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The post 4 Great Local Virtual Events to Check Out appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
]]>Though these restrictions are to help keep us safe, they do put a strain on local businesses we love. But the good news is many businesses have adapted and now offer virtual events and services so you can still enjoy and support local from home!
Here are some great virtual events in Ottawa that you should check out.
Virtual trivia night
Missing weekly trivia night at your favourite local hang-out? Outside the Box Triva aims to bring that experience to your living room on Tuesdays and Saturdays. You and your team reserve a virtual table to compete with other teams from around Ottawa in real-time.
Each game consists of six rounds of secret theme trivia. Each round will have unrelated questions, but all the answers share a secret theme. Crack the theme to help get all the answers! Cost to participate is pay what you can. Check out their website for more information and to sign up your team.
Spooky virtual campfires
Spooky stories aren't just for Halloween! The Haunted Walk offers a variety of interactive virtual campfire events all year round. Grab a hot chocolate, cozy up with a warm blanket and listen to an incredible line-up of the best spooky storytellers! The events are pre-recorded, so you can get spooked at your convenience.
Subjects include “London’s most haunted,” Salem, Massachusetts,” “Haunted Vancouver” and more! Check out their website for their full list of virtual experiences!
Virtual experiences from Escape Manor
Picture this…
You’re a rookie detective fresh out of the academy looking to make an impact. You've just been informed a high-ranking UN official has been kidnapped in your hometown and the UN has requested help from local authorities…
Is this the concept of Escape Manor’s virtual experience “Taken.” The event can be played with a small group at home, or virtually with a video conferencing app. Get the excitement of solving puzzles deciphering clues from the comfort of your own home. Check out their website to book your session.
Enjoy the bar from afar!
Since 2020, most of us are used to doing virtual happy hours with colleagues and Zoom hangouts with family and friends.
But Bar From Afar wants to help you take these events to the next level. The company offers curated cocktail/mocktail packages for everyone in your group. Enjoy a cosmos, gin fizz, a vanilla chai old-fashioned, and many other classic cocktails right from the comfort of your home. Bar From Afar brings the bar to you!
If you want to get super fancy, you can add charcuterie and snacks and even book entertainment! Check out their website for full details.
Find more local virtual events
Looking for more virtual events in Ottawa? Check out this great list from Ottawa Tourism to discover more virtual events and activities in the city.
Whatever you get up to, we hope that you have fun and stay safe!
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]]>The post 8 great places to do your holiday shopping in Ottawa appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
]]>Whether you're shopping for others or yourself (don't worry, we won't judge), here are some great Westboro and Hintonburg businesses to get something for everyone on your list!
Pokoloko x Cloud Forest Coffee (Discover Local Partner)
Pokoloko x Cloud Forest Coffee on Richmond Road is a great place to get something special and cozy for someone in your life. We're a fan Cloud Forest Coffee's Golden Roast, and we love Pokoloko's Fisherman Hat, which is made of 100% pure alpaca!
Must Boutique
For the fashionista in your life, Must Boutique offers endless European styles and friendly service options. We particularly love their gorgeous accessories.
Flamingo Boutique (Discover Local Partner)
When you go into Flamingo Boutique, you're bound to walk out with a gift you wouldn't have found anywhere else.
They carry everything from clothing, housewares, beauty products, sassy stationery, and more!
Tinseltown Christmas Emporium
It doesn't get more festive than this.
Tinseltown Christmas Emporium in Hintonburg is a year-round Christmas boutique! From bejewelled life-sized reindeer to German imported blown glass ornaments, this shop has a wide selection of unique, nostalgic and traditional Christmas decor. So if your looking for Christmas-themed gifts, look no further.
Hair Fellas (Discover Local Partner)
For the gentleman who loves to keep groomed, a gift card for Hair Fellas Barbershop would make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer!
MastersNDogs (Discover Local Partner)
For the furry members of the family, MastersNDogs has you covered.
From cute outfits for your dog to toys for your cat, our favourite neighbourhood pet store will have something for all the family pets!
