Archive for December 18, 2010

| December 18, 2010
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Eco-Friendly, Socially Responsible Holiday Gifts for Kids

[SlideDeck id='1317' width='100%' height='300px'] Katie MacDonald and her husband, Ian Rodhoue, opened 100-Mile Child, an online store that sells eco-friendly products for children, in December 2008. On October 31st, 2010, they opened their first retail store in the Carrot Common, a collection of stores located on Danforth Avenue, next to the Big Carrot. They went into business motivated by the belief that all consumers have the power to bring about positive change through conscientious purchasing.

According to Katie, “All of the products we sell have been made by companies who manufacture their products locally with care. This reduces the distance that a product has travelled before it reaches you, thereby reducing the overall environmental impact. It also ensures that the money spent supports local, small businesses.”

Katie also feels that local products tend to be safer for kids.  When children receive a new toy, they play with it right away.  When a recall is made on a toy because it was made with paint that has lead in it, it is too late. Many of 100-Mile Child’s toys are wooden without any finish – you can’t get safer than that!

Buying local also supports the Canadian economy and creates jobs.  Many of the people who supply the store with toys are local mompreneurs (moms who are entrepreneurs).

Although 100-Mile Child is a small store, it has a lot to offer. Katie says, “In our range, you will find games that encourage cooperation, clothes made from natural fibres, toys handcrafted from recycled materials, and much more!”

Katie’s Top Five Christmas Presents:

1) Doll Cradle, made in Waterloo, $40

Why? Locally made, child safe, eco-friendly, and a great price point.

2) That Chickadee Feeling, written and printed in Kitchener, $10

Why? Encourages children to connect to nature and teaches about local, winter birds.  It has won awards and is my all time favourite children’s book.

3) Puppet, made in Toronto, $28

Why? Created from old sweaters, one of a kind, and so cute!

4) Straws and Connectors, made in Waterloo, $16.99

Why? Locally made, encourages creative play, fun for a variety of ages (4-10 years), excellent price point.

5) Endangered Species Memory Game, made in Toronto, $29.99

Why? Teaches children about endangered animals, beautiful artwork, and good for a variety of ages (for younger children you can use less cards).

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| December 17, 2010
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Last-Minute Gifts from the Danforth

Mike's Music "Superman Vinyl"

[SlideDeck id='1317' width='100%' height='300px'] Shopping for friends and family during the holidays can be a tough task, especially when you’re the type to leave things until the last minute. Fortunately for you, the perennial procrastinator, the Danforth has a wealth of unique or otherwise-overlooked gifts to show that special someone you’re more observant and thoughtful than you previously let on.

Here is a brief list of Danforth shops with some weird and wonderful gifts, meant to inspire your own treasure hunt.

1. The Twelfth Fret

For the music lovers among us, think outside the box; think ukulele. Even more fun to play than to pronounce, the ukulele represents a seamless transition for guitar players and its small size means portability. Kala and Mahalo brands come in a variety of prices—about $69 to over $300—and finishes. The Internet is abound with ‘uke’ wizards for your inspiration. Of course, The Twelfth Fret carries a huge array of more traditional instruments and accessories; but nothing emits that sweet tropical sound in the dead of winter like a ukulele.

2. Wag on the Danforth

Consider pawing through the goods at this shop where a gift for your pet can be as creative as you are. They offer a custom gift bag option, which can be filled with natural and eco-friendly items, including treats, biodegradable shoes, and an endless supply of toys. The Spotbrites Laser Pet Toy at $7.49 is one inexpensive way to keep your dog or cat entertained. After that invigorating exercise they might enjoy lounging in one of the many made-in-Toronto dog beds.

3. Ten Thousand Villages

Fair trade and ethical consumption are paramount here. Take pride in knowing that purchasing a gift at Ten Thousand Villages promotes better business practices in third world countries. You can’t turn around without encountering a unique item—bamboo xylophones, shesham wood puzzle boxes, a forty-year brass calendar wheel—but the Nepali Singing Bowls stand out as truly worthy gift candidates. Its hauntingly beautiful and relaxing sound has to be heard to be believed, perfect for yoga and meditation. You can get a medium-sized one for $66.

