It’s not another meme; it’s an interview with Bargainista

When I first noticed Hope Robertson had tagged me in a meme, my first reaction was “Oh no! not another one”. I just did one a month ago. But this time it’s different. This one is more of an interview about the blog itself than information about me.

I’ve been asked these questions a lot lately so I thought it would make sense to participate. And for those of you unfamiliar with Hope’s blog, take a look. She’s a former ballerina with exquisite taste and a wonderful fashion sense.

1. What is the story behind the name of your blog?
I decided to launch a shopping blog but I didn’t have a name. Around the time, there was a whole lot of hoopla about customer service and Starbucks in the blogosphere. A Starbucks employee is called a Barista. Bargainista immediately came to mind, so I did a Google search and Bargainista it was!

2. Why did you start blogging in the first place?
I’d been lurking around social media circles for a while and was tired of being on the outside. I wanted to get hands-on blogging experience and learn more about the culture. Although my background is communications, marketing and web production, I wanted to do something different and something I could be passionate about. A light bulb went off in my head and Bargainista was born.

3. What is your best blogging experience? Your worst?
Best: The people I’ve met and the support I’ve received from readers as a result of blogging. I also enjoy when companies and authors participate in discussions.

The biggest surprise: Being mentioned in the same breath as Mitch Joel and Seth Godin by Mario Parisé on Happy Pixels.

Worst: Dealing with another blogger who is using my brand and is dismissive of trademark and copyright laws.

4. What do you think will happen to your blog in 2008?
I try not to think to hard and let it all happen organically. Good things come to those who wait. ; )

Now I want to hear from you: Mario Parisé, A.C. Riley, Henna Singh and Chris Thompson

Tamsin gets her NutriSystem meals

Last week, Purolator delivered a 35lb box of portion-controlled goodies to my door. Well, I wasn’t home, but I did get a notice to go pick it up at the depot. Lucky for me, Purolator Courier is a 5 minute drive from my home, so I had my package by 8 p.m.

I needed to confirm that there was enough food, and it certainly looked like it. It took a while to sift through the box. I piled the colour coded packages on my dining room table to see what's in store. In my final count, the numbers didn’t support 28 days of 3 meals and 2 snacks/desserts.

Here’s what the box contained:
• 19 breakfasts – not enough
• 28 snacks/desserts – not enough for 2 per day. Also, many of the biscotti packages seemed crushed.
• 28 lunches – Yep, this is correct.
• 36 dinners – a few too many. That’s OK, more choice!

Also, no information kit – the key to understanding the “system” in NutriSystem. I contacted our rep who promised to rush out “some remaining breakfast items to fill out the 28 days, some new biscotti, and the information kit with the DVD.”

Also, she explained that we “should only have one snack/dessert per day (all explained in the information kit)”. I was confused, since I read on the NutriSystem website that “You get to eat 5 times a day to help reduce those cravings between meals!”. I assumed that #5 was a second NutriSystem snack. (I’ve since discovered that you DO get to have a second snack, but it is not supplied by NutriSystem. They do advise you on what to choose, though – a piece of fruit, for example.)

On Saturday, the supplementary box arrived – did it ever! Another big box of food. Yes, the information kit was there with the exercise DVD. And the breakfasts and the biscottis. Plus lots and lots more lunches and dinners and very yummy-sounding snacks, including chocolate bars – woo hoo! NutriSystem overload!

I spent some time reading the nutritional information. It’s pretty clear that jacking up PROTEIN intake is a key part of NutriSystem. Every single meal or snack that I looked at 10-25mg of protein and little fat. You just do not find that in everyday food – unless you sprinkle protein powder on everything you eat. I’m encouraged: protein is good for us, keeps us feeling full, and gives us energy.

Yeah, but how does the food taste? I'm curious too! We’ll let you know when we finally get started. Meanwhile, Eden STILL awaits her first delivery of NutriSystem meals.

Talk about portion control!

[Bargainista: I received my first food package today (the DVD should arrive any day) and will give a full report on Day 1 – Stay tuned!]

Give a green gift this Valentine's Day

Dandelion Mud Pie, a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood store, has designed a collection of six Valentine gift baskets inspired by the “spirit, creativity and works” of four authors and four Canadian eco-heros. Each “green” basket is filled with Canadian-crafted products that are natural, organic, easily biodegradable and comes with it’s own handmade gift card.

Here’s the description of the “Love Struck Eco Goddess” basket (photo) inspired by Elizabeth Barret Browning and Adria Vasil:
Products include a Mountain Sky pure beeswax heart candle, Two Herbal Mamas lip balm, Soap Stone dead sea salts, a silk herbal eye pillow, a bar of Zazubean Nakid organic chocolate and more.

This basket comes with a handcrafted gift card with the following message on the one side and blank on the other for your own words:

“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height/My soul can reach - I love thee with the breath/ Smiles, tears, of all my life!”

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Valentine gift baskets are range in price from $55-$65 and are available in-store or online until February 14.

Tip of the week – check out NancyZimmerman.com

Today the Globe and Mail gave blogger Nancy Zimmerman a big shout-out in an article for do-it-yourself investors. Described as a “Gifted Amature” her tips are aimed at helping middle-class Canadians take charge of their money.

At the end of last year, Nancy and I discovered each other online. I blog about deals. She blogs about living well on a middle-class income. I guess you could say we complement each other quite well. There’s one big difference. As a self-described “money coach” I suspect she’s much better at managing her money.