📣 SMALL BUSINESS SHOUTOUT 📣: Eternal BloomsIf you're looking for a unique way to remember your special day or looking for a memorable wedding gift, check out Eternal Blooms Flower Preservation!  Q: What's the story behind why you started your business? I started my journey with flower preservation five years ago while recovering from surgery for my chronic illness, endometriosis. What started as a form of therapy has since bloomed into a thriving business where I get to help people preserve their most precious moments and beloved memories. Q: What can customers expect? I pour my heart and soul into every single piece of art I create. Whether it be a wedding bouquet, flowers from a baby shower, memorial flowers, or homegrown from your garden- I take great pride in preserving the beauty of nature. Its truly an honor to be trusted with something so special, to be cherished by my clients for a lifetime. I have spent years learning all the different methods and perfecting my craft. Whether it be pressed or dried full shape, framed or cast in resin and made into functional keepsakes and home décor, you’re sure to find something that caters to your style, while still feeling like a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of art. I would like to point out that this is a specialty service that should be booked well in advance, like other wedding vendors. As hard as it is, sometimes I have to turn away brides because they waited until after their wedding and I was fully booked, or their flowers are too far gone. I send out care tips to the clients that book ahead for their fresh florals, ensuring they arrive to me in the best condition possible! Q: Can you share an insider tip about your neighbourhood? A new Rec Center is coming to Lakeside!!! Q: What are some other local businesses people should check out if they’re in the area?I absolutely love D & Jo’s Country Farm Market! Not only do they have fresh, local produce and baked goods, they have hard serve ice cream! What better way to end a nice stroll on the BLT Trail than a scoop of Moon Mist ice cream?! Q: Are you working on any new projects? Eternal Blooms Flower Preservation is a one woman show, so right now I’m trying to figure out which aspects of my business I can potentially hire help for, and hopefully get myself into some much needed studio space. I am also a new mom, so trying to find a good work/family balance is something I’m working hard on. I’m looking forward to the upcoming wedding season, and all the bouquets coming my way!
Follow my journey as I pursue my passion. A local small business that is just starting to bloom!
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MARCH BREAK ACTIVITIES AROUND HALIFAX, NSMarch Break is just around the corner, and for those staying in Halifax, there's no shortage of fun and exciting activities to partake in. Whether you're looking to get outdoors, explore the city's rich history and culture, or have some fun with family and friends, there's something for everyone.  Here’s a list of ideas to help you plan your March Break staycation: Art Camps & Workshops Artworks Day Camps ArtWorks is an all-ages art studio nestled in Halifax, Nova Scotia, offering classes, camps, parties and workshops. Their programs are fun and interactive, and their variety of classes allow you to experiment with various mediums and materials like pottery, fused glass, watercolour painting, acrylics, drawing, woodworking, and clay wheel. They have a whole list of day camps available for March Break. (Kids must be five and older to attend.) Make Day at Art Gallery NS: Cardboard citie Make Day is a studio program for emerging artists of all ages. Join them for their all-ages studio drop-in program on March 12 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia! This month’s Make Day will be led by Intern Architect Isioma Mafiana, who will help you build a cardboard city—drawing inspiration from the Shape of Cities exhibition currently on view. Using cardboard, glue and markers, you’ll work together to create the city of your imagination! Coffee Breaks Apartment 3 Espresso One of my favourite