News from some of our faves

We have posted a lot about new businesses in the neighbourhood, but this post is exciting news about a some of the business that have been around for a while.

Our more established businesses are so valuable to our neighbourhood – where would we be had they not taken a chance on our end of town, back in the day?

Manzer Hair Studio

Manzer Hair Studio asked us to let you know that they’ve moved to a new location! You can find Nicole, Rachel and Hannah working out of a gorgeous new space west of Woodbine at 1993 Danforth, formerly Nippon Video.

On October 6, you are invited to drop in for their grand opening to see the new space. Here’s a sneak peek:manzer

 

Sugarmoon Salon

Happy Birthday to Sugermoon, 1509 Danforth + two other locations! They are 14 years young and to celebrate they are offering 14% of products and services!

smlogo

Pegasus Studios

It is hard to believe but Pegasus Studios (361 Glebeholme Blvd) is turning 30 this year. This family-run dance school is such a special place for people of any age who want to dance, create & move.

pegasus-30

Happy 30th to Pegasus!! Here’s to the next 30 years and beyond.

 

Melanie’s Bistro

Do you have the September blues? A night out at Melanie’s (1870 Danforth) will help. Delicious food, you can bring your own wine every day – free corkage on Wednesdays! – and since Melanie is a pastry chef,  the desserts will never disappoint. If dinner isn’t your thing, visit them for lunch and weekend brunches!

mels

 

 

 

Festival of Lights: Pictures & Thank You!

A HUGE thank you to Angela Matich and her crew of volunteers for putting together Nov. 29th’s wonderful Festival of Lights. Thanks too to the approximately 1000 (!) of you who came out to East Lynn Park to help celebrate the season and light up the park Danforth East-style! The amazing turnout blew our estimates out of the water, so the hundreds of loots bags (courtesty of Art CaveKids Fun TownOaks & AcornsPegasus Studio & Silly Goose Kids–be sure to check out Silly Goose’s author event with Helaine Becker this Sunday at 10:30. Free cider!) went mighty quickly. So did the 300 cups of delicious hot chocolate donated  by Melanie’s Bistro and the yummy treats provided by Celena’s Bakery. Next year we’ll have more supplies on hand so no one goes empty-handed.

Thank you to the Pegasus Studio Dancers, the East End Music Project Choir for entertaining us, and to Show Pro for the sound equipment. The Zero Gravity Circus Fire Artist and LED Hula Hooper lit up the night spectacularly.

A big special thanks to our key sponsors who made this event happen: Sugarmoon (Catch their open house tomorrow, Dec. 10, 11-8pm!) and Corinne McCabe – Bosley Real Estate Broker.

Here are some beautiful shots of the festivities courtesy of local shutterbug Bruce Reeve and DECA’s Sheri Hebdon so you can relive the fun or see what you missed (and mark your calendars for next year!).

Zero Gravity Circus Fire Artist wowing the crowds.
Zero Gravity Circus Fire Artist wowing the crowds.
Pegasus Dancers kick the party off.
Pegasus Dancers kick things off.
Crowds gather to sing along with the East End Music Project.
Crowds gather to sing along with the East End Music Project.
Organizer Angela Matich handing out free treats.
Organizer Angela Matich handing out free treats.
Zero Gravity Circus' LED Hula Hooper lit up the night.
Zero Gravity Circus’ LED Hula Hooper lit up the night.
Fire artistry at its finest.
Fire artistry at its finest.
Hooray for Hula Hoops!
Hooray for Hula Hoops!

 

A Danforth East Mother’s Day

Forget all those department store flyers that you get in the mail this week, Danforth East has your Mother’s Day needs covered.  Whether she’s partial to the traditional gifts, prefers the gift of time or the gift of silence, there is something local for everyone.

