Some of the greatest inventions in life are born out of necessity, and sometimes the necessities needed when you are born, turn into a great invention. Jennifer Murray and Patricia McGarvey have combined their personal experiences with some old family traditions to launch Èires’ Leanaí (meaning Ireland’s babies), and their Ultimate Baby Bag. The trendy, fashion-conscious backpacks come in a variety of colours. They are stocked with baby’s first clothing, diapers, wipes, toiletries for the new mom, breast pads, sanitary pads, and disposable underwear. “We are both Irish moms, and both have been fortunate to welcome babies in Ireland and Canada,” said Murray. “It’s an Irish tradition that the grandmother would pack the hospital bag for their daughter.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have that luxury here in Canada as both our moms still reside in Ireland. We thought there must be a company that provides a bag. We searched online, and none were found… that's when Èires’ Leanaí was born.” The two friends have ten children combined between the two of them (Jennifer-3, Patricia-7) and have no shortage of experience when it comes to childbirth. The unique business model is the only one of its kind available online and local reviews have been excellent. “Our clients tell us that our Ultimate Bags take so much pressure away,” added Murray.  “Lots of women have said they wish our bags were available when they were having their babies. We feel they really are the perfect gift. We know how expensive it is to have babies, and we want to keep the cost down for people.” While the online business is still in its infancy, Murray and McGarvey feel that with the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the demand for products online. The pair began pushing the product just prior to Christmas and are thrilled with the response from Westman and the surrounding area. “We both have babies and other children at home, so we understand the juggling act it can be at home. With many stores closing when Covid-19 struck, there was definitely a big demand for our bags. It may have felt like the world was shutting down, but the babies still came!” You can check out the Èires’ Leanaí line of Ultimate Baby Bags and unstocked diaper bags at www.ultimatebabybags.ca.

Peak Performance & Athletics (863-10th Street) is in the midst of a major renovation to help create a more inviting fitness centre and improved training. Rodman Batson, who has owned the business since 2015, tells bdnmb.ca that funding for the renovation and upgrades were made possible by the First Peoples Economic Growth Fund Inc. Rodman had been applying for funding for 3-years, prior to finding out he had been approved in January of this year. Renovations, estimated at $300,000, started on April 19 while the facility was temporary closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cosmetic changes inside the fitness centre include renovated change rooms and steam room, new showers, new flooring, signage and more. New fitness equipment, a cold tub, boxing gear, and synthetic ice are among the new equipment being installed as part of the equipment upgrades. Peak Performance & Athletics features a state of the art weight room, two international sized squash courts and a one-of-a-kind spa, including a whirlpool, sauna and sweat room. Members have access to the club 24/7.  Their Grand Re-Opening has been scheduled for July 1st, 2020!

Fries smothered in gravy with cheese on top? Brandon’s Poutine King food truck will be setup at Precision Toyota (404 18th St N,) for the next several weeks. Jayson McCallum launched the very popular Poutine King food truck in Brandon in May of last year. They serve a variety of poutines, each with an assortment of toppings. A percentage of proceeds from the sale of Poutines will going to Westman Dreams for Kids.

Scorteus Leather opened for business inside the Shoppers Mall (Unit 20-1570-18th Street) on June 1, 2020. The locally owned boutique offers genuine leather products designed in Canada and made in India. Owner Mukesh Patel tells bdnmb.ca that the store carries over 500 products including including a special biker's collection, leather jackets, clothing, accessories, luggage, laptop bags and more. Shoppers will enjoy a 25% discount off their merchandise until June 30, 2020. The store is open Monday to Saturday 11am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Bawk Bawk Chicken & Poutines (930-18th St, inside Wok Box) serve a variety of chicken-related menu items including wings, tenders, and boneless wings. When ordering, you have your choice of 25-different custom-made sauces such as Buffalo, Firecracker, Sweet Ginger, Lemon Glaze, Singapore Cashew and more. The chicken can be ordered in several different sizes, or you can select a combo with a side of fries and canned soft drink. The menu also features a wide range of Poutine options including your traditional (fries, Quebec cheese curds, gravy) to a more complex Philly Cheesesteak Poutine (Quebec cheese curds, gravy, beef, mushrooms, green peppers, red onions, and white onions, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese). The Firecracker Poutine is comprised of Quebec cheese curds, gravy, beef, Korean firecracker sauce, and a drizzle of lime mayo, topped with green onions. Bawk Bawk Chicken & Poutines menu items became available at the Brandon Wok Box location at the start of this week. You can place orders for pickup/take-out by calling 571-0099, or by visiting the store in person to place your order. The complete menu can be found on Skip the Dishes.