tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90186740058578821212012-01-01T16:07:26.154-05:00A blog for people living in the Barrie area, about real estate, community events, local shops and services, and just about anything else that catches our fancy.CCnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-59216004914477852282009-11-16T08:01:00.009-05:002009-11-17T12:51:30.758-05:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SwGLcrGOwSI/AAAAAAAAAR0/p0D8Wdv2HUk/s1600/loadingtoys.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404754352542761250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SwGLcrGOwSI/AAAAAAAAAR0/p0D8Wdv2HUk/s320/loadingtoys.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.christmascheerbarrie.com/photos.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">This is the time of year when many of us start to think about giving. Gifts to friends and family to show that we care; gifts to teachers and mail carriers to say thank you; and gifts to those in need to show that we are grateful for our own good fortune.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><br /><p>Of course all charitable organizations appreciate your support during the holiday season, but many focus specifically on this time of year, helping families enjoy a holiday that they might not otherwise afford.</p><p><a href="http://www.salvationarmy.ca/?s=christmas+kettles">The Salvation Army begins their annual Christmas Kettle</a> campaign today, with volunteer bell-ringers deployed throughout the country at storefronts and streetcorners. It may seem like pocket change, but this drive accounts for a significant percentage of the organization's funds for the year - in some communities upwards of 25%. The money supports services include the food bank, helping with emergency accommodations, and assisting families that have to travel for medical purposes or need help with prescription drugs. The Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada. </p><p>The organization is still looking for volunteers to stand at kettles, and of course welcomes your cash donations as you pass the bell-ringers.</p><p>The largest local effort is the <a href="http://www.christmascheerbarrie.com/">Barrie and District Christmas Cheer Campaign</a>. This year they expect to help more than 4,500 people with the distribution of 1,800 food hampers and thousands of toys. There are many ways you can help out, by donating gifts, food, money and/or time. <a href="http://www.christmascheerbarrie.com/news/2009-Donations.html">Click here for a list of items in high demand</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.acsc.ca/">The AIDS Committee of Simcoe County</a> hosts an Adopt-A-Family program, inviting businesses, organizations or individuals to sponsor a holiday hamper for people in need who are affected by HIV/AIDS. </p><p>Christmas is an especially difficult time for families who have had to leave their homes. The <a href="http://www.barrieshelter.com/donations.html">Barrie Women &amp; Children's Shelter</a> endeavours to make the holidays happy for their residents, and you can help through the donation of Christmas gifts as well as basic necessities like clothing, toiletries and food. Household items are also very much appreciated for families beginning new lives outside the shelter.</p><p>Throughout the winter months, Barrie Out of the Cold provides shelter to the homeless to keep them off the streets at night and to provide them with a hot dinner and breakfast. Six local churches generously provide space, and the OOTC program procures food, clothing and other basic necessities. <a href="http://www.barrieoutofthecold.org/donate.html">Click here to find out what their needs are and how to donate</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.christmascheerbarrie.com/apply.html#other">Click here for a list of organizations outside of the Barrie area</a> that will be helping families in need this holiday season. </p><p>This gift of time is precious. If you would like to donate your time at any time of year, visit <a href="http://communitylink.cioc.ca/volunteer/start.asp">Community Link of North Simcoe</a> to browse the volunteer opportunities. -<em> Caleigh<br /></em><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5921600491447785228?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-77681306378493977972009-10-28T07:26:00.009-04:002009-10-28T07:26:00.385-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SudUwRC_JNI/AAAAAAAAARM/uTdLsOKsvQQ/s1600-h/Halloween_Chappells.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397375866613212370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SudUwRC_JNI/AAAAAAAAARM/uTdLsOKsvQQ/s320/Halloween_Chappells.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://chappellfarms.ca/pics/Jan_2007/halloween/index.htm">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I love it when Halloween falls on a Saturday, there's so much more fun to be had! Maybe a little too much; I'm not quite sure how to choose. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Here are a few of the Halloween activities happening in the Barrie area.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">On <strong>Wednesday</strong> and <strong>Thursday</strong> from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Simcoe County Museum presents <a href="http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/cultureinformation/museum/index.htm">An Evening of Hallowe’en</a>. Everyone is invited to dress up and and join in for treats as well as games like Which Witch Wins?, Ring the Cats Tail, Skeleton Toss and Bowling for Tombstones. There is also an outdoor Haunted Adventure for the brave visitors, and the Boo Barn for younger Trick or Treaters. Admission is $2 per person.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">On <strong>Friday</strong> night, the Barrie Public Library will be hosting <a href="http://www.library.barrie.on.ca/children/programmes/prog/friday_fright_night.htm">Friday Fright Night</a> for children 6 and up. Children are welcome to dress up and enjoy a magic show, crafts and a haunted house. The event is free, and no registration is required.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Youth are invited to the Holly Community Centre for the <a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=10/30/2009&amp;E=3423&amp;ET=1">Twilight Nights Costume Party</a> Friday evening between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. The party is aimed at young fans of the <em>Twilight</em> books/movies, and will include treats, trivia, prizes and more. <a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=10/31/2009&amp;E=3487&amp;ET=1">On Saturday</a>, children of all ages are invited to drop by the Holly Centre between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. for candy and games.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Put that scary face to good use by participating in <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179925735729">Barrie's first Zombie Walk</a>, beginning Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Stix Sports Grill. All participants are asked to show up in their scariest face paint and to bring a non-perishable food item and/or cash donation to support the Grocery Assistance Program of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County. Afterwards, everyone 19+ is invited to partake in a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139346788780&amp;ref=mf">Night of the Living Dead party </a>at the Foxx Lounge.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you're in the Midland area, the Wye March invites you to <a href="http://www.wyemarsh.com/events.html#event2">Meet the Marsh Monster</a> on Friday night from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.. Enjoy a haunted house and guided tours of starlit trails.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">In Collingwood, it's time for the <a href="http://www.collingwooddowntown.com/calendar/show_event.php?id=73&amp;size=small">Black Harvest and Zombie Walk</a>. Children's activities begin downtown at 4:00 p.m., and guided tours of Collingwood's "haunted past" begin at 7:00 p.m.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">On Halloween day, visit Barrie City Hall's Farmer's Market between 8:00 a.m. and noon for their <a href="http://www.downtownbarrie.ca/events/index.cfm?i=935">1st Annual Halloween Spooktacular</a>. There will be a costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, and free face painting, wagon rides and hot apple cider.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Feeling like your costume's a winner? You can also check out the <a href="http://www.kozlovcentre.com/events.php">Kozlov Shopping Centre's Halloween Costume Contest</a> beginning at 12 noon, with prizes for a variety of age categories ranging from newborn to 15 years.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Naturally, all of the pumpkin patches will be popular spots for Halloween festivities. To find out more about some of the activities offered, click to check out the websites of <a href="http://chappellfarms.ca/">Chappell Farms</a>, <a href="http://www.drysdales.ca/">Drysdale's Farm</a> and <a href="http://www.roundsranch.com/">Rounds Ranch</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Have a safe and spooky weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7768130637849397797?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-56453518435154565412009-10-27T11:10:00.002-04:002009-10-27T11:16:48.470-04:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It has been a busy month here at the Burlington Team, and unfortunately our blog has suffered for it. The market she is a-changin' -- interest rates are rising again, sales are going up (though prices are still down on average), and people who want to take advantage of low rates are realizing they'd better get on it!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">This seems a good time to remind you of our video on whether to rent or buy in 2009. This short video will help you see the costs and benefits of taking your first step onto the property ladder NOW, while interests rates are still low and prices are encouraging for first-time buyers.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://barriehome.blogspot.com/2009/05/rent-or-buy-in-2009.html">Rent or Buy in 2009</a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5645351843515456541?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-44263832705102115112009-10-01T15:04:00.004-04:002009-10-01T15:42:58.326-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsUD8aCOmsI/AAAAAAAAARE/at9QWaimOr4/s1600-h/Minesing_fall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387716865534368450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsUD8aCOmsI/AAAAAAAAARE/at9QWaimOr4/s320/Minesing_fall.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/rmccallen/image/59792131">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">No point painting it rosy, this is probably going to be a wet, chilly weekend! If you aren't in the mood to cocoon, never fear, there is still lots to do outdoors.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Many of the activities that began last weekend are continuing, including <a href="http://www.avalonorchards.net/">apple picking</a>, <a href="http://www.chappellfarms.ca/">pumpkin events</a> and <a href="http://www.coloursofmusic.ca/">the Colours of Music festival</a>. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you would like to view the changing leaves from a water vantage, there are a couple of options this weekend. First is a <a href="http://www.minesingwetlands.ca/news/FallCanoeTrip.html">Fall canoe trip through the Minesing wetlands</a>. It takes place Saturday morning, starting at the Willow Creek access point on George Johnston Road. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Second is a <a href="http://calendar.county.simcoe.on.ca/public_event_details.aspx?id=659026&amp;GroupID=11&amp;CalID=">Fall Colours Boat Cruise beginning in Orillia</a> and venturing all the way up the Trent to Sparrow Lake. The Sunday cruise includes breakfast and lunch, as well as tour commentary from "Captain Tom". </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">An important event that you don't need to participate in to have impact is the CIBC Run for the Cure. The run takes place on Sunday, including one here in Barrie. If you know a runner, you can donate directly to their team, but if not you can make a <a href="https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/personal_page.asp?track=3842583&amp;languageid=1">general donation via the website by clicking here</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4426383270510211511?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-9598869094395865782009-09-28T15:34:00.003-04:002009-09-28T15:41:03.679-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsEQNheI-yI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/I7InrQZR2BQ/s1600-h/Boyden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386604453820955426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsEQNheI-yI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/I7InrQZR2BQ/s320/Boyden.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/145768">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Joseph Boyden, winner of the prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize for literature, will be speaking at Georgian College this Wednesday, September 30, during an event that begins at 7:30 pm.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Boyden won the Giller in 2008 for his novel <em>Through Black Spruce</em>. He will join two other Canadian novelists - Stephen Finucan and Damian Tarnopolsky - in reading from their works and participating in a discussion. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The event is being held in support of the L3: Writers’ Conference, a project of Grade 12 Barrie North Collegiate Writers’ Craft students and their teacher Brian Adduono. The annual event consists of day workshops for selected high school students from Simcoe County and evening reading sessions featuring some of Canada’s best-known novelists, poets, publishers and journalists.<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Tickets are available at the door, and are $20 for the public or $10 for students.<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">For more information on the L3 Writers’ Conference, visit </span><a href="http://www.georgianc.on.ca/news/?s=L3+writers%27" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">http://www.georgianc.on.ca/news/?s=L3+writers%27</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-959886909439586578?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-72252022863507269402009-09-26T15:15:00.000-04:002009-09-28T15:33:56.947-04:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsEOqet0wVI/AAAAAAAAAQs/xqNsqhtA5j8/s1600-h/thereifixedit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386602752274383186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsEOqet0wVI/AAAAAAAAAQs/xqNsqhtA5j8/s320/thereifixedit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://thereifixedit.com/2009/09/15/epic-kludge-photo-frankensteins-home-accents-line/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Subtitle "Epic Kludges and Jury Rigs", this blog is a hilarious compilation of DIY gone horribly wrong!</span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsEPBFkDtZI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/7fFO8hQMXJw/s1600-h/thereifixedit2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386603140659525010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SsEPBFkDtZI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/7fFO8hQMXJw/s200/thereifixedit2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://thereifixedit.com/">Thereifixedit.com</a> collects photos from around the world, depicting "fixes" that came just (a mile or two) shy of an elegant fix. If you have a pseudo-handyperson in your family, send in a pic!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Here are two of my personal favourites: the DIY shower curtain and mailbox! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7225202286350726940?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-66779595148996384552009-09-24T10:19:00.009-04:002009-09-24T11:12:54.122-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SruKDQB5RPI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Zm6tgzXwFgI/s1600-h/carshow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385049567898715378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 307px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SruKDQB5RPI/AAAAAAAAAQc/Zm6tgzXwFgI/s400/carshow.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://barriehome.blogspot.com/2009/09/get-your-tickets-arts-season-is.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It's officially Fall, and Fall Fairs are cropping up throughout the province. This weekend is the <a href="http://www.coldwaterfallfair.com/">Coldwater Fall Fair</a>, where they are focusing on pumpkins ... the bigger the better!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Speaking of pumpkins, it's also the beginning of the season at major pumpkin farms such as <a href="http://www.chappellfarms.ca/halloween.php">Chappell Farms</a> just North of Barrie, and <a href="http://roundsranch.com/index.html">Rounds Ranch</a> in Elmvale. In addition to choosing your pumpkins, you'll find lots to do at these farms including petting zoos, hay mazes and a haunted barn!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Not into pumpkins? This weekend is also the Georgian College Auto Show. The event runs from the 25th through the 27th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is $5 (kids under 12 are free). This year's event will be showcasing the Corvette. "The Wasaga Beach Corvette Club has assembled a rare collection of award winning corvettes for each generation of the American legend on Sunday, September 27, 2009. The Club will be on-site to promote the evolutions introduced in each generation of the Corvette." <a href="http://www.georgianc.on.ca/autoshow09/schedule/">Click here for the event schedule</a>. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">And as mentioned previously on our blog, this weekend is also the beginning of <a href="http://barriehome.blogspot.com/2009/09/get-your-tickets-arts-season-is.html">the Barrie Colours of Music festival</a>, and the <a href="http://barriehome.blogspot.com/2009/09/barrie-hosts-17th-annual-fall-how.html">17th Annual Fall Home &amp; Renovation Show</a>. Enjoy the weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-6677959514899638455?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-70547168451569062822009-09-22T10:55:00.001-04:002009-09-24T11:11:42.735-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SruL5QcsznI/AAAAAAAAAQk/OYfZy2LYFug/s1600-h/home_show.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385051595235708530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 252px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SruL5QcsznI/AAAAAAAAAQk/OYfZy2LYFug/s400/home_show.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.mbmshows.com/fall_home_show.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">More than 100 vendors will be at the Barrie Molson Centre this weekend to showcase products and services for your home at the <a href="http://www.mbmshows.com/fall_home_show.html">Home and Renovation Show</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The show runs Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, for a $5 admission fee ($4 for seniors, kids 12 and under free).</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">In addition to tons of home ideas and product demos, you can also find out more about the federal home renovation tax credit. If you're one of the first 100 visitors, you'll also get a $10 RONA gift card!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7054716845156906282?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-44509712487119141202009-09-19T08:15:00.002-04:002009-09-21T10:55:21.432-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrOrQkAb0mI/AAAAAAAAAQU/JU6iztsZZ6s/s1600-h/television.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382834280669631074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 289px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrOrQkAb0mI/AAAAAAAAAQU/JU6iztsZZ6s/s320/television.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.thethinkingstick.com/how-long-does-change-take">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you no longer need to panic if you miss an episode of your favourite show, or if you decide to get up to speed on a series you've never watched before.</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.surfthechannel.com/">Surfthechannel.com</a> is a little like the Google of TV shows. They do not host video files (because that would be very naughty), but they do provide links to the various places on the internet where you might find, for example, last season's episodes of Grey's Anatomy, or last week's premiere of Gossip Girl.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">To use it, simply type in the name of the show you are looking for in the box near the top and click Search. You will then get a list of Search Results, and if all goes well one of them should be called Television. Click on it, then on the right side under Channel Results you should see the name on your program. Click on that to go to a list of available episodes. Choose the one you want and you'll see a list of locations for the video. You then have the choice to watch the video from one of those locations or to download it. Some files might require you to download viewing software, others will not. You may need to try a couple before finding one that works, or that hasn't already been deleted for copyright infringement (which the Burlington Team in no way endorses).</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Keep in mind of course that streaming video can be slow and have lags, but it's less prone to carry viruses than a downloaded file.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's not perfect, but if your PVR or VCR fails you, it's a nice little insurance policy against missing a key episode! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4450971248711914120?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-91581628600119779092009-09-18T07:47:00.002-04:002009-09-18T10:19:08.285-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKXCvX3nwI/AAAAAAAAAQE/ffHYlR_F_QU/s1600-h/Allandale_Station_then.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382530577993277186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKXCvX3nwI/AAAAAAAAAQE/ffHYlR_F_QU/s320/Allandale_Station_then.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.tourismbarrie.com/things-to-do/heritage-barrie-walking-tours/discovering-the-waterfront-walking-tour/"><span style="font-size:78%;">photo source</span><br /></a></div></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">You don't need to be a history buff to rejoice in the fact that Barrie's Allandale train station may soon look more like the photo above (taken in 1910) than the one below.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKXiklfSNI/AAAAAAAAAQM/5Cw_amSyBT0/s1600-h/Allandale_Station_now.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382531124853426386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKXiklfSNI/AAAAAAAAAQM/5Cw_amSyBT0/s200/Allandale_Station_now.jpg" border="0" /></a>The station was built in 1904, but has become an eyesore since it stopped seeing train service in the 1980s. (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherlock77/378870/">photo at right from here</a>)<br /><br />Architects and restoration professionals are expected to be on site beginning immediately, with work continuing through the winter. The restoration is just part of a $50-million project that will include a GO train station, stores, offices, public arts and cultural spaces, a new YMCA and a condo/hotel. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-9158162860011977909?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-3352466116931987302009-09-17T11:54:00.013-04:002009-09-17T14:57:18.848-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKBMx7PokI/AAAAAAAAAP0/Vq7VOLo5M4U/s1600-h/9MP-landing-canoe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382506561221403202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKBMx7PokI/AAAAAAAAAP0/Vq7VOLo5M4U/s320/9MP-landing-canoe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Content.cfm?C=4465&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=1&amp;MI=1484&amp;L1M=4">photo source</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">For the last week of Summer, it certainly feels like Fall! Sounds like a perfect weekend to put on a sweater and enjoy some of the special places Barrie has to offer.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">This Sunday will be the second <a href="http://www.doorsopenbarrie.ca/">Doors Open Barrie</a> event. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">There are 13 area buildings opening their doors to curious visitors this year, including some businesses occupying homes dating back to the 1800s. <a href="http://www.doorsopenbarrie.ca/event-sites/">Visit this page for a list</a>, and click on each name to see a picture of the building. There will also be a number of <a href="http://www.doorsopenbarrie.ca/walking-tours/">historical walking tours</a>, which promise to be fascinating. <a href="http://www.tourismbarrie.com/walking-tours/">You must register in advance for the tours by clicking here</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">To coincide with this event, the <a href="http://www.maclarenart.com/special-events/festivals/carnegie-days-2009">MacLaren Art Gallery is hosting Carnegie Days</a> - a four-days arts festival for all ages. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKBXn4mzUI/AAAAAAAAAP8/o_iMKt2iZ-8/s1600-h/library-old.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382506747504545090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrKBXn4mzUI/AAAAAAAAAP8/o_iMKt2iZ-8/s200/library-old.jpg" border="0" /></a>Andrew Carnegie was known as the "Patron Saint of Libraries" for donating funds to build more than 2,500 libraries around the world - 125 of them in Canada, including the Barrie Carnegie Library (photo at right, <a href="http://www.maclarenart.com/about-us/history-of-building">from here</a>) which is now home to the MacLaren. The festival honours this history with a variety of events meshing the worlds of books and art. <a href="http://www.maclarenart.com/special-events/festivals/carnegie-days-2009">Click here for the schedule</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Another event celebrating the region's history is the <a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Content.cfm?C=4465&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=1&amp;MI=1484&amp;L1M=4">Nine Mile Portage Heritage Festival</a>. It kicks off at Heritage Park with a reenactment of the War of 1812 battle on Kempenfelt Bay and the landing of historic boats and canoes. There is also a guided walk along the Nine Mile Trail, a horse-drawn wagon ride, and a variety of activities at <a href="http://www.tourismbarrie.com/about-barrie-1/history-of-barrie/fort-willow/">Historic Fort Willow</a>.