West End Kids
If you got kids on your shopping list, you need to check out West End Kids. The business has been a staple in Westboro Village for over 26 years, and there's a reason why it's so well-loved! They carry a variety of brands of shoes and clothing for all the kiddos on your list.
Natural Food Pantry (Discover Local Partner)
Natural Food Pantry is a fantastic place to check out for those on your list who love natural products, especially for stocking stuffers! They carry a wide range of products from food and snacks to health and beauty. They're also one of our newest tenants at Westboro Connection!
DISCOVER LOCAL AT WESTBORO CONNECTION
Some of the businesses featured in this are Westboro Connection Discover Local partners. Discover Local is an exclusive program to familiarize Westboro Connection residents, with the neighbourhood and the many local businesses and services. It's all about revealing what makes Westboro Village so vibrant, inspiring and livable. From cafes and restaurants to retailers, gyms and beyond, we invite you to discover local. There's a whole neighbourhood waiting to be discovered!
Looking to make Westboro your new home? Westboro Connection offers you a home in the heart of the community. It’s a mixed-use community that includes modern rental apartments, quality office space, a great mix of service-oriented retailers like Bridgehead coffee, and Farm Boy grocery. Westboro Connection apartments are smartly designed to enrich your life, free up your time, and help you connect with the people and places that matter most to you.
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]]>The post Here Are 5 Spooky Things to Do in Ottawa this Halloween appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
]]>Whether you’re looking for something to scare your socks off or just looking for a place to take the perfect pumpkin-themed Instagram picture, we got you covered. There are also some great virtual Halloween events happening too if you prefer to stay cozy (and spooked) at home!
Here are five things happening this Halloween in the Ottawa area:
Fright Fest at Saunders Farm
If you’re looking to get really spooked, you may want to check out the 30th Annual Fright Fest on Saunders Farm.
Fright Fest at Saunders Farm is Canada’s #1 Haunted Attraction with multiple haunted attractions, street theatre, fresh food and homemade confections.
This year, guests can experience five immersive Haunts including The Coven, Haunted Hayride, The Barn of Terror, Shambles and The Cemetery Scare Zone.
Also new to the festival this year is the CiderHouse taproom featuring Saunders Cider’s seasonal Ciders and delicious food. The attraction is open throughout the week of Halloween. For more information and to purchase tickets, check out their website.
Ottawa Ghost Tours
Ok, it’s an obvious one. But there’s a reason ghost tours are so popular, especially around this time of year.
It’s a great way to learn about local lore and history, while also getting that adrenaline of being a little spooked!
If that sounds like your thing, we recommend the Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa. On this tour, you’ll hear some of the most chilling ghost stories from the Ottawa area. You will be led by lantern light to some of the city’s spookiest haunted spots, including the Bytown Museum, the Fairmont Château Laurier, and Ottawa’s haunted high school. This tour is the right amount of spooky for all ages and there are tour dates available between now and Halloween. Check their website for full details.
Ottawa Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a fun activity to do with friends and family any time of year, but Halloween is the perfect time to try out some of rooms with more spooky concepts.
For instance, Escape Manor has a variety of spooky-themed rooms at their Ottawa locations. You and your friends can try to escape “Cabin 13”, “The Asylum” or “The Darkness”.
At their Hintonburg location they have a “Psycho” themed room. They also offer some virtual experiences too!
Over at Jigsaw Escape Rooms, they have rooms such as “A Cabin in the Woods” and “The Byward Market Butcher.” We’re getting goosebumps just reading these titles.
A Haunting At Home– A Paranormal Adventure (Virtual Event)
If you’re looking for some scary virtual Halloween events, the folks at The Haunted Walk (who also bring you the Ottawa Ghost Tours) have the experience for you!
The Haunting at Home is a ghostly online audio experience where you turn the lights down and conduct a series of fun and spooky experiments in your own home. This online experience promises a “spine-tingling and thought-provoking night of supernatural thrills & chills.”
Think you can handle it? Go to their website for more info and to sign up.
Pumpkin Fest
If you’re looking for something a little less spooky and more “festive”, you may want to check out Ferme Proulx et Érablière’s 27th Annual Pumpkin Fest!
