Yorkdale  Shopping Centre is near and dear to me for the following reasons:

a. I actually worked there in the early 1990’s as the Marketing Director for 9 months

b. Since I moved to Toronto in 1988, I have always lived no more than 7 minutes away from Yorkdale.

c. I have nostalgic memories of Yorkdale: ie. I remember when there was a Miracle Food Mart where Holt Renfrew is now located

Yorkdale continues to strive to be the best shopping centre with a constant stream of new and amazing stores (and new restaurants too).

Here’s a few highlights of the new stores that you are going to see in the new wing.

ANN TAYLOR – that’s right Ann Taylor is now at Yorkdale and the collection is stunning.

Hello Ann Taylor!!

ANTHROPOLOGIE – don’t get me started about this store. Love. Love. Love.

This store is going to be super popular

TESLA MOTORS – I think it’s a genius idea to have a car showroom inside a shopping centre. Not something you see everyday but what a smart move.

Want. Electric. Car.

L’OCCITANE – this is their Canadian flaghship store and they didn’t hold back!! There’s even complimentary hand massages so you can check out their famous hand creams. Naturally I had one.

I will be back. LOL

LULULEMON– the store is spacious and bright and full of amazing merchandise. IVIVVA will now be located in their old space.

Other stores that caught my eye were Club Monaco, Lacoste, David’s Tea, Best Buy, Starbucks, and even a beautiful looking ScotiaBank.

Seeing as I’m a foodie, I had to check out Joey  (and you should too). This gorgeous looking restaurant is sure to be a hit with shoppers.

Sorry…didn’t use my Canon. GRRR. You get the idea right? It’s gorgeous.

Happy Shopping everyone. Hope you get a chance to see the expansion soon. You are going to be impressed. I promise.

More info:

Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin St. (416) 789 3261

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News Flash…News Flash….EQ3 in Liberty Village has opened their flagship store. Exclusive to this store is the Marimekko line.  Yes..that’s right, that gorgeous, stunning, vibrant textile company from Finland. Disclosure: I was able to get a sneak preview but the official date that this store opens is Saturday September 1st!

If you don’t recognize the name perhaps you will recognize the fabrics that they are famous for.

Want. Now.

The store has a dedicated section for Marimekko and I seriously stood there for a long time saying to myself “I want this..I want that…I wish I could have that…”.

There is nothing not to like.

This will be the flagship store for EQ3 and there is something for everyone. Wheather you are looking for napkins, a clock, an end table or a cushion…this store should certainly be on your radar. There is something for everyone and something for everyones budgets too!!

Stunning.

I was so impressed and so grateful that I hung around to see the opening of the second floor which had even more gorgeous items to stare at.  Infact, there is a total of 9,000 sqf of space in this flagship store.

I  have now been in my apartment for a year and I’m sure a little “shopping therapy” at EQ3 would be a perfect way to celebrate this occasion.

Only one small problem: I can never make a decision. Does anyone else have this problem?

For more information:

EQ3 Liberty Village, 315 Hanna Avenue Unit 3, Toronto Ontario (416) 533-9090

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Thanks to Pinterest (and not twitter for a change) I bought a Belkin iPad Kitchen Mount Holder. I saw a picture of it on Pinterest- clicked to find out more and then went on Amazon to buy it.

It was THAT simple.

Here’s what motivated me to buy it:

a) no assembly required. That’s right – no screws, no bolts…Nothing!!

b) this gadget will ensure that my iPad wont get filthy when I cook/bake as it’s suspended in the air and not sitting on the counter.

c) I will now be able read recipes on my iPad while I cook/bake and not have to bring  my MacBook into the kitchen.

d) I now have my playlist right at my fingertips in the kitchen. I believe music and cooking go hand and hand.

Seriously… this was a good investment.

I now have 3 Belkin products…a Belkin cover for my iPhone, a Belkin cover for my iPad and now a Belkin Kitchen Mount for my Ipad. I guess you could say I am brand loyal.

I am happy.

What tech gadget have you bought lately? Do share.

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I simply love this show. Even though I am a foodie, I can still like design, right? The Interior Design Show which is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention this weekend is a show I won’t miss. This year, I am going twice. That’s how much I loved it. There is just so much to see, and so much to absorb that I really do want to walk thru it a second time.

Here’s a few things that caught my eye:

John should win a prize for hopping into the tub!!