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">While we're on the subject of history, you can also head up to the <a href="http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/cultureinformation/museum/index.htm">Simcoe County Museum, where they will be holding the annual Quilt, Rug and Craft Fair</a>. "Beautiful quilting, embroidery, spinning, handweaving, and rug hooking will be on display by the guild members who handcrafted them. Discover new skills at one of our hands-on demonstrations, talk to the experts and get advice, or simply shop for a unique gift." Show hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission cost is $4 per person, per day. <em>- Caleigh<br /></em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-335246611693198730?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-58992510862468311772009-09-16T12:12:00.009-04:002009-09-17T13:00:28.003-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrJaY1C40eI/AAAAAAAAAPk/hzCpaoMfbso/s1600-h/ceciliaStringQuartet_bio.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382463887263715810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrJaY1C40eI/AAAAAAAAAPk/hzCpaoMfbso/s320/ceciliaStringQuartet_bio.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.coloursofmusic.ca/bio/ceciliaStringQuartet.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The kids are back to school, the leaves are changing colours (already!) and the arts season has begun.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.coloursofmusic.ca/">Barrie's Colours of Music Festival</a> runs from September 25th to October 4th, and offers a broad range of musical entertainment. From individual artists, to small groups, to huge orchestras, there are a wonderful array of performers and concertgoers can see them all for the incredible price of $65 per pass (which comes to about $3 per ticket if you were to see them all). Single tickets range from $15-25 depending on the show. <a href="http://www.coloursofmusic.ca/schedule.html">Click here for the full schedule</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Tickets for the <a href="http://www.gryphontheatre.com/">Gryphon Theatre's 2009/2010 Headliner Series</a> are now on sale, and generally they do sell out. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrJajXfEa_I/AAAAAAAAAPs/4nh3JOdmSFU/s1600-h/Steven-Page.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382464068307414002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SrJajXfEa_I/AAAAAAAAAPs/4nh3JOdmSFU/s200/Steven-Page.jpg" border="0" /></a>They have some fantastic acts coming this year, including stand-up comedy with Brent Butt (formerly the star of Corner Gas), and music from Stephen Page of the Barenaked Ladies (pictured at right, taken from <a href="http://www.gryphontheatre.com/">here</a>). <a href="http://www.gryphontheatre.com/headliner.html">Click here for the full lineup</a>. They will also be announcing the lineup for their kids theatre season shortly. </span><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The <a href="http://www.onstagetheatre.ca/">On Stage Performance Group</a> is leading off the theatre season with a performance of the musical spoof "The Saloon Keeper's Daughter" at Barrie's Downtown Community Theatre. The show runs from tonight (September 16th) through the 25th. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.kempenfeltplayers.com/kcp.php">Kempenfelt Community Players</a> have announced their 2009/2010 season of three shows: the comedy "Dear Edwina Junior", the musical "Evita", and the Neil Simon farce "Rumors".</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.tift.ca/">Talk is Free Theatre</a> has five different shows planned for the season, including "Colours in the Storm" about Group of Seven painter Tom Thomson, who died under mysterious circumstances.</span> </div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The <a href="http://www.southsimcoetheatre.com/">South Simcoe Theatre</a> in Cookstown has also announced its new lineup, including the classic "Our Town", and a musical based on the book "The Spitfire Grill".<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://barriehome.blogspot.com/2009/07/quasi-comprehensive-guide-to-local.html">For a complete(ish) listing of theatre companies in Simcoe County, click here</a>.</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5899251086246831177?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-79843470689067301322009-09-14T16:15:00.004-04:002009-09-15T10:54:00.082-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sq-qZHzs-ZI/AAAAAAAAAPU/I1BjuEUKGZM/s1600-h/theatre+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381707428300388754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sq-qZHzs-ZI/AAAAAAAAAPU/I1BjuEUKGZM/s400/theatre+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.kempenfeltplayers.com/gallery.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Anyone who has read this blog is probably aware of my passion for the arts, so I'm naturally very excited that the funding has been received to turn the former Scotiabank building into a flexible arts space that could accommodate 240-340 seats. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The new venue would be used by the many existing arts companies in the area, and undoubtedly nurture the development of many more.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">This is also good news for everyone who has hoped to see more revitalization in the 5-Points area, as it is expected to be pivotal in the development of an entertainment district, including artists' studios and a refurbished movie theatre. -<em> Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7984347068906730132?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-41915361892690434092009-09-10T12:15:00.005-04:002009-09-10T16:27:26.842-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqlgmE4MTQI/AAAAAAAAAPE/4t3khAlWLAQ/s1600-h/powwow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379937437131492610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie and area events" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqlgmE4MTQI/AAAAAAAAAPE/4t3khAlWLAQ/s320/powwow.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.bobgoulais.com/bgc/powwow.htm">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Perhaps to make up for the quiet Labour-Day weekend, there are a ton of events (big and small) going on across Simcoe County this weekend!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.newmusicfest.ca/">Barrie's New Music Fest</a> starts today and runs all weekend, with 10 venues featuring about 75 artists. One wristband costs only $10 (yep, TEN dollars!) and will get you into all venues and performances (up to capacity, of course). If you haven't heard of any of the artists before, don't worry - the idea is to introduce you to up-and-coming musicians. <a href="http://www.newmusicfest.ca/artists/">Click here for locations, acts and times</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's also time for the <a href="http://www.burlscreek.com/content.xjp?id=48">39th Annual Fall Barrie Automotive Flea Market</a>, which runs today through Sunday at <a href="file:///p://www.burlscreek.com/">Burl's Creek Park</a>. There'll be an auction, car show, and sales of all kinds of hard-to-find car parts, plus many other vendors. Camping is available on site.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">This Saturday and Sunday, <a href="http://www.gbnfc.com/">the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre</a> will be hosting their <a href="http://www.gbnfc.com/2008powwow.htm">9th Annual Traditional Pow Wow</a> at <a href="http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/">Saint Marie Among the Hurons Park</a> in Midland. The event is open to the public and features Native dancing, traditional crafts and foods and more.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Need a few more ideas? You can also check out:</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.e-psychic.com/PsychicFair-2009/Psychic-Fair-Expo-Barrie-September-2009.html">the Barrie Psychic Fair and Expo</a>, Friday through Sunday at the Army, Navy &amp; Air Force Club</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.orilliaartscouncil.ca/">Village of the Arts festival</a> in downtown Orillia, Saturday afternoon, and the <a href="http://orillia.cioc.ca/record/ORI0148">Orillia and District Fall Fair</a>, Friday through Sunday at the Fairgrounds</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.wyemarsh.com/events.html">Wye Marsh Anniversary Gala</a>, running all weekend and featuring a performance by Suzie McNeil on Saturday night</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://santasvillage.ca/">Grandparents Day at Santa's Village</a> in Bracebridge, Sunday only <a href="http://santasvillage.ca/grandparents.php">WITH THIS COUPON</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=09/12/2009&amp;E=3290&amp;ET=1">Back-to-School Open House at Bulldog Interactive Fitness for Youth</a>, this Saturday and Sunday</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=09/12/2009&amp;E=3314&amp;ET=1">CIBC Grand Opening with autographs by Wendell Clark</a>, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="https://www.casinorama.com/Entertainment.html">Casino Rama</a> acts this weekend including Tony Bennett, The Smothers Brothers and the Black Crowes</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Wow! No excuse to be bored this weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4191536189269043409?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-52752809584479219762009-09-09T07:45:00.000-04:002009-09-09T07:45:00.519-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqarOQ8z-rI/AAAAAAAAAO0/ogObZ1lrvY8/s1600-h/vaccine.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379175066497186482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqarOQ8z-rI/AAAAAAAAAO0/ogObZ1lrvY8/s320/vaccine.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">With news of a forthcoming H1N1 immunization, many people are giving thought to flu vaccines. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The H1N1 shot is not expected until November-ish, but in the meantime it's good to arm yourself with awareness about the disease and its symptoms. <a href="http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/HumanSwineFlu/SchoolsandStudents/QAFamilieswithSchoolageChildren.aspx">Click this link for an H1N1 primer from the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit</a>. It is good to know that the SMHU is reporting only one case in the region, and that person is currently being treated in hospital. The SMHU publishes frequent updates on the situation, which <a href="http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/HumanSwineFlu/SituationUpdates/SimcoeMuskokaUpdate.aspx">can be found by clicking here</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The regular shot for seasonal flu is expected to be available in October. If you aren't able to get vaccines through your family doctor, you can count on the <a href="http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/">Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit</a> to have numerous free public clinics available for flu shots. A basic <a href="http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/HealthUnit/Services/Clinics/Immunization.aspx">list of locations and times is available by clicking here</a>. Later in the fall, they will also publish a list of additional community clinics in their <a href="http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/JFY/Newsroom/PSA.aspx">PSA section</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5275280958447921976?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-26551674607069419912009-09-07T08:00:00.001-04:002009-09-07T08:00:00.598-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqFwhgGDbDI/AAAAAAAAAOk/z49XPu6N_0I/s1600-h/Waste.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377703150910401586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqFwhgGDbDI/AAAAAAAAAOk/z49XPu6N_0I/s320/Waste.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.wastefilms.ca/index.php?st=1&amp;s=Home&amp;p=Homepage">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The lake that our County surrounds and is named for is a huge part of our regional identity. It's a beautiful body of water enjoyed by thousands of people every year, but like all of Canada's lakes its health is delicate.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">This summer, a film school - also known as the Lake Simcoe Anchigamin Film Project - was created through a partnership between <a href="http://www.lakeladies.ca/">The Ladies of the Lake Conservation Association</a>, the <a href="http://www.windfallcentre.ca/">Windfall Ecology Centre</a> and the <a href="http://www.lsrca.on.ca/">Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority</a>. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.wastefilms.ca/">W.A.S.T.E. Film School</a> (an acronym for We Are Saving The Environment) allowed 64 teen filmmakers from around the Lake Simcoe Watershed to learn from top professionals while creating their own films to "transform minds about how we live and work in this watershed." </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">These films are now ready to be seen. <a href="http://www.wastefilms.ca/index.php?st=3&amp;s=Home&amp;p=Homepage&amp;">The Anchigamin Gala is set for October 1st at the SilverCity complex in Newmarket</a>, and will include a press conference and red carpet. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Additionally, some films will be presented online and in participants' schools.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The final element in the project will be <a href="http://www.wastefilms.ca/index.php?st=4&amp;s=Home&amp;p=Homepage&amp;">a conference</a>, set to take place in November. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2655167460706941991?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-8814179003944408462009-09-05T07:25:00.001-04:002009-09-05T07:25:00.405-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqF5fGIo1jI/AAAAAAAAAOs/FmJZr1kxXtY/s1600-h/worldclocks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377713005186831922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="world clock barrie ontario canada" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqF5fGIo1jI/AAAAAAAAAOs/FmJZr1kxXtY/s320/worldclocks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.lisisoft.com/tools/world-clock.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It seems like such a little thing, but I have probably used the <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/">Time and Date</a> website hundreds of times.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I don't keep a calendar by my desk at home, but I do have a link to timeanddate.com's <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/?year=2009&amp;country=27">Year 2009 Canadian calendar</a>, and I refer to it constantly.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Need to figure out what days you worked last year, or if your birthday falls on a weekend next year? Just toggle to another year. Want to know the stat holidays for another country? Just switch from Canada to whatever you please.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's also got printable calendars, time zone maps and converters, and the World Clock, showing you the correct time for any zone in the world.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It may sound too basic to be useful, but trust me, it's precisely the opposite. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-881417900394440846?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-3133162884411227442009-09-04T10:21:00.006-04:002009-09-04T15:37:19.862-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqEjG-L7MZI/AAAAAAAAAOU/MaypqzA_G9Q/s1600-h/bb%2520blue%2520crop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377618032736285074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqEjG-L7MZI/AAAAAAAAAOU/MaypqzA_G9Q/s320/bb%2520blue%2520crop.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barriehillfarms.com/daily.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Please note that <a href="http://www.barriehillfarms.com/">Barrie Hill Farms</a> is closed until the 10th to allow the remaining blueberries as well as the new raspberries time to ripen. They anticipate good picking of both types of berry beginning next weekend. Their farm market (for those who'd rather not pick) will also be closed until the 10th.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Of course many of the region's PYOs <em>will</em> be open this weekend (crops and weather permitting, always call ahead). For a complete list, <a href="http://barriehome.blogspot.com/2009/05/guide-to-barrie-and-area-pick-your-own.html">check out the "Guide to Barrie and area pick-your-own farms" that I published last May</a>. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Meanwhile, fresh local sweet corn is now available all over the County, from roadside stands to larger enterprises like <a href="http://chappellfarms.ca/">Chappell Farms</a>, who even offer a drive-through! - Caleigh</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-313316288441122744?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-54668022890952822542009-09-03T15:52:00.005-04:002009-09-04T15:59:32.300-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqAksHHCzRI/AAAAAAAAAOM/t4jAOxovbcM/s1600-h/railwayblues.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377338295321808146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 204px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 275px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqAksHHCzRI/AAAAAAAAAOM/t4jAOxovbcM/s320/railwayblues.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.railwayblues.com/artists.htm">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">*sigh* The last weekend before school starts. Where did the time go? I took yesterday off to have a family fun day in Toronto before our little one starts Grade 1 (and before the crazy mad long-weekend traffic hits) so forgive me for being a bit behind on the blogging.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The good news for anyone planning on staying close to home is that there's NOT a lot of organized activities going on this weekend. I don't know about you, but for the 'last weekend of summer', I'm just as happy not to be sharing the Barrie waterfront with vendors and midways and shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. I'm hoping that perhaps this will be a good weekend to spend down at the local beach with the family. We shall see. :)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you are looking for a planned event, the 1st Annual (can you really call something annual if it's a first?) Railway Blues &amp; Bluegrass Festival takes place this Saturday at the Cookstown KOA campground (on the East side of the Hwy 89 Cookstown Exit off Highway 400), beginning at noon and going until sometime after dark. <a href="file:///p://www.railwayblues.com/">Click here to find out more about the festival and about camping on site</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">There will also be an end-of-summer fireworks display Sunday night at dusk at Wasaga Beach. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">And of course there are many summer entertainment venues to take advantage of while the weather is good, like <a href="http://santasvillage.ca/">Santa's Village</a> in Bracebridge, <a href="http://www.castlevillage.ca/">Castle Village</a> in Midland, and <a href="http://www.roundsranch.com/">Rounds Ranch</a> in Elmvale.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Happy Labour Day! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5466802289095282254?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-81419451779029047352009-08-29T08:44:00.005-04:002009-08-30T21:19:54.312-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpWUgw_j1tI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7EkHBStdOaU/s1600-h/amber-alert1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374365020964771538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 181px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie real estate" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpWUgw_j1tI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7EkHBStdOaU/s320/amber-alert1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/08/amber-alert-gps-intros-gps-2g-device/">photo source</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Here's a must-bookmark site for anyone who likes gadgets and gizmos.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/">SlipperyBrick.com</a> (must look up where that name came from) says this about themselves: "SlipperyBrick was founded in August of 2006, and is a web site dedicated to the relentless search for all things technical. We have an obsessive passion for emerging consumer based technology, gadgets and related sciences and our staff of editors have years of experience, knowledge and most importantly a high interest in these technologies. SlipperyBrick may sound like a silly name but we are very serious about technology."<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpWThWocrKI/AAAAAAAAANs/a9AX51jYyrk/s1600-h/shoulderbrella.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374363931556752546" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpWThWocrKI/AAAAAAAAANs/a9AX51jYyrk/s320/shoulderbrella.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Some of my favourite items reviewed this week are the <a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/08/amber-alert-gps-intros-gps-2g-device/">amber alert GPS child finder</a> (shown at top), a <a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/08/laptop-case-against-crime-makes-your-laptop-look-like-a-newspaper/">laptop case that makes your laptop look like a newspaper</a>, <a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/08/glow-in-the-dark-toilet-paper/">glow-in-the-dark toilet paper</a> and <a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/tag/steampunk/">absolutely everything made by Steampunk</a>. Oh, and I have GOT to get me a <a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/08/shoulderbrella-is-a-hands-free-umbrella/">Shoulderbrella</a>. <span style="font-size:78%;">(<a href="http://www.slipperybrick.com/2009/08/shoulderbrella-is-a-hands-free-umbrella/">pic at right from here</a>) </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">SlipperyBrick reviews products just being launched, and those still in prototype or proposal stage, so you can find out what's coming ... and what's just a dream. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8141945177902904735?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-23889338665383067462009-08-28T10:34:00.006-04:002009-08-28T12:07:59.488-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpfvZJ3R2DI/AAAAAAAAAOE/JClWffdTfd0/s1600-h/tickets.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375027895713519666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie Fair" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpfvZJ3R2DI/AAAAAAAAAOE/JClWffdTfd0/s320/tickets.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://weblogs.amny.com/entertainment/urbanite/blog/2008/10/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">After the disappointing news that <a href="http://www.barriefair.ca/">Barrie's annual Fall Agricultural Fair</a> - which has a history going back to 1840 - was to be cancelled this year, I am thrilled to report that the Barrie Fairgrounds is instead the site of the "Back to School Carnival". The midway with rides, games and food <a href="http://www.tourismbarrie.com/calendar-of-events/index.cfm?c=230&amp;i=6543">runs today and throughout the weekend, beginning at noon daily</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">We'll miss the petting zoo and the various equestrian events but, on the positive side, parking and admission are free, and you can purchase a ride-all-day bracelet for only $20.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The Barrie Agricultural Society partnered with Campbell Amusements to create this 'tide-over' event, as they are in the process of relocating the fairgrounds from the site at Essa and Highway 400, and expect to relaunch the Fall fair at new digs in 2010. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2388933866538306746?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-633394282176368442009-08-28T07:59:00.002-04:002009-08-28T15:15:29.629-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpP2JB1EurI/AAAAAAAAANU/51B-v_eTlhU/s1600-h/passionflowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373909415353432754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Passionflowers Barrie" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpP2JB1EurI/AAAAAAAAANU/51B-v_eTlhU/s400/passionflowers.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Glenn and Norene celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past weekend (congratulations guys!). Being a smart man, Glenn wanted to impress his bride with 40 of her favourite yellow roses, but finding a store that was willing to deliver on Sunday was a bit of a challenge.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Being a smart <em>woman</em>, I recommended <a href="http://www.passionflowers.ca/">Passionflowers on Yonge</a>, and they came through in spades. Not only did they create a stunning bouquet, complete with a beautiful vase and pretty river rocks, but Janet herself delivered it on Sunday!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">We've used Passionflowers for many occasions (including funerals, mother's day, Valentine's Day and "just because") and they have never failed us. I suggest you try them for your next occasion! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-63339428217636844?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-57854555916388802532009-08-27T07:45:00.014-04:002009-08-27T14:47:52.384-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Spajjrt-LdI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ekH_TcmEWVo/s1600-h/CarFree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374663038739557842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie Car Free Sunday" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Spajjrt-LdI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ekH_TcmEWVo/s320/CarFree.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3592263534/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">(Please note: If you were planning on attending <a href="http://www.virginfestival.ca/">The Virgin Music Festival</a> this weekend, the venue has been changed from Burl's Creek in Oro to the Molson Ampitheatre in Toronto. If you have already purchased tickets and would like info on the new venue or refunds, visit their website at <a href="http://www.virginfestival.ca/">virginfestival.ca</a>.)