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POSTINGS:
The Great Escape
Ultimate relaxation at a fraction of the cost: this is precisely the premise behind Spa Week. From Oct. 13-19, Torontonians can enjoy a wide range of treatments at some of the area’s most luxurious spas for up to 75% off. A 60-minute organic body scrub and massage at 5th Element Day Spa & Boutique sounds splendid, but for $50 it’s even sweeter. Dying to indulge at the Windsor Arms spa? Here’s your chance.
- Kyle Gordon, Assistant Beauty Editor
Visit spaweek.org to learn more about participating spas and treatments.
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Contest Alert!
Hey Daily Wish readers – here’s a scoop. We’re getting geared up for our 5th annual 20-Minute Supper Club Recipe Contest and giving you a head start. Each year readers across the country send in their best 20-minute recipes and the results have been stellar. This year we’ve upped the ante – we’re giving away 10 Cuisinart Brick Ovens. Valued at $280, this countertop appliance is a convection oven that bakes, broils and toasts (check it out at cuisinart.ca). Don't miss out on your chance to win - ENTER NOW! The contest closes November 15. Good luck!
- Tory Healy, Food Associate
Sleeping with Swedes
Quality sleep is essential to our health and two Swedish companies are out to set us straight on the necessary equipment to achieve it. New to Toronto’s Distillery District is luxury bed maker Hästens, the family-owned company that still makes their signature blue-checked, horsehair mattresses by hand in Sweden and sells them for between $3,800 and $69,000 (Their biggest seller is about $30,000). If that’s not in your budget, Ikea has just launched a new sleep series that features pillows, comforters, duvets and Canadian Physiotherapy Association-approved mattresses. They’ve done their research on how people sleep and taken advantage of advances in foam and latex materials. As usual, they’ve come up with the smartest designs for the lowest prices. I haven’t decided which mattress is right for me yet, but I love the Mysa Ronn 1+3 quilt ($80): with a thin quilt that can be used on its own during the hot summer months; a thicker partner for fall; and the combination of the two for maximum winter warmth, it's a three-in-one quilt for all seasons.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate
Gosa Syren standard pillow for back sleeper, $14; Ikea 365+ Mjuk ergonomically-shaped pillow, $25; Gosa Raps standard pillow for back sleeper, $40; all Ikea, ikea.ca.
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Art-apalooza
It seems art exhibitions are quickly becoming the ‘in’ way for aficionados and first-timers alike to scope out the work of both established and up-and-coming artists. Starting today, Nathan Phillips Square, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, will be transformed into a canopied outdoor art fest. Inspired by an outdoor art fair in New York City, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition has been going strong since 1961 and includes photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, wood and ceramics. I'm in love with this watercolour by Alison Baldock and I’ve been dreaming of starting my own collection lately. Lucky for me, the weekend weather forecast looks promising (I’ll go regardless – this is a rain or shine event). Maybe it doesn’t compare with a weekend at the cottage, but complete with roasted corn, ice cream and a beer tent, it’s like the CNE for adults (only here, entrance is free!).
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate
“She Watched as the Butterfly Softly Moved its Wings Back and Forth,” by Alison Baldock, 2008, watercolour paper on panel, alisonbaldock.com.
The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, torontooutdoorart.org
July 11-13, Nathan Phillips Square
Eco Tote
Eco-friendly totes often fall into one of two categories: beautiful but overpriced or cost-effective but unfashionable. Luckily, Toronto shopping centre Hazleton Lanes has joined with bag maker Freeset to create a reusable shopping bag that’s both chic and affordable. The Freedom Bag is a limited-edition tote made from biodegradable jute. Designed by local artist Ryan Johnson, the large shopper features a stylized graphic image of florals and charming folk details inspired by Spring 2009 trends. Plus, the net proceeds go toward a trust fund that supports the fair employment of Indian women. Finally, a bag that’s neither plastic nor heartless.
- Adrian Corsin, Fashion Intern
Eco Tote, $15, Hazelton Lanes Guest Services, 416-968-8680. Click here to see more great summer totes.
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Price Drop
Every day, The Body Shop gives back to the world. As of May 12, they’re giving back to their customers by introducing lower prices on over 300 products, marked by Canadian flags, including these top sellers:
- Coconut Body Butter (previously $22, now $20, 200 ml)
- Vitamin E Eye Cream (previously $18, now $17, 15 ml)
- Tea Tree Oil Facial Wash (previously $14, now $11.50, 250 ml)
- Satsuma Body Polish (previously $22, now $20, 200 ml)
- Chamomile Eye Make-up Remover (previously $16, now $14.50, 250 ml)
Don’t forget that signing up for The Body Shop Love Your Body program means an extra 10% off on every purchase.
- Janice Koon, Online Intern Read more »
MAC Alert!
Great news for those across the nation who have to travel to get their MAC fix: Until May 31, MAC is offering free standard shipping for all online purchases to Canadian and U.S. customers. Plus, you can get the same free-shipping deal with any Summer Selects purchases made through to July 8. From Vancouver to St. John’s, you can take advantage of getting your favourite MAC products delivered free to your doorstep – looking great this summer doesn’t get much easier than this! Visit maccosmetics.com.
- Janice Koon, Web Intern
