Author: David Lipton

About David Lipton

David Lipton is President and co-founder of Toronto based Sensors Quality Management Inc. (SQM). SQM is a Toronto based company which assists organizations in improving their customer and employee experiences, by providing the truth. SQM offers its world-wide clientele a variety of programs and services, including: Mystery Shopping, Quality / Service Assurance, Market Research, Field Merchandising, Online Feedback, and Internal Audit Software. David can be reached at 416-444-4491 or davidL@sqm.ca

Canadian Tire Does Their ‘Bit’

Well, it would appear that, contrary to popular belief, I can sometimes be kind of right. In one of my last posts, I discussed what I believed to be a bright future on the horizon for our nation’s beloved Canadian Tire. It would appear to me that, if my most recent visits to the store are to be any indicator, that the future is bright.

A few years ago I purchased a Mastercraft screwdriver from my local Canadian Tire. Eventually, one of the pieces managed to go missing. I cannot take all the blame, however, as the bit I was using did not properly fasten into the screwdriver. As anyone who does their fair share of handi-work knows, you’re going to need a Phillips-head screwdriver every once and a while. To solve my dilemma I went to my nearest Canadian Tire with the screwdriver and all of the bits in hand.

I arrived expecting to be put in touch with their supplier and having to wade through the many levels of bureaucratic nonsense that often accompany a task as simple as getting a replacement part. However, much to my surprise, and delight, I was informed by the first employee I approached that all Mastercraft products come with a lifetime warranty and was told to go pick out any other screw driver I wanted. I went and found another screw driver that I felt was an adequate replacement for the faulty one I was returning. The store took back the old one and gave me the new one, no questions asked, absolutely free.

Here I was, having gone in expecting to have to deal with countless customer service representatives and employees, leaving in a fraction of the time I had expected. Once again, within weeks of my last visit, I had gone into a Canadian Tire expecting a headache and instead left having one of the most pleasant customer service experiences I’ve had in a while. So thank you Canadian Tire for not driving me ‘screwy’ and doing your ‘bit’!

 

Canadian Tire

1019 Sheppard Avenue East

Willowdale, ON M2K 1C2

(416) 226-4411

 

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Ricoh Coliseum Keeps Fans Happy On and Off the Ice

A few weeks ago my nine year old daughter and I had the pleasure of attending the Maple Leafs season ticket holder’s annual skating party at the Ricoh Coliseum. My daughter and I love this event and look forward to it every year. We arrived at the home of the Toronto Marlies decked out in our Leafs jerseys and matching Marlies toques. After spending close to an hour on the ice, we skated off to the change area to remove our skates and take a breather. Since we were rushing to get back to our car, we did not have time to check whether we had all of our belongings, and it so happend that my daughter lost her beloved toque, and needless to say, she was devastated.

My daughter has always loved leaving the house in matching hats with her dad and the prospect of no longer being able to do so left her quite upset. So we returned to the Coliseum and began to search. Despite spending what might seem like, to some, an unreasonable amount of time searching for a beanie, we still could not find the toque. One of the employees at the rink saw us looking around frantically and, despite his best efforts, was also unable to find her toque.

Instead of simply apologizing for the inconvenience and calling it quits, this employee went above and beyond his call of duty and tried to find us a replacement toque. Unable to do so, the employee returned with Marlies baseball caps, pens, and a backpack.

As a Hail Mary, we took a final look around and we were approached by another employee. This employee apologized to us for being unable to find the my daughter’s toque and left us her business card. A few days later I emailed her, just to see if anyone had been able to find the toque, and she informed me that they could not find it, but instead, she had found a replacement that she was having couriered directly to me. I was thoroughly impressed.

Here was an example of two employees who took a bad situation and, through their efforts and dedication to excellent customer service, turned it into an overwhelmingly positive one for myself and my family. While Toronto sports franchises are, now more than ever, certainly not without their difficulties, it is through the actions of employees like these and their dedication to customer service that will keep us fans of our teams for years to come.

