Archive | July, 2009

Mabel’s Labels: Great Back to School Discounts!

Mabel’s Labels, a PTPA Award Winner, is currently having an awesome promotion on two HOT back to school packages!

Who is Mabel’s Labels?


We are moms who were frustrated by the amount of stuff that left our houses, never to return. After lots of research and testing we created the perfect fun, durable labels for the stuff kids lose!

Our sticky labels and clothing labels, which are dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe, are not only practical, but also designed to be very special to each child. The labels are customized with a child’s name, favourite mix of colours and an icon (animal, symbol, etc.). We have also expanded our product line to include personalized stationery products, ID wristbands and household labels.

We strive to continuously design innovative labels for babies, kids and grown-ups alike. You’ll be amazed at what you can label!

I LOVE these labels! Once Ryder-Roonie starts pre-school, I can’t wait to outfit all of his belongings with a funky, cool “RYDER” label. Neat-o!

Just in time for the new school year:

The Ultimate Back to School Combo

When it comes to labeling for back-to-school, no one beats Mabel’s Labels! In creating the Ultimate Back-to-School Combo, we listened to our customers and the result is a perfect collection filled with exactly what you need. Offering playful ways to identify clothes and shoes, bags and lunch gear, and everything in between, our value-packed combo is a bestseller year after year.Order the original and best back-to-school combo – after all, it was designed by moms like YOU! This limited-time combo pack is available until September 25, 2009.

$39.00 for a pack of 50 Tag-Mates, 40 Skinny-Minis, 16 Shoe Labels, 2 NEW Teeny Tags. Dishwasher/microwave-safe and UV resistant. Clothing labels are laundry safe.


The Backyardigans Stationary Kit

The Backyardigans Stationery Kit is available in each of the 5 Backyardigans characters: Uniqua, Pablo, Tyrone, Tasha and Austin. In addition to putting their own name on the stationery, kids can select The Backyardigan that best fit their personalities. Each character kit will feature the character’s theme colours.

$39.00 for a kit of 40 sheets of paper, 30 envelopes, 30 return address labels, 30 personalized name stickers to put on the stationery sheets, and 30 sealers to add a special touch to the envelopes. Available in five Backyardigans designs… PLUS you will receive 40% off the entire kit with coupon code Y27RA7. After the discount the set is $23.40, and shipping is FREE!

Click here to begin shopping at Mabel’s Labels.

Home Depot: Buy 4, Get the 4th FREE on Paint

We just happen to be smack in the middle of painting our second floor, so this offer couldn’t have come at a better time! For five days only, Thursday, July 30th to Monday, August 3rd, 2009, buy 4 cans of paint at the Home Depot and get the 4th Can FREE (by mail-in rebate).

I am sooo there this evening! We’ve got 3 more rooms to paint before the upstairs is complete. Here’s my checklist:

1. The first room we renovated on the second floor was Ryder’s room, before he arrived, of course. It was lovingly painted by his grandfather in a sky blue, complete with a multi-coloured sunset motif. It fit the “Frogs and Bugs” theme perfectly :)

2. As you may recall, we recently painted Ryder’s playroom a bright, buttery yellow to impart a feeling of playfulness and happiness. The good news is that the room looks like a fun place to hang out. The bad news is that Ryder still spends most of his time stalking mommy while she blogs.

3. Just recently (yesterday) I finished our main bathroom in a shockingly vivid orange – my plan is to pair it up with white and teal, my favourite tropical-inspired colour combination. I misplaced my camera for the moment, but will definitely take a picture once complete.


That leaves the master bedroom, master bathroom and study. Hubby has given me free range on the bedroom, and I’m thinking a mint or muted lime green, which I know will complement our dark brown furniture. And for the bath – a soft petal pink, to make it all pretty and girly. (Come to think of it, my blog colours would work splendidly.)

The study is easier; any basic shade of steely blue will do. I can’t wait to finish the project(s), and move on to the next one! Just call me Bob Villa!

