Ho, ho, ho! The holidays are here. And as a special thanks to our readers, we’ve got tons of goodies ready in our gift bag to give out.

This season, we’ve teamed up with some amazing brands for a bunch of exciting giveaways. From the newest tech and cookware, to the best in fashion and beauty, there’s something for everyone in our annual 12 Days Of Holiday Giveaways.

The first contest will kick off on Thursday, December 5 at 8 a.m. EST with 11 more contests launching on the days to follow. Each giveaway will run for three days on Instagram, and the winners will be direct messaged on the days specified below.

All Canadians (excluding those in Quebec) are welcome to enter for a chance to win. In fact, the more the merrier! So help spread the holiday cheer and share with your friends — you never know what they may win.

Take a peek at what you can win from our 2019 12 Days Of Holiday Giveaways below.

We can’t think of a more #PicturePerfect way to kick off the holidays than with a Galaxy A Series smartphone from Samsung Canada! The Galaxy A70 features a 6.7” Infinity U-Display for an enhanced viewing experience, and three cameras with Scene Optimizer that’ll make you the envy of all of your friends. Capturing life’s special moments has never been easier, especially since the Galaxy A70’s 4,500 mAh battery lasts extra long.

With the New Year coming up, it’s time for a new you! And right now, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to upgrade your wardrobe. Thanks to this sweet prize courtesy of RW&CO, you can stock up on chic and cozy sweaters, coats, sophisticated partywear, sharp accessories, and so much more.

Who doesn’t want to look their best and brightest all year round? The Vichy LiftActiv range is designed to counteract daily aging for the visibly firmer-looking skin we all desire. Thankfully, this gift set contains all the products you need to look radiant from Christmas to New Years, and all year long — like creams, serums, masks, and more!

Calling all at-home chefs! Wanna take your meals to the next level? We’ve got just the prize for you. T-fal’s Sapphire cookware line is super versatile and durable. With its three layers of sapphire-infused non-stick coating, cooking and clean-up is a breeze. Not to mention, T-fal’s Thermo-Spot indicator turns solid red when it hits just the right cooking temperature, ensuring a perfect cook every time. Along with it, you’ll also get T-fal’s new ActiCook & Stir, which is sure to become your new best friend. As the only self-stirring multi-cooker, it makes one-pot meals that much easier.

Prioritize you in 2020 with this amazing wellness and beauty package featuring TMPL Sportswear, Vivier, Viviscal, and Toppik — it’s the ultimate gift set to help you reach your peak form in the New Year!

If you’ve been snoozing on the next big name in sportswear, TMPL Sportswear is a conscious Canadian apparel brand for men and women, dedicated to providing a clean performance sportswear option. Certified performance Pur-Tec fabrics are constructed locally and provides superior feel, comfort, and breath-ability, meaning you can work even harder and look great while doing it.

Get ready for the ultimate in pampering and skin rejuvenation with Vivier’s Hydrated Skin Holiday Gift Set and Ultimage— sure to become your holy grail luxury skin care products. The Hydrated Skin Holiday Gift Set contains three full-size products that work together to ensure your complexion is soothed and calmed all winter long. Top this trio off with Ultimage, the latest innovative skincare breakthrough from the brand, and you’re looking at your best skin yet.

We’re not done taking care of you from head to toe yet: the Toppik Hair Building Fibres and Viviscal Extra Strength supplements and Gorgeous Growth Densifying Range will work together to give you the thicker, fuller-looking hair of your dreams. From starting in the shower to adding touches to your final look, each product helps to add a volume boost, both instantly and over time! 

Attention bookworms: The Kobo Forma is the eReader that you’ve been waiting for! This waterproof, lightweight, and portable alternative to heavy print books offers the expanded access of book borrowing, with storage size available in 8GB and 32GB, along with Dropbox integration. You’ll be able to load up on the books on your reading list with this 8GB Kobo Forma and SleepCover, plus a $50 gift card to get you started in the Kobo eBookstore.

