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Where Mom and Baby Can Meet New Friends

June 26, 2022 No Comments

Being a new mom is filled with soft baby cuddles and coos, but it can also come with loneliness. Days are spent just you and your baby, away from former coworkers and friends. Suddenly, you’re singing Cocomelon in the shower and counting the hours until nap time. Mommy and Me programs provide moms with an excellent opportunity to connect with others in the same stage of life – moms who don’t mind that you have spit up on your shirt…because they do too. Babies also benefit from socialization.

We’ve rounded up some of the best Mommy and Me drop-ins in the Halton area.

Tip Toe Music

If you’re in the Burlington, Oakville, and Milton areas, check out Tip Toe Music for parent and child music and movement programs. Their Music Together classes are for babies (up to 7 months),

and they also have a Mixed Ages class for ages birth to five years old. If you’re looking for a curriculum-based program, they have that, too! Families can sign up for a full semester and will received a songbook, CD/digital downloads for each family, and at home music-making support. Their summer program registration has just opened with classes in Oakville, Burlington, and Milton – enjoy 6 weeks of music-making, learning, and fun as a family!

E-J Walker, owner of Tip Toe Music, also runs Movies for Mommies Oakville, which is a drop-in Mom and Baby movie screening at Film.ca Cinemas in Oakville.

Common Moms

With chapters in Burlington, Waterdown, Ancaster, and Milton, the Common Moms offer mom and baby programs, including sensory play, toddler dance, and crafts. They also run the Family Room in Waterdown, a drop-in play space featuring a soft play zone for babies, a messy creative play station, and a pretend play zone where kids can pretend to run a grocery store or be a veterinarian.

Cost: $12 / Kids over age 1. Children under 1 are free with a paying sibling or adult for $5.

Mommy Connections

With chapters in Burlington, Oakville, and Mississauga, Mommy Connections has programs to support moms from pregnancy all the way through toddlerhood. Their mom and baby program for ages 0-18 months allows moms to learn from local experts in all aspects of baby development, plus it provides the opportunity to try new activities and socialize with moms in the same stage of life. Travelling Tots (for ages 18 months – 4 years) provides a unique opportunity for mom and tot to travel around town experiencing different play venues – from gymnastics to swimming – demonstrating classes while meeting new friends.

The WOMB Burlington (World Of My Baby)

The WOMB in Burlington supports moms during pregnancy and beyond through health and wellness treatment. They also run mom and baby classes for infants up to 12 months of age, including mom and baby yoga, baby sign language, and their Baby @ Play program run by an occupational therapist.

We Rock the Spectrum

This fun and inclusive gymnasium in Oakville offers drop-in play opportunities, perfect for those days when you need a change of scenery. Their soft play and pretend play areas are perfect for babies and toddlers, and their climbing wall, zip line, and slide are great fun for older siblings.

Drop-in open play $18/child. Monthly memberships are also available.

Oakville Parent-Child Centre

The Oakville Parent-Child Centre offers a variety of free programs for parents and children ages 0-6 facilitated by EarlyON Educators. Programs include baby & me, toddler time, new parent meet and greet, and even some outdoor explorer programs. These programs are free, but you do need to register in advance.

Mommy Nook

With classes at various locations in Burlington, The Mommy Nook is the place to go if you want to create adorable keepsake art with your baby. After storytime, songs, and parachute fun, Miss Sarah helps moms create Pinterest-worthy pieces of art using their child’s footprint. Don’t worry; you don’t need to be crafty. Miss Sarah makes the artwork easy with pre-cut pieces. She even does the footprint stamp for you, so your artwork always turns out.

Local Links

Tip Toe Music : tiptoemusic.net

MFM (Movies for Mommies) : moviesformommies.com | (289) 218-7258

Common Moms : thecommonmoms.com | (905) 689-4333

Mommy Connections : mommyconnections.ca | (416) 888-9687

The WOMB Burlington (World Of My Baby) : thewomb.ca/Burlington | (905) 842-2434 ext 2

We Rock the Spectrum : werockthespectrumoakville.ca | (905) 337-0101

Oakville Parent-Child Centre : op-cc.ca | (905) 849-6366

Mommy Nook : mommynook.com

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Spend The Day In Stratford

June 24, 2022 No Comments

Just over an hour away from Burlington, you’ll find a quaint little town along the Avon River. Rich with history, and home to Justin Bieber and Shakespearean plays, Stratford is one of Ontario’s top road trip destinations. From the culinary experience to theatres and beautiful trails, you’ll want to add this theatre town to your summer bucket list.

