When Oscar Arboleda, founder & CEO of Forest Kitchen & Cabinetry walked into the 1870s Dundas farmhouse, he knew this might be the biggest kitchen transformation he’d ever done. The vintage kitchen had minimal cabinetry and a tiny corner sink. “It was original to the house and not at all functional,” he says. But the homeowners and Arboleda could see the potential of the space. “We started playing with the space and started from scratch,” says Arboleda.
The homeowners wanted a modern kitchen, but didn’t want to lose the character of the vintage barn home. “As much as we wanted to build something modern, we didn’t want to put in something that didn’t go with the house,” says Arboleda.
The designers faced another challenge. The kitchen area had a lot of space but there were two huge windows and a sliding glass door, leaving minimal wall space to work with to build cabinetry. The homeowners didn’t want to lose the natural light that the windows brought into the kitchen, so closing off the windows was not an option.
Using the three corners of the kitchen, Arboleda built two cabinet towers in opposite corners, and used the third for the range hood. “When you’re building a kitchen and you don’t have the walls to fill it out, you have to be strategic with lower cabinets with pull out drawers so you utilize every single inch of the cabinet,” says Arboleda. A large island provided additional prep space and storage, adding functionality to the kitchen without taking away from the natural light the windows brought in.
Finding just the right combination of function and style took some work. “We went through easily 10 to 12 designs until we got the right one,” says Arboleda.
MIXING STYLES
Initially when selecting cabinet doors, the homeowners wanted a conservative shaker style that was modern but not too much of a contrast to the older style home. During the renovation, they decided to put a more modern spin on the kitchen and changed the drawers to flat doors, keeping the cabinet doors as shakers. This was a first for Arboleda who had never designed a kitchen with two door styles in the same space. “It turned out amazing!”
ISLAND
A large island was key to adding workspace and functionality to the kitchen. “We wanted to make the countertop on the island as big as possible,” says Arboleda. The homeowners chose Carrara marble from Custom Granite in Stoney Creek to complete the look.
MAINTAIN ORIGINAL CHARM
The homeowners were concerned with maintaining the original charm of the 1870s home. A farmhouse sink kept some of the home’s rustic charm, and an original piece of stained glass was incorporated into the kitchen design, maintaining the home’s character and charm.
The homeowners were thrilled with their new kitchen. It’s bright and airy, with tons of storage space, and it achieves exactly what they were looking for combining the original charm with modern functionality.
From buying second hand to avoiding takeout, choosing organic to driving electric, there are countless ways to tackle climate change and help make the Earth a better place. But the reality is, changing habits can be hard for everyone, even with the best of intentions (remember those New Year’s resolutions?)
One easy and rewarding way to make a difference is to cut our household waste – especially the amount of plastics we toss. Got a full recycling bin every week? Unfortunately, only a small percentage of those plastics actually get recycled (around nine per cent based on Canada’s latest research). In fact, across the globe, less than one-third of plastics labelled ‘1’ or ‘2’ on the bottom of containers are recycled. And, numbers ‘3’ through ‘7’ are much more difficult to repurpose. This means cutting waste means more than eliminating garbage and single use plastics, we need to cut all those plastic containers we toss into the blue bin, too. Not so easy, right?
Inspired by this year’s Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, we asked three local eco-friendly stores to help. They recommend top products to help families curb plastic waste and adopt a more sustainable household.
Christine Kempf is the co-founder of Mrs. Greenway which specializes in products for a low-waste lifestyle with locations in Dundas, Grimsby and Elora. “We always tell people that even one eco-friendly change makes a difference. Many of these choices end up with cost savings as well.”
Kempf recommends “unpaper towels” by Cheeks Ahoy to replace paper towels and napkins. Made from 100 per cent recycled cotton flannel, they can be washed and reused hundreds of times before being replaced. Bonus: you can use them to shield splatter in the microwave. “Reusable paper towels means you no longer have to purchase rolls and rolls of disposable ones, saving you money in the long run,” she says.
The bathroom is another major source of plastic waste. Did you know billions of toothbrushes end up in landfills and oceans each year? The Nada is an aluminum toothbrush with a removable brush head that’s recyclable. Its metal handle will last a lifetime, making this an ideal alternative to the conventional toothbrush that’s not recyclable in municipal programs.
