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Local Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend, or treating yourself, finding the perfect gift can sometimes feel like a challenge. In this gift guide, we’ve rounded up the best local treasures from unique artisans, charming boutiques, and florals to help you find the perfect gift!

SIMPLY GIFTED

Looking for something unique? Meet the Everlasting Candle, a luxurious and reusable steel candle that never melts and delivers a clean-burning, smoke-free and scent free ambience

491 Brant St, Burlington, simplygifted.ca


INSIDE STORY

Perfect for a fun night of lounging, this romper has soft fabric and a perfect ruby red colour, combining comfort and style. Feminine and flirty! Available at
Inside Story in Downtown Oakville.

34 Church St, Oakville, insidestory.ca

THE FLORAL COLLECTIVE

Say I love you all year long with this adorable Heart Hoya. With a little TLC, this hardy succulent will last for years and may even reward you with a bloom of flowers if you look after it carefully.

 335 Kerr St, Oakville, thefloralcollectiveinc.com

LINEA INTIMA

Unwind in cozy elegance this Valentine’s Day with our heart- print nightwear—designed for women who embrace both relaxation and style.

196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville, lineaintima.ca

WOVEN

Perfect for relaxing at home, these cozy slippers make the perfect gift. Treat yourself or your loved ones to a touch of luxury with these heart slippers from Woven. Available in-store or online

2049 Pine St Unit 9U, Burlington, shopwoven.ca

THE DIAMOND BOUTIQUE

A little bling on Valentine’s Day is always a good idea. Find this unique bracelet among many others at The Diamond Boutique in Stoney Creek.

7 King St E Unit 2, Stoney Creek, thediamondboutique.ca

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Taste of Oakville is back and better than ever in 2025!

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OAKVILLE – Visit Oakville is thrilled to announce the return of Taste of Oakville from February  17 to March 10, 2025. This highly anticipated culinary event will feature over fifty incredible  restaurants from across Oakville, offering prix fixe menus priced from $20-35 for lunch and $30- 75 for dinner. 

New to this year’s edition is Hexagon Restaurant, fresh off earning a prestigious MICHELIN Star  – one of only 15 stars in Ontario. Hexagon’s Chef Rafael Covarrubias, who recently received  the MICHELIN Guide Toronto 2024 Young Chef Award, will showcase his extraordinary talents  during Taste of Oakville for one night a week. For a limited time, Hexagon will open its doors on  Tuesday nights only from 5:00 p.m. offering a special Taste of Oakville dinner menu priced at  $100. Reservations for this unique dining experience can be made starting January 20 here.

“Taste of Oakville continues to grow and shine a spotlight on the amazing culinary scene here in  town,” said Rebecca Edgar, Executive Director, Visit Oakville, the organization behind Taste.  “We’re excited to welcome new restaurants, including Hexagon, as well as our returning  favourites and invite everyone to explore the diverse and exceptional flavours Oakville has to  offer.” 

In addition to Hexagon, exciting new restaurants joining Taste of Oakville this year include:  Baton Rouge Oakville, Blk Swan Kitchen Hub, Bo.Vine Burgers & Bar, Burger Theory, Color Eat,  D Spot Dessert Café, The Gingerman Social Eatery, Grande Burrito, Hoseki Sushi, Lokma,  Marine Tavern, Milestones, Mrakovic Fine Foods, Pizza Pizza, 7 Enoteca, Sultan Ahmet Turkish Cuisine, Sweet! Bakery, Verace Italian Restaurant, Vereda Central, and XII Old Fashioned  Restaurant.

Additional returning restaurants include: Beacon, Borgo Antico Cucina Bar, Buca Di Bacco, The  Boot Social Pizzeria, Ce Soir Brasserie + Bar, Chocolato and Tommy Café, Colossus Greek  Taverna, Community, Coriander Green, The Crepe Kitchen, Easy on Fourth, El Spero Family Restaurant, French Lunch, Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, Harper’s Landing, Irie Cuisine, J.A.C.’s  Bistro, The King’s Arms, Laylak, Mary’s Muffins, Maverick’s Donut Company, Mercato Sociale,  The Mermaid and the Oyster, Nyla’s Room, Oakville Fish and Chips, Odd Burger, Paradiso, Piano Piano, Puckz Pub, Ritorno, Second Cup, Simple Kitchen, STACK BBQ Smokehouse, Sugar Suite, The Sweetest Thing Bakery, and Zara’s On Wheels.

