KOST:  Order up a Mother’s Day basket with DIY coconut pancakes, French Made macarons, a bouquet of tulips, Veuve Clicquot and complimentary Veuve Clicquot branded champagne flutes. There’s also an option to add on baked eggs. No additional ingredients necessary. Available for 2 people ($70 x$15 to add baked eggs) or for 4 people ($125 + $25 to add baked eggs).

Cafe Boulud: Indulge mom with their new 3-course take home menu that includes house-cured duck or the ‘D8’ Caesar Salad, their signature Rotisserie Chicken with Confit Potatoes or Short Ribs with Truffled Pomme Puree and decadent desserts (yes, there’s a chocolate mousse selection in there) hand prepared by the team. $58 per person. Place orders by May 6. Pick up at the Four Seasons Hotel curbside before noon on May 10.

McEwan’s Catering: Offers a delectable array of fine foods to create a fabulous brunch or even an Afternoon Tea delivered to mom. Indulge her at home with dishes like Brioche French Toast, House-Made Pastries, Mini-Quiches, Roasted Vegetable Frittatas, or even Grilled Salmon – ideal for those who prefer an a la carte menu. McEwan’s expert florists can also create lush floral arrangements for an added touch.

Patois Mother’s Day Feast: For moms who love the spices and a hint of the Caribbean. Chef Craig Wong has created an unforgettable meal Includes Beach Shack Lobster “Thermidor”, Jerk Pork Belly Yakisoba Noodles, DIY Doubles Kit, Curry Cauliflower Pickles, Rum Cake Tiramisu and Tropical Surpise Mimosa. $170 feeds 2-3 people. Preorder before May 6 for 10% off.

Shoushin: Chef Jackie Lin has created a very special Omakase Menu for mom that also includes a melt in your mouth Fatty Tuna smoked over Wheatstraw with Caviar and a Deluxe BaraChirashi Zushi with over 16 ingredients amongst the dishes offered. $220 per person. They’ve also partnered with a local florist to add a stunning arrangement for mom. Inquire directly.

Byblos: One of the city’s most loved Mediterranean restaurants pop up uptown and downtown all month with their ‘Masters of the Mediterranean Series’  – Mother’s Day weekend focuses on Byblos Uptown on May 8 & 9 with a $90 that includes several in house favourite dishes. The feast is designed for 2 people –  available for pick up. Full details on the menus and other pop up dates (including Patria) on their site.

Bangkok Garden: Surprise mom with her Thai favourites from this iconic restaurant located in the downtown core at The Elmwood Spa. This restaurant was the first in the city to introduce Thai cuisine and culture to Toronto over 35 years ago and is recognized by the Thai Consulate with Premium designation of authenticity. The menu includes spice stir-fries, fresh rolls and curries. Pre-set menus offer easy and complete dinner options starting at $22 per person.  Gluten-free and vegan dishes available.

If you’re looking for pastries and lighter (ish) fare…

French Made: Offers their “Build Your Own” Pastry Box with mom’s favourites to the downtown core. Gorgeous flakey and buttery croissants, blueberry danishes, cinnamon buns are just a few on the menu. They also go well with her morning latte – yes, they offer a coffee selection as well. Located at Bisha Hotel. Curbside pick up available or check through food delivery apps.

Butter Baker: Cakes and French pastries are much loved and with contact-less delivery options around Toronto and the GTA, this beautiful shop makes it even easier to celebrate mom. Here you can even order up a pack of 8 free-run eggs to cook up and enjoy (apparently there’s a shortage of eggs in the city). We love their fresh-baked croissants – classic butter is perfection but check what’s baking that’s extra special including their almond walnut – a customer favourite. Their seasonal cake offerings are creamy delicious. For Mother’s Day they are offering the Baker’s berry delicious “Strawberry Shortcake” made with laters of Tahiti vanilla chiffon cake, house-made strawberry jam, fresh strawberries and vanilla creme finished with freshly sliced berries and light strawberry creme.

Bake Code: This modern ‘Euro-Asian’ style pastry shop offers up tasty twists to baked goods. We’re obsessed with their Salted Duck Egg Yolk croissants, Vietnamese Coffee Cruffins, and their Mr. Chocolate Bean buns. Extra special are their cakes – their Japanese Strawberry Shortcake is a hit with moms. Don’t know what to order? Their convenient Grab and Go Bread Box includes six of their house favourites. Free delivery within designated zones with online orders or curbside pick up available. Several locations throughout the city.

