The smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact.ย
Here in our local community, Alex Irish & Associates have made it an annual tradition to engage in 28 days of kindness each February, by making donations to charitable organizations throughout the Halton & Hamilton regions.ย
Launched in February 2017, the Kindness Tour begins on February 1st and concludes on February 28th, with 2022 marking the 6th year of this annual charitable initiative.ย
Over the years, the Kindness Tour has supported the Kerr Street Mission, The Compass, Heartache2Hope, Halton Food For Thought, CNIB Foundation, The Scott Mission, Food For Life, Kids Help Phone, and The Salvation Army – among many more local charities.ย
“The idea behind this day is to make the world a better place, one kind act at a time. We believe in supporting charitable causes and worthy organizations in Oakville,ย Burlington,ย Mississauga,ย Hamiltonย andย beyond โ where we list and sell homes. It is our hope that we may inspire others to learn more about the need in our communities.”
Reconnect with friends and family over incredible cuisine this winter during Taste of Oakville 2022!
This yearโs annual culinary celebration will see over 30 Oakville restaurants serve up unique prix-fixe lunch and/or dinner menus for 24 delicious days between Feb. 15 and March 10, 2022.
Thanks to the funding Taste of Oakville received as part of the Province of Ontarioโs Reconnect Festival and Event Program, Taste customers will have the chance to win tickets to see Canadian Indie pop stars Walk Off The Earth perform at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on March 31, 2022.
โWe are grateful to be the recipients of a Reconnect grant again this year and thank MPP Stephen Crawford and the province for their support,โ said Rebecca Edgar, Visit Oakvilleโs executive director. โWe are thrilled to return with Taste of Oakville 2022 at a time when support for our local restaurants is so critical. We hope that the chance to win tickets to a private Walk Off The Earth concert will provide some added excitement, perhaps catch the eye of a new generation of Taste-goers, and provide a fun and lively way to celebrate at the end of March.โ
Your Taste of Oakville receipts will count as entries towards this private concert and can be submitted on the Taste of Oakville website. Multiple entries are allowed, so you can enjoy as many Taste menus as you like while submitting valid ballots.
Tune into Visit Oakvilleโs Instagram page every Tuesday from February 8 to March 1, as they will be giving away $50 gift cards to select participating restaurants.
Visit tasteofoakville.com for more information about the concert giveaway and participating restaurants, including details on takeout, delivery and in-person dining options.
There is never a time quite like the present to try something new, especially coming into a new year where collectively, we are more than ready for change! If the world isnโt quite ready to give us that change, maybe itโs time to shake things up in our own lives.
Thinking about starting a new year with a new commitment to health is nothing new. But what if our workouts could look different this year? Working out doesnโt have to be monotonous or routine, and it doesnโt even have to feel like working out. It can be new, vibrant, exciting, and fun, all while transforming your health and confidence. These local studios offer a variety of unique exercise classes for all ages, abilities, and interests. The only thing you need is a willingness to try something new and make a change.
Aerial Yoga
You may be familiar with yoga, but this takes traditional yoga to new heights, literally! Be Yoga and Wellness in Burlington offers a zero-gravity yoga experience with the help of a silk hammock attached to the ceiling. You donโt need to be experienced in yoga or a Cirque du Soleil performer to attend these classes where you will learn, improve, have fun, and develop incredible strength. Are you ready to fly?
Pole Classes
There are many stereotypes associated with pole โdancingโ, but have you ever considered that it could actually be a full-body workout that combines resistance training, cardio, strength, and flexibility? This is an incredibly fun and active way to build your confidence in a way that doesnโt feel like you are working. Check out Yoga and Pole in Oakville for a complete schedule of all level classes.
Belly Dancing
Dance can be a great way to work out, and Egyptian Belly Dance is no exception. Located in beautiful downtown Burlington, BellyUp offers classes for curious beginners to those with higher levels of experience. Belly dancing is perfect for recreation, fitness, self-transformation, and artistry, and BellyUp is a non-judgmental and safe space to explore and try new things.
Kickboxing and Martial Arts
If dancing and yoga arenโt your thing, Inner Warrior Fitness in Oakville has other forms of modern workouts for you to try. Their large variety of classes include martial arts, kickboxing, and more, and are available to all experience levels. You will sweat, learn, improve, and have fun in a way that is sure to bring out your inner warrior!
