Kick-off to Summer

What type of things remind you that summer has finally arrived? Is it the birds chirping in the early morning light, seeing the harbours fill up with boaters or perhaps a local event, that brings to mind that finally (yes, finally!) summer is here? For me, it is the annual sidewalk sale in downtown Brockville that is the kick-off to summer.

Saturday morning was a very early start. My one year old hasn't been the biggest fan of sleep lately and our days typically start at 5:00 am. One could view this as exhausting - and it is - but as this is everyday life, I choose to utilise all that early morning time and get my chores out of the way. By 9:00, the house was clean and we were ready to start our busy weekend routine.

The day had come. A day I look forward too all year long - The annual Brockville Downtown Sidewalk Sale. All my favourite shops and vendors, combined with our Farmers' Market makes for one busy and incredible sale! King Street, from East to West is blocked off to traffic (with the exception of some detour routes for locals and convenience) and the streets are filled with excited people alike. The weather this year was a bit cooler then usual, but it didn't seem to stop people from coming out to enjoy the bouncy castles, remote control car kid's area, cuisine, sales and entertainment. We stayed for about an hour and a half, meeting friends and family, then called it a morning and continued with our weekend plans of country drives and errands.

On a bit of a last-minute whim, my Fiance decided we should check out the drive-in theatre in Port-Elmsley, which is about an hour drive from Brockville. The first show started at 9:00 pm, so we figured it was a great "Date-night" as the kids would surely be asleep when we got there. Boy, were we wrong. Our four year old was bouncing with excitement to see her first drive-in movie (who could blame her) and our one year old was loud, proud and ready to party with all those other movie-goers. As a PSA, I feel I should quickly apologize to the other patrons for our "screamy" baby, but caution you that drive-ins sometimes lead to those situations some nine months later. HA! This experience does have a happy ending though, as Nick and Remy had some wonderful bonding time walking the grounds of the drive-in, while my oldest and I got quality mommy-daughter cuddle and movie time. It ended up as a date after-all, just not with my fiance!

Sunday came, and thankfully the late night movie exhausted the kids, who slept in. We got up, got ready and headed over to brunch at the Brockville Convention Centre. Sadly, it was the last of the season (although I have thrown a fit about that and maybe there will be special occasion brunches) as it truly is the best brunch in town! We met some great friends, their adorable children and crossed our fingers that four kids under eight was not going to end up as crazy as we thought it may. Turns out, we were blown away by the customer service (and food!) as the wait staff and even Sous Chef decided to play with the kids and even colour with them. We stayed for close to two hours as the kids were having an absolute blast with the Convention Centre team. A huge thank you to you all for making it such a fun and great experience.

After brunch, we headed to the Brockville Memorial Centre for an event called "This one is for the girls". This was put on by a local resident, Kaili Tennant - who wanted to showcase other women in business in our area and donate proceeds to our local Interval House. With many unique vendors and a great cause, I hope to see this back next year. Congrats Kaili and team- you did a wonderful job!

Last, but certainly not least, we headed out to Eagle Point Winery, where they were participating in Doors Open, hosting a wine tasting of their newest release and having a BBQ with proceeds going to the Front of Young Township Volunteer Fire Department. As my Father-In law to be is a volunteer firefighter, any event where we can support that cause, is big on our list. Mix wine and a good cause and you have a popular event! The parking lot was full and the winery was a buzz. I have visited a few times now, picked up a bottle and can tell you that you should put Eagle Point Winery on your list of summer hot spots. I hear they are also hosting Yoga in the vineyard, which is sure to be a hit!

As I sit to write this post, I realize just how busy of a weekend we have had. I love that we live in an area where there is so much to do and usually for a very good cause. There are  many people and businesses in the area that share my community pride. Make sure you get out this season and take in everything there is to offer.