Oakville-based Maison Apothecare develops its own line of eco-friendly refillable products for the home, from cleaning formulas to skincare. Founder Natacha Rey is passionate about holistic sustainability which she says is “the practice of being intentional with all we do. Our work at Maison expresses this through our ingredients, community and impact on the planet.”
She recommends adopting refillable formulas for the typical household duties. The store’s lineup includes an all-surface cleaner, floor cleaner, kitchen hand wash, dish liquid, laundry detergent and toilet bowl cleaner – all made with ingredients that are not tested on animals, are biodegradable, septic tank safe and do not contain hormone disruptors.
“By purchasing refills, you actively participate in reducing waste and minimizing your carbon footprint,” says Rey. You can refill bottles on-site or purchase a five-litre refill box. “For the month of March bring back your empty bottles and get a free refill!”
A Greener Place is a zero waste online store and refillery based in Waterdown offering an array of products to level up your sustainable lifestyle. Founder Victoria Garofalo recommends two of the store’s bestsellers to help transition to low waste living.
Ditching the shampoo bottles that collect in the bathrooms is a great start, making shampoo bars a perfect replacement. “They’re great for traveling and they last 50 to 75 washes per bar, plus they work so well,” says Garofalo.
Cut back on kitchen waste with Swedish sponge cloths that can be composted when done. These popular products can be thrown in the dishwasher or laundry and usually last more than six months. They come in some pretty funky designs, to boot.
Collectively, we can make a huge difference as more individuals intentionally choose to help heal the Earth through thoughtful shopping and incremental changes in our daily routines.
“We have seen a huge increase of people interested in making more planet-friendly choices over the last five years,” says Kempf. “When we first opened we had 10 products and a handful of people refilling. Today we have almost 100 refillable products and we see hundreds of people in each week between our three stores!”
It’s time for that annual spring cleaning ritual when we venture into the depths of our closets to conquer clutter and bid farewell to wardrobe relics of seasons past. But what do you do with items that are no longer wanted — the ones you bought on impulse and never wore, or ordered online and couldn’t return?
Consignment shops offer a solution, turning forgotten garments or outdated furnishings into someone else’s treasure. In a world where sustainability is chic and thriftiness is celebrated (and let’s face it, necessary in today’s economy), consignment shops have emerged as unsung heroes of our spring cleaning escapades.
An eco-friendly twist to traditional retail, sellers can monetize their decluttering efforts, and thrifters can nab unique finds that fit their budget.
Eco Friendly Shopping is In
With growing awareness about environmental issues and the desire to make ethical choices, many consumers favour sustainable retail options. “Bringing in clothes is better for the environment. Rather than just throwing them out, [people] want their clothes to have a second chance,” says Monika Waszczuk, owner of Sell It 2 Wear It in Dundas.
While used clothing used to have a negative connotation, with today’s awareness of the devastating environmental impact of the fashion industry, consumers are more appreciative of giving pre-loved items a second life. “Online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji have helped destigmatize thrifting and buying used,” says Ivy Leung, owner of Kid 2 Kid in Burlington.
But buying second hand doesn’t necessarily mean buying used. Many consignment shops carry new items with tags still attached that have never been worn. “Kids grow so quickly and tweens change their minds too often. Instead of trying to post each item on Marketplace and risk getting ghosted after the fifteenth ‘is this available’ message, it’s much easier to sell everything at once and get cash right away,” says Leung.
Making Money with Consignment
In today’s economy where every dollar counts, the allure of turning old into new and earning a little cash in the process has never been more enticing. While every store operates differently, most consignment stores have a term contract in which they keep the item for three or four months and pay the seller a percentage of the selling price. If the item doesn’t sell within the period, the seller will have the option to take the item back or donate it to charity.
Saving Money with Consignment
Consignment shops offer a win for consumers looking to get more value for their dollar, delivering quality items at lower than retail cost. “Who doesn’t love designer finds at a fraction of the retail price?” asks Heather Aris, owner of My Girlfriend’s Closet in Bronte.