coffee shops, Apartment 3, has a new location ready to serve you the caffeine you’ll need for the week’s adventures. Instead of making your way to Sackville for their delicious treats, you can stop into their downtown Halifax location on South Park Street where they share space with Queensbury Boxing Studio. Halifax’s first 2D cafe If you’re looking for a caffeine fix and new flavours, check out Xena's Bread and Butter, which opened it’s doors on Brunswick street offering traditional cafe offerings alongside Phillapino inspired items for you to enjoy in a cafe that looks like you’re sitting in the pages of a comic book. Exhibitions/MuseumsDiscovery Centre’s Dinosaurs in Motion From now until April 16th, you can visit the Discovery Centre and enjoy Dionasaurs In Motion, a showcase of the power of integrating art, science and innovation! Visitors will go on a journey with 14 gigantic dinosaurs and control their movements! Highlights include a 44-foot metal T-rex you can control with pulleys & levers—Dinosaur lovers won’t want to miss it. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic Launched November 9, 2021 at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Ta'n me'j Tel'keknuo'ltiek: How Unique We Still Are, reflects how Mi’kmaw people remain connected to the lands and waters of Mi’kma’ki. This exhibit featuring Mi'kmaw historian and guest curator Salina Kemp offers a platform for Mi’kmaw people to express their continued experiences with an understanding of the lands and the waters of Mi’kma’ki. Mi’kmaw single-word concepts are represented through personal testimony and histories of individual Mi’kmaw people, featured objects, artifacts, images and symbolic artwork. Winter Tours of Halifax Citade Discover how the British soldiers lived in the 19th-century fort and how they survived the cold Halifax winters! Time your tour with the noon gun and experience a Halifax tradition! Runs weekdays from Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17, from 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm. Tours are approximately 45 to 60 minutes, and you can reserve tours online through Eventbrite. Library Event There are many free March Break Events at the Halifax Public Libraries, including movies, puppet shows, cooking workshops, games, crafts, mad science demonstrations, music, grab-and-go kits, and much more. Find the library closest to you and see what’s available. Outdoor fun St.Patrick’s Day Parade The 2023 parade will begin at 1:00 pm on March 12th at Pier 20 and travel along Lower Water Street, through Irishtown, ending at Historic Properties. Hot cocoa and icecream at Ross Far Head out for March Break on the farm and enjoy some Tasty Treats. Sample homemade ice cream in the farm workshop, or decorate a cookie in Rosebank Cottage. Don’t forget to drop by the barn and see our farm animals or take part in a fun artifact hunt. Hot chocolate will be served and, weather permitting, there will be wagon rides. Family fun at Hatfield Farm Enjoy a 2-hour family round-up at Hatfield Farms, including a horse-drawn wagon ride, all-you-can-eat hotdogs, unlimited drinks, mini-golf, rubber rodeo, zip lines, petting pens and more. Several departure times are available throughout the week; choose your date and time here. Getting around: Free Zone B Parking Enjoy free on-street parking from 11 am to 2 pm in ZONE B for March Break from Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17. During this timeframe, parking sessions via HotSpot or pay stations within ZONE B will be free. Note: you must still register for parking sessions via HotSpot or a pay station to avoid receiving a ticket, from March 13 to 17, from 11 am to 2 pm. Free Ferry Ride Downtown Halifax and Downtown Dartmouth, in partnership with Halifax Transit, have collaborated to offer people of all ages the opportunity to have a March Break adventure on both sides of the harbour! From Monday, March 13 to Saturday, March 18, the Alderney/Halifax ferry service will be free between 11 am and 2 pm. Hotel Packages Visit NovaScotia.com to get a full list of family packages available for March Break.
