See? What did I tell ya - I'm horrible at updating my blog.
What's new - Well I've slowed down on the couponing - it's really just taking up WAY too much time. Time for other stuff - Time to ENJOY Life and do what I want.
Business is going well - I love Passion Parties for what it offers me.
Passion Parties or check out my Facebook Page.
Did I ever tell you about any of the communities I'm apart of?
SuperPoints - Click a Button - Redeem for Amazon.ca Gift Cards
Swagbucks - A simple search provider where you collect points for searches - Redeem for Gift Cards (I like doubling up on my Amazon.ca cards)
There's also LikeNet SoftCorp Media Victoria | Web Design, Social Media and More where they offer opportunites for points in which they cash out for Cash. My Refferal Link is Here.
Oh Free Kitchen Apron - https://www.facebook.com/PrestosPizza?sk=app_128953167177144
Wagjag - http://www.wagjag.com/?wid=91c1ef7f872e1abba7e7480ac0dd36a8
I hope you can all take a look and see if any of these are right for you - and don't hesitate to ask me any questions about them.
Happy 4th of July!
xo
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Friday 4 May 2012
TGIF
It's Friday - This week, I don't know...
I can't decide if it went fast or slow - all I DO know is that Monday seems so far away.
Everyone have a Great weekend! Be Safe
xo
Wednesday 2 May 2012
*Rant* The Coupon Life...
**RANT WARNING**
...This post is in no way directed at anyone in particular, but it will definitely be a bit of a rant...
If you'd like to ask couponing questions I will answer as best as I can!
Extreme Couponers in Canada?
So many of my friends say, well you can't coupon like they do on the TV Show Extreme Couponing. And for the most part that is DEFINITELY true. (no questions asked) However there are some people who take advantage, abuse and cheat companies/stores out of money and products. These same people then go on to 'brag' or display their shops on Public Forums, whether it be Facebook, Twitter or their Personal Online Blog. They will also SELL their services for collecting/stealing mass amounts of coupons or "teaching people HOW to coupon".
Really? Don't you get Coupons, and take them to the store to purchase the corresponding items?
OH You mean, TEACH people how to "take advantage, abuse and cheat companies/stores out of money and products"
Now lets roll back the clock.
A friend of mine, was expecting her first baby and was looking at costs of Diapers, Food, Toiletries and all the other day-to-day necessities, and well, it simply added up. Found couponing and in no time had built a stock pile of diapers, toilet paper and toiletries to last her probably about 6 months. The money she saved doing so was amazing...a few thousand dollars saved in probably 3 months time. I was amazed, thought WOW that's impressive. Then started thinking. I'm single w/ two cats, WHY do I need to stock pile that much, I don't need to coupon, I don't need this stuff. She slowly started to teach me some tricks & trades and bam - I was Hooked.
I don't not have huge stockpiles of items, but don't get me wrong I love my coupons, and love shopping for those great specials and deals.
My Rules:
...This post is in no way directed at anyone in particular, but it will definitely be a bit of a rant...
If you'd like to ask couponing questions I will answer as best as I can!
Extreme Couponers in Canada?
So many of my friends say, well you can't coupon like they do on the TV Show Extreme Couponing. And for the most part that is DEFINITELY true. (no questions asked) However there are some people who take advantage, abuse and cheat companies/stores out of money and products. These same people then go on to 'brag' or display their shops on Public Forums, whether it be Facebook, Twitter or their Personal Online Blog. They will also SELL their services for collecting/stealing mass amounts of coupons or "teaching people HOW to coupon".
Really? Don't you get Coupons, and take them to the store to purchase the corresponding items?
OH You mean, TEACH people how to "take advantage, abuse and cheat companies/stores out of money and products"
 |
| Some of my Better Shops All this for Approx $50 |
A friend of mine, was expecting her first baby and was looking at costs of Diapers, Food, Toiletries and all the other day-to-day necessities, and well, it simply added up. Found couponing and in no time had built a stock pile of diapers, toilet paper and toiletries to last her probably about 6 months. The money she saved doing so was amazing...a few thousand dollars saved in probably 3 months time. I was amazed, thought WOW that's impressive. Then started thinking. I'm single w/ two cats, WHY do I need to stock pile that much, I don't need to coupon, I don't need this stuff. She slowly started to teach me some tricks & trades and bam - I was Hooked.
