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Look Local’s Fall Fitness Guide 2022

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Fitness. An intimidating seven letter word associated with running, weights, gyms, and equipment. But the truth is, fitness is far more than a run on an elliptical – it’s actually a pretty broad term that can mean something different to everyone. Overall, when it comes to being “fit”, the goal is to focus on your overall health and wellbeing – and the best way to do that, is by having fun! For some people, fitness is a lifestyle but for others, it could be joining a weekly yoga class to centre your body and mind, or using physical activity to recover from a major surgery or illness. Working your body as a system (and having fun while doing it) is a great way to not only work towards living a healthier and fuller life, but it supports a healthy mindset too. 

There are a number of unique, inclusive, and expert-led fitness studios in our area, featuring everything from Jazzercise to Egyptian Dance.  Here are are just a few of them.

BellyUp

Belly Up Belly Dance Studio

BellyUp BellyDance Studio  is a one-of-a-kind dance studio designed to embody the Egyptian vibe and ambiance from the moment you walk in. For over 16 years, their fun and vibrant instructors have taught thousands of women how to move their bodies in a way that makes them feel empowered, more confident, and more alive. Not only is it fun and challenging, but Egyptian dance is an art form — and BellyUp is passionate about sharing its rich cultural legacy with their students, too.  If you’re interested in finding a new hobby, a new way of getting in shape, or for self-transformation and artistry, BellyUp offers classes for absolute beginners to advanced level.

What You Can Expect with Egyptian Dance

BellyUp has specialized in the art of Egyptian dance (also known as Raqs Sharki) for nearly two decades! Their courses, which typically run for eight weeks, incorporate technique, fun combinations of moves and steps, and cultural context of the dance. Even beginners feel like they’re dancing right from their very first class. Since Egyptian dance is an art form, technique is very important. BellyUp focuses on giving students proper technical instruction to build a strong foundation of dance skills — and from there, the sky’s the limit! The more you practice, the stronger your foundation will become, and the easier it is to advance in the dance form. It’s never too late to learn a new dance style! Whether you’re an absolute beginner or have some previous experience, BellyUp has a class to suit every level. At BellyUp, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming dance community, amazing women to dance with from all walks of life, and a place to belong and call home! 

bellyup.ca
info@bellyup.ca 
2061 Pine Street, Lower Level, Burlington

The Corner Stone Pilates

The Cornerstone Pilates

Uniquely designed for cancer survivors and those who have undergone surgery, The Cornerstone Pilates is a ‘cornerstone’ in our community. Their clinical, personalized programs are tailored to individuals and their specific needs. The Cornerstone Pilates staff’s compassion, combined with their personalized approach will help support you in your journey as you work towards becoming “you” once again. 

Top Pick For Cancer Survivors: Pilates

The Cornerstone Pilates’ clinical program is designed to assess where the client is at by creating an individualized program. The objective is to help you find range of motion in your body post surgery and/or treatment. The program targets the diaphragm to restore breathing mechanics, the inner unit to support the low back and torso, the shoulders and scapula to regain movement caused by restrictions from scar tissue caused by the surgery or trauma due to the body protecting itself. The purpose of the program is to deliver measurable goals by improving range of motion through movement, thus enriching one’s quality of life. A top-pick studio for cancer survivors, Cornerstone supports and restores the body as a full system. 

905.631.8352
thecornerstonepilates.com 
5-4170 Fairview Street, Burlington

Free2Be Wellness – Zumba

Free2Be Wellness

After 20 years of corporate burnout and a fleeting pandemic, Buket Necip, realized how much she truly missed her family, and, even more importantly, herself. With a degree in Health Sciences and a passion for fitness and coaching, Buket founded Free2Be Wellness, an exclusive health studio that offers a personalized wellness journey. A unique take on wellness, Free2Be has transformed and elevated the outdated “gym” experience, creating instead a fully-equipped training studio that also offers float therapy, mindfulness and meditation practices, nutritional counselling, and an atmosphere of support and acceptance.

