Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Virgin America contest - Become Toronto's cheeky Provacateur!!

When does your luck begin?

Enter this Contest for your Chance to Win Fantastic Prizes!


Virgin America Toronto Provocateur Contest

Become the 'cheeky brand ambassador' for Richard Branson's Virgin America!! Win 12 free round trip tickets on Virgin to fly anywhere, your own blog, office and budget...!

- Contest is open to residents of the GTA (+ must be a legal resident of Canada)

- You must be 18 years of age or over.


- Contest begins Tuesday, June 29, 2010 and ends Tuesday, August 31, 2010.

- Ten separate entries; one for each per period of the contest.

- Please see the full contest rules and regulations before entering.

- Enter the contest

...what an awesome contest but, I'm not a resident of the GTA, are you?

I know a tonne of cottagers  drive up here weekend after weekend, year after year, maybe your city mouse/country mouse versatility will grant you the unique quality it takes to win!?

p.s. just for a little encouragement...last year my step daughter and I entered a video contest for WFN (shown below) and surprisingly we won a secondary prize with our Fishin' Hole vid, so you just never know what may happen ;)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Celebrate Canada Day, July 1st 2010 in Cottage Country Ontario

Happy 143rd Birthday Canada, you're Awesome!!!

Photo taken by Darren Baker

Canada Day & the Strawberry Shortcake Festival
Beaverton, Ontario

Beaver River Museum & the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce
Presentations, music, entertainment
Phone# 705-426-9641


Collingwood Festival for Canada
Collingwood, Ontario
Collingwood Festival
10 am - until dark
Entertainment, kids activities, sidewalk sale, music, dance demonstrations, contests, food and drink & fireworks at dark!
 
 

Happy Birthday Canada in Gravenhurst
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Gull Lake Rotary Park
All Day Event
Phone# 705-687-3412
(Fireworks July 3rd Walkers Point Marina)
Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce


Orillia Canada Day 2010
Orillia, Ontario
Couchiching Lake Park (downtown)
Lake Simcoe Conservation Association and the community present a Pancake breakfast, parade, birthday celebrations with cake, entertainment, vendors, art show with fireworks at dusk! 
Canada Day Orillia


Canada Day in Washago
Washago, Ontario
Begins at 8 am - 11 am with a Pancake Breakfast
Enjoy talent shows, live entertainment, street dance and karaoke!


Wasaga Beach celebrates Canada Day
Live entertainment & SONY, food & drink for all ages plus reptiles, water sports, a BMX stunt show and wicked Helicopter rides for $40!
Begins at 9 am ends after Fireworks at 10pm 'ish'

 
 
Canada Day in Owen Sound
Live music, Silly Willy and Clown, vendors with food and drink, water slide, mini golf and amazing fireworks display at 10 pm (rain day July 4 fireworks only)
Owen Sound, Ontario @ Kelso Beach Park
Begins at Noon - Til Dark
 
...many communities have Canada Day celebrations on both July 1st and throughout the weekend (see here), let's keep our fingers crossed for loads of sunshine ;)
 
Or, take a road trip to Canada's capital city, otherwise known as Ottawa, Ontario. The parliament buildings and you, could welcome Her Majesty the Queen of England and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh!! Canada's Capital
 
 
 
Photo taken by Master Corporal Rob Bottrill, Canadian Forces Combat Camera Snowbirds

Friday, June 25, 2010

Pretty Peonies are the perfect Cottage Flower




In late spring to early summer the gardens in cottage country are decorated with gorgeous Peonies that range in color from snow white up to vibrant, lush pinks and rich, velvet crimsons. These gorgeous flowers have such a stunning fragrance too, that they easily fill a room with scent...and ants, if you forget to shake em' before bringing them indoors ;)

Peonies require little to no maintenance and seem to be the perfect perennial! Just secure with string or a cage (so they don't sag from the weight of the blooms) and they Peony do prefer lots of sun. But, I've planted some groupings in dappled shade and although they are slower to expand they seem very happy and their blooms tend to last longer.

