Get ready for summer time at the lake with Lakestyle’s Top 12 Summer Lake Finds including water toys, our favourite cozy warm socks and moccasins at night by the fire.
Lakestyle’s Top 12 Summer Lake Finds
Lakestyle has been searching for the latest and greatest perfect lake items for Spring and Summer 2019. Here are Lakestyle’s Summer Lake Finds for you to get out on your dock and enjoy this lake season.
Top 12 Summer Finds
1. The All Natural Ceasar Mix [$7.99] by Walters is sure to get your taste buds hopping and your afternoon rocking this summer at the lake. Check out Goodness Me! to order yours online today or check out Find Walter to locate brick and mortar locations for pick up.
2.
The Floating Island Pad [$769] from Lakestyle Inc. will keep an entire group of children or adults entertained on the water all weekend. Say goodbye to buying inflatable lake toys every season, as this huge floating island will never spring a leak.
3. The Rocky Mountain Soap Company is committed to providing natural simple ingredients in their products. A great soap to add to your cabin or cottage bathroom this summer is the Cedarwood and Fir Bar Soap [$5.95] as it brings nature in with its woodsy aromas.
4. At the Drake General Store there is a perfect match for your cabin pancakes – Amber Maple Syrup [$18.00]. Your breakfasts and brunches will never be the same.
5. The Solar Stud Lights [39.99] for Lakestyle Inc. are a fantastic way to light up a deck, dock, driveway, patio or outdoor stairs at the cabin or cottage. Designed with a solid cast aluminum body that is sealed to resist weather and moisture, these lights will light your lake activities long into the night.
6. The Canadian Flag Deluxe Armchair [$21.99] from Canadian Tire features a strong weather resistant steel frame, a Canadian flag printed on both sides and is made of durable polyester fabric with a water repellent coating to encourage water beading. With a mesh beverage holder located in the arm rest, this chair is perfect for lazy long days on the dock.
7. Canoe Suede Moccasins [$99.99] from Manitobah are perfect for this lazy coffee mornings at the lake. Look stylish and comfortable while supporting a great #madeinCanada company located in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
8. Breanne Morrow, a talented Canadian Artist has started a studio called White Feather Designs in Meaford, Ontario. With many designs and collections to choose from, there will be a jewelry piece that speaks to you. Lakestyle likes the Multi Reticulated Necklace in Mint [$95.00].
9. The Aqua Blue Iced Tea Pitcher [$28.00] from David’s Tea is sure to cool off all of your summer lake guests. The pitcher isn’t limited to making tea. Try using it to make our signature Lakestyle Cucumber Lemonade recipe.
10. The Prairie Mug [$25.00] from Flannel Foxes is a stylish way to stay toasty at the cabin this summer on those stormy days as well as those chilly mornings on the dock in the warmer months.
11. These Hard Working at the Lake Socks [$18.00] from Blacknot Farm® (Petersfield, MB) are perfect for kicking back at the lake. Whether you are boating, or sitting on your dock, your toes are sure to stay warm in a pair of these beauties.
12. Last but no least of Lakestyle’s Top 12 Summer Lake finds is a new zero maintenance dock ladder [starting at $244.00] from Lakestyle. A new dock ladder will freshen up the look of your entire dock. These ladders are compatible to any dock system and their aluminum construction means no maintenance is required.
What are your top summer lake finds? Share your favourites in the comments section!
Lakestyle is a company founded on a desire to help people fulfill their lake lifestyle dreams. By utilizing easy to maintain dock systems and accessories, people are to spend less time working and more time having fun! Check us out at www.lakestyle.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @LakestyleCA!
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The weather is getting cooler, and the leaves are already starting to change, but we’re enjoying the last of summer for the long weekend with all the summer tastes. Nothing says summer at the lake like a bowl of freshly picked raspberries, strawberries, saskatoons, or anything with rhubarb!
Keeping the Fresh Summer Tastes at the Lake
Here at Lakestyle, it isn’t uncommon to send the kids outside when they wake up, with a bucket each, to pick a fresh supply of raspberries for breakfast. When the kids were younger, they would return with sticky sweet faces, full bellies and a few squashed berries at the bottom of their buckets. Perfect way to make lake memories. As the kids have grown, they have started returning to the cabin with fuller buckets, but they haven’t completely lost the habit of snacking during the pick. The comments upon returning often involve the notion of “one for the bucket, two for me”.
Berries on ice cream, mixed into muffins or baked into a pie…. Everyone has a favourite way to enjoy the bounty of summer at the lake. Whether you are entertaining guests on your sunny dock or sitting around a great campfire, here are a few of our best recipes to share with your family and guests in that will remind you of summer tastes at the lake all year long!
