jenn, Author at Look Local - Celebrating Community

In Articles

HEARTY AND WHOLESOME: Super Bowls Make Super Meals

January 27, 2023

Ditch your plate and grab a bowl, these easy one-dish concoctions are revolutionizing mealtime. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – bowls are typically loaded with healthy ingredients and filling proteins. Whether you’re making a smoothie bowl from scratch or trying to replicate a salad bowl from your favourite restaurant, bowls are on-trend, quick, and super-yum. Here’s why we love them:

A great “on-the-go” solution
Easy to prep in one container, bowls make mealtime easy when you’re on the go. Think quick work lunch, or even better, a healthy pre-made breakfast on your way out the door. Many recipes pull ingredients from key food groups, so you’re certain to get a whole (and filling) meal in one simple dish. No extra containers, no extra mess – simply open and enjoy.

Easy for any meal
Almost any meal can be made into a bowl, building on a foundation of whole grain, vegetable, or protein. For breakfast, a bed of scrambled eggs or sauteed spinach is a great starting point. Add some fresh or cooked veg, like tomatoes, and onions, then top with cheese. Or, you can try a smoothie bowl, blending frozen fruits and milk of your choice, and even add protein powder. Lunch bowls can be a salad with leafy greens, vegetables, and a protein, or something heartier with a grain such as quinoa, topped with leafy greens and veg. Dinner is when you can take your bowl to the next level. Starting with a base of rice or quinoa, then adding other ingredients such as roasted sweet potato and cauliflower. For an ethnic twist, try recreating popular fiesta, buddha, or poke bowls.

Versatile and Friendly
If you have food restrictions or allergies or watch your portions for a medical condition such as diabetes, food bowls are especially great. It’s not always easy to create a meal that’s both healthy and filling, but the intent of a bowl is to create a balanced meal while keeping portions in check. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to “eat clean”, you can have fun mixing ingredients that satisfy your palate and requirements.

Super Local Bowls
Looking for some inspo? Try one of these bowls crafted by local chefs and restaurants.

Trish Juice, Burlington
trishjuice.com
Trish Juice offers perfectly crafted (vegan-friendly) smoothie bowls loaded with fresh fruits and veggies. From their Protein Bowl featuring chia and granola to their Super Green Smoothie bowl with kale and spinach, there is a little something for everyone.

Familia Fine Foods, Burlington
familiafinefoods.com
If you’re looking for a warm and rustic dish, look no further than Familia Fine Foods. This family-owned restaurant, with a hearty Latin menu, creates everything by hand. Dig into their Burrito Bowl featuring a rice base topped with Pico de Gallo, mozzarella cheese, beans, corn, sour cream, hot sauce, salsa roja, salsa verde, and guacamole. Customize with chicken, beef, or pork, or keep it vegetarian or vegan.

Lettuce Love Café, Burlington
lettucelovecafe.com
Lettuce Love serves up a delicious variety of brunch bowls. Choose from the Happy Buddha Bowl featuring brown rice, grilled sweet potato, diced red onions, diced tomato, raw almonds, sunflower seeds, dried herbs, cilantro & avocado, or cultural favourites including their Falafel Bowl, or their Burrito Bowl. They also offer a delicious Power Bowl with a quinoa base.

Heal Wellness, Burlington
healwellness.ca
Heal Wellness serves up quick, fresh, plant-based foods to fuel your busy, active lifestyle. Their menu features a variety of delicious and nutritious smoothie bowls that are sure to power up your day.

Hungry? There’s a bowl for that.

In Articles

Seasonal Sparkle: Unique Decorating Ideas For Your Home

December 7, 2022

The holiday season is here, and it’s time to dust off that box of festive decor and create a little winter magic inside your home. It’s also a great excuse to go shopping for high-quality, locally-made holiday décor — after all, these pieces often become family heirlooms that bring back memories year after year. So, don’t be a Scrooge — shop local, build your own collection of sentimental pieces and let your home sparkle with holiday joy. Here are some suggestions to help get you started.

