It’s safe to say that we’re pretty surprised by some GTA-based grocery stores right now — if you haven’t heard the news, you’re in for a shock, too. In the last week, two social media postings have revealed some interesting infractions.
As reported by Reddit user massivecoiler (and seen in the photo above), a mouse was allegedly found in a loaf of D’Italiano’s new olive oil bread at No Frills (owned by Loblaw Companies) in Hamilton. Not exactly a thrilling surprise. While most of the internet was repulsed at the Main and Tisdale location, much of Reddit is laughing the situation off.
User KevZero says, “Would this not count as a ‘frill’?” While another Redditor joked, “You just got a free pet!”
Not everyone thinks that the grocery chain is completely to blame. According to Reddit user JediAreTakingOver, mice in grocery stores is a pretty common occurrence. They said, “this is rather common, but usually the bread doesnt make it to the shelf.” They continued by saying that typically mice who haven’t found home for the winters tend to flee indoors, and sometimes, supermarkets become their home, ending with, “someone doing their job would throw the ones they burrow into out. Its usually obvious to spot this (ripped bag). My guess is the stock person didnt do a thorough check.”
Reddit | Ostracized
In an email to the National Post, Loblaw’s spokeswoman, Karen Gumbs, said, “We are taking this matter very seriously and investigating all potential causes. We apologize to our customers for the concern and inconvenience this has caused.” She continued, “The store has taken a number of steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” and that they are working closely with their supplier prevent future issues.
While it’s unclear where the mouse came from exactly, and if it was dead or alive when it was found, what is clear is that Loblaw Companies had a pretty exciting week in their public relations department.
Less than a week before, another instance stirred controversy with the major grocery chain.
Michael Pearle, a customer at the Dufferin and Steeles Loblaws Superstore, shared a surprising image on Facebook. The image, which pictures a grocery cart full of raw, unpacked steaks, is allegedly how the grocery store was transporting their meat in the butcher section.
“Lo and behold I found them!” Pearle wrote in a public Facebook post on October 6. “In a grocery cart. I’m sure this violates every public health statute. […] certainly not President’s Choice! Disgusting and DUMB! – in plain sight!”
When speaking with CBC, Pearle, who is a resident from Thornhill, said, “Fifty or 60 steaks in there, sitting in the cart without any wrapping that I had seen. It just seemed very, you know, very unhygienic and it looked disgusting, to be honest with you.” He also told the publication that he filed a complaint with the Toronto Board of Health and that claimed they “were going to be looking into it.”
In another interview with Karen Gumbs, the Loblaw’s spokeswoman said that the meat cart violates their food safety standards and that it “absolutely should not have happened.” She also said, “we’ve reminded all departments of our protocols to ensure nothing like this happens again.”
Of course, Facebook users had plenty to say about the situation.
As of November 12, 2018, the post has been shared 184 times. One user pointed the finger at upper management and said, “By not stepping in and preventing this incident from occurring in the first place, they are pretty much condoning the act of cross contamination.” While another user said, “just think how many times you bought meat there that was like this. Unbelievable and nasty wow and they want to ensure it’s safe to buy their meat again ahhaha ya no.”
But not all comments were negative. One user, who claims to have worked at Loblaws for 17 years, said that they “have no reason to not trust them.” and that though the store was busy, the store they worked at was always clean and the meat was always fresh.
Instagram | @missnikka_28
Another user argued that perhaps viewers weren’t being told the entire store, saying, “These meats may be past date/“expired” and they must be disposed of.”
With all of the situations that have taken place, regardless of how and why a mouse ended up in a bag of bread, or why meats were being stored in a grocery cart, we are happy that Loblaws reacted to the situation in a swift and professional manner, and we hope that incidents like the aforementioned don’t pop up again.
If we’ve learned anything from the situation, it’s to keep your eyes peeled and always double check your groceries before you buy them — we’re sure that Loblaw Companies is going to be extra careful with the food they’re putting out for shoppers.
