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WINTER 2019
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Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash Â
WINTER | 2019 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1
PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR SUZY VAN BAKEL
GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINDA HACKING
PUBLISHING ASSISTANT JANICE STEPHENSON
ON THE COVER
PHOTOGRAPHER – SARAH MICKEL MODEL – PAIJE SWANTON MAKE UP & HAIR – MISSY MACKINTOSH STYLING – SARAH MICKEL, MISSY MACKINTOSH
CONTRIBUTORS AMANDA SHATZKO DEANNA RAINEY DIANA REYERS GISELA SCHOLZE HEATHER ZAIS KASIA RACHFALL PATTI LEFKOS TANIA GUSTAFSON
CONTACT US
PHONE: 236.420.4205 EMAIL: INFO@OKANAGANWOMAN.COM WEBSITE: OKANAGANWOMAN.COM
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ABOUT US
OKANAGAN WOMAN IS AN INDEPENDENT QUARTERLY PUBLICATION, LOCALLY OWNED, PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY SIDE SADDLE MEDIA LTD.
DISCLAIMER
THE OPINIONS AND VIEWS CONTAINED IN SUBMITTED ARTICLES TO OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER. THE PUBLISHER RETAINS THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL SUBMISSIONS, INCLUDING ARTICLES FOR BREVITY AND CLARITY. COPYRIGHT IS RETAINED ON ALL MATERIALS INCLUDING TEXT AND GRAPHICS IN THIS PUBLICATION. NO REPRODUCTION IS ALLOWED OF ANY MATERIAL IN ANY FORM, PRINT OR ELECTRONIC, FOR ANY PURPOSE, EXCEPT WITH THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF OKANAGAN WOMAN MAGAZINE ®
PHOTOGRAPHER – SARAH MICKEL MODEL – PAIJE SWANTON MAKE UP & HAIR – MISSY MACKINTOSH
CO NTENTS Features
8 Daring to Share 12 All That Glitters 2 4 Daydreaming 2 5 Stem Creativity 2 6 Big Magic Book Club 39 Year of the Rat 40 Heather’s Horoscopes 41 The Power of 2020
Lifestyle
14 Team Okanagan 19 No Bones About It 20 Ease Arthritis Pain, Naturally 22 Love Living Local 28 Breaking Convention in BC 30 Homeless, Not Hopeless
Recipes
2 Healthy Vegan Soups 3 33 Vegan Cinnamon Rolls 34 Pomegranate Glazed Ham 35 Steak Sandwich & Spicy Guacamole 36 Thai Sweet Potato Soup 4 2 Relaxing Bedtime Teas
Contributors JANICE STEPHENSON Publishing Assistant
With a background in property management and administration, Janice enjoys time with her family, the outdoors and takes pride in practicing yoga, eating raw holistic foods and reading mindful literature.
DEANNA RAINEY Homeless Not Hopeless
Deanna’s greatest passion, outside of writing, is taking ‘staycations’ in the Okanagan with her family and her dog Guinness. One of her favorite pastimes is the pursuit of a good glass of bubbly!
GISELA SCHOLZE The Power of 2020
Gisela is an avid educator passionate about interior design. Her life interests are often generously seasoned with a fabulous glass of Okanagan wine while discussing globe-trotting adventure tales.
PATTI SHALES LEFKOS Breaking Convention in British Columbia
When not travelling, Patti can be found at Silverstar Mountain Resort, gazing out of her office window, combatting writers block, absorbing the antics of the Steller’s Jays and squirrels eating her prayer flags.
TANIA GUSTAFSON No Bones About It
Nutritionist and Fitness Coach (IBNFC) owner/founder of FIT Nutrition. Tania is currently one of only five health professions licensed and certified in Canada to coach a three-phase program on the importance of blood sugar stabilization, not dieting. 6 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
Cover Creation LOCATION: The shores of Salmon Arm, BC. WARDROBE: Clothing items crowdfunded by social media, including a vintage jacket worn by Missy’s mother in the 1980s.
Paije Swanton Model
Missy MacKintosh Hair and Makeup Artist www.missymackintosh.com
A professionally trained artist, she studied at Blanche McDonald and Make Up For Ever Academy, Paris. Since 2006, Missy has specialized in bridal, fashion, editorial, and creative art with multiple international publications.
Sarah Mickel Photographer Sarah Mickel, raised in Nelson B.C., watched her father develop photographs when she was just four years old, not realizing that photography would soon become her life passion. Fast forward a decade, teenage Sarah picked up her first camera, built her own dark room and completely fell in love with capturing moments through still images. Starting out in the fashion world modeling in front of the camera, Sarah often paid more attention to what the photographers were doing, instead of smiling for the camera. Eventually, she made the switch to her true passion of being behind the camera and was soon capturing beautiful baby bumps, specializing in pregnancy photography. Sarah is now an established professional photographer living in Revelstoke with connections to Nelson, Vernon and Vancouver. As a busy mother of two teenagers, if she isn’t spending time behind the camera you can find her designing ads and other graphic work for her own local publication, managing her 16-year-old singer/ songwriter daughter, Aza Nabuko, or taking long walks with the family dog. Raising her family and taking on new and challenging projects, are passions that give this artist her continuing drive and motivation. Contact: 250-814-7297 www.sarahmickelphotography.com
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
Welcome to
Be your own kind of
Beautiful.
