African Bright Stripe brings colour and warmth

There was a good deal of excitement as we unpacked the African Bright Stripe blankets at Homefront. Here is Brooke with this joyously coloured mohair blanket (or throw). It is just perfect for Hanukkah, Christmas or Wedding Registry. They will all be here very soon. By the way, in all these cases Homefront's unparalleled free gift wrapping and personal service is right here. Hope to see you soon. Homefront, 371 Eglinton Ave W ( across the street from the Eglinton Grand) Phone (416) 488-3189 or North America toll-free 1-800-641-4555.   

Oranges and Lemons recalls the children's rhyme

The breathtaking glass bowl from  Emma Bridgewater recalls the old childens' rhyme Oranges and Lemons, Say the Bell of St. Clement's.  It is drawn from the music played by the bells s of St. Clement's Cathedral in London. A work of art worth just looking at, this lovely bowl is suitable for all manner of cooked or fresh food display. From Homefront. It is 8.5 inches high and 11.75 inches across.   (416) 488-3189.

Of Things Past opens location on Yonge Street

Of Things Past, the consignment store with its original location at 185 Bridegeland (west of Dufferin  Street and South of Highway 401) has taken the former location of Jackson Falk at 1096A Yonge Street. Of Things Past is known for intriguing and sometimes valuable curiosities. Among their merchandising techniques is a form of what is known as a Dutch Auction where prices are progressively lowered week by week on some items until they sell. Their web page  Courtesy Yonge and Roxborough News 

Homefront window has golden glow

Not Another Rubber Chicken Dinner Cookbook

A group of Forest Hill women have banded together to produce a hot new cookbook in aid of The Bridle Bash Foundation and Make A Wish Canada. It's called Not Another Rubber Chicken Dinner and is available at Homefront while the supply lasts. The variety of dishes is stunning.  Everything from Maria's Liza G's Caesar Salad Dressing to Dilly Dilly Chicken wings. If you are brave (and skinny) there's Chocolate Fudge Peter Butter Mousse Pie. Not Another Rubber Chicken Dinner is a must-have. 

The More You Buy, The More You Save

Homefront is offering great chances to get the tablecloths you need and save big-time as you do it. Starting immediately, you can increase your savings by buying more.  Tablecloth sales of \$100 receive a 10% discount, sales of $200 a discount of 20%. The sale applies to most in-stock tablecloths but some exceptions apply. Homefront (416) 488-3189.        

Hurricane lamps to brighten your home

These affordable and functional hurricane lamps are perfect for holiday entertaining. They look great just about anywhere. $29 each at Homefront. (Candles extra). See all our styles. 371 Eglinton Ave. W. (416) 488-3189. 

Gift wrapping you can't get anywhere else

The holidays are in full swing and once again the reliable way to find and wrap your gift is to visit Homefront, 371 Eglinton Ave. W. As always, the expert wrappers at Homefront will make your gift a work of art. It's a service you just can't get anywhere else. And it's free! (416) 488-3189

Tea in Bed with shipment of Emma dishes

A new shipment of Emma Bridgewater, both Black Toast and Marmalade (inset) and Polka Dot has just arrived at Homefront. This utterly charming tea set features a small pot which sits in a generous sized cup. Very neat for carrying your teapot and cup to wherever. On the pot the inscription reads Tea in Bed and Bliss -- Five Minutes of Peace. There are many other styles in this new collection so come on in and take a look. Homefront 371 Eglinton Ave E (416) 488-3189. 

Gravy the huggable English bulldog is back

Marlie, owner of Gravy, made a visit to Homefront today to show us the huggable little devil two months older than before. Gravy is something like four months now and is huskier than we saw him in June. It may be genetic to English bulldogs but Gravy continues to be a bit lazy. Or is it just that he never gets to walk because everyone wants to pick him up. Feeding Gravy requires an education. Certain meats are not suitable for him. He must have turkey, not chicken. Go figure. 

New platters, plates at Homefront now

Homefront has just received a new shipment of platters and plates, perfect for entertaining. The platter shown here is 17 inches in length and beautifully finished. Come in and take a look. Homefront, 371 Eglinton Ave East. (416) 488-3189. 

iPhone cradle coming to Homefront

The iPhone (and its lookalikes) can do a lot of things but sometimes their shape is less than functional. Flat, five-inch long slabs that don't reach from your ear to your mouth may look neat, but can you speak and hear without moving the phone. Maybe not. Enter the iPhone cradle, a resting place for the phone with an old-fashioned (but oh so functional) handset phone that lets you use the iPhone without juggling it for audio connection. You can see it within a couple of weeks at Homefront.  (416) 488-3189. 

