The spirit of Ukraine is truly present in the vodka business that Katherine Vellinga runs from her home in Oakville.Katherine and her husband, John, are co-founders of Zirkova Vodka, an ultra-premium vodka made in Ukraine that first made its way onto the shelves of LCBO stores across Ontario in 2005.Keeping those shelves stocked hasn’t been easy, and their story is one of persistence and resilience.
It began many years ago when Katherine moved back to Ukraine for a few years. Her parents and grandparents were born there, and although they’d moved to Canada years earlier for a better life, they never forgot their dream of a free Ukraine, having survived Stalin’s genocide.
Vellinga wanted to honour that dream by creating a vodka that was grown in the rich black earth of Ukraine. No one was surprised by her idea, least of all her family.
“I was always the kid who wanted to bring people together, and vodka has always been part of our Ukrainian culture,” said Vellinga, the company’s CEO. Vellinga lucked out when she found a distillery in the Cherkasy region of Ukraine, the birthplace of vodka, that dated back to 1895 and was close to an artesian mineral water source, an essential component for high-quality vodka.
“You can bring grain there, but you can’t move the water,” said Vellinga.
The vodka was made in the old traditional classical method, with the first batch being launched in 2004. It appeared on the LCBO shelves in 2005. Vellinga described it as the “ultimate sipping vodka.” In short order, Zirkova vodka was ranked fourth among top-shelf vodkas, in the over $30 price range, which is the highest quality. They then came up with Zirkova Together, which is made for mixing with cocktails.
When the pandemic hit, like many small businesses, they were forced to pivot. “There were times (during the pandemic) when we couldn’t even go into the stores. The whole industry was impacted. But we managed to hold on and were looking forward to being able to get out and interact with people again,” said Vellinga.
Then in February this year, just as they were rebounding, came the devastating news – Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. “We’d had a couple of trying years with the pandemic, then we were coming out of it when the invasion appeared. It was so heartbreaking,” says Casey Kiekebelt, Chief Marketing Officer.
Vellinga says she cried for the country and for the people she loved so much. But she was also worried about their business. They had trucks full of vodka shipments that were supposed to leave Ukraine on the day of the invasion (which didn’t make it out), and they only had a limited amount of inventory with the LCBO.
Still, there were zero thoughts of giving up. “I thought, we have to keep going for them. We have to find a way.” She was buoyed by the images of bravery coming across the TV screen.
“The world was seeing what I’d loved and appreciated for so long – the spirit of Ukrainians.”
There was much discussion about what to do. They agreed they would bring their Master distiller over from Ukraine and start producing a new brand of vodka in Ontario.“We wanted to make sure we preserved Ukrainian vodka making and continued what we’d discovered,” said Vellinga.
They took all of the things they knew from working in Ukraine and created a third brand called Zirkova Unity, which was on the shelves by July 2022. To show their love and support for Ukraine, 100 percent of profits from sales of Zirkova Unity goes toward humanitarian aid there.
Keikebelt says they’ve learned much over the past four years. “We’re stronger because of what we’ve been through. We all really know what we need to do to move forward,” said Keikebelt.
They recently expanded Zirkova Unity into Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
In Ukraine, production isn’t quite back to 100 percent, but they’re slowly getting there.“We will survive this together,” says Vellinga. “You have these extraordinary people who are still working and keeping the economy going and doing all that they can to contribute to the war effort. They’re all unique and extraordinary and purposeful and resilient.”
With an abundance of colourful lights and family celebrations, the holidays have officially arrived – all 12 of them. That’s right. Within the month of December, there are over 12 celebrated religious holidays. And while they’re all different in their own unique way, many share a common theme centred around food, family, and of course, gifts. Whether you’re leaving a stocking by the chimney for Santa, a wooden shoe out for Sinterklaas, or celebrating one of the many other holidays, you can never go wrong with adding a sweet treat.
The Sweetest Thing
Get Baking!