the year of the rat and all its foretelling’s. As I look back on the year 2019, it was not without its challenges. A significant year of discovery and acceptance. A time of perception and gratitude, to have been blessed with such an amazing family and supportive loved ones. We are all aware of the importance of living a happy, balanced lifestyle, yet how often do so many of us need a ‘not so gentle’ reminder… This issue marks the end of a decade and the beginning of a whole new chapter with the predominant title - ‘if you can dream it, you can achieve it.’ Is dreaming the key to succeeding? We show you how to put your creative ideas together and to encourage the child in all of us to resurface. Remember what it was like when we had little concern about embracing our imagination. Our front cover depicts the coziness and beauty of the winter season, you can read more about the talented professionals involved in creating this stunning work of art on page 6. The winter season is also a time when we tend to want to just snuggle up and stay indoors, shorter days and colder nights is a given, and so it’s even more important that we pay extra attention to our well-being. To help maintain bone and joint health and to keep our energy levels up, nutrition and exercise play a vital role. Page 19 makes no bones about it! The Okanagan Valley is such a great place to live, we can sometimes forget that not everyone here is as fortunate as others. Some lack the creature comforts that many of us may take for granted. Thankfully, there are people and wonderful organizations that have made it their purpose to help wherever they can. Read more on page 30. See our heart-warming, delicious recipes on pages 32 – 36, and to help you get your well-deserved rest through the holiday season, we’ve selected a few of our favourite teas to relax with. Wishing all of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, contributors and friends, a very happy, healthy and purposeful 2020.
PENTICTON
WESTBANK
Dare to dream… and love with all your heart,
KELOWNA
VERNON
Suzy xx
Tell us what you’d like to see in OKW next issue… we’d love to hear from you. info@okanaganwoman.com
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OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 7
Daring to Share is a movement that transpired 3 years ago from a belief I had that
“One uncomfortable conversation creates ten years of wisdom.” There was something deep inside of me that kept daring me to share the stories of truth most are afraid to mention and that we all experience in one way or another. My own story was yearning to be released and I knew that sharing it would empower others to feel more connected and lead life from a place of increased acceptance and inclusivity knowing they were not alone.
In September 2016, I began writing a collection of stories shared through meaningful conversations I had with individuals I met within my day to day living. Never could I have imagined the magnitude of impact these stories would have on the community I lived in and then as time passed, on an international level while Daring to Share evolved further. I was privileged to experience lifechanging connections through conversations I had with potential writers. Looking back, I am still in awe at the organic way the act of sharing one’s truth evolved into a series of books, then community storytelling events and, ultimately, a movement of social activism inspiring a heightened level of inclusion through the act of human advocacy that comes from taking the time to listen to someone. Meeting Scott De Freitas-Graff and his husband, John De Freitas in January 2017 was a pivotal moment within the evolution of DTS as they became the push behind the in-person storytelling events. They understood and supported the unique Daring to Share way of sharing a story in the written word that solely advocated human connection through inspiration and adamantly denied any other motive such as business or self-promotion, because we knew that would take away from the intent to inspire. They encouraged me to offer a
safe in-person space for our community to share their stories in front of an audience. With Scott and John on board, we had a DTS team, and while I collaborated with 8 authors writing and editing their stories, Scott implemented Daring to Share: The Event by bringing members of our community together to share stories in local restaurants at storytelling events – we filled the room every time and added a few additional events like Daring to be Queer and Daring to Share Gratitude. We also chose to include a giving back component by supporting others including one particular family who needed financial support after losing their son in a tragic car accident. John stepped into the role of executive assistant and became our greatest cheerleader. My heart was full as my intention to hold space for others to share their stories expanded to the most real and raw way there is - through in-person face to face connection, something our society is yearning for while desperately clinging to threads of emotional wellness. The impact of these community storytelling events was beyond moving as people resonated with whole and parts of stories being shared, and we literally felt the emotional energy of real and raw connection in the room. Not only was it incredibly powerful, but it was
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highly contagious. I've always known just how necessary listening along with sharing our stories is, in order to create a deeper understanding of one another, but I suddenly had an acute clarity of how Daring to Share was about to influence a societal shift from conditional judgement to unconditional acceptance.
The first book, Daring to Share: 8 Brave Souls, Volume 1 was launched at Cuckoo Trattoria in Coombs, Vancouver Island at a storytelling book launch event in October 2017 and then in Kelowna BC in November of that same year. We reached the Amazon Top 10 Best Seller List in the category of Personal Transformation in a day!! I self-funded this and subsequent publications through Influence Publishing and we chose Anxiety Canada for the fundraising portion of our first book launch events because we recognized that the feeling of disconnection go hand in hand with anxiety and depression.