Trim your tree

Ornaments can be passed on from generation to generation, so don’t be afraid to invest in a few (or a few dozen) you really love. You may be drawn to classic Santa or snowman pieces, elegant gold and silver accessories, one-of-a-kind crafty ornaments, or quirky bobbles that make you laugh (we’re talking about you, naughty ornaments, and festive pickles). You may want wooden garlands, family-friendly cloth ornaments, religious symbols, or something that complements your home’s colour palette. Anything goes — let yourself explore and find out what you’re drawn to. Your Christmas tree doesn’t necessarily need to look like it belongs on the cover of a magazine — it just has to feel right. We recommend starting at a local shop like The Handmade House (with locations in Burlington and Dundas), Rustic Daisy’s in Waterdown, and The Artisanville, located inside Burlington Centre. They offer a wide selection of unique, handmade ornaments that make perfect gifts for anyone on your list (including yourself).

Magic on the mantle

If you’re lucky enough to have a classic fireplace mantle, make the most of it! And if not, mimic the same look using a console table, the top of an upright piano, or even a floating shelf. Consider using some greenery like garland from Centro Garden in Burlington, along with some candles, festive table top accessories, and olive wood accents. Centro also carries beautiful barware, textiles, and more items that are functional as well as stylish. You can also shop for festive mantle pieces at Lakeside Livin’ in Bronte, which has a great selection of beautiful stockings, adorable gnomes, and elegant ornaments.

Spruce up your glassware

A holiday cocktail tastes even better in gorgeous glassware, and Hue La La — a by-appointment boutique in Burlington — has some excellent choices. Look for beveled, smoked, coloured, or even novelty glassware that brings you joy while impressing any guest. A decanter will look beautiful on your table and make any wine taste just that much better (even if it came from a box). Add some pottery mugs from the Art Gallery of Burlington for those booze-infused evening

coffees or hot chocolate, and you’ll be ready to let those sleigh bells ring. Hue La La also carries festive napkins, quirky ornaments, gorgeous tabletop decor, and fantastic hostess gifts. Cheers to shopping local, and happy holidays!

Add A Festive Touch to Your Bathroom

The best play to spread holiday cheer is by sprinkling it everywhere – even in the bathroom, which is really one of the best spaces in your home to make the festive season fun. Lakeside Livin’ carries novelty items like Santa-themed toilet paper, along with the much-loved holiday scent Frasier Fir (available in candles, incense, soaps, and varieties). At Rustic Daisy’s, where everything is made in Canada, you can find winter-scented soaps, holiday candles, and even holiday-themed tea towels to add a special touch.

While Santa toilet paper may not become a holiday heirloom like a hand-made ornament, it may just become a family tradition. You never know what will be passed down for generations.

By Erin Pepler

In Articles

Shop Local: Holiday Gift Guide

December 5, 2022

Andrews

Oakville

The Love Cashmere Beanie by Kerri Rosenthal features the artist and designer’s iconic hand-stitched Patchwork Love Heart with a reversible “LOVE” on the inside. Crafted from pure cashmere for an ultra-soft feel, pair this beanie with any look to add a vibrant touch of colour to your outerwear this season.

andrewsco.com

Jus B’ Gauze

Burlington

Stock those stuffings with affordable glam that they can wear out on New Year’s Eve. Visit Jus B Gauze to see their collection of Merx Jewellery starting at only $30.

jusbgauze.com

Lakeside Livin’

Oakville

The Gilded Ceramic Reed Diffuser spreads the freshly cut forest scent of crisp Siberian Fir needles, heartening cedarwood, and relaxing sandalwood through your surroundings. This home décor piece is beautifully modern and trimmed with 24-karat gold.

lakesidelivin.com

A Greener Place

Waterdown

This stylish medium weight shawl by Mini Tipi will be your go to accessory to keep you warm while looking good! These shawls are made from eco-friendly recycled polyester and recycled wool fabric and use patterns created by Indigenous artists. Matching blankets are also available.

