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A Taste of Burlington: February 18 to March 21

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Tourism Burlington is proud to announce that Taste of Burlington; presented by PV&V Insurance, is returning this winter as a Take Out program. Participating restaurants will be offering unique specials and promotions, all ready for you to take out and enjoy at home.

With 55 participating eateries and restaurants, you can guarantee you’ll be well-fed from February 18-March 21. For the prix-fixe lovers, some restaurants are still offering prix-fixe menus, but others will also have frozen options, soup bundles, family breakfast, date nights, make at home meal kits and more!

In order to make it easier to view menus, enter to win prizes and receive returning offers from restaurants, Taste of Burlington is once again using a free mobile passport that patrons can sign up for on the Taste of Burlington website. There’s no app to download, it’s a web-based program and you just sign up. When you use the passport to check in at restaurants you are entered to win weekly gift card giveaways as well as the grand prize draw of a $500 gift card to the Taste restaurant of your choice.

Taste of Burlington meals will not be available through 3rd party delivery services as we are making every effort to support our local restaurants. All specials and promotions can be ordered directly from the restaurant and picked up from them. Check in on the passport when picking up at the restaurant for your chance to win!

Kelly Harris, Marketing Specialist at Tourism Burlington and Coordinator of the Taste of Burlington program shares her excitement about the winter program: “It’s great to see so many businesses participating in the winter program, making it our biggest program to date. There is no doubt that the restaurants have been hit hard and still have a long road to recovery. This new format has allowed the restaurants to offer what they want and in doing so, diners are going to get to enjoy a great variety of culinary delights. We encourage everyone to #TakeOuttoHelpOut as often as they can.”

Taste of Burlington started with just 12 restaurants in 2008 and has steadily grown since. Burlington has been established as a dining destination in the GTA with the variety and uniqueness of a large city combined with the accessibility and service of a small town.

Burlington has something to offer every taste from casual fine dining and intimate bistros to pubs, fast food and specialty shops. The Taste of Burlington program encourages diners to try something new at one of our many dining establishments.

A full list of participating businesses can be found at https://tasteofburlington.ca/take-out-program/

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LOVE Local – Local finds perfect for Valentine’s Day

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she. boutique

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience with this Soothe Essentials Kit, including a SOOTHE Pink Himalayan Salt Soak and a FLOWER CHILD Mist Spray. SOOTHE will turn your bath into a luxurious oasis while FLOWER CHILD will give your skin a natural glow throughout the day.  

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Rustic Daisy’s

Who doesn’t love chocolate? And chocolate that looks cute at that. Delicious white combined with hints of matcha green tea – unique just like the one you love.

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Sugar Suite Cakes

Pair these macarons with some champagne and you’ll feel like you’ve been swept on a romantic escape to France! Ps. you can also ask to have the macarons customized with words and imagery (if you wanted to slip in a little “I love you”)

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Pure Boutique

Reach your ultimate zen-level with these luxurious bath bombs, made in Ontario from all-natural ingredients. Light a candle, drop them in a tub, relax and enjoy!


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bluboho

Make her Valentine’s Day sparkle and shine with these multi-coloured sapphire tripod earrings made from pure 14K yellow gold.


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Lakeside Livin’

Does your partner kiss better than they cook? Playfully tease them with this apron that’s sure to make them laugh!


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The Sweetest Thing

Make your sweetheart’s day extra special with these decadent Valentine’s Day cupcakes baked with mouth-watering goodness and lots of love.


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Moon’s Flowers

Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful floral arrangement from Moon’s Flowers. Wife, mother, daughter, sweet-heart – your special someone is sure to cherish a beautiful bouquet.


Order Here

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Digital Main Street Lab partners with Look Local

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LookLocal.ca, a multi-vendor marketplace (founded by the team behind Look Local Magazine) that makes it easy for consumers to shop their favourite small businesses all in one place, has been selected as a participant in the Digital Main Street Lab program.

Digital Main Street, supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as well as the Government of Ontario and administered across the Southwestern part of the province by Communitech, will provide funding and resources to Look Local as they develop a user-friendly, online marketplace where customers can support multiple local retailers and makers on one platform.

“It’s never been more important to support small businesses and spend our dollars locally. Our goal with Look Local is to make shopping local as easy as shopping on Amazon or Etsy, showcasing all the products available nearby,” said Jonathon Root, Co-Founder of Look Local. “We couldn’t be more excited to have DMS Labs partner with us on this pilot and help us put the pieces in place to scale this concept across Ontario.”

