For kids, friends, teachers, co-workers or really anyone on your shopping list, Empire Theatres Gift Cards make a perfect gift this holiday season. Now, until December 24th, buy $30 or more in Empire Theatres Gift Cards and get $30 in coupons – FREE! Keep the coupons for yourself or bundle them with the Gift Cards to make an even better present.

The Coupon Bundle includes:
One FREE Admission on any day during your birthday month
Buy one General Admission Ticket and get a second Ticket FREE
Get $2 OFF any* Combo (*excluding Kid’s Pack)
Admission Ticket, Regular Soft Drink & a Small Popcorn only $9.99 plus tax
Purchase a Large Popcorn and get a FREE Large Coca-Cola Soft Drink

Offer available at Empire Theatres locations and online only; click here to purchase a Gift Card online.

Toys R Us is having a pretty stellar pre-Christmas sale starting today – you may want to check out the deals if you’ve got a little one to shop for.

This morning, instead of blogging, I spent about an hour loading things in my cart! With infant and pre-school toys up to 40% off (with FREE shipping when you spend $75 or more on these items), it was pretty easy to get most of my Christmas shopping for tots completed in 42 minutes. (While wearing my bathrobe and yawning every 3 minutes.)

I like:

1/2 Price Kitchen (Saturday only)
Assorted Buy More & Save Promotions
Hot Price! Wii $189.97
Save up to 40% Infant Toys
Save up to 40% Preschool Toys
Save up to 40% Arts & Crafts
Save 20% Construction Toys
Save 30% Star Wars
Save up to 40% Toys for Boys
Save up to 30% Toys for Girls
Save up to 30% Board Games
Save up to $60 Toddler Room
Save up to $20 Music & Electronics
Save $5 PlayStation 3 Games
Save $5 Xbox 360 Games

Click here to begin shopping at Toys R Us.

Are you thinking of sending out Holiday Cards this season? Please say yes. I’m disappointed that as the years pass, this tradition is quickly being replaced with the ever-so-easy e-card, or not sending cards at all. I mean, really, you can’t string an e-card up over your fireplace!

If you need further motivation to be one of the millions who still put the pen to the paper, check out Carlton Cards between December 1st thru 6th, where you’ll save 25% off your entire purchase during their Friends and Family event. Simply click, print and present the invitation on the left.

Four years ago our fireplace was full of cards – I’ll let you know how we fare this year. To my friends reading this post – ahem, my address hasn’t changed.

If you’ve got a working gal (or guy) on your shopping list this year, be sure to stop by RW&CO before December 5th: they’ll take $25 off purchases of $85 or more. If you spend exactly $85, that works out to a savings of 30%!

Just one of the things I miss about going in to the office is getting decked out in RW sweaters and skirts – nothing says “cubicle-dweller” like a smart outfit!

(I still have all the skirts neatly folded and packed away; after so many good times, I simply couldn’t part with them. Sappy, I know.)

See in-store for full offer details; not valid on the purchase of gift cards.

Avon’s got some amazing stocking stuffers – for CHEAP! You can conceivably cross at least 5 lovely ladies from your list. (I also like these gifts for teachers, co-workers and as “emergency gifts” for friends who drop over the holidays unannounced.)

For a limited time (not sure how limited, so take a peek soon), they’ve got “Holiday Gift Sets” on sale – many for less than half price!

I’m loving…

Ideal Eye Gift Set

Our most eye–opening collection ever! Includes:

- Look Alert Eye Brightener—Illuminating Pearl. For all skin tones.
- Ultra Luxury Eye Liner—Black, 1.14 g
- Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion
- Daring Definition Mousse Mascara — Black, 7.5 g

Less than half price!
price: reg $28.96 sale $9.99

Cucumber Melon Gift Set

A delightful, crisp, cool scent… perfectly refreshing. Gift set includes:

- Moisture Therapy Cucumber Body Lotion, 400 ml
- Cucumber Melon Bubble Bath, 700 ml
- Naturals Cucumber Melon Body Spray, 250 ml
- 2 Cucumber Melon Shower Gels, 150 ml each

Less than half price!
price: reg $49.98 sale $11.99

Moisture Therapy Intensive Gift Set

Your protection for dry skin. Gift set includes:

- 2 Intensive Moisturizing Lip Treatments SPF 15
- Intensive Extra Strength Cream, 150 g
- Intensive Body Lotion, 400 ml
- Intensive Hand Cream, 125 ml

Less than half price!
price: reg $29.95 sale $9.99

Foot Works Watermelon Gift Set

Cools & smooth tired feet! Gift set includes:

- 2 Exfoliating Foot Scrubs, 100 ml each
- 2 Cooling Foot Lotions, 100 ml each
- Foot Spray Gel, 100 ml
- Deluxe Touch Toenail Clipper

Less than half price!
price: reg $47.94 sale $9.99

Hmm… I’m thinking that the Foot Works gift set is definitely going to come in handy over the winter season to keep my tender tootsies soft and smooth. And at about $10, how can I resist?

