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  

Bonnie and Trish say sell this hockey quilt

The season is over and there is exactly one Maple Leaf-style hockey quilt left at Homefront. It's a Queen size beauty (88 inches by 86 inches) with two shams. The good news is that hockey season will come again and right now Homefront is selling off this wonderful quilt for half price. It was $260 and is now $130. Bonnie and Trish say get it out. This great quilt is suitable for any young hockey hero in your home aged five to 15.  Now is the time get the gift that will thrill him when next season comes around. (416) 488-3189.

New Chilewich floor mats feature Basketweave

Basketweave

We finally got the shipment of the new Chilewich floor mats yesterday and already we have sold three. They come in two styles, Basketweave (inset) and Bamboo. They are sized 2x3 and 3x4. The 3x4 isn't common but its very popular. They are $129 and $160 respectively. Trish 

Super big table linen sale at Homefront

We're overstocked in the linen department. As a result, we are having a rare sale on table linens. Many of the fabrics are no-iron and sizes go as large as a 168 inches in length. Discounts range from 30% to 70% off.  The only exception is our Flax Poly Custom Program.  Every table is different. So before you come in please measure the length and width of your table. Decide how much of the cloth you want to overhang at the end. Most people like a foot (12 inches) but shorter or longer is okay too. This is a wonderful opportunity to fill in the gaps in your table linens so you are ready for the holidays in the Fall. (416) 488-3189) -- Trish Stuebing 

Thanks for the testimonial

I was walking by Homefront last night after work when I was drawn in by their display window of baby gifts. I though this is perfect! My sister just had her second child and I am going to visit them this weekend and I need a gift. I walked in and asked about their baby gifts, they had a huge display of picture frames, baby spoons, blankets, bath toys, stuffed animals, books etc. I found the softest... cutest bunny puppet I have ever seen. I had to have it! The staff were super nice and wrapped my gift in a gift bag with tissue paper and a pink bow.Homefront is not a baby store.. they just had a baby section..they are a home store/gift store.. they have lots of things for your home. I will defiantly be back! -- J