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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

online shopping

The Birth of An Obsession…

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… 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.

These Shoes Are Made for Walking… #Giveaway

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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!)…

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The Trendiest Bibs on the Block

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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….

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I Saw, I KRAVED, I Purchased.

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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:

At just $99.99 plus FREE shipping, I allowed myself to be wooed into the home soda-making craze….

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Pantone: Colour FULL

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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. 

RING the Alarm: Ben Moss at SHOP.CA

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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. 

The Children’s Place: Big Huge Labour Day Sale

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You know how much I love a good sale – and this one is pretty awesome! It’s the Big Huge Labour Day Sale over at The Children’s Place. I’ve been spending the last half hour cruising the site, and can attest that there are mad savings on some of the most popular items for back to school!

Here’s what you need to know:

Until 11:59pm today, September 3rd, you’ll receive FREE shipping on EVERY purchase (after that, it’s still a very reasonable flat fee of $8). To sweeten the deal, you can also take an EXTRA 15% off your purchase until September 10th with webcode 2X6F2012 (or print this coupon for in-store).

My picks? Well, I had the extreme fortune of attending The Children’s Place’s fall media event about a week ago. There, I had the chance to pick up a few awesome fall pieces for Ryder – and many of them happen to be on sale at AH-MAZING prices at the moment! Check out the deals – and my sweet little model! …

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Back to School with Visa Canada! #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If you’ve been following my blog posts and tweets, you’ll know that this is – GULP – the first “back” to school shopping I’ve ever experienced… yup, my little guy is starting JK next week!

(Sit tight… I feel an emotional moment coming on. False alarm, it was just a sneeze.)

Hence, it’s been pretty surreal for me – because let’s face it, I really don’t know what I’m doing with this whole school shopping thing. Clothes? Shoes? Lunch box? Do they still make lunch boxes? Or is it all about the lunch bags now?

( ← This was the lunch box I wanted when I was small. Pretty sure I never would’ve used that flask, though.)

As you know, 99% of the time I’m on online shopping ninja, preferring to surf in the comfort of my own yoga pants home. I’m not alone; according to a July 2012 survey of Canadian online shoppers commissioned by Visa Canada for back-to-school, a whopping 72% of Canadian shoppers plan to take their shopping online. 

This number does not surprise me at all. I mean, who wants to brave the mall crowds? And, it’s not like Christmas shopping when adults go alone; this time, they’re dragging their whiny kids with them! It’s actually quite daunting….

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SHOP.CA: Boathouse on Sale!

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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:

…

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Be Shoppertunistic: Tips for Online Shopping

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With Back to School just around the corner, shopping for the little ones (and not-so-little ones) is to be expected. In recent years, you may have ditched pounding the pavement in favor of online shopping. But, are you making the most of your experience?

In my humble opinion (which is that of a Jedi Master of shopping, by the way), there is a very clear difference between Online Shopping and finding an Online Shoppertunity. Online shopping merely involves jumping on a website and paying for your goods, done. Not very rewarding, other than the fact that you’ve just traded fresh air, exercise and social interaction in favour of hovering over your keyboard while sipping your third latte.

(Hey, I’m not knocking it – fresh air, exercise and social interaction are so 2004. And your fingers will have enviable muscle tone.)

But you’re “shoppertunistic” when you’re able to effectively extract bonuses and freebies while still working on those sexy, taut fingertips. And since I consider myself quite the expert on the subject (no playful bashfulness here), it occurred to me, why not pull out some tips to share from my bag o’ shoppertunites?

(Disclaimer: The bag is actually a Prada hobo. Bought on sale, of course!)…

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SHOP.CA Picks of the Week!

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My picks are *slightly* late this week as I was fighting a nasty migraine on/off for five days. Yes, FIVE days! Longest headache ever… and, it derailed me from my shopping, so that’s unacceptable!