Photgrapher Darwinek

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Host a Pig Roast at the Cottage!

Every year hundreds of outdoor gatherings are hosted in cottage country and if you're lucky, you'll attend at least one mouth watering Pig Roast, Pig Pickin's, Luau or Redneck BBQ every year! They make the perfect party food for large gatherings with relaxed atmospheres and there's plenty of that going on in this four season paradise.

Pig roasts occur internationally, from Cuba to China, on New Year's Eve or Christmas, at Stag n' Does, Jack n' Jill's, family reunions or country wide celebrations like Canada day (which is coming up July 1st, 2010)...

Pig Roast Cooking Process...

Pigs are usually seasoned then roasted on either a rotating spit , the BBQ, charcoal grill, an open fire, a large oven or buried in hole then covered in hot lava rocks.

It takes anywhere from 4 to 24 hours to cook either a half or whole pig. It's also best to cook it meat side down flipping only once when fat has stopped dripping. When the cooking process is complete, the meat should be tender enough that it easily falls off the bone. The meat is then either chopped or pulled or is picked off the roasted pig by the guests.

Popular spices, seasonings and flavours include crushed garlic, black pepper, salt, oregano, olive oil, wine vinegar, BBQ sauce, mesquite or smoked flavours.


This # of people = approx. this much Pig (in lbs.)

- 20 people = 40lb pig  
- 40 people = 50lb pig
- 80 people = 90lb pig
- 120 people = 120lb pig

You will need...

- Pig
- BBQ sauces, seasonings, spices, brine, marinade or get your piglet pre-smoked!
- Meat thermometer
- Heat Gloves
- Sharp knife
- Pig Serving Tray (a large table strictly for the pig is perfect)
- Heat source ie; BBQ, spit, grill, fire pit or hole
- Fuel ie; charcoal, propane, wood or lava rocks 
- Time and planning. Rushing leads to a burnt piggie, start too late and you guests may be eating at 2am!

Determine how you will be serving your roasted pig...

Will it be carved into rough slices, taken off in rough chunks, or pulled and picked off by the guests?
Will it be served with green salad, Caesar, potato, bean or pasta salad?
Will it be accompanied by buns, rolls, sliced bread, baguettes or french bread?
Will your beverage be iced tea, colas, ice cold beer & cider or Dandelion Wine?

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p.s. If your guests begin to resemble any of these three characters, perhaps the Dandelion wine has already kicked in!


p.s.s. I experienced a blonde moment when I hosted my first pig roast (without being to one first)...I was expecting a smoked ham taste throughout the meat and instead got plain white pork, duh! So, for future reference I made note to either purchase a pre-seasoned/pre-smoked piggie or to have plenty of condiments at the ready ;)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Stephen B. Leacock Museum - Orillia & Lake Couchiching - History

The Stephen Leacock Museum or the Stephen Leacock Memorial Home is a huge part of Orillia's literary history and has been situated on the shores of Lake Couchiching since 1928. The Leacock House, as it was known then, was built just minutes from the Port of Orillia on Old Brewery Bay and is open for viewing.

Stephen B. Leacock (1869 - 1944) was known worldwide for his profound knowledge, sense of humour and talent for writing; publishing books such as Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town and Nonsense Novels. The highly awarded author, economist and poli-sci fanatic led a very interesting, well rounded life and we are proud have his roots right here in cottage country. As well, the nearby shores of Lake Simcoe was home to Stephen Leacock and his family when he was a much younger lad, and is where he chose as his final resting place.

Leacock Museum

50 Museum Drive
Orillia, Ontario

Phone# 705-329-1908

Open 7 days a week from 9 am - 5 pm

Stroll the gorgeous grounds, gardens and museum then have afternoon tea and sandwiches or plan the perfect lakeside wedding!


Stephen B. Leacock

 
Lake Couchiching Sunset

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Update: 2010's G8 & G20 this weekend; security, road closures ect. are in full force!!

Are we anticipating a relaxing weekend in cottage country despite the fact our 'area' is crawling with an additional 5,000+ gun wielding tourists for this year's G8 Summit? ...same situation a couple of hours south in downtown Toronto, another 15,000+ for the G20 Summit!!?