Tunesdays: 

For the third consecutive year, Taste of Oakville will feature live music by talented local  entertainers on Tuesday evenings. This year, nine restaurants including Buca Di Bacco, Burger  Theory, Community Resto, Coriander Green, Harpers Landing, Laylak Oakville, Paradiso, Ritorno, and STACK BBQ Smokehouse – will host live performances during the event on  February 18, 25 and March 4 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Visit here for more details. 

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a weekend getaway or a visit from out of town, Taste of Oakville is the perfect reason to explore the town and its vibrant food scene. To find  great accommodation options during your stay visit here. 

Watch the Taste of Oakville website throughout January to view each restaurant’s exclusive menus. 

If you are a restaurant owner interested in participating in Taste, please email  tasteofoakville@visitoakville.com.  

For more details on these and other upcoming events, please visit our website:  www.visitoakville.com/events.

About Visit Oakville: 

Visit Oakville is an incorporated, not-for-profit, destination marketing organization (DMO). It is  led by a volunteer Board of Directors representing the community. Visit Oakville aims to drive  economic impact through marketing and partnerships, curating visitor experiences and  advocating on behalf of Oakville’s tourism industry. 

For more information, please contact: 

Christa Poole 
Visit Oakville
christa.poole@visitoakville.com

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The Great Soup Rescue: Local Flavour Saviours Help A Struggling Cook

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People tend to romanticize soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, they say. So warm and hearty. Good for what ails you. Like a hug in a bowl. Personally, I’ve never understood all this fuss over liquid food.

I consider myself a decent cook who’s big on flavour, but here’s my awful confession: I make boring soup. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve dumped an entire pot of it.

I do get the appeal of food that’s hot, soothing, economical and nutritious. The thing is, I want more than small morsels floating in bland broth. I want my soup to thrill my tastebuds. So, I have reached out to two celebrated food establishments for guidance.

No shortcuts

“What do soup-makers commonly do wrong?” I ask Luis Velasquez, Executive Chef and Owner, Familia Fine Foods in Burlington.

“Flavourless stocks, not enough time on the stovetop, and using artificial (supermarket) stocks,” he replies. But I’ve used real bones and still… blah. My chicken soup has never been good. Not even for the soul.

“You’re probably adding too much water or don’t have enough flavouring elements,” says Jacqui Cronin, Owner of The Platter Co and Table 10, a private dining room in Aldershot.

To bouillon or not to bouillon?

If your soup stock is thin in body and flavour, Cronin says it’s okay to fortify it with a pre-made stock paste, base, or bouillon cube from the grocery store. “If using these I would add them at the end, after you strain your stock, little by little, until you reach the desired flavour,” she says. “These do tend to be salty, so I would not add both salt and a pre-made stock base.

When Cronin makes chicken soup, she roasts a full chicken first, picks the meat off the bones and reserves the juices. She then re-roasts the carcass with vegetables and herbs. Next, in a pot with water, she boils and simmers all of this (including pan drippings). After 45 to 60 minutes, she either reduces the broth for more flavour, or just seasons it with salt and pepper.

I’m encouraged and can almost smell the roasted goodness! Now for my next question: Can plant-based soup taste decadent, too?

Meatless and marvellous

“If I were to make a vegetarian soup,” Cronin says, “I would make a roasted vegetable broth with carrot, onion, leek, celery, garlic, tomato, and some herbs like bay, parsley, thyme and rosemary.” Cronin cuts vegetables in 1-inch segments, tosses them in olive oil, roasts them, and then places them in a pot with just enough water to cover them. She brings this to a boil, lets it simmer for up to an hour, and strains it.