If you do take advantage of the promotion, simply click here to download your Home Depot mail-in rebate form.

July 30, 2009 3 Comments ,

FREE Vivanno Smoothie for Starbucks Members!

Thanks to Annette for passing along this delish deal!

If you’re a Starbucks Card Rewards member, visit the coffee house on Friday, July 31st, use your registered Starbucks Card and you’ll receive a FREE grande (473 ml) Vivanno Smoothie!

“With less than 300 calories, it’s everything you want in a smoothie: one whole banana, protein, and fibre powder, your choice of milk or soy, and the goodness of strawberry, orange-mango or chocolate.”

Fine print:

Offer valid 07/31/09 for one Grande (473 ml) complimentary Vivanno Smoothie at participating Canada Starbucks locations. Limit one per customer per day. Must pay with a registered Starbucks Card. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted.

Hmmm… okay. Just one question: if the smoothie is free, why do you have to “use” and “pay” with a registered Starbucks card? I’m sure they meant to say “present” your card instead. Or did they? Only one way to find out! Enjoy!

GroovyGlassGirl Contest… Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the GroovyGlassGirl Contest, and for taking the time to peruse the jewelry in her Etsy Shop. Aren’t her designs simply AMAZING? She has since uploaded some gorgeous new pieces, including “Seaside” fused glass earrings, and an intricate “Ruffles” fused glass pendant. Loves them!

As I’m now starting to receive more entries for contests, I thought it was time to defer to Random.org’s “True Random Number Generator”.

(You know what that means… the very stylish little bag has been retired! It will be missed.) Just a reminder, up for grabs is a pair of earrings, pictured above – White fused glass lotus earrings with surgical steel hooks. Made with small 1/2″ glass cabochons featuring a permanently fused decal of lotus flower. Finished earrings hang approximately 1″ long.

Drum roll please… The winner is Halifax! Congratulations!


Please send me an e-mail with your full name and contact details, so that I can have the prize sent to you right away. Thanks again to everyone who participated, and to GroovyGlassGirl!

How to Spot a Fake Coach Purse

With all the Coach discount coupons I’ve been posting, it was only a matter of time before I received an e-mail asking the burning question, “Honestly, why should I spend hundreds of dollars on a Coach purse when no one can tell the difference between a real and a fake?”

Now I won’t publicly offer up the name of the person who sent the question (thank you for e-mailing, by the way – I love receiving reader feedback) but I will respond by saying… of course you can tell the difference between a real and a fake. It’s all in the details, friend, and thankfully more and more ladies can now perceive and appreciate everything that goes into perfecting an original design – the smooth, supple leather, the painstaking workmanship on the hardware, the silky, too good to be true coordinating lining.

There are several websites, only a Google search away, which will dissect the differences between a real and not-so-real handbag. One of my favourite tutorials is actually a You Tube video by Bodacious Bag; the presenter outlines some of the major (and minor) telltale signs of fakage. After watching the short vid, I’m quite certain you’ll be scrutinizing at least half of the Go Train riders this evening :)

My (sometimes) foolproof test – look at the person carrying the purse, and assess their age and lifestyle. While a twenty-something female in a tattered tracksuit certainly could be holding on to an original (I try not to discriminate based solely on immediate appearances), I find it hard to believe that a 13-year old in line at Sobey’s is holding onto a classic Chanel flap bag (market value $1,600). But I suppose I could be wrong.

July 30, 2009 Comments Off , ,

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Getting Started Kit Just $4!

Walmart has an awesome clearance on one of the best baby starter sets around! The Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Getting Started Kit, regularly $19.99, is now available at most Walmart’s for just $4! This is a wonderful kit to give to parents of a new baby, or to pamper your own infant or toddler (and I’m sure mommy can spoil herself with some of the quality products too). I’ve been to three Walmarts across the GTA over the past fews days (please don’t ask) and they were available at all the locations (the clearance sticker price said $10 but when I checked with the self-scanner, they came up at $4 or $5 each). I inspected each package, but could find nothing to suggest the products were past due or damaged.