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Want to help the kids understand the environment? <a href="http://www.kidsforturtles.com/Dragonfly/index.html">The Dragonfly Festival</a> is on this Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in Tudhope Park, Orillia. The aim of the event is to help children understand environmental stewardship, and to demonstrate how the dragonfly is an important indicators of the health of our water systems. There will be fun hands-on nature activities, face painting, nature walks, vendors and displays, live amphibians and more. The event is a partnership between <a href="http://www.kidsforturtles.com/">Kids for Turtles</a> and <a href="http://www.ontarionature.org/">Ontario Nature</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">We can all aid the environment this weekend by participating in <a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=08/30/2009&amp;E=3190&amp;ET=1">Car Free Sunday</a>. Barrie's Lakeshore Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic and reserved for recreational use only between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm on Sunday. The stretch of road will instead be available for walking, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, etc., as well as organized activities including free bike inspection and inline skating clinic. Bikes will be available for rent, and a monitored bike parking lot will be set up at the Southshore Community Centre to allow participants a place to leave their bikes worry-free. There will be a free waterfront shuttle bus, and free transit tickets and available for download on <a href="http://www.barrie.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.barrie.ca/</a>. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If your idea of environmental awareness involves worshiping hops and barley, I suggest you visit the lovely town of Creemore this Saturday for the <a href="http://www.creemoresprings.com/live/creemore_copper.php">Copper Kettle Festival</a>, featuring live music, a beer garden, tours of the <a href="http://www.creemoresprings.com/">Creemore Springs Brewery</a>, kids activities, wagon rides and more.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">And if you simply want to sit and enjoy the outdoors, there will be live music this Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the <a href="http://discover.simcoe.ca/Calendar-of-Events/TheatreArtsCulture/index.htm">Port McNicoll Gazebo Parkette</a>, and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the <a href="http://www.pencenmuseum.com/">Penetanguishene Centennial Museum</a>. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5785455591638880253?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-2281956429185372442009-08-26T08:12:00.004-04:002009-08-27T14:50:49.407-04:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpQAEtl8nII/AAAAAAAAANc/vLBUaQ9oZro/s1600-h/LountCastle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373920336318078082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie Lount Castle" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpQAEtl8nII/AAAAAAAAANc/vLBUaQ9oZro/s400/LountCastle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/article/140134">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Number 25 Valley Drive, also known as Lount Castle, is up for sale and just waiting for the right someone to take it on.<br /><br />The home was built in 1878 by William Lount, who was born in Holland Landing and moved to Barrie in 1846. He became a lawyer and later was elected to serve as MPP for Simcoe North from 1867-71. Originally called "The Oaks", the 5800-square-foot home cost a whopping $10,000 and was designed in the Second Empire style by architect George Ball. According to <a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/article/140134">an article in the Barrie Advance</a>, "it featured a tower, decorative chimneys and turrets, an attractive slate roof, and the finest imported furnishings. While the entire structure was impressive to behold, the highlight was undoubtedly the third-floor formal ballroom in which the Lounts entertained their well-heeled guests."<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpQS6ahzuRI/AAAAAAAAANk/bCK2f1Gf8w8/s1600-h/LountCastleInterior.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373941050122680594" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="Local History Barrie Ontario" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpQS6ahzuRI/AAAAAAAAANk/bCK2f1Gf8w8/s320/LountCastleInterior.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The home has seen many uses, including as an apartment building, so naturally needs an enormous amount of work. <a href="http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm57/goldentimes1890/?albumview=grid">For an entire album of photos of the present-day interior and exterior (including the one at right), click this link</a>.</div></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><div><br />Heritage Barrie recently recommended the home be designated as a building of historic significance. It is unfortunate to see how many of Barrie historical buildings have met with the wrecking ball, so I dearly hope that this bid is successful, and that a new owner will be found who will restore it to its original splendor. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-228195642918537244?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-4930950680286489782009-08-25T08:30:00.003-04:002009-08-27T14:48:58.626-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So2kplNPGqI/AAAAAAAAANE/7BSEVsxWNCc/s1600-h/downtownBarrie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372130964792089250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie Newcomers Club" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So2kplNPGqI/AAAAAAAAANE/7BSEVsxWNCc/s320/downtownBarrie.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.panoramio.com/user/1994532">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">It's been 13 years since I was a newcomer to this area, but I remember it well and would have the opportunity to loved to join an organization like this.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.barrienewcomers.com/">The Barrie Newcomers Club</a> is a social organization that aims to give new Barrie residents the opportunity to meet and make new friends through a variety of activities and interest groups. Membership is $20 per year and is available to anyone who has moved to the Barrie area within the last 2 years.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">General meetings are held most months, and other planned activities occur throughout the year. The next meeting takes place on Wednesday, September 9 at 7:15 p.m. in the The Angus Ross Room of The Barrie Public Library on Worsley Street. For a full schedule of meetings and events, <a href="http://www.barrienewcomers.com/">click here to visit their website</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-493095068028648978?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-35233444216900787342009-08-24T08:00:00.007-04:002009-08-27T14:49:23.786-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So2KiKmVnxI/AAAAAAAAAM8/pxSVj4Qx1Kc/s1600-h/spiritcatcher.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372102250088210194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie Order of the Spirit Catcher Award" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So2KiKmVnxI/AAAAAAAAAM8/pxSVj4Qx1Kc/s320/spiritcatcher.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.pbase.com/rmccallen/image/58746234"><span style="font-size:78%;">photo source</span> </a><br /></div></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The City of Barrie is once again seeking nominations for The Order of the Spirit Catcher Award (for Barrie residents 19 years of age and older) and the Youth Spirit Catcher Award (for residents 12 to 18 years of age). </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The awards are presented each year to "individuals who have volunteered selflessly, who have made a significant contribution to the lifestyle of the community and through exceptional achievement, have benefited others and brought honour to the City of Barrie."</span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><div><br />For more information on the awards and how to make a nomination, visit the <a href="http://www.barrie.ca/">City of Barrie's website</a>. Nominations will be accepted up to and including October 16, 2009 and evaluated by the <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So2CkF4J_aI/AAAAAAAAAM0/tSAKaCT61TU/s1600-h/spiritcatcher2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372093487087484322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So2CkF4J_aI/AAAAAAAAAM0/tSAKaCT61TU/s320/spiritcatcher2008.jpg" border="0" /></a>Order of the Spirit Catcher Committee, with the presentation of the awards taking place in December. <br /><br />Last year's winners of The Order of the Spirit Catcher Award were Arch and Helen Brown, noted for their support of local arts and education. <span style="font-size:78%;">(<a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/123607">picture at right taken from here</a>)</span></div><br /><div></div><div><em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-3523344421690078734?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-58855131869298338362009-08-22T11:06:00.002-04:002009-08-27T14:51:25.791-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpLGqOtbsWI/AAAAAAAAANM/dLEfgndufL4/s1600-h/survey_monkey.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373575734211883362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="SurveyMonkey" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SpLGqOtbsWI/AAAAAAAAANM/dLEfgndufL4/s320/survey_monkey.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">For years, we have sent out surveys to clients who have used our services, asking for feedback on their experience with us. But as time went on, we found that fewer people had the time to write out and mail a response. As a business, we were not only losing a bit of money each time (since surveys were mailed out and included a sef-addressed-stamped enveloped), but we were also losing out on valuable feedback from our clients.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Since switching to an online survey, our rate of return has skyrocketed, and it couldn't have been easier to do thanks to <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">SurveyMonkey.com</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">With SurveyMonkey, you can quickly an easily set up a free account, then make up your survey using the forms and templates provided. Just choose the question type (multiple choice, open-ended, etc.), insert the question and reponse text, and voila! You are provided with a URL that you can e-mail to anyone you like, and they just have to click the link to answer your survey. You can view the responses online any time you like.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Upgrading to a paid account does offer benefits, including fewer limits on the number of questions you can include and responses you can receive per survey, the ability to download responses into a spreadsheet, and improved customer support. But for our needs, the free account has thus far been entirely adequate. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Whether you're a small business looking for customer feedback, or if you're just trying to get a group concensus on where to hold the next Christmas party, <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">SurveyMonkey</a> is a great tool to have at your disposal. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5885513186929833836?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-13549000998177224262009-08-21T09:00:00.001-04:002009-08-27T14:51:39.412-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So18NMcErBI/AAAAAAAAAMs/6Ptnuyy1tNo/s1600-h/busker.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372086496641985554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie arts music busking" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So18NMcErBI/AAAAAAAAAMs/6Ptnuyy1tNo/s320/busker.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/141501">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">You'd better get your quarters ready, because Barrie now has official buskers livening up the downtown streetcorners.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The City of Barrie held auditions last month to select 15 buskers to be given the opportunity to purchase permits to perform in the city's public spaces. <a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/141501">According to the article in the Advance</a>, the talent ranged from spray-painters to bagpipers. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you're a fan of the art of busking, you'll want to come down to the waterfront next Wednesday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. when the Lawn Chair Luminata series presents Downtown Buskers Night. <a href="http://www.downtownbarrie.ca/events/index.cfm?i=892">Click here for more info</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1354900099817722426?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-29083995281824180062009-08-20T11:19:00.015-04:002009-08-27T15:15:48.152-04:00<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So1vao77PDI/AAAAAAAAAMc/-1UcUDZWtKw/s1600-h/dragonboat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372072433978915890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 144px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Barrie Ontario Dragonboat Festival" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So1vao77PDI/AAAAAAAAAMc/-1UcUDZWtKw/s400/dragonboat.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.barriedragonboatfestival.ca/photo/001.htm"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">photo source</span> </a><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It sounds like the weather's going to be all over the place this weekend, with the only certainty being the humidity, so staying near water is an excellent idea. If you're not one of the fortunates to have your own pool or cottage, you are at least fortunate enough to live in an area where water is in abundance - whether you prefer the lake, the beach, the pool, the splash pad, or just the sprinkler.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">In all likelihood, I'll be taking the little one down to Centennial Beach on Kempenfelt Bay in Barrie this weekend because he loves to watch the annual <a href="http://www.barriedragonboatfestival.ca/">Barrie Dragon Boat Festival</a>. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So1tvC54q8I/AAAAAAAAAMM/weXYym5Urbc/s1600-h/splashpad.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So1zi9NQRwI/AAAAAAAAAMk/g_0URckiPfk/s1600-h/splashpad.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372076974905771778" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="barrie real estate" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/So1zi9NQRwI/AAAAAAAAAMk/g_0URckiPfk/s320/splashpad.jpg" border="0" /></a>The races run most of the day on Saturday, and there are a variety of entertainment activities involved, so <a href="http://www.barriedragonboatfestival.ca/about/schedule.htm">click to see the schedule</a> if you're planning to go. And if it gets too hot, there's a beach just steps away, and in the other direction a splash pad for the little ones. <span style="font-size:78%;">(<a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Content.cfm?C=309&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=221&amp;L1M=38">photo at right from here</a>)</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Also this weekend is Midland's annual <a href="http://www.tugfestgeorgianbay.com/">TugFest Georgian Bay</a>. "TugFest is a unique event that features a raft of both historical and distinctive work boats. The festival offers both residents and tourists a full list of activities including a parade of lights, pancake breakfast, tug parade, tug run and event dinner." TugFest is actually a multi-stop event, with events in several coastal towns along Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. <a href="http://www.tugfest.net/">Click here to find out more about the festival</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If your thoughts on water have more academic leanings, the town of Elmvale is hosting a <a href="http://www.elmvale.org/">Water Festival</a> at the fairgrounds and arena. There will be music, food and speakers including Chris Wood, author of "Dry Spring: The Coming Water Crisis of North America." <a href="http://www.elmvale.org/programs2009.php">Click here for the schedule</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2908399528182418006?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-23717280752865237482009-08-17T08:38:00.001-04:002009-08-27T14:53:16.943-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRfIiBRoRI/AAAAAAAAAL8/1Jjs_2qSLJQ/s1600-h/cobistyle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369521255908221202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Canadian House & Home" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRfIiBRoRI/AAAAAAAAAL8/1Jjs_2qSLJQ/s320/cobistyle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.cobistyle.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Cobi Ladner was the Editor of <em>Canadian House &amp; Home</em> magazine for 15 years, and just last year left the magazine to focus on personal projects. At the end of July 2009, she launched her new website - <a href="http://www.cobistyle.com/">cobistyle.com</a> - with the intent to make design fun and accessible to everyone, even those who can't afford to hire her to design decor for them personally.</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you <a href="http://www.cobistyle.com/">visit the homepage</a>, you can watch a short video about her design philosophy, and the premise of her self-titled website, which she says is also an acronym for Collection of Beautiful Ideas. The site is sparsely populated at the moment, but <a href="http://www.cobistyle.com/index.php/blog/">keep an eye on her blog</a> not just for fun and beautiful ideas, but for suggestions on how to find your own style, and opportunities to share your ideas as well. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2371728075286523748?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-9273530478340978222009-08-15T08:54:00.002-04:002009-08-27T15:14:04.731-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRvToloWKI/AAAAAAAAAME/aBW-q-Uqdtk/s1600-h/keepshare.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369539038835923106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="barrie real estate" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRvToloWKI/AAAAAAAAAME/aBW-q-Uqdtk/s400/keepshare.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Ever needed to share documents with a group, and had to go through the rigamarole of e-mailing documents back and forth and worrying about file formats, spam filters, draft versions and so on?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/">Keepandshare.com</a> is a website that allows free sharing of documents, calendars, lists and more. Your documents can be secure or available to the public, as you wish.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The site also features some very <a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/show.php?i=1123&amp;cat=6&amp;fclick=y">useful checklists</a> that anyone can download or print, including a moving checklist, wedding planning lists, first-aid checklist and more.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">On our recent vacation, I used the <a href="http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/view.php?u=149881">camping supply checklist</a> and found it extremely handy, undoubtedly saving me many last-minute trips to the store. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-927353047834097822?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-41343640530490351422009-08-14T08:18:00.008-04:002009-08-27T15:14:37.999-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRN3j8js9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/7-9MWva-rd8/s1600-h/caribfest.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369502272669856722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Rockstock, barrie real estate" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRN3j8js9I/AAAAAAAAAL0/7-9MWva-rd8/s320/caribfest.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://karabana.blogspot.com/2007/08/bacchanal-in-barrie.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The big event in Barrie this weekend is <a href="http://www.caribfest.ca/">Caribfest</a>, which will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Centennial Park on Lakeshore Drive. Some of the highlights include the costume parade, drumming festival, and a dinner and dance cruise on the Serendipity Princess. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">For those who prefer a heavier beat, <a href="http://rockstockbarrie.com/">ROCK95's Rockstock</a> takes place just outside Barrie this weekend at Springwater's Splash Canyon. Tickets are still available, and a shuttle will be running from the Travelodge on Bayfield St. (which is also the closest hotel for anyone coming from out of town). If you plan on attending, be sure to <a href="http://rockstockbarrie.com/faqs">check the website's FAQs</a> to see what you can and cannot bring onto the grounds.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">For a quieter outing, Theatre By the Bay's productions of "Peter Pan and Tinkerbell's Summer Adventure" and "Twelfth Night" begin this weekend and run through August 28th. <a href="http://www.theatrebythebay.com/">Check the website for performance and ticket information</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">This Friday and Saturday, the Holly Community Centre will be the site of <a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=08/14/2009&amp;E=3257&amp;ET=1">BOOKAPOLLUZA</a>, a sale of gently used books for kids and adults. All proceeds go to support the Barrie Young Peoples Centre’s (BYPC), providing free youth recreation programs. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4134364053049035142?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-77024695843425380542009-08-13T12:55:00.007-04:002009-08-27T15:19:00.132-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRKJHsivuI/AAAAAAAAALs/FqZZzkAHKdo/s1600-h/school-supplies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369498176277626594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="barrie ontario schools, barrie real estate" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoRKJHsivuI/AAAAAAAAALs/FqZZzkAHKdo/s320/school-supplies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://reviews.plainjanemom.com/school-supplies-and-dorm-supplies-sale/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The kids may not be ready to think about going back to school, but needless to say, retailers are.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Sales are on now at most stores that offer school supplies, backpacks, clothes and more. To find the best deals without wasting gas, <a href="http://www.flyerland.ca/">check out the flyers for your local stores online at flyerland.ca</a>. Here you'll find online versions of the flyers for stores including Walmart, Zellers, Staples, Giant Tiger, Sears and other spots that you might go to stock up on pencils, paper or pants.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Most schools provide a list of school supplies in June for the following year, and some also publish them on their school's website. But if not (or if, like me, you've misplaced it under a summer's worth of clutter), a generic list is provided by <a href="http://www.canadianparents.com/article/school-supply-lists-by-grade">following this link to CanadianParents.com</a>. Don't forget to click the Print icon if you want to print it, because that will leave out all the ads and images.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you have college-aged kids, don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/">Amazon.ca</a> for new and used textbooks, generally at considerably lower prices than you'll find in the school bookstore.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7702469584342538054?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-43497336923530239492009-08-10T10:56:00.005-04:002009-08-10T11:44:44.067-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoA9FFtgKpI/AAAAAAAAALk/Xstk7k1zNzo/s1600-h/green_bin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368357913467300498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 209px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SoA9FFtgKpI/AAAAAAAAALk/Xstk7k1zNzo/s320/green_bin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/141028">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">After various members of The Burlington Team being on vacation over the past two weeks, we're back in full force now and once again turning our attention to updating our blog.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">In catching up on the news, we are very pleased to read that - after the kerfuffle in Toronto about the green bin program having difficulty producing useable compost - the Barrie program is indeed in good shape. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/141028">According to a report in the Barrie Advance</a>: "Barrie plants would survive if they were sprinkled with compost collected by the local organics program." It adds that: "The difference between here and Toronto is the restrictions on putting plastics, diapers, pet waste and feminine hygiene products into the green bins. Toronto also allows residents to put organic waste in regular plastic bags."</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Simcoe county officials are predicting that the addition of the green bin program to the existing blue and grey bin recycling programs will allow us to reach the hoped-for goal of a 60% diversion from landfills by the end of this year. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Good work, Simcoe-ites! Keep using those green bins! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4349733692353023949?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-36107864849221755762009-07-28T09:04:00.000-04:002009-07-28T16:24:20.772-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sm9d8YxQPkI/AAAAAAAAALE/DdPBS28dMfA/s1600-h/retro-home.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363608973244120642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sm9d8YxQPkI/AAAAAAAAALE/DdPBS28dMfA/s320/retro-home.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://retrorenovation.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I found a very cool article on one of my favourite blogs - <a href="http://retrorenovation.com/">Retro Renovation</a> -about a <a href="http://www.2204stephen.com/">home that came on the market in St.Louis</a> that had been virtually untouched since it was bought and decorated in 1955!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sm9crPysi5I/AAAAAAAAAK8/90sjT_cAolA/s1600-h/retro-sink.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363607579264846738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sm9crPysi5I/AAAAAAAAAK8/90sjT_cAolA/s200/retro-sink.