Michael Aram exhibit at NYIGF

Homefront has been on the hunt for items and lines this week at the New York International Gift Fair in New York. Among our stops was the exhibit of Michael Aram, one of Homefront's important signature lines. These magnificent pieces are made of Aram's special alloy of nickle, silver and stainless steel polished to a high gloss. You can see other Aram pieces at Homefront, 371 Eglinton Ave West (416) 488-3189.

Emma Bridgewater shows new water jug

With the Toronto Gift Show over, Trish and Bonnie are reviewing their orders and getting out the word about new items. This, for example, is the new chic water jug in Emma Bridgewater polka dot pattern. The jug will also be available at Homefront this Fall in the popular Black Toast and Marmalade pattern. Watch for it and other new Emma pieces as well. Homefront (416) 488-3189.

Baseball and soccer bowls are 50% off

A last blast of summer  can be enjoyed in these happy wooden bowls with soccer and baseball patterns on them. Great for popcorn or other suitable food service, they are now half price at $18 each (regular $36) in Homefront's End-of- Summer Sale. The sale feature a wide variety of end of line pieces. We're blowing them all out at prices of at least 40 percent off regular. Come in and take a look. (416) 488-3189 

Madison Shoes closed on Eglinton West

We're sorry to see a neighbor, Madison Shoes and Accessories, 333 Eglinton Ave.W., close its doors for good.  Signs say thanks to their customers and indicate the closure is part of a "re-alignment" of the business. Madison has locations in the Shops at Don Mills and in the Exchange Centre on King St West which remain open. 

Anwar Knight and Brooke Salzman

Let's make this clear. It's one thing for CTV weather presenter Anwar Knight to make a visit to the shop at 371 Eglinton West. But then when he has his picture taken with our Brooke Saltzman, that's important. Because while Mr. Knight has a following of millions, we're guessing he doesn't know them all by their first names. Brooke Saltzman, on the other hand, is both tireless  and error-free when it comes to greeting our clientele by name. So thanks for the visit Anwar (may we call you Anwar?) but the star is Brooke. Darn, sorry we missed this. Those who remember, and who could forget, the memorable snapshot of Cito Gaston with Bonnie Kruger, you have to know Bonnie would have loved it.  Bonnie meets Cito.

End-of-Summer Sale now on at Homefront

Homefront has begun an extensive End-of-Summer Sale featuring 40 percent of a variety of pieces, never before marked down. We're moving out merchandise to make room for new goods that will be coming in September. Please come in and take a look. (416) 488-3189.

Lululemon sues Calvin Klein over pant patents

Vancouver-based yogawear retailer Lululemon Athletica Inc is suing PVH Corp’s Calvin Klein and G-III Apparel Group Ltd., accusing the companies of infringing three pant patents. Story

Helen Gurley Brown dead at 90

Legendary author and editor of Cosmopolitan magazine dead at 90. ABC News video. New York Times blog

Broad ribbon gives flair to our free wrapping

Homefront is well known, to say the least, for its superb free gift wrapping. It's something that discriminating shoppers know they really can't get anywhere else. This year, we've purchased an exciting stock of gift paper and ribbons to continue the added value tradition of complimentary wrapping. In particular, some of the ribbon styles are in very wide swaths. These dramatic ribbons are just the thing for wrapping several gifts together, as we've done with the wedding presents shown here. There's really no one who know more about gift wrapping than the people at Homefront and there's no better price -- free -- for this remarkable service which costs many dollars at other establishments. 

New Michael Aram pieces merchandised today

The Loomis man was more welcome that normally today as he delivered some much anticipated pieces of the exquisite Michael Aram collection to Homefront. Some of them are pictured here. There is a small inventory of the magical Molten salad servers, New Molten 5x7 Picture frame, small and large footed dish platter, forest leaf trivet, new Molten cheese knife set, 8.5" serving bowl and 11" serving bowl. Hurry in for a Look. (416) 488-3189.

