I'm here to save YOU money. My name is Kristina and I want to give you the most up-to-date saving tips and ideas.

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Mid-Weel Meals!

Hello Readers, 

I have 2 recipes for you today. I came across these recipes from neat website and thought I would share those with you today. I wanted to use these 2 recipes because for one the first recipe involves cauliflower and I think cauliflower is amazing, you can do so much with it!! And the second one is because I am in the mood for some muffins and I love peanut butter. SO instead of sharing a personal recipe, ill share something I found for you, making it easy for you to not have to search the web for great recipes, ill bring them to you! 

First recipe is a healthy version of Fettuccine Alfredo. I love this dish, it was a favorite of mine when I was younger and now I never really eat it because Im not gluten intolerant so I guess I started to avoid pasta dishes. BUT there are options out there for gluten free pasta.

Fettuccine Alfredo by Lindsay at Pinch of Yum


Ingredients
  • 1 lb. uncooked fettuccine noodles
  • 3 small heads cauliflower
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup starchy boiling water from pasta pot

Instructions
  1. Chop the cauliflower. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium high heat and add cauliflower. Cook until cauliflower is soft, about 15 minutes. In my experience, the longer you cook it, the smoother the sauce will be. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for 4-5 minutes or until soft and fragrant.
  2. As the garlic and cauliflower are cooking, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the fettuccine according to directions on package, reserving some of the starchy water to add to the sauce later.
  3. Transfer cauliflower to a blender with about 2 cups of the broth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender. Add the sauteed garlic, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper and puree until very smooth, about 5 minutes. Once the mixture is moving, stream the olive oil into the blender. Add more broth or water if the mixture is too thick to move through the blender. You want it to turn through the blender easily. When puree is very smooth, transfer back to the butter/garlic skillet.
  4. Add the cream and cook over low heat. Add the starchy pasta water (or regular water if you’re not making pasta) and keep warm until ready to serve. Combine noodles and sauce in a large pot or skillet and serve immediately.

Id like to add in that I would use rice, quinoa or sprout pastas to substitute. And Im not 100% sure, but maybe trying a plain greek yogurt instead of the cream. I will have to try this and get back to you!! If you happen to try it before me, comment below and let me know!! :D 

Peanut Butter & Honey Muffins by Lindsay at Pinch of Yum

Ingredients
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter (crunchy or smooth)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey (agave nectar if vegan)
  • ¾ cup milk (almond, soy, etc. if vegan)

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add the peanut butter and oil and mix with a fork until crumbs form.
  3. Add the milk and honey and mix until just combined. Do not beat.
  4. Pour into muffin tins (about ¾ full) and bake for 10-12 minutes, until tops are golden brown and spring back when you touch them.

This recipe, If its agave you eat, don't let me stop you, but i heard that it really isn't healthy for you. I was told its a metabolism killing disaster!! Personally, organic raw honey would be best because it hasnt been heated to heats that takes out the goodness for you that you find in honey. And Flours of course I would substitute for a gluten free ones such as oat, quinoa, bean, rice, sprout flours. Other than that sounds like a good recipe.

Comment below when you have tried these. Let me know how you like them, what worked, what didnt!! 

With Love:
Kristina


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Tuesday 26 February 2013

6 Tips for Buying a Home


Top 6 Tips for Buying a Home

Keep and eye on your Credit Score - This is self explanatory, the best the score, the more likely to be a approved and the better the rate.

Check for Pre-Approval - Seek a Mortgage Professional to talk about what you can afford, make a plan and see if you can get pre-approved. This will help your process and will give you more of an advantage. 

Seek Legal advice to go over contract - This is to make sure you understand everything that is written.

Negotiate Price - You can find that you can get a good price on the home for less then they are offer if you are willing to negotiate. BUT be aware that there may be other offers, therefore you may end up in a bidding war meaning you can pay for than expected!

Make a list of your needs, wants, must haves and do not wants - This is important because you can narrow down houses and it will help your agent look for the right places. In this make sure you include looking at the neighbourhood. Look at things like, where schools and parks are, which banks are in town and whats the crime rate. 

Prepare for Pre-Delivery Inspection - If possible you are able to walk with the builder, you can also search the internet for the build, see what work he does, what his name carries. In this inspection, make sure you take note of all the things that need fixing or is missing. This is crucial, so be prepared and its more than ok to take your time during the inspection.


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Monday 25 February 2013

The Rich Man

THE RICHEST MAN IS NOT HE WHO HAS THE MOST, BUT HE WHO NEEDS THE LEAST.

Friday 22 February 2013

Learn About Mortgage Life Insurance


Learn About Mortgage Life Insurance

Mortgage professionals can protect their clients' families and their homes through a mortgage life insurance policy.

Who Does It Protect?

