Best Cut-Your-Own Farms & Christmas Tree Lots in Ottawa

Briggs Tree Farm
Location: Navan

Head out to the east of of Ottawa for one of the best places to find a Christmas tree in Ottawa! Briggs Trees has over 100 acres to explore you will find beautiful trees (and wreaths!) to take home with you this festive season. Please arrive before 4 if you are going out to hunt for a tree.

Byward Market
Location: 55 Byward Market Square

Head down to the Byward Market and you will find options for Christmas Trees. Purchase from local vendors who bring their trees down to the market from now until December 24th. Why not make it a fun day out and check out some of the other local happenings in the area including the Tree of Hope at Fairmont Laurier.

Cedar Hill
Location: Pakenham

For over three decades, Cedar Hill Christmas Tree Farm has been a family-run farm with Fraser Firs, Balsam Firs, Scotch Pines, and Blue and White Spruce trees. Admission to the farm is free and transportation to the trees is provided by a tractor-pulled wagon.

Fallowfield Tree Farm
Location: Stittsville

Christmas Trees & decor are now available at the Fallowfield Tree Farm and they are open 9-8p.m every day.  Located in the south-west of Ottawa you can cut your own trees until sundown or grab one of their pre-cut trees. Dogs on leash are also welcome so the whole family can come….even the furry ones!

Hogan Produce                                                                                                                                              Location: Chelsea, Qc

What started out as selling fresh produce in the Outaouais region in 2006 has greatly expanded over the years. Laura Lee Hogan has pre-cut tree options, large variety and sizes, on Highway 105 in Chelsea Quebec just steps from the village.  On your way back from the ski hill stop by to pick up your tree and head home for a fun holiday evening of decorating.

Laird’s Tree Farm
Location: Osgoode

Laird’s Tree Farm is a family-owned and operated tree farm with u-cut Christmas trees and and a variety of landscaping trees as well. They specialize in tree planting and their year-round business offers tree removal and tree relocation.

MacGowans Christmas Tree Farm
Location: Galetta

Enjoy wagon rides, hot chocolate, home made cookies, and tree shaking and wrapping included with the cost of your family’s chosen Balsam or White Spruce tree. MacGowans Christmas Tree Farm is located west of Ottawa near Galetta.

Parkdale Market
Location: Parkdale Avenue

You don’t have to travel far to get a great Christmas Tree! Stay local and choose a pre-cut tree at the Parkdale Market located centrally. This is a fantastic market to also shop for some gifts on your list and is a great way to support local.

Thomas Tree Farm
Location: North Gower

Located just 3km south of Ottawa, Thomas Tree Farm has great selection of trees with complimentary hot chocolate, homemade cookies, and a bonfire to warm up with while you make the big decision. Pre-cut trees are also available.

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That’s why many women have started turning to safety razors as the sensible alternative. They’re made to last, are way cheaper for refills (you just replace a 10 cent blade), and cut cleanly at the surface of the skin.

The problem is that they take practice. The blade angle and pressure matter, and getting used to that can feel awkward if you’ve only used cartridges. Especially for sensitive or tricky areas.

That’s where the Henson Razor comes in; it’s designed by engineers from Canada’s aerospace industry, and it combines the benefits of a safety razor with the ease-of-use of a cartridge. The result is a smoother, more comfortable shave without the expense of constant refills.

How much money do I save with a Henson Razor?

The numbers are staggering, especially when you look at how much you’d be spending with cartridge refills the rest of your life.

A typical cartridge razor sells for roughly $15 upfront, with replacement heads priced around $8 to $13 per pack. On average, that’s about one pack per month — or $60 to $150 in refills over the course of a year. Over five years, that adds up to thousands spent on disposable plastic that ends up in the trash.

The Henson Razor turns that math completely around. Its handle is a one-time investment, precision-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum or titanium, and replacement blades cost about ten cents each. Even with a fresh blade every week, you’d spend no more than $4 or $5 a year.

Over a five-year span, the comparison on replacements is clear: thousands on cartridges vs roughly $25 total for the Henson blades. It’s more than just a lower-cost option — it’s savings that keep growing every year.

But will the Henson razor work for sensitive areas?