Bath accessories promotion at Homefront

We're underway at Homefront with nice promotional opportunity on bath and related items. It began yesterday with the installation of our new bathroom window display, a reminder that it's time to freshen up the household water closets. To assist you in this endeavour and if you purchase three or more in stock items we will give you a 15% discount on the order. This promotion is only on for one week from Tuesday August 7th to Tuesday August 14th and as the man says “if you miss it you miss it”

418 Eglinton Ave. W. now for sale

The large retail store at 418 Eglinton Ave. W. is for sale. Signs indicating the store was For Lease were plastered over with For Sale signs within the last day or two. The mega location has been home to many businesses, having begun it's life coincidental with the Eglinton Theatre (now the Eglinton Grand Event Centre). In the beginning, 418 Eglinton was an A&P grocery store. The for lease signs went up some months ago when the present tenant Live Au Lit made a decision to move out in December.    

Whole Foods criticised for store design

There's a furore in San Jose, Southern California,  as Whole Foods is being criticised for a rather sterile design of a new store there. As we know, Whole foods is also slated to open a new store in the development at 1860 Bayview Ave (at Broadway Ave.) here in Toronto. It's not likely WF will have much to do with the exterior design of the 1860 Bayview store because it is part of a development. But in Silicon Valley, attention has focused on things like a long outside wall of corrugated steel. Boring. The writer here recalls urbanologist Jane Jacobs rule that "blank walls kill the vibrancy of a street." Maybe there is a lesson there for local developers.  Siliconvalley.com

Good luck to Pryanka and Razi

We see a lot of amusing wedding signs through the front window of Homefront. But this one gracing the marquee of the Eglinton Grand took our fancy. Good luck Pryanka and Razi with your extraordinary Bollywood life adventure.  

Fiona Clarke now at 361 Eglinton Ave. W.

Well-known massage therapist Fiona Clarke has recently moved her business address and her many clients will be happy to know she is now located just a couple of doors away from Homefront. Fiona's 2Wellness clinic is at 361 Eglinton Ave. West above Dermedica Laser and Spa. Fiona's skills include Pre and Post Natal Massage, Sports Massage, Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology and Holistic Nutrition. 

Jackson Falk antique shop closing

Jackson Falk at 1096A Yonge Street always had interesting bric-a-brac but was rarely open. Locals complain that they had to call a phone number on the door to raise the owner. Now the shop is closing and a sign on the window indicates it's been there for some 16 years. Too bad because many people said they loved this antique shop. It had a lot of charm and was full of authentic and unique pieces, they say.  Locals add that the absence of Jackson Falk will certainly make the walk north from Roxborough W. less interesting. Yonge and Roxborough News

Homefront open Saturday, Sunday and Monday

Homefront, 371 Eglinton Avenue West, will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, August 6, 2012, this long weekend. Hours of business are Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday noon to 5 and Monday, civic Holiday, 10 to 6. (416) 488-3189.  

Loblaws to debut Guiding Stars August 10

RELEASE -- Starting August 10, customers at Loblaws® stores in Ontario will have a faster, easier way to make healthier food choices when shopping for groceries for their family. Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) is the first Canadian grocery retailer to launch Guiding Stars®, an objective, nutrition navigation program, providing at-a-glance nutritional ratings for foods found in every store aisle. The Guiding Stars® program is designed to complement existing nutritional data such as the nutrition facts table, on-package product labels, and Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. The program scores food based on nutrient density using an objective scientific algorithm grounded in the most current dietary guidelines and recommendations of national regulatory and health organizations  Read more.

Smart new wine stopper now on hand

There is a smart new silver plate wine stopper available while supplies last at Homefront. It is a dramatic accessory for your wine, ordinaire or exceptional. We have many requests for the discontinued stopper of the supplier known as Artfield and Craftsman. They are now out of business. These excellent new stoppers are of equal quality and are supplied by our friend Yehouda Goldhar. $15.  Homefront, 371 Eglinton Avenue West.  (416) 488-3189.

Orbit Tower a wild piece of "Olympic Art"

New affordable Lampes Berger on display

Thanks to Franca and Roma (see post below) there's a selection of just-arrived styles of Lampe Berger on display today. In the front, two pieces of Torsadee (the violet on the left is pretty) and at the rear, three pieces from the Reflection style. $44 at Homefront. (416) 488-3189

Franca and Roma sort out Lampe Berger

As you know, there's always something going on at Homefront and this morning it was sorting out the new shipment of Lampe Berger pieces and re-fills. Here are Homefront Associate Franca Panetta and her daughter, Roma, nearly nine, doing just that. Thanks guys. What this means is that replacement stock for several affordable lamps is on the shelf and many re-fills are also renewed. (416) 488-3189.  Previous post.

