Team Writer, Author at Look Local - Celebrating Community

In Articles

The Year of Boxes – Local Subscription Boxes You’ll Love

June 10, 2021 No Comments

Necessity was definitely the mother of invention when it came to small businesses surviving the pandemic. When the virus hit last year and in-person shopping was suddenly shut down, businesses had to scramble to find new ways to get their products to customers. Some found the solution in subscription boxes, which are filled with an assortment of items and delivered to a customer’s door on a one-time basis or according to a schedule.

The items are typically themed, from goodies for the home to beauty products. When Rustic Daisy’s in Waterdown realized they were facing another year with a pandemic, they decided to create a subscription box with a Canadian-made theme, hence the name – Canada in a Box.

As of May 2021, Rustic Daisy’s has two different box options to choose from. The Munchie Box, available quarterly, is filled with items to snack on, cook with, and share. Previous boxes have had shortbread, chocolate smash, cookie mix, and fudge, and will sell for $50, with a retail value of between $85 and $100. Just in time for Father’s Day, the latest Munchie Box features a mix of gourmet items perfect for a summer barbecue, including: a chicken/rib rub, peach chutney, maple syrup, veggie dip, pickled preserves and more.

The second box is The Experience Box, which contains specialty items perfect for birthdays, wedding party gifts, ‘thinking of you’ gifts, graduations or just a rainy day. These boxes list for $75 (with an estimated retail value of $90 to $125) and feature a variety of one-of-a-kind handmade items and treats, including cards, bath products, teas, chocolates, fudge, candles, soaps, coffee, coasters, and jewelry.

Rustic Daisy’s owner, Cat McCrimmon, says the subscription boxes are a win-win. Not only do they make for safer shopping, but they also support local businesses. “I love this new brand that we have come up with, and hope to grow it and bring Canadian-made products into everyone’s home,” said Cat.

The Community Caring Box, founded in Georgetown, is another example of a subscription box – but this one donates a portion of their profits to a local charity. Each box supports more than 20 business brands.

Then there’s Ruby Crate, a lifestyle subscription box for tween and teenage girls that focuses on beauty items, style, and self-expression. With a tween daughter of her own, Oakville founder Heidi Avery had an ‘aha moment’ when she noticed there was a gap in the market for this generation! Ruby Crate was born to cater to the younger generation’s needs and wants – providing an excellent opportunity to create a new box with fun treasures for our girls that are theirs, and theirs alone. The Ruby Crate arrives four times a year and includes 5-7 unique products ranging from beauty and skin care, cool accessories, tech gadgets, and tasty snacks.

The Spark Box, founded by Sara and Mackenzie in Burlington, is specifically for moms and their kids and includes items for newborns and up. Each box is designed mindfully to address age-specific developmental milestones for your child and to include products that help make motherhood just a bit easier. All items target a child’s specific age and developmental stage and also include items for mom, such as lotions.

The Burlington Downtown Business Association subscription box – #DTBURLBOX – includes hand-selected items from local businesses and was set up to help businesses during the pandemic. It’s also a way to buy locally. Each box is filled with items from Downtown Burlington small businesses, such as a citronella candle from The Artisanville, sunscreen from Natural Health Garden, nail polish from Water’s Edge Salon & Spa, and a coupon for one pint of gelato from I Love Gelato. Each box is released at the beginning of the month and available on a first-come-first-served basis. Last year’s boxes were theme-filled, for example, Mother’s Day in May, Father’s Day in June, and Backyard Summer Survival in July.

Local Links

Rustic Daisy’s || rusticdaisys.ca

Ruby Crate || rubycrate.ca

The Spark Box || thesparkbox.ca

Burlington Downtown Business Association || burlingtondowntown.ca

By Denise Davy

In Articles

Here’s To The Dads: Trending Gifts for Father’s Day

June 9, 2021 No Comments

My dad is a simple man – and as a man in his sixties, there’s not much he really needs. But when I think about our fondest times together, a few things come to mind: baiting a hook, casting a rod, and obviously, reeling in the big one. My husband, on the other hand, he’s a tech guy. His computer screens (yes, plural) are nearly bigger than our TV, he has more headphones than ears, and his keyboard makes a clicky sound – which apparently is a good thing. Just because you love someone, doesn’t always mean you know what to get them as a gift. Especially, if you have a father-figure in your life like my husband…… This is why we put together this gift guide – or should I say, gift guidance – as a way to guide you towards the perfect gift for the dad in your life.

FOR THE TECH DAD

If you have a tech-loving dad in your life and you’re not a tech-smart person, it’s really hard to know where to shop and what to buy. Local businesses like Core One or PMWYRE can help. From Bluetooth headphones and turntables (which are totally making a comeback) to full man-cave system integrations, these technology and audio experts can guide you towards the perfect gift for your budget – and for the dad in your life.

_{FOR THE GRILL DAD}

Barbeques Galore is the place to go if you’re looking for grill gifts for dad. From BBQs to outdoor heating, they have it all, but we recommend you check out their accessories too. For the dad who loves to grill, things like a wireless meat thermometer, BBQ brush, or pellets for Dad’s smoker will really step up his grill game. They have tools, gadgets, apparel and yes – even the grills themselves. For outdoor fire pits, Oakville Home Leisure is the place to go. They’ve also got dart boards, pool table accessories and lots more to choose from.

_{FOR THE FOODIE DAD}

Hot sauces. Cured meats. Salts. Mustards. Pies. Where do we begin? Let’s start with The Platter Company – a little shop in Aldershot that believes in all-inclusive eating. This means artisan cheese and charcuterie meats, desserts, pastries, appetizers – the works. They also offer vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes! Then, there is Florence Meats in Oakville who stock a huge selection of spices, rubs and sauces – most with a South African influence. You can also check out Nostalgia Latin Market for an amazing selection of Mexican and Latin American ingredients and fixings. Go ahead, indulge Dad!

_{FOR THE CAFFEINE-CONSUMING DAD}

Does dad start every morning with a hot cup of Joe? Why not put together the ultimate coffee lover’s gift basket? Grab an assortment of beans from Vereda Central or Firebat Coffee – both of whom are farm-to-cup coffee roasters and roast in small batches. Add a punny mug (dad joke approved) from Burlington’s Artisanville or Handmade House, or Maker’s Mojo in Downtown Oakville.
And lastly, grab some accessories like a Chemex from Tribeca Coffee in Downtown Oakville.

Don’t forget – Father’s Day is June 20th. Show Dad (Grandpa, your husband, the very-special father-figure in your life) some love!

By Anneliese Lawton

In Articles

Free COVID-19 screening kits for small & medium businesses

May 10, 2021 No Comments

The Oakville Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Oakville have joined forces to provide free self-screening kits to small and medium-sized businesses that employ up to 150 employees within the Town of Oakville.

The program’s goal is to identify asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, at home, and throughout the community.

“It has been a difficult and uncertain year for our business community. The free distribution of rapid screening tests will provide much-needed support to assist in the safe reopening of our local economy” says Oakville Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Drew Redden.

SMEs can visit www.oakvillechamber.com/rapidscreening/, and order a two-week supply of Abbott Panbio Antigen screening kits.

Employers are required to appoint a representative who will be responsible for supervising the self-screening process. Appointed supervisors are required to attend the initial pick-up in order to receive video training on testing supervision and safe disposal guidelines. The kits will be available for pick-up, by appointment only, at the former post office located at 193 Church St. in Oakville. The site will open May 11^th and operate weekly Tuesday through Thursday, from 10am to 3pm.

SME’s are required to electronically submit screening results at www.oakvillechamber.com/rapidscreening after each test. Accumulated data will be reported to the appropriate government officials. It is recommended that staff be screened twice weekly.

In the event of a positive test, the employee is required to immediately leave the workplace and notify public health to arrange for a PCR Test at an approved Public Health Collection Site and await further instructions from Halton Region Public Health.

“In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the distribution of free self-screening kits is an important initiative to keep businesses open and help others to re-open. The Oakville Chamber of Commerce has been a part of my Economic Task Force since its inception last March and are a critical partner in helping our businesses through the pandemic and into recovery,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. “I encourage all eligible businesses to order their supply of kits.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford holds up Covid-19 Rapid Test Device kits during the daily briefing at Humber River Hospital in Toronto on Tuesday November 24, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

In Articles

Run with a Purpose

May 7, 2021 No Comments

Dedicated community members are taking to the streets or lake, to run, bike, swim or paddle to participate in the Run4 Lighthouse, May 15 – June 15. The goal is to raise much needed funds for The Lighthouse for Grieving Children to help fund peer support groups for grieving children and their families.

“We run for all the families who have experienced loss and need Lighthouse to give them hope and healing” shared Team Lea’s Legacy Warriors.