In their work with Look Local, the Digital Main Street team will focus on ensuring that the pilot unites small businesses to improve their online presence. Much like a trip to Main Street, visitors to Look Local can browse and add items to their cart from multiple shops but enjoy the convenience of only one checkout at the end of their visit. The company will add new retailers and products to the site on a weekly basis.  On the site, customers are able to search by both community and product category.

“The Digital Main Street Lab connects technology companies with locally-owned businesses to collaborate on innovations that lead to impactful digital transformation,” said Ahmed ElBedawy, Communitech’s Digital Main Street program director. “Look Local shares in our belief that main street businesses are the heart of communities across Southwestern Ontario and we are honoured to support them as they work to develop support for these businesses to compete with big box retailers online.”

“COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our main street businesses and local economies,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Shopping local is a great way to support our communities and our government is proud to work with great partners such as Communitech and LookLocal.ca that are helping local businesses move online and adapt in today’s changing economy.”

At the core of this project, the Digital Main Street Lab is focused on bringing immediate and lasting improvements to neighbourhood businesses across Ontario, enabling them to not only survive, but thrive in today’s rapidly changing landscape. By launching in local communities, tech companies will gain access to real-time feedback from small businesses and effective solutions will be shared throughout the province.

To learn more about the Digital Main Street Lab program, please visit: Digitalmainstreet.ca/digital-main-street-lab.

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Date Night In: a local guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day at home

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We’re coming up on a full year in quarantine, Valentine’s Day is coming up, and it looks like we will still be in lockdown on February 14th.  What can be done? 

Well, fortunately, we can still enjoy a special Valentine’s day with delicious local food and dessert, and treat our loved ones to something special.

This year, more than ever, it’s important to support local businesses. Luckily, there are a wide variety of restaurants offering delicious meals for take-out and curbside pickup, bakeries and chocolate shops creating sweet treats, flower and gift shops across Oakville and Burlington that can ensure you still enjoy the perfect Valentine’s night in.

We have rounded up a selection of our top local picks for food and gift ideas for your significant other, that will help you craft a memorable date night.

Written by: Allie Murray & Celina Ip

Local Restaurants

Fine Dining, Steak and Seafood

Sotto Sotto 
139 Trafalgar Rd, Oakville | sottosotto.ca/oakville | (905) 844-5545
Seasons
134 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | seasonsrestaurant.ca | (905) 844-0676
Cucci Ristorante 
119 Jones St, Oakville | cucci.ca | (905) 469-1811
Spencer’s at the Waterfront
1340 Lakeshore Road, Burlington | spencers.ca | (905) 633-7494
Lord Nelson Steakhouse
650 Plains Rd E, Burlington | thelordnelson.com |(905) 639-7950
Napoleon’s Steak and Seafood
3455 Fairview St, Burlington | napoleons.ca | (905) 637-7171
Oliver’s Steakhouse
141 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | oliversofoakville.com | (905) 845-9391

Italian / Mediterranean

Pasquale’s Trattoria
50 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville | pasqualestrattoria.ca | (905) 338-9090
Borgo Antico Cucina Bar
266 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | borgoantico.ca | (905) 845-6565
Buca Di Bacco
130 Thomas St, Oakville | bucadibacco.ca | (905) 845-7396
Di Mario’s Trattoria 
1455 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington | dimarios.com | (905) 333-8889
Culaccino Bar + Kitchen
527 Brant St, Burlington | culaccino.ca | (905) 635-4626
Industria Pizzeria + Bar
1860 Appleby Line, Burlington | industriapizzeria.com/burlington | (289) 313-0010
Ritorno
261 Oak Walk Drive #8, Oakville | ritorno.ca | (905) 257-5881
Il Fornello
203 North Service Rd W, Oakville | ilfornello.com/Oakville | (905) 338-5233
Paradiso
125 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | (905) 338-1594 
2041 Pine St, Burlington | (905) 639-1176
paradisorestaurant.com
Maro’s
135 Kerr St, Oakville | marosbistro.com | (289) 837-2389

French

Hexagon Restaurant 
210 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | hexagonrestaurant.com | (905) 844-1286
La Parisienne
93 Bronte Rd, Oakville | laparisiennecreperie.com | (905) 827-2378