Our Pick For Zumba

Free2Be’s Zumba® program is a beloved staple at the studio, featuring a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout to a global community. Zumba® Fitness is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment, and culture into an exhilarating dance-party workout. Coined “fitness parties,” Zumba classes blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, which provide effective, total-body workouts. Zumba instructors, Sebrina and Lou, will have you smiling, and laughing, all while burning calories. In this judgment-free and inclusive studio, you’re safe to be yourself as you discover and strengthen your body, your mind, and your soul. Ask how you can try a free class!

905.689.3888
free2bewellness.com
312 Dundas Street East, Waterdown

SPINCO Oakville

SPINCO Oakville

Our spin classes are 50 minutes long, combining cardio, upbeat music, and fun for an intense full body workout! Our mantra is “One Team, One Bike” which signifies the importance of community and working together to achieve our goals. Our team and riders are considered family and you get a sense of that as soon as you walk through our doors. The studio is a place where everyone is welcome no matter what your fitness level is.

New Rider Tips

First class is on us using promo code: SPINCOLOCAL. Just make an account at SPINCO.ca and put a one class card in your cart, then enter the promo code at checkout.

Spin shoes and towels are included with each class, just come in your workout gear and bring a water bottle and we will take care of the rest!

For your first class we ask that you come to the studio 15 minutes early aswe will take you through bike setup to ensure you are ready to ride!

905.330.7085
SPINCO.ca
229 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville

SPINCO Oakville

Jazzercise Oakville

Jazzercise is the original dance party work out. Founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise has been the innovator in fitness for 53 years. 8,500 franchisees offer Jazzercise classes in 25 countries around the world. If you are looking for a fun way to get fit, Jazzercise was created for you. Blending dance cardio with Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and strength training, one 55-minute session can burn up to 800 calories. The results? Long, lean muscles and an undeniable mood boost.

Top Picks For Jazzercise

Get a fun and effective total-body workout that works for all ages and fitness levels. Certified Jazzercise instructors guide you through cardio and strength routines that leave you glowing from the inside out.

A variety of formats will keep your workout fresh, fun, and challenging too. All the routines in our Dance Mixx, Interval/Fusion, and Strength classes are carefully choreographed, and reviewed by an exercise physiologist. A safe and effective workout is our priority.

DANCE MIXX: This top 40 dance workout mixes modern moves with strength training. Dance Mixx targets the 3 major muscle groups for a full-body workout.

INTERVAL/FUSION: Equal parts circuitbased bursts of cardio and strength training, this workout carves your body into the shape you strive for.

STRENGTH 45/60: Sculpt lean muscle through weight and resistance training for a tight, toned physique in 45 or 60 minutes.

Jazzercise Oakville

Find our full schedule 
JAZZERCISEOAKVILLE.CA
oakvilleonjazzercise@gmail.com
There are two Jazzercise locations in Oakville

LOCO DANCE COMPANY
9-407 Iroquois Shore Rd, Oakville

GLEN ABBEY UNITED CHURCH (in the gym)
1469 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville
We offer classes every day of the week, both mornings and evenings.

Sadhana Yoga

Sadhana Yoga

Located inside the Burlington Fitness and Racquet Club, students refer to this studio as a “hidden gem.” From the welcoming reception area to the studio with warm cork floors and infrared heating, you will quickly settle into Sadhana’s cozy space. Upon arrival, you’ll be encouraged to take a few moments to meditate and rest before practice. Sadhana’s experienced instructors will then guide you through the practice, with a focus on proper, safe alignment and breath. Class ends with a cool eucalyptus cloth, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed!

