25 Signs that You Don’t Like Winter At All

This is for all those people who do not like winter at all, the many reasons that we can all understand with all the freezing temperatures, snowfall and well, you know the rest.

Here are 25 signs that we don’t like it at all:

1. We absolutely detest shoveling snow off our walkways and driveways

2. Cleaning the snow off the car is a problem

3. Snow, slush and salty roads lead to dirty floors, and disgusting residue that is absolutely a big task to clean and we go crazy over it — OCD and very super clean people know it especially.

4. Seeing the exterior of cars all filled with dirty slushy, saltiness – the interior, the car matts and carpet filled with disgusting winter stuff.

5. Absolutely dislike going grocery or any other type of shopping, taking bags to the car, filling up the car, taking it home, unloading in the freezing cold. Those people who walk to home too with shopping bags in their hands. Its absolutely a headache. You not only have to watch out for the bags, but you have to look on the ground to make sure you don’t slip and slide and fall all over the place.

6. Having 20 pounds of stuff on you to keep you warm. Jackets, coats, long underwear, scarfs, hats, mitts, gloves, boots, sweaters, all these uncomfortable things of winter time. Taking 10 minutes to put everything on.

7. Driving in the freezing cold when the heat in the car is on full blast.

8. having to go to a party or function dressed nicely underneath and you are freezing and sometimes you opt out of going places because you don’t want to leave your warm house.

9. Having to go to work or school in this season. Working outside in this weather and those who work in the transport industry hauling products, driving in these terrible snowy white out conditions.

10. When it gets so dark so quickly, you just want to be in bed by 7 or 8pm thinking and feeling like it is midnight already.

11. heading to the mall, other stores, restaurants, coffee shops and you walk in and the floors are like a sea of white salt and dirt from the parking lot from tires, car fumes, and well the dirt from the cement and asphalt.

12. just when you thought, you had finished shoveling or snow blowing, another 30 cm’s of snow falls the next day. You begin cursing and all the bad words start coming out. just like the line from a gangster movie (Just as I wanted to go out, they pull me back in).

13. When there is freezing rain and snow which makes it so much harder to walk and the risk of falling down on your butt is pretty high.

14. sharing the frustration and creating Hate Winter Clubs on social media is a valid thing to do and seeing that others share the same frustrations is so understandable. I created The I Hate Winter Club page on Facebook just for these points.

15. When sharing I hate winter memes and funny posts make things a little better for us who detest this season with a passion.

17. When you have to use a lot of windshield washer fluid to get rid of salt, grime, snow, and all that crap from the roads and other cars that splash all that on your windshield from driving.

18. Having to change your tires to snow tires.

19. having snow brushes and squeegees in your car.

20. When you put outdoor plans on hold for 5 to 6 months of the year.

21. When you can’t wait until March comes to welcome spring.

22. When you see others enjoying winter. saying in your mind “Are you crazy? You like this weather?” What is so good about it? Nothing can convince winter haters to start liking winter. It is not happening.

23. When you never participate in any Winter sports or activities. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

24. When flu/cold/cough season begins and you stock up on medications and tissues like no tomorrow.

25. When you see winter commercials on TV or ad’s on social media about winter, you start getting agitated.

What do you hate about winter?

What I like about winter is when it’s over.

Second Time Around for First Time Around Prices

In the last few years, I discovered second time around stores, so I decided to go into the store and see what the hype is all about. There is an array of second hand items donated to the store such as clothing, fashion accessories, shoes, home decor, kitchen stuff, books, cds, movies, bathroom stuff, furniture, organizational boxes, necklaces, handbags, baggage, hats, toys, kids clothes, pillows, blankets, towels, seasonal items, and so much more. These stores are great for anyone who is interested in buying used products or whatever that person is interested in.

Although I support and fully recognize the greatness of these stores, however there are some stores, that sell second time around items for first time around prices. I think that when people donate things to those stores, things customers buy should not exceed more than 5 dollars. Books, Movies should not be over 2 dollars, clothing should be under 5 dollars or less per item, and everything else should be priced more reasonably.

I’ve heard in the last little while, that second time around thrift store customers are complaining that things are so pricey than the regular box stores, and charge more for items. It is ridiculous. Some said that we are regular customers but as of today, we won’t be shopping here anymore very often. I know that things are getting expensive, and prices are increasing, however there is no excuse on charging people 25 dollars for a handbag, or 10 dollars for a pair of jeans, or 8 dollars for a pair of shoes. I know these thrift stores need to make money too for rent of the place and to pay its employees, however second time around stores are there for a reason to be more convenient and to recycle items which can be used by another person.

