Hey Mommies….

Great news!

Until March 15th, GAP Factory Stores are offering up to 50% off ALL Baby and Toddler items up to size 5.

This is a pretty exciting sale, because lets face it, if you have used Baby Gap items you know they are going to last you through multiple children and countless washes. So stock up while it’s cheap!

Thanks for the heads up Couponlady!

(Or maybe I should ask whether or not you would wear a knock-off of this style as Kim Kardashian’s particular studded trench by Burberry Prorsum will set you back a mere $4,495USD from their S/S2011 collection!)

Studs and spikes have been seen all over the runways for the last few seasons, and now, they’re being bedazzled on the sleeves of the iconic trench.  Talk about extreme fashion!

Personally, aside from the whole $5k for a coat and whether or not the spikes will rust, I have enough issues with the trench on its own:

1.  Why does it seem to only come in a shade of beige which completely washes me out?  Tip: To avoid the washed out look, wear a trench in a colour that is darker than your skin tone.

2.  Who looks good in anything double-breasted??!!  (I’m shocked that Kim manages to pull it off as she isn’t exactly part of the itty-bitty…you get my drift!)

So mass clothing producers like H&M, Gap, Banana Republic, Zara, etc. take some notes!  Make trenches in colours other than wash-out-beige, think jewel tones like olive green, navy, burgundy, etc.  If wash-out-beige is the only fabric available then would you at least consider using darker coloured buttons and epaulets to make the trench more chic?

Aside from the right colour, good tailoring is key to a good trench!  And this doesn’t necessarily mean being double-breasted.  In fact, double-breasted in general, makes people look wider.  Unless of course the buttons taper to a V-pattern, towards the waist, which makes the middle appear slimmer.

April Showers are right around the corner, so consider the search for my dream trench…on!

So back to the title of this post, if money isn’t an object, would you rock the studded, spiked trench coat?

I stumbled upon a few links to get free advance screening passes to see Drive Angry in 3D today, Feb 23rd. These are only available in 4 cities so hopefully some of you can take advantage of this!

Halifax-Bayers Lake Theatre Doors open at 6pm Movie starts at 7pm Click HERE to print off your double pass PIN: DRIVEFB

Winnipeg-SilverCity Polo Park Doors open at 6pm Movie starts at 7pm Click HERE to print your pass PIN: DRIVEFB

Ottawa– SilverCity Gloucester Doors open at 6pm Movie starts at 7pm Click HERE to print your pass PIN: DRIVEFB

London– Western Film Doors open at 6pm Movie starts at 7pm Click HERE to print your pass PIN: WESTERNFILM

From now until March 6th 2011 you can get a personalized tote bag (these are GREAT for grocery shopping)  for $7.99 including shipping! You can personalize your tote with pretty much any picture you want. These also make perfect gifts, they are very thoughtful, unique and easy on your budget.  There is also the option of purchasing a  twin sided tote for $9.99 with shipping included. Use the coupon code FEB11TOTES at checkout to get this deal. They currently have another coupon code for 25% off your order, these two offers cannot be combined.

Click here to start personalizing a tote bag

Rickis Canada is having a final clearance sale on quite a bit of their winter styles.  Take 50% off the lowest marked price.  I found lots of items for just a few bucks, but unfortunately sizing is starting to become quite limited.  The sale is running in-store as well so you might fair better in-store.  If you decide to shop online they also are offering $10 off $40 by entering the code “SAVE10SPRING” at checkout.  Shipping will run you just under $10, so if you use the coupon code it will cover your shipping costs.

Click here to find a Rickis location near you or to shop online.

So tonight I was trying out the “one minute manicure” that I recently purchased at Bath and Body Works.  While reading the directions I came across the statement “We never test our final product on animals.”

Say what? What does this mean? Does that mean that they test all the products before they are finalized on animals? That the individual ingredients are tested on animals? Or does it mean that the Bath and Body Works employees don’t personally test the final product shipments on animals, but the companies that actually make the product do?