Baking cookies is a holiday tradition my family started just a few years ago. We gather in the kitchen, make a giant mess, burn cookies, and then hand them out to the neighbours. It’s a treat. Thankfully, Christy’s Gourmet Gifts has fresh, homemade dough, making it easier for my three little chefs to bake from scratch. We love the sugar cookie and gingerbread mix – and since it comes already as a dough, we simply create holiday shapes with our cookie cutters and bake! And if that’s even too much, The Sweetest Thing in Oakville creates holiday cookie decorating kits. Each kit contains six cookies, two piping bags of icing, and two sprinkle pods.
Christy’s Gourmet Gifts
Something to Sip On
Whether you’re at home or out on the town, hot chocolate – with a festive twist – seems to be the drink of choice this time of year. Lola Choco Bar and Sweethouse in Downtown Burlington is famous for its drinking chocolate. Made with coconut and 100% dark Ecuadorian chocolate, this smooth, warm chocolate drink is a local favourite. Back at home, hot chocolate bombs are all the rage. Filled with cocoa mix, marshmallows, sprinkles, and other edible baubles, they are a truly over-the-top way to level up your cocoa game. Once plopped inside a mug full of warm milk, the bombs open up, revealing the goodies inside and creating a decadent cup of hot cocoa once stirred together. Grab a box of seasonal flavours at Sweet! BakeryOakville in Bronte.
Lola Choco Bar and Sweethouse
Tiny +Thoughtful Gifts
For stockings, wooden shoes, or Hanukah gifts, smaller treats such as candies or chocolates can be a perfect fit. The Organic House in Oakville, owned by a mother-daughter duo, handcrafts organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, fair-trade, and kosher chocolate bars. These bars meet nearly every dietary restriction, and since they’re also kosher, they’re the perfect gift for Jewish friends, family, or hosts. A Chocolate Lab, also in Oakville, has a large selection of chocolates and handcrafted treats (specifically involving Oreos) perfect for the holidays. They have chocolate-covered Oreo Christmas trees, chocolate-dipped Oreo mints, along with chocolate-covered Oreos that look like ornaments. These items make great stocking stuffers for any age.
Molly Cake
Let Them Have Cake
The Yule Log, Chocolate Swiss Roll, and Fruit Cake all peak during the holiday season, but other cultures bring a little something extra to the dessert table. Sweet potato pie and coconut pie are traditional desserts at this time of year for our friends celebrating Kwanzaa. That Pie Place in Burlington has a large selection of both fresh and frozen savoury and fruit pies. They can also accommodate customizations. And if you’re not completely set on cake, why not try a beautifully decorated gingerbread house from Molly Cake? Available in small, medium, and large, these gingerbread houses make a beautiful hostess gift or dinner party centrepiece. The large house even comes with plug-in lights that shine through several delicious poured sugar window panes.
However you’re celebrating this time of year, we hope you create some sweet memories.
The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) invites you to head downtown and enjoy a truly magical winter experience we call Bright Nights.
This much anticipated winter showcase of lights and displays is something that is not so much seen, but experienced. The Elgin Promenade comes alive with the warm glow of festive lights and animations for all to enjoy. From illuminated archways to gorgeously lit trees, from brightly decorated walls to canopies of lights, winter has never felt so electric.
This free month-long animation is courtesy of our Presenting Sponsor Lisa-Marie Winning of Winning & Associates IG Private Wealth Management.
“We are thrilled to be back as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event,” says Lisa-Marie Winning, Winning & Associates, IG Private Wealth Management. “We hope Bright Nights gives our community a place to come and visit during the holidays. A place to snap some pictures with your family, to create some magical moments and a beautiful setting to enjoy while supporting our local shops and restaurants along the way.”
Visitors to the displays are encouraged to craft their own Bright Nights evening. Pair your Bright Nights walk with a festive meal at your favourite restaurant. Conclude your Bright Nights stroll with a warm holiday favourite at your go-to coffee shop. Match the festive mood with a night of shopping at local businesses. The experience is yours to create and we so warmly welcome you to do so.
