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THE ART OF CRAFTING THE PERFECT CUP OF COFFEE

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Faced with so many tantalizing options on a coffee shop menu, my usual order is a basic drip coffee with milk — rather uninspired, I know. So this year, I aim to be more creatively caffeinated. Enter Juan Sarmiento, owner of Vereda Central.

Juan is undoubtedly an expert in his field. Fifteen years ago, he and his best friend and business partner, Santiago, began roasting beans in their garage in Bogotá, Colombia. Since relocating to Canada five years ago, Juan and his family have opened three Vereda Central locations, two in Oakville. 

I recently sat down with Juan for a crash course in all things coffee. By the time I finished my Americano, I felt equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make more exciting coffee choices.

What does Juan personally recommend? “Americano, flat white or cafe latte tend to be popular orders, alongside anything seasonal,” he shared. “For me, it’s about the time of day and my mood. I like to mix it up.”

Santiago directly sources premium beans from Colombian farmers and ships them to Juan in Canada for roasting in their two on-site facilities. This direct process, bypassing middlemen and investing in infrastructure, goes beyond fair trade standards. Only top-quality beans, tested and rated, make it to the roasting process.

With over 270 flavour profiles and countless brewing and ingredient combinations, how does one choose what to order?

Juan suggests considering five key points to find your perfect cup:

Do you prefer your coffee milky or black? 

Roast choice is influenced by acidity versus smoothness. Go light for fruity acidic notes, dark for robust chocolatey depth and medium for balance.

Personal taste is also affected by extraction methods (espresso, drip, pour-over).

Milk ratios (or milk alternatives) for espresso-based coffees determine the style of drink e.g. cappuccino vs. latte or macchiato — seek guidance on this from your barista.

Flavours and sweetness can be added with syrups and spice blends to suit your taste.

While coffee shops offer expert guidance and a vibrant atmosphere, you can also bring that café vibe home.

Gustavo Castelar is your go-to for this. He and his partners have been roasting Salvadoran specialty coffee at Firebat Coffee Roasters since 2016. Their freshly roasted beans are available online, or directly from their roastery. While browsing their website, check out their blog for tips on grinding and brewing like a pro at home.

Although I typically prefer a French press, after exploring the Firebat blog, I’m inspired to try the clever dripper method. It combines the bold flavour of a French press with the clarity of a pour-over. Their step-by-step instructions make me feel like I’m a capable barista.

Gustavo advises approaching coffee brewing like a science experiment. “Test various extraction techniques and grinds and make adjustments until you find what works best for you.” 

Extraction refers to the amount of caffeine and flavour extracted by hot water from coffee. The grind size determines the extraction rate — finer grind yields faster extraction while coarser grind slows it down. For instance, espresso, with its very fine grind, requires only about 30 seconds of brew time; any longer results in a bitter, over-extracted taste. On the other hand, a French press needs a coarse grind due to extended contact with hot water.

Hot tip (literally): Temperature matters! Aim for water at 93-96 degrees Celsius. Achieve this by letting your water rest for 30 to 60 seconds after boiling.

Gustavo says to expect some trial and error, but this basic formula for common coffee methods and their corresponding grinds will get you started:

• French press – coarse, similar to raw sugar

• Drip – finer than French press, roughly like kosher salt

• Pour-over – finer than drip, akin to sea salt

Be sure to check out Vereda Central, Firebat Coffee, and other local specialty coffee roasters. And remember, a day without coffee is like… just kidding! I have no idea. I’ve never experienced it, and I don’t plan to. 