At Kid to Kid Burlington, sellers are paid cash up front for their gently used kids’ clothing, baby gear and toys. The store provides sellers an additional 20 per cent if they take store credit. “It’s an extra savings if you’re looking to size up,” says owner Ivy Leung.
Our community is home to many consignment stores, each with their own standards for what they will consign and sell. Here are a few examples.
The Millionaire’s Daughter is the place to go for consigning furniture, home decor, and china. With three locations (Oakville, Hamilton and Aurora) and over 15 years of experience in the industry, owner Maureen Barnes says they are the experts in selling pre-loved home decor. Items must be in excellent condition and from non-smoking homes.
Shopping consignment for furniture and home décor makes it affordable and exciting to refresh the look of your space. Not just antiques…. you will find a huge assortment of items at Millionaire’s Daughter, from pottery to rugs to armoires and dining sets. And Barnes points out that the search is part of the fun. You never know what you might find and the inventory turns over regularly. You need to visit often or stay up to date online to avoid missing out on new items as they come in.
Kid to Kid in Aldershot specializes in children’s resale. Parents receive cash on the spot for the things their kids have outgrown, and can also shop from a huge selection of high quality, slightly used replacement items at discounted prices. The store sells and buys children’s clothing, sports gear, costumes, toys, dance wear and more.
Sell It 2 Wear It in Dundas looks for clothing items that are unique and different. “I take a large variety of things from vintage to brand new,” says Waszczuk. This store is the place to go if you’re looking for vintage fashion finds such as bell bottom jeans and leather jackets, or unique items from Europe.
My Girlfriend’s Closet in Oakville looks for designer, quality brand name items under two years old in gently worn or mint condition. “Everything has to be dry cleaned, or freshly laundered and pressed or ironed. A large percentage of our items come in with the original tags,” says Aris.
Whether you’re hunting for a new outfit or home decor, a consignment store offers unique and stylish finds that help save you money, and the environment.
In a world that’s increasingly aware of the impact of our dietary choices on the planet, society and health, the trend toward plant-based eating is on the rise. Whether you’re already a seasoned vegetarian or a curious carnivore, we have some creative ways for you to get more plants on your plate.
After writing a university paper on animal rights, I adopted a strictly vegetarian diet. I maintained this for decades, despite it being a less popular lifestyle back in the early 90s. When I was pregnant with our first child, however, I succumbed to some pretty hard-core cravings for red meat until our son was born. My husband said watching me aggressively carve into a blood-rare steak was, “somewhat alarming.” Well, the pregnant body wants what the pregnant body wants. Funnily enough, that baby grew up to be a plant-based, animal activist.
For the most part, my family would be considered, “flexitarian.” We eat mainly vegetarian meals, but we occasionally indulge in chicken, eggs and dairy. This can be a great approach for easing into a more plant-centric lifestyle.
Regardless of your motivation, whether you opt for a fully plant-based diet or simply aim to incorporate more plants into your meals, here are some simple ways to increase your plant intake.
Meatless Mondays: Designate Mondays as the day to experiment with a new vegetarian or vegan recipe. It’s a fun way to start your week on a fresh and tasty plant-based note.
Culinary World Tour: Explore the world of global cuisines, focusing on vegetarian dishes from different cultures. From spicy Indian curries to savoury Italian pasta dishes, you’ll discover so many plant-based meals to add to your meal rotation.
DIY Veggie Garden: If you have some outdoor space, try growing your veggies. There’s nothing more satisfying than harvesting your own produce to use in a delicious meal.
Plant-Based Potlucks: Host a plant-based potluck with friends and family. Everyone can bring a dish, showcasing the diversity of plant-based eating. This is a fantastic way to exchange recipes and broaden your culinary repertoire.
Some of my family’s veggie go-tos include:
Veggie-Packed Burritos Swap out the meat for beans, quinoa, or lentils, and load up on colourful veggies like bell peppers, onions and grated carrots. Slather on some guacamole and salsa and wrap it all up in a whole grain tortilla.
Mushroom Main Try making a mushroom “burger” by marinating portobello mushrooms in a balsamic glaze and grilling to perfection. Or, chop and use as a hearty addition to pasta or stir-fries.
Taco Bout Delish Lentil and walnut taco “meat” is versatile, tasty and easy to make. This is a staple in our meal rotation.
