I am irritated. Back in the summer <a href="http://www.krystalatwork.com/2009/08/sigh.html">I was so frustrated with my spoiled cousin</a> - who gets everything that she wants - and never has to pay for a dime of it thanks to her parents. She always has the latest and greatest of everything and then pouts and complains when someone has something that she doesn't have. (For example, she went to visit my sister who has a Wii about a month ago. She started whining to her parents that she wanted a Wii too - so they went out and bought her the Wii, plus all the accessories and all the popular games - and most of it is still in its original packaging in her bedroom - no joke.)<br /><br />Well, I just got an e-mail from her. She tried out for a traveling sports team, and has made the team. And now is asking for people to donate money to help her go traveling internationally with this team. She needs to raise $2,500 by the end of the year. Personally I don't think people should be on traveling sports teams unless they can afford to pay for the 'traveling' aspect of being on the team.<br /><br />I kind of want to e-mail her and tell her to sell off some of her old (barely used) electronics to help pay for it, but I don't want to be snarky. And it's really none of my business. Especially since I'm not going to give her a dime of my money. Oh and before you think I'm being unreasonable in not giving her at least $20 ... she just came back from a 2 week trip to Europe with her friends - money that could have been used to travel with her sports team instead.<br /><br />Even if she were trying to raise money to go to the World Championships or the Olympics, just knowing she spent a ton of money on a fun trip to Europe when she knew she'd have to save money to travel with her sports team - that just irritates me.<br /><br />So, there is no way am I giving her anything.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-1728656871326615935?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/xWzEyFzhPEeon22ArTjVH-j4O9o/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/xWzEyFzhPEeon22ArTjVH-j4O9o/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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Well my weekend trip to the mall was a fail. Again. It started off well. I had a hair appointment first thing in the morning, and I love my cut. She styled it too poofy, but once I got home and styled it myself, I loved it. Well worth the $63 (including tax &amp; tip). I think I will go back to her again. The salon I last went to by my office ended up costing $50 and I hated the cut (and very much disliked her), so the extra $13 to go back to this stylist is worth it. Especially if I'm only going once every 10-12 weeks.<br /><br />I came up with a great idea to get my sister a Cowichan sweater for Christmas. Not a real one (they are a bit too bulky and don't fit her quite right), but a more modern version from Aritzia (about $80). I was feeling so pleased with myself and texted her boyfriend to confirm that I was making a good choice. He immediately texted back and said that he had already bought her the exact one I was thinking of! Arggg!<br /><br />Oh and that basically wrapped up my trip to the mall. I spent 3 hours there, 1 of which was spent getting my hair cut. And the other 2 were spent aimlessly wandering around, trying to get inspiration for my sister's present. I also checked out bedding at The Bay and was disappointed. I think I'll go back to Home Outfitters.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presents done:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dad</span> - running shoes.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presents still to buy:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sister</span> - personalized calendar, and other than that, no clue. She said she wants a nice black cardigan, but that's so boring. I might pick her up one when we go shopping in Vegas, since I know she likes J.Crew.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mom</span> - kayaking day trip &amp; personalized calendar.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> - have somewhat of an idea. But will be a small gift, as our trip to Calgary in January is supposed to be our present to each other.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">J's parents</span> - personalized calendar, box of specialty tea &amp; chocolates.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">J's brother's family</span> - chocolates, and other than that, no idea. </li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">J's grandparents</span> - chocolates &amp; box of specialty tea or a personalized calendar</li></ul>I have made progress because at least I know what I'm getting all of them (except sister &amp; <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span>'s brother's family), and because we're not visiting his parents &amp; brother's family until January, I can wait until after Christmas to buy their presents. Part of me feels kind of cheap waiting for all of the Christmas things to go on sale, but I think most people in my situation would do the same thing so I don't feel too badly. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-8998571220317827500?