Category: Holidays

#MothersDay is Right Around the Corner!

Giving Holidays Shopping

#MothersDay is Right Around the Corner!

Did you know that Mother’s Day is right around the corner? It’s this Sunday! I almost forget every year – this year I scheduled it into my work calendar so I can plan a special day for my mom well in advance! For those of you who are like me and forget every. year., here are some great ideas on how to treat your mom this Mother’s Day!

Your Mom is a special woman, we don’t need to tell you that (after all, she gave you the gift of life!) So celebrate with treating her to a fun day out, complete with the perfect presents.

Image via Instagram.com/PortlandVariety

Brunch

You really can’t go wrong with a good brunch! Order champagne or a bottle of wine before she swings by. Check out Toronto Life’s list of top restaurants of 2016 for some ideas – I’m taking my mom to Chabrol!

Here are some of my top picks for Toronto Mother’s Day brunches

Kasa Moto

Kasa Moto does a Japanese style brunch every weekend, and they’re amping it up for Mother’s Day! Expect bento breakfast boxes as well as some of the freshest sushi in the city.
Brunch starts promptly at 11 a.m.
Price: Prices vary

Biff’s Bistro

The newly renovated Biff’s Bistro is the perfect spot to bring Mom for Mother’s Day! Is your mother keen on Paris (okay, who isn’t?!?) The Parisian-influenced menu includes Fois Gras, frog’s legs, quiches, frites, and real-deal Parisian desserts.The menu is a-la-carte, and brunch starts promptly at  11 a.m. The resto also hosts a fondue night that evening at 5 p.m.
Price: Prices vary

Cibo Wine Bar
Bring mom out for an Italian brunch on Mother’s Day, and there’s no place in the city that does is better than Cibo Wine Bar. With locations on King West, in Yorkville, and at Yonge and Eglinton Cibo Wine Bar is hosting a special Mother’s Day edition of Italian Bubbles + Brunch, with a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Price: $35

Portland Variety

This King West outpost has the look of a nouveau French bistro, but the food packs a punch. Espresso bar in the front (complete with freshly baked pasteries,) and restaurant in the back, their brunch continues to be the best in the city. Lemon ricotta pancakes, patatas bravas, I’m drooling already.

Price: $40

Image via HerMajestysPleasure.com

Manicure

I love treating my mother to a little spa day, but most Spa’s can seriously break the bank. Her Majesty’s Pleasure is a full service beauty boutique on Queen West My favourite part? The spa doubles as a full service cocktail bar so you can sip on fruity martinits while getting pampered.

Gift Ideas

I’ve put together a list of gifts that you can pick up that will make your mother swoon! Show your mom how appreciative you are of all the things she’s done for you with a heartfelt gift.

 

 

 

The Bay has a fragrance and beauty sale in honour of Mother’s Day. My mum has always loved Ralph Lauren – walking into a Ralph Lauren store today still smells like I’m walking into her room! This RL gift set has a fragrance, as well as hand creams.

 

Compliment mum’s good looks (after all, she gave you yours!) with stunning jewelry. I’m keen on this small pendant from Sears. You can shop for it here. Many people have very specific taste when it comes to jewelry. Take note of what your mum wears the most frequently. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a staple piece of jewelry like small diamond earrings or a meaningful pendant necklace she can wear on a day to day basis.

Foldover Clutch - Aqua

Aqua Foldover Clutch

Knotted Tote - Ivory

Classic Ivory Tote

Did you know Indigo isn’t just a mecca for books? It also is a one-stop-shop for gifting. From it’s recent jewelry collaboration with Canadian designer Jenny Bird to a wide selection of home goods, look no further than Indigo for all your gifting needs! I’m thinking my mother would love a bag in a pastel spring colour like the one above, 

Is your mother a whiz in the kitchen? Mine sure is. There’s really nothing like coming home for a holiday for one of my mother’s incredible home made meals – flatbread pizza, eggplant parm, I’m drooling already! Canadian Tire is offering in honour of Mother’s Day – like this GORGEOUS copper cooking set. Check out their sale here.

