10 Mouthwatering Treats You Need to Try in Toronto This Summer
Summer wouldn’t be summer without huge scoops of delicious ice cream and sweet treats to keep you cool and smiling on a sunny day. Whether you’re a donut fiend or a fruit monster, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the best sweet treats to try in Toronto this summer:
-
Machino Donuts –
823 Bloor Street West
Machino Donuts offers fresh daily 100% vegan donuts. Made from scratch, they have a variety of flavours to choose from including their Caramel Passion Fruit Glaze with passion-fruit cream filling, Sourcream Orange, and decadent Ferrero Rocher. They also have fritters, coffee, and donut ice-cream sandwiches. Yum!
-
Mango-Like Desserts –
280 Augusta Avenue
Nestled in the super cool neighbourhood of Kensington Market, Mango-Like Desserts offers a variety of elegant desserts with mango at the forefront. Try their signature dish – a delicate crepe pocket filled with sweet cream and golden-ripe mangoes – or their chilled Asian-inspired dessert with sago pearls, mango purée, warm mango mochi, and fresh mangoes. Light and delicious!
-
Grandmama’s Waffles –
363 Clinton Street
Grandmama’s Waffles serves a range of colourful, delicious waffles, both savoury and sweet. Their savoury waffles made of non-alcoholic beer batter and their sweet waffles made of coconut milk and rice flour make for a scrumptious and buttery treat. Flavours include Sweet Chili Chicken, PB & Bacon, Black Sesame, and Hot Chocolate.
-
Bakerbots Baking –
205 Delaware Avenue
Bakerbots is a hip bakery located in the heart of Bloorcourt Village. With a wide variety of cookies and sweets, Bakerbots is serving up some of the coolest treats in Toronto. Inventive flavours are the focal point of this minimalist bakery with some of the best ice cream sandwiches you could find. Try their Beer n’ Brown Bread or Banana Pudding ice cream on a soft, delicious puff pastry.
-
Summer’s Ice Cream –
101 Yorkville Avenue
Since 1984, Summer’s Ice Cream has been proudly serving the best-tasting, highest-quality homemade ice cream, without compromise. A family-business that spans three generations, and local landmark in Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville near our 1 Yorkville condominium, this ice cream joint is sure to impress. Whether you like watermelon sorbet, cherry frozen yogurt, or mouth-watering chocolate ice cream, Summer’s Ice Cream has it all. They even have a Toronto specialty flavour called Toronto Pothole made of almonds, marshmallows, peanuts, chocolate chunks, road tar and gravel! Try it today in a sugar cone!
-
Craque de Crème –
1360 Bathurst Street
Craque de Crème is a snug dessert shop located near Casa Loma in Wychwood Park, whipping up iconic French crème brulée in gourmet flavours like tiramisu, pandan coconut, and lychee vodka. Pots of crème are hand-bruléed in front of your eyes for a perfectly-caramelized crunchy and smoky top. They also offer sweet macarons and other homemade pastries.
-
Milkcow –
2651 Yonge Street
Milkcow is a Korean dessert chain close to our E Condos residence at Yonge and Eglinton, specializing in organic soft serve ice cream with a playful twist. Not only is their soft-serve creamy and delicious and free of artificial ingredients, it comes in a sundae form with playful Instagrammable toppings, like cotton candy clouds and golden gooey honeycomb. They also serve pancakes, milkshakes, and coffee. Yum!
-
On Third Thought –
6 Markham Street
On Third Thought is a wine bar and gelato shop that serves pints and scoops, and more interestingly, alcohol-infused gelato! That’s right, you read that correctly – boozy gelato has made its way to Toronto’s trendy Queen West neighbourhood. Try Strawberry Mojito or Piña Colada with real rum for a cool, refreshing and memorable treat. Their gelatos are made with fresh fruit, and are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and without nuts or soy. They also make a delectable affogato, the perfect blend of gelato and strong, mouth-watering espresso.