Mortgage life insurance is simply a life insurance policy on the homeowner which will allow their family or dependents to pay off the mortgage on their home should something tragic happen to them. This is not to be confused with mortgage default insurance, which lenders require to cover their own assets if you have less than 20% equity in your home. Mortgage life insurance is meant to protect the family of a homeowner and not the mortgage lender itself.

How Much Does It Cost?

While it is nice to think that if you were to pass away your mortgage would be paid off, is it really necessary for you to pay for this service? If you already have an adequate amount of life insurance then the answer might be no.
If you are the primary breadwinner in your home and your death would leave your family without the means to pay for the mortgage, then mortgage life insurance might be a good option.

How to Apply

When looking at mortgage life insurance policies, it's important to know if the policy that you choose is portable, and if it's backed by a large organization. A mortgage professional will take you through the ins-and-outs of mortgage life insurance. By evaluating what you really need, and the differences in coverage and costs, you can make the best decisions for you and your loved ones.

I hope this makes sense to you. And I ho you take the time to go to my webpage to apply! What can you lose?
With Love:
Kristina



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Wednesday 20 February 2013

Banana OatMeal Cookies with Flaxseed! Healthy and Delicious!

Banana OatMeal Cookies



Hello Everyone!

I have a delicious and healthy recipe for you! These Cookies a friend of mine and I decided to experiment with. We added all sorts of things in them. The one in the picture has Chocolate Chips and Flaxseed. You should give them a try, they are yummmm!

Main Ingredients:
3 Bananas
1.5 Cups of Quaker Quick Oats
1 Tablespoon of Flaxseed (optional)

Add-In Ideas:
Chocolate -Chips or chunks
M&Ms or Smarties - for the more dessert lovers
Dried Fruit
Nuts 
Coffee

Directions: 
(1) Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees
(2) Mash Banana
(3) Add in oats and desired add-ins
(4) Mix well 
(5) Roll into balls and place onto baking sheet - I like to use silicone sheets or baking paper.
(6) Place in oven for 15 minutes or until they are the way you like them! 

Makes 20 Cookies! 

Have Fun!! 

With Love:
Kristina 



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Tuesday 19 February 2013

Save On Your Grocery Bills!



DOs:

Make a List - By making a list and having in mind what you are going to cook and therefore need from the store it help you not only with time spend shopping, but it also helps you stick to what you know you can afford. You know what the average cost will be, you can set a budget. 

Clip Coupons - Coupons can save you a lot of money! You can find them in many places too; On cartons, cereal boxes, flyers... etc. This way you can ensure you aren't paying full price for what you need and you are cutting your bill meaning you can put more into your saving account or towards something you really want. 

Be Prepared - This means many things. Have your list will ensure you are sticking to your budget and will ensure you don't have to go back, which means more gas and the possibility of buying too much. Have your eco-friendly grocery bags with you when you shop will save you cents each visit by not having to purchase bags at the store. 

Check all Flyers for Sales - My husband and I would check all flyers and pick from each store what we need and then make the trip all in one day. If you don't have time, check the store that has the best sales to accommodate your needs. AND having each flyer can help with the next step!

Shop at Stores that Match Prices from other Stores - Not all grocery stores do this so pick one that will. If you bring the flyer with you from another grocery store stating that asparagus is on sale and then another flyer from yet another store that tissue paper is on sale, the store you are shopping at will give you their products for those prices. Its a great deal!! You don't have to waste the time or gas driving around. And you get to save! How great is that?!


DONTs

Shop Hungry - This is a big mistake! You start to crave everything you see and therefore want to buy it all, in the end you buy too much. And if you are like me, sometimes you just get distracted and cant focus, thus forgetting all together what you really need. 

Buy Brand Name Foods - There are much more options out there, you can find the store brand in almost everything! And you can find out yourself that most things taste the same. But if you find that they don't - wait for a sale and stock up! 

Buy Food you Wont Eat - This is a common mistake, people see it on sale so they get it. just because it says 2 for $5, it doesn't mean you should get the second one. Most grocery store will say 2 for the price to trick consumers into purchasing more, when really if you look at it if you buy 1 it will cost $2.50. Meaning just one is also on sale, you aren't purchasing one at full price, but if you buy 2 its a sale. Nope, take a look: 2 for 5 or 1 for 2.50. SAME THING! Less food and less out of your pocket. 

Buy Junk Food - First let me say if you have to look for sales or buy name brand. Secondly, junk food really isn't good for your health so really you shouldn't have it. Not buying it will help you cut the habit, lose pounds, be healthier and save you money. All in All a Plus! 