“If I wanted to intensify the flavour, I would then either bring the strained stock to a boil and reduce it or repeat the process of reboiling the stock, with more roasted vegetables…”

Velasquez shares his own tried-and-true tips: “Wash the vegetables properly,” he says. “Don’t discard the skins – those will be used later in the stock. Always start the stock with a good mirepoix (50% onion, 25% celery and 25% carrots). Add water and simmer for a minimum of one hour. If you want your soup thick, you can blend some of that mirepoix and put it back into the soup. Adjust with spices, salt and pepper.

I’m beginning to understand that soup is a labour of love. Rather than begrudge the process, I need to nurture my stock until I’m absolutely satisfied that
it’s bursting with flavour.

Supersoup does exist

Familia Fine Foods sells 15 varieties of frozen soups with gourmet, soul-warming flavours. Their signature Colombian soups express culture and home-made goodness in a bowl. “Ajiaco (chicken and potato), Sancocho (chicken, pork, plantain, cassava, and potato), Mondongo (beef tripe) and the Chicken Rice & Quinoa Soup have become staples, not only among the Latino community but also the Canadian clientele,” Velasquez says.

Among The Platter Co’s specialties are soups with a nostalgic twist. Their Tomato and Tarragon with Parmesan is a mature take on tomato soup with grilled cheese – warm and rich with heavy cream, scented with tarragon, and finished with a healthy amount of parmesan.

“Soup flavour is all about the balance and quality of ingredients,” Cronin says. “What you put in it is exactly what you’re going to get out of it. Patience is key.”

BY MICHELLE MORRA

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Get Ready For Taste 2025: Discover New Menus, Unique Flavours And Exciting New Features In Our Premier Culinary Events

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We are truly fortunate to live in a community with such a vast selection of great restaurants, with cuisine options from everywhere around the globe. This winter, why not treat yourself to some relaxing meals out, and say goodbye to food prep and the washing up?

Taste of Burlington and Taste of Oakville are back this winter with prix-fixe menus at some of the area’s best restaurants. These popular events should be all the motivation we need to venture out for a culinary adventure. The participating restaurants will create unique, mouth-watering courses for both lunch and dinner to showcase their culinary talents. Since each prix- fixe offering is carefully crafted with flavours that complement one another, you don’t have to agonize over what to order.

Taste of Burlington will return for its 17th year, running from January 27th to February 9th, offering two weeks of exceptional cuisine in many of Burlington’s best dining spots. Claire Green, Director of Destination Development and Marketing at Burlington Economic Development and Tourism, invites you to indulge in the creative menus and explore the unique flavours that make Burlington a culinary standout in southern Ontario. “This program is a testament to the incredible dining experiences Burlington has to offer and we’re very excited about this year’s line-up of restaurants and some of the new features we have planned.”

Taste of Oakville will run from February 17th to March 10th, featuring restaurants from Downtown, Bronte, Kerr Village and all across Oakville. The event is sponsored by our local BIAs, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Oakville. To add to the fun and celebration, many of the participating restaurants are planning to offer live music on Tuesdays this year.

So don’t delay − grab a friend, family member or go solo to discover what’s on offer this year.

To learn more about the restaurants participating, visit TASTEOFBURLINGTON.CA and TASTEOFOAKVILLE.CA

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Happiness Is A Blank Canvas: Treat Your Inner Van Gogh To A Local Art Class

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Art is more than just a creative outlet. It’s a way to relax, express yourself, and connect with others. Whether you’re looking to nurture your child’s creativity or pick up your own new hobby, art classes have something for everyone.

From painting to drawing, pottery and beyond, local studios offer a range of programs for both experienced and novice artists. For anyone wanting to start the year off with a worthwhile pursuit, art is the whole package – self-improvement (through new skills), self-expression, self-discovery and self-pampering. It can also be an absolute blast!

THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON ART

4Cats Arts Studio

Why should you add art classes to your child’s schedule, or your own? For kids, art is more than just doodles and finger paint. Among its many developmental benefits, art builds fine motor skills and improves hand-eye coordination. It also provides an outlet for self-expression, emotions, and fostering important life skills.

“Art is a great way to help kids focus and learn patience,” says Zoe Medel, studio manager at 4Cats Art Studio in Burlington. “With drawing and painting, you really have to have the patience and focus when doing different techniques.”