I don't not have huge stockpiles of items, but don't get me wrong I love my coupons, and love shopping for those great specials and deals.
 |
| This was another Successful Shop All this for Approx $40 |
My Rules:
- Be Generous - If I don't need the item, but have coupons & see a deal I will help out others. Or even "Coupon Fairy" - What's that? Leave a Coupon next to an item at the store.
- Don't be competitive - Really? I'm not going to horde a deal/coupon or special. It's not HOW many toothbrushes you have, or How much did you save on an item. If I see a deal, I will purchase, if someone saved more money than I did, or didn't save as much. Oh well.
- Follow the Rules - A savings is a savings. This could be $1 off an Item or $10 off an item. Some Stores allow "stacking" (use of more than one coupon) but if your store doesn't - don't FIGHT over it. Yes, companies are changing the wording on the coupons to prevent this, however, if your store says no, don't have a cow. Maybe find a store that will allow you do stack or take one coupon and still save money.
- Kind of like a Buffet - Take what you Need, Use what you take - Coveted Coupons. Some coupons don't restrict on size of an item, so you can buy a small bottle (travel size) and possible make some money on the item, or pay a very small amount (taxes). But don't take a whole stack of coupons in order to gain from them. Holding coupons as ransom is a little ridiculous.
- If you miss a deal/special/give-away - DON'T whine & complain about it. Oh well, move on. The companies don't have to give away freebies.
Don't get me wrong - I'm not anti-couponing. I'm anti-greedy/whiney couponers.
I have a little stock-pile of my products that I use on regular basis, some products I definitely did get for Free/or Just paid the Tax on. I am open to reasonable offers for Trades but try and scam me? Oh Karma's a Bitch and she'll look after you and your couponing!
Being an Admin of some Facebook Couponing Groups definitely offers up some daily challenges. Pretty simple
- Read the Information provided before asking questions.
- Read the Rules we have in place to protect out members.
- If you don't follow the rules - you'll get the boot - no explanation needed.
Thank you for my Rant -
Have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY
May post again later to ensure positivity!
xo
Ashleigh
Wednesday 25 April 2012
Travels to the Island
Well, where to start. (See? Told you I'm not that good at this stuff)
On Thursday I took a 1/2 day at work and traveled over to Victoria - this was mainly a pleasure (mini-vacation) trip. It was perfect, just what I needed. I arrived in Victoria to find out that Gas is about $0.10 cents cheaper than in Surrey/Delta. So, Filled up Roxy, and continued on with my journeys.
Now for those that may not know, I actually grew-up in Victoria (Age 2-12). So staying at my childhood home for the weekend was a little strange, but not TOO bad. I was actually going to move back about 6 or 7 years ago, so this trip was to also bring back/organize the stuff I had left there.
A Couple Key Points:
While I was driving around Victoria I decided to drive up to the top of Mount Tolmie Park, I have so many memories from Running/Walking up it as a kid for Cross Country and Riding/walking my Bike up it with friends on the weekends to Those nights when I was older and we'd drive up to the top when there were Meteor Showers. Now see Mount Tolmie for any of you that do not know Victoria, is not THAT tall, it's just one of those 'landmarks' that we all know, and has a nice view of Victoria. Also fun to watch all the traffic from since it's not very high up, you can see almost everything.
2 Thumbs Up - Blue Fox Cafe (919 Fort St, Victoria)
**Side Bar** PicMix - It's an App I found on my Blackberry - I was always jealous of my friends with iPhones for their Instagram or other Photo Apps in which you could make collage pictures. PicMix is a decent app - has some nice layout options, but SO slow. As us Blackberry people know - our Photo Albums can be a bit odd, and we may not always have them organised into different folders, so scrolling through all your camera pictures can definitely take some time, and in doing so does drain the battery faster. BUT All-in-All - I Love PicMix and would recommend it to anyone.