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 9
Philippa is also the Dream Project coordinator at Karis. Part of transitioning back into society is visualizing a future beyond addiction. Launched in April 2017, the Dream Project facilitates and supports many of the women in their search for self by bringing in inspirational, educational and motivational speakers on topics that interest or inspire them. This includes offering the participants experiential activities which get them out in the community, additional therapeutic supports as well as a peer mentor program with past Karis participants.
It was at the Kelowna book launch when I received an extremely purposeful opportunity to publish a second book after meeting Philippa Douglas. Philippa is the fundraising coordinator for Karis Support Society, a recovery centre for women. Karis is a non-profit organization that provides residential addictions recovery programming, counselling and support for women in the Okanagan. The Karis program is available to vulnerable, at-risk expectant women, women with babies or toddlers, women working towards reunification with their children, and single women living in poverty with no dependents. They offer a tiered program in which participants can access up to 5 years of support from first stage recovery all the way to off-site aftercare. The participants are women whose experiences of trauma, abuse, crisis or overwhelming stress have led to substance misuse or mental health challenges, which have negatively impacted their lives and are now actively working on personal recovery. The mandate of Karis is to empower and equip women with skills so they can successfully transition back into society.
Together through the Dream Project, Philippa and I created Daring to Share: Trauma to Recovery - Special Edition 2019 with 6 women in recovery collaborating as our authors, sharing their stories. Within the project, I offered a writing program and our writers became published authors. Collaborating with these brave and insightful women in recovery for 8 months, introduced me to a more expansive awareness of the degree of disconnection that is created within the stigma affiliated with addiction, mental illness and homelessness. But, even more prevalent, I discovered further, how much sharing one's story creates the self-confidence required to step up and into inclusivity while diminishing exclusivity, as we learn the why behind where each of us has landed. It is when we take the time to understand one another's story that we are able to put our fears aside while being guided by the choice of compassion. Suddenly, we see just how alike we all are and how stigma exists in all walks of life, including those not so blatantly evident and within our own peer groups, work circles, and personal relationships. It is within this awareness that we begin to experience the freeing feeling of inclusivity because we feel more connected to those we previously felt exclusive towards – knowledge is truly powerful.
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The authors of this collaborative book taught me just how devastating the consequences of living within stigma and exclusivity is and how much I have experienced it myself. They reiterated how impactful societal perception, positive or negative can be, when it comes to feeling either connected or disconnected through the misunderstanding of others. Working with these authors was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever moved through. Never before have I had the power of self-discovery so blatantly change me while spending time absorbing what these women chose to share with me. They held nothing back and with every step within the process they discovered more about themselves. They became more courageous and self-confident to share their stories of Trauma to Recovery with their only intention being to impact others through inspirations of hope by speaking their truth. I could never have completed this project without the support of Philippa Douglas; she was all in, all the way through!! Our book launched at a live storytelling event at Karis Support Society on September 21, 2019 and we, once again, reached the Amazon Top 10 Best Seller List, this time in 3 categories; Biographies, Spirituality, and Personal Transformation. The authors were brilliant as they articulated their stories in front of an audience of over 75 while sitting on a bar stool with nothing but a glass of water on a table beside them. They were fiercely brave, but what truly amazed me was how their self-confidence had grown since the first time they shared their stories in the Karis classroom. Just as our initial DTS community events did, the room exuded an energy reiterating the epiphany that we are all more alike than not - acute connection was created through the art of the reciprocation of sharing and listening to a story.
Daring to Share Global is honoured to donate partial proceeds of this book to Karis Support Society; Dream Project in perpetuity. The third book in this trilogy, Daring to Share: Deception to Truth will be launched on November 7, 2019. We chose to take this project to a higher level of social activism by consciously sharing it all and not holding anything back. We want to inspire connection no matter how difficult it is to write or speak the entire truth because we have witnessed and experienced how life saving it is when we live in line with our truth, and how equally damaging living in deception is as it slowly moves us toward a tortuous emotional and spiritual demise. The authors in this third book come from all over Canada and bravely share an array of topics in this 10-story compilation. This event will include a fundraising component with proceeds going to Glioblastoma (an aggressive brain cancer) research in honour of a member of the community who recently passed away. With gratitude, as I sit reflecting on the last 3 years, I realize just how much of a difference one conversation with a friend or stranger can make. Scott and John and I created a movement inspired by what we knew would change lives and needed to be shared. Philippa stepped up and supported the Daring to Share Dream Project going above and beyond anything I anticipated someone would be willing to do. And every author in each of these books, chose to share their story to the world only because they believed their story might inspire just one person.
CONNECTING HUMANITY THROUGH THE ART OF STORYTELLING
These stories of recovery take you from a place of awe and heartbreak to grit and resilience. They inspire you to take action in your life, no matter what is going on for you, to be a better person. Those that dared to share did so with grace, humour, and great self-reflection. As tears streamed down my face, I found myself lost in the stories as they moved from darkness to light. You can find real seeds of inspiration and by just reading one story, you could bloom to a greater perspective in your own life. - Tamara McLellan, Humanitarian | Wild Breath Kelowna British Columbia OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 11
ALTHOUGH GEMSTONE TRADING DATES BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS, IT WASN’T UNTIL MEDIEVAL TIMES THAT TRADE IN GEMS BECAME ORGANIZED AND SECRETIVE.