Samsung Galaxy Tab E 9.6" 16GB Android 5.0 Lollipop Tablet - White

 

The Samsung Galaxy tablet is one of the newest surfaces to hit the market, so it’s decked out with all the greatest features. Your mom can download books, catch up with relatives on Facebook, and view family photos, all with a swipe of her finger! Swing by Best Buy to pick one up.

How are you celebrating this mother’s day? And what gift have you decided on to treat your mother with? Let me know in the comments below or tweet at me @ShesInfluential

 

Happy #Friyay – Here’s a #CincoDeMayo Cocktail

DIY Holidays Lifestyle Recipes

Happy #Friyay – Here’s a #CincoDeMayo Cocktail

I love any excuse to get together with friends! So this weekend, it’s time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Cinco de Mayo is held to celebrate Mexican army’s victory over the French army in the Battle of Puebla. Even though we’re a far ways away from the Mexican border, it’s a lovely excuse to sip margaritas, eat tacos, and listen to Mariachi.

No matter what kind of Margarita you’re making, here are some tips courtesy Bon Appetit for how to get the best Margarita EVER!

1. Squeeze it
The single most important ingredient is fresh lime juice. Use any gadget you like–just please don’t twist open a screw cap. For parties, juice the limes ahead and fill a squeeze bottle to keep at the ready.

2. Sweeten up
Notice there’s no triple sec in our recipe? That’s not a typo–and no, you won’t miss it. We prefer light agave syrup for its complementary flavors (and shared origin) with tequila.

3. Go for silver
Always drink tequila made from 100 percent blue agave. It just tastes better. In Margaritas, use only blanco (a.k.a. silver or white) tequilas, which have a peppery, vegetal kick that won’t get buried when mixed. Save your aged reposados for sipping.

4. Take it with a grain of…
Salt brings out the flavor in everything, but too much can be overwhelming. So we only salt halfway around the rim and are careful not to get any in the drink.

Espolon Tequila Blanco

This silver Espolon tequila from the LCBO has always been one of my favorites to make cocktails with. What’s yours? I would love to try some new ones but this is such an old classic I never branch out!

What kind of Margarita are you making? One of my favorite variations on the classic cocktail is to add a little pomegranate juice – it makes it less acidic and more refreshing. For the brave ones – jalapenos! The LCBO stocks some Jalapeno-infused tequila or you could put a pepper in at the end.

How are you celebrating Friday? Let me know how these tips go by commenting below or tweeting to me at @ShesInfluential

Wrapping Presents #CTChristmas

Holidays

Wrapping Presents #CTChristmas

With only 3 days left until Christmas it’s time to start wrapping those presents and getting them under the tree.

If wrapping presents is your least favourite part of the whole gift giving process, we’ve got some tips to help you out.

  • Make your own wrapping paper with brown or white craft paper and use stamps or cookie cutters to make designs.
  • Put everything in a box. Nothing is more awkward to wrap than something not square/rectangular.
  • Buy wrapping paper with lines on the back. They make it so much easier to cut.
  • If your wrapping paper doesn’t have lines, use a meter stick or a square ruler.
  • Pre-cut all your pieces of tape.
  • Wrap on hard surfaces, not on the carpet.

And of course, turn on the Christmas lights, make yourself some eggnog and crank that holiday music.

Have more wrapping tips? Share them with us in the comments!

hand-painted-wrapping-paper

Pictures with Santa #CTChristmas

Holidays

Pictures with Santa #CTChristmas

Christmas is just over a week away! Have you given Santa your wish list yet?

One of our favourite traditions is getting our picture taken with Santa Clause.

Whether it’s a family photo or just a group of friends taking a picture with Santa it’s a great opportunity to get together and create a memory. And it can be an easy way to get a photo for your Christmas cards.

visit-santa-ctchristmas

We’ve seen a lot of great Santa photos, whether it’s a classic photo of everyone smiling and looking like they’re having a good time or the family or friends aren’t taking things seriously. Ugly Christmas sweaters are incredibly trendy right now, and make for some pretty funny photos.

Do you take a photo with Santa every year? Let us know if it’s part of your family tradition in the comments!

