If all it takes are sad eyes, a quirky expression, and a wet nose to melt the hearts of animal lovers. Then why not apply that same ad to my job hunting. What have I got to lose? Well, here goes nothing.
Attention potential future parents (a.k.a. potential employers). Female Golden Retriever (I mean writer), whose absence from the dog park (I believe that's work force in human terms) tending to family obligations, but is back and better than ever. She's well behaved, housebroken (that goes for offices too), and graduated top dog in her obedience class (Journalism that is - yup, this puppy can write!) and she's got a lovely disposition.
This long brown-haired (yet, hypo-allergenic) girl is approximately 6 years-old (in pooch years that is) but has plenty of spunk left in her, is well adjusted, professional (there goes those people words again), and has an outgoing personality. Oh and she's up-to-date on all shots too!
She gets along well with others (of the 2 and 4 legged kind) which includes cats and small children (and big kids at heart). Goldie is willing to be re-trained (as the new canine on the block), and does not suffer from any separation anxiety. Yes, our girl can be left alone for long periods of time without supervision and you'll still find your home (or office) looking spotless. But she also works well with others too. And won't object to a good pat on the back from time to time for a job well done. She promises not to jump up on the furniture either.
The barking is minimal to none, but will only when necessary. She does well in a home (and office) environment, loves to go for long walks (sans leash of course) but does not like crates. Hey, you wouldn't want a crate either!
So if you're looking for a sweet, energetic and talented pup. Who would be a welcome addition to any home (and office), then look no further. Here's your girl! And as an added bonus we'll waive the adoption fee (just this once). Now that's an offer you can't refuse!
*Insert sad puppy dog eyes here*
Well, is it working yet? If this ad has peeked your interest (or if you have any further questions) don't hesitate to post a comment below or in the chat box to the right of your screen. I just want to go home! (and get to work!) Thanks!
Read more on this article...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
"WILLIE'S PREDICTION: EARLY SPRING!"
Although it may appear bleak for Torontonians looking out their windows this morning. Things are about to look up in the not too distant future. Our resident, furry, albino rodent, Wiarton Willie (with the help of this monster winter storm), didn't see his shadow.
So there you have it, something to smile about when you're knee deep in snow, waiting for your flight to be rescheduled, or doing 10km an hour behind a snow plow on your way to work. It even makes frigid temperatures and salt stained pants bearable. Yes folks, things are definitely looking up! Read more on this article...
So there you have it, something to smile about when you're knee deep in snow, waiting for your flight to be rescheduled, or doing 10km an hour behind a snow plow on your way to work. It even makes frigid temperatures and salt stained pants bearable. Yes folks, things are definitely looking up! Read more on this article...
Thursday, January 27, 2011
"IN MEMORIUM: MOM, A ROSE LIKE NO OTHER"
Tiny droplets of water fill my lower lid. The view before me has become blurry and distorted as darkened silhouettes fill the room making it appear unfamiliar to me, but it shouldn't. This is my home. A place where I spent my childhood and now all the joy and happiness it gave me all those years had disappeared in an instant.
Finally, as if teetering on the edge of a steep cliff a tear breaks free making its way down my face leaving a narrow stream of glistening water in its path leading directly to my lips. The saltiness absorbed by my taste buds as my tongue wipes the traces of it away never to be seen again. Another tear barrels down my face taking another path unlike the previous one. It lands on my favourite black turtleneck erasing all evidence of what bears in the heart. The sorrow, shock and anger has consumed every inch of me that I sit in disbelief at this sudden turn of life changing events.
In December 2009, I suffered an enormous loss. My dear mother, Rose, whom was my rock, my best friend and my partner in crime, passed away suddenly and I have been grieving ever since. Scenes like the one above are none too familiar to me since crying had become a pastime. I couldn't go through a day without shedding a tear the last year. The fear of being alone in a big empty house scared the life out of me. We'd lost my dad in March of 2005 to cancer and now this. I was still grieving his loss and now hers? I felt a constant numbness, confusion and above all abandonment. How could she do this to me? How could they do this to me?
