Working from home can be considered both a blessing and a curse - those of us with a home office or home office space have the luxury of working in comfort and with minimal trips into boring and flavorless offices. Unfortunately, it is difficult to balance work space with personal space and often the two become irreversibly intertwined. Someone with a pull-out sofa in their home office knows exactly what I'm talking about, especially during the holidays.

Decorating a home office is unlike other home decoration plans. The space is not meant to relax you and take you away from work - instead, it must become an energizing, motivating space with minimal stress and distraction. After a few big-ticket purchases (namely your electronics), decorating your home office on a budget can be a snap. Whether your home office is an entire room or merely a nook by your front door, a functional, organized and beautiful space can help you become more productive and much happier when working from home.

1. Focus on Function. Your home office should be easy to get in to, easy to work in, and easy to get out of. A flat desk surface is essential and the first place you should start. Position your worktop in a way that minimizes distractions - have your back facing the window and your front preferably away from a television or open door. Your workspace should be coordinated so you can enter it without needing to shuffle papers, filing cabinets or wastebaskets. Your chair should have good movement and everything crucial should be within reach.
   
   
2. Organization is Key. An organized home office is a blissful home office. Purchase paper bins, magazine-holder style containers, file hangers, small containers - anything that you require in order to keep your papers, files, pencils and clips where they belong. I firmly believe that plain items are the most cost-efficient, and also provide minimal distraction. Adding a white-board or cork-board is another great way to stay organized and add some flair to your space.
   
   
3. Design is in the Details. Personalize your space by drawing on important elements from your own personality. If you're a glamorous sort, add some plush pillows and a luxurious throw alongside some scented candles. If you're a fan of vintage kitsch, a brightly patterned rug and curtains would go well with some funky desk toys (like a drinking bird or some nesting dolls). Prefer the modern look? A bamboo plant in a clear glass vase would pair nicely with cool metal desk accessories. Start with a minimalist, uniform and organized space and add personal touches with small details.
   
   
4. Maximize Comfort. Want to ensure you stay at your desk all day? Give yourself room to stretch. Whether this means a side chair with a favorite book perched on its arm, a folding exercise machine in the closet, or a plug-in kettle and assortment of teas - allowing yourself the opportunity to indulge while in your office will make it easier to stay on track and at your desk for the entire day. Incorporate elements from your daily life in order to bridge your home and your office - family photos are a great way to add a personal touch to your space and make it comfortable - especially if you use really unique desktop frames.
   
   
5. Realize that it is an Office. This means task lighting, lots of desk accessories (pens, pencils, erasers, a ruler, stapler, etc), and an area for paper clutter. Furthermore, this should be a generally "no family" zone - the focus of the office is for work only. Keep toys, animals, and family disputes away from the office - this might mean a sign on the door or even a lock. Functionality is key (even over personalization), so ensure that the space is workable and can operate independently of your household before you put too much thought into the design on your mouse pad.

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When it comes to decorating the home, many of us focus on the public rooms and leave our bedrooms until the very end - resulting in little to no budget for our personal space. A well-maintained and beautifully decorated bedroom can help relieve stress, strengthen intimate relationships and allow us to take some time for ourselves. Luckily for those of us who did not (or cannot) budget for an expensive bedroom, it is easy to achieve a luxurious, relaxing space with very little money.

• Create a Neutral Oasis - the key to a relaxing bedroom is a relaxing color palette. Using soft shades of your favorite color on your walls, bedding, drapery and accessories, create a harmonious color scheme that fits your personal taste. I love to see a lot of white and "whitened" colors (blues, grays and browns in particular) used together to create a neutral space.
  
  
• Indulge Your Senses - pick linens that appeal to your sense of touch (spend a little extra on Egyptian cotton or a nice, cost-efficient flannel) and add a throw, rug, or accent pillow that has an interesting texture (chenille, velvet, angora or satin). Keep your lighting soft and indirect - whether this means adding a more opaque treatment to your light source or switching your bulbs, a softer light is perfect for a relaxing space. Continue to indulge your sense of sight by giving it a break at night - choose opaque, solid window coverings that allow you to get a dark and uninterrupted night of sleep.
  
  
• Remove the Excess - Eliminate anything non-bedroom related from your bedroom - this includes piles of laundry, your home office desk and even your television. Turn your bedroom into a safe-haven for your body and mind, free from distraction and unnecessary activity. replace your desk with a soft side chair for reading and throw all of your toys in a bin to be stored in the closet.
  
  
• Add Some Exotic Touches - A beautiful and cost-efficient tropical plant can turn sad space into a renewed room, as can an intriguingly scented (but mellow) air freshener or room spray. Incorporate some elements from a favorite trip in order to transform your bedroom into a beautiful and exotic space - frame postcards, display a local art print or use a unique tapestry as a wall hanging.
  
  
• Treat Yourself - Your bedroom can become the most important room in your house if you associate it with positive things. Keep a tray of your favorite candies on the nightstand, or display a basket of opulent bath goodies that can easily be transported into the bathroom and used exclusively by you. Create a personal, quiet and positive space where you can just relax and be yourself - this is the ultimate treat and costs little to no money at all.

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The heart of a home often exists in its kitchen or its dining room; for many families, the communal traditions of cooking and eating are what bring them together on a regular basis. Whether hosting a casual breakfast in the morning or a full-fledged formal holiday dinner, your dining room is the perfect place to let your personality shine and create a comforting space that everyone will enjoy.

The key to a well-decorated dining room is to keep the decor as universal and as neutral as possible, while still allowing for personal touches that can change according to the season or the event. Planning and creating a beautiful dining room on a budget is possible, with a few tips and tricks on how to stretch every dollar to its full worth:

1. Use (But Don't Abuse) Color - The easiest way to bring new life to a drab room is to add a touch of color, balanced by neutral tones that allow you to relax in the space. If you choose a bright shade for your walls (a deep cranberry, gold, turquoise or gray), use complimentary neutral shades on your flooring, linens and furniture. If you prefer a neutral wall (a light linen, beige, taupe, or gray), your accessories can take center stage with bolder shades. Bright wall colors make a strong impact, but are difficult to change if you need to alter the "mood" of the room. Bright accessories are easy to switch, but can easily get lost in a room of neutrals. The key is to find a balance that works for you, using shades and tones of your chosen colors.
   
