When I think of summer, I think of only ONE thing: Drinks on a Patio.

Of course, before having children, that patio was usually located on College Street, the Danforth, or anywhere that wasn’t my own backyard. The good old days.

However, there’s a certain pleasure in having drinks in your own backyard: there’s no travel involved, you generally enjoy the company, and you don’t have to tip your server.

But here’s the kicker: I don’t actually have a patio! Since moving into our new home six years ago, we’ve had a lot of priorities for the inside of our house (a finished basement, a painted home, an upscale living room) but we were never ready to invest in our backyard. Truth is, for a long time we’ve wondered if we should stay or move, and that factored in our decision to delay the landscaping. And so we set up an old patio set on our lawn and let the kids run around in the summer. For the most part, it worked out well.

However, now that we’ve decided to stay put for a little while, it’s time to do things right. First on our agenda: a backyard makeover.

You knew it was coming… 2013 is the year of #ProjectPatio!

I’ll be sure to share lots of pictures over the upcoming months of how we transform our little backyard into a backyard oasis. In addition to a stamped concrete patio, we’ll be making an investment in a new barbecue, patio furniture and maybe even a paper lantern or two :)

I also admit to lusting over these outdoor fireplaces from Anywhere Fireplaces, available at SHOP.CA.

All the fireplaces are ventless, requiring no construction, chimney, or gas lines.  The sophisticated, contemporary style fireplaces are also eco-friendly, at a price within reach for almost anyone. More features and benefits:

- Burns liquid or gel bio-ethanol fuel
- Renewable resource
- Smokeless, odorless
- No soot or ash, no messy clean-up
- Non-polluting
- Only gives off water vapor and CO2

I love the idea of staying warm in style, because sometimes, even summer nights can feel chilly. Here’s a roundup of the more popular models -

Forget about candles and other table top accents to add ambiance. The Lexington Anywhere Fireplace brings you all the tabletop elegance you are looking for with its distinctive shape, high gloss white finish and its real flames. Enjoy the ambiance of a real fire but without the hassle of smoke, melting wax, soot, ash, smell etc. Use it on the dinner table, a low patio table, or a coffee table. This unit is slightly too small for a patio set, but I love the versatility from outdoor to indoor. SHOP.CA Price: $149.99 (more…)

With all the hoopla surrounding Pantone’s Colour of the Year – Emerald Green – I thought it was only right to pay homage to the pieces that inspired the trend… jewels.

Now I’ve already shared my reluctance to incorporate the hue in my wardrobe, opting instead for gorgeous handbags and clutches that show off the vibrant colour in a subtle (yet fashionably chic) way. So, why not continue that technique with – wait for it – Emerald Jewelry!

SHOP.CA has amazing prices right now on Ben Moss, Elite and Amour Jewelry, with pieces ranging from 20-50% off. They’re the perfect way to show off the trendiest colour of the year with sophistication and style. You’ll always enjoy FREE shipping and returns, plus earn Reward $$ on every purchase you make. Time to get blinged out? I think so!

(Since both my boys are May babies, and May’s birthstone is Emerald, I think I may have to purchase something for myself in their honour. Also, because I did all the work bringing them into this world. And, they’re boys, so they’ll never appreciate it. Yes, that’s a lovely way to rationalize a purchase.)

Click here to visit SHOP.CA.

Now I’m not sure you’ll believe me – but it’s TRUE – I didn’t venture out once on Boxing Day. Nope! Not even the lure of Yorkdale Shopping Centre open at 8:00am was enough to coax me into the malls. To tell the truth, I was in my Kozie all day long, watching a very epic Lord of the Rings marathon.

(If you don’t own the trilogy on Blu-ray, seriously, you are missing out. There’s nothing like Orlando Bloom in high definition to make the holidays bright.)

Okay, footed pjs and moviethons aside, I DID do a little bit of damage on the ol’ credit card by way of online shopping. After all, it’s the easiest (and most convenient) way to find the best deals! Comparison shopping online is as simple as opening up a new tab in your browser – no rushing from store to store trying to beat the crowds. (Bleh! Crowds!)

So where did I spend my time surfing?