One ought to feel safe with all of the security nearby yet it's probably the least safe I've felt since the morning of 9/11! With worldwide attention being focused on our once quiet and serene 'neighbourhood' we truly do lay helpless in the wake of whatever bad things 'they' anticipate happening. Oh well, I guess it's out of my control but fingers are certainly crossed!

All road closures will be in affect as of tomorrow (Wednesday) with many restrictions already in place throughout both areas. No ID and/or special pass = no enter! Pink, orange, blue and green roads all have restrictions and you are required to have a level of authority or 'right to be there' on all of them. The green roads will be used for those passing through the area and do expect delays and/or detours and/or road checks!

Here's more information about the G8 Summit & the G20 Economic Summit.

p.s. have a safe weekend everyone! And, to all of our temporary visitors...be sure to come back when you can kick back, relax and enjoy cottage country, not guard it! Thanks though, we, the country and the visiting countries leaders and their own all thank you.

p.s.s. no more summit posts for this chic, except perhaps to sum up this landmark experience when it's over!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Father's Day Weekend 2010 - Cottage Country, Ontario

Father's Day Car Show

Visit downtown Bracebridge for their Father's Day Car Show and enjoy over 100 vehicles of special interest, great oldies music and food!

Sunday - June 20, 2010
Begins at 11:00 am - Until 4:00 pm

Bracebridge, Ontario
Downtown Bracebridge


Wild Wonders at Blue

Flight Shows with Free-Flying Birds of Prey by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy and The Reptile Rob Show featuring animals from around the world! They call it "Edutainment", which is my new word of the day ;) Take in all Blue Mountain has to offer while you're there like hiking, scavenger hunts, the splash fountain, shopping!...

Saturday, June 19th, 2010 & Sunday, June 20, 2010

The Canadian Raptor Conservancey Birds of Prey
Begins at 11:00 am, 1:30 pm & 4:00 pm

The Reptile Rob Show
Begins at 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm & 5:00 pm

Face Painting 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Collingwood, Ontario
Village at Blue Mountain
Phone# 705-445-0231
Village at Blue
 
Father's Day Captain's Feast n' Cruise
 
Dine on the largerst cruising boat within the Musoka named 'Lady Muskoka' who sits 300 passengers and has full facilities!
 
Bracebridge, Ontario
June 20, 2010
Begins at 12:00 Noon
 
Captain's Feast
Reserve your spot by calling... 
Phone# 705-646-2628 or
Phone# 800-263-5239

Or...

- go fishing for the afternoon and eat your catch!
- go for a hike, picnic, swim or all three at any one of Ontario's parks
- give him a foot massage, feed him grapes and just let him be (if, he deserves it ;)

Ideas for an Elegant Cottage Master or Guest Bedroom - Decor

This lovely vignette of products was inpsired by dreams of a pretty country cottage bed & bedbreakfast you'd stumble across in a fairytale. The soft blues, creams and neutrals creates an elegant and romantic room without being too girlie!


Large cream suitcase with stud detail, 520 GBP
Large Mint Green Linen Suitcase, 520 GBP
Spring Fling fine crystal-embellished clutch, $2,587
Royal Palace Magnifique Scalloped Edge 8' x 10'Wool Rug - QVC.com, $429
Canopy bed Sheherazade - Romantic - Maisons du Monde, 249 EUR
Buy Eliza Mirror, H79xW56cm online at JohnLewis.com, 99 GBP
Plastic Wrought Iron 20" Wall Clock - Bed Bath & Beyond, $40
Point a la Ligne Large Eiffel Tower Candle: Kitchen & Dining, $66
VINTAGE CREAM FRAME SIDE CHAIR