agreenerplace.ca

Tundra Leather

Hamilton

Your trip is booked, your outfit is laid, and now all you need is your important toiletries! This sturdy, durable leather bag, with a handle at one end and a zipper pull tab at the other, makes it easy to grab your travel products and go.

tundraleather.ca

Shae Rose at Home

Waterdown

Crafted from wood with sleek, simple lines, these modern Nordic natural wood trees are perfect for a fireplace or tabletop display. Available in small and large.

shaerose.ca

Nicetys

Oakville

Fine tuned – these glasses have been designed to enhance any drink. To celebrate this time of year, Nicety’s has imported beautiful colours unavailable anywhere else in Canada. And, they’re available at an exclusive price for Look Local readers, just $65! (Only for December while quantities last).

shop.nicetys.com

Chudleigh’s

Milton

Charcuterie Lovers Gift Set. The perfect gift box for the entertainers on your list! This set includes all the accompaniments every host needs to elevate their charcuterie platter this holiday season.

chudleighs.com

Fairhome Interiors

Burlington

This floral Emma Bridgewater Rosehip & Ivy Medium Straight Jug with its rosehip and ivy illustrations is perfect for adding extra charm to your dining table as well as for pouring sauces from. Available online or in person at Fairhome Interiors

fairhome.ca

Flourish & Bask

Oakville

Making the perfect winter warmer couldn’t be easier with this Mulled Drink Kit. Made in Canada with no additives or preservatives, this kit contains the perfect spice blend for mulling wine or apple cider. It also includes enough to garnish six drinks.

flourishandbask.ca

Lana’s Boutique

Oakville

These cute and cosy toques from Mitchie’s will keep you both warm and stylish all winter!

lanasboutique.com

DTWO Clothing

Burlington

You can never have too much *bling* at the Christmas party. Find a wide selection of Jacqueline Kent’s Swarovski necklaces, bracelets and earrings at DTWO in Burlington.

davidwilliamshoes.com

Rustic Daisys

Waterdown

Handmade jewelry at its finest. Elegant and handcrafted in Nova Scotia, these Pewter necklaces make the perfect gift. Many designs to choose from, plus Christmas tree ornaments and picture frames. Prices start at $29.95.

rusticdaisys.wordpress.com

The Keeping Room

Dundas

Make merry in style with these beautiful crystal glasses that are reinforced with Titanium for increased durability to resist chips and scratches – perfect for many-a-cheers!

thekeepingroom.ca

Simply Green Baby

Oakville

These whimsical Pixies are steeped in Danish history and storytelling. They are handcrafted and designed to become collectible with special outfits. No doubt they will become part of your family’s Christmas traditions.

simplygreenbaby.com

Bos & Co.

Burlington

Step into style (and comfort) with the Highland walking shoe from Bos & Co. Comfy like a sneaker with a Gore-tex membrane to keep feet dry in any weather. A removable insole makes this shoe orthotic-friendly. Available in half sizes and wide.

bosandco.com

In Articles

Ode to the Humble Potato: The Perfect Side for Every Holiday Meal

December 2, 2022

It’s hard to find a more versatile vegetable than the potato. It can be fried, scalloped, roasted, mashed, or hashed. Potatoes are gluten-free and pair well with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Not only is the potato versatile, but they’re also affordable, accessible, and delicious any way you dig ’em.

Potatoes have played an important role in the planet’s food security. Historians have traced the history of the potato back to Ancient Peru. It’s believed the potato was first introduced to Europe by the Spanish explorers of the “New World.” Some credit the potato with ending the famine in Northern Europe. Potatoes were first grown by settlers in New Brunswick as early as the mid-1600s and have been a staple in Canadian homes ever since.