Let’s take a step back: cartridge razors cause irritation because of how they work. Multiple flexible blades pull each hair slightly above the skin before cutting it, then slice again as it retracts. It feels close at first, but that lift-and-cut motion leads to redness, bumps, and ingrown hairs — especially in sensitive areas like underarms or along the bikini line.

Traditional safety razors improve on that by using a single blade that cuts cleanly at the surface. But they can still feel harsh if the blade isn’t held at the right angle and with the right pressure. Even small vibrations, known as “blade chatter,” can leave tiny scratches that you feel as post-shave irritation.

The Henson Razor eliminates that blade chatter movement. Its head clamps the blade so firmly and evenly that there’s no room for vibration at all — think of it like tightening a guitar string until it can’t buzz. The edge stays fixed, so it glides across the skin instead of skipping over it.

The result is a smooth shave that feels consistent, even on areas where the skin is most delicate.

How does Henson make its razors?

Henson got started before making razors by making aerospace parts, including for the mars rover. The same level of precision in aerospace manufacturing is used to make the razor.

The razor works because each one is machined to tolerances (think margin of error in the manufacturing) measured in microns — the same level of accuracy used in aerospace manufacturing. That means the gap and angle that hold the blade are controlled within one-tenth the width of a human hair.

It’s like the difference between machining a part for a satellite and stamping out a disposable toy.

That consistency matters. A perfectly supported blade doesn’t vibrate or flex when it touches the skin, so it glides smoothly rather than scraping. The lack of “chatter” — those tiny edge vibrations that cause micro-cuts — is what keeps irritation to a minimum.

In testing with MIMOSA Diagnostics, skin shaved with a Henson showed lower redness and faster recovery compared to multi-blade cartridges.

2 billion razors in landfills

Each year, roughly two billion disposable razors and cartridges are thrown away in the United States alone. Most are made from layered materials — plastic, rubber, and metal — that can’t be separated for recycling. Once dull, they’re simply tossed, and every part of them remains intact for decades.

Because of that mixed construction, nearly every razor ever sold still exists somewhere: in landfills, incinerators, or waterways. The convenience of cheap refills comes at the cost of long-term plastic buildup that won’t break down in any meaningful timeframe.

The Henson Razor eliminates that waste stream. Its handle and head are machined entirely from aluminum or titanium — metals that don’t degrade and can be fully recycled. The only disposable part is the thin steel blade, which can be safely collected and recycled with other metals.

A single Henson replaces a lifetime of plastic cartridges, removing an entire category of waste.

The last razor you’ll ever buy

A Henson Razor isn’t designed around product cycles. It has no springs or plastic parts that can wear down or fail. The geometry that makes it precise today will remain the same decades from now.

Metals like these don’t fatigue under normal use, and there are no moving pieces to replace. With minimal care — a rinse and left to dry after each use — the razor will continue performing as it did on day one.

It’s a tool you can use for the rest of your life, and then passed along to your children and grandchildren.

You can see the different models and color options for Henson razors right here.

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Pumpkin carved and ready to glow outside? Check

Home transformed into a haunted house? Check

Halloween costume…

In my household, the next year’s Halloween costume was decided on November 1st. And for most moms, the costume is the first thing on the list. But what if your child changes their mind at the last minute? Or what if you suddenly realize you need a costume for yourself?

Actually throwing together a last-minute Halloween costume isn’t as difficult as you’d think (there’s always the classic bedsheet ghost, remember). A co-worker and myself were discussing this very topic just yesterday (we’re both considering using the same costumes for our toddlers as last year). My co-worker remembered how one Halloween her mother used a frilly tablecloth as a skirt, a blouse and a hat she had hanging on the wall to make her a Victorian lady costume. A friend of mine recently got creative with a plain cardboard box transformed into a makeshift mini-table with a hole to sit on her daughter’s head as a hat. Then she dressed her all in pink and she became ‘gum stuck under the table’.

So in the spirit of this fun conversation, we’ve rounded up some fav, homemade, last-minute Halloween costume ideas (in case you haven’t figured out yet what everyone will be wearing on the big night).

