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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

holiday shopping

Mastering the Art of “Me Time” with Masterpass

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This December, it’s all about me.

After 10 years of getting caught up in the holiday rush – shopping for presents, hosting Christmas dinner, losing my mind with blog commitments and ramping up for the new year – this time around, I’ve decided to simply … not.

I’m done. Out. Finito. And it was easier to achieve than I ever could have imagined. If you’ve been (or are currently) in the same boat, here’s how to master the art of “me time”, even during the busiest time of the year.

1. Practice saying no, and mean it when you say it. For the first time in 10 years, I am not hosting Christmas dinner. Now don’t get me wrong – I love having my family over for the holidays. I love baking and cooking and decorating and fussing about all the tiny details to make it a night to remember. But this year, I decided that I had earned a hall pass; we have other able-bodied members in our family who are just as capable of throwing a festive get together. The conversation went something like this:

“Hey! So I’m not going to host Christmas dinner this year; I’ll let someone else have a turn. So you guys chat … and let us know when and where to show up!”

I realize it may be too late for you to follow suit (there’s always next year!), but there are ways to lessen the burden if you are hosting, such as planning a menu with make-ahead items, declaring Christmas dinner a potluck so everyone shares the workload, or eliminating a few dishes that are not universal hits and yield too many leftovers.

(Need a great potluck dish? Try my Cranberry, Pear and Bacon Stuffing. Yum!)
2. Avoid shopping malls during the busiest time of year. Hey, I love hitting the mall as much as the next shopaholic (some would call it my home away from home) and I have nothing but love for my favourite stores. But during the craziness of the holidays – especially when you’re trying to maximize your well-being – there’s no bigger time suck than shopping for Christmas presents in-store. In fact, a recent survey by Mastercard Canada revealed the average time Canadians spend holiday shopping in-store is about 8 hours … but that doesn’t include the time spent bundling up in winter wear, clearing snow off the vehicle, driving to the mall, circling the parking lot, and finally, walking around from store to store, lugging heavy purchases. …

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Gifts for Her Under $20!

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only. This post contains affiliate links.

It’s official: there’s just one week until Christmas! By now, you’re probably in one of two camps: 1) the gift-givers who have completely wrapped up their holiday shopping (or have a handful of presents to go), or 2) the gift-givers who have yet to begin.

(That’s what December 23rd is for, amirite?)

If you’re still dragging your feet, I’m here to help with simple suggestions for her under $20. They’re perfect as stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts, and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you’ll grab FREE Two-Day Shipping, FREE Same-Day and One-Day Delivery on eligible items in select areas. That means you can beat the crowds, shop from the comfort of your home and have your orders delivered straight to your door in a day or two. I placed a huge order on Friday night and my guaranteed arrival day is today! Yes, Sunday! That means I’m spending my weekend mulling apple cider instead of fighting for a parking spot.

So, if you’ve got a special gal to tick off your shopping list, here are my top picks under $20:
Top Row, left to right:

Latest Jar Opener, CDN$ 14.95. In Stock. Arrives before Christmas. This cool little kitchen gadget will make life easier for everyone. Seniors, those with limited or weakened hand mobility and those with arthritic hands will especially love the easy twist opening, non slip grip and excellent rubber inside grip which helps open even the most stubborn jar and bottle lids. I have this jar opener and love it! …

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Walmart Toy Academy: They Do the Work, You Get the Credit!

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You: “Hey Lena, what are the top toys for the holidays? What should I get my 6-year old niece?”

Me: “Um, I can totally help with that!” (Visits walmart.ca/ToyAcademy) “I absolutely know what all the hot toys are!” (Searches for Top Dolls, Doll Houses & Playsets.) “Just give me a minute…” (Enough time to consult another toy list.)
Okay, you caught me. Even a self-professed shopaholic needs a little help, especially during the holiday season. Although I generally have my ear to the ground when it comes to trends and hot sellers, the truth is, I’m also the mom who wanders the toy aisles, completely overwhelmed with the selection.

Where do I begin? What’s the latest craze? Where can I find all the top toys without breaking the bank? …

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You Haven’t Seen the Last Deal at MicrosoftStore.ca!

