Just for Fun Archives - Page 8 of 9 - Look Local

Articles

Outdoor Living for Every Season

February 26, 2021 No Comments

Written By: Kristen Sanchioni

Outdoor entertaining has become a growing trend over the past year—and with good reason! With more time spent with family at home, our patios, backyards, and balconies have become a wonderfully functional extension of our living space. Perfect for socially distanced visits, they are the ideal spot to gather with loved ones, while still conforming with our health guidelines.

We are almost through the worst of our frigid winter, and spring is just around the corner. Many of us will be looking forward to venturing outdoors again, and enjoying some limited social interactions with friends or family. By incorporating a few key design elements, you can create a patio or backyard that is both functional and cozy for outdoor entertaining all year round.

Warm and toasty

Perhaps the most important aspect of entertaining in cooler weather is keeping warm. While Canadians are no stranger to bundling up in winter, introducing a heat source to your space invites people to settle in for conversation and a visit.

Outdoor friendly fireplaces are the quintessential gathering place for cool-weather entertaining. If you don’t have the budget or you dislike the permanence of a built-in fireplace, there are stylish and portable options. Fire pits, chimineas, fire tables, and patio heaters are available in every size, style, and price point. At Oakville Home Leisure, Jeremy Kalapacz notes that this has been their busiest year-to-date. “The demand for fire pits and patio heaters has been incredible this year!” he says. “We are fully stocked for the upcoming season and expect to be just as busy, if not busier this year than last.”

Wood burning fire pits and chimineas are among the most popular, but there are loads of stylish gas-powered fire tables and pits that are convenient and easy to start.

Gathering with your friends and family around an open-air fire with a warm drink sounds pretty wonderful if you ask us!

Under Cover

With the heat source as your centerpiece, it’s still important that people are comfortable enough to stay for a while. Is there anything more bone-chilling than sitting for hours on a cold, hard chair? “The furniture we carry is all high end that can last for many years outdoors,” assures Jeremy. He also notes that a little maintenance goes a long way to preserving the look and longevity of your patio set. “Although you don’t have to tarp or cover your furniture, it is good housekeeping to do so.” Oakville Home Leisure has many options for protective patio coverings that will keep the snow and rain off.

Padded and weather-resistant furniture is a must, but if you prefer the rustic charm of a Muskoka chair, consider draping a sheepskin throw over the back to provide some stylish cushion and warmth.

Adding or adapting an outdoor structure like a pergola is a relatively small project but can provide protection and shelter from the elements by adding a roof. Retractable roofs, plexiglass, or canvas will keep the snow and rain off and also help keep the fire heat contained.

Accessorize!

Creating that cozy hygge atmosphere outdoors requires a little ingenious thinking.

Many plants do well outside in winter, and nurseries like Sheridan have the knowledge to help you choose the right ones. Planters with potted greens such as yew and rosemary, and larger trees like boxwood, cyprus, and evergreens are useful for privacy and blocking a sudden gust of winter wind.

Even with the glow of a fire, additional lighting will make your space feel magical. Strings of fairy lights or strips of solar lighting wrapped around planters immediately warm up the atmosphere. Finally, remember that this space is an extension of your home. Layer winter-friendly textiles the same as you would indoors: decorative pillows, rugs, and sheepskin throws. Having a pile of thick blankets on hand means that people are warm enough to settle in for a longer visit. Offer a warm drink and some s’mores and they might never leave!

Local Links

Oakville Home Leisure (Oakville): oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Sheridan Nurseries (Mississauga): sheridannurseries.com

Centro Garden (Burlington): Centrogarden.com

Keep Reading

Articles

Re-Thinking the Resolution: Achieving Health + Happiness in 2021

February 25, 2021 No Comments

Written By: Anneliese Lawton

The New Year isn’t the only time to make resolutions – but anytime someone says the word resolution, it’s usually followed by something like this: hit the gym, eat more veggies, take chances, reduce stress, live a healthier life – you know the drill. Each and every year we craft a list with the intention to finally start living our best life. And each and every year, without fail, we always seem to fall off the wagon.