Bringing back brunch

Does your Sunday morning sound like this: " Momma, I'm awake. I'm awake! I'm awake!!! Followed by a one year old baby screaming due to the aforementioned yelling.  Oh, I should point out that it is 6:30 a.m. and this is a typical Sunday morning for us.

So what does this have to do with how much I love Brockville? I love it so much that I tirelessly write about my passion for the city and surrounding area. I can proudly say we have shopped at nearly every store, eaten at nearly every restaurant and frequented every park. A few times over. This, is why- when I heard the new Brockville Convention Centre would be hosting WEEKLY brunch - I kicked up my feet in excitement for Sunday mornings - despite the early wake up calls!

I remember brunch being an occasion. Mother's Day Brunch, Father's Day Brunch and the morning after almost every holiday, you guessed it, was usually brunch. This is not reserved for exhausted parents who just need an extra hour or so before breaking out the skillet to feed those hungry babes. Young couples recouping from the party the night before, single people wanting to get out and about, elderly citizens who enjoy good food and traditions. Brunch has been around forever and there to serve everyone.

Nick and I had attended the fabulous opening night gala at the Convention Centre on Friday and were blown away by the venue. It is open, spacious, bright and is clearly going to be a huge hit in our city. The venue can be split into three rooms; two mid-sized rooms or one giant room allowing for any size event.  My favourite part was the entrance hall. It felt warm and welcoming, along with stylish and sophisticated. I enjoyed how you could grab a cocktail and mingle with friends.

We decided that Sunday we would brave it, and take the kids. I was a little weary - because the children are toddlers, who are loud, always hungry, never patient and, well....they are kids. I envisioned us walking back into the ballroom and my children somehow taking every table cloth off of every table, running amuck, spilling tea and coffee and receiving looks from lovely people out to enjoy their Sunday. What we actually experienced was walking into the ballroom - which was very elegant - but feeling welcomed with smiles from other families and brunch- goers. We were seated, received a high-chair immediately for our youngest and welcomed to check out the buffet.

There are no words to describe this brunch. I always go on and on about how wonderful our experiences are and how delicious our food is. It has always been very true. We have been lucky to have such experiences. The brunch at the Brockville Convention Centre? Chef William Alexander and his extraordinary team have knocked it out of the park!

From the generous amount of food, selection, plating and taste (oh the taste!) everything was perfect. There was fresh fruit, a yogurt parfait bar, canapes, eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, pulled pork Eggs Benedict, ,mini sliders and array of juice, tea and coffee. Those are just the things that come to mind. I know I am missing many items. It wasn't the quantity that surprised me, although for the price, I knew I was getting a deal. It was the quality of the food that blew me away. Nick raved and raved about the sliders and the kids devoured everything we gave them.

It would be safe to say that brunch is back. Back with a vengeance. If you are looking to reclaim your Sunday as a day of relaxtion or for a local celebration - or if you just want a damn good meal, then please head over to the Brockville Convention Centre and enjoy. What an amazing meal!

April showers bring birthdays, concerts and wineries

April has been a busy month this far. We had two birthdays' ; a big milestone for Remy, as she celebrated her first birthday and I continue to celebrate my twenty-eighth birthday, again and likely again next year too. My mom headed off to Italy for a week in support of her new wine importing business (Amano Inc.) and our calendar continued to be full of diverse community events.

If you are a fan of maple syrup (and who isn't?), pancake breakfasts and family activities, you have likely heard of Gibbon's Family Farm, just north of Brockville. We ventured out one Saturday morning for their family day and took in music, pony rides and a petting zoo. There were many local families in attendance and no shortage of happy children. Our girls spotted the petting zoo, and headed over to see the baby lamb, goat and of course,  to hold the bunnies. We then ventured into the barn to listen to some folk music and hear some stories. After that quick break, it was back to the animals for a pony ride. Both girls enjoyed the ride - so much so, that I believe they are in cohoots to try and get daddy to buy them a horse!