Ricoh Coliseum
45 Manitoba Drive
Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
(416) 263-3900

 

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Canadian Tire Has Got You Covered

Like the majority of Canadians I am no stranger to the wondrous sights and sounds that accompany the semi-weekly trip to my favourite, neighbourhood Canadian Tire. And like anyone who has ever been to a Canadian Tire, or even just spoken to a Canadian, I am more than familiar with the rhetoric that surrounds ‘Crappy Tires’, as they’re so often referred to. However, I have fortunately been given reason to believe that change is, indeed, in the air!

Three years ago, I purchased a barbecue and matching cover, for my office, from my nearest Canadian Tire store. After a year of protecting our new barbecue, the cover was cracked and broken. I returned to the store with the cover and was able to exchange it for another one. After another year had passed, the new barbecue cover also needed to be replaced.At this point I was becoming slightly annoyed, after all, what good is a barbecue cover that can’t protect itself?

I phoned Canadian Tire’s customer service line, slightly dismayed, expecting to receive an offer for another cover that I knew would again last twelve months tops. Instead, I was informed that the covers I had been receiving were faulty and was told that in a few months they would be getting a new supplier. The employee assured me that when this new product came in I would get, free of charge, a brand new cover. As if that were not enough, the company was sending me a $75 gift certificate to spend on a temporary cover in the meantime. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least.

The people have spoken and Canadian Tire has listened; I am optimistic that change has come to Canadian Tire for the best. So, from barbecues to boats Canadian Tire has got you covered!

Canadian Tire
2180 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4S 1B9
1(866)746-7287

 

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Cup Sizes and Lids Matter

Normally, this space is reserved to highlight outstanding companies, however, from time to time I feel compelled to write about issues that regularly occur in the business world.

Now I realize that water is a precious commodity, but whether at fast food restaurants, movie theatres, or sporting events, I find it extremely frustrating when I ask for a cup of water, and in return, I receive either a child sized cup and / or a cup without a lid.

What I find even more frustrating is that many of these same businesses want to maintain a clean establishment, and in some cases even communicate the message to the public, saying something along the lines of “help us keep the place clean,” however, their actions say something different. For example, I remember the time when I was rushing to get to my movie and half of the had water spilled on the floor. Aside from not having enough to drink, this now became a safety hazard for others, as the tile floor became slippery.

I understand that many businesses count cups as part their inventory practices, but I truly don’t believe I am making an outlandish request.

Customer service plays a big role in business, and the level of service delivered by employees often determines how truly valued the customers are to an organization. I have to think there is a better way to provide outstanding customer service while keeping the establishments clean, without inconveniencing customers.

I would like to raise my cup to those companies that do it right!

 

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Taking Tobogganing to a Whole New Level

Now I realize that everyone has had it with our long, cold winter, but as they say…when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

Keeping that attitude in mind, a few weeks ago, I drove up to Snow Valley, a ski resort located in Barrie, Ontario, after I learned about their snow tubing facilities.

Whether you are a first timer or an expert Snow Valley has suitable activities available for every person. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers a number of other activities including snow tubing and snow shoeing, or you can simply hang out in the cafeteria or the outside fire pit.

As mentioned above, the purpose of our visit was to check out the growing craze, known as snow tubing.

Snow tubing is one of the few snow activities where it is not necessary to purchase expensive equipment and gear, however, helmets are available to rent for both children and adults.

Depending on the hill you choose (there are about six different slopes), you can go down with two to five people all connected. I believe you have the option to chose one big tube or on this day, use individual tubes that become attached together.

The system is simple and after you obtain your tube, the staff hook you to a tow system that pulls you to the top of the hill. Once you get to the top, there are staff who set you up, and give you a push to send you on your way.