Planning a summer trip to Stratford?

We have your itinerary ready…

The Stratford Festival

Celebrating its 70th season, The Stratford Festival combines Shakespeare with contemporary dramas and classic stories. This year, audiences will be treated to the performances of Hamlet, Chicago, The Miser, Little Women, Richard ll, All’s Well That Ends Well, Death and the King’s Horseman, Every Little Nookie, Hamlet-91, and 1939. Running from April to October, The Stratford Festival is a must-see. Tickets can be purchased at www.stratfordfestival.ca

Allen’s Alley

Allen’s Alley, originally a passage to the Livery Stables behind The Wellington Street Hotel, is now home to 13 graphic painted murals honouring talent and celebrity visitors. Stratford is well known for its art scene, and Allen’s Alley is one of the most popular destinations amongst visitors and artists. Located between Wellington Street and Erie Street, each mural depicts a unique glimpse of Stratford’s musical history.

Avon River Loop

While widely known for its art scene, Stratford has another defining feature – the picturesque Avon River. The Avon River Loop is a 2.6-kilometre pathway around the Avon River. Enjoy sights as you navigate the trail (which only takes about 35 minutes to walk from start to finish). It’s the perfect place to view wildlife, enjoy the river, and even stop for a picnic in the park. Visitors love bird watching, hiking, and even cross-country skiing in the winter. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit, no matter what season. Bonus points: the path is paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Chocolate Trail

Who doesn’t love chocolate? This self-guided tour is the perfect experience for both kids and adults. Follow along the trail as you experience Stratford’s world-famous confectioners and bakers. With each trail purchase, you get to choose which six stops, out of the participating businesses, to redeem your six vouchers for a chocolate delight on your self-guided tour. Every stop is unique and features a different chocolatey treat to enjoy.

Stratford Gardens

This garden has quite a history. The feature most visitors notice immediately is the 65 foot (20 metre) chimney, all that remains of the Dufton Woolen Mill that initially occupied the site. The mill was built in 1874 and burned in 1919, leaving only the chimney that still stands as an imposing landmark. The garden was first conceived to include only plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. That emphasis has changed over the years. Many plants in the garden are definitely “Shakespearean” (look for fine stands of herbs such as fennel, rue, tarragon, and rosemary). Still, visitors are sometimes surprised to find decidedly non-Shakespearean plants as well. You may wish to pause to admire the gazebo and nearby formal beds of hosta, ferns, begonias, grasses, and amaranth.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend away with friends, a date-night with someone special, or a family getaway – Stratford has a little something for everyone.

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A Sensational Summer In Downtown Oakville

June 24, 2022 No Comments

If you’re captivated by historical character and small-town charm, Downtown Oakville is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Recognized for its sophisticated culture, upscale retail, and exceptional dining (plus beautiful lakeside parks) – it’s no wonder warm weather draws a crowd. Between the Downtown Oakville BIA and local business owners, thoughtful, family-oriented events will delight regulars and visitors all summer long.

Here’s what you can expect:

June 20 through August

DTOakville’s Passport to Patio

Planning to dine out this summer? Visit a Downtown Oakville patio from June through August for your chance to win weekly food and drink prizes, plus an opportunity to be entered into the grand prize: a $500 gift card to your favourite eatery!

Simply scan the QR code found on patio tables at participating restaurants to collect stamps and automatically be entered in weekly prize draws. Collect 5 stamps and you will be eligible for the grand prize. The grand prize winner will be notified on September 1.

Saturdays in June/July

Summer SWEAT Series

Fitness in the Square is back! Join local studios and fitness experts from Downtown Oakville as they host specialty classes for both your body and mind. Enjoy a class every Saturday morning throughout June and July. Pre-registration is required (and guess what? the first 25 participants to register will receive a special gift courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Oakville). For class schedule and further details, visit oakvilledowntown.com/summer-sweat

Saturdays in July/August

TD Summer Music Series

During July and August, enjoy live music in Town Square and along Lakeshore Road every Saturday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. These performances may be your favourite part of summer, enjoy music from violins to steel drums and vocal performances. To view the schedule of performers, visit oakvilledowntown.com/td-summer-music-series

July 17

International Ice Cream Day

I scream, you scream; we all scream for ice cream! To celebrate International Ice Cream Day, Downtown Oakville will be handing out FREE ice cream for the first 250 visitors! Visit the pop-up in Town Square to cool off with a sweet treat.