Favourite Christmas Ornaments #CTChristmas

Decor Holidays

Favourite Christmas Ornaments #CTChristmas

Have you got your tree up and ready for the holidays? No? Don’t worry, there’s still 17 days to go.

If you’re still looking for some design inspiration, make sure to check out the Canvas Christmas Collection from Canadian Tire. Because whatever your colour-theme, they’ve got you covered, from traditional red and greens, to more modern teal, silver, and bright colours.

My favourite ornaments?

The Artic Teal Glitter and Vine Ornaments

arctic-teal-glitter-ornaments-canadian-tirecanvas-glitter-vine-ornaments-canadian-tire

I love that little bit of glamour from the sparkles mixed with the outdoorsy feeling from the vines.

If you have a favourite ornament share it in the comments. Perhaps it’s something new, or something that’s been with you for years.

#CTChristmas Twitter Party

Holidays

#CTChristmas Twitter Party

CT-Christmas-Silver

With the holidays just around the corner, I’m doing my last minute shopping and I’m sure you are too! I’m so happy I swung by Canadian Tire at the beginning of the season – it’s a one stop shop for all things Christmas! They have everything you need for both the inside and outside of your house – from delicate ornaments to table runners to faux trees!

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I love their silver CANVAS collection – the wintery silver hues has turned my living room into a winter wonderland! I love choosing a less traditional silver over the traditional red and green. It’s modern but still feels Christmas-y.

Want to know more about the great things Canadian Tire has to offer? Join me on December 8th for the #CTChristmas Party!

Twitter Party Details:
Date: December 8th, 2015
Time: 8:00 p.m. E
Hashtag: #CTChristmas
Host: @CanadianTire
NO RSVP
Prizing: 10 x $100 @CanadianTire Gift Cards

Anyone can participate but only Canadians can win prizes, excluding those in the province of Quebec.

Holiday-Ready Almond Cookies

Holidays Recipes

Holiday-Ready Almond Cookies

Almond

One of my favorite part of the Holidays is the sweet treats. These Almond shortbreak cookies aren’t too sweet but still satisfy my sweet tooth. Switch out the jam to your preference!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 ½ cup icing sugar, sifted, plus extra for dusting

4 large egg yolks

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp almond extract

¾ cup ground almonds

3 cup cake and pastry flour

¼ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

¾ cup blueberry jam

 

Directions

1. Beat the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks and then add the lemon zest, vanilla and almond extract. Beat in the ground almonds.

2. In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and salt and add this to the butter mixture, stirring until blended. Shape the dough into 2 discs (the dough will be soft), wrap and chill until firm, at least an hour.

3. Preheat the oven to 375 F and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

4. Knead the cookie dough a little to soften it (this will help prevent the dough from cracking when rolled). Roll out the first disc on a lightly floured surface and cut out cookies using a 2-inch teardrop cutter and place these on one baking tray (the dough can be re-rolled). Roll out the second disc, cut out cookies using the same cutter, then cut a hole in the centre of each of these using a cutter a 1/2-inch smaller and place on the second tray. Repeat with any remaining dough, keeping track so you have the same number of tops and bottoms. Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, letting the cookies without holes remain in the oven an extra 2 minutes. Cool the cookies on the tray before filling.

5. Sift icing sugar over the cookies with the holes. Stir the jam to soften and spread a teaspoonful of it over the bottom of the base cookie. Gently press a dusted cookie on top and continue to fill the others. Let them set for about an hour before storing in an airtight container.

6. The cookies will keep for up to 3 days.
via the Food Network.

Enjoy! Let us know how much you liked them in the comments below!

#CTWickfest #WeAllPlay

Holidays

#CTWickfest #WeAllPlay

Every winter, we would freeze over a patch of land in our backyard, nail together some boards, break out some spotlights and step out onto our very own homemade rink. Figure skating was never really a draw to us – my siblings and cousins and I loved the fast-paced excitement of hockey and the team-work – bonding as a team (sometimes to beat our other siblings) really brought us closer as a family. Any mistakes on the ice were simply healed with a pat on the back and a mug of warm cider.