Barre
There is a new dance workout raising the โbarreโ and it brings new life and energy to traditional ballet. Barre Life in Oakville combines ballet, pilates, and yoga in a unique class that utilizes a ballet barre and resistance bands. Several varieties of classes exist, each targeting slightly different things, available for all levels of experience.
Capoeira
Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Capoeira Bamba Mississauga is the perfect authentic local studio for you to experience this new art form. Be prepared to try putting your body in positions that you may have never thought possible as you learn this art form and immerse yourself in a different culture, all while becoming a stronger version of yourself.
We continue to face a world that is unknown, so with a new year upon us, perhaps embracing the unknown with newfound confidence could be empowering. These studios are unique, but they share a few things in common; they are locally owned, inspiring places ready to welcome you as you try something new, focus on your health, have fun and make a change!
When youโre shopping for new furniture, your first instinct may be to head to a big box store or maybe a high-end retailer youโve heard good things about. Both of these are valid options, but donโt overlook another choice: custom pieces designed specifically for your home. While the idea may be intimidating, going custom may be easier and more accessible than youโd think. Hereโs what you need to know plus expert tips to help you get started.
The benefit of going custom
The main benefit of going custom is getting exactly what you want โ the right size, scale, colour, material and function for your home. While there are some beautiful mass-produced items on the market, they donโt work in every space, explains Jim Anderson of Andersonโs Interiors in Burlington. When you order a custom sofa, for example, you choose everything from the style and fabric to the specific dimensions of the piece and the firmness of the cushions. โIt allows me to sit with a client and design something to their specific needs,โ Anderson says, noting that older clients may prefer a firmer couch and other clients may need something compact or oversized.
Jim Hobbs of Joshua Creek Furniture in Oakville agrees. โIโd recommend custom furniture to those who cannot find a standard piece to work for them or desire an item that is unique,โ he says. Both Joshua Creek and Andersonโs offer custom pieces with design support in store.
While custom chairs, sofas and tables are a common request, consumers can order custom media consoles, end tables, headboards, full beds and more. โIf it can be made out of wood, it can be custom,โ Anderson says.
When it comes to large pieces, avoid online
Online retailers may have great photos and tempting prices, but you often get what you pay for โ or worse. โWe hear it every day from customers โ they made an error buying online,โ Hobbs says. โWe all know things look good in photos, and in reality it’s a different story. Furniture is a big investment and you want to invest wisely.โ
To avoid regret, start your shopping journey in person. Ideally, youโll be able to touch and feel various samples and even sit on furniture thatโs been made by the same supplier.
Canadian-made quality that lasts
Another benefit of custom furniture is the quality, particularly when youโre working with Canadian makers. Custom pieces are typically made with great care, so they look amazing, last longer and provide better long-term value. Buying custom also supports local makers and woodworkers.
One local furniture provider is Steve Culumovic of Blue Skies Woodwork in Burlington. Culumovic builds custom furniture and cabinetry for clients and agrees that going custom is an investment in craftsmanship. โThe value of hiring a custom maker is in how the furniture is made,โ he says. โThe piece can be better built with better joinery choices. The maker can also pay closer attention to wood grain and colour, which is something not done in a factory setting. There is more care and attention paid in a custom shop which results in longer lasting and more appealing pieces of furniture.โ
And, if your style preferences change in the years to come, you can refinish or reupholster a high-quality piece at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Can you afford to go custom?
Custom furniture isnโt cheap, but itโs not just for wealthy households. Anderson notes that a lot of his custom furniture clients are retirees who have downsized and have a bit of extra cash flow from the sale of a home. They know what they want, and theyโre willing to invest in that perfect piece for their new condo or other living space.
Generally, a custom piece is going to cost significantly more than something from a big box store. However, if youโre comparing the cost of custom to buying off-the-rack pieces from high end furniture brands, the difference may be less than youโd think โ and in some cases, itโs actually less expensive, Anderson asserts. This is due to rising costs related to the pandemic including material expense, supply chain issues and more. Hobbs agrees, saying, โCanadian-made furniture is great value these days.โ
Itโs also important to consider how length of use factors in. If you pay $1500 for a sofa thatโs going to fall apart in a few years, youโre not actually spending less in total than someone who buys a $4200 custom sofa that lasts well over a decade. Keep this in mind when making decisions โ if you can swing the upfront cost, youโll get better value (and a more beautiful home) in the long run.
