Black Pearl Life Style

Spinning is a fantastic form of cardio exercise, particularly during these winter-y months. The Collingwood YMCA has some great weekly spinning classes, suitable for all abilities. The format of the classes are designed so that despite following the lead of the instructor, the individual is able to drive the level at which they exercise. I enjoy the group dynamic and high impact nature of the class. It's great endurance training and with a great trainer, great fun and uplifting.   Here's the link to the Collingwood YMCA http://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Collingwood-Winter-2018-Full-Brochure-updated-Jan-17-2018.pdf

The snow shovels are out again, much to our chagrin, and with the snow blowers packed up for the season, most were out with their trusty hand held devices. A great tip from the blog below - cooking oil on the shovel to help the sticky, wet snow.  Here's the link! https://www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/10-great-snow-and-ice-removal-hacks/view-all/

This weekend has been astonishingly extreme with the ice storm that has dominated Southern Ontario. Occasionally, the weather forecast over-estimates the impact but this weekend, we braced ourselves, and for good reason. One foot of snow on April 15th is quite something! 

Another easy watch with great binge potential: Jane the Virgin. I checked in after years of wanting to. I knew Gina Rodriguez (Jane) clean up during awards season, so thought there must be something special. It's funny and very well acted. Cleverly cheesy and sentimental with the compelling drive of a soap opera ( of which it is in part, a parody).  Rodriguez is a delight. A great series. Here's the link http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3566726/

We have this lovely rustic, wooden coffee table in store. The rough, exposed wood adds such charm and is very much still on trend, particularly in cottage country. This lovely side table/ coffee table is a great size too, making it a perfect accent piece ( Size: 30" x 24" x 14") . We have two! Check them out in our store.  Check out some ore ideas on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/523332419187496088/

In the spirit of Spring, we are de-cluttering. Diabetes Canada collects your gently used, well loved clothes and home items from your door step! It's so easy! There's now excuse and it all goes to a good cause. Just book the pick up and place a large D on your items for collection.  Here's the link for contact! http://www.diabetes.ca/declutter

We have some cute, wooden decorative boards in store. They are great accent pieces and you can pick and choose what inspirational writings you'd like to have on your wall. Rustic and attractive. A great addition! We have lots of great decorating options in store.  Here's the link! http://www.home-designing.com/introduce-the-rustic-with-these-wooden-wall-decor-finds

Spring is (almost) here, and it's time for Spring Clean- Up! This is a great blog with tips such a cleaning of gutters and clean exterior windows. This may seems like a formidable task, but break down the tasks into smaller, less intimidating jobs which are easier to achieve.  Here's the blog! https://www.diynetwork.com/made-and-remade/fix-it/12-maintenance-tips-to-get-your-home-ready-for-spring  

We discovered a lovely new park, Red Oak Park in Wasaga Beach. It's quiet and safe  (a long walkway from the road). the play structure is new and exciting for the kids and the swings are old school (they go very high!). It's a great find and lovely spot for the local community.  Here's the link! https://www.wasagabeach.com/Document%20Library/Parks%20and%20Amenities.pdf

We have so much art made by the kids. One way to re-purpose some of their lovely work, is to create collage cards. Perfect as greetings or thank you cards for friends and relatives. We have some pre-made blank cards made from good quality card stock, cut up some artworks into different shapes, then arranged them on the card using glue. So simple and so effective! 

 We have snow. And it's April. After a fierce storm, including freezing wind, high winds and snow, this morning brings turquoise skies, iridescent trees. It was truly uplifting sensation. Two more weeks of freezing temperatures and snowfall, Spring is on its way!    

If you're looking for a smart, hilarious, lighthearted Netflix show (to binge), I'd highly recommended, Life in Pieces. An exemplary cast, great writing and so hilarious in parts, I found myself crying with laughter... rare and beautiful moments of TV magic. Spanning various stages of the life cycle, there is something for everyone to relate to. The top notch cast have moved smoothly into comedy, some of them from highly acclaimed dramas including Dianne Wiest (who has two Oscars to her name). Well worth the watch Here's the link! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4384086/

Chalk Paint has been on trend for a few years and the 'painted mason jars' started a while back as a result. It's a fabulous way to showcase these vintage gems, highlighting the stunning glass engraving and finished off with rustic twine. Love them!  Here's a ton of ideas from Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.ca/countrychiccott/mason-jar-crafts/?lp=true

We stumbled across this great Easter activity and it satisfied Ella's curiosity for a Bouncy Castle experience. Starting with a horse drawn carriage ride, then in to the Rec Plex for an intense 15 minutes of activities including balloon modelling and soft play adventure playgrounds. Very cool and the kids loved it! Here's a link! https://thepeakfm.com/event/383/wasaga-beach-easter-eggstravaganza/

Our family are spread far across the World so it's wonderful to have a chance to meet up. For an Easter celebration, we met at Jamie's Italian, Square One, Mississauga. A lovely restaurant, franchised by the iconic Jamie Oliver, serving delectable Italian cuisine in a chic yet rustic decor. It was the perfect setting for a family gathering, very reminiscent of the typical Italian family gatherings, with children running around the tables, while the adults graze on multiple courses that are served 'family style' on the table. A wonderful experience. Here's the link! https://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/canada/restaurants/square-one/