August 1-28

Oscillation

Introducing: Oscillation, a new interactive outdoor art exhibit in Downtown Oakville. This one-of-a-kind community activity encourages you to interact with peers, family, and friends through play. Dance and create with the people around you as you manipulate the sound and colours of geometric forms. Oscillation will be on display just outside the Central Library (at Navy Street) in the month of August. To learn more, visit oakvilledowntown.com

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Squeeze the Day: The Summer of Juice

June 15, 2022 No Comments

We all know that fruit and vegetables are good for you, and while you may favour a hamburger over some cucumber and hummus for lunch, getting your greens is key to staying healthy. Dietary guidelines suggest two cups of fruit and two and a half cups of vegetables per day may reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer (along with helping weight management). It’s no wonder that “juice” is booming in popularity.

Juicing is one of the easiest ways to get your daily serving of fruit and veg. And while you may already be on the smoothie wagon, juicing certainly has its time and place. Pure juice offers concentrated vitamins and nutrients, which are much easier to absorb. Blending, on the other hand, is great for meeting your daily intake of fibre (which helps with digestion, controlling blood sugar, and lowering the risk of heart disease).

But how does juicing work?

Cold-pressed juice uses a hydraulic press to extract the maximum amount of liquid from fresh fruits and vegetables. Since the cold-pressed juices aren’t pasteurized, you don’t risk losing any vitamins, nutrients, minerals, or antioxidants.

Farmer Jacks in Burlington is famous for its fresh-pressed juices, especially their 7-day juice cleanse. The cleanse includes five juices per day over seven days and is intended to help rid cravings for refined sugars and processed foods. Among the selections are the Power Cleanse or Detox Cleanse, and for added vitality, there are booster packs for immunity (carrot, celery, apple, orange, ginger, turmeric) or flu boosters (black garlic, turmeric, ginger, lemon).

If you’re not ready for a cleanse but want to add some more nutrients to your diet, Farmer Jacks offers a wide range of cold-pressed juices in a variety of flavours. Their detox power juice, consisting of kale, cilantro, celery, apple, green grape, ginger, and lime, provides energy and supports healthy skin, cell growth, and regeneration. Their antioxidant blast, a blend of carrots, grapefruit, orange, apple, raspberry, and ginger, help you get through the day. Or try the liver flush: a blend of beet, carrot, apple, orange, lemon, and ginger.

Green Press Juice in Oakville offers certified organic cold-pressed juice and free delivery in the GTA. Juices are pressed daily, unpasteurized, and help promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Green Press also offers a juice cleanse as a way to rid your body of toxins, kick start your metabolism, increase energy levels, control and eliminate cravings and mood swings, increase mental focus and clarity, boost immunity, and help get rid of unwanted fat.

They also have a registered holistic nutritionist on live chat to help you decide which juices and programs are best for you.

The Village Juicery in Oakville makes fresh, organic, plant-based beverages, meals and cleanses. Their products are all designed by nutritionists to help you feel great, and all are made fresh every day with no UV or high-pressure processing. Choose from a wide selection of juices and milks, booster shots, cleanses and kits.

The Bodhi Bar in Burlington offers organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies, shots and cleanses. They specialize in organic juice cleanse packages, and use a cryogenic preservation technique to deliver the freshest and most nutrient dense products. One of their best sellers is Spice Girl – organic carrots, apples, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. Or try the Detox Concoction – organic kale, spinach, cucumber and celery with added parsley, ginger, lemon and apple!

Trish Juice in Burlington offers freshly squeezed juice and smoothies. From the pure and simple to more exotic juices, try the Purifier: lemon, green apple, blueberry, carrot, beetroot, ginger, and coconut water. Or the Mojito: lemon, green apple, cucumber, and mint (super refreshing on a hot day). Tangy Twist has a blend of orange, green apple, carrot, beetroot, and ginger. While the Cuban features pineapple, orange, mango, lemon, mint, honey, and coconut milk. If you want to get your omegas in, too, go for the avocado almond crunch – a delicious blend of banana, avocado, almond milk, and almonds.