These aren’t your tiny bunny hills, so once you head down, it is a fast and exhilarating ride. In addition, the resort plays music in the background which just helps to add to the excitement and spirit. Once you get to the bottom, you stop on a rubber hill, pick up your tube, and head back to the tow system.

Prices vary depending on how many rides you choose to purchase, but are approximately: one ride for $6; five rides for $20, and 10 rides for $40. There are also deals for night season passes, night tubing and weekdays. Parking is also free, and the cafeteria prices were reasonable.

The facilities are very well operated, and I found that the staff were knowledgeable and friendly towards all of their guests.

The resort is now closed for the season, but I can’t wait to go back next year!
Snow Valley
2632 Vespra Valley Road
Minesing, ON L0L1Y3
705-721-7669
http://www.skisnowvalley.com

 

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Bouncing Off The Walls at The Sky Zone Trampoline Park

My first experience at the Sky Zone Trampoline Park was over March Break, when I went with my daughter.

My daughter and her friends love the place, so I decided to check out the place for myself.

In addition to individual trampolines for each person, Sky Zone includes a number of activities and programs including: long trampolines for jumps and tumbling, a basketball dunking area knowns as Sky Slam, a jumping pit known as Foam Zone, Ultimate Dodgeball, and Jumpapalooza, where guests can enjoy all-access to everything at the Sky Zone on Friday nights.

My daughters favourite room is the Foam Zone where she was able to jump off the trampoline runway into 10,000 cubes made of foam, but since it took me almost three minutes to get out of the pit, I stuck with the individual trampolines.

In addition to short term visits, this is a great place for birthday parties as they offer a package that includes pizza, drinks, ice cream, a private party room, birthday cake, and of course…trampolining. Group packages are also available for private events such as social, church, and youth gatherings, or even team building outings.

In addition to being fun, Sky Zone is a great alternative for exercising at a gym, with every activity resulting in you burning calories and improving your cardiovascular health. Some say trampoline is risky, but as long as you follow the rules, you will be safe

Reserving a time is fairly easy to do, by booking through their online system. Simply pick the date and time you would like to visit, the amount of time you would like to jump, and away you go!

Tickets are quite reasonable – it is $8 for a 30 minute jump, $12.50 for a 60 minute jump, $16 for a 90 minute jump, and $19.50 for a 120 minute jump. You must also purchase their socks with grips before heading off to the activities, however, they can be reused for your next visit.

It should be noted that all guests must fill out a waiver, online, prior to jumping, and it is suggested that you arrive half an hour early to change and store your shoes and other belongings in the lockers provided. Unfortunately, no outside food is aloud, however, the Sky Cafe offers snacks and drinks for guests.

Sky Zone is a fun place to spend a few hours and great place if you don’t mind bouncing off the walls… literally!

Sky Zone Toronto
45 Esandar Drive
Toronto, ON M4G 4C5
416-421-4567
http://www.skyzone.com

 

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Chill Out At The North Toronto Skating Club

From the age of five, my daughter had been taking skating lessons through the City of Toronto. However, after three years of trying to pass Level 1. she finally decided that she had lost interest in skating, and quite frankly, I didn’t blame her.

Since I believe that everyone in Canada should know how to skate (comes with the territory), before throwing in the towel, since I decided to research a few of the private skating schools, to see if it was worth the time and money.

One of my first calls was to the arena where I played hockey as a young boy, where I came across the North Toronto Skating Club. I explained to Marie, the director, what had happed with the city lessons, and she offered to let my daughter try out a few of lessons before we committed to joining. She tried out the hour long lessons for three weeks, and enjoyed them enough that she decided she wanted to continue. In addition to Marie’s initial offer, and taking my daughter under her wing, she also pro-rated the fees, since we were starting in the middle of the season.

While I am sure the longer lessons had something to do with it, I truly believe that the instructors, the drills, and the systems used, played most of the role in my daughter once again enjoying skating, and within four months, passing not only level 1, but also level 2, and going on to participate in the end of year skating show.