Top For All Levels of Practise in Yoga

Whether you’re a beginner or an avid Yogi, Sadhana is a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for all to learn and develop the fundamentals of yoga practice. Offering a variety of classes from Restorative to Yin Style Stretch to Hatha Fusion and Yogalates (a Yoga and Pilates fusion), Sadhana has something for everyone – and can even accommodate those recovering from illness or injury. Classes are daily, including evenings and weekends! Plus, Sadhana is a Yoga Alliance Accredited Yoga Teacher Training School and offers a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training each year to those looking to deepen their practice and expand their knowledge of yoga or become yoga instructors! Join a group, or one-on-one session, or even bring Sadhana into your workplace or community.

905.336.4232
sadhana-yoga.ca
1233 Dillon Road, Burlington

Sadhana Yoga

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Perfecting Paella

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As a relentless foodie, my recent trip to Spain took me in search of the perfect paella. One often sees romantic images of groups of happy people swilling wine and serving themselves helpings of delicious rice and seafood from a large round pan in the middle of the table. I wanted to find out if these images had any truth. It all looked so fun and moreish.

So I headed off to Valencia, on the glorious southeast coast of Spain, the traditional home of paella. Upon arriving, I couldn’t tell if I was more excited to try the paella, which I could see on almost every restaurant patio, or the rich, heavy red wine the guests were drinking. 

My deep dive into Spanish paella culture taught me that there are many different types of paella. Valencian paella could contain any combination of green vegetables, duck, chicken, rabbit, or even snails. Paella de marisco is the more common one I was familiar with, consisting of rice cooked with stock and saffron, and garlic, with mounds of seafood poking out of the top.

Barra Fion Seafood Paella – Recipe Online Here

Paella mixta contains seafood as well as meat. The meat could be chicken, rabbit, or chorizo sausage for extra spiciness. 

After my all-too-brief time of eating, drinking, and shopping my way through Valencia and its surroundings, it was time to head back to Ontario. But the minute my feet touched home soil, my mouth was watering for another steaming dish of aromatic, spicy paella.

I did some research and found a few local places that do justice to the dish. 

If you prefer to eat at home (while someone else does all the work), go to Monastery Bakery in Oakville, and they do a seafood paella to take home and impress your friends.

For a restaurant paella experience, I headed to Burlington and stumbled across Barra Fion Tapas and Barrel. As well as many delicious Spanish tapas dishes like patatas bravas, they also serve three different types of paella (making it hard to choose just one). The traditional version had chorizo, seafood, and poblano pepper. The seafood lover’s paella had mussels, jumbo shrimp, and other seafood, and for vegetarians, they had a forest mushroom paella with artichokes. After mulling over the menu, I decided to stick with the traditional paella — and as expected, it didn’t disappoint. 

Peruvian paella is similar to Spanish and often has the added ingredient of the spicy aji amarillo, the Peruvian yellow chili pepper. El Inka Peruvian Cuisine in Burlington serves an excellent Peruvian paella or arroz con mariscos as it is known.

Lastly, my quest took me to Bronte in Oakville, where I discovered Casa Mia Latin Restaurant. They also featured an excellent Peruvian paella. There was fragrant rice cooked with saffron and smothered in seafood, which was exotic and delicious.

One doesn’t need to head all the way to Spain to experience the wonders of a paella, although I can promise you that, for all its cultural beauty, Valencia is certainly worth the trip. 

by Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright

Local Links

Casa Mia Latin Restaurant, Oakville
casa-mia-café.com 

Barra Fion Tapas, Burlington
barrafion.ca

Monastery Bakery, Oakville
monasterybakery.com

El Inka Peruvian Cuisine, Burlington
elinka.ca

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Cove Bar & Restaurant’s Clam Chowder

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INGREDIENTS

.

  • 8oz Bacon 
  • ¾ cup butter 
  • 1 cup diced celery 
  • 1 cup diced onion 
  • ¾ cup flour 
  • 12 cups clam nectar 
  • 1 ½ cup peeled & diced white potato 
  • 3 tins baby clams 
  • 1 cup 35% cream

METHOD

In a pot, cook bacon on medium heat until cooked through.  Add butter, celery & onion and cook on medium heat until vegetables are translucent. 