Anyhoo… without further ado, here’s what caught my eye on SHOP.CA this week:

OASIS FIREPLACE

“Indoors or outdoors, on a table, floor or ground, around a pool, patio or in a living room you can place the beautiful and and stylishly designed Oasis Fireplace from Anywhere Fireplace. It will add the ambiance and create a focal point and the ambiance that dancing flames the fire creates. By using a Gel fuel canister that is placed into the center cup, you just have to light is with a long lighter or match stick and you now have a personal fireplace. Using the proper gel fuel cans designed for fireplaces, it is safe to use indoors or out, where ever you may want to create ambiance. It comes with white decorative river stones, but choose to decorate it with colorful fireglass, sea shells, or anything else to make it a perfect piece for the perfect setting.”

Totally digging this little fire pit, especially since it can fit on a small deck. I am picturing: the kids in bed, a few girlfriends, wine, my backyard – and the Oasis fireplace. Paints a nice picture, no? And at $139.99 – an affordable luxury. This is definitely at the top of my “investigate further” list….

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SHOP.CA Picks of the Week!

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Hey hey fabulous shoppers!

In case you missed the AWESOME news… SHOP.CA is open for business!

And, since I’ve been visiting the website almost obsessively, I figured it’s high time that I share some of the best deals, my favourite picks, and the items you should grab TODAY.

At the top of my list: This Krups 10 Cup Coffee Maker with Built-In Grinder. At 40% off MSRP, you can grab this amazing small appliance for just $124.99 this week!

Conical burr grinder with automatic functionality: grinds coffee to match number of cups and strength chosen, 5 levels of grind and 3 settings of coffee strength, Back-lit LCD with clock and programmable timer, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 cup digital settings that control the coffee-to-water ratio, Aroma function for 2 – 4 cups for proper brewing of small coffee quantities, Pause and serve, Automatically prevents steam from clogging the coffee channel and grinder, 10-cup glass carafe.

I’ve owned Krups machines in the past and have always been impressed with their quality and sleek design. Attention coffee-loving friends! This one warrants further investigation :)

Next, I simply can’t resist the Michael Kors Hamilton Large N/S Tote in Luggage. This retails practically EVERYWHERE for $348.00 (trust me, I keep an eye on these things). SHOP.CA’s price? A sweet $269.00, baby! That’s a savings of over 20% – enough to make me re-think my handbag situation…

Michael Kors is recognized as one of America’s preeminent designers for luxury sportswear. His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of products through his Michael Kors Collection, KORS Michael Kors, MICHAEL Michael Kors labels, including women’s ready to wear, women’s accessories, and a full line of fragrance and beauty products for both women and men.

Got a baby on the way? Save BIG by buying last year’s Baby Jogger City Mini Single. The 2011 version has a slightly smaller underseat storage, and a manual vs automatic latch to secure the stroller closed – but other than that, the strollers are virtually identical. So, why pay $279.99 when you can grab this sweet Orange/Gray 2011 City Mini Single for just $199.99?

(If you’re budgeting for baby, this is a fabulous choice!)

The City Mini captures the essence of urban mobility. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for running errands or all day excursions in the urban jungle. Full stats and features can be found by following the link above.

Anyone still wear a good old fashioned watch? I’ve been relying on my phone to tell time for the last few years, but as I learned from Daniel Goddard, watches are jewelry – and wearing jewelry makes a personal statement. So if watches – and Timex watches in particular – are your thing, pop by SHOP.CA, where selected Timex pieces are 40%, like the Shock 30-Lap Classic Full Size watch  (just $48.00 after discount).

The Timex Ironman Shock-Resistant 30-Lap features a resin band with glossy finish and shock resistance for dependability and ruggedness. 100-hour chronograph with either lap or split in large digits, INDIGLO night-light, and much more. Accurately track your training with this durable full size sport watch as you run laps, bike miles or time drills. Also features customizable alarms, a 30-lap memory recall and a NIGHT-MODE so you can train at night or in the dark. Water resistant up to 200 meters so you can even track your workouts in the swimming pool or take it to the beach.

Want to find more deals at SHOP.CA? Check out their Pinterest Board, where deals are posted daily.

Click here to visit SHOP.CA.

SHOP.CA: Tickled Pink

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To quote Miley Cyrus: “Pink isn’t just a colour, it’s an attitude too!” And did you know….

