Collingwood is one of my favorite places to visit.  Here’s a few reasons why:

1.  The Westin Trillium House: For the last 10 years, I have preferred to stay at a Westin Hotel.  Probably because of their Heavenly Bed! Infact  I was given a Heavenly Bed as a gift about 8 years ago. ( the mattress and the box spring). Besides the Heavenly Bed…I’m also a huge fan of their customer service, the over all feel of each property and those little “things” that make a difference. Remind me to share with you the collection of ducks I have from another Westin hotel.

I’m always guaranteed a great nites sleep at a Westin.

2.  The Plunge Aquatic Centre: Perfect for the inner kid in me that I got to unleash.

Me. Jane.

3  The Apple Pie Trail: For a Foodie like me, this activity is ideal!  We visited a few bakeries on Monday morning in Meaford and Thornbury! Not a bad way to spend your morning.

Having fun while visiting Grandma Lambe’s bakery in Meaford!!

4.  Blue Mountain Activity Central; We loved the friendly staff (ie Barb) who set us up on bikes so we could bike along the Georgian Trail with the intention of getting to the beach. This was a great idea and way more fun than taking the car.

5. The Gondola Ride: Nothing beats a quick ride up Blue Mountain so that we could enjoy a picnic lunch and a small hike.

A gorgeous spot to enjoy our picnic!

6. Ridge Runner: My BF had so much fun on this ride that he did it twice!!

7.  Maple Syrup: Everytime I visit Collingwood I have to stop at this store to enjoy this treat. It reminds me of my childhood and always brings back great memories.

Who else loves this treat?

8. The fact that we didn’t have to use our car to go anywhere….all our needs were met right in the Village. Sweet.

9.  I also love the fact that Blue Mountain is a 4 season resort and can be enjoyed in ANY season. I’ve visited during the Spring, Summer, and Winter but have yet to go there during the Fall. Hmm…something for me to put on my to-do list!!

10. Collingwood is small enough but has all the right amenities. This means, that there is plenty to do if the weather is less than perfect…bowling, movie theatres, shopping etc.

10. Georgian Bay: the beach that we went to was absolutely stunning, with clear warm water! I was a happy camper. Speaking of camping, we stopped by the Craigleith Provincial Park to get some info about camping there in 2013. Nothing like planning ahead, right?

Stunning day at the beach!!

Clearly I think Collingwood is an ideal vacation spot.  I really hope you get to visit soon. You won’t regret it.

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In the last 6 weeks, I have been fortunate enough to attend two media tours to visit a variety of farms. One tour was organized by Farm Food Care and the other tour was organized by Farmers Feed Cities. Both tours were amazing and have been thinking about visiting more farmers and eating local. Therefore, on my way back from Collingwood, I stopped by Cookstown Greens to see their farm. Caroline and Simon Ffrench were all too happy to give us a tour and teach us about their unbelievable operation. Just take a look at these photos. These images say a lot!!

Stunning!

Black Tomatoes!!

Beauties.

On our way out, we received a beautiful bag of goodies. These vegetables were truly appreciated as I’m still on a low carb diet and it meant that I would have a beautiful lunch today!!

Salad Ingredient

Cookstown Greens Seedling Salad ( may contain: daikon and burgundy radish, popcorn pea, chickpea, chard, red cabbage seedlings and edible flower petals). I also chopped the beautiful cucumber and the purple green pepper into the salad. Trust me – this was not your average summer.

I did not need to add toasted nuts or feta cheese. My salad was going to taste amazing without any additional ingredients. The only thing I needed was a dressing. (which I make without using a formal recipe. Sorry)

Salad Dressing Ingredients:  Lemon Balm (from Cookstown Greens), olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a bit of honey, a bit of grainy mustard and then I whizzed up all the ingredients in the Cuisinart.

I love homemade dressings.

End Result: A stunning, TASTY salad.

Cookstown Greens Inspired Lunch

For more info about Cookstown Greens, please visit their website.

To find their products in retail stores click here and to find their farmer market locations please click here.

Ps I think  Ontario Table  would be proud of me for having a LOCAL lunch. You too can have a LOCAL lunch. (hint hint) For more info about her quest for everyone to eat local, please check out her website here.

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wore these two outfits all summer

I have been a huge fan of sample sales for the last five years (or more). My favorite sample sale is taking place next week. They only open their doors twice a year to the public and I have only missed it once in 5 years (I was out of town. Can you believe?)

So here’s the details:

Hagerty and LeMessurier Fashions, 71 Wingold (Dufferin and Lawrence), Wednesday Nov. 24th from 10 to 7 and Thursday Nov. 25th from 10 to 6.

Samples will be mostly size 8 but if you are a size 6 or size 10 (like me)…you can still find merchandise that will fit you. I should also warn you that it will be SUMMER merchandise.

Here’s a few of the lines you will find: Eric Alexandre, Isda + Co, NTS and Sandwich. It’s worth clicking on the links!!

In the picture, those two outfits are from Sandwich. I swear,  I wore those two outfits over and over. The nice thing about sample sales is that I never find anyone else wearing what I’m wearing.  Plus I dont have to panic and go to the mall coz I bought everything BEFORE the season started. OH yeah…I save 50%. That’s kinda important to me!!

Other Sales:

Accentrix Fashion Accessories, 555 Richmond Street W (in the lobby) starting Wednesday Nov 17th. Purses, scarves, jewellery, belts, leather gloves etc. Cash only.

I have been going to that sale for a few years too and always score.

EVEN MORE GOOD NEWS:

100 rooms for $100 at Blue Mountain in Collingwood,  Nov 19 -21. call 1 877 445 0231. How sweet is that? I would be going except we have special function this weekend. Would have made a great get-a-way weekend. Let me know if any of you take advantage of this super special.

Happy Savings!!

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