The Way - Ariana Grande feat. Mac Miller

Her voice has been compared to Mariah Carey's and while we can see (or, rather, hear) why, we still think she's got enough vocal talent to stand out on her own merit. Enjoy Grande's catchy tune as you make your way into the long weekend!

 

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

Nature Lover

Brighten up your child's room with a whimsical nature scene using the adorable Skip Hop Treetop Friends Wall Decals. The easy-to-apply vinyl decals (88 in total) can be arranged to create a full tree design (as pictured here), or use the branches, leaves and woodland friends to accent different parts of the room. Best of all, they don't leave a sticky residue so you can peel them on and off and reposition them as often as you'd like.

$20 at chapters.indigo.ca

Gals We Admire: Rosemary Counter

Freelance writer Rosemary Counter loves her job because she gets to produce stories based on her personal interests. Not to mention, she can were her pyjamas all day, but she says being a freelancer can be a lonely business, too. Find out how the talented writer spends her days and why she believes she did, and didn't, have a calling for her profession.

Read more »

Nest Egg Advice

As a small business owner, you know that on top of balancing the books on a monthly and annual basis, another financial goal is to put away enough for when you decide to hang up your working hat for good. Here'a a video from The Globe and Mail's site with some helpful advice from Lee Helkie, partner at Helkie Financial & Insurance Services Inc., and Brendan Charters, co-owner of Eurodale Developments, for small-business owners trying to save for retirement.

Good as Gold

From the makers of the ice cream bars with the signature crack when you bite into it comes a brand new flavour — Magnum Gold?!. The luxuriously sweet treat is made with silky vanilla bean ice cream with a sea salt caramel swirl and dipped in a golden coating made with Belgian milk chocolate. Also available in a mini size for those who want to indulge, but in a smaller serving. We dare say it, the newest ice cream bar from Magnum is as good as gold. 

If you are in Toronto, be sure to visit the Magnum Pleasure Store (11 Bloor Street West, open Mondays to Saturdays from noon to 10:00pm and Sundays from 11:00am to 6:00pm) where you can create your very own custom ice cream bar just like celebs Toronto Maple Leafs player Joffrey Lupul, Chef Mark McEwan, and actor Joe Manganiello. Hurry though — the store is only open until August 30th!

Joffrey Lupul, left winger for the Toronto Maple Leafs, stopped by the Magnum Pleasure Store to make his own custom ice cream bar and meet fans on July 25, 2013.

$6.99 (package of 3) at major grocery stores

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