COVID-19 has changed the way we all live, work, and shop. And these past few months have not been an easy time for our businesses here in Liberty Village. But now, we’re cautiously optimistic that we’re turning a corner.
As we all begin to venture out into our city again, the LVBIA is launching a local recovery initiative called LOVE, LIBERTY.
To learn more about LOVE, LIBERTY, we’re conducting a live Webinar on Monday, June 22, at 9:00 AM. Our team will walk you through how the campaign works, how it can help your business, and what tools and resources are available to you. Sign up at the link below…
It goes without saying that Father’s Day might look a little different this year with limited places to go celebrate and having to adjust annual traditions.
With that said, there is lots of opportunity to get creative and adjust to our current climate by shopping local and gifting somewhat non-traditional gifts and experiences.
Checkout our Father’s Day Guide, 2020 edition. Our guide has two goals in mind, to help you celebrate all the seasoned dads, new dads, and future dads, while supporting the local businesses we love.
Beer & Brisket
Can’t go to your favourite restaurant or BBQ spot? Why not bring the BBQ home to dad! Liberty Commons offers everything from prepared chef kits ready for you to throw on the grill to fully cooked meals for the whole family. Whether you’re a family that grills together or prefers to just dine together Liberty Commons has you covered.
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for gourmet barbeque and local beer, their beer shop is also open and ready to help you pair your BBQ with the perfect beer for a true restaurant experience right at home.
The Gift of Fitness
Got a dad who loves to keep fit or is always down to try something new? With F45’s new online classes you can buy dad the gift of at home fitness and motivation so he can stay on top of his game.
Set fitness goals together, encourage each other, and best of all, meet each other online and workout together! F45Live is a great way to see dad on a regular basis while doing something you can both enjoy and benefit from. While you and dad get fit together, you’re also helping keep the doors of your favourite local gym stay open.
With $30 weekly memberships and zero commitment options this is a great way for dad to try it out and to tide him over until he can get back to visiting his regular gym. Read more about the people behind F45 Liberty Village and F45Live here.
Fresh Fades & Cuts
Although at home haircuts have become a fad and necessity, they do not compare to the full barbershop experience. While barbershops aren’t open yet, the days when they’ll re-open, and fresh haircuts are a reality again are near! Word on the street that this may be happening sometime in June.
In anticipation of the days when fresh fades and haircuts are possible, plan a father-son barbershop visit with an IOU to visit Axe and Hatchet or The Village Barbershop – take the stress off dad, by keeping an eye on re-opening dates, booking your appointments, and simply letting him know where and when!
Home Improvements
Make plans this Father’s Day to work on a home project and build something together.
Now that we’re all spending time at home more than ever, there’s even more reason to make it into a home we you and your family love, the smallest upgrades like a coat of paint or pop of colour on the front door can make all the difference, and plus there’s nothing better than bonding with dad over a little DIY project, right?
May it be dad helping you up your home and patio game, or you helping dad with those never-ending projects at his place, your local Home Hardware is open and ready to serve you so you can show up ready to get that project done.
Beer Tasting & Cocktails
There’s nothing like a cold beer or refreshing cocktail on a hot day. Treat dad to an at home tasting experience. Pick-up some of your favourite local beers, or a fancy cocktail kit along with all the speciality glassware and create an experience and memories you’ll remember forever. It’s never too late to start new traditions.
With a variety of store fronts now open like, West Elm, Kitchen Stuff Plus, EQ3, Structube, Canadian Tire, and Home Hardware, you have endless options to find the perfect glassware and accessories to create a boutique experience at home.
You can also check out our list of Happy Hour take-out options in Liberty Village for places to pick-up local cocktail kits and beers.
Cake Delivery
Bakery doors may be closed, but their kitchens are open! For the Love of Cake is still busy baking and creating delicious sweet treats.
You can find a full list of what they have to offer on their website and contact them directly, or you can even have your cakes delivered via Uber Eats.
Surprising dad with a customized sweet treat to satisfy his sugar craving has never been easier or more delicious than this!
Shop “Local”
Treat dad to an at home restaurant experience without having come up with all the ideas, walk the isles of the grocery store or stand in long LCBO line-ups.