Well, for electronics, SHOP.CA was leading the way. With a ton of doorcrasher items and huge savings on televisions (like this Toshiba 40” 1080p LCD TV for just $398.00) I was quite tickled to share the savings with my gadget-minded friends. At the moment, I am currently sitting on the fence over this Food Saver Hands-Free Vacuum Sealer Kit. Remember all those awesome infomercials that showed you how to keep food fresh for eons? It’s currently 54% off, retailing for just $64.99. That’s a steal! (What to do, what to do….) And finally, I spent a lot of time checking out this Hip Street Wireless iPhone & iPod Speaker System. Almost 40% off, peeps! If my bestie didn’t already have one, it would’ve made the perfect housewarming gift for when she moves later this year.

Next, clothing is always a consideration during Boxing Week. I stayed with the tried and true Holy Trinity: GAP, Old Navy and Banana Republic. Each store had a variety of promotions that changes every day (yesterday was an extra 50% sale items at GAP, today is an extra 25% regular priced items). Regardless, it is a very necessary stop when you have toddlers because you can often pick up some awesome staples for C-H-E-A-P. Case in point: yesterday, Old Navy was offering 30% off their entire store. This Frost Free Jacket – originally $39.94 – is currently marked down to $14. With an extra 30% off, I paid a cool $9.80 for Ryder’s second winter jacket. It’s less bulky than his current coat, which makes it perfect for long car rides and trips to the mall with Mommy.

Think about it… 9 bucks… how can you go wrong? With today’s 25% off you can still grab it for $10.50 (all sizes available at 5:00pm EST).

Finally, no Boxing Day would be complete without popping by The Body Shop. When you buy a $5 Bag for Life, you can take 50% off your entire purchase. And don’t forget to check out their outlet – you can find mad savings on a variety of bath and body items (not included in the Bag for Life promo; but all items are discounted by at least 50%, so still a great deal).

My pick? This Strawberry Shower, Scrub and Soften Deluxe Gift on sale for $25 (reg price $50). The ultimate gift for strawberry lovers, this luxurious box set is packed with treats for bath and body, including Strawberry Shower Gel, Strawberry Body Polish, Strawberry Body Butter, Strawberry Lip Balm, Strawberry Beautifying Oil and Red Bath Gloves.

I love that it can be gifted all year round and I adore the presentation. And with all Body Shop products, thrilled that the items are cruelty-free and your purchase always gives back to great initiatives.

So as you can see, I didn’t go crazy this Boxing Week, but that’s probably a testament to all the wonderful things I already have :) Did you score any awesome deals? Share the savings – tell us about your haul!

Dear Readers, 

Over the next few weeks I’ll be showcasing a few products that I particularly love – which also make fabulous holiday gift ideas. It is separate from a “gift guide” as I’ve hand selected these items as my top choices. There is no flashy promotion involved; no fancy giveaways. Just products I truly believe in. Enjoy!

- Lena xo

For the past three months, Ryder has been attached to one book. He takes it to Grandma’s, he takes it on car rides, he takes it to bed. In fact, seeing the book tucked under his sweet little arm is normally a sign that he’s ready for some quiet time. And it’s not a book about cars; it’s not a book about bears.

It’s the “Artsy Alphabet” book by Artsy Pear.

Our copy is dog-eared from use; the once perfect pages are worn and slightly crumpled. But Ryder traces every letter with precision, sounding the alphabets phonetically as he consults the artfully drawn pictures. He learns each letter until he can tell me with complete conviction – “Mommy! Did you know that D is for dog and duck and door and dragon?” (more…)

… but I kind of LOVE them.

Think about it – if you’ve ever dressed a little baby in a sleeper and thought, Damn, that looks sooo warm and cozy - here’s your chance to get in on some of that action.

Kozies are now available at SHOP.CA! They’re the closest thing to an adult sleeper you’ll encounter, and if you’re the type of person who hates feeling cold (waving like crazy over here), you’ll adore these fuzzy, warm robes.

From SHOP.CA: ”Kozies are made from 100% polyester and are the fuzziest things you will slip into all winter. Kozies cover you completely from your neck all the way down to your feet. Anti-slip soles will stop you from slipping and sliding across smooth surfaces. The ankles are very stretchy and allow for lots of room for pants, or thick socks. Perhaps the best feature? It is undoubtedly the flap at the back which allows for washroom use if necessary!”