I also compared with other retailers such as sears.ca, well.ca and even the Burt’s Bees website, and they’re all retailing the kit for $19.99. Not sure why good old Walmart has decided to move them off the shelves, but I’m not going to look a gift set in the mouth.

Included in the kit:

Baby Bee Apricot Baby Oil (1 fl. oz.)
Baby Bee Buttermilk Lotion (1 fl. oz.)
Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath (.14 oz.)
Baby Bee Buttermilk Soap (.80 oz.)
Baby Bee Diaper Ointment (.56 oz.)
Baby Bee Dusting Powder (.14 oz.)
Baby Bee Shampoo Bar (.80 oz.)
Baby Bee Comb

A bundle of good things for your bundle of joy. These smaller containers of our most popular natural baby products are a convenient way to nurture your baby from top to bottom. Vitamin-rich botanical oils and extracts make sure baby’s favorite lotions, powders and cleansers give mom and baby something to brag about. As always, they are SLS-, phthalate- and paraben-free.

And apparently, the deal of the week.

Spotted: Salon Selectives!

Ever since I outed myself by admitting that I use Salon Selectives Hairspray, I’ve received a slew of e-mails from readers asking where the products could be located, as the company filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. Until now, I’ve only been able to offer weak suggestions such as, “Fill up at Walmart” or “Call Unilever Canada”. Alas, it looks like those two options aren’t even viable, as Walmart and Unilever have dropped the brand.

As my stockpile dwindled to just one can, I began to sweat. Where would I ever find such a great hairspray at an amazing price? I mean, $2.34 gosh darn it! What’s a girl to do?

And then – a break. At my local Dollarama, I found tons of Salon Selectives Rise Up Volumizing Mousse, selling for just $1! Holy Hannah! But still, it wasn’t what I was after – the elusive aerosol Stay Put Hairspray. Regardless, it gave me hope – perhaps I could find other products from the line at other locations. It was worth looking into.

And then – my investigation broke wide open. SPOTTED! Salon Selectives complete line, available to Canadians! I found the products on Well.ca, an online drugstore that ships to anywhere in Canada for FREE. The entire line is priced at $3.99, which is decidedly more than Walmart’s $2.34 price point, but when you consider that it comes straight to your door, and is, ahem, AVAILABLE for sale, there’s really not much to complain about.

Stay Put Hairspray. Get in Shape Mousse. Under Firm Control Sculpting Gel. All available for immediate sale. Fantabulous! I talked to friends and discovered that Well.ca also has a bunch of other products that you may not be able to find at your local store, such as specialty creams and discontinued makeup shades. I like this line from their “About Us”: What makes us different? We aim to be the kindest, most friendly company you’ve ever shopped at.

I greedily added 6 cans to my cart, terrified that they too would sell out before long. Am I crazy? Probably. But I’ll have crazy hot hair. Muhahahaha!

Click here to purchase Salon Selectives products at Well.ca.

Enjoy FREE Concerts at Shops at Don Mills

“A hot summer deserves a hot weekend of music. Exclusively at Shops at Don Mills.

Where will you find Canada’s best musical talent? At Festival in the Square, where the friendly streets of Shops at Don Mills will be filled with music, dazzling entertainers and much more. Join us for non-stop family entertainment.”

Did I mention it’s FREE? Here’s the roster of performers:

Friday, July 31st, 2009

Live music in the Town Square
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Local Boy & international sensation, Jesse Cook, opens the weekend with an energetic Nuevo Flamenco guitar concert. Featuring special guest Sierra Noble.

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Throughout the day…
Our strolling entertainers are back to entertain young and old alike. Festival favourites such as face painters, break dancers, Segway rides, magicians, balloon artists, stilt walkers, the amazing Lincoln Leapers jump rope team, hands-on children’s science activities from Elephant Thoughts and more…

Concert in the Square
3:30pm – 5:30pm
You’ve got the best seats in the house for a free concert on our Main Stage: Canadian R&B and soul singer Divine Brown with special guests The Midway State, winners of two 2009 MuchMusic Video Awards.