Potatoes are Canadians’ favourite side dish, complementing any main meal. Add roasted potatoes to a chicken dish, french fries to a burger, hash browns to eggs, and have you ever been to a barbeque that didn’t have potato salad?

Potatoes are also good for your health and pack a nutritious punch. Cooked potatoes with the skin are a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Potatoes are mainly comprised of carbs but contain almost no fat, so they can keep us full for longer.

Potato Tips
How To Make The Perfect Potato

1) Choose the Right Spud.

Potatoes come in many forms, but some varieties are better suited for some purposes than others.

Russet potatoes have low water content and are high in starch, making this the preferred potato for baking, frying, mashing, and roasting.

Red potatoes have lower starch and higher water content and are ideal for soups, stews, and salads.

Yellow potatoes are all-purpose potatoes with a buttery taste and a rich, creamy texture.

2) Store Your Potatoes in the Right Location

Sunlight will cause your potatoes to release a chemical called solanine, which can be toxic. A cool, dark location, like a root cellar, is the best place to store potatoes. Avoid placing potatoes in the fridge. Fridge temperatures convert the starch to sugar which can change the taste of the potatoes.

3) Add Potatoes to Cold Water First

To get silky smooth mashed potatoes, start potatoes in cold, salted water, then bring the pot to boil. When they’re nearly ready to be mashed, heat your butter and milk in a small saucepan rather than adding them straight from the cold fridge.

4) Salt the Water, Not the Potatoes

Adding salt to water causes the potatoes’ starch to cook more, giving it a rich, creamy texture, while cooking potatoes in unsalted water results in a bland taste. Similarly, placing potatoes on a baking sheet without salt can cause them to get overcooked. The salt helps ensure the potatoes cook evenly.

One little vegetable with so much potential. Three cheers for the potato!

By Lisa Evans

In Articles

Regift, Remake, Resell: Making The Most Of Nana’s Jewellery

December 1, 2022

Special occasions are usually when heirloom jewellery changes hands (or necks or ears) – an engagement or wedding, a milestone birthday, an anniversary, and yes, even the holidays. But what do you do when Grandma’s ring shows up under your tree, and it’s not quite to your taste? Of course, the meaning of it far outweighs the appeal. But the last thing anyone wants is for a beloved ring to sit in a jewellery box collecting dust. Maybe you’ve thought of remaking the piece to suit your style while also keeping a loved one’s memory present. Maybe you’re not all that sentimental and would prefer to sell material objects you no longer use. When it comes to weighing your options, here are a few places to start:

Regifting

The most important part of regifting a piece of jewellery is acquiring an updated appraisal (the person receiving it should know exactly what its worth). If you haven’t had the piece appraised in a while, it is also important to note that the value may have changed over time depending on the material, popularity, and supply/demand. S. Taylor Jewellery Appraisal & Consultation is a local Burlington business specializing in all proper documentation needs for a professional and accurate appraisal by Certified Gemologist Appraiser, Sherrie Taylor. With in-person, private appointments, Taylor has invested in specific tools that allow their clients to see their gems and jewellery up close and personal.

Remake

Sometimes the memory of the piece is just too precious, or maybe the value of the raw material is high, and you want to remake the piece into something that suits your style more. In this case, The Diamond Boutique, Oakville Jewellery, and Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design are all great options. With over 35 years experience, John Akcan relocated his Toronto Dundas Square store to Lakeshore Road in Oakville. His new location Oakville Jewellery features a state-of-the-art workshop equipped with a 3D printer, laser welder, lapping machine and more. This allows them to create virtually any design a customer wants, and provide 3D proofs before creating the pieces on site. In the heart of Stoney Creek, you will find sisters Sandra and Julia Karan at The Diamond Boutique, with over 14 years of experience in the jewellery industry. This family-run shop specializes in custom engagement rings and jewellery designs, and can help you turn your vision into beautiful custom-designed pieces. Also in Hamilton, Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design on Locke Street offers custom design work as well as a stunning collection of Laura’s own designs. Laura grew up in the jewellery business and her father Dino still helps out and consults in the business. And Laura’s husband John brings his creativity combined with CAD expertise to create stunning pieces of art for their clients. This team’s passion is to help clients find their unique expression in the jewellery they wear. Their website is user-friendly, with a selection of beautiful design templates to help customize your piece.