Canada’s Evio Beauty is a cutting edge indie line of sustainable cosmetics and skincare that are affordable, inclusive, vegan, and cruelty-free. Evio gives beauty a whole new meaning with ingredients that are natural and good for you. This $400 prize pack has everything you need to look flawless — from lip gloss and mascara, to serum and rejuvenating mask — and fabulous for your holiday celebrations.

If your New Year’s resolution is to upgrade your bar cart, Canada’s Cocktail Emporium is your one-stop shop for unique bar essentials. This Potion House Package — featuring a gold shaker, strainer, decanter, coasters, and so much more — will help you get the party started and kickstart your creativity for creating the best cocktails at home this holiday and beyond!

Dress to impress with a rotating wardrobe of fashionable outfits from designer labels, without spending all of your hard earned cash! As the answer to fast fashion, clothing rentals are the best way to keep your wardrobe fresh, while still being kind to the environment. Thanks to Sprout Collection, you can score not one, but two of the Unlimited Package Subscription boxes to step into the New Year as your most stylish self. Fashion that’s eco-conscious and budget friendly…what’s not to love?!

‘Tis the season for soups, stews, and slow cooking, and there’s no better tool to have in your kitchen than a Staub Cocotte. The brand is known for its top-quality cast iron cookware that ensures even cooking for the ultimate winter braises. This 5.5 quart Cocotte is a great size to have on hand as it’s so versatile — plus it’ll look fabulous as a showpiece on your counter. 

If the only thing getting lit this season are your scented candles, then you won’t want to miss out on your chance of winning this baby. Sisley Paris is well known for its high-quality skincare, haircare, and cosmetics but its candles need to be on your radar, too. The brand’s Campagne scented candle is a welcome taste of a sunnier season while we’re stuck in the depths of winter. Its bright green colour and top notes of Oak Moss, Jasmine, Plum, and Vetiver, will brighten up even the gloomiest of winter days. With over 140 hours of burning time, this 950g candle will be your buddy while you snuggle up with a good book, or tuck in for a holiday movie night.

For most Canadians, meals with loved ones play an important role in creating the best holiday memories. And this year, the PC® Insiders Collection™ for Holiday has a selection of new and delicious must-try products that will help at-home cooks and holiday hosts create meaningful moments with family and friends, and entertain with ease. With this $400 gift card, you can get a lot of things, but our suggestion? Let your guests nibble on the PC® Naturally Smoked Salami Trio, perfect for charcuterie boards, while you whip up the PC® Splendido™ Mushroom Ravioli and top with the PC® Stacon™ Steak-Cut Smoked Bacon in a beautiful cream sauce — our mouths are watering already! 

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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your favorite stores.

From hidden offerings and insider secrets, to how to find the ultimate savings, we’ve rounded up 10 things every Shoppers Drug Mart shopper needs to know.

Every Store Is Different

Instagram/@artdecotoronto

No two Shoppers Drug Mart locations are identical. You’ll find that the size, product selection, operating hours, and even the return policy can differ from store to store based on the location and clientele. We found super accommodating return policies in rural Shoppers Drug Mart stores and early opening times at some locations in downtown Toronto.

You Can Now Get Cosmetic Injections

Instagram/@thebeautyclinic

In December of last year, Shoppers Drug Mart announced it is launching its very first Beauty Clinic. The pilot store, located in Oakville, is dedicated to cosmetic dermatology services and will feature experienced nurse practitioners. The Beauty Clinic offers a range of services from Botox and lip fillers to IPL photo rejuvenation and medical grade peels. The best part is, you can use your PC Optimum points when you pay, so you bet there are a whole lot of points to be earned!

Hello, Joe Fresh!

That was fast! Joe Fresh end aisle display in a downtown Toronto Shoppers Drug Mart. pic.twitter.com/9zhGC6oFI0

— Grocery Business (@GroceryBusiness) January 22, 2016

You can now find a HUGE selection of Joe Fresh beauty products and Joe Fresh jewelry displayed in Shoppers Drug Mart stores. We love the big selection and low price point of these items super trendy items.