I think I speak for many when I say that 2020 was the year that changed everything. For many of us, it put life into perspective. Twenty-twenty forced us out of our comfort zones, into stressful situations, and provided the opportunity to learn what truly matters.

Now, in 2021, we have the chance to take this new perspective and act on it. With help from local experts, we’re providing an alternative approach to the typical resolution…. one that focuses on the mind, the spirit, and the body. We understand fitting into that old pair of jeans is nice – but how we feel on the inside is what truly counts.

Karen Sue-A-Quan, Pediatric Clinical Care Pharmacist at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto and Spiritual Life Coach is an Oakville resident and mom. With a special interest in medication that treats anxiety and pain management, Karen has been directly exposed to the mental health implications of COVID-19. As a Clinical Pharmacist and Life Coach, Karen has created a dual role for herself that complements one another – using science and intuition to help others focus on their soul health.

When it comes to setting goals, Karen says setting goals that are in harmony with who we truly are is key. While it sounds easier said than done, Karen says it’s important to think about the conversations we’re having with ourselves and open our awareness to who we are rather than what’s projected on us. “Everything we experience shapes us. COVID-19 is providing less physical noise and more time to reevaluate what we want from life – but the emotional noise from all of this is loud.”

Karen says things like sleep and nutrition are great for our physical well-being. She stresses “it’s important to make time for joy. Put it at the top of your to-do list – whether it’s music, nature, conversations, or dancing.” Learning about new things such as plants, starting a new program, or taking on a new project can also shift our mindset.

Brenda Jasmin, Public Speaker with a B.A. in Psychology is no stranger to changes that a shift in mindset can bring. Through her studies in positive psychology, Brenda has learned that a positive mindset helps with not only mental health but physical health as well. Research has shown that people with a positive attitude are less prone to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They also have less stress, better coping skills (especially during times of hardship), and a better overall mood.

Brenda says, “You can experience sadness surrounding COVID-19 and still have a positive outlook for the future. Look for the good (we typically look for what’s negative) and ask yourself what you can be grateful for at this moment.” No commute, more time with family, and time to explore your neighbourhood trails are just some to consider.

As for a well-rounded resolution, Brenda suggests setting time aside to replenish your energy with gratitude, self-compassion, and time to commiserate with friends and family. Brenda says it’s important to find activities that fill you up rather than drain your energy.

Like Brenda and Karen, yoga instructor and life coach, Renée Walker, is passionate about helping people cultivate self-awareness to help to align their energy level and create more peace in their day. Renée says that now more than ever it’s important to disconnect from external noise and simply “be”.

“I hesitate to talk about resolutions as I prefer to think of them as daily practices that focus on your ‘being’ instead of your ‘doing’”, says Renée. She recommends finding ways to find peace and being present in the moment. “I love the idea of daily rituals because they are unique for each person. They can include activities such as meditation, journaling, visualization, a walk outside or simply taking a moment to drink your coffee/tea each morning free of distractions.” This provides an opportunity to begin your day with intention instead of moving straight into a more reactive mode which usually involves giving to others.

If you’re not sure how to get started on this new approach to the resolution, one that focuses on the health of your mind and body – our experts know just where to start.

Karen (karensueaquan.com) runs a class called ‘Soul School’ which helps people connect with their true self – Karen stresses that if we understand who we are, our mind will be more at ease and we’ll be more likely to achieve what’s important to us.

This January, Brenda (brendajasmin.com) started running an online class called ‘Happiness Habits’, where you can learn how to apply positive psychology tools to your life. Brenda will also be running a corporate program in resilience training.

As for Renée (reneewalkerwellness.com), she’s running a series of mental wellness courses on her website, covering everything from meditation, finding balance, and teaching you how to be accountable to your goals as you honour and make yourself a priority.

Resolutions should make your life less stressful – so with guidance from these three ladies, kick-off new goals that truly matter to you!