I fully support the recycling of clothing, and stuff, but things should be priced a bit more reasonable, so that people can actually buy things. I heard many people in the aisles saying, I am not pay 8 bucks for a top that has slightly faded. If they give it to me for 2-3 dollars, I will take it. Sometimes at the checkout cash they can be reasonable by lowering the price, but sometimes they do not which is not good.

I know a lot of people may be afraid to shop at these stores because another person who wears the clothing, and uses things can transmit bacteria and all that, however when you wash and disinfect stuff that you buy, you will be fine. I shop there once in a while and sometimes find good deals, so I buy them, wash them out thoroughly and then wear or use them.

Do you shop at Second time around stores? Have you noticed an increase in prices? What do you think about these thrift stores? Would you ever shop at them or are you curious about what you will see in those stores?

I love Shopping at Dollarama – Great Store, Great Products

A few years ago, I was driving and as I was overlooking the streets of Toronto, Canada, I discovered Dollarama, so my curiousness came to the better of me, and plus after hearing a lot about it, I decided to go into the parking lot to park my car, to stop in to see what the hype is all about. I went inside the store and I began going through the aisles to see all the items on the shelves. So I ended up spending some money on really great products. I cannot remember exactly what I had bought, but it was pretty useful afterwards.

Dollarama is an incredible store. I can spend a couple of hours in there, Maybe more. I buy some things to organize things, I buy toiletries, gum, chocolate, and other merchandise. Everything goes from $1 to $3 – Things that are not marked are a $1.

You can purchase Betty Crocker products, house-hold cleaning products, sponges, hangers for your closet, garment bags, storage boxes, Kitchen stuff, dishware, table clothes, towels, seasonal products, food, snacks, drinks, outdoor stuff, candles, beauty and care products, hair products, toys, travel size bottles, great brands, gift bags, greeting cards, hardware, pet stuff, wires, cell phone and tablet cases, cosmetic bags, socks, hats, slippers, crafts, arts, pens, pencils, kids toys, office products, invitation cards, disposable cups, plates, napkins, notebooks and so much more.

I have so much more fun browsing and looking around dollar shops more than those department stores and places that sell those products for a lot more. There are products at Dollarama from 1-3 dollars, that sells it from 10 to 15 dollars in other places and more. I am quite addicted to Dollarama. Sometimes I buy things when I do not even need it at that moment, but then it does come useful in the long run, which I am glad about.

Do you shop at a dollar store? Do you prefer dollar shops over any other retail stores? What do you find to be convenient at dollar shops? Would love to hear your opinion and what you have to say about it.

Canada’s 10 Provinces has several Dollarama Stores.
Visit http://www.dollarama.com to gain more information.

The Boxing Day Rush – No Thank You

Well, it is that time again where Christmas is behind us, and today is boxing day. Many people will go or have already gone out for Boxing day shopping to get their hands on great sales and deals in the retail world, where people get discounted products and everything. I am one of those people who has never gone out to shopping centers, malls, and plazas to go shopping on a crazy day like today, and it just gets me stressed out. I really do not feel like getting trampled on, and attacked by other people. I would rather go shopping at a later time and not battle through big and long line ups, and I would rather shop being sane, then insane. It’s winter time, its cold, snow on the ground, what am I going to do? I would rather stay warm at home and relax, then having to venture out. The time I do go to Malls is Mid January, where things have calmed down, and where I can shop in peace.

Do you like to go shopping on Boxing day, or are you like me and stay home or stay far away from anywhere that requires shopping? If I really do not need something, I do not purchase it. Even if its on sale. When I do need something stores will always have something, so I am not in that rush to get something if I am not going to be using it. How about you?

Well, new years is a few days away. Cannot believe 2013 will be over and gone in less than a week. This year went by so quickly. It is unbelievable. How was 2013 for you? Did you do anything exciting? what were some of your highlights? Have a blessed new year, all the best to 2014.

The Big Apple — Colborne, Ontario — My Thoughts and My Rating on it.

3, 519,760  apple pies sold. By, Talin Orfali

In past experiences I have stopped at the Big Apple in Colborne, Ontario on my way back and forth from Montreal to Toronto, Toronto to Montreal and I think its a nice landmark in Ontario. It can be seen from Highway 401 at exit 497. Percy St. Big Apple Dr in Cramahe Township. There is a giant red apple, that cannot be missed. It has been in existence since I was little.

I must say certain pies are great especially the Caramel Apple Crumble, but I have tried the Apple cookies and I didn’t find them to be quite appealing. It was overbaked and I really did not enjoy it. It was not what I had expected. The gift shop is quite enormous and there is an array of merchandise, groceries, snacks, souvenirs and apple products for baking and consuming. I had bought a lanyard, t-shirt and a couple of things from the gift shop. I think some of the prices are reasonable, but some are ridiculously expensive. I really do not see the logic of things being expensive in stores. They will be kept there for years if they do not make the prices reasonable for the customers.