Bright Nights runs Thursday December 1st through January 2023. For additional information on the event, please visit burlingtondowntown.ca/brightnights/
Furnishing your home can be a thrill or a challenge, depending on how much you enjoy interior design — and in some cases, it’s a bit of both. Choosing large items, accent pieces, art, and textiles that complement each other can be intimidating, and getting everything on your list comes at a price. You want decor that reflects your style and adds function to your home, but you don’t want to break the bank — so where do you start?
Anderson’s Interiors
A home is a home
While some people feel like they should wait until they’re in their “forever home” to invest in beautiful, high-quality pieces, there is no better time than the present. “Your home is an extension of your personality and should reflect a life of thoughtful purpose,” says Anderson’s Interiors in Burlington.
Whether you’re renting or hoping to relocate, Robinson notes divisibility is key. “You want furniture that is easy to move and fits in different-sized homes.” So, avoid a massive sectional but say yes to that solid wood dining table that extends with a leaf.
Focus on building a collection of timeless, quality pieces that you love — rugs, art, chairs, or a smaller sofa — these can be incorporated into different spaces over time. Joshua Creek Furniture and Swiss Interiors, both in Oakville, have large showrooms featuring everything from furniture to décor pieces, and they even offer custom-made furniture (which can be perfect for furnishing awkward spaces).
If purchasing something new isn’t an option, Fairhome Interiors in Burlington also carries a large selection of beautiful fabrics and has an upholstery room on-site. Upcycle an older sofa with high-quality new fabric to rejuvenate a space.
Joshua Creek Furniture
What should I invest in?
Everyone’s lifestyle is different. Katie Campbell of Katie Campbell Interiors & Design can direct you where to start. Katie says, “The best approach to creating a home that tells your story and reflects your values is through a collaborative process.” As a certified and storied interior decorator, Katie offers a full range of services required to design and implement your unique vision while removing the stress that can arise with inexperience, including design consultation, space planning, and custom designs.
Emma Robinson of ER Designs Inc recommends investing in a great sofa, a high-quality dining table, and the often-neglected bedroom. “Adding a beautiful headboard and bedframe will give your bedroom a focal point and help achieve that “finished” look,” says Robinson.Anderson’s Interiors, Joshua Creek Furniture and Swiss Interiors are all great places to start. They carry beautiful selections of Canadian-made upholstered and solid wood bedroom sets (including dressers, nightstands, and chests if you’re looking for a finished look). Home Sweet Linens, a family-owned shop in Oakville, carries luxuriously soft bedding and throw pillows to tie it all together.
Where can I save money?
“It’s easy to get away with inexpensive items,” Robinson shares. “What makes a home unique is when you incorporate some of those inexpensive items with more expensive ones.” She suggests investing in anything that’s a focal point, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an amazing painting, but those filler pieces throughout a home can be more affordable. “There are a lot of great looking, quality items that are duplicates of expensive pieces,” she says. A great rule of thumb is to invest money in pieces you only need one of (a table, your bed, a large piece of art for over the couch) and spend less on things you buy in larger quantities (tabletop decor, accent pieces, etc.).
Lakeside Livin’
We love Pure Boutique, Campbell & Co., Centro Garden, Lakeside Livin’ Home Décor, and Homebody for timeless (and seasonal) décor pieces (think beautiful candles, vases, table accents, and more). Each shop has its own vibe and personality, just like your home!
And when you get that high-low balance just right? Perfection!
Part adventure, part history lesson, part treasure hunt – whether you’re a long-time collector or the recipient of Granny’s china, there’s a subtle thrill that comes with the world of antiques.
Mainstream fascination with antiques was encouraged by a 1997 BBC documentary touring a West Country Auction House in England. With people’s heightened interest in placing a value on their treasures, whether collected, gifted, or inherited, the BBC recognized they had tapped into something special. Results of viewers’ letters and ratings indicated that Antique Roadshow was – and still is – a hit.
PBS took note of this phenomenon and modeled their Antique Roadshow after the British version. The popularity of that show spawned CBC’s Canadian Antiques Roadshow in 2004 and the Great Canadian Roadshow in 2010.Both shows are no longer running, but The Wayback Times has been publishing a free guide to antiques and collectibles since 1995, and is a good source of monthly local antique roadshows.The Vintage Seeker is another great resource for lovers of vintage items and collectibles, and provides up-to-date listings of local antique markets.