Keep Reading

Articles

Virtual Birthday Parties You Won’t Want to Miss

February 20, 2021 No Comments

Written By: Anneliese Lawton

Birthdays are special. And when it comes to celebrating a birthday, there isn’t a more monumental way than a birthday party. Over the last year, the traditional birthday has taken a creative twist. From decorated lawns, birthday car parades, and even Zoom parties – there have been plenty of original ideas to share the love with those we love on their big day. However, when it comes to the little ones in our lives, it’s not always easy for them to understand why they’re blowing out their candles in front of a computer rather than in a bowling alley.

But thanks to some clever and innovative businesses, virtual birthdays can be more fun than ever! Here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate:

Take-Home Activities from Chickadee Kids Co.

When Nathan turned 6 in January, there was only one thing he wanted – a dino-party – and mom, Lisa, knew just what to do. As the owner of Chickadee Kids Co., Burlington’s family toy store, she had access to a variety of toys and activities to help his dream come to life. Lisa created “birthday bags” for friends and family to pick-up and take home the day of the party. In the bags, she included a dig-it-up dino egg to excavate during the call and all of the ingredients to make dinosaur snot (aka slime). Lisa started the party with dinosaur trivia cards and walked the kids through each step of the party together. “When we excavated the eggs together, the kids got so excited to show each other the dinosaur they had found in their eggs. It was really fun and felt like we were all together.” Chickadee Kids Co. has everything from dolls and spaceships to books and loot bags – and Lisa is there to make recommendations and bring your party to fruition every step of the way.

Get Active with My Gym

My Gym LIVE brings exciting, customized birthday parties to your home, living room, or backyard. Kids will have loads of fun as they dance, play games, party, and make memories together with LIVE entertainment delivered by an energetic My Gym Party Specialist! Depending on the age of your child, your party will feature captivating activities, games, puppets, songs, and more! Perfect for ages 1-10 years.

Lego Themed Birthday with Snapology

If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your child’s birthday, Snapology has a ton of options! This hands-on experience is great for kids who love to tinker and build. Perfect for ages 1 to 14, Snapology engages children using LEGO bricks, K’Nex, and technology. While kids are having fun building and chatting with their friends, Snapology sneaks in learning (shhh, don’t tell them it’s educational). Up to 20 kids can join the party via webcam and their Snapologist will lead a themed group activity of the birthday star’s choosing. Themes range from Hello Kitty and Paw Patrol to Star Wars and Fortnite. The options for fun are endless!

The Great Birthday Bake-Off

At this birthday party, you can have your cake and eat it too! MollyCake sells a variety of ready-to-scoop and bake cookie doughs (AND vanilla swiss buttercream icing)! Before the party, drop-off some pre-packaged cookie dough, icing, and sprinkles to your guests. When the party starts, have everyone bring out their baked cookies and decorate them together. Add some games and activities to make the day extra magical!

And there you have it! You might be home, but you can still have a memorable celebration.

Keep Reading

Features

Must-Try Activities For A Truly Canadian Winter

December 23, 2020 No Comments

“Strap on your snowshoes or winter boots and trek along the trails.”

We get it, it’s cold outside, and not everyone likes the cold. A day on the beach or an afternoon on a dock certainly has its time and place. But when you live in Canada, winter always finds its way back. While summer is the perfect season to kick back and relax, winter is the time of year that truly brings adventure. It’s time to crawl out from under the comforter, turn off that re-run of Schitt’s Creek (though, we do love that all-Canadian show), and hit the slopes – or the hills – or the rink.

This year more than ever, it’s time to strap on some boots, put on some gloves, and check these local destinations off your winter bucket list.

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington | rbg.ca

At the Royal Botanical Gardens, the gardens and trails are ever-changing. With 27km of hiking trails and nature sanctuaries full of life, there is so much to explore. Strap on your snowshoes or winter boots and trek along the trails. Look for animal tracks along the way, explore indigenous plant use, and keep your eyes peeled for raptors and arctic birds. With so much trail to explore, you’ll always see something new.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville | ontarioparks.com/park/brontecreek

Winter is a great time to explore Bronte Creek Provincial Park. In addition to their trails which are perfect for a winter hike or snowshoe, there are 5km of cross-country ski trails that loop throughout the park. Deer tracks are often visible in the freshly fallen snow and you may even catch a glimpse of some wildlife – birds in particular. Winter is one of the best times to bird watch because they’re easier to spot. And for the kids and kids-at-heart, Bronte has a great toboggan hill.