High-fives for Stir-fries Mix and match your favourite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snow peas and bell peppers. Add tofu or tempeh and nuts like toasted almonds and cashews for a protein boost. Toss in a flavourful sauce made with soy sauce, ginger and garlic, and serve over brown rice or noodles and bam! Dinner is served.
Don’t feel like cooking? We are blessed with an abundance of vegetarian-forward restaurants and boutique grocery stores in our community.
Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar(freshkitchens.ca) in downtown Oakville boasts an extensive menu of “food that loves you back.” Pop in for a freshly squeezed juice made to order. Or try one of their tasty vegan bowls or a nine-layer burrito.
Community Restaurant (communityresto.com) in Kerr Village is “where good vibes and awesome plant-based food come together.” We’re fans of the Community Nachos.
Bliss Kitchen (blisskitchen.ca) in Waterdown is a vegan eatery that “creates delicious, soul-nourishing food, handcrafted daily in house, from scratch.” Try the shawarma taco, kimchi fries or stuffed jalapenos.
The journey to more plant-based eating is about exploration and enjoyment. Experiment with different ingredients, chat with local market vendors, get creative in the kitchen and don’t be afraid to think outside the salad bowl.
Visit one of these local markets for a helping of plant-based info and creative inspo!
Nature’s Emporium 2180 Itabashi Way, Burlington 210 North Service Road West, Oakville naturesemporium.com
Although winter days have yet to depart, many parents are already scrambling to plan for summer. As a family of two working parents and three school-aged kids (two of whom “luged” down the stairs on couch cushions yesterday), our summer days have to be carefully calculated. So, come early March, I’m researching summer camps with the intensity of an investigative journalist. To help parents jump start their own sleuthing, I’ve compiled some Look Local favourites that cover a spectrum of kids’ interests and skills.
For Kids into the Arts
KooGle Theatre 1450 Headon Road, Second Floor, Burlington | Koogletheatre.com Kids can be a “star” at KooGle’s musical theatre camp where they learn scenes, songs and choreography from popular musicals, including 42nd Street (ages 10 to 18), Annie (ages 7 to 11), Disney (ages 6 to 8), and Mary Poppins (ages 7 to 11). Programming is crafted and run by professional theatre artists – and husband and wife duo – Leslie and Christopher Gray.
The CBY Academy of Performing Arts 21 Mill Street North, Waterdown | Cbyacademy.com Held at an award-winning performing arts academy in Waterdown, CBY offers an inclusive camp experience with different themes throughout the summer. From Broadway Minis to Road Legends, there’s no shortage of fun for children ages 4 to 12. Kids will love writing music and dressing up in costume as they act, sing and dance.
Canadian Dance Company 2544 Bristol Circle, Oakville | Canadiandancecompany.com Whether your child is a tutu-loving toddler or a tween who can shimmy sham across a tap floor – there’s a place for them here. With weekly themes supporting recreational and competitive dancing, campers are encouraged to discover their star potential. Each camp explores different dance styles and music while inspiring creative thinking, socialization and fun.
For Kids Who Love the Outdoors
Ways of the Woods by Conservation Halton Multiple locations | Conservationhalton.ca Ways of the Woods summer camp offers a one-of-a-kind summer experience for kids. Hosted by Conservation Halton, the camp takes place at its locations across Halton, including Kelso, Mountsberg and Crawford Lake, and offers unique and diverse programming, such as Mountain Bike Camp, Waterfront Camp, Farm Camp, Construction Camp, Athletic Camp, Girls Camp and Adventure Camp.
Camp Kandalore 1143 Kandalore Road, Algonquin Highlands |. Kandalore.com For adventures and new outdoor experiences – and maybe a first time away from home? For more than 75 years, Camp Kandalore has created magical summer experiences steeped in tradition, but always fresh for kids ages 6 to 16. With more than 30 in-camp activities, campers take part in daily swim and canoe lessons as well as other fun activities of choice, from waterskiing to high ropes to archery.
