I just had to share this exciting new with you today—Hudson's Bay Co. is buying Saks! That's right, a deal was just reached—for $2.9 billion US.
I'm not sure what this means for us, and when we'll be seeing the luxury department store here in Canada, but I know a good news shopping story when I see one! The company plans on opening seven full-line Saks stores and 25 Saks Off Fifth locations thorughout Canada.
First Nordstrom, then this, and now Saks? It's almost too good to be true, don't you think? I know this means that I'll have to be very careful, and I'll have to remind myself about my tips for being a frugal shopper... but that's going to be very hard with the addition of Saks on Canadian soil!
I am so excited to see this beautiful store in Canada. Although in all honestly, the experience of shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue ON FIfth Avenue in NYC—nothing can beat that!
One of the things I love the most about summer is all the entertaining we do—from pool parties to backyard BBQs, summer is all about gathering friends and family together and having a great time. I also love friends who entertain, and I never show up empty-handed.
Of course bringing a great bottle of wine is always a great idea, but here are some other gifts you could bring to your hostess that'll be sure to keep her smiling:
Anything Poppin: These are not very typical hostess gifts, but I love the new Poppin collection at Chapters/Indigo! I was in love when I saw all the pens, office supplies, and notebooks, and I know if someone came to my house with a pack of pink pens or a pretty notebook instead of a bottle of wine, I'd be just as happy. Everything is very reasonably priced, too, with items starting at $9.00.
Vase: You can never go wrong with a pretty vase, especially in a pretty pastel colour like this one from Chapters/Indigo! Just put some fresh hydrangeas in it, and you've got one great hostess gift that'll make her (or him!) smile every time she (or he!) uses it. This vase sells for just under $25.00.
A pretty apron: I have an apron from Anthropolgie, and whenever I wear it, I feel like a domestic goddess—even though, let's not kid ourselves, it doesn't magically turn me into Martha Stewart. It's super cute, though, and makes a great gift! This apron is $32.00.
Thank You cards: I love having pretty thank you cards at home because I believe in sending out cards to people who do nice things for you. What better way to thank your host than by leaving her with a personalized thank you note, and a set of her own, too? I love these from Everyday Grace! 25 cards are $65.00.
Coasters: I love these "Be Who You Are" coasters. You can order these online from Nordstrom for $30.45.
Pretty Mugs: I love this set of four mugs. (They are from Nordstrom, too!) I'm in so much trouble when this amazing department store finally opens its doors in Canada. This set of four mugs would make any friend smile, and they're $34.81 for the set.
Glass Pedestal Stand And Dome: I think this is simply adorable. A perfect way to display cupcakes or other dessert, while keeping the pesky fly away—and sneezes, too! This set is from Pottery Barn, and each one is $18.09.
I hope some of these gifts have inspired you to go shopping for a hostess gift—even if you don't have an upcoming party to attend, it's only a matter of time, and if you've already gone shopping, you'll be ready to go as soon as you get the invite!
Let me start this post by coming out and saying I'm sorry. Believe me, I am sorry. I am writing about back-to-school products in July, because, let's face it, with August around the corner, it's time to start preparing for back-to-school! Right?
There is no other season I love as much as summer, but fall is a close second, especially because of all the excuses we have to go shopping. I love buying new backpacks and lunch bags for my children so they can start the new school year fresh.
Every year since my oldest son started junior kindergarten, I've always shopped at Pottery Barn Kids for back-to-school supplies like backpacks, lunch bags, and food storage containers. We love the choices, and the quality.
Here are my favourite pieces from the Fall 2013 Pottery Barn Kids Collection:
Batman Lunch Bag: Either one of these Batman Lunch Bags are perfect for my five year old who is starting senior kindergarten! After all, he's the biggest Batman fan out there. These lunch bags, which are super easy to clean, and can hold a lot of different food containers, sell for $29.99.
Star Wars Darth Vader Backpack: No doubt about it—this awesome new Darth Vader backpack will be what my seven year old will be carrying as he starts grade three! I love that even though Pottery Barn Kids had Batman and Star Wars themed backpacks last year, they changed the look of them this year. The large backpack (any smaller would be better suited for a child in kindergarten) sells for $59.24.
Mackenzie Lavender Dot Lunch Bags: Of course Pottery Barn Kids has the cutest lunch bags and backpacks for girls, too. I love this one, especially the colour combination. The retro lunch bag (left) and the classic lunch bag (right) are both $29.29.
My First Snack Bag: I love this shark snack bag! It's perfect for the little ones who are in half-day preschool or nursery school.
Fairfax Pink Backpacks: I am so in love with these pink backpacks! Luckily, I have a three year old niece who I know would love the pink backpack with the ballerina shoes. The backpacks range in price from $31.90 for the mini, to $91.79 for the large rolling backpack.
Mackenzie Water Bottles: These are so cute. I think I've got two in mind for my boys already—the Batman and Star Wars ones! They sell for just under $30.00 each.
Stainless Steel Bento Boxes: I love all the food containers at Pottery Barn Kids, and these stainless steel ones are perfect to store healthy snacks for the children while they're at school. These (sure to last a long time) sell for $63.14.
Hot and Cold Containers: I have used these for several years now, and they really do keep lunches warm. They are the perfect size, too.
Have I (or rather, Pottery Barn Kids) inspired you to start your back-to-school shopping yet? I for one am officially ready... to go shopping, at least. I'll take a few more weeks by the pool, though!
Happy back-to-school shopping!
You can learn even more ways to get organized and transition from summer to school on our Back-To-School 2014 page.
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