Conservation Halton Parks

conservationhalton.ca

Under the umbrella of Conservation Halton, there are eight parks – many of which offer winter-specific activities.

Glen Eden (gleneden.on.ca), located in Milton, is a small hill with a big heart. As soon as the frost appears on the escarpment, the snow guns are blowing fresh powder onto the hills. With 15 runs and three terrain park runs, this park is ready for winter fun! The 2020/2021 ski and snowboard season is a go this year with additional safety measures in place (for example, a mask must be worn both indoors and outdoors at all times except for eating or drinking). Reservations must be made in advance and slots are limited to a 4-hour window.

If you love winter, Mountsberg is the place to be. Visitors enjoy blazing their own path when they cross country ski over ungroomed trails. For those who love to strap on a pair of snowshoes and work-up a sweat, the Lakeshore Lookout Trail loop is a great option. Families and couples will also enjoy the Tale’s by a Winter’s Fire program and horse-drawn sleigh rides into the sparkling, snow-covered sugar bush.

Crawford Lake is another great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Conservation Halton staff host Moonlight Guided Snowshoe Hikes and nature brings out all the stops: stars, sparkle, moonshine, and snowy landscape glows. After the hike, get cozy by a fire and drink hot chocolate.

You can also try cross-country skiing on the Pine Ridge Trail. You’ll trek through frosted pine tree plantations while you make your own path. The trail isn’t groomed so you’ll warm up during this winter work-out!

All of these locations, along with many other parks in Halton Region, host winter-specific activities and programming. With safety guidelines changing week-to-week, it’s best to check their websites to see if your favourite holiday traditions are still running. Either way, the parks are ready for you to hit the slopes, explore the trails, and become one with winter nature.

Keep Reading

Community

Dove + Arrow wins Best Local Shopping Talk of the Town Award

December 15, 2020 No Comments

Note: Each business listed below has made changes and is taking precautions to ensure customer and employee safety during this time. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm up-to-date products, offers, hours and safety procedures.

Look no further for your holiday gifting needs, because Dove + Arrow has won the Best Local Shopping Talk of the Town Award!

This home decor and crafting store is your one-stop-shop for cute and fun D.I.Y. projects. You can find locally crafted pieces from decoration to jewellery, fashion and even skincare. Walk through their gorgeous collection, shop online for curbside pickup or order delivery this holiday season! They are even shipping to the United States.

For those of you who love to craft, this Kerr Village hot spot carries supplies for D.I.Y. pillow covers, signs, birdhouses, planters and more! They also host digital workshops, so you can enjoy the creativity of a class from the comfort of your home. You’ll also find a healthy supply of FusionTM Mineral Paint for all of your decor design needs.

No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll always find something new and innovative at this one-of-a-kind crafting haven.

Looking for ways to support local makers? Take a look at Best Local Shopping runner-up, Maker’s Mojo!

You’ll find clothing, decor, crafting, kitchen, bath and body products with this incredible collection of Canadian-made products in Downtown Oakville. This unique store sells products from small independent makers all over Canada, so you can find the perfect one-of-a-kind present for that special someone this holiday season.

Take the essence of Oakville home with you this winter with Best Local Shopping second runner-up, Lakeside Livin’!

This Bronte Village mainstay is all about nautical decor! You’ll find cute and stylish cottage creations as well as kitchen (Mudpie), bath, body, Christmas, wedding and baby items. They are also stocked up on NHL masks, so you can support your favourite team while staying safe and comfortable!

Thank you so much to everyone who voted!

