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IN THIS ISSUE
Holiday Gift Guide
BC's Best Ski Escapes
Winter Fun: Holiday Events
Still Happening
WCF News
Healthy Comfort Foods
Publisher & Managing Editor
Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Editor Bianca Bujan bianca@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributing Editor Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout
Kristy Hill studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
Accounts Receivable & Payable finance@westcoastfamilies.com
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Contributors Alyssa Bauman Bianca Bujan Andrea Vance
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FROM OUR TO YOURS
Everyone has their favourite annual holiday. Whether it’s the excitement of costumes and candy on Halloween or the togetherness over turkey on Thanksgiving, the buzz around the big day is a feeling that can’t be beat.
For me, it’s Christmas. I live for the magic of the holidays - the bright lights, the colourful Christmas trees, seasonal celebrations with friends and family, cozying up to a fire with my family, watching holiday classics, gift giving, and indulging in the comfort foods (and drinks) of the winter season.
This year, the holidays are going to look a little different as we hunker down at home and do our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result, many will mourn the loss of holiday traditions, doing their best to celebrate without big family gatherings and parties with friends. To help lift your holiday spirits, we’re sharing some ways you can enjoy socially-distanced celebrations with loved ones, and some winter events and activities that you can still enjoy in and around town.
For the special ones on your gift giving list, we’re sharing some local finds that are sure to impress. From festive holiday bouquets, to warm footwear, to self care products, we’ve got something for everyone on your list.
This year is also the best time to hit the slopes! With travel restrictions in place, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our own backyard, with wide open spaces and fewer faces. In this issue, we’re sharing the BC’s best ski escapes so you can sneak away for some fun in the snow.
And to satisfy your tastebuds, Alyssa Bauman is back with some healthy comfort food recipes that will keep you warm this winter. Find this and more in our November (digital only) issue.
Wishing you a warm (and healthy) holiday season, from our family to yours.
Editor
Imagine that you can design and build technology that could have human benefit and/ or economic applications. In our new and exciting “Learn from Home” programs for 6-18 year old’s, there will be energetic, hands-on creativity that will transform your natural curiosity and provide a safe space for experimentation and learning.
This Fall, discover from University STEM field experts, as you have fun building models, VR/AR application and programming, while you shape the Math and Science connections you already gained from school.
Ages 6-9
Inventors Club learn from Animals
Myth Busters
BC Curricula Support
Ages 9-12
STEM GIANTS
Expo: Flicks and Tricks
BC Curricula Support
Ages 6-18
CODING, VR/AR
STEAM LEADERS
Ages 16-17 & 18+
BC Curricula Support
Ages 12-16
Advanced STEM GIANTS
Expo: Save the World
BC Curricula Support
Holiday
GIFTGUIDE
2. You + Me Vanilla Bourbon Glass Candle
You + Me's signature scent! A rich vanilla fragrance with subtle notes of cream, sugar, and musk combined with a crisp citrus bergamot scent, with a burn time over 40 hours. All You + Me candles are phthalate free, made in a single batch and hand poured in Vancouver using cotton wicks. Anyone in the family will appreciate this beauty at home. www.youmecandles.com | $32
1. Saul Good Gift Co. Locavore Gift Basket
In the age of social distancing, these high-quality, bespoke gift baskets featuring a selection of the best local goodies from BC make the perfect holiday gift for friends and family. All products are thoughtfully curated by the Saul Good team and handmade by local artisans, making them a great fit for everyone on your gifting list. In the Locavore basket, you’ll find gifts inspired by the mountains, oceans, and beaches of Vancouver, with something savoury, something sweet, and something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
www.itsaulgood.com | $105
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3. Bloomiér Holiday Bouquets
When Kamila Alikhani decided to turn her lifelong love of flowers into a business, she committed to breaking the cycle of waste typically created by the floral industry’s large environmental footprint. Through Bloomiér, she has created a sustainable approach to floristry that she can share with those looking to add the beauty of flowers to their home or office. Bloomiér’s handtied bouquets are made with care and sustainability in mind, and make the perfect holiday gift for loved ones.