The original fondue – Swiss cheese fondue – was said to have originated in 18th century Switzerland by farmers in mid-winter.ย They needed to stretch their food supplies over the cold season and so developed the dish of fondue which deliciously used up any stale bread, with leftover cheese and a splash of liquor.ย
Modern-day cheese fondue, made traditionally, is very simple and does not really differ much from the original: simply begin by rubbing a clove of raw garlic on the inside of a medium-sized cast-iron casserole. Combine grated Emmentaler cheese and Gruyere with white wine, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of cornstarch, and heat until it is melted.ย Finish off with a dash of Kirsch (cherry brandy) and a grind of pepper, and your fondue is ready to serve.ย A perfect romantic dinner for two or a rowdy crowd-pleaser, it is that easy.ย For dipping options, the list is endless.ย Classic accompaniments could be; grilled or toasted bread chunks, or even just fresh crusty bread, pulled apart at the table. Tortilla chips and crackers work well for a lighter option. ย Boiled or roasted baby potatoes or any other vegetables are delicious.ย Raw or blanched cauliflower or broccoli are great, or raw mushrooms are also an option. If you like a heavier meaty option, meatballs or chunks of seared tenderloin would be delicious, or even some poached shrimp.ย For a sweeter variation, pear or apple chunks are a great alternative.
Fondue Bourguignon is another popular style of fondue.ย It does not hail from Burgundy as the name would suggest.ย It is said that it was brought to the US by the Swiss-born restaurateur Konrad Egli, owner of Swiss Chalet in the 1950โs.ย Apparently, the dish originated in Switzerland with farmworkers cooking their lunch in the fields in the winter, bringing a pot of oil to cook their meat over a fire.ย Since then, through Egli and embellishments of his version, there are so many ways to enjoy this simple meal.ย
Rule number one is to make sure your pot is very stable as the spilling of hot oil could be a very painful way to end a party.ย Traditionally beef tenderloin was used for this style of fondue, but things have now progressed to all sorts of protein including chicken, lamb, duck, seafood, or tofu.ย The sauces are what make the fondue really fun, and they are often served on a swiveling Lazy Susan, so that guests can easily reach each sauce. Bearnaise sauce (a sauce of butter and eggs flavoured with tarragon and shallot) is always a classic. Other popular choices are sour cream mustard, horseradish cream, herb butter dipping sauce, or barbecue. For a healthier version of this fondue, one can substitute the oil with broth.ย Any type of broth can be used and it can be flavoured with garlic and herbs or just served plain.
To finish off a meal, chocolate fondue is a real treat. Any type of chocolate is mixed with cream and then melted.ย A flavoured liqueur can be added for a different spin.ย Amaretto or Baileyโs work well or you can try some peppermint schnapps for a candy cane twist.ย The dipping options are as decadent as you would like. Biscotti, marshmallows, fruit, pretzels, cookies, Rice Crispy squares, and pieces of pound cake are all very popular.
Of course, consideration should be given to what wine pairs well with fondue.ย In the cold winter months, Icewine is on our minds and it is the perfect match for both cheese and chocolate fondue. Icewine is made by leaving the grapes on the vine for the winter so that the water in the grapes freezes.ย The frozen grapes are quickly picked and pressed so that the frozen water in the grapes remains behind and the concentrated juice that does flow, is very high in sugar.ย This is then made into a sweet and luscious wine.ย Try these decadent sticky gems, served well chilled.
Trius Vidal Ice Wine ($64.95) has flavours of tropical fruit with a tangy citrus finish.
Inniskillin Vidal Ice Wine ($44.95) put Canada on the Icewine map by winning the 1989 Grand Prix DโHonneur at Vinexpo. It has floral aromas and hints of mango.
Cave Spring Riesling Icewine ($39.95) from the Riesling experts, is exceptional with notes of apple, minerality, and peach pie.
Henry of Pelham Red Icewine ($39.95) is an unusual blend of red grape (Cabernet Franc) and white grape (Vidal) and has delicious flavours of strawberry and raspberry.
Southbrook Organic Icewine ($37.25) offers notes of toffee, honey, and mango.
With these delicious wines on hand, and a fondue pot at the ready, your celebration is sure to be a great success.
Step into a hobby shop and youโre stepping into a collectorโs dream world. Model cars, miniatures, comic books, games, toys โ you collect it, and itโs there. Oakville and Burlington have many specialty hobby shops carrying everything from comic books and gaming needs to military miniatures. With their wide range of products and specialties, you’ll want to visit them all!ย
With more than 30 years in the comic book business, itโs easy to see why Comic Connection calls itself the most experienced comic book store in Halton.ย
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Their location on Speers Road in Oakville is a one-stop-shop for comic books and gaming needs. Love superheroes? They have a huge collection of DC, Marvel, and Indie comics from every era with stock that goes beyond the floor. If they donโt have a certain issue in-store, their team is happy to order it for you.
