Window Shopping
I hear it’s snowing today in Calgary – or least it’s in the forecast. I’m frantically trying to wrap stuff up before heading to Jasper for Christmas in November next week, and today at Chapters in Vancouver there were a whole lotta Christmas card displays. It’s coming, you know.
So I was asked last week to poke around the CORE in downtown Calgary and come up with a sort of wish list of gifts great for moms. They’re trying to get the word out about the season’s biggest shopping event on on Wednesday, November 30th from 6:30 – 10:00pm. On the agenda: free parking, eats and drinks, special one-night-only offers from CORE retailers, a performance by Juno winning singer Chantal Kreviazuk and the unveiling of a 40-foot illuminated Christmas tree. All ticket sales (tickets are $15) will support two local charities working to revitalize Calgary’s downtown: BeCause, a next generation initiative of the United Way of Calgary and the National Music Centre Project.
Remember when I said I had more free stuff for you later? They offered up a $100 CORE shopping card for me to give to one of you if I go window shopping and choose some of my favourite things. The theme: gifts for moms. I’m not sure my motherly taste will reflect others’, but here goes:
Everyone could use a good notebook – Moleskine or otherwise – don’t you think? I found the ones above at Indigo Spirit, but they had some pretty fab ones at Land & Sea, too. Where they also had these cute little portable speakers that plug into any device capable of holding music.
And these! Who wouldn’t love a set of ninja gingerbread men cookie cutters?
I never have figured out how to stylishly wrap a scarf around my neck – but I might not screw up this cozy cable knit cowl neck thingamabob from Cassis. At least you’ll know it fits.
Unless you have a mom who hates tea, she’d likely love a cast iron teapot from Teaopia. I may have a friend who drove over one once with her VW van just to test its durability. It passed.
At Holt Renfrew (hey, I can dream), I found these big ol’ Betty and Wilma meet Julia Child pearls.
And this pretty fab grey Franchi clutch purse that would make me feel oh so Sarah Jessica Parker (if it weren’t for the rest of me – and the fact they likely don’t make Manolo Blahniks in size 11).
I think this might be my favourite thing on the list: a Buddha butter dish. I’m not hard to please. (Back at Land & Sea) For extra bonus points: pick up a block of great quality butter. Mom may cry.
Slippers are always a safe bet. These are sort of Ugg meets Wampa. (La Senza)
And last on my list, how could I not include Anne Taintor flasks? Not to insinuate your mom drinks. It’s for top-grade maple syrup, to stash in her purse and use when you take her to brunch.
Also from Land & Sea.
Ticket info for ‘Twas the Night can be found here.
Comments are closed – we have a winner! Heather is going on a CORE shopping spree! Congratulations Heather!!
October 25 2011 07:52 pm | leftovers
Jenn on 25 Oct 2011 at 7:58 pm #
A gorgeous red blender and a soft, cosy cashmere sweater!
Lindsey on 25 Oct 2011 at 8:01 pm #
A new ipod docking station so I can listen to music while I cook… And maybe a massage would be nice?
jenna on 25 Oct 2011 at 8:04 pm #
I don’t live in your neck of the woods so can’t use the “spree” but am howling with laughter at my two favourite items on your list: the Ninja Bread Men with the totally perfect picture of your lad…. They should hire him – he should be the poster boy! I hope you bought it for him!
And then the Buddha dish! “I can’t believe it’s not Buddha!” My kinda humour!
Thanks for the vicarious shopping trip!
Dana on 25 Oct 2011 at 8:13 pm #
A tea bodum and a stylish lamp for my work space to make things cosy. I can’t believe how fast Christmas is coming!!
glenda on 25 Oct 2011 at 8:39 pm #
I think I am going to choose from your list and pick the ninja cookie cutters. Our gingerbread men have always been decorated ‘creatively’ – in diapers, team uniforms, skeletons – so these boys would fit right in!
Jessica on 25 Oct 2011 at 8:49 pm #
A winter jacket and boots! I never have enough winter clothes in this city.
Heather on 25 Oct 2011 at 8:58 pm #
A beautiful soft throw blanket to cozy up….can never justify just going out and buying one – along with a good book, warm fire and yummy hot chocolate (baily’s or peppermint schnapps optional!)
Shobha on 25 Oct 2011 at 8:58 pm #
I would love to have that cowl thingy. It would look fantastic with my new winter coat and add some colour to my face.