From now until October 31, the farm is transformed into a giant Halloween playground. It’s the perfect spot to have a picnic and enjoy the fall weather in a country setting. They’ll have activities for the whole family including cornfield mazes, wagon rides, a petting farm and much more!
The farm is just a few minutes from Orleans and 30 minutes east of downtown Ottawa. Check out their website for a full list of hours of operation and activities.
There you have it, five fun (and spooky) things to do in the Ottawa area this Halloween.
Whatever you have planned, we hope you have a fun and safe celebration!
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]]>The post Four fun activities to help you reconnect with Westboro as Ontario re-opens appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
]]>Visit the Westboro Gateway Mural
Work on this prominent Westboro landmark began in the middle of the pandemic and it was ready for viewing in late fall. However, public health restrictions meant that mural afficionados were not able to attend an unveiling of the piece. Now, though, you can walk to the corner of Churchill and Byron to admire the creative work of Style Over Stylus, who have beautified walls between Ottawa and Montreal. Long-time Westboro residents will recognize lots of images from our community, like the heron at Westboro Beach, old Nepean City Hall and the trolley that used to run along Byron Avenue. Go with friends and take a group selfie at this new historical landmark!
Westboro Beach
The chances are that if you’ve lived in Westboro for any amount of time, you’ve spent an hour or two at Westboro Beach, but visiting the beach seems a little different this summer. Maybe the water is bluer, the sand is sandier and the bike paths are bikier. Make sure you don’t miss out on this Westboro classic.
Whether you prefer to explore the 40 kilometres of bike trails, kayak off Kitchissippi Lookout or simply relax with a cool beverage at the Westboro Beach Café, Westboro Beach offers activities for the entire family.
History buffs can check out the Nile Voyageurs memorial plaque, commemorating the volunteer rivermen who joined a military expedition to relieve besieged British forces in Khartoum, while entomologists can bask in the Kitchissippi Pollinator Garden.
There really is something for everyone at the beautiful Westboro Beach.
Bate Island
With well-known waterfronts like Mooney’s Bay, Westboro Beach or even the Rideau Canal available to Ottawa residents, it’s easy to forget some of the lesser-known gems. One place close to home is Bate Island.
Bate Island is a stone’s throw away from the Champlain Bridge off Island Park Drive and is surrounded by the rushing waters of the Ottawa River. The picturesque surroundings, manicured property and bubbling rapids make Bate Island an ideal spot to try your hand at fishing, kayak through the rapids or read a book under a canopy of mature trees. For larger groups, there are picnic tables and a gazebo; and there is plenty of free parking.
Wall Space Gallery
If you enjoy art, you will love the variety of pieces on display by emerging and established Canadian artists at Wall Space Gallery.
The gallery opened its doors in 2004 and is dedicated to making contemporary art accessible to everyone and building community by supporting local artists. At the writing of this article, Wall Space Gallery will be exhibiting “Celebrations of Summer”, featuring work from Peter Colbert, Elizabeth D’Agostino, Erica Hawkes, Tanya Kirouac, Lori Richards, Ava Roth, Dan Ryan, and Amy Shackleton.
If you’d like to beautify your own home or office, Wall Space Gallery offers art consultation – helping enthusiasts curate a collection that reflects their personal aesthetic.
We hope that a trip to one or two of these nearby places helps you celebrate summer and reminds you of the creative, historic and simply gorgeous spaces that make living in Westboro such a rewarding experience. When the day is done and you’re heading home, stop off for a drink or a meal at one of the neighbourhoods’ best patios.
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]]>The post Celebrating World Bee Day at Westboro Connection appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
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What is World Bee Day?
World Bee Day is a special occasion for residents, staff, and beekeepers at Westboro Connection. The mixed-use property is home to three urban beehives, installed on the rooftop of the Westboro and Hintonburg Connection buildings. UN designates May 20 as World Bee Day to raise awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinators. The day also acknowledges the bees’ contribution to sustainable development and highlights the increasing threat to their existence.
