Yummy Stuff – Danforth East Community Association

November 18, 2013

Watch the Mail, Watch This Space & See You TONIGHT!

Watch Your Mailbox…

As hinted at previously here, we’ve been working away like Santa’s elves on a new Shop Local project and the results are in! Watch your mailbox today for a holiday coupon booklet including deals and featured items from 50 local businesses.

There are tons of great savings from your favourite stores and maybe even a few shops you haven’t discovered yet. For example, did you know that tucked away beside The Wool Mill (who are offering a coupon for 10% off) we have an amazing courier company, A-Way Courier, that provides meaningful employment for people with direct experience with the mental health system? Try them out with a coupon for a free delivery. Or did you know we have a brand new spot for yoga, Ankh Yoga studio, at the corner of Moberly and Danforth? Try a class for $10 with your coupon booklet.

If you don’t receive your copy in the mail, you can print it off here. Please bring your booklet with you when you do your holiday shopping to redeem all the deals. Only 1 coupon per customer, per store.

HUGE thank yous to volunteers Niamh Hill for managing the project and to graphic designers Heather Corbin and Queenie Best for making the booklet look gorgeous.

Watch This Space: Our Newest Pop-up Shop

All the Pop-up Shops are also featured in the coupon booklet (click here for current shop details), including our newest one, jewelry store Zilberschmuck. Located in Yummy Stuff’s old space at 1938 Danforth, Zilberschmuck will be opening this Friday, November 22 (or possibly earlier). The store carries contemporary, Canadian-made jewelry like the beautiful necklace pictured below.

Photo: Beautiful jewellery by Canadian artists including this lovely piece by Dianne Karg Baron.

(By the way, if you’re curious about the name and you’re not fluent in German, “Silberschmuck” means “silver jewellery”. The “S” is pronounced as a “Z” sound, so they’ve spelled phonetically.)

1938 Danforth Ave. Tel: 416-871-5885, Tue-Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5

Tonight: Our AGM!

A reminder that our 5th Annual General Meeting and party is tonight, November 18, from 6:30-9:30! Come by Hirut Restaurant, 2050 Danforth Ave, to mingle, hear about upcoming projects and general volunteer opportunities, join/renew your DECA membership ($10/household) and for members to elect the 2014 DECA Board. Why not bring a friend too? After all, it’s going to be a great party.

November 8, 2013

Pop-up Shops: Hello & Goodbyes

Hello to Asiri’s Treasures

The Renew Danforth team has been working hard to bring you more pop-up shops for the months of November and December and the first of the holiday shops to open is Asiri’s Treasures. Visit our newest pop-up shop at 1517 Danforth Ave., just west of Coxwell, open now until Dec. 24, 2013! Check out the DECA website for Asiri’s awesome offer of 25% off your first purchase.

Asiri’s Treasures| 1517 Danforth Avenue Monday-Friday 10-6 | Saturday-Sunday 10-7
Asiri’s Treasures specializes in Alpaca wool and organic cotton from Peru. From hats to socks, sweaters to gloves, Asiri’s Treasures has them in traditional and contemporary designs.

Goodbye to Yummy Stuff and E-Closet

Since they opened their doors in June, we’ve come to know and love our pop-up shop friends at Yummy Stuff bakery (1938 Danforth) and E-Closet women’s clothing store (1801 Danforth). So we’re sad to report that both will be closing later this month.

Yummy Stuff’s last day is November 15th, but, happily for fans of delicious baked goods, they are investigating more permanent options in the ‘hood. Morag is also trying to figure out the best way to temporarily service her new east end fans…stay tuned…

E-Closet will be closing after November 30th, but you can keep in touch and continue to shop with Natasha at her online store. And be sure to take advantage of her closing sale: Take an EXTRA 15% OFF E-Closet’s already low prices! Just in time to stock up on Christmas gifts. (Bamboo bottoms not included.)

And don’t forget our other two pop-ups, In This Closet (1765 Danforth) and Cheap Thrills (1811 Danforth). Both are still open and have fantastic new items in stock. We’ve spied lots of winter coats and boots at In This Closet and bargain priced FCUK clothes over at Cheap Thrills.

Please support our community’s efforts to revitalize our commercial strip by taking some time to visit and support these exciting pop-up enterprises.

October 4, 2013

Small Biz Forum, October Pop-up Updates & Help Needed!

Calling all graphic designers!

We’re putting together a fabulous brochure for the holidays (top secret, but watch your mail in November), and we need a little extra help. If you’re an experienced designer and available to volunteer your serivices in the next 2 weeks, please send us an email: renew(at)danfortheastcommunityassociation.com

Pop-up shops news

We’re happy to report that most of the pop-up shops we launched this summer are still around, going strong and heading into their 5th month in the Danforth East community! Check out our website for the shop locations, hours and details.

Here’s the latest:

Yummy Stuff

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and the fantastic bakers at Yummy Stuff have been busy creating a mouth-watering menu. The flyer will be posted at the shop too so you can place your orders in person, by phone or email, info(at)yummystuff.ca. Apple Ginger Torte, anyone?