• Smartypants: Grab an old pair of pants, some empty Smarties boxes and a hot glue gun. Stick the boxes on the pants and you’ve got a fun outfit (just make sure you’ve told your child to wear a silly grin when they explain the costume).
• Make-Your-Own Superhero: Empty toilet paper rolls cut down the side and wrapped with tinfoil become power bracelets your kids can decorate. Old bed sheets or towels become capes. Colourful clothing with a special ‘letter’ stuck on the chest turns your child into whatever superhero they choose to be. Make-up is always a fun final touch.
• Paper Bag Princess: Take one of those empty leaf bags and transform it into an adorable dress. Create a make-shift crown from some construction paper (that your child can decorate) and you’ve got a great costume from one of our favourite books.
• Sports Hero: Just grab that sports equipment lying around and turn your little one into an athlete. For more fun, add some crazy make-up, give them a sign to carry and turn them into sports fans!
• Road: Dress your child in grey, then create road markings with yellow duct tape up the middle. You could even stick some dollar store plastic cars on as well.
• Egg Ideas: Dress all in white. Create two big yellow circles to stick on the tummy and back. Variations include creating little devil horns to be a ‘Deviled Egg’, or paint colourful dots around and you have an ‘Easter Egg’.
• Mom or Dad: Okay, so maybe this one is a bit of a stretch (but is a great idea for older kids who can wear the clothes).

The post Easy, Last-Minute Homemade Halloween Costumes appeared first on SavvyMom.

Here are our picks for best lunch bags for this year’s back to school season.

Fluf School Lunch Bag

Ever have a lunch bag zipper quit after two months, or even just two weeks? Not fun. That simply isn’t happening with this organic cotton lunch bag, featuring a heavy duty, seriously easy-to-zip zipper. Plus, it won’t get caught in the fabric – it’s really quite a miracle. We’re also fans of the bright yellow against the dark grey. Perfect for all.

Available online here.

Yumbox Panino Lunchbox

We love bento box-style lunch gear, and this one is as cute as a button. Its 3-cup volume makes it easy to hold a sandwich and two sides, plus there’s a well for dip or other sauce. There’s even emojis on the bottom of the tray, so when they eat all of their lunch they get to see some great graphics! Yumbox’s boxes and gear comes in great, fun colours, too.

Available online or at a local retailer near you.

Thermos Dual Lunch Bag

The best lunch bags work for everyone, and this robust model does the trick. We love the side mesh pockets for easy access to snacks, and a plethora of zippers makes it easy for little fingers to get at what they’re after without a lot of fuss. Solid colours, good design, and bang for the buck round out the bill.

Available online here.

SoYoung Kids Lunch Bags

The best lunch bags are machine washable and gorgeous, to boot. Raw linen provides a great look on the outside, while the leak-proof insert protects against leaks, stains, and all-over lunch blowouts. Plus, the designs are so stylish!

Available online here.

Planetbox Rover Lunchbox

This lunch system actually revolutionized our approach to lunches. No more filling the dishwasher with a million different containers. Say goodbye to little fingers being unable to open lids. This bento box system is spacious, fun, and can be expanded with separate, easy-to-open containers (two are included). Plus, there’s a minimal amount of plastic involved AND the kids can customize their design with their choice of magnets. Love, LOVE!

Available online here.

Lands’ End Kids Soft Sided Lunch Box

This is one of the best lunch bags because it’s durable, a great size, and super cute–there are many more colours and patters available online. They come from the U.S., but all prices online are in CAD, and we find them to be a very reasonable price for a lunch bag that should definitely last more than one school year. (We’re speaking from experience here: going on year four with the same lunch bag!)

Available at landsend.com

Herschel Pop Quiz Lunch Box

The durable Herschel Pop Quiz Lunch Box features a soft and insulated main snack compartment that easily wipes clean, making it the perfect cafeteria companion. There are 18 stylish colours and colour combos to choose from, making it cute and practical — the ultimate criteria for being one of the best lunch bags.

Available at Herschel.ca

Jansport Lunch Break

We already know that Jansport makes some of the best backpacks, so it’s no wonder they’re on the list for best lunch bags as well! The Lunch Break lunch bag has an insulated interior to keep foods warm or cold plus an angled zip opening so it can lay flat for use as a tray, plus an external zippered pocket for utensils, napkins, or other small items. It comes in a number of cute colours and patterns, too!

Available at Jansport.ca

The post The Best Lunch Bags and Gear for Back to School appeared first on SavvyMom.