Live music in the Town Square
7:00pm – 9:30pm
Big Bands are hot again! Juno and National Jazz Award winner Bob De Angelis and his BIG BAND will have you Jumpin and Jivin the night away with all the classic big band hits of Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw and more!

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

Throughout the day…
Enjoy fun and crazy antics by the festival buskers all day.

Live music in the Town Square
2:30pm – 4:30pm
Unwind to the feisty lyrics of country sensation Kathleen Edwards, as she performs along with up comer Justin Nozuka.

Sounds like a lot of fun! I always get the heebie jeebies when I hear Jesse Cook’s version of “Fall at Your Feet”; I envy his talent. Simply marvelous. If we’re free this Friday night, I think I may drop by for his performance – I know it will be phenomenal.

Bananas Foster

I had been thinking about finding a simple recipe for Bananas Foster when, through the magic of e-mail, one appeared in my inbox last week. After skimming through the ingredients and method, I came to the conclusion that all recipes for Bananas Foster were probably very simple, and I was just too chicken to try one out. So I did; and now I have a problem – I’m addicted.

This version incorporates chopped walnuts, which I think lend a crunchy and (faintly) savoury element to the dessert. And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to flambé the dessert – simply bubbling the liquid until the alcohol burns off is sufficient. Of course, there’s a lot more fabulousity when you do set it on fire, but I haven’t taken that particular walk on the wild side yet (I value my perfectly arched eyebrows too much).

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup dark brown sugar
3 1/2 tablespoons rum
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise and crosswise
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 pint vanilla ice cream

DIRECTIONS

In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in sugar, rum, vanilla and cinnamon. When mixture begins to bubble, place bananas and walnuts in pan. Cook until bananas are hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve at once over vanilla ice cream. Serves 4.

July 29, 2009 6 Comments

Coach Outlet: 20% off Coupon

This one’s for LizaDee!

Coach has released another 20% off coupon… Man oh man are they ever looking to make space for their fall merchandise! That can only mean one thing: in just a few short weeks, expect the Coach outlet to be chock full of brand new stock! Yeah baby!

Since I still haven’t worn the beautiful Carly carryall from my last Coach adventure, I think I’d better stay put before I develop a museum-esque closet – tons of precious items that haven’t been touched!

Until this Sunday, August 2nd, you can enjoy an additional 20% off items already reduced by 25%-60% in Coach Factory Stores. I can’t be sure, but, seeing as there were a few weeks in between the last coupon release, this may be the final coupon for summer stock. You know what to do.

Click here to print your Coach 20% off coupon.

July 29, 2009 3 Comments , , ,

Costco Members: Four FREE 8×10 Prints

Costco Members: Now is a great time to enlarge some of your favourite memories. Until August 9th, 2009, you can get four (4) FREE 8×10 prints from the Costco.ca Photo Centre when you use promo code CWRPA72A.

Don’t have a Photo Centre account? No problem – setting one up is quick, easy and won’t cost you a dime.

July 28, 2009 Comments Off , ,

Bath and Body Works Hand Soap Event!

Bath & Body Works Anti-bacterial Hand Soap is the the only hand soap I use, and I’m pretty sure there’s a legion of fans out there who will agree with me. Great news soapies! It’s the Hand Soap event, where you can Buy 3 and Get 1 Free! That’s $18.65 taxes in for 4 products.

My faves? I’m partial to the foaming variety (I’m essentially a lazy person and I like that the soap is pre-lathered, shaving at least 4 seconds off my hand-washing routine. Alas, I’m also a germophobe – so when you wash your hands as much as I do, 4 seconds can add up to hours).

I love Sweat Pea, Kitchen Lemon, White Tea & Ginger, Warm Vanilla Sugar, Sea Island Cotton, and Dancing Waters. What’s your favourite?