seating
FLEA
Jayson Home & Garden
Gracious Home
Product
curiosities
FLEA
Jayson Home & Garden
, $295
Provencial Arrangement, Artificial Floral, Silk Flower: Kitchen &..., $372
Kissenhüllen-Set, 3-tlg. ab 39,95 € im Impressionen Online Shop, 40 EUR
Thomasville Lighting Catherine's Palace Collection Vintage Brass..., $518
Buy Sculptures & Ornaments from John Lewis, 21 GBP
Boxed Gardenia Morris Candle, 9.95 GBP
Zara Home - Bathroom - Pack of 3 Stone Coloured Basic Towels, 5,95 EUR
Pier 1 Imports - Ruffles Pillow - Sand, $30
Z Gallerie - Porcelain Filigree Urn - French Blue, $100
Monsoon Accessorize - Candles & Holders, 18 GBP
english paper brocade pillow in blue by michele varian - ABC Carpet &...
Scatter Silver Foil 20x20 Pillow by Sivaana , $220
ANTIQUE LARGE KEY , $24
tubes noel - Page 59


(p.s. If you love to 'pretend' online shop then head over to polyvore.com and create a styled pic of your own for free! There's way more than just stunning goodies for the home; the fashion is to die for, there are shoes by the cazillion and plenty of oh la la accessories! xo C ya there!!)

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The Beauty of Muskoka's Antique & Classic Wooden Boats

Antique wooden boats docked in Muskoka waters...for show or play it's all the way for these fanatics!

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To view Antique Wooden Boats or Classic Boats visit Gravenhurst, Ontario in the heart of cottage country! Head down to the waterfront and take a tour on the R.M.S. Segwun, Wenonah II or Wanda III, visit the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society or the 'floating' boat museum The Grace & Speed Boathouse.

Protect & Accessorize your Toys!

Cottage life, is livin' the life, whether you're 5 or 65! Kidlets frolic and play while grown up's have fun with their own toys. Boats, cars, trucks, quads, sleds and seadoos are all in use at some point, all year long and have totally replaced lego and skipping ropes. But, there's no easy toss into the toy box solution when the fun is over. Now, as adults, we need to maintain and upkeep our toys with select automotive products and accessories that will protect and enhance our prized investments!

Shopping for automotive products and accessories isn't normally my thing, I prefer handbags and shoes ;) but, the reality is that I also love using the toys and therefore...

...because toys involve travel around cottage country, I'd recommend purchasing a GPS system. You will never, ever have to argue over bad co-piloting skills (just batteries) and this will protect your relationship which is an investment, right!? ;) Then you can personalize and protect your ride with numerous automotive products that look hot and perform the practical, functional side of their job.

Car, boat, truck and ATV covers protect painted surfaces from natural erosion, scratches and dust that can kill a once beautiful paint job. Seat covers guard against general wear and tear, transfer of odours, ciggie burns and slops from your last run at the drive thru. Floor mats are a pain in the woohoo to get lickity clean but imagine the floor without them, ewww! Note to self; spilt milk sours (duh!) and it's beyond foul in an enclosed space!

Friday, June 11, 2010

From Dragonboats to Lobsterfest! - Cottage Country Ontario!

Spring Boat, Cottage & Outdoor Show

Spend the day in the Port of Orillia, Ontario on Lake Couchiching for the annual inwater outdoors show. There will be a great selection of both new and pre-owned boats, marine safety displays, demonstrations, cottage living and outdoor products plus plenty of other vendors. It's free with donations accepted for boat viewing.

Port of Orillia, Lake Couchiching - Downtown
Friday, June 11, 2010 until Sunday, June 13, 2010

Friday -  Begins at Noon until 9:00 pm
Saturday - 9:00 am until 9:00 pm
Sunday - 9:00 am and ends at 6:00 pm
Phone# 705-326-4424
Toll Free# 888-326-4424

Aboriginal Festival

Share a tribute to Canada's First Nations with special on-site activities, crafts and displays.

Midland, Ontario
Saturday, June 12, 2010 - Sunday, June 13, 2010

Satuday & Sunday - Begins at 10:00 am Ends at 5:00 pm
Phone# 705-526-7838
http://www.hhp.on.ca/

Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour


Discover unique creations from some of Muskoka's fine artists!
From Saturday, June 12, 2010 until Monday, June 14, 2010
Phone# 705-762-5663
Muskoka Chamber

Settler's Days


Cruise over to Bobcaygeon for Father's Day on Sunday to the annual Strawberry Social and partake in some popular festivities at the historic pioneer village.