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/unWrSutN0blGUAN9kF0OFSwXeJ4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/unWrSutN0blGUAN9kF0OFSwXeJ4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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Yay! I just logged into my Adsense and it says that a cheque is being cut for me for $115.98. So that means I can now afford toget my GPS device. And it couldn't come at a better time, because I've been having to jet around the Lower Mainland quite a bit over the last week, and kept having to call <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> to make sure I wouldn't get lost. Very stressful.<br /><br />Especially today. I was stuck in traffic for 2.5 hours running an errand (there was a big accident on the highway), and that could have been avoided if I had a GPS to show me an alternate route. But because all I had was some Google map print-outs, I had to keep going the only way I knew how.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">$250.87</span> (cost of GPS after tax via Amazon.ca)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- $157.65</span> in Amazon GCs (from <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/krystalatwork">Swagbucks</a>)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">- $93.22</span> from my Google Adsense cheque<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TOTAL = FREE</span><br /><br />I'm going to wait to order it for a few weeks - probably until I can see that the Adsense cheque has been mailed off to me, but knowing that I can now get the GPS for free is really awesome. It's something that I've been wanting to get ever since I moved to Vancouver almost 2 years ago.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-1446689803971341300?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1IPZBq2-bEOxPIJsiEwKVrZg8GI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1IPZBq2-bEOxPIJsiEwKVrZg8GI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1IPZBq2-bEOxPIJsiEwKVrZg8GI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1IPZBq2-bEOxPIJsiEwKVrZg8GI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Swb194RO7pI/AAAAAAAABcU/wTpiM6epaF4/s1600/zazzle_calendars.v2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 157px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Swb194RO7pI/AAAAAAAABcU/wTpiM6epaF4/s200/zazzle_calendars.v2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406278846130351762" border="0" /></a>I've decided to make personalized calendars for some people for Christmas. It's not very expensive (maybe around $10 each) and I know that they will use it for the entire year. I'm going to make at least 3-4 of them (1 of them will be for me) and will be using an online company.<br /><br />Has anyone ever gotten calendars made online? Any recommended companies, or ones to avoid?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-6337128540006823646?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/PWkKB_3yqfatNp-9KBqpaBFVVws/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/PWkKB_3yqfatNp-9KBqpaBFVVws/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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Well thankfully I found my winter coats. But they've been stored away for too long, so I'm going to need to get them dry cleaned. Which is good, because <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> says that we should get our sleeping bags cleaned as well. So I'll try to do that this weekend, although I'll have to research and find a dry cleaners near here.<br /><br />I also really should get my hair cut. I've been trying to wait until December, but J's company Christmas party is at the end of this month, and I need to get it done before then. I haven't even been wearing my hair down over the past few weeks because it's just too ratty and gross. I want something more modern. I want to get bangs, but I think I'll just get annoyed with hair always being on my forehead. Especially when I'm working out or skiing/climbing, etc. And it's so easy to say "I'll just clip it back," but it doesn't always work that way. So we'll see. Maybe I'll just do the side-swept bangs thing that I've had going on for the past few years.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekend tasks:</span><br /><ul><li>2 x work out</li><li>Return library books</li><li>Get hair cut</li><li>Drop off dry cleaning</li><li>Update budget</li><li>Organize receipts &amp; bills</li><li>Shop for black belt &amp; tights</li><li>Look for bedding</li></ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-5589291610585775153?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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Anonymous wrote:<br /><blockquote>I came across your website and blog on your Nando's experience. Anyway 2 years after your bad experience have you been again to Nando's? I am from Australia and their chicken is pretty good down here. My children and I love Nando's.</blockquote>After over 2 years, I still hate Nando's with an undying passion. Whenever we pass a Nando's restaurant, or anyone mentions Nando's, I always bring up how disgusting I think their food was. Every friend I have knows how I feel about Nando's. I can never bring myself to eat there again, <a href="http://www.krystalatwork.com/2007/06/nandos-no-no-go-go.html">after being served moldy food</a>. Yes, you read right. I was served moldy food. With no apology either.