St Thomas Downtown VIBE! December 2021

DECEMBER 2021 EDITION

|

ST. THOMAS, ONTARIO

St. Thomas’ Favourite Bra Store

Serving St. Thomas and surrounding area for the last 34 years, Aline’s Fine Lingerie has been a reliable source of beautiful undergarments, sleep attire, swimwear, cruise and lounge wear. one! Owner Patty de Ladner and her friendly and experienced staff provide you with personal bra fitting expertise and a wide selection of excellent quality and name brands. Finding the perfect style that provides both comfort and fit and hearing customers exclaim how happy they are is what they strive for.

Whether you are shopping for your favourite gal or just for yourself, Aline’s offers an impressive selection of undergarments from all styles of bras to smoothing shapewear to bridal wear.

Dedicated to customer satisfaction and service, Aline’s also prides itself on fitting everybody’s budget.

As every woman knows finding a bra that doesn’t bulge, gap, pinch, or squeeze is a monumental task! Don’t give up on bras or resign yourself to wearing an ill-fitting

According to Patty, being part of the amazing community of Downtown St. Thomas is a blessing because whether they are selling giftware, furniture, cookies, vitamins or haircuts, our local merchants show a lot of pride and tenacity to outrival big box stores. She, too, is constantly looking for the newest trends and the best brands in order to be able to offer her customers well-fitting, beautiful and superior undergarments. They also offer complimentary gift wrapping!

Aline’s Fine Lingerie is located at 565 Talbot St. (open Mon-Fri 11 am – 5 pm, Sat. 11 am – 4 pm) and can be found on Facebook, Instagram and on-line (alinesfinelingerie.ca). Treat yourself or your special someone to a gorgeous, perfectly-sized undergarment that will make everything else you wear feel fantastic!

Message from DDB

by Earl Taylor Chair, Downtown Development Board Downtown St Thomas is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Our LED snowflake decorations have been installed once again making your visit to our Downtown a joyful experience.

Santa made a quick stop one night to flip the switch to light the City Hall Christmas Tree and many businesses have decorated their windows with festive lights and colourful displays.

Downtown businesses have told us that they are so happy that their loyal customers continue to Shop Local. To help make your Downtown shopping experience even more enjoyable, we have been able to confirm that Santa will be making a stop on Saturday, December 4th to tour our Downtown businesses from 10 am – 12 noon. If Santa should happen to find you shopping local, he says he will make your Christmas shopping experience even more delightful.

And speaking about making your shop local even more enticing, be sure to visit downtownstthomas.ca and purchase your Downtown Dollars at a 25% discount.

Downtown Dollars can be used like cash at many Downtown businesses; check our website for a complete list. But do not wait, this special promotion ends December 20th.

On behalf of our Downtown property and business owners, and the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Those Who Create the Vibe A TASTE OF DOWNTOWN

St. Thomas

Discovering new flavours is one of the joys of eating. I was fortunate to be introduced to Caribbean dishes early in my life through family members from Trinidad.

eaten at breakfast. It consists of two flatbreads served with curry chickpeas with the option to add toppings (curry mango, seasoned cucumber, and the Island Fire Pepper Sauce).

Tamarind Syrup is another sweet bonus topping option to add. I loved the Tamarind syrup with the savoury flavours - it made a simple dish exceptional.

by D ESarah C E MNoble BER 2021 from the Elgin/ St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre

Ice

@SBECinnovation

It’s been tough to replicate at home since my coveted bag of West Indies spices has long been bare, and my roti never did turn out just right. I need more practice.

But with the arrival of Caribbean Stove Pick Up to St. Thomas, it’s unlikely that I will be putting in the practice anytime soon.

The location at 647 Talbot St. is the second for the Lambkins, expanding from London earlier this year. Part of an expanding dream to share a taste of flavours from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago across Ontario. Their plans developed as they grew tired of long trips to Toronto for an authentic taste of home after moving to Canada in 2014. After a few years of recipe development cooking for family and friends, the Lambkins opened the London location in 2018.

Caribbean Stove Pick Up is open TuesdaySaturday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm for pick up and delivery; the Lambkins have enjoyed meeting new customers. The opportunity to hear about customers’ Caribbean experiences and expand their palettes to try new flavours is rewarding for the pair.