Participants from across Canada are getting active to support grieving families, from 99-year-old Grandma Kay in Alberta, walking 100kms on her treadmill, to baby Cole in Burlington, clocking the kms from the comfort of his stroller to achieve his family goal.

At 99 years of age, Grandma Kay is Run4’s oldest participant.

For every $100 raised, participants are entered to win a $10,000 Alaskan Cruise, thanks to Expedia Cruises, Oakville South.

Adjusting to life after a death is hard to understand, impossible to imagine. For over 20 years, the Lighthouse for Grieving Children has been the only agency in the GTA offering open ended peer support groups to grieving children and their families at no cost.

We need your help to ensure no child grieves alone. Sign up today at www.run4lh.com to receive your run t-shirt and medal, or consider making a donation to Lighthouse.

For more information contact info@grievingchildrenlighthouse.org.

In Articles

April’s Ambassadors Abound!

April 4, 2021 No Comments

It’s here! Spring, at long last! With longer days and shorter nights, that cozy spring sunshine beams sweeter than Easter chocolate and does wonders for the soul.

All around us, green spaces – forests, parks, and your own backyard – are all waking up. With each passing day, the sights and sounds of this new season are returning: a migration, both figuratively and literally.

Birds are the ambassadors of April, and Oakville and Burlington have a front-row seat to the show. This region is a primary “flyway” (think invisible highways in the sky) for feathered creatures passing through on their journey to return home. For some, the trip is completed here, while for others it is a mere pit stop for rest, food, and to wait out less-than-ideal weather before continuing north to nesting grounds in Canada’s boreal forest and the Arctic.

Leading the flock are waterfowl by the thousands, including ducks, geese, swans, and cranes. These are the largest migratory birds and their arrival signals the new season. For many “birders” however, the true harbinger of springtime is the arrival of the Red-Winged Blackbird. The males are out the gate and arrive early, so they can scout and claim a prime spot for a nest, while also doing everything they can to get noticed. These very vocal birds will sit high on a perch and belt out their signature “conk-la-ree” call.

Joining them are the American Robins, Killdeer, Common Grackles, and, later this month, the Warblers. Warblers are amazing, colourful little songbirds that fly thousands of kilometres to feast on Ontario mosquitoes, all while weighing no more than a quarter!

There are over 350 species of birds that call Ontario home. For those that are returning, they arrive exhausted and hungry. Imagine if you took flight and flapped your wings from a warm tropical retreat as far away as the southern tip of South America! A notable presence: over 50 million birds that return home during their annual spring migration!

Here are a few ways that you and your family can help welcome April’s ambassadors:

Keep a clean birdbath. Birds will love it for the dual purpose of drinking as well as yes, bathing!
Consider marking large windows with decals or sun catchers to prevent bird strikes.
Plant small native trees and shrubs, especially fruit-bearing species, like dogwood, serviceberry, and sumac. This provides berries and encourages native insects to flourish, offering a further source of food for birds.

Feathered-Friend Family Fun: Play Bird Detective

Spring is a great time to engage kids to discover nature by becoming a bird detective. Screen time gives lots of stimulation, but it’s mostly visual. Explore a green space as a family and encourage kids to close their eyes and focus on what they can hear first. From there, the bird detectives can start searching for and recording various other clues like size, colour, and eventually, the type of birds that they hear.

Royal Botanical Gardens

680 Plains Road West, Burlington |

Rbg.ca

Try visiting the garden areas during spring bloom festivals. Common species include Broadwing Hawks visiting the Rock Garden spring ephemerals, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks frequenting the Arboretum lilacs, Baltimore Orioles enjoying the Laking Garden irises, and Chimney Swifts speeding through the Hendrie Park roses.

LaSalle Park and Marina

831 LaSalle Park Road,
Burlington

A photographer’s dream, LaSalle Park is the birthplace of a Trumpeter Swan reproduction program. There are great opportunities to catch sight of these beautiful birds both in and out of the water.

Bronte Provincial Park

1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville

Ontarioparks.com/brontecreek

The trail along the top of the east bank of Bronte Creek has been excellent for spring migrants. A good selection of grassland species usually nest in the general area of the new campground.

Anwar Knight is an award-winning broadcaster, whose genuine and warm engaging personality has made him a favourite with audiences nationwide. He is a passionate steward of nature and is working to propel efforts to preserve our earth. Join Anwar on his podcast www.BigBlueMarble.earth and his recently launched FBLive show “Here n’ There” every Friday at Noon www.facebook.com/AnwarKnightTV.

In Articles

Night on the Old Town: A Historic Tale of Hotels & Taverns

March 31, 2021 No Comments

People have always enjoyed a little cheer with their food, and Oakville and Burlington have provided both to our community for almost 200 years. Of course, the past holds secrets and surprises, so let’s look back and see what we find.

The idea of animal entertainment isn’t new, but the variety provided by one of Oakville’s most infamous taverns wouldn’t fly today. Thomas Lloyd kept a bear chained outside his tavern on Dunn Street and when business was slow, the bear would be fed a live pig to both excite and attract customers!

Oakville House, the town’s first inn, was more respectable. Owner William Sumner boasted that he offered “beds [that] are clean and comfortable – a larder well stored [and] good liquors purified by Ontario’s beautiful waters.” This building too has a bear in its origin story. Legend tells that during construction, local dogs treed a bear nearby. That bear faced a different fate as it soon became a rug to adorn the floor in front of the main fireplace.

When well-known writer Anna Jamieson visited Sumner’s Inn in 1837, she was not impressed by the “vile prints” on the walls but was amused to find a copy of Don Juan in the parlour, a most sophisticated and modern addition. Sumner also hosted the to-be Lieutenant-Governor Sir Francis Bond Head, who “observed that it was the best tavern he had been to since leaving Albany”.

The Oakville House remained a fixture until the 1950’s when it was demolished – but only after surviving an astonishing seven fires! Luckily the tradition of good food continues today, as the building that houses Paradiso stands in that spot.

In 1896 The Toronto Cycling Club had a track built from Toronto to Oakville, and the Queen’s Hotel at the corner of Dunn and Colborne billed itself as the “Headquarters for horsemen and bicyclists” – hoping to attract the thirsty “wheelmen” after their races.

Heading West, the oldest hotel remaining in Oakville sits at Navy and Robinson Streets. It began as the Canadian Hotel in 1857, but became the Murray House in 1896. Now restored as offices, this handsome building is worth taking a minute to admire.

In 1845, adventurers continuing along the lake road would come to Thompson’s Hotel in Bronte. Over the years, the site was a grocery store, candy shop, post office, and a summer hotel! Named “Glendella” since 1887, it has recently been restored and is in use as boutique suites.

Today you can stroll around the corner to the Cove Bar and Restaurant, a trendy spot inhabiting an original 1840’s house. By 1900 a family of fishers lived here, making the prevalence of fish on Cove’s menu seem historically appropriate.

Steady your legs as we hop on the stagecoach to Burlington, where you could linger at “the Zimmerman house … a first-class resting place for The weary traveller.” Later it became the Queen’s Hotel, and today the same spot is The Queen’s Head, which operates as a classic British Pub.

On the waterfront stood the Estaminet Standard Hotel, managed by Emma and George Byrens. In 1919, “Canada’s House of Hospitality” served notables from Louis St. Laurent to Liberace! Emma would greet patrons accompanied by her parrot. The venue lived on to become the well-known Emma’s Back Porch named in her honour.

Our final stop is the once fabulous Brant Inn. In the 1940’s, people came to dance the night away with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. Demolished in 1969, only a plaque now sits on the site. But don’t despair, nearby Spencer’s at The Waterfront affords dining with virtually the same lovely view of the lake.

The names may have changed but you can still have an excellent food and drink adventure while retracing the steps and places in our local hospitality history.

Julian Kingston has deep experience interpreting culture, art, history and the natural world. He currently takes care of the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, exploring as many ways as possible to tell Oakville’s stories. You should totally go.

In Articles

Canadian Tenor John McDermott supporting the Lighthouse for Grieving Children

March 25, 2021 No Comments

Burlington resident Anne-Marie Tice has a long connection with John McDermott, one of Canada’s premier tenors who has recorded more than 25 albums. She tells us, “My connection with John was through my mother. Her love of his music – and his kindness to her, right to the very end of her life – touched our family deeply.”

Back in 2018, when Anne-Marie asked John if he would consider a private concert as a fundraiser, “he immediately said yes” and a wonderful ‘Concert Under the Stars’ event, at Anne-Marie’s home in Burlington, raised an amazing $28,000.

***(From left to right) Kevin Tice, Anne-Marie Tice and John McDermott***

Anne-Marie donated the proceeds of the concert to the Lighthouse for Grieving Children, “a charity that is very near and dear to my heart and for which I am proud to volunteer.” She explains her connection, telling us “having lost my father when I was 5 years old, my mother 15 years ago and my eldest brother in 2017, I have experienced how grief can affect children and adults throughout one’s life in different ways.”

Lighthouse runs peer support groups to children 3-18 who have lost a parent or sibling, offering them the chance to come together with others that have also lost a loved one. Echoing the sentiment of many, Anne-Marie says “when I was growing up, I knew of nobody else that shared my experience, which was isolating to say the least.”

This April 30th, Anne-Marie is organizing a virtual John McDermott concert, specially recorded for Lighthouse, which will conclude with an interactive conversation between John and his guests. A 3-course dinner from the renowned Spencer’s at the Waterfront, paired with a bottle of wine from Sandbanks Estate Winery will be hand delivered to each participant.

For your opportunity to join what promises to be an unforgettable evening, please register at www.supportlh.com (tickets priced at $200 for 2 people). For further information please send an email to: acollingridge@grievingchildrenlighthouse.org

In Articles

Oodles of Noodles!

March 22, 2021 No Comments

By Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright

Ontario has such a rich cultural diversity that international food trends are bound to flourish. Ramen and pho are on the hot list and although they may have similarities, they actually have many differences.

Ramen is a Japanese soup that consists of chewy noodles served in a hearty meat broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso and garnished with toppings of various sorts. Many regions in Japan have their own ramen or variation thereof, but there are some basic types to get you started.

Pho (pronounced fuh), on the other hand, is a Vietnamese noodle dish that uses rice noodles instead of wheat, with a broth that is lighter and more aromatic. This is achieved by using whole spices such as cinnamon, peppercorns, and star anise, rather than ground ones which could make the broth heavier. It also contains sliced beef, and is predominantly a breakfast dish, although many street-side restaurants in Vietnam serve it all day.

Ramen is known for its noodles that are fairly chewy and a rich bone broth that is achieved by slow-cooking pork and chicken creating a thick, rich liquid. The noodles are wheat-based with water and salt with the addition of kansui, a baking soda-like ingredient that leaves the noodles firm to the bite and stops them from disintegrating in the broth.

Ramen, although Japanese, is believed to have been introduced to Japan by Chinese immigrants in the 1900s, the broth being the Japanese addition to the dish. By the Second World War, it was a thriving part of Japanese culture. It is interesting to note that there are more ramen shops per square mile in Japan than pizza shops in the US.

Ramen is classified into 4 types, according to the broth. It can be likened to choosing the base for your pizza.

Tonkotsu broth is cooked for longer so it is thicker. Shio broth is flavoured only with salt while Shoyu is flavoured with soy sauce so it has a darker colour. Finally, miso ramen uses miso, a fermented soya bean paste to give it a depth of flavour.

Once your base is decided, just like a pizza, one chooses toppings. The traditional variants are nori, scallions, a soft-boiled egg, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, shitake mushrooms, corn, or sliced pork. There are many non-traditional fusion variants. Ivan Orkin from Ivan Ramen in New York City is famous for his non-ramen fusion styles, with one of his signature dishes being fried tofu with mushroom chili and yellow mustard; a fusion of Japanese cuisine and American junk food.

For the ramen aficionados, there is gourmet ramen. Head to Tokyo to Tsuta, a little restaurant that caused a big stir in 2015 when it was the first noodle shop to be awarded a Michelin star. Tsuta’s trademark dish is Shoyu Soba: soy sauce ramen with chicken and seafood broth with sliced pork and black truffle oil, delivering a true umami experience.

Kenzo Ramen, with branches in Oakville and Hamilton, has fresh noodles made in-house and has an endless number of ramen to try. The Tan Tan Men consists of toasted sesame and chili oil ramen topped with marinated ground pork, corn, baby bokchoy, and scallions.

Ramen Houzz in southeast Oakville has many options from basic ramen to stirred ramen and finally its own house specialties, with beef, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options, including all the toppings you could possibly want.

Pho, Vietnam’s favourite dish, was invented under French colonialism in the late 19th Century. Before the arrival of the French, cows were used as work animals, not food, but during the French occupation, a lot of beef was consumed and the bones and tougher cuts of meat were a by-product, which were quickly put to use in broth and pho.

There are two distinct types of pho: Pho Bac from northern Vietnam with its simpler flavour, minimal garnish, and thin slices of beef. Pho Nam from the south is more complex and contains many more garnishes like fresh lime, basil, and bean sprouts. Siracha can also be added for some heat.

Apart from the north and south versions, pho is split into three groups: beef (pho bo), chicken (pho ga), and vegetable (pho chay), although many less authentic styles do occur. The final decision to be made is the topping or garnish which can vary from mint, cilantro, and basil to jalapeno and bean sprout.

Pho Mama in Oakville has a wide range of classic Vietnamese dishes as well as pho options. There is a make-your-own option where you select your beef and rice noodle soup (pho) and pick your toppings, from rare beef to stewed tripe for the more adventurous.

Pho Vuho in Oakville has so many dishes that the novice would struggle with where to start. Perhaps start with something simpler like pho tai ga, a rice noodle soup with medium-rare beef and chicken, and plan to end with the spicy pho bo sate, a rice noodle soup with satay beef.

With the differences between pho and ramen completely understood, the only choice now is which one you would prefer for your dinner tonight.

Local Links

Kenzo Ramen

1122 Dorval Dr, Oakville

kenzoramen.ca

Ramen Houzz

511 Maple Grove Dr, Oakville

ramen-houzz.com

Pho Mama

515 Dundas St West, Oakville

phomama.ca

Pho Vuh

360 Dundas St East, Oakville

phovuho.ca

Mikado Japanese Restaurant

415 Elizabeth St, Burlington

mikadosushiburlington.com

Bento Box

2405 Fairview St, Burlington

bentoboxburlington.ca

Ichiban Sushi House

3315 Fairview St, Burlington

ichibansushi.com

Ben Thanh

2080 Appleby Line, Burlington

benthanhburlington.ca

In Articles

#ShopLocal: Eco-Friendly Finds

March 19, 2021 No Comments

…

Maison Apothecare

Oakville, ON

Pamper your skin and be kind to the environment, with Maison Apothecare’s organic soap bars. Handmade with all-natural essential oils and ingredients that will cleanse and moisturize your ski, while invigorating your senses with delightful scents like spruce, lavender or sage.

maisonapothecare.ca & looklocal.ca

Olive + Splash

Burlington, ON

The ’90s style is making a comeback! Add a fresh rotation of scrunchies to your collection with this playful set made from eco-friendly bamboo.

oliveandsplash.com & looklocal.ca

The Casual Gourmet

Hamilton, ON

Experience the power of Pure. This vegan, eco-friendly dish soap is tough on grease but safe for both your skin and the environment! A great sink-side companion for easy dish cleaning.

casualgourmet.ca

A Greener Place

Waterdown, ON

Unpaper Towels are a great starter item for people making eco-friendly swaps in the kitchen! This product allows you to drastically reduce or completely eliminate single-use disposable paper towels in your home.

agreenerplace.ca & looklocal.ca

Nicety’s

Oakville, ON

These reusable lids eliminate the need for single-use plastic wrap. Air-tight and leak-proof, they’ll keep your food fresh for longer! Featuring interior ribbing and pull tabs to ensure a snug fit and easy removal.

nicetys.com

Elva’s All Naturals

Milton, ON

Gentle, sustainable and made with all-natural ingredients and plant extracts (including organic lavender oil). LOVELY Laundry Wash will leave your linens and clothing with a calming scent that will feel like a warm hug on a cold day.

elvasallnaturals.com & looklocal.ca

The Artisanville

Burlington, ON

Made from organically-grown bamboo, these toothbrushes will protect your smile and the environment at the same time! The BPA-free, vegan, soft bristles are infused with premium activated white charcoal and have powerful antibacterial properties that will naturally clean, whiten and brighten your teeth!

theartisanville.ca & looklocal.ca

Centro Garden

Burlington, ON

Made from organically-grown bamboo, these toothbrushes will protect your smile and the environment at the same time! The BPA-free, vegan, soft bristles are infused with premium activated white charcoal and have powerful antibacterial properties that will naturally clean, whiten and brighten your teeth!

centrogarden.com

Enfleurage Organics

Oakville, ON

Enfleurage Organics’ plant-based goodies will pamper your body from head to toe! Gentle, non-toxic, organic and created to work in balance with your natural beauty!

