I had the opportunity to visit the PC Insiders Collection Boutique last week, which is located at 363 King St. W (at the corner of Blue Jays Way and King St. W).  I had been following the hashtag #PCInsidersBoutique on Instagram so I had an idea what I was visiting but it was SO much better to experience it.

Here’s 5 Reasons You Should Visit the PC Insiders Boutique:

1. There are 4 rooms and one room is nicer than the other.  I actually heard that they’ve been decorating the space since August. There’s 4 rooms in total with a theme of Dine, Brunch, Mingle and Gift.

This “Gift” Room put a smile on my face in a nano-second.

2. You will be treated to yummy samples.  Specifically you will sample the PC® Insiders Collection™ line of products!!

The Boutique features more than 70 new and innovative products that have been launched for the holiday season.  Here’s an example of some of the treats you will sample:

Black Forest Stuffed French Toast made with PC® The Decadent® Chocolate Cherry Loaf and the indulgent PC® Poutine Pie, along with new treats like PC® Speculoos Cookie Butter. You won’t be left disappointed.

3. It’s FREE. #sweet

4. It’s a fun activity to put you in the mood for the holidays.

5. You will go home with a gift!!

So head on over to 363 King St. W (corner of King St. W and Blue Jays Way) to experience the PC® Insiders Collection™ line of products in person at the President’s Choice® Insiders Collection™ Boutique. Please note that the Boutique closes on Dec 18th. So Hurry!!

For more information:

Website: www.pc.ca, www.loblaws.ca

Facebook: President’s Choice

Twitter & Instagram: @PresChoice #PCInsidersCollection

Meal planning is a challenge! I admit that often when I’m running on a treadmill, I’m thinking about what I will be serving for dinner or making for lunch.

In particular I find breakfast can be challenging. Mostly cause I’m always running late!!

In fact, according to a recent survey from the Loblaws and President’s Choice® teams, 68 per cent of Canadian parents have less than 10 minutes to make their child’s breakfast on a weekday.

So here’s a suggestion, make this treat THE NIGHT before. Just like you might make lunches the night before too.

With just a few ingredients I discovered a fabulous breakfast idea:

Baked Granola Cups (taken from www.chocolatecoveredkate.com)

Ingredients: 

• 1/4 cup PC® applesauce or mashed banana (I used both)
• 1/4 cup agave or honey
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cup rolled oats
• yogurt

Instructions

Final Result!!

Then take out your favorite yogurt, add some fruit and bingo – you have yourself a tasty and pretty healthy breakfast.  Seeing as I’m always late there’s a good chance I will be eating this in the car! As you can see from this stat, I’m one of the 28%!!

• Twenty-eight per cent even said that they eat on the go (stop at fast food restaurant, ate the meal in the car, etc.) to ensure their children have a proper meal.

If you are looking for more great recipe ideas, please click here.  Loblaws and President’s Choice have put together  some delicious and nutritious recipes Canadian parents can cook in the time they actually have.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post, however all opinions are my own

I’ve just returned from the 2015 President’s Choice® Summer Retreat. To say that I was spoiled rotten would be an understatement. I was well fed and well taken care of!

To begin with the retreat took place in a spectacular 18,000 sqf “cottage” that was situated on Lake Rosseau. Yes – that’s right, 18,000 square feet!

When I walked into my room there were no fewer than 3 bags of goodies waiting for me:

1. a personalized outfit from Joe Fresh

2. Sun Bum Sun Care products from Shoppers Drug Mart

3. Products from Real Canadian Superstore® including some fun PC®  products (animal baking tray, waffle maker from Everyday Essentials, napkins and more)

When  I woke up in the morning there was an incredible spread that featured sweet AND savoury waffles, fruit and more. Chef Andrea Buckett ensured that we started off our day on the right foot with a solid breakfast.

I especially loved this PC®  Pineapple Kale Smoothie that I had never tried before.

After breakfast, we were treated to a relaxing yoga session on the lawn. My Bad…I only took a photo and didn’t participate!

For lunch, there was a tasty BBQ….seriously no one was hungry. I was in condiment heaven!!

Naturally in the afternoon, I relaxed on the dock with my favorite beer that I purchase all the time – the PC® 2.5 Carb beer.

There were certainly no shortage of magazines to read or snacks!! I must admit – I was in heaven!