Local Roasters and Specialty Coffee Shops

Vereda Central, Oakville
veredacentral.ca

Firebat Coffee, Burlington
firebatcoffee.com

Tribeca Coffee, Burlington and Oakville
tribecacoffeeco.ca

Pilot Coffee Roasters, Oakville
pilotcoffeeroasters.com 

Tamp Coffee, Burlington
tampcoffee.com 

Taste of Colombia, Bronte
tasteofcolombia.ca

Peach Coffee Co, Burlington and Bronte
peachcoffeeco.com

Brothers Coffee Roasters, Oakville
brotherscoffeeroasters.com

Detour Coffee, Dundas
detourcoffee.com

Wet Coffee, Oakville
wetcoffeecommunity.com

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The Plantiful Home: Using houseplants to brighten your mood and home in winter 

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Long Canadian winters can be tough for even the most serious cold weather warriors as we spend increasing time huddled indoors. Creating a sanctuary in the home can be a valuable way to brighten our days, regardless of the weather outside. For me, it includes sinking into the plush velvet of my favourite chair, positioned to catch the morning sun, as my three puppies play at my feet. You know what else brings me joy to this space? My plants. While not everyone may want to add puppies to create their happy space, house plants fit any budget and home. More than just aesthetically pleasing, tropical plants breathe life into your home and uplift your spirits. 

Benefits of indoor plants

Research has shown that indoor plants can increase feelings of peace and happiness in as little as 20 minutes. Certain plants are also known to purify the air, acting as natural air filters to make your living space a healthier environment – no small feat during the season of sniffles and flu bugs. Moreover, nurturing these green companions can be immensely therapeutic and calming. 

Caring for houseplants

For those who have witnessed lush tropicals wither despite their best efforts, re-investing in plants may be a hard sell. But with the right planning, you can be a successful plant parent yet.

Michelle Varlese-Fox, the owner of The Floral Collective Inc. in Kerr Village, highlights the importance of proper placement for plants to thrive in their environment. “You want to keep plants away from direct heat sources, such as vents, and cold drafts like an entryway,” Varlese-Fox says. She also points out that cooler temperatures, less humidity and fewer daylight hours will inevitably slow a plant’s growth rate. 

When it comes to watering, Jennifer Klassen, the store manager and curator at Centro Garden in Burlington, says it depends on the plant’s specific needs. “Some plants need water once a week to every 10 days (such as a Fiddle Leaf Fig, Pothos, Dracaena), and some can handle a lot less water (Snake plant, ZZ plant, Jade),” says Klassen. 

A good houseplant fertilizer is also important, yet often overlooked for newbie plant owners. “There are various types,” says Klassen. “But for an easy-to-use option, try the option that involves mixing fertilizer with water and applying it every three months.” 

Creative Display Ideas

With a little creativity, plants can elevate the style of your interior space. Trendy planters with legs or a stand can add elegance and height to your indoor garden. 

“Just like shoes finish an outfit, so does a container for a plant,” says Varlese-Fox. “There are many creative options to choose from. I also love finding non-traditional vessels.” A rummage through your stash of vintage or unused containers, baskets and dishes may uncover creative display ideas. 

Easy-to-care-for indoor plants

If you still need convincing that you have what it takes to be a plant parent, check out these plants that ‘thrive on neglect’, recommended by both Jennifer and Michelle.  

Snake Plant: A tall, upright beauty that needs watering once a month – perfect for beginners.

ZZ Plant: This tall wonder is practically indestructible; it thrives in low light and needs water once a month.  

Jade Plant: With its sturdy nature, it can handle direct or low light and needs watering once a month.

Green Peperomia: Sporting shiny leaves, this versatile plant only needs water once every 10 days.

Pothos: A trailing, adaptable beauty, it can survive in low light, needing water every 10 days.

Succulents: Requiring minimal watering, curate a collection of these small plants for maximum visual impact. 

Local Links 

THE FLORAL COLLECTIVE, Oakville 
Thefloralcollectiveinc.com 

CENTRO GARDEN, Burlington 
Centrogarden.com 

SHERIDAN NURSERIES, Mississauga 
Sheridannurseries.com 

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Downhill or Cross-Country? Choose Your Own Ski Adventure

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For winter enthusiasts, the choice between cross-country skiing and downhill skiing becomes a pivotal decision that defines how you enjoy the season. Even though both types of skiing require skis, these two sports are actually very different, each offering unique thrills and challenges. In the quest for the perfect winter sport, we compare downhill and cross-country skiing to help you decide how to spend your snowy days.

Downhill skiing: Also known as alpine skiing, in downhill skiing you ride a chairlift to the top of a mountain or hill and ski down. Downhill skiing can be a heart-pounding adrenaline-fueled adventure as you speed down the mountain. 