Keir Overton, Director of Marketing, Events & Digital Strategy at the Dundas Valley School of Art, agrees,adding that art helps foster important developmental skills. “Mixing paint colours is a process of exploration and experimentation, while constructing a sculpture to stand tall and be supported involves critical thinking and problem solving.”

Art Gallery Of Burlington

In a fast-paced world, art also gives kids valuable time to develop a sense of self. “Art can create a space for kids to slow down and focus on their own making in a way that is self-directed and deeply fulfilling,” says Stephanie Vegh, Head of Learning at the Art Gallery of Burlington.

But the rewards aren’t just for kids! Adults, too, reap incredible benefits from artistic pursuits.

“For some, the art-making process is a journey of self-discovery and expression,” Overton explains. “For others, it’s about mastering a skill or pursuing excellence. Art can also offer healing and an avenue for processing life’s challenges.” The Dundas Valley School of Art offers diploma programs but also has introductory programs in every art medium, from painting and drawing to glass art, ceramics and even photography.

Dundas Valley School of Art

Carving out time in your week for an art class provides an opportunity to rest the active side of your brain – the one that’s always making grocery lists, paying bills and checking off your to-do list – and re-awaken the often-neglected right side. Art classes can even enrich your social life. “An art class can be a wonderful environment for meeting new people and encountering new ideas while also making time for your own personal creative growth,” says Vegh.

READY FOR ART CLASS?

Beyond Pottery

Halton Region is home to many art studios with a variety of offerings. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re six or 60. If you’re looking to get creative as a family, the Art Gallery of Burlington offers a free Family Open Studio on Sundays and a free space for exploring various art forms. This winter, the Family Open Studios will also feature different materials every two weeks such as fabric scraps, cardboard tubes, scrap paper and boxes. Family Open Studio happens on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.

4Cats Art Studio offers multi-week programs covering a variety of programs for children, teens and adults as well as PA day workshops and family programs that encourage parent and child bonding through visual arts.

From pottery to drawing and sculpting, there’s always something new to discover. Check out a local studio to find an artform that speaks to you.

LOCAL LINKS

4CATS ARTS STUDIO
Burlington & Oakville locations
4cats.com

ART FOR LIFE 4 KIDS
2025 William O’Connell Blvd # 14,
Burlington
artforlife4kids.ca

ART GALLERY OF BURLINGTON
1333 Lakeshore Road
agb.life

CREATIVE INSIGHT POTTERY
23 Main St S, Waterdown
creativeinsightpottery.com

DUNDAS VALLEY SCHOOL OF ART
21 Ogilvie Street, Dundas
dvsa.ca

OAKVILLE ART SOCIETY
560 Bronte Road, Oakville
oakvilleartsociety.com

BEYOND POTTERY
3228 South Service Road #116,
Burlington
beyondpottery.ca

POTTERY N PAINT CAFE
3513 Wyecroft Road # H1,
Oakville
potterynpaintcafe.com

BY LISA EVANS

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Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Finding The Best Care Options For Your Elderly Loved Ones

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In the tale my parents spin about the “good old days,” people often moved in with their elderly parents to care for them. In my parents’ case they lived with my paternal grandfather, and later with my maternal grandmother, acting as primary caregivers until their parents’ deaths. This arrangement was only feasible because my hard-working and very loving mom was willing to take on this role.

As people in Ontario live longer (Statistics Canada, 2019, reports that women live an average of 84 years, and men 80) systems of eldercare are becoming increasingly complex to navigate. Aging in place, as my grandparents chose to do, is an attractive choice for many, and services in our community can help. For people who are done with the responsibilities of home ownership, there are a multitude of retirement residences, ranging from intimate homes to establishments resembling five-star hotels.

For those wanting to remain in their own homes, Bayshore Home Health offers services such as personal support care, nursing, housekeeping, transportation, Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, and kinesiology and physiotherapy services. “Our older adults want to age in place,” says Laura Peresan, Director of Growth and Operations, GTA West, Bayshore Home Health. “Home is where they are most comfortable and often where they want to continue with their life journey.”

Peresan has found that most older adults prefer a one-stop option. Seniors in the Halton region have access to everything from nursing, to support with showers and house cleaning, all the way to end of life palliative care.