This bathub from Stone Forest is brand new to Canada. It’s $31,000 and weights 2100 lbs. That’s one heavy bath.  This style of bath has been sold in the States for years, but for some reason it JUST got introduced to Canadians this year. My friend (who was born in Paris), told me that she grew up with this style of bath as apartments were small and this bath would still allow you to have a bath without demanding a lot of space.

Kudos to John (who was an exhibitor) for hopping into the bath to model for us. We all had a good laugh.

Next item that caught my eye:

Clever.

What caught my eye was the writing on the board, which said “first generation iPad”. HYSTERICAL. I love clever marketing. Congratulations to www.kinoguerin.com for making me smile!! (ps. they have a wicked business card too).

More:

griddle!!

This magnificent stove top from GE Cafe, was being launched at the show. See the black griddle on the left? Isn’t that genius. I am sure there’s a few pancake loving families who will love this type of feature. I know I would!! GE Cafe continues to create appliances with all the bells and whistles. Worth dropping by their booth!!

I also fell in love with this wood table and light fixture.

There was also a futuristic chair that caught my eye. Can’t decide if I like it or I don’t like it but it certainly caught my eye!!

yes? no? maybe?

I really hope you get a chance to visit the Interior Design Show this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Hours: Saturday Jan. 28th, 10 to 7 p.m and  Sunday Jan. 29th, 10 to 6 p.m

Tickets: $18 (online) $22 (onsite)

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If you like Crate and Barrel then you are going to LOVE CB2!!

CB2 has 10 stores throughout the United States, but as of Saturday, CB2 will have opened their first International store in Toronto!!

The cover of their catalogue reads: hello toronto and hello affordable mordern for apartment, loft and home.

They are right!!

I had a sneak preview today (lucky me) and I walked around saying to myself “I want”…”I want”…I want”!! Whether “I need”…is a different story!! Truth be told, my good friend gave me a $100 gift card for Crate and Barrel and now I know exactly where to go and what I want.

Want. In. A. Big. Way.

Want!

Want!

I. Want. This. Too!

No question this store will be popular amongst those who live in condos, homes, lofts and apartments!!  Plus, it will appeal to those seeking a great price point for FABULOUS home furnishings. I was super impressed and quickly called a few good friends who are ‘design mavens’ to encourage them to visit the store STAT.

Love.

This week, I am  in “design heaven” as not only did I get a chance to go to CB2 today, but I’m heading to the Interior Design Show on Thursday for my 3rd row in a row. I can’t say enough about this show. There’s aisles and aisles of the latest in design for appliances, furniture, fireplaces and more. It’s a show I won’t miss. So much eye candy – it’s not even funny.

If you like design: this is a show you should attend. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed. It features about 4,000 individual designers, studios, firms and companies and is Canada’s largest contemporary design show.

CB2…651 Queen St. West (south east corner of Bathurst and Queen)

Interior Design Show: Jan 26th – opening party. Jan 27th Professional Trade Day. Jan 28 General Admission (10-7 pm). Jan 29 General Admission (10 – 6 p.m). Metro Convention Centre.

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I was lucky enough to obtain a ticket to the Cuisinart Warehouse house sale before it opened to the general public. I had never been before and thought that this would be a great opportunity to “check it out”. I was also super curious to see the selection and the prices.

I got into my van, and off I went to 100 Conair  Parkway in Woodbridge ON. This was a trek, but in the end I discovered it was worth the trek. Let’s go into some detail, shall we?

1. SIZE OF THE BUILDING.

It’s enormous. It’s probably the biggest space I have seen for a sample sale and trust me I have been to a few over the years. The manager I spoke to, told me that they have 20 cashiers on hand and that even if there’s a line up – they are efficient. (i.e TONS of staff). Cuisinart has been doing this for years and years.

IT"S MASSIVE!!

2. PRODUCT SELECTION

You name it – Cuisinart makes it: toaster ovens, juicers, plate sets, bread makers, coffee make, deep fryers, mini choppers, knive sets, ice cream makers, rice cooker & steamer, food processor, roasters, pots and pans, blenders. Plus Connair has a selection of products at the sale too: trimmers, hair dryers, heating pads, clothes steamers, irons etc.

3. PRICE

Here’s a few photo’s that will convince you that the Cuisinart Sale is worth the drive. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or to give away as a gift (housewarming, engagement, wedding, christmas, etc).

Blender: $30

Deep Fryer: $60 (I bought one by the way)

Food Processor: $125

Ice Cream Maker: $25 (I bought it at Costco for $40 in the summer)

Rice Steamer: $30

I came home with: a deep fryer (my waistline is in HUGE trouble), a knive set ($25 with the butchers block), 2 juicers ($15) and a few other knick knacks from Connair. I could have bought WAY more i.e I had my eye on the pots and pans( $60) and another ice cream maker as a gift.