Greek

Colossus Greek Taverna
221 Lakeshore Rd. E.Oakville | colossusgreektaverna.com | (905) 849 8175
Mythos Greek Cuisine & Wine Bar
3500 Fairview St, Burlington | mythoscuisine.com | (905) 639-7300
Sotiris Greek Restaurant
3135 Harvester Rd, Burlington | sotiris-restaurant.com | (905) 634-8813

Indian

Riyasat Restaurant
263 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | riyasat.ca | (905) 844-5344
Coriander Green
342 Church St, Oakville | coriandergreen.com | (905) 338-2540
Oh Bombay
376 Iroquois Shore Rd, Oakville | ohbombay.ca | (905) 582-8444
Prince of India
1235 Fairview St, Burlington | princeofindia.restaurant | (905) 333-1331

Japanese, Chinese & Thai

Soontorn Bahn Thai
210 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | soontornbahnthai.ca | (905) 815-8488
Yame Sushi
339 Kerr St, Oakville | yamesushi.com | (905) 901-9090
Cynthia’s Chinese Restaurant
2460 Neyagawa Blvd Unit 1, Oakville | cynthiaschinese.com | (905) 338-1818
Ben Thanh
2080 Appleby Line, Burlington | benthanhburlington.ca | (905) 336-0188
Hibachi Teppanyaki 
1940 Appleby Line, Burlington | hibachisteakhouse.ca | (905) 319-3888
Pintoh Cuisine
399 Elizabeth Street (Unit 1-3), Burlington | pintoh.ca | (905) 631-8373

Spanish & Latin American

Cuba’s Restaurant
2444 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville | cubasrestaurant.party | (905) 973-4709
Familia Fine Foods
3245 Harvester Rd (Unit 17), Burlington | familiafinefoods.com | (905) 632-9299
Barra Fion
1505 Guelph Line (Unit 10a), Burlington | barrafion.ca | (905) 319-3466

Sweet Treats 

A Chocolate Lab
511 Pinegrove Rd, Oakville | achocolatelab.com | (905) 464-6663
The Sweetest Thing
282 Kerr St, Oakville | thesweetestthing.com | (905) 582-0862
Sugar Suite Cakes
156 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | sugarsuitecakes.com | (647) 984-2253
Saving Thyme 
450 Appleby Line, Burlington | savingthyme.ca |(905) 929-9955
Lola Choco Bar & Sweet House 
423 Elizabeth St (Unit 13), Burlington | lolachocobar.com | (905) 616-4059
Christy’s Gourmet Gifts
3530 Mainway Dr, Burlington | christysgourmetgifts.com | (905) 336-9080
MollyCake
361 Brant St, Burlington | mollycake.ca | (905) 631-9647
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe 
401 Brant St, Burlington | kellysxo.com | (905) 333-1400

Beautiful Bouquets

FIORI Oakville
179 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | fiorioakville.com | (905) 844-4112
Flower Deco
35 Lakeshore Rd W, Oakville | shopflowerdeco.ca | (905) 337-0968
Moon’s Flowers
245 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | moonsflowers.ca | (905) 582-8988
Brant Florist
461 Brant St, Burlington | brantflorist.com | (905) 639-7001
Flowers by the Dozen
794 Brant St, Burlington | flowersbythedozen.com | (905) 681-1112

Diamonds & Lace 

Oakville Jewellery
255 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville |oakvillejewellery.ca | (905) 845-5600
bluboho
293 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | bluboho.com |(416) 618-5492
The Diamond Boutique 
7 King St E (Unit 2), Stoney Creek | thediamondboutique.ca | (905) 662-6922
Harmony Fine Jewellers
446 Brant St, Burlington |harmonyjewellers.ca | (905) 632-6767
Goodnight Goodmorning 
100 Bronte Rd (Unit 3), Oakville | goodnightgoodmorning.net | (905) 847-1512
Lover’s Boutique 
300 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | theloversboutique.ca | (905) 338-5683
Linea Intima 
196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | lineaintima.ca | (289) 291-3388
Lingerie D’Amour
374 Brant St, Burlington | lingeriedamour.ca | (905) 634-0101
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The Gift of Giving: Local Charities in Need

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The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides resides in Oakville, and the puppies inside of their building are more than just adorable little beings.

