Eco-friendly” products aren’t only beneficial for the environment; they have other benefits, too! Shop thoughtfully formulated products from local boutiques that carry ethical fashion, socially responsible goods, sustainable products, give-back brands, fair trade clothing, and more.
Ten and Co.
The Ten and Co. Swedish Sponge Cloth is the ultimate eco-friendly kitchen accessory. Depending on your use, your sponge cloth can last anywhere from 6-12 months and replace up to 40+ rolls of paper towel.
This Canadian-made lemongrass-scented all-purpose cleaner does the dirty work for you with nothing but clean ingredients. Safe for your family, eco-friendly, and available in refillable bottles.
Soothe your baby’s delicate skin with this naturally blended lotion made with skin-soothing organic lavender essential oil as well as calendula and chamomile. Gently massage your baby’s skin for hydration and relaxation.
Express your own unique beauty with these vegan and cruelty-free LipColour Pencils. The Elate LipColour Pencil is made with low environmental emissions and COSMO CERT ingredients for a positive impact on the planet – with YOU in mind. Available in a range of colours.
Soothe and protect your baby’s tiny bum. The healing power of Calendula makes this Butt Balm a must-have in the diaper bag, and it’s cloth diaper friendly!
Ground yourself in nature with Style Care (seen here in vibrant Orchid Rose). Their S Café technology combines an energy-saving process to transform used coffee grounds and recycled plastic bottles into yarn. The sole is a natural “cork” born off a tree and is retrieved every nine years without the tree even being cut down.
Kitty-corner to the bustling hub of McMaster University and Children’s Hospital, you’ll find 600 acres of preserved paradise. Birdwatchers flock to the boardwalk that meanders through the marshland, but back in the early 19th Century, hunters frequented the spot for its hearty waterfowl population. Captain Thomas Coote, a British naval officer, was one of those hunters. He spent many days pursuing the land for fowl in the 1780s. Rich in history and named in Captain Coote’s honour, “Cootes Paradise” is a crucial wildlife habitat and the only remaining wetland in western Lake Ontario. But there were other uses for this popular spot. Because of its sheltered location, accessibility, and tendency to freeze at a suitable depth, it was an ideal spot to harvest ice. Before the development of refrigeration, ice harvesting was an important activity for many communities across Ontario. It provided a much-needed income source and helped sustain local economies. The practice continued until well into the 20th century when artificial cold storage methods became more widespread.
Natural ice was used domestically to preserve food, and was also an essential element of commerce throughout the 19th and early 20th Centuries, with many industries relying on it for refrigeration. Breweries utilized extensive quantities to cool their wort before the advent of artificial means. Railway shipping used such a considerable volume that the Canadian National Railway maintained its own ice operation on Lake Simcoe, with steamboats packed full of natural ice to keep goods fresh while enroute.
The harvesting process involved cutting large chunks of ice, called “cakes,” up to twenty inches thick, with longhandled saws and loading them onto sleds pulled by horses or oxen. The harvested blocks were then transported off the lake, packed in straw and sawdust, and stored in icehouses until sold off in the summer months. The practice was an arduous job that required a great deal of skill, effort, and perseverance. Drowning and hypothermia were a dangerous and very real possibility, as workers and animals risked falling through the ice.
For many years, ice harvesting from Cootes Paradise and the adjoining Burlington Bay, known now as Hamilton Harbour, was a significant source of employment for the local community and provided ice to many cities around Lake Ontario. At its peak in the early twentieth century, over 600 workers were employed in the trade, cutting ice daily while the conditions were favourable. Over 60,000 tons of ice were cut in a typical winter season.
Many ice harvesters were farmers, and there are strong parallels in the language and equipment used in the process. Ice blocks were referred to as “the winter crop” and cut with a specialized “ice plough”using the same draft animals used to work the land. An example of overlap between farming and ice harvesting was the Raspberry family, whose 1864 farmhouse still stands on the north side of the marsh. The Raspberrys had a dairy farm and operated an ice-cutting business in the winter. In her journal, then-teenage Elva Raspberry tells us how in the winter of 1912, one of her brothers bought his own ice cutter to help with the family business.
