Vehicle shopping - We have a list of "no's"- still looking for that one YES!

I am truly blessed to have 2 brother in laws that work in the vehicle industry. Selling and fixing - I have the best of both worlds. 

Both Kris and I are in the market for newer vehicles 
(we never buy brand new - the knowledge of how much a vehicle depreciates after driving off the lot makes me sick to my stomach)

I've said it before and will say it again. I love my my minivan! And would happily purchase another one but I am always open to suggestions. We have been doing a ton of research and the reality is - no matter how much you Google and how much you ask questions there is always going to be lovers and haters of each and every brand and model of vehicle. 



The definite "no's" after this weekend 

Ford Flex- It looks like a hearse. This almost made the potentials but I just can't do it
Ford Explorer- The 3rd row is like sitting in a trunk. I think even the 2nd row would be uncomfortable
Dodge Journey - Towing capacity sucks

The potentials after this weekend
Dodge Caravan 
Chrysler Town & Country 
Dodge Durango 
Toyota Sienna 

Here are my "must haves" 

• Must have at-least 3000 lbs tow capacity- but the more the better 
• The ability to fang dangle 5 car seats if needed, so a third row for sure! 
• DVD - I declined the first time and have regretted it ever since. 
• Side mirrors that can be controlled from inside. We didn't even think of this the first time and realized it too late. Might seem like a non issue but when there is over a foot difference of height between 2 drivers, it gets mighty annoying mighty quick. Especially in the cold winters! 
• Front wheel drive or All wheel drive. I am good with either but I refuse rear wheel drive. 
• Decent fuel economy. I get it nothing bigger (or anything) it going to cost $20 to fill up and last a whole trip from Edmonton to Vancouver - but I, like every money saving momma out there, want a good deal. 
• Middle row windows MUST ROLL DOWN. 
• Car Starter - This is an easy put in but its a must have for me. 
• For any minivan the side doors must open with a button on the key fob. This is more of a wish but I been on one side and experienced this side. A trunk like this too would be ideal.

Other nice to haves but not required are 

• Back up camera 
• Heated seats
• Heated side mirrors 

We shall see what this coming week brings us because I am sure that there are going to be some other potential contenders and some others moving over to the no list. Either way this is a tiring endeavour. 

What about you? 
What are "must haves" for a vehicle? 

My top 5 channels/Vlogs to subscribe to on YouTube #youarewelcome

1. Conan O'Brien - this most recent video with Dave Franco & Conan. They join Tinder and it is hilarious. "I love Chai Lattes & Showering" "We should probably get rid of the duct tape"  

It is worth the laugh. 

2. The Girls with Glasses - A popular Vlog on Youtube these mommies have been around for almost 4 years but I came upon them a few months ago. This is one of my favourite YouTube posts and it is also a parody to Iggy Azalea's "Fancy". They post every Wednesday and it is worth it to subscribe!

3. My Smart Hands - A Canadian mom Vlog of free sign language videos to teach your children basic sign language. Sophie knew some basic signs and it was so helpful during times she could not vocalize what she wanted.

4. The Bumps along the Way - A Vlog by a California mom who has had some hard time with pregnancy in the past and now has a toddler son named Oliver. She posts some DIY's , reviews, and many other things. I just really enjoy the variety of topics she posts on! 

5. Convos with my 2 year old- This is one of the YouTube channels Kris and I watch together and have watched from its very beginning.  They are a reenactment of conversations the happen with Coco (now 3 yrs old) and her dad, but only reenacted by a full grown man. Anyone with kids can relate - we have all had conversations with our little ones like one of all of the reenactments.  The grown man just makes it even more funny.

So there you have it, some of my favourite things to watch on YouTube. What are some of yours?

Party in the Park! FREE fun for your Family this Saturday! Details inside.

Party in the Park 

Come and join Winnifred Stewart Association at Winnifred Stewart Park to celebrate summer! 

There will be hot dogs and refreshments served by FAT FRANKS, lots of games, face painting, and the ABCRC will be there with some activities and give aways! 

When: Saturday August 16th 

Time: 12pm-3pm 

Where: 12815 116 Aven (Winnifred Stewart Park) 

Cost: FREE

There is not catch all you need to do is RSVP by Friday to 

Tracy @ TraceyK@wsaf.ca or 780.453.6707

The things you say while under general anesthetic and other recent happenings. *Warning there is a va-jay-jay mention*

So at the beginning of June I had to have my IUD removed via day surgery as it just wasn't happening any other way! This procedure was done by my baby doctor, Dr. Mayo.(Whom I seriously love in a non creepy way) 
While waking up from my anesthesia I had a small memory of telling Dr. Mayo that I loved him. 
I had asked my attending nurse if this happened..and she nicely whispered to me "No dear, you told him that you were going to make him a card with vagina's all over it and you were sorry if it offended his staff". 
Holy crap. Embarrassed, yup.. Funny, you bet. Completely nervous to see him for my first OB appointment for this pregnancy YES.

Fast forward to the day of my first appointment and that nervousness was quickly squashed and replaced with the nervousness of the Ultrasound he wanted booked to see how many babies were in my tum tum. GULP!! 

The Ultrasound was booked and has happened and while multiples would have been fun, alas there is only one! 

So aside from doctors visits and "morning" sickness that occurs during all waking hours we have been busy being a family and I have been working on some pretty kick ass posts and also doing some much needed catch up on Bun in the Oven work cause I have been slacking :/. 
I'm excited about one DIY project that we worked on for our backyard and I a just finishing some minor things for that post. 
So stay tuned for some of the awesomeness that is going to grace this blog! 

Oh and P.S. 
Dr. Mayo didn't even mention the card- which leads me to think he has probably heard from pretty CRAZY things...

What about you? 
What's your "saying crazy things while coming out of anesthetic" story? 

Food Truck Friday - The Crooked Fork AUG 8th! Details inside!

So guess what guys? 

Food Truck Friday is coming up again at my work 

this Friday August 8th! 

Who's coming this time? The Crooked Fork and their food is delish! 

Come feast on ravioli, duck burgers, traditional poutine or some of their other equally awesome options (see all menu details below) 

Where - 11130-131st, FREE parking, tables and chairs will be set up too! 

When - Friday August 8th 11:00 am-1:00 pm 

CASH & DEBIT ONLY 

See you there!