Have you ever had one of the U.K.’s greatest chocolatey creations, the milk chocolate covered malt balls, aptly named, Maltesers? Well, if you haven’t then you may want to check out these Mars chocolate balls of delight in the next coming months, especially if you’re living in Newmarket, Ontario, as they’re now officially home of the Malteser – well, on North American grounds at least.
Maltesers are a British confectionary that only began being imported to the U.S. this year. But you may be familiar with the sugary treat if you live in the U.S., as they share a very similar composition to the American brand Whoppers.
This recent opening of the first and only factory for Maltesers in North America marks a special occasion for the town of Newmarket. With the opening of the facility, they have added 30 highly skilled jobs to Newmarket’s employment numbers, in addition to the 50 tradespeople it took to build the factory. The factory also said that as production ramps up to become a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week operation that they will add more jobs to handle the some seven and a half million Maltesers that will be rolling off the conveyor belt each day.
About 80 percent of the production from this factory will be exported to the U.S., which is a country quickly catching on to the love of these wafery circles of delight.
By now, almost everyone has heard about the mysterious and concerning CCD – Colony Collapse Disorder – happening around the world and hurting one of nature’s most cherished workers: the honey bee. Cheerios Canada has decided to not be a complacent bystander in solving this pressing issue, and so has launched the #BringBackTheBees campaign.
In this campaign, Cheerios is giving people who fill out this form a free sample of 500 wildflower seeds that you can plant to help stimulate the honey bee population. Bees rely on wildflower pollen for sustenance, and by planting more seeds around the world, Cheerios is hoping to curb some of the bee’s disappearance by creating a more bee friendly environment.
They have already met their goal of sending 100 million seeds to Canadians, but they are continuing to send out more of these wildflower seeds to people who request it.
As originally reported by the Wall Street Journal, the Hudson’s Bay Co is rumoured to be in talks with the U.S. retail chain Neiman Marcus to buy out the struggling company.
Neiman Marcus released a statement that neither confirmed or denied who they were in talks with, but instead said that they were hiring financial advisers to “explore and evaluate potential strategic alternatives”.
The Hudson’s Bay Co also says that it is part of their company policy to not comment on rumours and speculation, so they too have neither confirmed whether or not these ‘talks’ are more than just speculation.
Neiman Marcus has been carrying a long-term U.S. debt of $4.4 billion and in their last quarter they reported sales that were lower by 6.1 per cent when compared to the same period last year.
The Hudson’s Bay already owns a number of American retailers, some of the most well-known including banners like Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Gilt, and SAKS OFF 5TH.
The Home Depot Canada has a new list of workshops! The The Home Depot Canada today FREE workshops includes: Install Moulding and Trim! Learn how to select, measure, cut and install moulding and trim.
The Home Depot Canada FREE workshops is valid today, Wednesday, March 15, 2017 – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
To book your slot at a workshop, contact your local Home Depot location.
We’ve been posting a lot these past few weeks about free March Break events going on around the country, and while some of them might be wrapping up, a lot of them are just starting this week. So we thought it’d be best to curate a mega-list of sorts of the various events and activities being offered by retailers and businesses throughout the country.
Indigo Chapters Canada
We made a fuller post that goes into full detail about the different days and events going on at Indigo Chapters Canada, but you can expect more than just reading activities (though there will be a day dedicated to Dr. Seuss!)
The events will run every day, from Monday to Friday, with a new craft or activity planned to run. The exact dates will vary depending on your province though.
IKEA Canada
IKEA Canada’s March Break events were written about a couple of days ago, but we thought it’d be a good idea to remind you that the free events will begin March 13th (tomorrow) and will end on March 19th.
You can click here to find your local IKEA to see what they’ll be offering for your kiddies.
Public Libraries
We made a full and detailed post about all of the funtivities being offered by the Toronto Public Library, but if you don’t live in the GTA, it’s still worth your while to check out what your local public library is offering for March Break.
…comment if we missed activities going on at your public library!
Cineplex Canada
Cineplex Canada offers $2.99 matinee movies every Saturday, but for the month of March, as we posted about a couple of weeks ago, they’ll be applying that offer to weekday matinee shows of select movies for your province’s March Break week.
Toys R Us Canada has been hosting events all through March for families and their kids, but be sure to check out this week’s lineup of events if you’re kids are on March Break. You can learn more about the specifics of the events being offered here, but you can expect to find free giveaways, LEGO and Play Doh events and much more!
Mastermind Toys Canada
Depending on the province you’re living in, Mastermind Toys Canada will be running free events either this week, March 13-17 (Ontario and B.C.), or next week, March 27-31 (Alberta, Regina and Manitoba).