For something a little extra…

The Rolling Pin: DIY Gourmet Donut kits is a fun lead up to Mother’s Day. The kit comes complete with the award-winning bakery’s perfectly made rings of bliss along side candies and frosting. The cutest edible activity for the little sweeties. Limited quantities and available May 6 for delivery and curbside pick up May 7 &8. Special for Mother’s Day is their popular Strawberry Cheesecake available only on this day. Call to reserve. Email for details.

Le Dolci: DIY Cookie Decorating Kit is another easy and entertaining activity for families to do with and/or for mom. Kits come with everything you need to get creative. Delivery available or contactless pick up available.

ReBLOOM: Sustainable florist ReBLOOM will host a special Mother’s Day DIY floral arrangement online workshop (live, one hour) with lifestyle expert Gracie Carroll and owner Kalynn Crump complete with flowers delivered (Toronto). Participants will get the tips on how to create professional-looking arrangements and how to make them last. Flowers are sourced from local growers. $65

Tonic Blooms: You’ve heard mom gush over peonies and orchids? Where to get them now? COVID-19 has limited florists and availability. Tonic Blooms is a go-to with convenient delivery. The site helps you navigate the current offerings — and yes, including peonies!

The post Local restaurants & businesses making Mother’s Day extra special appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

• Parlour Salon – Will be donating to One Brave Night, 50% of the sales of their new Fusionplex treatments from April 2nd-April 6th.

• Tiger of Sweden – 10% of all sales from April 7th & 8th will be donated to One Brave Night, when shoppers mention their support for CAMH at cash + will have a donation jar available in store to support One Brave Night from April 7th -17th.

• Lululemon – will host yoga classes on April 6th at The Attic on Queen St from
5:30PM-6:30PM and from 7:30PM-8:30PM at The Local on Ossington, where participants can make cash donations to CAMH in class.

• Jimmy’s Coffee (Ossington) – Donating 50% of drip coffee sales on April 6th to
One Brave Night

• Calii Love – Will be donating 50% of sales from their coffees sold on April
6th.

• Crywolf – will be hosting a late night shopping event from 6PM-9PM on April 6th offering goodie bags and will have a donation jar to support the campaign + donating a portion of their sales on posters and small accessories.

• Bang Bang Ice Cream – will be donating all sales from their “overbaked” cookies to One Brave Night on April 6th.

• Ollie Quinn – will be hosting an Instagram contest for One Brave Night participants for a chance to win a pair of non-prescription sunglasses or single vision prescription optical glasses and will have a donation jar at cash on April 6th.

• Tonic Blooms – will donate 25% of the sales from April 6th.

***

On top of creating awareness for mental health, money raised from the One Brave Night partnerships will go to help support the life-saving research and treatment offered at CAMH. OBN is also encouraging people to join the conversation on social media with #OneBraveNight and #OneBraveSelfie.

One of the most interesting event will be run by writer and mental health advocate Meghan Yuri Young of The Sad Collection who will be hosting “Choose your Challenge” day in support of One Brave Night. The public is invited to take part in the day that begins at Myodetox for a charity sweat at 8:30 AM, followed by The Quiet Company leading a mid-day meditation at noon and then the day will finish at FREE SPACE at 7:00 PM.

We got a chance to chat with Meghan about The Sad Collective prior to the big day.

What exactly is the Sad Collective?

Put simply, The Sad Collective is a community and platform aiming to destigmatize the conversation around mental health and mental illness. We believe in the power of vulnerability. Our website elaborates on that best, “We believe in the freedom of crying, the strength in admitting we’re not always fine and the courage to seek support when it’s needed.” To do that, we encourage people to embrace their emotions by giving them opportunities to tell their stories — either via an article on our website, by posting a photo on Instagram featuring one of our stencils sprayed on the ground around the city or however else they feel comfortable. And beyond that, the stories shared make those not currently comfortable to tell their own feel like they’re not alone.

Who organized it and who works with it? What are their backgrounds with mental health work?

My partner, Vasiliki Marapas, and I created The Sad Collective. It’s a passion project that came about during our own personal struggles at work and outside of it. We’re both writers who wanted more of a creative outlet. After going through heartbreak at the same time and being there for each other, we decided we wanted to run with that idea of solidarity and community. Especially since we both had strong ties to the mental health community and didn’t even realize it.

