Topshop & Topman on Sale at The Bay this week!

Boxing Week's sales continue, and today I want to point out a great British brand you can find at the Bay: TOPSHOP!  With 300 Stores in the UK, collaborations with icons like Kate Moss, and a funky, eclectic style, it's definitely a brand worth checking out.  So glad it crossed the pond and landed at The Bay this year!  Not all locations carry this coveted brand (Yorkdale has a great assortment) but you can grab a sizable selection online so no worries!  Check it out here (prices have already been marked down 50%).  How great is this top for just $29?  Perfect for date night!

Boxing Day in Btown is ON!

Grabbed my lovely friend Leslie, headed to Sbux for the requisite morning latte, and waited in a surprisingly big (even bigger than last year!) lineup to storm the doors of Joelle's this morning at 9am.  The sale there is epic with so many designer items at 50% off, like fidelity jeans, Laundry by Shelli Segal dresses, Kersh tees, and even kids stuff like Desigual and Pediped shoes were on sale!  Of course that wasn't the end of the morning mayhem, as it was essential to pop into Centro too once I noticed they had ALL Christmas decorations at 50% off (and they definitely have the most gorgeous lot in all of the GTA)!  Finished up at Ohh! Beautiful Things with a much-needed gold multistrand necklace for my upcoming party next weekend, and some $9 studs to match!  Had to head home after that since my debit card was melting, but if you have time today, head to downtown Burlington for the boxing day sales that just started this morning!  Totally worth your while!  If you're busy today, don't worry - another great shop, Fairhome Interiors, won't open for 2 more days so you have until the 29th to grab some of their many Christmas items 25-50% off!

Boxing Day Deals in Burlington & Beyond

Merry Christmas!  Hope you all had a truly wonderful day!  Now here's my advice to you for December 26th - Boxing Day.  If you're in the mood to shop for deals at the mall, then stay home.  Why?  Because most of the shops you'll be stepping into have great websites with no lineups, more inventory, the same deals & free shipping.  Why put yourself through the craziness of a mall parking lot & the insanity of a checkout lineup when you can shop in your slippers from the comfort of your own home?  Best Buy's Boxing Day sale has already started (last night), as has Walmart's, Old Navy, Brooks Brothers (I love their women's tailored fit non-iron dress shirts!), Gymboree and Toys R Us.

Now, when you're ready to actually head back out into the world after some quality time with your loved ones, and the mayhem of the 26th has died down a little, then I recommend you pop over to Brant Street in Burlington, where the Boxing Day sales will begin a day later on December 27th!  Joelle's is offering a great selection of premium denim (men's and women's) 50% off, plus 50% off select fall/winter clothing + select kids and maternity items!  Shoes and boots 25-50% off (an amazing deal), and there's a special Bonus - 1 day only most regular priced items are 10% off!  Another fave of mine, Ohh! Beautiful Things will be offering 50% off all Christmas items, 40% off winter coats, 30% off clothing and a special 25% off storewide sale on the 27th and 28th only!   There are lots of additional shops with amazing deals in downtown Btown who are also kicking off their Boxing Day sales on the 27th, so why not take the 26th to hibernate indoors with the fam, make some hot chocolate, watch some movies and leave your shopping for an extra day!  What's the rush?  Happy Holidays! 

Happy Holidays!

The best to you and your family for a wonderful Christmas! 

See you bright and early on the 26th with news of local sales & events!

In the meantime, take as much time as you can to enjoy the ones you love! 

Happy Holidays!

Ornaments & Decorations on sale 50% off!

Holland Park Garden is one of my fave places for Christmas ornaments & decorations.  They have beautiful trees in different themes + tons of sparkling ornaments, wreaths, lights, garland & wall decorations & yesterday they marked them ALL down by 50%!  SO HURRY UP!  I grabbed a bunch but I left a few for the rest of you :) 

WagJag deal for The Alex Restaurant in Burlington

An amazing deal from an amazing restaurant!  The Alex is one of the most delicious new restaurants to hit Burlington in a long time, and you can score a half price lunch there on WagJag right now!  For $15 you get lunch for 2, which is normally a $30 value.  How can you go wrong?  Their menu is always changing and totally delicious!  I highly recommend the crab cakes, lobster mac n' cheese, or their amazing sandwiches!

Simplest holiday contest ever + great prizes from talented local photographer Amy Montgomery!

I am not a fan of those complicated online contests where you basically have to give them every piece of ID you've ever owned, then allow them access to your computer and facebook account, then also basically agree to name your next child after them...