Caring for an elderly parent in their home has many positives, such as the ability to strengthen family bonds, reduce stress for your loved one, and work with an organization to create specific support. There are also drawbacks. As my mom discovered when she was a primary caregiver, the role can be a physical and emotional strain. Caregivers often burn out, and family relationships can be fractured if one person takes on more of the care duties.

An option for many families is to find a suitable retirement residence for their loved one. Michelle Ferrara is Community Relations Manager at Queens Avenue Retirement Home, a family-oriented residence in Oakville.

Independent Seniors Apartments

LIVITA QUEENS AVENUE is a retirement community, located in a quiet residential Oakville neighbourhood, offering independent seniors suites with full kitchens, living rooms, bed and bath. Monthly rates are very competitive.

Picture yourself in an apartment with full kitchen, multiple closets, large suites and big bright windows. The utilities are included and underground parking is available. Meet new friends as you enjoy the beautiful outdoor space, amenities, activities and entertainment that make Livita Queens home. Options are available for meal plans and housekeeping. Emergency care is always accessible. Enjoy, relax and feel safe and secure.

When it comes to finding the right fit, Ferrara offers these insights:

Be realistic.
Does the residence provide what your loved one needs, now and with a view to the future?

Have paperwork and information at hand.
Do your research and bring questions to the tour or meeting

What is the general vibe you feel when walking around the residence?
Are the staff friendly and smiling? Do the residents seem happy, active and engaged?

Will the residence work financially for the long term?
If your loved one’s health declines, will another move be necessary?

Retirement residences offer peace of mind, professional care, increased safety and security, set activities, and a clear cost structure to help you budget. They are also, however, a huge shift for residents and their families. For one thing, residents might feel a loss of independence as they adjust to a new environment and new routines. As Kim Routledge, Sales and Leasing Manager at Oakville’s Vistamere Retirement Residence explains, working together will aid the transition.

“Leaving a long-time home can evoke feelings of grief and nostalgia,” Routledge says. “It  is vital for caregivers to acknowledge and support these emotions. Initially, residents may feel isolated in a new community. Caregivers can facilitate social interaction by introducing them to other residents and encouraging participation in group activities.”

When deciding whether your loved one will live at home or in a retirement residence, it is crucial to have frank discussions and not wait until there’s a crisis situation. A little planning now will make future transitions much easier for you and your family.

LOCAL LINKS

Bayshore Home Health
bayshore.ca

Halton Region Services for Older Adults
halton.ca/For-Residents/Older-Adults

Heritage Place Retirement Residence,
Burlington
heritage-place.ca

LaSalle Park Retirement
Community, Burlington
lasalleparkretirement.com

Qualicare Home Care,
Burlington
qualicare.com

Queens Avenue Retirement Home,
Oakville
livinglivita.com/oakville

The Ontario Caregiver
Organization
ontariocaregiver.ca

Vistamere Retirement Residence,
Oakville
vistamere.ca

Viva Retirement Residence,
Oakville
vivaoakville.ca

BY CYNDI INGLE

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Step Into Wonderland: Alice In Bloomland Comes To The Royal Botanical Gardens

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The Royal Botanical Gardens is pure magic for nature lovers. It’s lush gardens, extensive trail systems, and programs that foster people’s love of the outdoors all strengthen our connection with the natural world. Every year, the RBG presents a winter feature that families look forward to (who can ever forget Frogs! and Nature’s Superheroes?).

This year, get ready for something truly unique and extraordinary: Alice in Bloomland! With eye-popping floral artistry, this playful, dreamy exhibit will transport you to the pages of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Whether you’re an artist, a gardener, or a fan of Alice’s adventures, Alice in Bloomland is sure to dazzle your senses and brighten your season.

From February 1 to March 30, 2025, this family-friendly indoor exhibit invites you to tumble down the rabbit hole into a whimsical wonderland that brings the iconic tale to life. Alice in Wonderland was first published in 1865 and has become one of the world’s most beloved and recognized works of children’s literature. The fantastical realm created by Lewis is full of clever and peculiar characters such as the Mad Hatter and Cheshire Cat. It’s a place where animals talk and nature comes alive – even the flowers have personalities!