   
2. Focus on Quality over Quantity - A lot of people tend to fill up empty space in hopes that it makes their space look luxurious and rich. Fortunately for the budget-conscious, a minimalist approach is one of the best ways to make it appear as though you have the luxury of extra, unused space. By focusing on the quality of your drapery, flooring, lighting and furniture, you will be able to afford a big budget look with a low budget price tag. Consider a beautiful (albeit pricey) table and use it as your statement piece.
   
   
3. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - When it comes to place settings, candles and knick-knacks, you can afford to choose a lower-end product to achieve a higher-end result. Plain white dishes look elegant and are easy to find (and replace if you accidentally break one). Silverware, linens, table centerpieces and glasses can be kept simple and plain - resulting in a lower overall cost.
   
   
4. Keep Things Tidy - An organized room automatically looks rich and expensive, because it also shows you have the luxury of time. If you use hidden storage (under a bench or in a buffet) and keep only the most essential items visible, your dining room will be easy to clean and a pleasure to show to family and friends when they visit.
   
   
5. Add a Touch of Personality - Use this room as an opportunity to tell your guests a little bit about yourself, whether you choose your favorite music to play in the background or a favorite art print to hang on the wall. A simple dish with your favorite flowers can make a stunning centerpiece, as can elements of your favorite place. Like the ocean? Try a glass vase of sea glass or smooth stones. Prefer the woods? Create a beautiful display of leaves and acorns in a tall glass container. Make your space personal and homey and it will be the perfect place to entertain and enjoy your family.

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Today's children are faced with a crippling epidemic; quality time and activity has been replaced by hours in front of a video game, evening after evening of prime-time television and a slew of "social networking" websites that do not encourage actual physical social networking. Our technology-driven age has promoted a sedentary lifestyle in which children are becoming increasingly unhealthy as well as losing their social skills to the draw of a glowing screen.

As a parent and a role model, it is our responsibility to promote an active and socially diverse lifestyle for today's children. While the process of becoming more involved in your child's activities can be overwhelming at times, the payoff is substantial; spending time with your children will help shape them into healthy, happy, and well-adjusted adults as they grow into our society. The trick to keeping children interested is to choose activities that are interactive, age-appropriate and suited to their interests. Below is a list of activities to get you started:

Under 8 Years - Luckily, children under 8 years of age are highly impressionable and are likely to join in any activity that their parent shows an interest. Because of their young age, now is a great time to help develop children's health by involving them in exercise activities such as games of tag, hide-and-seek, treasure hunts and family-oriented organized sport. Encouraging your children to participate in family meal planning by helping with the preparation and clean up of the meal. Delegating chores and making them a part of a fun, family-oriented weekend can help you keep your home organized and your children productive at the same time. Spend some time volunteering with local charities outside of the home and make social interaction a regular part of your child's week, or spend every Sunday together as a family to hold a neighborhood potluck or talent show. Focusing on the development of your child's social conscience and physical health at this age will help to promote an equally responsive preteen and teenager in the following years.

8-12 Years - Children between the ages of 8-12 are primarily focused on their social connections (friends, schoolmates and society in general). In order to ensure that your child is interested in and continues with his or her new activities, it is important to recognize and involve this focus as much as possible. Now is the ideal time to introduce organized activities and exercise; whether you choose to enroll your child in scouts, cadets, or a locally popular sport (hockey, soccer, dance, gymnastics, baseball) you will give him or her the opportunity to make new friends and spend some time developing positive social and physical skills. Unfortunately, getting children to participate in family activities at this age is sometimes worse than pulling teeth, even if the activity is something as fun as camping, building a treehouse or taking a trip to the local beach. Encourage your preteen to have an active role in developing any family activities; whether they are choosing the nightly event or simply involved in its execution, your child will feel responsible for the success of the activity if he or she has invested his or her time in the process. Involving your child's friends is another way to promote a family activity; children are social butterflies by nature, and inviting their friends along for a trip to the museum or a round of mini-golf will increase your chances of success.

Sitting your children in front of a television is an easy, convenient way to ensure they are entertained while you have a moment to complete your daily duties. Unfortunately, this method of "childcare" can quickly turn parenting into neglect. Simply put, the most successful way to ensure that your child grows up with a healthy attitude and a well-developed social presence is to become more involved in your child's life. Fun, frugal and educational family activities lurk around every corner; involve your children in the planning and execution of these events to make life a little easier for yourself. A small investment of time in the present can pay you and your child back substantially in the future.

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Holiday gift buying can be hectic and very expensive if you haven't had the opportunity to shop ahead. Purchasing your gifts online is a great way to save your sanity and a few bucks in the process - just be sure to order with enough advanced notice that you will be able to receive the gifts before you need to give them! Here is a list of some fantastic gift ideas all under $30 USD.

Gifts for The Pampered Under $30

• Head to Toe Starter Kit by Burt's Bees ($14.29) - I bought this for my mother last year, and it is a great deal! This little pack has products for your face, hair and skin - and they are "all-natural" products.
• Bentley's Finest Teas Box ($21.43) - This gorgeous wooden chest contains 60 bags of Orange Spice, Raspberry, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Peach & Green Teas; a perfect blend for the cozy tea drinker on your list.
• Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel ($22.00) - Philosophy has a range of wonderful smelling products, including this 3-in-1 product that is gentle and smells amazing.
  

Gifts for Foodies Under $30

• Wild Game Pack ($29.99) - If your man is anything like mine, he'll love this trio of Kangaroo, Venison and Buffalo sausages (and the included sauces for serving).
• Artisan Chocolate Collection ($29.99) - This 15 piece set of handcrafted chocolates includes yummy combinations like Milk Chocolate ganache infused with Ceylon Cinnamon and liquors, and Dark Chocolate ganache infused with red rooibos tea, cardamom & crystallized ginger.
• Flambar Apricots in Grand Marnier ($25.99) - These delicious Turkish apricots are soaked in orange-flavoured liqueur and add a delicious twist to the end of your recipient's favourite meals.
  