Yet, for me, aside from double majoring in psych and English, I’d never pursued work in the mental health community before this. It was simply an ongoing interest that out of necessity became something more. It’s fascinating how creating The Sad Collective has encouraged Vas and I to delve more deeply into the community to learn more about it and ourselves.

What is the goal of The Sad Collective?

The goal of The Sad Collective is, first and foremost, to show people that they’re not alone. The more we share, the more our community shares and the more they feel connected to something bigger. And that itself leads into the second goal, destigmatizing the conversation around mental health.

How is this goal achieved?

We’re currently taking very simple steps to achieving this goal. The first is running a light-hearted and relatable Instagram account that nevertheless touches on the darker moments in day-to-day life. The second is highlighting great initiatives in and around the city on our blog. There are so many amazing people and groups creating safe spaces and incredible initiatives for the mental health community. We also encourage conversation with spontaneous call outs for content, which often attracts people from all walks of life who have been searching for an outlet to express themselves. Not to mention one of my favourite projects, our Sad Collective stencils that we’ve stamped around the city that remind people that “it’s okay not to be okay” and “we’re all in this together” while also inspiring them to share their own thoughts on mental health.

Where do you research your stories?

Our stories often revolve around interviews, so their are very people-centric and require little research.

Are most stories personal or are some from professionals in the mental health field?

For now, they are very personal, but we hope to include more professional voices in the future. I see The Sad Collective as a community for the people by the people, so that’s why it involves more personal stories. Yet there is a great need for access to professionals and we tried to start an “Aunt Agony” column that allowed a psychotherapist to answer our audience’s questions, but it was hard to maintain. We do hope to bring it back though.

What are you currently working on?

We’re currently working on a big event for CAMH’s One Brave Night. This year the theme as expanded, encompassing a “choose your challenge” angle that is more inclusive to all situations. So in this vein, there will be a morning workout at Myodetox Performance for those who seek physical activity when going through something. Then there’s a midday meditation by The Quiet Company at Lululemon’s The Attic followed by the big event in the evening at Free Space.

The evening event will start with an open mic-style hour featuring speakers from the clinical, middle-ground and patient-side of mental health. From there, there will be movies, boardgames and a chance to mingle not only with the speakers, but with other guests to truly connect with the mental health community. It’s our first official Sad Collective event (in partnership with CAMH)!

What do you aim to do in the future?

We’re hoping to do more offline work within the community. Over the last three years, the biggest hurdle I’ve learned is that people don’t feel truly connected to each other and thus inevitably feel alone in their personal struggles. Whether it’s finding the right person to talk to or a shoulder to lean on, The Sad Collective aims to provide that is some way.

What is the best part about working in Toronto?

Toronto is so welcoming and so open to vulnerability. It might be a big city with big city cliches, but it differs in so many ways from places like New York, L.A. and even Vancouver. The presence of community is very strong here. And very supportive. Torontonians rally around each other; it’s so beautiful to witness and to be a part of as well.

PAY IT FORWARD – What is another charity group that you think we should know about?

There are so many! Through my job in media, I’ve been exposed to many amazing non-profit organizations including Skylark Youth, a mental health organization for youth and families. Last year I had the honour of travelling to SOS Children’s Villages in the Dominican Republic and now I sponsor a village. I’ve also been volunteering at the Children’s Book Bank in Toronto, which provides free books to underprivileged youth in the city. These are just a few though, and all close to my heart.

The post One Brave Night will bring community and businesses together for mental health appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Holiday Markets in Toronto

Toronto ETSY Holiday Market at Evergreen Brick Works Winter Village: Every Sunday through the month of December and daily from December 26 to 31st. Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Avenue. Support local and Canadian made gift and goods (this is a serious one for me..one for you kind of market). Visit often as the Ontario Etsy artisans will be rotating to get you into the holiday spirit. There will also be a holiday food court, live entertainment and outdoor play for kids.

