Quips: Measuring up

Yesterday, BabyBear had a check up with our pediatrician and there was a lot of measuring. Dr. Star stretched a tape measure along my daughter's squirming body with laughable precision. The kid was plunked stark naked onto a cold scale, declared to be 20 pounds even, and cajoled for reaching the 95% percentile. (And I thought bathing suit shopping was humiliating.)

When the doctor measured the circumference of BB's noggin, I couldn't help but laugh. It's true that an excessive measure would indicate the build up of fluid around the blood-brain barrier. 

That's all well and good, but most practical moms don't need to know where their kids' heads rank. 

I would much rather know if my daughter's feet are of average size. At least then I would know whether the 6-12 month silver ballet flats that I bought for her Christmas dress are going to fit in a month's time.

Deals: Guess, Aeropostale, American Eagle and Porter Airlines

Yeesh, retailers sure are doing what they can in this downturn:

Guess Canada Factory Store sale (30% off the entire store on Fri Nov 28)

Aeropostale Canada sale (50% off everything, excluding fragrances and clearance)

American Eagle Canada online sale (free shipping and 25% entire order on Thu Nov 27)

And in the travel space, Porter Airlines is offering 20% off flights this winter.

And with all that money you save, you could splash out on the Puj baby bath tub. A great idea at $20, but $99?

Tips: Have a pleasant day

I am currently working through my own 12-step programme to clean up my language. BabyBear doesn't give a flying...um...flip what I say right now, but she's bound to catch on soon.

Two tips to curb your cursing:

1. Rather than swearing at inconsiderate, reckless drivers, wish them "a pleasant day". For some reason, saying "Have a pleasant day" with a smile on my face is almost as satisfying my old methods.

2. Substitute with new expressions. I'm really fond of saying "mother of pearl" right now.

What do you do to keep the cursing at bay?

Deals: Save some cash this week

In case this economic downer has left you pinching pennies, here are a few bargoons to lift your mood.

Marks Work Wearhouse friends and family sale (20% off on Sat Nov 29)

SportChek friends and family sale (25% off on Wed Nov 26 and Thu Nov 27)

American Eagle coupon ($5 off through Tue Nov 25)

Sears Canada online toy sale (25% off)

Flyers  and coupons here and here for this week's groceries

And if anyone is looking for cozy winter outerwear for an infant, may I point your attention to the Bay. BabyBear's MEC snowsuit is enormous on her, so we've been searching for something smaller (and did I mention cheap?). Once Upon A Child had nothing (the clerk looked at me as if to say "A snowsuit in late November? Good luck with that"). The Bay at Yorkdale had scads of thick, warm bunting bags for $35.

Do you have any good deals to share?

Meals: Don't judge me because I meal plan

A bunch of my friends think I'm a bit of a nut-case in the kitchen. Or maybe they are surprised by the dichotomy of my perspectives on structured finance and meal planning.

Whatever. Take me as I am. And if you accept me, you must accept my love of slow cooker goodness. 

To illustrate the power of the Crock Pot, please allow me to share our meal plan for this week. 

As you will see, the crock will be simmering something on my counter every day. Every single day.

Monday: Leftovers

Tuesday: Creamy white bean and apple chili, bread machine challah

Wednesday: Parmesan tilapia, couscous, green beans

Thursday: Crock pot turkey breast and stuffing, cranberry sauce, and carrots

Friday: Something from the freezer (that's where slow cooked leftovers lie in wait)

Saturday: Crockpot cassoulet (with something other than lima beans, because they are just wrong), green salad

Sunday: Coconut crusted salmon, pecan topped sweet potatoes, a green veggie that will make itself known once I see what is on special this week

If you like the idea of meal planning, but don't have more than 2 seconds for the task, consider RelishRelish. Each week, the site offers 15 menus from which subscribers choose 5. At the push of a button, recipes print, followed by a complete grocery list. The meals are healthy, simple, and easy. Plus, each week there is at least one slow cooker recipe available for a crockin' good time.

Do you have any good meals in the works?