Gifts for Travellers Under $30

• Amos N'andy Old Time Radio Shows ($26.39) - This collector's CD set of old radio shows is perfect for long distance travellers or those who just enjoy a little nostalgia every once in a while.
• Meguiar's Classic Wash & Wax Kit ($19.99) - A great kit for the person in your life who loves to keep their car in tip-top shape. This kit includes products for the inside and outside of your car, as well as all of the necessary cloths to keep things shiny.
• Starbucks Coffee Travel Mug Gourmet Basket ($29.99) - This gift basket is a great bargain for the coffee-loving traveller, containing a durable travel mug and loads of treats and drinks.
  

Gifts for TV Buffs Under $30

• Die Hard Collection ($24.99) - I personally see no appeal in Bruce Willis, but a lot of men do. This collector's pack includes Die Hard, Die Hard 2 and Die Hard with a Vengeance - it also means a few peaceful hours while your husband drools over an action-packed TV screen.
• Dexter, First Season ($27.99) - Dexter is a neat little show about a serial killer who works for the police department as a blood splatter analyst. Wholly underrated as a series, the recipient is not likely to get a duplicate of this gem under their tree.
• Fireworks Popcorn & Seasoning Set ($15.49) - This popcorn and seasoning set is the perfect addition to an hour or two in front of the tube. You get four large containers of popping corn (White Birch, Savanna Gold, Starshell Red & High Mt Midnight) as well as four seasoning packages (White Cheddar, Butter Burst, Caramel Pecan, Popcorn Salt)

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You don't have to turn the television on for very long in order to hear about America's housing market crisis (a topic well-covered by Patrick.net). I was watching Oprah a while ago and heard a slew of financial stories involving foreclosures, bankruptcies and poor markets for selling your home. Granted, we purchased our home prior to this episode of Oprah, but why did we choose to purchase our home right in the middle of what appears to be a junk market for our southern neighbours (who almost always end up affecting our own market)? And why, why, why did we buy a home with a ZERO down payment?!

1. Our Broker Approved Us - We used a really great mortgage broker in order to finance our home; free, friendly, helpful and a great resource for a first time home buyer (gave us connections to both our buyers agent and our lawyer). In order to process our information and "pre-approve" us for an amount, our broker needed our financial information to determine whether or not we could actually afford our home. To calculate this, he used my base salary and my boyfriend's base salary; what this did not factor in was approximately $5,000 in extra income made by my boyfriend in gratuities from his workplace. We were approved because the following factors:
   
   • We had no outstanding debts (in fact, our car payments had not even factored into the calculation at this time)
     
   • Our pre-approval amount was 32% of our total income (not including that extra in gratuities)
     
     
2. We Signed a Fixed Rate 5 Year Mortgage - This means that our interest rates will remain the same for the next five years, which protects us from the ups-and-downs of the market. Now, if interest rates plummet and we are paying our 5.09%, so be it - but if interest rates rise higher than our current percentage, we are protected from that increase. In five years, we will be speaking with our broker again to determine the best course of action in refinancing - the amount of leverage we have against our mortgage may mean we don't have to pay the CMHC Insurance and possibly utilize a lower interest rate.
   
   
3. The House Was Priced Down - We purchased a detached, 3+1 bedroom home with a decent sized yard on an established street in a quiet neighbourhood, surrounded by schools and parks. Despite the headaches caused by the selling agent, we still got a fantastic deal on the property; we paid $225,000 for a home that is currently "appraised" by our insurance company for closer to $300,000, based solely on the information we provided on paper. Now, this doesn't mean that we could turn around and sell the place for the higher amount, but it does mean that the likelihood of our home's value appreciating is higher.
   
   
4. We are Entry-Level DINKs - Ah, the DINKs (Double Income, No Kids). Both myself and my boyfriend are within 5 years of starting our careers; coupled with our advanced education, we have the potential to earn much, much more than we currently make - which is the bottom salary for both of our professions. As our housing payments go down, our salaries will hopefully increase accordingly, allowing us to make payments that match our current amount, if not exceed it and help us pay our mortgage down quickly.

I wouldn't recommend purchasing a home with 0% down payment to anyone - in fact, it was something we didn't really want to do ourselves. We didn't go looking for a house for the sake of purchasing a home; we were comfortable in our apartment, our rent was a decent amount, but we did want to leave eventually (when the right place came along). We could have "settled" for a townhome or rowhouse, but chose to wait as long as necessary so that we were truly satisfied with our investment.

The boyfriend and I booked the viewing for our home without any prior photos, images or description of the property (one of the problems with the selling agent). We went back to look at the property three times before putting in an offer, which our agent fought for and eventually got at a slightly lower price than they were asking. We did the full home inspection and the property passed with some minor adjustments needing to be made (lots of home DIY-stuff that had been done incorrectly). Our broker, agent and lawyer were incredibly helpful and were aware of our limitations when it came to purchasing a home.

When all is said and done, property is still an investment; unfortunately for some, it is not an investment that sees a quick return or is easy to liquidate in times of need. If we were unable to comfortably afford the mortgage payments (the 32% - though 30% is recommended) and other home-related costs (add an additional 40% on to your mortgage payment to calculate this amount), we would not have purchased our home. However, we are able to afford the rate we are locked into for the next five years based on our current salary - this allows us to build up our emergency fund and eliminate our small amount of debt while still being able to afford our home.

Would we still rent if needed? Of course. While I do hate the idea of paying someone else's mortgage payments, there are definite benefits to renting instead of buying - especially in a market where owning a home is substantially more expensive than renting and you can use the difference to invest and bring yourself a more immediate return. Our city's market is fairly equal, which is why you can go either way and make money - depending on whether you are looking for an immediate or future return. We have a home that we can likely pay off by the time we are 40 (and maybe even 35), meaning that we will only have to pay our property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs after that point; no rent increases and no mortgage increases. In fact, we could sell our home in order to retire early, or rent out our property (which is located very close to a local college) for added income.