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The one-and-only family to own this home lived in the basement (which includes a separate kitchen), and kept the upstairs as a showpiece, never even using the kitchen except to cook the Thanksgiving turkey. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Have you ever seen such pristine pink tile? </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The update says that the purchaser bought absolutely everything "down to the clothes hanging in the closets" and plans to keep it in its retro state.<em> - Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-3610786484922175576?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-91798215004323957872009-07-25T08:21:00.004-04:002009-08-14T11:43:02.195-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SmodShp5mmI/AAAAAAAAAK0/jcjQUQvYBmw/s1600-h/wallpaper.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362130510446959202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SmodShp5mmI/AAAAAAAAAK0/jcjQUQvYBmw/s320/wallpaper.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://owensays.blogspot.com/2009/03/robot-theme-organizational-desktop.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you work at a computer regularly, then you can perk up your mood just by changing your desktop wallpaper from time to time!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you've never changed your wallpaper, the easiest way is to right-click on the image you want (and for best results, it should be a very large image, which is essentially all "wallpaper" is) and select "Set as Background".</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Here are a few links to places where you can get cool wallpaper:</span></div><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.blurburger.com/dt/desktops/">"Blurburger": funky wallpapers by artist Pete Joisen</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/customization/awesome-desktop-wallpapers-the-abstract-art-edition/">"How to Geek": list of abstract art wallpaper</a></span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">, followed by their <a href="http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/the-geek-blog/customization/amazing-desktop-wallpapers-the-castle-themed-edition/">list of castle-themed wallpaper</a> and </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/2023/awesome-desktop-wallpapers-guitar-edition/">list of guitar-themed wallpaper</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.collthings.co.uk/2009/03/cool-high-quality-wallpapers.html">"Cool Things": list of ... what else? cool wallpaper</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://owensays.blogspot.com/2009/03/gnomes-mushrooms-desktop-wallpaper.html">"Owen Says": wallpapers by designer Jennifer Erts</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.noupe.com/wallpaper/40-creative-wallpapers.html">"Noupe": list of 40 stylish and creative wallpapers</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/02/12/really-stunning-desktop-wallpapers/">"Smashing Magazine": list of stunning wallpapers</a> and subsequent list of <a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/05/15/more-really-stunning-desktop-wallpapers/">more stunning wallpapers</a></span><br /></li></ul><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I could go on forever, but I should probably get back to "real" work so I'll leave it at that and let yuou search out the wallpaper that best suits your taste and personality. Enjoy! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-9179821500432395787?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-55184006567245265132009-07-24T11:58:00.004-04:002009-07-30T12:17:13.210-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SnHFUYL-OwI/AAAAAAAAALM/04JFl_NWfcE/s1600-h/MonteCarlo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364285585055693570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SnHFUYL-OwI/AAAAAAAAALM/04JFl_NWfcE/s320/MonteCarlo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.montecarloinns.com/barriesuites.html#">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">As I was driving up the 400 a few days ago, I saw the <a href="http://www.montecarloinns.com/barriesuites.html#">Monte Carlo Inn</a> and pondered that I didn't remember seeing it before. Seems it's not just my terrible memory, we actually do have a new hotel in the city!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The all-suite hotel is just off the 400 at Dunlop and caters to businesspeople, featuring King Size Executive Suites with work stations and ergonomic chairs, and meeting facilities, <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SnHGgcr439I/AAAAAAAAALc/87cbGvcKu64/s1600-h/MonteCarloWhirlpool.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364286891933360082" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SnHGgcr439I/AAAAAAAAALc/87cbGvcKu64/s200/MonteCarloWhirlpool.jpg" border="0" /></a>equipment and in-house catering to <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SnHF0bmu6EI/AAAAAAAAALU/jVZFgj6qG9g/s1600-h/MonteCarloWhirlpool.jpg"></a>accommodate both large and small groups. For both business and personal getaways, there are also Whirlpool Theme Suites, a saltwater pool, and wedding packages offered. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The rates are surprisingly reasonable, with Internet specials starting at about $100 a night.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.montecarloinns.com/barriesuites.html">Click here to visit their website</a>, which includes a photo gallery and online reservations. <em>- Caleigh</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5518400656724526513?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-43946052618343893892009-07-23T15:05:00.002-04:002009-07-24T15:37:39.511-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SmoK4crl4dI/AAAAAAAAAKs/pd9gYD27W1A/s1600-h/wasaga_siege.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362110271225979346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SmoK4crl4dI/AAAAAAAAAKs/pd9gYD27W1A/s320/wasaga_siege.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.battleofgeorgianbay.huronia.com/wasaga/pictures.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It seems there's another weekend of iffy weather ahead of us, but not all of the planned events will be a washout.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">For something largely indoors, you may wish to check out the <a href="http://www.leacockmuseum.com/events.htm">Leacock Summer Festival in Orillia</a>. A variety of readings and panel discussions will take place at the <a href="http://www.leacockmuseum.com/">Stephen Leacock Museum</a> over the course of the weekend. The museum occupies the home built by Leacock in 1928, in a beautiful setting on the water and surrounded by lush gardens.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">No amount of rain will deter Elvis fans from attending the 15th annual <a href="http://www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com/">Collingwood Elvis Festival</a>. Many of the musical acts will be held indoors; <a href="http://www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com/schedule.html">click here for a complete schedule</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you like your history just a little older, why not visit <a href="http://www.battleofgeorgianbay.huronia.com/wasaga/">Wasaga Under Siege</a>, featuring re-enactments from the War of 1812. "The Grand Encampment at Nancy Island Historic Site features over 400 re-enactors opening their living history encampments to the public along with 19th century merchants, musket and cannon demonstrations, period artisans and demonstrators, roaming entertainers, live musical entertainment and much more." <a href="http://www.battleofgeorgianbay.huronia.com/wasaga/pictures.html">Click here for some amazing pictures from past years' events</a>!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you had planned on attending the Barrie Latin Festival this year, please note that the event has been cancelled.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Enjoy your weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4394605261834389389?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-68797061516492336302009-07-21T10:29:00.002-04:002009-07-24T11:33:19.305-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SmnHLB-wEDI/AAAAAAAAAKk/cqtjPNmGLps/s1600-h/berries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362035823685406770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SmnHLB-wEDI/AAAAAAAAAKk/cqtjPNmGLps/s320/berries.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://barriehillfarms.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The local pick-your-own farms are saying that the strawberries are still in fair quantity, but this will be the last weekend for picking, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">so if you haven't made it out yet, now's your chance.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you missed strawberry season, never fear! </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Raspberries are now in excellent supply at places like <a href="http://barriehillfarms.com/">Barrie Hill Farms</a>, and as soon as strawberry season is over it will be time for blueberry picking! Additionally, most of the veggies available for picking at Barrie Hill farms come into season at the end of July, including beans, peas and cucumbers.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Even if you're not one for making pies or preserves, berry picking is a lot of fun, and a great activity for the family including children of all ages. If you want to make a real event of it, b</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">lueberry season will be kicked off at Barrie Hill Farms with their annual <a href="http://barriehillfarms.com/pancake_festival.html">Blueberry Pancake Festival</a>, this Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is in support of the Royal Victoria Hospital's Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. Pancakes for a good cause, what could be better?! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-6879706151649233630?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-79724419949671958402009-07-18T13:45:00.003-04:002009-08-13T14:55:21.150-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlzHYICe7mI/AAAAAAAAAJs/jTCnToh_kPs/s1600-h/howstuffworks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358376873952734818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlzHYICe7mI/AAAAAAAAAJs/jTCnToh_kPs/s320/howstuffworks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.bloombiz.ro/it-c/discovery-channel-vrea-sa-faca-din-howstuffworks-un-rival-wikipedia">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The aptly named <a href="http://www.howstuffworks.com/">HowStuffWorks.com</a> is a website that's been around for more than 10 years, and if you haven't used it yet you definitely should.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">You can find out everything from <a href="http://home.howstuffworks.com/light-bulb.htm">how light bulbs work</a>, to <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/dogs-perceive-time.htm">how dogs perceive time</a> to <a href="http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-dispose-of-paint.htm">how to dispose of old paint</a>. It's a decidedly American site (owned by the same people as the Discovery Channel), so it's probably not the best source of info for us on government and the economy, but if you want to know <a href="http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-repair-kitchen-equipment1.htm">how to sharpen knives</a>, it's very handy. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7972441994967195840?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-83229971615914379032009-07-16T07:18:00.005-04:002009-07-16T11:07:12.707-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlpxFCaxGFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/yXk62DNCD5s/s1600-h/paintpark.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357719038073051218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlpxFCaxGFI/AAAAAAAAAJM/yXk62DNCD5s/s320/paintpark.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://barrie.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-equipment-Donations-of-new-or-used-spray-paint-and-concrete-paint-W0QQAdIdZ119190557">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Do your kids need an outlet for their creativity? The Queens Park Skateboard Park will be the site of <a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=5224&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=2&amp;L1M=2&amp;Date=07/18/2009&amp;E=3210&amp;ET=1">Paint the Park Day</a> on Saturday the 18th starting at 9 a.m., and for $10 you can bring a can of spraypaint and put your mark on the park! The event is intended to renew the appearance of the park with positive graffiti artwork and is hosted by <a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Content.cfm?C=4252&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=804&amp;L1M=4">Barrie Young People Centres</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">My family is looking forward to our annual visit to the <a href="http://www.simcoe.com/article/140914">Orillia Scottish Festival</a>. The fesitval begins and ends with a ceilidh Friday and Sunday at Legion. On Saturday, events start around noon when the 20-band parade winds it's way down Mississauga Stree to Couchiching Beach Park, where there will Scottish festivities including entertainment and vendors.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you are up in the Penetanguishene area, there is an interesting looking event going on this weekend called the <a href="http://www.festivalduloup.on.ca/">Festival du Loup</a>. The festival is presented by the Meute culturelle de Lafontaine, and celebrates the heritage, the language and the French-Canadian culture of the Lafontaine area. The event runs all weekend and includes evening performances, outdoor family events and a family picnic. <a href="http://www.festivalduloup.on.ca/programme.html">Click here for the agenda</a>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">While you're in the area, check out <a href="http://www.questartgroup.ca/index.php?action=display&amp;cat=3&amp;v=45">Penetanguishene's Art in the Park</a> - a two-day outdoor art exhibition taking place at the Waterfront Park. It will feature nearly 30 artists who work in a variety of media including painting, photography, mixed media, fibre arts, works in glass and sculpture.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If the predictions of rain are correct, there is still lots to do in the area. <a href="http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/cultureinformation/museum/index.htm">The Simcoe County Museum</a> has an exhibit starting on Sunday that sounds very interesting. "<a href="http://www.tourismbarrie.com/calendar-of-events/index.cfm?c=217&amp;i=6383">Arresting Images</a>" features 100 historic mug shots from The OPP Museum’s permanent collection, dating from 1886 to 1908, and never before displayed. "Visitors to Arresting Images have the rare opportunity to gaze directly into the eyes of people arrested over 100 years ago - pickpockets, confidence men, escaped fugitives, shoplifters, horse thieves and even murderers. These images are compelling, fascinating and thought-provoking."</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Have a great weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8322997161591437903?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-48211971268515329542009-07-13T07:31:00.001-04:002009-07-13T09:54:12.772-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlqK_7fHZlI/AAAAAAAAAJU/BZ8IozGhO9I/s1600-h/marble+slab.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357747537615218258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlqK_7fHZlI/AAAAAAAAAJU/BZ8IozGhO9I/s320/marble+slab.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://media.www.uncmirror.com/media/storage/paper972/news/2006/03/20/ArtsEntertainment/Ice-Cream.Shop.Offers.Wide.Variety.Of.Chilly.Treats-2552447.shtml">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I'll admit I was a bit skeptical about visiting the <a href="http://www.marbleslab.com/">Marble Slab Creamery</a>, which now has a location in Barrie's South-end Zehr's plaza. The prices are a little higher and the waits a little longer than, say, Baskin Robbins, so is it really worth it?</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's not a place I'd go all the time, but for the occasional treat I have to agree that it is pretty awesome. The quality of the ice cream is exceptional (made fresh on site, as are the waffle cones), and there's something about the experience of selecting your contents and watching them get muscled into ice cream on a frozen marble slab that makes it entertainment as well as food.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">To make it even more fun, you can invent your own recipe, make up a cool name and enter it in Marble Slab's <a href="http://www.marbleslabcontest.com/">Create &amp; Escape Contest</a>! </span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">You can also look at the ones already made up, and vote for them (or, better yet, go to the Creamery and order them!). Personally, I'm thinking of trying out the "New York, New York", invented by Meaghan from Holland Landing, which consists of cheesecake ice cream on a white-chocolate dipped waffle cone with graham crackers, strawberries and Skor® mixed in. Sounds like a winner to me! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4821197126851532954?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-53545532962739650362009-07-11T18:52:00.000-04:002009-07-16T15:41:51.006-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlpswgK1-tI/AAAAAAAAAJE/yW6buz-iaIg/s1600-h/nasa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357714287235562194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlpswgK1-tI/AAAAAAAAAJE/yW6buz-iaIg/s320/nasa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">With this weekend's planned launch of the space shuttle Endeavour, carrying Canadian astronaut Julie Payette, this is a great link.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.nasa.gov/">The NASA website</a>, has it's own live feed video section, which you can watch in real-time leading up to and during launches and other significant events. <a href="http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html">Click here to visit NASA TV</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">UPDATE: The launch was scrubbed due to weather, and is now scheduled for Monday the 13th at 6:51 p.m. Coverage on NASA TV will begin at 1:30 p.m.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5354553296273965036?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-67894169211472965352009-07-10T11:08:00.000-04:002009-07-16T11:22:18.335-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sl9Fee1hziI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/CQCxvlV5Ysc/s1600-h/barrielicious_logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359078471570148898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 104px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sl9Fee1hziI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/CQCxvlV5Ysc/s320/barrielicious_logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barrielicious.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.barrielicious.com/">Barrielicious</a> 2009 begins today and runs through July 23rd. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to experience an array of three-course prix fixe menus from restaurants in the area for only $20.09 per person. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.barrielicious.com/restaurants.html">Click here for a complete list of the 34 participating restaurants</a>.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-6789416921147296535?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-25554221375130142312009-07-09T15:56:00.001-04:002009-07-13T09:54:49.814-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlZWKCSzaMI/AAAAAAAAAI8/vujkLjLMQzU/s1600-h/ribfest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356563537218201794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlZWKCSzaMI/AAAAAAAAAI8/vujkLjLMQzU/s320/ribfest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://beecroft.itvision.ca/blog/_archives/2005/8">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The <a href="http://www.downtownbarrie.ca/events/index.cfm?i=871">8th Annual Ribfest and Craft Beer Show</a> will take place from today (July 9th) through Sunday the July 12th. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The rib-making starts with a Celebrity Cook-Off tonight at 7 p.m., and closes with the People's Choice competition Sunday afternoon. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Throughout the event there'll be plenty of local beer, ribs, pulled pork and various other treats to try. See you there! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2555422137513014231?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-49246814214662091502009-07-07T14:27:00.006-04:002009-07-08T11:12:44.825-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlOYupneoiI/AAAAAAAAAIs/oAY39ByAAXI/s1600-h/wellingtonwest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355792309086495266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlOYupneoiI/AAAAAAAAAIs/oAY39ByAAXI/s320/wellingtonwest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://bccimusic.com/history3.htm">photo source</a></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you've been downtown lately, it's evident that some effort is needed to improve the appearance of the core, especially the Five Points area at Dunlop and Bayfield. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I was personally disappointed to read that council voted not to invest in improving the situation, though in a difficult economy it's hard to argue with need vs. want.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.barrieadvance.com/barrieadvance/article/140152">Click here to read the entire article</a>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I looked online for a photo of the area and found the one above, circa 1948. The Wellington Hotel shown is the same one that perished in the fire last winter. So sad. <em>- Caleigh</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4924681421466209150?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-82060731931142939732009-07-06T15:12:00.001-04:002009-07-08T11:13:20.563-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlOnwJnuSHI/AAAAAAAAAI0/ZQmprABF9FQ/s1600-h/sushi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355808827531741298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlOnwJnuSHI/AAAAAAAAAI0/ZQmprABF9FQ/s320/sushi.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.justhungry.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I'm still not sure if anyone actually reads this (beside my friends and family, thanks guys!), but fortunately I still enjoy writing it. However, if anyone DOES happen to read this and wants to share a Simcoe-area restaurant review, we'd love to hear it!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I recently visited two spots in Barrie that I'd never been to before, and found both worthy of a recommendation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The first is <strong>Michi Sushi &amp; Roll</strong> at 190 Minet's Point Rd., and if I'm not mistaken it's been open less than a year. It's a very cute little place, with a wonderfully fresh and relaxing atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. My 30 seconds of web research would seem to indicate that it's a chain based in California, but I don't think that's done it any harm and in fact it seems to be a big hit in all of its locations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I am not the <em>most</em> daring sushi eater, but I enjoy the basics as well as tempura, gyoza and such, and all of which were very nicely done, and available in the handy Bento box lunch. It has slightly less selection than some other Barrie spots, but the quality and excellent service more than make up for it.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.yelp.ca/biz/mexicanos-restaurant-cantina-barrie">Mexicanos</a> is an authentic Mexican restaurant at 55 Dunlop St. E. It's been around for a few years now, but most people I've spoken to say they haven't tried it yet. The reviews I read were certainly mixed, but seem to indicate that it's improved recently. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">We (Greg, myself and some other assorted family members) visited for the first time this week and were very pleasantly surprised. Lots to try both for seasoned Mexican-food eaters, and for those who have a harder time finding their way around the menu (the combo platters take care of that). They have quite the selection of delicious Margaritas and Mexican beers, too. The service was what you might call laid-back, but very friendly. My feeling is that perhaps super-speedy service and enormous portions are not typical in many coutries, and perhaps one ought to temper their expectations when trying different ethnic foods.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8206073193114293973?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-17886174134588356972009-07-04T10:11:00.001-04:002009-08-13T14:55:45.890-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Slt6BX_LdsI/AAAAAAAAAJk/xDH2wc_BsNQ/s1600-h/encyclopedia.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358010345724802754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Slt6BX_LdsI/AAAAAAAAAJk/xDH2wc_BsNQ/s320/encyclopedia.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://asia.2803.com/culture/uncyclopediaorg-lasie/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I love <a href="http://www.wikipedia.org/">Wikipedia</a>. I love that it contains information on virtually everything. I love that anyone can contribute, making it possible for an infinite amount of information to be shared, which simply would not be possible if it were maintained solely by staff.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">However, I sometimes have to remind myself that just because I read it on Wikipedia doesn't mean it's true. Much of the information there is unreferenced and unverified.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">So for verified information, I like <a href="http://www.infoplease.com/">Infoplease.com</a> and <a href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/">Encyclopedia.com</a>. Infoplease has a handy menu to help you quickly access things like an atlas, dictionary, thesaurus, timelines, quizzes and encyclopedia content from Columbia Encyclopedia. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Information Please has an excellent pedigree — they have been providing authoritative answers to all kinds of factual questions since 1938, first as a popular radio quiz show, then starting in 1947 as an annual almanac, and since 1998 on the Internet at </span><a href="http://www.infoplease.