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ONE WEEK. Christmas Day is officially one week away! And with the holidays just around the corner, if you think you’ve missed all the great deals, think again. On the heels of their 12 Days of Deals campaign, MicrosoftStore.ca launched its Holiday Super Sale today, so you STILL have a chance to snag the cool tech everyone’s talking about – all from the comfort of your couch!
MSCA-Surface-Mod-D2-Save-250-SP3-BFCM15-desktopThe Holiday Super Sale runs from December 18 through December 20, and quantities are limited. But don’t worry…their Boxing Week sales are right around the corner! Check out MicrosoftStore.ca on December 24 at 6 p.m. ET for yet another great opportunity to save until January 4.

If you’re looking for deals on the best wearable tech, PCs, tablets, game systems and more, this should be your first stop. Cross holiday gifts for friends and family off your list, and even pick up a little something for yourself!

Remember, MicrosoftStore.ca experts are available 24/7 by phone or online to lend a hand, and they offer FREE shipping and FREE returns on every item, every day. (Psst! Right now you get free expedited shipping on all orders to ensure you tech the halls in time for Christmas.) Don’t delay!

Merry Stressless! It’s Better at Best Buy.

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Last week, I had an amazing shopping experience in which I learned three very valuable lessons. Think this shopaholic knows everything about buying gifts? Nope, not even close. There’s always room for learning, and recently, I was schooled in Holiday Shopping 101: Best Buy Canada.

Hence, with just about a week left to complete your Christmas shopping, I figured now is as good time as any to share my wealth of knowledge! If you still have family to shop for (and I know you do, come on, there’s always that one person who has everything), I’m here to help you complete your shopping in the most Merry Stressless way.

Lesson #1: Find a store that has something for everyone under one roof.

I mean, it’s pretty hard not to find an amazing gift at Best Buy. They’ve got the most in-demand products this holiday season; from televisions to tablets, and computers to cameras, it is a tech lover’s mecca. And if you have to shop for someone who isn’t into gadgets, that isn’t a problem. With music, DVDs, toys and even personal grooming products available, you can pop in-store or online and find exactly what you’re looking for.

I was fortunate to have a Best Buy Blue Shirt personal shopping experience with Tommy Spizarsky, Multi-Channel Sales Supervisor at the Winston Park store in Oakville. And as he took me through the impressive store – complete with expert departments for Apple, Microsoft and Samsung – I realized pretty quickly that I could get most of my holiday shopping done that very same evening….

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Lime Ridge: The Art of Gifting with Style

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I’m thankful that I don’t have an incredibly long holiday shopping list. A few kiddos here, a grandma or two there. And for the most part, I’m after simple gifts – ones that I can likely order online without too much energy or stress. And at moments like this, I’m both happy and sad that I don’t have teens or 20-somethings to shop for, because honestly, nothing would please me more than to indulge in a little fashion shopping spree.

And then, everything changed! A few weeks ago, my friends and I opted to exchange stocking stuffers this year. It’s been too long since we’ve treated ourselves (see “kiddos and grandma” reference above), and even longer since I’ve been able to pick out some stylish gifts for girlfriends. Game on! Last weekend, I shopped like it was 1999.

My fashion destination: Lime Ridge. You may remember the epic #LimeRidgeShoeParty I held back in September. Well, since then, I’ve been looking forward to working with the stylish shopping mecca again. So when they proposed that I come check out all of their fashionable finds as part of the blogger #ArtofGifting Challenge, I was definitely on board.

Since the day it opened in August 1981, Lime Ridge has enjoyed its position as the Hamilton area’s dominant shopping centre. With over 200 shops and services, Lime Ridge offers the community the widest variety of fashion retailers carrying the latest styles and hottest brands. Ideally located on the escarpment, it’s just 45 minutes west of Toronto and perfectly situated for the fashionably discerning shoppers in Hamilton and surrounding area.

I spent a wonderfully chilly Sunday afternoon relishing in the festivities of the season: twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and through it all, the soft glow of retailer’s holiday displays. BCBGMAXAZRIA. Danier Leather. Forever XXI. H & M. Aritzia. Victoria’s Secret. It is a fashionista’s place of worship.

My first stop, Forever XXI, yielded a plethora of gorgeous accessories for every woman on your holiday list. From bangles to bracelets, chunky rings to statement necklaces, the colourful baubles are the perfect finish to a holiday outfit – and the perfect stocking stuffers! Below: Coordinating bangles priced at $4.50 – $7.50.