Add flour and cook to a blonde roux.  Add clam nectar in small amounts whisking constantly to break up any clumps. 

Once all clam juice is incorporated, add baby clams with their nectar and the potatoes.   

Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.  Stir occasionally and simmer until potatoes are tender and the chowder has thickened. 

Remove from heat and add cream.  Season well with salt and white pepper.

COVE BAR & RESTAURANT

49 Bronte Road, Oakville
coverestaurant.ca

 

 

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Cove Bar & Restaurant's Clam Chowder

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Fun On The Farm: Fall Activities For The Family

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The hot sunny days of summer may be over, but the crisp cool air and vibrant fall colours make the perfect combination for family fun at the farm. Whether you’re picking your own pumpkin or apples, getting lost in a corn maze, petting a goat, or taking a hay ride, Halton region’s farms have tons of fun activities in store for the whole family. 

Andrew’s Farm Market & Winery


Andrew’s Farm Market & Winery


9365 10 Side Road, Milton  |  andrewsscenicacres.com


This pick-your-own farm is a great place to get your apples and pumpkins this fall, but aside from the produce, it’s an excellent destination for family fun. From peaceful walking trails to wagon rides, playgrounds, farm animals, straw mountain climbs, and miniature straw mazes, the kids may never want to leave. Don’t forget to pick up a yummy pie for dessert at the Farm Store. 


The Apple Orchard 


1668 Highway 6, Hamilton  |  theappleorchard.ca


With over 10,000 apple and pear trees, The Apple Orchard is a great place to explore the beautiful agriculture of Southern Ontario. This farm offers way more than pick your own fruit. There are wagon rides, farm animals, a corn maze, retired tractors for kids to sit on, walking trails, a corn pit, and who can resist a candy apple and sweet apple cider?

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm


Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm


9528 Regional Road 25, Milton  |  chudleighs.com


A full day of fall fun awaits at Chudleigh’s. Enjoy a scenic tractor ride, visit the farm yard’s pigs, goats, sheep, alpaca, and other animals, and enjoy the vast slides and hay bale jumps in the play area. Or, for some quiet family time, enjoy the scenic nature trail. Plus, there is an incredible outdoor kitchen featuring barnboard pizza’s, hard cider, and so much more. This farm requires pre-booking. You can reserve a 3-hour timeslot on the farm’s website. 

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm


Bronte Creek Provincial Park Playbarn


1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville  |  brontecreek.org


Located in Bronte Creek Provincial Park, this 150-year-old barn has been transformed into a play loft for kids to climb, jump and burn off some energy. The play barn is located across from the Nature Centre, which features interactive exhibits, live reptiles, hands-on displays, and even costumes. Gnome Road is also located nearby, where you’ll find little wooden fairy houses along a stroller-friendly path. Bronte Creek is home to many animals, including chickens, sheep, goats, cows, and horses. Staff often hold informative workshops where kids can learn how to milk a cow or groom a horse. Check with the park for details. 


Hanes Corn Maze


1001 Highway 5 West, Dundas  |  thehanescornmaze.com


You can easily spend an entire day in this place! Take a trek through Canada’s largest corn maze – over 20 acres of cornfields shaped into a new challenging maze each year. Collect clues at various checkpoints to solve the puzzle as you make your way through the maze. Younger kids will love running through the maze to find the checkpoints, and older ones will enjoy decoding the clues at the end to win a prize. Visit the farm animals on your way to the farmland play area full of swings, slides, a sandbox full of diggers, and even pedal carts. Bring your lunch and camp out at a picnic table while the kids play.  Don’t forget to visit their delicious bakery on your way out.


