Black Pearl Life Style

One of our favorite ales of recent years is St. Ambroise from the McAuslan Brewery in Montreal. Deep and robust with a pure, fresh taste, those who like wheat beers will appreciate this local brew. Despite not claiming to be organic, the clean aroma has that feel. Found in most LCBO and some grocery stores.  Here's a link to the brewery http://mcauslan.com/en/beer-facts/?brand=st-ambroise-en&id=447

Today we joined a worthy cause, The Coldest Night of the Year, walk, raising money for the homeless in our community. Ella did herself proud as we walked 2 kms for charity, Magnus cheering us on from the back pack.  The event was well organized and everyone was treated to a delicious meal prepared by Market Made and Collingwood Bread Company on arrival back at base. Here's the link! https://cnoy.org/location/collingwood

The Spring melt is here.. everywhere you turn, the sound of running water is prevalent. The melt can soon present serious concerns and dangers as rivers run high, with banks bursting and fields become waterlogged. We are also experiencing a freeze overnight, which explains why we have a sheet of ice off our back deck.. not for the faint-hearted. Stay safe outside folks!    Here's a link with more info https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/spring_melt

One of the nicest spots in Collingwood is undoubtedly Sunset Point. Although the majority if currently ice-covered, the road that weaves alongside the water's edge is clear and allows a great view of the frozen landscape.  The various summer amenities are closed during the winter months, however, for those looking for qa wind swept walk in nature, this is a great spot and minutes from Collingwood downtown. Here's a link! https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g181754-d10307774-Reviews-Sunset_Point_Park-Collingwood_Ontario.html

If you're looking for a locally handmade, beautifully crafted, one of a kind, made to order cake, check out this fabulous local business,  Les Gâteries Sucrées. I was delighted with this cake for Darren, made during the fervor of the festive season. With 'Guinness' as the brief, Les Gâteries Sucrées produced this incredible work for an extremely decent price. Chocolate marble, with fondant icing and impeccable craftsmanship. I would highly recommend their work. Here's the link! https://www.facebook.com/lesgateriessucreesmawiedesign/?fref=ts

Collingwood is truly a Winter Wonderland and becoming an iconic holiday destination. Despite the bitterly cold temperatures, the town is hosting an icy celebration,  'Frozen in Time', 28th - 30th December. As well as some stunning ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown Collingwood, Simcoe Street is closed to traffic, housing games, a welcoming open air fireplace and a thrilling 'ice slide' ( pictured below). The kids will love it, bundle up and get Frozen in Time! Here's the link! http://frozenintimefestival.visitsouthgeorgianbay.ca/

What better way to spend a snowy morning than to meet dear friends at the newest hot-spot in town, 8th Street Park in Collingwood. Not far from the store, this park is suitably fenced in with some great attractions including a tandem slide and 'hoverboard'. Only obvious downside was the walkway on the main play structure. Their metallic finish now resembled sheet ice and proved a nasty hazard. Very centrally located, this park will likely prove a big hit with the locals