Saturday Morning I traveled up island to Countenay - This was to visit a friend and meet my birth father. The drive up was lovely. Sunny & Warm but still a bit chilly to take the roof off Roxy. But there were many points in the drive where the windows were down. Once I reached the Island Highway, just North of Nanaimo, that's when it HIT - ALL The Bugs when you're travelling at 110km/hr - They don't have a chance against the front of the Jeep & the Windshield. There were a few fatalities along the route, but thank goodness it was only the 6-legged insects and not the 4-legged wildlife that the caution signs kept warning me about.
So I got to visit with my friend and her two boys - Man - Boys grow up fast. I hadn't seen them in 4 yrs or so, and they went from the fun-loving little terrors to the "Almost" Teenagers, "Too Cool" to give Aunty a hug. Sheesh. We went up to Campbell River for a quick visit at a Birthday Party and then Back down to Courtenay.
I went for dinner to meet my Birth Father - it was a wonderful experience. There was the nervous/anxious waiting for my Birth Father to arrive, and then he showed up, and it was actually really cool. It was really neat to have a conversation with someone you've never met, but they are so similar and have similar likes as you. Apparently I look a little like his sisters. I also got to find out more about his family and that I have a couple 1/2 siblings and hope to meet them this summer at some point.
Sunday morning I traveled home from Nanaimo and that brings us to the Work Week. I have some Coupons to go through and some FPC (Free Product Coupons) to use, so expect some product reviews soon.
What's Up for this week:
On Thursday I took a 1/2 day at work and traveled over to Victoria - this was mainly a pleasure (mini-vacation) trip. It was perfect, just what I needed. I arrived in Victoria to find out that Gas is about $0.10 cents cheaper than in Surrey/Delta. So, Filled up Roxy, and continued on with my journeys.
Now for those that may not know, I actually grew-up in Victoria (Age 2-12). So staying at my childhood home for the weekend was a little strange, but not TOO bad. I was actually going to move back about 6 or 7 years ago, so this trip was to also bring back/organize the stuff I had left there.
 |
| Quite the Selection |
- Lets just say, LOTS of clothes to Donation
- Not a whole heck of a lot has changed on the street I grew up on in 17 years
- When I was 7yrs old and chose my Wall Paper? WHAT was I thinking?
- Victoria is all still pretty laid back, but trying to grow.
Well Victoria was wonderful. Wasn't quite sure what to do on the Rainy Thursday afternoon, so I went for a drive since I hadn't been down and around town in years. I drove through Beacon Hill Park, which my dad and I used to ride our bikes through every weekend. Hasn't changed much, but it was nice to relive some memories. Had to take a couple pictures along the way.
I spent a great night catching up with a good friend I met back when I worked for Disney in Florida, Sass. I hadn't visited with her in about 2 years. So much to catch up on it was nice. On the Friday, we took Roxy up to Sooke Potholes - Was a fun little adventure.
*Back track* Friday Morning, I met up with a friend from Elementary School who was living on the Mainland (and we had lost touch) but connect again when I visit the Island. We went for Breakfast to a sweet little Cafe on Fort St. The Blue Fox Cafe - Was VERY tasty breakfast. It seemed they were using fresh local ingredients and had a few selections of jams. Neither of us complained so the food must have been good. Service was a bit slow but as my friend mentioned, they are ALWAYS busy.
 |
| A little Self Portrait on Mt. Tolmie |
**Side Bar** PicMix - It's an App I found on my Blackberry - I was always jealous of my friends with iPhones for their Instagram or other Photo Apps in which you could make collage pictures. PicMix is a decent app - has some nice layout options, but SO slow. As us Blackberry people know - our Photo Albums can be a bit odd, and we may not always have them organised into different folders, so scrolling through all your camera pictures can definitely take some time, and in doing so does drain the battery faster. BUT All-in-All - I Love PicMix and would recommend it to anyone.
4 Stars - PicMix on Blackberry
Back to your Scheduled Blogging...
 |
| Cuddles w/ Jaxx - The Boston Terrier who's not "Too Cool" for Hugs & Cuddles. |
So I got to visit with my friend and her two boys - Man - Boys grow up fast. I hadn't seen them in 4 yrs or so, and they went from the fun-loving little terrors to the "Almost" Teenagers, "Too Cool" to give Aunty a hug. Sheesh. We went up to Campbell River for a quick visit at a Birthday Party and then Back down to Courtenay.