Let the Cashier Make a Mistake Scanning in Items - DO NOT LET HIM/HER! I say 1 in 5 times I go to the grocery store I notice that something was rung in wrong. It may just be a dollar or three, but every 5 times I go thats 3 dollars taken for me I shouldn't have to give! If I go once a week plus the times I forgot something or something came up - average it to 8 times a month. Do you see how that adds up? SO watch as each item is scanned and correct the cashier if needed. 


And there you have it!! Cut your bill down each time by using these simple tips! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend :D 


With Love: 
Kristina 



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Monday 18 February 2013

Make It Last

The Mint Makes it First, It is up to You to Make it Last - Evan Esar-

Happy Money Saving Monday!! 

Hope you enjoy this one - I think it speaks for itself :) Have a good one!! 

With Love:
Kristina


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Friday 15 February 2013

Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Learning About Buying a Home

Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage 

getting preapproved for a mortgage


If you are looking for a new home, be sure you are pre-approved. With a mortgage pre-approval, a licensed mortgage professional can do a more complete verification prior to sending you shopping for a home, and with that done, the dollar figure you are going shopping with is actually what you can spend.

The mortgage professional that you work with to get pre-approved will let you know for certain what you can afford based on lender and insurer criteria, and what your payments on a specific mortgage will be. Dominion Lending Centres mortgage professionals can lock-in an interest rate for you for anywhere from 60 - 120 days while you shop for your perfect home. By locking in an interest rate, you are guaranteed to get a mortgage for at least that rate or better. If interest rates drop, your locked-in rate will drop as well. However, if the interest rates go up, your locked-in interest rate will not, ensuring you get the best rate throughout the mortgage pre-approval process.
In order to get pre-approved for a mortgage, a mortgage professional requires a short list of information that will allow them to determine your buying power. A mortgage professional will explain to you the benefits of shorter or longer mortgage terms, the latest programs available, which mortgage products they believe will most likely meet your needs the best, plus they will review all of the other costs involved with purchasing a home.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is something every potential home buyer should do before going shopping for a new home. A pre-approval will give you the confidence of knowing that financing is available, and it can put you in a very positive negotiation position against other home buyers who aren't pre-approved.

I hope this article helps you better understand what it means to get pre-approved for a mortgage. And I also hope you will take under consideration to contact me so that you can check it out, find out more and see what you can afford. There is no harm in trying and no obligations, just an application to get information.
Click here to APPLY: Apply Online
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Thursday 14 February 2013

Top 15 Love Quotes!

❤ Happy Valentines Day!! 


Top 15 Love Quotes on Valentines Day - 2013!! Write, tweet, share to your loved one(s)!!
Hope you all have a wonderful Valentines Day!! Love and Kisses from Kristina  
“We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” 
- Mother Teresa



”There is a place you can touch a woman that will drive her crazy. Her heart.” 

- Melanie Griffith



Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots.





Once in awhile, Right in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives us a fairy tale.



I saved a bunch of money on Valentines Day by switching to...single.. Happy Valentine's Day



Happy Valentines Day! Never give up on something that meant the world to you. 



The best love story is when you fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time.



Real men stay faithful. They don't have time to look for other women, because they are too busy loving the one they have.



I wish I could explain to you how I feel, because every night before I go to bed, you're all I think about.



"I love you" means that I will love you and stand by you even through the worst of times.



The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.



“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.” 

-William W. Purkey





“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” 

-Lao Tzu



Do I love you because you're beautiful, Or are you beautiful because I love you?

-Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella



Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself - and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to - letting a person be what he really is.

-Jim Morrison 

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Mid-Week Meals - Chicken Roast

Easy Chicken Roast


Hello Everyone, 

Today I have a simple and easy Roast Recipe for you. I made it last night, it turned out great and my husband loved it too! It would be a great main dish for you husband to cook for you wives tomorrow on Valentines Day - if you don't have a planned meal already :) Its cheap, easy, quick and you both with love it while you stare and gaze into each other eyes. haha. OK, enjoy <3 

Ingredients: 

Chicken Breast - I used 2 because there are 2 of us.
Veggies of choice - I used carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, onion and I meant to use potatoes, but forgot :)
Greek Salad Dressing - My Home Made Kind: Home Made Greek Salad Dressing
Spices - This is optional, you don't have to use any if there are some already added to the dressing. But I used thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, salt and pepper on just the chicken. 

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 375 degree
2. Oil Casserole Dish
3. Place in chicken breast and season
4. Add Chopped Veggies
5. Coat with dressing
6. Cook for 30 - 40 minutes or until desired tenderness. 

Simple and Easy eh!! It took no time at all, its healthy and both my husband and I loved it. 

Hope you enjoy :) 


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Tuesday 12 February 2013

5 Ways to Save on Valentines Day!


5 Ways to save on Valentines Day: 
-Know where to shop for flowers
-Buy gifts from discounted places
-Stay in or Plan something that is free
-DIY Gifts

Hi All!! 

