Strike a Blog

Finally the summer weather is here and it's time to take your date away for a week or weekend of relaxation and fun in the sun! Muskoka is one of the best destinations this time of year. The combination of Canadian Shield ruggedness and lush mixed bush is the perfect setting for budding romance! There are many outstanding rental properties available, but it is imperative to read reviews and do your research before taking a place. There are so many rental nightmares out there! 

The Avalon Estate at 1081 Greenwood Point Road in Walker's Point Muskoka is an example of a Muskoka Nightmare! Renters are required to pay a $500 safety deposit (common practice for rental properties). This money should be considered part of the rental fee as no amount of cleaning or clean-living in the cottage will get this money back! The owners of the cottage pitch tents next to the cottage, roll up a truck with camper on the property, and lurk about the land. Then to top it off, there is a barking dog next door. Nothing screams "romance" like a barking dog at dawn!! 

Information about Toronto's annual Pride Week events, including schedules, entertainers, committee news, history, sponsors, and how to volunteer.

Like everyone else in Ontario, we are stoked that Toronto Pride 2013 is finally here. This is such a great event to showcase our awesome city and its crazy (in a good way) people. There are countless events going on that can be found at this link for the Official Pride Toronto Guide.

First time checking out Toronto Pride? Must Dos:

1.  Have some beer and dance a summer night away at the 519 Beer Garden

2. Find your "sticker" - there's one for everyone (dyke, gay, homo, queer,str8, ally, parent....you get the idea)

3. Scoop up some freebies from the vendors on the street. Will Viagra tattoos make a comeback this year?

4. Watch the parade (obviously) and the Dyke March as they take Yonge Street by storm. Bring your water guns!

5. Check out awesome performances at the main stage

6. Pick up some garb at Out on the Street on Church Street

7. Dine at one of the Church and Wellesley Restaurants or check out one of the pub patios for lunch

8. Venture out to Hanlan's Point for some gay beach fun

9. Check your Pride Guide for the big events. You won't want to miss anything

10. Fill in your free online personality questionnaire at www.strikeamatch.ca (Just because...) 

We are pleased to announce our recent partnership with The AIDS Network. According to its mission statement, The AIDS Network strives to recognize and respond to the stigma and challenges posed by HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities through education and support. This is obviously a cause that we can all see value in, whether we know an individual who has been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, we ourselves have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, or we are looking to gain a better understanding of HIV/AIDS and how it may be prevented.

If you're like us, this weather has you thinking of sunshine and far away lands! It's always nice to plan out dream vacations even if they're not on the immediate horizon. Tonight we are dreaming of Tahiti sun! This tropical paradise features beautiful landscapes and offers both adventures and relaxation. While it's a little on the pricey side, a romantic vacation package to Tahiti makes a perfect getaway for you and someone special. Not to mention that all your friends will be jealous ;)

We're all looking forward to the holiday season! What a great reason to gather with family and friends, and spread good cheer. With all the hustle and bustle in shopping centres around the country, consider a different type of gift this year. There are an abundance of local charities who rely on donors to help change someone's holiday experience. Here are a few of our favourites:

  1. Covenant House Toronto

Every night 11,000 youth across Canada are without a home. 40% of these are youth from the LGBT community. Covenant House in Toronto provides individuals with shelter, food, outreach progams, and crisis intervention. Make a donation in the name of a friend or loved one to make the season even more special. Visit www.covenanthouse.ca for more information.

2. Sick Kids Hospital

The holidays are for kids. Help to brighten the season of a child and his or her family who may be spending it at Sick Kids this year. The hospital has a program entitled Sick Kids Give Better Gifts in which donors can purchase gift cards, services, gifts, or make donations to families in need. More information is available at www.sickkidsgetbettergifts.com.

  3. Heart and Stroke Foundation

The Heart and Stroke Calendar is a great gift for anyone on your list. Calendar holders have a chance to win $5,000 daily, $10,000 weekly, and $100,000 monthly. The added bonus is that all proceeds support the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Have heart, visit calendar.heartandstroke.on.ca to purchase your calendars today.

4. Toronto Humane Society

For animal lovers everywhere, this is a great charity to support. Adopt an animal or make a donation in the name of someone special to give a dog or cat the holiday they deserve! Nothing shows your sensitive sides like helping animals in need. Check out the Toronto Humane Society’s website at www.torontohumanesociety.com for more information.

The big day is almost here and the malls are filled with holiday joy and frustration. If you still have shopping left to tackle, it's best to go in with a plan. As always, Strike a Match is here to help. According to Men's Health, here are some top gifts for the special man in your life this season:

1.iPad Mini

For the App lover in your life, this gadget would be a great find! It's receiving rave reviews since it's release, and people are scrambling to own all the latest Apple Products

2. Halo 4

A must-have for all you gamers out there. And the best part is, you can play too!

3. Stylish Nautica Scarf

No one likes a cold neck; surprise someone with a scarf this season! It's not only warm, but a great way to accessorize in the wintery weather.

4. Hydroflask

  Water is all the rage again. With higher-quality reusable water bottles on the market, people are staying hydrated while keeping green. This flask boasts temperature maintenance for up to 24 hours!

5. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL4 Tent

This may not be a gift for this season, but think of the adventures it's sure to bring in a few short months. This gift gives you a reason to get away and take a break. While this model is on the pricey side, quality tents are available for all price ranges!

This is just a small sampling of Men's Health's recommendations. For a complete list visit http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/gift-guide

(AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

2012 in Review

December is a busy month for almost everyone. Jammed full of holiday shopping and back-to-back parties it's hard to think of anything else happening this month. Hopefully you can take the time to reflect on a most eventful year.

The Atlantic's Alan Taylor rounds up the year's top stories with a three-part series of some truly extraordinary photos. From Angelina's red carpet "leg-sposé", to crumbling Soviet monuments and more, this round-up is an annual favourite.