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31 posts from November 2009

November 27, 2009

Canada's Winter Festivals: Toronto's Cavalcade of Lights

In a country that experiences more winter than any other season, its no surprise that we try to make every bit of it as much fun as possible. Cavalcade of Lights is Toronto's way of welcoming the new chilly season.

           Calvalcade of Lights Fireworks
 

Sponsored by Scotia Bank, this event is held every year at Nathan Phillips Square during November 28 to December 31.

The first day of the celebration starts on Saturday November 28th at 7:00 pm with the lighting of the city Christmas Tree, followed by fireworks, skating and live music!

The skating will be accompanied to music by DJ Tony Sutherland.  There will also be several craft, clothing and Christmas decoration booths.  The live music will feature performances, by Keisha Chante, Matt Dusk, Steven Page, Fritz Helder, and the Phantoms.

The fireworks will then continue every Saturday during the month of December at 7 p.m.  For more information on the Cavalcade of Lights Festival or for more events happening in Toronto, click here.

November 26, 2009

Cyber Monday Sale for Canadians!

Cyber Monday Weekend Sale 25% Off*
Don't worry Canadian Roots lovers, we didn't forget about you! Starting today, we are offering 25% off* select merchandise online ONLY!

So get a head start on your holiday shopping and skip the malls and lineups! 

While your at roots.com, don't forget to enter our Roots Fan Favourites Contest! Just write a review of your favourite Roots item and you will be entered to win!

*25% OFF
25% off discount applies to merchandise only, not value of gift cards purchased, Stop Global Warming Bracelet, Right To Play Calendar, Canada Collection By Roots, packaging, applicable taxes and shipping & handling charges. Valid online only. Offer is not redeemable for cash, nor is it valid for any previously purchased merchandise. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers. Offer ends November 30, 2009.

Singer Haydain Neale of Jacksoul Dies at Age 39

At 39 years of age Juno Award-winning artist Haydain Neale of jacksoul passed away Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, after a very private seven month battle with lung cancer.

With his wife Michaela, daughter Yasmin, brother-in-law Shawn Hudson and friends Davide DiRenzo and Jennifer Hyland by his side, Haydain passed away peacefully.

Throughout his rehabilitation after a car accident in August 2007 and during his illness, Haydain always maintained a positive spirit.

In a statement from his wife Michaela; “Through all these challenges, Haydain’s sense of humour and love of music were ever-present. He constantly brightened the room with his singing and his smile. His joyful presence and beautiful voice will be missed by us all.”

Haydain had been a friend of Roots since 2006 when he participated in the Roots United Football campaign. Haydain will be missed by everyone at Roots.

Haydainneale Jacksoul's final album, SOULmate, is scheduled to be released on December 1, 2009. It will contain 10 new songs written before Neale's accident. All profits from the album will go to the Haydain Neale Family Trust.

Messages of support can be left at jacksoul.com

November 25, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving USA Customers!

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the USA!

To celebrate, Roots is offering 25% off* the entire store! It's the perfect time to get started on your holiday shopping. So visit your closest Roots store or roots.com!

Thanksgiving Sale! 25% Off Entire Store!

While at roots.com, don't forget to write a review to be entered into our Fan Favourites Contest. You could win two of our Favourite Roots Leather bags and $2400 in Gift Cards so that you can buy a year of Roots Fan Favourites.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*25% OFF

25% off discount applies to merchandise only, not value of gift cards purchased, Stop Global Warming Bracelet, Right To Play Calendar, packaging, applicable taxes and shipping & handling charges. Offer is not redeemable for cash, nor is it valid for any previously purchased merchandise. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or offers. Offer ends Monday, November 30, 2009.

The National Ballet of Canada: Where Old Meets New

When I was a little girl, every year just before Christmas, my grandmother would take me to see the Nutcracker.

Nutcracker BalletPhoto from www.national.ballet.ca

Several weeks ago during a lovely evening stroll around downtown Toronto, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the memories of my childhood. Flashes of cool winter air, my hair bouncing along as my grandmother held my hand tightly. All that my child sized field of vision could grasp were nylon legs and nicely pressed slacks. Moving quickly through a crowd of people, the smell of perfume and the sound of laughter filled the street. Then finally emerging from the sea of people, the foyer of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts was unveiled before my eyes. The anticipation of seeing a real-live ballerina was almost too much for my little mind to handle.

Even to this day I can still remember those feelings of pure excitement. Once my mind finally came back to earth, I wondered why I had never taken myself to the ballet? So I called up my best friend and booked two tickets to the performance of The Sleeping Beauty.

The night of the performance, I was blown away by the nostalgia of it all.  The familiar sights and sounds but from a completely new angel.  After climbing the sleek modern stairs, I was seated and bubbling with anticipation. "I wish I was a ballerina" was the mantra buzzing through my mind.  To distract myself I read the program provided:

"Based on one of the world's most enduringly beloved fairy tales, The Sleeping Beauty, choreographed by Marius Petipa to a strictly coordinated score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, tells a story familiar to us all: the lovely Princess Aurora is cursed by an evil fairy and must fall into a death-like sleep until a handsome prince awakens her with a kiss."

           The National Ballet of CanadaPhoto from www.national.ballet.ca

Finally the lights dimmed and the curtain rose. The performance was spectacular. Creative, and at times breath taking, the stage decor was complimented by the beautifully detailed costumes. The music was enchanting and had me humming all night. The only thing more enchanting than the atmosphere created, was the power and strength exuded by the dancers themselves.  