Cross-country skiing: Also known as Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing involves gliding through forested trails that are most often flat or slightly hilly. 

Whether you prefer the rhythmic glide of cross country skiing through serene landscapes or the adrenaline-fueled descent in downhill skiing, the type of skiing you’ll enjoy comes down to the type of winter experience you’re seeking, how far you’re willing to travel and physical fitness levels. 

Go the distance

You don’t need to travel far to find cross-country trails in Halton region. Crawford Lake, Mountsberg and Hilton Falls are popular areas for Nordic ski enthusiasts.

Mountsberg Conservation Area has two ski trails that run along the shoreline and through the woods and sugarbush. Bronte Creek Provincial Park is home to plenty of trails, although not all are maintained. Hilton Falls and Crawford Lake in Milton also offer various cross-country ski trails. 

For downhill skiing, the most accessible locations near Halton are Glen Eden in Milton, Chicopee in Kitchener and Hockley Valley near Orangeville. If you’re willing to take on a longer road trip, there’s Mount St. Louis Moonstone just north of Barrie and Blue Mountain in Collingwood.

While there are more cross-country trails in Halton region than alpine ski hills, you are reliant on Mother Nature to grace those trails with snow. Alpine resorts will make their own snow throughout the season as long as the weather is cold enough.

Physical challenge

Cross-country skiing provides a full-body workout. “Cross-country skiing can be more physically taxing for a first experience as it requires the skill to master that sliding, as well as the physical exercise aspect to keep moving through the trails,” says AJ Leeming, senior manager, programs & services at Glen Eden. Downhill skiing has gravity on your side to keep you moving, and lifts to help you get to the top of the hill. 

Comparing costs

Getting equipped for downhill skiing will typically ring up a higher bill than cross-country, but savings can be found if you purchase second hand. For both sports, you’ll need skis, boots, poles and warm gear to withstand the cold outdoors. Downhill skiing will additionally require goggles, a helmet and ski pants (none of which are necessary for cross-country). 

If you’re downhill skiing, you’ll also require a lift ticket every time you hit the slopes, which can quickly add up. These often run from $50 to $100+ for an adult; season’s passes can lower the cost per day if you plan to ski a lot. Cross-country skiing at a Halton conservation area will set you back the cost of a day pass (around $12 per adult). 

Ready to give skiing a try?

If you’re new to downhill skiing, Leeming recommends a beginner lesson. “A lesson with a certified instructor will help make it safe and fun, ensuring you discover all the little tips and tricks to make it as easy as possible,” he says. Ask if instructors are Canadian Ski Instructor Alliance (CSIA) certified. Cross-country lessons can also be helpful, but watching a couple of YouTube videos can be enough to get you started. 

Whether you crave the exhilarating speed of downhill skiing or the picturesque landscapes of cross-country, both offer a unique experience to enjoy our
snowy winters. 

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A BUDGET-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS: Tips to reign in the spending not the magic

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, filled with activities from trimming the tree to visiting Santa to wrapping gifts. However, all that holiday cheer comes with a price tag: according to the 2023 Holiday Outlook, Canadians plan to spend $1,347 over the holidays. 

With high inflation and ballooning food costs, families may feel the pinch this holiday season. However, you can still make it a magical time for your family without racking up additional debt. “This is a good opportunity to reflect on what your values are and what’s most important to you,” says personal finance writer, Sandy Yong. 


Make a holiday budget 

Managing spending over the holidays starts with creating a budget – ideally ahead of time. “This way it allows you to save money, so you don’t feel as much financial strain during this time of year,’’ Yong explains. “It also means you’ll be less tempted to rack up your credit card or to put your purchases on a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plan.”  

Creating a detailed budget will help you be mindful of your spending habits. If you’ve got kids, the bulk of your holiday budget will likely be allocated towards gifts. “However, don’t forget to include other categories such as decorations, photos with Santa, entertainment and festivities, meals, travel, and holiday attire – ugly Christmas sweaters, anyone?” says Yong.  


Spend wisely 

Creating a budget is the first step to managing finances, but the real test is following it. Whether it’s a notebook or a spreadsheet, keep track of what you are spending. 