Featured image: Reddit/massivecoiler
Moving into a new space can be exciting, liberating and a bit overwhelming – especially when you begin to add up all of the expenses! Decorating your new home is best done on a budget, especially when you’re making a lot of purchases all at once. When it comes to new home décor, you’ll often find that you either don’t have a defined style yet or that your finances limit your tastes. Therefore, when you’re furnishing your home for the first time, shop at budget-friendly home décor retailers.
Here’s our list of where to shop for home décor on a budget:
Factory Direct
Factory Direct is your best bet for discounted electronics, outdoor items and miscellaneous, “As Seen on TV” products. This catchall for discounted home décor and appliances is pretty incredible. Factory Direct is the place to go for larger purchases when you’re not concerned about having the latest model but are looking to buy a brand that you recognize (think TVs, window air conditioners, and microwaves). 
Image via Cristina Avila
Walmart
Have you checked out the home décor section at Walmart lately? Here you’ll find trendy, well-priced home décor and accessories specific to the season. We especially love Walmart’s private label brand hometrends for table accents that knock-off the likes of Urban Barn. Be warned: we’ve found that Walmart’s décor is not necessarily made to last. Furniture pieces should be purchased sparingly and to hold you over until you can invest in long-term pieces.
Real Canadian Superstore
If you’re a fan of President’s Choice products (food or otherwise), Real Canadian Superstore is here to serve all of your kitchen needs. We found that PC really delivers on quality and a great price point whether you’re buying anything from wine glasses to kitchen towels. You can find a bunch of PC home décor at Loblaw stores across the city, however, you’re going to get the largest variety of kitchen tools, appliances, and accessories when you visit a Real Canadian Superstore.
Image via Cristina Avila
JYSK
With 20 locations across the GTA, JYSK is a great source for all things home organization. JYYK has amazing prices on all of those tedious but necessary, home storage solutions like hangers, shelving systems, baskets and shoe racks. While you can shop online, we recommend making a trip to one of their stores – not only will you save on shipping costs, but you can browse through the clearance sections unique to each location.
Kijiji
Kijiji is a great source for purchasing unique art and collectibles on a budget. It’s amazing how many new and interesting items you can find for sale on Kijiji by just changing your keywords in the search bar. Often times, sellers are looking to get rid of items quickly so you can easily haggle them down by a few dollars off of their asking price. Tip: When contacting a seller, see if they’re interested in a product swap instead of cash. Offer up a trade of your oversized mirror in exchange for their dining room table and save yourself the cash.
Image via Cristina Avila
HomeSense
HomeSense is every homeowner’s guilty pleasure. The savings on home décor and accessories storewide can get a little out of hand when you start to justify purchasing every single item. Stick to the ends of each aisle for the clearance sections. Here you’ll find red stickered items that are reduced an additional 20-50% off the already low price. Tip: look out for damaged pieces marked “AS IS” on the sticker. If you’re crafty, you may be able to utilize these items for a DIY project, otherwise, be careful – these items can be dangerous with broken glass and sharp edges.
Where do you shop for home décor on a budget?
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Featured image via
We are just 12 days away from Christmas, which means it’s time to say thank you to all our readers with our 12 days of holiday giveaways on StyleDemocracy!
Starting today, December 12th to Saturday, December 23, we’ll be hosting a different giveaway daily on our Instagram page. We’ve got lots of amazing prizes for you this year, including a new LG smartphone, Cuisinart standing mixer, Dyson vacuum cleaner and so much more!
Stay tuned and don’t forget to check out what we’re giving away each day.
Day 1 Prize: Consonant Skin Care Detox Kit
Who: Consonant Skin Care Detox Kit
What: It’s the first day of our contest and today we’re giving away a detox kit from one of our favourite skincare brands – Consonant Skincare. The line is 100% natural, free of perfume, masking scents and all scent oils and will take good care of your skin this winter. The entire prize is valued at $248.