Bronte Harbour Yacht Club 2514 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Bhyc.on.ca Ease out the sails and spend a summer on the water with Bronte Harbour Yacht Club. Its Learn-to-Sail program is for kids ages 7 to 17, and features Sail Canada certified instructors in a safe, fun and active learning environment. Sailors can achieve Sail Canada levels as they spend two to four hours on the water, and have the rest of the day open for activities, such as paddleboarding, exploring the creek, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, soccer and more.
For Kids Who Love Science
Oak Learning 483 Dundas Street West, Oakville. |. Oaklearningcenter.com Oak Learning has summer fun down to a science with their hands-on STEM and Robotic camps for kids ages 6 to 13. During each week-long camp, campers learn to build and program a fully functioning robot alongside smaller science projects. The balanced day includes daily team activities, science projects, outdoor recreation, a nutritious hot lunch and snacks.
Code Ninjas 3410 Mainway, Burlington |. 2333 Taunton Road, Oakville. |. Codeninjas.com Technology-loving kids, ages 5 to 14, get hands-on experience in learning how to code as they create video games, and more. They also gain important skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and acquire STEM know-how in a supportive, fun environment.
For All Interests
Town of Oakville Various locations throughout Oakville | camps.oakville.ca The Town of Oakville offers fun and affordable summer camp options for children aged four to 12. Their HIGH FIVE® trained staff, high safety standards, and engaging summer programming set them apart. Explore a variety of safe and diverse summer camp programs to suit any interest, including arts, adventure, athletics, and more.
A “Super Playgrounds” half-day camp membership allows campers to enjoy supervised activities without the commitment of a week-long camp. Offered weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at select park locations. One fee lets you play all summer.
Oakville Museum 8 Navy Street, Oakville | oakville.ca/museum Looking for a curated summer camp experience for curious minds? Oakville Museum camps blend learning and hands-on fun with arts and crafts activities, outdoor games and nature exploration in a picturesque lakeside setting. Cultivate creativity in the garden, unravel museum mysteries, enter the enchanting world of fairy tales, and more. Full-week day camps available for ages 6-9. Half-day mini programs available for little ones aged 4-5.
Appleby College 540 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville | Appleby.on.ca Kids can choose from more than 50 indoor and outdoor programs and over 220 weekly sessions that cross a variety of interests and activities. All camps have a low camper-to-instructor ratio, and include nutritious lunches and swim time. The Early Discovery program for ages 4 to 7 offers full and half-day camps and weekly themes. Campers ages 7 to 14 can choose from programs in sports and adventure, arts and media, and science and success. Leadership camps are available for participants ages 12 to 17.
The first Earth Day was in 1970, marking the inception of the environmental movement. Fast forward to today, more than one billion people will celebrate and advocate for the protection of our planet on April 22 this year. Want to get involved? Your family can plan ways to take part in official events or create your own to become better stewards of the Earth. This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, advocating for the ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for all.
Here are 10 ways your family can make our world a healthier and happier place to live this Earth Day.
Join a local cleanup
Make a real difference to the local community by volunteering your time as a family to the 33rd annual Earth Day Clean Up in Oakville. Last year, over 1,000 volunteers collected over eight metric tonnes of garbage! To participate, visit oakvillepeacecentre.org. BurlingtonGreen encourages residents to create and register a local cleanup event. The organization will publish online, provide free supplies, and then track, measure and share the impact of all participants. Register at burlingtongreen.org.
Skip the takeout
For the month of April, reduce your plastic waste by making homemade meals a priority and cutting takeout from your menu. This statistic is tough to swallow: In 2019, 805 million takeout containers were sold in Canada, and they made the top 10 list of items most frequently found and intercepted on beach cleanups in Canada before entering rivers, wetlands, forests and landfills.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens
Kids who appreciate nature better understand the pressing need to protect it. Head to the RBG and explore Hendrie Park with its 12 themed garden areas, as well as the rock gardens — where you just might catch the cherry tree blossoms in bloom. Take the kids to the Nature’s Superheroes: Life at the Limits exhibit, before it closes on April 21.
Get Earth smart
Grow your IQ on the struggles facing our Earth, and the solutions within our grasp. Visit Earthday.org to answer quizzes that test your knowledge on climate change, and the human actions most impacting the Earth. Visit your local library to pick up a book to read to your kids, and find one for yourself to inform and inspire action.