“Having a spending limit and comparison shopping will also help to ensure that you don’t go over budget,” says Yong. “Before heading to the stores, check to see what you already own. You may find some holiday arts and crafts or attire that you stored away that you can reuse.” 

There are also plenty of free apps to help you find the best deals, whether it’s Flipp for shopping for holiday groceries, or save.ca for gifts and electronics. Yong also suggests looking for deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Or if you’re someone who is a last-minute shopper, you may score a great deal on early Boxing Day sales.  

If you have a large extended family, consider swapping individual gifts for a Secret Santa. Alternatively, buy a gift the whole family can enjoy – like a board game. 


Immerse yourself in the magic 

It’s tempting to want to spoil your kids over the holidays, but it’s the time you spend together that will probably matter most to your family. And those activities don’t have to break the bank. 

“Consider more affordable activities and holiday traditions such as baking cookies or going ice skating,” says Yong. Attending a carol service, hosting a holiday movie night, or packing a thermos of hot chocolate and checking out the Christmas lights in your neighbourhood are all free activities. “Ultimately, spending quality time with your loved ones and taking photos and videos of these special moments will help you create everlasting memories.” 

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Unique Advent Calendar Ideas to Brighten the Holidays 

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Advent calendars have certainly evolved over the years, leaving behind those flimsy cardboard calendars filled with often stale and ambiguously shaped chocolates. (Was that supposed to be a reindeer or a goat?)

Advent calendars trace back to 19th-century Germany, where families marked the days leading up to Christmas by lighting candles or hanging religious images. The first printed advent calendar, as we know it today, was created in the early 20th century, featuring little doors to open each day through December 1 to 24. 

Over time, these calendars have become more creative and diverse, opening the door to a wide array of imaginative and personalized options.

“You can get as creative as you like or keep it simple. The true magic is in creating fun, family-friendly ideas to get into the holiday spirit,” says Sarah Gunn of Gunn and Co, who specializes in holiday decor. 

Last year, Sarah’s family counted down to Christmas with adorable DIY paper bag advent gingerbread houses. “The larger ones can hold colourful socks, small toys or sweet holiday treats. The smaller ones are perfect for a message from the Elf on the Shelf or a note with a suggestion for a holiday activity that the whole family can enjoy together.” 

To create a quick and easy version of these gingerbread houses (pictured on the next page), fold over the top ¼ of a brown paper lunch bag and decorate it with a white paint pen and other embellishments. Then hole punch at the top, and tie closed with twine or red ribbon. Better yet, turn it into a crafting session; kids love decorating for the holidays, especially if hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies are involved. 

Another easy and budget-friendly advent calendar can be crafted using holiday gift tags. Number each tag from one to twenty-four and attach them to a length of ribbon or twine, which you can hang on a mantle or wall. Write an activity for each day on the back of each tag using pencil or sticky notes – so you can reuse next year or shuffle activities as needed. Refer to your calendar to ensure you save the big adventures for weekends or when everyone is available.

Remember, no peeking! The element of surprise is a big part of the fun. 

LOCAL LINKS

Retro Festive
1100 Invicta Drive, Oakville
retrofestive.ca

Walkers Chocolates
3350 Fairview Street, Burlington
1011 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville
walkerschocolates.ca

Lollipop Art Lounge
338 Church Street, Oakville
lollipopartlounge.com

Simply Gifted
491 Brant Street, Burlington
simplygifted.ca

L’Occitaine en Provence
162 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
loccitane.com

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CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE

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The holiday season is coming to downtown Oakville offering plenty of ways to celebrate this magical time of year. Don’t let the cold temperatures deter you from joining the cheerful bustle through November and December. Bundle up, grab a hot beverage at a charming cafe, and take in the festive décor, activities and vibes of this charming downtown. 

Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday officially kicks off on November 17 and runs to December 23. As with previous years, it will not disappoint. “The streetscape in downtown will be fully decked out in beautiful holiday décor, including our stunning 30-foot Christmas tree in Towne Square and a Winter Wonderland of Lights in Centennial Square,” says Adrienne Gordon, Director of Downtown Oakville BIA. 