With the right people and program, in just a few months my daughter had made a huge improvement, and also gained back her confidence in skating. This year my daughter decided to join the club again, and is presently working on Level 5!

The staff at the North Toronto Skating Club are very experienced and knowledgeable in the work they do. The lessons are always on time, extremely organized and the kids really seem to have fun.

I thought I could save a few dollars with the city lessons, but as my wife occasionally reminds me that sometimes you have to throw a few dollars at the problem. Skating lessons seems to be one of those times 🙂

Overall, I am very impressed with the club, Marie and all of the instructors, and I thank them for making skating more fun for my daughter and myself.

Marie Jonsson
Club Administrator
North Toronto Skating Club
North Toronto Memorial Area
174 Orchard View Boulevard
Toronto, ON M4J 1C3
416-485-2721
northtorontoskatingclub@gmail.com

 

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Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Recently, I took my first trip to Hawaii with my family. Aside from the great scenery and getting to scuba dive, the one thing I was excited about was to have the opportunity to try some extremely fresh sushi and seafood.

One restaurant in Maui that was recommended to me was Sansei Seafood & Sushi Bar at the Kihei Town Center. The restaurant is located in a strip mall, and nothing fancy, but my friend told me that the sushi was “the best in the planet” and I had thought, I have to eat there!

The chefs are known for their innovative creations, and their bold flavours. You can expect a variety of choices on the menu that you can’t get our hands on at your local sushi restaurant. The servers are patient, and take time to describe the menu items, and cater seamlessly to their customers needs.

During my visit, the restaurant was lively and appeared upscale. Every dish was visually appealing, and detail oriented; and every piece of fish was fresh.

My favourite dishes were the Panko Crusted Ahi Sashimi Roll and the Mango Crab Salad Roll, both of which are on their award winning menu. The crab roll consists of Sansei’s Asian crab salad, ripe mango, kula greens, and crunchy peanuts wrapped in a mamenori hand roll, and served with sweet Thai chili vinaigrette.

If you are a non-fish eater, or are dining with young kids, don’t worry…there are non-seafood options, such as chicken, as well as a children’s menu. There is also a menu for those who have gluten allergies.

If you still have room, don’t forget to order dessert. The deep fried vanilla ice cream is the best way to end your meal.

After 10 pm on Friday nights, much of the sushi and appetizers are 50% off, while on other nights they have free Karaoke for their guests.

If you are traveling to Maui, give this restaurant a visit, and experience the best sushi on the planet!. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time to secure a table!

Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Kihei Town Center

1881 South Kihei Road #KT-116

Kihei, Hawaii 96753

808-879-0004

www.sanseihawaii.com

 

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Stress Free Ride on VIA Rail

Normally, when I’m using this blog, it is to highlight an outstanding company, so I want to be transparent, as this time I am highlight a company that is also a client of SQM’s.

A couple of weeks ago, I needed to get to Windsor for a meeting, and decided to take the train, instead of driving.

For starters, I was concerned about the weather conditions, as they can change very quickly. One minute the weather is fine, and the next you are driving with snow squalls which are no fun and can be quite dangerous.

As for dollars and cents, it turns out that coach fares were as low as $60.00 each way. Since the drive would have taken a full tank of gas, each way, which in my car is also about $60.00, it turns out that taking the train was going to be about the same price for this trip.

As a result, decided the best way to commute to Windsor was on VIA Rail as there are more benefits.

Taking the train meant I would have time to be productive. In fact, it almost felt like another day working at the office, because I was able to use my phone in the quiet surroundings, to chat and to answer emails, while I had my laptop to do work and and surf the web with the WIFI that was included. When I arrived, I felt refreshed and ready to go about my day. I had no complaints at all, and did not have to stress about driving or finding parking.

I know the trains aren’t perfect, but my experiences have always been quite positive. Commuting for longer than you should can throw off your entire schedule, and in my experiences, unlike air travel, there seem to be minimal weather-related or train traffic delays, and unlike driving, you don’t get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic on the highway.