Build a succulent terrarium
Succulents are low-maintenance and hardy plants, making them ideal for a DIY terrarium, even for younger kids. Learning how to care for a small ecosystem helps build awareness for the special needs of our natural earth. You’ll need a clear jar or bowl to house your plants, gravel, something to filter the water (like a coffee filter), soil and a range of succulents.
Go thrifting
Take a pass on fast fashion, help the environment and update your wardrobe by thrifting. My Girlfriend’s Closet and Plato’s Closet (both in Oakville) have no shortage of popular brands. The Attic in downtown Burlington also sells pre-loved clothing, and your money goes towards the Burlington Humane Society. Visit Dundas store, Sell It 2 Wear It, specializing in vintage wear and European finds.
Try forest bathing
Spending time in nature is good for us, and people in Japan have been practicing forest bathing since the 1980s. Simply, forest bathing means taking in the environment using all your senses. Bronte Creek Provincial Park is an ideal place to give forest bathing a try. It has a network of hiking trails, including the Trillium Trail where you’ll see spring wildflowers and catch a glimpse of the valley floor. Follow the trail and close your eyes and notice what you can smell, hear and feel.
Advocate for the planet
Leverage Earth Day as a time to let your voice be heard. Find small ways to make a difference as a family, whether it’s signing Earth Day’s Global Plastics Treaty aimed at reducing fossil fuel-based plastic production, or learning more about youth climate change organizations, like Fridays For Future, which began after Greta Thunberg and other young activists protested against inadequate climate change action.
Create a butterfly garden
Gardening season is around the corner. This spring, transform part of your yard into a butterfly garden. Some of the best plants to attract butterflies include Black-Eyed Susan, the native Yarrow, Butterfly Bush and Bee Balm. Not sure where to begin? Check out The Butterfly Project, a movement started by the David Suzuki Foundation that’s growing a highway of habitat for butterflies and bees across Canada.
Donate to a charity you feel passionate about
Challenge your family to research different charities locally, or across the globe, that are working hard to improve the health of our planet. Whether it’s protecting our water or a particular species, local advocacy or even industry-specific (think: fashion or food), there are plenty of organizations worth supporting – donate to the one that your family feels most passionate about.
Few things in life are more satisfying than a having a good laugh — even better if it’s accompanied by tears. Feeling overdue for a night of belly aching laughter, giggles and snickers? Then you don’t want to miss The Burlington Comedy Festival featuring seven shows over the course of three nights, from April 25 to 27.
Six celebrated comics take the stage in venues throughout downtown Burlington, starting with the Opening Gala Night at the beautiful Pearle Hotel and Spa on Thursday, April 25. This is the only festival event where the full lineup of six comics will perform, guaranteeing an outstanding display of comedy talent. Headlining the evening’s performance will be Pete Zedlacher and Jen Grant.
Zedlacher is a veteran of the Canadian comedy scene whose credits include a Canadian Comedy Award, six Canadian Comedy Award nominations and two Gemini Award nominations. He was also crowned Sirius XM’s Top Comic.
Grant has performed and appeared on TV at every major comedy festival in the country, and can be heard on CBC‘s “The Debaters”. She has her own TV special on The Comedy Network and was listed as one of the top five funniest people in Toronto by Toronto Life Magazine.
Also performing at the Pearle are the wildly talented Patrick Haye, Tamara Shevon, Dena Jackson, Steve Goodtime and Magic Brian.
If you can’t make the Gala, there are six more shows from April 26 to 27 at local restaurant venues where you can experience an intimate live comedy event like no other. Each show features three comics. Simply choose the date and time. For both Friday and Saturday night, you can catch a 7:30 p.m. comedy show at The Block Co., an 8:30 p.m. performance at 400 Brant Kitchen & Bar, and show time at Paradiso Restaurant begins at 9:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before all shows start.
Visit Burlingtoncomedy.com to view the lineup for each event and get your tickets – these intimate venues have limited seating.
The Burlington Downtown Business Association is a proud sponsor of the Burlington Comedy Festival. The association represents over 400 small businesses in the downtown including 50-plus quality eateries, making it a snap to create your own dinner and show any time of year.
