Social Media Goes to College at Social Capital Conference

Social Capital Conference is taking place in Ottawa May 31 and June 1. It’s an event I’ve always oogled over but never been able to attend due to a recurring scheduling conflict. Three times lucky they say because this year they moved it up a month. I’ll be there, not only as an attendee but also as a speaker. Diane Bégin, Susan Murphy, Martin Waxman and yours truly are presenting “Social Media Goes to College” – a panel discussion based on the session we tested out at PodCamp Toronto last February.

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Social media goes to college at PodCamp Toronto 2013

After five wonderful years and having the pleasure of working with a stellar and dedicated group of volunteers and supportive sponsor partners, I’ve stepped down from the organizing team. I’ve remained a contributing member of the PodCamp Toronto community.

For those of you who don’t know, PodCamp Toronto – is a free unconference for content creators and other digital media enthusiasts – taking place February 23 and 24.

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Lida Baday sample sale - November 11

The one you’ve been waiting for is back...

What?Lida Baday’s semi-annual sample sale

Her collection is available in only the finest department stores.

It’s one great sale you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re looking for something sophisticated for a day at the office, a night out on the town or that special something for an upcoming garden party or wedding, this Canadian designer is not to be missed.

When?
Friday, November 11, 2011
8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where?
70 Claremont St.. (See map.)
Toronto
416-603-7661

Let us know what you get if you go.

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Lida Baday Sample Sale - May 13

The one you’ve been waiting for is back (and so is Bargainista)...

What?
Lida Baday’s semi-annual sample sale

Her collection is available in only the finest department stores.

It’s one great sale you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re looking for something sophisticated for a day at the office, a night out on the town or that special something for an upcoming garden party or wedding, this Canadian designer is not to be missed.

When?
Friday, May 13, 2011
8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where?
70 Claremont St.. (See map.)
Toronto
416-603-7661

Let us know what you get if you go.

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Hanukkah miracles do happen

Although I’m not religious, holiday traditions are important to our family. Last night as we were sitting at the dinner table with the candles burning brightly, we somehow got back on the topic of the missing iPod Touch.

Last February when I bought an iPhone, my younger son “adopted” my iPod Touch. It ended up having a hybrid of his content and mine. When he went to summer camp, it went along with him. No, he couldn’t use it regularly and he spent most of his time outdoors and without electronics. When he came home from camp after he got over the excitement of telling us about his last sleepless nights and the highlights of his summer, he became very upset. He came home without the iPod and, all his purchased music, games and mine.

Read more...

Menorah for iPhone/iPod Touch image courtesy of rustybrick.com.

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Marketing to women – it’s not about free stuff

If you build it they will come may apply in baseball but not when marketing to women as confirmed by my recent experience attending two conferences* aimed at influential women online, primarily mommy bloggers.**

She’sConnected Conference built a foundation supported by the strength of relationships with brands and an online community platform. It promised to “connect top brands with Canada’s most influential and powerful digital women” for a one-day conference and yes, there’d be swag, lots of swag because that’s what these women want – free stuff. Really?

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Lida Baday Sample Sale - November 5

The one you’ve been waiting for is back just in time for holiday shopping...

What?
Lida Baday’s semi-annual sample sale

Her collection is available in only the finest department stores.

It’s one great sale you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re looking for something sophisticated for a day at the office, a night out on the town or that special something for an upcoming party, this Canadian designer is not to be missed.

When?
Friday, Nov. 5, 2010
8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where?
70 Claremont St.. (See map.)
Toronto
416-603-7661

Let us know what you get if you go.

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For the Love of Cloth at the Textile Museum of Canada

What?
For the Love of Cloth – Decorator Fabric Sale
• A boutique-style sale featuring designer fabrics, unique prints, beads, buttons, braids and rare finds
• Sample lengths of designer fabrics including:
• Silk brocade from India by Larsen
• Italian cottons from Osborne & Little
• Linen prints from Nina Campbell
• Fundraiser for the Textile Museum of Canada to support the museum’s exhibitions and public programs
• Cash, debit and major credit cards accepted

When?
Fri., Oct. 29: 11 a.m-5 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 30: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where?
Textile Museum of Canada (See map)
55 Centre Ave.
Toronto

How much?
Admission is free.