<br /><br />And you know what? Maybe it was just a one-time thing. Maybe their customer service is good, and their food doesn't have mold in it anymore. But that doesn't matter. The damage has been done.<br /><br />Please visit <a href="http://www.boycottnandos.com/">BOYCOTT NANDOS</a>, a website dedicated to showing people just how disgusting Nando's really is.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have you been to Nando's? </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-4354039345394850225?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A4VzQ6V0jje7NJhfdQRDhJWZgLY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A4VzQ6V0jje7NJhfdQRDhJWZgLY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A4VzQ6V0jje7NJhfdQRDhJWZgLY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A4VzQ6V0jje7NJhfdQRDhJWZgLY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SwSFR_JY6bI/AAAAAAAABcM/r2V2HGB_rGU/s1600/huetights.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 97px; height: 142px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SwSFR_JY6bI/AAAAAAAABcM/r2V2HGB_rGU/s200/huetights.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405591996806523314" border="0" /></a>Or at least I'm trying to bring out my winter coats. I cannot find any of them (I have 3). They have to be somewhere in the house. But I seem to have misplaced them when I moved in with <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span>. It's getting awfully chilly in the mornings just leaving the house in a sweater or a blazer. Hopefully I'll be able to find them, although space is so tight at our house that I'm not even sure where I would hang them.<br /><br />As for winter clothing, I don't really need anything. But that being said, I'd really like some new scarves (I currently have 2, and both of them have huge snags in them). I'd also LOVE a couple of new sweaters or cardigans, but I can hold off on those. Maybe I can pick them up in Vegas at the outlet mall.<br /><br />Right now the only things I NEED are a black belt (currently do not own 1 single belt), and tights (currently do not own tights as I put a run through my one and only pair last week).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-8889465566439594414?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/BGzd7xw8MbaIzTYgNBGZiNOZj0o/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/BGzd7xw8MbaIzTYgNBGZiNOZj0o/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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Yesterday I bought my dad's Christmas present: running shoes. Since his stroke, he doesn't actually run anymore, but he walks a lot. I wanted to get him something a bit more personable, but it's always so hard to shop for him. The shoes were cheap enough that if I find something else that I want to get him, it's in the budget that I set out (my sister and I always buy presents for our parents together and split the cost 50/50).<br /><br />As for my sister's gift, I'm stumped. I've been perusing Etsy and Overstocked for ideas, and might just wait until we go to Vegas to pick her up something there. But that's cutting it close. I usually buy her something fun and kooky (like the Hello Kitty toaster), and I don't want to buy anything practical either.<br /><br />I still haven't called in and purchased my mom's present, but I will very soon.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-8101604174138981716?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IA4xzDyMsDXYKt_npWJ_yE0m2_M/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/IA4xzDyMsDXYKt_npWJ_yE0m2_M/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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Whatever Bob Dylan is on these days, I want some of it. Seriously. Christmas songs? Dancing!? Unbelievably awesome.<br /><br />Embedding has been disabled for the video, so <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLZ8LPIh4Xc">check it out here</a>. If you can handle it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-7112959505635627789?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/D6JgWaqoKyFwYY1Ik4lquf0TwwE/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/D6JgWaqoKyFwYY1Ik4lquf0TwwE/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/D6JgWaqoKyFwYY1Ik4lquf0TwwE/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/D6JgWaqoKyFwYY1Ik4lquf0TwwE/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SwLgJJLNxaI/AAAAAAAABcE/zkr2i2KcPfk/s1600/marble_slab.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 143px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SwLgJJLNxaI/AAAAAAAABcE/zkr2i2KcPfk/s320/marble_slab.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405128950484420002" border="0" /></a>Yesterday I had the worst headache and wasn't feeling very good all day. I even considered leaving work early in case I was starting to come down with something (still feel pretty crummy, but better than yesterday). Anyway I came home from work and <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> had made me my favourite dinner - breakfast! :) Eggs, bacon, hash browns (with onions, mushrooms &amp; broccoli), and toast. So good.