Overall, the train was on time, the seats were clean and comfortable, and the staff were friendly. I recommend taking the train for anyone who is planning on traveling out of town, and wants to arrive stress free with excellent customer service experience.

For general information or booking, call 1 888 842 7245

 

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Start Spreading the Word…..Rochester, New York is a Hidden Gem

Recently, I wrote a blog about discovering the Strong Museum of Play, in Rochester, New York, but today, I would like to highlight the city itself.

When my wife, my daughter and myself were first passing through the city, for the first time, we ended staying a few days, and realized that there are a ton of things to do in the area. As a result, we seem to end up going back each year, and each season results in new activities to explore and discover.

There are always family friendly activities to partake all year round; including the International Museum of Photography, where guests get a chance to see the world’s largest collection of cameras, and learn about the evolution of photography. On the other end of Rochester, attend the Electricity Theatre at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, and then explore the realism at the Dinosaur Exhibition by discovering a dozen prehistoric creatures of the land and sky in the same museum.Also, lets not forget about the Seneca Park Zoo, where you will get a chance to see native and exotic animals on the African Safari tour.

While the zoo is open year round, if you visit the area in the summer time, there are also two great waterparks, that will entertain the kids and kids at hear, for hours on end, or you can catch a AAA baseball game, with the Rochester Red Wings, farm team of the Major League Minnesota Twins.

In the winter time, the city is just as vibrant, if you can get away for the weekend to partake in fun winter activities, such as cross-county ski, snowboarding, and ice skating. Rochester also has their own AHL hockey team, called the Rochester Americans, and there are usually last minute tickets available for most games.

Of course, there is also shopping for those who choose to flex their retail muscle, with a number of malls right in the city, along with the Waterloo Premium Outlet Mall, just a fifteen minute drive down the interstate, where it is considered shopping heaven, and will fulfill all of your shopping needs. And after a long, hard day at the mall, there are hundreds of great restaurants, that serve up just about any cuisine imaginable from smokehouse bbq to Ethiopian, and from vegetarian to kosher.

Next time you are looking to get away, be sure to visit Rochester, because whether you come just for a day, or stay a few nights, there is something for everybody. Rochester is a hidden gem with many things to do.

For more information on all tourist sites and attractions, visit http://www.visitrochester.com.

 

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Book Some Time At Your Local Library

A few years ago, I had to pick up a magazine from the Toronto library.  I hadn’t been to a library in a while, and whenever I end up going, it reminds me what I seem to forget on a regular basis….that the library is a great place to visit.

I recently found out how amazing it is to sit down in a comfy chair, in silence for half an hour and just read.  The library also offers movies, music, magazines and access to computers. This is a good place for someone who cannot afford a computer and needs to surf the web or even to use a printer.

The best part is that access to the library is free for anybody who is a resident in Toronto.  This is an incredible resource that is often overlooked.  We can borrow newly released books, instead of spending money on purchasing them, and even return them without feeling financially obligated to read it.  Not only can we borrow books, and have them in the palm of our hands within minutes, but now you have the power to place items on hold, using the online system.  This allows you to add your name to the wait list, and be informed of when the book arrives at your local library.

There are really no disadvantages to this amazing service!  It is a pleasant way of clearing your head from social media, and having some time to enjoy the simple things that life has to offer. Besides, where else can you borrow something for free?  Be sure to visit your local library in the new year.

 

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New Feet With Comfort Zone

Back a few years ago, I was going to a bachelor party for someone who was younger than me.  Usually a bachelor party consists of drinks, dinner, and partying until the next sunrise, but that was not the case. The dinner was at a nice steak restaurant and then after the dinner we had the option to go get a foot massage at a place known as the Comfort Zone, located in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

At the time, I opted not to go for a foot massage, as I thought it sounded a little sketchy, and an odd thing to do for a bachelor party, however, several months later, I was having problems with my feet, did some research, and decided to throw caution to the wind, and check the place out, one afternoon.