-
Goûter –
300 Eglinton Avenue West
Goûter is an authentic French family-run patisserie, boulangerie, and chocolaterie. In store you will find gorgeous hand-decorated chocolates, flaky viennoiseries, and decadent éclairs, to name a few. Founded by Rodney Alléguède, a chef who has worked in Michelin-star restaurants Fouquet’s and La Maison Lenôtre, the flavours of Goûter will transport you to a Parisian café overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Magnifique!
-
Fuwa Fuwa –
2471 Yonge Street
Traditionally served at Japanese weddings for good fortune, Fuwa Fuwa’s light and airy pancakes are sure to bring a smile to your face. Fuwa means “fluffy,” and these pancakes are just that – a perfect blend of soufflé and pancakes topped with mouth-watering toppings. These Midtown pancakes are not too sweet but they come in a variety of flavour combinations including tiramisu, bittersweet matcha ice cream, and red bean.
We wish you all a wonderful summer and hope you enjoy these delicious treats!
Did your favourite place make the list? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!
4 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day Virtually
Father’s Day is coming up in just a week and a half, but because the pandemic isn’t over, chances are we’re in for another socially-distant holiday. While restrictions are easing up, a small outdoor gathering may be possible if you’re vaccinated, but if you’re separated by distance, a virtual celebration may be the way to go.
Here are our top COVID-friendly ways to celebrate and honour all the dads and dad-like figures in our lives:
Take a Virtual Tour Together
While we might occasionally be able to have a socially-distanced outing every now and then, we’re mostly house-bound, relying on Netflix and food delivery for entertainment. Thanks to virtual tours, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to visit some of the world’s most historical landmarks, famous museums and popular attractions with your dad this Father’s Day. Explore ancient artifacts at the British Museum in London, visit with your dad’s favourite animal at the Toronto Zoo, or board the NASA tram at the Houston Space Center for an out-of-world experience.
Have a Zoom Party
Nothing beats giving dad a big hug on Father’s Day, but having a Zoom party is a great alternative. There are many creative ways to spend quality time together. You could surprise him with sweet messages where each member of the family explains what they love about him most; send him a gift ahead of time and have him open it on video; or make a slideshow of your most-cherished times together. Want to take it to the next level? Order your dad his favourite bottle of wine and get one for yourself. Together over video conference, you can host your very own wine tasting, while cooking your favourite meal together. Alternatively, you can order your dad a gourmet meal from one of these fantastic local Toronto restaurants.
Host a Fun Games Night
Game night doesn’t need to end just because we’re apart. Some of the best games to play over video conferencing are Charades, Trivial Pursuit or Most-Likely To. For the latter, you can print photos of each family member and glue them to a stick, and hold up the relevant face to answer questions like: “Who’s most likely to eat a bug?” Smithsonian Magazine has also curated a list of some of the most popular games, which you can now play online with your dad – titles include Monopoly, Clue and Life.
Watch a Movie Together
For those who want a more relaxed evening, watching a movie with dad is a great option. Schedule a time on Zoom, Skype or whatever app you prefer, pick a movie and you can all press play at the same time, or share your screen with your dad. Alternatively, Teleparty is a new free way to stream movies together. Teleparty synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO. Some favourite Father’s Day titles include Interstellar, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Pursuit of Happyness and Lion King. Make some snacks, sit back and get ready to laugh, cry and feel truly thankful for your dad.
Have Fun!
How are you planning to celebrate Father’s Day this year? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!
5 Ways to Make Your Backyard Your Favourite Part of the House
With summer just around the corner and the pandemic still in full swing, now’s a great time to spruce up your yard and build your very own oasis.
Here are 5 ways to improve your backyard and make staying at home more enjoyable than ever:
Design a Space to Hang Out with Friends and Family
Designing an outdoor space can be daunting, but the best backyards have designated areas that are created with specific experiences and ambiances in mind. Start your design by creating a nice and relaxing seating area. A deck or patio is a wonderful way to unwind and relax while enjoying all that summer has to offer.
Create an Outdoor Living Space
Whether you enjoy BBQs or gardening, sunbathing or playing with the kids, there’s no shortage of ways to design your outdoor space. Once you’ve laid the groundwork for your patio, it’s time to furnish it. Consider a nice dining table to host dinners under the stars, a sofa or chairs where you and your family can hang out and relax, or a gazebo or umbrella to protect you from the sun.