Okay, so straight up: I’m buying two; one for me and one for my husband. We do things like snuggle up and watch movies on cold winter nights, and always reach for our robes as soon as we wake in the morning. I can’t think of a better – or more adorable – way to stay cozy Kozie this winter. At the moment I’m torn between the owl print and cupcake print for myself, but I’m fairly sure I can’t go wrong with the ninjas for my husband :)

(Of course, there’s always the beer print – not pictured – but that’s a bit much.)

They retail for $49.99 – $54.99, which is actually quite decent considering robes can retail for $50+ (and they don’t cover you from head to toe). Ladies, I think a his/her set would be the perfect gift for you and your man this Christmas. Many of the styles are unisex, so you could even be matchy-matchy if you like! It’s also a fun gift for older children away at college/university (dorm rooms are notoriously cold!) or friends in colder climates.

Okay, after much thought, I’m going with the owl print. And I promise – pictures to follow :)

Click here to visit SHOP.CA.

… and the last thing you want to do is freeze your buns off. That’s why I’ve rounded up the Seven Warmest Coats – that just happen to be incredibly stylish, too. Fashion and function? Why not – Canadian winters call for down fill, puffy protection and the warmest wool blends… and feeling warm never looked so HOT.

Francesca Two Tone Wool Coat, GUESS
Why it’s Warm: 60% wool with faux fur comfort at the collar
Why it’s Hot: Trendy two-tone detailing cinches in the waist and slims the silhouette

Canada Goose Montebello Parka, SHOP.CA
Why it’s Warm: All Canada Goose blends include some Hutterite down, the most premium Canadian down available
Why it’s Hot: Available in one of winter’s most popular (and on-trend) hues, RED (more…)

… can be a wonderful thing. Except, of course, if you’re a serial re-decorator like me.

(Husband, you are going to HATE this post. Avert your eyes! Your wife is about to spend money.)

It’s no secret that I love home decor. In fact, every room in my house has been re-decorated at least once (and sometimes twice, even three times) over the past five years. It’s simply an itch that only a brand new colour of paint, an updated leather sectional or multiple chevron accessories will fix. Yes, I have a problem.

(Check out my entire Reno-cation here.)

So when I see home accents that really float my boat, my eyes start to glaze over with desire… and the re-decorating bug begins to awaken within me. (Bug? Husband will call it beast.)

Such is the case with these gorgeous art prints from Cici Art Factory, available at SHOP.CA.

“Spark your child’s imagination and stimulate visual development with these whimsical characters embarking on old-fashioned adventures. Vancouver artist Liz Clay’s wit & whimsy collection is traditional in style. The figures are stylized with round faces, rosy cheeks and big hair. They’re guaranteed to spark imaginations and activate rooms. Choose from either a frame-yourself paper print or canvas giclée print. If you have a larger wall space to fill, think about displaying a pair vertically or three in a row.”

The whimsical styling of the prints would be perfect for a bedroom makeover, especially for Ryder, who’s four years old. I can just picture a row of pirates, astronauts and pilots dancing across his bedroom wall.

Each paper print is professionally printed on wind-generated, FSC certified 80 lb paper and is packaged in a clear, biodegradable sleeve. It comes with a white mat for easy framing and fits a standard frame size – available sizes are 8×10″ or 16×16″. The giclée canvas print uses up to 8 inks to achieve rich tonal values and colour breadth, ensuring the paint strokes look as realistic as possible. Comes ready to hang.

Friends, I think it may be time to present Ryder with a brand new bedroom. But first, I just need to convince the husband that it’s time for another reno. Wish me luck!

Click here to visit Cici Art Factory, available at SHOP.CA.

Be honest. Do you love winter?

Do you love the snow, sleet and slush? How about changing into the ol’ winter tires, layering the kids with cold weather clothing, and ripping open your heating bill?

Yeah, it’s not Canada’s most desirable block of time. However, it does have some redeeming features – ice skating, the Winter Carnival, cozying up in a ski chalet… or near a warm, glowing fireplace. (Oh, and that little holiday known as Christmas. Hello!) And as Canadians, we really must embrace the season that is synonymous with our merry culture. I say, bring it on!

