Boxing Day Sales in Burlington, Ontario: 2012 Edition

I'm just too tired for the malls these days, and the internet seems too overwhelming with a turkey hangover, so tomorrow I'm grabbing some lovely ladies from the neighborhood and heading downtown (Burlington) for a giant latte and some half-price designer denim on Brant Street (among other things...). 

Want all the details?  Just click here for the scoop on Boxing Day in Burlington 2012.  And the best news?  Stay in your pj's, because the real fun starts TOMORROW!

xo
Victoria

Last Minute Christmas Ideas

Don't be so lazy!  Gift cards say "I'm too busy to put any thought into your gift".  Yeah...even if it's a gift card for a day at the spa.  Unless it's for a new mother.  Only exception.

I know, I know, you're very busy.  You're super important and have way more to do than anyone else.  Firstly - as if.  Secondly - that's no excuse.  I'm pretty sure you had the same 364 days leading up to Christmas as the rest of us.  It does fall on the same day each year, right?  It's not like you didn't have notice :)

Ok, so before you spaz out, here are some great Last Minute Gift Ideas that do not involve you almost getting killed over a parking spot in a mall:

GUY GIFT: Cliche, perhaps, but a fine bottle of liquor never put a frown on any man's face.  Grab a creatively packaged whisky or some timeless (not flavoured) vodka and help stock that gentleman's bar!  You'll probably end up sharing in the contents if history is any guide.  Got an action movie fan (Clash of the Titans)?  Try The Kraken Spiced Rum!  Know someone British who loves fine gin?  Try Bulldog London Dry Gin at select LCBO stores.  The LCBO lineups aren't short this time of year, but if you go early in the day, you're sure to be quick.

GAL GIFT: I've yet to meet a woman who doesn't love a beautiful silver picture frame.  Who doesn't love printing out a cherished photo and placing it on a shelf, mantle or desk?  You can be in and out in minutes by popping into somewhere like Pier 1 Imports or Chapters/Indigo and you'll be set!

BOY GIFT: It is just SO overwhelming staying on top of the latest boy toys, isn't it?  From Ninjago to Skylanders, who has the time?  Not to mention trying to inventory what they already HAVE.  Well, I can tell you something they almost certainly do NOT have: a book.  Don't worry, I'm not going to recommend something boring.  In fact, I'm not going to recommend anything at all!  That's the job of the pros at A Different Drummer book store in Burlington.  Around for decades for a reason folks.  They love what they do, and they KNOW what books get boys reading!  Go there.  Go there now!  Free parking for customers right outside their doors!

GIRL GIFT: Head to the grocery store.  You have to go there anyway to grab a zillion things for Christmas dinner.  Just go to one with a Joe in it, and grab sequined shoes, flowered headbands, tulle skirts, cute pajamas, mitts, scarves, yoga pants - whatever!  They have adorable girls clothes for every personality, shape and size and it's not even going to take you off your planned errand route!

HOSTESS GIFT: Grab a gorgeous ornament.  Most are already on sale, so you can grab a really nice one.  Go for metallic or crystal if you can, as it compliments most trees (incase they've got a colour theme going) and can easily be used to hang in a window.   Pull right up to Holland Park Garden and choose from thousands!

See?  You don't have to set foot in a madness-filled mall to get something thoughtful and awesome and leave your whole reputation for being a "lazy last-minuter" behind forever!  You're welcome.  Now get going!

Booty Shapers: best invention!

Just bought some of these brilliant inflatable Boot Shapers today (from Joelle's, naturally) and LOVE them!  I blew them up (easier than a beach ball), stuck 'em in, & my best boots just went from drooping on the floor, getting weird creases & losing their nice firm shape, to standing up at attention waiting for their next adventure! 

Just $10.  Stocking stuffer supreme, no?  :)

Christmas Ornaments on Sale: Time to Stock Up!

I used to get really excited for Boxing Day, but in recent years I've started to honestly get more excited about when home decor stores start marking down their Christmas Ornaments!

There is no better time to stock up on the sparkling, twinkling globes that will take your Christmas Tree from great to WOW! 

Terra started their sale (50% off!!!) a few days ago (shockingly early, I know!), and trust me, their displays and selection are spectacular! 

*shout-out to Saskia & Kirsten for the heads-up on that!

They've got a whole British/UK section with Beatles ornaments, and Union-Jack-inspired colours, or you can find traditional red/blue/green themes with toy soldiers and drums.  My favourite is a soft woodland themed section with materials like soft wools and felts in warm whites, reds and neutrals.  Very much worth the drive up to their Hwy5 or Hwy6 locations!

Michael's is also early with their Christmas markdowns, with ornaments, ribbon, baskets and wreath-making florals ALL on sale around 30-50% off.  I'm starting to wonder why I ever used to get going with my holiday stuff in November when I could have paid half the price by waiting a couple of weeks.  Patience was never my virtue...but in my growing years I am seeing the many benefits :)

The weather may not be inspiring you to decorate for the holidays today, but these prices sure will!  Happy Decorating!

Free Cupcakes December 8th at Kelly's Bake Shop

December 8th marks the grand opening of Kelly's Bake Shoppe in Burlington, Ontario!  Before you think to yourself that it's just another bake shop, think again!  Kelly's is absolutely unique and an award-winner to boot!  Run by the gorgeous mother-daughter team of Kelly and Erinn, along with their dedicated and passionate staff, this bake shop offers cupcakes, brownies, cookies, cakes, muffins and more!  They are Canada’s FIRST Organic Gluten-Free and Vegan Bakery, and they're dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, cholesterol-free, casein-free and soy-free too.  If you're wondering if they can possibly make delectable and delicious baked goods without all those ingredients, rest assured: they can!  They won the 2012 prize for Best Gluten Free and Vegan Baked Goods at the Toronto Bake-Off, so let that reassure you :)  Visit them on December 8th when they open their doors at 401 Brant Street in Burlington, Ontario, and be treated to a FREE CUPCAKE between 1-3pm!  What more incentive do you need? 

If you want to call and order, Kelly's Bake Shoppe's phone number is (905) 333-1400.