What You Should Know
Whether you need an appraisal for insurance purposes or you are thinking of selling an item, it’s important to know an object’s value before selling it. Verbal and written appraisals rely on current market trends and a professional appraiser’s knowledge of antiques — but note that these are only an opinion of value.
The appraisal should include the reason for the appraisal and the type of value. For example, are you interested in selling an object, or is the appraisal required for insurance purposes?
Where to Find Appraisers
The International Society of Appraisers Canada has a credible list of qualified appraisers. These days, appraisals can take place in-person, virtually, and even online – which is a much more affordable option (especially if you’re not completely convinced your item holds any value).
In Burlington, you can try Treasure Antique & Appraisers. They offer appraisals, consignment sales, support with estate sales or downsizing, and prop rentals. They even host appraisal shows at retirement homes and seniors’ centres. Think of them as a local Antiques Roadshow!
In Oakville, you’ll find AG Antiques & Appraisers in Bronte, and Turner Chapel Antiques and Appraisers, located in what was the historic African Methodist Episcopalian Church, established in 1890.AG Antiques purchases the best in artwork, fine English and continental furniture, porcelain, and china, while also offering appraisals and prop rentals.Turner Chapel offers consignment, auction evaluations, formal appraisals, antique repairs, and prop rentals.
Some of the Best Antique Shops that Oakville and Burlington have to offer
At Nagwa’s Antiques on Speers Road in Oakville, you can expect to find the truly elegant pieces of a time gone by, as well as friendly service.
My Back Shed – Kerr Street, Oakville
My Back Shed recently moved from Bronte to Kerr Street in Oakville, and is the destination spot for all enthusiasts of French country, antiques, hand-painted furniture, and shabby chic home decor.
At AG Antiques & Appraisers in Bronte, proprietor Anna Gardner offers the best silver, artwork, porcelain, and furnishings.
Treasure Antique & Appraisers in Burlington is a great place for Royal Doulton, Dresden, and Hummel collectors. They host Antique Appraisal Days in various locations.
ODDSPOT in Burlington is where you’ll find more than 1,000 uniquely unexpected items like records to a clothes iron from the 1800s.
What’s Hot
Sometimes it just isn’t practical to keep older items around the house, even if they hold sentimental value.If you’re holding onto them and wondering when the best time to sell is, you can lean on your local experts to guide you. But, according to reputable antique bloggers, these are some of the most sought-after antiques for 2022:
Novelty barware, hunting decoys, depression glass, original paintings, old clocks, vintage typewriters, perfume bottles, leather books.
The important takeaway: do your research before you sell – you never know what that old treasure tucked away in the basement or the attic might be worth.
A great Charcuterie Gift Set for Someone Special. Regularly $99.99, Look Local Gift Set for $79.99. Canadian Made Cherry Charcuterie board, USA Barrick dripless candle, USA flavoured finishing salt, a cheese slicer by Osti, and an oil or vinegar cruet
Bodega Wellness is one of Canada’s leading CBD brands. Bodega’s gift box is the perfect gift for self care, comfort & pain relief for only $155! Give the gift of Peace and Calm to yourself, or someone you love! At a $225 value, this gift box includes: CBD Personal Lubricant, CBD Bath Bomb, CBD Pain Salve, CBD Oil, ‘On The Go’, Palo Santo, Bodega Travel Bag”
A perfect fit for any Lavender Lover. This relaxing gift box includes some of our most beautiful and popular self-care items. A great option for special birthdays and holiday gifts, or to splurge on yourself!
Give the gift of everlasting ambiance this holiday season. This hand-crafted in Canada, steel oil candle is clean burning, scentless, and drip-free. The candle sticks don’t burn down, so you can light them thousands of times without the need to replace them! Timeless and yet modern, the perfect gift for anyone, adding a warm glow to the darker days of winter.