2020 Talk of the Town Awards: Best Local Shopping

Dove + Arrow
Maker’s Mojo
Lakeside Livin’
Farmhouse Artisan Cheese
J.Y. Jewellery

Keep Reading

Features

Sweet ho-ho-holiday treats!

December 14, 2020 No Comments

There are moments of joy to be found during the holidays. From Christmas carols and Christmas trees to sparkling decorations and pretty lights (not to mention delicious foods), magic is all around.

When it comes to these moments of joy, many of us find them in special traditions that have been passed down for generations.

I recently spoke with my neighbours about their plans for this holiday season – specifically, when it comes to traditional desserts – and it took me on an enlightened culinary journey.

British friends of mine will be enjoying Sticky Toffee Pudding (which happens to be a favourite of Harry Potter). Some indulge in a more exotic recipe known as Sticky Date Pudding. Both, however, pair perfectly with either cream or custard and will often be served alongside a Port or Sauternes, a dessert wine from Bordeaux. See the recipe for Sticky Toffee Pudding from MollyCake in Burlington at this link here.

For a more traditional British dessert, a classic trifle does the trick: a layered dessert with sponge cake, fruit, custard, jelly, and cream.

South Africans have a favourite dessert called Malva Pudding, which contains apricot jam and has a spongy caramelized texture, finished off with a cream and sugar sauce. There are many theories as to the origin of the name, the most popular is that it’s derived from the Afrikaans word malvalekker meaning ‘marshmallow’ because of the pudding’s light texture.

The Dutch often have butter cake or puff pastry log filled with an almond paste called Banketstaaf. Sometimes the dessert is rolled into the initials of family members.

A traditional and popular Mexican dessert could include Tres Leches Cakes, or Milk Cake which has 3 layers and 4 types of milk: whole milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream. In spite of all these heavy ingredients, it is actually quite light and is best served with fresh berries. Another popular Mexican dessert is Flan, made with eggs and cream and it is like a baked caramel custard.

Then there are Peladillas, toasted almonds coated with hard sugar. They can also be made with pine nuts. My Mexican neighbour also includes Marzipan on her holiday menu. While it’s not traditionally a Mexican food, it is a globally popular holiday dessert made from sugar, honey, and almond meal, augmented with almond oil. It can also be made into sweets like chocolate-covered Marzipan.

A delicious Indian holiday dessert from Goa is a sweet potato Bebinca (also known as bibik or bebinka). It was traditionally an Indo-Portuguese layered dessert including flour, sugar, ghee, egg, and coconut milk.

Sufganiyah is a round jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The doughnut is finished with powdered sugar. The word Safganiyot can be traced back to the Greek word Sufan meaning ‘spongy’ or ‘fried’. It’s also tied to the Arabic word for a smaller, deep-fried doughnut named Sfenj.

Panettone is a traditional Italian holiday treat, often given as a gift. It originates from Milan, where in the local dialect it is called Panneton. The long process involves curing the dough, similar to sourdough. The proofing process takes several days and gives the cake its fluffy characteristic.

Panettone often contains candied orange, lemon zest, and raisins. It is served in wedges with Italian sweet wine such as Moscato D’Asti or with Amaretto, almond liqueur.

Stollen is a German holiday bread filled with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit and is steeped in history and tradition. It was baked for the first time in 1545 at the Council of Trent, but without the addition of butter (it was not allowed because it was a time of fasting). After various appeals to the Pope (known as the Butter Letter) to allow this to change, the use of butter was granted but only for the Prince and his household. Over the years, the bread has changed from something very simple and fairly tasteless to the sweet Christmas bread we see in stores today.

For my own family, being raised in South Africa with a Canadian mother and a father of British origin, we had a mix of traditions. With the weather being so hot, we had a Christmas-cake ice cream bombe, combining sweet fruitcake with vanilla ice cream to make a dessert that suited tradition as well as the climate.

The Australian and New Zealand dessert, Pavlova, made with meringue, cream, and fruit is also a great holiday dessert for warm climates, as is the chilled layered Italian cream dessert Tiramisu.