Cheryl on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:04 pm #
I loved all of your ideas but I think a new camera is top of my list…just had my 4th baby and I need to make sure I can keep taking lots of pictures of all of them! But I do love the flasks as well…
P.S. Where do you buy the tickets for the CORE shopping event…sounds like fun!
Vivian on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:08 pm #
Buddah Buddah, what more is there to say?! Ninja Ginja…bread. Do you sense a theme here?! All fun, thanks for the giggle.
MelissaV on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:24 pm #
You have fabulous taste! That Franchi clutch is gorgeous! And yes, there was talk on the radio today about snow but I didn’t see any (fingers crossed it stays away for while!)
Vincci on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:26 pm #
The shopping event sounds awesome! Free parking?! SWEET! I have mostly books on my wishlist – but I have to finish the ones I am reading first! I’ve seen those Ninja Gingerbread Men cookie cutters before; would love me some of those too!
JoJo on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:34 pm #
A copy of Spilling the Beans, please.
Bonnie on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:49 pm #
A leopard print scarf to wear with my winter coat.
Jocelyn on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:50 pm #
I’m not big on wishlists but NOT that Buddha butter dish is totally on my radar!
What’s do you consider a tiny-tear-inducing butter?
Christina on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:56 pm #
Everything on the list is pretty spectacular but those Slippers made my hear skip a beat! Haha! Seriously though, imagin how hip I’d feel in my very own home! Here’s to hoping! PS I’m so jealous of Christmas in November!! Someday … Someday!!
Joanna M on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:58 pm #
Ooh, I love that scarf (and I bet my mom would as well
)
Julia on 25 Oct 2011 at 9:59 pm #
Oh where to begin! Doing a home reno right now so all things decorative would be so appreciated… A cosy throw, bright accent pillows or a new lamp that my sister will covet all seem like great ideas! And I’ve got a pilates class downtown that night too… It’s destiny!
Erica B. on 25 Oct 2011 at 10:03 pm #
At the top of my wish list: hardwood in the living room — three kids means a white carpet, isn’t.
As far as things that can be wrapped up and tied with a bow: gift certificate for highlights and a manicure & pedicure perhaps? A pretty new purse from Holt Renfrew wouldn’t hurt either
Jenn on 25 Oct 2011 at 10:06 pm #
Well I’ve asked for winter tires
but what I’d really like is an eBook reader.
Erin B on 25 Oct 2011 at 10:10 pm #
Slippers. Have just discovered that mine no longer fit. Baby Q (6 months old and sleeping in my arms as I type) caused my feet to grow AT LEAST a half size. Christmas is too long to wait for a new pair!
Jill on 25 Oct 2011 at 10:37 pm #
Those ninja cookie cutters are awesome! I like your motherly taste, Julie, you have a good eye!
Have such a great time at Christmas in November…I am very very envious!
Laurie from Burnaby on 25 Oct 2011 at 11:05 pm #
I adore the Bhudda butter keeper. Fabulous! D)
I’m battling with the publishers over my latest book – what I’d really like for Christmas is to make them do what I want and not screw up things like a glossary that’s supposed to be a list grrr
Elsbeth on 25 Oct 2011 at 11:12 pm #
Love the cheeky/funny butter dish and cookie cutters. A few years ago I received Men with a bite out (missing a head, leg or arm). Funny.
This year calls for levity and nostalgia so I just hinted that a season or 2 of The Muppets on DVD would fit the bill. I’m also thinking a sewing machine (curtains and table cloths and cozy throws, oh my) would be fun.
Sarah Galvin (All Our Fingers in the Pie) on 25 Oct 2011 at 11:13 pm #
I didn’t see an electric kettle anywhere on your list…but I’m sure I could find one at the Bay downtown. Then I would spend the rest of the bucks on some dishes, towels. I am so boring!
Trudy in Red Deer on 25 Oct 2011 at 11:17 pm #
I have been looking for a Keep Calm and Carry On coffee mug to use at work…. would love one in my stocking this year. My 3rd grandson was born today (happy) so I also know that I would get lots of use out of the Ninja Cookie Cutters.
Have a great time in Jasper…some year soon, tickets to that event will be an early Christmas gift to myself!
Sasha on 25 Oct 2011 at 11:43 pm #
Love the teapot you picked out!
I would though get a food processor..I have been dreaming of a good for far too long!
Angie on 26 Oct 2011 at 1:45 am #
I’m with Sasha – a kick butt food processor
Jennifer Jo on 26 Oct 2011 at 5:09 am #
I need a teapot.