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They also have a massive collection of figures and statues, including Pop figures of popular shows, movies, and books. For added fun, they offer gaming nights.ย
Located in Mapleview Mall in Burlington, Hobby and Toy Central is stocked with a wide variety of models (ships, aircraft, cars),ย toys,ย games, puzzles, and activity items for play and learning.ย
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Founded in 1985, they have four stores in South West Ontario, including Burlington. Their goal is to provide new and experienced hobbyists with a wide selection of models, accessories, services, and supplies. Their model car kits are second-to-none, and customers rave about the Chevy Corvette, Cadillac Sport, and Ford Torino. Thereโs even the Star Trek USS Enterprise model for Trekkie fans.ย
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For puzzle lovers, Hobby and Toy Central has something for every age and skill level, including 1,000-piece puzzles, and an impressive 3D puzzle of the Eiffel Tower.ย
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In their Science department, thereโs a mini solar robot and a large box set of the solar system which includes eight glow-in-the-dark planets (plus Pluto!). They also carry juggling rings and a โmake your ownโ rocket thatโs powered by vinegar and baking soda.ย
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Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, Oakville
In Oakville, youโll also find Carefree Hobbies, Models, and Collectibles, carrying a fun supply of trains, planes, and automobiles along with antique military equipment. They specialize in military miniatures, including Thomas Gunn Military Miniatures, which are known for their attention to detail and superior quality. If youโre looking for rare, unusual, or out-of-production items, Carefree Hobbies will source them for you.ย
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Their other specialty is their fun selection of miniature trains and accessories. Local bestselling writer, Linwood Barclay, is known for his impressive miniature train sets that fill his basement; one might wonder if his passion for the hobby started with a visit to this store.
At Skycraft Hobbies on Plains Road East in Burlington, their shelves are filled with remote control racing cars, helicopters, jeeps, airplanes, and monster trucks. They also carry various boats, including a catamaran thatโs modeled after offshore race boats, and hydroplanes which are typically for the more advanced RC racer. But likely, the most impressive thing on their shelves is their drones.ย
Mastermind Toys, located in both Oakville and Burlington, carry classic games like a wooden jigsaw puzzle shaped like a dragon, matchbox puzzles, and a 3D puzzle of the Titanic. They have a huge selection of games, from the fan favourite Catan to classics like Operation, Charades, and Monopoly.ย
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As the saying goes, if you canโt find it at a hobby store, you canโt find it anywhere.ย
The winter months can feel pretty long โ especially if itโs a winter heavy with snow. Thankfully, our landscape allows for endless winter adventure. You can hit the slopes for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Kelso Conservation Area, or venture to Bronte Creek Provincial Park to enjoy a pristine cross-country ski. Then, there are our lakes and waterways. When frozen over, they serve as the perfect setting for any angler to drop their line. Fishing doesnโt have to stop when the cold weather rolls in. In fact, ice fishing is perfect for both avid anglers and families alike.
Are you ready to cast into the cold waters? Fifty Point Conservation, Valens Lake Conservation, and Binbrook Conservation in Hamilton all offer ice fishing when the conditions allow. However, the conservation authority doesnโt supply ice huts, equipment, or bait. If youโre looking for a full-service ice fishing experience, you may want to venture just a little bit further from the city.
Sarah Paireo from Simcoe Ice Fishing in Lefroy (Innisfil) says, โTypically, our bay freezes over in January, but the timing is variable. We wait for a solid 4-6 inches of ice before itโs safe to head out.โ Generally, you can head out onto the lake as soon as the ice is frozen and thick enough โ it all depends on the weather. There are several factors that determine ice thicknessโthe type of water, location, air temperature, water temperature, water depth, the size of the water body, and the presence of underwater springs or currents.