Expect abundant opportunities to snap the perfect holiday photo, from the Santa cottage to the gingerbread house of lights to horse-drawn carriage rides. It’s also an ideal time to peruse local stores for the perfect gifts to put under the tree. Unique shops offer one-of-a-kind items you won’t easily find anywhere else, from artwork to clothing, home décor to kitchen wares. 

Once you’re all shopped out, no need to rush home. Stay to relax and enjoy a drink and nibbles. Downtown Oakville is home to an array of top notch restaurants, from fine dining to casual fare, and caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. 

Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the magical experience of Hometown Holiday. Here’s what’s happening: 

Light up the Night
November 17, 5 – 9 p.m.

Take a stroll and enjoy downtown Oakville’s spectacular holiday lighting including the 30-foot tall natural tree.  This night marks the first time they ‘Light up the Night’ and everyone can celebrate with live entertainment in Towne Square featuring the return of the CW Carolling Champions, The Sugar Plums. 

You can also take a horse and carriage ride around historic downtown, and stop by to visit Santa at his cabin. Don’t forget to pack some shopping bags – participating stores will stay open late to kick start your holiday shopping.

Santa returns every Saturday in the Winter Wonderland, along with carriage rides and hot chocolate in Towne Square.  

Rock’n Around the Tree – Holiday Silent Disco
November 25, 7 p.m.

The Silent Disco night is back by popular demand so grab your friends to kick off the holidays with some groove! Dive into a spirited 60-minute journey filled with singing, dancing and the most iconic Christmas tunes. Arrive early to secure your headsets and gear up to rock around the festive tree.  The event is free but be sure to secure your tickets in advance. 

Visit Oakvilledowntown.com and @oakvilledowntown to find out more.

Wuxley
Wuxley parkas have been keeping people warm since 2015. Ethically manufactured in Canada, they’re animal-free and made with recycled materials. Visit the new store to check out the variety of stylish, high quality winter outerwear to keep you cozy in the coldest temps. The B Corp Certified brand champions Canadian craftsmanship while harming zero animals. 
294 Lakeshore Road East  |  wuxly.com

State and Liberty
Shop here for the perfect dress shirts for athletes. By providing more room in the upper body with an extremely tailored waist, its dress shirts cater to those with a V-shape body type and are made with performance fabric. The store features the brand’s full collection, including top selling products such as athletic fit dress shirts and stretch suits.
181 Lakeshore Road East  |  stateandliberty.com

The Latest Scoop
The Latest Scoop is a lifestyle concept store full of pretty things for you and your home: fashion, home décor, accessories, furniture, stationery, giftware and much more. You’re encouraged to lose yourself in the sense of discovery, have fun, laugh, connect and most importantly, fall in love with your wardrobe and your home. 
225 Lakeshore Road East  |  thelatestscoop.ca

Maverick’s Donuts
Indulge your sweet tooth with a treat from this new Canadian donut brand that offers a variety of flavours and collections including: Classic, Signature, Fritters, Minimavs and vegan (the fritters are highly sought after!) Everything is made fresh in-house daily. You can also order custom donuts for special events, like anniversaries and birthdays. 
152 Lakeshore Road East  | mavericksdonuts.com/oakville 

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BOARD GAME NIGHT: Move over Monopoly, the newest board games up the strategy and fun for winter nights

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With shorter days and longer nights, board games are a great way to gather with family or friends for an affordable and fun evening’s entertainment.

While board games have always been popular, Megan Edmonds, co-owner of The Bard and The Bear Games Cafe in Hamilton, believes there’s an even greater appetite for human connection, post-pandemic. “Board games are a great way to connect in-person and take screens out of the equation,” she says. 

Kevin Bileski has been part of a bi-weekly games night in Burlington with the same group of friends for six years. “Playing board games is a great way to come together,” he says. “It’s a Sunday afternoon alternative where the only thing on the table are chips and chocolate.” 


Okay, but which board game do you choose?

If you’ve moved on from collecting $200 every time you pass Go in Monopoly, fear not. There’s a slew of new games to re-invigorate your next board game night! 