I went for dinner to meet my Birth Father - it was a wonderful experience. There was the nervous/anxious waiting for my Birth Father to arrive, and then he showed up, and it was actually really cool. It was really neat to have a conversation with someone you've never met, but they are so similar and have similar likes as you. Apparently I look a little like his sisters. I also got to find out more about his family and that I have a couple 1/2 siblings and hope to meet them this summer at some point.
Sunday morning I traveled home from Nanaimo and that brings us to the Work Week. I have some Coupons to go through and some FPC (Free Product Coupons) to use, so expect some product reviews soon.
What's Up for this week:
- Aquafit
- BellyDance Workshop
- Maybe some Beach Action this weekend (if this rain goes away)
Until Later:
Take Care of Yourself - You Create your own Destiny!
Monday 16 April 2012
Marvelous Monday - 1/2 way through April...
 |
| Picture from Therapy Horses of Gentle Carousel |
I have gone back to my original resolution of 2012 - Zero Negativity. After a set back at the beginning of the year - I have come up with the realization that the only person to make me happy, is me. So time to put all the negativity behind me, Stand Strong & Move on. The classic, most popular saying right now - Keep Calm & Carry On!
You always have to take the positives, don't dwell on the negative.
**Want to see more adorable photos of these special friends visit http://www.horse-therapy.org/ or their Facebook Page
*~*
A recap of my weekend?
Friday April 13 - To think that Friday the 13th is a 'bad luck' day - see above. Zero Negativity.
Overall my day was great - nothing horrible happened, I didn't see any black cats, or break any mirrors. I actually went to the Abbotsford Heat Game on Friday - It was a good one - The Heat beat the Marlies (Toronto) 3-0. We kept joking that - At least their Farm teams can make the Playoffs!
The other bonus to Friday's Game? Loonie-Toonie Night - What does that mean? $1 Hot Dogs, $2 Beers...Now...Have a Gluten Allergy - this does NOT work for me, so I paid full price for my snacks, but the friends I went with were able to enjoy a cheap night.
Onto Saturday - I had won two passes to the Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Fan Jam through 93.7-JRFM and too my good friend D. We had a blast - Private Acoustic mini-performance w/ photos & autographs after was a great way to spend a Saturday Afternoon. The Stella's also stopped by, to perform a few songs, so that was cool too.After the two performances were over, we drove back towards D's house, and a persuaded her (twist the rubber arm of two kids @ heart) to agree to stop at Metrotown Mall, and take a look at the Disney Store. Funny enough ran into two other people at the Mall that I knew, so All in All was a good adventure. We then went back to Coquitlam and went to a movie - We chose Mirror Mirror. It was very good, a little different, but has a great cast, and a nice adaptation of the typical Snow White Story.
Sunday, April 15. Back to the Abbotsford Heat - Was their last Regular Season Game. Against the Toronto Marlies Again. This game was WAY more intense; more scoring, more action & more fighting. I decided to make it Caesar Sunday @ the hockey game...why not, right? For Fan Appreciation 'Night' <Games started at 1pm so was 'Day'> the Heat won their final regular season game in overtime, 5-4. Onto the playoffs - Calder Cup 2012.
After the game, I was fortunate enough to go downtown to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to see my Second most favourite Musical <for the first time in person>. I have wanted to see CATS since I was about 6yrs old. There was always something that wouldn't allow for it at the time, so 23yrs later I was able to see it.
CATS - It was amazing and all that I had hoped/expected. I remember going to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables & Beauty & the Beast - and it was such an honour & experience to go to the Theatre all dressed up & you didn't chat or talk through the performance. HOW times have changed. I saw those "traditional" attendees, dressed up, and respecting those around them, and then their was the ones who were "semi-traditional" by respecting those around them & respecting the theatre.
Now onto those who wore the jeans, torn in the bum area with their boxer shorts showing, Or how about those in the sweat track suit & runners. How about the little girl 'meowing' constantly behind me, or the 'super-fans' saying "Oh, it's Jennyanydots" "Oh, it's <this part>" "I never liked this part". There were those candy guests too - you now the ones that crinkle the candy wrapper for a good 10 minutes?