Toronto Christmas Market: November 16 to December 23. Distillery District. One of the most popular in the city given the charm of the cobble-stoned lane ways and pedestrian only zone. Grab your apple cider and stroll through the outdoor market and throughout the shops. Admission is free of charge on weekdays until Friday at 5pm. $6 admission on weekends started at 5 pm on Fridays. Full details www.torontochristmasmarket.com

One of a Kind Show & Sale: November 23 to December 3. Enercare Centre Exhibiton Place. Over 800 Canadian artisans are featured at this massive show from jewellery to original artwork and food to toys, it’s pretty much every creative lover’s dream place. Wear your comfy shoes and bring a bottle of water. Weekdays are best times to go as the nights and weekends are crowded. There is a Girls Day Out event as well as a Late Night Out shopping event with extra perks. Onsite childcare also available. Take advantage of the re-admit pass to go back for more. Admission $15 adults, children under 12 free. See site for other pricing. www.oneofakindshow.com

Toronto Botanical Garden Holiday Market & Open House: November 30, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Toronto Botanical Gardens 777 Lawrence Ave. East. Stroll through the halls decked with holiday cheer and stocked with handcrafted and nature-inspired gifts, seasonal greens, local honey and more. Visit the Amaryllis Potting Bar. www.torontobotanicalgardens.ca

Holiday Fair in Nathan Phillips Square: December 1 to 23, Tuesday to Friday 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Saturday & Sunday 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Closes at 6:00 pn on December 23. Closed Mondays. This is the second year for this outdoor artisan market. Visit the vendors, enjoy festive drinks, food, live entertainment. In support of Epilepsy Toronto.

Holiday Market at the Barns: December 9 & 10. Artscape Wychwood Barns. Over 60 vendors featuring fashion, jewelry, home decor, beauty, and more. The Stop kitchen will also be serving Syrian comfort food by Majada as well as gluten-free treats by Ines Rischke. www.artscapewychwoodbarns.ca

Swedish Christmas Fair: November 25 & 26.  Harbourfront Centre. Free admission. A two-day holiday event with unique imported handmade crafts, texts, decor, food as well as a showcase of the Swedish culture and arts. www.harbourfrontcentre.com 

Makeology Holiday Fair: December 17 at Artscape Wychwood Barns. Featuring over 65 artisans. This market will also have locally made food and treats. Admission $3. Free for children 12 and under  www.makeology.ca 

Toronto Vegetarian Association Holiday Market: November 19, 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. at Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St. Over 30 local businesses featuring handmade gifts and holiday treats. Locally made and cruelty-free products. Admission $5 per person. Free admission for kids 12 and under. www.veg.ca 

Black Owned Holiday Pop-up Market: December 3, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St. This market features one of a kind products and services from black-owned businesses. Shop, enjoy the live performances and music too! All are welcome. Free admission. Details here.

GAS Holiday Pop-Art Market: November 25, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Gerrard Art Space, 1475 Gerrard Street East. Artisanal and one of a kind creations by local artisans including hand-crafted metal candle holders, handmade printed pottery, and jewellery.

The Nooks Holiday Pop-Up Market: December 9, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. 2005 Danforth Avenue. Themed to celebrate the season, this pop-up is a go-to for handmade, local, artisan wares.  Lots of gifts under $50. Free admission. www.thenooks.ca 

Bad Girls Market: November 25, 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, 165 Geary Avenue. Shop and support your local girl gang this holiday season. Over 20 bad girl run businesses. Enjoy some Bad Girl entertainment. Proceeds going to Nellie’s Shelter. www.badgirlscollective.ca 

The Trinity Bellwoods Flea – Christmas is Coming Market: November 19 & December 17, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Great Hall. 50 vendors will be under one roof at this holiday shopping event. Wander the hall and enjoy the music, food and drinks too. Free admission.

The Eco Lifestyle Market Holiday Edition: November 12, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 2087 Queen Street West. Thinking of greener gifts? Over 55 vendors will be at this special market. Local, handcrafted, sustainable, eco-friendly and wellness goods. Admission is free. www.theecolifestylemarket.com 

Pop Up Sip & Shop: November 23, evening event,  1801 Danforth Avenue. The Create Art Studio featuring mom-owned local businesses, with a wide range of products and services. Admission is $5 includes a glass of wine or a bottomless coffee or tea. www.createartstudio.ca 

The BUNZ Flea #6 Holiday Edition: December 3, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen St. West. A unique market where local artisans and craftspeople exchange their goods and services for both cash and trades. There’s also a Open Trading Zone where you can bring whatever you have and see what other people might be willing to offer you for it. Tarot readings available also by The Mermaid Oracle.

