Waterloo Region: Doon Heritage Village

Last weekend, Rox-Anne and I took a trip to Doon Heritage Village at the Waterloo Region Museum. Just a few weeks earlier, I had gone to the Museum, but the Village was closed, so we didn’t have a chance to take a tour. On this visit though, the Village was all decked out for its Country Christmas event, so it was a festive and cheery way to spend a couple of hours.

Doon Heritage Village is a “60-acre living history village that shows visitors what life was like in Waterloo Region in the year 1914.” I was impressed by the knowledgeable staff who provided us with information about food, tradition, family living, and marketplace routines as we moved through each of the buildings in the Village.

There was a lot of natural wood in the homes and merchant shops in the village, but I spotted quite a bit of white, too (as per usual…I’m always on the lookout!).

some tools by the fire in one of the home’s kitchens

wood and wood and more wood in a home’s basement storage area

saddles in the leather shop

white and wood in the leather shop

saddle supplies in the leather shop

pretty wreath on the church door

simplicity in the church

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a glimpse of the loom in the rug weavery

a home dressed for Christmas

food storage in a home’s basement

I love this image of Father Christmas waiting to greet guests, and I’m going to be on the lookout for a wall match strike like this one.

Rox-Anne will be sharing more photos on Celebrating This Life this week, so be sure to check in if you’d like to learn more.Save

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Event: What’s Happening These Days in Kitchener-Waterloo

Anytime is a good time to visit (or move to!) the Waterloo region (see my Design*Sponge Waterloo city guide here), but Christmas time is especially charming. The streets and stores are decorated, and it seems to me that the people around town are happier than their usually happy selves.

Here is some of what is going on in the next few weeks in the region. If you know of any other events, please add them in the comments!

What: Tree trimming party
Where: Langdon Hall
When: Nov. 25th (tonight!)
Cost: Bring an ornament for the tree at Langdon Hall, then enjoy a drink and music. Learn more about Langdon Hall’s tree trimming event here.

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What: Christkindl Market – At this traditionally German market in downtown Kitchener, you’ll find wooden German ornaments, delicious treats, and plenty of Glühwein.
Where: Downtown Kitchener – City Hall
When: The market is on from December 3rd to 6th.
Cost: free to attend

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What: The Grand Philharmonic Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah
When: Dec. 12th, 7:30pm
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $24-$74, tickets can be purchased here

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What: The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s Yuletide Spectacular
When: Dec. 18-20, various performances
Where: Centre in the Square
Cost: regular tickets $19 and up, tickets can be purchased here

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What: Christmas at Castle Kilbride – Marvel at the gorgeous Victorian decor at Castle Kilbride. Go for a tour or enjoy an apple cider and entertainment at a Merry Victorian Christmas
When: now until Jan. 3
Where: Castle Kilbride – Baden, Ontario
Cost: tours – adults $6.50 (see more here)

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Marketplace: Celebrate Quebec design with Etsy

Etsy is currently celebrating Quebec design with The Etsy Design Awards: The Best of Quebec. Etsy artisans are so incredibly talented, and I’m happy to share some of my favourite pieces from Quebec designers.

il_570xN.737810674_t8mlfeather ring – Annie Lesperance, sterling silver, $32.28

il_570xN.626432891_3islscribble dress for babies and kids – Double Yellow Line, $60

il_570xN.754228481_d2zowhite handmade bowl – Looks Like White, $22

il_570xN.755179547_ny85handmade bead embroidered bracelet – Antonietta Presti, $125

I also think this pink birdhouse is sweet, this abracadabra patch is cute, these earrings are great for summer, and this lobster print makes me laugh.

If you’re interested in supporting Canadian designers and Etsy owners, check out the finalists and cast your votes!

Travel: Some Things to Do and See in Kingston, Ontario

Yesterday, I reviewed the Four Points by Sheraton in Kingston, Ontario. Today, I’m sharing some of the photos I took of places and spaces around the city.

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lakeside sculpture

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brrr…just a tad chilly!

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the beautiful half-frozen lake

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impressive entrance at City Hall

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limestone walls at City Hall

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a gorgeous vintage set of drawers

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the Grand Theatre

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pretty architectural details

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stone laneway

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a meal at Pan Chancho is a must

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drinks at the Red House

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chalkboard art at Tango Nuevo

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classic Italian food at Olivea

White-Cabana-Kingston-16the market square skating rink and City Hall

The Friday Five: Halifax

A few weeks ago, I took my first trip to Halifax. I was only there for a weekend, and I spent most of the time at a work conference, but I had a few hours here and there to tour the city. Here are five photos from my collection.

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church at Argyle/Prince

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Pier 21 plaque

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church on Barrington St.

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detail of church door on Barrington St.

White-Cabana-Halifax-5construction site on Argyle St.

I’m planning on sharing more photos and recap soon, but for now, I’ll just wish you all a very happy weekend!

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