All I can say is I'm glad I was able to tune them out for MOST of the Show, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
*~*
Bring on Monday - It's a New Week, I am going to re-organize my coupons and get those organized again. I'm also going to get some Passion Party gift packs ready and do a Mini-Party/get some sales going. Need to boost that business.
I'm off to Victoria & Courtenay this week so will have lots to update there well. I hope you all have a great week.
B+ <Be Positive> - No one likes it with Negative Nancy forgets her Positive Panties.
Until Later -
xo
Friday 13 April 2012
A Little Introduction...
Well since my post this morning, I've been thinking - What should I be writing about in a blog? Where do I begin?
I figured an introduction, of who I am, and what I'm about would be a good start.
Topliss Life - well that make me seem like I'm a bit of an exhibitionist. It's not intended that way - it's the fun play on words, to which is my Last Name "Topliss". Yes, growing up a girl, with the last name 'like that' was fun, but also challenging every once in a while.
I'm truly a kid at heart - I love ALL things Disney. Even working @ Walt Disney World for 5 months back in 2007. That was an experience! Fun & the Not-so Fun. But the best part of that experience, are the friendships that were made.
I have two cats - Phantom (Black & White) and Princess (White & Tabby) - They are my fur-babies. They were never really 'wanted', but I wouldn't have it any other way. They have been there for me when no one else has.
I have a love for the Country Lifestyle - From the Fashion to Music to Living & Farming. If I could live anywhere in the World it would be Nashville, TN. That city is my center for all things country. It was definitely the city which took me from enjoying country music to LOVING country music. I haven't been back for 13yrs but I will be going back soon (Summer 2013).
I was adopted, as a baby, by a wonderful family who I call "Moma Bear & Popa Bear". They are amazing and have provided and given me a wonderful life. Always in the back of my mind wondering where my birth parents were or who they are. Did I have half-siblings? THAT was the huge question... But then it was always the "What if's..." that stopped me from following through with the finding of my Birth Parents.
Well thanks to Facebook - I was contacted one day by my Birth Mom - We've chatted almost every day since...(we do have 29 yrs to catch up on) All is good, planning on meeting in person this Summer and in addition, I've planned a meet-up with my Birth Father as well.
Will keep you all posted on those!
So what else to introduce to you -
ROXY - How could I forget Roxy? She is my newest addition to my little Family. February of this year, I purchased a New 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sport. Need a New or "New to You" Vehicle, Go see Yanni @ Jim Pattison Chrysler (North Surrey Auto Mall) - I LOVE HER.
I also love Penguins - How could I forget this piece of information as well? Well I do.
For the passed 2-1/2 years I have also been as Passion Parties Consultant - Yes, I sell "Adult Toys". But Passion Parties is WAY more than Bedroom Toys - They have RomantaTherapy which is a whole Bath & Body Line with Three (3) Amazing Scents - Plumeria - The Hawaiian Flower they make those beautifully smelling Leis out of. Did you know it has natural pheromones in it? Two other scents are Coconut Lemongrass (SUPER Tropical & Amazing) and Pomegranate Ginger (Sweet & Crisp). All products can be purchased online or in person one-on-one. You can make it a great addition to any Girls Night In and host an in-home Party - Prizes, Games & Giggles for ALL (Over 18 of course). For more information please visit http://forthelove.yourpassionconsultant.com.
That is all for now - I have a super busy weekend planned so stay tuned for Monday's Update - and If I have a minute or two I'll try and update over the weekend.
xo
ToplissPrincess
I figured an introduction, of who I am, and what I'm about would be a good start.
 |
| WDW 2007 |
I'm truly a kid at heart - I love ALL things Disney. Even working @ Walt Disney World for 5 months back in 2007. That was an experience! Fun & the Not-so Fun. But the best part of that experience, are the friendships that were made.