Resell/Recycle

Finally, if your jewellery has surpassed the first two options, you are most likely ready to completely let go of your pieces. Au Jewelry Exchange Lab is located in the heart of Downtown Burlington and offers a one-of-a-kind experience when it comes to reselling your precious metals. From honest and educational evaluations right in the privacy of the lab to in-home Gold Party and Lab on Location events, AU prides itself in making the experience about you. Their transparent approach differs from what we’re used to when we think of selling our gold for cash. One of the other factors that sets them apart is their emphasis on recycling the majority of the products they buy. AU Jewelry Exchange Lab uses local refiners to melt down their metals and recycle them back to be repurposed. So, if your jewellery has reached its final destination, allow it to do something good for the planet…and for your wallet! AU pays out their evaluations on the spot. Complimentary evaluations are available.

By Anneliese Lawton

Local Links

Laura Tedesco Jewellery Design
lauratedesco.com

Oakville Jewellery
oakvillejewellery.ca

AU Jewelry Exchange Lab
theaulife.com

The Diamond Boutique
thediamondboutique.ca

S. Taylor Jewellery Appraisal & Consultation
stjewelleryappraisal.com

In Articles

Expert Pick: Holiday Wines That Sparkle

December 1, 2022

Whether they’re for gifting, toasting, or sacredly sipping, sparkling wines add a special touch to the holiday season. The demand for sparkling wine has grown (thanks to affordable Prosecco), and many are home grown in Ontario. With a vast selection to suit every taste and budget, these expert-recommended bottles will certainly add a little extra “sparkle” to your holiday events.

For a tasty and reliable everyday bubbly, try the Jackson Triggs Sparkling Reserve VQA ($16.95 at LCBO). Fresh in flavour with floral and fruity notes, it’s the perfect bubbly to pull out when friends drop by. To make a light and fun cocktail, mix in some juice.

For ultra-convenience, try the Outset sparkling wine in a 250ml can ($4.95 at the LCBO). This tiny bottle makes a great stocking stuffer or a cute addition to a charcuterie board. Since it’s only a single serving, it’s perfect on those nights when you don’t want to open a whole bottle.

For a traditional bottle, try the Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catherine Brut ($32.95 at the LCBO). This fermented sparkling wine uses classic champagne varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering the same flavour of champagne for a much lower price.

If you are a Chardonnay fan, you’ll love the Cloudsley Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay ($35 from the farm). Cloudsley is a small lot terroir-driven family-owned winery. Order straight from their website, and they’ll deliver a case to your door.

Domaine Queylus makes a beautiful Bordeaux-style blend called Droite ($44.95 from the farm). Aged in French oak barrels, this blend of Cabernet and Merlot is full of flavour. Try it with grilled steaks. Droite is available on the Domaine Queylus website.

Peller Family Vineyards Rose is a safe bet for most pallets and a real crowd-pleaser. It comes in a 1500ml size ($17.95) or a 1-litre tetra pack ($12.95) ( which is super convenient when you have a crowd). This off-dry bubbly is slightly sweet, with hints of rose petals and tropical fruit. Perfect with soda water if you enjoy a refreshing spritzer.

Pop a bottle and celebrate! The holidays are here!

By Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright

In Articles

Discover The Spirit of Ukraine: The Zirkova Vodka Story

November 30, 2022

The spirit of Ukraine is truly present in the vodka business that Katherine Vellinga runs from her home in Oakville. Katherine and her husband, John, are co-founders of Zirkova Vodka, an ultra-premium vodka made in Ukraine that first made its way onto the shelves of LCBO stores across Ontario in 2005. Keeping those shelves stocked hasn’t been easy, and their story is one of persistence and resilience.