Grief is a very complex thing and it affects people in different ways. It has a way of consuming you if you're not careful. Many a time it brought me to a dark place especially in the first few months after her death. Luckily, I had a great support system with family, friends and my significant other whom I am so blessed to have in my life that lifted my spirits and made me feel whole again.
Now, a year later and I've slowly been picking up the pieces. I've had time to process everything and adjust to this new life without my mom (and dad). I miss her (them) dearly and think fondly about the memories that we made together. I haven't written a word in a year until now. I felt I couldn't express how I was feeling because as a writer it would make me vulnerable to my readers. Imagine that? In my heart, I know it is time to move on and continue on my own journey and make my own path in life a special one. As mom once said, "it's your time to shine." And shine I will. There are far too many stories to tell and I've only just begun to tell mine. Read more on this article...
Finally, as if teetering on the edge of a steep cliff a tear breaks free making its way down my face leaving a narrow stream of glistening water in its path leading directly to my lips. The saltiness absorbed by my taste buds as my tongue wipes the traces of it away never to be seen again. Another tear barrels down my face taking another path unlike the previous one. It lands on my favourite black turtleneck erasing all evidence of what bears in the heart. The sorrow, shock and anger has consumed every inch of me that I sit in disbelief at this sudden turn of life changing events.
In December 2009, I suffered an enormous loss. My dear mother, Rose, whom was my rock, my best friend and my partner in crime, passed away suddenly and I have been grieving ever since. Scenes like the one above are none too familiar to me since crying had become a pastime. I couldn't go through a day without shedding a tear the last year. The fear of being alone in a big empty house scared the life out of me. We'd lost my dad in March of 2005 to cancer and now this. I was still grieving his loss and now hers? I felt a constant numbness, confusion and above all abandonment. How could she do this to me? How could they do this to me?
Grief is a very complex thing and it affects people in different ways. It has a way of consuming you if you're not careful. Many a time it brought me to a dark place especially in the first few months after her death. Luckily, I had a great support system with family, friends and my significant other whom I am so blessed to have in my life that lifted my spirits and made me feel whole again.
Now, a year later and I've slowly been picking up the pieces. I've had time to process everything and adjust to this new life without my mom (and dad). I miss her (them) dearly and think fondly about the memories that we made together. I haven't written a word in a year until now. I felt I couldn't express how I was feeling because as a writer it would make me vulnerable to my readers. Imagine that? In my heart, I know it is time to move on and continue on my own journey and make my own path in life a special one. As mom once said, "it's your time to shine." And shine I will. There are far too many stories to tell and I've only just begun to tell mine. Read more on this article...
Sunday, November 29, 2009
"THE AMAZING RACE: WALNUT RELAY"
The 'Frugal Fashionista's' feeling a little 'nutty' lately and is taking her show on the road in search of what else? The perfect 'nut' at the perfect 'price'. And at '99 cents a pound' what a steal! Yes folks, I've gone where no fashionista has ever gone before...*cue theme from Rocky here*...to Highland Farms to do some 'walnut hunting'.
For this adventure in shopping I needed the expertise of my trusty partner in 'daily specials' crime. The Frugal Fashionista Sr. extraordinaire herself (also known as my Mom) by my side. We entered the store bright and early on Saturday morning which is reminiscent of the DVP at rush hour both in and out of the parking lot. The reason? The flyer indicated it was a only a weekend sale so we had to make sure we didn't leave the store empty handed no matter what the cost.
After popping in a quarter to release the cart from its confines, the beast within me was unleashed as I pushed the getaway buggy through a crowded produce section like I was hell on wheels. We had our sensible shoes on and nothing was going to stop us. Nothing and no one. As we made our way to the back of the store we noticed a flurry of activity. This is how we knew we'd located our target. We then assessed the situation looking for a possible opening on how to approach the green bin. It had garnered so much activity it looked like a rock star surrounded by hundreds of groupies looking for an article of clothing to strip off and take home as a souvenirs. They're animals I say! Animals!