You can expect to find a number of fun events, but here are just some of the better ones that they’re offering:
If we missed a fun and free event happening near you that you think should be added to the list, please let us know and we’ll be sure to add it to the ever growing list of fun, free March madness!
New Era Nutrition Inc.is recalling SoLo GI brand energy bars from the marketplace due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
What you should do
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.
Food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
After a rough year in 2016, where Staples closed 48 of their locations in North America, 2017 isn’t proving to be much better for the mega office retail chain. Staples posted their fourth quarter for 2016, and the results were less than disappointing, including a 7 percent decrease in retail sales. As a result of these poor earnings, Staples has announced that they will be closing another 70 stores in 2017.
This will affect roughly 5 percent of the stores in North America, where they have 1,255 locations in the U.S. and 304 in Canada.
The closing of these stores curtails Staples move to shift their retail dominant business to cater more to the likes of their online customers.
There have been no announcements regarding which stores exactly will be closed down, but we’re keeping our eyes and ears alert to any further developments in this story.
Do you ever find yourself jealous of the kids at movie theatres who are able to play arcade games judgement free? Or do you find yourself yearning for a place where you can legally throw back a beer whilst demolishing your buddy in a game of air hockey? Well if you live in Toronto and will be around this summer, then you’ll be excited to learn that Cineplex Canada is expanding their Edmonton vision of an adult Rec Room for young adults living in the GTA.
There is no firm date set yet, but Cineplex has announced that they will be converting the old Leon’s Furniture Warehouse at Roundhouse Park, just a little bit south of the Convention Centre, into an adult entertainment centre. There will be over 75 games, a patio, two restaurants and a theatre for live events and screenings. There will also be a sports bar inside, so you’ll be able to guzzle down some booze between rounds of whack-a-mole and Dance Dance Revolution.
Unlike the Edmonton location, there isn’t going to be a bowling alley or axe throwing, but entry into the space will be free. Of course to take part in any of the games, you will have to pay up.
The two restaurants are said to specialize in either fine Canadian dining, a little more formal, and then the other restaurant will be set up more like a laid back poutinerie.
To get a gage of what you can expect at Toronto’s Rec Room, you can check out Edmonton’s Rec Room here.
Health Canada is advising Canadians that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of certain Buckley’s syrup products from stores. A defect with the plastic seal may cause it to fall into the bottle and present a potential choking hazard if swallowed. This seal is a circular plastic layer that is clear or semi-transparent and approximately 1.7 cm in diameter
The affected products are indicated for use by adults and children above 12 years old.
Affected products
Buckley’s Complete, DIN 02279703, 150 & 250mL
Buckley’s Complete Mucus Relief, DIN 02357232, 150 & 250mL
Buckley’s Cough & Chest Congestion, DIN 02289164, 150 & 250mL
Buckley’s Original Mixture, NPN 02239538, 100 & 200mL
Buckley’s Original Mixture Night Time, DIN 02230939, 100mL
What you should do
According to GSK Consumer Healthcare Inc., consumers should follow the dosing instructions listed on the label. Do not drink directly from the bottle. Pour the syrup into a teaspoon and check for the plastic seal before consuming.
Consult with your health care professional if you have used these products and have health concerns.
Contact GSK Consumer Relations at 1-800-250-8866 if you have questions about this recall.
Toys R Us Canada has a great FREE Family Events in March each Saturday including fun make and takes, product demos, giveaways and more.
Visit your local Toys“R”Us store to take part in the exciting promotions and activities your kids will love. All events are offered In-store only. While quantities last. Giveaways and make and takes are limit to one per child. Events recommended for children ages 5 years and up.
Today: Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 11am – 1pm
Mega Construx Halo Make And Take
Build and take home a MEGA Construx HALO ship!
Here’s the upcoming event every Saturday morning at 11am:
Saturday, March 18, 2017 from 11am – 1pm
Beyblade Burst + Play Doh Demo & Crafts
Kids test their skills and challenge other participants at our Beyblade battle for the burst event.
Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 11am – 1pm
Beauty and The Beast Event Make and Take
Kids can Build and take home a LEGO Mini Cogsworth and create and take home a Play-Doh Rose.
Don’t you love it when What A Bagel gives us not 1 but 6FREEBagels, and you don’t even need to make a purchase! Yup, you read that right! On Tuesday, March 21, 2017 head over to any What A Bagel location in Canada to enjoy 6 FREE bagels, all day long! No purchase is required.
