annabelle Archives

It may be Christmas Eve but in case your holiday ensemble is missing a festive element, there’s still time to get out there and complete it with a red lip. While a red lip is on trend and in style all throughout the year, there’s something about it that just screams the holidays. What I love about a red lip is that there are so many shades available that will work with your skin tone and your outfit. If you thought that red lipstick wasn’t for you — think again!

Here are 8 festive red lipsticks to buy!

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We all know someone who is impossible to shop for. It might be your parent, sibling, significant other, or it could even be you. If you’re in search for some holiday gifts that are a little more personal than cash or a regular old gift card, then a beauty gift set might be just the ticket. Whether you’re looking to give the gift of skincare, fragrances, makeup, or haircare, there’s a beauty gift set out there that’s bound to make your loved one happy. Not only that, but it’s a great way for them to try new products from brands that you know they love, and as the purchaser, the value is pretty great, too!

Here are 12 beauty gift sets that are perfect to gift this holiday season!

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The international day of love is right around the corner!

While gifts are good and fun, everyone knows the most exciting thing about Valentine’s Day is where you get to eat! If you haven’t booked your reservation yet, or just haven’t got a clue about where to go, we’ve got some underrated ideas that’ll impress you and your date. Start or end the evening with some fun, free activities, and then head to a spot on this list.

From a vegan restaurant with an ultra-cool vibe to a cocktail bar that’ll take you back in time, here are our picks for top Toronto restaurants for Valentine’s Day.

Fresh on Front

Instagram/@racheldinh_

If you’ve been to Fresh, you already know how good the food is. But just last year, the go-to for vegan and vegetarian fare opened an outpost unlike any of the others. Fresh on Front, just a short walk from Union Station, is much larger than its other locales, with seating to fit around 100. Visitors are welcomed by the takeout counter and cocktail bar (yes, they serve alcohol!), dotted with pink suede stools. But the money spot is located at the back of the restaurant. If you can, grab yourself a lush velvet booth. Beautiful decor and dim lighting, coupled with cocktails like Fire & Ice (cinnamon whisky, Fresh’s organic Chaga Miracle Cider, coconut milk, and star anise) and shareables like quinoa onion rings and buffalo cauliflower, are enough to make any date swoon.

East Thirty-Six

Instagram/@eastthirysix

Cocktail aficionados will love this east end joint, where the tipples are craft and the shareable French bistro-inspired plates are a plenty. A date at East Thirty-Six will make you feel like you’ve escaped to the prohibition-era and makes the perfect place to get lost in conversation. While the menu is impressive, featuring plates like beef tenderloin tartare and sous vide chicken, the cocktails are East Thirty-Six’s real star and feature unique liquor infusions like chili vodka and lemon rum.

Pennies

Instagram/@pennies.bar

For those looking for a more casual setting (where the pressure isn’t on and you can relax), Pennies is the spot. Tucked away in a residential ‘hood, you won’t be able to miss the bright yellow building that houses the restaurant and bar. Grab a spot at one of Pennies’ communal tables and order a feast of sliders. Our personal faves are the Southern Honey Fried Chicken, Bacon Cheeseburger, tater tots, and classic Corndog, which are just $4 each. And while you’re there, don’t forget to squeeze in a game of shuffleboard!

Barsa Taberna

Instagram/@transparantkitchen

The weather might suck, but you can still experience the taste of summer with your Valentine. In the St. Lawrence area, you’ll find Barsa Taberna, which is known for its delicious variety of sangrias. We suggest the Sangria Cava, a combination of sparkling wine, brandy, mango, raspberries, and blueberries that’ll make you forget all about snow storms. The inventive tapas menu is perfect for “accidentally” grazing fingers over, or if you like something a little more planned, you can still try to book a table and indulge in the five-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu, which will cost you $65 a person.

Annabelle

Instagram/@annabelleresto

While those in the neighbourhood will know this spot well, others consider it a hidden gem. The Italian and Negroni bar in Davenport Village is the place to be for hearty pasta dishes, and the chefs even creates three fresh pastas daily. The Spicy Pork Meatballs are regulars’ favourite, so make sure that’s on the roster when you order for your date. Just make sure to get their early — the space is small and unfortunately, they don’t take reservations, but the wait is so worth it.

Featured Image: Instagram/@theveganjetsetter

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If you didn’t get your fill of Black Friday deals, don’t fret — Cyber Monday is in full effect.

On this list, you’ll find sales happening in-stores, as well as some sales that are happening online only. All of the retailers on this list are offering a cool 20-60% off merchandise. Most end on Monday, November 26, so act fast and grab those deals while you can.

It’s likely that we won’t see any better deals until after the holidays, and you don’t want to miss out!

Clothing

adidas

When: November 22-28
Where: All adidas outlet stores. Find a location.
What: Enjoy 50% off in-stores.

Aritzia

When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at aritzia.com.
What: Take up to 50% off almost everything.

Armed

When: November 26
Where: Online at upandarmed.com.
What: Take 25% off a selection items and free shipping with the code “CYBRMONDAY”.

Banana Republic

When: November 26
Where: Online at bananarepublic.ca.
What: Take 50% off everything online.

BOGS

When: November 23 -26
Where: Online at bogs.com.
What: Take 25% off site wide.