Get Creative with Delightful Decorating
Now that your space is coming together, thoughtful touches can really elevate your yard. You might want to include some mood lighting, whether it be a romantic string of lights over your seating area, glowing tiki torches to keep the bugs away, or modern pot lights in the grass. Plant beautiful and fragrant flowers, lay down a stone path, or design a beautiful entranceway. Backyard water features such as a little fountain can make your oasis enchanting and peaceful.
Splurge on Fun Outdoor Appliances
With temperatures rising, thoughts automatically turn to BBQs and entertaining on the patio. When purchasing appliances, you want to make sure that you buy things that are weatherproof so that you can stay out and enjoy the party. Consider a BBQ, grill, or pizza oven to cook fabulous meals, and a cooler to keep your drinks cold. Install some Bluetooth speakers to listen to music while you spend time in your beautiful backyard. If you enjoy roasting marshmallows with the family, install a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace and bring the magic of camping to your very own backyard.
Enjoy the Summer and Have Fun!
Now that you’ve set up your beautiful oasis, it’s time to have fun! Fun comes in many shapes and forms. If you have kids, you could build forts or tree houses, or invest in a tent and camp under the stars. Build a swimming pool and splash around in the sun, or set up a badminton net and get your game on! Grow a fruit and vegetable garden. The options are endless.
Are you planning on upgrading your backyard this summer? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!
7 Fun Activities to Do in Toronto This Spring That You Didn’t Know About
Torontonians, it’s time to get creative! With many of our regular spring activities shuttered due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – from backyard BBQs with neighbours and friends to patio cocktails, concerts, art shows and Blue Jays games – this is the season to think outside the box. Toronto has so much to do and discover, even amidst our current circumstances. And the weather is beautiful – so get outside and enjoy!
Here are 7 fun activities to do in Toronto this season that you probably didn’t know about:
#1: Take a Self-Guided Historical Building Walking Tour
Toronto is full of history, and that includes plenty of beautiful historical buildings. A walking tour of Toronto’s historical buildings is a great way to spend an afternoon, getting to know the City of Toronto on a deeper level while enjoying the incredible architecture and fresh air.
Check out this self-guided walking tour. Just download the app and you’ll be guided through Toronto’s architectural and historical hot spots, including Gooderham, Daniel Brook Building, Massey Hall, and more.
#2: Discover the Toronto Waterfront Like Never Before
We all know and love the Toronto waterfront, but have you explored all of the different Lake Ontario views that the lakefront has to offer? Take a tour of the waterfront with this self-guided waterfront walking tour. As with the self-guided historical building walking tour, just download the app and you’ll be guided along your route, from the Harbourfront Centre all the way to Billy Bishop, exploring all the lakeshore sights along the way.
#3: Get to Know Toronto’s Street Art
Have you ever really paused to stop and admire all the street art that Toronto has to offer? Catching a glimpse of a colourful mural can brighten one’s day, and in Toronto, art is all around us. Check out this guide to Toronto’s coolest murals and street art.
#4: Be Enchanted by the Guild Park and Gardens
A visit to the Guild Park and Gardens is like a visit back in time. This hidden gem is located in Scarborough, and it’s a historic sculptural sanctuary that’s sure to amaze and delight. With an incredible collection of rustic stone pieces of art and architecture from Toronto’s past, a greenhouse and beautiful gardens full of colourful flowers, Guild Park is an absolutely magical place to escape for an afternoon.
#5: Take a Visit to Evergreen Brickworks’ Iconic Farmers’ Market
Spring time means fresh strawberries, cherries, rhubarb, beets, carrots, and much more from Ontario’s farmers. This is a great time of year to visit your local farmers’ market, and the Evergreen Brickworks’ farmers’ market is a particularly great choice. With a bountiful selection of artisan goods and in-season delicacies set amidst a natural oasis, this is a fresh way to start any spring weekend.
