It’s true, I’ve got a passion for shopping small over the holiday season and South Georgian Bay is the Grand Central Station of entrepreneurs. It seems there is someone on every block doing something different and offering up a cool product or service. Check out my 2021 round up of products that are locally-sourced and easy to shop this holiday season.
Read MoreNow that the fall season is in full swing, I find myself jumping at any opportunity to gather, dine, or explore locally before the snow falls and we cozy into winter. Although a stone’s throw away from Collingwood, Clearview Township is one region that I haven’t fully tasted or investigated. It all stops now! I’ve partnered with Clearview Township to experience their Taste of Clearview event in the most LOKAL way.
Read MoreIf you’re ready to dive into all things fall and looking for a local quest, you’re going to want to check out the Apple Pie Trail – a curated route of over 25 restaurants, cideries, orchards and adventure partners that all celebrate this beautiful region + the apple industry. As a local, I’m always exploring and re-exploring the good eats, fun activities and scenic roadies. It’s what I coined ‘lokal diggin’. Never a shortage here.
Read MoreIf you love showering your friends, fam, + loved ones with cute gestures (all year round) and tasty goodies – you may just be writing out your grocery list, like now. Whether that is through a box of cookies, a few voice notes, a revealing story or a clog vlog ~ I’m always thinkin’ about it. It lights me up knowing I cracked a smile or two. If you’re looking for some wicked and easy treats to whip up at home, I’ve rounded up a few of my go-to’s that are sure to bring about some smiles and warm feels.
Read MoreEvery year I round up some of my favourite local items that YOU can wrap up and gift as the ideal teacher appreciation, the under $50 stocking stuffer or one of those just-freakin’-because type of prezzies. This year is no different! Let’s support our lokal friends, neighbours and small business owners this holiday season.
Read MoreIf you’re into yummy food + wine then this is totally up your alley! This summer, Home Horizon has teamed up with Roadrunner Foods, Georgian Hills Vineyard and The Pop-Up Event Company (all local businesses) to bring a really cool fundraiser to life called The Picnic Project. If you don’t know, Home Horizon is a non-profit organization based out of Collingwood that provides support, programming, and necessities for youth at risk of homelessness.
Read MoreChef Zach Keeshig has curated a 9-course tasting menu known as “Naagan” that incorporates locally foraged + sourced ingredients and beautifully embodies traditions and delicacies of his Indigenous heritage. The Naagan dining experience is one for the books. Through every moment, every dish, and every story you’ll get a glimpse at the monumental memories + experiences that brought Chef Zach to this final spot on the plate.
Read MoreTake a peek at this easy, creamy + summery recipe. This frap contains all local favourites (duh) listed below but you can absolutely sub for what you’ve already got at home.
Read MoreInsert The VanderMarck. Our first real staycation as true ‘lokals’ in our hometown and we couldn’t wait to take it all in. I’m a committal type so when I say staycation, I really do mean it. It doesn’t matter how close to home I may be, the minute I cruise into the parking lot consider me checked in, shoes off, glass of Roost wine poured, robe on and the ketchup chips close by.
Read MoreTime to lokal the heck out of your holiday gifting. Whatever you’re doing this year, good on you! There is no “right way” to do-up the holidays but for me, it’s usually the good food, wonderful people and local goodies that make the fondest of memories. In case you need to pick-up something for someone special, I’ve rounded up 10 items from around the Collingwood area that are on my love-it list all 365 days of the year.
Read MoreDon’t you love when you look ahead at your schedule and realize you have a free weekend. A whole weekend, plan-free which usually follows the summertime chaos; weddings, festivals, and sunny beach days that lead to backyard bbq’s and early bedtimes. On top of pre-existing summer plans, trying to coordinate something with your best friend + biz partner (Alyssa) is no easy feat. Alas, there we were with no plans and oh-so-excited that we were going to spend some quality time together. We decided to keep things ‘lokal’ within the Grey Simcoe region and enjoy a ‘staycation’ at the Yurt Georgian Bay – located in the heart of Kimberly, Ontario.
Read MoreThe pine dinner series aims to use locally sourced ingredients while telling a story of worldly culture. After spending the last few years in China and travelling through Asia, the pair wanted to bring their stories, encounters and experiences back to Canadian soil and share their findings in an intimate + immersive setting. All dishes are made with love and come equipped with some type of anecdote, importance, or piece of comfort. It’s an extremely personal experience and one that’ll stay with you forever.
Read MoreVirginia (Owner of Acre 75) has recently launched her latest project, Acres 75 Gathered - a seasonal subscription box of thoughtfully curated items from her online store. Each box will contain over 6 products, made and cared for by a small business located somewhere rural in Canada. It’s saweeeeet!
Read MoreIn spirit of celebrating all things cider, the Apple Pie Trail’s own Ciderfest is BACK and happening from June 7-16th - that’s 10 whole days of cider pairings and yummy nibbles to boot. Ciderfest locations span from Duntroon all the way over to Meaford, so there are opportunities for all. Sign me up!
Read MoreHappy Birthday, Digs! The fact that two years have come and gone in a pinch still amazes me. Oh my blog, you were conceptualized over morning brunch and brought to life by a creative spark nested within, ready to set flame. Having a blog is comparable to owning a business. You create a brand, a voice, a standard, a reputation and it's hard work. But you know, I wouldn't change a thing about it.
Read MoreRinging in the year is always such an exciting moment. Champagne is popped (my favourite), fancy dresses are worn and resolutions are made. As I slide into 2018, I'm committing to the most important goal of all...
Read MoreMy peeps know that curating and building a cheeseboard is something that I take very seriously. From the initial cheese shopping to the perfect art of prosciutto placement, I'm kind of the big cheese (well, at least I think so). This holiday season, I extended my cheese hunt to the cutest shop in Owen Sound, The Milk Maid Fine Cheese + Gourmet Food.
Read MoreIt's no secret that I love autumn and all that it brings. If you didn't know, now you do! From cozy sweaters and pumpkin carving, to apple picking and craft shows, there is no shortage of things to do in the Georgian Triangle. It's a quick season, but just enough time to pack everything in before the big Thanksgiving feast.
Read MoreThroughout my work, I strive to be as transparent as possible with my opinions and think it'd be pretty cool for you to know a bit more about this local gal who seems to talk about everyone else but herself. Other than my obsession with food (duh), scroll down and see what else is cooking in my kitchen.
Read MoreThere is something so satisfying about a crunchy yet sweet cob of corn. It's the definition of summer, embodying all that is Ontario: A farmer's crop, freshly grown, and hand picked next door. I jumped on the bandwagon real quick, just as quick as it took me to whip up these bad boys.
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