<br /><br />Then we decided to go to the <a href="http://www.marbleslab.com/">Marble Slab Creamery</a> for dessert. I know, so bad for you. <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> had never been, and I had only gone once before, a long time ago. I got pumpkin pie ice cream (could only finish half of it, then he had to eat<span></span> the rest), and he got raspberry cheesecake. The total came to $12.23 for the both of us - so expensive! But a nice treat. It was good, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> wasn't sure if it was even better than Dairy Queen (which is quite a bit cheaper), so I'm sure we'll give it another try one of these days ... but probably not for a while.<br /><br />Tonight after dinner, <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> has to go to a work thing, so I'm going to do a hard workout on my Wii. Doesn't make up for how terrible I've been eating the past couple of days, but at least it's better than doing nothing.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-1588471123178876035?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/5lTKhuOTjgEw536q3IPsZOxy2Oo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/5lTKhuOTjgEw536q3IPsZOxy2Oo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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So far I have saved $157 worth of Amazon gift certificates through <a href="http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/krystalatwork">Swagbucks</a>. After taxes, the <a href="http://www.krystalatwork.com/2009/11/do-you-own-gps-unit.html">GPS that I want</a> is $250.87 (plus free shipping) ... so that means I'd pay around $93 if I buy it now. I'd like to try and get it down to paying under $50 for the GPS, and I think I can accomplish that before Christmas. And who knows, maybe the price will lower again come January and by some miracle (and with a lot of patience with Swagbucks), I'll be able to get the GPS for free. :)<br /><br />Although this entire problem could be solved if I ever get my $100 Adsense cheque from Google!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-705069201412539041?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/TtkLQl-TNpNtcQiZru9bxYbZF3g/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/TtkLQl-TNpNtcQiZru9bxYbZF3g/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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<a href="http://www.wellheeledblog.com/2009/11/16/yearly-makeup-budget/">Well-Heeled posted</a> about how much she spends on make-up per year (not including skin care). So I thought I'd do a little post on how much I spend as well.<br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 pressed powder compacts: 2x$20 = $40</span>. Although now that I know Target sells them for $12 each, I'll make sure to buy some there the next time I go across the border. So much cheaper there!<br /></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 blush: 1x$20 = $20</span>. Target has them for $10, so I'll be shopping there from now on.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">2-3 chap sticks: 3x$3 = $9</span>. I don't wear anything but chap stick.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">5 tubes of mascara: 5x$10 = $50</span>. I don't wear eyeliner (except for the experimental eyeliner I bought the other day, and that did not go over well), and I also don't wear eyeshadow. But I love mascara.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Total = $119</span></span><br /><br />I went to Sephora for the first time yesterday and was blown away by the selection they had. Incredible. I didn't know what half of the stuff was, and all of the girls working there were wearing cake loads of make-up. It was kind of intimidating and expensive looking. But I'll probably go back there because they have a lot of skin care lines that I'd like to take a look at. I'll need to compare the prices to what I'm paying at the drug stores and department stores to see if it's cheaper.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />How much do you spend on make-up each year?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-2501934806435174515?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/7e3UfdWJDIGwZvJqOeImsXxxUZ4/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/7e3UfdWJDIGwZvJqOeImsXxxUZ4/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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I am so excited because in less than 3 weeks, <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> and I will be leaving for our 2-year anniversary trip to Vegas! It will be out first vacation together outside of Canada (besides day trips to Seattle). I just wish we were going for longer, but it's hard for him to take time off so close to Christmas. Plus, the longer we stay, the more money we'll end up spending.<br /><br />We're still pretty undecided about what we want to do while we're there (actually we haven't really talked about it), aside from the hockey game (a bunch of my friends from my old job are also going to be in Vegas and at the hockey game). I want to see the Grand Canyon, but I don't want to go as part of a bus tour (takes too long and we don't have much time). I also want to go to Red Rock Canyon, but I doubt we'll get a chance to go climbing. Which is a shame. Chances are we'll probably spend all of our time on the strip. Which is fine. There's certainly plenty to entertain ourselves with. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-1642386493816359900?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SwF1pq4SC2I/AAAAAAAABb8/XpSRUTVJucc/s1600/mexx.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 163px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SwF1pq4SC2I/AAAAAAAABb8/XpSRUTVJucc/s320/mexx.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404730386566744930" border="0" /></a>Well, the weekend was pretty cold and miserable. But at least it was the weekend. :)<br /><br />Saturday morning I got up and did a 1 hr. workout on the Wii. Then after showering, I headed to check out Home Outfitters for bedding. They had a pretty good selection, but there wasn't anything I really liked. Or rather, there wasn't anything I really liked in my mom's price range. Why is bedding so freaking expensive!? Seriously. Anyway I want to check out The Bay still, as well as some smaller stores.<br /><br />So I headed to the library to sign up for a card. I haven't been to a library since I moved to Vancouver, so it was pretty cool to spend a few hours there.<br /><br />Sunday I armed myself with a bunch of coupons and headed to Metrotown with a friend for some Christmas shopping. But the only things I ended up buying was lunch ($7) and mascara from Sephora ($12). I tried on a gorgeous dress at MEXX (see picture) that I thought would be perfect for our upcoming Christmas parties, and would go well for wedding season next year too. It fit me perfectly, and was $180 plus 30% off. But in the end, I decided not to get it. Even with the discount, it was too pricey and not in my budget at all.<br /><br />Our shopping trip was cut a little short because I went to go pick <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> up from work (he was having problems with his car). Which is probably a good thing, because we were perusing through Winners and I know I probably would have ended up buying something.<br /><br />Going shopping with friends is really fun to catch up with them and have a good time. But I find that if I'm really on a mission to go shopping, I'm better off by myself. I can spend more time on the things that I want to look at, and I can concentrate better on getting the best deal. The only thing is there's no one else there to tell you the truth about how you look in something. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-7563607454753025678?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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Well, this is the end of the <a href="http://www.krystalatwork.com/2009/10/no-more-buying-lunch-in-2009.html">Lunch Challenge</a> - Week #5. I feel really accomplished that I've made it this far. I'm about halfway done my challenge of not buying lunch until 2010. My weight has remained steady at 133 lbs, and although I'd like to lose another 3-5 lbs, I'm happy where I am.<br /><br />Whenever I feel tempted to go grab something delicious for lunch instead of eating what I brought, I make a cup of tea (usually peppermint or green tea). And every single time, once I've finished the cup of tea, my craving for that particular food has passed. It also works with a tall glass of water, but I find it's not as effective as tea.<br /><br />Anyway, I've noticed that while my going out for lunch has stopped, the amount that we go out for dinner has remained about the same. Maybe a bit less. And I don't think that will change until we get a stove. We don't usually go out for dinner during the week (unless we're grabbing something on the go - which is rare), and reserve dinners out for the weekend. For example, last weekend we went out for sushi on Saturday (he paid) and Chinese on Sunday (I paid). We split it evenly for the most part, but I do try to take an extra turn at paying every now and then.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-4495205694975181445?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Sv2m1J50aZI/AAAAAAAABb0/vry1C4eRA_k/s1600-h/three-stones-engagement-ring.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Sv2m1J50aZI/AAAAAAAABb0/vry1C4eRA_k/s200/three-stones-engagement-ring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403658560036170130" border="0" /></a>So last night I had a really good time at coffee with my friend. I'm going to make more of an effort to see her. We've been friends since Grade 8, and she's one of the only people I am actually friends with here in Vancouver. Oh, and for the first time in years I didn't order my drink 'non-fat' AND I even had whipped cream. I know, I'm crazy like that. :)<br /><br />My friend was very upset because she lost her engagement ring (cost was around $8,000). Last week, she took it off in the rec centre change room to put on hand cream, and set it down on the bench beside her. Then she just forgot to pick it up. Could have happened to anyone. It totally sucks. And as she was pulling into work after the rec centre, she realized what she had done - but she couldn't go back because she's a teacher and she had to be at class. So she called her fiancée who rushed down to the rec centre. But it was too late. Someone had swiped the ring.