Beekeeping – it's all the buzz
Our beekeeping partner Alveole, The Urban Beekeeping Company, helps us to keep the buzz alive by actively monitoring and managing the hive’s health. The installation of the urban beehives at Westboro Connection reflects the values of our residents. The hives connect our residents with nature, support biodiversity and allow us to give back to the community. Supporting biodiversity is an integral component of the sustainability program at our properties.
Our bees support biodiversity, breakfast, and community
Last year, our rooftop beehives produced about 450 jars of honey – nearly 150 from each hive – all sold to residents with the proceeds donated to Pollinator Partnership, a registered charity committed to the cause of protecting and promoting pollinators and their ecosystems. The enthusiastic participation of the residents in the Honey Sale event demonstrated their support for the cause and excitement on having live beehives on the roof of their buildings.
The urban beehives are not only a great way for Westboro Connection residents to enjoy this local treat, but they are also an effective educational tool and promotes positive attitudes toward conserving biodiversity and respecting the ecosystem. The team at Westboro Connection believes that it is a special way to bring together residents and highlight the issues related to the environment, industrial agriculture, pollination and greening while producing premium local, artisanal honey.
Who keeps the bees buzzing?
In our conversation with Jean-Simon Daigle, a beekeeper from Alveole, he shared the numerous benefits of keeping urban beehives. “Bees pollinate from a five-kilometre radius meaning they will support food and flower growth in the vicinity, plus they will help maintain natural habitats and have a favorable impact on the surrounding ecosystem.”
Pollinators are responsible for keeping more than 130 fruits and vegetables producing so that we have a steady stream of fresh produce on our tables. Almonds, apples, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, and avocados are a few examples of the crops that are completely dependent on pollinating insects. Yet they face enormous threats from pesticides used in industrial agriculture as well as the impact of climate change. Our community can ensure their survival by protecting and preserving pollinator habitats.
Alveole and Westboro Connection work together to create a safe environment for the bees. And we help residents make a difference by providing free-bee workshops focused on bee education and by wrapping up the season with the much-anticipated honey harvest.
World Bee Day is a significant day for Westboro Connection residents and our management team. It is one way that we strengthen sustainability initiatives, show our commitment to biodiversity, and give back to our community.
Here are a few ways to contribute to the celebration:
- Plant a diverse set of plants that flower at different times of the year;
- Buy raw honey from local farmers and markets;
- Buy products from farmers using sustainable agricultural practices;
- Avoid using pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in your garden or planter;
- Sponsor a hive;
- Make a bee water fountain by leaving a water bowl outside;
- Raise awareness about the importance of bees.
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]]>The post Ottawa-based Muralist Transforms Public Spaces with Light and Colour appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
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Outdoor murals can be a funny thing. We absentmindedly stroll by them until they become familiar fixtures in our days. We look at them, perhaps we may even snap a picture for Instagram, but more often than not, these large and inspiring works of public art remain anonymous.
However, for Ottawa-based mural artist Ryan Smeeton, creating a connection with passersby is a big part of his process when he’s painting outdoors.
“Interacting with people, and bringing light and colour to public spaces, is one of the best parts of what I do,” explains Ryan. “As you start a project, there won’t be too much interaction, but as the days go by, you can start to see the image emerging. People start to get more excited and you can feed off of that energy.”
Whether or not locals have seen Ryan at work, they may very well have seen his murals around Ottawa. Ryan’s work is characterized by vibrancy, flamboyancy, and movement. They focus on hyper-realistic larger-than-life hands, bright flowers or faces captured in a moment of contemplation or action. Ryan often balances the realism of his work with abstract flourishes –a background spattering of colour here, an evolving cluster of shapes there. Some of his noteworthy works can be seen at the Canada Science and Technology Museum on St. Laurent Blvd and the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada in Eastway Gardens.
Ryan has been painting murals professionally since 2015, after leaving his job for an artist’s residency in Spain’s countryside, where nearby abandoned buildings provided the oversized blank canvases that inspired his interest in large-format work. He sees his style as ever-changing and evolving.
“It goes out in different directions,” Ryan explains. “I have a lot of different influences, and I come from a background of academic painting, how to paint realistically. I’m also interested in abstract painting and colour relationship.”
