Now that the holidays are officially here and the kids are finally out of school, you are probably wondering what to do with them for the next couple of weeks. Well, there are a bunch of activities you and your family can do to spend some time together! Whether you want to stay in and save a couple bucks, or hit the town with the entire family, we have got you covered in this week's top ten list of the best family activities to do over the holidays.

10. Deck the halls
If you haven't done so already, take some time with the kids to decorate the house for the holidays! No matter what you celebrate during the holiday season, the kids will have a great time decorating the house! It won't cost you anything other than what you spend on the decorations, so it'll be an affordable way to spend a day with the kids.

9. Play in the snow  
When I was a kid, I loved playing in the snow with my parents, so this is a virtually free way to bring joy to their winter vacation! If you're out shoveling for the day, start a mini-hill for your kids to slide down. It'll be a fun-filled day for all! Once everyone is on the verge of getting a little frost bite, head inside to warm up with some hot chocolate.

8. Head for the hills with a toboggan! 
Nothing beats barreling down a snow-covered hill on a toboggan in the middle of winter! If you are looking for something to do at virtually no cost, take your family to the nearest hill with a few toboggans and go nuts! Make sure that the kids are wearing helmets though, because those toboggans can go pretty fast!

7. Build a gingerbread house!
For about $10, you can head over to the grocery store and buy a gingerbread house kit. The kits usually include decorative candies and icing sugar, so you should be set for a day filled with sugary arts and crafts! If you need some extra candy to spruce up your house, the Bulk Barn is a great and cheap way to make it look festive.

6. Arts and crafts
If it's too cold outside to do any activities, stay inside and do some arts and crafts with the family. After a quick trip to the dollar store, you and the kids will have all you need to create little works of art. You can even have the kids make holiday decorations for the house. It doubles up as an activity and an affordable way to spread some holiday cheer!

5. Lace up the skates and go skating
During the winter months, community centers and outdoor rinks are filled with families and friends enjoying this classic winter activity. In most cases, admission to outdoor rinks is free, while rental costs for skates are relatively low.

4. Go for a walk on a trail
Canada is home to some of the most beautiful walking trails during the winter time, so bundle up with the kids and go for a long walk. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even rent a pair of snowshoes! Who knows, you may even see a deer or some other furry critters dashing through the snow. Remember to pack a lunch and some snacks if you're planning to be out for the day. It's a great way to sit in the snow and enjoy some food amongst nature.

3. Go for a swim
Taking the family for a swim at your local community center pool can be a great way to pass the time and remind everyone about the joys of summer weather. Try and look for a fully equipped facility- one that has both a slide and a hot tub, so that the kids and parents both have something to enjoy.

2. Holiday movie night
Looking to stay in as opposed to going out? If so, rent a movie or use your favorite online platform and pick out a few holiday flicks for you and the kids! Try mixing it up by finding some new holiday favorites that the kids will like, while renting a few classics from your childhood as well!

1. Hit the slopes
Whether or not you are into winter sports, skiing and snowboarding can be one of the most active things to do as a family. Try going to one of the smaller ski resorts where they have more novice slopes for the kids to learn on. Depending on where you go, family day passes and rental packages are usually moderately priced. If you're not too good on your feet, you can always hit the tubing hills! After everyone is tired, head over to the chalet and warm up with your hands by the fireplace.

Whether you are hitting the beaches of Cuba, or hiking up into Machu Picchu, a good camera is your best ally when looking to capture the moments and memories of your trip. Before you visit the nearest Best Buy or camera store to purchase anything, take the time to figure out what best suits your needs. Often times, when you're in a rush to prepare for a trip, people prematurely buy whatever camera they can get their hands on. It is not until they get to their destination that they discover that what they bought wasn't actually what they needed.

Take the time to do your research and shop around for a few different models. Also, take the time to ask yourself what you intend to get out of this trip. If you're going to Cuba for a week of drinking, dancing, and beach-bumming, then an expensive DSLR (Digital Single-lens Reflex) camera might not be your first choice. Instead, look into a smaller and more affordable “point and shoot” camera with 10 or 18 MP. These types of cameras offer great picture quality, are very easy to carry around, and cost much less than the more intricate DSLR's.