I have two cats - Phantom (Black & White) and Princess (White & Tabby) - They are my fur-babies. They were never really 'wanted', but I wouldn't have it any other way. They have been there for me when no one else has.
 |
| Phantom - He's not as Scary as this picture leads. |
I have a love for the Country Lifestyle - From the Fashion to Music to Living & Farming. If I could live anywhere in the World it would be Nashville, TN. That city is my center for all things country. It was definitely the city which took me from enjoying country music to LOVING country music. I haven't been back for 13yrs but I will be going back soon (Summer 2013).
I was adopted, as a baby, by a wonderful family who I call "Moma Bear & Popa Bear". They are amazing and have provided and given me a wonderful life. Always in the back of my mind wondering where my birth parents were or who they are. Did I have half-siblings? THAT was the huge question... But then it was always the "What if's..." that stopped me from following through with the finding of my Birth Parents.
Well thanks to Facebook - I was contacted one day by my Birth Mom - We've chatted almost every day since...(we do have 29 yrs to catch up on) All is good, planning on meeting in person this Summer and in addition, I've planned a meet-up with my Birth Father as well.
Will keep you all posted on those!
So what else to introduce to you -
 |
| Roxy 2012 |
I also love Penguins - How could I forget this piece of information as well? Well I do.
For the passed 2-1/2 years I have also been as Passion Parties Consultant - Yes, I sell "Adult Toys". But Passion Parties is WAY more than Bedroom Toys - They have RomantaTherapy which is a whole Bath & Body Line with Three (3) Amazing Scents - Plumeria - The Hawaiian Flower they make those beautifully smelling Leis out of. Did you know it has natural pheromones in it? Two other scents are Coconut Lemongrass (SUPER Tropical & Amazing) and Pomegranate Ginger (Sweet & Crisp). All products can be purchased online or in person one-on-one. You can make it a great addition to any Girls Night In and host an in-home Party - Prizes, Games & Giggles for ALL (Over 18 of course). For more information please visit http://forthelove.yourpassionconsultant.com.
That is all for now - I have a super busy weekend planned so stay tuned for Monday's Update - and If I have a minute or two I'll try and update over the weekend.
xo
ToplissPrincess
Off to a Blogging Start...
Don't hold me to this - I am horrible at updating things if it's not Facebook or Twitter
What do I Blog about? What to keep updated on? I'm not sure yet. It's going to be a little personal adventures, product reviews & rants - My personal public vent.
If you don't like it? Don't read it - If you don't have anything nice to say? Keep it to yourself.
*~*~*~*
Where did the idea to blog come from?
I met a bunch of wonderful ladies (& a few gentlemen) at the Entrepreneur Mom Now Vancouver Launch - and so many were online bloggers with so many different areas of interest. Being a Mom, Product Reviews, Health and so much more.
I figured why not attempt to create my own blog - it will start as a bit of everything and as (or if) I move forward I may streamline to one topic or two.
**~**
Highlights from Tuesday
* Photos from the @emomnowvan Launch Party
* Starstruck
After about a 8 months of Tweeting, I finally met @CodiePrevost. It was an awesome experience. He's so down to earth, personable and friendly - A true artist who loves performing for his fans.
Thanks to Lori & Raj for the invite & fun night!
Stay Tuned - More to come...
What do I Blog about? What to keep updated on? I'm not sure yet. It's going to be a little personal adventures, product reviews & rants - My personal public vent.
If you don't like it? Don't read it - If you don't have anything nice to say? Keep it to yourself.
*~*~*~*
Where did the idea to blog come from?
 |
| Nicole, EMomNowVan Codie Prevost, 2011 CCMA Rising Star Photography, Jessica Rae Photography |
I met a bunch of wonderful ladies (& a few gentlemen) at the Entrepreneur Mom Now Vancouver Launch - and so many were online bloggers with so many different areas of interest. Being a Mom, Product Reviews, Health and so much more.
I figured why not attempt to create my own blog - it will start as a bit of everything and as (or if) I move forward I may streamline to one topic or two.
**~**
Highlights from Tuesday
* Photos from the @emomnowvan Launch Party
After about a 8 months of Tweeting, I finally met @CodiePrevost. It was an awesome experience. He's so down to earth, personable and friendly - A true artist who loves performing for his fans.
Thanks to Lori & Raj for the invite & fun night!
Stay Tuned - More to come...
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