I park the buggy alongside shelves of assorted nuts and watch in awe from the sidelines. By this time the Master (my Mom) puts on her glasses and is making her way into this chaotic mess. She casually slips herself with ease between a fortress of people carefully guarding the legumes like their life depended on it. Armed with several plastic bags in hand she's only one step away from getting her hands on the prize. Walnuts!
A multicultural mosaic of various dialects (Italian being the most prominent) could be heard echoing around us, all of which have the same goal in mind. A tiny opening in the crowd provided mom the window of opportunity to slip her fingers into the bin allowing her to fill her bag. This prompts the bargain hunters to step aside as she takes her rightful place at the display. Handful by handful she successfully executes filling not one, but four bags of walnuts before our nutty adventure comes to an end. Yes, my mom's truly an inspiration to watch cause she's a supermarket pro and it sure shows. I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!
So in the end, it only took two trips to the car and four separate check-outs (it was one bag per person) so that we wouldn't get scolded by the cashier (like the couple in the check-out next to us which was embarrassing to say the least) but being they're always $2.99 a pound it was well worth it.
This is one of those moments taken right out of the Mr. T handbook of bargain hunting. He'd say, 'I pity the fool' who pays regular price! Grrrrrrrrr! Read more on this article...
For this adventure in shopping I needed the expertise of my trusty partner in 'daily specials' crime. The Frugal Fashionista Sr. extraordinaire herself (also known as my Mom) by my side. We entered the store bright and early on Saturday morning which is reminiscent of the DVP at rush hour both in and out of the parking lot. The reason? The flyer indicated it was a only a weekend sale so we had to make sure we didn't leave the store empty handed no matter what the cost.
After popping in a quarter to release the cart from its confines, the beast within me was unleashed as I pushed the getaway buggy through a crowded produce section like I was hell on wheels. We had our sensible shoes on and nothing was going to stop us. Nothing and no one. As we made our way to the back of the store we noticed a flurry of activity. This is how we knew we'd located our target. We then assessed the situation looking for a possible opening on how to approach the green bin. It had garnered so much activity it looked like a rock star surrounded by hundreds of groupies looking for an article of clothing to strip off and take home as a souvenirs. They're animals I say! Animals!
I park the buggy alongside shelves of assorted nuts and watch in awe from the sidelines. By this time the Master (my Mom) puts on her glasses and is making her way into this chaotic mess. She casually slips herself with ease between a fortress of people carefully guarding the legumes like their life depended on it. Armed with several plastic bags in hand she's only one step away from getting her hands on the prize. Walnuts!
A multicultural mosaic of various dialects (Italian being the most prominent) could be heard echoing around us, all of which have the same goal in mind. A tiny opening in the crowd provided mom the window of opportunity to slip her fingers into the bin allowing her to fill her bag. This prompts the bargain hunters to step aside as she takes her rightful place at the display. Handful by handful she successfully executes filling not one, but four bags of walnuts before our nutty adventure comes to an end. Yes, my mom's truly an inspiration to watch cause she's a supermarket pro and it sure shows. I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!
So in the end, it only took two trips to the car and four separate check-outs (it was one bag per person) so that we wouldn't get scolded by the cashier (like the couple in the check-out next to us which was embarrassing to say the least) but being they're always $2.99 a pound it was well worth it.
This is one of those moments taken right out of the Mr. T handbook of bargain hunting. He'd say, 'I pity the fool' who pays regular price! Grrrrrrrrr! Read more on this article...
Friday, October 9, 2009
"IT'S THANKSGIVING: A TALE OF ONE TOM"
At this time every year, millions of turkeys make the trek from the farm to our tables and this year's no exception. But really what do we know about Tom's journey? Other than a few gobbles, it's lights out and the next thing he knows he's stuffed to the hills, sharing a roasting pan with his good friends yams, Yukon golds and carrots in a sauna of 350F for 4 hours. Yup, stick a thermometer in me I'm done!