📣 SMALL BUSINESS SHOUTOUT 📣: Burning FlameLooking for premium 100% natural soy wax candles made locally? Burning Flame candles are all hand-poured in Halifax, Nova Scotia by artisan Lauren Burke.  Q: What's the story behind why you started your business?It was March 2020. I was waitressing at The Keg here in Dartmouth and my industry had entirely shut down. I had a young boy to feed so I quickly got creative on ways to make money during that time when nobody knew what was going on. Burning Flame Candle Company was brought to light by helping channel my persistent desire to create. I started selling candles through Instagram and would do deliveries with my car. I never imagined this business would evolve into what it is today. Fast forward to 2023 Burning Flame Candle Company is thriving. Q: What can customers expect? All Burning Flame Candle Company products are proudly handcrafted in Halifax, NS by artisan and Entrepreneur Lauren Burke. Our candles are made from premium 100% natural soy wax and are free of toxins and chemicals such as petroleum, phthalates, parabens and paraffins. Soy candles are becoming the preferred choice of eco-conscious consumers because they burn clean and last much longer than petroleum-based paraffin wax candles. Our focus is premium products, exceptional customer service and an opportunity for people to collaborate and think outside the box. We specialize in Custom Candle Collaboration. Our candles are perfect for weddings, Realtors, private label, corporate branding, gift-giving, fundraising opportunities and more. Clients can customize almost anything, with the end result being their own personal aromatic experience. We have collaborated with a number of well-known local businesses across Atlantic Canada, including East Coast Lifestyle, Coldstream Clear Distilleries, The Coffee Pro, East Coast Kicks, Underground Snax, Ashburn Golf Club, Marchand Homes, Chisholm Group, Keyes Insurance, Parks Health Shop, The Pilates Barre, and many more. Imagine designing a unique fragrance and label for your wedding guests, or gifting your real estate clients with a branded candle to enjoy in their new home — if you can dream it, Burning Flame can help realize it. You can find our entire retail collection available at our Flagship shop in Bedford. We are located inside of The Coffee Pro, 961 Bedford Highway, Mill Cove Plaza or online at burningflame.ca - Interested in custom candles? Email Lauren: info@burningflame.ca Q: Can you share an insider tip about your neighborhood?Halifax is FULL of locally owned and operated food joints. Skip the chain restaurants and give those local spots a try. I generally shop in and around Bedford and my favorite go-to's are: Nayya Pizza and Grill, Peacock Modern Indian Cuisine and The Mellow Mug Cafe and Eatery. Yum. Q: What are some other local businesses people should check out if they’re in the area? If you are passing through Bedford, NS be sure to stop into The Coffee Pro in the Mill Cove Plaza. Burning Flame Candle Co. has partnered up with The Coffee Pro as our Flagship shop location and there are so many reasons why. Katie the Owner is another amazing local Female Entrepreneur. She strives to offer the best selection of ground and whole bean coffee, K-cups, Syrups, Sugar free products, candles, giftware and more. Stop in and check it out. Q: Are you working on any new projects? Burning Flame Candle Company is excited to announce that we are opening our first warehouse and manufacturing facility in Bedford, NS. This expansion will allow us to create more new and exciting candle products. We are continuing to expand on our Custom Candle division and have a few spectacular local organizations to announce that will be launching their products in the Spring. Stay tuned.
Please follow us on Instagram @burningflamecandleco 📣 SMALL BUSINESS SHOUTOUT 📣: BISCUIT GENERAL STORE If you love old fashioned general stores filled to the brim with unique fashion and gifts, stopping in at Biscuit General Store is a must whenever you're downtown Halifax. Q: What's the story behind why you started your business?When I opened Biscuit General Store, Halifax didn’t have many locally owned boutiques - just chain stores. I had worked in the fashion industry for years, but was inspired to be in a more hands-on relationship with clothing, customers and our community. Q: What can customers expect?We hope that customers will experience personal care in our shop, and will see how we’re constantly curating our selection based on customer feedback and requests. Most things in our shop are found exclusively at Biscuit in Halifax! Q: Can you share an insider tip about your neighbourhood?There IS parking in the North End! The North End Business Assoc. has a parking map on their website—but big hint is Maitland Street! Q: What are some other local businesses people should check out if they’re in the area?Hands down, LF Bakery is the absolute best…and Edna is now serving lunch! For boutiques, check out Meyvn, Ana and Zac and Slowly Slowly. Q: Are you working on any new projects?Haha…always. We just moved Biscuit 1 year ago, and have our sibling store The Independent Mercantile across the street, but my friends are always trying to stop me from starting another business! I’m especially inspired about some volunteer projects these days.