That's why we have chosen to buy our home - why are you in your current living situation? Do you want things to change, and if so - how do you plan on changing them?

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I am always a fan of products that multitask, even if the idea of multitasking myself sends shivers down my spine. I especially love cheap, easy to locate products that already exist in my home, thus eliminating the need for last-minute rushes to the store because I spilled wine on my skirt or I accidentally started a grease fire (hey, it happens).

It's amazing what some simple products can do, as is the idea of not needing a unique cleaning product for each use (like disposable presoaked chemical toilet brushes) for a functioning home. Save a few pennies by using a little extra elbow grease and the following products:

1. Distilled White Vinegar
• Neutralize Pet Odour
• Clean Glass Surfaces
• Soften Laundry
• Kill Fruit Flies
  
• Prevent Cracked Hard-Boiled Eggs
  
  
2. Baking Soda
• Eliminate Grease/Electrical Fires
• Deodorize Your Fridge
• Remove Odour from your Dishwasher
• Polish Silverware
• Take a Soda Bath to relieve Irritation
  
  
3. Lemon Juice
• Clean Lime Scale off a Sink or Faucet
  
• Eliminate Browning of Apples, Pears and Avocados
  
• Remove Soft Cheese from a Grater
• Lighten Stains on a Lightly-Coloured Cutting Board
• Mix With Olive Oil for a Furniture Polish
  
  
4. Toothpaste
• Remove Scuffs from CDs/DVDs
• Fill Nail Holes in Drywall
• Remove Strong Smells from your Hands
• Remove Ink/Lipstick from Fabric
• Remove Watermarks from Wood
  
  
5. Salt
• De-ice Sidewalks
• Remove Dirt from Leafy Vegetables
• Remove Red-Wine Stains
• Scour Pots and Pans
• Clean Wooden Cutting Boards
  
  
6. Olive Oil
• Add a drizzle to your water to stop pasta from boiling over
  
• Remove eye makeup (be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid clogged pores!)
  
• Use as a moisturizer to soften hair or skin.
  
• Coat the tips of Your Fingers to Lessen the Chance of "Burning" Yourself When Chopping Chiles
  
• Suffocate Head Lice
  

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Jackie Kennedy. Marilyn Monroe. Marlene Dietrich. Audrey Hepburn. These are all women who, for better or for worse, became style icons and helped to create the trend of stylish, tailored and ultimately classic pieces of clothing for the timeless woman. Whether you follow the style trends laid out by these ladies or if you prefer to follow the likes of Madonna or (gulp) Britney Spears, having a few classic pieces in your wardrobe will not only last you a long time (saving money on clothes shopping) but they will also help make your day a little easier.

Having classic items in basic colours is one way to ensure that your wardrobe lasts as long as you need it. Ensuring that your clothes are made of high-quality materials is also important - linen, wool, cotton and silk are often a better choice than polyester, lycra or satin (though not always the case). Spend some time finding clothes that are well-made and that fit you perfectly - these will be items you can keep with you for almost any occasion.

1. Black Pointy Heels. Here's a little secret - I am 5'11" tall and I love wearing my black pointy 2.5" heels. That's right, I bring myself to over 6'1" in height, and it's not because I enjoy towering over my coworkers...it's because I love my shoes. The right shoe can help you to stand up straight, taking inches off your waist and making you look pounds lighter. The right shoe can give you a little added flair when you walk into a room. I feel that a black, pointy, thin-heeled shoe can do exactly those things while still looking classy and comfortable with almost every outfit. This shoe by BCBGirls is great, and this loafer-style pair from Via Spiga is a workplace dream.
   
   
2. Black Single-Breasted Trench Coat with a Tie. The right trench coat can take you from work to play with no added effort; it can be dressed up with a fancy wardrobe or dressed down and left open for a run to the store. A longer-than-hip-length, black trench (like this one by Kenneth Cole or even this metallic number from Jones New York) can help you polish your wardrobe instantly and pull together almost any look in any situation.
   
   
3. Black Knee-Length Jersey Wrap Dress. Wrap dresses are universally flattering - they highlight a narrow waist and balance your upper and lower half (irregardless of which is heavier). And, like the pumps and the trench, a wrap dress can be worn casually or dressed up, depending on the accessories and attitude you add. This Merona Knit Wrap Dress is a fantastic deal, as is this dress by Isaac Mizrahi for Target).
   
   
4. Natural-Waisted Wide-Leg Black Trousers. Wide-leg trousers, so long as they are kept proportional to your size, are universally flattering as well. Remember - keep them long and the profile lean, with minimal ornamentation. These pants by Isaac Mizrahi for Target are available in short, regular and tall lengths to ensure the perfect fit.
   
   
5. Dark Denim Bootcut Jeans. Aaah, the dark denim bootcut jean. The wash of the pant makes it possible to wear out for girls' night, but the comfort of the fabric make it just as suitable for a weekend with the family. Buy them in a natural rise to avoid the "muffin top" effect and keep an eye on the overall length of the pants - buying bottoms that are too short will visually "cut off" your legs and make them look shorter. A long, slim line is the most flattering - something you can find with the INC Dark Wash Denim Trouser.
   
   
6. Crisp White Shirt. A well-fitting gape/pull-free white button down shirt is sexy, classic, proper and casual all at once. Whether you pair it with jeans, a skirt or a pair of trousers, you will appear put-together and in control of your wardrobe. In fact, own more than one crisp white shirt - it'll do wonders for your time-management in the morning. I personally like the Van Heusen Wrinkle-Free dress shirt or the one Isaac Mizrahi designed for Tar-jay.
   