So my question is, what do they think about this yearly tradition? I'm sure they'd avoid (if not ban all together) this holiday (or any other requiring the mass homicide of their ancestors and fellow siblings). You wave to your good buddies as they go off into the barn only never to be seen or heard from again. Can you imagine being reunited with your childhood BF in the local Loblaws freezer? I can just hear it now. A muffled voice coming from within the plastic packaging. "Howard is that you? I almost didn't recognize you." And then a faint reply, "Yeah, it's me and what a fine mess we've gotten ourselves into Gordi!"
Sadly, I partake in the demise of these innocent gobblers myself. And being a fellow carnivore like many of us are (sorry couldn't quite get into the vegan thing) I'm all for a couple of slices of white meat smothered in homemade gravy, with stuffing and potatoes on the side. Yes, there's nothing like it. All at the expense of those poor plump birds specifically designed for stuffing and bringing joy to all those hungry souls gathered around the dining room table for a little succulent somethin'-somethin' to satisfy their Thanksgiving palettes. Once the aroma begins to consume the air in my kitchen then trickling its way into the rest of the house no one can resist. No one. It's so darn tootin' heavenly!
While I'm in the kitchen, I know he's watching my every move. As I carefully chop the carrots and potatoes I can see him giving me the evil eye from way across the counter. I do my best to ignore him but I'm sure he's been secretly flipping the bird (with both wings!) at me behind my back too. Hey, the reality is that I'm not the one headed for oven. He is. Zing! That's gotta hurt considering me and my guests will be waiting in baited breath (and plates in hand no doubt) for his grand appearance (and final one). One might even say he's the gift that keeps on giving, that is if you have leftovers for days on end.
Amidst all the negativity surrounding this tradition, deep down I believe he's flattered to some degree. After all the fuss is about HIM. Yup, it's all about HIM. Just think of it as a real send off into those big pearly gates where so many of his friends, family and ancestors before him will be waiting. It'll be a real gobblefest reunion when he gets there. So then why not go out with a real bang? Drumstick anyone?
The time has come...*oven door creeks open*...Your destiny awaits you Tom!
(Where's a wishbone when you need it eh?)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Read more on this article...
So my question is, what do they think about this yearly tradition? I'm sure they'd avoid (if not ban all together) this holiday (or any other requiring the mass homicide of their ancestors and fellow siblings). You wave to your good buddies as they go off into the barn only never to be seen or heard from again. Can you imagine being reunited with your childhood BF in the local Loblaws freezer? I can just hear it now. A muffled voice coming from within the plastic packaging. "Howard is that you? I almost didn't recognize you." And then a faint reply, "Yeah, it's me and what a fine mess we've gotten ourselves into Gordi!"
Sadly, I partake in the demise of these innocent gobblers myself. And being a fellow carnivore like many of us are (sorry couldn't quite get into the vegan thing) I'm all for a couple of slices of white meat smothered in homemade gravy, with stuffing and potatoes on the side. Yes, there's nothing like it. All at the expense of those poor plump birds specifically designed for stuffing and bringing joy to all those hungry souls gathered around the dining room table for a little succulent somethin'-somethin' to satisfy their Thanksgiving palettes. Once the aroma begins to consume the air in my kitchen then trickling its way into the rest of the house no one can resist. No one. It's so darn tootin' heavenly!
While I'm in the kitchen, I know he's watching my every move. As I carefully chop the carrots and potatoes I can see him giving me the evil eye from way across the counter. I do my best to ignore him but I'm sure he's been secretly flipping the bird (with both wings!) at me behind my back too. Hey, the reality is that I'm not the one headed for oven. He is. Zing! That's gotta hurt considering me and my guests will be waiting in baited breath (and plates in hand no doubt) for his grand appearance (and final one). One might even say he's the gift that keeps on giving, that is if you have leftovers for days on end.
