Step into a wonder-filled world

(Photo courtesy of Facebook)

As a big supporter of all things local, and well-crafted I always keep my eye out for products that not only match these requirements but catch my eye and interest as well.  While at the Preschool of the Arts last week, I noticed that they supported a few local, small businesses, one of which creates wooden toys.  These toys weren't just your average "blocks" or stackable toys, however.  They were colourful and very whimsical in nature. Having a son who LOVES puzzles and blocks, I had to find out more about this product. 

Turns out these wooden toys are made by a small company called "Family Tree Woodworking" and this particular line of toys is under their "Twigs" branch (see what I did there?!).  The company specializes in all things wood.  You can find them on Facebook and see the many products that they have to offer.  From cutting boards, to custom name puzzles, to centrepieces, this little woodworking shop makes everything from locally sourced wood, and the attention to detail makes every single product unique.  I was lucky enough to pick up two of their stackable, inlaid puzzles and had a chance to really take a look at the quality and craftsmanship up close.  

(Photo by Locally Urban Mom)

The first thing that caught my eye was the packaging.  A small detail, but so crucial to making the whole product all that more lovely for the buyer.  The toys come in individual boxes that are tied with jute, and evoke an old-world, whimsical feel.  The particular puzzles that I got were a rainbow and a polar bear in an aurora borealis background.  Upon opening the box, the fresh scent of cedar filled the room and the colours of the toys just popped.  I was immediately drawn to the organic shapes. Hand-carved and sanded, the curves of each piece are soft and child-friendly (no sharp edges).  They are surprisingly light and just scream "play with me." The adult in me, however, wants to display these on a shelf, they are so pretty to look at.  Each puzzle piece is unique, and can either be stacked back into their original shapes or used for other creations. 

(Photo by Locally Urban Mom)

I gave the polar bear puzzle to my son (who is almost three) to see what he would do with it, and he played "cave" with the bear, created new outlines with the pieces, and even chewed on one.  I wasn't worried since the toys are made with natural, non-toxic paints and wax finishes.  I found that the puzzles encouraged my son to use his imagination - although each puzzle is a specific type (rainbow, polar bear), the individual pieces allowed for him to create other things and even add to his toy collection (he used one of the pieces as a bridge for his train set).

Overall, I was impressed with this product.  I have been looking for unique gifts to buy for the little ones in my life and this is definitely going on my list.  Locally sourced, locally made and a quality product.  You can't beat that.  Their products can be found at the Been Garden, as well as a few other local shops, or you can contact Family Tree Woodworking directly via Facebook.  I highly recommend you put them on your things-to-buy-for-Christmas list this year.  You won't regret it and the lucky recipient of such craftsmanship will appreciate the lovely, local gesture. 

Have a great day, London. 

Feature Friday: Preschool of the Arts

(Copyright: Locally Urban Mom)

If you head to Wortley Village in London, Ontario, you'll find yourself in a quaint little part of the city with local shops, small bistro-style restaurants, and lovely little small businesses like the one I am featuring today.  Located on the corner of  Byron Ave and Wortley Road, The Preschool of the Arts can be found in an old church that has been beautifully restored.  It is a preschool and junior kindergarten dedicated to exposing children to music and art, as well as offering parent and tot music classes, through their Family Tree Program. 

(Copyright: Locally Urban Mom)

My initial feeling walking into this building was one of comfort, and peace.  Sounds kind of bizarre when you think that this is a preschool filled with busy little ones, but there was something about the atmosphere that made me feel this way. To give you a better sense of this peaceful feeling, let me describe the center. The main door leads to a small vestibule, that allows you to go up to the preschool area, or down to the music room and another preschool room.  Upon going up, you enter into a general cloakroom where tiny hooks and cubbies are waiting for coats and boots.  You proceed down a short hallway that opens into a lovely, airy main room. This was once the main area of the church, so your eye is immediately drawn to the vaulted ceiling, loft area and gorgeous wooden details. Not to mention the huge windows and french doors leading out into their backyard.  The whole space is fresh, inviting and just waiting to be played in.  The preschool is divided into various areas (toy stations, art centers, make-believe station, craft centers, reading carpet and a reception area for administration) and there is a main stage at one end of the room where performances as well as plays can happen.  If you head downstairs, there is a full-functioning kitchen, large room for more centers and play, and another room for the music lessons that parents and their little ones can attend.  The whole space invokes a sense of care and well-being for the children that attend this school. 

