips and tricks for making homemade baby food.

• You don't need the Magic/Baby Bullet. While my friends who use it say it does the job but it isn't as necessary as manufacturer would like you to believe. The commercial over exaggerates the tools and work required. I started off with just a potato masher and upgraded to a cheap blender from the Goodwill.

• Start as soon as possible. My suggestion is to do your fruit and veggies while you're pregnant because they can be frozen 6-8 months. Meats (including poultry and fish) can be frozen for 10 weeks and purees made with milk 4-6 weeks. Baby food in the fridge regardless of the type only lasts 2-3 days.

• You don't need to start with cereal. Studies have shown that starting your baby on meats or legumes is just fine. The key is to make sure they are getting iron which can be found in both. My sons love bean puree and flaked tuna.
• Don't give your baby vegetables that contain nitrates before 6 months. That includes spinach, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, rhubarb, radishes and to a lesser degree squash and carrots. Discard the cooking water and use purees containing these veggies as soon as possible (especially spinach).
• Your baby does not need juice ...ever. While it is true their tummies can tolerate it at 6 months the acid and sugar will wear away their tiny teeth. Even if they don't have teeth poked through yet decay can start while they are in their gums. Some may argue juice is a good cure for a constipated baby but water, stewed prunes, and bean puree work the same. All of the vitamins and health benefits can be found in the purees or fresh fruit as the case maybe.

• Don't give up. Your baby is used getting all their nutrition it liquid form with only one flavour and texture. It will take them some getting used to. In fact it can take up to 10 tries for a baby to decide if they like a food. If you're still faced with a picky eater be creative, think with all five senses. Tastes isn't the only factor. My first son wouldn't eat anything runny (aside from his bottle), so I would thicken up his purees with bean paste. Plus that added protein and iron.

Always make sure to consult your baby's doctor before introducing anything new to your baby's diet. For more tips on preparing specific fruits, veggies and other foods consult a dietician, doctor or other moms.