Author: keepupwithkingston

Boss Ladies of the Limestone City: Dr. Aba Bowles-Mortley of Cher Mère Spa

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I chat with Dr. Aba Bowles-Mortley, owner of Cher Mère spa. Aba is a Queen’s alumna (undergrad, masters and Phd) who — like many — made Kingston her home with her husband (and eventually four children). She grew up in Trinidad where her family owns five spas and make their own products.

Aba is truly integrated in our community, volunteering for Youth Diversion as well as Hundred Women Who Care. When I sit down with her at Coffeeco she seems to know every other passerby and greets them with a wide grin and a “How are you?!”.

Learn about her Kingston experience and a few realities of raising mixed race children in a town with little diversity. Continue reading →

Boss Ladies of the Limestone City: Steph Hogeboom of Taylor Clark Photography

Kingston Photography
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Five years ago, Steph Hogeboom, found herself living in Kingston after falling in love with and marrying a Kingstonian. In that short time the native of Ajax has done what many take double that time to accomplish, she has established her own successful photography business that has taken her overseas to capture her clients’ milestone.  She’s now sharing the lessons she’s learned with local aspiring entrepreneurs through an intimate six participant workshop called Gather. 

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Steph is the epitome of what I consider to be a “Boss Lady”! She pushes herself while encouraging others, she’s incredibly talented and she’s kind. If you have yet to see the moments she captures between doe-eyed couples and brand new adoring parents, check out her website here.

We recently sat down for a chat, read why she loves being a business owner in Kingston, what she loves about our special community and how she plans on guiding future creative entrepreneurs. Continue reading →

Stellar Grub at the Hubb

Angeline's
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Recently, while picking a restaurant to celebrate a friend’s birthday, a friend recommended The Hubb Eatery in Bloomfield. We scrolled through the menu and our mouths watered reading all of the delicious menu options so we knew it was a good choice. And we were right! Located in Angeline’s Inn, this beautifully decorated, quaint little restaurant serves top-notch food and has the best service. Our server Joseph was so helpful and nice! Read my highlights below. Continue reading →

Practice Your Pottery Skills with a Class at Amaranth Stoneware

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Pottery is a hobby I’ve never considered. Sure, when I see the work of a skilled professional from time-to-time I think to myself “well done, pottery expert!” but I’ve never considered hopping on the ol’ spinning wheel and mustering up my own bowl, cup or vase. That is until Jo-Anne and Gerald of Amaranth Stoneware invited me to try one of their Drop in & Spin classes! I brought my husband for an afternoon of self-growth and bowl-making. Continue reading →

Why I am Proud to Call Kingston Home

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It’s been just over a year since I moved back to my hometown and about a year since I started Keep up with Kingston.

Each day I am reminded of why I chose Kingston. I’ve had so many conversations with fellow Kingstonians who have just recently swapped the big city life for the slow pace of this beautiful community.

I don’t know how I didn’t see it before but the more I get involved with our community the more I find a common thread of kindness, hospitality and enthusiasm for this waterfront gem.  Continue reading →

Boss Ladies of the Limestone City: Ali Houde-Shulman of Queen Street Chiropractic

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Meet Ali. Ali is a chiropractor who runs Queen Street Chiropractic clinic as well as Limestone Laser. She lived in Toronto for many years and loves the big city but eventually – like many young people – decided to set her roots down in Kingston three years ago and take over her parent’s business. She serves clients that have been visiting the clinic since she was a child – I think that dynamic of a family-owned business is so special. See below for our chat and learn about how chiropractors heal and why Ali loves being a business owner in Kingston. Continue reading →

Six Things I Look Forward to at the Skeleton Park Arts Festival

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spaf_arts_headerI started this blog and moved back to Kingston because of the strong sense of community and local talent. The Skeleton Park neighbourhood does such an amazing job illustrating these aspects that make Kingston wonderful by hosting the Skeleton Park Arts Festival showcasing local musicians, artisans and artists in five days of amazing events for FREE!!

I’m pretty pumped. Here is a list of 6 things I’m looking forward to at the festival this week! Continue reading →

Five Brewery Picks from This Year’s YGK Craft Beer Fest

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I’ve got to be honest. I don’t regularly drink beer. But my husband does! Which is why I bring him with me to YGK Craft Beer Fest at Fort Henry. Nothing kicks off summer like an outdoor festival and though it is a tad overcast, that does not stop people from showing up to sip samples and chill on the hill while listening to live music. I think everyone’s enthusiasm for the day works because the sun eventually shines bright and stays until it’s time to set. Continue reading →

My Trip to Life Yoga Kingston

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IMG_2526I know this blog is often used to share the many delicious foodie spots in the Limestone City. However, I need to burn the indulgent calories somehow! I’ve told you how much I love the Apex community and there are so many wonderful fitness communities in this town to discover.

I was recently invited to Life Yoga in the east end (Gore Road) and it was filled with good vibes. I could tell this place is like the “Cheers” of yoga studios because Director Carly Stong seemed to know everyone’s name as they walked in the door.

I love how diverse their classes are  – I tried the stress relief class led by Carly and followed it up with Hip Hop Cardio with Jesse of ClosettCandyy! Continue reading →