That same Saturday evening was the annual North Augusta Volunteer Firefighters Pancake Dinner. If you are familiar with my blog, you know this is something we also supported last year and will hopefully continue to do so in years to come. It was nice to see the familiar faces of long-time friends who now volunteer and bring their own families to the dinner. The proceeds raised from this event go to assist in supporting our volunteer firefighters with their ongoing training, equipment and education to the general public. I can't think of a better way to show respect and support to the men and women who courageously give their time and lives to helping others. Thank you!

Last, but certainly not least, Nick, the girls and I spent last weekend away in Kingston. I had bought Nick concert tickets to see Great Big Sea for his birthday awhile back and we had been anticipating this concert for nearly 4 months! With Mother Nature throwing one last hooray of an ice storm, I was worried we wouldn't make it. Thankfully the weather let up and it was safe to travel. Although Kingston is a stone's throw away, it isn't a place we would have gone to if the ice had stayed. We checked into our hotel after dinner, my long-time friend and her hubby came to stay with the girls so we could head out to the concert. I like Great Big Sea, but could have taken or left them before this concert. I have to tell you - after seeing them perform live, that this is an amazing band who has gained a new fan. Their cadence was incredible and the range was like nothing I had ever heard. It was a great date night and a fun memory Nick and I will have for years to come.

As always- this area never disappoints. En route back from our Kingston adventure, the kids fell asleep in the car. Nick and I both enjoy country drives and so we went where the roads took us. We discovered Eagle Point Winery, just north of Rockport and I fell in love. As I don't often drink, I couldn't tell you the first thing about wine (shhh...don't tell my mom- she is a sommelier) but I will tell you that this winery is breathtaking. When I ventured in, looking lost I am sure, the associate could not have been kinder and more welcoming. She answered my questions and showed a genuine excitement that I was visiting for the first time. I sampled their 2007 Merlot and was blown away. I was also excited when I was introduced to Debra Marshall, the Operations Manager for the winery. Debra was very warm and welcoming too. She didn't seem to mind my lack of knowledge and was more then happy to take my card and entertain the idea of a return visit and tour. I brought home a bottle of that Merlot and can't wait to return soon.

I would love to know what everyone does with their weekends in the area? Does your family have a favourite local hang-out or activity? If you have experiences to share or ideas of places to visit - please email me at littlecitycharmevents@gmail.com

Get out and enjoy local!

Mmmm...."The Mow"

My not-so-secret love for Brockville and our local businesses is on full display in this post. I enjoy writing about my family's experiences when we are out and about and the local talent that blows us away. No- I don't get paid by those businesses to promote them, I just really believe that when we have a great time in our own backyard, it's worth noting and promoting that local talent. Here is a recent experience we've had and I really think you should check it out!

The Barley Mow

Little City Charm was recently nominated for a CanWeblog Award, which seemed like a great reason to celebrate. There are many tasty places to eat in Brockville, but we wanted to try the new and highly talked about Barley Mow, a family-friendly pub . Nick and I had been there previously for a quick breakfast before but it is the delicious traditional food and excellent service - during the dinner hour - that set this restaurant apart.

We sauntered in at dinner, with two of our children in tow. In some cases, I am pretty sure I have seen servers "rock, paper and scissors" to see who gets the luxury of waiting on our family of toddlers. This time- we were greeted with a genuine smile and excitement to see our family. We were seated and almost every server came to coo over our children and take our drink order right away. We were given menus and what seemed like the perfect amount of time to decide on our dinner. I ordered the bacon wrapped meatloaf, Nick had the prime rib sandwich and my oldest had the mac and cheese with a side of fresh veggies. Our baby, is well, just that- so no steak for her just yet!

It didn't take long for our meal to arrive. It was fresh, hot and plated to perfection. I will admit that my father-in-law still makes the best meatloaf (c'mon, it's stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese!) but this one was a very close second. Nick raved about his sandwich and my daughter ate her entire meal. She is four, that NEVER happens.