Raspberry Muffin Recipe
Makes 12 muffins
Prep Time 25 minutes
Baking Time 18-25 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sour cream
2 cups cups fresh raspberries (frozen works too!)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Powdered sugar (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease muffin tin or line with paper bake cups; set aside. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together until light and fluffy, the ½ butter and the 1 cup granulated sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla just until combined. Alternately add flour mixture and sour cream, stirring just until mixture is moistened.
Spoon half of the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about one-third full. Top with half of the berries. Spoon the remaining batter into cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Top with the remaining berries. In a small bowl stir together the 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and the cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over muffin batter.
Bake for 18 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve them warm for extra yummy-ness.
Let muffins cool on a wire rack. Store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap muffins in foil. Heat in a 350 degrees F oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
Strawberry Raspberry Cobbler Recipe
Serves 12
Prep Time 25 minutes
Baking Time 60 minutes
Directions:
Grease a 9×13″ pan. Place sliced the strawberries and the raspberries in the pan. Sprinkle berries with 2 Tablespoons of sugar. Dot the berries with small pieces of butter.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, and milk until just combined. Pour the batter evenly over the berries.
Bake at 350 for 1 hour, until golden brown. Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Rhubarb Pie Recipe
Pie Crust Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup cold solid vegetable shortening, cut into 4 pieces
½ cold butter, cut into 8 pieces pieces
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon ice water
Filling Ingredients:
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 1/2 cups sugar
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
2 pounds rhubarb (stalks only), cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Directions for Pie Crust:
Using a pastry tool or food processor, combine the flour, sugar and salt.. Add the vegetable shortening and cut/combine, until the shortening is the size of peas. Add the butter andcut.combine, until the butter is the size of peas. Pour the ice water evenly over the top. Replace the lid andcut/combine, just until moistened.
Transfer the pastry to a lightly floured work surface and knead several times, just until it comes together. Divide the pastry in half and pat it into two 6-inch disks; wrap the disks in plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes, or overnight, or freeze.
Directions for Filling and Pie Assembly:
Preheat the oven to 350°. Set a baking sheet lined with foil on the bottom rack. Mix together the tapioca, sugar and nutmeg in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, toss the rhubarb with the tapioca mixture, lemon zest and the remaining 1 1/4 cups of sugar. Let stand for 10 minutes, or until slightly juicy.
Spoon the rhubarb and any accumulated juices into a 9-inch glass pie plate lined with 1 round of the Pie Crust. Dot the filling with the butter. Lightly brush the rim of the pastry with water. Position the rolled-out top crust over the filling; press the edges together to seal. Trim the overhang to 1/2 inch, fold it under itself and crimp decoratively. Make sure to add some decorative vents to the top crust to allow steam/moisture to vent adequately from this pie.
Bake the pie in the center of the oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust golden. Cover the edge with foil strips halfway through to prevent overbrowning. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 4 hours.
Happy Cooking from Lakestyle!
Enjoy your time and fresh tastes with these recipes while living your lake life!
Lakestyle is a company founded on a desire to help people fulfill their lake lifestyle dreams. By utilizing easy to maintain dock systems and accessories, people are able to spend less time working and more time having fun! Check us out at www.lakestyle.ca, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LakestyleCA!
Nearly a month since the summer solstice, we are well into lake season. Everything is green, the flowers are in full bloom, the smell of rain from a fresh thunderstorm is in the air.
As we prepare for another weekend dash to serenity, it got us thinking. How is it that some people call their place a cabin, others a cottage and for that matter, all of the other terminology we Canadianslove to use to describe our getaway destination? Somehow this collective understanding of the carefree escape has a curious ability to take on so many different terms. The cabin, the cottage, the chalet, the shack, the summer house, the lake house, or simply the lake, are all terms we’ve heard to describe our escapes from the daily grind.
Going to the Lake
Lakestyle would say that while visiting Ontario’s cottage country, it was obvious that no one uses the term cabin. While in Alberta or Saskatchewan, the vast majority do. Others certainly understand what you are referring to when you say cabin or cottage, and perhaps this is why we use “the lake” as a way to generically (so ironically Canadian) describe our lake properties without leaning one way or another.
Others may understand what you are referring to but that doesn’t mean they want to hear it. Certainly one could be poked fun at if the “wrong” term is used. “Oh, you are going to the cottage? Is that some fancy term you use to describe your castle in the woods?” Is it like we pass judgment or somehow try to elevate or diminish our situation based on the use of these various terminology choices?
