Need last minute gift? Shops in the Beach have virtually everything you will need, they're unique and available at any price range. For your last minutes shopping ideas, click HERE to check out our local stores.

Take a Holiday break from the kitchen - relax and enjoy yourself with family or friends at local pubs, restaurants and cafes. Explore some new places in the neighbourhood. For place to go, click HERE for ideas

Boxing Day - check out the local shops for your favorites for a bargain. Treat yourself a gift!

Celebrating New Years in the Beaches? There are a range of celebrations for New Years Eve and New Years Day, enjoy on your own or with family and friends, check out our local celebration parties and events Here.

Wish everyone a Prosperous, Healthy
and Successful 2008!

Keep fire hydrants clear of snow - Toronto Fire Services would like to remind residents about the importance of keeping fire hydrants visible in front of their homes. While the City is checking to ensure that hydrants are visible, residents can assist by making sure they do not pile snow on or near a hydrant. If you know a hydrant is buried under snow, get a group of neighbours together to help clear it.

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  Driving Safety Tips - Driving in Snow and Ice The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, here are a few reminders:

Driving safely on icy roads

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse -- this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

• Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
• As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

• Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
• Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
• Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
• Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first -- it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

If you are stranded...

• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
• If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

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#4. Featured Local Business

  What do six uncles and four brothers have in common?

With six uncles and two brothers who are hairdressers, it was no surprise what Vince and Gino Meleca, co-owners of Salon Fortelli & Spa, do for a living. In addition to being the owners, they are of course hairdressers at this local spa, whose fifteen employees have been serving customers in the Beaches for four-and-a-half years.

Vince Melecca notes that the brothers' first jobs included shampooing in the family salon. For twenty-five years now Vince and Gino have been in business together, .... [full story]
 

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#5. Looking ahead - What's Happening in the Beaches!

19th Annual Christmas Artists’ Market, Sat. Dec. 22, 11 am - 4 pm, Beach United Church West
Quigley’s Christmas Day Lunch, Tue, Dec. 25, 1 pm, St. Aidan’s Church Hall
New Years Eve at Balmy Beach Club, Sun., Dec.31, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
New Years Eve Party at R.C.L. Branch 11, Mon., Dec. 31, 9 Dawes Rd.
28th Annual Hair of the Dog 9K Fun Run/ Walk, Tue. Jan. 1st, New Years Day, Registration 10:30-11:15 a.m., Balmy Beach Club,
Scarborough Theatre Guild presents “Catch Me If You Can”,  Jan. 3-19, At Scarborough Village Theatre
School resumes (Toronto District School Board)
Mon. Jan. 7
First Time Buyers Seminar, Saturday, January 12th, 10am to 12:30pm, Beaches Library
WinterCity Festival, Fri., Jan. 25 - Thurs., Feb. 7 (Opening Celebration: Nathan Philips Square

Check out the latest special offers and promotions online

 

Many businesses in the Beaches often have special promotions, visit Coupons&Specials frequently to find out the latest offers and to get printable coupons for your favorite stores and restaurants!

 

Online Customer Referrals

Remember to view or post recommendations for your favorite business on our Recommend a Business page. To submit a recommendation, click on "Submit a  Recommendation".

 

Check out the businesses that are newly listed in our Business Showcase

 

The www.beachesliving.ca is updated with new business listings frequently, visit the site often to experience their unique value to you.

 

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Beaches Living Guide :: www.beachesliving.ca :: 416.690.4269

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