www.bloomier.ca | $50-$100
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5. LUSH Skin Drink
4. KEEN Slippers Women’s Howser II
KEEN offers versatile footwear that suits any need, from camping, dog walks or a quick walk to your local coffee shop. Made using recycled P.E.T plastic, this iconic slip-on slipper delivers comfort you can feel good about. This year, KEEN is celebrating 10 years of ecominded comfort with the new Howser Slipper II. Made of quilted nylon and lined with plush microfleece this slipper provides warmth without the bulk. The memory foam bed forms to your feet, and rubber outsoles stand up to outdoor weather, too.
www.keenfootwear.com | $100
Does the cooler weather have your skin feeling dry and tight? This face moisturizer is like a big drink of water for your skin. Packed full of nourishing ingredients like rose petal extract, fresh avocado and calming aloe vera extract, it moisturizes your skin and keeps it feeling soft and supple, regardless of the season. Evening primrose, neroli and rose oils improve the skin’s texture and leave you with a healthy looking glow - day or night. www.lush.ca | $28
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6. Native Shoes Kensington Treklite Glitter Boots
Upgrade your child’s footwear for the cooler weather with the latest addition to the planet-friendly footwear options offered by local brand, Native Shoes. Boasting an ultra-grippy Treklite sole and puddle-loving water-resistant upper, the newest member of the Kensington family has been reborn in an iridescent glitter finish for the ultimate seasonal sparkle. This pull-on Chelsea boot will help your kids kick any type of weather, while looking stylish too.
www.nativeshoes.com | $60
8. The Original Magic Bag
7. Garneau Ultralight Mule Slippers
These sensational ultra-light slippers for men and women are the BFF of anyone who has naturally warm feet and who loves to travel. The high-quality microfiber will let any hot-blooded feet breathe comfortably. These Quebec made slippers are made of premium microfiber, genuine sheepskin, and they are antibacterial, anti-odour, and washable. Styles for anyone in the family.
www.amazon.ca | $95
Magic Bag therapeutic products are Canada’s #1 selling hot and cold packs. The practical pad is flexible, molding itself easily to your body. Filled with Canadian sourced organic oats to create the effect of a comforting massage they are made in Canada with 100% cotton fabric. Natural, safe, reusable and compostable after 100 uses, they also come in cute and cuddly pillow-shaped animals for children too. Great for the athletes in the family and for cozy sleepers.
www.amazon.ca | $21
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9. Browluxe Precision Brow Pencil
Never again will you struggle to find the most natural match for your amazingly unique complexion. Browluxe products have been created by brow expert and professional MUA, Giovanna Minenna as a shade-focused brand that aims for the ultimate in brow cosmetic excellence. They are long-wear, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly, with a focus on high quality and usability at a good price point. A great treat for a gift bag!
www.amazon.ca | $21
November 21-December 18
Wednesday-Friday, 1-5:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, 1-9pm
December 19-January 1, 2021
Daily, 1-9pm
Closed December 24 & 25
Advance Reservations Recommended Carousel and Gift Shop are Closed
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS FREE Admission
BC's best
SKI ESCAPES
by Bianca Bujan
READY FOR SOME WINTER FUN? THIS YEAR IS THE BEST TIME TO DISCOVER - AND REDISCOVER THE SNOWY SLOPES AND UNTRODDEN TRAILS OF BEAUTIFUL BC. WITH 13 SKI RESORTS FOUND ACROSS 10 MOUNTAIN RANGES, WINTER FUN AWAITS, AND IT CAN ALL BE FOUND IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD.
Skiing in BC promises wide-open spaces, room to move, exhilaration, fresh air (and even fresher powder), and a chance to connect with people in your bubble. To help you prepare for an epic ski season, we’re sharing our personal favourite snowy escapes, all located within hours (by car) from Downtown Vancouver.
Note: be sure to check each mountain resort’s website for COVID-19 protocols and updates
1. Manning Park Resort
Distance from Vancouver by car: 2h 40m
For a truly rustic mountain retreat, head to Manning Park - a family-friendly resort found in the Cascade Mountains. With 64kms of nordic trails, plus snowshoeing, an outdoor ice rink, a swimming pool, a variety of accommodations, and a restaurant and pub for apres, this is a great one-stop-shop for family fun.