On the other hand, if you are looking to travel for an extended period of time and would like to create some sort of photo journal of your travels, perhaps purchasing a more expensive DSLR is the way to go. To start, ask yourself how much you would like to spend and what kind of pictures you would like to take. Since many DSLR cameras can be purchased with a variety of lens options, the price range can easily fluctuate into the thousands depending on the number of components you buy. DSLR cameras are also bulkier and will take up more space as you add on a number of lenses. If your trip itinerary limits you to the amount of things you can carry (backpacking perhaps), then it may be wise to leave the tripod and other lenses at home. When looking for a good DSLR, focus on the picture quality and the type of lens options available. Companies like Sony & Nikon make great DSLR's for the novice photographer, as well as the experienced photo journalist.

If you take the time to find out what camera works best for you, not only will you save money, but you will also be able to capture the moments of your trip to the best of your ability. If you are looking for some more advice, try checking out www.whatdigigitalcamera.com before you head into the camera store!

Are you making travel plans for the coming year? Well, we've just gathered our top ten favorite festivals all around the world and it's your chance to see them! Take a break from the ordinary sights and sounds of everyday life and immerse yourself in a wonderful experience. Where will your next adventure take you? South America? Europe? Asia? No matter where you go, we've got a festival for you to enjoy, so take your pick! 

1. New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia

December 31st, 2013

The whole entire world celebrates the coming of the New Year, but amongst all of the celebrations, the most epic one has to be in Australia. If you want to catch all of the action, head over to Sydney's Harbor Bridge for an impressive display of fireworks. 

2. Up Helly Aa Fire Festival in Scotland

January 28th, 2014

This Scottish festival occurs on the last Tuesday in January and it features elaborate costumes and songs that come after the mock burning of a galley. The sight of the burning galley is one to behold especially against the dark black night sky.

3. Chinese New Year in China

January 31st, 2014

The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Chinese calendar. This two-week celebration explodes with large, colorful, puppet-dragons that run through the streets. There are also red lanterns that hang above the heads of people walking down the street. This joyous celebration will ring in the Year of the Horse. 

4. Rio Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

February 28th, 2014-Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

The Rio Carnival marks the beginning of Lent, which is part of the Easter celebration. Extravagant dance performances, floats, and costumes make their way down the streets for one of the most beautiful parades that you will ever experience.

5. Holi in India

March 17th, 2014

Holi is an Indian festival that is meant to be a day of joy, laughter, and love. This festival paints the streets of India while people roam around and throw colored powder at each other. The many different colors bring the city to life, so if you're looking for a bright and fun festival, Holi is for you.

6. Scarlet Sails in St. Petersburg, Russia

June 23rd, 2014

The Scarlet Sails tradition marks the freedom from school and rules! It's launched with a vibrant display of fireworks, music, and a water show that features different displays of ships that are lit up with beautiful lights.

7. Burning Man in Black Rock Desert, Nevada, U.S.A

August 25th, 2014- September 1st, 2014

The Burning Man festival is a radical event of self-expression that takes place over several days. The key features of this festival are the creatively crafted 'mutant' vehicles, song and dance, and the main attraction – a 100-foot wooden burning man.

8. La Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain

August 27th, 2014

What does a real, live, gigantic food fight feel like? Well, La Tomatina can give you a feel for a food fight, but you'll only have tomatoes as ammo! This amazing festival will have you painting the town red with thousands of other Spaniards that are pelting tomatoes at each other. 

9. OktoberFest in Munich, Germany 

September 20th, 2014-October 5th, 2014

Are you a beer lover? Well, you might want to pay a visit to Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest! Roam the streets of Munich to discover new beers, food and treats, and new friends. Beer and food? What a winning combo. 

10. Day of the Dead in Mexico

October 31st, 2014-November 2nd, 2014

The Day of the Dead is a time for people to gather, pray, and remember family members and friends that have died. It's a joyous and colorful celebration where people masquerade through cemeteries as the “dead”. People also offer up colorfully painted skulls and skeletons on the graves of their loved ones. 

