Christmas Countdown | Days 21 - 24
Thanks for joining in on our holiday countdown again this year. We have all had a busy month and we are 4 days away from our 2019 countdown finishing up. We are easing in to Christmas this week spending time with family and spreading some holiday cheer. Here's what we'll be up to over the next four days.
Thank you for a wonderful 2019. Enjoy the holidays with your loved ones and we'll see you in the New Year. xo
Christmas Countdown | Days 16 - 20
How is there just over a week until Christmas? I’m being reminded constantly how many more sleeps until the big day (nine in case you are wondering). Is the excitement building with you and yours? There is still time left to lend a helping hand and show our gratitude. Here’s what we’ll be up on Days 16-20.
Pop back on the 21st for our last four days of the 2019 WSS Christmas Countdown!
Christmas Countdown | Days 11 - 15
We are half-way through our countdown this week and things are feeling very festive. This week we are going to finish up our holiday shopping and enjoy some downtime with people we love. Here is what we have planned for days 11 - 15 of our Christmas Countdown.
Check back in with us on the 16th for more fun!
Christmas Countdown | Days 6 - 10
Will it be a white Christmas? It's quite the winter wonderland this morning here in Toronto so if this weather keeps up, it just might be. The next few days are about taking the time for family and passing along some holiday cheer to others. These few days should have you feeling jolly in no time. Have fun!
Can't wait to see you on the 11th!
Christmas Countdown | Days 1 - 5
It’s December 1st today and that means it's the first day of our WSS 2019 Christmas Countdown. We are so excited about our advent calendar and hope you will follow us here and on Instagram to see what we are up to everyday.
Starting out with Days 1-5 we have a very special surprise for you. We are giving away two tickets to see the award winning musical Hamilton in Toronto! That's right, something to look forward to all winter long. If you'd like to enter, here is how to do so:
Like us on Instagram &/or Facebook
Like at least 4 posts during our West Side Storeys Christmas Countdown which runs from today until December 24th
Comment by tagging a friend in all 4 posts that you've liked
Follow along & participate in at least 4 activities during the countdown by tagging us @westside_storeys and using the hashtag #westsider
That’s it, easy peasy! Everyone who fulfills the 4 conditions above will be entered into a draw to win 2 tickets to see Hamilton in Toronto in April 2020 ($500 value).
As well, anyone who bought, sold, referred or was the subject of one of our business spotlights will be automatically entered to win! The draw will take place on January 6th, 2020. Best of luck to everyone!
Alright, let's do this, here is what we'll be up to on Days 1 - 5.
Advent Calendar
Stay warm, have fun and countdown to Christmas with us west-end style!
See you on December 6th!
2019 Christmas Countown
We cannot believe that it’s that time of year again and there is less than a month until Christmas. As you know, we like to countdown the days in December with a feel good advent calendar. This year is no different except we are kicking it off with a surprise! Check back on December 1st to see what we are up to and how we saying "thank-you" to all of you. We are going to spend December once again hanging out in our community, shopping locally, spreading joy through Random Acts of Kindness and squeezing in some “me time” as well.
Christmas Countdown 2019
We are challenging each other to complete every item on our Community Christmas Countdown advent calendar again this year and hope you’ll join us. It is a good reminder to be grateful for what we have and to show our kids that giving back is more fulfilling than “getting”.
See you December 1st.
'tis (almost) the season : our favourite hostess gifts for 2019
It's coming up quickly people. One easy way to get ahead of the holiday madness is to have a stockpile of ready-to-go items for easy gifting. Growing up my mother would do a different homemade treat each year. The treats would be used for hostess, neighbour, teacher or any other gift we needed. She'd spend a weekend and package up homemade Bits'n Bites or spreads and have a few dozen ready to go. This is a goal for me this month, so I have one less thing to think about in December. Whether you want to do homemade or store bought (preferably local!) here's what's on our inspiration list for 2019. Our goal was to think functional and thoughtful, with items that were either local, reusable or consumable. Less "stuff" for the win!
photo cred: ten and co
Get a locally designed Swedish Sponge Cloth or tea towel and wrap it around a bottle of wine or some dish soap. It's a pretty way to wrap up a functional hostess gift and really is the gift that keeps on giving.
photo cred: nest of posies
Homemade croutons really do taste better. Make up a few big batches and have these pretty bags ready to go.
Give a better gift by choosing to pay it forward this year. Purchasing "giving gifts" online has never been easier, so why not choose a cause close to your heart and your hosts can feel good about it too? Make up thank-you notes and let your host know they've made a difference.
Not everyone is a oenophile so how about supporting one of our many amazing local breweries. Stop by and grab a mix of different bottles and cans and then take a few wrapped with ribbons as a gift.
And finally, the best idea of all, for the hosts who held that late night holiday party, breakfast for the next morning. Fill up a box or basket with local baked goods , coffee & maybe a sweet spread or butter you made. It's one less thing they have to think about the next morning and we bet they'll be thrilled.
If you want to browse some local shops that tend to have a lot of Canadian labels for more inspiration, check out : Likely General, Scout, Simply Beautiful and Pretty Clean Shop. It's the perfect time of year to support local shops & Canadian companies. Have a suggestion of where to shop, tag it below or on Instagram and we'll try and do a spotlight on them in the new year or during our annual Holiday Countdown.
Happy gift giving everyone!