SHOP.CA wants to make sure we’re all thinking #WarmThoughts and getting winter-ready with a Twitter Party! There will be tons of chat about what you do to keep comfortable in the cold, tips and tricks for beating the elements, and of course, amazing prizes!

DATE: Thursday, November 1st
TIME: 8:00pm – 9:00pm EST
PARTY HASHTAG: #WarmThoughts

Hosted By:
@SHOPdotCA

Moderated By:
@Listen2Lena – @SassyModernMom – @FeistyFrugal –  @MyChaos - @SimplyStacieNet

Prizing is available to Canadians only. RSVP below for your chance to win, and see you on Thursday! (more…)

NOTE: This Giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Normally, once the cooler weather sets in, I retire my walking shoes.

Not because I’m afraid of a little cold weather; or because I no longer see the value in keeping active. The truth is, winter = frigid temperatures and frigid temperatures = sweaters and sweaters = you can hide an extra 5 pounds. Walking shoes? Buh-bye!

Sigh, that was the case – until this year. If you read my last post, you’ll know that we’re off to sail the Caribbean next week, which of course includes stops… and day trips… and tons of walking. Hibernating in pullovers? Please. I’ll be decked out in the tourist special: tees, shorts, and – wait for it – walking shoes!

So you can call it perfect timing: Today, SHOP.CA announced that world-famous Mephisto shoes are now available for sale. Mephisto, supplied by Storage Stadium, are known as the finest walking shoes on earth. Their comfort, support and durability are recognized wherever people take walking seriously.

(Side note: Even though Mephisto shoes don’t travel in the same style circles as Tory Burch and Michael Kors, even I know that they’re the best walking shoes. Often called the “sexy orthodic”, they’ve been spotted on Maggie Gyllenhaal and Heidi Klum. Guess those beauties know revolutionary comfort when they see it!) (more…)

I remember the exchange like it was yesterday.

It was Fall 2007, and my husband and I were at the One of a Kind Art Show in Toronto. Being 6 months pregnant at the time, I made it a point to stop at every retailer of children’s goods – if only to collect ideas for future purchases.

(We all know that is a lie – I totally made off with bags of goodies for baby-to-be.)

Upon rounding a corner we arrived at the Mally Bibs booth, and I was instantly attracted to the colourful, fashion-forward bibs. Made of 100% leather, they were advertised as easy to clean and guaranteed not to stain. In fact, here’s why they rock:

(You can also read the Mally Bibs Blog – they’ll give you 101 Reasons why you should purchase their bibs.)

I was sold. Truth be told, they had me at leather bib. Pretty rock star, eh? And then I asked the question: How much? OMG - The look on my husband’s face when he found out they were about $40. I’ll never forget it.

You know how sometimes you’ll tell your husband you just spent $200 on shoes/ groceries/ makeup/ kid’s stuff/ etc and he’ll give you a pained look – almost like he’s about to throw up? Yeah, that. (more…)

Last Thursday, you may have joined us for the very awesome SHOP.CA #KitchenKravings Twitter Party. We spent an hour chatting about all the kitchen gadgets and gizmos that we krave – and gave away some of SHOP.CA’s hottest small appliances!

As for me, I’ve long had my eye on the SodaStream Soda Makers. I love the idea of mixing carbonated water with juice or a squeeze of lemon at home – it allows me to a) control the amount of sugar, b) forgo expensive sparkling waters, and c) give the kiddos a “treat” from time to time – they think anything carbonated is “pop”.

The only thing holding me back? The cost. Having seen SodaStreams for $200+, I questioned if I wanted to spend that much money on a simple carbonating device. Call me cheap (which my husband frequently does), but when club soda is on sale, it’s less expensive to simply stock up with the same outcome, yes?

That is, of course, until I discovered the HUGE selection of SodaStream Makers at SHOP.CA – including this very affordable Jet Starter Kit. Take a looksee:

Last week, Pantone released their Spring 2013 Fashion Colour Report. The colours are taken directly from runway trends and draw inspiration from some of the hottest designers in the fashion world, such as Tracy Reese, Herve Leger, Rachel Roy and Ella Moss. Think of their findings as the Coles Notes of couture; Pantone’s picks sum up the most used, most loved and most on trend hues of the upcoming season.