415 Elizabeth Street – Unit 37 Village Square, Burlington campbellcohome.com
Nail Haven Wax Bar
Give the gift of everlasting ambiance this holiday season. This hand-crafted in Canada, steel oil candle is clean burning, scentless, and drip-free. The candle sticks don’t burn down, so Gift a luxury experience to someone who needs a little extra R&R. From tea to bath bombs and skin care, these luxury self-care gift boxes are perfect for every occasion (there are even boxes for kids, too). Shop in-store and online.
Born from the desire to bring useful and sustainable gifts to you and your loved ones, the Ten and Co. Sustainable Gift Box is made with your home and the earth in mind. Filled with beautiful, thoughtfully sourced, and functional products, this is a gift you can feel good about giving and receiving! Packaged in a gorgeous ready-to-ship or gift box, the Ten and Co. Gift Box simplifies the gifting process without sacrificing quality.
The #DTBURLBOX is back for 2022! Support multiple small businesses in Downtown Burlington with a fantastic assortment of hand picked items by the BDBA Team. These usually sell out fast – the best way to get your hands on one is by following their Instagram account for an announcement.
Designed for anyone who enjoys building cocktails, this kit includes high-quality bar tools, four garnish picks, and the well-loved basics of cocktail making: Aromatic Bitters, Orange Bitters, Simple Syrup, and maraschino cherries. Perfect for a rookie or expert mixologist on your gift list. Also available with gold or silver tools.
You bring the champagne and let The Platter Co create a wonderful food and drink basket for your clients, hosts or just because!Alcohol free?They also have mocktails and more to choose from.
Gift boxes that support small businesses! Every item from Rustic Daisy’s Canada in a Box is sourced from a small Canadian business. Each box comes in a variety of limited-edition themes with items varying in colour, scent, and flavour from box to box (every box is as unique as the recipient).
Rejoice! The holidays are just around the corner – and so is Burlington Downtown’s beloved Comedy Festival. Working around the clock to bring you the best in comedy, Burlington Downtown Comedy Festival is excited to announce that they will be bringing two special shows as previews of the full comedy festival in 2023.They will hit the stage at the Art Gallery of Burlington (1333 Lakeshore Road) on December 2nd and 3rd, featuring special headliners DeAnne Smith and Nile Seguin consecutively.Festival goers will enjoy hilarious star-powered stand-ups, including Ted Morris, Heather Mariko, and Mark Debonis, hosted by Just for Laughs comedian, Christophe Davidson.Expect laugh-out-loud, mature content perfect for a night out with friends or a date night.
Doors open at 7 p.m., leaving plenty of time to explore Burlington’s beautiful downtown. Amp up the date night romance with a stroll through twinkle lights along downtown streets and Spencer Smith Park. You can also curate your own unique “dinner and a show” experience at one of over fifty downtown Burlington restaurants, or stroll through Burlington’s downtown shopping district featuring an array of chic clothing and high fashion boutiques, and one-of-a-kind accessory and gift shops. Note: the cobblestone path in The Village is Insta-worthy.
Are you gifting the festival tickets? You can easily add a Downtown GIFT CARD (a creative new way to shop local and give the gift of over 60 retailers, personal services, and eateries in the downtown core. Grab yours at burlingtondowntown.ca/gift-cards).
I was a band kid. Yup, I went to band camp. I played clarinet and saxophone in a jazz band, a symphony, and even a marching band. So, when my 7-year-old expressed interest in music, I assumed it was genetic. Except he didn’t want to play the clarinet. He wanted to play drums or guitar – “the cool instruments, Mom.”I think the piano is pretty cool, too – I mean, look at Elton John.
Aside from being cool, though, music has many benefits for children, from aiding in the development of language skills, to strengthening cognitive functions such as planning and working memory, to building self-confidence. One 2004 study by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto at Mississauga found an increase in the IQs of six-year-olds who participated in weekly voice and piano lessons.