For families with young children

Orchard: Edmonds says co-operative games, like Orchard, are a great way to introduce board games to young kids without someone winning or getting upset. 

Drop It: Similar to the classic Connect Four, players strategically drop pieces into the stand to land them as high as possible without touching anything of the same shape or colour.

Catan Junior: Children ages six and up slip into the role of pirates who build their hideouts – called pirates’ lairs – on islands and set sail to find new places to build more pirates’ lairs.

For building your games collection 

Klask: A popular option for hockey fans – Edmonds like to call it the love child of air hockey and fridge magnets. This two-player game is very similar to air hockey in play, but uses magnets to move the pieces and create hazards.

Bohnanza: One of Edmonds’ favourite sleeper hits is this German card game where you harvest beans. More exciting than it sounds, Bohnanza is great for a large group of friends as every player gets to trade on each turn.

Pandemic: This older game has had a resurgence in popularity. Bileski likes it because all the players must work together as disease-fighting specialists on a mission to keep four deadly diseases at bay. 

For strategic thinkers 

Scout: This card game about making sets and runs seems simple but actually requires a lot of strategy making it a hit among folks who normally play heavy strategy board games. 

Ticket to Ride: This cross-country train adventure board game challenges players to constantly monitor the board state, which cards they need, and what their opponents are up to.

Carcassonne: Inspired by the medieval fortress in southern France of the same name, Carcassonne is a tile-laying game where players need to strategically fill in the countryside around the fortified city. 

Kulami: A two-player game with simple rules that’s easy to learn and quick to play, it encourages you to replay it again and again as you develop more complex strategies. 

5 PLACES TO GET YOUR GAME ON

Torchlight Games and Hobbies
4033 New Street, Burlington
torchlightgh.com

Lords of War Games & Hobbies
124 Kerr Street, Oakville
lordsofwargames.com

The Bard and Bear Games Cafe
237 James Street North, Hamilton
thebardandbear.com

Mastermind Toys
1011 Upper Middle Road East, Oakville
1035 Brant Street, Burlington
mastermindtoys.com

Enter the Battlefield
2172 Speers Road, Oakville
etboakville.com

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APPRECIATING ART IS FOR EVERYONE: Visit Local Art Galleries for Inspiration and Joy this Season

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I purchased my first original oil painting about 20 years ago. I felt equal parts sophisticated and reckless at the time. The act of confidently selecting and buying an original seemed a sophisticated step into refined living, but the impulsive extravagance of the act was at odds with my uber-practical side. 

I clearly found a way to reconcile the two and was soon emboldened to collect more originals over the years that followed – from a local art show, a door-to-door salesperson, eBay (yes, eBay), an outdoor market in Hong Kong and a local art gallery, to name a few. While there are infinite ways to analyze, judge and value a work of art, for me, it all came down to one simple determinant: did it bring me joy when I looked at it? 

Once I’d accepted the notion that art is whatever you decide it to be, any limitations on how or where I should source my next work of art evaporated. For non-aficionados of art like me, this is the essence of appreciating art.  

Selecting a piece of art is subjective, says Claudia Pettigrew, director of Summer & Grace Gallery in downtown Oakville. “Most people think they either like or don’t like a work of art. They can see the value in it, or not.” In other words, you’re free to enjoy art any way you wish, and you don’t need to be in the market to buy an original to frequent your local art gallery.

In fact, Pettigrew encourages everyone to come to the gallery as often as possible. “Nine times out of 10 times they don’t buy anything, but it plants a seed,” she says. Over time, you naturally build a preference or “taste” for what you like and when it’s time to start collecting, you’ll be ready. 

In the age of home décor savvy and matching colour palettes, it may seem counter-intuitive to leave such concerns out when selecting artwork for your space. “I tend to say if you love a piece and you love an artist, it will fit anywhere,” says Pettigrew. If you do plan to add an original to your home, think about making space for the art, rather than finding art to match the space. You can always buy a throw pillow or blanket to help tie in the colours of your room.  

If you’re already a collector of art, want to develop a personal taste for it, or simply enjoy looking at local art, Oakville and Burlington are home to many art galleries and museums. Drop in while you’re out and about, or grab a friend and lead your own art tour one cold November afternoon. You can also plan ahead by checking their websites for upcoming exhibitions. 