Springridge Farm 


7256 Bell School Line, Milton  |  springridgefarm.com

Springridge Farm is packed full of fun farm adventures for younger kids. A newly renovated giant sandbox filled with diggers and buckets will surely be a hit with the little ones. Red Muskoka chairs surround the sandbox for adults to lounge in while the kids play. The farm yard includes tube slides, a spider web climber, farm animals, antique tractors, pedal tractors, farm hoppers, a singing chicken show, and a wagon ride. During Harvest Weekends (Sept 17th – Oct 30th), explore the 5-Acre Corn Trail (special admission prices apply). Springridge also serves delicious baked goodies and has a marketplace with country-chic home decor and gifts. 

By Lisa Evans

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Taste of Burlington: Fall Edition

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Enjoy Burlington’s delicious food scene with prix-fixe dining options during the Taste of Burlington Fall Edition. Dine-in, Heated Patio, and Take-out options are available. 

The Taste of Burlington Fall Program, presented by PV&V Insurance, will begin on October 11th and run to October 31st, 2022. With 34 participating eateries & restaurants, you can guarantee you’ll be well-fed from a wide variety of menu options. Lunch and dinner choices, dine-in and new this program, culinary experiences. 

Kelly Harris, Manager of Marketing & Special Projects at Tourism Burlington says, “We are thrilled to introduce the addition of culinary programs to our Prix-Fixe program. We’ve got cooking classes from Burlington Culinary Experiences, quaint dinner parties at Home by Topowe Boutique Events & Catering and Dinner & Show packages with various performances at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre”. 

The Taste of Burlington program is once again using a free mobile passport that patrons can sign up for on the Taste of Burlington website. There’s no app to download; it is a web-based program; just sign up and go. When you use the passport to check-in at the participating restaurants, you are entered to win weekly gift card giveaways as well as the grand prize draw of a $500 gift card to the Taste restaurant of your choice. 

Taste of Burlington started with just 12 restaurants in 2008 and is now in its’ 14th year. It has steadily grown since it started and the prix-fixe program runs in February/March and October each year. Burlington has quickly become known as a dining destination in the GTA with restaurants continuing to open and call Burlington home. 

Burlington has something to offer every taste bud from casual – fine dining and intimate bistros to pubs, fast food, and specialty shops. The Taste of Burlington program encourages diners to try something new at one of their many dining establishments. 

See a full list of participating businesses in the fall program, by visiting https://tasteofburlington.ca/prix-fixe-program/ 

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The BDBA Proudly Launches Falling for Burlington Downtown

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The BDBA is proud to launch their new fall event, Falling for Burlington Downtown. The changing of the seasons is truly a magical thing to see, and the BDBA is inviting you to enjoy it all! Residents and visitors alike are welcomed into Burlington Downtown for a homespun, captivating, and interactive fall experience. 

“There is so much about the fall season to celebrate and have fun with, and we’re incredibly excited to be able to share those experiences with our community” says Alison Policicchio, Marketing Manager for the BDBA, adding “Whether it’s indulging in fall drinks and treats, shopping for all things warm and cozy or enjoying games with family and friends, there is something for everyone at Falling for Burlington Downtown.” 

Guests of this free community event will be able to indulge in delicious BBQ at the Elgin Promenade West. Live music accompanies the cool breeze and crunching of leaves underfoot. Planning on bringing littles ones as well? Burlington Downtown has you covered with game stations, face painting, kids pedal-car course and pumpkin crafting. 

Take part in the interactive “What I’m Grateful For” animation. Snap a few picture memories in a life-sized photo frame. Sip and recharge with warm and cozy hot chocolate and mini doughnuts. Take a moment to learn about the importance of the season through story telling with WhiteEagle. There truly is something for everyone across the Promenade from Village Square to Brant Street. 

 The Presenting Sponsor for this flagship event is Creature Comforts Hvac Inc. Owners Dale & Grant Gray have been proudly keeping Burlington comfortable since 2010. 