Secrets of the trade were passed on from generation to generation and are still evident today. It was essential for merchants to guard the source of their precious finds as a matter of self-preservation. TODAY, the gemstone trade is a closed fraternity based on high levels of trust between members. Trust is the cornerstone of the professional jewellery and precious stone business. Gem buyers depend on honest information from trusted dealers with a gemological background. But in a world of enticing colours and glitter, the paths are fraught with deception and misrepresentation. Just as in any other field, human ingenuity has entered the realm of gemstone enhancement, by artificially improving the appearance of the natural crystal. Heating or irradiating certain stones to saturate the colour may increase their values, while an untreated naturally beautiful sapphire or aquamarine will be traded at a premium. Industry standards mandate full disclosure of any enhancement a stone has been subjected to. This transparency is vital to the trade, from the gem dealer down to the consumer. It is fascinating we value coloured rocks, formed in the earth’s crust over thousands or even millions of years of heat and pressure. Our lust for these sparkling beauties goes far beyond the physical properties we endear. Gemstones, in particular coloured gemstones, also boast the attribution of rarity and healing power. While the business behind the gemstone trade is intriguing, our imagination is very much captured by the beauty and brilliance each crystal holds. Bringing this magic to light is the work of a very experienced lapidary (gem cutter), trained in various crystal systems and physical properties. This work is still done by very skilled hands and eyes to preserve the integrity of the most valued gems. Creativity and the advent of computer applications have also helped bring very effective new facet designs to light. 12 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
Precious stones are graded for value by a set of criteria known as the 4C’s: CUT, COLOUR, CLARITY AND CARAT. One could arguably add the characteristic of rarity to this formula. THE 4C’S ARE DEFINED AS: CUT of a stone describes the geometry and placement of facets and the shape refers to the actual outline. The shape of gemstones plays a dominant role in any jewellery design. Classic shapes like round, oval and teardrop top the list, followed by emerald cut, square and cushion. The curved triangular form called trillion is considered one of the fancy cuts and is very versatile in jewellery design. COLOUR may be the other preferred criteria when choosing a stone, as colour has the power to evoke deep emotional reactions. Hue is technically the colour, saturation refers to the brightness of the hue, either vivid or dull. Tone describes the hues lightness or darkness. Balancing the three factors in a gemstone creates the beauty we desire and love. CLARITY indicates the level of blemishes or fractures contained within a crystal. Inclusions of any kind reduces the amount of light refracted and thus the stone will appear less brilliant. On the flip side, inclusions can be used very creatively as an original feature of the stone design. CARAT is easily understood, as it specifies the weight of the gem. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams.
A FEW LESSER KNOWN FACTS ABOUT GEMSTONES: • Sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness and come in most hues of the colour spectrum. • A red sapphire containing a trace amount of chromium in its mineral composition is considered a ruby. • Emeralds and aquamarine are members of the beryl family. Also included in this group are red beryl, yellow (heliodor) and morganite. • Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl that has aluminium replaced by chromium. This composition enables the rare stone to change colour from emerald green in daylight to a strong purplish red in incandescent light. • Spinel gained prominence when, in the 19th century it was discovered that the Black Prince’s ruby was actually a superb red spinel. The stone is now part of the British Imperial State Crown. by Bayot & Emily Heer
Such fine and beautiful gifts found deep inside the earth should be honoured forever. What better way than to create a wearable piece of jewellery, that can be treasured for generations!
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TEAM OKANAGAN Full of f un and passion for a healthy spor t!
A team of local female figure skaters, ranging from the ages of 48 to 80, passionate about their sport, are currently enjoying living a healthy, active lifestyle, while attaining silver and gold medals for Team Okanagan! Their journey began in 2016 with just four skaters, over the past three years they have grown to a team of nine. These dedicated and talented skaters have earned medals in local, national and international adult competitions. Most recently, the team brought home seven medals from a competition in Oberstdorf, Germany; considered the most prestigious annual event in the international competitive adult figure skating community. Over 600 figure skaters from 36 countries, were represented with thousands of spectators at the event and online. “We skate out of the arena in Winfield, BC, under the umbrella of the Winfield Skating Club, a registered not-for-profit association” says Alanna Rittich.
Meet the I N SPI R I NG WOM E N who are living their dreams! Team Okanagan athletes consists of individual women from varying backgrounds, some who skated as children and some who began to pursue figure skating much later in life, proving that it is never too late in life to pursue your passions and live an active healthy lifestyle.