– Bright pinks, like the color red, stimulate energy and can increase the blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate. They also encourage action and confidence.

– Pink has been used in prison holding cells to effectively reduce erratic behavior.

– The Chinese had not recognized the color pink until they had contact with Western culture, and the Chinese word for pink translates as “foreign colour.”

– In 1947, fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli introduced the color “hot pink” to western fashion. She dubbed the shade “Shocking Pink,” though today the color is more well-known as “magenta.”

– Pastries taste better when they come out of pink boxes or served on pink plates (it only works with sweets). Pink makes us crave sugar. (source: www.sensationalcolor.com) 

So… “Pinking” this hue is right for you? 

All items displayed above are available at SHOP.CA, where you can enjoy FREE shipping on ALL orders, free returns, and an enviable level of customer service and loyalty perks.

Click here to visit SHOP.CA.

GTA: SHOP.CA’s Red Carpet Event!

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I love a good ol’ fashioned street party, especially after torrential downpours have chased away the humidity! What a perfect day for SHOP.CA‘s Red Carpet event!

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and tend to enjoy free food, prizes, music and even a fashion show – this one is for you. Today, from 12:00-6:00pm at Yonge/Dundas Square, come get an inside look at Canada’s largest online shopping mall –

Stop by (no RSVP required!) and you’ll be treated to:

– A complimentary BBQ and refreshments from Big Grill

– Hourly draws for a chance to win a shopping spree at SHOP.CA

– Giveaways of SHOP.CA products (I have the inside scoop! You’ll have a chance to win a Samsung LED HDTV, Gift Basket from Ren’s Pets @ $50 Value, Artsy Pear Gift Basket @ $75, SHOP.CA Shopping Sprees (your share of $3000 total rewards will be given away!), Aquaovo and Aquaswiss Drinking Vessels, and more!)

– 2 fashion shows featuring products and unique Canadian brands available on SHOP.CA, including: AquaSwiss, Whitney Linen, Boathouse, Loko Sport and eLUXE

– Music by DJ Flash and other great local Canadian entertainment

It looks like a it’ll be a smashingly good day – come start your weekend off right! Party on!

Countdown to SHOP.CA!

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There are few things that make me silly happy.

1. Finding an old tube of lip gloss in a rockin’ shade.
2. Winning anything on a scratch ticket.
3. Searing the perfect scallop.

And… the realization that SHOP.CA is about to launch!!!

SHOP.CA is the Canadian Shopping revolution. It’s the end of cross-border Shopping and the beginning of friendly, hassle-free online Shopping – created for Canadians, by Canadians. In other words, behold: Shopping Nirvana.

To celebrate it’s upcoming launch, the savvy mompreneurs at SavvyMom.ca welcomed some of Toronto’s most loved writers, bloggers and social media folk to clink glasses (SHOP-mopolitan glasses, that is!) and share in the excitement. We had a chance to hear about why SHOP.CA will be completely awesome (ahem, FREE shipping on EVERY order, what!), which goodies they have in store us (they’re totally on top of the shoe category, ladies) and why online Shopping will never be the same again for Canadians.

Before I take you through some of the pics from the evening, I wanted to give you the heads up about another epic Twitter Party! Join SavvyMom and SHOP.CA on Thursday, June 8th at 8:00pm EST for the #SHOPsavvy Twitter Party.

RSVP here to be eligible to win prizes (your share of $1000 worth of SHOP.CA Rewards!) Then, I’ll see you at the Twarty next Thursday!

On to the live event – here are a few snap shots from a wonderful evening spent among friends!…

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Good Things Come to Those Who Wait…

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… But, don’t wait much longer, K?

Today is the LAST DAY of Old Navy Canada’s Kids & Baby Sale. Now I did pop by at the beginning of the sale to grab a few summer essentials for Ryder (Reid, bless his heart, has more than enough hand-me-downs to make do. One of the benefits of having a shopaholic mother, I suppose; there’s always enough stuff to go ’round).