Today, Cootes Paradise is a protected area – and while ice harvesting in the marsh is a thing of the past, this picturesque and naturalized gem is a popular spot for leisure activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Cootes Paradise is owned and managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), which plays an integral role in conserving and protecting these precious wetlands for generations to come. The Raspberry Farm is now the RGB Arboretum.
Ice harvesting is still occasionally practiced in Canada, serving as an important touchpoint with history and our continued dependence on the natural world. As we work towards a more sustainable future, it helps to remember our roots and the traditions that sustained us in the past.
I‘ve been working as a writer for just over five years now, but in my previous life – before kids – I carried a fast-paced nine-to-five job in environmental management and sustainability. My career kicked off with the Town of Oakville as a sustainability educator in their Environmental Policy Department. It was a meaningful and fulfilling job, where I collaborated with internal departments, local school boards, conservation authorities, and Halton Region to develop community-based environmental programs. My deep love for our natural environment inspired that career. And while my path in life has changed, my appreciation for the seas and the sky has not.
Environmentalism dates back to the late 19th Century, but the 1960s saw a second wave in environmentalism, marking a different area for conservation. Land and water pollution became a growing concern, not just for naturalist groups but the Canadian population as a whole.
Ten & Co., Oakville
At the turn of the 21st Century and in the early 2000s, Canada experienced a third and fourth wave of environmentalism. Youth began to take an interest in the future of our planet, and large corporations received pressure from both consumers and government to improve sustainability. Greenwashing became a prominent marketing tactic to create a false impression of a company’s “green” practices. While greenwashing is still a thing, today many companies have stepped up to meet or exceed government requirements, earning themselves accreditations (which really helps us as consumers).
This idea of “sustainable” or “eco-friendly” products extends beyond our environment. Intending to live a full, healthy, and long life, consumers have pushed for non-toxic products containing either organic or natural ingredients, especially in items we put on our bodies or use on our most precious population – children and babies. There has even been increased demand for all-natural pet products. The goal: to limit exposure to less-than-ideal ingredients in our environment and our bodies.
A Greener Place, Waterdown
The Kind Matter Company, Oakville
But how can you read between the lines on a label? Refillery Market’s Koby Hicks says to start with the ingredients. Victoria Garofalo, founder of A Greener Place in Waterdown, agrees, saying, “Hard-to-pronounce ingredients aren’t necessarily a bad thing (plant names can be long and confusing!), but there are some common words you should look for. Parabens, parfum, aluminum, and mineral oils aren’t something you want to put on your skin.”
Where’s the best place to find these types of natural products? Look for businesses that not only sell clean products but root themselves in ethical business practices. A Greener Place, EcoFillosophy, Refillery Market, The Kind Matter Company, and Ten & Co. – locally-owned businesses based in Waterdown, Oakville, and Burlington – strive to do just that.
With a “refillery” business model, these zero-to-low waste boutiques carry consciously selected products for home, body, and beyond. Customers can refill glass mason jars (provided with a deposit) with their favourite soap, shampoo, cleaning products, or laundry detergent. Even toothpaste and deodorant can be refilled.
Refillery Market, Burlington
Each boutique meticulously reviews the lifecycle of every product or brand they source, considering ingredients, ethical manufacturing, packaging, and end-user consumption. Oneka, available at Refillery Market, The Kind Matter Company, and A Greener Place, is a popular Quebec-based bulk supplier. They farm their own botanicals for personal care products like shampoo and conditioner. Garofalo notes, “For babies, children, or highly-sensitive individuals, look for products that are unscented or minimally scented with natural oils.” Despite being naturally derived, essential oils can cause skin and breathing irritation to those with sensitivities. Sleepy Owl Baby, an all-natural, small-batch baby care line by Natacha Rey is produced right in Oakville. Rey also created popular cleaning brand, Lemon Aide, and an extensive line of bath, body, and beauty products available through her company, Maison Apothecare. Oh, and those beautiful Swedish Sponge Cloths that everyone loves so much? They’re designed by Ten & Co’s founder, Christen Irwin.