At Alice in Bloomland, visitors will have the opportunity to walk through towering life-sized floral installations with more than 25,000 real blooms, including stunning tropical orchids, bromeliads, tillandsia and other exotic plants. Textile-based artworks crafted by local and international artists add an extra layer of creativity, bringing florals and art together to honour the children’s classic in enchanting ways.

This exhibit also showcases local talent and businesses. The installations are created by Toronto-based prop makers, while the vibrant orchids and tropical plants are sourced from a Niagara- based grower.

The kid in all of us is sure to enjoy this colourful and soul-feeding experience. Don’t miss the chance to brighten your winter season with a topsy-turvy journey through Wonderland!

With your Alice in Bloomland ticket, you can also enjoy same-day access to other RBG attractions, including the Mediterranean Garden and Imagination Playground. Thursdays through Sundays, guests can also visit Hendrie Park and The Rock Garden.

Mediterranean Garden

Who else is craving a Mediterranean escape in the middle of Canadian winter? This beautiful greenhouse features plants from the world’s five Mediterranean climate zones. Beat the winter chill and let the lush greenery and warm vibes whisk you away to sunnier days.

Imagination Playground


Kids of all ages can unleash their creativity with the big blue blocks! These giant, uniquely shaped foam blocks are perfect for building and stacking. Located in the atrium, this self-guided playground promises hands-on fun.

The Rock Garden

While this garden is stunning to visit in the spring and summer, even in the chill of winter the experience is magical. From towering pines to charming dwarf spruce, it’s a showcase of evergreen beauty. Don’t forget to breathe deeply—the fresh earthy scent is pure winter bliss.

Hendrie Park

Even in winter, Hendrie Park offers a scenic escape to nature. Stroll through the snow-dusted pathways and admire the heritage trees, shrubs and sculptures.

Exhibit Dates and Hours

  • This time-ticketed exhibit requires pre-registration, so secure your spot early!
  • February 1 – March 30, 2025 Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm (final entry 4 pm)
  • Special extended hours on Family Day (February 17) and during March Break (March 8–16), opening at 9 am

COST

  • Adult Tickets start at $19.50 (+ HST & $2 service fee)
  • Senior, Student, Child and RBG Member pricing available
  • Tickets and more information are available at rbg.ca/alice.

By Lisa Evans

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Ditch The Fads: A Balanced Approach To Diet And Fitness For The New Year

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Ah, January. The month where social media feeds are flooded with ads for the latest miracle diets promising to help us drop five sizes by spring. From keto to the classic cabbage soup diet, the allure of quick fixes is undeniable. But are these diets a path to lasting health?

Fad diets are nothing new. Every few years, a trendy new one takes the spotlight. The keto diet touts its carb-cutting magic for rapid weight loss, while intermittent fasting champions the benefits of time-restricted eating. Calorie-counting apps promise precision but sometimes feel like a chore. Even old-school low-fat diets occasionally rear their heads, despite decades of evolving science.

Each has its fans, but are these diets actually healthy and sustainable? To find out, we spoke with a registered dietitian who helped us separate fact from fiction. Norine Khalil, Co-Founder of One Elephant Integrative Health Team and Lifeberry, offers this simple litmus test: “Can you maintain this for at least three to six months?” If the answer is no, it’s likely not sustainable.

Khalil suggests focusing on what to add to your diet instead of what to remove. Here are her top tips:

Any diet that makes sweeping promises or cuts out entire food groups raises some serious red flags.

HEALTHY EATING HABITS

Focus on plants. Most fad diets will have this one in common, for good reason. Plants are a key source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, all of which are integral to optimizing health and weight. Incorporate a variety of colours and aim to fill 50% of your plate with plants for at least two
meals a day.

Protein. Protein helps regulate blood sugar (which can have a direct impact on weight management), keeps you feeling full, and supports muscle mass. Include a variety of lean and/or plant-based proteins like fish, chicken, turkey, tofu, edamame, or eggs. Have protein at each meal and snack and watch your energy begin to stabilize.