#6: Check Out the Spring Countdown at the Bentway
How cool is this? To symbolize the changing of the seasons, a 7,000 pound block of ice has been set up at The Bentway, encasing a Muskoka chair. As the weather warms up, the ice will melt, gradually revealing one of the classic symbols of Canadian summers. This is a fun and natural spring countdown, and it’s worth a visit for its sheer uniqueness.
#7: Go for a Paddle on the Humber River
Did you know you can rent a canoe or kayak, and take a paddle along the Humber River? Head to Etienne Brule Park, as it’s a great point to start your paddle. You’ll forget you’re even in the city as you make your way down the river, connecting with nature and enjoying the breeze and the gorgeous views.
Make sure to follow all city regulations in accordance with the latest lockdown, including sticking to exploring areas in your neighbourhood until the stay-at-home order has passed.
Which activity are you looking forward to the most this spring? Connect with BAZIS on social media (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) and let us know!
Celebrating Chinese New Year and Welcoming the Year of the Ox
Chinese New Year starts this Friday, February 12 – the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This holiday is all about luck, health, and reuniting with family. It’s a major celebration in several Asian countries and also here in Canada and the Greater Toronto Area.
Chinese New Year usually brings together family and friends to partake in festivities and traditions that occur over a 15-day period. The celebrations begin with a family feast called a reunion dinner full of traditional Lunar New Year foods, and typically end with the Lantern Festival.
This year, the festivities will be a little different – and the celebrations a bit quieter – as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter our lives and gatherings. However, the same traditions, customs, and delicious food will prevail in 2021. Here are some fun ways to celebrate Chinese New Year this year in Toronto.
Celebrate the Spirit of Family Gatherings
Lunar New Year is all about reuniting with family and catching up with your loved ones, be they relatives or friends. This can be a challenge if you don’t live with your family or have to travel to see them, but you can celebrate the spirit of gathering with your family no matter how far away you are.
If you live on your own or away from your family, make sure to stay connected. Sending cards or letters can be a fun way to send your love from afar, and will delight the recipient. Make a date to connect virtually by setting up a video conference call, or surprise a loved one with a phone call.
Embrace Lunar New Year Traditions
While there won’t be any parades happening this year, many other traditions can carry on.
But first, gather your broom and cleaning supplies! Before the arrival of the new year, make sure to clean your home thoroughly to sweep away ill fortune and welcome good luck. Clear out last year’s clutter and splurge on some new clothes – beautiful red clothes, of course. Brighten up with some colour! The Lunar New Year is all about celebrating fortune, health, and happiness.
Enjoy the tradition of exchanging gifts with your loved ones, and giving children money in red envelopes. If you live with your family, you’ll be able to enjoy the New Year’s Eve tradition of gathering with your family to celebrate and enjoy sumptuous traditional feasts.
There are also several superstitions related to Lunar New Year which are said to bring good fortune into the next year and to protect against bad fortune. Whether it’s not arguing, paying back your debts, not cutting your hair on New Year, or wearing red, embrace all of your favourite rituals, traditions, and superstitions this year.
Enjoy Delicious Feasts
It wouldn’t be Chinese New Year without the amazing food. Even if you’re unable to gather with your family or to visit your favourite restaurants this year, you can still cook your own feast or enjoy some of the many amazing take-out options in Toronto.
From fish, chicken and dumplings to sweet rice balls, braised shiitake mushrooms, tangerines and oranges, spring rolls and more, you’ll want to enjoy the many delicious options associated with Chinese New Year.
Some great options for Toronto restaurants offering Lunar New Year menus include George Restaurant, Momofuku, Lai Wah Heen, DaiLo, Hong Shing Chinese Restaurant, R&D, Lee Restaurant, Eatertainment, Sunny’s Chinese, and Perfect Chinese Restaurant.
We wish all of our Chinese friends, clients and partners a happy Chinese New Year! How are you celebrating this year? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
How to Create the Perfect Ambiance for Holiday Zoom Calls
The holiday season is looking a little different for many this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With physical distancing still required to slow the spread of the virus, many gatherings with friends, family members, and coworkers are going from in-person functions to online affairs.