Call It Spring

When: November 26–27
Where: In-stores or online at callitspring.com
What: 30% off all regular priced items.

Club Monaco

When: November 26
Where: Online at clubmonaco.com.
What: Take an extra 40% off sale items, plus save 25-35% on regular price purchases.

Dynamite Clothing

When: November 26-27
Where: Online at dynamiteclothing.com.
What: Enjoy 50% off from 7am to 10am (November 26), 40% off from 10am to 9pm, and 30% off onwards.

Etsy

When: November 26
Where: Online at etsy.com.
What: Shop everything from personalized decor to one-of-a-kind presents at up to 60% off.

Fjallraven

When: November 26
Where: In Fjallraven stores across Canada.
What: Take 20% off everything (excluding Kanken backpacks)

Frank And Oak

When: November 26
Where: Online at frankandoak.com.
What: Shop up to 50% off best sellers and 30% off everything else with the code “CYBERMONDAY30”.

Freeman Tuxedo Warehouse Sale

When: Now – December 2
Where: 111 Bermondsey Road, North York, Ontario
What: All tuxedos are $99.

Gap

When: November 26
Where: Online at gapcanada.ca.
What: Take 50% off everything with the code “GAPCYBER”, plus an extra 10% off with the code “GAPYOURS” and free shipping.

Garage

When: November 26-27
Where: In-stores and online at garageclothing.com.
What: Enjoy 50% off from 7am to 11am (November 26), and 40% on everything onwards.

H&M

When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at hm.com.
What: Take 20% off everything, plus free shipping when you shop online.

Mejuri

When: November 26
Where: Online at mejuri.com.
What: Get 10% off one item, 15% off two items, and 20% off if you buy three or more items.

Michael Kors

When: November 26
Where: Online at michaelkors.ca.
What: Take up to 50% off select apparel, footwear, watches, bags, and more.

Nordstrom

When: November 26
Where: Online at nordstrom.com.
What: Take up to 60% off clothing, footwear, accessories, and more.

NRML

When: November 26
Where: Online at nrml.ca.
What: Take 40% off everything with the code “CYBERMONDAY”. Brands featured include Nike, adidas, Vans, and more.

Roots

When: November 26
Where: Online at roots.com.
What: Take 30% off site wide, plus shop the special deal of the day.

Sportchek

When: November 26
Where: Online at sportchek.ca.
What: Take 20% off site wide and save up to 60% on door crashers.

Steve Madden

When: November 26
Where: Online at stevemadden.ca.
What: Take 20% off everything and receive free shipping with the code “BLACK”.

The Outnet

When: November 26
Where: Online at theoutnet.com.
What: Grab an extra discount on all sale items with the code “LASTCHANCE”.

Tissot

When: November 26-27
Where: Online at tissotwatches.com.
What: Take 40-50% off select items.

Under Armour

When: November 26
Where: Online at underarmour.com
What: Save 40% on Cyber Weekend exclusives.

Zumiez

When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at zumiez.ca.
What: Shop BOGO 50% on clothing and accessories, and take an additional 50% off all clearance shoes.

Beauty

Annabelle

When: November 26
Where: Online at annabelle.com.
What: 40% off everything online. No code required.

Consonant Skincare

When: November 26
Where: In-stores and online at consonantskincare.com.
What: Take 20% off everything.

CoverGirl Warehouse Sale

When: Now to December 24
Where: 6880 Columbus Rd., Mississauga, Ontario
What: Save big on CoverGirl everything at this warehouse sale. Use SD’s exclusive discount to get an extra 15% off.

CW Beggs

When: November 26
Where: Online at cwbeggs.com.
What: 30% off everything online + free shipping.

Fruits & Passion

When: November 26
Where: Online at fruits-passion.com.
What: Take 40% off individual products, BOGO free on holiday products, and free shipping.

Lisa’s Cosmetics Warehouse Sale

When: Now to December 9
Where: 135 Commerce Valley Dr. East, Markham, Ontario
What: Save up to 80% cosmetics and fragrances from brands like Elizabeth Arden, Stila, Revlon, and more.

Marcelle

When: November 26
Where: Online at marcelle.com.
What: BOGO on the entire website and free shipping with every order.

Home

Camila House LTD

When: Now to December 6
Where: 6819 Pacific Circle, Mississauga, Ontario
What: Up to 90% off retail prices on home furnishings

Hauser

When: November 26
Where: In-store at the Waterloo warehouse or online at hauserstores.com.
What: Save up to 40% on indoor and outdoor furniture.

Wildly Delicious Warehouse Sale

When: Now – December 21
Where: 114A Railside Rd., Toronto, Ontario or online at wildlydelicious.com.
What: Save up to 80% off kitchenware, dips, sauces, and more.

William Ashley Warehouse Sale

When: Now – December 2
Where: 111 Creditview Road, Vaughan, Ontario
What: Up to 90% off housewares, appliances, and more.

Travel

Busabout

When: November 26-30
Where: Online at busabout.com.
What: Save 20% off their Unlimited Passes to the USA and Europe Hop-on Hop-off travel network that will allow you the freedom and flexibility to create your perfect itinerary using a private door-to-door coach network. Use code “BlackFriday”.