These small-batch products and safer ingredients usually come with a higher price tag – but that’s actually a benefit. High-quality ingredients and ethical business practices (such as not testing on animals and limiting waste) require more time and resources. Plus, Hicks adds, “The cost savings come with refilling.” An example would be that a bottle of Oneka shampoo costs $15 before tax. Refillery Market on the other hand, charges $11 pre-tax when you fill your own bottle. “That’s a $4 saving every time you refill,” notes Hicks. Of course, in the end, the biggest benefit is how a product makes you feel – from the experience at the local refillery to the soft touch of the product on your skin to the impact you leave behind on the seas and the sky. Feeling good can come naturally.
Romance, it’s the language of love. Though if you ask Dr. Gary Chapman, there are five “official” love languages: quality time, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Through years of counselling couples, Dr. Chapman analyzed the unique needs and communication styles within a relationship. Taking what he learned, he turned his observations into a best-selling book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts.
While many of us can relate to the five love languages above, understanding and acting on your partner’s love language can lead to a deeper connection. So, this Valentine’s Day, why not try a gift to resonate with your partner in a new way? Gift their love language.
Quality Time If quality time is your partner’s love language, then the gift they really want is you! Book an evening at the Pearle Hotel and Spa to connect, unwind, and relax with views of Lake Ontario. Enjoy in-room dining, in-room soaker tubs, and luxurious amenities. Plus, their full-service spa on-site offers a 90-minutes couples’ massage. Another great way to spend quality time together is right at home! Order in from one of your favourite restaurants or make your own heart-shaped pizza with House Sauce and Pizza Dough from Son of a Peach Pizzeria. Once dinner is made, hop into your jammies (Bocana on Pearl has adorable Valentine’s jammies), throw on your favourite movie, or get competitive in a game of Scrabble.
Words of Affirmation If words of affirmation aren’t your love language, coming up with verbal ways to connect with your partner may feel a bit daunting. But fear not, there’s at least one card on the planet to thoughtfully get your feelings across. People who seek verbal affirmations are looking for words of encouragement and compliments through cards, conversations, phone calls, or texts. In other words, say “I love you” in any number of ways. Burlington’s Waves in the Village has witty and hilarious cards for everyone. While Cards N’ Such in Oakville is a great spot for something a bit more classic and romantic. To step it up a notch, write a love letter (or two) in a beautiful journal from The Handmade House in Burlington.
Receiving Gifts This is where you can go fairly traditional with classic, elegant, and timeless gifts. Jewellery and flowers may be an obvious choice, but adding a personal touch can really elevate a gift. Design custom jewellery or incorporate a family heirloom into a beautiful keepsake at Diamond Boutique in Hamilton or Avalon Jewellery in Oakville. With Brant Florist, you can create a floral arrangement featuring your loved one’s favourite colours and flowers, or select a pre-arranged bouquet. Shops like Pure Boutique, Bluboho, and Homebody have unique, modern gifts from jewellery to home décor perfect for any style and stage of life.
Acts of Service Acts of service is the love language for people who believe actions speak louder than words. Things like a fresh cup of coffee (grab some fresh beans from Vereda Central and make a pot at home), prepping dinner (The Platter Company and Familia Fine Foods have incredible homecooked frozen meals), or tidying the house (Mint-Maids of Waterdown & Burlington offer plant-based eco-friendly cleans) will make your loved one feel seen and appreciated.
Physical Touch Some people just love a good ole fashioned hug – and there’s nothing better than snuggling in something cozy. New from Joseph Tassoni is the JT Spa Collection, available for both men and women, so you can cocoon yourself in the softest dream robe. Or, turn the heat up with a little something from Goodnight Goodmorning in Oakville. Their silk robes are beautiful and sophisticated, available in a number of fun colours and patterns.
While speaking another love language may take some practice, with these gift ideas, there’s no doubt your partner will love what you’re trying to say.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