   
7. Statement Bag. You'll notice that my wardrobe colour choices can best be described as "drab" or "boring" or "quintessentially classic New York". Black is a timeless, classic colour, and I am not ashamed to say that 90% of my wardrobe is in that shade. I feel the best place to add colour or seasonal trends to your wardrobe is through accessories, and a statement bag is a great way to show your personality. My personality is unfortunately a dark burgundy and black, oversized and leather, but there are some great brighter options available - like this Xhilaration Red Patent Tote or this Ultra Soft Navy Blue Handbag.
   
   
8. A Nude-to-Match Seamless Body Shaper Bottom. What do I mean by "nude-to-match"? I mean not white. I mean if you are pale, get a light beige; if you are dark, get a dark tan or mocha. Your underwear colour should follow suit with your eyebrows - if you (or your hair, in the case of the eyebrows) are lighter toned, your underwear (or eyebrows) should be slightly darker. If you are darker toned, your underwear should be slightly lighter. Got it? Good. Now, get something that does not dig in, is seamless, and will smooth your waist, hips, thighs and butt under a tight skirt or close-fitting pants. Spanx work, and so does the unfortunately named "Lipo in a Box".
   
   
9. A Nude-to-Match Seamless Bra in the Right Size. Similar to the body shaper bottom, you need a good bra to finish the seamless, lumpless foundation that is always timeless. Go to a boutique or department store and let the helpful clerk measure you for the correct fit. I don't know how many people I've seen who have utterly ruined their outfit with a bra that highlights some pretty unfortunate things. The right bra will life, separate, and give the right amount of attention your girls need. La Mystere does a nice bra, and there is always Spanx' "Bra-llelujah". Man, do I ever want to slap the person who marketed that one.
   

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Families today are prone to overscheduling and spending less and less time with each other, which is truly a shame. A well-bonded and happy nuclear family unit is beneficial to both adults and children; it promotes positive relationships, good communication skills and a level of activity that goes beyond sitting in front of a computer or television for hours.

Scheduling time to just be a family might be difficult at first, but you will quickly see the value in spending time together and the process of planning your activities will become second nature. Involve each member of your family in the process, allowing everyone to take a leadership role in your interaction. Here is a short list of fun, often free activities that you can do together:

1. Go camping
2. Have a "make your own pizza" family cooking night
3. Volunteer as a group
4. Have a living-room slumber party with board games and movies
5. Read a story to each other
6. Go star-gazing
7. Play Charades
8. Go for a hike
9. Visit a local retirement residence
10. Attend a play
11. Make Stone Soup
    
12. Visit the zoo
13. Plant a tree
14. Bake a cake
15. Take a trip to a museum
16. Go to a restaurant in character (all superheroes in disguise, etc)
17. Have an indoor picnic
18. Map your family tree
19. Make a collage about things that are important to your family
20. Play Mini-Golf
21. Start a family band (even if you're using pots and pans for a drum set)
22. Have a treasure hunt
23. Go leaf collecting
24. Take a trip to the nearest beach
25. Teach each other something new
26. Bird-watch
27. Have a family lemonade stand
28. Clean up the side of a road (pick bottles and garbage)
29. Wash the dog (yours or a neighbours)
30. Make your own ice cream
    
31. Go bowling
32. Build a fort
33. Go berry/apple picking
34. Paint a mural (use a large sheet of packing paper)
35. Play role reversal for an evening (kid dresses like mom, mom dresses like dad, etc)
36. Go visit a new part of town
37. Ride bikes together
38. Do a large jigsaw puzzle
39. Have a Teddy Bear Picnic with friends and family
40. Host a theme potluck dinner
41. Hold a puppet show for the neighbourhood
42. Make your own stuffed animals
43. Make your own butter
44. Hunt for spare change around the house (under cushions, in laundry room, etc) - person who collects the most gets to decide what the family does with it.
    
45. Build a lego model of your home
    
46. Play hide-and-seek
47. Find a new pen-pal and write to them as a family
48. Learn to do Origami
49. Make and eat food sculptures using things like marshmallows, pretzels, peanut butter, etc.
50. Play Tag.
    

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Whether you celebrate in any "holiday" festivities or not, there is a certain hustle-and-bustle that occurs around this time of year that can be both exhilarating and incredibly stressful at the same time. Between social obligations, family responsibilities, financial strain and a little added stress on your tummy and waistline, the month of December often runs the gamut of human emotion; happiness, sadness, laughter, tears, and whole bunch of anxiety.

What can you do to make this December a little easier? First of all, start planning immediately (right now would be perfect). The earlier you begin to organize your thoughts and actions, the sooner things will fall into place and you will feel less unnecessary strain.

Surviving Holiday Shopping
Aaaah, shopping for Christmas. As a retail veteran, I can tell you that Christmas is by far the most hectic, stressful and overall busy season to be in a mall, galleria, store or outlet. Although I managed a specialty food service, my friends and business connections from other retail locations would happily share their absolute worst stories (most coming from a toy store, not surprisingly). What can you do to keep your wallet fat and your sanity intact? Read on:

• Shop Early and Shop Smart - the earlier you buy gifts, the less likely you will be to make quick impulse purchases. Develop your shopping list as soon as possible and tackle it piece-by-piece when you can. A lot of people wait for the holiday sales, but my experience in retail (and as a shopper) has shown that summer sales are actually better value; although it's a little late for that now, some good quality comparison shopping can help you cross items off your list well before December starts.
• Don't Shop at All - Depending on your family and friends' threshold for personal gifts (sadly, mine would never consider homemade as an option), think about ways you can give without spending too much. Donations, personal homemade gifts and complimentary services (i.e. if you're an accountant, offer to do someone's taxes for their gift) are a good, frugal way to show you care.
• Use Technology - I have a small button located at the bottom of my sidebar for Canadian Tire's gift center (you can also click here). While Canadian Tire is for Canadians only (so I think), other popular stores and online sites have a shopping component that will allow you to cross gifts off your list and have them delivered to your doorstep without leaving the house. Not only will you save on gas, but you won't need to fight your way through the store for the very last of a crucial item.
• Become a Wrap Artist - one of my employees used to work the holiday crunch as a gift wrapper in our mall. My first job had me wrapping boxes of fish and chips in newsprint; if you're a little more wrap-challenged than the two of us, don't fight it. Take advantage of other gift wrapping solutions like prewrapped boxes or festive bags. If your wrapping skills are above-par, using a simple one-colour paper (I use packing paper, which I occasionally stamp with relevant designs) and one-colour ribbons/bows will help keep your gift wrapping collection under control and allow it to extend into other holidays.
  