Click here to find a Bath & Body Works near you.

FCUK Canada: Final Reductions

Scrolling through French Connection’s Canadian website, I noticed that ALL of their accessories are on sale, and there are TONS of final reductions throughout their men’s and ladies wear sections.

I’m loving this wood and resin bracelet (sale price $14.99), this gorgeous T-Tania twill trench coat (sale price $99.99) and this sassy knots & crosses knit dress (sale price $59.99) for women.

(Truth be told, I just spent 15 minutes discussing with hubby whether or not I should buy the trench coat. After realizing that my Visa card is covered with a thin layer of sweat, I opted to pass on this one.)

Nevertheless, there are some serious deals to be had on stylish, high-quality clothing. Click here to begin shopping at French Connection. And now I’m going to debate the trench coat further.

EXTRA 40% off Sears Outlet TODAY ONLY!

Oooohhhh WOW!

I should have been blogging this one the second I woke up, but I was too busy shopping! Today only, shop online and you’ll receive an extra 40% off almost everything in the outlet at Sears.ca! (excludes electronics and major appliances)

Now I didn’t go crazy, but I did take my time combing through the deals… and think I fared well!

(Alright, if you want to read the rest of this post later and start shopping NOW, click here – and don’t forget to “Add Bonus Code to Basket”)

We’d been looking for a fairly inexpensive patio set so that we could finally enjoy all those BBQs outside without sitting on our two-slab patio. Most of our friends cautioned us not to go for a high-end set, as years of abuse from Ryder-Roonie and potential siblings would ruin our investment. Our problem? There was a world of difference between a $300 set and a $900 set. Since I’m a snob, I figured I’d rather sit on the floor than get cheapie furniture.

However, that was before I only had to spend $179.96 on a 9-piece dining set! That’s right, in the good old Sears outlet, I found a patio set that I had previously seen at my local Sears retailing for $699.99, now on clearance for $299.94 (it was labeled “overstock”). When I added the 40% off coupon, it was reduced to under $180!!! Great find if I do say so myself…


I also grabbed a seriously cute snowsuit for Ryder (only $17.96), a little piano to cultivate his musical talent (only $28.76)… and I indulged – a Conair foot spa for me! (a whopping $23.96!)

I seriously recommend that you jump online today and see if there’s anything that tickles your fancy. When I have some more time later on, I think I’ll check out the women’s section – there seemed to be a load of cute tops for next to nothing! Woot! Woot!

American Apparel.ca

How long has American Apparel had a Canadian online store? Has it been ages? Please don’t tell me that. I feel so out of it.

Regardless, I stumbled across their website while searching for the perfect pair of karate pants for Ryder-Roonie. I love American Apparel for the simple fact that I’m actually buying “American apparel”:

Within our business model – knitting, dyeing, cutting, sewing, marketing, distribution, and design all happen in the company’s facilities in Los Angeles. The company operates the largest garment factory in the United States, at a time when most apparel production has moved offshore. With our recently opened stores in China, we are now selling Made in USA clothing in the largest consumer market in the world.

You simply can’t knock the quality (though Canadian-made merchandise is still my tried and true fave) and the prices are very, very reasonable. At the moment, they’re having a fantabulous promotion: deals under $7, $13 and $20 for men, ladies and children! AND, orders over $50 qualify for FREE shipping. AND, here’s a coupon code for you: simply enter d168-ft12495 at checkout to receive 15% off your entire purchase (including sale items)!

I did end up finding the perfect karate pants for my lil’ guy (sorry, that’s not Ryder!):

And… LMAO at this customer review from the site:

“I got a pair of these in lavender for my soon-arriving niece and I gotta say, these are the softest baby clothes I can find. Also, for little girls they are awesome: non-frilly, non-butterfly and non-ducky covered stupid clothing. Actually stylish baby clothes, what an idea!”

Click here to begin shopping at American Apparel.

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