Joni on 26 Oct 2011 at 6:25 am #
Believe it or not, a Dustbuster. Now that I have kids I am constantly wishing I had one to clean up all the crumbs, pencil shavings, leaves, etc. that are constantly all over my floor/furniture. Lame I know, but I really want one!
Lana on 26 Oct 2011 at 6:31 am #
I THINK I want a Kobo reader, but am having trouble imagining not having the smell, feel and look of a paper book anymore!
Also- those flasks are AWESOME.
Great choices, Julie!
Sandy B on 26 Oct 2011 at 6:58 am #
Those slippers look so cuddly and warm.
Lisa on 26 Oct 2011 at 7:20 am #
Love these – I got a friend one of the flasks for her birthday last year. For maple syrup of course.
I don’t really do a Christmas list (my family is all spread out across Canada, so we usually just travel, and say “no gifts.”
But I’ve had my eye on a candy-apple red Kitchen Aid food processor…
Kathy on 26 Oct 2011 at 7:23 am #
Some cozy warm slippers as my feet are always cold and a Kobo e reader would be fab.
I love that butter dish! what a hoot!
Kathy on 26 Oct 2011 at 7:25 am #
oh and just thought of another after reading some of the comments–a gift certificate to belove yoga on Edmonton Trail so I can take the restorative yoga class again which was awesome for my chronic pain.
angela on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:05 am #
new winter boots, and a dressy winter coat.
Jennifer on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:06 am #
Winter clothing! Seeing the snow yesterday made me realise my winter wardrobe is lacking in the warm sweater department!
melissa on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:13 am #
At the top of my wishlist was a shiny new bike until I saw those cute little speakers!
Maybe I’ll wish for both!
Erin on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:20 am #
I really want some work clothes and a good book from Indigo!
Melissa on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:24 am #
Something in cashmere – a sweater, a scarf, a hat, a coat!
Lisa on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:25 am #
I already bought my ticket and 3 of my friends/family are coming along as well
Love the gift ideas – especially the nija cookies!
Melissa W on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:37 am #
Ninjabread men!! . Love that.
On my wish list this year is a ‘big-girl’ food processor! I have a mini, and I think I’m ready to graduate.
I am super excited to give my mom a signed copy of Ricardo’s cookbook too. Yay!
Susan on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:39 am #
Great wish list, Julie! I’ve just spent a week redecorating my youngest son’s room – out with the teddy bears and duckies, now he’s got a Big Boy Room! It’s a fantastic face lift, but it makes me realize my own room could use some TLC – I’d use the gift card to redecorate the bedroom – new duvet cover…curtains….YES!
Steph McVox on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:40 am #
Now that my kidlets are out of diapers and do not require me to carry so much Mom paraphanelia, I would love a smaller, sleeker purse!
Linda C on 26 Oct 2011 at 8:49 am #
Love the wish list – and now that I know it exists, the Buddah butter dish is on my list! The Anne Taintor flasks are great – they have piggy-banks, too (“I’m saving up for more valium!” is one I plan to give to my sisters & friends). As for me, I’d like some tea, some new PJs and maybe some good dark chocolate (wait – did I say “maybe?” That’s top of the list!).
CathyH on 26 Oct 2011 at 9:27 am #
I always thought my Mother was crazy for saying she didn’t want or need anything for Christmas. Honestly, I think I am there! Just wishing my two daughters will be able to join us down south for Christmas. However, that is one smashing tea pot!
Kerry Finucan on 26 Oct 2011 at 9:53 am #
Snowing in Calgary. Yikes, bring on the rum eggnog.
Nicole on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:28 am #
It hasn’t snowed yet – it’s a miracle! Any year we escape snow in Sept/Oct is a winner, I think. I love that cable knit scarf thingy. I also think that ninja gingerbread cookie cutters may be the greatest cookie-related innovation ever. I saw those Keep Calm and Carry On agendas at Coles the other day – almost bought one but instead got one with flowers. It had more room to write my insane number of notes in a day!
Danelle on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:35 am #
Julie, I am totally sold on the La Senza slippers! My entire house has hardwood floors & I pay the utilities so… it’s usually chilly
Hailey on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:37 am #
Besides the fun and friendship that comes with Christmas, I love getting meaningful gifts for family and friends. I don’t know what is on my list (for them) yet, but I’d love to come see what’s out there with you!
Lindsay on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:40 am #
I have recently realized that I have no sweaters that fit me, so that is at the top of my list. Followed by nice winter boots and a couple of books.
Meg on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:50 am #
Top of my list this year is a new winter coat, a set of canisters for my kitchen and an cast iron stock pot. Oh, practical gifts!
