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Mint Chocolate Coffee Recipe

December 8, 2014

Coffee….

It’s the only word I want to hear first thing in the morning. It lifts me up in the afternoon.

Yes, I have a love affair with these delicious bean seeds!

During the holidays, I love adding a little something to my afternoon coffee… a “boost”, if you will! One of my favourite flavours – other than coffee – is chocolate and mint. Throw those three together and what do you get?

Oh yes. Alcoholic coffee drinks make for a delicious touch at the end of a dinner with friends or family. Here is my recipe for a Mint Chocolate Coffee, which is a wonderful delight served with dessert, of course!

Mint Chocolate Coffee

Ingredients:

1 oz mint liqueur

1 oz chocolate liqueur

6 oz coffee

Garnish: whipped cream (or frothed almond milk if you’re dairy free) and cocoa powder.

Directions:

Add the liqueurs to a mug, pour coffee and stir. Add garnish and serve!

While I enjoy single serve coffee makers, there is something about a freshly brewed pot of coffee. It’s much more convenient when you’re entertaining guests and it comes in handy on Monday mornings!

The HB PRO® Programmable Coffeemaker has a sleek stainless steel finish so it’ll look chic as a permanent fixture on your kitchen counter. With a 12-cup capacity but with a 1-4 cup brewing option, you can make yourself a few cups or a full pot for when you’re entertaining.

12 cup capacity
Programmable with digital display
1-4 cup brewing option
2 hour auto shutoff
Glass carafe
Non-stick keep warm plate
Auto pause & serve
Stainless steel finish

ENTER TO WIN

One lucky reader will win their very own HB PRO® Programmable Coffeemaker! Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway.

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Christmas

Gifts for the Home Holidays 2014

December 5, 2014

What are some gifts for the home this holiday season?

Here are some of my top picks for gifts for the home, Holidays 2014 and many of them would make the perfect hostess gift too!

Hotel Collection Towels

Embrace softness with this towel from hotel collection. The hand towel features a luxurious combed cotton that is also super absorbent and will warm you up quickly after your shower or bath. $29.99 Hudson’s Bay.

Chess Set

Easy to pack and play at a moment’s notice, this Saddle Leather Travel Chess Set is the perfect gift for a chess enthusiast. Made with leather and hand stained in a chocolate finish. The chess pieces have an antique brass and silver finish. The set includes leather case and two sets of chess pieces. Can be monogramed. $129 Pottery Barn.

Spiral Vegetable Slicer

Make vegetable peeling easy with the World Cuisine Tri-Blade Plastic Spiral Vegetable slicer – great for zucchini noodles if you’re paleo or gluten-free. The slicer includes 3 sets of blades: 1/8-Inch spacing, 1/4-Inch spacing, and straight blade for ribbon cuts. Simply place vegetable or fruit on prongs, turn wheel while pushing base toward blade. $ 38.22 Amazon.ca.

Smart Tools for iPad

Williams-Sonoma designed this Smart Tools for iPad set to make it easy for you to watch cooking videos, search for recipes, listen to music and even video chat while you cook and entertain. This complete three-piece set includes the Bluetooth® Speaker, Kitchen Stand and Screen Shield to expand the versatility of your iPad® in the kitchen— or anywhere in your home. $199.99 Williams-Sonoma.

Throw

Get cozy this winter with a knit throw in a Fair Isle pattern. $39.99 Winners.

Retro Turntable

Get retro with the Crosley Cruiser Portable Turntable and a great Selection of Sony Vinyl Records. $89.99 Target.

Serving Bowl

This Quilted Serve Bowl is crafted from stoneware with a metallic sheen and textural pattern of raised squares. Fill with snacks for your next get together or side dishes at everyday meals. $39 West Elm.

Dessert Tray

The blue and white home décor pieces from Bombay Company have always been a favourite of mine. Blue & White 3 Tier Dessert Tray. Sale $47.40 Bombay Company.