It began many years ago when Katherine moved back to Ukraine for a few years. Her parents and grandparents were born there, and although they’d moved to Canada years earlier for a better life, they never forgot their dream of a free Ukraine, having survived Stalin’s genocide.

Vellinga wanted to honour that dream by creating a vodka that was grown in the rich black earth of Ukraine. No one was surprised by her idea, least of all her family.

“I was always the kid who wanted to bring people together, and vodka has always been part of our Ukrainian culture,” said Vellinga, the company’s CEO. Vellinga lucked out when she found a distillery in the Cherkasy region of Ukraine, the birthplace of vodka, that dated back to 1895 and was close to an artesian mineral water source, an essential component for high-quality vodka.

“You can bring grain there, but you can’t move the water,” said Vellinga.

The vodka was made in the old traditional classical method, with the first batch being launched in 2004. It appeared on the LCBO shelves in 2005. Vellinga described it as the “ultimate sipping vodka.” In short order, Zirkova vodka was ranked fourth among top-shelf vodkas, in the over $30 price range, which is the highest quality. They then came up with Zirkova Together, which is made for mixing with cocktails.

When the pandemic hit, like many small businesses, they were forced to pivot. “There were times (during the pandemic) when we couldn’t even go into the stores. The whole industry was impacted. But we managed to hold on and were looking forward to being able to get out and interact with people again,” said Vellinga.

Then in February this year, just as they were rebounding, came the devastating news – Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. “We’d had a couple of trying years with the pandemic, then we were coming out of it when the invasion appeared. It was so heartbreaking,” says Casey Kiekebelt, Chief Marketing Officer.

Vellinga says she cried for the country and for the people she loved so much. But she was also worried about their business. They had trucks full of vodka shipments that were supposed to leave Ukraine on the day of the invasion (which didn’t make it out), and they only had a limited amount of inventory with the LCBO.

Still, there were zero thoughts of giving up. “I thought, we have to keep going for them. We have to find a way.” She was buoyed by the images of bravery coming across the TV screen.

“The world was seeing what I’d loved and appreciated for so long – the spirit of Ukrainians.”

There was much discussion about what to do. They agreed they would bring their Master distiller over from Ukraine and start producing a new brand of vodka in Ontario. “We wanted to make sure we preserved Ukrainian vodka making and continued what we’d discovered,” said Vellinga.

They took all of the things they knew from working in Ukraine and created a third brand called Zirkova Unity, which was on the shelves by July 2022. To show their love and support for Ukraine, 100 percent of profits from sales of Zirkova Unity goes toward humanitarian aid there.

Keikebelt says they’ve learned much over the past four years. “We’re stronger because of what we’ve been through. We all really know what we need to do to move forward,” said Keikebelt.

They recently expanded Zirkova Unity into Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

In Ukraine, production isn’t quite back to 100 percent, but they’re slowly getting there. “We will survive this together,” says Vellinga. “You have these extraordinary people who are still working and keeping the economy going and doing all that they can to contribute to the war effort. They’re all unique and extraordinary and purposeful and resilient.”

By Denise Davy

In Articles

Sweet, Salty and Smooth: Treats For Any Occasion

November 29, 2022

With an abundance of colourful lights and family celebrations, the holidays have officially arrived – all 12 of them. That’s right. Within the month of December, there are over 12 celebrated religious holidays. And while they’re all different in their own unique way, many share a common theme centred around food, family, and of course, gifts. Whether you’re leaving a stocking by the chimney for Santa, a wooden shoe out for Sinterklaas, or celebrating one of the many other holidays, you can never go wrong with adding a sweet treat.

Get Baking!