Do any of these adventures sound exciting to you? Well, catch the next mystery shop flight out with SQM and save 50%off of your air fare! Visit http://www.sqm.ca/index.php/en/become-a-shopper.html to find out more!

Planning a getaway for the holiday season? Well, if you love spending time in the water, we've gathered our top ten swim spots! Some places will satisfy your inner daredevil, while others will allow for the ultimate rest and relaxation in a wide open space of bright blue water. Take your pick from our list and take a dip!

1. The Devil's Swimming Pool- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Located at the peak of Victoria Falls, the Devil's Swimming Pool is a formation of a perpetual stream. It is about 400 feet above the actual riverside but it is, during dry seasons, completely safe to perch at the edge of the falls. The streams have a natural rock barrier that prevents the current from carrying over anything over the edge of the falls. It offers thrills and an exciting view but more importantly, no fatal accidents have been reported, so safety shouldn't be a big issue. 

2. Mosquito Bay- Vieques, Puerto Rico 

This bioluminescent body of water is an experience to remember. Mosquito Bay is particularly beautiful during the nighttime when the bay reveals its phosphorescent inhabitants, which are just little glowing plankton that emit light in response to movement. Don't worry about the plankton because they are completely harmless! The salinity of the bay is also high enough so that you can just float around.

3. Sistema Sac Actun- Quintana Roo, Mexico

The Sistema Sac Actun is prominent for its cave diving sites. The Grande Cenote entrance leads to the underwater cave system where tourists can swim through and begin exploring. The temperature is relatively consistent through out.

4. Cenote Yokdzonot- Yucatan, Mexico

If you're looking for a daring dive, then the sinkholes of Yucatan are perfect for you. You can gain access to these beautiful waters by paying a small entrance fees to the locals. If you're not up to the daring dive, then you can take a dip in the shallow areas of the water.

5. Lubok Simpon- Pahang, Malaysia

Located amongst the most ancient rainforests in the world, this swimming spot offers a vibrant challenge with the current. Be sure to avoid the more precarious waters flowing at the other side of the bank!

6. Blue Lagoon- Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is a cold region, but the Blue Lagoon is pleasantly warm. The geothermal heat conducted from beneath keeps the lagoon hot, averaging a temperature of around 38°C throughout the year. After a cold adventure, the Blue Lagoon serves as a great place to take a dip and rest your bones.

7. Big Sur River- California, USA

Big Sur can be found on the Central Coast of California. While the river has several swimming spots, the best spot is in the gorge, which sits at the bottom of the waterfall. Shallow spots en route the gorge are best suited for children and those looking for a fun, but simple swimming spot. 

8. Hearts Desire Beach- California, USA

Northern California's best swimming spot is Hearts Desire Beach, where swimmers enjoy its warm and shallow waters that run for long distances and provide safety against large waves.  

9. River Granta- Cambridgeshire, UK

Looking for a swim in British waters? The long and winding Granta River offers a quick way to get in and out with the use of a series of ropes that hang freely into the water. It's a fun way to go for a dip!

10. Pont Du Gard- Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France

Featuring crisp and clear waters, a Roman-esque aqueduct, and a wide river, this area makes for a great place to go for a swim. The accompanying beach allows for memorable picnics as well. The only rule is to avoid swimming under the nearby arches.

Many people fight an ongoing battle every night with their bed. Have you ever felt like you just can't get to sleep? Between worrying about the trials of today, and the tribulations of tomorrow, it can be nearly impossible to wake up rested and refreshed. In order to help you get the best rest possible without the use of sleep-inducing drugs, we have put together our latest top ten list on the best ways to get a better night sleep. If you happen to suffer from insomnia (mild or severe), it is probably best to consult the advice of a doctor to improve your sleeping patterns. With this list, we simply want to provide you with a foundation for better sleep.

10. Put the computer and cell phone down...

Ever notice how you can feel tired, but be awake enough to stay on the computer until the late hours of the night? You may not notice it, but the light being projected from your computer and smart phone can contribute to you feeling more awake at night. To prevent this, put down your phone down and turn your computer off before going to bed, so that your brain isn't stimulated by the light coming from the screen.