For hundreds of people, these dogs have been lifesavers who became the ears, eyes, legs, and more to people who have disabilities. The agency’s seven programs include those for people with epilepsy, autism and diabetes. Since opening in the 1980s, they have helped more than 3,000 people.

No one has escaped the changes brought about by the pandemic, from businesses that were forced to shut down to individuals wearing masks. But charities, like Dog Guides, have faced unique challenges because people in need rely on them.

They suddenly had to find new ways to do what they’d done for decades. At Dog Guides, that meant halting their training and breeding programs, which meant longer wait times for those needing a dog.

They also had to temporarily stop taking new applications for programs and placing fewer dogs with people. It greatly hampered their ability to raise funds, especially with their annual Pet Valu dog walk, which last year raised more than $1 million. This year the walk was done virtually and the number dropped to $548,754.

“We were very happy with the result from the Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides since we know how difficult these last few months have been,” said Maria Galindo, communications manager.

Dog Guides relies completely on donations and are hoping people will participate in fundraising events like Stay Home & Bid Online Auction: www.32auctions.com/LFCDGFall2020. Donations can be made at www.dogguides.com

Like all charities, the Kerr Street Mission in Oakville has learned to pivot and alter the way it helps the community. It modified its Children and Youth program by helping and connecting with people online. In the summer, they provided a scaled-down version of their programming (Day Camp and Youth Leadership in Training). When school began, they went back to normal programming with COVID protocols in place.

With their Family Care program, they shifted their focus to food distribution. “When the lockdown was declared our numbers dipped as people didn’t know if we were open, and seniors and those with health risks were told not to go out,” said Gary O’Neill, Executive Director.

However, the agency quickly redesigned its food bank so that it complied with all of the safety protocols and within two months it had launched a delivery program for seniors. The number of people reaching out for help reflects the growing need. Since May, people benefiting from the Food Bank have grown by more than 58 percent from last year. “We just had our biggest week ever with more than 650 people served through our Market,” said O’Neill.

Like Dog Guides, the majority of the Kerr Street Mission’s funding comes from donations. They’ve been heartened by the number of people, families, and local businesses that have supported them.  “The compassion and generosity of our community are amazing,” said O’Neill.

To donate, people can go online, or call the office. Their campaign for Our Christmas Wonders and Beyond Program will be online starting November 1st. Donations to the general fund will be used to support programming, including the food program.

The pandemic has also been an opportunity for agencies to change the way they do things and, in some cases, that’s meant becoming more efficient. At the Salvation Army in Oakville, food bank use went up with the pandemic and they were forced to move their operations to the parking lot and offer curbside pickup.

They put programs like the After School Club and Coffee and Conversation group on hold while they worked on ways to offer physically-distanced social opportunities. But by adding an online approach and a designated cell phone for clients, they were able to communicate their client’s needs so orders could be packed accordingly.

“This has avoided waste in that people only order what they can use,” said Captain Kathy Ratcliff, Community Ministries Officer, The Salvation Army Oakville Community Church. “We have encouraged people to give financially as opposed to contributing food as it poses less risk toward spreading the virus,” said Ratcliff, adding, “To those who have given thus far, we offer our grateful thanks.”  For those wishing to donate: https://salvationarmy.ca/donations

Whether it’s a toy drive or food or monetary donation, our community charities require our support this Christmas. It’s been a challenging year for many and it’s anticipated that nearly 30 percent more people will need help this holiday season. Put a smile on a child’s face, put a turkey on someone’s table, there are endless ways to give this time of year – and even a small donation makes a huge difference.

LOCAL LINKS

  1. The Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs: dogguides.com
  2. Kerr Street Mission: kerrstreet.com
  3. Salvation Army: salvationarmy.ca
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Honouring loved ones and spreading Christmas cheer with Ian Anderson House’s Tree of Lights Celebration

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On the first Sunday of each December, the grounds of Ian Anderson House are filled with the sights and sounds of holiday cheer, as a large fir tree is lit with Christmas lights and a choir of staff and volunteers sing carols.

The Tree of Lights Celebration is a Hospice tradition around the world that serves to honour the memories of loved ones passed, celebrate the magic of the holiday season and raise much needed funds so that these hospices can continue to provide quality end-of-life palliative care to residents and supports for their families during their last weeks of life.  

