Christmas Miracle? Help Find Hope The Peterborough Dog Her Home

This cute Lhasa Apso/Mix pup—see pics below—was found outside the Tim Hortons in East City on Hunter St. If you know any information about this dog or her Forever Family, contact the Peterborough Humane Society. The Humane Society has named the lost pup Hope for the time being while she stays at the shelter. "Hope" will be available for adoption this Friday if her Forever Family isn't found.

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Local (Hostess Or Dinner Party) Gift Under $25

Still need something to decorate your Christmas dinner table or need a unique hostess gift to take somewhere? Pop into Tribal Voices and you'll be greeted with a table covered with a variety of items. You'll surely find what you're looking for. 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Local Gift Under $25 For The Cyclist

Stumped as to what to buy this year? Here are two local gifts under $25 for the Cyclist. Stop in at Wild Rock (located at 169 Charlotte Street) and pick up the Torch Bright Flex LED Light, which is easy to attach to the front and back of your bike to make sure others around you are aware of your presence. Be sure to pick up a container of Sports Balm, which will make for a much more comfortable ride for those that spend a fair bit of time in the saddle.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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DIBA Featured Post: Naked Chocolate

In life, there are people who are passionate about things but the timing isn’t right, and people who have a God given talent. When you can somehow align all of these and have a talented person working in an area they’re passionate about, you will find incredible results.

Warren Eley, owner of Naked Chocolate (located at 390 George St N), is one of the lucky people who found the perfect combination. After years of working as a corrections officer, he had finally had enough. Years before, Warren had discovered his love for chocolate making—but had but simply never acted on it. When he finally took the brave step to leave his comfort zone and take a chance, the shop was created in 2009 and he has been turning out some of the finest dessert options this city has ever seen since.

Over the last 5 to 6 years, Warren says that chocolate has really started to take off in our part of the world. Chocolate is now specialized by regions much like wine has always been. People are now “growing it” and cultivating it in such specialized ways that new flavours are constantly being created.

The named “Naked Chocolate” Warren says, came from his idea of combining a few of his favourite shows called Naked Science and The Naked Chef. What he does is a sweet science in created flavours much like a chef does but specifically in the chocolate world!

When you enter the shop, you immediately notice it isn’t your run of the mill candy store. Naked Chocolate offers what should simply be considered as “Edible Artwork”. Using no additives or enhancers, Warren—along with Angela Roest and Caitlin Stephenson—create everything onsite using only the purest of ingredients. They use “old school philosophy and techniques with new school thinking,” as Warren puts it.

What they offer is an absolute marvel when you see it: Gourmet Marshmallows, Pate de fruit, sponge toffee, various mousses, chocolates of course, and their specialty: Truffles. Much of the chocolate offered is specialized by the regions its ingredients come from. If someone was to come in and simply make a purchase based on looks and not even care about the incredible out of this world taste, it would not be surprising.

Warren has and still trains regularly at the Chocolate Academy in Montreal, continually learning new techniques to bring back to his shop. He has the goal of competing in what is called the “World Chocolate Masters” and is consistently pushing the barriers of what is possible with chocolate.

Naked Chocolate often caters events in town and is available to produce for various events and weddings, while also offering classes to those interested in different dessert areas. Over the years since its opening, the shop has also happily donated its creations to different events around the area.

Warren and the staff love being located in our downtown core as the creative spirit of entrepreneurs in their neighbourhood constantly push them to put out great products each day. They invite you to come down and have a look at these creations and see for yourself what their satisfied customers already know: Naked Chocolate is delicious!

For more on Naked Chocolate (390 George St. N), go to:
Phone: 704.775.6253
Website: NakedChocolate.ca
Twitter: @Naked_Chocolate
Facebook: Naked Chocolate

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

PtboPics: Icy Night In Peterborough

It's an icy night out there Peterborough!

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Local Gift Under $25 For The Hot Chocolate Fan

Still searching for a little stocking stuffer for someone that likes all things hot chocolate? Why not try these hot chocolate cubes for $3.75 each at Naked Chocolate. Choose from Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Gentle Mint, or Mexican Spice.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Column 7: Dating In The City With Match Me Peterborough's Rebecca Cooper

COLUMN 7 TOPIC: Being Single During Holiday Season

Are you single this holiday season? Being single around the holiday season can put pressure on some people. It's important to reconnect with your family and friends and create a wonderful holiday season for yourself.

Here are 10 great things to keep you busy around the holidays:

1. Are you someone that loves music? Contact the Red Dog, the Black Horse and the Dobro to see what musical talent they will be having.

2. If live theater is your thing, check out Market Hall and Showplace to see what type of shows they have on the stage.

3. Consider going on a short weekend getaway, such as maybe renting a cottage at Viamede for a few days or spending a few days in Ottawa.

4. Enjoy some fun winter activities—try skiing, snowboarding or maybe even snowshoeing.

5. Consider doing a wine tasting in Prince Edward County.

6. Start thinking about some goals for yourself in 2014. Work on a new
vision board figuring out what you like to create for yourself in the
new year.

7. Sign up for some art classes or cooking classes.

8. Volunteer at a local food bank; giving back to your community is a
great way to make you feel good about the holiday season.

9. Get into some good books you've been wanting to read this year.

10. Plan the ultimate New Year's Eve celebration!

Happy holidays to all my readers, and see you in 2014! 

Click here to learn more about Rebecca Cooper's Match Me Peterborough. Sign up here for her newsletter, "Like" her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter, check out her website, email her here or call 1.877.553.8883.

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Local Gift Under $25 For The Guitar Lover

Stumped as to what to buy this year? Here is a local gift for under $25 for the guitar lover. Stop in at The Guitar Boutique (located at 182 ½ Charlotte Street) and pick some Fender gear such as a toque, a hat, a t-shirts or a mug.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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Local Gifts Under $25: Handmade Jewellery

Under One Sun (located at 236 Cowling Heights) has numerous pieces of Haitian-made handcrafted jewellery under $25. They will be open this weekend Friday 12-8, Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 12-4.

Connect with Under One Sun on Facebook and Twitter.

[Related: Peterborough Woman's New Jewellery Shop Inspired By Trip To Haiti]

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Local Gift Under $25 For The Home Owner

Stumped as to what to buy this year? Here is a local gift for under $25 for the Home Owner. Stop in at Burrow (located at 7-188 Hunter Street West) and pick up one of the Paul Coconut Hooks. They are available in different fun shapes and styles, and funky enough to match who you are buying it for!

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

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