<br /><br />They've checked with the police, the rec centre has a picture of the ring, and they've also checked the local pawn shops (who also now have a picture of the ring). But they didn't have apartment insurance yet, and they can't afford to buy another ring. Poor girl! I feel so bad for her.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-6825785609460641074?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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Urrrggg. So apparently when I was on EI (way back in late 2007), I was paid out for an extra week. The letter went to my parents home back in September (I was living in their basement suite when I was on EI), so I didn't actually get the letter until 2 weekends ago when I went to visit. I checked back in my paperwork, and yup. They're right. I did get paid out for an extra week. But it was so long ago that when I moved to Vancouver, I didn't even think to update my EI account with my new address.<br /><br />Now I owe $426 plus some sort of $212 penalty for not paying that amount in a timely fashion after I was issued the letter in September (30 days). I called in, and they told me I should write a letter and dispute the penalty amount - because I didn't actually get the letter until not too long ago - and I called in right away to inquire about it anyway.<br /><br />So, I paid the $426 today and will be writing in a letter to see if I can get the $212 removed from my account. If not, I'll have to pay for that too. I wonder if that was my paperwork error or theirs, but I guess it doesn't matter now, since it wasn't my money to begin with.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-9136230012019732717?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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Tonight after work I am having coffee with a friend. She suggested dinner, but I asked if she minded just coffee since I am trying to cut back on unecessary spending ... and I know she is too so she seemed relieved. I am excited to see her because I can tell her that I can now come to her wedding next summer (since we aren't going traveling anymore).<br /><br />Her wedding won't be an expensive trip for us because it's on the island and I have relatives that we can stay with. Plus I already have an outfit in mind to wear, so I won't have to buy anything except the wedding gift.<br /><br />- Posted from my iPod Touch<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-7624733079592479656?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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This is my first attempt at posting on my iTouch so I apologize in advance if there are typos. <br /><br />Yesterday was a much needed day off. We went for what was supposed to be a long hike, but it was also the first time wearing my new hiking boots. It was so painful and I think I only lasted 2 hours. Same thing happened with my last pair too and those fit great now. So it will be a painful process breaking in these new ones, but totally worth it in the end.<br /><br />We also went to Burger King for the first time in as long as I can remember - for me it's been at least 6 or 7 years. Anyway it was disgusting and we are never going back. We waited over 15 minutes in the drive through, our food was cold, and they messed up J's order. Oh well. I should have known better. <br /><br />- Posted from my iPod Touch<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-1530347906087050834?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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A few weeks ago I was given the opportunity as one of 50 Canadian bloggers (chosen by <a href="http://www.matchstick.ca/">matchstick.ca</a>) to try out a new line of natural laundry detergent from Clorox® Green Works™. I've always been one to choose natural cleaners and detergents, but if I'm being honest, sometimes it just doesn't fit into my budget. So I was very very eager to get my hands on this product!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SvmoQhasbEI/AAAAAAAABbM/OXwWLwetm08/s1600-h/Img8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 129px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SvmoQhasbEI/AAAAAAAABbM/OXwWLwetm08/s320/Img8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402534229809327170" border="0" /></a>-----<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First impression</span><br />I've used Green Works™ household cleaners before, and I was a little apprehensive about the smell of the detergent. It smelled suspiciously like surface cleaner ... but then again, I'm used to the fresh scents of Tide and Purex and all those other brands.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">After 2 loads of laundry</span><br />I now love the smell of the laundry detergent. It smells clean and as weird as it sounds, it smells healthy. I actually prefer the smell of Clorox® Green Works™ to the Purex we've been using. <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> hasn't used the Clorox yet, but he will the next time he does laundry.<br /><br />As for how well it works, honestly I was surprised. Usually with 'green' products, you have to give up a little bit of quality cleaning power. That's just how it is. But my clothes are squeaky clean and smell great. I couldn't be happier with this product. And I'm not just saying that either.