Jenny C on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:57 am #
I should get new winter boots, but because I love to cook and bake so much, I’d love to get a new food processor. Mine broke awhile ago and I haven’t had time to go shopping. I miss it dearly.
Song on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:59 am #
Yesss! Ninjabread men are on my list now!!! (if I don’t buy them for myself sooner) As for other things on my list I know it’s not from the CORE but I dream of a knife from Knifewear…
Jenny on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:02 am #
I have asked for a wine fridge to be put in the place where the wine rack is currently in the kitchen, where no wine has sat since my kids became mobile and started pulling them out of the rack! I also said, I’d take half the fridge as my bday present!! We’ll see.
Colleen on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:07 am #
A set of French white measuring cups (al la Nigella Lawson) to go in my mostly purple(with green accents) kitchen. If anyone knows where I can get these – please let me know.
Laurie M on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:11 am #
Hmm, I would love lift passes! We just moved here and I can’t wait to go skiing!
Kate on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:14 am #
My Christmas wish is for a clean house, and that I wasn’t the one who cleaned it. It would be the best gift ever to come home at the end of the day to a totally sparkling clean, tidy, fresh smelling home. Three kids and a non-stop shedding Italian Spinone ensure a constant mess.
Jen T on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:25 am #
some new kitchen gadgets would be great! and of course those ninja cookie cutters…..
Danielle on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:31 am #
Those slippers are great, but mostly I want a new chefs knife.
Lesli C-Kellow on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:37 am #
I want my Dad`s hip revision to go well so we can all go camping next summer!!!
Fareen on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:40 am #
Boots, shoes and jeans are on my list. That clutch purse is pretty fabulous too!
Glenda on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:58 am #
Winter boots and Jeans….you can never have too many pairs!
Kim on 26 Oct 2011 at 12:24 pm #
Land & Sea always has so many nice things! Makes me miss working downtown. I’d love a few nice books to curl up with .. and the time to curl up with those books!
miss v on 26 Oct 2011 at 12:32 pm #
a new panini grill and some really good olive oil!
Nancy S on 26 Oct 2011 at 12:50 pm #
Anything for the kitchen. I’m a kitchen gadget junkie!
cj on 26 Oct 2011 at 2:10 pm #
I ‘m hoping for a really good pastry cutter, and winnig a shopping spree might just necessitate a jaunt into Calgary.
Donna J on 26 Oct 2011 at 2:17 pm #
I always enjoy reading through everyone’s comments. I too love the Buddha dish and the little speakers.
Trinh on 26 Oct 2011 at 3:25 pm #
I have a couple of things on my list that I have been wanting for awhile. one would be a ipod docking system, my home is so quiet and needs to be filled with the sounds of my ipod. I’ve also been on the look out for some sleek curtain rods and modern window coverings. And super warm slippers are always on the list!
jacquie on 26 Oct 2011 at 3:38 pm #
no wish list really – other than to find a new safe place to live in the coming year. and i don’t think any stores carry that ….
Kim on 26 Oct 2011 at 4:00 pm #
That Holt Renfrew necklace is amazing! a girl sure can dream! I havent been to land and sea yet – looks like my kind of place.
Linda P on 26 Oct 2011 at 4:15 pm #
I’d love some tea from that teapot while I’m reading a new cookbook or two and maybe something red like some soft fuzzy gloves.
Rebecca on 26 Oct 2011 at 4:20 pm #
My two dream items for Xmas this year are a fabulous pair of Naot shoes that I tried on over the weekend and a KitchenAide Mixer – not sure that I’m getting either of those but a girl can dream!
Nurse Jenn on 26 Oct 2011 at 5:50 pm #
I’m not a very good shopper. I see stuff I like, think about buying it and usually end up leaving empty handed. The two items that I would love to get in the next year are a pair of tall leather boots and a bracelet from Holt that I have had my eye on. Neither one would be covered by the gift card, but perhaps it would be the nudge in the right direction.
thepinkpeppercorn on 26 Oct 2011 at 6:44 pm #
OMG Ninjabreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeead!!! Yippee so fun!!
Sue on 26 Oct 2011 at 6:44 pm #
LOVE the ninja gingerbread cutters! I’m curious what other shapes they have…
Carol SB on 26 Oct 2011 at 7:11 pm #
Ha ha! CathyH, “one smashing teapot”. It is: you’re right: smash-ing, but apparently it can’t be smash-ed…
Love the ninjabread men. And the flasks.