Generally when a product doesn’t test on animals they are pretty clear about it.  This was really vague and has me wondering if some quick wording has made us think they are an animal friendly company.

I did some online research (read Google) and came across a pretty big mix of yes and no’s to my quandary.  Now I’m just really confused. I’ve found a majority of answers such as

Often times, products claim to be “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals,” but their claims may only refer to the finished product. As you may be aware, the majority of animal testing occurs at the ingredient level. Similarly, some companies may state, “We do not test on animals,” when in fact they merely contract other companies to do the testing. These kinds of claims are often confusing and misleading for consumers Source 
 

Now; I am not a memer of Peta, or an activist but I find this very interesting and a tad misleading to consumers.  Basically my final conclusion is that Bath and Body Works does not personally test their final product received on animals themselves, but anything before they receive their product from companies, ingredients, testing etc is up for interpretation.

For the first time ever Canada post is asking Canadians to vote for their favourite stamp in support of mental health.  Vote by clicking here.  Voting runs until March 14th.  I’m not sure which one I’ll vote for. I kind of like the one with the puzzle pieces coming out of the head. Seems to hit the mark with me.  

Mental illness affects one in five Canadians… seven million of our friends, neighbours, colleagues and loved ones will need help for mental health problems this year. Many will not get it because of the stigma attached to the illness or because the resources simply aren’t there to provide help

For more information on the fundraising that Canada Post has done for mental health awareness click here.

Right now, Kitchen Stuff Plus is offering 25% off their everyday prices on Henckels knives. PLUS an extra 10% off with a printed coupon for in-store purchases only. That’s a whopping 35% off on quality knives without much effort!

No expiry date was listed, so it’s probably an on-going promotion.

Click here for the link to print the additional 10% off Henckels in-store coupon.

P.S.  An added incentive is that Kitchen Stuff Plus is proudly Canadian!

The Bay is holding a femme Dior workshop February 23 to March 6.  The workshop basically will be a Dior specialist sharing new tricks, tips and trends for the upcoming season.  They also are offering a new makeup case when you purchase 2 Dior products.  Limit one per customer, offer only available in-store. If you do attend let me know how it was.

So it’s no secret that I don’t mind the Beebs. In fact I repect the kid.  Not only was he born and raised close to where I live but he’s simply Canadian.  Anyways Justin Bieber got his hair chopped off for a more “mature” cut.  What do we think? Hit or miss? Should of he kept his signature locks?  I think it looks cute and trendy. I wonder how many young boys will be at the hair salon tomorrow getting the new Justin do.

*If you can’t take a light hearted joke, maybe just skip past*

Please Mum is offering a sweet in-store only promo right now.  Spend at least $50 or more and receive 50% off your purchase!  This is a great time to stock up on items.  This is a limited time offer so I would go today (hehe.)

Also don’t forget about the Warehouse sale that I’ve posted here.

Maybelline is offering 10,000 samples of their new Fit foundation to find your perfect shade.  I actually received the sample inside a tear out in my recent Lou Lou magazine, so I wont be ordering this.  Anyways the samples are available via Facebook by clicking here.  Unfortunately I do not have a Facebook friendly link as of yet.  If I come across one I will post it.

Right now if you buy 3 cards at Carlton cards that are valued at $3.29 or more each you will get $5.oo off with the printable coupon linked below. Offer valid only Canada. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer and only one coupon can be used per purchase per visit. Coupon expires April 25th 2011.

Click here to go to coupon

Great news for anyone looking to buy any major household items! Starting this Friday ’til Sunday, Sears will be hosting a V.I.P. Customer Appreciation Weekend. That means that most major appliances, furniture, and sleep sets will be on sale, including even some of their new arrivals!

If you use your Sears Card, earn 4Xs more Sears Club Points if you spend over $1500 on purchases for the home.

See in-store for complete details, some exemptions may apply.

(I wish this was ’round when my fridge broke!)