Free Makeup Application

Instagram/@beauty_in_the_kingsway

That’s right! Planning to purchase a minimum of $50 in cosmetics? Call your local Shoppers Drug Mart ahead of time to make an appointment with a Beauty Boutique aesthetician for a free makeup application. 

You Can Shop Online Too

Instagram/@uana.c

Need to re-stock on some essentials? Not only can you purchase from Shoppers Drug Mart’s luxe Beauty Boutique but now you can shop all your drugstore faves online too. Shop online and get 3 free samples with every luxury beauty order and in case you’re not totally satisfied with your purchase, you can return in store for free.

Shoppers Optimum Points Are Now PC Optimum Points

Ever since Loblaws purchased Shoppers Drug Mart, everyone’s beloved Optimum Points have become PC Optimum points. While there were some major hiccups when the new program launched, now all your points are in one place whether you’re grocery shopping or stocking up on your make-up must haves.

It Pays To Spend

Instagram/@shoppersoptimom

Keep your eye on the PC Optimum offers in your app because there are often times where you can earn 10x or even 20x the points when you spend a certain amount in store. Every 10,000 points is equal to $10 so if you’re looking to spend big, save your points and you can redeem them for that special purchase.

A One-Stop Shop for Gift Giving

Shoppers Drug Mart’s gift card selection is amazing for the laziest of gift givers. There’s a gift card for everyone on your list if you find yourself shopping during the eleventh hour and the selection of greeting cards is excellent, as well.

Seniors Day Is Every Thursday

Shoppers Drug Mart

Shoppers Drug Mart generously offers 20 per cent off on regular priced merchandise with a PC Optimum card to anyone who shops on Seniors Day. While Shoppers Drug Mart says official age of a senior is 65, some locations may choose to lower the age so it’s best to check with your local store for all the details.

There’s A Mobile App!

Shoppers Drug Mart

Download the PC Optimum app if you’re seeking more savings like customized digital coupons, rewards, and a handy digital PC Optimum card so that you can lighten your wallet!

Featured Image: Instagram/@bright_side_wc

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Loyalty Memberships Are The Future Of Shopping

In a time of increased competition, retailers are turning to revamped loyalty programs to retain customers, winning them over with perks and promises of exclusivity.  

The concept is simple and not new: retailers want to retain customers, so they will offer them rewards when they shop at their stores. Loyal shoppers will often pay for the exclusivity, perks, dedicated customer service, upgrades, and even birthday gifts that come with a loyalty membership. Most recently, brands like Lululemon, Sephora, Nordstrom, and Loblaw Co. Ltd. have been testing paid loyalty program memberships.

For retailers, loyalty memberships often cost consumers money to purchase, then encourage them to shop more frequently and – frankly – more loyally, resulting in increased sales.

Twitter/@JazelllMytay

It also means something increasingly valuable in our modern world: the ability to gather data. Scanning a membership card at checkout gives retailers information into the customer’s shopping habits, enabling them to target specific needs through things like personalized newsletters and deals.

The difference between today’s refreshed loyalty programs and those of times past is a move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a focus on personalization. Restoration Hardware’s members, for example, enjoy a complimentary one-on-one consultation with an interior designer.

Lululemon’s pilot loyalty program began in Ontario not long ago and sets members back a relatively pricey $128 per year (considering an all-frills-attached Amazon Prime membership is $79 per year). The program entitles members to a free pair of pants or shorts, access to special events and workout classes, and free expedited shipping. Considering the average yoga class will set you back at least $20, this may make a lot of sense for the yoga-lover.

Instagram/@lululemon

Meanwhile, Canadian grocery giant Loblaw Co. charges its shoppers $99 annually (or $9.99 monthly) for its PC Insider subscription, which officially launched for all PC Optimum members in December.

The program is an extension of the brand’s free PC Optimum program and entitles members to free online grocery pickup and delivery (a huge bonus for busy professionals), a delivered box of President’s Choice items, an additional 20 per cent back on select purchases, and an annual $99 credit for PC travel bookings.