Now you can get serious about barbecuing

Okay. Let's get serious about summer cooking. We need fun and functional aprons for the heroes who make the dishes and watch the barbecue. You can't text and barbecue.  Unless you want burned steak. These excellent styles are plasticized for those messy jobs. (l to r) Cupcakes, Chocolates and Garden BBQ (of course). $28 each at Homefront. Other styles as well.  (416) 488-3189

English garden blooms in Leaside

This spectacular English garden is the work of one man. He lives with his wife in a house actually obscured in this shot. The house you see at the right is his neighbor. The intersection is Parkhurst Ave and Hanna Rd. 

Sophie Sandwich Plate a valuable accessory

The Sophie Conran Sandwich Platter is one of the most versatile pieces in this large collection. It is great for informal dining (as the name suggests) but it also very useful as a medium side platter at sit-down time. Those who collect Sophie Conran porcelain should consider it as a valuable addition to their tabletop presentation. (416) 488-3189) . Homefront's Sophie Conran Gallery 

Joe Fresh to open 700 stores in J.C. Penney

Loblaws is going to roll the dice in the United States with its inexpensive clothing line Joe Fresh. "Joe", as it often known, will move into about 700 in-store shops at department-store retailer J.C. Penney.For Joe Fresh, under the direction of fashion guru Joe Mimran, it’s an opportunity to get its styles into a well-known U.S. retailer and gain recognition among U.S. consumers. Last year, Joe Fresh started to open standalone stores in the United States, a first step to a plan to go worldwide with the Canadian brand. BNN

Crystal tray now on display at Homefront

This smashing mirrored tray is new on display at Homefront. Sturdy yet charming, it has a lacy trim and handles of crystal. $88. (416) 488-3189. 

Why is this woman so excited?

It's just as much fun as it looks..Click here to see what she and her friends are up to.

That crazy "Bob's Your Uncle" sale rolls on

Here's the deal on those crazy birthday cards known as Bob's Your Uncle. Buy four at $5 each at Homefront and get 20% off all four. There are all the age specific (or vague) numbers like Pushing 40, 60ish etc. The ageless (so to speak) pieces above are classics. Thank You, Thank You Very Much is inspired by the Elvis Presley mumble after each song.  Age Unknown is good for those wanted by the authorities. (416) 488 3189. 

Chic Martini/Candle Holders, Set of 6

This smart set of Martini glasses are convertible into tea light or votive holders. Or, mix it up and use some for your favorite drink, others for the candles. Whether it's Beefeater's Gin, Grey Goose Vodka, Cosmopolitan or Whiskey Sour, you'll love these chic glasses. This is the last set of the convertible martini glasses left. Check Homefront Too in the Homefront basement to see them. Now clearing stock and priced at 60% off. $39.60 for six.

These tea towels are good for a giggle or two

These popular tea towels are back in a Homefront and are really good for a giggle or two. The two inserted towels (l to r) say "I understand the concept of cooking and cleaning, just not as it applies to me" and "I know, I know, I'm totally fabulous".  Enjoy them at 371 Eglinton Ave.West this weekend. (416) 488-3189 

Known for service, Nordstrom checks out Canada

The much admired U.S. department store chain Nordstrom is checking out three locations across Canada for possible expansion here. The family-owned business is beloved by its customers and is renowned for service. The company sends thank you notes to customers and has been known to deliver locally for free. (Sound like Homefront). Nordstrom is said to be assessing locations in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa.  In Toronto, Sherway Gardens is on Nortdtroms radar.  It is said Nordstrom is prepared to open Canadian locations at Calgary’s Chinook Centre, Vancouver’s Pacific Centre and Ottawa’s Rideau Centre. Those three locations have recently been vacated by Sears department stores during its recent downsizing.

Sorry, glass fruit infusers sold right out

That's two orders of the glass fruit infuser that just ran out of the shop. Sorry they\re all gone. We'll do our best to get them into the next buying cycle. Original post and picture

Great "finds" downstairs at Homefront Too

Homefront Too

There's always a great "find" to be had for those who venture downstairs to Homefront Too. Glasses by the box, super economical china, melamine, toys. Don't forget to make the trip to Homefront Too. Right now, there are sales on the Olive line of Portuguese stoneware, as well as discounts on melamine, some table linen and sea grass baskets. (416) 488-3189.  

