{Summer Deals} - From the Shops of Uxbridge

We are only just beginning the month of August, but in the retail world, that means clearing out any summer stock and bringing in new fall product. What does this mean for us shoppers?? SALES!!! Many of your local shops have great sales happening right now.

Below are some of the deals to be found. And what is the best way to stay in the loop? 'Like' them on Facebook to receive the deal memo right in your newsfeed. We have linked each Facebook page below to make it easy for you!

Woods & Woods - Men's Quiksilver Board Shorts 50% off

La Petite Fleur - 'Light up your life' sale with 40% off chandeliers

Strawberry Threads - 50% off summer merchandise

Presents, Presents, Presents - 50% off sidewalk sale

Avante Garde Boutique - 50-80% off summer merchandise

{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]