<br />-----<br /><br />What I love best about this product is that all Green Works™ natural cleaners are made using plant-based ingredients derived from coconuts, as well as essential oils. The products are formulated using biodegradable ingredients, are packaged in bottles that can be recycled and not tested on animals.<br /><br />Oh, and if you have a few minutes to spare, please consider doing <a href="http://www.feedback.matchstick.ca/se.ashx?s=439B5E1D0F98116D.">this short survey</a>. Thanks!<br /><br /><strike>Now, for the good stuff. With the Clorox® Green Works™ package I received in the mail, I also got coupons, each for a <span style="font-weight: bold;">FREE </span>bottle of this wonderful natural laundry detergent. <span style="font-weight: bold;">So if you want to try out this new laundry detergent FOR FREE, send me an e-mail at krystalatwork [at] gmail [dot] com! <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I'll mail out a coupon to the first 10 people who contact me with their full mailing address.</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span> Oh, and this is only available to Canadian residents, sorry! :)</strike><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">The coupons have all been claimed! I have contacted all the winners by e-mail. Didn't realize they would go so fast. Thanks everyone!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >But not that we're on the topic of laundry detergent. Do you have a particular brand that you always buy, or are you one to get whatever is on sale?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-2609716660452266544?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/j2VcVdfrjKVd_anwIuPc2FUYAEU/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/j2VcVdfrjKVd_anwIuPc2FUYAEU/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SvnZWlW1tNI/AAAAAAAABbU/OWlN_nfJN-A/s1600-h/283_profile_img1_westjet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 161px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SvnZWlW1tNI/AAAAAAAABbU/OWlN_nfJN-A/s320/283_profile_img1_westjet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402588210015876306" border="0" /></a>As most of you know, <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> and I are flying to Calgary in January. Well, when we booked our flights J hadn't heard from his job opportunity yet. So because of such a great seat sale, we decided to take a chance and book our flights (because even with the $61.95/per person penalty, the flight was still much cheaper than we expected it to be). And as it turned out, <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> needs to attend a meeting the night we had our flights booked for (should have known). So we needed to reschedule our departure date. Which would be easy with any other airline EXCEPT FOR <a href="http://www.westjet.com/">WESTJET</a>.<br /><br />I checked online, and another seat sale was on (with limited availability). The sale ended in a few hours, and we didn't want to risk any chance of the ticket prices going up again, so we knew we had to book ASAP. I tried to log into my online profile to change my flight info there, but apparently they've switched to a new reservation system and all old profile data has been lost. F!<br /><br />So I had to call in. The first time I called, the wait time was "in excess of 60 minutes." WTF. A quick peruse online told me that because they had recently "upgraded" their reservation system, they've been having ridiculously long wait times, and people were PISSED. Some people were holding for up to 2 hours! I lasted 11 minutes on hold before I had to leave my desk to do something.<br /><br />When I tried to call back again, I couldn't even wait on hold because their hold quene was too long. This happened 7 times. SEVEN TIMES. IN A ROW!<br /><br />Finally I called again and I was put on hold. FOR 71 MINUTES. 71 straight minutes listening to the same hold music loop around and around and around. There wasn't even a recorded voice cutting in, to thank me for holding, and to tell me that they appreciated my business. Or even better, there could have been an option for a call-back. But no. So annoying.<br /><br />After my 71 minutes on hold, I finally got to talk to a real, live person! Then they put me on hold when they couldn't figure out their computer system. After another 8 painful minutes on hold, I finally got what I wanted.<br /><br />So thanks for wasting 79 minutes of my life, Westjet. Get your act together!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-7196851999187854509?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SvmfBr5px3I/AAAAAAAABbE/jC4s8xCN_PA/s1600-h/nate-berkus-bedding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 159px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/SvmfBr5px3I/AAAAAAAABbE/jC4s8xCN_PA/s320/nate-berkus-bedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402524079320844146" border="0" /></a>Last year my sister got new bedding for Christmas from my mom. Down comforter, down pillows, sheets, pillow cases, shams, cushions, etc. So this year, my mom said she's going to buy the same thing for me! :) I am THRILLED. It's so generous of her too. Bedding isn't cheap. Kind of ruins the Christmas present surprise, but she knows how particular I am with designs and colours.