Coffee

This season’s holiday offerings from Tim Hortons are reasonably priced so Canadians don’t have to panic about finding last-minute gifts. With a restaurant located at nearly every corner, and many open 24/7, Canadians can rely on Tim Hortons to help make holiday shopping easier. Candy Cane Hot Chocolate is a holiday fave ($4.69), as well as Tim Hortons Dark Roast coffee for the Keurig ($9.99). Add a Holiday Mug in red, blue or green ($8.99 each) and a Timbit Tree Ornament ($5.99) and your gift is ready to go.

Coasters

From playful dishes, to functional decanters and more, Swedish-based Sagaform strives for smart solutions and functional Scandinavian design. These oak Cafe Mug Coasters come in a pack of six. $24.95 EQ3.

Wine Set

The perfect gift for the wine connoisseur, Yvon Mau Bordeaux Discovery Chest 2012 offers six new wines from Bordeaux to discover, this unique collection makes a stellar gift and is a perennial bestseller. $129.95 LCBO.

Long Tray

Created from cast aluminum with a nickel-plated finish, our Grand Brasserie Cast Aluminum collection has the simple lines, rough-cast texture, burnished patina and substantial presence of vintage French brasserie wares. Sale $39 Restoration Hardware.

Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

With 20 years of running a specialty food store and fifteen years writing cookbooks, Ina Garten has learned exactly which dishes you can prep, assemble, or cook ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply making dinner on a hectic weeknight, Ina gives you lots of amazing recipes that taste just as good—or even better!—when they’re made in advance. Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten, $20.50 Chapters.

Wall Organizer

Display notes and handwritten reminders on this Magnetic Stainless Steel Board, which can be easily mounted on a wall. $32 West Elm.

Bar Cart

I was eyeing the Threshold™ Bar Cart in Gold at Target. $129.99.

Food Gift Basket

Chocolate lovers rejoice! Enjoy luscious chocolate treats for every palate, in one delightful and decorative basket. Godiva® Faux-Leather Festive Food Basket.

$34.99 Sears.

Ice Bucket

Keep your drinks cool for guests and looking stylish with this steel ice bucket. $49.99 Marshalls.

Gift Ideas for HER

Gift Ideas for the KIDS

Gift Ideas for HIM

Little Kids

5 Ways to Soothe Baby’s Skin

December 4, 2014

It’s cold outside, baby!

The weather is changing and as the cold begins, chapped lips, rough hands, itchy limbs and raw, red noses become more and more common. With delicate skin, babies are even more susceptible to dry skin. Not only is a baby’s skin thin and delicate, but it produces fewer moisturizing oils than that of adults.

To help protect your baby’s skin from the winter weather ahead, Disney Baby has put together five simple ways to lock in skin’s moisture.

5 Ways to Soothe Baby’s Skin

1. Keep tub time short

Bath time is fun for babies and also calming as part of a bedtime routine. But if your little one is prone to dry skin, try to keep baths short and sweet. Limit tub time to ten minutes or less, use warm water instead of hot, and don’t let your little one soak in suds.

2. Moisturize, especially in winter

Apply moisturizer every twelve hours, to make sure baby’s skin stays soft and smooth. This is particularly important right after a bath; rub some baby lotion into your little one’s damp skin, and then tuck your tot into a cozy towel to lock that moisture in.

3. If your house is dry, humidify

If you notice that your house is dry, which many homes are during winter months, try getting a cool-mist humidifier, like this cute Winnie the Pooh one. Or add a humidifier to your furnace. Moisture in the air adds moisture to the skin.

4. Hydrate well

Ensure that your little one is drinking enough and is well hydrated. Add a little extra formula to your baby’s bottles, or, if you’re still breastfeeding, try to do it more often. If your little ones are more than 6 months old, keep a learner cup on hand and make sure they are drinking plenty of water so they can replace the moisture that’s evaporating from their skin.