Be sure to grab some friends and plan your memorable night of laugh-out-loud (mature) content, fantastic company and outstanding nosh in downtown Burlington.
For a full list of comedy shows and to buy tickets online, visit www.burlingtoncomedy.com
he phrase “I love you” isn’t exclusive to romantic couples, nor should Valentine’s Day be either. In fact, there are myriad ways that love shows up in our lives — through family, friends, pets and more. This year, don’t wait for romantic inspiration (or a change in your Facebook relationship status) to plan your perfect Valentine’s Day. We’ve come up with fun ideas to celebrate alone, with family or friends — without the pressure of romance.
Express your family love
For moms and dads, it can be tempting to argue that every day is a testament to their love for their kids. But Valentine’s Day is a reminder to tell your kids how much you love and value them — even when they don’t unload the dishwasher or finish their homework. Here are some ways to celebrate together:
Bake with heart – Start the day with heart-shaped pancakes and maple syrup, or bake “heart-y” cookies, preparing icing and candies for decorating after school. Visit Nicety’s in Downtown Oakville for cookie cutters and other baking implements.
Love-inspired chocolate – Treat the family to a stunning gift box from Chocolate and Love in downtown Oakville, filled with their award-winning Fairtrade certified organic chocolate bars so you can spread love to your kids, and the Earth.
By candlelight – Make meal time special with a candlelit dinner for the entire family. Before eating, invite each person to share something they love about everyone at the table. Don’t feel like cooking? Treat yourself to takeout. Try Familia Fine Foods or The Platter Company in Burlington; and for dessert, try The Sweetest Thing in Kerr Village.
Crafted with love – For young kids, consider an afternoon of crafts at home or at a kid-friendly studio. For inspiration, visit Lollipop Art Lounge in Oakville or a 4 Cats studio in Burlington and Oakville.
Single in the suburbs
Being single has its perks, even on Valentine’s Day. While you could watch a romantic movie alone while devouring chocolate fudge ice cream (tempting though it is), consider these decidedly more celebratory ways to enjoy this day on your own or with friends:
I heart spa days – Book a luxurious spa treatment to get your glow on. Whether it’s a massage, pedicure or facial, try something outside your usual beauty routine at a local spa like Yellow Door Selfcare Studio in Oakville.
Galentine’s Day dinner – Officially the day before Valentine’s Day, it’s a great excuse to grab your besties for a culinary night at one of the many local restaurants with delicious fare and great atmosphere. Some faves are: Isabelle or Radius in Burlington; Plank or Beacon in Oakville.
Burning love – If fitness is your gateway to good vibes, plan for an extra-long workout to sweat it out and feel the burn. Step it up by booking a personal trainer or ditching your usual routine to try something new like a class at SpinCo in downtown Oakville.
Retail therapy – Who can resist the power of retail therapy to boost your self-love and heal a broken heart. You can go small with a treat from a bakery like Anna Cakes or Sweet! Bakery in Oakville. Or fresh flowers for a lovely pick-me-up to yourself or a friend from Floral Collective in Oakville. If you crave more extravagance, consider selecting a piece of jewellery you can love and treasure for years to come.
Valentine’s Day is more than an invitation to express love to those you care about, it’s a chance to spread loving vibes in a world that can often feel lacking. Prolific love song writer, Burt Bacharach expressed it best: “What the world needs now, is love sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.”
If you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom, one of the first decisions you’ll make is around tile. Whether for walls or floors, the tiles you choose will help define the overall look of your space, and its prominence can make the decision-making process overwhelming, if not harrowing. It doesn’t help that today’s tile selection is more robust than ever, posing both a benefit and a challenge.
White or bright? Stone or wood? Regardless of your preference, today’s tiles come in an array of designs ranging from wood to stone, neutrals to bright hues.
The latest trends indicate a preference for large format tiles (24-inch x 24-inch and larger), according to Victoria Di Fonzo, operations manager for Deco-Tile in Oakville. “We’re excited to see the warmer tones coming back into style,” says Di Fonzo. “Warm whites and warm greys are making a comeback.”
