Kate Spade Necklace; The Bay / Urban Decay Naked3; Sephora / Essie Nail Polish; Shoppers Drugmart /Throw Pillow; Chapters / Herbivore Botanicals Clay Soap; Chapters / Tokyo Darling Fragrance; Aeropostale / Champagne Toast 3-wick Candle; Bath & Bodyworks / Wildflower by Drew Barrymore; Chapters / Ceramic Tumbler; Starbucks / Statement Necklace; Reitman’s / Jacket Earrings; H&M / PJ Gift Set; Victoria’s Secret / Plaid Scarf; Call It Spring / Chocolate Gift Box; Purdys / Mac Lipstick in Russian Red; Mac Cosmetics in The Bay
A while ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the Oshawa Centre’s Snowy Valley and holiday nook to check out all things festive at the OC! It’s no secret that I love to shop, and the OC has always been one of my favourite places to go around town – it’s nice and close and has so many great stores.
I personally was a big fan of the Holiday Nook – a little seating area where you can relax and rest your feet while sipping on some hot chocolate and watching some Christmas programming! I thought it was a really cute idea, and I know my feet were happy it was there. They are also offering a complimentary valet parking service on select days!
The OC has partnered with the Toronto Zoo for their holiday display this year (which, might I add, is GORGEOUS) in order to help educate and build awareness about climate change and how it is affecting our environment. The Snowy Valley is collecting donations and has a bunch of educational and interactive activities. You can read more about the initiative and what’s going on at the Snowy Valley here. (Pssst, there’s also a fun contest with these guys!)
A couple of years ago, the OC announced a huge renovation which will ultimately end in the addition of 60 new stores in the spring of 2016. Some amazing new stores have already opened up and I can’t wait to see what else is in store! Saje just opened up last month, so I was extra excited to get a chance to visit it. Some of the other newer stores include Aritzia, Sephora, Victoria’s Secret, a Macaron booth and Pandora.
Above are some of my top picks of some of the items I saw around the mall in what I’m calling my OC Holiday Gift Guide! Whether you’re shopping for somebody else or are treating yourself, the OC has some great stuff for everyone! And guess what – since it is the season of giving after all, the OC has kindly given me a $100 gift card for a giveaway! All you have to do to enter is let me know how you would spend the gift card. (PS – how cute is that polar bear loofa from Bath & Bodyworks?!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
To enter, let me know in the comments how you would spend the gift card and register your entry in the box above! Super easy right? You can even earn 2 extra bonus entries by tweeting about the giveaway. Winners will be selected at random. Good luck everyone!
*Contest open to all residents of Canada. Please note, that while this post has been done in collaboration with the Oshawa Centre that all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own. If you are interested in collaborating with me feel free to contact me.
I’m going to be realistic here, I’ve already finished (most) of my christmas shopping (YAY!!!!!) So I would probably use the $100 to treat my mom to something special (because she has expensive tastes and I don’t know what to get her..) but you said Pandora is coming….. and she loves her charm bracelet that we got her a few years ago but it’s getting quite full, so maybe use it towards getting her a second one to fill up!
Collect all of the things!
I would spoil my lovely girlfriend rotten. She doesn’t ask for anything all year so christmas time is my time to throw all the lovely “Teas and Things” at her. I have been to the Oshawa Centre recently and absolutely love the new display. Much more flattering than traditional christmas displays.
I would definitely purchase a birthday and Christmas present for my amazing mom
<3. My dog’s recent health issues have taken every dime that I have, and I
feel awful that I can’t afford a proper gift for my mom this year who has been
my rock thoughout all my recent hardships.
Mom’s are the best! It’s amazing what they will do for us :)
Love this!! I would spend the gift card on Christmas gifts. It would definitely come in handy this time of year! ☺️
‘Tis the season! A little help goes a long way in my opinon :)
I’d spend the gift card on my home. I’m in dire need of new pillows, towels, and that kind of stuff. There are a few stores to choose from for home stuff, so lots of great selection. And there might be a bit extra on the card for a little treat ;)
P.S the relaxation nook has been full every time I’ve gone, which means it is a real hit! And the Santa display with the polar bears is on point. Stunning, and a great awareness/donation campaign. I even got a hug from the mascot!
I honestly wouldn’t be opposed to having one of those polar bears on our lawn – they are SO pretty! I’m jealous you got a hug.
I would also like all of the furniture and pillows from the nook. (I asked, and its all from Homesense. I sense another shopping trip coming)
Can I buy the polar bear with the gift card?????? I wonder what they do with them after the display gets taken down…..
Love love LOVE homesense. Every time I walk in that store, my Visa card cries a little. Worth it.
I would use it on a new winter coat
Great idea – it’s supposed to get colder in the next few weeks!
I would probably spend it at Bath and Body works! I just love that store
How does something that is not food smell so good?! I don’t get it.
I nearly died when I smelt the champagne toast candle!
I know what you mean!! Some of there candles you just wish you can eat they smell so good!!
I would spend the gift card on Christmas gifts
Great idea!
I would treat myself once in a while
I won’t lie – I buy MYSELF a christmas gift every year ;). You just have to spoil yourself once in a while!
Omg I could spend a million dollars at saje! Good to know there’s one in Oshawa
OC is one of my favourite malls too, close to where I live and I would love to win and shop. I will either spend it at sephora or bbw. They both are my favourite stores. I love to shop anything that has to do with cosmetics. I was only 22 when I was diagnosed with glaucoma and lost my vision in my right eye. I had just graduated from my make up artist diploma. Everything changed for me. I am not saying because of this I should win but it would be nice for a change since my husband is the one that takes care of all my needs and wants even when I don’t ask him for anything. It would be nice to win something and spend it on myself without being dependant on anyone :). I wish everyone who has entered the best of luck.
My mother has been having a rough time since my parents car accident. My dad lost his ability to feel emotions including love for my mom and so she feels very lonely. I would use the gift card to buy her something really nice for Christmas to help her feel special because she is.
I would spend it at Sephora to buy gifts for my family that I can’t afford on a student budget!
I would buy christmas presents for my four kids. Christmas is always tight when the husband doesn’t work due to an illness.
I would spend the gift card for christmas decor, working abroad is not that easy specially when you spent the christmas seAson far from your family. The reason why I want this christmas decor so whenever they see these items they would always remeber and feel that even how far I am my heart will always stay with them.