South of the border, Target just made headlines on February 5 when it announced it would take its new, revamped loyalty program to more cities. The free program (at least, free for now), called Target Circle, includes personalized perks like rewards on your birthday and 1 per cent back on all Target purchases to redeem later on, to name a few. The rewards are customized based on the shopper’s tastes and behaviors. The refreshing component with this program is it allows shoppers to choose which local nonprofits Target should donate to.

From cosmetics to furniture, companies are now indeed realizing that it pays to have loyalty cards.

Twitter/@tinajk

But while they may make financial sense for retailers, some customers may have to approach loyalty cards with a degree of caution.

The excitement of getting something for free can actually make you spend more and buy things you don’t necessarily need. As CBC reports, a recent study by COLLOQUAY Loyalty Census found that Canadians are pretty much addicted to hoarding points in exchange for free things and hold an average of 13.3 loyalty memberships per household. This represents 175 million memberships nationwide – a 35% increase since 2015. Another survey by marketing company Yotpo surveyed 2000 U.S. shoppers over the age of 18 and found that nearly 40% of customers who say they’re “loyal” to a retailer will spend more on an item from their favourite store, even if it’s cheaper somewhere else.

We can definitely expect more retailers to jump on the paid loyalty membership bandwagon this year. What this means for you is that you need to weigh the pros and cons of certain memberships, or you may need a bigger wallet to house all those loyalty cards that could end up collecting dust.

Featured image: Instagram/@alifewellconsumed

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Did you know that insects are not only affordable but a nutritious source of protein? Many countries have known this for some time, and Canadian specialty stores have been offering them for a few years. But now Loblaw’s, Canada’s largest supermarket chain, has not only introduced cricket flour and cricket powder under its private label, President’s Choice, but is putting a picture of a cricket on its logo! This is a first for a major Canadian food retailer.

Loblaw adds cricket powder to PC line in bet consumers are ready to experiment with bugs in meals https://t.co/Dtw2gEvqMZ pic.twitter.com/hsxrPl4UEi

— National Post (@nationalpost) March 7, 2018

According to Loblaw’s, more consumers are searching for protein alternatives to meat because of ethics, the health value of meat, and the environmental impact from raising livestock. With its neutral taste, cricket flour is perfect for baked goods. It can also be added to smoothies, yogurt, soups, and oatmeal.

Currently, more than 80% of the world’s population eats insects as a normal part of their diet. They are regularly consumed in meals in China, Mexico, and Thailand. While Westerners have not deliberately chosen to eat bugs, food safety research reveals that they frequently are part of the human food chain via vegetables, fruits, and grains. Disregarding the creepy-crawly factor, insects are not harmful. Disgusted yet?

When it boils down to health and sustainability, crickets are healthier than meat products. At only 90 calories and 13 grams of protein for a 2.5 tablespoon, it fulfills the daily requirement for B12 vitamins. According to the University of Oxford, scientific studies show that crickets are more nutritional than meat products and have less fat and sugar. They are an especially efficient crop as they reproduce quickly and occupy little space. However, while Loblaw’s tests people’s curiosity and desire to try this new options, the chain is offering their cricket products at a costly $16 for a 113 gram bag. Entomo Farms in Norwood, Ontario, Loblaw’s cricket supplier, has seen its cricket business grow by 12 times since 2014.

Health Canada will soon release its new food guide which will provoke Canadians to think carefully about their consumption of proteins, especially from meat and dairy products. While it is doubtful that roasted crickets will replace barbequed steaks, chicken or pork in the near future, our relationship with food is changing, and crickets and other bugs will most likely become a part of our diet.

Remember, it was not so long ago that people cringed at the thought of eating lobsters, then known as the cockroach of the sea.

Are you ready to accept insects as part of your diet?

Source: SmithsonianMagazine.com
Featured Image: Loblaws.ca

Would you incorporate crickets into your diet? Let us know in the comments!

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The holidays are all about feasting on delicious food and drinking decadent cocktails. It’s almost winter and most of us don’t have to be on a beach anytime soon, so why not indulge? Lots of hosting and cooking is involved this time of year, from potlucks with friends to lavish family gatherings. We asked the renowned home chef, Thea VanHerwaarden, to give us some insider knowledge on hosting a stress-free holiday gathering.