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">www.infoplease.com</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">. It is owned by </span><a href="http://www.pearsonschool.com/" jquery1247505213109="51"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Pearson</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">, the world's largest integrated education company, which also includes the Financial Times and Penguin. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.encyclopedia.com/">Encyclopedia.com</a> provides access to content from 49 encyclopedias like Oxford University Press and Columbia University Press, as well as 73 dictionaries and thesauruses with definitions, synonyms, pronunciation keys, word origins and abbreviations.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Whatever resource you choose, just remember that Wikipedia is great if you are curious about a subject, but if you need information you can quote with confidence, it shouldn't be your first choice. </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1788617413458835697?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-85569804283009062762009-07-02T16:27:00.000-04:002009-09-08T16:38:38.460-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sqa_4ENQciI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-IITF1_HQNA/s1600-h/LibraryBooks.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379197774863561250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sqa_4ENQciI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-IITF1_HQNA/s320/LibraryBooks.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.midlandlibrary.com/content/library-policies">photo source</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">One of my personal pledges to save money and support local community services is to use my library more. I've always loved the library for kids' books - since it's very easy to spend $20 to buy a children's book that takes only 2 minutes to read - but I've generally purchased my own books. No more!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">We are fortunate to have so many libraries available to us in Simcoe County, with plans for another library to be built in Barrie's South end in about two years.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Here are the websites for many of our local libraries, where you can find locations, hours and information on programs.<br /></span><a href="http://www.library.barrie.on.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Barrie</span></a><br /><a href="http://home.interhop.net/bordenlibrary/index_e.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Base Borden</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.clearview.library.on.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Clearview</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.essa.library.on.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Essa</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.innisfil.library.on.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Innisfil</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.midlandlibrary.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Midland</span></a><br /><a href="http://ntpl.ca/index.htm"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">New Tecumseth</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.penetanguishene.library.on.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Penetanguishene</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Orillia</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.ramarapubliclibrary.org/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Ramara</span></a> </div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.coldwater.library.on.ca/">Severn</a></span><br /><a href="http://springwater.ca/ThingsToDo/Libraries/GeneralBranchInformation/index.htm"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Springwater</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.tay.library.on.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Tay Township</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.wasagabeach.library.on.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Wasaga Beach</span></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Happy reading! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8556980428300906276?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-16810967890468537842009-07-02T08:30:00.007-04:002009-09-08T16:40:11.970-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlqRXMrTRGI/AAAAAAAAAJc/bYBQkf3gVbk/s1600-h/Agent009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357754534436488290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SlqRXMrTRGI/AAAAAAAAAJc/bYBQkf3gVbk/s320/Agent009.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.td-club-td.ca/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you're looking for ways to keeps your children's reading on track this summer, check out your library's summer reading program.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Libraries across Canada use the <a href="http://www.td-club-td.ca/">TD Summer Reading Programme</a>, and the 2009 theme is <a href="http://www.td-club-td.ca/2009/index-e.html">Agent 009</a>. Agent 009 is a basset hound with a love for a good story and a good mystery. Children who sign up for the free program will read books and collect clues to help him to solve the mystery in Lady X's library. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://barriehome.blogspot.com/2009/07/guide-to-barrie-and-area-public.html">For a guide to local library website, where you can find locations and hours, click here</a>.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.wasagabeach.library.on.ca/"></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Happy reading! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1681096789046853784?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-81623149208462328472009-06-30T09:46:00.005-04:002009-06-30T15:50:39.375-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Skpr06sI0-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/1bPiLJTaR50/s1600-h/CanadaDay.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353209663935009762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Skpr06sI0-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/1bPiLJTaR50/s320/CanadaDay.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.orilliatoday.com/orilliatoday/article/109005">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I hope many of you were able to turn the awkward holiday Wednesday into a longer holiday. But even if you only have the one day off, and even if the weather isn't perfect, there's lots of fun stuff to do in the area. Of course there will be Canada Day celebrations all over Simcoe County, but I'll highlight a few of them.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you're in Barrie, of course the action will be at Kempenfelt Bay. Barrie's 33rd Annual Promenade Days and Canada Day celebrations will begin on the 1st and run through Saturday the 4th. There will be rides, music, food, vendors and, of course, fireworks at 10:15 on Wednesday evening. <a href="http://www.downtownbarrie.ca/events/index.cfm?i=870">Click here for more details</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">In Orillia, Canada Day celebrations will include a parade, Children's Village, and historial re-enactments! <a href="http://www.orilliacanadaday.ca/">Click for more</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">In Wasaga Beach, there will be pony rides, a petting zoo, entertainment and, or course fireworks! <a href="http://www.wasagabeach.com/community.events_schedule.gk?catalog_item_id=3052&amp;category=/events">Click for details</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">And one final mention - in the <a href="http://www.town.collingwood.on.ca/node/1716">Village at Blue Mountain</a> you'll find guided family hikes with a free scenic gondola ride down the mountain, splash fountain, scavenger hunts and Movies Under The Stars! Sounds like a good time!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Whether you go out or stay home, have a great Canada Day! - <em>Caleigh</em></span></div><div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8162314920846232847?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-43756647804664165492009-06-27T15:52:00.001-04:002009-08-13T14:56:01.634-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SkpwD-zrG8I/AAAAAAAAAIk/s651NdPOO7Y/s1600-h/43things.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353214320784907202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SkpwD-zrG8I/AAAAAAAAAIk/s651NdPOO7Y/s320/43things.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.pugetive.com/writing">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Last year I discovered a really neat site to help motivate me to finish a variety of long- and short-term projects that I have been procrastinating.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's called <a href="http://www.43things.com/">43Things.com</a>, and with it you decide what you need to accomplish, when you need to do it by, and how you will reward yourself for meeting your goals (or punish yourself if you don't).</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">A unique aspect of the site is that it's also a social network - you publish your 43 things (or fewer), and others may comment, offer advice, or simply cheer you on. Likewise, you can read other people's goals, and take inspiration from them or provide advice and support if you wish. As you make progress, you can add comments, which can be very useful from a psychological standpoint when it feels like you aren't getting far on a large or long-term goal.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Sometimes checking an item off a generic to-do list can be a little anticlimactic, but with <a href="http://www.43things.com/">43Things.com</a>, you have a whole network of people to pat you on the back. It's a remarkable feeling!</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"> <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4375664780466416549?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-72029594676519329272009-06-25T09:49:00.001-04:002009-06-30T15:51:22.392-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Skpj5gqUQ-I/AAAAAAAAAIU/Bg24qRAFlZ0/s1600-h/petfest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353200946754372578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Skpj5gqUQ-I/AAAAAAAAAIU/Bg24qRAFlZ0/s320/petfest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://barrie.kijiji.ca/c-pets-other-PET-FEST-2009-W0QQAdIdZ128449518">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Summer finally seems to have arrived, just in time for the annual <a href="http://www.wasagabeachfest.com/">Wasaga Beach Fest</a>! There'll be lots to do, including a kids entertainment area, tons of food, and a variety of music from acts including Canadian Idol stars Ryan Malcolm and Drew Wright.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you'd like something a little more sedate, why not check out the <a href="http://www.coldwaterstudiotour.org/">Coldwater Studio tour</a>? The tour encompasses thirteen stops and focuses on the work of 30 local artists. <a href="http://www.coldwaterstudiotour.org/Main_map.html">Click here for maps of the stops</a>, which range from Hillsdale to Waubaushene.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Do you have any fur-kids? The <a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=06/28/2009&amp;E=3155&amp;ET=1">Allandale Veterinary Hospital is hosting its 14th annual Pet Fest</a>! Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 pm they'll have a bouncy castle, barbeque, cake, prizes, best trick contest, pet-owner look-a-like contest, and more.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The weather sounds like it may be spotty, but hopefully you enjoy it, whatever you do! - <em>Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7202959467651932927?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-86358887559067283502009-06-20T19:24:00.010-04:002009-08-13T14:56:32.805-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sj152M5Qp_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/z7rBdAPLipU/s1600-h/blurb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349565904467306482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sj152M5Qp_I/AAAAAAAAAIE/z7rBdAPLipU/s320/blurb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.blurb.com/">Blurb</a> books are all the rage for people who like the idea of scrapbooking, but not the time and cost involved. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's remarkably simple to do - you download the free software from <a href="http://www.blurb.com/">Blurb.com</a> then plan out your book using photos you have on your own computer. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sj18wDj6YoI/AAAAAAAAAIM/fURLMqd3JAk/s1600-h/blurb2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349569097417515650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sj18wDj6YoI/AAAAAAAAAIM/fURLMqd3JAk/s320/blurb2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Choose the layouts, backgrounds and embellishments you like, add your own text, and voila! Upload the book to Blurb, and in a few weeks it will be shipped to you. Prices range from under $10 to almost $200, depending of course on size, number of pages, type of binding chosen and degree of customization.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Of course there are no end of excuses for making a Blurb book -- baby books, wedding albums, anniversary retrospectives, family histories, a record of a big reno project, or even a book of original poetry or other writings.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Personally I like the hands-on scrapbooking approach, but I have to admit I'm intrigued by the notion of having an entire album done in a matter of weeks instead of months. Or years. So if you have family photos hiding in a shoebox, or your wedding proofs have yet to see the light of day, this may be the answer for you! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8635888755906728350?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-59430644359419733962009-06-18T11:37:00.000-04:002009-06-18T11:39:37.022-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjpezEMY4aI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Z8sOS4R7Kg8/s1600-h/creemore.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348691738847928738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjpezEMY4aI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Z8sOS4R7Kg8/s320/creemore.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://ontariotown.blogspot.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It's Father's Day this weekend, and when I think about what dads like, inevitably my mind leaps to one subject -- beer!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">There are a couple of breweries in Simcoe County, so if you're ever looking for something a little different to do with dad, a road trip can be a lot of fun.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">One particularly nice trip is to the picturesque little village of Creemore, just West of Barrie and South of Collingwood. This is home to the <a href="http://www.creemoresprings.com/live/">Creemore Springs Brewery</a>, where you can tour the facility, do a little tasting, and of course purchase a variety of their beers. While you're there, don't forget to explore the town's <a href="http://www.creemoresprings.com/creemore/">main street</a> with its many interesting shops and restaurants.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Right in downtown Barrie, you'll find the <a href="http://www.robertsimpsonbrewery.com/">Robert Simpson Brewing Company</a>, named for Barrie's first mayor (himself a master brewer). Beer is made and sold on premises, and tasting and tours are also offered. I haven't visited this one myself (yet, I'm sure), but I'm told it's a very interesting stop. They are open this Sunday from 11 to 5, with tours at 1:00 and 4:00.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you're looking for somewhere to raise a pint with dad, Barrie's <a href="http://www.downtheroadpub.ca/">Down the Road Irish Pub</a> on Big Bay Point Road is known for its friendly atmosphere, selection of beers and authentic pub food (which may or may not be a good thing depending on your taste). They also frequently feature live music.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjpfIjEep0I/AAAAAAAAAH8/S8liu-tJ18w/s1600-h/malones.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348692107913504578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjpfIjEep0I/AAAAAAAAAH8/S8liu-tJ18w/s200/malones.jpg" border="0" /></a>Closer to downtown, <a href="http://www.docmalones.com/">Doc Malone's</a> pub and its "almost waterfront" patio are a popular summer spot for a pint, a game of pool and (allegedly) great chicken wings. I think I may have to check this one out for myself!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Wishing everyone a great Father's Day! - <em>Caleigh</em></span><br /></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5943064435941973396?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-82814224508718676432009-06-16T08:33:00.000-04:002009-06-16T08:33:01.031-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjKi8KW9dQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/BfINObBNrNo/s1600-h/serendipity.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346514862098707714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjKi8KW9dQI/AAAAAAAAAHk/BfINObBNrNo/s320/serendipity.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.casademacau.ca/gallery22-rama-and-cruise-may-19-2007.htm">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">We must have driven past the big red and white cruise boat at Kempenfelt Bay a hundred times, always saying "We should do that someday." Finally last summer we took an afternoon sightseeing tour, and it was a really nice way to see the Bay and to show off Barrie to visiting relatives.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.midlandtours.com/Serendipity/barrie.htm">The Serendipity Princess</a> has begun operating again for the season with cruises on the weekends. Then from June 25th to September 24th there will be at least one cruise per day with sightseeing tours and tours including brunch, lunch or dinner.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It's not a cheap excursion, and I think next time we will try a brunch cruise - it's the best value for your money because you get a full 2 hours and 15 minutes of cruise plus the meal, and the price is considerably less than for a dinner cruise. Click for <a href="http://www.midlandtours.com/Serendipity/SPschedules.htm">schedules</a> and <a href="http://www.midlandtours.com/Serendipity/SP%20rates.htm">prices</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8281422450871867643?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-37302103333265241242009-06-15T08:18:00.002-04:002009-06-16T10:14:43.736-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjKdtt-Qj5I/AAAAAAAAAHc/KeRDPxvqR7Y/s1600-h/attractions.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346509116402601874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjKdtt-Qj5I/AAAAAAAAAHc/KeRDPxvqR7Y/s320/attractions.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.attractionsontario.ca/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.attractionsontario.ca/">Attractions Ontario</a> is a great website for information about events and entertainment across the province. Before visiting any Ontario attractions - such as Wonderland, Ontario Place, Santa's Village and more - I always check the site for <a href="http://www.attractionsontario.ca/index.cfm?DSP=Chapter&amp;ID=19">discounts and coupons</a>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Their <a href="http://www.attractionsontario.ca/summercontest/">annual summer contest</a> is now underway. There's a new chance to win each week from June 5 to July 31 by correctly answering questions about the attractions covered on their website. Prizes range from event/attraction passes to full family vacations. </span><a href="http://www.attractionsontario.ca/summercontest/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Click here to check it out</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-3730210333326524124?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-17996612521238696262009-06-13T09:11:00.002-04:002009-08-13T14:56:20.047-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjKs9cLI1zI/AAAAAAAAAHs/cJ4hy0R_9Fs/s1600-h/mascot_v1.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346525879177107250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 209px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjKs9cLI1zI/AAAAAAAAAHs/cJ4hy0R_9Fs/s320/mascot_v1.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.readprint.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you've always wanted to read the classics but never made time for it, you're out of excuses!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.readprint.com/">Read Print</a> is a wonderful resource for students, teachers, and anyone who likes the idea of free books (and doesn't mind reading them online).</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The site contains thousands of public domain stories, poems and novels, primarily the classics by authors like Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen and Lucy Maud Montgomery. There is no cost or sign-up required to read the works, and the large print is surprisingly easy to read onscreen. Resources are catalogued by author to be easily searchable. <a href="http://www.readprint.com/">Give it a try</a>! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1799661252123869626?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-79072535230129636402009-06-12T10:12:00.004-04:002009-06-12T11:03:23.435-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjJtLaRt7PI/AAAAAAAAAHU/wfywmRTXzAs/s1600-h/wheels_tracks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346455750441823474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjJtLaRt7PI/AAAAAAAAAHU/wfywmRTXzAs/s320/wheels_tracks.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/cultureinformation/museum/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Our family loves visiting the <a href="http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/cultureinformation/museum/index.htm">Simcoe County Museum</a>. I wasn't sure there'd be enough to amuse our 5 year old, but we've been several times and he always find something to peak his curiosity and hold his interest, especially outdoors where you'll find period buildings (including a church, railway station and schoolhouse) and - his favourite - a wide variety of vehicles and machines.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">This weekend is the perfect time to visit the museum - it's an event called </span><a href="http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/cultureinformation/museum/index.htm"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Wheels and Tracks in Motion</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">, and it takes place Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. <a href="http://www.county.simcoe.on.ca/cultureinformation/museum/wscos_003576">Click here for a pdf poster</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">"Browse through the vintage construction equipment, tractors, classic trucks and other historic pieces set up around the Museum grounds. Take a wagon ride out to the gravel pits to see live demonstrations of steam powered rollers and shovels, vintage road building equipment, rock crushing, grading, hoisting and much more. Kids of all ages will love the hands-on, up-close experience of watching these machines in action!" <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7907253523012963640?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-62712725593514632372009-06-11T08:41:00.002-04:002009-06-11T08:41:02.478-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjBoRjOvGQI/AAAAAAAAAHM/ZZR8AmeideQ/s1600-h/kertzer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345887408412891394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SjBoRjOvGQI/AAAAAAAAAHM/ZZR8AmeideQ/s320/kertzer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://heatherkertzer.ca/">photo © Copyright - Heather Kertzer</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Another weekend, another Barrie festival! This time it's the <a href="http://www.barriejazzbluesfest.com/Web-Page%20Links.html">Barrie Jazz and Blues Festival</a>, running from the 11th to the 22nd at venues throughout the city. The website design is pretty awful and impossible to navigate, but <a href="http://www.barriejazzbluesfest.com/Concert%20Series.htm">this page</a> has the lineup for the outdoor stage at Heritage Park, and <a href="http://www.barriejazzbluesfest.com/Venues%20Series.html">this one</a> lists many of the other venues and their performances.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Greg and I are totally excited to be taking our son to his first circus! There are still great tickets left for <a href="http://www.circusgarden.com/index.html">Circus Garden at the Barrie Molson Centre</a>. There are two matinees a day, Saturday and Sunday. Visit <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Circus-Garden-tickets/artist/1300134">Ticketmaster.ca</a> for tickets.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Barrie's annual <a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Home.cfm?C=5224&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=2&amp;L1M=2">Free Goods Exchange Day</a> is back, and has expanded to be two days this year. For two Saturday - June 13th and 27th - Barrie residents can place unwanted reusable goods at the end of their driveways for others to take. <a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Home.cfm?C=5224&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=2&amp;L1M=2">Click the link for details</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Two tours are taking place this weekend - the <a href="http://barriespringarttour.ca/">Barrie Spring Art Tour</a> featuring 40 local artists, and the <a href="http://www.barriegardenclub.com/">How Does Your Garden Grow tour</a> of beautiful private gardens across the city.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Hope it's a great weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-6271272559351463237?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-18667467498109936452009-06-10T09:00:00.003-04:002009-06-11T09:50:12.856-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Si7Dv0sVGnI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZmRorqqjMq4/s1600-h/hind-house.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345425034101201522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Si7Dv0sVGnI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZmRorqqjMq4/s320/hind-house.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">photo source</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you ever wanted to live on water, then this is the house for you! I'm being a tease because it's not actually for sale, but it's definitely cool to see!