christmas 2015

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2015 By Lena

Dear Friends,

May the holidays refresh your spirit and bring you new inspiration and happiness. May the splendor of the season fill your heart with peace. Wishing you the joy of family, the happiness of friends, and the love of Christmas!
12338671_1539820429665520_332789539_n Over the next several days I’ll be enjoying food, family and the festivities of the season – and hope you’ll be doing the same. Unlike past holidays, this year I’ll be back sooner than later; I have a few fabulous giveaways and reviews I just can’t keep to myself. So, see you in about 72 hours?

I also hope you’ll partake in a Christmas carol, cookie and cocktail! After all, ’tis the season! My recommendations – O Holy Night, shortbread and a peppermint martini.

Have a wonderful week, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Upgrade Your Christmas Experience: Santa’s Tiny Big Town

December 16, 2015 By Lena

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and have been waiting in an overcrowded, poorly organized and uninspiring lineup to visit the big man before the holidays… you are doing it all wrong.

Upgrade your Christmas experience! Visit Santa’s Tiny Big Town at Vaughan Mills, a new immersive holiday showcase that includes one-on-one time with Santa, a fun animated video featuring Santa’s elves and light show which brings the Magic of Santa to life.
Upon entering Santa’s Tiny Big Town, children of all ages will experience the wonder and magic of a classic Christmas village. From decorated trees to snow-topped roofs, it’s so easy to get into the spirit of the season! …

Ho! Ho! Ho! Toronto, it’s the 111th Santa Claus Parade!

November 11, 2015 By Lena

At Toronto’s very first Santa Claus Parade in 1913, Eaton’s arranged for Santa to be pulled by live reindeer, which had been imported from Labrador specifically for the Parade. The reindeer had a dedicated veterinarian who looked after them and supplied their special diet of moss. That year, children along the route started to march through the city along with Santa, stopping to dance and sing as they went. They dropped letters to Santa into baskets on poles carried by bearers, and every letter with an address received a personal response from Santa.

Today, there are more than 25 animated floats with themes ranging from Harry Potter to Hockey Night in Canada. More than 200 Celebrity Clowns lead the Parade and raise about $200,000 annually, while around 2,000 costumed participants march happily through Toronto’s streets. Because of its popularity, Toronto police have asked Parade organizers to extend the route by one mile in order to spread out the crowds of spectators.
1H0A4114 2 copy Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade is the longest running children’s Parade in the world, broadcast across North America, as far away as New Zealand, Norway and Ireland. This year marks its 111th celebration!

“The Santa Claus Parade is a highlight for the City of Toronto, which brings joy and entertainment to people across Canada every year,” says Peter Beresford, Santa Claus Parade President and CEO. “Our continued partnership with MLSE helps ensure the Parade is at its magical best.” …