1. How can people start preparing now for cooking over the holiday season?

I always start my prep looking through my favorite cookbooks and websites for recipes to inspire some creativity. So when I heard about all of the amazing recipes from the Insiders Collection on www.pc.ca, I knew that would be one of my first stops.

Stocking up on favorites that you can keep in your freezer, like the PC? Dry-Rubbed Hardwood Smoked Chicken Wings, is also a great way to make sure you’re prepared for those last minute get-togethers without having to rush out to the grocery store!

Otherwise, I like to make sure that I’m incorporating some of the traditions from my friends and family that will be sharing my celebration into the menu. Every family has their own unique holiday traditions, and they usually revolve around food. Every year, as my family finds new faces at our table, I love to see how our food traditions evolve and are received by newcomers.

When hosting a holiday gathering, I like to connect with family and friends by putting a new twist on one of our traditional family dishes that’s personal to me. This year, I’m honoring my partner’s love of blue cheese, and my own love of fresh pasta, with the PC® Gnocchi with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce – my go-to rich and delicious pasta to entertain a crowd.

2. What is your advice for feeding a large group of people?

Forget the fuss – the most delicious meals are often the simplest! When cooking for a big crowd, I like to use my PC® Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. It’s so versatile—you can use it to bake bread, braise meat and almost everything else in between. The flavors that come from using a Dutch oven are incredible, and—as an added bonus—you can transfer it from the oven or stove-top to the table for serving, so there’s less to clean when the party’s over!

I also like to have items on hand that are versatile, so things like PC® Frozen Pomegranate Arils are so easy to use in a variety of ways, from salad toppings to dessert parfaits or cocktail garnishes!

3. Do you have any advice for holiday cooking on a budget?

Entertaining for the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive! With new Must Try and Must Have products, let President’s Choice® be your trusted source to help you build new memories and traditions this holiday season. The Must Haves in the collection will really help elevate your Holiday meals, like the set of 12 stemless wine glasses – they’re brilliant and clear glasses, made in Europe, that retail for only $39.99! The value that you’re getting from those is incredible! I also love items that look really expensive, but that you can find on a budget, like the PC® Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipops.

4. Do you have any advice for stress-free holiday parties?

The best cooking advice I’ve ever received was to cook from my heart, and the same applies to entertaining—especially during the holidays. When the holiday stress starts to creep in, I like to remind myself that I’m hosting my nearest and dearest and, above all, they’re looking forward to catching up and reconnecting.

Also, it’s great to have a selection of cheeses and antipasto on hand, so you can easily throw together a charcuterie board at a moment’s notice—after all, the holidays are notorious for unexpected visitors stopping by! The PC® Mini Chicken Empanadas another delicious option, just in case you have to whip up an extra appetizer at the last minute.

6. Why did you choose the recipes you suggested.

I love this punch – it’s delicious, but also versatile enough to serve as a really elevated alcohol-free option or to make the kid’s table feel like they’re drinking something special.

I love anything with big, bold flavors, and am a firm believer every good party needs at least one oozy cheese dip. This year, my favorite dip recipe is the Smoked Cheddar and Ghost Pepper Bacon Dip—it ticks all the right boxes! I’ll serve it with toasted sliced baguette, sliced apples, and my favorite PC® crackers.

My partner is from Texas, and so the Applewood Smoked Ham with Red-Eye Gravy is an homage to him! Red-Eye Gravy is traditional in the Southern US, but it’s made super easy with this recipe. I also love to mix it up during the holidays with ham, which feels really special and indulgent.

The Candy Cane Cheesecake Lollipops are so fun and a totally unexpected treat. They’re so simple and fuss-free, and I love presenting them with the sticks put on a wooden board, or into a jar so that people can grab them quickly!

Finally, if you’re looking to truly wow your guests with a stunning dessert, the brioche pudding is a winner. The brioche is so buttery and sweet and, once it soaks up all of the custard, it makes for a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch!

Below we’ve included the recipes Thea VanHerwaarden suggested and encourage you to try them over the holiday season:

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).