2. apex mountain resort
Distance from Vancouver by car: 4h 50m
One of BC’s best winter hidden treasures, Apex offers terrific snow and varied terrain fit for every level. Found in the South Okanagan region, this mountain boasts an impressive six metres (19 feet) of champagne powder a year. Take a spin around the one-kilometre (0.6-mile) ice-skating loop or glide along one of 56 cross-country skiing trails. There’s plenty to do in and around this quaint ski-in/ski-out village.
3. sun peaks resort
Distance from Vancouver by car: 4h 40m
Sun Peaks’ slopeside pedestrian-only village is surrounded by a trio of mountains - Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey, and its location - in BC’s interior - means a bounty of bluebird days to enjoy. There’s no shortage of choice, with 137 runs, long cruisers, deep steeps, incredible tree skiing, and an enormous top-to-bottom terrain park. Check out the immaculately groomed Nordic trail network, head out with a team of Alaskan huskies on a dogsledding tour, or enjoy an on-mountain evening fondue.
4. big white ski resort
Distance from Vancouver by car: 5h 30m
As Canada’s largest totally ski-in/ski-out resort village, Big White is a winter wonderland for families. Offering 16 lifts, 119 runs, and 1,354 hectares (3,345 acres) of skiable terrain for powderhounds of all ages and abilities, plus the unparalleled “champagne powder”, this spot is a skier’s dream. Plus, families can add tubing, dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice-climbing, horse drawn sleigh rides, and skating to their winter holiday.
5. silverstar mountain resort
Distance from Vancouver by car: 5h 40m
This is a big mountain with a small town feel. Offering Canada’s first all-inclusive lift ticket, visitors can enjoy full access to numerous activities—including 55 kilometres (34 miles) of stellar Nordic trails—for one price. With four distinct mountain faces and 132 runs, SilverStar’s progressive terrain is ideal for learning. For the more adventurous, the back side of the mountain offers an uncrowded paradise of over 760 hectares (1,900 acres) of steep and deep, black and double-black runs.
HOLIDAY EVENTS STILL HAPPENING
by Andrea Vance
The Holiday season may look a little different this year, but there are still many ways to enjoy the season of sparkle. We’ve gathered a list of fun and safe events that the whole family will love.
*As things are changing with CoVid19 guidance, please check websites to confirm details, opening dates, and restrictions. Please note most events and attractions require advance tickets purchase and reservations.
PNE WINTER LIGHTS:
Dec 11-13, 17-23
Buckle up for this safe, holiday experience that you can enjoy with your family from the warmth of your car along a 2-kilometre route. You will be transported through nine enchanted lands filled with glowing lights in your mission to discover Santa, with special characters and festive performers to help you along your way. Vancouver’s only drive-thru holiday experience shouldn't be missed! $39 per carload.
www.www.pne.ca
FESTIVAL OF TREES AT GULF OF GEORGIA CANNERY
December 1 - 24
Explore a forest of festive trees decorated by local merchants and organizations inside Steveston’s Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, Open daily. www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org
BEST BUY TECH WONDERLAND
A fun-filled drive through experience for everyone in the family! Starting with the Tunnel of Lights, you’ll drive past classic Woodward’s Windows and Best Buy Memory Boxes, where classic holiday traditions are brought to life with a modern twist. Stop at the Santa Car Photo Booth and check out one of the Gaming Demos. Finish your evening at the Holiday Drive-in Theatre! All for $20 per carload and proceeds support the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC. Reserve your date and time online at www.pne.ca
HERITAGE CHRISTMAS AT BURNABY VILLAGE
Although this classic event may look a little different this year, Burnaby Village is working hard to ensure visitors have an entertaining and safe outdoor Christmas experience! Please note: Carousel and gift shops are closed. Check back for more details. www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
FLY LIKE SANTA AT FLYOVER CANADA
November 19, 2020 - January 3, 2021
Experience the magic of Christmas this December as you fly across Canada and up to the North Pole with Santa. Ride capacities have been reduced, social distancing rules in place, and masks are mandatory. www.flyovercanada.com
THE BIG ELF RUN
5K and 10K runs around Stanley Park benefiting the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. Taking place as a live or virtual event in 2020, starting December 1. Also take part in challenges to complete the Elf scavenger hunt over the "12 days of Christmas”.