Comfort Zone is a Chinese oriented salon where the staff are trained therapists, reflexologist, or acupuncturists. They may not speak much English but are knowledgeable on Chinese massage techniques. There usual pricing is $39.00 dollars for a 45 minute massage, however, it is $32.00 before 7 pm, most days. They also have volume discounts if you purchase multiple massages in advance.

Once I arrived, I was offered a beverage and seated in a room with a big screen television and WIFI. I was told to take off my shoes and socks and roll up my pants. I was then given a big bucket of hot water and told to soak my feet for a while. This was relaxing on its own, and then after about ten minutes, I was given a 45 minute foot massage. Before my massage, I had explained to the masseuse what my problem was and asked them to press a little hard, knowing…no pain, no gain, and they were very accommodating as to pressure and areas to focus on. During the process, I noticed that the knots or stress in my feet were feeling soft and revitalized. When my massage was finished, it was almost like I was given a new pair of feet, and walked out of place like I was walking on a cloud.

Since that first time, I have managed to convince my wife and a few friends to give it a try, and everyone who comes with me, thoroughly enjoys the experience and continues to come back. My wife says, “It’s like having two new feet”. In fact, it is now at the point where a number of us make an evening out of it, with six or seven of us going for a foot massage, followed by dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.

If you have an active lifestyle, stand on your feet for long periods of time, or simply to celebrate a special event, this is definitely a place to visit.

They have three shops located in Markham and Richmond Hill, however, I consistently go to the location on 324 Highway #7. To book an appointment or for more information call 905-882-9822.

Enjoy your new feet!

 

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Reliving Your Childhood at Rochester’s Museum

Four years ago, I first heard of an amazing museum to take my daughter to, called “The Strong National Museum of Play”, located in Rochester, New York. It is the biggest museum of its kind, in the United States, and is served to attract demographics of all ages.

As soon as you step in, there is a 100 year carousal, aka “a merry go round,” and an old school diner. When you first get into the exhibit area, you enter a world of interactive zones, where the kids can play. It is divided into different sections, including areas devoted to Sesame Street, arts and crafts, super heroes and super villains, fairy tales, and the list goes on. There is also a stocked grocery store where the kids can shop, check out and scan their items.

Aside for the areas for kids to play, upstairs is an archive consisting of over 72,000 artifacts, including old toys, action figures, board games, and doll collections that are all displayed in glass cases. Some toys displayed include model airplanes, Star Wars, and Barbie dolls. In addition, there is fully operating arcade that includes popular pinball and video games as well as air hockey and domed hockey. Seeing all of these artifacts and playing my favourite video games is like a trip down memory lane. Other activities include visiting the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden that is open all year round, which contains over 1,000 tropical butterflies, or a walk through the outside garden, during the summer months.

Every time we come back, I think it will be the last time, and that my daughter will be bored of it, but we end up staying longer, and she can’t wait for the next visit. There is always something new to discover and learn, and this museum truly has something for everybody. It is definitely worth the trip to Rochester.

1 Manhattan Square Drive
 Rochester, New York 14607
United States
+1 585-263-2700
 

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Miller Shoes is a Fit for Everyone!

I have a lovely 88 year old aunt, who has a number of issues with her feet, ranging from a small size, to bunions, to a high instep. As a result, it is often very challenging to find shoes shoes that fit her.  In fact, aside from visiting just about every shoes store in Toronto, we have even traveled to Buffalo, and still have had no luck finding comfortable shoes in her size.