There is a golf course, There is a pole with a sign on it stating how far cities are in the world. It is pretty neat. There are animals, and a lookout point in the giant red apple, that overlooks the Highway 401. You can see transport trucks and vehicles driving by so quickly and the nature of trees around is absolutely spectacular.

The cleanliness of the restroom’s are excellent and maintained. If you ever go to a bakery, restaurant or place where food is being served, the restrooms must be clean. The restrooms are an important factor to how food is handled and overall health of a restaurant and how things are made.

My overall rating out of 10 for The Big Apple is an 8. They can improve on some things as stated as above.

Service Centres & Truck Stops on the Highways

I must admit stopping at service centres and truck stops have got to be my favourite places to stop when on the road Going to Montreal and coming back on the Highway 401 East and West bounds. There have been many experiences and I must say each one is so much fun. Sometimes I would stay for 10-15 Minutes to fill up gas and go get something to munch on from the Market, I’d stop in for half an hour, sometimes an hour if I am in no hurry. I’d often start making friends here and there and start up conversations with ordinary people. Its fun meeting people at service centres.

I don’t know if I have a map or GPS Written on my forehead but I would just be standing there, minding my own business when people come up to me and ask me and tell me Ma’am, how many minutes or hours left until we get to Montreal? It was this really nice family that came up to me. I said Oh I am headed that way as well. So from the OnRoute Service centre in Morrisburg at exit 758, I told them its about another Hour and a half, and they asked me what there is to Do in Montreal, and I explained to them what the hot-spots and great places to see there. Its like they know me from long ago, they said thank you so much for your help, I said no problem. I told them after 32 times to Montreal in Just this year excluding all the other years I have been to Montreal, I know Montreal inside and out. They said wow thats so awesome! After almost 30 minutes I had spent with them, They ended up giving me $20.00 because I helped them out a lot and said go and buy yourself snacks or whatever you want, I said “I can’t take your money!” They said no we insist, its not everyday we meet someone who actually cares to give directions and information to a place were going to go explore for the first time. So we gave each other our contact information and we have been friends ever since. They are just 15 minutes from me. Its so awesome.  then they had to get back on the road and continue their travel journey to Montreal.

At times I would order food from Burger King, A&W, or get myself a french Vanilla from Tim Hortons, or get a few snacks from the Market and by surprise a few of the workers who I recognize all the time, they surprisingly remember me and a few times they said Hey its you again! I said yes, then they said wow you sure do make lots of trips on this highway, I said i sure do. I know all the exits, cities, towns by heart and I am like a personal tourguide to people who stop at service centres and I dont know what it is, but they always seem to ask me, The worker said, I guess people sense on who knows more than the other person at service centres and they said of course they would ask you of a friendly and lovely face like yours. I would just be like, Thank you! 🙂

Now here is something funny that happened, I know I had said this about the Cops I had spoke about in several blogs ago, but do not want to repeat that in my OPP Post, but another funny thing had happened. This time we stopped in Brockville, Ontario going toward Montreal and there was a huge convention or something going on with cops from parts of Ontario, so here is me always finding ways to talk to Officers, and they had all come to Tim Hortons, so I said to this officer, Now this Tim Hortons is the safest one with all of these fine and incredible officers, The officer from Brockville started to laugh, He said thats the first time I have heard that one lol. He said thanks thanks, Then I told him and his officer partner, that I am on my way to Montreal and they said awesome have fun, and then they said DONT SPEED Or we’ll come after you, I go you have no problems with me because I dont speed. LOL They said good better not ahahaha. it was good ol fun, then I left for the road.

Now a few times I have stopped at truck stops like 5th Wheel, Flying J, Husky on the 401. I would see these big huge trucks and I would actually go stand right beside them. they are so huge, that you dont really realize it from your car driving on the highway all the time unless you stand right beside it. Its a huge beast! I have made many trucker friends. I am telling you, my adventures at these service stops are so fun! I sometimes dont keep track of time only the times i am not in a hurry of course as I said. There are these monthly trucker magazines on the rack and I would always go and get a copy of that and read about the transport trucking industry, about new truck lines, new laws and everything else. Its an awesome truck mag. I like those magazines, pamphlets, brochures about the areas, what to do, see. I keep them all and i document them.

A few of my friends told me, why don’t you work in a Highway Transport Safety Office? Tourism of Montreal office? Or Highway safety? Its awesome. I told them no, but recently, I found my real passion and it is to write, but giving people directions and explaining about the cities towns stretching across the 401 east and stuff is something i like to do on the side. I am not sure when I will go to Montreal again or visit these service centres, but I hope its soon. I just have a blast everytime and I do not think its long at all. 4 and a half hours and I am there. Gotta love it!