You can literally, shop Local! Local Liberty Village has transformed into your local one stop shop for all things delicious and indulgent. Pick-up everything from meal kits, fruits and veggies, meats, snacks, cheese, pantry essentials, and so much more.
You can even have everything delivered for free, though DoorDash while you clean and set-up your patio before dad arrives, or save 10% if you decide to pick-up.
Checkout what other Liberty Village restaurants are also doing to make mealtime easier for you and your celebrations.
We hope this guide helps you create new traditions and memories. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandads, and dads-to-be!
Most of us are now close to the two month mark of our stay-at-home time in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means that some of us have had time to process what is going on, take personal inventory of our emotions, and make a plan for what the next steps might include. It also means that for others, there has been little time to reflect due to working, home-schooling, personal and family health and well-being issues, food and safety issues, and the list goes on. While each of our situations can be very different, it’s important to show compassion for one another and be there to emotionally support those in our close circle and community. One of the most profound ideas I have seen throughout this pandemic is the idea that we are all in the same storm, and our boats may be differently equipped to handle the struggles at hand.
While we navigate each day simultaneously alone and together, it’s important to take note and care of your personal mental health. Again, this can look very different for each of us; a parent or caregiver of three might have only a bathroom break to take stock and check-in where a person living alone might have an entire afternoon or a luxurious quiet walk to be able to check-in and assess their mental health.Regardless, our mental health is an important piece of our overall health. We are moving through these uncharted waters as a human collective, so be kind and know that you don’t have to have this all sorted out and make sense of things that make no sense. Instead, focus on yourself; on what you can do to help keep yourself healthy, which in turn, helps keep those around you healthy.
Here are a few things that I have done and think are worth sharing:
1. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself! Listen to your self-talk and the things that you say to yourself. If it feels challenging to be nice to yourself, think of the things you would say to a loved one or friend going through a tough time and say them to yourself.
2. Create a Routine: Take control of what you can! With so many unknowns out there, try waking up at the same time each day, setting structure to the day, and going to bed at the same time. Can you schedule a workout or a walk so that you know you have prioritized time to take care of you? Our brains favour the consistency of routine and it helps us to feel less anxious. 3. Lean on Your Community: We’ve heard so many times that we are all in this together. While each of our days and situations can vary drastically, it’s important to stay connected. Reach out to your friends, family, and community at large. Perhaps your worship community is connecting online, or your regular bridge group still meets virtually; find ways to stay connected to your circle. When moments or days get tough, reach out to them and ask for support. It’s ok to not be ok, and to lean on those who care about you when you need them.
4. Get Creative: Spark your creative juices, or keep them flowing! You might do this by experimenting with new ingredients in the kitchen or find a new recipe. Perhaps you are finding new ways to exercise in your home (is anyone else doing counter push-ups and chair tricep dips?) or have dusted off something that used to spark joy and then you got “too busy” for.
5. Take a News Break: There is news everywhere! Pay attention to when the news starts to feel overwhelming. With constant updates on our phones, televisions, and computers, give your brain a much-needed break.
Of course these are just a few thoughts that have worked for me, but the ways to support your metal health can encompass so much and be a very individualized plan. Mental and physical health have always been deemed as important, but we may see even more value in it as we navigate this global pandemic. Be sure to take excellent care of yourself and to manage the things that you can control. We will make our way through this, alone and together.
Patio season is among us and take-out cocktails are in! If there’s ever been a better time to master your mixology skills, it’s now. Just because you can’t sit at a bar it doesn’t mean the bar cannot come to you.
Many local restaurants are open and ready to setup you up for success in your mixology and bartending journey at home!
LOCAL
If you’ve ever been to Local, then you’re definitely familiar with their ever-rotating taps, and as much as we’re all sad not to be able to dine-in, we’re happy to still be able to take-out and take advantage of their rotating weekly bar deals.
The Local Corner Store & Offsales offers a variety of different take-out options. This week for $56 you can pick-up everything you need to make the perfect Moscow Mule. Your kit includes Tito’s Vodka, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, and fresh lime.
Not a cocktail person? Their menu also offers a wine, cups, & games combo, and 6-packs of beer or cider. Basically, everything you could possibly need on a sunny summer afternoon.
Visit their website for weekly updated specials. They offer delivery and 10% off pick-up orders.
