The Verdict: Target Burlington Review

I'm not one to enjoy big-box shopping, but I had to check out the Canadian version of Target for myself.  Despite hearing mixed reviews online and in the news (product shortages, long lines, poor service), I have to say that I came away having had a very pleasant experience.

Even with two kids in tow, I found plenty of parking (keep in mind it was 4pm on a Monday), a clean & bright store environment, excellent merchandising and cool displays, and lots of friendly & helpful staff.  Staff chatted with my kids about Easter, staff checked in with me as I shopped, staff watched my kids for a minute while I jetted into the washroom, staff helped me find the shortest check-out line, and the person who rang us through was kind enough to shower my kids with free stickers and give me a genuine thank-you before I left.

If I'm up in that neighborhood anyway, it's nice to know there's also a new Starbucks to pop into - right inside the store.

I didn't have a list of items to get on this trip (aside from pickles and juice boxes), but I was nicely surprised to find something I had been trying to find for the past several weeks and couldn't (not at my favourite local boutique, not at other local shops either) - the summer wedge espadrille in black.  Cute, comfortable, and under $30.  Wow.  They're not the Tom's ones I would have preferred, and I'm not saying they're going to last me more than one season, but they'll get the job done this year and it's hard to argue with a price point like that.  Cute detail on the inner lining too!

I think for certain basic home items like groceries, summer backyard accessories, and a few kids items here and there, I might even go back again sometime!

Cool, Pretty Stationary: See Jane Work

I keep forgetting to share this site with you - See Jane Work.  If you're anything like me and you go crazy for pretty, colourful, funky stationary, this site will become your go-to for office essentials, day planners, and more.

So few great stationary stores exist these days.  Burlington (where I live) is sorely missing one and I just can't keep going to Staples and coming face to face with the most boring and corporate of office supplies anymore.  Oakville has Write Impressions, and Toronto has one of my faves: Essence du Papier.  But Burlington?  Nope.  We got nuthin.  It's really getting on my nerves!

So...that's why I daydream about buying everything from See Jane Work.  Have a look and you'll instantly see why.  You'll find brands you never knew you'd love, and stellar names like Kate Spade too.

My must haves today are these colourful happy thumbtacks (I have 4 corkboards in my home office) and this city-themed pencil holder and tray.  So stylish!

Target Canada Store Opening Dates & Schedule

For those of you looking forward to finally shopping at Tar-jay on home soil - and avoiding the border crossing mayhem the next time you need a few home essentials - here's the schedule of upcoming Target Canada Store openings just announced for the GTA:

Yoga in Burlington: Just Be

I have been really feeling the winter blahs this month.  It seems like so long since I've been able to step outside without a bone-chilling wind & damp air permeating every cell in my body.  It affects my mood, it affects my health, and it affects my relationships.  I know I'm not alone in this, as many of you are also going through this after a long and grey winter.  Fortunately, even though the spring weather is still a few weeks away, there are things you can do to elevate your energy and your spirit.  My favourite choice: yoga.

My lovely friend Kathy and I have been "committing" to yoga for months now, although so far this year we only managed to drag our sorry arses there once.  Pathetic.  Today, however, we got ourselves there and WOW am I glad we did!

Tracy Ng of Be Yoga & Wellness, Burlington, Ontario

After 75 minutes of Vinyasa II class - taught by Be Yoga & Wellness owner and teacher, Tracy Ng - we were rejuvinated, relaxed, and infused with positive energy.  Sure, we had wobbly legs as we coaxed muscles we haven't used in months out of their winter hibernation.  Sure, we fell over once or twice as we tried to use our depleted core muscles to balance on one leg.  But honestly, you simply cannot beat the feeling you get at the end of a great yoga class.  It's empowering!

If you haven't been, I highly recommend this progressive, embracing studio in Burlington.  The instructors are so wonderful, there are many options to choose from including beginners yoga, hot yoga, aerial yoga and more, and the environment is truly serene.

You'll be seeing Kathy and me there every Thursday morning from now until summer.  And quite possibly for the rest of our lives.

~ Namaste :)