The Japandi trend, which marries Japanese and Scandinavian, is popular and continues to mature, says Aaron Lamers, operations manager for Barton Bath + Floor in Hamilton. “Think soft tones and subtle textures paired with natural maple and beech wood and linear accenting.”
Homeowners looking to brighten up their space, and rebuff the safety of beige, can find inspiration among tile lines offering bold gemstone shades, along with pastel green, peach and light blue. “They can be applied as cheery accents for bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes,” recommends Lamers.
An up-and-coming trend for kitchen backsplashes is square ceramic tiles, says Di Fonzo, that offer a glossy Zellige (or handmade) look. However, retro patterns with smaller rectangle tiles are still trending, according to Lamers, along with longer subway tiles that have that same irregular handmade look and colour shading.
For bathroom renovations, clients are using tile to cover more surfaces than ever before, which can help greatly with maintenance over time. Customers are also leaning toward large format tiles for bathrooms which limits the prevalence of grout joints. “It gives the space a larger look and is easier to clean,” says Di Fonzo.
Tiles play an important role in the design of your dream kitchen or bathroom. Store samples are often available for loan to assist you in your choice, and online tools that help visualize how your room will look can greatly ease the design process.
Ah, the New Year — a time when we try to morph into fitness gurus overnight. But as January fades, so do our intentions. Suddenly, gym bags gather dust, and our running shoes seem to vanish into thin air.
Sound familiar? Don’t despair.
Here’s how to stick to your fitness goals through the winter and beyond.
Find the fun in fitness Does the thought of jogging make you want to run and hide? Does the idea of swimming make you want to dive under your covers? If it doesn’t excite you, chances are you won’t stick with it. To improve the odds of achieving your fitness goals, find something that’s challenging but enjoyable for you.
Love to dance? Maybe jazzercise is your calling. It’s not just fun; it improves balance, flexibility, overall tone and cardiovascular health.
Maureen Perkovic from Jazzercize Oakville Fitness says, “There’s something about dance — it ignites our bodies and fires up our brains. Even a few minutes of dancing in the morning before you leave the house changes how you walk out into the world. Find whatever it is that motivates you to move.”
Whether it’s lifting weights in a bustling gym or following a calming yoga class online at home, discovering “your thing” helps boost your commitment.
Set a schedule that suits you Ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and create a realistic schedule tailored to your lifestyle. Setting specific, achievable goals and a consistent exercise schedule increases the likelihood you won’t throw in the towel. Whether it’s a lunchtime Pilates session or an evening bike ride, find a time that works best for you and make it part of your routine.
Prioritize nutrition, hydration & sleep Fuel your body like the sophisticated machine it is. A balanced diet, proper hydration and quality sleep are crucial. Meal planning can help avoid impulsive food choices, and be sure to keep well hydrated. Also make sleep a priority — it’s not just for dreaming but also for muscle recovery and repair.
Community counts Finding a community of like-minded fitness seekers can keep you accountable. Plus, it’s more fun than embarking on a fitness journey alone. Join a fitness class, sign up for a running group or hop onto social media where exercise enthusiasts share tips and encouragement.
Shelley Frank enjoys her gym community so much, she and a group of members bought the gym! Operating Element CrossFit Oakville is now a team effort.
“There’s just this sense of belonging because CrossFit focuses on community and working out with fitness-focused friends. It’s comforting being in a place of non-judgment, sharing successes and a lot of laughter. It’s why I show up every day,” says Shelley.
“CrossFit might be for you if you’re like me and get bored quickly. The group workouts, led by certified coaches, are different every day, and scalable to your fitness level.”
Be accountable Pair up with a friend, family member or colleague who shares your fitness goals. Having an accountability partner significantly increases exercise adherence. Someone counting on you to be there can be a powerful motivator.
Fitness is a marathon, not a sprint Set goals, but make them realistic, actionable and sustainable. Instead of committing to a daily 5 a.m. gym routine (especially if you’re not a morning person), start with simple steps like going for a walk or running on the treadmill for ten minutes. Gradually increase the intensity as you feel comfortable.
Fitness isn’t just about weight management and sculpting your body — it’s about feeling energized, confident and healthy from the inside out. So, make your resolutions, but approach them with a realistic and sustainable mindset, setting the stage for a fulfilling fitness journey for years to come.
