What is it about the changing seasons that makes me want to shop? Lately, I've been adding to my summer wardrobe and buying new accessories online. I used to be so hesitant to buy things I couldn't actually touch or return easily but as retailers have improved the online shopping experience and their shipping policies, I find that I do at least half of my shopping online nowadays.

So when Visa reached out to me to help spread the word about the ease of using Visa Checkout, I was  intrigued. I decided to try it out by shopping at one of my favourite online destinations, Indigo, which is just one of many Canadian stores where you can use Visa Checkout; you can see the full list here. I've trusted Visa for years so it was good to know that Visa Checkout comes with Visa's advanced security tools and Zero Liability for consumers in case of fraud as well.

I like to shop late at night, typically from the comfort of the sofa, and it's always a hassle to have to find my wallet and dig out the credit card. With Visa Checkout, there's no need to re-enter your card number or shipping info. You simply create an account at www.VisaCheckout.ca and then look for the Visa Checkout button when you're shopping online, enter your username and password and you're good to go.

Indigo has an amazing Great Canadian Summer collection right now that I am crazy over. Nautical stripes, retro-inspired essentials, canoe prints... it brings to mind cottaging, patios, and sunshine. I already have some of the pillows and this throw which I've brought outside to enjoy on the back porch. Doesn't it just shout Summer? I really love the texture on this throw. It's thick and soft and the colours are vibrant.

Now that we're eating outdoors more often, I wanted to add some coordinating entertaining and decor pieces so here's what I picked up:

I love products that are stylish and functional and Indigo always delivers in that regard. The rope ball napkin rings would look cute on a picnic table and prevent your napkins from flying away. And I don't usually design with a theme but these fun canoe and oar motifs feel just right for the outdoors. I couldn't resist adding a few books into my cart as well; I'm looking forward to re-reading To Kill A Mockingbird while lying on a beach this summer!

Shopping with Visa Checkout was a breeze. I just added things to my cart and used the Visa Checkout button. Even better, from now through May 31st, Canadians who use Visa Checkout on Chapters.Indigo.ca receive 20% off their order!


I'm happy to get your summer shopping started because I have a $100 Visa Gift Card to giveaway! To enter, leave a comment below stating "Why are you excited to try Visa Checkout?" Do you want to stockpile novels for your summer reading? Are you eager to add some stripey accents to your outdoor table? Let me know.

Contest is open to Canadian residents over 18 years of age, excluding Quebec. Contest closes midnight May 19th. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I was provided with a Visa Gift Card to try out Visa Checkout. All opinions are my own. 

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Update: Thank you everyone for entering! The winner of the $100 Visa Gift Card is: