Christmas is right around the corner and Dixie Outlet Mall is the place to go if you want to cross people off shopping your list. Boasting over 100 brand name outlets, you’re bound to find something for even the pickiest people you’re shopping for. The savings vary by store, but expect to find prices up to 70% off throughout the mall. Packed with seasonal trends and timely fashions, there is something for everyone. Here’s a few suggestions to get you started:

Hunting for the perfect stocking stuffer? Pick up brand name fragrances for the man or woman in your life at Perfume Outlet or accessories from Ardène’s, ALDO, City Looks and Call It Spring!

Winter gloves, coats & hats – leather bags for travel or backpacks for students – find all gifts made of leather at Leather & More. You can shop additional outdoor essentials at Bentley Outlet and Winners!

Looking for the perfect Secret Santa gift? Find classic Christmas sweaters, a go-to for any holiday party, from Bluenotes. Other Secret Santa ideas include must-have home essentials like scented oils from Fruits & Passion, or holiday décor from QE Home, Accents Home Outlet and Royal Home Décor.

If you have little ones on your list, head over to Calendar Club for a fantastic selection of toys and games that are bound to brighten their faces Christmas morning. Alternatively, stock up on trendy kids apparel from Carter’s Osh Kosh and Urban Kids, and score all your gaming goals from EB Games!

Get into the season and pamper loved ones with beauty and wellness goodies and gift cards from Beauty First, Nails For You, Aqqua Salon, Salon Bel Hair, The Haircutting Centre, and Eddie’s Haircutting Centre!

Custom stockings are cherished by kids, and enjoyed by adults alike. Add custom embroidered stockings from Things Engraved to your mantle this season. Shop more holiday traditions La Vie En Rose, People’s Jewellers or Russell Stover!

Do you have a sneaker head in the family? Head to the ONLY Nike Clearance Store in Canada for a massive selection of sneakers and apparel. Find other stellar #DixieDeals on shoes from Foot Locker, Journey’s, Famous Footwear and Boathouse!

Bench Outlet is your destination for any sports junkie you’re shopping for. From athletic wear to outdoor gear, Dixie Outlet Mall has you covered with savings from Puma, Soul Underground, Sports Centre and Payless Shoe Source!

Holiday get togethers are a big part of the season, and a glitzy outfit from Suzy Shier will make any event sparkle. Find a wide selection of festive fashions from the Laura Outlet, Julie’s, Anna Bella Outlet, The One, Dynamite, Sensibles Designer Outlet and Gilani Outlet.

Shopping for a tech guru? Pick up all the latest gizmos and gadgets from one of Dixie Outlet Mall’s many technology stores including The Source, Fido, Rogers, Bell, Virgin, Koodo and Wireless Wave!

Visit dixieoutletmall.com for a complete list of businesses. Happy holiday shopping!

This weekend marks one month until Christmas and the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season. We want the hundreds of dollars we spend each year to count for more, so we’re shopping local and avoiding the risk of Canada Post delays by visiting local craft shows, and Burlington MADE this Saturday is one of our favourites.

Though only in its second year, the Burlington MADE Holiday Craft Market attracts some of the best makers in the area, pulling in some 200 applications from Toronto to Niagara to fill its 56 spots. That means no hunting is required—there’s a great variety of items and everything is modern, tasteful, and well-made. They’ve also taken the stress out of holiday shopping by curating 14 handmade gift guides for everyone on your list, from The New Mama to The Urban Gentleman.

While you’re shopping, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained, featuring live music from Cambridge artist Eric Bolton and local talent Sarah Campbell Mills. Kids can enjoy making a holiday card and contributing to a community mural in the cafe with charity partner Girls Inc. of Halton. And when you need a pick-me-up, they’ll have everything from fresh-roasted coffee and gooey butter tarts to a gourmet taco truck to keep you fuelled.

Founder Stephanie Finn of Stephanie Street Events hails from New York City via Toronto, and was a crafter herself. She says, “I’ve been a part of some incredible events, both as a vendor and an organizer and marketing professional. And when we moved here three years ago, I definitely saw a need for something upbeat and exciting that not only celebrated the incredible makers in the area but also built a place for them to connect with shoppers and each other. We do our best to make shopping local fun and memorable.”

So if you’re looking to find one-of-a-kind presents and support independent makers with your holiday shopping this year, Burlington MADE is a great place to start!

The Burlington MADE Holiday Craft Market runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, November 24th, at the Ron Joyce Centre, 4350 South Service Road, Burlington. Entry is $5, free for children 12 and under. Parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.burlingtonmade.com/holiday.

Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? How about trying out some of the best independent food and beverage brands our area has to offer? From the curator behind the Burlington MADE craft markets, The Burlington MADE Foodie Show takes place for the first time this Saturday at McMaster University’s Ron Joyce Centre.

The exciting new event features live cooking demos, swag bags for the first fifty shoppers, and a host of local food vendors selling everything from pastries and pickles to perogies and poutine. Participating makers include family-owned Burlington staples like Christy’s Gourmet Gifts and up-and-coming brands like Sachili and Mind Your Bees Wraps. Three of the Local Dining spots in our current October issue will also be there: Firebat Coffee Roasters, OKO Bagels, and Familia Fine Foods.

“It’s so easy to miss the little shops and independent cafes on your way to the big box stores, especially for busy commuters and parents,” says Stephanie Finn, founder of Stephanie Street Events and creator of the Burlington MADE series. “I wanted to take the effort out of shopping local by bringing all these hidden gems together in a place where we can make personal connections and be more conscious about where we’re spending our money and what we’re putting into our bodies. Plus, have lots of fun tasting and sampling everything!”

The Foodie Show features over 35 local brands selected for their innovation and quality, from food and beverage to kitchen accessories. Think St. Lawrence Market, but just for one day, right here in Burlington. You can grab your morning coffee and bagel or a hot lunch, then shop around to stock your pantry, upgrade your kitchen knives and cutting boards, and check some gifts off your holiday list. And don’t forget to grab some dessert and easy make-at-home meals to go. The Foodie Show has plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, too.

When you’ve done your shopping, there will also be live cooking demos every hour from 12-4pm, including Knife Sharpening and Skills from the Sharp Knife Shop, Chocolate Making from Bean to Bar from Christy’s Gourmet Gifts, and Fresh Latin Food from Scratch from 50 Pesos, winner of the Food Network’s Food Truck Faceoff.

“We’re all going to be spending a lot this holiday season, so why not use those dollars to support local, small businesses?” says Finn, who started planning events after running an artisanal business out of her home for three years while raising her two children full time. “It feels good, it’s good for our local economy, and the food tastes great!”

The Burlington MADE Foodie Show runs from 11am-5pm on Saturday, October 20^th, at 4350 South Service Road, Burlington. Entry is $5, free for children 12 and under. Parking is free and the building is wheelchair accessible. For more information, go to www.burlingtonmade.com/foodieshow.

All photos by Christine W. Photography, https://www.christinewphotography.com/

Thanks to technology, many people can−and do−work remotely. As a result, coworking spaces are flourishing. Responding to the demand, ACE Coworking opened its doors in January in downtown Oakville and the company is already attracting a diverse group of members who work out of the shared space.

Central to ACE Coworking’s philosophy is creating a vibrant community. “We’re much more than just a place to work,” says Founder and Community Director, Nancy Fornasiero. “ACE Coworking is a place to collaborate, network and be inspired by other entrepreneurs and business owners.”

The open concept workspace features large wooden desks, a quiet zone to work in peace, a relaxed and stylish lounge area, exposed brick walls, and colourful artwork by local artists. The space also boasts a rooftop patio for informal meetings or to catch some sun during lunch.

Members have access to a 12-person boardroom and smaller meeting rooms. ACE Coworking meeting rooms can be rented to non-members from $30 per hour. The workspace also offers a variety of professional development seminars, a book club, weekly yoga and regular social events.

Katie Pringle of Marigold PR is a member and says ACE Coworking offered the right culture for her company’s growing team. “The downtown location was also a selling point,” says Pringle. “Nancy believes in innovation and collaboration. She has curated an incredible collection of companies.”

“We happened to be looking for a new space when Ace Coworking was under construction, and as designers we could see Nancy’s vision,” says member, Roger Brenninkmeyer of Riverstone Branding. “Being in a space with people who have the same mindset is important.”

Setting up camp at your local coffee shop can be a good cure for the work-at-home blues, but it’s not a long-term solution. It can be difficult to meet new people and build your professional network. “Our members span many fields, from creatives to the tech space to financial services,” says Fornasiero. “The cross-pollination of industries makes for a richer community.”

Unlike your local cafe, ACE Coworking’s facility is available to members 24/7. Fornasiero says she’s happy for anyone interested in coworking to drop by for a tour and take advantage of a free day pass.

ACE Coworking offers day passes for $25 a day, a flexible month-to-month “hot desk” membership, or community membership. Community members can make use of ACE Coworking’s business mailing address, receive membership rates on conference rooms, and attend ACE events. Members receive free Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee and tea, as well as printing and photocopying access for monthly members.

ACE Coworking also offers reciprocal memberships with coworking spaces in other major centres. ACE Coworking is an official partner of Haltech, Halton’s Regional Innovation Centre.

For more information, visit acecoworking.ca or drop by their space at 295 Robinson Street in Downtown Oakville.

The Burlington Downtown Jazz Fest will cool down the summer swelter on August 11 & 12.  The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is swinging open its doors to host an incredible weekend of FREE jazz music on its spacious outdoor public plaza.  Presented by BPAC and the Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts, the free weekend festival features the Shirantha Beddage Quintet, Elise Legrow, Coco Love Alcorn, and the Mike Downes Quartet – a roster of musicians that could play any jazz festival in the country.

The Shirantha Beddage Quintet is led by two-time JUNO nominated baritone saxophonist and composer Shirantha Beddage whose original music combines hard bop and modern jazz to create a sound that’s both accessible and sophisticated.  Critical acclaim has surrounded Elise Legrow and her debut album ‘Playing Chess’, which covers the gritty Chicago classics from the famous Chess Records catalogue.  Legrow delivers some of the greatest blues, soul and R&B songs with her thunderous rasp and spellbinding style.  Coco Love Alcorn is always in the moment, singing with joyful soul and enchanting the audience with her playful and witty banter.  The Mike Downes Quartet won the 2018 JUNO Award for Jazz Album of the Year and features four of Canada’s top musicians – Mike Downes (JUNO award winner 2014, 2018), Robi Botos (JUNO award winner 2016), Ted Quinlan (JUNO nomination 2013) and Larnell Lewis (Grammy award winner with Snarky Puppy 2017).

Steve Bellamy, Dean of Humber School of Creative and Performing Arts, is thrilled with the new relationship the school has built with BPAC for the Burlington Downtown Jazz Fest and the new Humber Jazz Series as part of BPAC’s 2018/2019 Presents Season.  “We are delighted to be partnering with The Burlington Performing Arts Centre on this year’s jazz series.  The compelling line-up includes national and international stars and is not to be missed – see you there!”

The Burlington Downtown Business Association generously sponsors the event and its Executive Director, Brian Dean, invites music lovers to explore downtown and enjoy the free weekend of jazz.  “We welcome you downtown and encourage you to wander while you’re here to the great shops, services and amenities in our unique community of business.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of Downtown Burlington with live jazz by the lake.”

Patrons can enjoy a drink and purchase a pre-packaged snack from Coffee Culture and Lola Choco Bar to enjoy as they relax on the outdoor plaza savouring the world-class jazz.  Downtown Burlington also offers free parking on weekends.

The Burlington Downtown Jazz Fest will take place Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12, outdoors on the Plaza at The Burlington Performing Arts Centre, 440 Locust Street in Burlington.

In the event of rain or inclimate weather the festival will be moved indoors to the Lobby.

Please visit https://burlingtonpac.ca/jazz-festival for full festival details or call the Box Office at 905-681-6000

Saturday, August 11 at 4pm – Shirantha Beddage Quintet

Saturday, August 11 at 6pm – Elise Legrow

Sunday, August 12 at 2pm – Coco Love Alcorn

Sunday, August 12 at 4pm – Mike Downes Quartet