Think Small, Save Big

In For autos and homes, think small for big purchases (The Globe and Mail, July 15, 2013) personal finance columnist Rob Carrick makes the case for downgrading your buying expectations. Carrick recommends the Think Small philosophy, say forgoing the four-bedroom, two-storey house with a big backyard for a a three-bedroom bungalow. Other home purchasing options include renting, buying a condo instead of a house, living in the suburbs or countryside, or buying a house with rental income potential.

The article also mentions he expense of putting on a wedding (according to a recent Bank of Montreal survey, engaged couples are expected to spend an average of $14,281 on their wedding expenses in the next five years).

As Carrick says, "the Think Small philosophy of spending is freeing, though. It helps you get married without wedding debts to contend with, it steers you toward a sensible car and it just might solve your housing affordability problems." We couldn't agree more.

Click here to read the entire article or copy and paste this link into your Web browser:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/for-autos-and-homes-think-small-for-big-purchases/article13235210/

Travel Bliss

Travelling for business is an experience that we try to make as comfortable as possible for ourselves. Whether on a plane or taking a train, we don't leave home without three Bucky travel essentials—the Compact Neck Pillow, Comfort Slippers, and 40 Blinks Sleep Mask. Available in a variety of colours and pretty patterns (we're partial to the lacy leaf design shown here), not only will you be travelling in comfort but in style, too.

Compact Neck Pillow ($19.95), Comfort Slippers with Travel Case ($24.95), 40 Blinks Sleep Mask ($12.95)
All prices in USD and all items sold separately at bucky.com

Canadian Caffeine

There's nothing like a caffeine jolt to get our Monday started. As Starbucks fans, we are loving the coffee company's new True North Blend, a mellow and soft blonde roast coffee. Formerly known as the Veranda Blend, the blonde roast coffee has recently been given a new name in honour of coffee-drinkers all across our beautiful country. The blend of Latin American beans has delicate nuances of soft cocoa and lightly toasted nuts—it's so smooth tasting that we're sure Canucks from coast to coast are sipping it up with delight from coast to coast.

$15.95 (1 lb) at starbucksstore.ca or at your local Starbucks

Clarity - Zedd feat. Foxes

Here's our favourite dance track of the moment: Clarity by Zedd featuring Foxes. We're loving the beat and blaring it in the car with the windows down is definitely what we'll be doing over the weekend.

Have a great weekend, ladies, and see you on Monday!

Gals We Admire: Alyssa Kerbel

Founder of eco-friendly clothing line minimioche, Alyssa Kerbel started her company in 2008 after giving birth to her first child and realizing how difficult it was to find great baby basics without ugly patterns or graphics splashed across the front. A foundation of the company is ensuring that each and every piece of mini mioche is designed and manufactured in Canada. Find out more about this career gal whose got a keen sense of fashion for babies.

Read more »

Movie Worth Watching: The Fifth Estate

Here's something to look forward to once the fall arrives - an exciting based-on-true-events drama from DreamWorks Studio. The Fifth Estate focuses on the friendship of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual spokesperson of the website Daniel Domscheit-Berg. The growth and popularity of WikiLeaks leads to a huge divide between the two friends, who are played by current "It" guy Benedict Cumberbatch (as Assange) and Daniel Brühl (as Domscheit-Berg). The film also stars Laura Linney and Stanley Tucci. A strong cast and riveting true story are always a winning combo for a great drama - don't miss it!

Watch the official The Fifth Estate trailer here: 

The Fifth Estate hits theatres everywhere on October 11th.