MILDRED’S TEMPLE KITCHEN
If going out of good ol’ classic boozy brunch is your summer style, don’t let social distancing stop you! Midlred’s Temple Kitchen is keeping boozy brunchin’ alive with their take-out bottles and cocktail kits.
For $37.00 you can save your muscles for your home workouts and pick-up freshly squeezed orange juice with a bottle of Cava Flama D’Or for the perfect at-home mimosa. If you’re not into classic mimosas pick-up your Pink Panther kit, complete with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and Belstar Cuvée Rosé.
Other kit options include the Whitley Neill Gin & Tonic kit, the Whitley Neill ‘Rhubarb and Ginger’ Gin & Tonic kit, and the Mildred’s Caesar Kit, complete with Red Hot Millie Peppers Hot Sauce, Mildred’s seasoned salt rimmer and biodegradable straws.
*Pick-up days and times vary, check their website for regular updates.
THE CRAFT
Not everyone wants to be a mixologist, lucky for us the folks at The Craft get that. They’re keeping their take-out menu nice and simple for us by offering cold cans for take-out. No matter if you’re a stout, lager, or pilsner type of person they have a beer option for you, and for the wine lovers out there, add a bottle to your dinner order for two!
Craving some Big Rock beer? You can now order their brews for take-out. Pick-up a couple of cans of their Traditional Ale, Citradelic, Grasshopper, Pilsner, or Rhine Stone Cowboy to go. Are one of you a craft beer junky and the other a wine lover? Not to fear you can also pick-up sparkling, white, and red wine to go with your dinner.
Last week we had the privilege to sit down (over Zoom, of course), with Matt Webster, head trainer and studio manager of F45 Liberty Village, and owner Jarrett Slaney.
We discussed the trials and tribulations that F45 is facing during these unprecedented times, and how a business that is solely built on community and in person interactions, is managing to pivot and maintain a sense of togetherness while we are all physically staying apart.
At the end of this post you can find links and information on how you can join in on F45 classes from home
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For those who may not be familiar with the F45 brand and business model, do you mind giving me a little breakdown on how F45 is structured/works?
F45 is a fitness franchise of group training, it originated in Australia around six or seven years ago, I brought F45 to Canada, it’ll be five years in September. So. F45 Liberty Village is the first one in the country. The business model is group fitness and we’re tailored around doing workouts that you’ll never do twice. We’re heavily into innovation with technology. We have TV screens throughout the room that show you what to do, and a one on one opportunity to work with the trainers in a group setting. Our workouts are based around three main principles that we implement in our studios – innovation, motivation and results.
“We provide the high energy and the atmosphere of a group fitness class, but you get the expertise and the coaching of a certified personal trainer, all in a fun group environment.”
Our 5 studios are owned and run by just myself and my business partners. We funded everything ourselves, without any investors.
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For a business like yours where human interaction and being together in the same place together is the essence of your business, this cannot be an easy time for you. What has been the toughest for you during this pandemic and with this new norm of physical distancing?
From a training standpoint, what’s most difficult about this is we’ve always taken for granted how much easier it is to coach somebody when you’re physically right there with them, you can see how their body works better, and read their body language more.
The number one thing I think people love about F45, besides the workout is the community. It can sound cliché to say that in the fitness industry that is it’s all about family and community, but it actually is, people are excited to come to workout. They’re excited to know that they’re going to have the same trainer that knows everything about them, we know everything from their injuries, and progressions to their regressions. Our team of trainers provide our members with a diverse range of expertise. We have varying backgrounds including personal training, kinesiology and exercise science. The main thing is our trainers love what they do and they bring that enthusiasm and passion to our studio (or online classes) everyday.
“It’s their vice to get away from the everyday world.”
A lot of our members say that because F45 Liberty Village is their second home, some consider it their first home because they will see Matt, myself and the trainers more than they do their family.
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When you realized all of this and when it really settled in that you weren’t going to be able to welcome your members into your gym for a while, what was your initial reaction?
We have a studio manager in all the locations, and I remember when we knew [the Covid-19 lockdowns were coming] and we knew we had to close the doors, we decided that we all needed to jump on facetime and discuss what are we going to do? We signed-up for a Zoom account right away. This was before anyone else was really understanding how you can deliver an F45 workout over the Internet.
