Summer school with style

Aspiring design journalists, take note - Samsung Canada and House & Home have launched a search for a college, university or trade-school student to serve as a summer style Intern for a three-month paid internship, from June through August. The winner will learn all about magazine publishing, lifestyle branding, marketing and advertising.  No word on whether they'll also have to do the daily coffee run. The successful applicant also gets a furnished suite in a trendy Toronto neighbourhood, which includes all sorts  of Samsung technology (hhmm – that’s enough to make me want to apply, because I'd do just about anything, including make a daily coffee run, for  Samsung's Platinum washer and dryer. But frankly, I  think they’re looking for someone, how shall I say, less experienced than me). So, you young whippersnappers, go for it!  Applications will be accepted until March 27.

Lowes likes Sam's Clubs

Good news for those of you who don't yet have a Lowe's in your 'hood. The home improvement giant, which came to Canada last year, has confirmed that it's looking at five of the six Sam's Club sites that are closing. There are four stores in  the GTA (Pickering, Etobicoke, Richmond Hill - right down the road from a Home Depot - and Vaughan). There's also a store in London in which the company may be interested. Sorry, Cambridge, apparently, Lowe's isn't coming to your town - at least for now. But keep your fingers crossed. Get the full story from the Toronto Star's business reporter  Dana Flavelle.

 

Help from Home Depot

If you need another reason to take care of that little reno project that’s been on your mind, you’ll want to know that Home Depot has just launched a “Top Up” program designed to compliment the Home Renovation Tax Credit incentive. From March 2 until April 12, customers can earn up to $1,000 in Home Depot gift cards when they use a Home Depot credit card to spend between $1,000 and $10,000 on HRTC eligible products. Home Depot plans to roll out other Top Up programs on seasonal items throughout the year. For more info, go to Home Depot.

Skincare - save or splurge?

Last week, I did a presentation at the National Home Show that looked at where to save and where to spend on purchases for the home. Judging by the attendance, it's a topic that a lot of people are thinking about right now. So while it's not related to home decor or appliances, I'd like to point out another area in which I think saving your pennies makes sense - skincare. Back in my BC years (Before Children), I used to spend gobs of money on lotions and unguents. Now I'm convinced that it's the consistency with which one attends to one's epidermis that really counts, as opposed to the price tag on bottle of lotion. (Having to get four kids through college will help one along to these kinds of realizations!)So, ladies and gentlemen, while you should be cleansing, toning and moisturizing twice daily, the pricey stuff isn't necessary. I've been using samples of Spectro cleansers and a new Spectro HydraCare facial moisturizers that were recently sent my way (somebody out there likes me, perhaps?).  Both have a very gentle, non-irritating formulation that works for me, and my teenaged kids. Both the cleanser (500 ml) and the moisturizer (140 ml) sell for about $12.