Team Okanagan is now preparing to compete at the Winter World Masters Games in Innsbruck, Austria in January 2020. These Games are held every five years and include athletes from around the world. “This will be the first ever Masters Games to include figure skating and we are honoured to be part of the inaugural team,” says Alanna. Upcoming Competitions: Jan.10-19, 2020 - Winter Worlds Master Games in Austria Mar. 6-8, 2020 - Super Series Starskate Final and Adult, Kelowna May 17-23, 2020 - ISU Adult Figure Skating Championships, Oberstdorf, Germany
View the documentary that CBC aired earlier this year, www.cbc.ca/cbcdocspov/episodes/to-the-worlds, it truly captures the spirit of this amazing group of inspiring women. The documentary also provides more insights on some of the team members and profiles the team’s journey to Oberstdorf, Germany in 2018; highlighting the dedication, disappointments, friendships and victories of the team.
For further information on how to follow or support the team on their journey to compete at the Winter World Masters Games; please contact arittich@shaw.ca or phone 403-808-6486.
The reception that Team Okanagan received since the airing of the documentary has been overwhelming, clearly their journey has struck an emotional chord with many people across Canada. So much so, that a growing number of boomers are embracing figure skating, it’s an ideal weight-bearing aerobic activity that builds strength while honing balance, body awareness, posture and flexibility.
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LESLEY RICCI - 59 Lesley is a member of the Coaching Association of Canada and is currently coaching several members of Team Okanagan, many whom have medalled in regional, national and international figure skating competitions.
MAUREEN BARNES - 77 Maureen re-married two years ago and is an enthusiastic, world traveller. She has recently returned from a six-month cruise around the world. Maureen won a silver medal at the ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, in 2018.
ISABELLA CIOCOUI - 51 Isabella moved to Canada from Romania in the early 2000s and took up figure skating while living and working in Edmonton as an engineer. Isabella brought home a silver and a bronze medal from the ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, two years ago (2018).
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 15
ALANNA RITTICH - 59 Alanna moved to Kelowna two years ago after retiring from a varied career in journalism, communications and business development. She loved figure skating as a child and returned to the ice December 2018 after 43 years. In May, Alanna won a gold and bronze medal at the 2019 ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany. JOANNE JOHNSON - 69 Joanne is a former family physician who specialized in Obstetrics. During her very first skating competition, Joanne won a silver medal at the 2019 ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany.
DONNA GOOD - 80
HENRIETTA PENNEY - 78
Donna has been a member of the Coaching Association of Canada for approximately 20 plus years. She produced a "Learn to Skate Video" for beginners of all ages, which has been sold to countries around the world. Donna had her second hip replacement this past Spring and is committed to competing at the World Masters Games in January 2020.
Henrietta won a silver medal at the International Skating Competition in Obersdorf, Germany, in May 2019. Henrietta also founded Vista Academy, a Kelowna non-profit organization committed to teaching children with Autism and related disorders from Kindergarten to grade 5.
DONNA BERGVINSON - 62
KAREN SMITH - 48
Donna is an Early Childhood Educator in West Kelowna. Donna brought home gold and silver medals from the 2018 ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, and has won numerous medals at regional, national and international competitions.
Karen is the unofficial ‘den mother’ of Team Okanagan and has inspired many ladies on the team to brave the competitive world of adult figure skating. Karen returned home with a gold and bronze medal from the 2019 ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition in Germany this past May. Karen is also a grade school teacher and has home schooled her three children.
But ladies… before lacing up and hitting the ice for your first attempt at landing lutzes, loops and axels, there are a few things to consider…, please start by consulting your medical practitioner. 16 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
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How much thought have you given to the health of your bones recently? I'd venture to say, unless you've been in a situation requiring a cast, your answer would be, “not much”. When it comes to our health, most of us are reactive, rather than living in a place of prevention.
"WELL, I'VE GOT A BIT OF A BONE TO PICK IF THIS IS YOU…"
No BONES About It Strong, rigid, hard, dense, solid, frame, supportive, structural – all words used to describe the bones in a healthy skeletal system. Unfortunately, one in every four women in Canada over the age of 50 will hear words like, brittle, fracture, osteoporosis and fragile instead. From the day we are born until our late 20s, bone mass is continually deposited where it reaches its peak. From 30 upwards until menopause kicks in, there is usually very little change. Within the first few years of menopause however, there can be rapid bone loss. Withdrawals continue slowly after menopause, leading to osteoporosis. Let's take a look at what may be causing these withdrawals and what you can do to help prevent them. GENETICS, ENVIRONMENT, YOUR SEX, HORMONAL, NUTRITION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND LIFESTYLE, ALL PLAY A ROLE IN THE HEALTH OF YOUR BONES.
Our DNA controls only 30 percent of the outcome of our health, which means we have a whole lot of room to do something positive. And nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle are where we can really work to get results.