Here in Oakville at Ian Anderson House, families are invited each year to join the staff for the lighting of the tree, carol singing, desserts, and hot chocolate and cider. Each family member is given a candle to light in memory of the loved one that they have lost.

This year however, due to the pandemic, the event is being held virtually, live on the Ian Anderson House Facebook page. The staff will on the grounds singing Christmas Carols to families watching at home. Community members are also invited to take part virtually, to show their support and to witness this joyous celebration. The event is being broadcasted live on Sunday December 6th at 5:15 pm.

Anyone wishing to donate to the IAH Tree of Lights can do through the website www.ianandersonhouse.come and select the “to donate” tab.

About Ian Anderson House: Founded in 1997, Ian Anderson House is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice. It is located at 430 Winston Churchill Drive near the corner of Winston Churchill and Lakeshore Rod in Oakville. In addition to residential bedside care Ian Anderson House also provides outreach support for those families caring for a loved on dying at home.

IAH is dedicated to the memory of Ian Anderson, who was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1987 and who died in November 1990 at age 59.  The creation of IAH arose from the personal experience of Margaret Anderson, who took care of her husband Ian at home during the last three months of his illness.  Ian died at home, which was his wish, but Margaret had become aware of the lack of alternatives for those in a similar situation who, for whatever reason, could not be given the necessary round-the-clock care in their own home.  IAH was created to provide palliative care in a home-like, safe environment for individuals with terminal cancer.  Because of her experience of caring for Ian in the last few months of his life, the physical and emotional toll, the sense of isolation and the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty, Margaret decided to create a residential hospice in memory of her husband so that families in a situation like hers could be cared for and supported.

Seven years later, in 1997, Ian Anderson House, Ontario’s first cancer hospice was finally opened, on the seventh anniversary of Ian Anderson’s death.  As of October 2020 more, than 2900 residents and their families have been cared for and supported at IAH.

 

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Making your House a Home

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After hanging out at home over the last few months, you may be thinking it is time to make some changes. Are your wall colours too bland? Do you dream of taking down a wall to open up a space? Many of us will seek outside help when it comes to making these decisions, but the jargon surrounding home improvement can be confusing — does your project need an interior designer or an interior decorator? The two professions certainly have similarities, but both offer different skills that will benefit your finished project.

What’s the difference?

Surely with a name so similar, they must be interchangeable, right?

The answer is ‘no’.

An interior decorator focuses mainly on the aesthetics of a space — a personal stylist for your home! Interior decorators have an abundance of creative vision and artistic taste, and while no formal schooling is required, many do have extra training. They concentrate on colour palettes, furnishings, and create beautiful livability using the space you already have. “Interior decorators look after everything from the drywall out!” say Anita Puls and Kim Giancaterino from Burlington Design Studio.

An interior designer, on the other hand, is someone licensed with accredited post-secondary training in all aspects of home remodeling, and this usually includes an apprenticeship with a designer. Much of their education is spent on drawing, space planning, design, building code, and architecture. An interior designer is proficient at drawing up floor plans and they will work hand-in-hand with your contractor or architect to ensure they can achieve your dream — even if it means reworking the walls and layout of your home.

Who should you hire for the job?

Before you decide which person is right for the job, you need to evaluate the scope of your project. Are you planning to add or remove walls and windows or are you mainly focused on reworking the esthetics of your space?

Tamara Grant, a local interior decorator and stager, feels it is essential to know the needs of the client beforehand. “It’s important to know your style and preferences since it is being decorated for you to stay and enjoy,” she says. “I like to start by coming up with a colour palette or theme to draw from.” While many clients may feel overwhelmed with the endless choices, Tamara knows that it’s important to take your time. “Do it in layers, start with furniture, add curtains, then pop in the colour with art and pillows, and finish off with tabletop décor.” Another added bonus to hiring a professional decorator is the shopping advantage. Tamara notes, “It helps to have somebody with a keen eye for design and who also knows the best places to shop for furniture and accessories,” she says. Definitely a bonus!

If your renovation involves structural work, you should enlist the help of an interior designer. They aim to improve the functionality of your space, not just the décor and feel of the room. Their expertise in drawing up floor plans, troubleshooting structural issues, and acquiring building permits is a necessity for large projects. A designer offers a trained eye that can really impact the plans of your changing space.