Baking cookies is a holiday tradition my family started just a few years ago. We gather in the kitchen, make a giant mess, burn cookies, and then hand them out to the neighbours. It’s a treat. Thankfully, Christy’s Gourmet Gifts has fresh, homemade dough, making it easier for my three little chefs to bake from scratch. We love the sugar cookie and gingerbread mix – and since it comes already as a dough, we simply create holiday shapes with our cookie cutters and bake!
And if that’s even too much, The Sweetest Thing in Oakville creates holiday cookie decorating kits. Each kit contains six cookies, two piping bags of icing, and two sprinkle pods.

Something to Sip On

Whether you’re at home or out on the town, hot chocolate – with a festive twist – seems to be the drink of choice this time of year. Lola Choco Bar and Sweethouse in Downtown Burlington is famous for its drinking chocolate. Made with coconut and 100% dark Ecuadorian chocolate, this smooth, warm chocolate drink is a local favourite. Back at home, hot chocolate bombs are all the rage. Filled with cocoa mix, marshmallows, sprinkles, and other edible baubles, they are a truly over-the-top way to level up your cocoa game. Once plopped inside a mug full of warm milk, the bombs open up, revealing the goodies inside and creating a decadent cup of hot cocoa once stirred together. Grab a box of seasonal flavours at Sweet! Bakery Oakville in Bronte.

Tiny +Thoughtful Gifts

For stockings, wooden shoes, or Hanukah gifts, smaller treats such as candies or chocolates can be a perfect fit. The Organic House in Oakville, owned by a mother-daughter duo, handcrafts organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, fair-trade, and kosher chocolate bars. These bars meet nearly every dietary restriction, and since they’re also kosher, they’re the perfect gift for Jewish friends, family, or hosts. A Chocolate Lab, also in Oakville, has a large selection of chocolates and handcrafted treats (specifically involving Oreos) perfect for the holidays. They have chocolate-covered Oreo Christmas trees, chocolate-dipped Oreo mints, along with chocolate-covered Oreos that look like ornaments. These items make great stocking stuffers for
any age.

Let Them Have Cake

The Yule Log, Chocolate Swiss Roll, and Fruit Cake all peak during the holiday season, but other cultures bring a little something extra to the dessert table. Sweet potato pie and coconut pie are traditional desserts at this time of year for our friends celebrating Kwanzaa. That Pie Place in Burlington has a large selection of both fresh and frozen savoury and fruit pies. They can also accommodate customizations. And if you’re not completely set on cake, why not try a beautifully decorated gingerbread house from Molly Cake? Available in small, medium, and large, these gingerbread houses make a beautiful hostess gift or dinner party centrepiece. The large house even comes with plug-in lights that shine through several delicious poured sugar window panes.

However you’re celebrating this time of year, we hope you create some sweet memories.

By Anneliese Lawton

Local Links

The Sweetest Thing, Oakville
thesweetestthing.com

Molly Cake, Burlington
mollycake.ca

Sweet Bakery, Oakville
sweetbakery.ca

Christys Gourmet Gifts, Burlington
christysgourmetgifts.com

Lola Choco Bar, Burlington
lolachocobar.com

That Pie Place, Burlington
thatpieplace.com

The Organic House, Oakville
theorganichouse.ca

A Chocolate Lab, Oakville
achocolatelab.com

In Articles

Burlington Downtown Warmly Launches Bright Nights 2022

November 22, 2022

The Burlington Downtown Business Association (BDBA) invites you to head downtown and enjoy a truly magical winter experience we call Bright Nights.

This much anticipated winter showcase of lights and displays is something that is not so much seen, but experienced. The Elgin Promenade comes alive with the warm glow of festive lights and animations for all to enjoy. From illuminated archways to gorgeously lit trees, from brightly decorated walls to canopies of lights, winter has never felt so electric.

This free month-long animation is courtesy of our Presenting Sponsor Lisa-Marie Winning of Winning & Associates IG Private Wealth Management.

“We are thrilled to be back as the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event,” says Lisa-Marie Winning, Winning & Associates, IG Private Wealth Management. “We hope Bright Nights gives our community a place to come and visit during the holidays. A place to snap some pictures with your family, to create some magical moments and a beautiful setting to enjoy while supporting our local shops and restaurants along the way.”