Contest Start Date: Tuesday, December 12th at 9:00am
Contest End Date: Thursday, December 14th at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on Friday, December 15th.
Enter to win our Consonant Skin Care Kit here.
Day 2 Prize: Taikan Lancer Veg-Tan Leather Backpack
Who: Taikan Lancer Veg-Tan Leather Backpack
What: One lucky winner will receive Taikan Lancer Veg-Tan Leather Backpack. This backpack features an external 15” laptop compartment and dual pocket YKK zips giving multiple solutions for external storage. The entire prize is valued at $299.99
Contest Start Date: Wednesday, December 13th at 9:00am
Contest End Date: Friday, December 15th at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on Saturday, December 16th.
Enter to win the Taikan Veg-Tan Leather Backpack here.
Day 3 Prize: Oral B Genius 8000 Toothbrush + Crest Whitestrips
Who: Oral B Genius 8000 Toothbrush + Crest Whitestrips
What: Today we’re giving away the Oral B Genius 8000 Toothbrush + Crest Whitestrips, which is valued at $390.
Contest Start Date: Thursday, December 14th at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Friday, December 16th at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on Sunday, December 17th.
Enter to win the toothbrush + Crest Whitestripes here.
Day 4 Prize: Cuisinart Standing Mixer
Who: Cuisinart Standing Mixer
What: It’s day 4 of our contest and today we’re giving away this special prize – Cuisinart Standing Mixer. It will be perfect for baking this holiday season! The prize is valued at $750.
Contest Start Date: Friday, December 15th at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Sunday, December 17th at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 18th.
Enter to win the mixer here.
Day 5 Prize: Miraj Hammam Gift Card
Who: Miraj Hammam Gift Card
What: Today one lucky winner will receive a Miraj Hammam Spa Gift card, valued at $250. This Spa treatment is perfect for colder days and will help you recharge your batteries this winter season.
Contest Start Date: Saturday, December 16th at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Monday, December 18th at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 19th.
Enter to win the giftcard here.
Day 6 Prize: Kerastase Paris Luxury Hair Package
Who: Kerastase Paris Luxury Hair Package
What: These luxury hair products include hand-pressed coconut and argan-oils and are free of silicone and sulfates. Besides the Aura Botanica Holiday trio, the winner will also get L’incroyable Blowdry Crème – a heat styling cream designed for women with thick & unruly hair and a volumizing and texturizing powder spray – Volume In Powder, also known as V.I.P.
Contest Start Date: Sunday, December 17th at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Tuesday, December 19th at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 20th.
Enter to win the package here.
Day 7 Prize: Zwilling Pro Blonde Chef’s Knife
Who: Zwilling Pro Blonde Chef’s Knife
What: This knife features an innovative curved bolster grip that allows you to use a professional pinch grip. The laser-cut blade is made of a single piece of Special Formula “No Stain” stainless steel that will last for ages.
Contest Start Date: Monday, December 18th at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Wednesday, December 20th at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 21th.
Enter to win the package here.
Day 8 Prize: Foodora Giftcard
Who: Foodora Gift Card
What: Today one lucky winner will receive a $250 Foodora Giftcard and will be able to order food delivery from the best restaurants in Toronto.
Contest Start Date: Tuesday, December 19th at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Thursday, December 21 at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 22.
Enter to win the Giftcard here.
Day 9 Prize: PC Dutch Oven, 12 Stemless Wine Glasses + PC $150 Giftcard
Who: PC Dutch Oven, 12 Stemless Wine Glasses + PC $150 Giftcard
What: If you love cooking and having dinner parties, you will definitely appreciate this prize! Today’s giveaway is the PC Dutch Oven, 12 Stemless Wine Glasses + PC $150 Giftcard. The value of the prize is $250.
Contest Start Date: Wednesday, December 20th at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Friday, December 22 at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 23.