Amidst all the negativity surrounding this tradition, deep down I believe he's flattered to some degree. After all the fuss is about HIM. Yup, it's all about HIM. Just think of it as a real send off into those big pearly gates where so many of his friends, family and ancestors before him will be waiting. It'll be a real gobblefest reunion when he gets there. So then why not go out with a real bang? Drumstick anyone?
The time has come...*oven door creeks open*...Your destiny awaits you Tom!
(Where's a wishbone when you need it eh?)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Read more on this article...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
"LETTERMAN MAKES HIS OWN TOP TEN LIST"
After years of classic zingers aimed at the secret boudoir antics of celebrities, sports figures and politicians comes a major flub from the other side of the mike. Late-night show host David Letterman joins the ranks of the terribly tarnished making headlines when a plot to extort $2 million was made public.
Letterman opened the show with his usual monologue expressing regret at his behaviour involving sexual encounters with female staff members of his show. A sympathetic audience laughed as he tried to make light of his embarrassing blunder with serious repercussions. He said, "I got into the car this morning and the navigation lady wasn't speaking to me. Ouch." Yes, it was damage control at its finest and whom better to make this formal admission that the man himself.
Robert 'Joe' Halderman, a CBS News producer for the show '48 Hour Mystery' was behind the alleged extortion plot and was in deep financial debt. Halderman lived with Stephanie Birkitt, an ex-assistant on Late Night, when he found her diary describing her relationship with Letterman. More women have since come forward also claiming their involvement with the late night show host.
Fellow late-nighters didn't waste a moment to use Letterman's indiscretions to their advantage. Jay Leno opened with, "If you came here tonight for sex with a talk show hist, you've got the wrong studio." And the zingers kept coming with Jimmy Fallon taking advantage of the situation mid-way through his monologue with, "There's a new book out called 'Why Women Have Sex' that was a list of 237 reasons why women have sex, and Letterman knows the top ten." Oh that's gotta hurt!
I don't think this will be going away any time soon. Meantime, Letterman has some serious 'splainin' to do with the little misses who may not be so forgiving. So the man whose humour is his bread and butter is sitting in the hot seat (and in the dog house). Letterman may have been a hypocrite in the past but now suddenly belongs to an elite club of 'getting caught with your pants down' cast of characters. Eliot Spitzer, A-Rod and Hugh Grant are probably sporting a devilish grin knowing Dave will be making his own 'Top Ten List'. Now that's what I call hitting the big leagues! Read more on this article...
Letterman opened the show with his usual monologue expressing regret at his behaviour involving sexual encounters with female staff members of his show. A sympathetic audience laughed as he tried to make light of his embarrassing blunder with serious repercussions. He said, "I got into the car this morning and the navigation lady wasn't speaking to me. Ouch." Yes, it was damage control at its finest and whom better to make this formal admission that the man himself.
Robert 'Joe' Halderman, a CBS News producer for the show '48 Hour Mystery' was behind the alleged extortion plot and was in deep financial debt. Halderman lived with Stephanie Birkitt, an ex-assistant on Late Night, when he found her diary describing her relationship with Letterman. More women have since come forward also claiming their involvement with the late night show host.
Fellow late-nighters didn't waste a moment to use Letterman's indiscretions to their advantage. Jay Leno opened with, "If you came here tonight for sex with a talk show hist, you've got the wrong studio." And the zingers kept coming with Jimmy Fallon taking advantage of the situation mid-way through his monologue with, "There's a new book out called 'Why Women Have Sex' that was a list of 237 reasons why women have sex, and Letterman knows the top ten." Oh that's gotta hurt!
I don't think this will be going away any time soon. Meantime, Letterman has some serious 'splainin' to do with the little misses who may not be so forgiving. So the man whose humour is his bread and butter is sitting in the hot seat (and in the dog house). Letterman may have been a hypocrite in the past but now suddenly belongs to an elite club of 'getting caught with your pants down' cast of characters. Eliot Spitzer, A-Rod and Hugh Grant are probably sporting a devilish grin knowing Dave will be making his own 'Top Ten List'. Now that's what I call hitting the big leagues! Read more on this article...