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Situated on the Loddon river near Wargrave, England, this pinwheel-shaped home really put you at one with nature.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Si7GblxLFaI/AAAAAAAAAHE/GG8Z1PAc0lg/s1600-h/hind-house2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345427985032484258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Si7GblxLFaI/AAAAAAAAAHE/GG8Z1PAc0lg/s200/hind-house2.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It's called <a href="http://www.johnpardeyarchitects.com/index.php?page=435">Hind House</a>, and it's the creation of <a href="http://www.johnpardeyarchitects.com/index.php?page=304">British architect and visionary John Pardey</a>. It recently won an award for its "response to a difficult site subjected to seasonal flooding resulting in its uniques design elevating the building on stilts."</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Si7FpIFPnOI/AAAAAAAAAG8/NLalU1xcGbs/s1600-h/sellers-house.jpg"></a>Pardey's homes are all very interesting and unique in their approach to encorporating the outdoors into the design. <a href="http://www.johnpardeyarchitects.com/index.php?page=362">Click here to view</a> more of his one-off designs. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1866746749810993645?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-73307470669244345892009-06-08T15:26:00.011-04:002009-06-08T16:07:23.188-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Si1ur0laZ-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/f79UrTVDUmI/s1600-h/echoes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345050031887640546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Si1ur0laZ-I/AAAAAAAAAGs/f79UrTVDUmI/s320/echoes.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.echoesintheattic.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you haven't heard the term before, 'mompreneur' refers to the growing sector of stay-at-home moms who start small businesses, allowing them to spend more time with their families while generating a bit of income as well.</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Mompreneurs and their businesses come in all shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of products and services. Frequently they sell handcrafted or homemade products - from clothing to toys to food - or resell a boutique selection of desirable products, such as baby gear or footwear.</span></div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I recently read about Bradford mompreneurs Vicky Gerke and Laura Jennekens, who started a small business making handbags our of reclaimed fabric, and now have a very successful business called <a href="http://www.echoesintheattic.com/">Echoes in the Attic</a>, selling bags and pillows via chic stores across the country.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.alittlebirdietoldme.ca/"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 97px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" alt="" src="http://www.alittlebirdietoldme.ca/bin/img/template/logo.gif" border="0" /></a>Another talented group of mompreneurs are the local graphic artists who operate <a href="http://www.alittlebirdietoldme.ca/">A Little Birdie Told Me</a>, making absolutely gorgeous customized invitations, announcements and thank-you notes.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">As a former mompreneur myself (before I decided to join the family business) I try my best to support this fast-growing sector. What better way to keep money in your own community, support local talent and justify your shopping habit? Oops, did I say that out loud? <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7330747066924434589?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-51058599514687942012009-06-06T09:00:00.002-04:002009-08-13T14:56:45.675-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SinJ5W7p2wI/AAAAAAAAAGU/FR7mUsPESbU/s1600-h/CakeWrecks.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344024420097317634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SinJ5W7p2wI/AAAAAAAAAGU/FR7mUsPESbU/s320/CakeWrecks.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">photo source</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I am convinced that blogs are one of the greatest sources of entertainment going these days. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">A few weeks ago I shared one of my favourites, <a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/">LovelyListings</a>, and this month I bring you ... <a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">Cake Wrecks</a>! As the tag line says, it's "when professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong". A few pages of <a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">these</a> will bring laughter to your dullest day. Enjoy! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></em></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">P.S. If you haven't visited <a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/">LovelyListings</a> recently, you really must go back to check out the <a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/search/label/Chair">further adventures of Chair</a>. They never fail to have me in hysterics.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5105859951468794201?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-6313172794421185432009-06-04T09:00:00.003-04:002009-06-04T13:09:50.090-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SibMpxMxjcI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Et4pL5BNMpQ/s1600-h/car_show.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343183025875291586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SibMpxMxjcI/AAAAAAAAAGM/Et4pL5BNMpQ/s320/car_show.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.gtcars.ca/online/special-events-meets/41540-25th-annual-spring-barrie-flea-market.html">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I was NOT impressed with the weather last weekend, though it didn't stop us from taking in the Farmer's Market and the Waterfront Festival (despite the fact that my child was practically blown into the Bay). I'm hoping for better this weekend because there are so many amazing events to check out!</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you'll be in the </span><a href="http://www.cookstown.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Cookstown</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> area, this weekend is the annual "</span><a href="http://www.cookstown.ca/info/wingDing2009.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Wing-Ding</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">", including hundreds of yard sales throughout the village, a huge antique and craft sale, pancake breakfast, live music and more. </span><a href="http://www.cookstown.ca/info/wingDing2009.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Click the link to get the details</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">!</span></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Heading the other direction, </span><a href="http://www.burlscreek.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Burl's Creek in Oro</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> is holding its 27th Annual Automotive Flea Market today through Sunday. You can partake of the huge flea market, car sales and auctions, live music and, of course, the ale tent! Click </span><a href="http://www.burlscreek.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">the link for more info</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">.</span></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you'd like to find a bargain and help a good cause at the same time, </span><a href="http://www.gildasclubbarrie.org/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Gilda's Club of Barrie</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> (which serves all of Simcoe County) is holding its </span><a href="http://gildasclubbarrie.lyrishq.net/events/?i=376"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">annual garage sale and BBQ</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Westside Lutheran Church in Barrie. Gilda's Clubs around the world offer support to people living with cancer, and to their families.</span></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And if you sat out last weekend's festival due to the weather, never fear, there's another one this Saturday! It's the </span><a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Content.cfm?C=4476&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=382&amp;L1M=4"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">10th Annual Celebrate Barrie</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> community festival, with local entertainment, rides, a petting zoo, historical re-enactments and more! Don't forget to come back at dusk for an outdoor showing of the film "The Iron Giant". </span><a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Content.cfm?C=4476&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=382&amp;L1M=4"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Click here for the details</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, and have a great weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-631317279442118543?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-61662714873132810242009-06-03T10:26:00.007-04:002009-06-04T13:05:39.710-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SiaUeyzHpJI/AAAAAAAAAGE/N4pTzWG63Iw/s1600-h/innisfil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343121264674841746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SiaUeyzHpJI/AAAAAAAAAGE/N4pTzWG63Iw/s320/innisfil.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.artscapes.ca/index.html">photo © Michelle Basic Hendry</a></span> <span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">You can't drive a block in Innisfil right now without passing a sign directing you to visit <a href="http://fairgrowth.ca/">fairgrowth.ca </a>-- a website presenting Innisfil's side of the argument on whether the City of Barrie should be allowed to annex land in Innisfil. In fairness, I did look for a website presenting the Barrie version of the story, but didn't find one. </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Either way, if you live in Barrie or Innisfil, it's an issue you should inform yourself about. </span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">BTW, since I'm using one of her photographs of Innisfil to illustrate this story, I'm going to go off topic for a moment to mention Muskoka artist <a href="http://www.artscapes.ca/">Michelle Basic Hendry</a>. Her paintings and photographs of Central Ontario are just incredible, and <a href="http://www.artscapes.ca/blog/">her blog on her travels</a>, illustrated with her own beautiful landscape photography, is a very interesting read. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-6166271487313281024?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-85170997693525696512009-06-01T10:33:00.002-04:002009-06-01T10:53:46.818-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SiPrEhsc4KI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Kivw0HXaSk0/s1600-h/UrbEx.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342372045988356258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SiPrEhsc4KI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Kivw0HXaSk0/s400/UrbEx.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://urbexbarrie.blogspot.com/2008/08/seven-mile-island.html">photo source</a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I am so happy to see that one of my favourite blogs is back up and running!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://urbexbarrie.blogspot.com/">UrbEx Barrie</a> is the blog of Barrie photographers and explorers who visit derelict sites - in Central Ontario and beyond - not normally seen by the public. Their goal is largely to document history and architecture before it disappears. Many of the abandoned places included in these photographs no longer exist, at least not in this state.</span></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's not a hobby I endorse, being dangerous and frequently illegal, but I do enjoy the photos it produces. <a href="http://urbexbarrie.blogspot.com/">Definitely worth a browse</a>! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8517099769352569651?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-71501858494950924732009-05-30T09:08:00.001-04:002009-08-13T14:57:01.376-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Shw_2sGSNYI/AAAAAAAAAFU/58yfR64ZGP4/s1600-h/bus_cards.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340213466937570690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Shw_2sGSNYI/AAAAAAAAAFU/58yfR64ZGP4/s320/bus_cards.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/100-really-creative-business-cards/">photo source</a></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Particularly if you're in a creative field, a unique and memorable business card can be like a tiny portfolio, not just telling them who you are, but giving a glimpse of what you can do.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/05/100-really-creative-business-cards/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Follow this link</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> to see <a href="http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/">Webdesigner Depot</a>'s list of 100 of the coolest business cards you'll ever find! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7150185849495092473?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-59394625196489651012009-05-29T09:00:00.002-04:002009-05-29T09:00:07.316-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sh739yBiRYI/AAAAAAAAAF0/bw8U3Xs9gPw/s1600-h/staging.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340978848880280962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sh739yBiRYI/AAAAAAAAAF0/bw8U3Xs9gPw/s400/staging.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.advantagestaging.ca/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I personally think that staging is becoming more important when selling a home - particularly a higher-end home - if you want to compete against other properties in your price category and show your space to its best advantage.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Hiring a stager <em>can</em> be the right choice, especially if you have lived in your home for a long time and have accumulated a lot of stuff, if you have a history of hanging on to objects for emotional reasons, or if you are contemplating changes or repairs that may be beyond your skills. However, many people are perfectly capable of doing their own staging. Sometimes the trouble is just knowing where to start.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Here are a few websites that give you tips on how to stage your home. Most of them are fairly basic and really just a matter of common sense, but when faced with the intimidating task of preparing your home for public viewing, a guideline can really help.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://yourcolorcoach.wordpress.com/2007/06/13/stage-your-own-home/">WikiHow: How to Stage Your Home for a Sale</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://yourcolorcoach.wordpress.com/2007/06/13/stage-your-own-home/">Your Home &amp; Color Coach: Stage Your Own Home</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-stage-your-own-home-to-sell">HowToDoThings.com: How to Stage Your Own Home to Sell</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.lkninteriors.com/stage-your-own-home.html">Inviting Interiors: Stage Your Own Home</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Just remember that staging your home isn't worth your marriage or your sanity. Many home stagers will give you a free consultation to let you know what they can do and at what price, so if your home is in need of staging but you aren't up to the task, it may be worth getting a professional opinion. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5939462519648965101?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-74525382693460208102009-05-28T09:00:00.003-04:002009-05-28T13:29:23.383-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sh1xrw7NJ9I/AAAAAAAAAFs/rFPt05Yr9bs/s1600-h/waterfront_fest2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340549729812817874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sh1xrw7NJ9I/AAAAAAAAAFs/rFPt05Yr9bs/s320/waterfront_fest2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.barriewaterfront.ca/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It wouldn't be difficult to find a different festival to attend every weekend in Simcoe County, and if the <a href="http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/caon0040">Weather Network</a> is to be believed, this is going to be a lovely weekend for it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The <a href="http://barriewaterfront.ca/">5th Annual Barrie Waterfront Festival</a> takes place this weekend, with tons of music, food and fun to be had. The main stage is headlined by Canadian singing star <a href="http://www.suziemcneil.ca/">Suzie McNeil</a> (her song '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEyH_Yfg2rg">Supergirl'</a> is currently all over the radio). Other must-sees include folk singer Murray McLachlin, bluesy Treassa Levasseur, and serious rockers Low Level Flight. <a href="http://barriewaterfront.ca/entertainment.html">Click here to view</a> the entire lineup of incredible musical performances planned.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">For the kids there's also a midway, face painting, buskers and a <a href="http://barriewaterfront.ca/family.html">Family Stage</a> with music to get the little ones dancing. </span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Enjoy the weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7452538269346020810?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-9896635985121017552009-05-27T08:27:00.004-04:002009-06-04T13:07:50.643-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShxEq-E83XI/AAAAAAAAAFc/viKh4B1S2fA/s1600-h/converter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340218763163524466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShxEq-E83XI/AAAAAAAAAFc/viKh4B1S2fA/s400/converter.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.peters1.dk/webtools/conversion.php?sprog=en">photo source</a></span></div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I was going to save this for my weekend weblink, but it's such a handy site that I couldn't wait. I don't think I've ever seen an easier-to-use conversion tool than <a href="http://www.peters1.dk/webtools/conversion.php?sprog=en">this one</a>, courtesy a computer programmer in Germany who goes by "Rasmus". </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Just pick the type of conversion you want to do (such as Distance &amp; Length), enter the amount you want to convert (such as 10 km) and click Calculate at the bottom of the section, and voila! ... you see all of the conversions for 10 km you could possibly want, whether it's 6.2137119 miles or 5307.8556263 fathoms.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Don't forget to <a href="http://www.peters1.dk/webtools/conversion.php?sprog=en">bookmark this site</a>! <em>- Caleigh</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-989663598512101755?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-2319040382498046972009-05-26T14:22:00.004-04:002009-05-27T11:11:22.454-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Shw0BtNFdKI/AAAAAAAAAFM/_HlhztjvCnY/s1600-h/bueller.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340200462073558178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Shw0BtNFdKI/AAAAAAAAAFM/_HlhztjvCnY/s320/bueller.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/370-Beech-Street_Highland-Park_IL_60035_1109385563">photo source</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Got a spare $2.3 million? Then you could be the owner of the home featured in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Sure, you'd have to move to Illinois, but wouldn't it be worth it? <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/370-Beech-Street_Highland-Park_IL_60035_1109385563">Click here to see the full listing</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-231904038249804697?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-7452833458032567702009-05-25T12:36:00.004-04:002009-09-04T15:34:32.369-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqFRSWW-GdI/AAAAAAAAAOc/ANmF4eIpptI/s1600-h/PYO.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377668805738502610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SqFRSWW-GdI/AAAAAAAAAOc/ANmF4eIpptI/s320/PYO.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.northpeel.com/npmg/article/27797">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">'Tis the season for fresh produce! Simcoe County is chock full of farm markets, fresh produce stands and, if you are inclined to make the acquisition an adventure, pick-your-own produce farms.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Here is a list of as many PYOs as I can find in Simcoe County. If you're thinking to yourself "Hasn't this been done before?", the answer is NO! (Or not well enough for my liking.) I compiled this from dozens of sources that either didn't include them all, or was enormous and not sorted to easily identify Simcoe County PYOs. Of the existing resources, the best ones are <a href="http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/">Simcoe County Farm Fresh</a> and <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/">Harvest Canada</a>, so if you're looking for other types of farms I suggest you use their directories.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Barrie </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://barriehillfarms.com/">Barrie Hill Farms</a> - Barrie (beans, blueberries, peas, raspberries, strawberries)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/details.php?id=75">Beuck's Farm</a> - Barrie (Saskatoon berries)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3928">Brown's Farm</a> - Dalston (pumpkins)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.chappellfarms.ca/">Chappell Farms</a> - Barrie (pumpkins)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/details.php?id=81">Northwinds Farm</a> - Barrie (strawberries and more)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Clearview</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">- </span><a href="http://www.ruralroutes.com/fernwoodfarms"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Fernwood Farms</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> - Stayner (strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3827">Gallacher's Orchard</a> - Nottawa (apples, plums)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.giffenscountrymarket.ca/">Giffen's Country Market</a> (aka Harvest Glen Market) - Glen Huron (apples, raspberries)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3758">Wind Song Orchards</a> - Duntroon (apples)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Collingwood</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://bishop.farmvisit.com/">Bishop's Berry Patch</a> - Collingwood (Saskatoon berries)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.farmerspantry.com/">Farmer's Pantry</a> - Clarksburg (apples, raspberries)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Innisfil</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.avalonorchards.net/">Avalon Orchards</a> (apples)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.visserfarms.ca/">Visser Farms</a> - Gilford (strawberries)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Midland</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://luticksblueberries.farmvisit.com/">Lutick Blueberries</a> - Midland (blueberries)</span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3617">Chapmans' Berry Farm</a> - Midland (</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">currants</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">, </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">raspberries</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Orillia</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3795">Highland Farm</a> - Orillia (raspberries, strawberries)</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Oro-Medonte</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3613">Cardinal Berry Farm</a> - Oro Station (blueberries, currants, raspberries)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Penetanguishene</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.tbbf.ca/">Thunder Beach Berry Farm</a> - Lafontaine (blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Ramara</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3849">Duet Farm &amp; Studio</a> - Brechin (unspecified)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Severn</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.egosgardencentre.com/index.php?action=display&amp;cat=5&amp;v=19">Ego's Nursery &amp; Farm Market</a> - Coldwater (strawberries, peas, beans, tomatoes, currants, gooseberries, raspberries)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">Springwater</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.harvestcanada.com/detail.php?id=3722">Clarke's Vegetables</a> - Minesing (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">- <a href="http://www.valleyfarmmarket.ca/">Valley Farm Market</a> - Elmvale (strawberries and more)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">No doubt I've still missed a few so, as always, feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:caleigh@barriehome.com">caleigh@barriehome.com</a> if you know of any others. <em>- Caleigh</em></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.tbbf.ca/"></a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-745283345803256770?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-56396091671913380862009-05-23T11:44:00.003-04:002009-08-13T14:57:16.609-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Shq_xuPPDyI/AAAAAAAAAFE/H3Tte-7M_OU/s1600-h/lainey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339791169147572002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Shq_xuPPDyI/AAAAAAAAAFE/H3Tte-7M_OU/s400/lainey.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.laineygossip.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It doesn't get much more frivolous than this, but since I'm going to be at my girls' cottage weekend, it just feels apropos.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you like to get the occasional dose of celebrity photos and gossip but without the caustic commentary of Perez Hilton and his ilk, I must recommend <a href="http://www.laineygossip.com/">Lainey Gossip</a>. Elaine Lui is a gossip blogger from Ontario currently residing in Vancouver, and she's always up on the latest celebrity activity from around the world. I confess that my guilty pleasure is reading her daily musings, posted in her own cutting but fun style. You may have seen Lainey before, since when she's not typing gossip she's sharing it via such programs as CTV's eTalk daily, or covering red carpet events for Canadian media.