9. Avoid over the counter remedies

Although over-the-counter sleep aids can help you get a decent night's rest, they will often cause your body to become dependent on the active sleep agent, making it difficult to fall asleep without it. Many over-the-counter sleep aids are marketed as “non habit” forming, but that is simply not the case. You may not experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them, but they won't correct your overall sleeping pattern, so seek natural remedies first. If that does not work, consult your doctor.

8. Proper diet

Before bed, avoid eating any large, fatty meals that might be difficult for you to digest. and thus, keep you up all night, If you are going to eat something, make sure that it is light and free of excessive sugar so you don't get a rush of energy before bed. 

7. Reduce anxiety before bed

This may be easier said than done, but preventing pre-bedtime anxiety can be a detrimental factor in helping you get a restful night's sleep. Try practicing a variety of breathing techniques to help quell your mind before you go to bed. If that doesn't work, try various progressive muscle relaxation techniques that can help relax your body. If that still doesn't work, try venting to someone so you are not internalizing everything in your head before you go to bed. 

6. Quit smoking

If you are a regular smoker, you may be actively contributing to your inability to get a good night's rest. Since nicotine is a strong stimulant, it can disrupt your sleeping patterns if you are having a cigarette before bed. Withdrawal symptoms can even cause you to wake up in the middle of the night, craving a cigarette.

5. Avoid alcohol before bed

That glass of Merlot may look extra appetizing, but try to avoid drinking it before going to bed. Different forms of alcohol, like wine, can help you fall asleep faster, but they inevitably reduce the quality of your sleep. This will cause you to wake you up at random points during the night. 

4. Limit your nap times

Naps can be a good way to make up for lost sleep here and there, but don't replace a good sleep schedule with periodic naps during the day. Not only will this throw off your internal clock, it will leave you more tired and groggy than ever before. Keep naps to a 20 minute minimum so your body can get a quick recharge without entering full sleep mode. 

3. Have a sleep conducive room

Make sure that your “bedroom” is a comfortable and relaxing place to sleep. Many researchers recommend keeping the “office” and “bedroom” separate from each other. This way, you are not associating the anxieties of your office, with the peacefulness of your bedroom. Also, make sure that you have adequate blinds to keep the light out. Using those old bedsheets may be more affordable, but when the sun begins to rise early in the morning, you will be waking up with the roosters. Create a space in which you are comfortable enough to lay down and relax after a long day.

2. Exercise 

If you are having trouble sleeping, one of the best things to do is engage in a consistent routine of physical exercise. This will not only energize your body throughout the day, it will also tire out your body at night. Make sure though, that you do not exercise too closely before bedtime. Your post-workout energy will make it difficult for you to fall asleep immediately after a workout. To get around this, try working out in the early evening so you have time to shake off that post-workout energy and fall asleep soundly at night.

1. Set a routine

One of the most fundamental ways to get a better sleep at night is to create a consistent sleep routine. This entails, going to bed, and waking up at the same time everyday. If you are constantly going to bed and waking up at different times, you will throw off your internal clock, even if you are getting the same amount of sleep. If it helps, try keeping a sleeping log noting when you lay down for bed, and when you wake up in the morning. Setting a consistent sleep schedule for yourself is the best way to get a good nights rest.

As the holidays roll around, more and more people will be swiping their plastic credit cards to purchase gifts for everyone on their list. After working in the retail industry for a number of years, I often noticed an increase in the amount of people who would use credit cards during the holiday season. I mean, I totally understand circumstances where you may need your credit card to buy the necessities that you cannot immediately afford, like food, but it also provides a false sense of wealth in those who depend on it more than they should. Unlike the physical cash that you have in your wallet, credit from the bank is not tangible. The card in which the credit is kept may be tangible, but the “money” contained within it is not. Subconsciously, the lack of a physical barrier between us and the “cash” often promotes over-spending of money that we do not actually have. 