Oakville Galleries
This not-for-profit contemporary art museum has two locations: Centennial Square (next to the Oakville Public Library’s Central branch), and Gairloch Gardens (in a lakeside mansion and park). It has over 1,100 works of art in its collection , most are in storage or on loan – and includes works in painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, film and other media. The current exhibition at Centennial Square is called Leisure; Gairloch Gardens presents Eviction Notice. 
oakvillegalleries.com

Summer & Grace Gallery
This bright gallery space in downtown Oakville represents emerging and established Canadian artists. It boasts two floors of original works with new artists and exhibitions added regularly. November 24 to December 24 is Joy II: Holiday Small Show, featuring works sized 16”x16″ or smaller, with every piece priced at $600 or less.
summergracegallery.com

Towne Square Gallery
Located in downtown Oakville’s Towne Square, it has an exceptional collection of original works of art by Canadian and international artists. Regular exhibitions highlight artists in a friendly atmosphere on two floors of a modern interior to make buying art enjoyable and an enlightening experience. Currently featuring an exhibition by Susanne Wallis, Land | Water | Sky. 
townesquaregallery.com

Native Art Gallery
Also located in Towne Square, the gallery promotes and sells artwork by Canada’s Indigenous Peoples. It has a collection of authentic Canadian sculpture, prints, wall hangings and more produced by Inuit and First Nations’ artists. The gallery believes Indigenous Canadian art inherently conveys the natural wonder and rich history of Canada through the beauty of the animals, spirits and legends represented through their work. 
nativeartgallery.ca

ARTSPACE 
This contemporary art gallery is housed in a century home in downtown Oakville. An unintimidating gallery, it welcomes both the first-time art buyer, as well as the veteran collector, offering assistance, guidance and inspiration in building your collection. 
@ARTSPACEOakville    

Prometheus Art Gallery
This international private gallery in downtown Oakville focuses on contemporary art, especially print making and mixed media. As a trusted partner of collectors and art lovers, it is committed to building a bridge between the public and artists, striving to provide a better stage for more young artists to express themselves. 
prometheusgallery.net

Rumi Galleries
Located in Kerr Village (and Toronto), the gallery’s focus is Canadian, American and British artists of the 20th century and contemporary artists of different generations. By appointment only. 
rumigalleries.com

NESAART
This studio/gallery in Burlington is housed in the artist’s home where customers can visit by booking an appointment. His work is contemporary abstract landscape and cityscape paintings with extended treatment of textural surfaces.
NesAart.com

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CROCKPOTS: Making Dinners Easy and Delicious for Busy Families

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Busy fall schedules can make for frantic dinner making, or worse, takeout, which can hurt both your budget and waistline. While new kitchen innovations abound, an old school favourite remains a top contender for making delicious dinners with minimal fuss. If you find yourself sacrificing nutrition for convenience when feeding hungry family members, you may want to add a slow cooker to your cuisine repertoire. 

The trick is to front-load your efforts. Move your dinner prep to the morning, then let the crockpot slowly cook through the day. By dinner time, just dish it out and serve. Ideal for the winter, the crockpot is best known for making favourite comfort foods –  think stews, hearty chili and soups –  as well as Sunday dinner dishes like meatballs and tender roasts that simmer all day long, filling your home with a rich and savoury aroma.  

Budget-friendly dinners
As far as kitchen gadgets go, crockpots are relatively inexpensive to purchase and last for decades. They’re also a great way to stretch your ingredients and get the most out of your grocery budget. Rather than spending four dollars on prepared chicken broth, use the bones from your leftover roast chicken. Place the bones in your crockpot, cover with water (about 2 inches above the bones), add an onion and carrot for flavour, and you’ll have a delicious chicken broth eight hours later. Slow cooking methods are also ideal for cheaper cuts of meat, which can translate into big savings over the long term.