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I highly recommend you check it out, but browsers beware -- if you see the acronym "NSFW" it means Not Safe For Work and can generally be assumed to mean not safe in front of children either. Wouldn't want to get anyone in trouble. :) <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-5639609167191338086?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-40056448480191724882009-05-22T09:00:00.002-04:002009-06-04T13:06:32.714-04:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Although most people use the services of a Real Estate Agent at some point in their lives, there are still a lot of things people don't know about our business. This is sort of a “looks obvious but isn’t really” profession, especially when it comes to the matter of money.<br /><br />For instance, not everyone is aware that we are only paid when someone buys or sells a home, and that commission is only ever paid by the seller. So if your Realtor tells you that you'll be paying 5% commission upon the sale of your home, that actually means 2.5% goes to the seller's agent (but not really, read on for more of the breakdown) and 2.5% to the buyer's agent.<br /><br />Realtors are never compensated by their Brokerage – this is a purely commission business, with no salaries paid. All Realtors are self-employed entrepreneurs, and although we are described as employees of the Brokerage (like, in our case, RE/MAX), they do not pay us - in fact, we pay them! The most common financial relationship between the Brokerage and the Salesperson is what's called "split fee". That means that of the 2.5% commission, the Brokerage keeps a portion and the Salesperson keeps the rest. This, along with monthly fees, compensates the Brokerage for looking after things like booking home showings, offering training, maintaining offices, and advertising the "brand". </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Meanwhile, the Realtor looks after finding clients and performing the multitude of tasks involved in helping them through the buying and/or selling process, and advertising their own listings and services. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Knowing this might also help to explain why people report different experiences with Realtors working for the same brand. Salespeople working at the same Brokerage may employ the same basic business practices (in terms of how money is handled and so forth); however, at the end of the day it's that Salesperson who you will be dealing with on a regular basis, and it’s their personality, skills, experience and marketing techniques that will come to bear when it comes to the purchase or sale of your home. And that’s a subject for another day. <em>- Glenn</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4005644848019172488?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-46555230232766547162009-05-21T09:00:00.001-04:002009-05-21T10:41:16.678-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShRrNi3s_JI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-8rQccRmTCA/s1600-h/LYRICAa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338009338783792274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShRrNi3s_JI/AAAAAAAAAE0/-8rQccRmTCA/s320/LYRICAa.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.lyricachoir.org/">photo source</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Glenn is going on his boys' fishing weekend, and I'm going on my girls' cottage weekend (I take wine and gossip over fish any day!), but for anyone spending the upcoming glorious weekend in Barrie, there are lots of fun activities taking place.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I know that my son would love to see this one -- the Barrie Swordplay Association (did you know there was a Barrie Swordplay Association?) is having Medieval Days this Saturday from 11:00-4:00 at the Bayfield Mall! Kids can be "knighted" and adults can have their tarot cards read. Sounds like fun! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=053HsM5cdis">Click here to see a video</a> of last year's demonstration.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">For grown-up entertainment, this Friday and Saturday night <a href="http://www.yukyuks.com/location.aspx?LocationID=2">Yuk Yuk's is featuring Gerry Dee</a>, who recently won "Best Comic in Canada" at the 2008 Canadian Comedy Awards (another thing I'm ashamed to admit I've never heard of). </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">And for a higher-brow sort of fun, enjoy the <a href="http://www.lyricachoir.org/">Lyrica Chamber Choir</a>'s presentation of "Between Friends", Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Burton Avenue United Church. Enjoy the weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4655523023276654716?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-15129627433629316752009-05-20T15:52:00.005-04:002009-05-25T12:06:30.055-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShRg7ySBS-I/AAAAAAAAAEs/-nPcx7vkEuk/s1600-h/SpringCleaningsm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337998038566783970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShRg7ySBS-I/AAAAAAAAAEs/-nPcx7vkEuk/s400/SpringCleaningsm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Despite my love for the Internet, I'm also a magazine and newspaper junkie, always pulling out articles that I might use later.<em> </em>I just came across an article on Spring Cleaning that I saved from the April 4th issue of the <em>National Post</em>, in which Steve Murray provides hilarious and relatively useful tips for tacking spring cleaning. (Which is especially relevant if you, like me, may have procrastinated a wee bit of your spring cleaning this year.)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu258/barriehome/SpringCleaning.jpg">Click the link</a> to view the full flowchart, and don't forget to blow it up to full size to read the whole thing. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1512962743362931675?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-70239291741607487512009-05-19T12:39:00.002-04:002009-05-20T15:51:55.173-04:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShQzUPNs-_I/AAAAAAAAAEU/QRvwp2JPei4/s1600-h/17+Gregory+-+front+exter.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337947881115286514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShQzUPNs-_I/AAAAAAAAAEU/QRvwp2JPei4/s320/17+Gregory+-+front+exter.jpg" border="0" /></span></a> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">May has been a hot month for the real estate market here in Barrie, and buyers have to be quick to get the best deals. We've been working like mad helping clients to buy and sell, and have just listed three more lovely homes of varying prices and sizes. </span></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShQzdF7TTfI/AAAAAAAAAEc/9Yd89E25kuE/s1600-h/1008-75+Ellen+-+building+longshot.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337948033241009650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShQzdF7TTfI/AAAAAAAAAEc/9Yd89E25kuE/s200/1008-75+Ellen+-+building+longshot.jpg" border="0" /></span></a> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">For anyone looking to downsize or upgrade, there's a 2-bedroom condo overlooking Kempenfelt Bay, with beautiful upgrades like granite, ceramics and hardwoods. This is a really nice building with lush grounds, exercise room, pool ... the works. And you can't beat the location -- just steps to the beach and boardwalk! (ID#1024)</span></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShQz9QlMKtI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Gw7zbwhE9Ts/s1600-h/37+Peacock+-+front+exter.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337948585856871122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 156px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/ShQz9QlMKtI/AAAAAAAAAEk/Gw7zbwhE9Ts/s200/37+Peacock+-+front+exter.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you like the family-friendly Allandale area, there's a lovely 4-level sidesplit on a low-traffic street. The mature landscaping in this neighbourhood is spectacular, and the patio is just perfect for summer fun. The owners of this home have done a lovely job of maintaining it inside and out, and added things like a modern kitchen and updated windows and roof. (ID#1034)</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Finally, if you're looking for a spacious home with all the bells and whistles, we've just listed a 2600'+, 4-bedroom home (pictured at the top). Situated at the end of a kid-friendly court on almost 1/4 acres with fenced deck, this is a great move-up proposition with all the space you could possibly want. (ID#1029)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">To find out more about these or any of our other listings, just visit our website at </span><a href="http://www.barriehome.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">www.barriehome.com</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> and enter the ID numbers listed above. Happy house-surfing! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-7023929174160748751?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-81538209774322252152009-05-16T09:00:00.003-04:002009-08-13T14:57:38.171-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sg27B4P7o5I/AAAAAAAAAEM/broa0IeN8TU/s1600-h/ballpit.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336126774457377682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sg27B4P7o5I/AAAAAAAAAEM/broa0IeN8TU/s320/ballpit.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.scaryforkids.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I hate spam. I mean really, who <em>doesn't</em> hate e-mail spam?</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">BUT, at least with regular spam you can see it coming. When a Jemshphira Blespaldy tells me they have"The Farmasootikals I Neeeed", I don't think twice before hitting Delete.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">It's the junk that kind-hearted friends pass along, believing they are being "helpful", that drives me bananas.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">At least once a week I find myself sending an e-mail reply to a friend, gently requesting that she check her facts before telling all 200 people in her address book that <a href="http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/chopsticks.asp">chopsticks are poisonous</a>, or <a href="http://www.snopes.com/critters/snakes/ballpit.asp">ball pits contain snakes</a>.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">My advice is always the same: check <a href="http://www.snopes.com/">Snopes.com</a> first.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">There are several sites dedicated to myth-busting, but Snopes always seems to be the most up-to-date and easiest to search.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">So before you hit Forward on that e-mail about a <a href="http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/missing/ashleyflores.asp">missing child</a> (that, oddly enough, you haven't heard about on the news yet), please make sure it's true.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Want to know more about Snopes and the people behind it? <a href="http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/rumor-detectives-true-story-or-online-hoax/article122216.html">Click here for an interesting article from Reader's Digest</a>.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8153820977432225215?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-45669717858473138552009-05-15T08:52:00.002-04:002009-05-15T11:01:59.081-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sgt1redDKJI/AAAAAAAAAEE/hxm70P5cwzE/s1600-h/fence.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335487573320214674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 208px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sgt1redDKJI/AAAAAAAAAEE/hxm70P5cwzE/s320/fence.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you're thinking about making some home improvements, the major DIY retailers are certainly making it appealing to do so this Spring. Add in the home renovation tax credit (<a href="http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/sgmnts/hmwnr/hrtc/menu-eng.html">click here for details on the credit</a>), and the various rebates for making eco-friendly changes, and it's hard to say no!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">All of the big players are advertising sales for the Victoria Day long weekend and there are some great deals to be had, especially in the outdoor departments. If you haven't seen the flyers, visit the website links below to view them online.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><a href="http://www.lowes.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Lowe's website</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> provides an easy-to-understand </span><a href="http://www.lowes.ca/resourcecentre/hrtc.aspx"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">explanation of the tax credit</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">, with examples of eligible and ineligible purchases.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/">Home Depot's website</a> has a <a href="http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/EcoContent?storeId=10051&amp;catalogId=10051&amp;langId=-15&amp;display=rebates&amp;eid=homepage_E&amp;utm_source=homepage">useful list of all of the Eco Rebates</a> available in each province.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><a href="http://www.rona.ca/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Rona</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> has </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">a promotion to encourage you to take advantage of the tax credit at their store: if you carry out a project that qualifies for the tax credit, you can </span><a href="https://www.ronavantage.com/advantage/index.jsp?lang=en"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">get 10% of what you spend on the project back in gift cards</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">, up to a max of $1,000 back. (<a href="https://www.ronavantage.com/advantage/index.jsp?lang=en">see website for full details</a>)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you are renovating with resale in mind, be sure to have a realistic expectation of what the actual payback will be. In most cases, you won't recoup what you spend, so be sure you are renovating for the right reasons. The <a href="http://www.aicanada.ca/">Appraisal Institute of Canada</a> has developed a very useful tool called <a href="http://component.aicanada.ca/e/resourcecenter_renova.cfm">Renova</a> to help you estimate the effect a home improvement project may have on the value or resale of your home. <a href="http://component.aicanada.ca/e/resourcecenter_renova.cfm">Click here to try Renova</a>.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4566971785847313855?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-67445565036322546452009-05-14T09:00:00.003-04:002009-06-04T13:05:02.826-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sgh0mC4vPiI/AAAAAAAAAD0/HBWRymoUauU/s1600-h/muskokawildlife.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334641955579051554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sgh0mC4vPiI/AAAAAAAAAD0/HBWRymoUauU/s320/muskokawildlife.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sig11/2288368567/in/photostream/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">photo source</span></a></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">It's Thursday, and that means I'm Thinking About the Weekend! There are lots of seasonal attractions reopening for the season over the Victoria Day long weekend, the only problem will be choosing where to go.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The <a href="http://www.elmvalejunglezoo.com/">Elmvale Jungle Zoo</a> reopens on Sunday, May 17th. My family visits at least once very year, and it's always lots of fun to see such a variety of animals without having to trek for miles. The food offerings are minimal, though, so I suggest you bring a picnic.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">We are also looking forward to visiting the <a href="http://www.muskokawildlifecentre.com/">Muskoka Wildlife Centre</a> this year for the first time to see some of Canada's</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"> native animals, like raccoons, wolves and snakes.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The <a href="http://www.southsimcoerailway.ca/">South Simcoe Railway</a> starts again this Sunday, and will operate through the Thanksgiving weekend. The steam trains are currently under restoration, but there are trips available on a '40s-era electric train, and the scenery is beautiful.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Looking for something a bit more adventurous? Check out the various activities in the woodlands and wetlands of the <a href="http://www.wyemarsh.com/">Wye Marsh</a> in Midland. <a href="http://www.wyemarsh.com/ecotours.html">Canoe ecotours</a> are available beginning May 16th, with Saturday evening twilight tours and Sunday early morning tours throughout the summer.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Before you visit any of Ontario's attractions, don't forget to check out the <a href="http://www.attractionsontario.ca/">Attractions Ontario</a> website to see if there are discounts available! You can print off a coupon right now for use at the <a href="http://www.attractionsontario.ca/index.cfm?DSP=Chapter&amp;ID=11&amp;ACT=Coupon-Info&amp;Coupon_ID=105&amp;Member_ID=1054">Elmvale Jungle Zoo</a>, good through September 30th. </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-6744556503632254645?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-15400871046699330062009-05-13T14:38:00.006-04:002009-05-13T16:07:35.855-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://ca.lifestyle.yahoo.com/home-garden/articles/decor-trends/divine/food_home-spring_2009_home_colour_trends-spring_2009_home_colour_trends"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335400362339163714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgsmXIO3XkI/AAAAAAAAAD8/Ct0ZrUzvhx4/s320/YahooTrendBlue.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">photo source</span></a> </div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If Spring has you wanting to inject some colour and freshness into your home, don't touch your credit card until you've checked out these 2009 trend reports! </span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.divine.ca/en/food-and-home/articles/c_17_i_3616/spring-2009-home-colour-1.html?src=rss_article">divine.ca</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.shops.ca/en/page.ch2?uid=CF63">Cadillac Fairview</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://blog.imagekind.com/2009/04/02/imagekinds-top-5-spring-decorating-trends-for-2009/">Imagekind's tips for decorating with art</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://thedecoratingdiva.com/design-trends-2009-home-decor-trends-sneak-peek/">The Decorating Diva</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/design/shopping-colours">Canadian House &amp; Home</a></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">And, if you need to partake of a little "out with the old" before you start bringing in the new, Yahoo Lifestyle has great tips for Spring cleaning. <a href="http://www.divine.ca/en/food-and-home/articles/c_17_i_3285/spring-cleaning-strategy-1.html">Click the link to read the article</a>.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1540087104669933006?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-5740144882983520232009-05-12T09:00:00.003-04:002009-05-12T09:00:06.559-04:00<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CbR6cEzYyks&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CbR6cEzYyks&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The low interest rates have many renters considering taking the first step up the property ladder. Wondering if this may be the right move for you? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbR6cEzYyks">Watch this video</a> -- part of The Burlington Team's series of Kitchen Table Real Estate talks -- discussing renting vs. buying in 2009.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-574014488298352023?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-90248381690870556422009-05-11T09:00:00.001-04:002009-05-11T09:00:05.019-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgMA94DxgpI/AAAAAAAAADI/fevHRA-Bkl8/s1600-h/energyweek.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333107446757032594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgMA94DxgpI/AAAAAAAAADI/fevHRA-Bkl8/s320/energyweek.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Next week, Ontarians will be asked to pledge to do something - anything - to help conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases.If you wish, you can even fill out an official pledge, promising to take actions to help.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you're looking for ideas, the <a href="http://www.energyconservationweek.ca/">official website</a> offers <a href="http://www.energyconservationweek.ca/The-100-Ways/index.aspx">100 ways - large and small - that you can make a change</a>. Some of them are obvious, like using a clothesline to dry clothes or installing energy-efficient lightbulbs. Others may be less so, such as strategically planting coniferous trees to protect your house from winter winds, or staying at "green-rated" hotels when travelling. (I'd never heard of that before -- for more information <a href="http://www.trailcanada.com/green/">click the link to visit the Green TravelGuide</a>.)</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The week is being organized by a number of groups, including the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Power Authority and Hydro One. <a href="http://www.energyconservationweek.ca/">Click the link</a> for more information. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-9024838169087055642?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-60462009561284109812009-05-10T09:00:00.005-04:002009-05-11T12:25:00.870-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgZtUMkadII/AAAAAAAAADo/uvZJZDzBtm4/s1600-h/spa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334071002405696642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgZtUMkadII/AAAAAAAAADo/uvZJZDzBtm4/s320/spa.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.wayspa.com/">photo source</a></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Here's a bulletin for anyone who *gasp* forgot to buy mom a gift! Thanks to the wonder of the internet, there are a variety of electronic gift certificates that can be purchased and sent today, right from your computer!</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">One of my favourite ideas is a <a href="http://www.wayspa.com/">WaySpa</a> gift certificate. WaySpa certificates can be used at any of several hundred spas across Canada and the US, including six in the Barrie area. Order online and have it e-mailed to the recipient immediately, or print it out to hand-deliver. <a href="http://www.wayspa.com/gift-certificates">Click for more details</a>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Perfect for almost anyone and any occasion are gift certificates from <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/">Chapters/Indigo</a>. They too can be sent immediately via e-mail if desired. <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/giftcards-cts.html">Click the link for info</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I know some members of my family who'd love this -- the electronic <a href="http://www.costco.ca/">Costco</a> certificate! Mom can use it to shop online or in-store. <a href="http://www.costco.ca/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=10284437">Click here for more</a>.</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I can't be the only mom who would love a GC from <a href="http://www.leevalley.com/">Lee Valley Tools</a>! Not just tools, Lee Valley has a wide selection of gifts for people who love to garden, craft, cook and much more. <a href="http://www.leevalley.com/home/HelpGiftCard.aspx?c=">Click the link for details</a>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">So there you go -- no more excuses for forgetting mom. Happy Mother's Day! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-6046200956128410981?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-47350366801400544752009-05-09T09:00:00.004-04:002009-08-13T14:57:52.993-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfoAvkWS2_I/AAAAAAAAACo/HlqLbPQRQRs/s1600-h/movies.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330573926157442034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfoAvkWS2_I/AAAAAAAAACo/HlqLbPQRQRs/s320/movies.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you have children who like movies, then you've probably found that a "G", "PG or "PG-13" rating doesn't tell you much. We've seen G movies that were more suggestive than I'd like, and PG movies that I was perfectly comfortable with.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">But no more mistakes here, thanks to the website <a href="http://www.kids-in-mind.com/">Kids in Mind: Movie Ratings That Actually Work</a>. Every movie is given a 1 to 10 rating in three categories: Sex &amp; Nudity, Violence &amp; Gore, and Profanity. You can search on any movie to see a synopsis and the movie's score -- for instance, Hannah Montana received a 2.2.1, while the original Star Wars got 0.4.2.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you become a member, you can also see detailed descriptions of the scenes that influenced the movie's ratings. I'm a little disappointed that the once-free site now sells memberships; however, it's a service I'm willing to pay for, and a one-year membership can cost as little as one child's movie ticket, <em>plus</em> you get to view the site ad-free. It's a "pay what you can" service, so you choose to pay $12, $24 or $36 a year, with no difference in what you receive. I figure if the site can save me just once from walking out of an unexpectedly inappropriate movie, it's worth it. <a href="http://www.kids-in-mind.com/">Click the link</a> to check out the site!<em> - Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4735036680140054475?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-47497665842823122702009-05-08T09:00:00.004-04:002009-05-08T18:28:03.334-04:00<div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgMJJmKzPPI/AAAAAAAAADQ/6MyTy0zErCQ/s1600-h/inspiredroom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333116444206120178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgMJJmKzPPI/AAAAAAAAADQ/6MyTy0zErCQ/s320/inspiredroom.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2009/03/16/making-this-home-simple-joys-of-a-small-kitchen/">photo source</a></span><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">My name is Caleigh, and I am a blog addict. I love reading blogs. I love writing blogs (I confess, I have three others). I love surfing blogs in search of new and interesting photos, ideas and people.