Saturday, October 3, 2009
"DEAL OR NO DEAL? THAT IS THE QUESTION"
The 'Frugal Fashionista' has got her sensible shoes on and is ready to do battle. With a shopping cart in one hand and advertisements in the other I'm ready to take on T.O. supermarkets by storm in the war against overpricing. Let me explain, flyers are to me what the bible is to a man of the cloth. I rustle through them religiously in hopes of finding popular items on sale to get 'a lot more for my loonie'. Translation: that's the Canuck version of getting 'more bang for your buck'.
Every week flyers pass through millions of consumers fingers. All have the same goal in mind to 'save money'. Sadly, if you're not careful you could end up spending more than you 'bargained' for. I'm fortunate enough to live in close proximity to a some of these stores. So here are a few personal observations I've made for the popular grocery chains. Think of this as my personal report card. Look for the pricing grade below each store.
LOBLAWS SUPERSTORES: It's the one stop shopping all under one roof. Everything from housewares to food to clothes and pharmacy and everywhere in between. The quality is good but you're paying twice as much for what you'd get somewhere else. The last item I bought here on sale was 'Nice & Easy Root Touch-Up' and 'L'Mage Hair Colour' for $5.99 each (regularly $8.99). I was lucky enough to find these in stock. Darn those brunettes and their hair colour! In the end, your total purchases may have you steering clear of this store indefinitely. That is if you don't see it in the flyer. However, with 'Real Canadian' going head-to-head with 'Wal-Mart Superstores' beginning this week (Friday October 2nd to be exact) times may be a changin'. Look for their new 'Rounded Down' pricing program to take affect on over 2,000 items in its Ontario stores to be at par with the discount giant. Perhaps, a way to redeem itself amongst the average consumer. Finally, A new way to save you more ca-ching!
STORE GRADE: C+ (pricing - but may be upgraded to a 'B' once their new program begins)
FORTINOS SUPERSTORES: This is equivalent to its sister 'Loblaws Superstores' with little difference. Same appearance with all bells and whistles of its older sibling just a different name. Once again the quality is good but still is far from bargain central. Surprisingly though, I did manage to find 10kg 'Five Roses' & 'Robin Hood' all purpose flour there on sale last week. This was an absolute necessity especially with the holidays coming around. Sale price $8.99 which was a steal since it's regularly $13.99. However, this week they've got the same flour but in a 5kg bag for $5.99. Also the same hair colouring I purchased at Loblaws was a dollar more here at $6.99. Go figure? The 'Supermarket with a heart' just broke mine in a split second. Any hopes I had for bargains in the 'Fort' were dashed at the sight of this weeks flyer. But wait, if you're a fan of Sunsilk or Finesse hair care or styling products (150-355ml) you're in luck. They're offering a 2 for $4 deal on selected varieties until next Thursday.
STORE GRADE: C-
NO FRILLS: The last on the totem pole for the Loblaws company (and the most affordable of the two at 'lowering food prices') with a convenient in store pharmacy offers weekly sales. This week is no exception with 'The Real Canadian' natural spring water (case of 24) on sale for $1.88. Sounds refreshing doesn't it? This chain is good for keeping stock, in other words you won't be heading in the store to find an empty shelf of sale items. Sadly, unlike another store I know of that's synonymous for this. No names mentioned...*cough*...bad Price Chopper bad!
STORE GRADE: B
METRO: They're formerly 'Dominion' and still 'Fresh Obsessed' (now it's 'food at its best') but their prices still do nothing to help the average consumer. I will say that since this Quebec chain took over their prices have been a bit more competitive. This weeks 'on sale' item was Nestle water (case of 24) for $2.69 with a limit of 2. What these chains don't have are the proverbial bells and whistles the Superstores have but what they do have is a more scaled down version (sans everything in between that can somewhat leave you wondering what it was that you came in the store in the first place for feeling).