In an effort to help her out, I did some online searching, where I came across Miller Shoes, in Hamilton, Ontario. It is a family owned company that has been in business since 1926, with the original store located in downtown Hamilton, and a newer location “on the Mountain”, that specializes in children’s and casual shoes. Miller Shoes specializes in hard to find sizes, including wide and small feet for both men and women. They offer boots and shoes in a variety colours and fresh new styles. The feature brands include Bernie Mev, Ros Hommerson, Rockport, Ecco, Hunter, and the classic Australian Uggs, and they recently began selling Michael Kors, Frye, and Sam Edelman.

Once you step into the store, you will notice an old style atmosphere, with shoes stocked up to the rafters and enough knowledgeable sales clerks to help you find what you are looking for.

The store was very busy, but don’t be mistaken, once you are helped, you will be taken good care of to ensure that you find your perfect pair of shoes and leave happy.

Brian Miller is the third generation to run the business, and I learned this as he just so happened to be the person who assisted my aunt with finding her shoes. He was patient and pleasant to work with, and his efforts paid off, as we were successful in purchasing two pairs of shoes.

While we certainly came to Miller Shoes for the small sizes, they also have reasonable prices and great customer service. It is nice to support an independent and a smaller business so between their niche, pricing, and customer service, it is worth checking them out!

 

Brian Miller

1289 Upper James Street
Hamilton, ON L9C 3B3
(905) 387-7463

millershoes.com

 

 

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Children’s Pawsitive Pet Lover Programs

Several weeks ago, I was looking for something to occupy my daughter while she was off school, and had come across a company called Pawsitively Pets in midtown Toronto, near Leslie Street and Eglinton Avenue.

Since my daughter is into pets, I looked into this organization for fun, safe, and educational programs. As it turns out, they have a number of programs including summer camps, school breaks, holidays, weekends, after school, and even to give adults a date night!

The programs are all animal related, and usually involve animals that are rescued or adopted from shelters. The children spend part of their day learning about nature and learn about the responsibilities of taking care of pets. They will also get to take part in creating arts and crafts, such as learning how to making a dog bowl or a bird feeder.

Parents can pay by the day, the week, or purchase a monthly package.

Every time we get home, my daughter couldn’t wait to get back the next time.

The founder of Pawsitively Pets for Kids, Jennifer Ego, is a wonderful woman. She is energetic, and was very accommodating to my daughter’s schedule. She was also able to find a spot in the program last minute.

Not only do they have programs during the day, they also have programs during the evenings. This way, parents can spend that extra time on a date night. Date nights are offered on select Friday evenings for kids four to 10 years old to be dropped off at their location from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. The cost of the program is twenty dollars, and includes a pizza dinner, animal interactions, crafts, and activities.

Be sure to check out this location whether it is for a day or during your child’s next school break. The place can be a bit of a zoo, but after all, that’s the whole purpose 🙂

 

Leaside Location

202 Parkhurst Boulevard, Toronto ON M4G 2G3

416 901 4776

https://pawsitivelypetskidscamp.com

 

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What’s Old is New Again – Serial Brought Back Radio

Normally, I use this blog to mention outstanding business and organizations, but this time I’d like to highlight something a little different…

Many years ago, radio was the way of entertainment. People used the radio to listen to a variety of their favourite shows, hear the news and listen to music. One hundred years later, radio is new again. Even though you don’t get the full television experience, the radio has its own excitement and benefits to it because it is purely audio.

Recently, my wife told me that I HAD to listen to a podcast known as Serial.

With over 1.2 million weekly listeners, Serial has taken North America by storm. Serial is a spin-off from The American Lifeand is based on a true story (sorry….I don’t want to give anything away).  It was originally aired over the span of 12 weeks, one chapter each week, with every episode about 45 minutes in length, and contains no commercials. You can access the show by simply downloading the free podcast, every week, or listen to them all online at www.serialpodcast.org.

Usually, you hear people talking about a new television show or a new website they have discovered, but as a result of Serial people are once again talking about a radio show.  From AM to FM to Satellite, radio has thrived over the years, and now it seems to be revitalizing itself once again.