www.raceroster.com/events/2020 /35513/the-virtual-big-elf run
GROUSE MOUNTAIN PEAK OF CHRISTMAS
Twinkling lights, snow, the warmth of Santa’s smile and the joy of real reindeer – at Vancouver’s own North Pole. The Peak of Christmas is back at Grouse Mountain, including skating, sledding, hiking, lights, skiing, dinner & hot chocolates!
www.grousemountain.com/peak-ofchristmas
MAGICAL CHRISTMAS STORE AT POTTERS
Until December 24
The largest Christmas store in Western Canada, where 28,000 square feet of greenhouse is transformed into a Wonderland. With Santa’s workshop & house, ornaments and holiday decor, and more than 30 decorated trees, the whole store is a Christmas adventure for everyone in the family. www.potters.ca
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 27, 2020 - January 3, 2021
A magical winter wonderland with more than one million lights decorating 10 acres of VanDusen Botanical Garden. Experience the wonder of the winter season in a magical outdoor garden setting with themed areas, unique light features, and holiday music. A new one-way path will take visitors through a memorable holiday experience with ample outdoor space for attendees to physically distance from others. www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreationculture/festival-of-lights
BRIGHT NIGHTS IN STANLEY PARK
November 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021
The classic Bright Nights train will once again be sounding its whistle and chugging through the sparkling magically-lit forest of Stanley Park this Christmas. Kids of all ages will be signing along to their favourite carols as they take in the whimsical displays along their ride. This year there will be no plaza lights or Santa, but all the train will ride through countless twinkling lights, making memories again. Tickets must be purchased in advance. www.vancouver.ca/parks-recreationculture/bright-nights-train
HOHOHOLIDAY 5K
The most festive run run in Canada, supporting Make-A-Wish Canada. The run/walk combines the magic of the Holidays with community engagements and fitness. Every registration includes a Santa suit, finishers medal, holiday treat, timing app and fun sharing. Take a photo of you and your crew on a run in your Santa suit and share to #HoHoHoliday5k. www.hohoholiday5k.com
WCFNEWS
TELUS and Calm Partner
To Deliver TV Programming Focused On Mental Health
It’s clear that COVID-19 is having far reaching impacts that go beyond that of the virus itself –just recently the federal government reported on the mental health consequences of the pandemic.
Strengthening its commitment to improving the health of all Canadians, TELUS has announced a global-first agreement with Calm - an awardwinning mental fitness app - to bring sleep, meditation and relaxation content into the homes of Optik TV and Pik TV customers, through the TELUS Healthy Living Network.
This collaboration is the first of its kind for Calm and will enable TELUS to provide mental health resources to Canadians of all ages as they deal with the stresses brought on by life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The content, which is free for all Optik TV and Pik TV subscribers, includes guided meditations, breathing exercises, and Calm’s Sleep Stories, bedtime stories for adults. www.telus.com | www.calm.com
New Search And Rescue North Shore Docuseries Coming To The Knowledge Network
North Shore Search and Rescue (NSR) is the busiest volunteer search and rescue organization in Canada. From daring helicopter mountain rescues to retrieving lost hikers and administering first aid, the volunteers risk their own lives to save others - and it's all happening right here in Vancouver’s North Shore.
Local filmmaker Grant Baldwin and his production team from Peg Leg Films were embedded with NSR for a full year to get some incredible behindthe-scenes footage. To highlight their efforts, a new series is launching this month, showcasing some of the common issues that can arise while out in the wild.
Search & Rescue North Shore is a 5-episode action-packed docuseries that will premiere on November 10th at 9pm (PT) on the Knowledge Network, highlighting our neighbours on the North Shore who dedicate their time and risk their lives to save others.
Here's the trailer for the series for your reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH_ FNlPNEJA
www.knowledge.ca
CLASSIC COMFORT FOODS MADE HEALTHY
by Alyssa Bauman, Nourished.ca
Winter is coming and it seems as though this winter is going to be an even cozier one as we huddle up and hunker down at home. Grab those blankets, light the fire, have a couple puzzles on hand, and warm up with these classic comfort foods that you can transform into healthier meals with a few simple swaps.