Easy to use
Crockpots are designed to make life easier for busy families, and are essentially fool-proof. They use low heat to cook food over a long period, so all you need to do is toss the ingredients into the pot in the morning, turn it on, and let it do the work. When dinner time arrives, a fully cooked delicious meal is ready to put on the table. An extra benefit is you’re free from the nagging question: what will I make?  

Variety of menu options
There’s no shortage of crockpot recipes. From family staples, like meatballs and shepherd’s pie to lasagna and hearty soups, slow cookers can be tasked with almost any type of meal. Did you know you can even make cheesecake in a crockpot? You can also now purchase pre-packaged slow cooker meals from most grocery stores that cut your prep time.

Choosing the right crockpot
Crockpots (or slow cookers) are easy to shop for because the features don’t vary much. The main difference, according to Carol Lacher, owner of Nicetys in Oakville, is the size. Crockpots generally come in two sizes, 6-quart or 3.5-quart. Lacher advises customers to consider how many people are in their family, as well as the type of meals they plan to make in the crockpot. “If you are only two or three people, do you want to have leftover chili for the next eight meals?” she says. A 3.5-quart crockpot makes up to six servings and is ideal for a small family or household. For larger families, or those who appreciate leftovers (isn’t defrosting even easier than slow cooking?), the larger size is probably a safer bet. 

Local Links

Nicetys, Downtown Oakville
shop.nicetys.com

Casual Gourmet, Hamilton
casualgourmet.ca

Thinkkitchen (Stokes), Mapleview Mall, Burlington
stokesstores.com

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SLEEP TIGHT, SLEEP RIGHT: Strategies to Elevate Your Sleep Quality

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Randy Gardner holds the Guinness World Record for staying awake for an astounding 11 days and 25 minutes. There have been even longer stints since setting his record in 1964. However, Guinness Book no longer monitors records for the longest time awake because the challenge is just too dangerous. 

As a busy mom who struggles with bouts of insomnia, I can understand why. After just a few nights of tossing and turning, I become lethargic, irritable, easily confused, and I struggle to finish a simple thoug…

Getting a solid night’s sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Insufficient sleep takes a toll on our physical, mental and emotional well-being. And, it appears sleeplessness is on the rise, especially among our youth. 

For the little ones and the not-so-little ones (we’re looking at you, teenagers), sleep is like the secret sauce for growth, learning and memory consolidation. 

In adulthood, sleep still plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, maintaining cognitive abilities and supporting overall health. As we age, quality sleep remains vital for restorative functions like tissue repair and strengthening our immune system.

So yeah, sleep is kind of a big deal.

How do we go from counting sheep to catching some sweet REMs? According to sleep expert Alanna McGuinn, “Improving your sleep begins with establishing a pre-sleep routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down.”

 The allure of smartphones, tablets and laptops has led to a sleep-disrupting phenomenon. The blue light emitted by these devices suppresses melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. So, give your tech gadgets a curfew of at least one hour before bedtime. Also, monitor what you are consuming right before you go to sleep. If there are social media accounts or TV shows (including the news) that heighten your feelings of stress, avoid them before bedtime.

  As enjoyable as it is to Netflix and nibble, late-night snacking can stimulate your digestive system and make it harder to sleep. Try to finish eating and drinking at least 3-4 hours before bed to give your body ample time to digest.

  A warm bath helps lower your body temperature, which is essential for falling asleep. Add some calming lavender or bath salts for an extra touch of relaxation. 

  A slightly cooler room (around 18-20°C) is generally the Goldilocks zone for slumber.

  Lower the lighting in your environment as you approach bedtime. This signals your body to prepare for sleep and naturally start to release melatonin, our sleep hormone. Invest in proper window coverings that block out light to create a darker sleeping space.

  Listening to soothing music or a podcast with a calming narrative can help you relax and distract your mind from racing thoughts. Set a timer to turn them off automatically. 

  While sleep apps can be handy, don’t get too obsessed with hitting a specific number of hours or sleep stages. Use sleep trackers periodically to spot trends and make adjustments to your sleep routine.

A great night’s sleep might feel like chasing a unicorn, but don’t give up hope. Tweak your pre-sleep routine with these tips, and you’ll find yourself drooling into your pillow in no time.  

Good night and sweet dreams! 

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