Contact the Textile Museum of Canada directly for more information.

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Winners of The (Fall) Clothing Show

We have our winners for free pairs of tickets to The Clothing Show Fall 2010 Edition – offering a weekend of shopping, art, photography and runway shows.

Congratulations to:
cnyoung
Jean (twice in a row), and
Christina from FabulousSavings.ca

Winners: please email me with your real first and last name and the name of your guest by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, for details on how get your tickets to the show.

Thanks to everyone for your terrific comments and hope you can make the show even if you aren’t receiving free tickets.

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Win tickets to The (Fall) Clothing Show

Want free tix?
The Clothing Show returns with the Fall 2010 Edition – offering a weekend of shopping, art, photography and runway shows. Once again, Bargainista is giving away three pairs of tickets. Comment by 5 p.m. ET, Friday, September 17 to enter a random draw. Make sure to mention why you’d like to go to The Clothing Show in your comment.

What?
The Clothing Show
• Shop for unique finds from talented designers and artisans
• Sample sales section features big names from our retailers (markdowns up to 90% off retail)
• Unique treasures from independent, vintage and retro vendors
• Special sales
• Runway fashion shows Friday night and all day Saturday
• Art gallery featuring works by local artists

When?
Fri., Sept. 24: 3-9 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 25: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 26: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where?
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place (See map.)
Toronto

How much?
Tickets $8 in advance or $10 at the door. (Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.)

For vendor inquiries, please call 416.516.9859 or email info@theclothingshow.com.

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Jean Yee visits The Clothing Show

Since winning tickets to The Clothing Show, Jean Yee and I have been having a lot of email conversations. She was nice enough to share her experience. Hope you’ll enjoy her guest post as much as I did.

What a wonderful weekend of shopping we had at The Clothing Show! Thank you again for holding the free tickets to the show contest. My niece and I attended Saturday and Sunday. We felt a special going up to the guest counter to pick up our tickets and have them look up our names on the guest list.

Our shopping agenda was to find accessories for my niece’s prom dress. This included shoes, jewellery and purse. After that, whatever money was left over was a “free for all, buy what you want.” This was the first time my niece attended The Clothing Show. She is has talent for art illustration, so this was the perfect event for her to be this weekend.

We watched one of the runway shows to get an idea of what some of the vendors were selling and how some pieces can be worn. Yes, some of the ensembles were strictly for the runway (a bit risque for streetwear by certain standards!), but they did provide inspiration for adapting it to ones own style. And some of the other ensembles were perfect for an event or day wear.

There were ample bargain boxes at vendors' booths to rummage through – we found a lined vest in the $5.00 box, a hooded mohair sweater for $10.00 and some frilly dresses for $15.00. All from vendors selling new stock. In the vintage section, we found a patent black leather clutch for $9.00 and a pink/black bustier for $18.00. Some vendors were selling all their wares, every piece for a flat price of $10.00; everything in their booth! We wondered if we should go beyond budget and buy as much as we could. Experience told us, to stay within budget and stick to the shopping plan. Breathe. Plan the shopping, shop the plan.

Sunday afternoon, we found deeper discounts as vendors wanted to move their stock and I couldn't pass up two Indian 100% silk shawls for $5.00 each. The DIY nail art booth was really different – they were 'rubber stamping' various designs on our fingernails (from lace patterns, to flower designs) that mimics the designs of salon nail art.

One of the advantages of shopping local and small business, is sharing one on one conversations with the owners and designers. I find that part of the shopping experience at this event is getting to know the vendors; what inspires and motivates them. Some showed me their favourite pieces and why/how they made them, found them etc. We had a most inspiring conversation with Glen Anthony, one of the artists creating a Marvel comic mural that was to be auctioned off when he completed it.