NUTRITIONALLY, CALCIUM, VITAMIN D AND COLLAGEN ARE ESSENTIAL FOR BONE HEALTH. Calcium and collagen
for bone density and vitamin D to ensure calcium is properly absorbed. Calcium
deficiencies when you're young, affect peak bone mass and increase your risk of a hip fracture later in life. Collagen is typically thought of in regard to healthy hair, skin and nails but it actually plays a role in the mineral density of our bones. And as we lose about 30 percent of collagen by the time we hit the age of 40, supplementing here is always a good idea. Vitamin D not only helps your body absorb calcium, it's also helps with asthma and depression. And although many of you might be reaching for that pill and a glass of milk to wash it down, getting the majority of your calcium and vitamin D from whole foods is best for your body. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and chard, along with broccoli, nuts, beans, sesame seeds and fish such as sardines, trout and salmon are all excellent sources of calcium, while tuna, mackerel, salmon, beef liver, cheese and egg yolks, are excellent sources of vitamin D. When you choose organic and non-GMO, and avoid farmed fish, you'll have even better absorption. GETTING AND STAYING ACTIVE IS JUST AS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BONES AS IT IS FOR THE REST OF YOUR BODY.
Weight bearing and resistance training increases bone density and helps lower the risk of osteoporosis. Finding a way to include some into your daily life is especially important for women over the age of 30. You can walk, hike, jog, take the stairs, try
a sport, dance, swim, bike, lift weights, use cables or weight machines - anything that requires at least some effort. It's the effort used to overcome the weight or resistance that creates the benefit for your bones. THE LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT THE LEAST WHEN IT COMES TO BONE HEALTH, OR OVERALL HEALTH IN GENERAL, IS LIFESTYLE!
If you smoke and/or drink more than one drink per day, you are at risk for lower bone density, fractures and bone loss. And should you suffer a fracture or break, nicotine inhibits the body from laying down bone, drastically slowing the healing process. Caffeinated beverages, with the exception of tea, will actually leach calcium from your bones. However, any positive changes you make and keep, regardless how small, will show a positive result. Think of the one percent rule - if you can consistently do something for your health one percent better tomorrow than you did today, where will you be in a year? When it comes to your bone health, one thing we know for sure. If you do nothing to protect and increase your bone density today, you won't have a leg to stand on tomorrow! TANIA GUSTAFSON Nutrition & Fitness Coach (IBNFC)
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 19
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in North America.
Pain and stiffness are the leading symptoms, and millions of people seek relief from arthritis every year.
Natural ways to ease
ARTHRITIS PAIN Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints and connective tissues, so it makes sense that reducing inflammation could ease symptoms. Eating foods high in fiber can help maintain natural balance in the gut, Moreover, recent research suggests that people who eat high-fiber diets have less osteoarthritis pain. CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, ARTHRITIS IS NOT A DISEASE OF OLD AGE. The Arthritis Foundation says one in every five adults has arthritis, two-thirds of whom are under the age of 65. A complex family of musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis consists of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues. This can compromise physical movement and lead to pain. Arthritis may result from the wearing down of joints and connective tissue through repetitive movement or injury, but it may also be the result of an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the membranes around joints, particularly in the hands and feet. Treating a complex condition like arthritis involves reducing pain and improving mobility. While pain medications can be prescribed to treat arthritis, there are also other more natural ways to handle arthritis.
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Fibre-rich Foods.
Fruits: bananas, oranges, apples, mangoes, strawberries & raspberries. Vegetables: Generally, the darker the color, the higher the fibre content. Fill up your shopping cart with carrots, beets, broccoli, collard greens, swiss chard, spinach, artichokes and potatoes. Beans and legumes are flavorful, fibre-filled additions to salads, soups, and chilis. Navy, white, garbanzo, kidney, peas or lentils are all healthy choices. Low glycemic. Foods that do not cause a rapid elevation in blood sugar are considered low-glycemic foods. These foods contain lots of fiber and break down slowly. Examples include potatoes, oatmeal and vegetables. High in healthy fats. Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olives are all plantbased whole foods high in healthy fats. Fish, such as salmon, and some oils, such as olive oil, are also considered to be sources of healthy fats by most experts. Low in sugar. A whole-foods, plant-based diet will be naturally low in sugars, such as corn syrup, which is known to cause inflammation. Low in or free of dairy. Dairy products are a great source of calcium
and other nutrients, but they also happen to cause inflammation in many people.
High in Omega 3 fatty acids. Studies have associated omega 3
intake with arthritis symptom relief. Omega 3s are found naturally in many foods, including but not limited to flax seed, chia seed, seaweed, walnuts, Atlantic salmon, and certain other types of fish.
INFLAMMATORY FOODS TO AVOID
According to many experts, certain foods seem to promote inflammation and should be avoided. • Processed foods, such as commercial baked goods and many prepackaged meals • Red meat • Refined grain products, such as white bread & white pasta • Refined sugar and refined sugar products, such as candy and soda • Deep-fried foods • Certain oils, including corn, safflower, soy, and peanut oils • Dry roasted nuts and beer nuts Grocery stores are filled with processed foods and sugary drinks, this list is merely a guideline. People are encouraged to read food labels and avoid foods that contain ingredients such as refined sugar, corn syrup, refined flour, and corn oils.
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USE HOT AND COLD TREATMENTS Studies have shown that hot and cold treatments can reduce swelling, relax muscles and relieve pain. Cold packs can numb sore areas and should be used when symptoms come on suddenly. Heat sources, in contrast, can help ease pain gradually and limber up tight joints and muscles. Always use a towel or barrier between a cold or hot pack and the skin to avoid injury.