4. Fermentations

No one would ever miss a class again if it were part of Beer School. For the do-it-them-selfer on your list, consider a gift certificate for a beer or winemaking course. For $89 the beer pupil in your family or crowd of friends can learn about the drink in-depth and take part in the brewing process after selecting one of 14 delicious recipes.

5. Treasure Island Toys

Finding a gift for a child should be a relatively painless process because of the abundance of choices. As expectations rise, though, so too does the potential for disappointment. Treasure Island Toys is a trove of gifts for your child, featuring toys that promote learning, eco-consciousness, and physical activity. The Kickboard g-bike encourages all three, as your three-to-five-year-old learns to bike gradually by running along with the bike.

6. Red Smoke Tobacconist

This shop has everything for the person who likes to indulge in the finer things. If you’re shopping for a tweed-jacket-wearing academic, consider a classic wooden pipe—there’s no shortage of options here. For something with a wider application, a durable Zippo lighter with cool design is a good way to showcase individuality.

7. Mike’s Music

Trying to find something special for the person who has everything? Go retro to get a smile. Vinyl is making a comeback, so jump on the bandwagon with a gift of music the way it was meant to be heard. A vinyl edition of a Beatles classic is a safe choice, but if that’s too predictable, try a three-record collection of Superman radio theatre from the 1940s and 50s. Considering the awesomeness involved, $21.99 sounds like a steal.

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| December 17, 2010
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Six Fun Greek Christmas Traditions You May Not Know About

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Are shortbreads weighing your taste buds down in boredom? Do the too-traditional Christmas colours of red and green feel monotonous and lacklustre?

Well, maybe it’s time to step away from those boring fall-shortbreads and pick up some Greek kourabiedes? And instead of dull ol’ red and green, why not illuminate your décor with vibrant blues and whites? We talked with Sophie Takas from Serano Bakery to discover six ways to add new energy to the holidays this season.

1. Kourabiedes

These Greek butter cookies leave traditional shortbread in the dust. They’re highly delicious with pieces of almond and a hint of brandy. They’re coated and re-coated with icing sugar to look like miniature snowballs.

2. Karavakia

Karavakia are small Christmas ships that are adorned with blue and white lights as homage to St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas’ feast day occurs on December 6th, when Greek households begin celebrating the Christmas season. So if you see a ship on the Danforth decked out in blue and white lights, now you know why!

3. Melomakarona

With hints of orange peel and cinnamon, plus a process of being soaked in honey syrup, this delectable recipe is a staple in Greek households all over the Danforth. As Sophie explains of the importance of these treats in Greek Christmas traditions, “Christmas is a time of families getting together and eating, and of course having their Christmas cookies too.”

4. Kallikantzari

Think of the Christmas elves of Canadian lore; the kallikantzari are hobgoblins that originate in the centre of the earth. They stir up trouble in Greek households during the Christmas season (from Christmas Day to the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th) by climbing down chimneys and eating up Christmas treats. Save the kourabiedes!

5. St. Vasili (St. Basil)

“In Greek tradition, there’s no Santa Claus. There’s a St. Vasili and he comes New Years with presents,” says Sophie. This means that Christmas celebrations can last from December 6th through to early-January. Translation: Gift-giving can extend over a month-long period. Bonus!

6. Kalandas

A Greek version of Christmas carols, kalandas are holiday songs that are sung by roaming groups of children. They go from door to door during the holiday season singing in exchange for good luck coins or holiday treats. Christmas trick-or-treating, anyone?

So, if you’re looking to spruce up your holidays this year, why not introduce some Greek customs to your traditional Christmas roster?

Traditional Greek kourabiedes image courtesy Marie-Lan Nguyen.

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| December 17, 2010
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Experience A True European Christmas (Right Off The Danforth)

This December, Toronto’s Distillery District played host to the first annual Lowe’s Christmas Market.

Just minutes from the Danforth, the Distillery District is known for their breweries and art galleries, but from December 3rd to the 12th, it was transformed into a traditional European Christmas Market -albeit on a smaller scale.

