The post presented in partnership with Country Hills Village Shopping Centre
I can’t believe it’s almost Thanksgiving, can you? It’s one of my favourite holidays, even though so much prep goes into it. The secret, I found, is getting your supplies in one go. And making it fun. No, really. I make a point of sneaking in self-care when I’m running errands. Luckily, this is a total breeze to do at Country Hills Village Shopping Centre. Here’s a game plan. (And be sure to read this entire post for clues on how to win major prizes from Village retailers.)
Table of Contents
Exploring Country Hills
First up, caffeine! I always think I know what I need, but if I don’t review my list before heading out, I’ll forget something important, like wine. Side note: If you like the idea of pumpkin spice lattes, but don’t drink coffee, have them put that syrup in a milk steamer or in a London fog tea latte. Delish!
I recommend hitting the fun stuff first. You can get a pedicure at Mint Nails & Spa Lounge for the bargain price of $37.50, and it’s only a tenner to add on a manicure. Done and done! The salon is bright and clean with (working!) white leather massage chairs. If chemicals freak you out, they offer bio gel for artificial nails (way less chemicals in that base layer) or choose to do powder dipping. On the spa side of things, they offer eyelash extensions, waxing, threading, facials and chemical peels.
Diva Salon and Spa has some fantastic deals, but it’s also an Aveda concept salon, so you know the products and service will be amaze. In October, they’re offering a free cut with colour or highlights with a new talent. Facials are on super special at $99 and anytime of year, their blow outs are only $40 or $35 with a new talent. Besides getting your hair done, you can come in for a massage, mani-pedi, waxing, threading and lash extensions. Me, I like to splurge on anything in their Shampure line, then stash it in The Huz’s sox drawer (with explicit instructions he needs to wrap it up for me by Christmas).
Shopping Country Hills Village
No Thanksgiving dinner (well none that I want to attend anyway) should have anything less than half a dozen bottles of wine. The deal with RJ Liquor Store is they have loads of value wines sub $10, which makes them great for cooking (or serving to your most annoying relatives). Wink.
Most wines here are in the sweet spot of $10 to $22. You’ll find a range of organic wines, champers, plus spirits, beer, cider and coolers. Best is, they’ll happily order in anything for you – even wine from far flung lands like Romania and Moldova! They order every Sunday and you’ll have it for Tuesday. Pro tip: They offer discounts for large orders.
Kids, if you’re over the age of 40 and don’t yet have reading glasses, you’re on borrowed time. P.S. I’m so envious of you! The Huz and I both wear (MY!) glasses for reading and because Eve has astigmatism, we’re at our optometrist a couple of times a year. We’ve been going to FYidoctors for over a decade, but not this one at Country Hills Village. We see Dr. Craig at an FYi in South Calgary.
But who cares? What I love about FYi is I can pop into any location and they pull up our prescription in seconds. True, it feels a bit like I’m cheating on our regular optometrist, but when your kid tells you they need prescription sunglasses and you’ve been nagging them for years to get a pair, you order those babies when you get the chance.
PSA: Did you know all Alberta children in kindergarten can get a free eye examination? Even if you think there’s no issue with their eyesight, you should get this done. If we hadn’t had Eve’s eyes examined when she was a baby, we wouldn’t have been able to tell she had astigmatism at three-years-old.
We’re always running out of dog food. And poop bags! Just like we have a rule about picking up milk every time we’re at a grocery store, we nab Buddy’s essentials every chance we get.
Besides receiving cuddle therapy (Kessel works at this Global Pet Foods location every day and you can follow him on Instagram @thereal_philkessel), I was able to score those blessed scent-free, biodegradable bags.
The deal with this particular pet supply store is they have a massive selection of raw food for dogs and cats at the back of the shop. And they carry those super popular Messy Mutts and Messy Cats pet feeders, should you be in the market for a pet present. There’s even a veterinarian a few doors down, which is super convenient.
And what’s a Thanksgiving table without a seasonal centerpiece? I’m no Martha, so this is def something I outsource. I was totally crushing on the spider mums at Black Earth Floral, and they can make any kind of bouquet – all are custom.
There’s way more than flowers in here though… All the displays of lovely books, art, bath products and naughty greeting cards are Instagram-worthy.
Did you know anyone can get their first class for free class at Rumble Boxing Studio? Just throw your gym clothes into your vehicle and schedule your shopping around a class time. You’ll feel so much better.
The vibe here is way cool. Think fight club meets nightclub – classes box to the beat. If you’re not into boxing, they have bootcamp classes, too.
Dry cleaning is very much a necessity in our household. I just can’t iron. And The Huz isn’t exactly stellar at it. Know what I love about Fishman’s? They fix shoes! No more schlepping around to find a cobbler. (I write that like we’re living in jolly old England.)
Plus, Fishman’s has a tailor on site. You know what that means? Hemming while you wait, that’s what! Or in my case, sipping a glass of wine at Famoso down the block.
I mentioned earlier, it’s important to treat yourself, so running errands isn’t such a drag. Making a pitstop at an Italian-style pizzeria is no hardship. But it’s their daily specials running all day (not just during happy hour) that gets me most jazzed.