I am loving so many of these shades – particularly Tender Shoots, a vibrant yellow-green; African Violet, a statement colour that brings a touch of intrigue; and Nectarine, a bright, effervescent citrus orange with coral undertones. It’s also good to see clean, bold colours make the cut, such as Lemon Zest, Monaco Blue and Poppy Red. Folks, memorize these colours, because you’re about to see them popping up everywhere!

Need further inspiration? I found these amazing pieces on SHOP.CA that just happen to fit into Pantone’s scheme of Colour FULL – with FREE shipping to boot!

Emerald: Ben Moss Emerald and Diamond Earrings, $169.00; Dusk Blue: Mally Designs Blue Guitar Bib, $38.95; Grayed Jade: Foxy Originals Jade Ring, $26.00; African Violet: RoomMates Purple Dots Wall Decals, $21.99; Linen: My Country Furniture End Table, $249.00; Lemon Zest: Apple Cheeks Cloth Diaper in Lemon Zest, $32.99; Tender Shoots: Canon Powershot 310 HS 12.1 MP, $279.99; Monaco Blue: Z-Lite Pendant Light Fixture, $100.00; Nectarine: Bench Deck T-Shirt, $29.99; Poppy Red: Vans Men’s Authentic Lo Pro, $54.99

Click here to visit SHOP.CA. 

It’s just about that time of year. The kids have returned to school; the crisp fall weather is around the corner, and the domestic goddess in you starts to stretch her long limbs, ready for to take on the world. Or rather, the kitchen.

Thanksgiving dinner. Halloween parties. Holiday baking. Christmas cookie exchanges. Oh my!

Chances are, you’ll be spending a fair time in the ol’ kitchen over the next few months. So take a look at your small appliances. Will they get the job done – or are you done with them?

SHOP.CA believes that every domestic diva should have the very best tools to stay on top of her trade. And with brands like Delonghi,  Kitchen Aid, Keurig, and Breville – all at great prices plus FREE shipping – you’ll be churning out haute cuisine faster than you can say “Martha Stewart who?”

But even seasoned chefs lust after certain small appliances – the perfect waffle maker, the most powerful hand blender – the list goes on and on. What are some of your #KitchenKravings?

Join SHOP.CA for the #KitchenKravings Twitter Party on Thursday, September 20th from 9-10pm EST. We’ll chat about your favourite kitchen gadgets, the ones you krave, and we’ll be giving away some of the SHOP.CA’s most sought-after small appliances! YES, just like all SHOP.CA Twitter Parties, the prizes will be EPIC!

DATE: Thursday, September 20th
TIME: 9:00pm – 10:00pm EST
PARTY HASHTAG: #KitchenKravings (more…)

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then Ben Moss is a matchmaker extraordinaire.

Ben Moss Jewellers is now available on SHOP.CA – and I’m talking well over a thousand designs. Without a word of lie, I spent TWO HOURS looking through every piece this afternoon (Shhh. My husband thinks I was holed up in the study writing). Let’s just say that I’ve officially started my Christmas wish list – and it looks something like this:

For a limited time, SHOP.CA is offering Internet Exclusive pieces that are up to 25% off. And, of course, ALL items ship for FREE with the chance to earn up to 2.5% back in SHOP.CA Rewards.

Speaking of Rewards, I’m thinking that the Freshwater Pearl Ring, at just $179.00, is the perfect reward for this Shopaholic. A gorgeous statement piece at an awesome price – plus free shipping? Don’t mind if I do!

Click here to visit SHOP.CA. 

Could this be more perfectly timed?

With back to school just a few days away, SHOP.CA has a sweet deal for you: 25% off everything at Boathouse from now through Saturday!

(Well, almost everything. TOMS isn’t joining the party this time ’round.)

With over 1,000 items to choose from, it’s a cinch to find great pieces for the coming season. Plus, as always, you can enjoy FREE shipping and returns… and if you’re a first-time customer, you’ll earn $10 in rewards on your purchase of $25 or more. So what, you’re still reading? You should be shopping!

If you need some inspiration, here are a few of my personal faves:

(more…)