📣 Small Business Shoutout 📣For this week's Small Business Shoutout, we're featuring a local favourite—Almonak! If you're looking for small businesses you can support across the HRM, follow along on Instagram for more.  Q: What's the story behind why you started your businessMy husband/business partner, Barrett, always dreamed of living an entrepreneurial life. I, on the other hand, am less of a risk taker, but decided to take the plunge. We had spent a number of years working in Western Canada, before making the decision to relocate our young family to Halifax, to be closer to family in Cape Breton. We both love great food, and the excitement of the restaurant industry, and feel honoured that we were able to be part of opening a restaurant to serve the North End Halifax community. Q: What challenges have you faced during the pandemic? There's no getting around that one; the pandemic has been incredibly hard on the hospitality industry. The constant changes to restrictions, the ongoing shut downs, staffing challenges - every part of it was hard. For us specifically, we had decided to focus our energy on brunch, instead of multiple services, but every time we were shut down, we switched to a dinner menu, and had to re-engage our customers. What was a fun novelty for the community in the beginning, waivered through the multiple shut downs. It became increasingly difficult to operate a restaurant through the unknown of Covid. It was very trying and stressful as business owners, and also very difficult for our team, who we weren't able to give all the answers to. Q: What can customers expect to find when they visit? Customers will find a modern, clean, nordic inspired esthetic, speckled with lots of greenery. We have a dedicated cafe area offering up third wave coffee, wellness lattes, and fresh baked goodies. Our brunch menu highlights fresh, creative, flavourful, unique dishes curated by a fantastic chef and kitchen team. We are known for serving up some exceptionally tasty Eggs Benny, but have recently expanded our brunch menu to include items like savoury french toast, and pakora brunch. When the warm weather hits, we will open up our patio, which is one of the few in North End Halifax. Another exciting addition will be the return of our dinner menu in Spring 2022. We focus on beautiful ingredients, prepared for you to enjoy with your favorite people! We will have amazing cocktails, and local beer and wine to complete your experience. Lastly, we are very proud of the consistently positive reviews we receive on the hospitality, knowledge, and welcoming nature of our serving team. We love being able to work with such great people! Q: What is your favourite part of having a shop in your area? The North End of Halifax is a really exciting, vibrant, and growing area to be. Over the last 3 years, the amount of residential and commercial growth has been exponential. We love seeing our little area flourish, and for locals and tourists to enjoy and support other small restaurants and shops in our area. We have also been lucky enough to connect with other business owners with similar goals, and have been able to support each other through the pandemic. We are also grateful to be part of the North End Business Association, whom are incredibly supportive, Q: How can Nova Scotians support small businesses like yours? We would love for you to come in and enjoy a meal or your favorite coffee. If you aren't able to do that, all small businesses truly appreciate the purchase of gift cards to use later, as well as following along on our social media. Liking, commenting, saving, and sharing Instagram or Facebook posts does not take much time, but is so helpful. Lastly, tell your friends and family about your favorite small businesses to support. It is true that small business owners do a happy dance with every sale. A lot of heart and soul goes into operating a small business, and without the support of our community, many of us would not still be here. Thank you for all you do to keep us small fish going!