 

 

As someone growing up with a bevvy of brothers and a boatload of male friends, seeing a great event like Wickfest really warms my heart. I’ve played pond hockey my entire life and as much as I can’t really skate circles around the boys (I try my best though!) it’s great to have such a wonderful role model like Hayley Wickenheiser for me, and thousands of other hockey-loving girls, to look up to.

hayley-wickenheiser

It’s such a male-dominated sport that having such an inspirational female player who is so highly regarded on the world stage to root on is incredibly refreshing! Hayley Wickenheiser has won five Olympic medals over the span of her career. That is only one of the highly impressive milestones in her career – it all started at age 15 when she was chosen for the Canadian Women’s National Team. She’s built up quite the impressive trophy cabinet since then. She has led the team to six gold and one silver medal at the international level, and earned four gold and one silver medal at the Olympic level.

And that’s exactly why Wickenheiser started WickFest! Wickfest is an annual hockey festival set up by Canadian hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser and draws teams from across North America for seminars, workshops and a friendly tournament. The festival brings 1,500 young girls from across the country to celebrate the sport they love. This year, it takes place in Calgary, from November 26th – 29th.

Wickfest-@Wick_22

Canadian Tire is the incredible sponsor – for the third year in a row they are supporting female athletes across the country follow their dreams!

Join us for the #WeAllPlay Twitter Party with Hayley and fellow Olympian Meaghan Mikkelson.

Twitter Party Details:
Date: November 25th, 2015
Time: 8:00 p.m. E
Hashtag: #WeAllPlay
Host: @CanadianTire
Guests: @Wick_22 and @Mikkelson12
NO RSVP
Prizing: 10 x $100 @CanadianTire Gift Cards

Meet you at the rink!

Santa Claus is Coming To Town!

Holidays

Santa Claus is Coming To Town!

santa parade

The holiday season has just arrived and we can’t wait to get started with the festivities. Nothing is better to brighten the holiday spirit than attending the 111th annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade.

On November 15th, Santa Claus and his friends will begin the march from Christie Pits (Bathurst and Bloor) at 12:30, and make their way down to St. Lawrence Market (Front and Jarvis). The parade includes more than 25 animated floats, 2000 costumed participants and 200 Celebrity Clowns! Check out the parade route to see where Santa will lead his friends so you can find a great spot to observe.

paraderoute

What makes this parade so magical? Check out the video below to find out what makes this particular parade so spectacular and special!

What makes the parade so special?

Other than the chance to see Santa, the parade holds historic significance for the city of Toronto. Initially started in 1905, The Santa Claus Parade has become a local tradition that is celebrated and enjoyed by Canadians all across the nation and worldwide. It is broadcasted across North America, and is also enjoyed by viewers as far as New Zealand, Norway and Iceland. The Toronto Santa Claus parade is considered the longest running children’s parade in the world and holds great significance in initiating the festive season.

Don’t forget to wear a red nose! 

In order to show support for the parade and provide support to the 180 Mosquito Air Cadets, attendees are encouraged to wear a red nose. You can purchase one for $2 or three for $5, and all proceeds will go to the parade organization and the cadets. To find out more information, click here.

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To find out more about the parade, visit the website www.thesantaclausparade.com for more information. Also, be sure to follow the news about Santa Claus Parade with the hashtag  #TOSanta! You can also follow the organization on Twitter @TOSanta, Facebook, or on Instagram. Also, be sure to follow the news about Santa Claus Parade with the hashtag  #TOSanta!

Canadian Tire santa Clause

Canadian Tire is a proud sponsor of the event. They will be hosting Mrs. Clause on the second last float of parade! Mrs. Clause will help you entertain for Christmas with the complete line of My Canvas products from Canadian Tire.

Check out what products Mrs. Clause will be using on the float:

CT

This Stemless Wine Glass set is perfect for entertaining!

FLARE

How fab is this 16-piece Dinner Set?

Serving Stand

This 3 Tier Serving Stand is perfect for storing sweet treats!

Flatware

This sleek Flatware Set will match any table setting!

Porcelein

How good will your scrumptious sides look on these Porcelain Serving Pieces?

Bowl

Love the subtle holiday hues on this 4-Piece Bowl Set!

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These Highball Tumblers are perfect for any beverage you’re pouring!