They encourage customers to share stories of their experiences and embrace the reminder of Caribbean getaways. It makes for a happy, fun-filled experience tying new memories with old ones. I love that food has that power.

One might be concerned that the food is overly spicy for the Northern Maple Syrup crowd, but the flavour is the priority with heat being customizable. I wouldn’t consider myself to run a preference for mild. But understanding the authenticity of the food, I did opt for the Island Fire Sauce on the side. I was glad I did. One

doesn’t need much to feel the heat - but it is quite a flavour forward kick.

I went right for the Chef’s recommendations with my order and sampled the Jerk Chicken with Rice & Beans, Coleslaw, and Plantains. I added some jerk sauce on the side and just a *hint* of the Island Fire. The chicken was so tender and mouthwatering.

The key is to get a bit of everything in each bite to fully appreciate how the flavours complement each other - if you don’t like your food to touch, please close your eyes and try it!

It’s worth it!

A comfort food family favourite is Trini-style curry chicken with potatoes; I had to try that too and was left similarly satisfied. But my absolute favourite part of this meal was the Doubles. Doubles are a Trinidadian street food often

If you are looking to warm up this winter, head to Caribbean Stove Pick Up to experience the authentic flavours of the Caribbean in the heart of Downtown St. Thomas! caribbeanstovepickup.ca

Those Who Create the Vibe

A Treasure Trove of Books

“Just imagine stepping into a museum where admission is free, and everything is for sale.” Welcome to Lockwood Books, a used bookstore that specializes in vintage, antique, rare and out-of-print books. They also carry unique art pieces and vintage décor.

Owners, Vanessa and Fletcher Lockwood, lifelong book enthusiasts and collectors, comment:

“Opening up an antique bookstore has been a dream come true for us. We carry all kinds of books, but it’s the obscure, unusual or just plain weird ones that we get really excited about! One thing about our store that sets us apart is the fact that we carry several books by local authors from right here in St. Thomas. There is an incredible amount of talent in this city, and we’re thrilled to be able to help share it with everyone! We also have a secret closet filled with tarot cards, astrology books and other “occult” goodness. We even offer complimentary coffee and of course, there’s our bookstore cat, Duck.”

with customers and finding books to satisfy your interests or ignite your passion is Vanessa and Fletcher’s favourite part of the business! If it is not in stock, then they will gladly add it to their list and inform you when they have found it. An official website for purchasing books and gift items will be available soon!

Treat yourself and give yourself plenty of time to explore by visiting Lockwood Books, located at 488 Talbot Street, (Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 6 pm) or check them out on Facebook and Instagram @ lockwood_books.

Open since June 2021, Lockwood Books is filled with treasures from corner to corner and new items are added daily. Chatting

Great Gift Ideas for Everyone Have you started Christmas shopping yet? Do you enjoy giving quality handmade gifts or have a hard-to-buy-for person on your list? Come visit A Handmade Tale, a shop filled with reasonably priced one-of-a-kind items ready to solve your Christmas shopping dilemmas.

Open for in-store shopping (Tuesday to Saturday 11 am – 5 pm), as well as offering curbside service, local delivery, or shipping, A Handmade Tale offers a variety of giftware for your relatives or friends, including your furry friends! Owner, Julie Hosford, a maker herself for over 10 years, showcases and sells unique products from over 80 vendors and artisans.

Julie is the person you meet both instore and online, ready to serve customers and vendors every day. She says, “There’s a certain joy in the gifts that are provided by our vendors. We curate our products carefully to ensure the best quality and

price for our patrons. Everything we do has a fun little twist. I don’t carry many things that I wouldn’t personally buy. A lot of the product reflects some of my personal taste and I would like to say that it’s fun and colourful. There is truly something for everyone!” In fact, after you shop at A Handmade Tale, we believe you’ll spread the word that it’s “a unique, fun and immersive gifting experience”.

Julie enjoys meeting the vendors and makers of the creative items that she stocks as well as learning about their craft.

Sharing this information with her customers and watching how the customer’s eyes light up at the thought of such a special gift for their loved one is an important part of her business.