At the end of the weekend, we found all the items my niece needed for her prom (and a couple of things myself!), under budget,so we were able to splurge on a couple of extras! Did we enjoy it? Absolutely! We were impressed and inspired by the artistic talent we saw and got our dose of nostalgia browsing and buying in the vintage section. Would be go again? In a heartbeat! Once we save up our money...

Thanks again for the tickets and for making our weekend a memorable one (I can't wait to see the prom photos!)

Did you go to The Clothing Show? What did you think?

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Sex and The City 2 - Toronto Premiere

Kudos to the gals at Veritas for inviting me to the SATC2 premier last night. I hope they’ll understand that sometimes things come up at the last-minute and I wasn’t able to attend. Fortunately, my colleague Aly Robb stepped up to the plate. I hope you’ll enjoy her guest review. In addition to being an account exec on High Road’s digital team, Aly’s is an avid lover of dance, shrimp cocktail and Bill Murray.

“Do you want to go to the Sex and the—” I don’t think I let the oh-so-lovely Bargainista finish her sentence, inviting me to attend an advanced screening to Sex and the City 2 last night, before I eagerly replied “Yes, Yes, YES!” The clothes, the shoes, the men – how can a girl refuse? Accompanied by my best gal-pal, I headed off to the screening sponsored by Trojan and Nair, excited to get my Sex and the City fill a little earlier than anticipated.

I arrived a full hour and a half before the movie was scheduled to start as I was instructed to do, thinking that I would be at the front of the line, but I misjudged the die-hard Toronto SATC fans, and found myself among a large crowd of party dresses (should have re-thought my jeans) and stilettos (should have re-thought my flip flops).

As we arrived, we were greeted by organizers adorned with pink boas and the Trojan Man, a bare-chested gladiator hunk you could get your picture taken with. Although it was a long wait until the movie actually started, we were entertained with Sex and the City trivia and prize packs that would make any girl blush.

As the lights dimmed and the movie began, our great MC reminded the crowd that it was a girls night out – and we should all embrace the girliness within us as we watch... and embrace it, I did...

I laughed, I squealed, I cheered, I even got a little choked up – I won’t lie, I LOVED the movie. It was like being reunited with four long-time friends, and for just over two hours, I got to live the life of Sex and the City.

As the night sadly ended and I walked away with my Sex and the City gift bags (filled with sweet Nair and Trojan swag), I felt a little more glamorous... even in my flip-flops!

Are you planning on seeing SATC2? If so, share your thoughts and leave a comment.

Dish Jeans denim event at Long Legs

What?

Vancouver-based Dish Jeans is having a denim event at Long Legs the next two Thursday nights and Dish representative and denim fit expert, Christina Pillar will be on site to help ensure you get the perfect fit... and save 20% off all regular priced Dish denim and tops.

It’s been a while since I wrote about Long Legs and some of the challenges my tall, long-limbed friends have finding clothes that fit. Well, Nancy Pehar, co-owner of Long Legs contacted me to introduce me to her store this week. She was surprised when I told her that although I’m barely 5'3", I’m familiar with her store and had blogged about it before. (Tip: Google Alerts are a great free tool small businesses can use to see what’s being said about them online. If you’re not using them already, start now!)

When?
 Where?
Long Legs Toronto Store
2717 Yonge St., Toronto
Thurs., May 13, 2010

5:00 p.m.-8 p.m.

Long Legs Mississauga Store
299 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga
Thurs., May 20, 2010

5:00 p.m.-8 p.m.

Can’t make it in person?
You can order online May 13 and 20 (two days only) using the promo code “DISH20” and still get the 20% discount.

A lot has changed in the past few years. Long Legs has a blog and you can also find them on Twitter and Facebook.

Let us know what you get if you go.

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Ladies’ Night at Mark’s – save 20% and support the Breast Cancer Society of Canada

What?