Ready to make your move in Halifax? Book a free consultation to find out how you can find your dream home in our vibrant city. Hidden EAster 'eggs' in nova scotiaOne of my favourite parts of being a real estate agent is sharing my passion for this city and all things local with Haligonians or soon-to-be Haligonians. For this special Easter edition of the newsletter, I hunted up a few hidden 'eggs' for you to find and enjoy this Easter season. Rosa Rugosa Seaside Market  If a short drive along the lighthouse route is in your weekend plans, make sure to stop by Rosa Rugosa Seaside Market in Hubbards. This year-round farmers' market has a little something for everyone, featuring a restaurant, general store and vintage shop. They offer a wide variety of local products sourced from all over Nova Scotia, including edible market goods, antiques, vintage clothing, flower bouquets, plants, and a full-service restaurant offering lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Narrow Espresso  If you're following me on Instagram, you know I love hunting for new coffee shops to try all over the city and Narrow Espresso Cafe may be Halifax’s narrowest coffee shop. Tucked in between two buildings on the corner of Fenwick and Queen Street, Narrow Espresso is a great place to pick up a coffee before exploring the South End. Narrow Espresso serves drinks made with premium quality, organic, fair trade & locally roasted coffee beans, which are delivered fresh weekly. In addition to their traditional coffee menu, they also offer a rotating menu of seasonal drinks, tea and smoothies, plus a variety of local baked goods and treats. Make it your destination to meet up with friends before going for a weekend walk through Point Pleasant Park or checking out what's new at the Seaport Market. Ori Foods Co.  Something brand new is coming to North End Dartmouth. Today we're welcoming Ori Foods Co. to the corner of Wyse Road and Russell Street in North End Dartmouth and I can't wait to check it out. This new resto-bakery is offering a selection of pastries, lunch fare, wine, beer, and coffee featuring quality local ingredients. You can expect to see favourites like key lime pie, cream puffs and creme brulee cookies on the menu. Ori will be located near the Dartmouth commons, making it the perfect place to grab a treat before walking down Park Avenue to see if the Cherry Blossoms have bloomed (the surest sign that winter is actually over in Nova Scotia!) Easter Egg Hunt Wine Tour  Looking to make plans with friends for the Easter weekend? The annual Easter Egg Hunt Wine Tour is back, after being temporarily paused in 2020 and 2021. Go North Tours is currently offering this unique Easter Egg Hunt-Wine tour experience for private groups of 8. You’ll stop at three wineries: Grand Pre, Planters Ridge and 1365 Church Street, for guided tours and tastings, and compete in easter egg hunts to win prizes. Transportation to and from HRM is included in the price. Click here for more info and to book your spot.
March Break In The MaritimesStaying put this March Break? That doesn't mean it can't be an adventure! One of my favourite parts of being a REALTOR® is exploring neighbourhoods across the province, so here are my top picks for family-friendly March Break activities in Nova Scotia. 1. Downtown artwalk Did you know there are over 20 Murals located in Downtown Halifax? A self-guided tour of these murals and other public art pieces can be found on the Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s website. I recommend starting your exploration at 5151 South Street where you can pick up one of Rousseau Chocolatier’s famous house hot chocolates before heading North to the downtown core. Make sure you have your camera ready! 2. Alderney ferry  Looking to make a day trip from Halifax? You can hop on the Alderney Ferry for free between March 14th to 19th and arrive in Downtown Dartmouth. I suggest lunch at Humble Pie, Canteen or Portland Street Creperie before checking out the 15 public art pieces on the Downtown Dartmouth Art & Selfie Walk. 3. The Board Room Game CafE Weather not cooperating? Check out The Board Room Game Cafe. Located on Barrington Street in downtown Halifax, it features a large gaming area with a collection of 600+ games to play, an espresso bar, local craft beer and soda, a tasty menu, AND an extensive retail area. The retail area opens daily from 12-5, cafe open Thursday- Sunday 12-12. 4. Art Gallery of Nova Scotia  The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will be open for extended hours —March 12-20, consecutively— over March Break. You can explore their current collections including Witnessing: Alicia Henry, which is running from March 12th to May 22nd, alongside their extensive regular exhibitions. 