5. Change diapers frequently

In the winter, the skin on your baby’s bottom is more vulnerable to irritants. To prevent diaper rash, change your little one’s diaper often and allow some diaper-free time to give baby’s bum some air. For added protection, use a diaper cream to protect your little one’s skin from friction.

How do you keep your baby or child’s skin protected during the cold winter months?

Christmas

Win a $200 Gift Card to Upper Canada Mall

December 3, 2014

Santa has arrived a little early this year! I’ve partnered with Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket to give away a $200 gift card!

Spoil your loved ones with their favourite brands such as Michael Kors, Coach, Rudsak and Simon Chan. I love to browse and shop for the latest fashion and trends all in one destination, with some of my favourite stops at White House Black Market, Chicos, Zara, H&M and The Hudson’s Bay.

Did I mention the mall also has M by Mendocino, Sephora, Browns, Also, Target, Roots, Old Navy, Forever 21 and Toys R Us? So many fabulous merchants and your favourite brands in one convenient location.

Upper Canada Mall is the premiere shopping destination in Newmarket, Ontario located just 30 minutes north of Toronto. Owned and managed by Oxford Properties Group, Upper Canada Mall is an award-winning shopping centre featuring more than 200 stores in its 968,000 sq. ft. of retail space, including Victoria’s Secret, Aritzia, Apple Store and Disney Store. Upper Canada Mall is the best shopping experience north of the GTA.

If you’re looking for some gift inspiration, Upper Canada Mall has a fabulous Pinterest board with their holiday picks:

ENTER TO WIN

One lucky reader will be able to shop for the holidays with a $200 gift card to spend at Upper Canada Mall! Please enter the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

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Good luck!

News

RBC Kids Optimism Survey Shows Older Teens Less Happy

December 3, 2014

We’ve heard about the mid-life crisis but have you heard about a “quarter-life” crisis that teens and young adults are experiencing?

According to data from the first RBC Kids Optimism Survey, youth aged 18 to 21 are significantly less happy, less optimistic, less excited about their future, and are less likely to say the things they do in their daily life are worthwhile compared to kids aged 10 to 17. Just 57 per cent of these young adults feel they can achieve anything they want, and only 59 per cent say they frequently smile, much less often than teens aged 14 to 17 (78 per cent).

I find the results of this survey upsetting. Although Canadian kids are optimistic overall, a dramatic shift in attitudes, behaviours and beliefs occurs as teens reach early-adulthood and the realities of life set-in.

While most Canadian kids would describe themselves as happy, a dramatic decline occurs in the late-teen years. Most boys aged 14 to 17 report being happy (81 per cent), which drops 18 points to just 63 per cent among those aged 18 to 21 compared to 69 per cent of girls in the same age range.

While 95 per cent of teens aged 14 to 17 say they’re satisfied with their life, satisfaction dips to 82 per cent among those aged 18 to 21, and 79 per cent among those aged 22 to 25.

Top worries among both genders include money (68 per cent), things happening in the world (66 per cent), getting or having a job (63 per cent), knowing what career to pursue (57 per cent) and their parents (50 per cent).

For more than half (51 per cent) of Canadian kids, the opinions of mentors play an important role in how they feel, think and behave. And while majority of Canadians aged 10-25 say that they are interested in learning new things (89 per cent), many lack confidence that they have the life skills needed for a successful future.

It’s good news then that RBC announced $2.86 million in funding to 109 community-based after school programs across Canada through the RBC After School Project. These include programs for inner-city children and Aboriginal kids that teach school and life skills through activities such as computer instruction, sports, literacy tutoring, music and art lessons, nutrition guidance, and homework help.

The RBC Kids Pledge is a $100 million commitment over five years to help one million kids and youth across Canada. These funds will go towards a range of programs supporting the well-being of kids and youth, including the RBC After School Project, RBC Learn to Play Project and the RBC Children’s Mental Health Project.

