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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 →

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 →

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 →

Crave Coffee House Leaves Me Wanting More

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The countdown to the brand new Crave Coffee House through their social media campaign left me anxiously awaiting the day they finally opened their doors to the public.

“Im going to Crave at 6:30 tomorrow before work.” I say to my husband, “6:30 AM?” he gawks. “Yes.” I confirm. The next morning I don’t quite make my goal time. But I park on Bagot street and greet a Big Dig construction worker at around 7:15 am before opening the doors to this shiny new spot on the south side of Princess street and I am wowed. “It’s big! Beautiful layout. There’s a fireplace!” are the first few thoughts that enter my head. Continue reading →

Why Casa is More than Pasta

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Appleby, sauvignon blanc,
Biasali, braised beef short rib, roasted garlic asiago cheese risotto with pizzaiolo.

Casa Domenico has been home to many girls nights. Located on Brock street, Casa’s diverse menu, fantastic cocktail and wine selection, friendly servers and low-key ambiance is a perfect spot to share a meal.

Most recently, I arrive early and wait at the bar for a friend and her many birthday guests. After an espresso rum shot to warm up and a glass of white (Appleby Sauvignon Blanc), everyone arrives and I can’t wait to get my hands on all the carbs.* Continue reading →

Have you Heard of Juniper?

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Right this way to Juniper Cafe.
Juniper’s Menu
Treats!
Squash on Fresh Focaccia. Say no more.
Arugula, Fennel, Parsley, Carrot, Lemon and Oil
The charming Juniper
Look at this view! Wait until Patio season.
The Tett in all its glory.

Juniper Café has been the  talk of the town lately and for good reason! This charming breakfast and lunch spot located in the Tett centre provides locally-sourced products and bakes a majority of their menu items fresh onsite. So you can understand why I couldn’t wait to stop in for lunch. Continue reading →

Toast and Jam’s Breakfast Game is Strong

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Toast and Jam Menu
Breakfast at Aunt Sophie’s
T&J Sandwich: t&j sandwich: avocado + arugula + peppers + egg + goats cheese in a housemade griddle cake.
Lovely surprise at the end of our meal: gingerbread cookies with the bill.

Saturday morning is my absolute favourite time of the week. It usually means coffee and tea in bed followed by a delicious breakfast somewhere in town. Today, that somewhere is Toast & Jam, Bread and Butter Bakery’s new breakfast and lunch café. We arrive around 10 AM at the busiest time – it feels like a large percentage of Kingston pulled into the parking lot with us (note to self, leave earlier next time). Continue reading →

A+ For Atomica

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IMG_5536Atomica. This dimly-lit, wooden-oven pizza spot is one of my favourite places in town for a number of reasons (which I will explain shortly). That’s why I suggested it for a dinner date last week with a few of my favourite Kingston lifestyle bloggers – check out these talented ladies! Chelsey of With Love and Wild Photography, Nikki of Niche Photography, Brooke of Just Add Stripes  and Steph of Taylor Clark Photography joined me for a delicious meal and our visit confirmed why I love Atomica so much. Continue reading →