<br /><br />She told me to scour the internet for bedding I might like. But since I've always gotten my stuff from The Bay, Sears, or IKEA, I have no idea where to shop. Not that those stores aren't nice, but I kind of want something less generic. I'm going to check out The Bay this weekend anyway just to see what they have.<br /><br />Does anyone know of any websites with good quality, cute (modern) bedding (that ships to Canada)?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-185433206937183868?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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If you haven't been hiding under a rock for the past few months, you'll know that J.Money over at <a href="http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/">Budgets are Sexy</a> has been hosting some really cool <a href="http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/labels/blogger showdown.html">Blogger Showdowns</a>!<br /><br />Well I am so excited to say that for Blogger Showdown #6, he picked me to go up against <a href="http://www.fabulouslybroke.com/">Fabulously Broke</a>. :) There's no way I'll be able to beat FB, but it's all in good fun.<br /><br />Here's a preview of the article:<br /><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Svl_9Tuy9uI/AAAAAAAABa8/C5uyDFGb0-E/s1600-h/showdown-fb-krystal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 94px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Svl_9Tuy9uI/AAAAAAAABa8/C5uyDFGb0-E/s400/showdown-fb-krystal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402489919252920034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PF Blogger Sh</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">owdown #6: Fabulously Broke vs. Krystal At Work!</span></span><br />AKA two of the feistiest bloggers around ;) And even more intriguing since they're both anonymous.<br /><br />I've just recently started following <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">FB</span> from <a href="http://fabulouslybroke.com/">Fabulously Broke</a>, but <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Krystal</span>'s <a href="http://krystalatwork.com/">Give Me Back My Five Bucks</a> (otherwise known as "Krystal At Work") has been on my list before I even started blogging myself! What's great about these two is that they just spill it right from the heart, no matter what's on their mind. Sometimes it generates a little ruckus, but they stand by their words and keep on truckin'. Probably a reason they have such a cult following. Enjoy!</blockquote><a href="http://www.budgetsaresexy.com/2009/11/blogger-showdown-6-fabulously-broke-vs.html">Go check it out</a>! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-5031599079394888223?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
<p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q3w9bB03W_Dv4c-A-6PvGpyAbBs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q3w9bB03W_Dv4c-A-6PvGpyAbBs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/>
<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q3w9bB03W_Dv4c-A-6PvGpyAbBs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q3w9bB03W_Dv4c-A-6PvGpyAbBs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p>

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Svl9zf32MoI/AAAAAAAABas/0H3lf5DUCMY/s1600-h/hc_dental_health_101_manual_vs_electric_which_is_the_better_brush_article.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vW87lsW-ZaQ/Svl9zf32MoI/AAAAAAAABas/0H3lf5DUCMY/s320/hc_dental_health_101_manual_vs_electric_which_is_the_better_brush_article.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402487551690158722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Let's take a poll: who uses an electric toothbrush, and who uses a manual one?</span><br /><br />I've used both (but always those inexpensive $10 Crest spinbrush toothbrushes), and have always gone back to a manual one. Manuals are easier to travel with, less wasteful (I've never used the rechargeable kind, just battery-operated - and usually it's cheaper to buy a new spinbrush than replace the batteries), and I feel like electric toothbrushes just can't get my teeth as clean because aren't they just spinning around the gunk?<br /><br />My mom is so set on the fact that electric toothbrushes are superior in every way and was shocked when I told her that I use a manual toothbrush. She even gave me a stern lecture yesterday on why I need an electric one ASAP.<br /><br />I remember my dentist once saying that if I'm going to go electric, I'm better off getting a more expensive one because of the higher reps/pulses or something like that. And because they have timers and pressure monitors, etc. And that if I could only afford a cheapo $10 spinbrush, then I'm better off with a manual brush. Which is what I've been using.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm not in the market for an electric toothbrush, but I was wondering what everyone else uses. I know my sister and her BF use electric and <span style="font-weight: bold;">J</span> and I both use manual.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thoughts?</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2293882317800655743-2980826055236293393?l=www.krystalatwork.com' alt='' /></div>
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