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If you have arthritis, participating in joint-friendly physical PowerView activity can improve your arthritis pain, Motorization is function, mood, and quality of life. Joint-friendlycompatible physical with activities are low-impact, these and which means they put less stress onmore: the body, reducing the risk of injury. Examples of joint-friendly activities include walking, biking and swimming. Being physically active can also delay the onset of arthritis-related disability and help people with arthritis manage other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
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Stay as active as your health allows, some physical activity is better than none. Always consult with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen to find out if it is right for your condition. Once you get the green light, start out gradually.
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Love Living Local
At The Heritage Retirement Residence, we want you to live life your way and enjoy the positive energy in our dynamic community. Share experiences, interests and talents through unexpected and inclusive activities and learn new things about yourself and the people around you. Entertain family and friends over a great meal and leave the dishes to us. Be as busy as you would like to be, make new friends & live a rich quality of life with purpose!
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Book a consultation to reserve your suite now!
250-768-9926 I 3630 Brown Road, West Kelowna, BC V4T 7Y9 I verveseniorliving.com OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 23
DAYDREAMING is ok!
As a kid, we were told to colour within the lines, and as we grew older, we began to think of childhood activities such as play and daydreaming as a waste of time. What if I told you that your inner child that you learned to suppress through the fear of failure, uncertainty, and risk-taking should be invited back to play?
"How connecting the dots can help you become more innovative and creative at work" As technology advances at a rapid rate, it is essential now more than ever to bring back and harness skills that came naturally as a kid. Automation and artificial intelligence are acquiring and producing faster, safer and sometimes better products and services than we can accomplish as humans.
What separates humans from all other forms of life is our ability to dream and imagine!
This form of thinking has been called the creative process, and against popular belief, it is a skill that anyone can learn through practice. That’s right, you don’t need to be born creative, it is a skill that can be nurtured through mental training and your environment, just like a sport.
So where does that leave us? According to the World Economic Forum; by 2020 one of the most valuable skills we will need for work is creativity. As you scroll through your newsfeed and flip through magazines, you see the catchphrase ‘innovative’ and wonder how in the heck those people and businesses are achieving what they do. Well, I can tell you that what they have done is learned how to harness uncertainty and to develop one of the most human traits… creativity!
So, to help you on your way, here are the 6 stages of the creative process: 1. Exploration – Find something that you are curious about or interested in 2. Preparation – Learn about it, and question your assumptions (do you have a bias?) 3. Incubation – Now push that idea out of your immediate attention and let it simmer in the subconscious mind.
Try doing mundane activities such as driving, taking a shower, walking outdoors, vacuuming or washing the dishes.
4. Illumination – This is where insight will occur (that light bulb moment!), or an intuitive idea will surface
(don’t try to force an idea… your brain is smarter than you think and will start to connect the dots) 5. Realization – It’s time to take your AHA moment and give your inspiration context and structure 6. Verification – Now take a risk, test, and experiment to see if your idea is realistic or useful… you’ll never know till you try! AMANDA SHATZKO. Creativity expert. Award-winning artist and director. Okanagan arts, culture, and government advisor. www.amandashatzko.com Social Media @amandashatzko 24 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
Now you’re on your way. Remember it takes practice and time to build mental strength for creativity, but well worth it. As complementary activities check out your local arts and culture scene and organizations for courses and events.
Science : Technology : Engineering : Mathematics STEM prepares kids for the technological innovations they will undoubtedly experience in their lifetime. Creativity can co-exist with science and technology and lead to creative careers like Architecture and Graphic Design. In our world of innovation, creativity is the fuel for new technologies and ideas. STEM fosters a love of learning, instilling a passion and drive to learn. It drives curiosity and a belief in the abilities of the child and a thirst for knowledge. Observing needs, developing ideas, experimenting with solutions encourages an important level of risk-taking that many kids want to avoid. Today’s children are lucky being surrounded by such advanced technology, but there’s so much more that can be done in the home to encourage kids to really look at the world around them and ask lots of questions.… try some of these ideas with kids in your family: 1. Explore through hands-on demonstrations and interactive experiences. The workplace and factories are a great place to see how things are created. 2. Read together, books open your kids’ eyes to new ideas and fresh perspectives 3. Take family fun trips to the zoo, museum, planetarium, or go on a nature trail and bring along a notebook to record observations or sketch pictures.
4. Building model boats, planes or rockets can pique a child’s interest and build confidence when completing projects. 5. Preparing and cooking foods can lead to research in culinaryscience and create inquisitive questions and observations about the organic world around us. 6. Cardboard boxes, PlayDoh, LEGO blocks, string, tape, etc. all encourage creativity and invention. 7. See your garden grow! Get digging with your kids, let them have their own mini allotment to plant seeds.. they’ll be amazed and proud when they see the results of their actions.
Plant STEM seeds early in your children’s life and watch them grow! With the abundance of career opportunities in our computerized technological world… you can help to secure their future.