Fortunately, there are still some cool businesses who run contests that are simple to enter & have cool prizes!  If you love shopping ($50 Joelle's gift certificate up for grabs) or if you love having professional (and totally stunning) photos taken of you & your family ($300 photo session also up for grabs!) then just head over to Amy Montgomery's blog (that's her on the left, snapping away skillfully as usual) before 9:30pm tomorrow night & leave a post about what you're thankful for this time of year! 

Christmas Decor up to 60% off already at Michaels

I usually wait until Boxing Day to grab highly discounted Christmas ornaments and decorations. It's always a great time to stock up for next year. Last night I needed some extra ribbon, so I dashed over to Michaels and was pleasantly surprised to see almost everything holiday-related was all on sale already, and most items were 50-60% off!  Needless to say I picked up some beautiful glass balls for the tree, gift bags, toys, and plenty o' ribbon!  Plus they have cool daily deals going on too!  So if you need anything or have left wrapping and decorating 'til the last-minute, good for you because you'll save a bundle!

Fairhome Interiors has reopened back home!

Fairhome Interiors - one of my most reliable go-to stores for gifts - is back in their original home now, ready to help you finish your holiday shopping!   Their grand re-opening was December 1st, and you'll be delighted by all the festive displays and unique gift ideas.  I totally want this awesome sign (see left)!  If only Tatum O'Neil had it in her NYC apartment that time Carrie Bradshaw had her Manolos stolen on SATC!  That episode is a classic (a scary classic).

Anyhoo...find candles, Emma Bridgewater tableware, hilarious greeting cards (like my new favourite Christmas card that says "Happy Birthday Jesus"), ornaments, toys & more. 

Christmas Sales & Deals for this weekend!

Finishing up your holiday shopping this weekend is definitely going to be a little like taking your life into your own hands.  It's the LAST full weekend to shop before Christmas, so be prepared to behave like you're in battle when you drive into any GTA mall parking lot.  But in the spirit of the season, bring your patience and humanity into that battle as much as possible!  As for sales & deals to help you save while you spend, here are a few highlights of what's going on!


* Now thru Dec 20 save 15% off your order at L.L.Bean
* Now thru Dec 20 save 20% off online at Old Navy (code ONRUSH20)
* Today only save 40% at Eddie Bauer with code WREATH and minimum purchase of $49
* Gap today only save 20% with code GAPCCHEER
* Jacob save 40% off the regular price of everything
* At Aldo save an extra 30% on all sale boots & bags, online + instore
* Save up to 40% on selected items during Sears' 3-day weekend sale
* Up to 70% off selected items at Browns shoes like these gorgeous orange & pink pumps 50% off at just $99.98!

Local recommendation: Victoria & Co. upholstery cleaners

Two years ago I talked my husband into buying an ivory couch for our living room.  It was the perfect size & the ottoman was so comfortable and I wanted to lighten up the room with some bright furniture.  Of course, now that my toddlers have had 2 years to drink (and spill) juice on it, I understand where his very valid concerns came from.  It was a hideous mess of stains and spots.  I can't even describe the state of the armrests.  Still, somehow I knew we'd be able to get it cleaned, and this morning I was proven right!  Victoria & Co. spent the morning bringing my lovely sofa back to its original gleaming brightness and the best part is that they use natural and organic formulas to both clean and protect it!  The absence of harsh, toxic chemicals is so important to me given the kids play on the sofa so much, and I feel much better knowing it will stay clean now in a safe way!  If you need furniture, precious rugs, carpets or draperies cleaned, I highly recommend them.  Wonderful service & shockingly good results!  They're based in Toronto but will happily make the trek out to the west end too.

Snugglebugz 12 Days of Christmas continues!

If you haven't yet heard, Snugglebugz (one of Canada's best kid & baby boutiques) is having a special 12 Days of Christmas event this holiday season.  Each week until Christmas, you'll find a special deal or exciting event to enjoy! Grab all the details on their facebook page!

And if you're new to Snugglebugz, take my word for it that you'll find the cutest toys, softest blankets, best safety equipment, most stylish environmentally friendly diapers, biggest selection of strollers, and even car seats that will fit three across for those of you with triplets on the way (or several kiddies still in carseats).  The staff there are so friendly & helpful, you'll never shop anywhere else for kidstuff again!

Today and Tomorrow 30% off at Gap, Old Navy AND Banana Republic!

Use code HOLIDAYCDA on Gap's website today and get 30% off anything you like from all three brands: Gap, Old Navy & Banana Republic!  My top 3 picks today are this gorgeous bracelet with a bling-encrusted toggle clasp from Banana (reg$50), this gorgeous faux fur coat (reg $179 + the perfect topper for those formal holiday events you're going to!) and this adorable sequined fair isle sweater from Old Navy (already on sale for $22!).  

