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Longtime best friends bring exciting way to celebrate special events
For years, best friends Shannon Golding and Susie Freedman Tapper had talked about going into business together. Almost three years ago, it finally happened.
The impetus behind Bling My Lawn was a combination of the Covid lockdowns and the 16th birthday of Freedman Tapper’s daughter, Maddy, in February, 2021.
“My husband, Jason, and I wanted to do something special for Maddy’s birthday,” Freedman Tapper recalls. “At that time, people were only able to organize drive-by parades and honk. I looked into lawn signs but I didn’t see anything out there that I liked.”
So the former film production manager went online and discovered that “yard cards” are a big and growing industry in the United States but was still in its infancy in Canada. “I found one or two such businesses listed for Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary – but nothing in Winnipeg,” she notes.
Inspired by what she saw online and with a background in graphic design, Freedman Tapper was able to create a unique display to make her daughter’s birthday one that she would never forget. Golding shared it on social media and it was a huge hit.
“Susie called me late one night (in December 2020),” Golding recalls. “We were looking for a business that we could start together – a business which we could do from home which would allow us maximum flexibility.
(Golding has two children – Aaron, 10, and Ethan, 6, while Freedman Tapper has two daughters – Emily, who is 16, along with Maddy, now 18.)
A business partnership is a natural evolution for the two friends who, over the past 30-plus years, have shared many life experiences together: high school, university, being roommates in their first apartments in both Winnipeg and London, England, moving to Toronto together and both returning to Winnipeg (although several years apart) to raise their families.
They met in Grade 9 when the daughter of Bob and Shirley Freedman was enrolled at Joseph Wolinsky Collegiate and the daughter of the late Richard and Anne Tramer was attending Jefferson Junior High School in Garden City.
“I was in the Hebrew program at Jefferson,” Golding recounts. “Susie and I met through a mutual friend at Joseph Wolinsky.”
Golding has spent much of her working career working within the Jewish community. She notes that in Toronto she was the Director of Membership for Holy Blossom Temple for ten years. Before moving to Toronto, she worked in programming at the Rady Centre and when she and her husband, David, moved back here from London (where David is from) in 2012, she continued working for the Rady Centre on special projects.
Freedman Tapper and her husband moved back here 20 years ago. Much of her working career has been in film production both in Toronto and Winnipeg, where she has worked for Frantic Films and Ian Dimerman’s Inferno Pictures. She also served for a time with Manitoba Film and Music, promoting our province’s film and music industries.
The partners started Bling My Lawn by promoting their new service on social media – Facebook and Instagram – and by word of mouth. “After a few months, we had so many orders that it was hard to keep up,” Golding says.
To help out, the partners have been hiring some university students.
Bling My Lawn offers a choice of eye-catching packages consisting of numbers and letters in black, gold and other colours. Golding and Freedman Tapper also provide balloons, cakes, capcakes, stars and hearts in a rainbow of colours and a choice of themes.
While the duo started Bling during the pandemic – thereby restricting their service to outdoor signage, they also now create indoor sign displays for parties and fundraisers – a new division they call “Bling My Bash.” The expansion has led Freedman Tapper and Golding to change their business name to simply “Bling,” which encompasses both Bling My Lawn and Bling My Bash.
“We do bar and bat mitzvahs, birthdays, weddings, graduations, retirements – any celebratory occasions,” Freedman Tapper points out.
Golding adds that the pair have expanded their offerings to include centerpieces for bar/bat mitzvahs and weddings, signing boards, personalized presentation boxes for gifts and cards as well as logo and graphic design.
“Coming up, we are looking forward to doing an amazing bar mitzvah where we will be introducing our new styling service,” she adds.
“Bling is here to bring the bling to your celebration,” the partners note on their webpage. “Indoor or outdoor displays add that extra sparkle and wow factor to any party, event, drive-by, special occasion or… just because! From birthdays to babies, anniversaries to graduations and everything in between, they’ve got your bling.”
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How to Determine the Best Canadian Online Slot Sites for Your Needs
Your choice of online slot site may be different between winning and losing. More and more Canadian online slot sites have been added to the market quickly, so finding a site that works best for you is pivotal. That diversity also means that not all sites are equal. Find one that has an assortment of games, and the security features you want, and is simple and user-friendly, depending on your taste. Here we are going to look at how you can get yourself lost in online slots in Canada and what makes a game juicy.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Canadian Online Slot Sites
There are some very important things that you need to keep in mind when picking the best Canadian online slot sites. Knowing about these factors can help you have a safe and pleasant gaming experience.
1. Licensing and Regulation:
One of the first things you need to look at is if the site has a license or not. All good Canadian slot sites should hold licenses from respected and well-known authorities like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or Malta Gaming Authority. This means that the site must meet very high standards of fairness and security.
2. Game Selection:
Online slot gaming is all about variety. Choose online slot sites that offer a wide variety of reputable developer games. Some of the most popular providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech, produce games with stunning graphics and exciting gameplay features. Experiencing other sites with their wider game libraries makes for a nice change too.