“We’ve accepted the fact that all our coaching now has to be done online through a computer, and so that’s been a difficult transition.”
What our members appreciate about the training that we bring to them – the knowledge and the fact that they’re going to come into a class and we’re not going to let them have bad form and get hurt. So, we wanted to bring that same value to the live training sessions.
“Having two coaches, one sitting at their computer, with one solely watching everybody’s form, I think has given people a lot of value.”
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So, how have you pivoted your business and managed to maintain your revenue streams and sense of community?
A lot of the first couple days and weeks was trial and error. We had an amazing marketing company, Virul media come in and we filmed our own workouts that we thought originally, we were going to have a website where you can log in and watch our workouts, but then we realized that’s what every other fitness industry or influencer in the world is doing, putting up a workout on the screen and you just follow along.
“So, we thought, how can we be different? Why do people keep coming back to see Matt and the other trainers? It’s because they want to see us, they want to hear feedback on what they’re doing, how they can do better”
And then F45 HQ kind of stepped up with some pivoting online as well, but we didn’t wait for that. We put together a couple of computers, with one trainer speaking and providing feedback and the other trainer working out.
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How is business going these days, with your new setup in place and reinvented revenue streams?
Revenues are down, so, we consciously decided that we’d rather have more people be able to join our classes, rather than us trying to recoup any of our costs. All we care about is keeping our doors open for when we are allowed to reopen. And we know that a lot of people are struggling at this time, so we consciously made the F45Live Workout a reasonable price and members can cancel at any time.
“We do have some members that have kept their membership active, and that’s something we’ll remember forever.”
F45Live Workouts has taken off really well, we have around 50 to 60 people per class and we have people from PEI, Vancouver, Australia, L.A. that jump on. Who else? We’ve had people join from Switzerland.
“We have friends that have moved around the world that are logging on because they want to see familiar faces.”
It’s also been really good to bring together – the different trainers and members from all of our sister locations and allow some trainers to run courses from Waterloo for instance and then Toronto’s Regent Park, Toronto Downtown and Liberty Village. We’ve always wanted to do that eventually anyways, bring the community together.
We also have our Friday night socials, which has been really great to have members from different studios to get together for a drink and trivia nights – it’s been a big hit.
We’ve also started hosting seminars, they have been really good in allowing us to partner with young entrepreneurs who want to talk about life coaching for instance, we had a doctor talk about COVID-19 early on to learn more about it straight from a doctor rather than just what’s shared through the media.
“We’re trying to bridge the gap between what we are really good at in person with now what we’re doing online and keeping it interactive.”
This is something we will likely keep doing for people who aren’t comfortable with coming back into the studio, and it will allow more people to join our classes once we reopen since we may have a limitation on class size.
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Is there anything about your Liberty Village location that makes it unique or different compared to your other locations? May it be before non-essential businesses have been closed or after.
Yeah, each studio is completely unique from each other. Liberty Village is super unique because they have this pride that they’re the original F45’ers in Canada, and I love our original members because they’re the ones that took a chance on us, when no one knew what F45 was.
“You also have the uniqueness of Liberty Village is that the community really does care about local businesses and they really have this sense of ownership, which I really like.”
We were just this little studio down an alleyway that was originally called Death Alley in the Liberty Village Market Building. It’s pretty awesome to see how quickly that changed around, now there’s companies like Athletes Kitchen, there’s Garden Gangsters, a new yoga studio, Oxygen Yoga beside us. We really transformed Liberty Village into a fitness mecca.
There’s a lot of options with Pure Yoga down the street, the Reebok’s CrossFit, a Goodlife fitness, and many personal trainers who do one-on-one.
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If you could give your fellow small business owners, especially those who run a brick and mortar business, one piece of advice during these unprecedented times what would it be?
I think number one is to take a breath and sit back. We’re all going through this together, so panicking is probably the worst thing you can do. The second would definitely be to surround yourself with the best team possible. Just having that support, especially as a small business owner you tend to do a lot of the things you do on your own. So being able to have Matt and the other managers at the studios and my business partner, as people to lean on, because you’re definitely going to doubt yourself.