Whether you’re a seasoned juicer and opt for a regular juice cleanse or merely want to get more fruit and vegetable servings into your diet, there are plenty of options to try.

Local Links

Farmer Jacks: Farmerjacksmarket.com | (905) 333-5225

Green Press: Greenpress.ca | (905) 849-4040

The Village Juicery: Villagejuicery.com

Bodhi Bar: Bodhibar.ca | (289) 237-7777

Trish Juice: Trishjuice.com | (905) 487-6197

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La Parisienne Creperie – Oakville’s Go-To – Has One Summer Left

May 29, 2022 No Comments

Located in a small house but a stone’s throw from Bronte harbour, you’ll find a French-style bistro with the best crepes in town (dare we say, the GTA) – and unfortunately, due to a new development, they only have one summer left.

The restaurant is called La Parisienne Creperie, and it’s been family-run by the Colas since December 2014. Husband and wife duo Mikael and Courtney took over the eatery in 2014 from Mike’s Parents, Marie-France and Pierre Colas, and turned it into the best crepe spot in town. By revamping the inside décor and keeping the original recipes, the Colas created a cozy French-style bistro right in Bronte.

From the beginning, their focus has been on providing delicious and traditional French crepes (froment) made on-site using fresh and local ingredients wherever possible. And for nearly a decade, they have supported local farmers and wine-makers when planning and executing their menu.

Their crepe flambe – with Grand Marnier orange liqueur, Sailor Jerry’s spice run, or calvados – are flambeed right at your table. They have French-style layered ice cream served in a mason jar as a parfait with elegant ingredients layered throughout. And then, there are their crepes. So many crepes. Sweet and savoury with ingredients like caramelized local orchard apples, house-made salted caramel, and vanilla ice cream drizzle, or simple and decadent with melted aged cheddar, double smoked bacon, and house-made tomato jam…there’s a crepe for everyone.

For a few more months, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner inside the bistro, or off the harbour on their quaint patio (p.s. they let you bring your own wine on Wednesday and Thursday evenings).

While their Oakville location is only around for a little while longer, you can visit the Colas second location in Hamilton, a hip French creperie called Verlan. Serving French & Australian-inspired toasties, soups, patisserie, along with a market featuring local products, arts, and gifts – we’re certain there’s nothing like it…and we’re already planning our visit!

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Our Waterdown Brunch List 2025 – The Best Breakfast and Brunch In Waterdown

May 16, 2022 No Comments

Whether you’re fueling up for the day, enjoying a mimosa brunch with your BFFs, or nursing a hangover from the night before, here is our 2022 list of the best breakfast & brunch spots in Waterdown Village!

For indoor dining, patio, take-out or delivery, #SupportLocal and enjoy a sweet or savoury breakfast that is sure to delight your tastebuds and cure your cravings.

Ps. Check out our separate articles for the best brunch spots in Oakville & Burlington!

Symposium Café

Looking to enjoy some brunch treats and patio drinks with your bffs? Look no further than Symposium Café. With 145 indoor seats and 50 seats on our beautiful outdoor patio, plus a kitchen that’s open from 8am-12am, 364 days a year. All the classics are here: bacon and eggs, French toast and waffles and a few gourmet options. How about a Caesar? Only $4 every day (from 11am – 4pm).

symposiumcafe.com | 64 Hamilton St N, Waterdown | 289-895-7860

Dine-In/Patio/Pick-Up/Delivery | Early Bird – Monday to Friday 8am-11am | Full service breakfast and brunch (served daily until 4pm)

View menu online and click here to order.

Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House

Stacked Pancakes House is the local hotspot for pancakes, waffles and French toast. Enjoy your stacks the traditional way (sweetened with syrup and with eggs and bacon on the side) or try one of their specialty stacks (like the Banana Rocky Road pancakes – topped with bananas, chocolate chips, sweet cream and nutella). But for those who are craving something a little more savoury, you can enjoy all the breakfast classics, including: Sausage/Bacon and Eggs, Breakfast Wrap, and a variety of Eggs Benedict and omelettes.

stackedpancakehouse.ca | 16 Clappison Ave, Waterdown | 905-689-2200

Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Monday – Sunday 7am-3pm

Call to reserve a table. Click here to view the menu and order online.