E-Closet

Tons of new fall fashions have hit the floor, and all are priced at the amazingly wallet-friendly deals E-Closet specializes in. Natasha has also changed her hours to match the season and is now open Monday-Saturday 11-6.

In This Closet-Thrift For Her

Our favourite bright pink store has also changed up their hours for the season and are now open Monday-Friday 10-8 and Saturday 11-7. Colleen and Christina have also put all jackets and blazers on special this week–all are 20% off!

Cheap Thrills

We’re thrilled that Eyob and Jonathan are extending their pop-up shop for the month of October. They bring in new products every week, so you really do need to pop by to visit again if you’ve only been once. They’ve also done a little reorganization of the store, starting with an awesome new window display.

Krystle Lee

Krystle is back to doing her signature private appointments only, but be sure to follow her on her social media to find out about her seasonal sales and all other Krystle news.

Plus, stay tuned for even more pop-up shops. We’ve been working hard to bring you more stores for local shopping options this holiday season. We’re still accepting applications from potential tenants until Tuesday, Oct. 8!

Succeeding as a Small Business forum

Back by popular demand, the Toronto Danforth Federal Liberal Riding Association is holding another forum for all interested small businesses on Oct. 15, 2013 at the Estonian House (958 Broadview Ave.), 7-9 pm.

Katherine Roos Manager, Small Business, Economic Development and Culture, City of Toronto, will be speaking and local business owners from LEN and Lazy Daisy Cafe are among the breakout session leaders.

If you run a small business or are interested in starting one, you’ll definitely want to check out this event.

August 9, 2013

August pop-up news

Pop-ups are continuing and big thanks to some of our awesome local businesses for participating in our ‘passport’ promotion!!

Since this is the first pop-up post in a while that the amazing Amanda O. hasn’t written herself, I’m happy to take the opportunity to thank Amanda for her hours of volunteer work on this project. She is unstoppable! It was with such joy and enthusiasm that we unanimously voted Amanda onto the DECA Board this summer to fill a vacancy from earlier in the year.

New Pop-up Shop Hours

All five of our fantastic pop-up shops have decided to stay in the ‘hood for the month of August (yay!), but they’ve made some adjustments to their store hours.

The biggest change will be that Krystle Lee will now be open for private appointments only. As more than one DECA member knows, having Krystle’s one-on-one attention is not only fun, but a great time saver. Need a back-to-work wardrobe? Do yourself a favour and call Krystle. (Here is the account of my awesome shopping experience with Krystle from February!!)

Cheap Thrills is scaling back a bit and will be closed Wednesdays and Sundays. The updated hours are all up on our website.

Always Wanted to be a Secret Shopper?

We have too! So we put together a questionnaire and some instructions on how to be a Mystery Shopper during the month of August at our pop-up shops. Then, because we want feedback on the stores, but we also like an excuse to have a fun Danforth East night out, we’re ending off with a get-together with your fellow Mystery Shopper neighbours on September 10.

Here are the basics, or check out the website for the details:

Here’s what you do:
1. Download the Mystery Shopper form or check out the online survey (works on mobile devices too!)
2. Quickly review the questions before heading out (try not to look at them while you are in the store)
3. Your feedback will help improve the efforts to encourage local shopping in the neighbourhood
4. Join us for an evening social Tuesday September 10 (mark your calendars now) and reveal yourself to all the other local mystery shoppers in the neighbourhood

Pssst! You can Mystery Shop at more than one pop-up shop location, just submit a separate form for each one please!

Passport Winners

We drew the 5 lucky winners of the Pop-up Passport prizes. Congratulations Catherine W., Irit K., Alison M., Marika V. & Emily R. Some awesome prizes await you. Thanks to everyone who entered and thanks again to our amazing local retailers who participated:

Better Bulk – Cake Town Cafe – Circus Coffee House – Danforth Sandwich – Madame Gateaux – Manzer Hair Studio – Silly Goose Kids

Check out all the loot!

Just for fun, here is the list and info on our pop-ups:

Krystle Lee | 1517 Danforth Avenue
Open in August By Private Appointment Only

PERSONAL SHOPPER * STYLIST * PRIVATE SALES * WARDROBE – Krystle Lee’s designer pop-ups offer a curated selection of new and gently used high end clothing & accessories. Krystle has been a personal shopper and image consultant for 6 years and has accumulated a roster of career centric female clients. Lee assists women with finding stunning stand out pieces that compliment and enhance ones individual style.

In This Closet | 1765 Danforth Avenue
Monday 11-7 |Tuesday-Thursday 11-8 | Friday 11-9 | Saturday 12-8

In This Closet offers the best of thrift pricing with a boutique experience for quality and unique fashions for women sizes 0-20. Modern and classic quality clothing to take you from the office to a night on the town and everywhere in between…

E-closet | 1801 Danforth Avenue
Monday-Saturday 12-7 | Sunday 12-5

Our mission is to deliver top quality trendy fashion at affordable prices, for women of all shapes and sizes. Now both online and in person!

Cheap Thrills | 1811 Danforth Avenue
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 12-5 | Closed Wed. & Sun

We sell all kinds of new samples and seconds name brand items for the whole family. New items arriving weekly, so check in regularly for bargains!