Surviving Holiday Dinners
Holiday dinners are fantastic for those who get to simply eat, and horrible for those who get to cook and clean as well. Most holiday dinners revolve around people looking to impress their friends and family with a well-planned, well-cooked meal; these tricks will help keep your kitchen sparkling clean while helping you to realize this goal:

• Pre-Prep - if possible, start planning as soon as you can. If you are hosting a meal, have your menu ready with a "prep-list" of what you need to do and when. Do as much grocery shopping as early as possible. Chop your veggies the night before, make any side dishes you can and leave them in the fridge. Cook and freeze cookies and baked goods up to a few weeks in advance.
• Potluck - one of the easiest ways to limit your time in the kitchen and encourage some interactivity for your holiday meal is to hold a potluck. You provide the turkey and the warm ovens for your guests, and they provide their favourite family side dishes and desserts.
• Cheat a Little - if you can't bear to do a potluck, try a few shortcuts that will make your kitchen a lot easier to manage. Whether you choose to pick a pre-cooked turkey, some packaged side dishes or a box of store-bought squares, take advantage of the many great options available to you from your local artisan or grocer.
  
• Buffet Style - in order to cut down on seating arrangements and encourage a free-flowing dinner, consider a buffet-style set up that allows people to take as much of the things they want, sit in a place that is comfortable, and promote a friendly but laid-back approach to the holiday meal.
• Portion Control - when it comes to eating your holiday meal, it is easy to overindulge (and remember, many of us have more than one overindulgence throughout the month!). Rather than filling up on empty food (buns, rolls and sweets) or calorie-laden drinks (eggnog, hot cocoa, wine and sodas) try to focus on filling your plate with as many veggies as possible (watch for butters, creams and cheeses!) and filling your glass with low-sugar, refreshing alternatives (wine spritzers and water).

Surviving in General
Some of you may celebrate, and some of you may not; regardless, a reality of our society is that Christmas (and other less over-marketed holidays) is all around you. What can you do to avoid being trampled by hoards of shoppers and keep your sense of humour as snowballs whiz by your head?

• Use Associations - some things simply promote a better, happier, festive mood. For me, the smell of peppermint and coniferous trees (and to a lesser extent, fake spray-on snow) is enough to transport me back to a happy childhood of tree-trimming and stocking-stuffing. Take this opportunity to surround yourself with senses that make you happy; smells (candles, sprays, food scents), tastes (cookies, drinks, sweets, produce), touch (texture of fabric, texture of plants and nature), sound (music, voices of friends and family) and sights can improve your mood almost instantly.
• Plan Ahead - not many people do in this season, which is why tempers are short and plans can be "ruined" instantly. Give yourself time to get from point A to point B; give yourself a little mental room for grumpy passers-by and less-than-helpful but incredibly overburdened retail staff. Take things with a grain of salt and you'll be improving your mood and the mood of others around you.
• Give a Little Bit - volunteer your time, money or energy to bring a little bit of happiness into your month. Whether you take advantage of the charities that are out in public or look to donate your time at a shelter, residence or kitchen, helping others will help reduce stress and put your life in perspective. Being a volunteer will remind you of all the things for which you are thankful in life.
  

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Children today are faced with many choices - whether they are choosing their friends, their food or their hobbies, a parent's role in their child's decision can be as involved as the parent would like. Many parents step back from their children's lives in order to let them develop their own tastes and learn their own lessons. Unfortunately, there are many situations when a parent's input can help save the child from situations like bullying, peer pressure, lying and going against the child's best interests. In balancing a child's independence with a parent's knowledge, you will help to evolve communication and foster positive dynamics between yourself and your son or daughter.

How do you help your child make the right choices and follow the right crowd?

1. Instill Personal Interests. The popular saying "if you stand for nothing you'll fall for anything" rings especially true in the case of peer-pressure and bullying. By allowing your child to develop their own interests and opinions, as well as in supporting these choices, you will give your child the confidence needed to sometimes go against the crowd in a situation where he or she would normally get in line. By teaching your child that it is OK to be different, you will give him or her the tools needed to stand strong on issues that are important, as well as encouraging the child to have friends who think in similar ways.
   
   
2. Get Involved in the Friendships. Invite your child to have his or her friends stay for dinner or a sleepover. Spend time with these friends, whether you are taking everyone to a movie or simply talking over dinner. Involve yourself with the conversation and try to learn more about these people - what do they like to do, what are their opinions? Encourage debate and discussion by asking questions that spark a conversation between your child and his or her friends. In becoming more involved with your child and his or her friends, without appearing overbearing, you will become a trusted adult in all of their lives and promote a relationship based on trust.
   
   
3. Talk To Your Child. When it comes to serious issues like drug abuse, sexual activity, social problems and other points of discussion that affect your child, it is important to know where your child stands and what information he or she has on the topic. In a non-judgmental way, prompt your child to discuss current situations they know of at school and in their area. Children are keenly aware of "hot topics", and they often have plenty of information on the subject - the purpose of these discussions is to eliminate false information and help to educate your child properly.
   
   
4. Affiliate. Another great way to encourage your child running with the "right crowd" is to help them make friends with similar interests. Whether you child enjoys sports, arts, reading, school, mathematics or politics, there is likely an interest group or club that caters to his or her favourite past-times. Encourage your child to develop these friendships and become active in his or her community. In addition to promoting positive relationships, your child might be too busy to get into trouble!

The most important means of helping your child make positive choices is to balance his or her independence with your own experiences. Through discussion, education and involvement, you can point your child in the right direction and give him or her the tools necessary to develop positive and long-lasting social relationships that will improve his or her quality of life.