Fruit mince pies are, for me, the ultimate Christmas treat with spiced fruit mince baked into pastry or shortbread and dusted with baking sugar. Cobbs Bread makes delicious pies with a flaky pastry – perfect to decadently serve with fresh whipped cream.

Holiday treats are what make this time of year even more festive. Whether you are trying a recipe for the first time or making a family favourite, there is always room for dessert!

Where to Find These Sweet Treats

We are fortunate in Oakville and Burlington to have many grocery stores that carry a superb range of holiday desserts. Try Whole Foods in Oakville, or your local Denninger’s, Longo’s, Fortinos, Sobeys, Metro or Cobs Bread. Or you can support one of these independent stores and bakeries for something more unique and/or international.

The Dutch Shop, Burlington: burlingtondutchshop.com
for Almondstaaf

British Pride Bakery, Burlington: britishpridebakery.com
for Sticky Toffee Pudding

MollyCake, Burlington: mollycake.ca
for Sticky Toffee Pudding and numerous other holidays treats

Monastery Bakery, Oakville: monasterybakery.com
for Sufganiyah, Panettone, and Tiramisu

Black Forest Pastry Shop, Oakville: blackforestpastryshop.ca
for Fruit Mince Pies, Yule log, gifting cookies, gingerbread houses

The Platter Company, Aldershot: theplatterycompany.ca
for Pavlova, Mince Pies, and Yule logs

Mango Mirchi Restaurant, Mississauga: mangomirchi.com
for Bebinca

Nostalgia Latin Market, Oakville: nostalgialatinmarket.com
for Tres Leches Cakes, Churros, and Turron

Florence Meats, Oakville: florencemeats.com
for Malva Pudding

Saving Thyme, Burlington: savingthyme.ca
for Choux, Kouign Amann, and Macarons

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington: familiafinefoods.com
for Tres Leches

The Sweetest Thing, Oakville: thesweetestthing.com
for cakes, cookies, and cupcakes

Keep Reading

Arts & Events

Downtown Burlington’s Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl

December 14, 2020 No Comments

There’s something to be said about the magic of Downtown Burlington. In the summer, our waterfront is a hot-spot for festivals and food and in the winter, we transform into a whimsical, glittering wonderland.

From the Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to our new interactive light display along the Elgin Promenade, the heart of downtown oozes with tradition in the winter months. And this year, we want to help you add a new tradition to your holiday favourites. A tradition you can’t help but say cheers to as it brings warmth to those cold winter nights.

Announcing: our first annual self-guided Holiday Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl.

The holiday season is a time to treat yourself – and this year more than ever, we’re all looking for new ways to have fun and indulge. Our first ever Cocktail & Cuppas Crawl ticks all of those boxes. Throughout the month of December, Downtown Burlington’s cafés, restaurants, and bars will be mixing up their favourite holiday concoctions.

A little peppermint here, a little cinnamon there – as you sip and savour boozy cocktail delights or indulge in a specialty coffee or hot chocolate mounded with whipped cream, you’ll actually be qualifying for an assortment of prizes.

And since nothing about 2020 has been all that easy – we made participating in the holiday crawl a sinch. Just download the free pass on your phone (details are available on our website at burlingtondowntown.com). Check-in on the app as you drink and explore boozy bevies and delectable warm drinks at participating businesses. The more check-ins you make, the greater your chances are to win our weekly giveaways. There’s also a grand prize, where the winner will be treated to $300 in various restaurant gift certificates.

Grab someone in your bubble and take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the season – all in our charming downtown.

Holiday Cocktails & Cuppas Crawl begins December 1st. Download the passport today to see who’s participating and learn how to check-in on the app at burlingtondowntown.ca

Keep Reading

Arts & Events

Burlington Downtown Bright Nights

December 10, 2020 No Comments

When you think back on the holidays, what do you remember most? Is it gathering with family around the kitchen table? Singing carols around a piano? Maybe it’s baking gingerbread cookies with Grandma on Christmas Eve. We all have something special we hold close to our hearts when it comes to the holidays. For years, Burlington Downtown has played a hand in crafting those memories and traditions.