Egg allergies reversed in some children

It's a process that requires the closest monitoring, but according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine, it is possible to reverse the effects of certain food allergies in children by giving them minuscule doses of the foods over time.  National Post

Last of the "Bird Trays" 50% off at Homefront

Remember the enchanting trays with depictions of birds. We had them stock after New Year's and we sold them all quite quickly. But, it appears there was one more still around. It's now out on display at the amazing price of $15, minus 50%. That's right, you can have it for $7.50 plus HST. Homefront. (416) 488-3189. 

Weight pill: No word yet on approval in Canada

A new weight-loss pill that many doctors consider the most effective of a new generation of anti-obesity drugs got the approval of the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday. The pill, called Qsymia, was approved for patients who are overweight or obese and also have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. There is no word on whether approval is due anytime soon in Canada. The drug offers hope for those who have failed to lose weight in other ways, but its path to approval also underscores how difficult it has been for drugmakers to find obesity treatments that are safe and effective. The drug's maker, Vivus Inc., said it plans to bring the drug to market in the fourth quarter of this year. It hasn't yet decided what the pills will cost. In testing, the drug led patients to lose more weight than two other weight-loss pills recently review by the FDA. Patients taking Qsymia for a year lost 6.7 percent of their body weight in one study and 8.9 percent in another study, the FDA said. The company said patients on the strongest formulation tested lost nearly 11 percent of their weight. Despite its impressive performance in clinical trials, Qsymia is not exactly a scientific breakthrough. The drug is actually a combination of two older drugs long known to help with weight loss: phentermine and topirimate.

Vintage Kitchen Papers for dining, serving

For a most stylish variation on setting the table you should take a look at the Cake Group of Vintage Kitchen Papers for Dining and Serving. These charming place mats peel off a  package pad as needed. Vintage Papers come in  place mats, round serving, table runners, guest napkins and cocktail napkins. Pictured with flameless candles. (416) 488-3189. 

Toronto fails to beat record scorcher from 1948

It's hot this July 17, but the numbers don't lie. They say this sweltering Tuesday is just aced out for the hottest day ever by August 25, 1948. Toronto Star

Have you met the Bridgewater miice?

Adorable dancing mice adorn Emma Bridgewater's melamine sets for children. They also come in a "Men at Work" theme which is popular with boys. Meet the mice next time you are at Homefront. (416) 488-3189. 

New York Gift Fair Blog updated

New York International Gift Fair Blog.

Franca creates window display at Homefront

Designer Franca Panetta (left) and Brooke Saltzman clamber around the display window at Homefront installing the new theme. This time its upscale cottage gifts. As we forecast, our multi-coloured fringe throws are a central focus. Also featured, wooden bowls, Sabre cutlery, fabulous stone hurricane lamps, trays and wine/champagne chillers. Please stop by and take a look. (416) 488-3189. 

Monday morning flowers at Dave Young's

Monday morning flowers at Dave Young's on Eglinton Avenue West west of Castle Knock Rd.

Last available acrylic glasses this summer

From our last  shipment of these great acrylic glasses for the summer. They are in three styles with the following still in stock:: 12 ounce wine long stem, 14 ounce double old fashion (rocks) and 19 ounce hi ball. All pieces $6 each while they last. Homefront, 371 Eglinton Ave. W. (416) 488-3189. Great for pool, patio, gardens and cottages. Wonderful cottage gift.  

New window to show upscale cottages gifts

Monday, July 16, 2012 will see the new display window installed at Homefront. Franca Panetta will create a vision of upscale cottage gifts which might well include our cozy fringed throws (inset) and possibly those Willow weave and wheeled hampers so good for moving holiday stuff.  Willow hampers

Ancient Ginkgo leaf shape from Michael Aram

The timeless beauty of the delicate Ginkgo leaf has been captured Artisan and designer Michael Aram in these pieces now at Homefront. The Ginkgo trivet (left) and salad servers are inspired by the ancient tree from China. The Ginkgo leaf is valued by many for medicinal purposes. The Michael Aram group is on display at Homefront. (416) 488-3189. Michael Aram is one of the top ten signature lines carried at Homefront. The List.