After collaborating with graffiti artists on some recent projects in Toronto, Ryan also developed a keen interest in the frenetic and highly technical street-level style – seeing what he can accomplish with a can of spray paint. “I see it as an advantage to dabble in many different things and styles,” explains Ryan.
As for his relationship to Ottawa, and how it also influences his art, Ryan (who grew up in Ajax, but has called Ottawa home since 2007) embraces the supportive nature of the city – and the community of like-minded mural artists he’s come to be a part of.
“As an emerging mural artist at a time when they’re becoming more and more prevalent, it’s a great city,” explains Ryan. “Because Ottawa is a smaller city, there seems to be a tight-knit community of different artists and peers. There’s a really supportive energy.
“All the mural artists in town, we all know each other. When a call goes out for a wall, it’s almost like a friendly competition. Whoever actually gets the gig, we’re all stoked that one of our friends got a good project. It’s really supportive and unique in that way.”
Ryan’s story demonstrates the spirit of Ottawa as well as an appreciation for spectacular art. The artist’s mesmerizing murals are true delights for the eye. You can catch a glimpse of his impressive art in the lobby of our Hintonburg Connection building.
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]]>The post Your Westboro Takeout Food Guide appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
]]>Many of our favourite local spots have creatively adapted to our new normal by re-imagining their menus for takeout, to be enjoyed in the comfort of the apartments we’ve come to know so well. In recognition and celebration of our beloved neighbourhood restaurants, we’ve put together a list of recommended places to try. We hope you’ll discover a new favourite dish, a must-try cocktail kit, or a bit of comfort you didn’t know you’d been missing. Bon appétit!
Fratelli
Since first opening in the Glebe in 1996, Fratelli has set out to offer well-made Italian food, good wine, and friendly service – without any of the pretension. It has since brought this dining vision to Westboro with a vibrant and expansive selection of Italian cuisine including homemade pastas like gnocchi pomodoro and must-try spaghetti with smoked salmon, crispy capers, and goat cheese.
Locals, however, know that Fratelli is also all about the ‘za, of which there are plenty of options to choose from. Classics like the Margherita or the Luca (with mozzarella and pepperoni) stand alongside inventive pies like the Gamberetto (with chilli paste, shrimp, pickled onions, pepperoncini, and black olives). To wash down all of that honest and lovingly made Italian food? Fratelli boasts an impressive selection of wines from the old country and beyond, craft beers, and a handy set of cocktails-to-to kits (but don’t forget to save some room for the Nutella cake!). Perfectly bellissimo!
Takeout options available.
Napoli’s Pizza & Restaurant
Comfort food comes in all shapes and sizes, and these days we seem to be craving a lot of it. Good thing places like Richmond Road’s Napoli’s Pizza are there to accommodate us with a wide selection of simple and unquestionably tasty takeaway pies, homemade pastas, subs and much, much more.
In-the-know locals choose their pies from Napoli’s ‘Famous Combos’ menu, including Lebanese Meat Mediterranean, the Napoli Special, or the satisfyingly filling Meat Lover. Vegetarians have more than a few options as well – the Greek Pizza, Canadian Vegetarian, or the Popeye Pizza with spinach, black olives, fresh garlic, feta, and brick cheese. Don’t forget about the homemade pastas – the Napoli baked lasagna and the baked spaghetti are two standouts that deserve some room on your plate.
Delivery and takeout options available.
The Newboro
There are few things more satisfying than a good, old-fashioned cheeseburger, some fried chicken, or wings done the right way. Richmond Road’s The Newboro is a gastropub that knows how to take comfort classics and elevate them perfectly.
The pub’s regulars can tell you that it’s all about the Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich or the Proper Burger with two smashed beef patties – but don’t let those two mouth-watering items overshadow other faves like Pad Thai, shrimp tacos, and the Szechuan crispy beef salad. Simple food done well will always hit the spot – something this pub definitely understands.
Takeaway options available.
The Barley Mow
Since 2015, Westboro’s The Barley Mow gastropub has been serving up high-quality pub grub that perfectly balances big taste with fun. Before the pandemic, regulars could enjoy a hearty pub menu featuring everything from deep-fried pickle fries and fried ravioli to Cuban sammies, the Barley Burger, or mains like tender beer vindaloo and Malaysian chicken.