My search for music lessons first led me to Waterdown Music Academy. This music studio offers everything! They include piano, guitar, bass, flute, and drum lessons for children and adults, and even have voice and ukulele lessons. Lessons are one-on-one withprofessional musicians either in-person or online. While age 6 – 8 is typically the sweet spot for learning an instrument, Waterdown Music Academy starts their lessons at 5 years old. Whether you want to learn Beethoven or Elton John, they’ve got you covered… their teachers love to help students learn their favourite songs! Students will learn fundamentals such as reading music, technique, and theory.
If your child isn’t set on an instrument, TipToe Music in Oakville offers an interactive Rhythm Kids class for ages 4 to 8. This class explores music through games, rhythm pattern play, and drumming. Kids sing, dance, and jam to rhythms inspired by worldwide musical traditions.
Two music schools that have been around for quite some time are Burlington’s Academy of Music and Oakville’s Academy of Music. These schools offer private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, violin, voice, and ukulele, and also some woodwind instruments including flute, saxophone, and clarinet. Piano classes begin as young as four, and guitar and drum lessons start at six. Both schools offer optional recitals twice a year. They also have a rewards program called the music ladder system, providing students with cool coloured wristbands and certificates for passing music tests.
In my search for my 7-year-old’s request for “cool,” I found Rock This Way! School of Rock. If that doesn’t sound cool, I don’t know what does. With locations in Burlington and Oakville, Rock This Way takes a modern song-oriented approach to music lessons and throws out some cool alum names. The school’s founder managed Hall of Fame guitar player Rik Emmett from Triumph and drummer Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rock This Way teaches students their favourite songs, whether Taylor Swift or Metallica, citing on their website “forget Twinkle Twinkle.”With guitar, drums, and keyboard lessons, Rock This Way encourages students and instructors to jam together. Instructors are multi-instrumentalists, so guitar students can jam with a pianist, allowing students to practice alongside other musicians and really feel like a rock star.
Finding the right music school for your child is a bit like finding the right instrument. Visit a few and see which one is the right fit for your child. Regardless of which school they choose to study in, take it from this former band geek – there’s no doubt learning a musical instrument will provide your child with skills and memories that will last a lifetime.
Fitness. An intimidating seven letter word associated with running, weights, gyms, and equipment. But the truth is, fitness is far more than a run on an elliptical – it’s actually a pretty broad term that can mean something different to everyone. Overall, when it comes to being “fit”, the goal is to focus on your overall health and wellbeing – and the best way to do that, is by having fun! For some people, fitness is a lifestyle but for others, it could be joining a weekly yoga class to centre your body and mind, or using physical activity to recover from a major surgery or illness. Working your body as a system (and having fun while doing it) is a great way to not only work towards living a healthier and fuller life, but it supports a healthy mindset too.
There are a number of unique, inclusive, and expert-led fitness studios in our area, featuring everything from Jazzercise to Egyptian Dance.Here are are just a few of them.
BellyUp
Belly Up Belly Dance Studio
BellyUp BellyDance Studiois a one-of-a-kind dance studio designed to embody the Egyptian vibe and ambiance from the moment you walk in. For over 16 years, their fun and vibrant instructors have taught thousands of women how to move their bodies in a way that makes them feel empowered, more confident, and more alive. Not only is it fun and challenging, but Egyptian dance is an art form — and BellyUp is passionate about sharing its rich cultural legacy with their students, too.If you’re interested in finding a new hobby, a new way of getting in shape, or for self-transformation and artistry, BellyUp offers classes for absolute beginners to advanced level.
What You Can Expect with Egyptian Dance
BellyUp has specialized in the art of Egyptian dance (also known as Raqs Sharki) for nearly two decades! Their courses, which typically run for eight weeks, incorporate technique, fun combinations of moves and steps, and cultural context of the dance. Even beginners feel like they’re dancing right from their very first class. Since Egyptian dance is an art form, technique is very important. BellyUp focuses on giving students proper technical instruction to build a strong foundation of dance skills — and from there, the sky’s the limit! The more you practice, the stronger your foundation will become, and the easier it is to advance in the dance form. It’s never too late to learn a new dance style! Whether you’re an absolute beginner or have some previous experience, BellyUp has a class to suit every level. At BellyUp, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming dance community, amazing women to dance with from all walks of life, and a place to belong and call home!
bellyup.ca info@bellyup.ca 2061 Pine Street, Lower Level, Burlington
The Corner Stone Pilates
The Cornerstone Pilates
Uniquely designed for cancer survivors and those who have undergone surgery, The Cornerstone Pilates is a ‘cornerstone’ in our community. Their clinical, personalized programs are tailored to individuals and their specific needs. The Cornerstone Pilates staff’s compassion, combined with their personalized approach will help support you in your journey as you work towards becoming “you” once again.