Wednesdays are my fave cuz you can snag Prosciutto Mozza Balls for $2.50 each. They taste just like prosciutto pizza, but without the crust – an excellent option if you’re gluten free. Though, they do serve up gluten free crust if you want it.
Of course there’s loads more shops and services at Country Hills Village – especially in the health and wellness department. They’ve got a dentist, ortho, chiropractor and if you’re feeling a touch under the weather, dash into Medicentre.
Do you have any Thanksgiving hacks you can share with me?
Any local coffee shop for a must-have pumpkin spice latte!
Right?!
We usually hit up the Lakeview Bakery for amazing gluten free apple pie!
Oh, I’ll have to try that. Heard they now sell their cheese buns frozen.
Its wine for me – always have to have at least a dozen bottles around as its not something I want to run out of.
I wonder if I’m the only person who has never had a pumpkin spice latte. I love pumpkin – don’t know what’s holding me back.
Ummm 500 calories perhaps? 🙂 Try the tea one with hippy milk (as I did).
Always some sweet moscato for after dinner so I’m sure to hit up the wine store and after I slop all over myself, the dry cleaner post eats.
Then off to Rumble to work off the delicious calories
I like your strategy!
Haha the wine store is a spot I definitely hit up!
I always visit the flower shop, then the wine store cuz, mama needs some whine before everyone starts to whine.
Smart!
Country Hills Village is the place to get pampered for my dogs and myself! Global Pet Foods carries great varieties of pet food and treats. And nothing beats a massage at Country Hills Massage to relax and gel refreshed.
BLACK EARTH is the best! it is the ideal spot to stop for a birthday gift, hostess gift or best of all a SELF gift 🙂 Followed by a delicious chai tea at starbucks. Love Global Pet foods too, well my dog Gary does. Not to mention visiting his friend Punch 🙂
Ha ha. Thanks for your tips!
I always hit up the grocery store before thanksgiving, this year I’m making broccoli salad to take to my sister’s.
liked the page on Facebook ????
I hit up grocery stores like Polcan and the Italian store to get the European treats that my Romanian hubby loves!
I liked the Country Hills Village Facebook page as Caryn Salageanu
Gotcha!
Always need to make several trips to the grocery store to get all the ingredients needed for a great family supper.
I’m the same. I wish I could get it all in one, but it’s hard!
Global Pet Foods is a shop I visit for supplies for our cat. I love the Mint Nail Spa, I recommend it to my friends. I liked the Country Hills village Facebook page. Thanks!
Thanksgiving isn’t a thing for us, but we do have plenty of other huge celebrations throughout the year. We buy TONS of delicious food a few days beforehand and slowly prep for the big feast, since doing it all in one day is really tough.
Well, the obvious grocery store (or 3) plus liquor store, bakery and florist at a minimum. It looks like they have pretty much everything there!
I love Country Hills Massage! In fact, I just booked an appointment for this weekend!
I love that little flower shop in that area! The girls are so nice and accommodating and they always do a fabulous job of making a bouquet by scratch as per request. I love the idea of a pretty holiday bouquet – such a brief and fleeting way to make someone’s day!
Love pumpkin everything!!
Always hit up the grocery store and then whatever coffee shop I can find. I already know I’m gonna need the caffeine to keep cooking
I like to hit up my favourite bakery for a pumpkin pie and the liquor store for some fall flavored cocktails!
Definitely some good wine before thanksgiving! A must visit to a wine store!
I always buy flowers to decorate my place or to treat my host!
I never forget to pick up some good wine and refreshing beverage for family and friends.
I always hit up Glamorgan Bakery for their famous cheese buns and delicious cookies! I’ve liked the country hills villagw Facebook page! Thanks very much and Happy Thanksgiving!
For sure the cheese shops to get a good assortment for a charcuterie platter!!
Bakery and liquor store! All we need is a little wine and pie! Hahaha
Wine of course, a treat for me usually at the Starbucks, (while I shop of course), something yummy for the dog, while I make sure to have something for dessert on the, thanksgiving table.
Groceries (Superstore), Wine (Liquor Store) and Dessert (DQ)! With a quick stop at Starbucks to start all those errands!
Costco is one stop for sure in addition to Starbucks.
I always have to visit a bakery for fresh pastries and buns, and of course any coffee shop 😉
Black Earth ???? and Superstore!
Always have to hit up a grocery store and bakery! And have a pit stop at a coffee shop for something pumpkin spice!!
Starbucks for a caffeine fill (iced americano blanco) to give me the energy to start cooking thanksgiving dinner.
We stop at the Springbank Cheese Co. and the liquor store for wine.
Cobs!
I need to make sure I get a mama Kirkland pumpkin pie and don’t forget the whip cream
I always hit superstore or costco for all my turkey dinner trimmings. The liquor store for wine.
Anywhere I can get little pumpkins for decoration.
the wine store! Need to drink while cooking on Thanksgiving 🙂
I always hit up the liquor store to keep everyone’s spirits up, Starbucks to get me up and cooking on the big day and Global Pet Foods for a special Thanksgiving treat for the furry family members. I like the Country Hills facebook page as Jonnie JB Hartling.