Choose your carbohydrates wisely. Carbohydrates are not the enemy. They are complicated, in a good way. You want complex carbohydrates in your diet, ideally within the hours of your day where your brain and body need them most (hint: this usually isn’t in the evenings). Choose options like brown rice, quinoa, oats, legumes, or sweet potato to ensure adequate fibre intake and steady blood sugar. (Author’s full disclosure: I wrote most of this article with one hand in a bag of sour cream and onion ripple chips. Pretty sure these are not the carbs Norine had in mind…)

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

Moving your body is another important piece of the puzzle. Certified nutrition coach Lindsay Mundy emphasizes that movement isn’t just about burning calories – it’s about building fitness habits that support overall health and longevity.

Before diving into the latest trend, ask yourself: What am I really looking for?

Weight loss? More energy? Improved health? All of the above? Defining your goals can steer you toward lasting changes instead of fleeting, restrictive plans.

“While getting your heart pumping is important, strength training is a game-changer,” says Mundy. “It builds muscle, boosts metabolism, and supports fat burning, even at rest. As we age, hormonal shifts mean our body’s ability to maintain lean mass decreases. It’s so important to actively work to hold onto and build muscle mass so that we can live a more independent and active lifestyle in our later years.” She recommends strength training weekly, walking every day, and incorporating activities you enjoy, such as dancing or yoga to keep things interesting. “If it’s fun, you’re more likely to get off the couch and do it.”

It’s easy to chase the idea of a “perfect” plan, but life rarely goes according to script. Instead, focus on finding what works for you and aim for consistency. At the same time, give yourself grace– skipping a workout here and there or enjoying a treat doesn’t mean you’ve “failed.” Sometimes life offers us potato chips. So, eat the chips. Just maybe not the whole bag.

Instead of chasing that “unicorn” diet, focus on building nutrition habits that work for you. Pair that with regular movement, and you’re well on your way to a healthier, happier you.

By Lisa Thornbury

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Kid Cave: Make Your Child’s Bedroom A Sanctuary!

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Let your child’s personality shine by embracing décor trends and prioritizing multifunctional design. By incorporating elements that reflect your child’s individuality, you can create a space they’ll love to spend time in – one that sparks imagination and grows with them. From botanical prints and accent walls to functional furniture and personalized touches, here’s how to craft an unforgettable, safe, and inspiring room your child can truly call their own.

Keep it simple

Creating a lasting space your little one will love for years can feel challenging, especially when kids change their minds as often as they change their favourite breakfast! Andrea Sarlo, Owner and Founder of Rooms to Grow, suggests starting with a soft, neutral palette. “The neutral nursery trend is here to stay,” she explains. “Neutral spaces are soothing, sophisticated, and timeless.”

Neutral palettes are the perfect place to start. To complete an organic look, “you can always add lush details such as gold accents and warm browns or taupe and dove-coloured furniture pieces,” says Cindy Abu Zeid, General Manager of Nestled. “[Designs] are moving away from grey tones and the farmhouse look.” Beyond colour, include essentials like convertible cribs that adapt from infancy to toddlerhood, cozy chairs that glide, swivel and recline, and portable changers.

NESTLED BY SNUGGLE BUGZ

Arley Coffin, Design Director at FOR Living | Design, emphasizes investing in versatile furniture. “Your biggest pieces, like a quality dresser, rocking chair, or chandelier, should grow with your child,” she advises. “Let the space evolve with smaller updates like artwork, textiles, and the crib or bed.” Her key takeaway: “Invest once in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time.”

Walk on the wild side

As babies and toddlers grow up, parents are embracing vibrant tones and taking risks with colour in kids’ rooms. The popular décor mantra “more is more” continues into 2025 with statement-making wallpaper, art, bedding, rugs, and furniture. “Textiles and wallpaper are incredibly inspiring when it comes to personalizing a space while also serving a function,” says Coffin. “Patterns, embroidery, and embellishments like fringe or piping add personal design touches.”

To incorporate pops of colour, start with your child’s input to ensure they feel connected to the space. Draw inspiration from a favourite toy or standout piece and consider the mood you want to create when selecting shades. “We love to include colour in kids’ rooms,” Coffin adds. “Colour- drenching or contrast trim is a cost-effective and impactful way to set the tone with paint.”