Top Pick For Cancer Survivors: Pilates
The Cornerstone Pilates’ clinical program is designed to assess where the client is at by creating an individualized program. The objective is to help you find range of motion in your body post surgery and/or treatment. The program targets the diaphragm to restore breathing mechanics, the inner unit to support the low back and torso, the shoulders and scapula to regain movement caused by restrictions from scar tissue caused by the surgery or trauma due to the body protecting itself. The purpose of the program is to deliver measurable goals by improving range of motion through movement, thus enriching one’s quality of life. A top-pick studio for cancer survivors, Cornerstone supports and restores the body as a full system.
After 20 years of corporate burnout and a fleeting pandemic, Buket Necip, realized how much she truly missed her family, and, even more importantly, herself. With a degree in Health Sciences and a passion for fitness and coaching, Buket founded Free2Be Wellness, an exclusive health studio that offers a personalized wellness journey. A unique take on wellness, Free2Be has transformed and elevated the outdated “gym” experience, creating instead a fully-equipped training studio that also offers float therapy, mindfulness and meditation practices, nutritional counselling, and an atmosphere of support and acceptance.
Our Pick For Zumba
Free2Be’s Zumba® program is a beloved staple at the studio, featuring a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout to a global community. Zumba® Fitness is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment, and culture into an exhilarating dance-party workout. Coined “fitness parties,” Zumba classes blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, which provide effective, total-body workouts. Zumba instructors, Sebrina and Lou, will have you smiling, and laughing, all while burning calories. In this judgment-free and inclusive studio, you’re safe to be yourself as you discover and strengthen your body, your mind, and your soul. Ask how you can try a free class!
Our spin classes are 50 minutes long, combining cardio, upbeat music, and fun for an intense full body workout! Our mantra is “One Team, One Bike” which signifies the importance of community and working together to achieve our goals. Our team and riders are considered family and you get a sense of that as soon as you walk through our doors. The studio is a place where everyone is welcome no matter what your fitness level is.
New Rider Tips
First class is on us using promo code: SPINCOLOCAL. Just make an account at SPINCO.ca and put a one class card in your cart, then enter the promo code at checkout.
Spin shoes and towels are included with each class, just come in your workout gear and bring a water bottle and we will take care of the rest!
For your first class we ask that you come to the studio 15 minutes early aswe will take you through bike setup to ensure you are ready to ride!
Jazzercise is the original dance party work out. Founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise has been the innovator in fitness for 53 years. 8,500 franchisees offer Jazzercise classes in 25 countries around the world. If you are looking for a fun way to get fit, Jazzercise was created for you. Blending dance cardio with Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and strength training, one 55-minute session can burn up to 800 calories. The results? Long, lean muscles and an undeniable mood boost.
Top Picks For Jazzercise
Get a fun and effective total-body workout that works for all ages and fitness levels. Certified Jazzercise instructors guide you through cardio and strength routines that leave you glowing from the inside out.
A variety of formats will keep your workout fresh, fun, and challenging too. All the routines in our Dance Mixx, Interval/Fusion, and Strength classes are carefully choreographed, and reviewed by an exercise physiologist. A safe and effective workout is our priority.
DANCE MIXX: This top 40 dance workout mixes modern moves with strength training. Dance Mixx targets the 3 major muscle groups for a full-body workout.
INTERVAL/FUSION: Equal parts circuitbased bursts of cardio and strength training, this workout carves your body into the shape you strive for.
STRENGTH 45/60: Sculpt lean muscle through weight and resistance training for a tight, toned physique in 45 or 60 minutes.