Enter to win the prize here.
Day 10 Prize: Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum
Who: Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum
What: Today’s giveaway is the Dyson V8. It’s wireless, lightweight and has the most powerful suction that easily deals with crumbles, salt or sugar. The vacuum gives you enough power to clean your whole home in one go. The value of the prize is $750.
Contest Start Date: Thursday, December 21 at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Saturday, December 23 at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 24.
Enter to win the prize here.
Day 11 Prize: LG Q6
Who: LG Q6 phone
What: Today one lucky winner will receive the LG Q6 Phone. The phone features the latest, expansive 5.5″ IPS Full HD+ FullVision Display, which brings a different dimension to the smartphone viewing experience. The value of the prize is $449.
Contest Start Date: Friday, December 22 at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Sunday, December 24 at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 25.
Enter to win the prize here.
Day 12 Prize: RW&CO Gift Card
Who: RW&CO $250 Gift Card
What: It’s the final day of our 12 days of giveaways contest! And today we’re giving away a $250 gift card from RW&CO.
Contest Start Date: Saturday, December 23 at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Monday, December 25 at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 26.
Enter to win the prize here.
Day 12 Bonus Prize: Hunter Boots
Who: Hunter Boots
What: SURPRISE!! We have one more prize for our 12 Days of Giveaways! Today one winner will receive Hunter Boots. The value of the prize is $250.
Contest Start Date: Saturday, December 23 at 9:00am.
Contest End Date: Monday, December 25 at 11:59pm. The winner will be contacted on December 26.
Enter to win the prize here.
Click here to visit our Instagram page and enter our 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways
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Terms & Conditions
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
1. Promotion Description: The ’12 Days of Holiday Giveaways’ (“Sweepstakes”) begins on 12/09/2016 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) and ends on 12/20/2016 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) (the “Promotion Period”). By participating in the Sweepstakes, each entrant unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of StyleDemocracy (“Sponsor”), which shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor is responsible for the collection, submission or processing of Entries and the overall administration of the giveaway. Entrants should look solely to Sponsor with any questions, comments or problems related to the Sweepstakes.
2. Eligibility: Open to legal residents of Canada who are 16+ or older. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Sponsor and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, retailers, sales representatives, advertising and promotion agencies and each of their respective officers, directors and employees (collectively, the “Promotion Entities”), and members of their immediate families and/or persons living in the same household as such persons, are ineligible to enter the Sweepstakes or win a prize.
3. Winner Selection: The winner of the Sweepstakes will be selected in a random drawing from among all eligible Entries received throughout the Promotion Period. The random drawing will be conducted by 48 hours by Sponsor or its designated representatives, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible Entries received. Winner will be notified by Instagram at the account provided in the Entry Information on or about 48 hours after the random drawing. Potential winner must accept a prize by direct message as directed by Sponsor within 48 hours of notification. Any winner notification not responded to or returned as undeliverable may result in prize forfeiture. The potential prize winner may be required to sign and return an affidavit of eligibility and release of liability, and a Publicity Release (collectively “the Prize Claim Documents”). No substitution or transfer of a prize is permitted except by Sponsor.
4. Prizes: 1 (#) winner will receive [One (1) Prize Per Day] (approximate retail value or “ARV”: $100 – $599.99)
Only one prize per person and per household will be awarded. Gift cards and gift certificates are subject to the terms and conditions of the issuer. Prizes cannot be transferred, redeemed for cash or substituted by winner. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value if a prize described in these Official Rules is unavailable or cannot be awarded, in whole or in part, for any reason. The ARV of the prize represents Sponsor’s good faith determination. That determination is final and binding and cannot be appealed. If the actual value of the prize turns out to be less than the stated ARV, the difference will not be awarded in cash. Sponsor makes no representation or warranty concerning the appearance, safety or performance of any prize awarded. Restrictions, conditions, and limitations may apply. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen prize items.