RBC and the Public Health Agency of Canada announced a three-year $8.2-million commitment to the RBC Learn to Play Project to help children build the confidence and competence they need to participate in sport, allowing them to become healthy, happy and active for life.

The RBC Kids Optimism Survey was conducted by Ipsos Reid from October 20 to November 3. For the survey, a sample of 2,387 youth aged 10 to 25 was interviewed online, via the Ipsos I-Say panel.

Food

Lavazza Says Buongiorno America with New Italian Coffee

December 2, 2014

There is nothing like a freshly brewed coffee first thing in the morning. The aroma that fills the room, stimulating the senses… I have a love affair with coffee.

I think I’ve tried every single coffee blend available at home with a variety of coffee makers too… but something always seems to be lacking from the flavour you enjoy when out at a café. Lavazza has been known to make the tastiest espresso – but now you can enjoy Lavazza at home in your pyjamas and extra-large mug!

I had the opportunity to try Lavazza’s brand new coffee flavours in such a unique way – with a good morning call right from Italy! This morning, I woke up to a call from Lavazza in Milan just to say Buongiorno Maria and #BuongiornoAmerica! Now imagine waking up to an Italian greeting every morning?!

Buongiorno is more than just a word – it’s a spontaneous way of wishing someone a good day. It is a simple smile first thing in the morning, the Italian way of exchanging a sincere gesture. More importantly, Buongiorno is the Italian greeting!

The new Lavazza coffees come in four blends:

Classico Coffee Medium Roast

Classico’s balanced roast time produces its signature intense aroma of dried fruits along with its rich and full-bodied flavor. Enjoy this blend as part of your everyday morning coffee ritual. This is my personal favourite for my morning coffee – it’s rich in flavor, smooth, not too strong and not bitter.

Gran Selezione Coffee Dark Roast

Gran Selezione comes exclusively from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ coffee farms. Made with Arabica beans, this full-bodied blend features intense flavor and chocolate undertones. Gran Selezione is 100% fine Arabica, 100% sustainably grown. Gran Selezione has a robust, smooth taste Robust and no bitter aftertaste. It has a bold flavour and that hint of chocolate makes it a true favourite.

Gran Aroma Coffee Medium Roast

Gran Aroma is a balanced, highly aromatic blend of 100% Arabica beans with a floral aroma a citrusy flavor profile. This coffee is the ideal for the true coffee connoisseur. It has a well balanced flavour and is delightfully aromatic.

Perfetto Coffee Dark Roast

Perfetto is bold with lingering caramel notes. It is roasted a bit longer to produce a “perfect” and characteristically Italian dark flavor profile. This is the ideal choice for those who love the pure pleasure of espresso roast – I love this blend in the afternoon with a gluten free dessert!

The Lavazza story begins in 1895 in Turin, Italy where Luigi Lavazza opened a boutique grocery shop specializing in roasting coffee. Since then, the four generations of the Lavazza family have been dedicated to – above all – the quality, innovation, creation and sharing of authentically Italian espresso and coffee experiences.

Using Lavazza’s coffee expertise, the four newly introduced K-Cup® Packs – Gran Aroma, Classico, Gran Selezione, and Perfetto – consist of beans from a variety of carefully selected origins, blended and roasted with dedicated processes, to result in a range of flavor intensity and taste profiles.

Buongiorno to you!

Christmas

Best Gifts for Kids Holidays 2014

December 2, 2014

What are the best gifts for kids this holiday season? There are so many gift ideas for kids to choose from but I’m narrowing down the search for the best gifts for kids to help!

Here are the best gifts for kids Holidays 2014.

Kahootz Fashion Plates Deluxe Kit

Do you remember this classic?! I LOVED creating my own “designs” as a child with Fashion Plates. Now, this popular toy is updated with all new fashions. It has a 30+ piece set with fashion carry along case. What a perfect gift idea for the fashionista! $29.95 Amazon.ca.