Yummy Stuff | 1938 Danforth Avenue
Tuesday-Friday 11-7 | Saturday 10-5

Yummy Stuff is a bakery specializing in all things yummy; cupcakes, pies, tarts, cookies, squares and custom cakes. Voted best red velvet cupcakes in the city!

July 30, 2013

Farmers’ Market & Pop-Up Shop Deal of the Week

We’re on vacation this week, so you’ll just have to excuse the combined market and pop-up shop posts. Once you have a read, you’ll see that they actually fit quite well together.

Farmers’ Market

Here’s another photo from the fabulous market for the photo contest courtesy of Jen. Thanks, Jen (and mysterious redhead who enjoys peas)!

Did you get to check out the T.O. Ceviche Bar last week? If not, you’re in luck. They had so much fun in our neighbourhood last week they’re coming back for more. Lucky us! Fish tacos, fish kabobs, sweat potato burgers!

This week will also feature celebrity chef Lynn Crawford! She will be joining Primeridge Pure and making the cheesecake featured in the Ace Bakery cookbook using Stacey’s Grey Rush cream cheese. Stacey just had her baby, so I’m not sure whether we can expect to see her this week. Congratulations Stacey & family!

And in more farmer news, everyone should test the fresh strawberry smoothies available from O.K. Farms. Delicious and nutritious!

At 4:30 pm our Silly Goose Kids friends will be making ‘crafty bands’ picture bracelets for all those junior crafters.

Be sure to watch for the roving Yummy Stuff staff handing out free samples at the market this week. You’ll be able to spot them by their white aprons and the crowds of happy people around them. If you haven’t checked out our pop-up shop yet, Thursday is the perfect opportunity. Morag’s shop, right across from East Lynn park, will be open until 8 pm.

Don’t forget to send your best market pictures to events(at)danfortheastcommunityassociation.com. We’ll repost all the picture at the end of the season and vote on a winner!

Finally, if you’ve seen those Stop Line 9 signs around and wondered what it was all about, come chat with organizers at the market this week. They’ll be there with information on what is being planned for the oil pipeline and what their concerns are.

The East Lynn Farmer’s Market runs every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. between June 6 – October 17 at East Lynn Park, located on the south side of Danforth Ave, just west of Woodbine Ave. Stay up to date by visiting the new East Lynn Market Facebook page.

Pop Up Deal of the Week

This week’s deal also comes from Yummy Stuff:

Twoonie cupcakes! Cupcakes will be $2 (regularly $2.75) this Thursday to Sunday, Aug. 4.

August’s cupcake of the month is Peach Cobbler–yum!

Yummy Stuff | 1938 Danforth Avenue
Tuesday-Friday 11-7 | Saturday 9-6

Yummy Stuff is a bakery specializing in all things yummy; cupcakes, pies, tarts, cookies, squares and custom cakes. Voted best red velvet cupcakes in the city!

July 24, 2013

Pop-ups: Deal of the Week & Updates

Pop-up Shop Deal of the Week

This week’s deal comes from the fabulously stylish Krystle Lee pop-up boutique:

All Spring/Summer Tess Barbieri tops will be $25 this week! Tess is a local designer who uses eco-friendly (and incredibly comfortable) fabrics. If you haven’t seen this versatile clothing line yet, now is the perfect opportunity to stop into the shop.

Krystle Lee | 1517 Danforth Avenue
Tuesday – Friday 11 – 7 | Saturday 11-6 | Sunday – Private Appointments / 11-5

Pop-up Shop Updates

Cheap Thrills has scored some more fantastic bedding deals. Jonathan wants you to know: “We have a BOATLOAD of new bedding items coming in this week. All are new from 2 department store chains although the packaging may be missing or damaged. So if you love packaging this may not be for you…

Most items are 50-75% off actual retail prices or better. Like $230 Memory Foam Mattress Tops for $25…that’s almost 100% off” Woo! Who needs packaging anyway?

Cheap Thrills have made an adjustment to their hours and will be closed on Sundays starting this week.

In This Closet have also tweaked their hours this week. They are now open Mondays (11-7) and closed Sundays.

And finally, there’s still time to complete your Pop-up Passport for a chance to win a big bag of awesome FREE stuff. No purchase necessary, just get your passport signed by the participating stores by July 31. The prize packs include:

scalp massages courtesy of Manzer Hair Studio
$50 shopping spree at Cheap Thrills
a six pack of cupcakes from Yummy Stuff
shoes from In This Closet
coffee from Circus Coffee House
sandwiches from Danforth Sandwich
scones from Cake Town Cafe
discounts at E-Closet
goodies from Silly Goose Kids and Better Bulk
cookie cutters from Madame Gateaux

You can pick up a passport at the Thursday East Lynn market or in any of the stores mentioned above.

DECA’s latest round of pop-up shops will be open for up to 6 months on the Danforth. Get all the SHOP DETAILS here. Please support our community’s efforts to revitalize our commercial strip by taking some time to visit and support these exciting pop-up enterprises.