Black Pearl Life Style

The Niagara Escarpment runs from New York state, through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. It is the longest escarpment formed out of the Great Lakes Basin, the most popular modern day tourist attraction being Niagara Falls. Collingwood is nestled in the shadows of the Escarpment, Osler Bluffs and Blue Mountain, overlooking the town and providing year round appeal to locals and tourists alike.  Here's a link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Escarpment

We are experiencing significantly colder than average temperatures so we've been googling some great tips to stay healthy and active during the winter months. As well as keeping active and remembering to take vitamin D supplements, heating the home is an important tool in surviving the winter. We love this tip: "Run your ceiling fans clockwise to keep heat circulating downward". Genius! Also be mindful of cracks and holes where heat could escape. The link below suggests even bubble wrap can act as a good insulator. Anything to keep those Hydro bills down! Stay safe and warm folks! Here's the link! https://lifehacker.com/top-10-ways-to-survive-the-cold-harsh-winter-1498172684

Several years ago, when Ella was very young, I set up a hiking group for Mums and Babes in the Georgian Triangle ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/657629861008026/ ). We still hike, at least once a week, in all weathers, through all terrains, babies on backs and laughter in our hearts. This week, upon hiking up the steep and snowy 6th Street Extension (see map), we noticed a series of alarmingly large tracks along the road, with a gate that way exceeded that of a domestic dog (or cat) Coyote sighting are extremely common in the area, however the size of this print suggests something larger. Probably a wolf. Or even a cougar. Luckily, both animals would likely have been deterred by the raucous laughter coming from our group and resting in time for their nocturnal jaunts in search of food.  It was a reminder of the wonder of nature and to always be respectful of the local environment.  Here's an interesting link about some recent coyote sighting! http://www.discove...

We have a fantastic selection of artworks in Black Pearl Emporium. From oils to water-colours, prints and sculpture, we enjoy art and love it passing through our store. This summer,  we happened upon these two stunning works from the local art hero, Murray Clerkson. Clerkson was a prolific artist as well as life long advocate for artists and the art community. He ran a furniture store and was an active supporter of the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts in Collingwood. As part of his legacy, an annual award is offered to an outstanding, up and coming local artist from the area. His works are  expressive, rich in colour and evocative of the local environment we live in. A lucky find for someone familiar with the artist or who merely enjoys this fabulous work. One sold in our recent online auction but one remains in store. Here's a link to the Murray Clerkson award http://www.bmfa.on.ca/clerksonaward.php