5. Peggy’s Cove  The winter is the perfect time to enjoy this iconic Nova Scotia tourist attraction without all the crowds! Bundle up and head out to watch the waves and explore the rocks. On the way, stop by the new coffee shop/café Labour Day Picnic Café located at Paul’s Hall in Glen Haven. Grab a soup or sandwich off their “Lunch(ish) Menu” or a coffee and a sweet treat from Lure Caramels for the road. 6. Overnight stays Cabot Shores Make the most of winter on the Cabot Trail! Snowshoe by day, then curl up by the fire and watch the stars in a spectacular dome skylight. Cabot Shores has packages that include meals, snowshoe rentals, yurt or chalet accommodations, outdoor hot tub access, and a morning meditation or Qi-Gong session.  The Prince George Hotel
Treat your whole family (Dogs included - they have pet-friendly suites available) to a bit of luxury at The Prince George Hotel. Pretend you’re someplace sunnier and take your staycation poolside (indoors.) LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA 1. Pantry Gift Boxes Obladee Obladee Holiday Gift Boxes make the perfect gift for friends, family or colleagues to enjoy. This year, Obladee has two options to choose from. The cheese box includes four Nova Scotia cheeses (with product notes for each), a jar of their house-made festive preserves, special dark chocolate goat's milk fudge, locally-made Sea Coast Crisps, and a local beeswax candle. Their wine and cheese box includes all of the above, plus a bottle of Sommelier-selected wine (your choice of Sparkling, White or Red) or upgrade your wine to a special Cellar Selection for $25 more! The wine and cheese box is one of my family’s favourite gifts to give and receive. Order yours here by December 22nd at 12:00 noon to receive it on the 23rd.  Black Bow Gift Co. When it comes to gift boxes, there are so many choices out there. What I love about Black Bow Gift Co is that they offer a huge selection of items, thoughtfully curated or individually selected by you, and the presentation is absolutely stunning. One of my favourites is the Seasons Greetings Box, which comes with a variety of artisanal items, including a holiday adirondack ornament, cranberry, sour cherry and port preserve, gourmet basil and EVOO crackers, brie cheese, milk chocolate hazelnut pralines, and premium ground smores coffee—perfect for a Christmas day brunch. All this, packaged artfully in a premium gift box for a picture-perfect unboxing experience with a handwritten card of your choice. December 21st is the last day to order for pick up, local delivery or to ship anywhere in Canada.  2. Local Libations Benjamin Bridge Nothing says celebration more than sparkling wine and Benjamin Bridge makes internationally recognized sparkling wine right here in Nova Scotia. Pick up a bottle of their Brut to toast before dinner, a box of Nova 7 cans to give as stocking stuffers, or even an annual subscription for your favourite wine-lover. The winery is located in the Gaspereau Valley but for those in the Halifax Metro, they offer contactless free delivery, right up until Dec 21, or pick up as late as December 23.  Lightfoot and Wolfville Lightfoot & Wolfville is owned and operated by the Lightfoot family who has been farming in the Annapolis Valley for eight generations. This year I've been enjoying their gift boxes since it takes a lot of guesswork out of delighting my friends and loved ones. Gift boxes range in price from $50 - $100 and include a bottle of their fantastic wine and some Lightfoot & Wolfville merchandise. Their soy wine bottle candle in Chardonnay, Lemongrass and Tea Tree is one of my favourite housewarming gifts. Lightfoot & Wolfville are offering free, contactless delivery in HRM, the Valley and South Shore. Order by midnight on Tuesday, December 21 for deliveries to arrive on December 23.  Good Robot Have someone in your life who isn’t a wine lover? Good Robot Brewing Co. offers gift-wrapped holiday boxes with a handwritten card. Choose from a huge selection of beers and fermented seltzers, or allow the experts to select a variety based on your loved one’s individual tastes. Order up until December 23rd for guaranteed delivery within 2 hours in Halifax.  3. Last Minute Local Shops In A Box Gifts (1468 Dresden Row, Halifax) In a Box Gifts is a locally owned boutique that features one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, home goods, and unique giftware. Pop in as late as December 24 at 5:00 to pick up a gift you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Top pick: Their gorgeous wool throws would make the perfect gift to tuck under the Christmas tree.  Trainyard General Store (137 Portland Street, Dartmouth) Trainyard General Store offers handcrafted whimsical & practical gifts from Canadian small businesses, holiday gifts, cards and stationery, accessories, kids toys and books, even gifts for your pets. Best of all, they’re open until 3:00 on the 24th. Top pick: Trainyard General is one of six local retailers where you can pick up Brad Hartman’s Pop-Up Halifax.  Kept Gifts & Housewares (75 King St, Dartmouth)