Jazzercise Oakville
Find our full schedule JAZZERCISEOAKVILLE.CA oakvilleonjazzercise@gmail.com There are two Jazzercise locations in Oakville
LOCO DANCE COMPANY 9-407 Iroquois Shore Rd, Oakville
GLEN ABBEY UNITED CHURCH (in the gym) 1469 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville We offer classes every day of the week, both mornings and evenings.
Sadhana Yoga
Sadhana Yoga
Located inside the Burlington Fitness and Racquet Club, students refer to this studio as a “hidden gem.” From the welcoming reception area to the studio with warm cork floors and infrared heating, you will quickly settle into Sadhana’s cozy space. Upon arrival, you’ll be encouraged to take a few moments to meditate and rest before practice. Sadhana’s experienced instructors will then guide you through the practice, with a focus on proper, safe alignment and breath. Class ends with a cool eucalyptus cloth, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed!
Top For All Levels of Practise in Yoga
Whether you’re a beginner or an avid Yogi, Sadhana is a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for all to learn and develop the fundamentals of yoga practice. Offering a variety of classes from Restorative to Yin Style Stretch to Hatha Fusion and Yogalates (a Yoga and Pilates fusion), Sadhana has something for everyone – and can even accommodate those recovering from illness or injury. Classes are daily, including evenings and weekends! Plus, Sadhana is a Yoga Alliance Accredited Yoga Teacher Training School and offers a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training each year to those looking to deepen their practice and expand their knowledge of yoga or become yoga instructors! Join a group, or one-on-one session, or even bring Sadhana into your workplace or community.
As a relentless foodie, my recent trip to Spain took me in search of the perfect paella. One often sees romantic images of groups of happy people swilling wine and serving themselves helpings of delicious rice and seafood from a large round pan in the middle of the table. I wanted to find out if these images had any truth. It all looked so fun and moreish.
So I headed off to Valencia, on the glorious southeast coast of Spain, the traditional home of paella. Upon arriving, I couldn’t tell if I was more excited to try the paella, which I could see on almost every restaurant patio, or the rich, heavy red wine the guests were drinking.
My deep dive into Spanish paella culture taught me that there are many different types of paella. Valencian paella could contain any combination of green vegetables, duck, chicken, rabbit, or even snails. Paella de marisco is the more common one I was familiar with, consisting of rice cooked with stock and saffron, and garlic, with mounds of seafood poking out of the top.
Paella mixta contains seafood as well as meat. The meat could be chicken, rabbit, or chorizo sausage for extra spiciness.
After my all-too-brief time of eating, drinking, and shopping my way through Valencia and its surroundings, it was time to head back to Ontario. But the minute my feet touched home soil, my mouth was watering for another steaming dish of aromatic, spicy paella.
I did some research and found a few local places that do justice to the dish.
If you prefer to eat at home (while someone else does all the work), go to Monastery Bakery in Oakville, and they do a seafood paella to take home and impress your friends.
For a restaurant paella experience, I headed to Burlington and stumbled across Barra Fion Tapas and Barrel. As well as many delicious Spanish tapas dishes like patatas bravas, they also serve three different types of paella (making it hard to choose just one). The traditional version had chorizo, seafood, and poblano pepper. The seafood lover’s paella had mussels, jumbo shrimp, and other seafood, and for vegetarians, they had a forest mushroom paella with artichokes. After mulling over the menu, I decided to stick with the traditional paella — and as expected, it didn’t disappoint.
Peruvian paella is similar to Spanish and often has the added ingredient of the spicy aji amarillo, the Peruvian yellow chili pepper. El Inka Peruvian Cuisine in Burlington serves an excellent Peruvian paella or arroz con mariscos as it is known.
Lastly, my quest took me to Bronte in Oakville, where I discovered Casa Mia Latin Restaurant. They also featured an excellent Peruvian paella. There was fragrant rice cooked with saffron and smothered in seafood, which was exotic and delicious.
One doesn’t need to head all the way to Spain to experience the wonders of a paella, although I can promise you that, for all its cultural beauty, Valencia is certainly worth the trip.