This pandemic has made us better business owners. If you can get through this then you pretty much can get through anything. And then the third thing is to remember that it really is all about your customers and the service you provide. The way we pivoted to online within days and were able to keep our product extremely consistent with value, has helped us keep our current members accountable, healthy and engaged. They will notice the hard work you put in during stressful times and will reward you when you reopen the doors. They could have all walked away, no amount of government help could really help us get through this situation, it’s the fact that we know that when we reopen our doors, we’ll have a flood of people eager to walk through our doors, once again.
This is the first time F45 Liberty Village has been closed since they first opened their doors September 2015. During this time they have made the most of their doors being closed by investing in renovations, so their members will have a brand new studio to come back to once, they are able to re-open their doors.
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In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to join in on F45 Live Workouts from home:
CLICK HERE or create a free account with the studio F45 Training App to sign-up to join FREE 60-minute hybrid (cardio & resistance) classes every Saturday at 10 AM
F45Live memberships cost $30 per week for unlimited classes (3 classes daily) and seminars, your membership also gives your access to recordings of past live classes, with no commitment – cancel anytime with 24 hours notice
If you’d like more information on how to sign-up or collaborations you can contact F45 Liberty Village at libertyvillage@f45training.com
By now you’ve probably been at home, physically distancing yourself, and doing all you can to help flatten the curve for at least a few weeks. We appreciate all you are doing to help our community. We are in this together!
With that, it is likely that you are ready to take a break (if you haven’t already) from cooking for yourself 3 times a day, 7 days a week. Lucky for us in Liberty Village we are blessed with endless options to choose from. Many of our local restaurants are pivoting their business models to keep their lights on and staff on the payroll. It is for this reason that we can have compiled a list of all the restaurants in Liberty Village that are open and ready to serve you!
So, when you are ready to treat yourself to a special meal, an evening off from cooking, Saturday night virtual drinks with your friends, or are planning a candle lit stay-at-home date with your loved one, we have you covered with so many amazing options right here at home in Liberty Village.
When possible, we encourage you to contact restaurants directly to place your orders, take advantage of curbside pick-up, and take a physically distanced, responsible stroll to pick-up something tasty from a local restaurant
If you haven’t heard already, Wednesdays have been officially been deemed as “Canada Take Out Day”. On Canada Take Out Day Canadians are encouraged to order take-out, eat-in, and tune in for live, virtual performances from Canadian artists. All viewers can drop a pin and help promote the local restaurant you are supporting by ordering take-out from them.
So, go ahead, treat yourself, support local, and start planning some special evenings at home. We may all be physically-distancing, but no one said it couldn’t be tasty and fun.
LIBERTY VILLAGE RESTAURANTS OPEN & READY TO SERVE YOU
Note: All restaurants were open at the time this list was compiled. Please visit individual websites and social channels to check up-to-date hours and menu options.
Liberty Shawarma | Online orders, delivery, take-out, and pick-up
Local Liberty Village | Online and call-in orders, delivery (Doordash only), take-out, and pick-up. Offering meal-kits, cooked meals, liquor store and 10% off
The closure of non-essential businesses in Ontario may cause many of you to worry about the safety of your business properties. We are sharing the following crime prevention tips for businesses, which are based on recommendations by the Toronto Police.
Tips for Shared Condo Buildings
Elevator & Lobby Etiquette
When you’re coming in and out of your home to go out to get your weekly grocery haul, get a few minutes of fresh air, stretch your legs or walk the dog, it is your responsibility to keep yourself, your neighbors, and condo staff safe.
When taking the elevator respect other people’s space, it is recommended that there is a max of three people per elevator. Be polite and wait for the next elevator. If you’re not in a rush, why not limit capacity to two people – a little extra space in the elevator can only result in healthier air and more physical distance.
Condo management are doing everything they can to ensure elevators and doors are cleaned often, we all need to do our part as well. Ensure you are washing your hands every time you are leaving and entering your home, this will help keep elevator buttons and shared doors as clean as possible. If you can wear gloves, and/or use your clothed arm to push doors open then please do so. Be sure to wash and change out of your outdoor clothes once you return home.
When coming in and out of your building be mindful of others, allow people to pass through doors and allow for a few extra metres of distance before proceeding to enter or leave the building.