Kept Gifts & Housewares offers a balance of locally sourced goods and fine gifts & home decor. They offer an extensive variety of cards, ornaments and holiday decor; there is truly something for everyone! And, even if you’re down to the wire at 5:00 pm on the 24, they’ve got you covered. Top pick: Paper Hearts East Coast Ornaments are the perfect addition to any holiday tree. Choose from one of eight local landmarks, such as the Bluenose, Sullivan’s Pond Geese, the Ferry or Woody the Talking Xmas Tree AWESOME LOCAL HOLIDAY GIFTS IN HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA Check out these awesome local holiday giftsThe holiday season is upon us and you might be wondering what to get the special people in your life. This year, consider giving a gift that will leave a lasting impression by supporting local businesses. We've put together our annual Local Gift Guide which includes some of our favourite local businesses, plus where you can find them in-store and online. P.S. Don't forget to check out their Black Friday deals! Online only: Cheerfetti Cheerfetti has a number of holiday items available, both individual gift items as well as gift boxes made up for you, so you can skip the wrapping this year: Holiday Collection 2021 Want to shop for Nova Scotia Artisans specifically? They also have a number of everyday items that make great holiday gifts, many of which are made in our province. You can shop Cheerfetti by theme and choose: Made In Nova Scotia Follow her on Instagram to get her Black Friday sale details! 2. The Lemonade General Store This holiday season The Lemonade General Store will continue to offer its high-quality & convenient gift basket options, including luxurious necessities like Erbe Solingen nail grooming kit and silk patchwork ties made in Sicily! More international cheeses have arrived to restock on their favourite local board spreads as well. Try their small-batch ice cream available for take-out starting November 15th, including a Roquefort and honey addition. 3. 11 Street Boutique 11 Street Boutique aims for each customer to find that "special piece"—whether that is a bold printed dress or an amazing classic white tee—making them the perfect place to help you with your holiday list. For Black Friday, you can enjoy 20% off regular-priced merchandise + a 40% off sale rack, followed by a surprise cyber Monday sale! 4. Eunoia Lifestyle Shop Eunoia Lifestyle Shop is a place in North End where you can find joyfully created & thoughtfully curated collections! They offer a range of products including home decor, a large selection of unique gifts, biodegradable balloons, stationery & accessories, and more. For Black Friday you can enjoy 20% off in-store and online by using the code: blackfriday20% 5. Ana + Zac Ana + Zac thinks about fashion in a slow and holistic way. They acknowledge trends but move in their own direction, at their own pace. They make things that they both love, can wear every day and that will last a long time. For Black Friday you can look forward to 15% off Ana + Zac instore brand. Check out their holiday guide for more ideas. 6. The Independent Mercantile Co The Independent Mercantile Co was born from a love of travel, love of hosting, love of decorating, love of cooking, love of plants & gardening, love of parties and love for Halifax. They have lots of new inventory in the upcoming weeks, including holiday items, barware, lovely gifts and decor. They are also having a wreath pop up on Dec 4th from Foraged Cove Wreaths. 7. Biscuit General Store Biscuit General Store is an independent boutique offering stylish clothing, accessories & gifts. They have lots of new holiday stock including Christmas ornaments & candles. Looking for gifts under $25 with bonus points for being Canadian-made? This shop is your go-to. 8. Inkwell Inkwell is a modern handmade boutique and letterpress studio located in downtown Halifax, with an abundant selection of specialty printed paper products and handmade delights made with love, by artists from around the corner and across the world.