LEGO® Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer

Experience the power of the Empire! The Imperial Star Destroyer™ is the signature vessel of the Imperial fleet. Turn the rear handle to aim the 8 synchronized cannons and unleash the spring-loaded shooters mounted on the superstructure. Remove the top to reveal the stunningly detailed interior with never-before-seen Emperor Palpatine hologram, rotating chairs for the crew, weapons rack, bridge, control panel and more. Recreate scenes featuring the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader™ from the classic Star Wars movies with this iconic model and use the lifting handle for enhanced play and easy transportation. $149.99 Toys R Us.

Hungry Pelican

Encourage and stimulate your infant with this multiple award-winning crib side plush pelican. This Hungry Pelican can hang from the crib, or be used as a separate toy to keep your child entertained while on-the-go. The Hungry Pelican also comes with cute plush sea creatures: a shrimp, octopus, crab and fish. $29.99 at Mastermind Toys.

Lego Watch

Build it your way! These watches from LEGO® will allow you and your little ones to have fun building a classic LEGO® building toy and then wear it! Choose designs from Star Wars, Chima, Lego Friends and more. $30. Watch It.

Rocky & Friends

Rocky & Friends is a new program from the Ontario SPCA, offering three limited edition and collectible plush toys through their Paws & Give™ virtual giving catalogue. The plush toys featured this year – Rocky, Maddison and Tyson – are all inspired by real dogs that found their forever homes through the Ontario SPCA.

Every Rocky & Friends purchase includes a personalized adoption certificate, high-quality plush toy and personalized card. $40. OSPCA.

Philips Sonicare for Kids

Make brushing teeth fun with the new Philips Sonicare for Kids, a rechargeable power toothbrush for kids ages 4+. It maximizes a child’s oral care routine and has been expertly designed to encourage healthy brushing habits and deliver outstanding results – even when kids are brushing on their own. Plus, customizable stickers and the free Brush Busters App make brushing fun! $59.99 Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Wal-Mart and London Drugs.

Finger Puppets

Turn off the electronics and television this holiday season and put on a finger puppet show with these adorable crochet finger puppets. This handmade set includes 2 crochet finger puppets: Santa Claus and his friend reindeer Rudolf. $29. Etsy.

Zoomer Pets Dino Whipper

The Dino Whipper has dinosaur movements and sounds and incredible and can interact with you. But like a real Dino he can get angry, spin around, chomp and roar. Using True Balance Technology, Boomer perfectly balances on two wheels as he roams freely, exploring your home. Use your hands or the included controller to tame his Dino nature and build your friendship. He might even let out dino-sized burps and farts… just what the kids love. $104.99. Exclusively at Target.

Snow Glow Elsa Doll

Any fan of Disney’s Frozen will love this Snow Glow Elsa Doll. With a touch of her magical snowflake necklace hear Elsa talk to her Frozen friends and watch the magic as her dress lights up in a flurry of lights. Raise her arm and watch her snowflake necklace light up while it plays the hit song “Let it Go” and her dress magically shines. $39.99. Toys R Us.

NHL Stanley Cup Table Hockey

My boys love hockey and any way they can play, they do! This NHL-licensed hockey game from Stiga features hand painted 3-dimensional players that can reach the puck anywhere on the rink. The teams are the Toronto Maples Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens (additional team packs and game stand sold separately).

The teams feature 2 right grip attackers and a left forward that can go behind the opponent’s goal. The movable goalie and a center forward that can go back into his own zone and you’ve got what it takes for a good ole’ hockey game! $119.99 at Mastermind Toys.

Superhero Backpacks

He and she will feel faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive when you pack their school gear in these cool caped backpacks. Choose from Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Captain America. $31.50 US. Pottery Barn Kids.

Smart Stages Vacuum

My boys used to love push-along toys when they became new walkers. Fisher Price has a cute push-along vacuum that encourages your 12-36 month old to learn through real-world role-play, and features three light-up shape buttons that help teach baby about colours, shapes and letters. Parents manually change the level for content updates. $29.99 at major retailers.