The pub has since made all of these faves (and plenty more) available for both takeout and delivery. If you’re looking for a fun way to supersize your next supper, it also offers a great selection of family meals such as curry, meatloaf, or prime rib for four (just order 24 hours in advance for these) as well as assemble-at-home taco and burger kits (for four or eight people) with all the fixings.
Takeout and delivery options available.
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]]>The post Your Ultimate Moving Checklist appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
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The big moving day is right around the corner, and we are so excited for you to move to Westboro Connection. If you’ve ever moved before, you’ll know that there is a lot of planning and packing involved. Especially when you realize just how much stuff you actually have.
Thankfully, moving day doesn’t have to be a chaos t as long as you’re prepared and organized-exactly why we’ve put together a moving checklist that will help you stay organized through all the moving process. Ready to move like a boss? Let’s get started.
The Before Stuff…
Set a Moving Budget
You’ll need to set some money aside for all of the expected (and a few unexpected) moving expenses including supplies like boxes and tape, a moving service, cleaning supplies, DIY repair supplies, and some takeout (who wants to cook on the big day anyway!).
Start Purging
Over time, we tend to amass a lot of stuff – clothing, tchotchkes, books and magazines, gadgets and gizmos, and just about everything else. Moving is a great excuse to start going through all of your possessions, and then purging the stuff you no longer want in your life. After all, if Marie Kondo has taught us anything, it’s that a little less clutter goes a long way!
Get Your Moving Supplies
Unless you’ve mastered the art of minimalist living, you’ll need plenty of boxes to pack up all of your stuff. Add to the list packing tape, labels or markers, bags, and anything else you’ll need to transport your life.
Update Your Address
You’ll need to ensure that your new address is on file with all the usual suspects – the post office, your bank, your insurance provider, your food delivery apps, amazon, etc. And if you have a pet with a chip, you’ll need to update that info too.
Pack It Up
As you get closer and closer to the big day, you’ll want to pack up as much stuff that you don’t use on a daily basis. If this seems like an overwhelming task, don’t worry too much – by setting a reasonable goal of one or two boxes a day, you can stay on top of the packing and be ready to go when the time comes. And don’t forget to clearly label EVERYTHING!
Confirm the Moving Service
If you’re planning on using a moving service, you’ll want to confirm that well in advance (and ensure you’ve budgeted properly to pay, since moving ain’t cheap). However, if you’ve decided to ask your friends or family for help instead, you’ll want to double-check with all parties to ensure they’re still willing and able.
Transfer Your Day-to-Day Services
Internet? Cable TV? Electricity? Chances are you’ll have to arrange for your various services in advance, so you aren’t stuck waiting for days on end without a WI-FI signal!
The Day-Of Stuff…
Old Home Walkthrough
You’d be surprised at how often we forget things in the chaos and confusion of moving day. The last thing you want to do is realize that you’ve left behind a few odds and ends. Once everything has been moved out, take a few minutes to check all of your empty rooms, cupboards, closets, nooks, and crannies – better safe than sorry!
Cleaning Supplies
Whether it’s for cleaning up your old place before dropping off the keys, or ensuring that your new pad is all clean and tidy, you’ll need some moving day cleaning supplies. Plan on needing paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, rubber gloves, a broom and a mop (with bucket, of course), and your choice of scent if you want to make your new place a little more yours from the get-go.
My-First-Night Necessities Kit
Once the move is done, and you’re surrounded by boxes and bags (hopefully all clearly labeled) and general chaos, you’ll be glad you packed a necessities kit with all the stuff you’ll need for your first night.
This should have everything from toilet paper, soap, medicine and your toothpaste/toothbrush, to towels, masks, hand sanitizers, a fresh change of clothes, pet supplies (if needed), your phone charger, and even fresh bedding. Trust us – you’ll be glad you planned ahead, especially at the end of a tiring day!
Settle into Your New Space!
