I love to save money. Some of my friends would describe me as being “frugal” and it’s true. I won’t argue.

I’ve been like this since I was little. I just loved to save money and not really spend it! Now I spend it but I’m careful about how I spend it and think hard before making purchases.

Not to mention I do a fair bit of research to find out if I’m getting the best price.

Thankfully there’s apps these days to help me accomplish this. Lately, I’ve been using RedFlagDeals.com (RFD) which is a leading deal-finding app and website that syndicates geo-localized bargains, and hosts user-generated forums to help Canadians find the best deals around.

Seeing as it’s back to school season – I think this app will come in very handy for many households!

This app has many amazing features…take a peek:

I can find all the hottest deals and more. Here’s a few of my favourite features that are on this app.

-I’m able to personalize the deals (BRING IT ON!!) and flyers I’m looking for. For example, I live close to a Metro Grocery store so I can easily set that particular grocery store as a “favourite” so I can see all their flyers first!

-I have the ability to get the latest news, information and tips that matter to me. Here’s a screenshot which demonstrates this. Love knowing what’s going on with some of my favourite retailers.

I’m also able to use a search engine that will feature freebies (yay) and coupons too. See the coupon at the bottom for the CNE? Well I know for sure that this freebie will interest many (many) people…including me!!!

Hope you get a chance to download this app soon for the chance to save, save and save some more!

For more information:

Website: www.redflagdeals.com

Instagram and Twitter: @redflagdeals

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

 

 

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a friends’ house for dinner. Immediately upon entering her kitchen I said to her: “LOVE your dishes” and she replied: “I bought them last year at the William Ashley Warehouse Sale due to your blog post”.

She then tells me that she’d been looking for another set of dishes for years, and when she saw the prices at the warehouse sale, she bought a set.

This year the sale is taking place till Nov 27th at 111 Creditview  Road in Vaughan (near Hwy 400 and Langstaff) and naturally there is no shortage of incredible merchandise. You name it, they have it!

I spent a lot of time in this section as I can’t seem to have enough placements in my life! (plus they are easy to store in my small condo).

I also bought fabulous candle sticks which I was all to happy to use this week when I set my table. By the way – the table cloth and placemats were bought at last years’ warehouse sale!

I’m a bit mad at myself that I didn’t buy these fabulous light bulbs. Take a peek at the price tag! #next time

Please note, that if you spend $300 or more at the Warehouse Sale, you will receive a $50 gift card to use at their location at 55 Bloor St W or online. 

This warehouse sale has a ton of fantastic merchandise at fantastic prices. I hope you get a chance to visit.

Happy Shopping!

For more information:

Website: http://www.williamashley.com/warehousesale

Hours: Monday (closed), Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Dates: Oct 25 – Nov 27, 2016

Address: 111 Creditview Ave, Vaughan ON

Disclosure: I was provided a gift card in exchange for this blog post, however all opinions are my own

I’ve lived minutes away from Yorkdale, since I moved to Toronto in 1988! Not to mention, I was once the Marketing Director for Yorkdale on a 9 month contract in the early 199o’s.

It’s been a lot of fun to keep watching this shopping centre expand and expand.

Their latest expansion which opened last week includes Nordstrom and 18 new stores.

Seriously, this shopping centre is nothing short of fabulous. I can’t stop telling all my friends to GO!

It’s simply stunning and the new range of stores are pretty spectacular too.

For example:

UNIQLO has now opened at Yorkdale and this is going to make a lot of people happy (including myself).

Muji is another another Japanese retailer that features not only clothing, but housewares, stationary and bedding too! Worth checking out.

Naturally I couldn’t resist these diffusers and bought one! It was a little treat to myself and my condo (which is now spelling of Lemongrass).

Please let it be known that Canada Goose has opened it’s first retail store at Yorkdale. Another great reason to visit this new expansion.

Other stores that caught my attention – this Birks store which is particularly stunning.

 After touring the new expansion, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet at Nadege.

Other stores that have opened in this expansion include: Samsung (which also makes me every so happy that they are now at Yorkdale), ARC’TERYX, Wolford, Mage, Strellson, Reiss, Spareparts, The Face Shop, Saje, NYX Cosmetics, Mackage, Oak + Fort

Yes – Yorkdale has STYLE.

Happy Shopping!

Website: www.yorkdale.com

Address: 3401 Dufferin St. Toronto

Phone: 416-789-3261

Twitter: @YorkdaleStyle

I was super excited to receive an invite to the opening of the UNIQLO at Eaton Centre on Sept 17th. This store has apparel with Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Not to mention that everything I’ve bought from this store is COMFORTABLE.