Established in 1986, their philosophy is that "through experiences of movement, rhythm and song, the child acquires a deeper feeling for music and knowledge of musical terms." This school offers half day and full day programming. Preschool can be attended for a full week, or a few days of the week, depending on what is preferable for your child. You can choose to send your child to the preschool portion, or sign up for the music classes offered as six-week sessions.  The focus is on music and art, but as I was told by Heather Turnbull, the director of the school, "children are encouraged to explore what interests them, and we gear our teaching towards their curiosity." There is a schedule that is followed, but the general idea is for children to expand their knowledge through play, learning, and their own natural curiosity of the world around them. 

(Copyright: Locally Urban Mom)

Yet another reason why this school is a win for me is that they partner with various local businesses, such as Growing Chefs, and Family Tree Woodworking. to showcase local products and support our local economy.  Yes please to that! 

All in all, this little gem is a must-see for parents looking to put their child in an inclusive, warm and fun environment.  Check out the links throughout the blog to get more information on the Preschool of the Arts or find their contact information below.  

Have a great, musical day, London. 

Preschool of the Arts
111 Wortley Rd.
London Ontario N6C 3P2
Phone: (519) 657-3342
Email: info@preschoolofthearts.ca

Feature Friday: Forked River Brewing Co.

Our Feature Friday blog is back with a vengeance! I thought I would pick a place more for the moms and dads this time around, and feature a great business that takes craft beer to a local and unique level. Being somewhat of a beer connoisseur myself, I love exploring small-batch brews and preferably as local as possible. For me, Forked River Brewing Company was a winner, both in taste and
originality. Also for its home-grown London awesomeness. 

Over the past decade or so, there has been a rise in appreciation for craft beers. So, what exactly entails a "craft beer?" According to craftbeer.com, "a craft beer is difficult to define...and can be a very subjective and personal experience."  Honestly, to me a craft beer means a small-batch brewed beer, that is unique both in flavour and in name (I mean, with names like "Hans and Franz " (Oktoberfest awesomeness) and "Holy Hand Grenade" you can't just find these anywhere), and is featured during certain times of the year.  The key is the small batch.  You can't just go to the LCBO, Beer Store or select grocery stores and pick these beers up whenever you want. Yes, there are main stream lines that are brewed and offered year-round, but the key to the ultimate "craft beer" experience is to taste AND savour these special brews in all their small-batch glory. 

All that being said, I'd like to introduce to you Forked River.  Founded right here in London, this company was started by three guys who had an appreciation for craft beer, plenty of smarts and a passion for bringing their love of craft beer to the local masses. These three London dads (Dave Reed, Andrew Peters, and Steve Nazarian) started the ball rolling on this brewing business in 2012 and haven't looked back since.  Focusing on very local, and very Canadian taste - they have come up with some amazing brews. Since my blog requires that I have background knowledge on my featured businesses, I did my due diligence, and tried out a few of their beers (although I have to say, I've  been buying this brand for many years now). Here are some of my favourites:

Capital Blonde: Named after the fact that London was supposed to be the capital of Canada (way back in 1793) this beer is light, not too hoppy and lovely to drink with pretty much anything. It has a hint of citrus which makes it refreshing.  Highly recommend if you like a lighter, versatile beer. 

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Flanders Red: Just the name alone made me want to buy this beer.  It's a limited edition beer brought out around Remembrance Day. It's a barrel aged Flemish red ale - hearty and perfect for this time of  year.  The beauty of the beer isn't just that it's really good, but proceeds from this beer also goes to a veteran's charity.  Be still my heart. I'm a HUGE advocate of Remembrance Day and honouring our lost soldiers and our war veterans made this a GIANT win for me. I think I only left like, two bottles at my local LCBO. Sorry, neighbours.  


Riptide: I can find this one pretty much all the time, which is a bonus for me, since it's become a go-to brew for me this fall. It's a stronger taste, with bold hoppy flavours.  I like it as my Friday beer. So you know what I'll be enjoying this evening. 

There are so many other great choices from this brewing company.  The one thing I recommend is going to visit them, and check out the brews for yourself. You can book a tour on Saturdays at 1pm, 3pm or 5pm. It's free, so bring a few of your friends (up to 10 people per tour).  I also encourage you to check out their website where they have a list of all their beers. Find it here.  They also have events posted throughout the year - like the Forked Fest they held this past summer, honouring their 4 year anniversary. You can keep up with their event listings on their website or Facebook page. 

I salute these three London dads, as well as their awesome staff for creating a truly Canadian, truly "London" craft beer experience.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go stock up so I can enjoy my evening with my Forked River beverage(s). 

Have a great weekend, London.

Cheers! 

Forked River Brewing Company Contact Info:

Website: 
http://www.forkedriverbrewing.com/

Address:
45 Pacific Court, Unit 4
London, ON N5V 3N4

Retail Store Phone No: 519-913-2337