November 26th-29th in-store and online, Inkwell is celebrating Small Business Weekend!: Spend $75+ Save $10 + Free Inkwell Tote Bag with code: SHOPSMALL10 Spend $150+ Save $20 + Free Inkwell Tote Bag + Free Shipping with code: SHOPSMALL20 Spend $300+ Save $50 + Free Inkwell Tote Bag + Free Shipping with code: SHOPSMALL50 *Total before tax. One code /purchase. Discount codes cannot be combined. November 30th: A percentage of revenue on that day will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association (Nova Scotia Division) for Giving Tuesday. Did we miss your favourite place to shop for the holidays? Comment below so we can share them on Instagram! EXPLORING NOVA SCOTIA THIS AUTUMN WITH KAYLA SHORT As the fall brings in crisper weather and the leaves start changing, many Nova Scotians are planning their autumn travel to find the best places to enjoy the colours of the season. This week, I caught up with Kayla Short, award-winning lifestyle blogger and Instagrammer behind Short Presents. Q. What are your top 5 travel destinations in Nova Scotia for the Fall?Can I say anywhere in NS? I don’t think you can make a bad choice!! End to end, Nova Scotia is amazing in the Fall! Definitely can't make a wrong decision when it comes to touring around the province this time of year. With so much nature around us, I would say our province really does come alive in the autumn. If you’re going to twist my arm (lol) some of my faves would be:  1) Cape Breton - I might be slightly biased, because I grew up there, but there’s something pretty spectacular about the crisp fall air coupled with the truly stunning colours of the leaves that’s really worth seeing in person! And those rolling hills?? I mean, what’s not to love? If you happen to do the Cabot Trail be sure to check out the new Gandella at Cape Smokey! 2) Annapolis Valley - Apple picking, haunted houses, corn mazes, and wineries? It’s a must!  3) Sensea Spa in Chester - arguably amazing any time of the year, but definitely a must if you're looking for some much-needed R&R. Be sure to book early as spaces fill up quickly, but don’t be afraid to check back to the site, as people do cancel! Might I also suggest dining at the Rope Loft while you're in the area? Fun fact, did you know the Rope Loft is the oldest building still in commercial use in Nova Scotia?? Pretty cool right. Food is also pretty great!  4) Halifax - there is always something going on in the city! Our culinary scene here is pretty great and I love that most Halifax restaurants change their menus seasonally, so it’s fun to stop in to see what’s new!! 5) Windsor - known for producing some of the world’s largest, world record-setting pumpkins? I’d say it’s worth a visit in the fall! Do yourself a favour and take the old highways to get there to experience some of the best fall colours! Q. Your favourite businesses to make time to visit in the fall?Oh my goodness I wouldn’t even know where to begin! I love them all. I would say start making a bucket list—I have a whole section of my blog dedicated to my travels to get you started!—and every time it’s a nice day, or you feel like getting out and about, tick a few more items off your list. Be sure to mix it up, visit lots of restaurants, cafes, markets and take time to do lots of activities while they're available. I definitely try to support local as much as I can all year, but some places do close up for the winter so it’s great to get out and support them while you can!! Q. Favourite places to stay in the fall in NS?So many places!! We tend to visit family on the long weekends in the fall, so you’ll always find us in Cape Breton!  However, I JUST did an amazing stay at the brand new, La Have Cabin which you should definitely put on your bucket list. Located on the water’s edge, it was seriously the most relaxing place!! It feels like you’re sleeping on the ocean, and listening to the waves of the ocean is so unbelievably calming. The wood-fired hot tub is a nice touch on cool fall evenings too!
Definitely check out my Instagram for more details @shortpresents. You never know where I’ll be headed next! |
Margaret CraigReal Estate Advisor based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I help people buy and sell homes with Engel & Völkers. Archives
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