Take a break from surfing the net and give Serial a listen. The first season has come to an end, however, you can download all episodes or listen to all episodes online at www.thisamericanlife.org or www.serialpodcast.org.  Prepare yourself for the second season with an all new story airing some time this year!

 

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Sheba- An Authentic Ethiopian Experience

While I hate to make my readers drool in front of their computer screens, you must understand my affinity towards food blogs. Because I’m a bit of a foodie, and because I just love food in general, I often like to try dishes from different cultures. Over the years, I’ve tried many different cuisines and I have come to know and love Ethiopian food. While Ethiopian food started to gain a bit of popularity in Toronto, it’s still not overly popular outside of its native region. But I thought I should let you know that it’s absolutely delicious… especially when it comes from my favorite spot in Toronto.

Sheba is, by far, my favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Toronto. It is a great little restaurant located at College and Bathurst, it is family owned and operated by three sisters; Seble, Assi, and Blane. Now, before you start Googling pictures of Ethiopian food, I must say that Sheba’s food is always beautifully presented and it is simply delicious. If the food isn’t enough to entice you into paying Sheba a visit, you should know that the three sisters really know how to host guests with their amazing hospitality. Everything from the injera, which is the flatbread, to the meat, to the seasonings make Ethiopian food one of Miriam and I’s favorite foods. We love it so much that we often take our friends to Sheba when they’re looking to try something new and they end up taking their friends who end up loving it just as much as we do!

After many visits to Sheba, my wife and I have picked out some of our favorites that we highly recommend. I love the Cha-Cha Tibs, which are pieces of lamb served on a sizzling hot plate, while my wife tends to be a bit more adventurous and orders the Kifto Regular which is an Ethiopian steak tartar. While we’re both very much meat-eaters, Sheba’s food is so great that we love the Mama Shiro on their vegetarian menu. Their veggie menu is so delicious that it’ll convert any meat-lover into a chickpea lover! All of their food is very tasty, colorful, and super flavorful. Now, before you fill up on the main course, you should let the sisters know that you want the Ethiopian coffee for dessert. It’s freshly roasted and prepared while you eat, and it’s ceremoniously delivered to your table at the end of your meal with incense and freshly-popped popcorn that perfectly compliments this delicious treat.

Seble, Assi, and Blane, the owners of Sheba, have come to be good friends of Miriam and I. We love dining at their restaurant. Their level of hospitality and customer service is one of the best that I have experienced from a small little place like Sheba and they keep me coming back every time. So the next time you’re feeling adventurous, pay Sheba a visit!

 

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Efficient Service at the Canada Revenue Agency

Most of us think of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as “The Taxman”, but they do more than just conduct audits and collect taxes.

Not too long ago, I called the CRA looking to get information about how to close a corporation. My previous experiences with them have not been the greatest. I know that the CRA receives a high volume of calls, so being placed on hold is understandable. However, based our past history, I expected to be placed on hold for longer than normal. Furthermore, there have been multiple occasions where in order to get the information I needed, I was transferred to several representatives. In some instances, I had to further research even after talking to the representatives because I was given insufficient information.

I’m not one of those people who will criticize a company, or in this case, a government agency without showing a light at the end of the tunnel. I mention my previous experiences because when I recently called the CRA, I was pleasantly surprised to get in touch with a representative who was not only very helpful with answering my inquiries, but also took the time to walk me through the process of closing a corporation.

Things went much smoother than I expected; the representative expedited matters to other departments which made the overall progress faster and, in the end, saved me some quite a bit of money.

Unfortunately, there was a short delay though it was not their fault. One of the reasons that I needed to close the corporation was for its tax returns. The CRA representative have been sending the tax returns to the wrong address. Their record had the wrong address. This minor hiccup was resolved quickly, and the tax returns were eventually sent to the right address.

Although I did get the necessary information and insight on how to go through with closing a corporation, I would recommend getting a lawyer involved to go through all aspects of this process.

1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency – Business Inquiries

 

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