I suggest going to What A Bagel early so as to guarantee that you get first pick of the bagels available! You will be able to choose from the following of bagels:
Tim Hortons Canada launched their first new flavour in 50 years back in 2014, the Tim Hortons Dark Roast. And after the blend’s successful launch, and also after an outpouring of support and feedback from Tim Horton’s loyal customer base, the Canadian coffee company is set to relaunch an even darker, richer dark roast.
The company announced that the new coffee blend, made from 100 percent Arabica beans, will be “stronger”, and they are confident that guests will “enjoy our darker, richer roast.”
What’s more exciting about a new flavour of dark roast coffee being launched is that customers will continue to have a say in the conversation around this launch. Using the hashtag #TimsDark, guests will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feedback on the new flavour and will have the chance to be featured in ads for the new offering, or on a billboard that will be set up in Toronto at Yonge and Dundas Square.
You can begin sharing your feedback through the social media campaign by using the #TimsDark hashtag on Twitter (@TimHortons), on Facebook (facebook.com/TimHortons) and on Instagram (@TimHortons).
Are you excited to try the new darker, richer Dark Roast from Tim Horton’s?
There is a viral compilation video on YouTube that has made its way onto popular chat forums and now even news articles where gamers are showcasing a growing problem for technology tycoon Nintendo: the less than a week old gaming system, Nintendo Switch, which is the “fastest selling” system in Nintendo’s history, is proving to be a less than hot purchase as customers around the world are reporting dozens of different issues. The most annoying of all, which you can see in the first minute of the YouTube video, is a freezing of the screen that is accompanied by an irritatingly high pitch buzz – like the kind that’s used to fend of mosquitos in the summertime – that doesn’t go away.
Nintendo is doing some fast PR to try to soothe the woes of their very vocal customer base, updating their customer support page to include a wide selection of possible problems you may be encountering with the new Switch.
Sadly, what seems to be one of the more widely heard complaints about the new Switch, the dead pixels (irritating little dots on your LCD screen that look like bits of dust, but can never actually be dusted away), is one that Nintendo does not intend to fix anytime soon. They released a statement that essentially said that a certain number of dead pixels are common across all LCD screens, which is true, and there is nothing they can do to fix this minor, if superficial problem.
Another big issue with Nintendo’s Switch is the dock. The screen, which is made of plastic, is easily scratched when placed in the dock, which has led to many concerned and particular customers coming up with their own life-hack fixes for Nintendo’s less than perfect thought out design; one idea that’s been cropping up around the web has been to cover your Nintendo Switch with a pair of panty hose so as to prevent the screen from scratching.
There have also been consistent complaints from around the web about people experiencing delays or glitches in their Joy-Con. Nintendo has released some tips on how you might solve this problem on your own, but if you continue to experience serious delays they suggest you reach out to customer service. These suggestions included:
decrease the distance between the Joy-Con and the Nintendo Switch console
make sure that the Nintendo Switch is not behind any of the following items:
Behind a TV
Near an aquarium
Placed in or under a metal object
Pressed against a large amount of wires and cords
Within three to four feet of another wireless device, such as a wireless speaker or a wireless access point.
They also suggested checking to see if the device was interfering with any other devices in your gaming room, such as:
Laptops, tablets, etc.
Wireless headsets
Wireless printers
Microwaves
Wireless speakers
Cordless phones
USB 3.0-compatible devices such as hard drives, thumb drives, LAN adapters, etc.
If you’re one of the many who rushed out this past weekend to buy a Nintendo Switch and you are also experiencing issues with your purchase, you can go over to Nintendo’s customer service page where they have set up a list of questions specifically for people who purchased the Switch.
Vegans and dairy-free diets are some of the hardest ones to adhere to, especially on Friday night when all your friends suggest pitching in for ordering a pizza. Since one of the central ingredients for pizza, outside of the dough, is the cheese, it often presents an uncomfortable moment when you want to be part of a social get together but your dietary preferences or requirements prevent you from taking part. Pizza Pizza Canada has taken a cue from the increasing demand for offering more diet friendly options for their pies and is introducing dairy-free, vegan-friendly cheese to their menu. What’s even better? This cheese won’t be coming at an additional cost, as a lot of dairy-free, vegan options usually do.
You can check out all of the topping options at Pizza Pizza by heading to their nutrition section where they break down each topping’s ingredient and possibility for cross-contamination.
The cheese that Pizza Pizza will be offering is from Violife, which is a North American owned company co-owned by the NBA champion John Salley. Salley has been an advocate for a vegan lifestyle and sustainable eating for some time. And so when he met the owner of Pizza Pizza, Pat Finelli, at last year’s NBA All-Star’s Weekend it was only natural that the two begin cooking up a business deal that would cater to the Canadian vegan pizza community.
You can learn more about Pizza Pizza’s menu and ingredients here.