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A particularly endearing but equally frustrating part of childhood is the lack of emotional filters a child has in place for situations when he or she feels strongly about something. It is not often a difficult task to determine how your child feels about things like the mall, his or her favourite toys, or his or her least favourite food. Developing this ability to control one's emotions comes later in life, through modeling from parents and other adults as well as hard lessons learned about the appropriate time to say things.

Children are highly impressionable, which can work to your advantage (teaching them good habits) or to your disadvantage (watching a 4-year old mimic a swear word he heard mommy say). This ability to learn and develop at a fast rate provides an ideal teaching environment for parents to encourage their child to control his or her anger using simple tricks that encourage positive behaviour.

1. Model Your Child After Your Own Behaviour. Your child will follow your lead regardless of whether the message is positive or negative. The most effective way to indirectly influence your child to control his or her anger is to control your own. In a situation where you are feeling highly stressed, it might be best to say "daddy is getting a little frustrated because the cars are moving so slowly, but let's play 'I Spy' and that will make the time go faster!" rather than honking your horn and making rude gestures at the bumper-to-bumper traffic in front of you. Depending on your own anger levels, it is very important to address how you handle frustrating situations as soon as possible, as your child will notice and will copy the things you do.
   
   
2. Encourage Positive Diffusion. If a child is feeling frustrated and angry about a situation, encourage him or her to leave the things that are making him or her angry so that there is ample time to calm down and assess the situation properly. Whether this means a few minutes of quiet time or a full half-hour of playing in the backyard, your child should learn that sometimes it is better to leave a problem and come back to it when he or she is calm.
   
   
3. Help Them Solve the Problem. Some children respond very well do reason ("I'm sorry, honey, but you can't have that chocolate bar because we are going to have supper soon") and some children do not. Recognize how your child is able to handle your explanation for things she may not enjoy and do your part to eliminate her frustration. Whether your child responds best to the idea of "talking it out" or whether he just needs to be distracted long enough for the issue to disappear, you can directly impact the duration of your child's tempter tantrum by getting involved.
   
   
4. Teach Good Manners. Educate your child about good manners and how being polite and well-behaved will get good things and temper tantrums will only result in bad things (or the absence of good things). Practice at your child's favourite restaurant - reward proper behaviour by having a great, fun family meal and punish improper behaviour by leaving the restaurant if your child acts up. After you have left, be sure to explain to your child that the way she acted was not appropriate and that she would have to behave if she wanted to go to the restaurant next time. This can be used anywhere a child enjoys, whether it is a friend's house or the zoo; encourage positive social behaviour and be sure to discourage negative actions.

Children are often incapable of understanding how they should behave in a situation, which is half of their frustration when things are not going as planned. Encourage your child to "talk out" his or her feelings and play an active role in the development of positive responses. By showing your child how to act and reminding him or her when it is appropriate to behave a certain way, you will help your child develop into a properly-functioning member of society.

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In the article I wrote on How I Spend My Money, I mentioned that a major vice of mine was and is purchasing makeup. Years and years of being susceptible to blatant and not-so-blatant advertising campaigns had left me feeling a little jaded with my makeup collection and I pared it down to an absolute minimum as of the end of September 2007.

Purchasing makeup was a bit of an addiction for me - in September, when I boxed everything up to give to my younger cousins, I had over 30 eyeshadows, a handful of unused nail polish, 6-7 blushes of the same colour and almost 50 lipsticks, glosses, etc. Not exactly categorized as makeup, I also had a variety of hair products that were completely unused. The sad reality is that I didn't use 90% of these products more than once - I actually wear minimal makeup as is!

With the average drugstore item being +/- $8.00, plus higher end product being $20+, the sheer amount of makeup I had amassed was beginning to look like a small investment instead of a beauty product collection. The problem with makeup is that it gives very minimal return - I couldn't sell used products and they did have an expiry date. After spending some time researching the types of toxic or unhealthy ingredients found in common makeup brands, I realized that having these items were not only bad for my wallet but equally bad for my health and they had to go.

Having a smaller makeup collection is a strange sensation for someone used to buying as much as possible, but it has definite perks:

1. Not having to search for unexpired product amongst the masses.
2. A more streamlined application in the morning, saving me time for sleep and other important things.
3. Easy transportation in a smaller makeup bag, whether to work or on vacation.
4. More focus on better-for-you products that benefit my skin and highlight by good points rather than trying to mask any "imperfections".
5. More money saved on product that I don't actually need.

In order to create an ideal makeup bag, I decided on a master list of products that would work for my office, an evening out, and a casual weekend. The products had to be as multi-purpose, compact and good-for-me as possible without causing a huge dent in my bank account.

• Foundation - reading a bazillion fashion magazines has taught me that foundation is one of the most important things to spend money on in regards to your makeup. I agree, to a point - your foundation should provide you with basic, important elements of wearing makeup. A good foundation will have an SPF of at least 15, provide a light and comfortable coverage according to your makeup needs, and be easily transportable with minimal mess. Because of this, I chose a loose mineral powder foundation with no talc (Bare Essentials). The minerals are better for my skin than a load of chemicals and the makeup settles on your face throughout the day, providing a better and more consistent coverage from 9-5. The other great thing about mineral foundation is that it works as a concealer, foundation and powder product in one, meaning your base application is virtually seamless.
  
  
• Blush - a great trick for versatile, realistic and overall fantastic blush coverage is to use two colours; one should be fairly neutral and add a light glow to your face, the other should be a bright shade that allows your cheekbones to really pop. Depending on the type of application, you might use a higher proportion of the neutral shade (day makeup) or the brighter shade (evening makeup). With blush, you can choose from a gel, cream or powder application, and I personally prefer powder with my choice of foundation. Ideally, I would want to use a dual-colour combo for the sake of less packaging and easier colour-matching, but I currently use two individual colours of mineral blush that give the same result with less chemicals - Bare Essentials Blush in Sorbet and Laughter.
  