Prize will only be awarded and/or delivered to addresses within Canada. All federal, state and/or local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. Failure to comply with the Official Rules will result in forfeiture of the prize.
5. Online Entry: Enter the Sweepstakes during the Promotion Period online by signing into the entry form and perform the tasks provided. The entry form can be found on the following website at .
Automated or robotic Entries submitted by individuals or organizations will be disqualified. Internet entry must be made by the entrant. Any attempt by an entrant to obtain more than the stated number of Entries by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations, logins or any other methods, including, but not limited to, commercial contest/sweepstakes subscription notification and/or entering services, will void that entrant’s Entries and that entrant may be disqualified. Final eligibility for the award of any prize is subject to eligibility verification as set forth below. All Entries must be posted by the end of the Promotion Period in order to participate. Sponsor’s database clock will be the official time keeper for this Sweepstakes.
6. Privacy: All entrants acknowledge that if they are chosen as a winner, certain of their personally identifying information may be disclosed to third parties at least as required by law, including, without limitation, on a winner’s list. All personal information submitted as part of the Sweepstakes may be shared by and between the Promotion Entities, and each of the Promotion Entities will use such information in accordance with their respective independent online privacy policies. The privacy policy of StyleDemocracy can be found at http://styledemocracy.com/privacy-policy
7. Limitation of Liability: Sponsor is not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes or by any technical or human error, which may occur in the processing of submissions in the Sweepstakes. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for any misdirected or lost mail, or any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay of operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entries. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of email or players on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or combination thereof, including injury or damage to entrant’s or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating downloading materials in the Sweepstakes. If, for any reason, the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes, then Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. In such event, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, perform the random drawing from among all eligible Entries received prior to or after such cancelation, suspension, or modification.
In the event of a dispute concerning who registered online to participate in the Sweepstakes, the registration will be declared to have been made by the authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an internet provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, education institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address. A potential winner may be requested to provide Sponsor with proof that the potential winner is the authorized account holder of the email address. If a dispute cannot be resolved to Sponsor’s satisfaction, the entry will be deemed ineligible.
8. Winner’s List: To obtain a copy of any legally required winners list or a copy of the Official Rules, send the applicable request and a self-addresses, stamped, #10 envelope to StyleDemocracy cc: 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways at 2700 Dufferin St, Unit 82. Request must be received no later than 48 hours + 6 MONTHS for the name of the winner and, by the end of the promotion, for a copy of the rules.
9. Sponsor: The Sweepstakes is sponsored by StyleDemocracy, 2700 Dufferin St, Unit 82, contests@styledemocracy.com
10. Instagram Disclaimer: Entrants should understand that they are providing their information to the Sponsor and not to Instagram. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.
If You’re Not a PC Plus Member, You’re Actually LOSING Money! Canadians spend an average of $1,500 on holiday shopping. Why not use a PC plus card to make money? I have been using my PC plus card for three years and have earned $740 in free groceries.
What exactly do I mean by that? I mean that today, I can literally fill up my cart with $740 dollars worth of groceries, tech, kitchenware, and more, and simply leave the store without paying a dollar.
How does this work? You simply download the app and every time you shop, the cashier scans your barcode in the app and you accumulate points. These points translate into dollars which can be redeemed at any time.
Not only can you earn points, if you sign up for the PC Financial World Elite Mastercard, you will earn 3X the PC points on every purchase made at any Loblaws division (Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Joe Fresh, and Shoppers Drug Mart.)
Simply put, you will earn money as you spend money. Happy earning!
Are you a PC Plus member? Let us know in the comments.
Posts you might be interested in:
These Are The Most Hyped Restaurants in Toronto Right Now
This Simple New Eating Plan Will Help You Stay Healthy Over the Holidays
10 Great Gift Ideas for Your Significant Other
12 Amazing Gift Ideas for Parents
10 Things Every Costco Shopper Should Know