Sunset Grill

Traditional breakfast as it’s meant to be, served to hungry diners for more than 30 years! No need to rush, you can get your fix of sausage, bacon, eggs, fruit and hash browns and more, all day. An added bonus: unlimited coffee refills, and great prices.

sunsetgrill.ca | 80 Dundas St E, Waterdown | 905-690-3000

Dine-In/Take-Out/Delivery | Monday – Sunday 8am-3pm

Jitterbug Cafe

Known for their homestyle breakfast and lunch, there is something for everyone at Jitterbug Café. Pancakes and waffles, gooey buttertarts, gourmet sandwiches, daily soups, and coffee that’s always served with a smile.

jitterbugcafeandcatering.com | 35 Main St N, Waterdown | 905-690-7670

Dine-In/Patio/Pick-Up | Monday – Friday 7:30am-5pm & Saturday 8am-2pm

The Copper Kettle

This quaint and spacious coffeehouse is known for their amazing coffee and their famous farm-fresh apple fritters. With lots of comfortable seating and tables available, it’s a great coffeehouse to catch up with friends over brunch – enjoy a fritter or choose from their selection of gourmet breakfast sandwiches, salads and soups!

copperkettlecafe.ca | 312 Dundas St E #4, Waterdown | 905-690-3696

Dine-In/Patio/Take-Out | Monday – Friday 7am-7pm & Saturday – Sunday 8am-6pm

Don’t see your favourite Brunch spot?
Contact us and we’ll add it to our list!

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Sanctuary at the Spa: Medi & Day Spas

May 15, 2022 No Comments

We could all use a perfect spa day! Wouldn’t you agree? Your skin, body, and mind deserve a little rest and relaxation. But which spa is right for you? The answer depends on the results you’re looking for. While a day spa generally focuses on relaxation and surface-level treatments, medical spas offer more invasive treatments for deeper-seated issues. In either case, the spas are here to help you relax and feel rejuvenated – here is what you can expect from each experience.

Med Spas

Unlike a traditional day spa, a qualified physician must perform all treatments and procedures at a medical spa. Treatments combine an aesthetic medical centre and a day spa that provides non-surgical aesthetic medical services. Most treatments are minimally invasive, though they often require needles or lasers. Examples of med spa treatments would be Botox, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal.

Le Prestige Med Spa, Burlington
Leprestigemedispa.com || (416) 996-0884

“Traditional day spas are full-service spas. They offer things like massage, manicures, pedicures, and waxing. It’s a more relaxing experience. We treat skin conditions. We use focused lasers to target areas to help improve your overall appearance,” said Astrid Mkrtchyan, Owner/Founder of Le Prestige Med Spa.

Le Prestige Med Spa offers services targeted to help you maintain that ageless, youthful look. Their most popular services include Factora Microneedling, Laser Hair Removal (pain-free and effective), Acne Laser Treatment, and Oxygeneo Facial.

“Le Prestige Med Spa is committed to providing customers with VIP royalty service. We are results-driven. We give our best to our clients. Their satisfaction is a priority to us,” said Astrid.

If you’re looking to visit Le Prestige Med Spa, you can find them at 1940 Ironstone Drive, Unit #12 in Burlington.

Advanced Rejuvenation Medical Spa, Burlington
Advancedrejuvenation.ca || (905) 340-0401

At Advanced Rejuvenation Medical Spa, both men and women can experience treatments that help create natural-looking improvements to your appearance. This med spa offers facial and whole-body treatments, hair restoration, and a weight management program (cool sculpting).

You can visit Advanced Rejuvenation Medical Spa at 425 Locust Street in Burlington.

Revival MedSpa, Oakville
Revivalmedspa.ca || (905) 616-1703

At Oakville’s Revival MedSpa, located at 323 Church Street #20, clients can receive a modern and innovative approach to medical aesthetics and skincare. Revival MedSpa offers result-based treatments to help their clients combat some of the most stubborn skin conditions, including aging, wrinkles, acne, and scarring.

One of their featured services is their CBD infusion facial treatment. They infuse your skin by calming inflammation with 3,000 mg of CBD. They also infuse it with antioxidants and vitamins. This works to help increase the skin’s firmness, which in turn works to slow down the aging process.

Day Spas

Looking for some R&R? You’re looking for a day spa. Traditional day spas offer a more relaxing and laid-back experience. Here you will find services like massage, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and facials.