“We’re honoured to be able to work with this community, partnering with some amazing local downtown businesses for this event. As brothers growing up in Burlington, it brings back all sorts of childhood memories for us.” says Dale Gray. “From playing in the leaves and picking pumpkins, to enjoying all the fall food and drinks. It really reminds us of how nice it is to be able to share those moments with family and friends. There’s going to be lots of fun stuff like face painting and pumpkin decorating, live music, games, pedal cars for kids, happy hour for adults and really good food. We look forward to joining you and your family as we welcome fall to the Downtown!” 

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Juliet Chisholm: The Great-Granddaughter to Oakville’s Founder and Her Legacy

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Museums carry more than just memories of the past, they can also provide a biography of someone’s talent, intellect, and ambition and the story of a life well-lived. 

Artist, dancer, military officer, physician, and United Nations worker, Grace Juliet Chisholm is such an example.  Born in Oakville on July 17th, 1902, Juliet was great-granddaughter to Oakville’s founder, William Chisholm. Her father, John Alexander Chisholm Jr., was an inventor and businessman, and her mother, Emelda Beeler Chisholm, became an influential social leader and philanthropist. 

Widowed when Juliet was only an infant, Emelda purchased Oakville’s Erchless Estate to keep the property in the family and serve as a summer home for herself, Juliet, and Juliet’s older sister, Hazel.  

Talented and ambitious, Juliet studied at The Brearley School in New York City as a teenager, and was taught by influential artist, Kenneth Hayes Miller. However, this was just an early brush with high society and fame. In 1924, while enrolled at the prestigious Barnard College in Manhattan, she exhibited her work with artists Robert Henri, George Bellows, and Henri Matisse!

After graduating from Barnard College, Juliet travelled to Paris, where she studied at the École des Beaux-Arts. While in Paris, she mingled in the artistic atmosphere of contemporaries like Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and Simone de Beauvoir. In 1926, Juliet married playwright Robert Turney. In keeping with Emelda’s usual approach, the wedding spared no expense, with a ceremony at the American Cathedral followed by a reception at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. 

After several years together in France, Robert and Juliet separated amicably. Juliet, unconventional as ever, began a new path. She returned to the United States to take science courses in California. She eventually re-entered Barnard College to study Zoology before being admitted to McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine, graduating with a medical degree in 1940.  After completing her residency in pediatrics at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto in 1943, she enrolled in the Royal Canadian Medical Corps as a Captain and served for the remainder of the war years as a medical officer in Toronto, Ottawa, and Washington, D.C. 

Juliet recognized the need for civilian care in occupied areas during the war. She wrote to her second cousin, Brigadier General Dr. George Brock Chisholm, to suggest creating a special task force to help with this cause, and volunteered for such a posting. General Chisholm, who would later co-found the World Health Organization, knew that such an effort was being considered. Following the war, Juliet’s ambition was realized when she became the Acting Regional Medical Officer, United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) in Hunan, China, a province ravaged by post-war famine and disease. Ever the artist, while Juliet worked to alleviate suffering, she also captured the plight of the people through arresting black and white photography. 

Juliet returned to live at Erchless Estate in 1947, established a successful pediatric practice out of the Coach House, and was one of two women doctors in town at that time. Still an artist at heart, she continued to produce art and photography and followed other interests, including starting an experimental farm. 

When Juliet died in 1964, she left instructions that curators from the Royal Ontario Museum could review her possessions and make selections for the museum. Today, a fine lyra guitar that once graced Juliet’s home is on display in the ROM’s European Galleries. 

Juliet’s home and life are interwoven throughout what is now the Oakville Museum. The documents, pictures, and objects she left paint a striking portrait of her ambition, the force of her personality, and her keen sense of style, and they tell a powerful story of a women who made her way in the world on her own terms.