Kawartha Settlers Village
Bobcaygeon, Ontario
Sunday, June 13th, 2010
Phone# 705-738-6163

17th annual Antique and Classic Car Show

A day outside with awesome antique cars (parts & registrations etc.) shopping...sidewalk sale ;) music and entertainment along with food and drink!

Gravenhurst, Ontario
Gull Lake Rotary Park
Saturday, June 12, 2010

Phone# 705-687-4432
Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce

7th Annual Chamber of Commerce Lobsterfest and Art Show

Art show, cocktails, fresh lobster or steak dinner and music by "The Art of Southeast Georgian Bay" Adrein Robitaille. Art Show from 2 till 6 pm. Cocktails 4 pm, Dinner from 5 till 7 pm. This one's not free, go figure ;) but sounds delicious!!

Baxter Ward Community Centre
Port Severn, Ontario
Saturday, June 12th, 2010
Phone# 705-538-2526
Lobsterfest

Dragon Boat Festival

Pack 'er up and tour over to Waubuno Beach for the 9th Annual Parry Sound Dragon Boat Festival! Watch as locals and visitors race along the shores of Georgian Bay in the world's largest fresh water paddle boats. 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson...leads to an exciting photo finish! A great event, fundraiser and day for everyone, thanks to 150+ volunteers who aide in the awesomeness of the day.

Parry Sound, Ontario - Waterfront
Begins Friday, June 11, 2010 & ends Saturday, June 12, 2010

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Ontario girl Shania Twain is officially Divorced!

One of my favourite Ontario girls, aka country singer Shania Twain, is officially divorced and available?! Well, maybe not available as she's apparently already seeing somebody special...So, for those Timmins, Ontario boys (or international fans) wishing for the chance to date this lady, you'd best turn on the charm and get her out of Switzerland asap ;) 

How ironic that her exes name is Robert 'Mutt' Lange considering he is a cheating dog!!














Oddly enough, Shania & Mutt will remain connected and not because of their child. More so because of whom they are rumoured (by people.com) to be currently hanging out with...which is each other's ex spouses!!
All I can say is, I'm rootin' for ya Shania regardless of
your 'status' and I'm definitely looking forward to your next album!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Baby Raccoons; Ontario Wildlife at it's Cutest!

While on a quick tour, this past weekend in cottage country, I came across these adorable baby raccoons while they were en route to an animal shelter. Seeing wildlife in Ontario is quite common yet they're not generally inside a cardboard box ;) ...so, of course I had to see what I was hearing and holly crap these darling little raccoons were so cute, cuddly and hungry! No doubt these 'coon cubs (kits) were also missing their Momma who was most likely killed on the highway ;(


Sunday, June 6, 2010

Contests for Canadians - Win a Lund Boat, Cash or a Dodge RAM!!

Contest for Canadians, when does your luck begin?...

Catch, Click & Win photo Contest! Berkley, Coleman, Lund, OFF! & Canadian Tire
...so many goodies, even a boat & cash + weekly prizes!

- Contest is open to Canadian residents who are the age of majority.
- Contest begins Tuesday June 1, 2010 and ends Tuesday August 31, 2010.
- Limit of one entry per category per person, 10 per household.
- Please see rules and regulations before entering.
- Enter the Contest

...yaaay! I love when photos are useful beyond replaying an old  memory ;) and I'd also love that fishing boat & cash package!!



Win a New Dodge 2010 RAM 2500 SLT in this year's Heavy Duty Haul-In Contest!

- Contest is open to Canadian residents who are the age of majority.
- Contest begins Friday May, 14 2010 and ends Friday November 19, 2010.
- Limit of one entry per person with an option for 5 bonus entries!
- Please see rules and regulations before entering.
- Enter the Contest

...I've always been a Chevy girl but these Dodge trucks just keep gettin' sexier and sexier! Plus, with a value of over $35G, she'd look awful purdy in my driveway!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Whatcha' got there, funny pictures?

