Buy Rush tickets for the Canadian rock band’s June 30, 2011 Vancouver show – ahead of the crowd – beginning Tuesday February 1 at 10am – if you are an American Express Cardmember. (Apologies to fanboys for running this old photo, but really, how could anyone resist??) Details for Amex Card holders here.
Buy Rush Tickets for Vancouver Rogers Centre
Wondering how to cut your energy bill this winter? The US based AARP magazine has a few conservative suggestions, which are simple, good advice.
1. Plug wall openings
About 15% of air in the average home escapes through wall openings, an inconvenience that can be remedied by spraying insulating foam sealant around holes that lead to the outside and caulking any small openings, including your baseboards and steps. Pretend your house is a submarine and seal that sucker up tight!!! This quick trick can save you as much as $150.
2. Weatherize windows and doors
Control drafts by sealing small leaks around windows and doors with acrylic caulk to put $200 back in your pocket.
3. Update your thermostat
Did you know that replacing your thermostat can slash your heating and cooling bills by 20%? Purchase a programmable thermostat to control your bills and your bank account.
4. Blanket your water heater
By insulating hot water pipes with foam sleeves, you can increase tap temperatures 2 to 4 degrees and save up to $200 a year.
5. Seal and wrap ductwork
Eliminate unnecessary air leaks by sealing basement, attic and furnace ducts with mastic (a waterproof, flexible sealant); this simple project can increase your savings by $400.
6. Dress the Hearth
Though fires burn warm for the moment, the flames remove warm air from the house and send it up the chimney, increasing heating costs by about 10%. Purchase a glass screen or heat exchanger to reduce heat loss and put $200 back in your wallet.
Try this blueberry pie recipe in the winter, using the surprisingly tasty imported blueberries that turn up – often on sale.
blueberry pie
Why not send your kid to Circus Camp this March Break? Located in Toronto’s east end, Centre of Gravity has been offering wonderful outside-the-box programming for kids and adults for several years and has its March Break program for 2011 ready to roll.
March Break Circus Camp in Toronto
This lego camera for kids actually works – and comes apart, Lego style.
Record summer memories on this totally-functional 3 megapixel digital camera, built out of colourful LEGO bricks. Best part? It’s real LEGO. So it can actually be built into your kids’ existing LEGO structures. The camera’s got an integrated flash and all photos can be dowloaded via USB cable. Available at Amazon.com
Buy a poncho for your kid online! Your sweetpea will be cozy and dry this spring in a cuddly Canadian made poncho.
Buy Ponchos Online - Made in Canada Popos Ponchos
It’s not too late to see the Nutcracker in Toronto at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Performances go throughout the holidays until January 2, 2011. Probably perfect for kids aged 4 and up, though dids as young as 3 years old will enjoy the spectacle. (Note: It is a little long for really young ones. Still, I took my very high-spirited 3 year old daughter – read, she doesn’t like to sit still – and we nearly made it to the end.)
Best Availability December 28 – January 2. Some tickets still available for December 22 – 24.
Buy Tickets for the Nutcracker in Toronto:
Online at NationalBallet.ca or call 416 345 9595 or toll-free 1 866 345 9595
Nutcracker in Toronto
When the weather outside is frightful, keep warm with these traditional Christmas flavors.
Hot Toddy with Cider and Tequila
Christmas Drinks - Tequila Martini
Diamonds that are mined, cut and polished in Canada are sold as Canadian diamonds. Often marketed as conflict-free diamonds, these precious gems may be emblazoned with a polar bear motif of authenticity.