The sale will continue FRIDAY DEC 2 from 9 to 9 and SAT. DEC 3 from 9 to 6 at 100 Connair Parkway in Woodbridge. GO GO GO. You wont be disappointed.

PS stay tuned for a blog post about the deep fryer. What do you think I should make?

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This showroom opens up to the public only twice a year and I swear I’ve only missed it once in the last five years. Silly me – I was out of town.

That won’t ever happen again. Here’s a few reasons why I love this sample sale:

a) I buy clothes my Fall clothes in the spring, which means I wont be freaking out  what to wear in the Fall as I will have bought a chunk of my wardrobe in May.

b) There is only one item available at the sample sale so I know I will look unique. (this doesnt happen too often).

c) I save $$$…

d) I really like the women who own this showroom. They are super helpful and always help me make the right decisions.

e)  it’s not far from where I live…kinda convenient.

HERES THE INFORMATION (that was missing in the previous blog post – sorry about that)

Hagerty & LeMessurier Fashion Sales, 71 Wingold Suite  102 (just south of lawrence on the west of side of dufferin)

Tuesday May 24 from 10 am to 7 pm, Wednesday May 25 from 10 to 6 pm, Thursday May 26th from 10 to 4 p.m

Collections include: Eric Alexandre, Sandwich, Lemondrop, Pure and Simple and more.

Happy Shopping!!

ps suitable for those who are size 6, 8, 10

pss this is the Fall/Winter season sample sale…

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I buy magazines once or twice a year, but one day I was in the mood and purchased the iPhone & iPad magazine.  After dropping $$$ on the magazine, I BETTER be downloading some new apps!! It’s certainly not a cheap magazine but I’m using it so it’s worth it. (well that’s what I tell myself).

A cheaper method of discovering new apps  would be to watch APP CENTRAL which is aired on CP24 every Sunday at 1030 a.m. This show is devoted to apps!! Brilliant. The PVR is helping me stay on top of the episodes or you can visit their website too. I’m so impressed with this show!  The hosts are fun, and the it’s not too techy.  P.S. I discovered this show while using the treadmill at GoodLife Fitness – I love when that happens.

So here’s a few app’s Ive downloaded lately:

1. Shop Savvy: This app allows me to compare prices by scanning the barcode. For someone like me, who is always looking for the best price…this is perfect. (thanks App Central)

2. GoodReads: This app allows me to find out what my friends are reading (thanks to my cousin for this suggestion)

3. Find iPhone: This app will make sure I dont lose my iPhone like I did in March (dont get me started).

4. GasBuddy: This app allows me to find the cheapest gas. (thanks @appcentralTV)

5. TipCalculator: Self explanatory.

6. The Best of New York City: This is such a gorgeous LOOKING app. Its actually stunning to navigate thru the options. Im planning a trip to NYC and I think Im going to be using this app A LOT.

7. GetGlue – just downloaded it. Will get back to you. But it got a rating of 9.10. (thanks to iPhone & iPad magazine)

8. AllSportsGPS – I spent serious $$$ (for me, anyways) on this app. It cam highly recommended (9/10) and I’m sure I will be loving it in the summer as I run and ride outdoors. Well atleast, thats the plan.

9. FlashBoom:, This app will tell me how far away the next lightening strike will be. I’m sure this will become a useful app in the summer.

10: Flipboard: This app received 10/10. It allows me to browse thru facebook, twitter, news and more in a magazine format. Me. Likey.

Now it’s your turn. What are your fav. apps?

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Karbon puts on an awesome sale once a year. Naturally I have been every year, and would like to share this sale with my readers. (that’s you). This sale is relatively new, so you wont see long line ups snaking around the building. (in the event that you are wondering).

Karbon is a Canadian apparel line for those with an active lifestyle. If you ski, then you DEFINITELY want to go to this sale. The discounts are huge. For example the same snow suit I bought my daughter at Sporting Life at their 50% off sale was CHEAPER at the Karbon Warehouse Sale. Lesson Learned.

Not only are the prices FANTASTIC, but the quality is SPECTACULAR. My daughter now has worn 3 Karbon snowsuits and they are in perfect condition. No joke. I think it’s time that I get myself a Karbon ski jacket and I don’t even ski.

This sale will appeal to the whole family. Hope you get a chance to visit. It’s so worth it.

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