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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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If there is something everyone should have, it’s a good hair stylist, and for the past 25 years, I’ve been going to Robert Ashley Hair Design & Aesthetics, where the owner, Robert Ashley Forester, has kept me looking my best.

Robert (or Ashley as he’s known to his customers) opened the salon 30 years ago after learning his trade at the House of Lords, and currently has six hair stylists and one esthetician working in the salon. The salon is a fantastic place for the whole family, with women coming for blowouts, colouring and fancier styles, guys coming for a quick buzz cut, and the kids getting a lollipop along after their haircut.  Not only do they give great haircuts and provide exceptional service, they do so at reasonable prices.

One of the reasons I’ve been going to Ashley’s salon for all these years is his flexible schedule.  He frequently makes accommodations for me to fit an appointment in during my busy schedule, and in a few instances, he has actually opened 30 minutes earlier, on Saturdays so I can come by before he gets busy. What’s more, although his salon is closed on Sundays and Mondays, the only time Robert has opened his store on a Sunday was to cut my hair for my wedding day. Not only did he go above and beyond to accommodate my special request, he made me look great for this special occasion.

Ashley and his talented team not only give great service, they also do a lot of charity work.  Aside from sponsoring various sports teams, for children, they occasionally have Donation Days, where they donate a portion of the day’s sales to a worthy cause.

After all of these years, my experience at Ashley Hair Design has not changed.  The only thing that has changed is my hair.  I like to joke around with Robert saying “I should get a discount for having less hair,” to which he responds with “I have to spend half the time looking for your hair, and the other half to cut it.”

Robert Ashley Forester
Robert Ashley Hair Design & Aesthetics
​777 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto,  ON  M6C 1B7
416-653-0067
www.robertashleyhairdesign.com

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During the summer, I decided to take a trip to the east coast of Canada with my wife and daughter, along with another family.  During our trip through the Maritimes we found ourselves in Cape Breton to drive along the Cabot Trail.

Up until this point, my wife and I found the food to be very underwhelming at all of our stops along the way. My wife is a chef, and I have experience in the food and hospitality industry, so maybe our standards were a bit high, but we were both looking to find better food during the course of our travels.  When we arrived in Cape Breton, there were not many dining options available, so we weren’t expecting much from the Seaside Restaurant, but we were all in for a lovely surprise…

The Seaside Restaurant is an amazing dining option attached to the Island Sunset Resort. The restaurant itself is simple, but offers a beautiful view of the sun setting on the ocean for all of it’s guests. They also featured an open-kitchen concept where you could see the food being made fresh and right to order.

The real star of the Seaside Restaurant was the menu and the quality of their food. They featured a diverse array of menu items ranging from pasta dishes to steak, and rack of lamb to seafood.  If the food wasn’t a good enough reason to love the Seaside Restaurant, then the service was another!  The servers were very accommodating of the two children by serving them half portions of the pasta dishes and including drinks and deserts.  As for the adults at the table, we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals, with everyone agreeing that the coconut shrimp was delicious, the seafood linguine was well-made, and the rack of lamb was to die for.  To cap off our lovely evening at the Seaside Restaurant, we all decided to order some home made desserts.

Once the bill arrived, I was expecting a bit of a steep price for all of the delicious food that we had, but I was very surprised to see that everything was reasonably priced.  Aside from some great scenery. the delicious food at the Seaside Restaurant is one of the reasons why I would definitely return to Cape Breton.

Island Sunset Resort & Seaside Restaurant
19 Beach Cove Lane
Belle Côte, NS  B0E 2B0
902-235-2669
www.islandsunset.com

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