As consumers, this reality should prompt us to differentiate between the things that we need, and the things that we want. Unfortunately, credit cards help blur this line by assuring us that we do have the “money” to buy the things that we “want”. The result – thousands of people are plunged into a debt that can be very difficult to get out of. Suddenly, the television that you thought you could afford on credit, is not something that you can pay for in reality. Before making any purchase on credit that is not considered a “need”, make sure you can pay it off as soon as possible! The longer you go without paying it off, or at least paying the minimum, the more interest it will accumulate. Thus, it will be harder for you to pay down overtime. Failing to make payments will also affect your overall credit score, making it difficult to get a loan in the future.

The key to maintaining a good balance between your credit and cash expenditures is knowing the difference between a want, and a need. Ask yourself, based on your income, what can you afford strictly on cash? If your bill's take up most of your income, don't make outrageous purchases on credit. Since most of your cash will be tied up in bills, there will be none left to pay down the credit. Strike a good balance between the two so you don't loose everything to money that technically “doesn't exist”.

Thinking of buying a car but can't afford to splurge too much? If you've never bought a car before, here are some ways to get a good deal on it.

Even though it may not be convenient, it certainly helps if you buy at the right time. A particularly good time is near the end of December. Car dealerships are looking to maximize their revenues by the year's end. They're also keen to pick up on the demands of bargain hunters before and after Christmas and are likely to advertise their best deals during that period. 

Also remember to do your research. Before heading out, frame a buying plan. What matters most to you- price, appearance, or performance? What qualities are you willing to trade off between competing factors? Match the qualities you seek between different dealerships. In the end, you'll be more aware of what to expect and at a better leverage point if, during a negotiation, a salesman offers a seemingly higher than normal price.  

Reading on-line reviews are also very helpful. There are several sites on the web that offer visitors the chance to read reviews by people who have owned certain models before. If you have a particular model in mind, be sure to check out a review and see how well it compares to your expectations.

Lastly, when dealing with the salesman at the dealership, be respectful. It may seem like they're simply out to make a quick sale but most salespeople actually care about their customers and seek to build strong, lasting relationships with them. Avoid giving them an unnecessarily tough time and they might just return the favor via a better deal.

Keeping these few things in mind should allow any first time car buyer  to secure a good deal.

If you are anything like me, then you probably have spare change lying around the house, in your car, in your pockets, and just about any little nook that you touch. I usually leave my change on some random ledge in the house as I go to empty my pockets. Let's face it- change is quite annoying and its like dead weight in your pocket. Aside from purchasing that early morning double double at your favorite coffee spot, small change is often seen as less “useful” than the big faced bills in our wallets.

Sure, spare change can make your pockets a little heavy, but all that weight can eventually turn into one of those colorful bills. For a while now, I have been consistently collecting all of my spare change and putting it into rolls. Once I reach $100 (which usually takes a while), I bring the rolls to my local bank and have them exchanged for a brand new bank note. To make the process easier, I purchased a coin divider from an office supply store to help keep my currency organized. Whenever a section becomes full, I simply transfer all of the coins into a coin roll, and stash it for a rainy day. Although $100 may not be much to some people, it is $100 more than I would have previously had – had I not kept my coins. If you need another way to store your coins you can even hollow out a big jar and try filling it to the top. The return on your investment may not be immediate, but your pockets will be lighter, and your bank account will be a bit heavier once you add up all of your spare change!

When we travel, we often feel that pictures and souvenirs are enough to help us remember our trip. Unfortunately, the day-to-day emotions and feelings cannot be fully captured by a lens, or a local trinket. To ensure that the memories of your trip don't turn into a drunken/sleep deprived haze once you return, it can help to keep a journal!

Keeping a journal may seem like something your little sister would do, but trust me, you will be thanking yourself later. A journal can help capture the moments that are long forgotten once you arrive home. Whether it is the name of the guy who sold you fruit in the local market, or a self-revelation that occurred on the beach, a journal will contain it all! Fundamentally, it will come to represent your thoughts, feelings, and fears in a way that pictures and souvenirs cannot. It will be representative of how you see the world and how the world sees you. Getting into this mode of introspection may be difficult for some, so it can help to begin your journal as a travel log. Simply keep track of the places you go and the things that you see. By not over-thinking the process, you will be surprised as to how naturally your journal becomes an extension of your consciousness.