Visitors to the displays are encouraged to craft their own Bright Nights evening. Pair your Bright Nights walk with a festive meal at your favourite restaurant. Conclude your Bright Nights stroll with a warm holiday favourite at your go-to coffee shop. Match the festive mood with a night of shopping at local businesses. The experience is yours to create and we so warmly welcome you to do so.

Bright Nights runs Thursday December 1st through January 2023. For additional information on the event, please visit burlingtondowntown.ca/brightnights/

In Articles

Which Pieces Of Furniture Should I Invest In?

November 8, 2022

Furnishing your home can be a thrill or a challenge, depending on how much you enjoy interior design — and in some cases, it’s a bit of both. Choosing large items, accent pieces, art, and textiles that complement each other can be intimidating, and getting everything on your list comes at a price. You want decor that reflects your style and adds function to your home, but you don’t want to break the bank — so where do you start?

A home is a home

While some people feel like they should wait until they’re in their “forever home” to invest in beautiful, high-quality pieces, there is no better time than the present. “Your home is an extension of your personality and should reflect a life of thoughtful purpose,” says Anderson’s Interiors in Burlington.

Whether you’re renting or hoping to relocate, Robinson notes divisibility is key. “You want furniture that is easy to move and fits in different-sized homes.” So, avoid a massive sectional but say yes to that solid wood dining table that extends with a leaf.

Focus on building a collection of timeless, quality pieces that you love — rugs, art, chairs, or a smaller sofa — these can be incorporated into different spaces over time. Joshua Creek Furniture and Swiss Interiors, both in Oakville, have large showrooms featuring everything from furniture to décor pieces, and they even offer custom-made furniture (which can be perfect for furnishing awkward spaces).

If purchasing something new isn’t an option, Fairhome Interiors in Burlington also carries a large selection of beautiful fabrics and has an upholstery room on-site. Upcycle an older sofa with high-quality new fabric to rejuvenate a space.

What should I invest in?

Everyone’s lifestyle is different. Katie Campbell of Katie Campbell Interiors & Design can direct you where to start. Katie says, “The best approach to creating a home that tells your story and reflects your values is through a collaborative process.” As a certified and storied interior decorator, Katie offers a full range of services required to design and implement your unique vision while removing the stress that can arise with inexperience, including design consultation, space planning, and custom designs.

Emma Robinson of ER Designs Inc recommends investing in a great sofa, a high-quality dining table, and the often-neglected bedroom. “Adding a beautiful headboard and bedframe will give your bedroom a focal point and help achieve that “finished” look,” says Robinson. Anderson’s Interiors, Joshua Creek Furniture and Swiss Interiors are all great places to start. They carry beautiful selections of Canadian-made upholstered and solid wood bedroom sets (including dressers, nightstands, and chests if you’re looking for a finished look). Home Sweet Linens, a family-owned shop in Oakville, carries luxuriously soft bedding and throw pillows to tie it all together.

Where can I save money?

“It’s easy to get away with inexpensive items,” Robinson shares. “What makes a home unique is when you incorporate some of those inexpensive items with more expensive ones.” She suggests investing in anything that’s a focal point, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an amazing painting, but those filler pieces throughout a home can be more affordable. “There are a lot of great looking, quality items that are duplicates of expensive pieces,” she says. A great rule of thumb is to invest money in pieces you only need one of (a table, your bed, a large piece of art for over the couch) and spend less on things you buy in larger quantities (tabletop decor, accent pieces, etc.).

We love Pure Boutique, Campbell & Co., Centro Garden, Lakeside Livin’ Home Décor, and Homebody for timeless (and seasonal) décor pieces (think beautiful candles, vases, table accents, and more). Each shop has its own vibe and personality, just like your home!

And when you get that high-low balance just right? Perfection!

By Erin Pepler