Okay, I promised to update you on my shopping trip to the States that I went on back on the 24th, so that’s what I’m doing (even though it’s a little late :) ).

I got some amazing deals, and I’m planning on heading back there again before Christmas, b/c not heading my own advice, I forgot my shopping list at home and forgot to pick up some things I planned on purchasing State-side.

The drive down there was good. We left Toronto around 5am and reached the border around 7. Virtually no line up, so we ended up waiting only 5 minutes for customs to check our citizenship. Then it was off to Erie, PA (Millcreek Mall specifically). Reached the mall around 8:30… great selection of parking spots. First stop was Burlington Coat Factory. I love this store. I saw a nice coat there, but opted to window shop a little more to find the right one. Got a nice pair of dress pants for $7. Marshalls had some great deals as well. I bought myself a gold leather Calvin Klein belt for $15 (regular price $45). Also got a BCBG Max Azria white, sleeveless, turtleneck sweater for $10. Guess what the original retail price was? $110!!! Picked up another sweater as well for $7. Got a software tutorial book I wanted at Borders for $40 (over $70 here). Picked up some Revolon makeup at Big Lots for $2 (I paid $10 for the same thing here in Toronto!) We then stuffed our bellies at Wal-Mart Supercenter (love their $8.99 mixed chicken buckets!).

After we were done in Erie we went on a 1 hour drive to Grove City. I wish we headed there first b/c there were even more deals! All the outlets are outdoors, so thankfully it wasn’t too cold, that we were able to visit most of the stores. The Nike Store was great. I ran out of extra spending money so I couldn’t get the nice Shox that were on sale for $39. They also had hoodies for $20. The GAP had a good sale as well. Sweaters 50% off (sooo comfy!). I finally got some BearPaw winter boots (in my size!) for $50. They are so warm!

We left Grove City around 9pm after packing the SUV with our purchases well and trying to avoid deer along the highway. We reached the Canadian border at 11ish… all nervous about our declarations.  We were waiting in the line at the Peace Bridge for about 15 minutes which wasn’t too bad.  We were honest (well, most of us were) and we had to go in to pay taxes, but it was only $20/person (we all claimed between $150-200). Ironic thing is the girl who bought the most stuff end up only paying $11 (she bought a lot of children’s clothes… so there’s no PST).

All in all a good trip! :) Next time I just have to make sure I get enough sleep the night before!  P.S. The Hyundai Santa Fe SUV is a dream to drive!