Toronto Bike Paths for Families:

Martin Goodman Trail

From the West to the East (with some interruptions), the Martin Goodman Trail is one of the longest Toronto bike paths, and provides bikers, walkers, runners, or even elliptical bikers (it’s the new thing) access to all ends of our city, allowing bike-safe access to High Park, the Beach, and all points in-between.

Taylor Creek Trail

Bring the kids through Sunnybrook and ride onto the Taylor Creek Trail for a sunny, smooth ride. The new infrastructure additions to the area are great. Take advantage of the mostly paved 6km path (only 10% is gravel) that follows the Don River.

Humber Bay Park East/West

Take a ride over Palace Pier bridge (that big white bridge you can see as you come into the city from the West) and follow the trail along as it connects you through to Humber Bay Parks, East and West. Great stopping points are the round wading pool where you’ll often see miniature motorized boat enthusiasts racing their rides and the impressive monument that recognizes the victims of the Air India disaster.

Image via tourbytransit.com

Sunnybrook Park

The grounds beside Sunnybrook Hospital offers some of the best biking in the city for kids who like flat (and fast) terrain. Starting near the horse stables, head south along Sunnybrook Park where it eventually connects you to the open fields (with a paved bike trail) that takes you along past the Ontario Science Centre (RIP) and connects to Taylor Creek Park.

Lower Humber River Loop (Etienne Brule/Magwood/Home Smith Parks)

Near the Old Mill in the Kingsway area lies the Lower Humber River Loop–a long, scenic trail with rushing waterways and parks along the way for the kids to stop and play. Either continue on along the Lambton Golf Course or cross over the bridge at Dundas and return on the far side of the river. (Note that kids in your crew will be biking along a quiet roadway, not a trail, after the crossover point.)

Image via urbantoronto.ca

Moore Park Ravine/Brickworks

The Moore Ravine trail is meant mostly for kids who can handle some beautiful but bumpy trail terrain. Starting on Moore south of the cemetery, the trail runs past the Brickworks (a great place to stop and refuel) and loops all the way around to Mount Pleasant. For an even longer ride that ends in a steep uphill, cross Mount Pleasant and follow the trail up to David Balfour Park.

Image via torontobiketours.wordpress.com

Mt. Pleasant Cemetery

Perhaps not what first comes to mind when thinking about family bike paths in Toronto, but the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery is a thoroughly lovely and serene bike route. Beware that road traffic is intermittent throughout, so bringing younger kids on trikes could be trying if you’re constantly watching out for, or yelling, ‘car!’

Kay Gardner Beltline Trail

Running alongside the cemetery is the shaded, woody Beltline trail, taking bikers, runners, and walkers from Mt. Pleasant all the way to Allen Road. Note that the path isn’t paved except for a small section, but the ground is firm (if it has not rained) and great for slightly older kids who can handle a bit of uneven road.

Image via brownbeartravels.com

Lower Don Trail

Pottery Road offers points on all sides for bike riding. To the north it heads to Sunnybrook and Taylor Creek, to the east, the Brickworks, and to the south, it takes you along the Lower Don Trail — a meandering, foliage filled (in the summer) route down to the Lakeshore, where you can then head east towards the Beach if you have kids who can handle a longer ride.

Cherry Beach Clarke Beach Park

At the bottom of Cherry Street, just past Unwin Avenue, hop on the Cherry Beach bike trail that leads you east for a while, past a sailing club and over a reinforced bridge. Note that to connect to Tommy Thompson Park, there is about a kilometre or so of road riding required.

Finch Hydro Corridor Recreational Trail

Running north of Finch Avenue, between Dufferin and Yonge streets, is a fairly new and improved trail that was added to the existing pathway that ran along the same route. The Finch Hydro Corridor Recreational Trail is off-road asphalt pathway that’s seven kilometres in length and goes through G. Ross Lord Park.

Tommy Thompson Park

Tommy Thompson Park, known as a ‘unique urban wilderness,’ is just a short distance from downtown. Open to the public on weekends only (so be sure to check the hours), the park—also known as the Leslie Street Spit—extends about five kilometres into Lake Ontario and is home to some of the largest wildlife and wildflower habitats in the city, so bring your camera.

Image via luvelobikes.wordpress.com

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