Respect Employees
Similar rules apply in the mailroom, when collecting packages, and socializing with your condo concierge, cleaning staff, and security guards. Please show your condo staff appreciation for all that they do, they are putting their lives at risk each and every day to ensure you’re able to live a cleaner more convenient life – they are maintaining common areas by cleaning them often and ensuring your essentials and treats are safely delivered, accepted, and stored.
Be mindful of their private space, keep your distance, sing your praises from afar. A little gift of appreciate could also be nice – a gift card to a local coffee shop or restaurant offering takeout is a great way to show appreciation for both condo staff and local businesses! Maybe even leave a note in your mailbox for your mail person too.
Tips for When You’re on a Stroll
Sidewalks, Streets, and Stores
We love living in Liberty Village because there are usually lots of people around, the buzz is amazing, and walking to your local coffee shop is sometimes one of the best feelings in the world. However, unfortunately, it is for these same reasons we all must be extra careful and mindful.
Similarly, to how we respect our neighbors in the lobby and elevators we must also treat people on the sidewalks, streets, and in grocery stores the same way. Try to stand to the side when passing people on the sidewalk, make an effort to walk around parked cars and separate if you’re walking as a couple when necessary. Stand a far distance away when waiting in lines and when walking through the grocery store and pharmacy.
We can also all help reduce the likelihood of contact by choosing to pick-up essentials from the store (limit this to once per week) and take walks during “off-peak” times if possible – i.e. if you have flexible work hours, maybe go out for a few minutes of air at 10:30 am or 3:00 pm rather than 5:00 pm or in the evening.
Dog Owners
Additionally, when you are out for a walk, either with your dog or walking alone, and you see someone coming in your direction, cross the street, if it’s safe to do so to give each other some extra space.
If you are a dog owner, please take extra caution when taking your pup out for a walk, try to avoid having them come to close to others – you and your pets should also be practicing social distancing – again to respect other people’s space as well as to keep to and your family safe. Avoid petting dogs that aren’t yours. The more we do now the quicker we can get back to enjoying dogs parks and shared common areas together again.
Be Friendly
Physically distancing doesn’t mean we have to be angry or shy. Show fellow neighbors we’re in this together with a smile to show that they matter or a wave to say hello from afar. Especially with the warmer weather is amongst us – sending a wave from a balcony to a passerby might just make someone’s day!
Physical and Mental Health
While we are all self-isolating, not able to head to the gym and limiting the amount of time we spend outside here’s a list of local Liberty Village businesses helping to keep us moving while at home. Being physically active is great both for your physical and mental wellness.
Liberty Village – during this
time of uncertainty we encourage everyone in our community to take the time to
take care of each other, be mindful, and provide support where you can.
Please take a moment to check
on your loved ones, neighbours, and yourself. We encourage you to offer to
share your resources where you can, pick up essential items for friends and
family, reach out via Facebook groups if you need help, and show compassion
towards one another.
We encourage you to stay
informed, however, overexposure to the media can cause anxiety and excessive
worry. Keep yourself both physically and mentally healthy, take time to
reflect, relax and most importantly take a break from social media and the
news.
Take this time to get your
spring cleaning started, create a clean calming environment within your home
and to start new health habits and maintain the ones you already practice!
Eat foods rich in
nutrients and that help boost your immune system, including fresh fruits and
vegetables. Consider taking supplements that promote good health to help
strengthen your immune system.
Stay hydrated,
drinking lots of water can help alleviate headaches, boost your mood and brain
performance.
Go outside, take
in some natural Vitamin D and fresh air, this is both good for your mental and
physical health. Take a walk down by the lakeshore, around the block, or
explore a new hiking trail away from people and dense centers
Sleep plays a key
part in maintaining a healthy immune system, try to get 8 hours of sleep each
night.
Keep yourself
busy while you self-isolate, read that book you’ve been meaning to read, do a
puzzle, dust off your colouring books, watch an uplifting movie.
Keep moving!
Create home workout routines using all the resources we have available to us on
YouTube, via blogs, live streaming, etc. Create some healthy competition among
friends to keep each other motivated.
SUPPORTING SMALL
BUSINESSES IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD
During this time of uncertainty, the local economy will be weighed down
by the impact of COVID-19. The Impacts on small businesses and independants can
be particularly heavier as we practice social distancing. Here are some ways
that you can help small businesses get through this!