Eglinton West parking goes from $2/hr to $2.25/hr

In a last final goodbye for the summer, City Council has voted to increase hourly rates for street parking. The vote was lope-sided to do it (25-7) and Mayor Ford said that although he regretted it the increase seemed fair after fve years with no increases.  Toronto Sun

Albino lion cubs born in Ukraine

Albino lion cubs are born in Ukraine to a normal coloured mother. Very cute.

Glass fruit infuser is hot and helpful

We're enthusing about infusing these days because this hot, hot glass fruit infuser is on Homefront's shelves for July and a bit. It's fantastic for making everything from lemonade to sangria. The infuser is filled with fruit of your choice and placed back in the pitcher. The infuser is perforated so the juices spread into the liquid. Slice fruit up in small bits for best results. When it comes time to pour, no chunks of fruit bouncing out onto the the floor. Take a look at the glass fruit infuser. Shelf life for this stock (i.e. how long they last) is maybe two weeks. $38. (416) 488-3189

Sorry, cutlery holders are sold out

Sorry -- sold out. We never stop receiving at Homefront and today was no different. Many clients and friends will remember the porcelain cutlery organizer that we have carried fairly steadily. Hey, it's back in for July. This neat and functional cutlery holder is a favorite as a cottage gift and for anyone setting up an apartment. Great for the patio or organizing the barbecue. We have them unpacked and ready to go but stock is, of course, limited. $32 at Homefront. (416) 488-3189. 

Tragic couple shared Tetra Pak millions

Four Days in May Celebration at UB

Video here.

Doppio Zero to open on Eglinton West

Just down the street from Homefront on the north side of Eglinton Ave W west of Shields Ave. is a new restaurant about to open. It's called Doppio Zero, which as amateur Italian speakers may know means Double Zero.   Don't ask us why. But if you order a Doppio Espresso at Starbucks you get two espressos in one. But back to zero, so to speak. Work is going on furiously at this location next door to Gelato Hotel. So far as we can tell, Doppio Zero is an upscale franchised Italian-Western casual dining spot with roots in both the  Republic of South Africa and Hong Kong. We thought their logo was a real eye catcher and easier to say than the name of the business in that store before. It sold furniture under a name posted in, we think, Greek. Tough to tell your friends about it when the name is in Greek.  At least for most of us. 

Lampe Berger lights Homefront daily

At Homefront today

Lampe Berger is well stocked at Homefront. The unique room sanitizer and freshener is lit every day in the shop. Today was no  exception, The preliminary flame (shown) is extinguished after a minute and the aroma cap is placed over the wick to permit the invisible burn to clean the air and freshen the room.  The first Lampe Berger lamp was created in 1898 by Maurice Berger, a pharmacy dispenser, to purify the air in hospital wards.  

"Bob's Your Uncle" birthday cards on sale

Those who know about the hilarious birthday card line Bob's Your Uncle will want to take this chance to stock up. Bob's Your Uncle and all Homefront greeting and birthday cards are on sale for a short time. Buy four cards and get 20% off all of them.  Hurry if you want one of the wicked Age Unknown cards.  (416) 488-3189

Escape to Paris for Haute Couture Week

The who's who of the fashion world came out to toss flowers at the feet of Christian Dior's new creative director on Monday, applauding the fresh and modern approach Raf Simons has brought to the feminine extravagance of a grand French atelier.The Belgian couturier greeted oversized expectations for his first Dior collection with a decidedly architectural look that revelled in sumptuous understatement. The house has been without a permanent designer since former star John Galliano fell from grace over a drunken, racist tirade.

Oh you wonderful Canadian Target, you

The federal government has given Target Stores its marching orders for getting into Canada. The cabinet decision announced yesterday says Target must invest $3.5-billion in its Canadian stores, which includes hiring up to 25,000 people by 2015, or about 100 to 200 employees at each store. Target will also have to sell “uniquely Canadian cultural products.”  National Post

Barbecues that are built like locomotives

You won't find barbecues like this  just anywhere. In fact, you won't find them at Homefront. But, you will find them at the Fireplace Shop. right next door to us  on Eglinton Ave West. They are made by Vermont Castings and known as the Signature Series. And they're built like locomotives. Worth a look if you come by.  

Willow hampers for cottage and pool

Hefty and smart looking Willow woven hampers for any job with lots of stuff to move. Sturdy and fully articulated wheels on all four corners Two sizes (29x19x19 and 25x14x17)  $190 and $160 respectively. Homefront (416) 488-3189