Click here to check out the rest of the Avon Holiday Gift Sets. (Keep in mind that there are two pages.) Most of the other sets include fragrance-related products; if you’re a fan of the scent (or know of one), it’s the perfect time to grab a set.

Remember, shipping is FREE on all orders $35 and over with code AVON35.

With Christmas right around the corner, now’s a good time to load up on some cards (if you weren’t sifting through the bins last Boxing Day). Until Sunday, November 29th, Carlon Cards is offering 50% off all holiday boxed cards.

And, if you’re planning on sending out cards, you’ll be needing stamps – so why not stock up at Rexall/Pharma Plus this week? Until November 20th, a book of 10 Canadian Stamps is 10% off (limit 3).

I love receiving Christmas cards in the mail – especially when they’re from random acquaintances like my bank manager or dry cleaner. It’s so thoughtful!

It’s my twelve favourite holiday recipes countdown!

Why buy it when you can make it? This recipe yields 3 times the amount for 1/3 of the price, and I promise you’ll swear off the bottled stuff once you’ve tried this do-it-yourself version!

This oooh-so-good liqueur is also a serious contender when you’re out to impress… when was the last time you were served homemade Irish Cream on the rocks? Ha!

Let’s toast with an ol’ Irish saying ~
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup half and half cream
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup Irish whiskey (can substitute Canadian or Scottish, I won’t tell!)
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, combine cream, sweetened condensed milk, Irish whiskey, instant coffee, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Shake well before serving. Serves 16.

It’s my twelve favourite holiday recipes countdown!

Is there a better comfort food than warm, sweet, sticky bread pudding? Especially during the cold winter months, this oh-so-good dessert pairs perfectly with mulled cider or chai latte. I recommend using day-old French bread, but any slightly stale bread will do. And if you’d like to put a twist on this already delish recipe, try substituting cinnamon raisin bread with vanilla or white chocolate chips. Heavenly!!!

INGREDIENTS

1 loaf day-old French bread, torn into small pieces
2 cups milk
2 cups half and half
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine bread, milk, cream, brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla and butterscotch chips; mixture should be the consistency of oatmeal. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven 1 hour, until nearly set. Serve warm or cold.

I LOVE spiced pecans. They’re party-perfect for munching and crunching. These pecans, delicately flavoured with savoury cinnamon and nutmeg, pack a subtle kick with the addition of cayenne pepper. Make a big batch for holiday parties and save the leftovers for a super delish salad – just toss mixed greens with raspberry vinaigrette and top with thinly sliced red onion, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese and the spiced pecans. You’ll want to have a salad at every meal!

INGREDIENTS

1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
3 cups pecan halves
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

In a medium bowl beat the egg white with the water. Stir in the pecans, mixing until well moistened. In a large Ziploc bag, mix together sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cayenne pepper. Add the nuts and give it a good shake. Spread nuts on prepared pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. Store in a glass jar for up to one month.

It’s my twelve favourite holiday recipes countdown!

Who knew truffles were this easy to make? Absolutely perfect for holiday gift giving – ah! the joy of receiving decadent chocolate goodness! – you can decorate these little treats any way you please. Let your imagination go wild (and perhaps let your belt out a few notches). After all, you’ve been a good little elf this year!

Mmm… chocolate.

INGREDIENTS

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
2 tbsp half and half cream
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until well blended. Stir in melted chocolate, cream and vanilla until no streaks remain. Refrigerate for about 1 hour. Shape into 1 inch balls.

(To flavor truffles with liqueurs or other flavorings, omit vanilla. Divide truffle mixture into thirds. Add 1 tablespoon liqueur (almond, coffee, orange) to each mixture; mix well.)

Roll truffles in ground walnuts, cocoa powder, flaked coconut, confectioners’ sugar, candy sprinkles, etc. Makes 24-30 truffles.

It’s my twelve favourite holiday recipes countdown!

The easiest and perhaps sexiest dessert ever. Thick, delectable chocolate spilling out from a rich, sweet cake. I can’t tell you how many times friends and family have hinted, requested (and even begged) that I make this dessert. If you have Bakers Chocolate Squares on hand, chances are you’re ready to make this sinfully delicious concoction.

WARNING: This dessert will make you incredibly popular at absolutely every potluck you attend from here on in. Please don’t say I didn’t warn you :)

INGREDIENTS

½ cup salted butter
4 squares Bakers Semi-Sweet chocolate
2 large eggs
¼ cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
4 ramekins

Garnish:
1 (6 ounce) container raspberries, barely moistened and rolled in about
½ cup sugar right before serving

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter and chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl in microwave for about 1 minute. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar with a hand mixer until sugar dissolves. Beat egg mixture into chocolate until smooth. Whisk in flour until just combined. Divide batter among 4 ramekins. (Batter can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated; return to room temperature an hour or so before baking.)

Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 450 degrees. Bake in ramekins (placed on cookie sheet) until batter puffs but center is not set, 10-12 minutes (I usually bake for exactly 11 minutes). DO NOT OVERBAKE. Carefully lift ramekins and transfer to dessert plates.

Place sugared raspberries around the ramekin and serve immediately. Serves 4.