Infographic via
@commondeer on Instagram
VIRTUALIZE SOCIAL INTERACTION WHILE PHYSICALLY
ISOLATED
If you are having to work at home or are self-isolated, or even just
home with the kids during the extended break, you can still have productive
connections and meetings with others.
Here are Some Tips on How to Effectively Work From Home & Become More Virtually Connected:
Zoom
is a great tool for video conferencing, it’s free to use for 1 on 1 meetings
and groups meeting that are 40 minutes or less, it is also perfect for screen
sharing
Google
suite is a good tool for real-time collaboration – Google docs allow for
real-time editing and Google hangouts for conference calls
WhatsApp
or Facebook messenger for a quick and simple way to navigate group chats to streamline
conversations with your teams
Slack
is a great tool to use for a little bit of everything – chat, video calls,
sharing documents. It also allows you to create channels for different
conversations (i.e. Funny Memes, meeting notes, etc.)
Noise
cancelling earphones – these are especially useful for those of you sharing
your space with a roommate or spouse
Create
an imaginary coworker, so you and your roommates or spouse have someone to
blame when the coffee gets low or there are glasses in the sink (#lol)
Spend
some time arranging your work area so it’s inviting, and works best for your
workstyle
Get
dressed! Even if you are changing from the sweatpants you slept in, to your
“day” sweatpants – try to keep a regular morning routine
Join
a virtual mid-day yoga class, workout class, or go for a walk
Take
a break to eat your lunch – if your kitchen table is also your desk, close your
laptop and eat a good meal
HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
If you are unsure if you are experiencing symptoms of
COVID-19 take care of yourself and utilize the systems, the Ontario Government
has put in place:
Use the Ministry of Health’s self-assessment to help determine if you need
to seek care. CLICK HERE
Telehealth Ontario
Call if you develop symptoms. Telephone: 1-866-797-0000
Canada.ca | Public Health Measures (PHM) Including Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions that can be used to Reduce and Delay Community Transmission of the Novel Coronavirus that Causes COVID-19
From all of us at the LVBIA, please remember to take time
to disconnect from the news and social media, and continue to take care of
yourself, loved ones, and your neighbours.
Liberty Village is getting a new cocktail bar, the first of its kind for LV.
Black Sheep is LV’s newest cocktail bar, they pride themselves on doing things a little differently, they definitely think outside the box.
Tucked away on the third floor of our iconic Brazen Head pub, the space offers a cozy space with a whimsical ambiance where guests can savour hand-crafted cocktails, local brews or a glass of wine. Their cocktails range from all the classics to innovative concoctions.
Their eclectic menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients ranging from Irish inspired comfort foods to Stone Oven Pizzas. When you get a chance to pop-in don’t expect anything other than good old small-town hospitality and the best of the best mixologists.
Follow @blacksheepTO for all the real-time updates.
Black Sheep and Brazen Head are part of the FAB Restaurant group – FAB Restaurant Concepts, founded in 1999, an independent Toronto group of Pubs and Restaurants.
If you haven’t yet ventured into Brazen Head, it’s a must try. A classic Irish pub serving up traditional Irish dishes and pub fare. The cozy pub offers a patio with fire pits (weather permitting), a grand dining room with a warming fireplace, and multiple stories of patio seating for when that summer weather hits.
They offer happy hour specials Monday to Friday, Build-Your-Own Caesars on Sundays, lively events, and so much more.
Follow them @BrazenHeadTo and for specials and updates on special events!
Liberty Village is a unique campus style paradise where you can find trendy young professionals with their dogs, plenty of unique cafes and restaurants. As you take in the heritage buildings, be sure to take a photo for insta before you visit the top spots for your wedding service needs. What are you looking to find? We got it! From specialized baked goods, beautiful stationary to stunning venues! It’s always good to shop and support local retailers!
VENUES: CAFFINO, 1185 KING ST W
Caffino offers a wide array of in-house services, including working with your vendors, event planners and you, to ensure that every detail is perfect. The capacity is 25 people which meshing indoor and outdoor spaces.