On my list? a Kelly Hunt CD (Yeah, cd, I know), and a cookie scoop. I’ve never had a food processor: do I want one?
Last year my girls teamed up and sent Hubby and me to a local theatre production. I LOVED it. I can hope that might happen again.
Loved shopping at the CORE last Christmas. Downtown was quiet in the evening; I proposed a shopping trip, but figured parking would be too pricey. My husband said, “I’ll bet they have free parking”. I said, “Are you kidding? Not likely!”… then looked it up online. Not only free parking in the evening last year, but a valet service at no extra charge (of course, we did tip those young gentlemen for parking our car). Unbelievable! I hope they do it again this year.
lovetocook on 26 Oct 2011 at 7:19 pm #
I’d like new slippers – not very creative but hard to find in size 11, and I have more than I need. I wish I could GIVE jacquie a safe new place to live.
Sandy on 26 Oct 2011 at 7:36 pm #
Was in the “Core” last week for the first time in ages and saw tons of things I’d like, including lovely scents from a store starting with “O” – can’t remember the name.
Sherry on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:05 pm #
The ninjabread men, I NEED to get them fast. My son is obsessed with Ninja and its his costume.
Heather on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:08 pm #
I love land and sea! They have so much cool stuff there.
I haven’t really thought a ton about my christmas list… but I would love to get a food processor – something I’ve been wanting for a while!
Jenbird on 26 Oct 2011 at 10:49 pm #
Love, love, love those slippers! They’re what every fabulous (fashionable) mum needs these days. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!
FP on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:16 pm #
Something I have not had for a long time some nice perfume. Great shopping ideas!
RMB on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:24 pm #
We’re spending Christmas in the mountains, so lots of snow (but just there) is the top of my wish list!
Laurie in Calgary on 26 Oct 2011 at 11:28 pm #
I would love to get a gift certificate to take another art class. Or a new, super warm, stylish winter coat. Or boots. Or a food processor.
Kyla on 27 Oct 2011 at 7:11 am #
My bike was stolen this summer, so a new bike with a cushioned seat would make me one happy mama! Or a pie server, I need an excuse to make more pie!
Melodie on 27 Oct 2011 at 7:51 am #
those ninja cookie cutters are great!
molly on 27 Oct 2011 at 7:52 am #
we have the ninjabread men.
we love the ninjabread men.
the only complication being: what to eat first? kicking foot? scarved head? oh, the issues…
Gineva on 27 Oct 2011 at 8:25 am #
The scarf would be great and maybe some stylish winter boots!!
Jane on 27 Oct 2011 at 8:27 am #
I would love the teapot (and the scarf)
Mia Y. on 27 Oct 2011 at 11:39 am #
Cool stuff! You have great taste
Randi on 28 Oct 2011 at 10:51 am #
I need some new knives! I have let mine get ridiculously dull…
Lauren O. on 28 Oct 2011 at 3:28 pm #
Those flasks make me laugh! (and would definitely fit my mother)
Melanie B. on 28 Oct 2011 at 5:17 pm #
A new bathing suit, ugh, as I will be spending Christmas in Phoenix this year for the first time!
Lori on 28 Oct 2011 at 6:39 pm #
On the top of my list is this new little cookbook called Spilling the Beans.
Really-not sucking up.
Tyrel on 28 Oct 2011 at 6:47 pm #
Your new cookbook (also not kidding) and an iPod touch.
Luann on 29 Oct 2011 at 7:54 am #
On my list is a really good scale so I can start weighing my flours for baking and a nice looking salt pig so I don’t have to look at the windsor box on my counter anymore.
Alex on 31 Oct 2011 at 3:25 pm #
All the ticket info for TWAS THE NIGHT can be found here: http://www.coreshopping.ca/events.php Already got my tickets!
JulieVR on 31 Oct 2011 at 9:46 pm #
Sorry guys!! I thought I added ticket info somewhere in my post. Go brain go!
Mag on 01 Nov 2011 at 2:21 am #
shopping spree! my wish list would definitely consist of new shoes – working on the feet all day is tough on the legs and my old ones are due to be replaced, once i have enough saved up!
Nikki on 03 Nov 2011 at 9:49 am #
Loved the review, Land and Sea is one of my favorite stores! I think some really great stocking stuffers would be in my shopping trip unless of course I got distracted by shoes!
Jess on 04 Nov 2011 at 4:17 pm #
Wow! Great list and what an amazing giveaway! I only have one item on my wish list and that would be a pair of TOMS!