Whichever you choose, make sure their vision is aligned with yours. “Designing and decorating a home requires many considerations like style, functionality, architectural details, and space planning,” Anita and Kim advise, “A professionally trained eye can pull all these elements together to create a cohesive space with a timeless design that will last for many years to come.”

Tips from the professionals

Make your space liveable by keeping it bright and refreshed. Tamara Grant knows lighting is key, “Light is major! Whether it’s natural sunlight, overhead lighting, or task lighting — big and bright is the goal.”

Include natural elements in a space to create a warm and inviting home during the fall and winter months. “Using live plants and fresh greenery, and also including textured fabrics such as velvets, mohair, and wools on accent pillows and throw blankets, really help to cozy up a space during the cold months,” suggests Anita Puls. Warm colour hues such as cinnamon, caramel, cognac, and deep earthy greens immediately add a warm, intimate vibe.

Written By: Kristen Sanchioni

LOCAL LINKS

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Winter-Proof your Self-Care Routine

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Canadian winters. They can be harsh, they can be cold, and they can be down-right unfriendly to our hair and our skin. While it’s impossible to avoid sleet and snow, there are a variety of things we can do to keep our hair and skin healthy all winter long. Say goodbye to dryness, breakage, and flaking with winter tips from our local experts. 

The simplest way to take care of both our skin and our hair is to make sure we stay hydrated. Adding extra hydration is as simple as drinking more water, but Elena Dyagileva, the owner of Bodega Wellness in Burlington, adds, “Another way to prevent dry skin during the winter months is to find a moisturizer you can use every day.” 

At Bodega Wellness, Dyagileva offers CBD products that are full of ingredients the skin loves. “CBD is proven to carry high anti-inflammatory properties while also being a natural antioxidant, signifying that it can help lessen the visible signs of aging skin,” she says. “By counteracting free-radical damage, CBD oils and creams may help diminish issues such as wrinkles, skin dullness, firmness, and reddish skin tones.”

The same can be said for hair care. Liana Cortina at Salon 360 in Aldershot says hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, “The winter takes the moisture right out of our hair. I always recommend a weekly deep conditioning mask for my clients. Let it sit on the hair for 20 minutes. You can also hydrate your hair over night with an oil. It’s important to put the moisture we lose back into the hair.”

Both Teo Manning, owner of Gyökér Hair in Oakville, and Laura Bradburn, owner of Styled Lounge in Burlington say extra hydration is a must. “In the winter, the efforts of moisturizing our hair should not necessarily be increased, but consistent. Winter can be very harsh, so, if you skip opportunities to moisturize your hair, it can quickly lead to breakage,” says Manning.

A common mistake is over-washing and over-styling our hair. By washing our hair every day and using products like hairspray and mousse, our hair is stripped of natural oils that the scalp needs.

“We often make the mistake of washing our hair too often,” Bradburn says. “Even with the right products, it can strip the good, natural stuff from your hair. Focus on training your hair to be washed less often by using dry shampoo instead of washing every day.” Liana adds, hot showers can dry our scalp and hair, so it’s best to rinse with lukewarm water. 

Before the cold sets in, Bradburn recommends getting a head-start on beating the dryness by using a multi-benefit product, such as a hair mask. Manning also suggests sleeping with a silk pillowcase or using a humidifier in your home to contribute to healthy hair.

The general consensus from all of our experts: moisture is key. The elements can be harsh and make our hair and skin more prone to damage – sun included. Invest in a good moisturizer, a great conditioner, and wear a hat (damp hair makes colour fade faster). With these tips, you’ll come out of the winter months glowing – even if you can’t take the much-needed vacation down south.

Written By: Allie Murray

LOCAL LINKS

  1. Bodega Wellness, Burlington – bodegawellness.com
  2. Gyoker Hair, Oakville – gyokerhair.com
  3. Styled Lounge, Burlington – styledlounge.ca
  4. Salon 360, Burlington – salon360.ca
  5. Anise Modern Apothecary, Burlington – aniseapothecary.com
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Remembering Together, Honouring our Veterans

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When people think of Veterans, many immediately picture someone who served in the First World War, Second World War, or the Korean War. While many Canadians recognize these traditional Veterans, some Veterans have served Canada in other conflicts and peace-keeping missions throughout the world. Many continue to walk among us today.

Each year at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict, and peace. And nothing can stop that.