If you’ve seen any of the blog posts or tweets about the spring #Marksover events, you probably already know Mark’s isn’t just for men, industrial wear or health care workers’ uniforms. There are lots innovative and fashionable items for women. (I first stumbled upon Mark’s women’s collection when shopping for my teen son last summer.)

This Thursday night, all regular and sales priced items will be 20% off with $5 from every minimum purchase of $65 or more going to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada. So far their 8-year partnership has helped raise more than $1 million for the fight against breast cancer.

So, if you’re curious about Mark’s or a regular customer, Thursday’s a great time to visit, save and help do some good.

When?

Thurs., May 6, 2010

5:00 p.m.-closing (some stores open until 11 p.m., check your local store for hours)


Where?

At Mark’s and Mark’s Work Wearhouse stores across Canada.
Find a store near you.



Let us know what you get if you go.

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Winners announced for The Clothing Show!

Well, as it turns out, Jessica from The Clothing Show agreed to give all seven people who entered Bargainista’s contest by 5 p.m. today, a pair of tickets to the show May 14-16, 2010.

Congrats to:
‪• xoxo michelle‬
• Jean
• riann
• Eliana
• thirtyfourflavours
• calialexandra
and
• Natalie Ann

Thanks for your terrific comments. Please email me with your real first and last name and the name of your guest by next Wednesday, May 5, for details on how get your tickets to the show.

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Rita Tesolin Spring Inventory Sale - more dates added

What?
Rita Tesolin Spring Inventory Sale

Celebrated Canadian jewelry designer Rita Tesolin is having an inventory clearance sale. Items include costume, Sterling Silver and semi-precious jewellery collections and a wide array of one-of-a-kind belts. Prices starting as low as $5.00. Different items will be continually added. A great opportunity to buy designer accessories at bargain prices.

Don’t miss a chance to buy original pieces featured in such magazines as Elle Canada, Flare, Fashion, Chatelaine, Zoomer and many more at up to 90% off.

Cash only!

Where?
63 Wingold Ave., Suite 103 (map)
Toronto

When?
Sat., May 1 - Sun., May 2, 2010
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

UPDATE – more dates and times:
Wed., May 5 - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thurs, May 6 - 10 a.m.- 7p.m.
Fri., May 7, 10 a.m.-6p.m.

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Win tickets to The Clothing Show Spring 2010 Edition!

Want free tix?
The Clothing Show returns with the Spring 2010 Edition – offering a weekend of shopping, art, photography and runway shows. Once again, Bargainista is giving away some pairs of tickets. Comment by 5 p.m. ET, Friday, April 30 to enter a random draw. Make sure to mention why you’d like to go to The Clothing Show in your comment.

What?
The Clothing Show
• Shop for unique finds from talented designers and artisans
• Sample sales section features big names from our retailers (markdowns up to 90% off retail)
• Unique treasures from independent, vintage and retro vendors
• Special sales
• Runway fashion shows Friday night and all day Saturday
• Art gallery featuring works by local artists

When?
Fri., May 14: 3-9 p.m.
Sat., May 15: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sun., May 16: 11 a.m.7 p.m.

Where?
Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place (See map.)
Toronto

How much?
Tickets $8 in advance or $10 at the door. (Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.)

For vendor inquiries, please call 416.516.9859 or email info@theclothingshow.com.

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baby bargainista interviews Belinda from the MOM Sale

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Rebecca Atkinson interviews Belinda, organizer of the Brampton MOM Sale.

What‘s a mom to do when her child outgrows her toys or clothes and she wants or needs to reclaim the space they are taking up in the house, but knows they are still perfectly good? Hold a garage sale of course. However, your garage sale would only appeal to parents looking for items in the specific age range (or gender) you have available. Imagine if there was a giant garage sale for parents full of gently used items for children of different ages and genders. Well imagine no more. Sales of this type are going on all over the country and there are even (local) Facebook groups set up for parents to connect with one another.