From the annual Festival of Lights in Spencer Smith Park to the Festival of Trees at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre, our charming downtown comes to life every winter – and every winter, magic is made.

While our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa Claus Parade are taking a 2020 hiatus, we’re excited to bring you something new and bright that we call Burlington Downtown Bright Nights.

This interactive instalment will illuminate and transform downtown walkways with glittering lights and interactive displays.

As you enjoy an evening stroll through a picture-perfect postcard setting, you’ll be greeted by charming storefronts, each decorated for the season in their very own way. Entering the Elgin Promenade, you’ll find yourself under a 100-foot canopy of glistening lights, a perfect setting for pictures (or engagements – no pressure). Between Scriveners and Kelly’s Bake Shoppe, The Singing Tree will invite you to interact in real-time. This lighting scheme responds to singing, clapping, or yelling – creating an unforgettable and magical experience for participants.

No matter where you wander, you’ll be met with magic. This is an illuminating downtown experience unlike one we’ve ever done before.

Bright Nights will take place from December 2020 to January 2021. The experience is free to the public and designed to be enjoyed safely outdoors with physical distancing.

Keep Reading

Community

Lighting our Way: Holiday Sights on our Local Streets

December 4, 2020 No Comments

There’s nothing I love more than grabbing a hot chocolate and venturing out to see the lights. From the comfort of your car – seat warmer on, warm drink in hand – there are endless sights to see among our streets.

Families across Oakville and Burlington are spreading holiday cheer and putting up their infamous light displays to add some festive celebrations in an otherwise strange year.

Gatherings may be limited this holiday season, but it doesn’t mean we have to stop the celebration of the season – cheer is here folks.

Put on your winter gear (and your mask!) and head out for a dazzling light show.

Jovanovic Family

On the corner of Pine Glen Road and Stone Glen Crescent | Oakville

There’s nothing that can ruin the Jovanovic family’s Christmas spirit, not even a brazen attack that left their entire inflatable Christmas display slashed in 2017. Thanks to help from their neighbours, the family was able to relaunch their annual display that same year. Now, three years later, the family is more dedicated than ever, displaying inflatable Christmas décor. Easily spotted while driving down Pine Glen Road, the holiday display fills the home’s lawn with an inflatable Santa, reindeer, elves, and much more.

Jackson Family Lights

113 McCraney Street West | Oakville

Located in Oakville, the Jackson family not only fills their neighbourhood with holiday joy, but the funds raised during their seasonal light show are donated to the Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK) and Kelly Shires Foundation. After the 2019 display, the Jackson family donated $1,500 to both organizations. The holiday display, which is referred to as Santa’s Castle, encompasses the entire Jackson family home and includes inflatables on the lawn, and flashing lights on the roof. Visit this link to support their fundraising initiative and keep updated with their festive traditions by following them on Facebook: jacksonfamilylights

Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display

2176 Delvin Drive | Burlington

Bigger and better this year, Rusty Griswold’s Christmas Light Display in Burlington has extra displays, bringing the grand total of bulbs in the display to 7,075. This year’s display will also feature seven new lollipops with twinkling lights, some extra candy canes, and two new songs. The lights and music are tested, programmed, and installed by Rusty himself, and the new lollipops were built by his own two hands. While enjoying the festive display, visitors can also enjoy some holiday music; new to the display this year is Frosty the Snowman and Snoopy vs. The Red Baron.
rustygriswold.ca

Musson’s Famous Christmas Display

3360 Spruce Avenue | Burlington

Arguably one of the best-known Christmas light displays in Halton, the Musson family has been displaying lights for more than 30 years. This passion project was started by Doug Musson when the family lived in Calgary, and they brought it with them to their new home in Burlington in 1976. In 2017, Doug tragically passed away, however, the family continued the light display year after year in his honour. Traditionally, the display guides visitors through the front yard into the back yard, both of which are filled with lights and inflatables. This year, the family will be continuing the tradition despite the uncertainty looming amidst the pandemic with some slight changes to make room for social distancing, because after all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing (or decorating) loud for all to hear.
christmasdisplay.ca

Downtown Oakville & Downtown Burlington

And it’s not just these homeowners that put on a great show. Both Downtown Oakville and Burlington Downtown will be bringing back favourite decorations this year with the addition of a few new attractions.