The options are perfectly endless at the fountain of accessories. With most items under $12, I picked up three gold cuffs ($8 each) and a little something for myself, too. …

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Walmart Online at 11:38pm? Don’t Mind if I Do!

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You all know my obsession with shopping at Walmart Canada during off-peak hours. Yes, I am that girl, bundled up at 7:00am on a Sunday morning, pushing her cart through gloriously non-trafficked aisles. It’s probably one of the best feelings in the world!

Of course, the only snag in the ol’ plan is the fact that I actually have to bundle up and leave my house at 7:00am. Hence, when I heard about Walmart’s brand new e-commerce site, to say I was tickled pink is an understatement.

“Walmart Canada is looking to re-define the way customers shop online with the launch of its new e-commerce site. The newly redesigned site ensures customers get a seamless browsing experience , whether they’re shopping on a traditional desktop or laptop computer, a Smartphone or a tablet. Designed with a “tablet and touch” sensibility, the site features advanced functionalities such as a best-in-class search tool, location-based and personalized services, a simplified one-page checkout process and a guest checkout option, which allows customers to shop online without having to create an account.” – Walmart Canada
 
Good News: The new www.walmart.ca features a larger product selection across key categories such as baby, electronics, home and dry grocery.

GREAT News: There is FREE standard shipping on EVERY purchase – that’s right, no minimum spend!

Recently, Walmart reached out to me to see if I’d like to participate in a shopping challenge; spend $100 on items I’d normally shop for in-store using their new e-commerce site. Well, you know me – challenge accepted!…

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Put it Under the Tree: #StapleGifts

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Are you a Tweeter? Did you join our #StaplesDeals Twitter Party last week? Because, you know, it was kind of EPIC. Tons of great conversation, some of the hottest deals for Black Friday, and oh yeah… FABULOUS prizes!

Well folks, we’re doing it all over again. This Wednesday night, join us for the #StaplesGifts Twitter Party. We’re sharing some of the BEST holiday ideas from none other than Staples Canada. From tech to toys, you can cross everyone off your list… and if you can’t find what you’re looking for in-store or online, Staples will find it for you!

(Looking for gifting inspiration? Check out their Holiday Centre, your guide to great gifts and the coolest tech.)

Join us tomorrow night as we tweet up a storm. RSVP below for a chance to win – and be sure to bring your wish list to the party!…

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What Can You Find at Walmart?

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One word: EVERYTHING.

With just a few days left until Christmas, chances are that you’ve paid a visit (or two, or three) to your local Walmart. You know I have! In fact, an informal survey amongst friends and neighbours has suggested that everyone has popped by the giant retailer at least twice… this week alone. And it makes sense – everything from toys to holiday décor to groceries to Christmas-inspired air fresheners can be found there! You can conceivable scratch everything off your to-do list in one visit.

(I make no secret of being a HUGE Walmart fan. Plain and simple, I believe it’s just the smartest way to spend your money. The prices are always right and I’m constantly amazed by their selection. #Fan4Life)

Two days ago, I found myself once again strolling through the aisles at 6:14am – which is, IMHO, the best time to visit Walmart. Think about it – only early bird, like-minded people like you are shopping at that ungodly hour, keeping the stress and bumper-carts to a minimum. I know what you’re thinking: Holiday shopping without stress and bumper carts? Sign me up! <<- No problem! Just set your alarm for 5:30am to beat the crowds, and get ready to have your most pleasant shopping experience ever. (Often, with a premium parking selection – score!)

Now you know I just had to snap a few pictures while strolling through the store, because it’s Walmart… and things ALWAYS catch my eye at Walmart. There’s no rhyme or reason to the photos – just a few of the more interesting things that were on my to-do list, ended up in my cart or made me smile (and in the case of the Justin Bieber singing toothbrush, howling with laughter).

First, I went straight to the holiday movies, because it’s tradition in my family to pick up a new Christmas movie every year. Can’t beat Walmart for their selection and prices! I settled on Shrek the Halls ($10) as Reid is now into everything Shrek (or “Frek” – as he calls him).

…

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Shop it While It’s Hot! TSC for the Holidays

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A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of touring The Shopping Channel’s headquarters and studio in Mississauga, ON. You see, they figured that a Shopaholic like me would appreciate a behind-the-scenes glimpse – and they were right! From brand new studio sets to a massive control room where the magic takes place, I can’t wait to share photos from the tour. (Coming soon!)