Your virtual video calls can still be fun and festive, though! Here are some tips on how to create a cozy, joyful, and merry ambiance from your home that’s perfectly suited to all of your holiday Zoom calls, video conferencing dates, and virtual rendez-vous.
Set the Mood by Unplugging All Other Devices
You want to be present and able to fully connect with others during your holiday Zoom call, so take the time to create a peaceful environment by putting your phone on silent, turning off the TV, pausing email notifications, and doing any other things you need to do to create quiet surroundings. You may also want to attend to the needs of your pets, children, or any other dependents before your call to ensure that everyone is taken care of and calm. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the call without interruptions. Forget about your to-do list and enjoy!
Get in the Holiday Spirit with Celebratory Garb
You’re not meeting in person, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up! Putting on your best holiday outfit (or ugly Christmas sweater), festive jewellery, and makeup that makes you feel amazing will help get you in a party mood – even if the party is happening from your own living room. Silly Santa hat, anyone?
If you’re looking at ways to make your home more hygge, check out our recommendations here.
Set the Scene with Festive Décor, Food and Drink
If you have jolly surroundings in your home, you’re much more likely to be in a joyful, holiday-focused mood during your Zoom or video conferencing call. Set up your computer or phone so that the background behind you shows off your Christmas tree, twinkling lights, holiday wreath or other festive décor. You can also set the mood with holiday food and drinks, like a glass of wine or spiked eggnog and a tasty cheese place or slice of fruit cake.
Opt for a Merry Zoom Background
Festive décor in your home not feeling so festive? Another great option is to select a holiday-themed Zoom background to use on your video conference call. Whether for desktop background or mobile wallpaper, there are countless fun, festive options available for download online – from a reindeer-patterned backdrop to a snowy Christmas tree, festive lights, holiday decorations or even a classic Christmas morning living room setup complete with stockings hanging by the fireplace and gifts under the tree. A quick search on Google will uncover hundreds of appealing options.
Involve Your Entire Family, Including the Kids
Kids sometimes struggle to focus on video calls and to participate in adult conversations, but engaging your entire family – including kids and even pets – is a great way to help them feel involved and included in the family celebrations. Let them show off their favourite holiday gifts or decorations, and encourage them to listen to the stories and pleasantries being shared by their family members and family friends. If there are kids on the other end of the video call, all the better!
We wish everyone a happy holiday season, whether you’re celebrating with your loved ones in person or via video conference. How are you connecting with your friends and family this month? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
Luxurious Gifts for the One Who Has Everything
Looking to find the perfect gift ideas and stocking stuffers for everyone on your holiday shopping list this year? We’ve rounded up a selection of unique gifts and luxurious stocking stuffers to delight even the most discerning gift recipients. Read on for a thoughtfully curated list of sophisticated gifts, just in time for the holiday season.
If you’re looking for other unique gift ideas to support a local Toronto business, check out our suggestions here!
Go for Unexpected Luxury
When in doubt, lavish your loved one with a luxurious gift that they wouldn’t be likely to buy for themselves. It’s always exciting to receive something decadent, whether it’s a statement ring, a watch or an exquisite perfume. Another great option is to simply opt for a luxurious version of an everyday essential – like a leather notebook, lush cashmere scarf, elegant bottle opener, special candle, stylish wallet, high-quality headphones or top shelf liquor.
Gift Your Loved One Unexpected Relaxation
Amidst the hectic holiday season, many will be craving some R&R come January. Get a head start with a gift that’s all about kicking back and resting up. A pure silk sleep mask, plush bathrobe, essential oils aromatherapy kit, jade roller or gua sha tool will all set the mood for a home spa-like experience. Other calming, soothing gifts that will be sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face include a beautifully potted house plant or succulent, a subscription to Calm or another meditation app, a body and scalp massager, an adult colouring book (which are beloved for their stress-relieving effects) or a luxurious and cozy wool blanket.
Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
We’re not saying you have to DIY a gift (although if that’s your thing, go for it!), but both artwork and handcrafted items make for unique and special gifts. Paintings, framed photographs, a print from one of their favourite artists, a handmade cutting board, a ceramic mug or a customized, handcrafted tree ornament will all be sure to please. Gourmet treats, sauces, spices and oils are also an excellent option for the epicures in your life.
Go Holistic with a Wellness-Related Gift
Health is on everyone’s mind this year, and we could all use a little help keeping up with our health and wellness goals. Consider gifting your loved one something that will contribute to their well-being, whether physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. Health-related gifts could include an online subscription to a fitness or yoga class, a Spotify subscription, books, a puzzle, a luxurious skincare set, an essential oil diffuser, a weighted blanket, a journal, gourmet herbal tea or a high-quality glass water bottle.
Give the Gift of an Incredible Experience
For the person who truly has it all, you can’t go wrong with giving the gift of an amazing, unforgettable experience. While travel, live performances such as plays and concerts, and even visits to museums and art galleries are off the table for many this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are still plenty of experiences available for gifting. Consider a meal kit subscription for busy parents and professionals, tickets to a virtual concert or performance for lovers of the arts and culture, a cocktail subscription box for those who love to learn new recipes or an all-access subscription to MasterClass for people who would love to learn from the best of the best – like Gordon Ramsay, Serena Williams, Malcolm Gladwell and more.
Which gifts are on your holiday shopping list this season? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
Unique Holiday Gift Ideas That Support Local Businesses
There’s never been a better time to get an early start on holiday gift shopping. With restrictions on the number of people who can visit a store or shop at the same time and potential shipping delays due to the ongoing influx of items ordered online, 2020 is a smart year to plan ahead when it comes to finding thoughtful gifts for friends and family this holiday season.
Stumped for ideas? We’ve rounded up a selection of places to shop (both virtually and in-person) for unique, creative, stylish and elegant gift options for everyone on your list. Best of all, all of these choices are locally-owned, so you can support small, independent Toronto businesses while you do your holiday shopping.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Toronto’s One of a Kind Holiday Show has gone digital, and you can shop its selection of unique gifts from exhibitors’ virtual booths. The show features over 700 makers selling Canadian-made products, from accessories and apparel to art, ceramics, home goods, personal care products and more. As its name suggests, this is a great place to find truly one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to delight!
Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market
The Trinity Bellwoods Flea Market is an exciting monthly market hosted at The Great Hall on Queen Street West. Its Christmas Is Coming market takes place this coming Sunday (November 22nd) and features shopping, drinks, local food and music. With 100+ curated vendors (including artisans, makers, vendors and small businesses of Toronto) selling local, handmade gifts, it’s the perfect place to find something for everyone on your list – from home décor, artwork, pottery, Christmas tree ornaments and candles to jewellery, skincare products, gourmet hot sauces, pastries, coffee and more. COVID-19 safety precautions are in effect.
Bloor West Flea Market
The Bloor West Flea Market is another opportunity to shop in person for unique gifts from Toronto-based vendors. This intimate market is taking place on Sunday, November 29th at Clinton’s Tavern, in the heart of Bloor West between the iconic Annex and Christie Pitts neighbourhoods, in Toronto’s beloved Korea Town. Check out the market to find beautiful handmade gifts from fashion, art, food and vintage craft sellers.
The Handmade Market
The online Handmade Market features over 220 Canadian makers, artisans and fine artists, so you can find beautiful and distinctive gifts from the comfort of your own home while supporting local small businesses. From baby and kids products to special treats for pets to food, green living, collectibles and more, this market has an incredible selection of products that will put you in the holiday mood in no time.
The Drake General Store
This iconic Toronto staple, once the gift shop for the Drake Hotel, now has several locations that are part flea market stand, part museum shop, part classic general store and part traditional hotel gift shop all rolled up into one. The Drake General Store has a great selection of fun gifts and Canadiana, and there’s something for everyone – even for those difficult-to-shop-for people. Shop online or visit one of their locations in person.
Holiday Fair in the Square
Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto is a favourite place to gather during the holiday season, as the rink sparkles with lights and a large holiday tree is on display. This year will be a little different, and the Holiday Fair in the Square has gone virtual. Shop online for all kinds of Canadian-made goods, from artwork and winter wear to gourmet foods, unique cocktail ingredients, fancy teas, home goods and more.