3. User Experience:
A simple and easy-to-use user interface makes your game more enjoyable. Check how user-friendly the website is, the game loaders, and the management of your account. In contrast, top Canadian slot sites with beautifully crafted websites save players from technical issues and dispense with the mindset that you are here to play.
4. Easy Payments:
Payment options should be secure and easy to use. Make sure the site allows for plenty of payment options—credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Also, make sure the site has implemented encryption to help secure your financial transactions and personal information.
5. Customer Service:
Good customer service can go a long way. Choose Canadian slot sites that provide professional support for assistance by live chat, email, or even phone if necessary. Great customer support ensures that if you face any kind of problem, it gets resolved as soon as possible.
To make it easier for you to locate and select the top Canadian online slot sites that meet these points, check out New Online Casinos. From the reviews and comparisons that this resource provides, you will be able to notice which sites really hit all those crucial aspects with other elements of playing games, only adding a cherry on top!
Top Red Flags in Canadian Slot Sites to Watch Out For
The main point is to avoid landing on sites that purport themselves as Canadian slot sites but are actually wolves in sheep’s clothing.
- No Licensing: Make sure the online casino is licensed to ensure fair play.
- Unrealistic Bonus Offers: Unrealistic Bonus Offers are also another warning sign, as too-good-to-be-true bonuses with high minimum turnover requirements may be designed to make players lose their money.
- Low Ratings: The poor user reviews may have an issue with customer support or even fairness.
- Limited Payment Options: Moreover, there are limited payment options and vague security measures to ensure your financial safety.
To avoid getting into trouble and to ensure that you have a safe experience with online slots in Canada, always take these aspects under the microscope.
Conclusion
The best online slot sites in Canada will have their game selection well-cataloged, helping you to browse the hundreds of options and figure out which are right for you. If you take all of these into consideration, you should be able to find a site that offers some fun and safety. Keep your eyes open for red flags all the time and use services like New Online Casinos to help you pick new casinos.
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Fitzdares Exiting March 31, Stake.ca Prepares for Highly Anticipated Launch
Ontario’s rapidly evolving online betting industry faces another significant shift as British bookmaker Fitzdares has confirmed plans to permanently withdraw from Ontario by March 31, 2025. The unexpected exit comes after two challenging years for Fitzdares, which struggled to establish a foothold in Ontario’s increasingly crowded and competitive gambling landscape.
UK-based Fitzdares, known for its premium betting experience and personalized service, entered the Ontario market in early 2023. Despite hosting exclusive Toronto events and significant investment in local marketing efforts, the bookmaker struggled to establish a foothold. Recent industry data shows Fitzdares captured less than 0.2% of Ontario’s betting volume, placing it well behind established competitors BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings.
Fitzdares confirmed it had stopped accepting deposits as of March 10 and will halt all new wagers by March 24. So if you’re signed up with Fitzdares, you have until midnight on March 31 to withdraw any remaining balances before the platform officially shuts down.
The departure of Fitzdares highlights the tough realities operators face in Ontario—a market that has rapidly expanded since its regulation began in April 2022. Today, more than 50 licensed brands compete fiercely for local bettors’ attention, making differentiation critical for success.
Amid this shifting landscape, anticipation is steadily building around the return of Stake.com—this time under its new Canadian-specific brand “Stake.ca.” Stake previously operated in Ontario but was forced to suspend services due to stricter licensing requirements introduced by iGaming Ontario and AGCO, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Now, after a lengthy hiatus and extensive preparations, Stake is gearing up to re-enter the province legally and fully regulated under its new Canadian-facing brand: Stake.ca.
Stake.ca has already launched an informational portal at StakeOntario.com, providing regular updates on regulatory progress and launch details. While an exact launch date hasn’t been publicly confirmed yet—currently listed simply as “coming soon”—the platform is widely expected to go live later this year.
Industry insiders point out that Stake is making significant investments to ensure full compliance with Ontario’s stringent regulatory standards. The company recently hired Canadian iGaming veteran Kris Abbott as its representative for Canada, demonstrating a clear commitment to successfully navigating local licensing procedures.
Stake originally gained global popularity through its innovative cryptocurrency-friendly betting model, extensive game library—including exclusive original titles—and robust sports betting markets featuring live streaming and unique betting experiences like Plinko and Crash games. While Ontario currently restricts crypto gambling transactions, industry experts predict Stake.ca will initially offer CAD-based payments with potential crypto integration down the line if provincial regulations evolve.
Stake.ca’s return has Ontarian gamblers fired up. Online forums and social feeds are packed with bettors hyped about its exclusive casino games, VIP rewards, live-streamed sports, and especially the real-time chat where you can talk to other members directly.
For now, Ontarian bettors will have to wait just a little longer—but when Stake.ca finally goes live later this year, it could significantly reshape the province’s online betting landscape once again.
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Essential Appliance Repair Tips for Every Homeowner
This technical document outlines a series of practical tips for maintaining and repairing common household appliances. Designed for homeowners who wish to extend the lifespan of their appliances and reduce repair costs, this report provides systematic guidance, diagnostic procedures, and preventive strategies. For additional expert resources, please visit Here.