Spa in the Village, Burlington
Spainthevillage.ca || (905) 333-1555

Spa in the Village, located at 416 Pearl Street in Burlington, is a one-stop for all your personal care treatments. Here you will find a variety of massage treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and body treatments (body wraps, contouring, and laser hair removal).

Cosmetologist use laser. Woman with cosmetologist. Lady in a beauty studio.

They even offer monthly spa subscriptions from the basics to the whole nine yards. Choose from different packages, including monthly pedicures, to a complete three-hour pampering, including facial, mani, and hot stone pedi.

Waters Edge Spa, Burlington
Watersedgesalonspa.ca || (905) 631-1101

Everyone deserves the opportunity to relax, and at Waters Edge Spa, you can do just that. Located at 707 Brant Street in Burlington, Waters Edge Spa uses top-of-the-line products in all their services to ensure you leave feeling your absolute best. Try their Indian Head Massage – a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage to release the stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles, and joints of the head, face, neck, and shoulders.

Rosewater Spa, Oakville
Rosewaterspa.com || (905) 338-7724

Self-care is an integral part of your overall well-being, and Rosewater Spa is committed to putting you first. Located in the heart of downtown Oakville at 156 Church Street, Rosewater Spa offers clients a much-needed spa experience.

The Rosewater ‘Wrap and Nap’ is their signature body treatment. It begins with a total body exfoliation. A rich coating of European Rose Mud is applied to decongest and detoxify. Once you are wrapped in warmth, the experience continues with a relaxing mini-facial and scalp treatment. The ultimate body treatment from head to toe!

Being wrapped in warmth sounds pretty nice…we’re heading to the spa!

Young tender african girl smiling enjoying massage with closed eyes in spa resort.

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Plan the Ultimate Staycation with Your Ontario Staycation Credit

May 15, 2022 No Comments

Skip the planes and trains and stick with the automobile this summer to take advantage of your Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. The Ontario government introduced the temporary tax credit with the hopes of providing a much-needed boost to the tourism and hospitality industry that was deeply impacted by the pandemic.

Ontario residents can claim 20% of eligible accommodation expenses up to $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 as a family, for vacations taken in 2022. That’s up to $200 back in your pocket as an individual or $400 for a family!

With this cash savings, it’s time to take a look at all the region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options within driving distance.

Mississauga

The Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale is your place to go if you’re traveling with kids in tow. “The Big Blue Slide”, an over two-story-tall waterslide, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

If you can pry your kids away to explore more of Mississauga, check out the downtown. Here you will find City Hall (Civic Centre), the award-winning outdoor Mississauga Celebration Square, Central Library, the Living Arts Centre (the premier hub for arts, culture, and performance in Mississauga), the province’s largest shopping mall (and second-largest in Canada) – Square One Shopping Centre, The Food District, and the Art Gallery of Mississauga. If a small-town vibe is your thing, be sure to visit the Village of Streetsville for cute local shops and delicious foods.

Burlington

Looking to pamper yourself? The Pearle Hotel & Spa features luxury accommodation overlooking Burlington’s waterfront. There’s an onsite restaurant with an outdoor patio, and a spa featuring a traditional Hammam sauna, private massage rooms, and a relaxation pool. You’ll be sure to come away from your staycation relaxed and refreshed, without the jetlag.

After your spa treatment, hit Burlington’s beautiful waterfront for a stroll. Grab an ice cream at La Crème de La Crème or a drink on a waterfront patio – Spencer’s at the Waterfront and the Port House Social Bar and Kitchen are great options.

Niagara

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations for good reason. There’s so much to do and see here.

Traveling with kids? Check out The Americana. With over 300,000 square feet, this family-friendly resort features Niagara’s only indoor waterpark with a retractable roof. The grounds also have an arcade for the older kids. Great Wolf Lodge is also a popular choice for families. You could have an entire staycation right here and never leave the lodge.

Looking for something romantic? The Red Coach Inn has been a romantic destination since 1923. This hotel features a warm traditional English atmosphere and is so close to the Falls you can hear the roar.

While in Niagara, there are the famous Falls, of course, with plenty of viewing options. Get up close with the Maid of the Mist boat ride or take the Journey Behind the Falls and travel through a tunnel to an outdoor observation deck. Or go up high and see the falls from the Niagara Skywheel, Canada’s largest Ferris Wheel.