...sign displayed by tree huggers?

...a warning sign that he's definitely not a tree hugger!

...and a sign in black and white that says to me; he'd best become a tree hugger 'cause with this kind of charm, that's all he'll be huggin'!


Thursday, June 3, 2010

Auto flea market, Medieval Fayre, Carden Nature Festival...events in cottage country, Ontario 2010!

Less that one month left then school is out for summer but, what's keeping you entertained this weekend? Of course, the weather is a huge dictator of plans around cottage country so lets hope for a weekend stunner!

If you haven't made plans to host a garage sale, roll around in poison ivy or stake out the G8 Summit, perhaps a visit to one of the following events may be of interest to you.

You could go to the...

28th Annual Spring Automotive Flea Market
This is a great event for classic car buffs but don't worry ladies, you'll find stuff to delve into as well ;) There's lots of parking, washrooms (+ porta potties), food & drink...it was smokin' hot outside the last time I went and finding shade to chillax in was a little tricky.


Burl's Creek
Oro, Ontario
Begins Thursday June 3, 2010 & ends Sunday June 6, 2010
Phone# 705-487-3663

Band Shell Concert Series
Monday & Thursday evenings there will be live outdoor performing arts, concerts & entertainment at the band shell! This is an all ages outdoor presentation that continues throughout the summer months. Free entertainment(but do accept donations) includes all types of live music such as country bands, folk groups with styles from rock n' roll to brass bands, dixie and blues... Be sure to pack (and bring ;) your own comforts like chairs, blankets, bug spray etc. even your pets are welcome!

Bracebridge, Ontario
Phone# 705-645-3037

Great Northern Medieval Fayre
Step back in time and visit one of Ontario's newest festivals! You don't need your Robin Hood tights for this event it's all about the spirit of medieval times. There will be jousting Knights & rustic Vikings, birds of prey, Merlin the Magician, numerous creative artisans, food & drink...

Great Northern Medieval Fayre
Begins Thursday June 3, 2010 and ends Sunday June 6, 2010
Adult - $16 Senior - $14 Kids - $10 (under 6 are free) Group rates are available.

Collingwood, Ontario
Great Northern Expo Grounds
Phone# 705-728-6218

Huron Carol Exhibit
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons is a historic display and rendition for the upcoming season known as The Huron Carol Exhibit which depicts what is believed to be Canada's first Christmas carol. The exhibit celebrates the Huron Carol with a gallery of illustrations and paintings.


Begins Friday May 21, 2010 and ends Sunday October 10, 2010

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Midland, Ontario
Phone# 705-526-7838 Does have an entrance fee.

Carden Nature Festival
Make like a bird and fly over to Kirkfield in Carden for the Nature Festival this weekend! It's all about the birds and nature at it's finest with hikes and social group fun. There are itineraries for photographers, relaxers, general nature lovers, exercise lovers, botany lovers and one for Birders too!

Begins Friday June 3, 2010 and ends Sunday June 6, 2010
Phone# 705-326-1620 Does have an entrance fee.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Update - G8 Summit 2010 Final Town Meeting announced - Huntsville, Ontario

The Mayor has announced a final town meeting regarding the 2010 G8 Summit meeting in Huntsville, Ontario taking place June 26 & 27, 2010. This is of special interest to local residents and those who have a business or own a cottage in the Huntsville region therefore, you are invited to attend.

As well in attendance you can expect the Honourable Tony Clement (Minister of Industry), the senior official of the Summits Management Office and the ISU (representatives of/for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Department of National Defence).

June 1 - G8 Summit Technical Briefing on Security
Media Advisory

Town meeting...


Final Town Hall meeting on 2010 G8 Summit
Sunday, June 6, 2010
2:00pm - 4:00pm

Canada Summit Centre
20 Park Drive
Huntsville, Ontario


For updates follow on Twitter @TOHG8Summit2010 ...and, you may as well follow me too, if you aren't already ;) @central_ontario