STORE GRADE: B-
FOOD BASICS: Their logo 'always more for less' is exactly what it is. But if it's on sale the chances of you actually finding it in stock is about a 75 per cent chance that it'll still be there when you enter the store. This weeks 'price squeeze' items are selected varieties of Coca-Cola or Pepsi (case of 18) for $3.97, along with Breyer's ice-cream (1.89L) in selected varieties for $2.44 and Jumbo Kellogg's cereals in selected varieties for $3.97 while quantities last of course.
STORE GRADE: A-
PRICE CHOPPER: 'Low Food Prices' is the popular logo here but it can lead to enormous frustration if what you see offered in the flyer translates to a bare shelf when you physically get in the store. I've had a love-hate relationship with the chopper for this very reason. The odds are 50-50 that you'll end up leaving with what you intended on getting in the first place. But if you're one of the lucky few enough to find what you've gone in there to buy then pat yourself on the back on a job well done. Here timing is everything.
STORE GRADE: A-
Store such as LONGO's, PUSATERI's, BRUNO's FINE FOODS are not within my area as the others are. But quality is important (as is location, location, location) and not only are they out of my reach but their out of my price range. These cater to the gourmet yuppie crowd willing to spend more for a lot less in their cart. I have comparison shopped in each and have found there is a significant difference in pricing to all of the above stores mentioned.
I would love to hear from the SOBEY's shopper. Sadly, I have none in my own area but have made the trek down to the Queen's Quay location (very impressive!) and aside from its overall appearance I can only imagine it is in direct competition with the above stores I've reviewed.
Cleanliness and Customer Satisfaction Grades Only: Loblaws, Fortinos, No Frills and Metro all rank high on the list. The floor is glistening so much so you could probably eat off of it (not that I would recommend that of course). The least tasty would definitely be Food Basics followed by Price Chopper.
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for and upon first glance if you get the feeling this place is going to end up ravaging the inside of your wallet, it usually does. Whatever you see translates to the cost of what's on the shelves. The question is, is it worth it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but only you can be the judge of that. Wherever you shop (or don't) just keep on ruffling through those flyer folks. You never know what bargains may await you at every flip of the page!
GOOD SAVINGS & HAPPY SHOPPING! Read more on this article...
Every week flyers pass through millions of consumers fingers. All have the same goal in mind to 'save money'. Sadly, if you're not careful you could end up spending more than you 'bargained' for. I'm fortunate enough to live in close proximity to a some of these stores. So here are a few personal observations I've made for the popular grocery chains. Think of this as my personal report card. Look for the pricing grade below each store.
LOBLAWS SUPERSTORES: It's the one stop shopping all under one roof. Everything from housewares to food to clothes and pharmacy and everywhere in between. The quality is good but you're paying twice as much for what you'd get somewhere else. The last item I bought here on sale was 'Nice & Easy Root Touch-Up' and 'L'Mage Hair Colour' for $5.99 each (regularly $8.99). I was lucky enough to find these in stock. Darn those brunettes and their hair colour! In the end, your total purchases may have you steering clear of this store indefinitely. That is if you don't see it in the flyer. However, with 'Real Canadian' going head-to-head with 'Wal-Mart Superstores' beginning this week (Friday October 2nd to be exact) times may be a changin'. Look for their new 'Rounded Down' pricing program to take affect on over 2,000 items in its Ontario stores to be at par with the discount giant. Perhaps, a way to redeem itself amongst the average consumer. Finally, A new way to save you more ca-ching!