Cabin or cottage, are these words linked to history or does it involve regional dialect? Perhaps the term cabin has stuck around as a way to describe a shack built in the woods by those who first inhabited remote territory. Whereas those in more established parts of the country settled on the term cottage, using a term well known to them from their cultural upbringing or the countries they themselves or their families originated from.
Cottage Life or Cabin Life?
Or maybe the difference between the terms cabin and cottage help describe the type of experience one might have when visiting. Going to the cabin may evoke a more rustic feel, where the typical services and amenities are lacking, the use of a water well versus connections to water treatment plants, or the need to chop wood to heat the place versus a forced air furnace, or simply put, “roughin’ it.” Going to a cottage could then mean “less rustic”, essentially a house with all of the conveniences we normally enjoy in our urban lifestyle such as flushable toilets, showers, or forced air heating.
Is it the environment in which the dwelling sits? What comes to mind when you say cabin or cottage? Maybe when you think of the term cabin, you might picture a log home or a place patched together with scraps of wood, buried away in a grove of trees, with streams running through the property, squirrels chasing each other and moss growing on everything. When you think of the term cottage, you might envision an expansive abode, meticulously put together with the finest materials available, boat houses attached with suites above for when the guests arrive. The lawn may be perfectly manicured and every plant has been well taken care of. Perhaps there is an elevator to take you from the shore to your turret on top of a rocky cliff or a helicopter pad ready to whisk you back and forth from paradise. Is a cabina more rustic, cozy space that evokes a sense of simple and unfussy character? Is a cottage more luxurious, grandiose and able to entertain many guests with discernable tastes?
Loving Your Lake Life
Whatever you call your abode, we all have come to appreciate the fun and joy of spending time there, doing the things we love, whether it is boating, jumping off the dock, relaxing with a good book, reconnecting with friends and family or simply just being at peace. In the end, does it really matter? Cabin or cottage? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Lakestyle is a company founded on a desire to help people fulfill their lake lifestyle dreams. By utilizing easy to maintain dock systems and accessories, people are able to spend less time working and more time having fun! Check us out at www.lakestyle.ca, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LakestyleCA!
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Many of Lakestyle’s favourite winter activities take place near or on the ice. Ice usually appears on our Alberta lakes in mid to late fall and can remain well into the spring. As much as we love to skate, toboggan, and go ice fishing on the lake during the winter months, it’s important to stay safe.
Here are some great safety tips to keep in mind when playing near or on the ice:
Obey posted signs on when and where ice surface is acceptable for activities.
Never walk on ice that is less than 15 cm thick and do not drive on ice that is less than 30 cm thick.
Beware of ice near the entrance and exits of streams and rivers. Ice can vary in thickness and strength from area to area because of temperature, water current, springs, snow cover, and time of year.
Fish with a buddy, for increased safety. Make sure to discuss a rescue plan before one is needed.
If your pet falls through the ice, call for help. Resist the temptation to go out onto the ice after them, the ice is likely not going to hold your weight either.
If you are driving a vehicle on frozen water, do not drive fast, do not follow closely behind or park near another vehicle on the ice. Ice can bend and crack under the weight of people, vehicles or heavy snow.
Keep an eye on ice and snow conditions ahead of you while driving, as the ice conditions can change rapidly from one area to another.
When travelling in a vehicle on lake ice, keep your seat belts off, open your window a crack, and half unlatch your door so it can be opened quickly.
Always carry a shovel and tow rope in your vehicle.
Wear a flotation device and cold protection suit, even if you’re fishing from shore or on thick ice.
Always carry waterproof matches and nails or spikes in your pocket to help you get out of the water.
If you fall through the ice and into the freezing lake water:
Go to the ice edge and break your way to ice that can hold your weight.
Crawl on your belly up on the ice, spreading your weight as far as possible. Use nails or spikes for added traction.
Crawl on your belly, keeping weight distributed until you reach solid ground. Standing up prematurely may mean that you fall through the ice again.
Immediately seek a warm place to remove wet clothes. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you do not take proper steps to get dry and warm.
Consider bringing along a Safety Kit for Ice Fishing. You will need:
Ice picks, rope, cell phone (in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit. Other safety equipment to be considered includes: flashlight, waterproof matches/lighter, tool kit, candles and survival blanket.
Lakestyle is a company founded on a desire to help people fulfill their lake lifestyle dreams. By utilizing easy to maintain dock systems and accessories, people are able to spend less time working and more time having fun! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LakestyleCA!
Lakestyle has made a list, checked it twice, and we are excited to present our Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for every Lake Enthusiast on your list. These are the perfect lake themed presents for everyone on your list this holiday season.