Visit A Handmade Tale, online (ahandmadetale.ca) or in-store (626 Talbot) because wrapping a handmade locally made item is like giving a gift twice!

Long-time Merchants Edge Sports in St. Thomas Since 1997 Are you shopping for a preteen or teenager? That age group can be difficult to please. Are they avid skateboarders? If not, have you considered this popular sport? You do not have to travel far to find a sports store for all skateboarding needs!

Right here in Downtown St. Thomas, Edge Sports has been carrying top brands in skateboards, longboards, hardgoods

are just starting out or an experienced skateboarder, Jim willingly takes the time to explain the ideal products for your level of expertise.

In addition to friendly, personal service from knowledgeable staff, Edge Sports offers unique brands and products that may not be found in your typical sports chain store.

Jim listens to what his customers are looking for and searches his suppliers to provide the latest product lines for his customers.

(decks, wheels, trucks, etc.) and soft goods (skateboard clothing and an extensive line of skateboard shoes).

Sole Proprietor, Jim Young, is always available to answer your skateboarding questions and offer practical advice about the equipment that is right for you or the person you are buying for. Whether you

Available Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10 am – 4 pm at 441 Talbot St., and on Facebook, Edge Sports is your go-to shop for all your skateboarding needs!

Jim enjoys meeting community members and helping new skateboarders grow and flourish. Some have even turned pro! Serving the community, keeping retail costs in line, and interacting with skateboarders through competitions are the driving forces behind Jim and Edge Sports.

Discounts You Can’t Resist Let the shopping begin! Family owned and operated, Unusual Finds Discount Store, located at 449 Talbot St. in Downtown St. Thomas, is chockful of bargains and unusual items, all at markdown prices!

Need to stock up on your craft supplies?

Unusual Finds carries an extensive line of items, such as material, yarn, and large painting canvas.

Feeling hungry? How about some frozen foods for quick meals or a yummy snack from their bestselling 2 for $1 chocolate bars?

Traverse the extensive aisles in their sizeable store filled with fun and unusual items, including area rugs, posters, books, The Three Chicas’ bath bombs made with real essential oils and Epsom salts, Rainbow Fire Packs that turn your campfire into a colourful display, and funny T-shirts. If you can’t find that perfect T-shirt for a birthday or holiday, no worries, Unusual Finds can also design custom T-shirts and banners, for any occasion.

Unusual Finds Discount Store aims to offer the best service at the lowest price. Serving their customers

and the community since 2000, they also offer large quantity orders (items in cases or more) and discounts for schools and churches, as well as a Points program and gift cards! Always searching for new and popular products and listening to their customers’ needs and wants, Unusual Finds strives to offer a marvelous shopping experience for everyone.

If you love amazing deals, you need to check out Unusual Finds, either in store (Mon-Sat 10 am – 6 pm), on Facebook, or on-line (unusualfinds.ca). You can place your orders on-line or on the phone and they offer free delivery in St. Thomas for orders over $40.

Maintaining the Vibe 12 Days of Health and Happiness December is the time for giving and receiving gifts. For many, it is better to give than receive. This is especially true if your true love is the one from the twelve days of Christmas.

by Steve Bond Yurek Pharmacy 519 Talbot Street

December is the time for giving and receiving gifts.

For many, it is better to give than receive.

This is especially true if your true love is the one from the twelve days of Christmas.

I hardly have room for one pear tree in my house let alone 12! And maids milking? You know they are bringing their cows or goats or whatever it is they are milking. This year, give yourself the gift of health.

first

On the day of Christmas, put yourself first. All too often, we do for others and let our own self suffer. Commit to looking after you this year.

second

On the day of Christmas, reach out to a friend of family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, perhaps go on one of many amazing walking paths that St. Thomas has to offer.

third

On the day of Christmas, plan to eat three healthy meals per day. Skipping meals and subsequent snacking can lead to weight gain and loss of energy.

fourth

On the day of Christmas, take in a movie. Something fun and not heavy.

For me, it’s Star Wars; May the Fourth (day of Christmas) be with you. Perhaps check out a film like Total Recall or scary stories to Tell in the Dark and look for friends in the extras or local landmarks.

fifth

On the day of Christmas, make sure you select from all five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, milk and dairy and lean meats.

sixth

On the day of Christmas, aim for a six-pack — I don’t mean beers, but add some exercise to your daily routine. While the six-pack stomach may not be achievable for most of us, we can improve our health.