When I woke up that morning, I knew exactly what I was going to the wear to the event. It was a no brainer – I was going to wear the dress that I bought at the UNIQLO Flagship store in NYC on Labour Day Weekend!!

I was eager to see if the dress was going to be on the racks in Canada and I was super eager to see the price.

Indeed, I found the dress and guess what? It was only $10 more than what I bought it for in NYC.  Here’s proof of the tag.  How awesome is that?

I bought two more dresses that night that I cant stop wearing. I’m positively crazy about this brand. The prices are perfect and I love their fashionably products  – sweaters, scarves, blouses etc.

Not to mention I was this stores’ first customer!

I will continue to be a happy customer as they are opening at Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Oct 20th and I only live 7 minutes away. Hip Hip Hooray.

Happy Shopping!!

For more information: 

Website: www.uniqlo.com

Twitter: @Uniqlo_Canada

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniqloCanada/

The other day I had the opportunity to check out the first ever Sport Chek Atmosphere Combination flagship store at CF  Sherway Gardens. I’m not kidding but lately I’ve been to CF Sherway Gardens more than I’ve been to Yorkdale Shopping Centre (and I live 7 minutes from Yorkdale).  CF Sherway Gardens keeps getting better and better. However in a few months, Yorkdale is going to explode with some great new stores as well!! #excited

OK back to Sport Chek and why you should visit this impressive store!

This flagship store is 80,000 sqf but don’t worry there’s technology everywhere to get you to the right department.

Speaking of departments – this unique store features:

-a high the basketball department

-a hydraulic footwear display

-two storey monolif display

-hologram podiums

-The New Balance Stride ID Lab and Shop in Shop (which uses 3D technology – very cool)

-Atmosphere Climb station climbing treadmill

Seeing as I’m “momwhoruns” I was eager to put on a pair of white socks and check out the New Balance Stride ID Lab. This piece of technology is the only one in North America and provides you with precise information about your foot so you can select the right type of shoe. Don’t you just love technology?

I also noticed this display, so you can personalize your own shirt. It brought back a lot of memories for me as my dad used to have a sports store in Ottawa and I remember the “old school” method he used to personalize shirts for his customers.

Congratulations Sport Chek on your new flagship store. I have no doubt that this store is going to be a huge success.

Happy Shopping!

For more information: 

Website: www.SportChek.ca

Twitter: @sportchek

CF Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall Toronto. (416) 621-1070

 

A few years ago, I discovered Fluevog while walking thru the Distillery District.  I was instantly a fan. I knew that one day I would own a pair and guess what? This past week, I not only bought one pair but two pairs!!

I found out thru Social Media that they were opening up a new store at 686 Queen St and that there would be some additional savings over the weekend.  I’m all about savings so I put it in my calendar to drop by the new store.

Here’s what was in that gigantic Fluevog bag!! Note: If I were super savvy I would do a YouTube Unboxing Video. In the meantime, here’s some photos…LOL

I’m in love with the colour, the laces, and the entire design of the boot!

Seeing as I found a boot, I had to find a pair of shoes to purchase too. Don’t you love how I rationalize my shopping purchases?

I love the heel, the colour and basically everything about this shoe.

Here’s more about the Fluevog story: John Fluevog is an independent designer and retailer of forward thinking footwear, since 1970. There are Fluevog stores in Chicago, Boston, New York, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Denver, Washington, San Francisco…and the list goes on!!

Not only am I a fan of his shoes but I adore his marketing too:

Happy Shopping!!

For more information:

Www.fluevog.com

Twitter; @fluevog

Instagram: @fluevog

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fluevog

At one my point in my life I was a Food Sales Rep. This meant I was visiting 12-15 grocery stores a day. However my fridge was ALWAYS missing something.

I really do have a love/hate relationships with Grocery Stores. Thankfully Loblaws has introduced a program called Click & Collect, so I can “love” grocery shopping more than hating it!

Here’s my experience using it:

1. I sat on my couch one night and ordered my groceries online using this website: https://shop.loblaws.ca/

After a few clicks, my online cart was full of things I needed…ie Kale, Almond Milk, frozen spinach, and other goodies!

2.  I then clicked on a convenient time for me to pick up my groceries. Sweet.

3. The next day, I drove to Loblaws (there’s 3 locations that are offering this program). When I drove thru the parking lot I saw these “Click & Collect” signs so I parked and followed the instructions. i.e I made a phone call where a friendly customer service rep reviewed my bill.

For more information about substitutions, pricing, etc. please click here: https://shop.loblaws.ca/faq

4) The friendly customer service rep came out with my groceries and put them in my car.

5) See me smiling from the comfort of my car? I was SO happy with the service and the fact that I didn’t have to leave my car!!