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The crazy thing about the blogosphere (an annoying but apt term) is that bloggers tend to form little virtual communities that link back and forth to one another. So when you find a blog you like, it will send you to other like-minded blogs, which send you to more ... and so on until you've forgotten to eat dinner, missed all your favourite TV shows, and your family can't recall what you look like without a computer in front of you. Well, maybe that doesn't happen to everyone. :)</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">This past weekend I came across a blog about DIY home decorating (don't ask me how I got there, I'd need a forensic team to recreate that path), and for the next I-won't-admit-how-many hours, I blog-hopped through a variety of beautiful and inspirational home ideas. I'll share a few of my favourite finds here:</span> </div><ul><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgSxdNMjzZI/AAAAAAAAADg/wCKC7Wugbrg/s1600-h/new+lamp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333582974030171538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 148px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgSxdNMjzZI/AAAAAAAAADg/wCKC7Wugbrg/s200/new+lamp.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.craftynest.com/">Crafty Nest</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/">Thrifty Decor Chick</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">Centsational Girl</a> <span style="font-size:78%;">(source of photo at right)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://themagicbrushinc.blogspot.com/">The Magic Brush</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/">The Inspired Room</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/">Funky Junk Interiors</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.remodelingguy.net/">Remodeling Guy</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.remodelingthislife.com/">Remodeling This Life</a></span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><a href="http://yourhomeonlybetter.com/">Your Home Only Better</a></span> </li></ul><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I could go on (and I did), but I'm sure that's all you need to get linked off in a hundred directions. Enjoy! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4749766584282312270?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-27396613910358423182009-05-07T09:00:00.006-04:002009-06-04T13:00:17.085-04:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgHczJwYkTI/AAAAAAAAADA/cJh6UuRXZko/s1600-h/maclaren.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332786205133672754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SgHczJwYkTI/AAAAAAAAADA/cJh6UuRXZko/s320/maclaren.jpg" border="0" /></span></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.simcoe.com/photogalleries"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">photo source</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If Wednesday is "hump" day and Friday is "TGIF", then I think Thursday must be "Thinking About the Weekend" day. I shall dub it "TATW" (pronounced tattoo). Who knows, maybe it'll catch on.</span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thursday is the day I start scouring my various sources for things my family can do on the weekend, preferably without breaking the bank. </span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you're into art, this is the last weekend for the </span></span></div><a href="http://www.maclarenart.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">MacLaren Art Centre's</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> exhibit of </span><a href="http://www.maclarenart.com/visit/maclaren_exhibitions.cfm?ID=4434"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Portraits from the Soviet Archive</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">, and the beginning of a new exhibit called </span><a href="http://www.maclarenart.com/visit/maclaren_exhibitions.cfm?ID=4276"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Chysto, Chysto, Chysto</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> (chysto is Ukrainian for clean) on the Ukranian experience during WWII. </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">If you're a garage sale fan, then you may want to check out the "</span><a href="http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/Calendar/EventDetail.cfm?C=0&amp;SC=0&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=0&amp;L1M=&amp;Date=05/09/2009&amp;E=3074&amp;ET=1"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Gigantic Garage Sale</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">" on Saturday at the Allandale Rec Centre from 9:00 a.m. to noon, in support of the </span><a href="http://www.barrie.ca/Content.cfm?C=771&amp;SC=1&amp;SCM=0&amp;MI=450&amp;L1M=4"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Allandale 55+ Centre</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">.</span> </p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">My family lives in Innisfil, so we're hoping to participate in our town clean-up on Saturday. Anyone wishing to take part in </span><a href="http://www.innisfil.ca/calendar/index.php?id=424&amp;action=SE"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Innisfil Pitch-In Day</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;"> can meet at their fire station by 9:00 a.m. to sign in. Last year it was a cold day, so we went out on our own the following weekend and were sad to see how much litter was still around. We've made it a habit to keep gloves and bags in the car and pick up trash whenever we visit playgrounds and beaches, so if it's a nice day we may go playground-hopping instead and bring our own gear. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Whatever you do, I hope you have a great weekend! <em>- Caleigh</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2739661391035842318?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-14108825393444597332009-05-06T15:02:00.004-04:002009-05-07T13:40:04.062-04:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Glenn again - just got a call today from an agent we've referred clients to in the past. This time it was her turn to send a client of hers to us. And this triggered a couple of thoughts about the real estate business.<br /><br />Because we know each other, this agent knows how well the client will be served. And we are honoured to be chosen so we'll knock ourselves out to please the client and the person referring to us. After all, the single most important source of our business is referrals.<br /><br />Every week we get calls or e-mails from someone we've dealt with in the past, looking for advice or market information, getting ready to buy or sell their home, or referring someone to us. Hearing that people who've worked with us want others to do the same is the most satisfying part of our business. Not that we don't want to meet new people - of course we do - and you need new business to help your business grow!<br /><br />So I guess that's the point of this message: we love to hear from our past clients, and we're really tickled to have you send someone to us. <em>- Glenn</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-1410882539344459733?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-28828867937653771012009-05-06T09:00:00.012-04:002009-05-07T13:39:50.823-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfnNBPDCKMI/AAAAAAAAACg/FOjFinJURk0/s1600-h/84+Sunnidale+-+front+exter.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330517055072512194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfnNBPDCKMI/AAAAAAAAACg/FOjFinJURk0/s320/84+Sunnidale+-+front+exter.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Homes are starting to sell more quickly, and we're even starting to see a bit more action on those in the higher price ranges. We had about 20 properties on the market going into May, and six have sold firm since then. Congratulations to all our sellers!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Of course the good thing is that as homes are sold, new ones come on the market. In the last week we've listed four more homes in a variety of areas and price ranges. The one pictured above is my dream home, located on Sunnidale Road. If I was in the market to move, it would be MINE! <em>*sigh*</em> Since I'm not, you can have it, but you have to promise to invite me over for tea.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you'd like to take a look at the properties that we have listed or recently sold, you can check out our weekly ad in the Barrie Examiner, or visit our website at <a href="http://www.barriehome.com/">barriehome.com</a>. On the right-hand side you'll see a little slideshow of our properties, and you can click on any image to see more info, including a photographic virtual tour. Or if you know the property's ID, you can enter it where indicated. The Sunnidale property I mentioned above is #1022. Our other new listings are #1006, 1033 and 1023. <a href="http://www.barriehome.com/">Click the link</a> to check them out! <em>- Caleigh</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2882886793765377101?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-92173725402930449702009-05-05T09:00:00.003-04:002009-05-07T13:39:20.307-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sf9LXP5glMI/AAAAAAAAACw/9-B0p9QTcTc/s1600-h/moneykey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332063346606773442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sf9LXP5glMI/AAAAAAAAACw/9-B0p9QTcTc/s320/moneykey.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Wondered if I could get a few words in while Caleigh's not here …<br /><br />There’s been a lot of cheering about today’s low-interest mortgages and the resulting stimulus to the real estate market. This is great for almost everyone involved – but there are a few exceptions. I just wanted to give a heads up to anyone considering selling and <em>not</em> rebuying, or downsizing to reduce the size of your mortgage.<br /><br />In essence, your lender will now have to 're-lend' the money you returned to them, but likely at a much lower rate than before. Therefore, they are charging what they call an Interest Rate Differential (IRD). In simplest terms this is the difference between the original rate and the current rate, calculated on the balance of the loan over the remaining term.<br /><br />This could turn out to mean you have to pay a large chunk of money, so you might want to check it out yourself before you talk to your lender. Our favourite mortgage guy, Nick Lecuyer, sent me this link: </span><a title="blocked::http://www.calculatorz.com/united/earlyrenew.cgi" href="http://www.calculatorz.com/united/earlyrenew.cgi"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">http://www.calculatorz.com/united/earlyrenew.cgi</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">. Keep in mind that this is just about informing yourself and doesn’t replace talking to a mortgage professional, so your next call should be to your lender or to Nick (705-252-6425).<br /><br />If you are just 'porting' (or expanding) your existing mortgage from one house to another – RELAX – there should be no IRD fee charged. <em>- Glenn</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-9217372540293044970?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-9374371052628675132009-05-04T09:00:00.006-04:002009-05-13T16:08:59.303-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sapaho/752607237/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330487784861376738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfmyZfA4oOI/AAAAAAAAACI/0Bw_z7x-36k/s320/kids+rain.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;">photo source</span></span></a></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It finally seems like spring, but the weather is crazy! Some mornings the kids need a parka to go to school, and are stripped down to t-shirts by the time they come home.</span><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I like to use the </span><a href="http://www.theweathernetwork.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Weather Network website</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> to get my weather reports, and I recently discovered a very cool feature called the SchoolDay Forecast. You select your province, then choose your school. (I suggest that once you find your child's school, you bookmark the page for future reference.) Each day, it will give you not only the forecast, but a suggestion of what to wear both to and from school! I find this a fantastic feature, because at 7:30 in the morning I can't quite wrap my brain around whether 5º means winter coat or spring jacket. </span><a href="http://www.theweathernetwork.com/schools/canschools_en"><span style="font-size:130%;">Click the link</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> to check it out. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-937437105262867513?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-46634344489895238292009-05-02T09:00:00.008-04:002009-08-13T14:58:05.958-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfnC0E7KYvI/AAAAAAAAACY/CDEN0lB1FjQ/s1600-h/flowers.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330505833900565234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfnC0E7KYvI/AAAAAAAAACY/CDEN0lB1FjQ/s320/flowers.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Teleflora's <a href="http://www.findaflorist.com/">Find a Florist</a> is a super-handy tool if you ever need to send flowers outside your own area and want to deal with a florist there, rather than having the order relayed from your local shop. This helps ensure that the shop that will be creating your arrangement has the flowers you want, and that they will be delivered promptly and accurately.</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;"></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Just enter any Canadian or US city and the site will give you a list of area florists, and map their locations. Then just click the link to the website for that florist, make your selection, and you can pay and order online or by phone. <a href="http://www.findaflorist.com/">Click the link</a> to visit the site. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4663434448989523829?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-87406398157404808182009-05-01T09:00:00.012-04:002009-05-07T13:38:36.047-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://www.barriefarmermarket.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330496123847358850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sfm5-4KEuYI/AAAAAAAAACQ/3xhIdSYqSew/s320/farmer%27s+market.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;">photo source</span></a> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">The <a href="http://www.barriefarmermarket.com/">Barrie Farmer's Market</a> reopens its outdoor venue this weekend in front of City Hall at Collier and Mulcaster. The market will be open, rain or shine, until the last weekend of October. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">This is a wonderful spot to get quality, locally grown and made produce, preserves, baking, meats, crafts <a href="http://www.barriefarmermarket.com/vendors.htm">and more</a>. There are always several vendors offering organic products too. If you bring the kids, you may also find buskers, face painting and other fun tidbits there. <a href="http://www.barriefarmermarket.com/">Click the link</a> to read more.</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">If you're from outside Barrie, or are planning a road trip, you can check out the <a href="http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/">Farmer's Markets of Ontario</a> website to see a long list of markets throughout the province. <a href="http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com/">Click the link</a> for more information. Wondering what's in season and when? <a href="http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/english/availability.html">Click the link for a guide</a>. <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8740639815740480818?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-41070953230217871522009-04-30T09:00:00.003-04:002009-05-07T13:38:21.470-04:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Se93ezs8zUI/AAAAAAAAABY/plmg-tHfNsE/s1600-h/money.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327608255361109314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Se93ezs8zUI/AAAAAAAAABY/plmg-tHfNsE/s320/money.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Getting a mortgage can be one of the most worrisome steps when buying a home, and there's nothing worse than finding your dream home but being unable to get the financing you need. </span><br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Fortunately, we have found one of the best guys in Barrie to help our friends and clients to get mortgages, refinance mortgages and/or other debt, and more. </span><a href="http://www.nicklecuyer.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Nick Lecuyer at Dominion Lending Centres</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> has been our go-to guy for years, and we recommend him in a heartbeat. </span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Even if your bank has turned you down for a mortgage, don't give up. A mortgage broker has access to products from a variety of Canadian lending institutions, and can often find options not available at your own bank. </span><a href="http://www.nicklecuyer.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Click the link</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> to learn more! <em>- Glenn</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4107095323021787152?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-86280307471971537622009-04-29T10:43:00.014-04:002009-05-07T13:38:04.133-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sfh6YV1vQKI/AAAAAAAAACA/M63mq7_a6TA/s1600-h/Burlington+Team+Logo2.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330144717590970530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 47px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Sfh6YV1vQKI/AAAAAAAAACA/M63mq7_a6TA/s320/Burlington+Team+Logo2.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A friend read our blog yesterday and asked me "So which of these people are you related to?" </span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">And the answer is: pretty much all of them. If you check out our photo below, I am the short one in the front (Caleigh), and my husband is Greg. Norene is Greg's sister, Glenn is her husband and Rob is their son. While Brandon is not officially related, he fits right in so we've basically adopted him. Greg and I have a son who is 5 years old and we're doing our best to teach him the ropes, but mostly he just drives toy cars over our paperwork. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">So the bottom line is that we are a family business and we understand the importance of family in all aspects of our lives, including buying or selling a home. We get that naptime is sacred, schedules can be crazy, and needs and wants when buying a home for a family are very specific. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Being a family business also means we have a commitment to our work that goes beyond a paycheque. We bring skills to the mix that go beyond the job description. And we are able to provide support to each other and our clients that go beyond what the typical real estate team can offer. Now I'm just getting all mushy, so I'll sign off for today. :) <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8628030747197153762?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-86606450488522536282009-04-28T09:00:00.006-04:002009-05-11T12:39:05.198-04:00<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tve64ubnxcw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Tve64ubnxcw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><div>In a market where more than a quarter of homes listed last year didn't sell, this is a topic on a lot of people's minds. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tve64ubnxcw">In this video</a>, Burlington Team Leader and Broker, Glenn Burlington, discusses what might have gone wrong, and how to make sure it doesn't happen again. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tve64ubnxcw">Click the link</a> to view this brief but informative video. <em>- Glenn</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8660645048852253628?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-6786190596703844842009-04-27T09:51:00.006-04:002009-05-07T13:37:09.071-04:00<a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329370103768439810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfW534e0XAI/AAAAAAAAABw/1uJM8Z91xq8/s320/lovelylisting.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"></span></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/">photo source</a> </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I considered posting something 'serious' today, but Monday morning is just <em>way</em> too early for serious.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size:130%;">So I am compromising by posting something real-estate related but totally entertaining. The blog </span><a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">lovelylisting.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> truly must be seen to be believed, because I could never convey in words how hilarious and horrible these listing photos are. I mean honestly, does </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VTqgQltZ1SM/Sey-D8hr_aI/AAAAAAAACdE/MfD-8AEZ91s/s400/224957_090000072_701_81.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;">this</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> make you feel like home? I think not. </span><a href="http://www.lovelylisting.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Click the link</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> to check it out! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-678619059670384484?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-43428375560035927622009-04-25T09:09:00.005-04:002009-08-13T14:58:17.929-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Se9uMlff6rI/AAAAAAAAABQ/QwRTp2FOorc/s1600-h/deezer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327598046704298674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Se9uMlff6rI/AAAAAAAAABQ/QwRTp2FOorc/s320/deezer.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I'm gonna be honest here and say that I do not work on the weekend. Which I don't want to rub in, since of course our agents (Glenn, Greg, Brandon and Rob) <em>do</em> work evenings and weekends, but there have to be some perks to being the admin, right? Sorry, guys!<br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">So I figured I would schedule an entry for the weekend that's purely for fun.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> Technically this has nothing to do with real estate, houses, Simcoe County or any of our declared subject areas, but it's really too cool not to mention.</span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">As I sit at my desk (well, <em>sat</em>, since I created this entry on Friday), I am enjoying a variety of pop, indie and world music (my favourites, but they have everything) thanks to the very cool website <a href="http://www.deezer.com/">Deezer.com</a>. It's been around for a while, but it's new to me, so I thought it might be new to you too! The music streaming is smooth, simple, free and - best of all - totally legal. <a href="http://www.deezer.com/">Click the link </a>to check it out! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-4342837556003592762?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-85919458989073453622009-04-24T11:31:00.009-04:002009-05-13T16:08:31.315-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfHltFXankI/AAAAAAAAABg/OcK2ripGAk8/s1600-h/hampton.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328292396853272130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/SfHltFXankI/AAAAAAAAABg/OcK2ripGAk8/s320/hampton.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.hamptoninnbarrie.com/">photo source<br /></a></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I'm sure I'm not the only one who has wondered why there are so few hotel choices in Barrie, especially in the South end. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Thank goodness this is changing, with several new hotels including the Super 8 and Holiday Inn Express on Bryne Drive off Mapleview, and the new Days Inn on Bryne just off Essa Road. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">The latest addition is the <a href="http://www.hamptoninnbarrie.com/">Hampton Inn &amp; Suites by Hilton</a>, also on Bryne off Essa (do we have <em>no</em> other streets in this city?). It's a bit higher end, and if the pictures are any indication it's quite elegant and with more amenities than the other three I mentioned. It's too new to have reviews on any of the travel sites I visited, so if anyone wants to let us know what it's like, drop us a line! (<a href="mailto:caleigh@barriehome.com">caleigh@barriehome.com</a>)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">I do like the fact that they guarantee the best rate, so if you book through them then find a better deal through a travel website, they will adjust the rate and give you a bonus. <a href="http://www.hamptoninnbarrie.com/">Click the link</a> for more info. <em>- Caleigh</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-8591945898907345362?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9018674005857882121.post-26654995060532756582009-04-23T09:48:00.006-04:002009-05-07T13:36:25.817-04:00<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Se9dMJKng2I/AAAAAAAAABA/hCwv2s0EeHE/s1600-h/elmvale+MS.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327579347402851170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PUrxaN58uQI/Se9dMJKng2I/AAAAAAAAABA/hCwv2s0EeHE/s320/elmvale+MS.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><a href="http://www.elmvalemaplesyrup.ca/"><span style="font-size:78%;">photo source</span></a></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Most of the region's maple syrup festivals are already over, but if you haven't made it to one yet, you're not too late.</span><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">The </span><a href="http://www.elmvalemaplesyrup.ca/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> is on this weekend, and if it's half as good as they say, it should be a great time. </span><a href="http://www.elmvalemaplesyrup.ca/events.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">Click the link</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> for the full lineup of events, beginning Friday with a midway. I'll be going with my 5-year-old son and he's most looking forward to the pancakes, while I want to check out the arts and crafts show. Should be fun! <em>- Caleigh</em></span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9018674005857882121-2665499506053275658?l=barriehome.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>CCnoreply@blogger.com0