Originating from Germany in the middle ages, Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkts, are traditionally held in the city’s centre and last all of December. Toronto’s Distillery District was the perfect setting for the markets, especially all decked out with lights, garland, and a massive 40’ high Christmas tree.

Visitors of all ages enjoyed the main stage performances, which included local schools choirs from the Etobicoke School of the Arts and Terry Fox Public School, as well as dance performances from Akran Ukrainian Dance Company among others.

If and when hunger struck, visitors had their pick of pastries, bratwurst, and a particularly fragrant Swiss cheese on fries. The adults could pull up a chair next to one of the many fire pits and sip on a cup of warm Glühwein or mulled wine.

And don’t forget the shopping! The district’s handicraftsmen were open late, as well as the stalls set up on the streets selling everything from wooden ornaments (a traditional German gift) and A Christmas Story paraphernalia.

On closing weekend, the streets were packed as carolers sang. It was a bit of European Christmas brought to Toronto. It’s worth venturing off the Danforth for.

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| December 17, 2010
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Four Ways to Prevent and Conquer a Cold

Vitamin C Essentials

[SlideDeck id='1317' width='100%' height='300px'] ‘Tis the season of runny noses! Here’s how to survive the winter germ-free.

1. Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

Think of all the things you touch in a day that hundreds of other people also touch: the handrails on the TTC, desks and counters at school or work, elevator buttons in your office or building, bathroom doors, and even the fruit at the supermarket (you’re not the only one picking up and squeezing those avocados!).  All of these things can harbor disgusting germs that will get you sick.  Wash your hands multiple times a day – especially before eating.

2. Get the flu shot.

Even if you didn’t get the shot last year and managed not to catch the flu, it doesn’t mean that you won’t come down with it this year. The shot won’t stop you from potentially getting the sniffles, but it will prevent you getting the flu, which can turn into pneumonia -an illness far more serious than a common cold. The flu shot is recommended even for young, healthy individuals unless you have a serious allergy to eggs.  Check with a registered nurse at these upcoming Toronto clinics before getting your shot.

3. Get lots of sleep.

When you sleep your body rests and your cells regenerate.  At this time, your body kicks into overdrive to beat out potential infections and viruses trying to worm their way into your system.  If you do happen to catch a nasty cold, don’t be a hero. Stay home from work and take a good, long nap.  Your coworkers won’t mind covering your work for the day if it means they won’t catch your infection.

4. Amp up your immune system.

Who hasn’t been told to drink lots of orange juice, or consume as much echinacea as humanly possible when feeling a bit sniffly?  Stella Andreou, pharmacist at Pape Drug Mart, explains that there’s a medical reason behind this advice.  “Both boost your immune system,” she says, which makes it easier to fight off colds and less likely that you’ll even get a cold in the first place.  Vitamin C and echinacea have very different properties, so you do have to be careful how you use them.

Vitamin C is a “water soluble vitamin so you can take it every day,” Andreou explains.  What your body does not absorb or use is simply flushed out of your system, causing no harm to you or your immune system.  Echinacea on the other hand is an “immune system modulator” meaning that you have to be more careful how you take it.  “Excess doses or chronic use can suppress your immune system,” says Andreou.

She advises to take it at the onset of a cold to lessen the duration, or to take it if somebody close to you has a cold and you want to prevent yourself from catching it.  Echinacea shouldn’t be taken for the duration of a cold so if you’re getting sick, eventually you should make the switch to Vitamin C, and orange juice your way out of that cold!

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| December 17, 2010
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Avoid Cooking Over The Holidays – Try Catering Instead

In a hurry this holiday season? Let Three’s Company Catering do the cooking.

At this time of year there can be many demands on your schedule, but there is no need to stress. Three’s Company Catering can take away your kitchen worries so that you can enjoy the holidays. For only $175, the staff at Three’s Company can make you a full dinner platter that feeds up to eight people. All you have to do is heat and serve! As the food warms in the oven, you can relax with your guests. Hosting a holiday get-together has never been so easy.