By Julian Kingston 

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Shop Local: Fall Fashions

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Pure Boutique

Elevate your boot collection with these platform boots, a perfect addition to any ‘return to office’ wardrobe
Burlington
pureboutique.ca

My Girlfriend’s Closet

This beautiful Louis Vuitton bag is the perfect accessory for autumn. My Girlfriend’s Closet carries luxury handbags without the luxury price tag. 
Oakville
mygirlfriendsclosetoakville.com

Bos & Co.

Fresh fashion from Portugal! Upgrade your fall wardrobe and make a statement with these chunky, colour sole boots. With an easy elastic fit and inside zipper, they’re not just trendy but comfortable, too!
Burlington
bosandco.com

Homebody

This dress from Velvet is crafted from luxe silk cotton voile, which has a hint of sheer and a bold floral statement print. An easy silhouette with elastic at the waist, cuffs and neckline so you can wear on-of-off the shoulder. Pair with some boots and you’re good to go!
Oakville
thehomebodystudio.ca

Jus B’ Gauze

Bamboo is incredibly soft, perfect for sensitive skin, antibacterial, moisture wicking, and is both warming and cooling. Jus B’Gauze carries a wide variety of Bamboo products year-round (Leggings, Tank Tops and Bandeau).
Burlington
jusbgauze.com

Lana’s Boutique

Sparkle and dazzle (and stay warm) in this beautiful bomber-style jacket.
Oakville
lanasbronte.com

DTWO Clothing

Cozy enough for a snuggle, classy enough for  a day at the office.
This soft Frank Lyman  top wraps you in a comfortable –  and chic – cocoon of coziness.
Burlington
davidwilliamshoes.com

 

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Crisp And Crafty Cider

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It wasn’t all that long ago that craft beer took Ontario by storm. In 2015, after much grumbling by craft brewers and beer drinkers alike, the provincial government introduced new measures aimed at making it easier for small local brewers to deliver their products to Ontario’s growing population of beer geeks. Since then, Ontario has seen a boom in both the quantity and quality of craft beer. It seems like nearly every region has a renowned brewery, and post-secondary schools have been expanding access to brewing programs.

However, it might be time for craft beer to take a back seat – said no one ever – but, hard cider is also trending in popularity.  With fall just around the corner and local farmers’ fields lined with apple trees weighed down with fruit, there is no better time of the year to round-up local cideries. 


West Avenue Cider House


84 Concession Road 8 East, Freelton  |  Westavenue.ca 


West Avenue Cider is where authenticity and tradition meet big city lights. This small-batch cidery has been awarded Best Cider in Ontario for several years running. Heritage apples are rare in Canada, so West Avenue planted thousands of trees in their orchard to ensure their heritage ciders remain authentic. Using only the best ingredients, coupled with a slow fermentation process, West Avenue releases new ciders every month that are seasonally inspired by their Cider Maker.  Try Legend of the Fall, a Spanish-style sour cider, or Autumn, fermented with wild yeast, unfiltered and unpasteurized. 


Carlisle Cider Co. 


1453 Milburough Town Line, Carlisle  |  Carlisleciderco.com

 
A family farm with decades of history, Carlisle Cider Co. has come to be known as one of Ontario’s most renowned apple farms and packers. While the third generation has expanded its offering, they have never lost sight of quality, integrity, and community. Carlisle is a small and simple town, and Carlisle Cider Co believes their hard cider should be that way too. They pay homage to their farming roots, dating back to the late 1800s, and keep their line of products narrow (so as to never spread the love too thin). Each cider was inspired by a special place in their little town. Discover all three: Tally Ho Valley (flavour of crisp green apple and fresh grapefruit zest), Chapel on the Twelve (flavour of apple and white apricot blossoms), and Progreston Falls (flavour of ripe bosc pear and vanilla). 