A Local Christmas As we enter the festive season, I would like to recognize our Downtown businesses for their resilience throughout the pandemic.

It is my hope that they will continue to thrive and grow.

seventh

On the day of Christmas, if you are taking multiple medications consider a seven day pill organizer or ask your pharmacist to package.

eighth

On the day of Christmas, try to get eight hours of sleep each and every night. Sleep deprivation can affect our mood and productivity.

ninth

On the day of Christmas, consider taking up a hobby. In Greek mythology there are nine muses to inspire them.

tenth

On the day of Christmas, spend 10 per minutes per day on cardiovascular exercise to increase blood flow, reduce blood sugars and improved endurance.

eleventh

On the day of Christmas, reduce your salt intake. The atomic weight of sodium is 11 and too much sodium can increase blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

twelfth

On the day of Christmas, take time for some spiritual reflection. 12 is an important number in many established religions: 12 apostles in Christianity; 12 Olympians and 12 titans in Greek mythology; the Norse God Odin has 12 sons.

So this Christmas season, give yourself the best gift — the gift of health. Take care of yourselves and each other.

I would like to encourage everyone to continue to shop locally and support our downtown businesses. There are many unique finds, something for everyone on your “nice” list and maybe even a few for those on the “naughty” list.

May the peace and joy that this season brings fill your home now and throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston

Save huge $ by brewing here or by yourself at home! It’s easy to do, and you can make anything you want. Come visit the shop and we’ll get you set up for your brewing adventures!

452 Talbot Street, St. Thomas 519-630-6282 Tues–Fri: 10–6 | Sat: 9–2

www.homebrewjunction.com

INGREDIENTS EQUIPMENT and SUPPLIES

Wine, Beer, Cider and Seltzer Kits in stock!

Learn to make beer right from the grains!

Those Who Create the Vibe

Make Good Art and Eat Cool Snacks!

If you enjoy great tasting snacks and fine art, Taste Makers Studio is the place to visit! It offers a variety of carefully curated snacks, food gifts, and provisions for people who love their food prepared and served. snacks that I personally love and want to share with the world. I want to offer you a snacking experience, and a story behind what you eat. The snacking world is not just full of sugary drinks and snacks. There are plenty of products that are made of whole ingredients and made by real people!”

Owner, Jolie Inthavong, is a creative professional with a snack shop in her art studio!

An artist and media professional for almost twenty years, Jolie has recently opened her own retail business at 624 Talbot St in downtown St. Thomas! Taste Makers Studio consists of a snack shop in the front, and an art studio behind.

In describing her motivation to open her business, Jolie says, “I want to offer

Jolie carefully selects artisanal food brands that are tasty AND phenomenal often with colourful packaging! Taste Makers Studio’s offerings include nostalgic candy (Chupa Chups, Garbage Candy and giant-sized versions of Tootsie Pops, Rockets,

and Air Heads), delicious soda pop from Soda Pop Bros., an artisanal beverage maker from Windsor, Ontario, and pantry provisions, (tea, coffee, jams, sauces, and drink mixes).

Jolie enjoys meeting customers, other small business owners and, of course, making art and eating snacks! Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm, and on-line (tastemakers.studio), Jolie at Taste Makers Studio is ready and waiting to welcome everyone with an eye for fine art and a taste for yummy snacks!

Give the Gift of Calming Comfort.

Pedicure Spa Footbath SALE

67.99

$

Regular $99.99

SALE

99.99

$

Obus Weighted Blanket

Regular $131.99

Regular 87.99 $

Paraffin Wax Refill SALE

59.99

$

Regular $79.99

HoMedics™ Soundspa Recharged

SALE

79.99

$

HoMedics™ Bubble Spa Elite Paraspa™ Plus Paraffin Bath

SALE

55.99

$

Regular $65.99

SALE

26.99

$

Regular $35.59

519 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1C3 519-631-3330

yurekhomehealth.ca

Produced by St. Thomas Downtown Development Board — downtownstthomas.ca