MILDREDS, 85 HANNA AVE #104
Mildred’s as a wedding venue is an ideal choice for many! It’s ideal for a variety of event styles, including their incredible four course dinner menu with delightful passed hors d’oeuvres to start, the options of a food station and an open bar for 100 guests, and a cocktail style celebration fits up to 200 guests.
LIBERTY COMMONS, 42 LIBERTY ST
Old meets new at Liberty Commons! Original heritage building features like wood slat elevator screens and massive wooden beams contrast with sleek geometric tile, leather banquettes and marble tabletops. The result is a space with a polished, yet casual atmosphere.
CATERING: PROVISIONS, 109 JEFFERSON AVE
For the ultimate catering experience, Provisions, takes on the challenge of creating an art installation that serves as the ultimate reflection of a couple’s relationship. They believe your wedding day menu should be a representation of your love for one another. It’s all about the couple on the special day!
WE CATER TO YOU, 171 EAST LIBERTY STREET, UNIT #107
We Cater to You delivers amazing catering to be remembered! The company makes shopping local a priority and often works directly with farmers to get the freshest produce and meat for their dishes. The menu is diverse and expansive, so you’re sure to find a handful of dishes that suit your taste! Bonus: they do quite a few gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian plates, making it easy to find options for your guests with dietary restrictions.
CAKE DESIGN: FOR THE LOVE OF CAKE, 171 EAST LIBERTY STREET, UNIT #117
For an Instagram-worthy dessert table, look no further! For the Love of Cake will deliver the cake of your dreams. The bakery can craft trend-forward geode cakes bursting with colour, sleek and simple monochrome cakes, whimsical cupcake towers and just about everything in between. It can even handle baking and packaging your favours, if you want to kill two birds with one stone.
PHOTOGRAPHY: 5IVE15IFTEEN, 67 MOWAT AVENUE, SUITE 445
For quality photographs to share with family, friends or just to post on Instagram, you’ll need a professional! 5ive15ifteen is an internationally published photography studio, specializing in weddings. Available for local and international bookings.
STATIONARY: PAPER & POSTE, 67 MOWAT AVE #501
From streamlined white and gold save the dates to rustic-chic invites, the stationers here at Paper & Poste can handle it all!
HAIR STYLING BOOKINGS: VENT BLOW DRY, 51 E LIBERTY ST #3
For brides hosting weddings too far from Vent Blow Dry Bar, stop by the day before your wedding for a deep scalp massage and wash. As many wedding hair stylists will tell you, day old hair is ideal for styling. The natural oils of your hair will help the style hold. With their two products lines, AG Hair and Moroccanoil, our stylists can help create the perfect palette for your wedding day hairstyle. In the midst of wedding planning? Click here to check one more thing off your list and inquire about their customized bridal packages.
CONSULTANT: LET’S PARTY CONSULTANTS, 147 LIBERTY STREET
Let’s Party Consultants have an eye for detail, and will make sure you have the perfect wedding of your dreams!
REGISTRY: WEST ELM, 109 ATLANTIC AVENUE
Use your registry to spice up your home! West Elm is the place to go to find chic pieces like patterned rugs, linen bedding, ornate mirrors and decorative knick knacks. Learn more!
DECOR: TO BALLOONS, 51 JEFFERSON AVENUE
Looking for a way to take your wedding decor to the next level? You’ve got to check out these balloons! Fun, spirited & creative – it would make the perfect photoshoot backdrop! TO Baloons will work with you to create the perfect arrangement for your event. These beautifully designed balloons will surely be a talked about hit at your wedding!
JEWELLERY: CARNABYS BESPOKE JEWELLERY , 171 E LIBERTY ST UNIT 135
Looking for a custom engagement ring? Look no futher! At Carnabys you can customize many of our hand-crafted engagement rings and wedding with colour gemstones, colour diamonds and/or alternative metal options to create a ring that is perfect for your unique personality. If you wish, we can create and design a one-of-a-kind ring to your specifications, using state-of- the-art technology that brings your vision to life.
OTHER: LUXE DESTINATION WEDDINGS, 171 EAST LIBERTY STREET, SUITE 140
LUXE Destination Weddings is a team of wedding experts specializing in planning destination weddings at the world’s most exclusive hotels and resorts. LUXE will custom tailor your destination wedding vision and create a wedding as unique and special as every bride and groom they work with.