Loopdeloom Spindle Weaving Kit

Weaving just got fast & fun! Loopdeloom brings the fun to making woven items. An ingenious new loom design with spinning pegs makes weaving simple. It’s easy to setup and it easy to use. Make purses, cell phone and tablet cases, scarves, rugs, and more!

Includes spinning peg loom, 120 yards of yarn to get you started, and detailed instructions. $34.99. Mastermind Toys.

Transformers – Age Of Extinction – Chomp And Stomp Grimlock Figure

Your 20-inch Chomp and Stomp Grimlock figure is a giant robot with a mighty sword whos ready to take on any enemy. He changes in 1 step to a dino with a terrible, chomping jaw and light-up eyes! Power Battlers and One-Step Changes figures (sold separately) activate different lights, sounds and weapons, and his weapons pop out for battle! $89.99. Toys R Us.

Happy Shopping!

Gift Ideas for HER

Gift Ideas for the HOME

Gift Ideas for HIM

Christmas

Holiday Gift Ideas from Target

December 1, 2014

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Fa la la la la… la la la la. Yes the holidays are fun-filled, but they’re also the most hectic time of year. The greatest causes of holiday stress include coming up with holiday gift ideas, shopping for gifts, and navigating crowds and long lines, all of which we’re expected to manage in addition to party planning and everything else on our to-do lists.

Well this Holiday Elf is here to help! I’m usually the keen shopper, starting my holiday gift shopping as early as September. But this year, between unpredictable work commitments, the kids and their insane hockey schedules, I am behind! So I’m sticking to these holiday gift shopping rules: make a list, stick to a budget, look for good deals, shop early, and do most of your shopping in one store.

Target is an ideal one-stop shop for all of the people on your “nice” list! For the kids, the fashionista, the techie, the chef, the home stylist, and the beauty queen, Target has great holiday gift ideas for everyone. I’m a frequent visitor to the Target near my house—having a location within walking distance is very dangerous! On a recent trip, I started my holiday shopping and got some serious Giftspiration!

Here are some of my holiday gift ideas from Target:

For the entire family

Target has a wide selection of sweaters for the entire family. Whether you want a snazzy seasonal sweater to wear on Christmas Day, or one to wear all winter long, there are some fabulous knitted finds for everyone. Who wouldn’t love a cute Bah Humbug kitty sweater?!

For Her

Take note, hubbies – beauty sets make lovely gifts for her. This Pixi Ultimate beauty set contains enchanting shades for the eyes, cheeks and lips. Other great gift ideas to put under the tree include the Weleda Body Oil Starter Kit, a stylish makeup brush set by Sonia Kashuk, sets by be-delectables from Cake Beauty, and J.R. Watkins products, made by America’s original apothecary manufacturer. I’d be thrilled to receive any of these lovely beauty gift sets – hint hint!

For the Kids

Anything Disney or Marvel-themed will be a hit with the kiddos: Disney’s new Frozen Sing-Along DVD or Planes Fire and Rescue Blu-Ray combo will surely cause squeals on Christmas morning. What’s more, Target also stocks official Disney and Marvel toys, so you can buy one (or two, maybe three) to accompany your movie purchase!

For the Home

Target carries Beaver Canoe’s comfy clothing (flashback to high school!) and stylish home décor items—you can’t get any more Canadian cottage-casual! I have my eye on those patterned pillows! Target also carries a variety of home appliances from eco-friendly Calphalon cookware to Dyson vacuums.

At Target, it’s our belief that great design is fun, energetic, surprising and smart—and it should be accessible and affordable for everyone. When we talk about our dedication to design, we don’t just mean how something looks, but also how it satisfies a need, simplifies your life, and makes you feel. Target. Expect More. Pay Less.

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Target Canada via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target Canada.