Need Toys for Christmas? Save 30% at Zellers!

December 9-11 at Zellers, save 30% on all Fisher-Price infant & preschool toys as well as all board games.  An easy way to round out your holiday shopping for the kids!  Plus, if you spend $50 or more on toys, you get a $10 savings card AND a free pair of those ever-popular (and yes I have some) Olympic red mittens!

Savvy Couture Burlington 30% off EVERYTHING Sale!

Savvy Couture on Brant Street in Burlington is having a really great sale this week (until December 10th) where EVERYTHING in the Store is at least 30% off.  They have quite the variety of products, from cocktail rings to Hue tights to Miss Me denim and trendy well-known kids clothing & toy brands.  Oh, and ICE watches and EMU boots and BENCH clothing too!  The list is insanely long and good!  Absolutely worth checking out!

Love books? Check out Burlington's Best Book Store

The other day I walked into A Different Drummer Books, Burlington's best & most well-known book store.  It's one of those experiences you just can't get anywhere else.  There are thousands of books all over the walls, the stairs, the bookshelves...and I always get swept away exploring any that have a cover that strikes my fancy.  I end up spending an hour or more there every time, and perusing books that I never would have know about otherwise.  Was I surprised to see my grade-school librarian (from Kindergarten through Grade 6) is now in charge of their children's section?  Not at all.  Everyone who works there is totally passionate about books, and complete experts on pretty much everything in print.  You will never have the same adventure at a chain book store, or saving a few dollars by ordering online.  Some things just have to be experienced in person.  If you are having trouble finding a Christmas gift for someone on your list, let the amazing staff there recommend something.  I'm sure it will be absolutely perfect!

20 More Days Til Christmas!

Yep.  There's only 20 days left until Christmas, which means only 19 shopping days are left!  How is your shopping coming along?  Would you hate me if I told you I finished on November 30th?  What do you expect from a girl who runs a shopping blog?  Besides, I like to get it done early so I can kick back and enjoy the view of everyone else running around like maniacs the whole month of December :) 

Need some ideas?  Tired of the mall parking lot mayhem and the risk of buying the same thing as someone else?  Check out the Burlington Holiday Gift Guide for 2011 and see what this great town has to offer from some of its best & most unique boutiques!  While you're here shopping, grab a delicious lunch or dinner at one of my fave new(ish) restaraunts The Alex.  Small plates of gourmet creations, perfect for sharing and oh-so-memorable!  Last time I was there I had bacon-wrapped-bacon, short ribs and crab cakes.  Talk about wow!

Extended Holiday Shopping Hours 2011

It's December now, and that means extended holiday shopping hours are here for many retailers and malls across Toronto and the GTA.  Here's a quick snapshot of some favourite shopping locations you can enjoy a little later all month long to get every last bit of your gift shopping done! 
EXTENDED GTA HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOURS:
Toronto Eaton Centre: Mon-Sat 9:30am-9:30pm, Sun 10-7!
Sherway Gardens: Mon-Sat 9:30am-9:30pm, Sundays 10-7!
Yorkdale Mall: Mon-Sat 9:30am-9:30pm, Sundays 10-7!
Oakville Place: Saturdays in December now open until 7pm, and the whole week of Dec 19-23 open until 10pm!
Burlington Mall: Mon-Fri 9-10pm, Sat 9-9, Sun 10-6.
Mapleview Mall: Mon-Fri 9-10pm, Sat 9-9, Sun 10-6.
Downtown Burlington Shops: many open late tonight (8:30pm or later) for a candlelit shopping stroll!
Square One: Mon-Sat 9:30-9:30, Sunday 10am-8pm.
Limeridge Mall: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm, Sunday 10-7pm.

Buy One, Get One 40% Off Nintendo DS/3DS and Nintendo Wii Games at Toys R Us!

If you have kids, you'll love this great deal from Toys R Us in their upcoming flyer.  This deal takes effect tomorrow (Dec 2) and runs through December 8th, giving you plenty of time to grab some great Christmas gifts for the whole clan.  Basically you can mix and match between Nintendo Wii, DS and/or 3DS and if you buy one, you get the second one 40% off!  Games like Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mariokart and Star Wars III plus many more!  In addition to this deal, there are TONS of toys on sale in this upcoming flyer, so check out the full details here (just enter your postal code first and you're set!).  Santa can afford to be a little generous this year with savings like these!