This is the fun part. Once the move is done and the dust has settled, it’s time to make your new apartment yours! You’ve probably thought of this in advance (and maybe even had the foresight to take some pics ahead of time to help with the layout and planning), so let the unpacking and decorating begin!
And when you need a break, this is also your perfect opportunity to explore all of the cool local businesses in your hood – coffee break, anyone?
As you can see, there’s plenty to do before, during, and after moving day.
Download our moving checklist and maintain a sense of order to a time in your life that can feel anything but!
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]]>The post Working from Home? Here’s How to Stay in the Zone appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
]]>For so many of us, the notion of ‘working from home’ has certainly taken on a new (and seemingly permanent) meaning. Not to say that our sudden shift to maintaining a ‘home office’ hasn’t come with its fair share of challenges. Gone are the regular rhythms of workplace culture, the face-to-face interactions, and the peer-motivation that would have helped us to work more effectively not so very long ago.
Without these traditional working structures in place, it might seem easier than ever before to lose focus and fall into unproductive habits – after all, adapting to news ways of remote working isn’t always a breeze!
Thankfully, however, there are many things we can do to maintain our focus while working from home. Here, we’re going to explore several effective strategies for staying focused, which will help provide more structure and, importantly, a balance between your job and your life once you’re off the clock.
Strategy 1: Create a Dedicated Workspace
While it may seem tempting to freely move around your apartment, taking your laptop from one area to the next, but trying to work with no fixed space can also prove to be quite the distraction. Instead, dedicate an area – perhaps a corner that you don’t use often, or the far side of your dinner table – solely for the purpose of working. By doing so, you can mentally ‘enter’ the space with a time-to-work frame of mind – rather than let your focus wander.
Strategy 2: Structure Your Days for Success
Being away from your usual workplace environment can feel freeing, however it can also affect the structure of your days, making them feel a little too free. Try organizing your days into structured blocks of time, affording you opportunities to hunker down and crank stuff out while still being able to attend virtual meetings and take plenty of well-earned breaks.
Strategy 3: Set Time Limits on Your Media Consumption
We all need a few minutes to scroll, like a few Insta pics, and catch up on the latest news and gossip, but if you don’t set limits to your personal online time, it could very well interfere with your focus! If you have the willpower, you can always set a timer for yourself to concentrate on work tasks; if, however, you need a helping hand, there are several desktop and mobile apps that will effectively limit screen time for you.
Strategy 4: Make Time for Break Time
Just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean you get to relax and recuperate whenever you want – your days are busy, busy, busy! Without the coffee breaks and lunches, you used to take with your workplace buds, it’s up to you to designate enough ‘me time’ to feel balanced and recharged. Whether it’s taking a daily walk or doing a lunchtime yoga session, taking a break will dramatically benefit your focus.
Strategy 5: Give Yourself a High-Five!
You know what isn’t always easy? Working from home during a pandemic, that’s what. But it’s so important to celebrate your successes and your ability to get up every day and keep at it! That’s no small task, considering the many things (social media, pets, partners, kids, the news) vying for your attention at home. Whether you regularly hear it from your team or not, you’ve got this, and that’s something to be celebrated!
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]]>The post Refer & Earn appeared first on Westboro 2 (Scott Street) Blog.
]]>It’s often said that word of mouth is the ideal way to discover the best of what’s around. But how are you going to learn more about Westboro’s hotspots and “must-do” activities?
As it turns out, an in-the-know referral is also a great way to recommend the perfect apartment to someone you know – while collecting a nice little referral bonus for yourself!
Colonnade BridgePort’s Tenant Referral Reward Program is an incentive for residents of any of our managed residential properties. Here is how it works:
- You (as a current resident of a Colonnade BridgePort managed property) help someone find a great place to live by referring them to Westboro Connection.
- Your referral fills out a referral form at the time of their application for a (minimum) one-year lease commitment on any available unit.
- Once their application is approved and the lease is signed, both you and the person you’ve referred will receive a rent credit of $200.00 to be applied to their first/your next month’s rent.
But Wait – There’s More! For a limited time only, the referral reward has been increased to $500!! If you know someone who is looking for a great place to live, why not refer them to Westboro Connection? You’ll have a great new neighbour too!
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