I also have to mention the very best part of our experience was our server, Jenny. She was pleasant, fun with the kids and never missed a beat with our orders. We had a great conversation with Jenny and learned she wants to someday work with children. As a mom and daycare owner, this was great to hear as she really seemed to have a way with people.

Great atmosphere, food, prices and service -  The Barley Mow knocked it out of the park! We will be back soon. Maybe with my in-laws to have the meatloaf!

February: Fundraisers and Family Day

As one of the shortest months of the year, February always seems to fly by. Here's a round-up of all the local fun and activities that made it pass by even faster this year.

If you have been following our local news, the new Cardinal arena project is a familiar story. Many people are very excited about what the new arena will bring and then there are skeptics and those unhappy about the tax hike to local residents in the Cardinal-Edwardsburg area. Whatever your take, in my opinion, getting people out and active in our community can always be a positive thing!

Leading up to Valentine's Day, the new arena fund-raising committee, which one of my dearest friends, Marcy MacDonald is on,  decided to host a Valentine's Gala to offset some of the costs associated with the project.  As Cardinal was my first home, is now home to my middle daughter on a part-time basis and also home to other close family friends, it seemed only natural that Nick and I show our love and support to the community and buy tickets. A lovely and basic home-cooked meal followed by a performance from the local Studio C Dance Troupe and music from a live band (Rock Junction) made the evening fly-by as fast as February itself! There was even a silent and live auction, with many great prizes donated by local businesses. Our MPP Steve Clark, was even on hand to donate a bottle of wine and support this great cause. It may be worth a mention that this is a man of his word- as he followed through on a Superbowl bet he made with Nick and I, where a drink of choice was the prize. Thanks Steve- a nice treat!

Not long after, Family Day popped up on us. With three small children, a home-based business, a busy career man and other countless things on the go- staying at home this year was big on our list. I did however, catch word that The Brockville Museum was hosting a Family Day celebration with free period costume photos and some activities set up for families to enjoy. Never being one to stay away from a community event -  especially one with costumes! - we headed out.

We met some new friends, had a lovely tour and our picture taken, all the while spending time together as a family.

With March approaching, along with more spring-like weather, there are tons of fabulous local events and gatherings ahead.  Get out and enjoy your community and all that it has to offer- you never know what you will find in your own backyard!

Date night in the kitchen

Please enjoy a guest post from my close friend Katie Schaafsma. Katie and her husband Dan recently had a private cooking class from a local entrepreneur Lisa Quenneville, owner of "No more excuses". A great idea for any couple looking for something new to do together!

Date night in the kitchen!
Guest post by Katie Schaafsma

The other night, hubby and I went to our first ever cooking class, held by Lisa, the owner of "No More Excuses". Though Lisa is based in Brockville, the class was held at Your Independent Grocer location in Prescott.

We recently made some big changes in an effort to become overall more health-conscious and aware of what exactly we are putting into our children's bodies, and our own bodies, and the effects this can have, both in the short- and long-term. We're having a blast exploring this whole new world outside of the old "meat-potatoes-something green" repertoire. Through Facebook, we learned about an upcoming "Valentine's Day Cooking Class" being put on by No More Excuses. Since we just developed this new, shared interest (a very cool feeling after almost 10 years together!), we decided it would be an appropriate activity for us to try.

Lisa is a friendly, inviting person, who made us feel comfortable right away. It is obvious that not only is she good at what she does, but she enjoys it. From the basics, like which knife is best for which job, to more complex things like mixing several spices for that perfect flavour, Lisa showed us the way!

 She explained the health benefits of probably every single food available, some I've never even heard of, and also explained why some foods aren't as healthy as one might think. She decoded nutritional labels, suggest brands, and even told us which aisle it's in. If it has to do with food or cooking, asking Lisa is just like typing it into Google! But better, because I suppose anyone can post anything on the internet... I digress, but my point is, she knows what she's doing.