FOR LIVING DESIGN

“We’re seeing more complex patterns and more detail instead of simplistic designs,” says Abu Zeid. “Patterns such as vintage floral and floral fields are popular.”

Curious about trending hues? Sarlo predicts, “Sage green, crimson, and yellow furniture will define 2025.”

Balancing fun and functionality can transform a kids’ room into a space for play, study, and good sleeping habits. “Many kids’ rooms now serve as a combination bedroom, play, and study area,” says Sarlo. “Our bunk bed selection offers multiple configurations with desks and dressers underneath to maximize space.”

Lighting is another key element for both functionality and ambiance. “We love incorporating accessible task and accent lighting for independent play and reading areas as kids grow,” Coffin explains. “A simple plug- in or hardwired wall sconce, or a cordless table lamp, can provide easy-to-control lighting separate from an overhead fixture.”

ROOMS TO GROW

Coffin’s must-have item: artful pieces that infuse a playful or whimsical vibe into a child’s space. “Opt for soft, cozy rugs because kids spend so much time on the floor, as well as accessible storage so kids can have a designated place to play within their rooms.”

Designing a kids’ room is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects their personality, supports growth, and inspires imagination. From neutral palettes and bold pops of colour to multifunctional furniture and thoughtful lighting, the possibilities are endless. But as kids’ tastes evolve, so should their rooms.

By starting with timeless, high-quality pieces and adding flexible, interchangeable elements like artwork, textiles, and accessories, you can keep the space fresh and adaptable.

LOCAL LINKS

FOR Living | Design
75 Navy Street
Oakville
www.for-living.ca
www.for-design.ca


Nestled by Snuggle Bugz
3245 Fairview Street, Unit #2
Burlington
www.nestled.ca


Rooms to Grow
1200 Speers Road #35
Oakville
www.roomstogrow.ca

By Nicole Hilton

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Snow Guide 2025

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ICE SKATING AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING CLOSE TO HOME

Face it and embrace it” is how true Canadians survive winter. Although southern Ontario has become synonymous with unpredictable weather in recent years, winter has decided to settle in after all. For all diehard fans of the white stuff, we are pleased to present Look Local’s recommended snow and ice destinations.

Cross-Country Ski Trails

Gliding through nature on skis is a great workout that warms the body and soul. Terra Cotta Conservation Area in Halton Hills has over 6 kilometres of groomed trails. Those at Crawford Lake in Milton range from easy to moderate. Mountsberg’s ungroomed Pioneer Creek Trail is more challenging, but firepits are available — and if you go during the Maple Syrup Festival you can refuel with pancakes slathered in sweetness.

Other local favourites are Hilton Falls, with scenic trails ranging from moderate to difficult, and Bronte Provincial Park’s 10 kilometres of ungroomed trails (the park also boasts a truly epic toboggan hill, with panoramic views of the area).

Outdoor Skating Rinks

If the sound of blades scraping on ice makes your heart sing, get your skates sharpened and head outside. The Town of Oakville just opened a brand new outdoor rink in Wallace Park in Old Oakville, featuring artificially frozen ice to keep you skating amid weather fluctuations. The rink at the historic Dundas Driving Park is staffed (and zambonied) between 10 am and 6 pm daily.

Want more lights and hustle and bustle? Enjoy lakeside magic at Downtown Burlington’s Rotary Pond in Spencer Smith Park, where skates are available to rent. Waterdown Memorial Park and Trafalgar Park Recreation Centre are two other local favourites offering manicured ice, as well as the convenience of washroom facilities.

When natural, shallow wetlands freeze over, Bronte Creek (in Bronte, near Lakeshore) is a picturesque and old-timey destination for skiers, snowshoers and skaters. Heading toward Hamilton, Princess Point and Carroll’s Bay Marsh (both part of the Royal Botanical Gardens) are particularly beautiful at sunset — and if you’re lucky, conditions might be just right for ice that’s smooth as glass.

LOCAL LINKS
burlington.ca/en/recreation/skating
conservationhalton.ca/activities/cross-country-skiing
cvc.ca/explore-activities/cross-country-skiing
ontarioskitrails.com/item/bronte-creek
oakville.ca/parks-recreation-culture

By Michelle Morra

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