As New Year’s Eve approaches, many families are looking forward to hosting parties in celebration of this monumental occasion. Whether it be early evening festivities for the little ones or a fun-filled cocktail party with long-time friends, savoury treats, tasty sweets and a dash of sparkle are essential elements for a memorable event. This New Year’s Eve, avoid a mad dash to the grocery store while preparing for the big night and wow your guests with a New Year's Eve Essentials Kit from Loblaws.

Starting today, you can take advantage of Loblaws Click & Collect New Year’s Eve Entertaining Essentials Kit, a charcuterie board in-a-box designed specifically for New Year’s Eve. Available at select GTA store locations from December 27-31, this kit includes a selection of meats, cheeses, crackers, dried fruit and even a round acacia serving board. There is enough yummy food to serve 6-8 people.

To get your hands on a New Year's Eve Entertaining Essentials Kit, place an order online at Loblaws.ca and enjoy same-day pick up at one of select Loblaws locations in Mississauga, Etobicoke, Richmond Hill, Markham and Toronto. Each kit costs $84.99 and includes the following:

Take it from a professional procrastinator: nothing beats time-saving solutions such as this convenient Loblaws Click & Collect New Years Eve kit. But don't delay because quantities are limited. Order online today by selecting your nearest Loblaws pickup location and select a pickup time. When you arrive at your selected location during your chosen time slot, simply park in one of the dedicated Click & Collect parking spots and call to let them know you have arrived. And be sure to link up your PC Plus account with your Click & Collect account, too. 

Disclosure: I am participating in the #LoblawsNYE campaign and have received special perks. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

It’s that time again! Backpacks, lunch bags, pencils, pens… the never-ending list for back to school. But wait… is something missing? 

I recently had the pleasure of bringing my son to the Loblaw Optical Department, at the East York Loblaws in Toronto, for his yearly eye exam. As a mother and teacher, I can appreciate the importance of vision care, and as such, believe that an eye exam should be a regular part of every parent’s back to school routine. I’ve frequently seen first-hand how difficult school can become for a student who struggles to see clearly. Eyeglasses, with the proper prescription, can sometimes mean the difference between failure and success in the classroom. However, according to the recent Loblaw Kids Eye Health Survey, a concerning 35% of Canadian parents do not plan to schedule an appointment to have their children’s eyes checked before school begins. Luckily, Loblaw Optical Departments, have made it even easier for busy moms and dads to bring their kids to get their eyes checked. With their optical labs conveniently located in store, parents can easily do their grocery shopping, while their eyewear prescriptions are being filled.

While my son had his eyes checked, I had the opportunity to speak with the optician on the topic of current eye care issues with children, and some important vision facts. He explained that today’s children are now in front of tablet and computer screens more than ever before, at home and at school, and that long and frequent exposure will, sadly, affect their sight. Unfortunately, even with this increased need in eye examinations, the number of children who are being brought in to have their vision checked yearly is not increasing. He also mentioned that parents should be made aware of the many benefits that are available through OHIP for vision care for children. For example, even if a child has had their eyes checked, but new concerns or problems arise throughout the year, parents are always able to bring their child back at any time, for additional appointments, free of charge. Also of note is The Kids See Free Program, which ensures that children aged 4-10 years receive any frame, valued up to $49.00, with kids safe polycarbonate lenses, for free. (Additional upgrades to the frames and/or lenses are not included.)  Ultimately, with all of these facts and information in mind, the importance of having your children’s eyes examined couldn’t be any clearer!

The Kids See Free Program is available at Optical Departments at Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, Zehrs, Fortinos, Your Independent Grocer, Atlantic Superstore, and Dominion Stores in Newfoundland.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.