enfleurage-organics.com & looklocal.ca

Refillery Market

Burlington, ON

Be kind to the earth with these reusable bowl covers that fit snugly over bowls and plates while reducing your use of plastic wrap. Made in Canada from organic cotton, they are available in a variety of prints and either waxed or unwaxed.

refillerymarket.ca & looklocal.ca

Mother & Nature

Burlington, ON

These reusable and washable cotton facial rounds are your solution to reducing waste in the bathroom. Perfect for applying toner and removing makeup or nail polish, these are a great alternative to disposable cotton rounds.

motherandnature.ca & looklocal.ca

Rustic Daisy’s

Waterdown, ON

Get ready for a bountiful crop of Ontario grown produce in your fridge, with these waterproof and eco-friendly produce bags and beeswax wraps – perfect for keeping your fruits and veggies fresh or for on-the-go snacking!

rusticdaisys.ca & looklocal.ca

In Articles

Your Guide to Professional and DIY Upholstery

March 18, 2021 No Comments

By: Kristen Sanchioni

It’s likely that you have a piece or two of sentimental furniture in your home – maybe it was passed down from family, maybe you picked it up at a flea market. Maybe it’s from your old dorm room and you just can’t let it go. Whatever the case, your vintage couch or armchair has probably seen its day – frayed edges, thin fabric, and even out of style. However, if you have a well-built item or one with special sentimental value, re-upholstering is a worthwhile investment.

Upholstering furniture is a job that requires skill and patience. Knowing when to tackle the project on your own and when to hire a professional is crucial to ensure you love your finished product.

Try Your Hand

Maybe you’ve found a lovely piece at a thrift store or perhaps you have an old hand-me-down that needs an upgrade. Refurbishing furniture is a wonderful, environmentally-friendly way to bring new life into worn, faded items, especially when those pieces have quality materials and craftsmanship. Bear in mind that do-it-yourself upholstering requires time, effort, and basic sewing skills. If you want to tackle the project on your own, assess your budget and skill level.

Some furniture is easier to reupholster than others. If you’re a newbie to the world of upholstery, choose your project carefully! One rule of thumb for beginners is to focus on pieces with straight lines. A simple, hardbacked chair with a removable fabric seat is a good place to start. Similarly, a fabric ottoman, bench, or footstool can be completely transformed in an afternoon without much more than fabric, a screwdriver, and a staple gun.

With some basic sewing skills, recovering a worn fabric headboard or making a slipcover for a chair can be a weekend project. Avoid thick fabric which can be difficult to fold, sew, and lay flat. Pieces with foam and padding can often disintegrate, breed mold, and lose their shape. It’s worth replacing for comfort and longevity.

If reupholstering furniture is something you enjoy and want to do more of, consider enrolling in a local upholstery class to expand your skillset.

The Finishing Touch

When is it time to call the professionals? If you’ve inherited a beautiful chair from a family member but the cushions are worn and the fabric is ripped, is it worth reupholstering rather than just buying a new item? It really comes down to quality and memorability.

Custom reupholstering is a labour-intensive art form that takes years of training and practice. Investing in a professional service to reupholster your furniture is worthwhile if the piece has sentimental value and good bones. A new piece might cost less, but the quality won’t be comparable.

“The benefit of a professional is, of course, the fact that your finished project looks beautifully and skillfully done,” says Tori Brock from Fairhome Interiors in Burlington. From choosing the types of fabric that will work best with your piece to envisioning the finished product, their team walks clients through the process. “We gently guide you with help choosing a fabric that is appropriate for the piece’s purpose and your lifestyle,” she notes. “We then take your furniture and our upholsterer masterfully and magically transforms your piece to look like new!”

Still think you can tackle Grandpa’s special chair? “A botched DIY project is often how we get new clients!” laughs Tori. “It isn’t as easy as Pinterest makes it look.” She explains that fully reupholstering requires removing old fabric and cushioning if necessary, fixing any flaws, possibly changing the style, restuffing, and applying new textile and decorative features. Professionals have the tools and skills necessary to do this without damaging the piece. Furniture, especially vintage, left in untrained hands can be permanently ruined.

Choosing to DIY on a memorable piece will likely leave you feeling as though you’ve overextended yourself and risks the finished product looking sloppy. Opting to work with a professional will result in a stunning piece, that upholds the quality of the item for years to come.

Local Links

Fairhome Interiors, Burlington

fairhome.ca

Andersons Interiors, Burlington

andersonsinteriors.ca