Last October, Mr. Atkinson and I had the pleasure of going to one such sale and were able to pick up so many goodies for our fast-growing daughter. Babies (especially) grow really quickly and often only wear (or don’t wear) some articles of clothing a few times. Why pay $20 for a sleeper when a good bargain hunter can pay $2 for one that’s been used only a few times? I had the opportunity to speak with Belinda, the organizer of the Brampton ‘MOM Sale’ we attended and have some great insight into another upcoming sale and how you could get involved with her sale – or how to start your own.

What is the MOM Sale?
It is an indoor garage sale type of swap meet for children’s gear!

How often does it occur? (and when is the next one?)
I organize one twice a year (spring and fall). Our next sale is Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the North Peel Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario.
Admission is $2 – but if you’re a child or grandparent, you get in for free!

Where do proceeds go? (Note there is a fee for vendor’s to rent tables)
Our charity this time around is the Peel Children’s Safety Village (Peel Regional Police) and in the past we have also supported our local Habitat for Humanity. All the money the vendors make selling their items goes in their pockets though!

How did you get involved?
I loved attending these sort of sales but we hadn’t had one in Brampton so I figured I would organize my own.

Are there other sales like this?
Yes they are popping up everywhere. Some have been running for years and others are being put together by daycare centers and churches as fundraisers.

What happens at a MOM Sale?
You get to come and shop some fantastic gently used items and save a pile of money doing it…and if you are a vendor you get to clear out your totes and bins and garages or all the stuff your kiddies no longer need.

How can other moms get involved? (especially if they don't live in this area)
I would suggest researching if your area has one already and if not contact the local churches etc and see about renting their space and then network and advertise through the local playgroups and in the paper and you would be surprised at the response and support you will get within the community. Involving area businesses is a great way to get extra exposure too!


What do you get out of the sale for organizing it?
Lots of sleepless nights ;) but the real reward is getting the sweet emails and calls after the sale from shoppers hearing about all the great things they found and the nice notes from vendors thanking me for helping them reclaim much needed space in their homes while filling their piggy banks with money.

What goes into organizing the sale(s)?
It takes about 3 to 4 months to pull it all off form announcing the date and getting the website launched and then getting in the registrations, working out the floor plan and assigning the tables – all the while you have to post the site here there and everywhere to make sure your turn out is fantastic!

How do you advertise/get the word out about the sale?
I basically tell anyone who will listen ;) I distribute 10,000 flyers or more into the community… and my fantastic vendors always help too by posting the sale at their sports clubs, dance classes, schools, swimming lessons, cubs, brownies etc.

Anything else Bargainista Readers should know about the MOM Sale?
Come line up early… you don’t want to miss it!
For more details visit: www.theMOMsale.ca and check out MOM sales in other locations.

Happy Shopping.

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Bargainista’s list of 2009 Boxing Day Sales

This list will be updated continuously so check it often. You may also want to click through to Bargainista’s comprehensive list on Twitter.

If you find a sale that isn’t listed here please add it by leaving a comment or e-mail me and we’ll do our best to post it quickly.

Sumaya is helping out this year. The ˆES or ˆSK at the end of each tweet represents our intials.

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HoHoTO Hangover Auction - the Daily Bread Food Bank

On Wednesday night I attended #hohoTO - the third event in a series initially conceived on Twitter by some hardworking Toronto folks a little over a year ago. Last year everyone thought it was incredible the community raised $25,000 within a matter or days. In August, the tally approached $15,000.

This time around, thanks to almost 700 people who bought tickets and a truckload of sponsors and prizes raffled off at the event, almost $50,000 was raised for the Daily Bread Food Bank. But see, that’s the hitch. Not quite $50,000 was raised and there are still some prizes that weren’t claimed at the event. So, what’s a savvy organizing team to do? Have a HoHoTO Hangover Auction on Twitter, of course.

You can share in the fun and holiday cheer Tuesday, December 22, starting at 8 p.m. ET. All you need is a Twitter account and your chequebook. Besides, doesn’t it feel good when you can do your holiday shopping and help others in need at the same time? See you there!

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