Clifton Hill is a popular viewing site perfect for photos and the strip has plenty of dining options and attractions as well.

For nature enthusiasts, the Butterfly Conservatory and the Bird Kingdom make a great excursion.

Be sure to stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World for a sugar boost on the way home!

Ontario Staycation Tax Credit Details:

Eligible Staycation Tax Credit expenses include accommodation expenses for leisure stays of less than one month at a hotel, resort, lodge, cottage, bed and breakfast or campground taken between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022.
Only one individual per family can claim the credit.
The credit only covers accommodation, not tours, gas, or food.

Happy staycation-ing!

Local Links

Mississauga

The Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale
Hilton.com
905-821-1981

Mississauga Living Arts Centre
Livingartscentre.ca
905-306-6000

Square One Shopping Centre
Shopsquareone.com

The Food District
Shopfooddistrict.com

Art Gallery of Mississauga
Artgalleryofmississauga.com
905-896-5088

Village of Streetsville
Villageofstreetsville.com

Burlington

The Pearle Hotel & Spa
Marriot.com
905-340-0590

La Crème de La Crème
Lacremedelacremecreamery.ca
905-333-8833

Spencer’s at the Waterfront
Spencers.ca
905-633-7494

The Port House Social Bar and Kitchen
Theporthouse.ca
905-271-0016

Niagara

Americana
Americananiagara.com
1-866-707-0030

Great Wolf Lodge
Greatwolf.com
905-354-4888

The Red Coach Inn
Redcoach.com
716-282-1459

Maid of the Mist
Maidofthemist.com
716-284-8897

Journey Behind the Falls
Niagarafallstourism.com
1-877-642-7275

Niagara Skywheel and Clifton Hill
Cliftonhill.com

Butterfly Conservatory
Niagaraparks.com
905-358-0025

Bird Kingdom
Birdkingdom.ca
905-356-8888

Hershey’s Chocolate World
Chocolateworld.com

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Find serenity with a She Shed

May 15, 2022 No Comments

Move over, Man Caves — it’s time for She Sheds to have their moment in the sun. And if you’ve got a backyard, it may be easier than you realized to create a private oasis just outside your home.

What exactly is a She Shed?

While the term ‘Man Cave’ has been thrown around for years, ‘She Sheds’ are a relatively new phenomenon. There are a few key differences: a Man Cave is typically a basement, garage or other area of the home dedicated to stereotypically male endeavours (picture: a large television for watching sports or playing video games, a beer fridge and some reclining chairs) whereas a She Shed is an out-building that’s designed as a quiet, tranquil getaway for the lady of the house. It may be an office, an arts and crafts room, or a reading nook that doubles as a place for uninterrupted naps. (For the record, we totally support the idea of a woman creating a space to watch sports or a man creating a peaceful backyard oasis. Design has no gender, so go ahead and create whatever space you dream of!)

DIY Design

When basket weaver Amy Billinghurst of Woven Handmade needed a studio space to work in, a She Shed was the perfect solution. “I have a large sewing machine and it isn’t quiet,” she explains. “We live in a very small home, so there wasn’t room for it in our house.” In addition to using the space to create one-of-a-kind beautiful handmade goods, Amy wanted room to display her creations and store inventory. With the help of her husband and other family members, Amy was able to design and build the structure from scratch.

Before getting started, Amy hit the internet for inspiration. “Pinterest was a huge help in the design we went with,” she says. “I had pinned a building with a single pitch roof and dark board-and-batten siding, and I always went back to that image.”

Amy’s must-haves included large windows to let in natural light and fresh air, plus a durable floor. She also wanted a space that could be used in all seasons, so it had to be insulated and hooked up to power. Inside, Amy painted the walls a bright white and added shelving, houseplants, a spacious workstation and more. A solid rock step and rows of gorgeous hydrangeas completed the exterior look.

“Proximity to your house is key,” Amy says. This won’t be a problem in most urban or suburban areas, but if you’re building a She Shed on a more expansive rural property, consider a location that’s close to your main house. This will help you get the most use out of the space, particularly in the evening or throughout the cold months.