The Eco Lifestyle Market
This holiday market takes place on Sunday, December 13th at Toronto’s Great Hall and makes giving greener gifts this holiday season fun and easy. With a curated selection of Toronto’s finest local, handcrafted, sustainable, eco-friendly and wellness goods vendors, the Eco Lifestyle Market offers a day of delicious local eats, local vendors and holiday cheer.
Skip the mall this holiday season and get that one-of-a-kind gift right here in your own backyard.
Have you started your holiday shopping this year? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!
COVID-Friendly Ways to Celebrate Halloween This Year
Spooky, scary Halloween. We love Halloween – with the costumes, the décor, the jack-o-lanterns, and the sweet treats – but it’s going to feel a little different this year. We’re still in the midst of a pandemic, so trick-or-treating and Halloween parties will be off the table for many this year. That doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate, though!
Here are our top COVID-friendly ways to celebrate the spooky season this year:
1) Deck Out Your Home in Spooktacular Style
Nothing says October like Halloween decorations! Decorating your home – both inside and out – is a great way to embrace this fun holiday, pandemic or not. String up some lights and cobwebs, stuff some old clothes to make a headless scarecrow, or put up some creepy tombstones if you live in a residential neighborhood in Toronto with a front yard. If you live in a condo, you can decorate your windows with bats cut out of black construction paper or put a Halloween-themed wreath on your front door. Not into goblins and ghouls but still want to pay homage to the season? Try decorating with different colored pumpkins, gourds, and candles.
2) Carve a Creepy (or Cute) Jack-o-Lantern
No Halloween decorations would be complete without a jack-o-lantern – or three! Visit your local pumpkin patch to select the perfect pumpkin and then get creative with your carvings. Want to make it even more fun? Have a family contest – everyone gets to decorate or carve their own pumpkin – and then have friends or neighbors vote on their favorites. You can even carve a whole family of jack-o-lanterns. Don’t forget to save and roast the pumpkin seeds with a bit of oil and salt – yum!
3) Serve Up Candy to Trick-or-Treaters Safely
For those who are still trick-or-treating this year, safety is key. Kids crowding around doors can result in germs spreading, so explore new ways to hand out candy safely. You can create individual candy bags that you leave out on a table on your driveway for kids to pick up as they walk by, or dangle the bags of candy from a fence or tree. Another idea is to set up a candy graveyard in your front yard – leave candy in your front yard, amidst your Halloween decorations. Kids will love the excitement of venturing into your decked-out yard and will be able to stay physically distanced while picking up their loot.
Not trick-or-treating this year? Do a Halloween door drop instead. Create goody baskets for your closest friends or family members and drop them off at their doors with a little note or card. Full of items like candies and chocolate, glow sticks, silly glasses, and Halloween crafts or fun stickers, the goody baskets are a sure way to delight your loved ones and to spread some spooky cheer.
4) Have a Costume Party via Video Conference
If you’ve spent a lot of time and effort perfecting your Halloween costume, you’ll want to show it off – and kids especially love dressing up! Host a Halloween-themed costume or dance party on Zoom with your friends and family. Everyone can show off their costume on camera while enjoying a spooktacular playlist and some Halloween treats. Baking up some special Halloween treats for your virtual party is part of the party-planning fun. From Halloween-decorated pumpkin brownies to marshmallow ghost cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberry ghosts, get creative and have fun!
Here are five fun Halloween Zoom backgrounds that you can download to make your virtual costume party more festive.
5) Enjoy a Spooky Halloween Movie Marathon
Halloween flicks are a great way to get in the Halloween spirit and to enjoy the spooky season safely from the comfort of your own home. From family-friendly classics to truly terrifying films, you can customize your selections based on your audience. Whether you choose The Addams Family or Psycho, The Nightmare Before Christmas or The Shining, there’s a scary movie to suit all tastes. Pop some popcorn and enjoy!
How are you celebrating Halloween this year? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) and let us know!