Summer Dream Ice Fishing in Orillia has been fishing Lake Couchiching for over 38 years. They also have heated ice huts and are conveniently located near Elwood Epps Fishing Store where you can obtain everything for your fishing needs (including a fishing license which is required for everyone between the ages of 18 and 65). While the huts are warm, Summer Dream says, โIce fishing is a winter sport so you will need to dress accordingly in warm outdoor clothing, including boots, mitts, and a hat.โ However, Sarah from Simcoe Ice Fishing adds, โHut rentals are wonderful to provide a shelter with comfy padded benches, predrilled holes, minnows, and a cooking stove for those who want to prepare food.โ
Elwood Epps in Orillia has everything you need when it comes to fishing gear. If you donโt want to use live bait, their Baby Guppy Ice Fishing bait mimics a live minnow. They also have an ice fishing line โ which is actually different from the line you would use in the warmer months. The ice fishing line has a special compound to keep it from freezing to your rod. If youโre completely in the dark about the sport, the experts are ready to help. Debbie Martin from Summer Dream says, โFor guests who have never experienced ice fishing we will teach you how to set up your fishing rod and the techniques on how to catch fish. For those who already know how to ice fish, we will guide you to where (hopefully) the best ice fishing spots are.โ
As for what you can expect to pull out of the water โ think big. Both Sarah and Debbie say ice fishing is the perfect time to pull out giant perch, pike, pickerel, and crappie.
That’s right…the ultimate cookie exists, and can be found in Bronte Village. Try these at home, or order yours from Sweet! Bakery in time for Valentine’s Day!
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar, plus more for rolling
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp red colour (preferably gel if available)
2 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1.5 tsp baking powderย
1/2 tsp salt
Cream cheese frosting, either homemade or store-bought (chilled)
Method
Cream butter and sugars together until smooth. Beat in eggs, vanilla, red colour. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, add to wet ingredients. Mix until combined and smooth.
Roll into golf-ball-sized balls and flatten into discs. Put 1 tsp chilled cream cheese frosting in centre of each disc and gently wrap the dough around it into a ball so no cracks remain. Chill for at least 30mins or up to 2 hours.
Roll balls in sugar and bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes, until edges are firm and centres are still soft.
Our clothing is amazing for travelers. Gauze is 100% natural cotton, easy to pack and doesn’t require ironing. It’s soft and comfortable, and great for hot, humid weather. We also carry fashions for all seasons and occasions, whether it be for work, travel or spending time with friends and family.
Why Burlington?
We have lived in the area for many years, raising our families and enjoying life in southern Ontario. When we bought the business, it had a strong following with customers from Niagara to Toronto.
How have you adapted with everything going on?
The biggest update is our website, where you can now shop all the styles we carry and have them delivered anywhere in North America. We have curbside pickup and free delivery in Oakville & Burlington. We also offer private shopping, online or in-person, and ‘Fizzy Fridays’ where we showcase new arrivals over Facebook.
What’s your favourite product(s) that you carry?
We look for unique, flattering and comfortable clothing that is made to last, and we love supporting Canadian designers. Some of our favourites are Guru, Frank Lyman, Sympli, Linen Luv, Kollontai, Wanted Jewelry, and Gilmour. Bryn Walker, My Soul, Q Neel, Pure Venice, Bella Amore and Sassy by Dolcezza are new brands we brought in last year. Gauze will always be our #1 love, but you’ll find so much more at Jus B’ Gauze.ย
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air!ย Are you looking for that perfect gift for someone special in your life this Valentineโs day? Weโve put together a small selection of items that can be found right here in Oakville & Burlington, so that no matter what kind of love you are celebrating you can easily show it with something local this year!
A Greener Place || Waterdown
This rose gold themed gift box is perfect for those that love being pampered. A perfect mix of sweets and self-care treats – and all are eco-friendly!
Surprise your loved one this Valentineโs Day with a beautiful floral arrangement from FIORI. From traditional red roses to a wide selection of gorgeous arrangements, you’re sure to find the perfect pick for that special someone.
Buttery-soft and luxurious, these Joseph Tassoni bamboo bath robes are the PERFECT gift to wrap your loved ones in. But they also make a great self-care treat from you to you.
Cologne; the unseen accessory for him. Treat him to Mr. Gladstone; a natural wax-based cologne that comes in three old fashioned scents for those who traverse life’s paths with effortless confidence.
Spoil yourself or a loved one this Valentine’s Day with a gift set featuring luxurious treats from Canadian artisans. The ‘Lush’ gift set includes: a coconut body balm, exfoliating clay bar, midnight rose bath bomb, and a ‘You Are Love’ candle.
Show yourself some self-love with a relaxing at-home spa experience The Stillness Kit is specially curated for an evening of aromatherapy, skin pampering, stillness, meditation and restorative sleep.