I hope you enjoy this one, I thought I would come up with something on this Tips for Tuesday - day  about Valentines Day seeing it is this week!! I hope this helps :) 

With Love:
Kristina



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Home Made Greek Salad Dressing

Monday 11 February 2013

Changing the World or Changing Self

Happy Monday Saving Monday!


Everyone things of changing the world, but no one think of changing himself 
-Leo Tolstoy-


I chose this motivation for you today because, I thought it was true in the way that many people dream of changing the world before they think or plan on how. How are going going to achieve your dreams? Well by starting with yourself... and even more specific with you finances, you can make sure you are going down the path you wish to be going down. Focus on your spend, saving, need to spend on, how much do you need to achieve... etc. This will in turn help you to get to the place you dream to be. Like anything else, it takes time, but its worth it. 

Hope you all have a great monday :) 

With Love: 
Kristina


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Friday 8 February 2013

MORTGAGE RENEWAL


Shopping for a Mortgage Renewal


While most Canadians spend a lot of time, and expend a lot of effort, in shopping for an initial mortgage, the same is generally not the case when looking at mortgage term renewals. By omitting proper consideration at the time of renewal, this practice costs Canadian citizens thousands of extra dollars every year. Nearly 60% of borrowers simply sign and send back their renewal that is first offered to them by their lender without ever shopping around for a more favourable interest rate.
Homeowners should never accept the first rate offer from their existing lender. Without any negotiation, simply signing up for the market rate on a renewal is unnecessarily costing the homeowner a lot of money on their mortgage.
Generally it is a good idea to start shopping for a new term between four and six months before your current mortgage term expires. Many lenders send out your renewal letter very close to the time that your term expires and this does not give you ample time to arrange for a mortgage term through a different lender. This means that you need to be tracking your own mortgage term timeframe and know when it is time to start shopping for a good mortgage renewal rate.
Before you ever hear from your lender about renewing your mortgage term, have a licensed mortgage professional shop around for you, you will be amazed at what they can accomplish on your behalf!
Your mortgage is one of your biggest expenses. For this reason it is imperative to find the best interest rates and mortgage terms you possibly can. By shopping around at renewal time you can save substantial amounts of money over the life of your mortgage loan. Don't be one of the 60% who just simply sign their renewal letter and send it back. Use the services of a licensed Dominion Lending Centres mortgage professional to ensure the lenders compete for your business.
I wrote a blog a little while ago explaining a little bit about mortgage renewal : Tip for Tuesday: Mortgage Renewal
The rates I can offer you are much better than the rates a bank can offer you, you dont need to sign up for sure, but why not inquire... No harm in that! Remember I work all over Canada :) 
Click here to send an inquiry: http://kristinacrosbie.ca/mortgage-renewal 

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Wednesday 6 February 2013

Mid Week Meals - 5 Gluten-Free Low-Carb Foods

Mid-Week Meals 


5 Low- Carb and Gluten Free Foods - Meat, Poultry and Fish, 
Vegetables, Nuts, Fruits and Fresh Herbs. 



Hope you enjoy todays post and all is well with you :) 


With Love:
Kristina Crosbie


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Tuesday 5 February 2013

Financial Advice from Wayne Gretzky


Now with Hockey season on I thought it would be suitable to post this when I saw it. Wayne Gretzky has been very successful in his life, its amazing how much he has accomplished! 

I hope you enjoy these tips and that you find them helpful. 

Dont forget to leave a comment below and if you follow me on my social media site share, like and repin. Lots of love.


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Monday 4 February 2013

Worry Gets you Nowhere.

Happy Money Saving Monday!!





Worry, like a rocking chair will give you something to do, but it wont get you anywhere.
-Vance Havner-

I hope you all find this something that will help you not worry about your finances, mortgages...etc. Rather it will make you realize the only way is to start working toward being debt free... and if that means finding someone that can help you, then that is a great start. 
Visit me at: kristinacrosbie.ca


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Friday 1 February 2013

Learn about Buying a Home


Learn about Buying a New Home



The purchase of a home is the largest purchase most people make during their lifetime. At Dominion Lending Centres, we want to make each and every purchaser aware of the many mortgage options available to them prior to their purchase and closing date.
Now, more than ever, financial institutions are regularly launching new products and programs, making it easier to get into that new home sooner. Today, interest-only loans, self-employment programs, rental purchase programs, vacation property programs, and a host of other innovative financing alternatives are dotting the home purchase landscape, making homeownership a reality for more people than ever.
Whether you are first-time buyer or an experienced buyer with excellent credit, Dominion Lending Centres has access to the very best products and rates available across Canada. Give us a call... we think you'll be pleasantly surprised!
You can Apply online at kristinacrosbie.ca

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