This year, Remembrance Day events are going virtual, and in doing so, you can still join your friends and neighbours in paying your respects. Due to changing circumstances, the Town of Oakville (www.oakville.ca) and City of Burlington (www.burlington.ca) will post information on their websites as soon as plans are finalized.

Wherever you are at 11 a.m. on November 11, pause in a moment of silence to honour and remember the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.

You can also join the conversation online and share stories of pride and remembrance far and wide with the hashtag #RemembranceDay. Sharing stories is a unique way to spread messages of gratitude and hope that will unite us all.

Last but not least, it is important to still support our Legions and purchase a poppy. The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to provide assistance to Veterans.

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we remember. And this year, we will come together ensuring that doesn’t change.

Written By: Anneliese Lawton

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It’s Still The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

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At this time of year, you would typically find our events section overflowing with news of upcoming holiday cheer. From tree lightings to Santa Claus parades, our BIAs know how to deliver on holiday favourites. Many of these events have become longstanding traditions in our families and communities. While we don’t have to remind you that this year will be different, we do want to remind you that the holidays are still a special time – and worthy of making new traditions.

Bronte Village

Bronte’s official kick-off to summer usually begins with At Home in Bronte – an annual event where 60 local organizations, artists, businesses, and families are invited to paint a Muskoka chair. These chairs are installed for public viewing and enjoyment in Bronte Village on Canada Day for the duration of the summer. This summer, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 – but Bronte BIA is excited to announce a winter instalment of this event. This winter, visitors to Bronte Village will find dozens of professionally painted Muskoka chairs along sidewalks and the waterfront. There will be hidden icons on the chairs, designed to get families outside and to encourage them to participate in a winter scavenger hunt.

The Village has also designed new banners and plans to line the streets with lit snowflakes and decorations for the holiday season. While there won’t be a Christmas Tree or official lighting, Bronte offers exquisite views and scenery, the waterfront an obvious one.

Downtown Oakville

You’re invited to Downtown Oakville’s Hometown Holiday festivities! Stroll safely along the brand new, extra-wide sidewalks and support your local specialty stores, services and restaurants throughout the holiday season.

The highlight of Hometown Holiday will be the spectacular 30 foot Instagram worthy ribbon tree of lights, being installed in Towne Square on November 28.  Be sure to come and visit, take a photo with family and friends, and enjoy the extraordinary lighting installations in Centennial Square as well as throughout the Downtown core. Follow @oakvilledowntown (on FB or Instagram) for the details.

Don’t miss out on the best gifts of the holiday season. Subscribe to the Downtown Oakville e-newsletter to gain early access to the NEW Virtual Gift Guide here: http://explore.oakvilledowntown.com/

Downtown Burlington 

Santa will not be parading in Downtown Burlington this year. The annual tree lighting and candle-lit stroll have also been cancelled. But – some wonderful things have been planned in exchange.

Celebrating 25 years of magic, the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights will be returning. Sixty magical lighting displays will be set up at Spencer Smith Park from November 27th, 2020 to January 8th, 2021.

The lights will turn on at 4 p.m. every day and run until midnight – with exceptions on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Orthodox Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, where the lights will be lit all day and night. This outdoor event is a perfect way to experience the holidays in Burlington and also grab some fresh air.

In addition to the Festival of Lights, Downtown Burlington has invested in a unique plug n’ play technology that transforms traditional lighting displays into interactive experiences. The display is powered by a real-time sound-to-light mapping system called Aurora. Located next to Scrivener’s along the Elgin Promenade, visitors can interact with the lighting in real-time by singing, clapping, or yelling. There will also be a canopy of lights in other areas of the promenade.

Waterdown Village

Waterdown has become a holiday hot-spot thanks to their annual evening Santa Claus parade. The parade, which typically begins at 6 p.m. lights up beautiful Downtown Waterdown with floats decked out in lights. Unfortunately, this year’s parade, along with their ‘Made for You’ market and Christmas Tree lighting have been cancelled. However, there are plans to host a virtual tree lighting via Facebook and Instagram, with special guests to be announced. Follow @waterdownbia (on FB or Instagram) for details closer to the event.

While many aspects of these events are changing week-to-week, one thing is for certain: all of the BIAs want to ensure the holidays bring magic!

Stay tuned for merchant sales. And word on the street – there’s talk of winter patios. It doesn’t get more Canadian than that, eh?

Written By: Anneliese Lawton 

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