Say the word “salad,” and most people think carrots, iceberg lettuce and, if they’re having company over, croutons. But for many people – specifically cakers – the word “salad” covers a vast culinary landscape; a landscape not always conducive to growing vegetables. 

Who isn’t trying to cut corners these days? But should the line be drawn with chocolate? I picked up six brand name chocolate bars and paired them against their dollar store equivalents. I conducted a blind taste test and enlisted the services of a second taste tester, so you’ll get more than just my opinion. Even though mine is the most important. Obviously. So how did the dollar store bars stack up?

Let’s face it – snack crackers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Think about all the times snack crackers have been there for you. While you’re microwaving your dinner. When you come home after too many wine spritzers. When you need to preoccupy your mouth during awkward office parties.

Recently, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, chatting with host Shelagh Rogers about entrepreneurship. I never considered myself as the entrepreneur type, but the discussion got me thinking. The only standing between me and millions of dollars is one good idea. So why not give it a shot?

Every Christmas, I take on an ambitious baking project. I tell myself I enjoy doing it, but, by the end of the project, I always wonder if I have some sadomasochist need. This year, I decided to make a gingerbread house.

Well, here it is. The final week of Bazaar-o-Rama 2018. Pass me a tissue, will you? My only comforts are the treasures I found this past weekend.

We’re knee-deep in bazaar season. What did I score on my third weekend out? The only way you’ll find out is to scroll, my friends. Scroll and be amazed.

I’m back with another exciting round-up. What did I find this week at my church bazaar travels? Check out my loot!

Bazaar-o-Rama is back for another titillating edition! Every November, I scour church Christmas bazaars in search of the weird and wonderful and share all my treasures with you, dear reader. I’ll update this post every Monday throughout the month. Come along for a bazaar journey. Or is that “bizarre?”

A couple of years ago, I was on CBC Radio’s The Next Chapter, talking about what I thought would be the new book trends. Cut-up party cakes was one of them. Apparently, the rest of the world still needs to catch on. Maybe people think turning a cake into an airplane is intimidating. But believe me, if I can do it, so can you. 

Every November, I embark on Bazaar-o-Rama, my annual tour of church bazaars. If you haven’t been to a bazaar, you’re missing out. You can find cheap gifts, form friendships with women named Beatrice and Irene, and buy percolated coffee for next to nothing.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll post some of the treasures I find. Join me on my bazaar journey, won’t you?

Many famous writers seek out inspiring environments to fuel their creativity. Hemingway had his home in Old Town Key West. J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter at The Elephant House. And Virginia Woolf had her own room. 

Me? I had the Bay cafeteria.