This is a great way to add a little culture to your life and the tickets vary in price, so it's sure to fit your budget, whatever it may be. 

If you are between the ages 16-29 you're in luck! The National Ballet of Canada has a free membership program for you. As a member, you can get ballet and opera tickets for $25! Go to DanceBreak.ca for more information.

For other ballet companies in Canada check out:

Les Grands Ballets Canadien de Montreal

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Alberta Ballet

Ballet British Columbia

November 24, 2009

Holiday Gift Ideas: Under $50 for Men

A small budget doesn't have to mean a small gift.  Here are a few ideas for the men in your life all under $50!

For the man on the go, check out our Backpacks.  The City Daypack 2 comes in both black and white for $49.95.  We've thought of everything for this backpack, from an elastic shock cord for holding shoes, to lined pockets for sunglasses, to a cell phone holder and more.  Thick straps and padded back create optimum comfort for heavy loads.  Not into backpacks?  Try our Roots Athletic Bag $48.

             City Daypack 2

Looking for the perfect T-shirt?  Roots has dozens of Tees, all at great prices.  Some of our favorite's are the Vintage Brand Grey Mix Tee $26, Heritage Ringer T-shirt $30, and the Men's Nunavut Ringer T-Shirt $34.  All three of these shirts come in a variety of colours and are made of 100% organic cotton.  So this gift is not only for your loved one, but also for the love of the earth.

               Vintage Brand Grey Mix Tee

If you're looking for something a little more cozy, check out our Men's Scarves.  Men Snowy Fox Striped Scarf $48, Men Harry Plaid Scarf $38, and Men Reversible Ombre Stripe Scarf $38 are three of our favorites.  For extra warmth pair with Men Chalet Gloves $28, or Men Nipigon Peaked Earflap $46.

          Men Snowy Fox Striped Scarf

What better time than the holidays to show someone you care?  Why not show them with our Athletic Exhilarate Watch for Men $45.  This digital watch boasts two alarms, two time zones, is water resistant up to 50 M, and has a 2-year warranty.

                 Athletic Exhilarate Watch for Men
 

For the pickiest man on your list, we have a solution.  When all else fails, wallets and belts.  A leather belt is always a must-have, McKay II belt $40 is a new twist on our classic leather belts.  As for a wallet, who wouldn't want something sturdy (especially in this economy) holding your money.  Keep those dollars safe and sound in Men's Slimfold Perforated Wallet $43.  Available in Chocolate and Black. 

Mens Slimfold Perforated Wallet                                                                                                              
 

Happy Shopping!  And remember to give your fellow Roots fans some input on the items you've purchased yourself.  Write a review about any Roots item that you have bought or tried on and you will be entered to WIN a Years Worth of Roots Fan Favourites!


November 23, 2009

2 Magazine for Couples Features Little Olivia Bag!

2: The Magazine for Couples featured the Little Olivia in their Holiday Shopping Guide for this year!

2: The Magazine for Couples
The Little Olivia is fantastic for every day or to take out at night. The large pouch can fit a surprising amount of stuff! The Prince Leather gets softer with age and is a classic look. The bag also has a handy smaller outside zipper pocket to keep your phone or keys.

While your at roots.com, don't forget to write a review of one of your favourite Roots products! You will be entered to win a Years Worth of Roots Fan Favourites!

November 20, 2009

Truffle: The Latest Colour Addition to the Roots Leather Family!

The newest colour in the Roots Genuine Leather bags family this season is Truffle!

This beige colour with chestnut brown accents creates a warm earth toned bag that is perfect for every day! And the Prince Leather is super soft and only gets better as it ages.

Both the new Little Michelle Bag and the Lauren Bag come in this new fantastic colour. Both bags have handy exterior pockets to store your every day essentials and magnetic closures at the top. 

Little Michelle in Colour Prince Leather
Lauren Bag in Colour Prince Leather

November 19, 2009

Ronson Plaid Flannel Shirt: LouLou's 'Buy of the Day'

Today, fashion magazine, Lou Lou, chose the Ronson Plaid Flannel Shirt as their 'Buy of the Day!'

Loulou pic

The Ronson Plaid Shirt is made out of soft, comfortable flannel. It's a fantastic top to pair with jeans and boots this winter for a casual, comfy look. 

If you already own this shirt, don't forget to visit roots.com and write a review for it! You could win a Year of Roots Fan Favourites!

Win a Year's Worth of Fan Favourites!

Here is an amazing chance for you to win $2,800 worth of Roots Fan Favourites! It's super easy to enter! 

Win a Year of Roots Fan Favorites!

If you don't have one already, create an account at roots.com. Then do a review of an item you own or one you tried on in the store (there's no purchase necessary). It's that simple!

The winner will receive two of our most popular bags: The Village Bag in Tribe Leather ($128 value) and The Small Banff Bag in Tribe Leather ($338 value). The winner will also receive $2,400 in Roots Gift Cards to purchase a years worth of Fan Favourites!

Here are some things to think about as your write your review:

  • Why you bought the product (E.g. needed something for a trip)
  • How it feels when you wear it (E.g. Soft, comfortable, light)
  • How it fits (E.g. Snug, loose, perfect!)
  • The longevity and quality of the product (E.g. Bought it a year ago and it still looks like new!)
  • What your favourite feature is (E.g. The detail around the cuffs)
  • Or what you’d change if you could! (E.g. Wish it could be bit longer)

Click here for more details.

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