It seems like a life-time ago, I answered an ad – with fingers crossed and heart pounding – for ‘Graphic Designer at White Oaks’. It was a pretty clever angle, luring potential hires in with visions of lattes and tennis matches dancing in their heads. Truth be told, they had me at coffee. Lucky for me, I was hired… and [...]

If you’re looking forward to more temperate March winds and pretty flowers popping up here and there, you’ll have to wait a whole extra day this leap year. On the upside, any of you gals looking for a little foothold for snagging your man – yes, I’m talking proposing marriage – then February 29th is your day. Not that in [...]

Setting the tone for new culinary explorations of fresh local ingredients and wine pairings throughout the past decade, LIV Restaurant at White Oaks has been no stranger to awards and distinctions. It has consistently set itself apart from it’s peers by garnering lavish praise and awards while at the same time, not shying away from it’s Niagara roots. 2012 has [...]

As a planner, there are many ways to participate in the greening of your industry and contribute to the betterment of our environment. The number one, most positive thing you can do is to choose a venue that is as environmentally conscious as possible. Sounds easy? Well unfortunately, it is much harder than it sounds because, many hotels, conference and [...]

No surprise that certain foods make you wax nostalgic. Crock pots can easily transport you back to 1979 and your mom’s newest soup-can-recipe – 1,001 things to do with cream-o-mushroom… but this month, I set my sights on whipping up a swanky crock pot version of the French classic: Boeuf Bourguignon. This was settled upon after discarding my initial idea [...]

What a Challenge! This past fall, we hosted a 12 week “Body Transformation” Challenge for our members. Now normally this isn’t newsworthy as we have been hosting similar type challenges for the past 6 years. This one however was different, very different. For the very first time, the Challenge included comprehensive, one-on-one fitness training AND nutrition coaching…delivered in weekly sessions. [...]

There’s a richness in our Niagara soil and a warmth in the air that produces some of the finest grapes in the world – and some of the best wines.  Sharing the same latitude with the wine-growing regions of France, Italy, Germany and Northern California, Niagara is home to more than 80 wineries – and they’re all eager to throw [...]

As I was preparing for this program, thoughts of anticipation and apprehension were entering my mind. I know I love the “Minute to Win” type challenges, but I was unsure if the group of more than 200 delegates was going to love it just as much. The group was given an opportunity to experience what Niagara has to offer. Various [...]

We hear all the time that people just cannot find the time to get into the gym.  With these quick tips you can make the most of the shorter time you have these days to get in a workout! Shorten: You’re on a mission. Approach the gym like a battlefield…get in, get ‘er done and get out. Break that 60-minute [...]

I recently assisted with the organization of an amazing event we hosted here at White Oaks for the first time.  The Canadian Copper Skillet Chef Competition where chefs from conference centres belonging to the prestigious International Association of Conference Centers compete to be top chef if Canada.  The winner of this iron chef style cooking competition then competes against chefs [...]