ROSE PASTA
Love the cheesy flavour, but not so much the cheese? Me too. That’s why I love this dairy-free pasta. It is creamy, rich and luxurious, and packs in a huge nutrient punch. It is easy to make, nutrient rich and can be done pretty quickly using everyday pantry essentials. Cashews blend easily into a velvety sauce adding layers of flavour and satisfaction, not to mention healthy fats. I like this sauce with gluten-free rigatoni or chickpea shell pastas, but really any pasta will work. Serve it with a huge green salad. Sunflower seeds work just as well if there is a food allergy in your home.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup olive oil
6-8 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 red peppers, sliced thinly
4 cloves garlic (sliced)
1 cup cashews (soaked for at least 15 minutes)
1 cup fresh basil, ripped
DIRECTIONS:
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tsp sea salt
2 large roasted red peppers (from a glass jar - different than tomato mixture above)
1/2 cup basil, torn
1 package gluten-free pasta
1. Coat tomatoes and peppers with olive oil, half the garlic and salt. Mix well and sauté 30 or so minutes until tomatoes and peppers are blistering and watering. Set to low.
2. Drain cashews. Ditch the water.
3. In a large pot, salt water and boil for pasta. Once boiled, add pasta.
4. Add cashews, roasted (jarred) red peppers, remaining garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, 1/3 cup water and rest of olive oil to blender and blend until smooth.
5. Once pasta is done, drain but make sure to reserve a lil bit of pasta water.
6. Add pasta back to the pot. Add tomatoes and peppers, salt, pepper and pour sauce slowly just to coat, but not too much. If you want more, you can always add later.
7. Add basil and mix. Salt and pepper to taste.
8. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of pasta water until desired consistency.(Leftover sauce can be easily frozen to use again)
CHICKEN FINGERS
This is definitely a popular one for the kids, and this gluten-free, high fibre, high protein meal will please the parents too. It makes an easy grab-and-go dinner on nights when you are pressed for time. But when you do have space, do yourself a favour and double the recipe and freeze. These are great basics to have on hand. Serve with cut-up veggies!
INGREDIENTS:
4 organic chicken breasts skinless and boneless, sliced in three inch long tenders
Salt and pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
1/2 cups bread crumbs gluten free, like Mary's or brown rice crumbs
1/4 cups ground chia
2 eggs
2 tbsp olive oil
2. Spread out the quinoa on a piece of wax paper or aluminum foil.
3. Mix chia and gluten free crumbs together and then spread over the quinoa. Squeeze together until the moisture of the quinoa is absorbed.
4. Place the eggs in a shallow bowl.
5. Sprinkle chicken with salt, garlic powder, pepper and paprika.
6. Dip the chicken in the egg and then into the quinoa mixture, turn over and coat.
7. Place onto a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake at 350 until translucent thru and crispy, about 20 minutes.
MAC AND CHEESE
This cheesy rendition of the mac and cheese classic cuts the cheese in half without sacrificing any of the satisfaction. We sub in nutrientdense nutritional yeast which is high in B-vitamins, folic acid, selenium, zinc, and protein and it is gluten-free (check specific brands for certification) and contains no added sugars or preservatives. And is it ever tasty, cheesy and savoury. This dish oozes not only in flavour, but also in nutrients. Any type of pasta works in this dish.
INGREDIENTS:
1 package multigrain elbow pasta.
1 head cauliflower finely chopped
2 cups brown rice crumbs
2 tbsp ground chia
1/2 cups parsley chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cups nutritional yeast (I like
DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 400° F.
Red Star brand)
1 onion chopped
1 cup sharp cheddar grated
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt or plain unsweetened almond milk
yogurt
1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk
1 tbsp dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
2. Cook the pasta according to the package. Add the cauliflower for the last 3 minutes of cooking; drain and set aside.
3. Mix together brown rice crumbs, chia, parsley, 2 tablespoons of the oil, salt and pepper.
4. In the same pasta pot add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, salt and pepper until soft, 3 minutes.
5. Mix in the pasta and cauliflower. Add the cheese, nutritional yeast, yogurt, milk and mustard.
6. Transfer to a shallow 3-quart baking dish, sprinkle with the crumb mixture, and bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes.
A to B is a nutrition methodology developed by certified holistic nutritionist, Alyssa Bauman Fascinated by how food effects the body, and the body’s marvelous ability to heal and care for itself when fueled properly, Alyssa is dedicated to helping people learn healthy nutrition habits that set them up for a lifetime of wellness