Halfway through the sale, I was quite annoyed to see an announcement declaring “Further Reductions on Kids & Baby!” I quickly calculated how much more I would have saved had I waited – alas, the $8 difference didn’t inspire me to schlep into the store to have my receipt adjusted.

But this morning, being the last day of the sale, I decided to jump online to see if there were further last-minute savings to be had. Success! When you shop online and use code ONSAVE15, plus the further reductions, you can make out like a bandit! Start the car!

Now to be fair, sizing is limited and you do have to pick through to find what you’re looking for. But if you’ve got some extra time on your hands, and growing kids that you can buy for one-size-up at ridiculous prices, now’s the time. Here are a few of cheapest Best Bets:

Toddler Boys (6m – 5T)
Golf Shirts – just $4.69 after discount.
Regular Fit Jeans – just $7.65 after discount.
Muscle Tees – just $3.40 after discount.
Solid Heel Flip Flops – just $2.11 after discount.
Drawstring Jersey Shorts – just $3.74 after discount.
Micro Performance Fleece Pullovers – just $3.37 after discount.
Fireman Raincoats – just $14.44 after discount.

Toddler Girls (6m – 5T)
Jersey Tanks – just $3.40 after discount.
Shoulder Tie Empire Dresses – just $5.10 after discount.
Flutter or Ruffle Sleeve Graphic Tees – just $5.10 after discount.
Printed Full Length Leggings – just $5.07 after discount.
Gladiator Jelly Sandals – just $5.58 after discount.
Jersey Pocket Shorts – just $3.40 after discount.
Cross-Back and Halter Swimsuits – just $6.80 after discount.

Of course, older boys and girls styles are on sale too, but since I have little experience shopping for big kids, you’ll have to navigate on your own :)

Click here to visit Old Navy Canada.

It’s a #SHOPDOTCA Twitter Party!

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The launch of SHOP.CA is just around the corner! To celebrate the beginning of friendly, hassle-free online Shopping, we’re throwing a Twitter Party!

Join us for a fun night where we’ll chat about your favourite online Shopping tips, learn more about the amazing brands that you’ll find on SHOP.CA, and get excited for what promises to be a Canadian Shopping Revolution!

WHEN: Thursday, May 10th from 8:30 – 10:00pm EST.

WHO: All are invited to party, but prizing is open to Canadians only.

HOSTS: Join @SHOPdotCA, @Listen2Lena, @FeistyFrugal, @MyChaos, @SassyModernMom and @SimplyStacieNet using the hashtag #SHOPdotCA

PRIZES: Over $2000 in Prizing, including a Samsung 40″ 1080p LED HDTV, 5 x $100 SHOP.CA Gift Cards and Luxury SHOP.CA Gift Baskets featuring brands such as Clinique, SoyaBoutique, Artsy Pear, Lise Watier and more!

Don’t forget to RSVP for your chance to win a fabulous prize! Then, mark your calendars, and we’ll see you on Thursday night!

By Canadians, For Canadians: This is SHOP.CA

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When I was a little girl, there were only about 3-4 months out of the entire year that I could enjoy strawberries. And boy oh boy did I ever look forward to the summer season – in addition to sweet berries; cold, juicy watermelon; fuzzy peaches and perfect plums, the farmer’s market nearly overflowed with local, tree-ripe produce. We devoured the fruit to our heart’s content, knowing that eating “in season” meant enjoying it while it lasted. And was it ever GOOD.

Today, I can get strawberries any old day of the week. In the dead of winter, if I please. Because they come from countries like Mexico and the US; making it highly convenient to “enjoy” them all year round.

(Notice the sarcastic quotes around enjoy?)

The thing is, imported strawberries simply aren’t as sweet as their local counterparts. They don’t keep as well – having endured the long journey in the cargo hold of an 18-wheeler. The fruit bruises easily and sometimes gets that telltale brown blush which lets you know that at one point, they were almost frozen. They ALWAYS come with a subtle warning to “Wash Before Use”, because other countries have different regulations for pesticide use.