The Ion Plunge Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker [$99.99] from Canadian Tire is a waterproof, fully submersible Bluetooth speaker that provides hours of continuous use thanks to the rechargeable battery. Perfect for lazy long days on the dock.
Trucker Hats [$13.50] from My Custom Party Store (Edmonton, AB) has a wide selection of lake worthy hats, with clever sayings such as “Lake Hair Don’t Care” and “Boat Hair Don’t Care”. These are perfect for those long, hot days on the water.
The custom bracelets from ClairAshley (Waldheim, SK) on Etsy are lightweight and made from food safe aluminum. A perfect accessory for someone’s who’s heart belongs at the lake.
The Solar Stud Lights [$39.99] from Lakestyle Inc. (Calgary & Sylvan Lake, AB) are a fantastic way to light up any deck, dock, driveway, patio, or outdoor stairs at the cabin or cottage. Designed with a solid cast aluminum body, that is sealed to resist weather and moisture, these lights will light your lake activities, long into the night.
The Custom Lake Silhouette Print [$40.00] from Ramble on Supply Co (Ontario, CA) is a sweet addition to any lake decor. Display the love you have for your favorite lake with pride with this custom lake silhouette print.
The Floating Island Pad [$799.00] from Lakestyle Inc. (Calgary & Sylvan Lake, AB) will keep an entire group of children (or adults) entertained on the water all weekend. Say goodbye to buying inflatable lake toys every season, this huge floating island is practically indestructible and will never spring a leak.
The Rocky Mountain Toque [$40.00] from Flannel Foxes is a stylish way to stay toasty at the cabin this winter, as well as those chilly mornings on the dock in the warmer months.
A new Dock Ladder [starting at $244.00] from Lakestyle Inc.(Calgary & Sylvan Lake, AB) , will freshen up the look of your entire dock. These ladders are compatible with any dock system and their aluminum construction means zero maintenance required.
Rustic Painted Oars [$58.13] from CastawaysHall (Langley, BC) are a beautiful addition to your cabin or cottage. They offer a variety of colours, to suit every style of decor at the lake.
We hope you enjoyed our Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas for lake enthusiasts. Do you have an idea that’s not up here? We’d love to hear about it, share it with us in the comments.
Lakestyle is a company founded on a desire to help people fulfill their lake lifestyle dreams. By utilizing easy to maintain dock systems and accessories, people are able to spend less time working and more time having fun! Check us out at www.lakestyle.ca, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LakestyleCA!
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Explore something new. Tackle another adventure. Keep learning, always keep learning. That’s how we do things around here. That spirit of curiosity and boundless limits are alive and well in our family.
“It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go.” @OfficialJimRohn Here @LakestyleCA, we couldn’t agree more!
So, one day a few summers ago, Grandma and Grandpa bought a sailboat. Her name is Miss Adventure (Missy for short) and she is a well loved beauty. Their dream of learning to sail became a reality in the spring of 2014 at the Kelowna Yacht Club in British Columbia, when they set eyes on the green and white 1984 Catalina 22. They quickly became her 4th owner and they could feel that she was up for many more adventures just off the shores of Sylvan Lake in Alberta, her new home. When not sailing, Miss Adventure sits proudly in her lift by the dock, watching all the lake life and cabin life, anticipating her next sail.
Now what’s truly amazing is that there are so many people in land-locked Alberta that are also interested in sailing. The Alberta Sailing Association website is a treasure trove of information about sailing, and has a Sailing Club Directory with over 20 different sailing clubs and associations. It appears that in all corners of our province, opportunities exist to sail our beautiful waters.
Not sure if the weather conditions are favourable for a sail? Instantly find the wind and weather forecast for your location on the Windfinder website, an excellent source of information for kitesurfers, windsurfers, sup paddlers, kayaker, fishermen, boaters and sailors alike! Whether it’s windy or not, getting out on your sailboat is time well spent. If it’s breezy, get those sails up and catch some wind. If the winds are calm, kick back and relax, cast a line or go for a dip off your port or starboard side.
Learning to sail has become a favourite activity at the lake. Grandma and Grandpa have been teaching their grandkids, friends from near and far and even their big dog Charlie how to sail. What fun to see the sparkle in someone’s eye when they pull the mainsail up and it billows with air or when they tack or jibe, successfully turning the sailboat in the desired direction.
It has been said that in sailing, as in life, it is not the destination, but rather the journey itself that truly matters. Buy a sailboat, find a lake, learn to sail…. what a grand adventure!
Lakestyle is a company founded on a desire to help people fulfill their lake lifestyle dreams. By utilizing easy to maintain dock systems and accessories, people are able to spend less time working and more time having fun! Check us out at www.lakestyle.ca, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @LakestyleCA!