Christmas

Make a Change by Giving Together with H&M this Holiday

December 1, 2014

Where is your go-to shop for fabulous fashion and gifts for everyone in the family? H&M has trendy and affordable clothing for women, men and kids as well as fun accessories.

H&M’s holiday gift guide has some fabulous ideas for stylish, classic and charming presents for family and friends – or maybe a special treat for yourself! This year when you’re shopping for gifts, make a change by giving together with H&M this holiday season.

This holiday season, H&M has created holiday gift labels that give back. For every set of holiday gift labels sold, the H&M Conscious Foundation will donate double the sale price to CARE – a humanitarian organization fighting global poverty by working alongside women and children.

The money raised during this Holiday Campaign through your purchase will go to a project that will empower women entrepreneurs and workers from low-income urban communities in Ethiopia to reach their full potential. The gift labels are sold in all H&M stores in Canada until December 31st (or until supplies last).

The holiday collection this year is old Hollywood glam! The clothing is inspired by the glitz, glamour, and opulence of the 1940s’ Big Band era, with sequins, flirty skirts, dresses and sparkle.

H&M is also celebrating the holidays along with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga featuring H&M’s festive seasonal collection singing “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Aint Got That Swing)”from their number one new album, Cheek To Cheek.

ENTER TO WIN

In the spirit of giving back, H&M is giving one lucky amotherworld reader a $200 gift card to help you with your holiday shopping! How is that for generous?

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this fabulous giveaway!

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Christmas

Not Sure What to Buy For Your Loved One? Buy a Gift Card

November 28, 2014

Have you crossed your holiday shopping list and checked it twice? Are there some people still left to shop for?

There are some family members and friends on your list who are difficult to shop for. I’m finding that the older kids get, the harder it is to buy them gifts. My boys, for example, don’t play with a lot of toys anymore and it’s becoming increasingly challenging to buy them things that they will enjoy.

Often it’s easier to buy gift cards so your loved ones can shop whatever they want on their own. CardSwap makes it effortless with their unique gift card service.

There are two things you can do with CardSwap – buy gift cards and also sell them… so if you don’t like the gift card you receive, you can sell them for cash! No more unused gift cards sitting around at home.

When you buy Gift Cards you’ll also earn rewards and once you have accumulated enough SwapPoints, you can redeem rewards for gift cards and cash back.

There are so many retailers to choose from so gift card shopping is made easy. Some merchants include Hudson’s Bay, Old Navy, EQ3, Pizza Pizza, Roots, Petro Canada, Aldo, Golf Town, Pottery Barn, Fairmont Hotels, Moxie’s, Jack Astor’s, West 49, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, Winners/Homesense and many more.

Here’s how it works:

Buy Gift Cards

Buy the gift card and get free shipping and you can pay securely through INTERAC, PayPal or credit card. Your gift card will arrive in the mail, usually within a week. You’ll also SwapPoints on each transaction, redeemable for gift cards or cash back savings.

Sell Gift Cards

If you have a gift card you don’t want, go to the website and enter the details of your gift card to receive an instant cash offer. Then, you mail in your gift cards with their FREE prepaid shipping label. Receive an email confirmation upon receipt of your gift card. CardSwap will mail you a cheque or credit your account SwapPoints within two business days of receiving and validating your gift cards. SwapPoints can be redeemed for gift cards or cash back via PayPal.

Earn Rewards

SwapPoints are a part of a reward system created by CardSwap to allow you to earn, collect, then redeem SwapPoints for gift cards to your favourite merchants or cash back via PayPal. Once you’ve earned a minimum of 1,000 points simply click on the “Redeem” tab and choose your reward.

FOR YOU

For every new CardSwapper that registers for FREE on our site- they will receive 500 SwapPoints which translates to $5.00 in SwapPoints. 1000 gets you a free gift card for $10.00. Register here.

ENTER TO WIN

One lucky reader will win a $50 gift card from CardSwap!

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.
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