Things you should know;

a) There is an additional service fee depending on the time slot you choose. I must have picked a great time, as I only had to pay an additional $3 for the service.

b) You need to spend a minimum of $50

c) There’s 3 locations in Toronto that are offering the  “Click & Collect” program.

Loblaws: 17 Leslie Street, Toronto

Loblaws: 11 Redway, Toronto

Loblaws: 301 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill

Would I use the Click & Collect program again?  YES. YES. YES!!

Happy Clicking and Collecting!!

Disclosure: I was compensated to try the Click & Collect program however all opinions are my own

 

 

I finally went to the William Ashley Warehouse Sale. Hip Hip Hooray!! Many of my friends have gone to this sale and now I know why!

This year they’ve moved to a bigger space that features 30,000 square feet of shopping, with over one million items up for sale. There’s more to the sale than William Ashley’s signature china and dishware – there’s home décor, fashion items, candles, bath toiletries, even gourmet food.

See what I mean? Take a peek at the layout….

This new location has another bonus!  Shoppers get to wait inside – and not in a heated tent!

I walked thru the aisles and saw SO many different items that I wanted to purchase but all I kept thinking was “where am I going to put it”.

 

 It wasn’t easy to decide what to buy. But I did it!!

-some colourful plates (for my blog of course)

-a candle that is going to crackle when lit (I’m a sucker for things like that),

-a few red small bowls that I’m going to use for an upcoming cheese fondue party

-some place mats that I really don’t need but I LOVE

-a brie maker (again for the cheese fondue party).

-candle holders that I know Im going to enjoy. One can’t have enough candle holders, right?

So here’s what you need to know:

William Ashley Warehouse Sale 111 Creditview Rd, Vaughan ON

Website: http://www.williamashley.com/warehousesale/

Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri. 10 am to 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm.

THIS IS THE FINAL WEEK! #Justsayin….

Happy Shopping!

Disclosure: I was provided a gift card to shop at this sale however all opinions are my own

This Sample Sale only opens to the public twice a year and it’s well worth visiting. Seriously.

Advantages:

1. You get the chance to buy your clothes 6 months in advance. This means, when I go to the sample sale in November, I’m buying my Spring clothes and when Spring (finally) arrives….I’m set to go.

2. You save $$$. Lots of it. Sample Sale prices are  wholesale.

3. You will always look unique as there is only ONE of each item at the Sample Sale. I have only bumped into two people in 8 years who were wearing the same piece I had bought at the sample sale (sadly…they bought it retail at a very different price).

4. It’s held in a showroom where the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. I love asking them for advice and they have never steered me wrong.

Disadvantages:

1. Sample Sales are best suited if you are a size 6, 8, or a 10.

2. A lot of people can’t get their head around the fact that they are buying Spring Clothes in the Winter or their Winter Clothes in the Spring. I have no problem with this. (clearly)

Here’s a small example of SOME of the clothes I purchased in November 2011. (click here for more photos of what I purchased)

Here’s a few of the WINTER merchandise I bought in April 2012. It’s hard to see the details of these blouses and sweaters but trust me….there’s detail. I bought another 6 pieces but I didn’t want to take too many selfies and I didn’t want to bore you.

This years sample sale is taking place on Monday Nov. 11th, Tuesday Nov. 12,  & Wednesday Nov 13. All the details you need to know can be found on the flyer below.

I will be there on Monday morning at 10 am sharp. Hope to see you there too.

I’ve been familiar with Lands’ End for decades, seeing as I had American cousins and travelled to the States as a kid for family vacations.  Specifically I have memories of these particular bags.

One could always identify a Lands’ End canvas bag. There’s something about the quality of these bags, that you absolutely KNOW it’s from Lands’ End.

I also know that the backpacks and luggage are amazing gift for kids.  Especially when their names are embroidered on it!!

There are no shortage of products to love!! There’s something for men, women, kids, and even your pets!! Something tells me that my foodie friends would love this as a gift!

This year, Lands’ End is celebrating their 50th anniversary! They are also making it super easy for Canadians to purchase online. Canadians can now view the website in Canadian currency which will make online shopping that much easier. (#happydance)

What I really want to share with you, is their Introductory Offer of 15%  OFF and FREE SHIPPING (with a $50 minimum) if you use the promotion code: CANADA and PIN 1560. This offer is valid till November 30th!!

Plus they will welcome new customers with a no risk bonus of FREE RETURNS. Sounds good to me.

Ok gotta finish this blog. I’ve got some online shopping to do!!

For More Information:

Lands’ End: 1 800 800 5800

Website: www.Landsend.com

Twitter: @Landsend