Here’s one of the recipes that was used over the weekend that I really enjoyed:

RECIPE: Cauliflower and Sweet Pea Salad

1 bag PC® Frozen Cauliflower, thawed

2 cups PC® Frozen Peas

1 cup thinly sliced celery

1 cup thinly sliced radish

2 tbsp chopped tarragon or dill

2 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp sea salt

Dressing:

1 tbsp PC® whole grain Dijon Mustard

3 tbsp PC ®black label Honey & Ginger Condiment

4 tbsp PC® New World EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl

2. Whisk the ingredients for the dressing together

2. Pour dressing over vegetables and serve.

As you know, I’ve been along time fan of PC® products and gravitate toward them for their unique flavours and quality. I’m actually going to be posting a dessert using a few PC® products later this week so stay tuned. It’s a winner!!

Many thanks to the entire team at Citizen Relations and the team from Loblaws who worked really (really) hard to put this fantastic retreat together. I am truly grateful.

For more information:

President’s Choice: Twitter: @PresChoice, Instagram; @PresChoice Facebook: PresidentsChoice

Joe Fresh: Twitter: @JoeFresh, Instagram: @JoeFresh, Facebook: JoeFresh

 

I think Spring is around the corner! 🙂  There’s evidence that the snow is melting and this makes me smile!!

I’m also happy to report that Spring has arrived at Loblaws too! Soon you will see these gorgeous Spring items on the shelves. I don’t know about you but I really think PC, Life at Home and Everyday Essential products, nail it when it comes to price point and design.

I have a feeling know I will be purchasing these items, very very soon!

Here’s a few items that are on my wish list:

a) Yes – these plates have my name on them!  Sooo pretty. Soooo colourful.

b) See this black table? Well it’s $69 and the perfect size for my balcony. Not to mention it will come in handy as a buffet when I entertain.

c) This water bottle is the perfect size for me to DRINK MORE WATER. I love the handle, the size of it, the giant straw and the fact that it will keep my water cool too.

d) Last but not least, I adore this platter. It’s perfect for taco night.  Each container will soon be filled with sour cream, chopped lettuce, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese and black beans.

Hope you have as much fun shopping for PC products or Life at Home products as I will.

See you at the Real Canadian Superstore!!

 

 

 

Mother’s Day is around the corner!! If you haven’t bought a gift yet, here’ a few ideas.

1. FOR THE MOM WHO…….Who Loves To Be Pampered.

A getaway to Ste. Anne’s Spa is the answer! Please take a peek at their amazing website which now offers auctions (which I think is a really cool idea). I’ve never been there for an overnight however a day trip certainly does the trick for me!!

2. FOR THE MOM…Who Loves Yoga

Buy her the B Mat. Why? Because  its exceptionally grippy texture, its eco-friendly and its durable. Not to mention it’s NEW, NEW, NEW…it recently launched in February 2014!!

3. FOR THE MOM…Who Runs!!

The Samsung Gear Fit is the perfect gift.

Oh what a treat for someone who loves technology and running. I’m now the proud owner of this watch and can’t wait to get off the dreadmill and use it. I’ve already signed up for a one on one lesson with Telus to learn every possible feature about this watch.

4. FOR THE MOM…Who Has Everything

Head to the AGO Gift Store. I swear you will find SOMETHING. This store really does carry unique (and beautiful) products.

5. FOR THE MOM….Who Loves to Entertain.

I promise you will find something for her at Loblaws!. Once again,  President’s Choice has a STUNNING SPRING line! ps I’ve already bought the napkins (on the left) for my paper napkin collection. Yes – that’s right – I have a paper napkin. (yes..I’m normal)

6. FOR THE MOM…Who Loves Tea

Consider buying Tea from Lemon Lily which offers a beautiful range of organic teas!

7. FOR THE MOM….Who LOVES Handmade Creations.

Head over to ETSY.  Seriously.

8.FOR THE MOM…Who Loves to Read.

I would suggest buying her a Kobo. I’ve been a proud owner of a Kobo since 2010 and can’t say enough about their customer service.

9. FOR THE MOM…Who’s FOODIE

OMG..this is a hard one for me to answer!! In fact I don’t know where to start. A cookbook? a certificate to her favorite restaurant? a cheese box from Taste of Cheese? a cooking class? 18 kg gold chocolate bar from Baroness Chocolates? a food crawl to all her favorite spots? a fresh truffle?

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!!

Disclosure: A variety of these companies provided me with product, however all opinions are my own.