And I suppose the kicker is: if you have a question or concern about the food you’re consuming, you’re pretty much out of luck. Trust me, as much as the strawberry growers in Mexico care about their crops, they really don’t care about you.

So why the heck are we talking about strawberries this morning? It all comes down to the importance of buying products and services from companies created by Canadians, for Canadians. …

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The End of Cross-Border Missions: SHOP.CA

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I’ll be honest – since I love to Shop, I put up with a lot.

Specifically: Inflated designer prices. Convoluted return policies. Suspicious sizing. Indifferent customer service. Taxes, surcharges, delivery costs, membership fees, tariffs, restocking fees and more.

I’m not exactly sure why I’m such a martyr; perhaps, as a Canadian, I’ve been programmed to believe that the best products – and deals – can only be found south of the border. And so I subject myself to the perils of cross-border Shopping in a quasi-masochistic way; scanning US websites in a desperate attempt to find one that will bring the product(s) to my door for an amount that does not rival a car payment.

Those surcharges really are the bane of my existence.

Sometimes, I get creative. It was almost 5 years to the date that I began looking for gifts for my then-bridesmaids. They had all done such a wonderful job helping me plan my wedding; I felt it was only right that I reward them with something fabulous. And I knew exactly what I wanted to gift – the Limited Edition Coach Patchwork Carly. The golden-hued handbag is in the classic Carly shape – while being highlighted with patches of python, leopard, suede and signature prints. Back in 2007, it was kind of a big deal.

Alas, at the time, getting Coach on your shoulder necessitated a trip to the US or a visit to a knock-off retailer – the second being a big no-no, of course, unless you wanted to sport oblong “O”s instead of “C”s. And since Coach.com did not ship to Canada, I felt my hands were tied.

So I went on a mission. First, I looked into purchasing a PO box in Buffalo. That idea was immediately rejected, because if I could drive to Buffalo to pick up my parcel, then I could cross the border and just buy them from the Coach store in the States. Next, I contemplated a cross-border delivery service – one that ships the purses to a US address, and then in-turn re-routes them to my home. This seemed like a winning solution until I discovered the final cost after shipping, brokerage fees and extra charges: almost $170 for four purses! (Many of these services base their charges on the value of the goods, and Coach handbags aren’t cheap, obv)….

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New Baby Products at Well.ca! #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’ve been a huge fan of Well.ca for years. For hard-to-find products (especially natural ones – they were the first to carry an enviable selection of Burt’s Bees products), items on sale or promotion, or even things you’d rather not shop for in person (sometimes, anonymity is your friend) – there’s Well.ca.

Apart from being Canada’s largest online health and beauty store, they also happen to offer FREE shipping on EVERY order for Canadians! So, I can order my eos Lip Balm for just $3.99, and have it ship to my door at no extra cost. #winning

Recently, Well.ca expanded their Baby & Kids section, adding a wide array of baby gear, healthy & safety and nursery products from top, trusted brands. In fact, they recently released their Top 10 Picks:

1. Belly Bandit Original Post Pregnancy Belly Wrap
2. Bumbo Baby Sitter
3. Crane Cool Mist Adorable Animal Humidifier
4. Jolly Jumper Bel Air Rocking Cradle – Oak
5. Jolly Jumper Snuggle Bag
6. Moby Wrap
7. Munchkin Auto Close Gate
8. My Brest Friend Deluxe Pillow
9. Phil & Teds Portable High Chair
10. Philips AVENT IQ Digital Bottle and Baby Food Warmer

You can find these and other amazing products on the site. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, where you can maximize the savings and free shipping combo!

Click here to shop at Well.ca.

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win a Phil & Teds Portable High Chair from Well.ca, valued at $79.99! To enter, simply visit the website and find 2 (two) other baby products that you’re happy to see available on Well.ca.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) “Like” Listen to Lena on Facebook
(2) Follow Listen to Lena on Twitter
(3) “Like” Well.ca on Facebook
(4) Follow Well.ca on Twitter
(5) Share the Giveaway on your Facebook Profile or Page
(6) Tweet daily about this giveaway; Please use this Well.ca Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for a winner on April 2, 2012. Good luck everybody!