STORE GRADE: C+ (pricing - but may be upgraded to a 'B' once their new program begins)
FORTINOS SUPERSTORES: This is equivalent to its sister 'Loblaws Superstores' with little difference. Same appearance with all bells and whistles of its older sibling just a different name. Once again the quality is good but still is far from bargain central. Surprisingly though, I did manage to find 10kg 'Five Roses' & 'Robin Hood' all purpose flour there on sale last week. This was an absolute necessity especially with the holidays coming around. Sale price $8.99 which was a steal since it's regularly $13.99. However, this week they've got the same flour but in a 5kg bag for $5.99. Also the same hair colouring I purchased at Loblaws was a dollar more here at $6.99. Go figure? The 'Supermarket with a heart' just broke mine in a split second. Any hopes I had for bargains in the 'Fort' were dashed at the sight of this weeks flyer. But wait, if you're a fan of Sunsilk or Finesse hair care or styling products (150-355ml) you're in luck. They're offering a 2 for $4 deal on selected varieties until next Thursday.
STORE GRADE: C-
NO FRILLS: The last on the totem pole for the Loblaws company (and the most affordable of the two at 'lowering food prices') with a convenient in store pharmacy offers weekly sales. This week is no exception with 'The Real Canadian' natural spring water (case of 24) on sale for $1.88. Sounds refreshing doesn't it? This chain is good for keeping stock, in other words you won't be heading in the store to find an empty shelf of sale items. Sadly, unlike another store I know of that's synonymous for this. No names mentioned...*cough*...bad Price Chopper bad!
STORE GRADE: B
METRO: They're formerly 'Dominion' and still 'Fresh Obsessed' (now it's 'food at its best') but their prices still do nothing to help the average consumer. I will say that since this Quebec chain took over their prices have been a bit more competitive. This weeks 'on sale' item was Nestle water (case of 24) for $2.69 with a limit of 2. What these chains don't have are the proverbial bells and whistles the Superstores have but what they do have is a more scaled down version (sans everything in between that can somewhat leave you wondering what it was that you came in the store in the first place for feeling).
STORE GRADE: B-
FOOD BASICS: Their logo 'always more for less' is exactly what it is. But if it's on sale the chances of you actually finding it in stock is about a 75 per cent chance that it'll still be there when you enter the store. This weeks 'price squeeze' items are selected varieties of Coca-Cola or Pepsi (case of 18) for $3.97, along with Breyer's ice-cream (1.89L) in selected varieties for $2.44 and Jumbo Kellogg's cereals in selected varieties for $3.97 while quantities last of course.
STORE GRADE: A-
PRICE CHOPPER: 'Low Food Prices' is the popular logo here but it can lead to enormous frustration if what you see offered in the flyer translates to a bare shelf when you physically get in the store. I've had a love-hate relationship with the chopper for this very reason. The odds are 50-50 that you'll end up leaving with what you intended on getting in the first place. But if you're one of the lucky few enough to find what you've gone in there to buy then pat yourself on the back on a job well done. Here timing is everything.
STORE GRADE: A-
Store such as LONGO's, PUSATERI's, BRUNO's FINE FOODS are not within my area as the others are. But quality is important (as is location, location, location) and not only are they out of my reach but their out of my price range. These cater to the gourmet yuppie crowd willing to spend more for a lot less in their cart. I have comparison shopped in each and have found there is a significant difference in pricing to all of the above stores mentioned.
I would love to hear from the SOBEY's shopper. Sadly, I have none in my own area but have made the trek down to the Queen's Quay location (very impressive!) and aside from its overall appearance I can only imagine it is in direct competition with the above stores I've reviewed.
Cleanliness and Customer Satisfaction Grades Only: Loblaws, Fortinos, No Frills and Metro all rank high on the list. The floor is glistening so much so you could probably eat off of it (not that I would recommend that of course). The least tasty would definitely be Food Basics followed by Price Chopper.
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for and upon first glance if you get the feeling this place is going to end up ravaging the inside of your wallet, it usually does. Whatever you see translates to the cost of what's on the shelves. The question is, is it worth it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, but only you can be the judge of that. Wherever you shop (or don't) just keep on ruffling through those flyer folks. You never know what bargains may await you at every flip of the page!
GOOD SAVINGS & HAPPY SHOPPING! Read more on this article...
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