By Suzanne Gardner on June 1, 2009
As of today, June 1st, all retailers in Toronto are now required to charge a minimum of 5 cents per plastic bag requested by the customer at the checkout. The goal, of course, is to reduce the volume of plastic bag waste in the city, and we totally heart this eco-mission. Plastic bags are a very unnecessary form of waste and definitely something that we can all work to eliminate from our daily lives. And, from an eco-chic point of view, this new by-law gives us an excuse to splurge on super cute reusable bags!
Of course, the standard $1 versions you can buy at your local grocery store are completely practical, but if you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly splurge, check out the adorable offerings from B.C.’s Bring Your Own Bag online boutique. They are admittedly a bit pricey, ranging from $14.99 to $36.99, but they all offer sturdy bottoms for extra support, reinforced wide straps for extra-comfort on your shoulders, and a built-in pocket for carrying your keys, wallet, or cell phone. Plus, they’re currently offering a special buy-one-get-one-free deal if you enter the checkout code “byobsale” when you place your order. Go ahead an make an eco-friendly splurge for you and a friend — or just get two for yourself!
Posted in Deals, Style | Tagged eco-chic, reusable bags |
By Suzanne Gardner on May 20, 2009
You’ve probably been told many times, especially during the current economic recession, that one of the best things you can do to find a job is to network, make connections, and basically be a social butterfly. But when you’re out meeting people with hopes of finding employment, you need to be sure to pack more in your purse than just your wallet and lipstick.
For business cards with style, check out Moo Cards, a site that allows you to custom design your business cards to show off your unique personality. The snazziest feature of these cards is that they’re two-sided: pick a photo for the front and then add your personal information and another graphic to the back! A standard order comes with 50 cards and you can even choose a different photo for the front side of each card in your pack. Not only is the front a great way to make your business card stand out from the crowd, but it’s also perfect for telling more about yourself without words. Choose a photo that represents your industry, your interests, or your own photography skills!
Interested in trying out Moo Cards for free? You can order a sample pack of 10 business cards on their website. The sample cards will be just like the regular cards, except that a Moo watermark will be printed at the bottom of each sample card. If you like what you get (and I guarantee you will), then go back and order more! Let the schmoozing begin!
Posted in Deals | Tagged Business Cards, Schmoozing |
By Chantel Simmons on May 8, 2009
We’ve done the pedicure party, the Fantasia party, the jewellery party. But a tea party?
Now that’s a party we can raise a teacup to. Especially when someone else does all the planning, serving and cleanup.
Like a Tupperware party, a Steeped party involves a representative, who brings all the fabulous loot to your home, so all you have to do is invite your favourite tea party guests. Each party includes:
- Tea Consultation prior to event (½ hour).
- Tea pots.
- Half price items with every $250 in sales.
- 3 teas for sampling at your party, chosen by the hostess at the consultation.
- 20% Hostess credit towards tea and accessories.
Then, you drink tea, gossip and shop for your favourite tea party essentials. We love the Brew in a Mug (a ceramic mug, infusor and lid in one), the Heart Throb Infusor (heart-shaped, of course) and the colour-coded Tea Timer (green sand for green, white sand for white, and black sand for black tea).
Don’t have any tea-drinking friends? Time to make new ones, then (kidding! kind of.) Steeped Tea also features sweet treats (scone mix, jams and cookies), candles, soaps and reed diffuser sets.
Now all you have to do is set a date and invite your guests! (We’re free most Sunday afternoons, hint, hint).
PS Want to win free tea? Enter
here before May 15!
Shopping info: Steeped Tea, steepedtea.com
Posted in Deals, Events, Food, Style |
By Suzanne Gardner on April 6, 2009
The Spring 2009 Contemporary collection has arrived at Holt Renfrew and you can win their five contemporary must-haves for the season!
By stopping in at your local Holts you can enter to win a Bailey 44 Mini, a Rich and Skinny Ankle-Baring Pant, a Trove Jumpsuit, a Kain Big Top, and a Smythe Vest. The collection, worth just under $1000, will surely give your spring wardrobe a stylish new boost. I’d love to have that super cute mini in my closet!
And if your closest Holts happens to be the Bloor Street location, be sure to check out the fashion-forward redesign of the location’s Contemporary Floor. John Gerhardt, Holt Renfrew’s Creative Director, explains his design inspirations on Holts website, stating that “There is a strong nod to the ’80s in our redesign, with ‘New Wave’ and Japanese influences as well as references to Artists such as Dan Flavin, Shepard Fairey and Barbara Kruger, infused with a current nod to fashion’s new-found fascination with Pantone primaries.”
The website also mentions the store’s new “Contemporary Saturdays”, touted as “a must-see mix of new fashions and activities, from DJs to Graffiti Artists.” This event will be held on the women’s contemporary floor of the Bloor Street, Montreal, and Vancouver locations from now until the end of May.
Hurry in to your local Holts soon as the “must-haves” contest ends on April 28! Visit the contest page for more information.
Posted in Deals, Style | Tagged Holt Renfrew |
By Suzanne Gardner on April 3, 2009
Sweetspot.ca, Canada’s leading online trend spotting magazine, has further expanded their online media empire with the recent launch of Sweethome.ca. Sweethome focuses on the hottest new looks for your home, as well as entertaining tips for both hosts and guests.
The “Ask an Expert” articles in both the “Design and Decor” and “Entertaining” sections allows readers to get advice from those “in the know” on topics ranging from gardening to wine. Be sure to check out the “Sin vs. Sweet” category, where Sweethome’s staff track down cheaper alternatives to expensive designer items, such as these beautiful candleholders. I also love the “Eco-Chic” category, which provides readers with a great round-up of the prettiest things for their home that won’t damage the environment. These Recycled Wine Bottle Vases are a perfect example of “environmentally-friendly gone gorgeous.”
To celebrate the website’s launch, Sweethome is hosting its “Sweetest Giveaway Yet.” The first 500 people to register on the Sweethome website will receive a free gift! Visit their giveaway page to register now and then eagerly await your gift! The site doesn’t reveal what the gift will be, but it does assure us it’ll be fabulous! And if the content coming out of the Sweethome site has anything to do with the fabulousness of this gift, I’m quite inclined to believe them!
Posted in Deals, Style | Tagged Home |
By Chantel Simmons on April 1, 2009
We love an award-winner, which is why we couldn’t wait to try AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest SPF 18 — the only anti-aging product to receive the American Academy of Dermatology Seal of Recognition for its sun protection factor. A day cream, it not only protects against both UVA and UVB rays (which can cause sun damage, skin cancer, sun spots, fine lines and new wrinkles to form) but the super-potent anti-wrinkle technology also helps get rid of the lines you already have.
Sound so good you want your own jar of hope? Ta-da! You can.
We’re sharing the love by giving one lucky reader a chance to win a jar of AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest (Retail Value $59 US).
There’s just one small catch: You have to live in the U.S. (or know someone south of the border who can accept the package for you).
To enter, email iheart (at) chantelsimmons.com or leave a comment below!
Posted in Beauty, Deals | Tagged Anti-Wrinkle Cream |