This point is, by no means, an invitation to bury your mind in a journal as opposed to physically taking everything in. At some point, some memories and experiences are best left where they were found, so trying to “record” every little thing you see or do can be taxing and a waste of time. Let it come naturally and don't force yourself to write anything because you think you have to. You will be surprised at what you can learn about yourself and your surroundings by writing some things down...

Cold temperatures, short days, and mountains of snow can take a toll on us during the winter months. Unfortunately, these unwelcome factors can also affect the well being of our homes. With colder temperatures comes increased energy use and unnecessary structural damages. You can't prevent every problem, but winterizing your home ahead of time can prevent costly repairs down the road. To help you out, we have come up with our own list of the Top Ten ways to save money by winterizing your home. 

10. Clothe your pipes

Before the grip of winter turns your pipes into popsicles, wrap them up to prevent freezing. Find any exposed pipes and wrap them with insulation or pre-molded rubber sleeves. You should also, ensure that all previously active water lines are drained, and main lines are shut off during the winter. This will help prevent pipes from bursting, resulting in costly repairs and expensive damages. 

9. Inspect your chimney/fire place

Most newly built homes do not come equipped with a traditional wood burning fireplace, so this may not apply to everyone. Regardless, it is still something to keep in mind. If you do have a wood burning fire place, make sure it is cleaned and checked before the start of the winter season. Debris and ash can accumulate, causing long-term damage, while reducing the efficiency of your fireplace. 

8. Flush your water heater

After time, sediment can build up in your water heater, causing it to use more energy and run less efficiently. To fix this, simply flush it out before the start of the winter season. You will be surprised as to what comes out! Luckily it's only dirt, and not money from your pocket! 

7. Replace your furnace filters

 At the cost of about $10 a filter, you can ensure that your furnace is running safely, and efficiently all winter long. By failing to regularly change your furnace filters (even before winter) you are increasing the chances of it breaking down and causing irreparable home damage. 

6. Draft guards

If you notice that your home has several draft points due to wide gaps underneath doors, you can fortify the empty space with a draft guard! It is a simple Styrofoam insertion that slides underneath a door, keeping hot air in, and cold air out. This way, you are not wasting energy (and money) by having to crank up the furnace when it gets really cold.  

5. Keep an eye on your thermostat

If you keep an eye on your thermostat and regulate the temperature of your house accordingly, you will be able to save a lot of money. Sure, it is nice to always have the house warm and toasty, but there is no need for the heater to be cranked all the way up if there is no one home. Understand your own lifestyle habits and adjust your thermostat accordingly to save money on your energy bill. 

4. Clean your gutters...

Before Jack Frost comes to your doorstep, make sure that your gutters are free of excess debris. If there are trees around the house, wait until all of the leaves have fallen so you don't have to keep cleaning it. Having clean gutters will allow winter rain, and melting snow to properly drain, preventing ice dams from forming. If an ice dam does form, it can cause a potential water back up, allowing moisture to seep into the house. It will also save you from having to make costly gutter repairs during the spring if any permanent damage is done during the winter. 

3. Insulate your heating ducts

When heating ducts are not properly insulated they can lose up to 60% of their heat during the winter. This can cause damage, while increasing the amount of money spent on energy. If your ducts are insulated, the temperature in your house will be better regulated, allowing you to save money on your monthly energy bill and avoid repairs in the future.   

2. Insulate your windows

Your window may seem like it's sealed shut, but colder winter temperatures can still find their way through. To start, make sure that all of your windows are properly caulked from the outside. If the caulking is as old as your first born son in university, it may be time to replace it. It can also help to purchase a window insulator kit that helps keep hot air from escaping, and cold air from coming in. This will help you save money on your energy bill every month. 

1. Insulate your house

By now, you may have realized a pattern in the last three tips – insulation. Regardless of what you do, having a properly insulated house can help save money on your energy bill all season long. It can also help prevent home deterioration during particularly cold months. Ensure that your home is properly insulated prior to purchasing, that way it wont need to be done after the fact. Keep an eye on particular areas that may experience more wear and tear, and replace the fiber glass insulation before winter comes.