{Trends Taking Root} - Infographics

Taking a break from sweet treats, today we are following the trend of infographics. Although they've been around for many years (Excel charts and Powerpoint graphs) recently, there has been a large increase in the number of well-designed data charts. Companies with annual reports often employ the skills of a graphic designer to make data both more interesting and easier to read, but now we see it everywhere from advertisements to opinion polls.

The idsgn blog featured a great article about whether infographics are good or evil as in whether or not the design is used to sway the data into appearing different than it actually is.

Going back through saved posts from various blogs there were several great examples of how infographics are being used. Check out a few of my favourites below:

Mashable - the best resource for digital culture, social media, and technology news - has a whole section devoted to stats portrayed through infographics. This snapshot below is from a chart featuring the history of advertising on Facebook.

[Mashable.com - Facebook Ad History Infographic snapshot]

Another great example comes from the team at Mash Creative with their "Really Useful Poster" series. (Via AisleOne)

[Really Useful Posters - Mash Creative (Via AisleOne)]

An example of infographics used for advertising from Mountain Goat Beer. (via I believe in advertising)

[Mountain Goat Beer - designed by Freeform Design]

This example comes via Oh So Beautiful Paper by design student Michael Arnold from his How To project.

[How to Project - Michael Arnold (via Oh So Beautiful Paper)]

This final poster by designer Ben Weeks (via The Canadian Design Resource), is the kind of poster we should all create and have hanging nearby to remind us of the great things in life.

[Things I love poster - Ben Weeks (via The Canadian Design Resource)]

{Sweet Treats} - Baked at Frankie's

The next stop in our tour of gourmet goodies take us to Baked at Frankie's! If you have any special dietary concerns including a gluten intolerance or a nut allergy, it is almost impossible to purchase pre-made desserts without worrying about the ingredients. Baked at Frankie's takes care of that. Not only is everything entirely gluten-free, nut-free and wheat-free, but it tastes incredible.

This decadent cupcake makes a perfect close to any meal or as an afternoon treat. Whether you have special dietary needs, or just a general sweet tooth, head over to their downtown shop to satisfy your craving!

{Trends Taking Root} - Soft Pastels

Although bright colours are still holding their own in the world of fashion and decor, the trends are now in favour of softer pastel colours instead of the vivid neons we saw over the last while. Luckily, your local shops have you covered! From kids clothes to fashion accessories, there are many ways to add these muted tones into your home and wardrobe.

[Little Acorn, Strawberry Threads, Shabby Lane Interiors, Presents, Presents, Presents]

{Sweet Treats} - Sugar FX

In order to properly cover the vast selection of delectable treats available in Uxbridge, we had to make a trip to Sugar FX. From old-fashioned candies to Harry Potter themed goodies, Sugar FX has it all. With so much to choose from, it was difficult to pick one thing! The adorable chocolate mice come in various different types of chocolate and make a perfect little treat.

[Image credit: Take Root Creative (taken at Sugar FX) ]

{Sweet Treats} - The Urban Pantry

This week we are starting a new series featuring delectable sugary yumminess from various places in town. No one wants to bake in this summer heat so why not head out and pick up a ready-made dessert to top off your summer BBQ? Our first feature comes from the Urban Pantry. The Cake Lollipop ($1.75 per lollipop) is the perfect decadent finish to any meal.

The York Durham Heritage Railway

Whether it be for tourists (and locals!) to take a train ride between Uxbridge or Stouffville, for a special event (The Teddy Bear Train or Santa Train) or for a film shoot, the York Durham Heritage Railway is an integral part of the community. If you haven't taken a trip on the train in a while, visit their website to find out about the regular schedule or upcoming themed train rides.

[All photos taken by Take Root Creative]

Harry Potter Mania!

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last decade, you are probably familiar with Harry Potter. For those of you who are big Harry Potter fans, the final film (EVER) in the Harry Potter series opens in theatres on July 15th. You can see it right at midnight at the Roxy Theatres in Uxbridge and win prizes for trivia and best costume.

We've rounded up some costume accessories as well as things you can wear everyday to show your love for the worldwide phenomenon. Whether you have $450 to spend on an authentic invisibility cloak, or $1.00 to show your allegiance to the not-so-loved Professor Snape, here are a variety of subtle (and not so subtle) options to get you ready for the big day!

[Broom Necklace, Collectible Wand, Snitch Necklace, Bracelet, Snape Button, Cloak, T-shirt]

Eat Local - Urban Pantry

We are so lucky to have a variety of amazing restaurants in town and the Urban Pantry is no exception. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will enjoy the excellent service, 'urban' atmosphere, and most importantly, the incredible food! With fresh takes on your favourite classic dishes, to mussels with a selection of broths and topped with thin crispy fries, there is something here for everyone. Make sure to try a cake lollipop - a yummy cake/cookie dough-type-filling covered in candy sprinkles on top of a lollipop stick!! A perfect amount of delicious decadence to finish off a meal!

[Urban Pantry - (905) 852 5050]

Local Biz Feature - Tova Soaps

One of the greatest things about the Uxbridge Farmer's Market (Sunday from 9AM - 1PM) is the discovery of new businesses in the area. Tova Langhans runs a business called 'Tova - Translation Good - Fresh Handcrafted Soap' out of her house and at the farmer's market currently.

I love her display with brown craft paper spread across the table and the blocks of soap tied in rustic twine with the descriptions written underneath. Although if you don't get there fast enough, you'll see many of those descriptions crossed out with 'SOLD' written on top!

Visit Tova at the next Farmer's Market, or call 905.862.2111 or email tovasoap[at]bell[dot]net.

[All photos taken by Take Root Creative]

Elgin Park

In Uxbridge we are also very lucky to have a number of beautiful parks located throughout the community. Elgin Park, being one of the largest, hosts many events including the Uxbridge Fall Fair, the Highland Games of Durham and Fantasy of Lights. During the quiet times, it is the perfect place to have a picnic, explore the playground or have an impromptu game of ball. From tranquil and quiet to bustling and full of excitement, Elgin Park provides the perfect place to enjoy a day any time of the year!

[All photos taken by Take Root Creative]