Today, I want you to do three things:

1. Check out www.theshoppingchannel.com. I’ll bet big bucks that there are brands you had no clue The Shopping Channel carried – including popular retailers such as Sam Edelman, stila, Bose, Umbra and more!

2. Shop by 11:59pm on December 17th for guaranteed home delivery before Christmas.

3. Consider this – The Shopping Channel has exclusive pieces that you won’t find anywhere else. Combine that with their Easy Pay option, and all of a sudden, holiday shopping just got easier – and easier on the wallet, too.

And you just know I’ve put together some picks for you! Check out my fave brands and holiday gifting ideas –

If you’re visiting or live in the Greater Toronto Area, check out The Shopping Channel’s fun and friendly Off-Air Outlet. Located at 100A Orfus Road in Toronto, the outlet carries many of The Shopping Channel’s best-sellers as well as a large selection of discounted merchandise. Happy Shopping!

Click here to visit The Shopping Channel.

ShopCatch: Best Holiday Shopping Tips

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As I alluded in my A Shopaholic’s Best Friend: ShopCatch post, last week I had the most awesome task of hosting a holiday dinner with ShopCatch at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, featuring the city’s social media elite.

(Should I say it? Okay I’ll say it. #dreamgig)

Media moms in attendance included CBC Kids Host Patti Sullivan, Savvy Mom Media’s Sarah Morgenstern, Bunch Family Inc’s Rebecca Brown, author Theresa Albert, MSN blogger Emma Waverman, TOBeauty Reviews blogger Elaine Atkins and other awesome influencers lending their two cents via Twitter. The theme of the night was holiday shopping, and we tweeted our best tips while dining on a traditional holiday meal (including a modern twist on pumpkin pie for dessert).

Since sharing is caring, here are some of the best tips of the night, along with pictures of the festive evening and the gorgeous attendees (photos credited to Connie Tsang). Enjoy!…

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Miss Manners Be Damned: Be Card Smart

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I originally published this post in August 2010, but with Christmas (yes – I call it CHRISTMAS, not “the holidays”) just around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to once again mull over The Case of the Great Gift Card Giver.

To some, gift cards are not gifts. I’ll never forget this article I came across on MSN Money a few years back, where the author bashed those who dared to dole out plastic presents:

“A gift, ideally, says, ‘I thought about you. I considered your likes and dislikes, your needs and wants, your dreams and desires, and found you this token of my esteem that I hope will delight you.’

A gift card says, ‘There! Checked you off my list.'”

She even went on to quote the esteemed Judith Martin (aka Miss Manners), stating that gift cards are “a pathetic compromise that is convenient to people who do not trust their judgment about selecting the right present for those whose tastes they ought to know.”

I couldn’t disagree more.

Unless you’re 14 years old and know the absolute contents of your best friend’s locker, bedroom and closet, chances are it may be tricky to find the perfect gift. Sure, I know that my brother likes to draw, but if you’ve ever ventured into DeSerres, you’ll know that their “Fine Arts” section is four aisles across and boasts over 460 drawing tools alone.

Gift card, please….

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Hallmark’s NEW Gold Crown Store

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I simply ADORE shopping-related press events!

(Paging “Captain Obvious”…)

Seriously, though, nothing tickles my fancy more than the opportunity to check out a brand new – or mucho renovated – store. There’s just something about the “newness” that creates a special kind of buzz; it makes you look at everything twice, want to reach out and touch items, and willingly open your wallet (though this does require a little self-restraint).

Therefore I gratefully accepted an invitation to come celebrate with Hallmark as they unveiled their new Gold Crown Store in Woodbridge, ON last Saturday. My good friend Diana over at Toronto Teacher Mom made the intro, so I had twice the excitement: new store + awesome girly time. I brought the family and we arrived at the store just after the festivities began.

(Speaking of Diana, link on over to her blog; she took some fabulous photos, including a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor of Vaughan, pics of the ChumFM crew and more – not to mention her downright adorable kiddies!)

Now if there’s one thing I want to impress on you today, it’s this: Yes, you can buy greeting cards at Hallmark. But if that’s all you’re doing, YOU ARE MISSING OUT. …

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