Toronto Vegan Winter Market: December 17, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Lithuanian House, 1573 Bloor Street West. Features some of the best vegan-friendly local businesses while raising funds for Wishing Well Sanctuary. Advance tickets $5. Tickets at the door $8. Kids 12 and under get in free.

City of Craft: December 9 -11. The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen Street West. This annual fair brings over 60 artisans from organic and all natural body care products to baby gifts to wonderfully creative knit cactus with Plants You Can’t Kill. Don’t be surprised if you end up walking out with more stuff for yourself than on our list. It’s so good! $3 admission.

Tonic Blooms Holiday Pop-Up at The Sleepover Space at 950 Queen Street West: December 17, 12:00 to 6:00 pm. Toronto’s favourite speedy and delightful on demand florists is hosting a one day only pop-up that’s worth going to. Discounted flowers and gifts make for perfect last minute gifts.

The post Our favourite 2017 Holiday Markets in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Tonic Blooms x Leeloodles Bouquet has recently launched a special collaboration with 8 year old Toronto artist Leeloodles. The “Leeloo bouquet” features flowers which the young artist  drew in an illustration that is also featured on a limited edition tote bag. Leeloo started designing t-shirts for friends and family and soon people on the street began wanting her designs. With funds from her t-shirt sales, Leeloo was able to adopt a Polar Bear at the Toronto Zoo. When you order this bouquet+tote bag collab, 10% of the proceeds will go to Nova’s Ark community programs — Leeloo’s current charity of choice.

Moms need to remember to take care of themselves and a great skincare line is welcomed. Graydon Plant Powered Skincare product line was inspired by her personal health and wellness journey. She’s extensively researched and tested the power of using pure plant-based ingredients in her luxurious line of products. This gift bundle includes three of our favourites: Hair Smoothie, all Over Soap, and All Over Face + Body Lotion.

Hava Collection Cactus Collection (Etsy): We love our succulents and cactus is a strong trend this season for the home. This sweet mini hand-made tea light collection from this artist doesn’t require any sun or water. Perfect for entertaining or accents around the home.

The city is filled with moms who can relate to  Rebel Mamas and their blog therebelmama.com who unite over their no-holds barred posts. They’ve come to be known as the anti-mommy blog and hits the mark with modern mommies globally. The squad has forayed into pop-up shops with merch that bears their brand with moms who can relate. This team jersey is perfect for the mom who drops the f-bomb as much as she enjoys her caffeine intake. Available on their site and at pop-up shop events across the city.

BRAVE Leather has been around for 25 years. Designer Scott Irvine works with fine craftspeople to create truly artisan pieces that are functional for everyday. All pieces are custom-made in Toronto and are done by hand –the company is committed to fair, living wages for their staff and artisans. This modern and timeless Dora Leather Wrap makes for versatile piece for a finishing piece around the neckline or wrapped around as a  bracelet. For mother’s day orders, it will come with a free personalized leather jewellery pouch.

Personalized jewellery will never go out of style especially for moms!  Karen Lamont is the principal designer and founder of Citrus Silver Jewellery. While she creates most of the pieces, you can also play around and design your own personalized pieces on her site. The site guides you through the elements easily including placement of charms. Silver is a perfect metal for everyday wear that mom can wear from the office to junior’s soccer game and to date night. I’m working on this one…

We’re seeing pretty scalloped finishing pop up everywhere and we love this beautiful stoneware clay handmade bowl by Etsy artisan Hinkleville who has a background in studio based visual arts and art history. Her work is unique, fun and meant to be used. Not just pretty things to be admired.

Quiet moments for mom are often cherished especially with a great book in hand. The Finishing School by local author Joanna Goodman (Harper Collins) recently published a provocative mystery novel about a successful writer who returns to her elite Swiss boarding school to find answer to a tragic accident that happened when she was a student twenty years earlier. Full of secrets and intrigue this story takes readers on a journey of the prestige and uncovers surprising truths. Author Goodman is also CEO of Au Lit Fine Linens a family-run business in the city.

Tell us about what Mother’s Day Gifts we should know about. Happy hunting!

The post Keep it Local with our Favourite Mother’s Day Gifts in Toronto appeared first on Toronto Guardian.