I've come a long way since my days of charring Kraft Dinner and annihilating cookware (wish I was kidding!), but to say I'm skilled, or even confident in the kitchen would be a flat-out lie. I'm otherwise pretty smart though, and am somehow a decent baker. I can locate the "on" button, but I don't understand fancy cooking terminology. My husband is more or less the same, and we found Lisa's class to be geared perfectly for people with average cooking experience.

She explained what she was doing as she did it, or had us do it, but used everyday language. Because Lisa created an atmosphere that was so relaxed and easy-going, we also had no problems throwing out questions as we went along. We all had a good laugh when my husband, trying to be helpful, threw out the tops of the peppers that were supposed to be saved. Lisa not only showed us how to make food that tastes great and is healthy, she even threw in a couple of neat tips for presentation, if we ever wanted to impress guests. Knowing we had children, Lisa also pointed out as we made our dessert, that it did not require an oven, or knives, thus making it safe for kids to help out.

The class ended slightly before the allotted time, and as we're all parents, we naturally chatted about our children. Lisa shared her ideas for hosting parent-child cooking classes this summer, in an effort to promote healthy eating to kids, while showing them how much fun cooking can be. (Maybe if kids learn that it's not a chore, they won't grow up and burn Kraft Dinner like their mom?)
We left feeling satiated, with a print-out of all five recipes and the remainder of our sparking grape juice to take home, excited and inspired to continue on our journey in the kitchen!
Through "No More Excuses", Lisa also offers many other services that focus on healthy living, such as: weight loss/maintenance, private or group nutritional counselling, grocery shopping, fridge/cupboard revamping, and Vegetarian, Vegan, and Raw Vegan education.
To learn more, or to contact Lisa, go to
www.facebook.com/nomoreexcuseswithhelpfromlisa

Daycare Day at Prince of Wales Public School

Recently, I ventured into business with a great friend. We started a daycare with a vision of a "Back to Basics" approach. It is our belief that children should be children and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. We grow our own produce in season, play outside when we're not facing arctic temperatures and do yoga when we can. Our kids get dirty playing outside and we're all okay with that. In fact, we prefer it!

One of the other fun-tastic things we do, is take field-trips and get out into our local community. This past week, we took our daycare children to a special day put on by Prince of Wales Public School. Given the cold weather we have recently had- down to -22 at times, the school thought it would be a great idea to let the children have free run of the gymnasium on a PA Day. They also treated participants to snacks and the opportunity to play at their before and after-school YMCA childcare room. When we heard of this, we jumped at the chance to get the kids out and enjoy this special treat!

When we arrived, we were greeted by the Principal, Mr. Taugher and his staff of fabulous teachers and support staff. Everyone was smiling and happy to welcome us to their school. The children were very excited to play with hula hoops, bean bags, giant bouncy balls, floor hockey sticks and other fun equipment in the gym. Before we knew it, almost an hour had passed and the gang was still going strong and looking forward to a play in the YMCA program room.

After playtime,there were snacks and drinks available. The room was very colourful and warm. As a new daycare provider, it was nice to be welcomed by the area's YMCA with open arms. The visit also gave my business partner, Stephanie, and I a chance to network, ask questions and "talk shop" with these fabulous ladies.

This was the first time Prince of Wales Public School has hosted a "Daycare Day" and I hope it is something that continues annually. It gave our preschool aged children a chance to visit a school and feel like such big kids. It also gave us the opportunity to meet other local professionals who work in the same field, and overall, was a great winter outing.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated and welcomed us into the school. For more information on Little City Charm Daycare,  Prince of Wales Public School or the Before and After-School programs from the YMCA, please visit the following links:

http://www.littlecitycharm.wix.com/daycare
http://www.ucdsb.on.ca/school/pow/
http://www.brockvilley.com/