A must see this holiday season starting November 28th is Downtown Oakville’s spectacular 30 ft Instagram worthy ribbon tree of lights located in Towne Square. The tree-lighting will be virtual this year, but there is plenty of time to visit throughout the holidays. Be sure to visit and take a photo with family and friends. You can also enjoy the extraordinary lighting installations in Centennial Square and throughout the Downtown core.

Celebrating 25 years of magic, the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights will be returning to Downtown Burlington. 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 a canopy of lights in other areas of the promenade.

Keep Reading

Features

Decorating Your Home For The Holidays

December 2, 2020 No Comments

Is there anything more cheerful than holiday décor? Whether your style is minimalist chic, or you prefer to fully deck the halls, we invite you to transform your home and embrace the spirit of the season with our holiday decorating tips.

Merry & Bright

Festive décor always fills the house with extra merriment, but we want our homes to feel cozy the entire winter season. Thankfully, Christmas décor can easily carry through the season. Adding texture is a simple way to do that. Change out your lightweight summer throws for chunky, cozy knit blankets draped on the sofa to add warmth. Embrace flannel and knit accent pillows in plaids, rich reds, greens, and golds to bring subtle pops of colour into a room.

One of the most impactful ways to make your home welcoming and warm all season long is with lighting. “Everybody loves lights!” laughs Rose Luxton of Lakeside Livin’ in Bronte. “I generally love to decorate where we spend the most time.” She notes that the fireplace is a natural gathering place for family and friends, and swathing the mantle with LED or twinkle lights will draw people in. Since not everyone has a fireplace, she suggests using candles to make the home smell wonderful and also give soft light on those dark, chilly days. “I burn crackling wood wick candles during the cold winter months. Scents like Frasier Fir help me get into the holiday spirit!”

The Holly & The Ivy

Adorning your home with greenery adds an organic element to yuletide design. With temperatures dropping, we are less keen to venture outdoors, so consider bringing some greenery indoors or using faux foliage to create a holiday feel. Whether you prefer bright or simple rustic decoration, nothing feels quite as festive as the sight and woodsy smell of natural greenery in your home. Bouquets of twiggy branches, pine boughs, holly, and sprigs of mistletoe add to any vignette and are easily incorporated into your personal interior design. Faux greenery arrangements can give much the same effect and there are many realistic options available.

Najia Shaikh, from The Artisanville in Burlington, advises adding greenery as soon as you enter the house. A seasonal wreath to your front door, a garland on the stair railing, or a small Christmas tree in the entryway is inviting and helps to bring the outdoors, indoors. “These tiny additions are not expensive or permanent but can add so much to your Christmas décor,” she notes.

For Auld Lang Syne

Family traditions are important, especially during the holidays. There is something about honoring those memories that gives Christmas the perfect sentimental touch. “Adding vintage pieces to your décor can give your home a balance of old and new all year round,” says Lorna Parcher, owner of Graham & Brooks in Dundas. “Digging into the box for that tree topper, vintage tree skirt, or Christmas stocking just seems right year after year.” If you don’t have a collection to draw from, she suggests picking up vintage pieces that remind you of Christmases past, or with the intention of starting a new tradition.

Switching up your wall art is an almost effortless way to blend fresh with nostalgic. Najia notes that simple winter prints, old family photos, or framed Christmas carols are neutral enough to incorporate into any design style. If you’d like to display kids’ artwork or special family recipe cards, consider upgrading them with a modern frame.

Setting the table is another area for an elegant personal touch. Grandma’s wedding china may not suit your current taste but using her serving plates or creating a hot chocolate station with her tea service are an elegant nod to Christmases past. Similarly, displaying vintage brass candlesticks on the table add height and warmth while embracing traditional roots and memories.