On the menu are classic staples with a twist: white and dark meat turkey with sausage and sage stuffing, turkey gravy with homemade ginger and cranberry sauce, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and maple-glazed carrots, plus pumpkin or apple pie for dessert. Add a delectable side dish for a nominal fee; the choices include steak, salmon, and salad. You can ease your mind, please your wallet, and excite your taste buds all at once!

Three’s Company caters to many different dietary requirements. Halal, vegetarian, and vegan meals are never a problem. Hurry to get your order placed, because they have almost reached their quota; you must make your booking by Friday, December 17th. The restaurant will be closed on the 25th, but food can be picked up on the 24th, 25th, and 26th between 10am and 3pm.

Chefs Carolyn Hogg and Teri Cordileone started the catering company in 2001. Two years later they moved to Greenwood and Danforth, where they expanded their business by turning it into a restaurant. In 2005, they arrived at their current location on Danforth and Pape. While the address of Three’s Company may have changed, the warm and cozy atmosphere of the restaurant remains the same.

They were joined in the move by their loyal clientele, and now, in the back of the restaurant, they keep a memory wall of photographs commemorating their many customers-turned-friends.

The restaurant’s familial atmosphere keeps people coming back. Every Tuesday the local church choir comes in for lunch. This is due in no small part to Hogg herself, whose warm and welcoming attitude lights up the charming art-filled restaurant.

Three’s Company is open seven days a week, with special holiday hours posted on their website. If you missed the deadline for the gourmet-to-go holiday feast, keep it in mind for next year, or visit the restaurant at 673 Danforth. Once you try their mouth-watering lunch, brunch, and dinner selections, you’ll make sure to place your orders early next holiday season!

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| December 16, 2010
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5 Holiday Events To Attend In Toronto

Do you have those dreary, Canadian winter blues? Are you wondering what to do during the holidays? Well, don’t fret! Here is a list of five activities you can do on the Danforth and around the city to get you into the spirit of the season.

1. Public Skate

Dates: Dec. 4, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011
Times: various
Location: Dieppe Park (455 Cosburn Ave), Monarch Park (off Coxwell and Felstead), Riverdale Park (550 Broadview Ave), Withrow Park (725 Logan Ave).
These parks are open to the public for both supervised and unsupervised skating. So grab your kids, your parents, or your friends and get active.

2. A Christmas Carol

Dates: Dec. 6, 2010- Dec. 30, 2010
Times: various
Location: Young Centre for the Performing Arts (55 Mill Street, Building 49)
Soulpepper Theatre Company returns once with the ghostly tale based on Charles Dickens’ novella.  It’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy! Ticket prices range from $31.20-75.33 (including HST).

3. The Nutcracker

Dates: Dec. 11, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011
Times: various
Location: Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West)
The National Ballet of Canada will be putting on this wonderful Christmas classic for a three-week run. It is enchanting for children and adults alike. Ticket prices range from $21.50-151.50

4. Toronto’s Biggest Messiah

Dates: Dec. 18, 2010 – Dec. 21, 2010
Times: 3pm or 8pm
Location: Roy Thompson Hall (60 Simcoe Street)
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, along with Toronto’s Mendelssohn Choir, will be performing a delightful rendition of Handel’s Messiah. The Sunday performance is a matinee at 3pm, while the other performances are held in the evening.  This uplifting performance will definitely raise your holiday spirits. Tickets range from $38-$107.

4. Family Caroling in the Morning

Dates: Dec. 21, 2010
Times: 10:30am
Location: Pape/Danforth Library (701 Pape Avenue)
The library will be hosting a time for carols and rhyme in the program room.  Children age two and older are welcome. Free tickets are available thirty minutes in advance, so come along and join the fun!

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| December 6, 2010
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Looking for A Couple!

We’re looking for a couple who live around the Danforth neighbourhood to be featured in the Summer 2011 issue of On The Danforth magazine!

If you’re in a relationship and willing to share about your dating experiences, please contact Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Andrews at sj.andrews@yahoo.com

Check us out often to learn more about our upcoming issues!

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