Keep it simple with pre-fab options

Not everyone has design and construction skills (or the patience) to build a She Shed from the ground up. In this case, pre-fab options are the perfect solution. Vendors like LivPods offer stunning, modern, modular structures that are built in their Canadian production facility, shipped whole and installed by crane (yes, crane) in your backyard. For a more traditional wooden shed structure, consider Grand River Sheds — they offer customizations and will build your shed on site in just one day. Or, order a kit from Cedarshed Canada and build it yourself! Just be sure to check with your local bylaw regulations and get a permit if required.

Links:

LivPods – Livpods.ca

Grand River Sheds – Grandriversheds.com

Cedarshed Canada – Cedarshed.ca

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Did Someone Say Cheese?

May 14, 2022 No Comments

No one really knows who made cheese for the first time, but according to one legend – it started by accident. As the story goes, an Arabian merchant put milk into a pouch (made from the stomach of a sheep) and set out for his daily activities. Rennet – the enzyme that converts milk to cheese – is naturally found in the belly of some ruminant animals. Whether this tale is true or not, cheese has been around since roughly 8,000 BC!

Dairy-based cheese is made from just four essential ingredients: milk, salt, a “good bacteria,” and rennet. Cheesemakers can adjust the basic recipe by adding other elements, making all of the cheeses we’ve grown to know and love.

Cheese traditionally comes from milk (dairy) – and you may be familiar with goat, cow, sheep, and even water buffalo milk cheese. But did you also know cheese can be plant-based and come from an assortment of nuts, soy, and oils? They’re quite tasty and come in many traditional types such as mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda.

Cheese is a very complex topic; in fact, some people build their entire education around it (you can actually obtain a Master of Cheese). There are so many different cheeses that in 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle famously asked, “How can you govern a country which has two hundred and forty-six varieties of cheese?” France now has over 400 types of cheese, as does Italy.

Cheese is divided into seven main categories:

Fresh (for example, Ricotta), aged fresh (Mozzarella), soft white rind (Camembert), semi-soft (Port Salut), hard (Cheddar), blue (Gorgonzola) and flavour added (Pecorino with truffle). These styles are made in every cheese-producing country.

Our locally made cheeses:

Ontario has a wide selection of locally made cheeses, and the best part – some of the factories welcome tourists (we’re planning our trip now).

Thornloe Cheese Co. has been making cheese in northern Ontario since 1940 and has a beautiful selection of artisanal cheese. Their Temiskaming is a hard cheese with a yellowish inside. They also make a firm, smoked mozzarella and a Charlton, which is a goat milk cheese similar in flavour to feta.

Back Forty Artisan Cheese in Eastern Ontario (est. 2000) was one of the province’s first sheep’s milk producers. Try the Highland Blue, which has a natural rind and is less salty than most blue cheeses. Or try the Madawaska, which is salted and tangy. You can visit the farm in Mississippi Station (near Ottawa) on Saturdays from June to October.

Mountainoak Cheese in New Hamburg produces many delicious kinds of cheese. When you see the passion Adam Van Bergeijk, owner of the farm, has for his craft, you’ll understand why they’ve won so many awards. “Farming is not an occupation; it’s a way of living.” The Farmstead Mild is aged two to three months and is exceptionally creamy. It won first place in its category at the British Empire Cheese Competition in 2016, and the Farmstead Smoked took the same award in its category two years running.

Monforte Dairy in Stratford produces cheese from goat, water buffalo, and cow’s milk. The Providence Aged Cheddar is excellent, or try the Tomme or Chevre.

Pairing wine with cheese:

It is not as simple as most people think when pairing wine and cheese. Not all cheese goes with all wines; white wine is often better suited to cheese than red. The lighter the cheese, the lighter the wine should be. Fresh Ricotta would be best with a light wine like Trius Distinction Sauvignon Blanc ($19.95 at LCBO).

A soft white rind cheese such as Camembert could cope with a wine a little heavier, pairing the creaminess of the cheese and wine. Try the Westcott Estate Chardonnay (available at the LCBO for $29.95).

Hard cheese such as Cheddar or blue cheese goes well with red wine. The Malivoire Farmstead Gamay ($19.95 at LCBO) would be a good option, or the Norman Hardie County Cabernet Franc would also be a good choice. ($29.20 at the LCBO).

There are no rules for cheese and wine, so taste different combinations and see which you prefer. Have some fun while you sample our Ontario cheeses and support a local industry which is on the rise right now.