Spirit Tree Estate Cidery


1137 Boston Mills Road, Caledon  |  Spirittreecider.com

 
A cidery, a bakery, and a farm shop – there isn’t much Spirit Tree Estate doesn’t offer when it comes to apples. This small, community-focused cidery is located on an environmentally-friendly property in Caledon. After years of running a successful farm market and pick-your-own operation, owners Thomas Wilson and Nicole Judge wanted to create a legacy for their family – a modern cidery that honoured old-world traditions. Today, they create craft ciders made on-site with Ontario apples, pears, and seasonal flavours. Try their Pumpkin Spice Cider, made from pumpkins roasted in their wood-fired oven, or their Apple Cranberry Cider Spritzer for a refreshingly sweet-tart flavour. 

You can find many local ciders in the LCBO – but they don’t carry everything. Be sure to visit your local cidery to explore all they have to offer (including yummy grub, great views, and wonderful conversation).  

By Anneliese Lawton

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Safe and Sound: Modern Home Security

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Your home should be your sanctuary — a place you feel relaxed, comfortable, and above all else, safe. This is even more true if you have kids, pets, or an aging family member who lives with you. Let’s keep your sweet home as safe and secure as possible — you’ll be glad you took the time to protect your loved ones and your biggest asset. If you’re interested in adding security features to your abode, here are a few key areas to address. 


Light it up


Start by ensuring you have great exterior lighting. Motion-activated lights are an excellent option, but anything that lights up your yard is effective. Consider wall-mounted lights at your front door and on either side of your garage, ground-level lighting along any walking paths, and motion-activated lights at your back and/or side entry. If you have a large yard, you may also want to add floodlights with a motion sensor, and if you travel often, consider exterior lights with a timer setting to help give the illusion that someone is home in the evening. Groves Electric in Hamilton has a wide selection of outdoor light fixtures and installation services, and your local hardware store will have DIY options. 


Lock it up


Your home should have a modern, high-quality lock system at each access point, including the garage. Additionally, be sure to have functioning locks on all main-floor windows. If you keep valuable items in a shed or other outbuilding, install proper lock systems on those doors as well. You may also want to have a lock on your back gate!

Your front door is essential to your home’s security, so talk to an expert about keyed and coded lock systems. Each option has pros and cons — ease of use, reliability, safety, and durability, for example — and a home security professional can advise on which is best for your home and family. Consider reaching out to Oaktown Lock and Hardware on Speers Road in Oakville — they’ve been serving Halton residents since 1964.


Stay tuned in


Consider a doorbell camera or other digital security solution if you travel frequently or spend extended periods away from your home — even to the cottage at weekends. The Ring system is a popular and affordable option. You can also get large-scale video surveillance systems that allow you to view live footage of your home’s interior and exterior via an app on your phone. Not only will this give you peace of mind if you’re worried about home intruders or porch pirates, but it can also alert you to other issues, such as flooding. A double win!

Digital21 in Burlington has a wide variety of tech solutions, including surveillance cameras, innovative home features, and gate access/control. A1 Security Systems in Burlington offers home alarm systems and innovative home features, and Sounds Good in Oakville has a similar offering. 


Get Smart


From a simple alarm system to a fully integrated security system, there are a number of ways to incorporate additional safety measures into your home (or cottage). PMWYRE in Burlington offers design, installation, and maintenance of full-service alarm systems for every need and budget. All systems (camera, video, doorbell, alarm, lights, shades) can be managed through a single app. And even better, you can access the feed from anywhere in the world. 

And there’s even more!  PMWYRE also offer leak and flood detection and CCTV.  This means your systems can detect leaks (such as a hot water tank, sump pump, or split dishwasher hose) and will send a notification right to your smartphone. In some cases, you can even close the water valve from the app on your smartphone to prevent further damage. With CCTV, you can constantly be in the know about what’s happening at home. PMWYRE helps by strategically placing cameras around your home, and then provides you with access to the stream from virtually anywhere in the world. Some systems also come with built-in mics so you can hear the audio in addition to viewing colour images.

How’s that for safety?  

By Erin Pepler

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