Best Source for your Single Cup Brewer

Christmas 2010 I received a great Christmas present from my hubby, and I use it at least once a day, if not more.     I got a Keurig Single Cup Brewer.     I had done the big debate... Keurig or Tassimo?   What is this Dolce Gusto thing?    After much deliberation, I chose the Keurig.    (this reminded me of the debates in the 80's between VHS or Beta...)    

At that time, the K-Cups weren't as popular as they are now in your grocery store.    Basically any grocery store has a pretty good selection of them now, and there are many on-line sites for stocking up on everything you could possibly need for your single cup brewer.

About the time I received my machine, I had seen a segment on CH Morning Live and there was a segment with ESC Coffee.   They talked about their busy and growing showroom filled with all things needed for your brewer and even sold the machines too.    As soon as I could Dec. 27th, I immediately after Christmas and family obligations made a trip down to ESC Coffee in Burlington, just north of Appleby and North Service Road.   

The staff are super friendly, helpful and encourage you to grab a sample of the product first, and brew before you buy.    They have everything for your Keurig, Tassimo, Dolce Gusto etc...  Any product to brew in them from coffee, tea and hot chocolate, as well as accessories (like frothers, syrups and dairy products) to make any fancy drinks.   

If you are not local to the Burlington, Waterdown, Oakville area, then you can always order from them on-line.    Their website is www.ecscoffee.com   In the year I have been going there, the showroom keeps growing bigger and bigger and the store is always busy (Christmas is insane!)

If you live closeby, I really encourage you to check them out.    You have no idea just how much product is out there for them until you go.    So many interesting brands that you will just not find at your local grocery store.   

You can find them at:

5035 North Service Road Unit C1-C3
Burlington, ON L7L 5V2
Call: (905) 631-1524 or 1-800-263-3890

SHOWROOM HOURS:
Monday – Wednesday: 9am – 5:30pm,
Thursday 9-8,
Friday 9-8
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday 10am-5pm

Best Tobogganing

So far it has been a warmer and greener winter than we have be used to in this area.    With the fall of snow today, I thought I'd share some great spots to go tobogganing this weekend and take advantage of the natural snowfall.

In Waterdown, people love to flock to Memorial Park to take advantage of the rolling hills for tobogganing, but the City of Hamilton (which Waterdown is a part of), began putting up signs in it's parks last year warning of a $5000 fine for tobogganing in it's parks.    Seems the City was being sued for injuries that people suffered while tobogganing in City Parks so they began posting those signs last year.    I have not heard of anyone actually being fined, but still, I would not risk it.   

As a girl I loved to toboggan at the "Reservoir" in Hamilton located at the corner of Garth & Stonechurch.    I have not been there for years and do not know if there are signs posted there warning of fines but it was always a great spot to toboggan for free.

In looking up great places to go tobogganing in the area, I found recommendations for:

Lowville Park   http://cms.burlington.ca/Page428.aspx

Bronte Creek Provincial Park   http://www.brontecreek.org/explore-bronte-creek.htm

Dundas Valley Conservation Area   http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/area-information/conservation-areas/area-information/dundas-valley

...I also saw comments from parents on-line who recommended Orchard Park (Burlington) just off of Sutton Drive in the Orchards area in East Burlington which

Tobogganing/Sled Recommendations:
#1 – Crazy Carpet – Out of control tobogganing which makes it our number 1. Not ideals for parents doubling up with young children. Safety first!
#2 – Inflatable Tube – This fan favorite is easy on the backside, it’s fast and is awesome over jumps.
#3 – MX Sled – These seem to be rising in popularity in part to x games marketing. Part bike, part snowboard the MX Sled delivers a stand up experience that promotes new tricks and the evolution of tobogganing!
#4 – Snow Moto – Similar to the GT Snow racer of the 80′s and 90′s, this little sled stands up well to abuse. Good for jumps, speed and durability. Many reviews though do insist that kids over 11-12 years old will find it too small to use.
#5 – Wood Toboggan – Had to put this on the list, but more so to say that it’s a waste of money! Do not buy a wood toboggan if you want to toboggan. It’s like the silent rule that almost everyone knows. Don’t be that person that shows up at the hill with your kids carting in this heavy coffee table…

Make sure you are thinking safety too. Especially with toddlers and younger. Helmets are always a good idea and make sure you dress warm. Hot chocolate in a thermos is always a good idea too. Most of all have fun tobogganing!

Best Winter Skating

New Years was a week ago and the kids still have a whole weekend before they head back to school.    If you're like me, you've been trying to find things for your kids to do this week.   One thing you might like to do is try out some of the local arena's and take yourself or your family for a little skate.
In Burlington, Tim Horton's has sponsored free skate days during the Christmas Break.   Admission during the Tim Horton's Holiday Recreational Skating is free, but has limited space and based on first come first served.    Normally, if you do not have a Burlington address, there is an extra $8 fee for non-Burlington Residents on top of normal fees.    This is a great chance to explore the Burlington arenas free of charge.   Skate times this weekend are:

Appleby Ice Centre Arena B:  

• Sat. Jan 7th from 630p-730p, 730p-830p, 830-930p                    
• Sun Jan. 8th from 12p-1p and 1p-2p

Nelson Arena:  Sun Jan 8th from 1p-2p and 2p-3p.

Locally right in and near Waterdown we are blessed with many arenas.     There is North Wentworth Arena in Waterdown, Carlisle Arena in Carlisle and Beverly Arena in Rockton.    Please visit the City of Hamilton website to learn more about what is offered at these arenas...  

http://www.hamilton.ca/CultureandRecreation/Recreation/CentresPoolsArenas/

Below is  what you can expect to pay if you are a resident of the Greater City of Hamilton which services these facilities...

Arena and Rink Admission Fees

	Youth	Adult	Senior	Family	Parent & Tot
Daily	2.80	4.10	2.80	7.90	3.15
Yearly Skate Pass*	34.00	53.75	34.00	74.75	----
Daily Shinny**	----	6.40	----	----	----

(*) Note: If your home address is not within the official City of Hamilton boundary, a $11.25 non-resident surcharge plus applicable taxes will be charged on each clip card, monthly pass and yearly pass that you purchase.

(**) Note: Yearly Skate Pass does not include Shinny.

Fee Descriptions

Youth = under 18 years old
Adult = 18 to 54 years old
Senior = 55+ years old
Family = 1 or 2 adults with dependent children, under 18 years of age, living at the same address