ActivitiesJanuary 7th, 2014
There is something about the month of January that just screams “TREAT YOURSELF” and I have the perfect secret to share with you on how to achieve this – without breaking the bank!!
I recently discovered a new program called Gift Card Offers that is powered by Samba Days. It’s a gift card program that offers an array of gift cards for various highly rated restaurants, spas, services, products for 15 to 38% percent off the face card value. The cards have no blackout periods, do not expire and can carry a balance. (oh how I love these flexible conditions).
I decided that this Gift Card Offer would be perfect way for me to treat myself to a facial!
This link lists what all the different offers are right now in major cities across the country. I decided to call Chi Spa and get a facial. (which is one of my favorite spa treatments). I called them up and told them I had a Gift Card Offer and they knew exactly what I was referring to.
I had never been to Chi Spa before but I was immediately impressed with the FREE PARKING service that this spa offers. Sweet.
When I entered the spa, I already began to relax and unwind!! During the facial I was introduced to a new line of organic products from Hungary called Eminence. Too be honest, I think that’s the first time my skin has ever been exposed to an organic skin care line.
My face was glowing after being exfoliated, moisturized, massaged etc. Not to mention – I was totally relaxed to the point of really wanting to take a nap there!!
Varying by city, Gift Card Offers are available at: Safeway, Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Sobeys, Rexall, PharmaPlus, Save on Food, PriceSmart, Fortinos and Urban Fare. How convenient.
I would strongly look into enjoying a Gift Card Offer…for yourself (um, why not?) or as a gift!!
Happy January!!
For more information:
1. Gift Card Offers. (click here for more info)
2. Chi Spa, 1 Balmoral Toronto ON 416 515 8288
PS I was compensated with a Gift Card Offer in exchange for this blog post. However all opinions are my own.
Chi Spa, Facial, Gift Cards, Holidays, January, Samba days, Toronto
Food, TravelDecember 11th, 2013
Are you looking for a “unique” gift? Well, Samba Days might be the answer!! Samba Days is all about giving a unique “Gift Experience”. Infact there are over 70 different experiences to choose from. There’s Body and Soul experiences, Golf experiences, Adventure Experiences and more.
Naturally I selected the Gourmet Getaway Experience. I simply activated my gift card, picked the location for my Gourmet Get away and booked the date when I wanted to go.
Here’s what the cards look like
Pretty cool, if you ask me.
We chose to go to the Westover Inn which is located in St. Mary’s, Ontario.(about 2 hours away from Toronto). We could have selected from over 14 different properties throughout Ontario but this one caught our attention.
We weren’t disappointed with our Samba Day Gourmet Getaway experience at all! We were impressed with the property, the accommodations and the food!!
My dinner consisted of a beautiful 4 course dinner – Spinach Salad, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Pancetta with a Roasted Pear Vinaigrette, an amuse bouche, Grilled Beef Striploin with Dark Ale and Madagascar Peppercorns with Roasted Fingerlings Potatoes and a warm apple tart for dessert! Could not complain.
My breakfast was equally as delicious. It was difficult to chose from the menu as there were so many delicious sounding options!
Seriously…if you are looking for a unique gift….please consider Samba Days!
For more information:
Samba Days: 1 888 95 SAMBA
Disclosure: I was approached by Samba Days to experience one of their gift cards. However all opinions in this blog post are my own.
food, gift, gift experiences, gourmet, Ontario, Samba days, St. Mary's, Westover Inn
ActivitiesFebruary 10th, 2013
As you know, Valentines Day is in just a few days. It’s one of those holidays where you celebrate it in a “big way” (ie cards and gifts), celebrate it in a “medium way” (ie a card with flowers or chocolates) or celebrate it in a little way (ie a card).
In the event you celebrate this day in a “big” way – here are some suggestions:
1. What about a gift certificate for some pampering at Body Blitz. I’ve been a huge fan of their water therapy for many many years.
2. Head to Bar Chef for unbelievable unique cocktails. My personal fav is the molecular mojito. No one in the city makes a drink like this.
3. Valentines Dinner and Nature Walk at Kortright Centre on Saturday Feb 16th from 7 – pm
This event sounds divine. Think candlelit dinner and then a twilight stroll through the beautiful and pristine forest at Kortright. Advance tickets are required 416-667-6295
5. Give a Samba Days Gift Experience: a unique gift experience that allows the recipient to choose from a huge range of experiences (gourmet getaways to helicopter rides…no shortage of options)
6. Pick up some lobster at City Fish (they will cook it for you for the same price). Then light some candles, pop open a bottle of wine and bingo you have yourself a pretty fab Valentines Day meal. ps no website – but they are located at 2929 Duferin St. 416 256 7373
7. Um, what about Dirty Bingo on Saturday Feb 16th at the Paintbox Bistro. Bingo starts at 9 pm. #justanidea
8. May I suggest a heart shaped pizza from Boston Pizza, followed by some skating?
$1 from each pizza sold goes to support the Boston Pizza Foundation – I totally love this idea.
9. Head to the Korean Family Sauna – which is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
$20 gives you 8 different saunas to chose from!
10. Visit Moroco Chocolat in Yorkville for some heavenly chocolate fondue.
Happy Valentines Day!!
Bar Chef, Body Blitz, Boston Pizza, City Fish, Heart Shaped Pizza, Kortright Centre, Lobster, MoRoCo Chocolat, Samba days
ShoppingDecember 16th, 2012
This blog post might be a little late but I know a good chunk of you are still out there buying Christmas gifts or hostess gifts. So here’s a few ideas if you are looking to buy a “foodie” the perfect gift!!
Twelve Ounce Ladles: This ladle ensures your host/hostess isn’t double dipping all the time as he/she serves soups to their guests. Put a bow around it and you are set to go. It’s brilliant and my friends still thank me to this day for this gift. Head to Nella Cucina (876 Bathurst St) for these ladles.
Sloane Teas: This line of tea is outstanding. The packaging and the varieties will impress your foodie friends. Available at numerous fine food stores.
A Chocolate iPhone Case: This is perfect for the foodie that loves their iPhone and loves chocolate. I spotted these at All the Best Fine Foods (1101 Yonge St).
A Cutting Board: This is perfect for foodies. I spotted this in Yorkville at the paper store called Paper Things (99 Yorkville Ave)
Candles: The Gap is selling candles in a variety of interesting scents: (repeat – INTERESTING) Black Pepper, Tomato, Grapefruit, and more. $29
Samba Days: An amazing concept! You simply buy a Samba Days Gourmet Getaway card and the recipient of this card gets to choose from a variety of amazing gourmet getaway packages. I love this idea.
Anything from the Good Egg store!! (267 Augusta Avenue). Seriously, it’s hard to go into this store and come out empty handed.
Taste of the Month from Taste of Cheese. The recipient of this gift will receive a box of 5 unique cheeses once a month. This is a cheese lovers dream!!
Laura Slack chocolates. Not your average chocolates. She is a true artist. Please Please…visit her website.
So have I provided you with enough ideas? I hope so.
Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays too!!
All the best fine foods, chocolates, Foodies, Gap, gifts, Good Egg, Holidays, laura slack, Nella Cucina, Samba days, Scented Candles, Sloane Tea, Taste of Cheese