1. Introduction
In many households, appliances represent a significant investment and are critical to daily operations. From refrigerators to washing machines, each device operates on complex systems that, if not maintained properly, may degrade over time. The objective of this report is to provide homeowners with a structured approach to appliance repair and maintenance. Emphasis is placed on systematic troubleshooting, proper tool usage, and the importance of preventive maintenance.
This document is intended to serve as a reference guide, offering clear instructions and actionable advice that can be applied regardless of the brand or model of the appliance.
2. Understanding Appliance Systems
Household appliances typically rely on a combination of mechanical, electrical, and thermal systems. Understanding these underlying principles is crucial to effective troubleshooting. For instance:
- Mechanical Systems: Components such as motors, compressors, and pumps drive the operational processes of refrigerators and washers.
- Electrical Systems: Circuit boards, sensors, and wiring regulate functions and display error codes when abnormalities occur.
- Thermal Systems: In cooling appliances, refrigerants circulate through coils to maintain desired temperatures.
Recognizing the interdependence of these systems assists in diagnosing which area may be responsible for a malfunction. A systematic approach to repair begins with identifying which subsystem is underperforming.
3. Diagnostic Procedures
A methodical diagnostic process is essential to pinpoint the root cause of an appliance issue. The following steps outline a general diagnostic methodology:
- Visual Inspection: Begin by examining the appliance for obvious signs of wear, damage, or blockage. This may include checking filters, seals, and visible wiring.
- Review Error Codes: If the appliance has a digital display, record any error codes. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for code definitions and recommended actions.
- Test Electrical Components: Use a multimeter to measure voltage and continuity in critical areas. Ensure that sensors and control boards are receiving proper power.
- Functional Verification: Run the appliance through its operating cycle while monitoring performance indicators such as temperature, water flow, and motor activity.
Keeping a detailed log of your observations can provide invaluable information, particularly if the issue recurs or if professional repair becomes necessary.
4. Preventive Maintenance Strategies
Regular maintenance is the most effective way to extend the life of your appliances. Implementing routine procedures not only reduces the frequency of repairs but also improves overall efficiency. Recommended preventive measures include:
- Scheduled Cleaning: Regularly clean filters, coils, and ventilation areas to prevent dust and debris buildup.
- Periodic Inspections: Conduct annual checks or schedule professional inspections to detect early signs of wear.
- Adherence to Manufacturer Guidelines: Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the user manual, which may include descaling, lubricating moving parts, or replacing worn components.
- Environmental Control: Ensure proper ventilation around appliances to optimize performance and reduce overheating.
Integrating these strategies into your household routine can significantly lower repair costs over time and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
5. Essential Tools for DIY Repairs
For those inclined to perform basic repairs themselves, having a well-equipped toolkit is crucial. Key tools include:
- Screwdriver Set: Essential for removing panels and accessing internal components.
- Adjustable Wrench and Pliers: Useful for loosening bolts, clamps, and checking plumbing connections.
- Multimeter: Critical for diagnosing electrical issues by measuring voltage, current, and continuity.
- Flashlight or Headlamp: Necessary for working in dark or cramped spaces.
- Protective Gear: Safety glasses and gloves to guard against sharp edges and electrical hazards.
- Documentation Tools: A digital camera or smartphone to record disassembly steps and reference repair instructions later.
Investing in quality tools not only facilitates successful repairs but also helps ensure your safety during the process.
6. Safety Considerations
Safety is paramount when attempting any repair. Before you begin, make sure you have:
- A clear understanding of the appliance’s power requirements and safety guidelines.
- Insulated tools and appropriate protective equipment.
- Verified isolation of the appliance from the electrical supply to prevent accidental shocks.
- A well-lit, organized workspace to minimize the risk of mishaps.
If at any point you feel uncertain about the repair process, it is advisable to consult with a professional.
7. Integrating DIY with Professional Services
Not all repairs need to be tackled solely through DIY efforts. In many cases, a hybrid approach works best. Handle routine maintenance and minor repairs on your own, but don’t hesitate to bring in a certified technician for complex issues. This balance helps you manage costs while ensuring that critical components are addressed by experts.
Maintaining detailed records of repairs and regular maintenance activities can provide both you and the professionals with a clear picture of your appliance’s history, facilitating more accurate diagnostics and effective interventions.
Conclusion
A well-maintained appliance is essential for a smooth-running household, and adopting a proactive approach to repairs can greatly extend the lifespan of your devices. By understanding the mechanics behind your appliances, implementing regular maintenance routines, and equipping yourself with the right tools, you not only save on repair costs but also enhance overall efficiency.
This technical guide has outlined the fundamental principles of appliance repair—from diagnostic procedures to essential DIY tools—offering you a roadmap to tackle common issues safely and effectively. For further resources and expert advice, revisit this document as a reference, and continue to refine your maintenance practices to protect your home’s vital systems.