  • Picnic in the Park: Put the little ones in the wagon with a large blanket, soccer balls and sunscreen and head down to Better Bulk (2044 Danforth Ave.).  You can get some organic cookies, fruit and juice boxes, and some chocolate covered espresso beans might not hurt either. You also need to check out the fridge by the cash counter where there is a selection of fancy cheese that is a true hidden gem of the neighbourhood!  Next, swing by Royal Beef (1968 Danforth Ave.) for some of their house-made-all-natural-nitrite-free sliced roast beef, some havarti cheese (can there ever be too much cheese?), kaiser buns, garlic stuffed olives and some of that delicious chocolate stuff they have on the top of the deli counter.  (Bring extra freezer packs because you’re unlikely to leave without some meat for dinner too.) Pack it all up the cooler bag and roll the gang over to East Lynn Park for an afternoon of slides, swings, sandwiches and snacks. And if you were to drink wine out of a water bottle while you’re there, who would know?  Not that we would ever suggest such a thing.
  • BackYard Oasis:  Clean off the outdoor furniture and freshen up the back yard with some bright outdoor pillows from the Pillow Shoppe (1434 Danforth Ave).  Conveniently, they have a buy 2 get 1 free promotion going on right now.  Make sure to set out a icy cool pitcher of lemonade and some fresh fruit prepared in a bowl and some snacks from Plank Road Market (1716 Danforth Ave.) DECA fun fact: Plank Road Market was our first business revitalization project.
  • Green Thumb: If she views gardening as a relaxing and enjoyable activity and not a taxing chore, then have the kids tell her she’s loved by spending the day gardening together.  You could pick up a flat of flowers from one of many local garden shops and wrap up some Gardener’s Hand Repair Lotion available at Len (698 Coxwell Ave.).  And if she’s in need of gardening gloves, tools or gardening pots you’d better stop by Home Hardware (2154 Danforth Ave.).
  • The Simple Snooze Button: For many mothers an extra hour of sleep is literally a dream come true.  So when the little ones start making noise on Sunday morning let mom sleep in.  Take the kids out.  It does not matter where, just not within earshot.  Don’t return home until 11:00 a.m. and don’t dare walk in the door without a latte from Seb’s Cappuccino (1928 Danforth Ave. ) and a croissant from Celena’s Bakery (2036 Danforth Ave.).
  • Traditional Day: Treat her to a lovely brunch at Melanie’s Bistro (1870 Danforth Ave.).  I recommend the eggs florentine.  There you can present her with a gift card for some pampering – like a simple mani or pedi from Metro Nails (1985 Danforth Ave.) or services from SUGARMOON (1509 Danforth Ave.), who happen to have a Mother’s Day promotion on now too.  Melanie’s is also a lovely spot for dinner, and they also rock the late-night dessert as well.

See? There are so many options to spoil and spend time with mom this weekend.  Let’s be clear, if you can’t choose between these great options, it is possible to do all of these if you really want to hit it out of the park!   We have so many wonderful businesses, so if you need more ideas please scroll through our posts.  Feel free to leave a comment if you have other thoughts.

Lotion from Len
Lotion from Len
Pillows from the Pillow Shoppe
Pillows from the Pillow Shoppe
SUGARMOON promotion
SUGARMOON promotion  

10 Years for Local Sweet Spot – SUGARMOON

Congratulations on 10 Years on the Danforth

We have love for SUGARMOON.  We noted the local body sugaring salon as a Danforth Gem in previous posts.  Which is why we are so happy to wish them a Happy 10th Birthday.

The SUGARMOON story is one that aspiring business owners can learn from.  They started as a small in home business in the east end and over the years have moved twice, opened a second downtown location, launched their own line of organic skincare products and most recently, launched their Sugaring Take-Home Kit. Where will they go next?

Besides helping to improve our community by making us smooth and hairless, owner Paola Girotti has helped our community by partnering with DECA on a number of projects.   She’s donated to the DECA Arts Fair, donated to have the wading pool at East Lynn Park painted and most recently the helped co-host the Harvest Moon Festival at the East Lynn Park Farmers’ Market.  “SUGARMOON wouldn’t be where we are today without the community…” notes Paola, “and we’re so excited about all the positive changes that have been happening in the neighbourhood.”

Congratulations Paola and the SUGARMOON team on 10 fabulous years! Thank you for your commitment to our neighbourhood.

The SUGARMOON gang will be downtown at the National Women’s Show this weekend. Every other day of the week, except Sunday’s, you can find them at 1509 Danforth Avenue.

TONIGHT: Pub crawlin’ good times with DECA

Don’t forget about the DECA Pub Crawl tonight.  The fun starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Sidewalk Café then continues on to Sarah’s Cafe and Bar, El Sol, TKO’s and Relish Bar & Grill.  There promises to be tappas, margaritas, karaoke, martinis, mexican beer and great conversations with your neighbours.  For more info or to RSVP contact Tara.

Harvest Moon with SUGARMOON and Alterna Savings!

There will be ponies. There will be bouncy castles. There will be music. And so, so much more.

We’re celebrating the harvest this week at HARVEST MOON, and this is our biggest festival of the year thanks to generous contributions from two local businesses, SUGARMOON and Alterna Savings. If there was ever a week to cancel your afternoon meetings and pack your picnic basket, this is it.

Here is a rundown of Thursday’s activities:

  • A bouncy castle and a bouncy obstacle course starting at about 3:00 p.m.
  • Ever been on a pony? Now’s your chance. Pony rides will be available from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
  • The friendly folks from SUGARMOON will be on hand to answer all of your questions about body sugaring and other services and products available at this sweet spot on the Danforth. They will also be  showcasing their first sugaring take-home kit.
  • Mrs. Darling will be back with magnificent pumpkin painting crafts starting at 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Feel free to bring your own mini pumpkin.  She will also have some available for purchase. 
  • Garden Mum will provide advice about what to do to close up the garden for the season and indoor gardening tips starting at 5:00 p.m.
  • The Touch Table from the Toronto Zoo will be on hand to their hands-on display of plant and animal biofacts starting at 4:00 p.m.
  • Ceiligrass Boys will be belting out bluegrass melodies to help set the mood.

Tell your children. Tell your friends. Tell your friends’ children. This week promises not to disappoint!

The East Lynn Farmer’s Market runs every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. between June-October at East Lynn Park, located on the south side of Danforth Ave, just west of Woodbine Ave.