  
• Eyeshadow - my solution for eyeshadow is to take quantity over quality (and this is one of the few times I advocate this); because I am not looking for bold and stand-out colours, buying cheaper eyeshadow means I can play with different looks and not worry about the financial impact of my purchases. I have purchased a mid-priced "makeup artist" palate of approximately 30 colours ranging from bold to neutral, shimmery to matte. In an ideal world I would find an eco-friendly, organic, natural and well-priced selection of colours, but for the time being I am using something similar to this Cameleon Makeup Kit.
  
  
• Eyeliner - eyeliner is important to me, mainly because it really accentuates the eye and allows me to change my makeup look dramatically with little effort. My criteria for finding a good eyeliner is something that is easy to apply, filled with pigment and requires no sharpening of any pencils. Because of this, I use two waterproof gel liners - a dark brown and a black (both by Bobbi Brown), which I can use to draw on a thick or thin line in a stand-out contrasting colour or something more subtle.
  
  
• Mascara - a high-quality and waterproof mascara is important to me as I wear glasses and cannot deal with smudges and marks from a poor mascara choice. Some people prefer volumizing or lengthening formulas, but my primary concern is finding a waterproof option that does not require harsh rubbing or chemicals to remove. My solution to this is the Blinc Kiss Me mascara in Black, which actually coats your lashes and is removed by gently pulling the little "tubes" off. It also lengthens and volumizes, which covers every mascara need.
  
  
• Lipstick - for me, lipstick is a wasted effort. Rarely can you find a colour that will last and continue to look good while doing so. Because of this, I actually don't have a lipstick, just a simple balm to keep my lips conditioned (similar to the fragrance-free product from Balm Balm). If push came to shove and I needed a bit more colour, I would mash a bit of blush into the balm and smear it on my lips.
  
  
• Really Good Brushes - having a great set of brushes is critical with a smaller makeup collection; it improves the versatility of your products and allows you to get more use from what you actually have. A stiff angled brush can turn an eyeshadow into a eyebrow pigment; a large kabuki blush can help your blush turn you more bronzed and glowing. For me, my brush collection is the largest part of my makeup bag: I have a kabuki, a large blusher, a large rounded eyeshadow, small rounded eyeshadow, very thin eyeliner, stiff flat, stiff angled, mascara wand and a lipliner brush.

There are many great multi-purpose products out there, and as my current collection wears down I might take the opportunity to experiment more. Having only 6 types of makeup (and 8 products in total) has made my life easier and allowed my features to shine through instead of piling on a tonne of product.

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One of the most stressful times in a new parent's life is the moment when he or she needs to leave their baby with a sitter. Many parents become overwhelmed with the anxiety of "what-ifs" and "maybes", a pattern of behaviour that causes unnecessary stress and rarely results with a nice, relaxing afternoon away from the responsibilities of childcare. If you are the parent of a young child who calls ten times a night to "check in", drives back from your destination because you "feel something is wrong" or you spend your entire time away talking about the baby and trying to think of reasons to end your evening early, you might be in need of this advice.

While leaving your child with a sitter can be a daunting and sometimes painful task, there are many great benefits to the process; not only do you have a few spare moments to remember yourself aside from being a parent, but you encourage your child to develop stronger bonds with people outside of his or her nuclear family. In minimizing your stress levels and practicing the below tips, you will be able to enjoy your time away from the home, feeling secure in the fact that your child is in safe and capable hands.

1. Pick the Very Best Sitter. Most parent-anxiety is a result of his or her fear surrounding the sitter - our media seems to love the idea of baby-shaking nannies and party-throwing sitters, when in fact the majority of childcare providers are responsible and very capable of providing loving care for your baby. To eliminate this stressor, pick your sitter very carefully - using personal recommendations and follow through on the person's references (at least two additional sources). If you are particularly anxious, you may request a criminal record check (which usually costs about $20 and can be processed in about a week). Another good option is to invite the sitter into your home for a day in which you will be able to observe his or her behaviour with your child. Be very aware of any subtle problems you witness and do not be afraid of your gut instinct.
   
   
2. Be Prepared. Another point of anxiety for parents is the idea that the house will turn to shambles the minute they close the door. While most sitters are savvy enough to know where food is kept and emergency numbers are listed, you can rest easier knowing that you have pointed everything out to your baby's care provider. During your sitter's first visit, spend a few minutes walking through the home and pointing our important things - where the fuse box is located, your list of emergency numbers next to the phone, your family first aid kit, extra blankets, etc. To give you added security, creating a sitter book will ensure that you have provided your caretaker with all the tools necessary for a safe visit. In your book, you should have copies of your child's medical records and a list of known allergies, a map of the house and important exits, a list of emergency contacts, and any other information you deem important.
   
   
3. Encourage Communication. Be aware of your child's response to your sitter and vice-versa. Also rely on your own instincts and the references provided by your sitter. If there are issues that you feel may present themselves in the future, speak openly and honestly with your sitter as soon as possible. Ensure that your expectations are clear and that the sitter knows how to meet them - essentially, have a list of house rules and do not be afraid to enforce them if necessary. If you are comfortable letting your childcare provider have one or two friends over, explicitly outline the conditions of a visit - only one or two people, no members of the opposite sex, no drinking or smoking, and the house must be left in the same condition it was found.
   
   
4. Set It and Forget It. There is nothing wrong with checking up on your child and his or her sitter once or twice, depending on the duration of your absence. You may also consider coming home earlier than expected or stopping in occasionally (if it does not affect the quality of your time away from home). By doing this, you will encourage the sitter to be on his or her best behaviour and also give you the added security of knowing that your child is safe. The key component of this step is to know when you will be calling or returning home and not worry about it prior to checking in. Enjoy your time away (whether it is for business or pleasure) so that you can see childcare as less of a burden and as more of a tool for a balanced life.

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As I've mentioned many, many times before, my boyfriend and I have recently moved into our first house and are slowly (very slowly) turning it into our first home. For the last year prior to the house close and a good 2-3 months following, 95% of my waking time was spent obsessing over our be