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A BIG MAGIC BOOK CLUB BY KASIA RACHFALL
Big Magic is one long permission slip
to embrace the inspiration and resulting creativity that could permeate our lives if we allow it. Each short chapter is an invitation to say ‘yes to dancing with creativity’ - even if we don’t know the steps or the beat! I purchased Big Magic when it was published in 2015 because I love Elizabeth Gilbert’s story, her sense of humour and her witty writing skills. I read up to page 37, where she theorizes what ideas are, how they collaborate with humans to manifest into reality, and what happens if we say no to them - they just go and find someone else. I shut the book and quarantined it to gather dust on my bookshelf. Fast forward through nearly five years of maturing, healing, growing and adulting, I felt ready to dust off the cover and finish reading Big Magic and give ‘ideas’ another chance. At this time in my life I had a very different perspective on fear, failure, and what I was personally capable of achieving. Having mentioned this experience to a group of my friends and some clients, it appeared that others had similar
26 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
experiences when starting to read this book. It was then we decided to review the book collectively, and like ‘magic’, an Okanagan book club organically came together with a group of the most interesting and delightful women! Gilbert writes “creativity is a path for the brave, but it is not a path for the fearless, and it’s important to recognize the distinction”. This sentence was remarked on quite frequently as the fear of having to say yes to some unknown idea wasn’t unique in our group. Most of us had felt not good enough, too busy, not creatively educated enough, afraid of our own greatness at some point or another and our inherent bravery had been squashed by fear too, over time. It became clear that our group hadn’t felt comfortable devoting any serious time to creativity. The demands of life’s responsibilities had effectively edged out any time and energy for potential creative pursuits – or so we believed! What Liz Gilbert does so expertly in Big Magic is to break creativity down into tiny, easily digestible tidbits. She offers tips and tricks on how to approach creativity slowly, with optimism and faith, rather than unrealistic expectations.
This shift, according to Gilbert, is why so many people struggle with pursuing and enjoying even the simplest creative adventures. Today, there seems to exist a pressure that unless we create something epic and famous, it’s not worth even trying. As the ladies and I chatted, we remembered feeling this pressure, too. Liz Gilbert reminded us to get out of our heads and into our hearts and bodies, to enable us to feel our way forward rather than to think our way out of it.
Gilbert briefly explores the history of inspiration and how the ancient cultures saw its origins very differently than we do today. Creativity was thought to come through the human being from the Divine, but over the centuries was replaced by something that comes from within the human being, with no Divine Muse required.
OkanaganWoman_Shawnigan_Outline.indd 1
“
This was the big permission slip that offered us all such welcome relief!
Some of us in our book club are married with teens, or single moms of younger children and we shared how deliberately making time for our own creative pursuits added so much value to our own lives. Whether it was a few minutes of crochet, doodling, creating block prints, taking a class on marbling silk scarves, or committing to a series of classes, it was time well spent.
We soon discovered how it added to the balance we so often craved instead of taking away from it. Finishing reading Big Magic stoked my own creative fire. It also reinforced the permission I was already deliberately and consciously giving myself, which was to create because it adds pleasure and meaning to my life; to create because I can; to create because it's fun! “The essential ingredients for creativity remain exactly the same for everybody: courage, enchantment, permission, persistence, trust - and those elements are universally accessible. Which does not mean that creative living is always easy; it merely means that creative living is always possible” -Elizabeth Gilbert This was the resounding theme in our discussion - to create time for the love of ourselves and to make, cook, bake, read, write, paint, and otherwise invite into existence all the beautiful things around us…. just because we can!
O K A N A G A N W O M A N W I N10/29/2019 T E R | 10:45:37 2 0 1 9AM2 7
OKANAGAN WOMEN ARE DONNING HARD HATS, STRAPPING ON TOOL BELTS AND MANEUVERING THEIR WAY IN TO SOME OF THE ‘TRADITIONALLY’ MALE DOMINATED TRADES!
BREAKING CONVENTION in British Columbia...
BY: PATTI SHALES LEFKOS
June 17, 2019 marked a red-letter day for women in the Okanagan. That day the Women in Trades program at Okanagan College celebrated its first 1,000 students trained.
Nancy Darling, Program Administrator of the Trades and Apprenticeship Program at Okanagan College, wrote the first proposal for the program 10 years ago. “We’ve learned a lot since we began,” Nancy says. “At first our class sizes were 16 to 20 students. We’ve learned to keep the numbers down to 12 to 14 per class to allow for more one-on-one time. It feels more like a family. Our major target group is 19 to 24. Some of these women had trouble completing high school or suffered because of unfortunate life choices. Our second group are 40 to 50 years of age. Often their challenge is that they have no certification and have been stuck in a series of entry-level jobs. Tuition fees, single parenthood, childcare, high housing costs and lack of self-confidence present barriers to both groups.” “And, I’ve been through them all,” Nancy says.
Born in Victoria, Nancy received a BA in Community Rehabilitation at the University of Calgary, then went on to work at the University before coming to Kelowna 20 years ago. “I graduated with a huge student loan debt and had to make it as a single mom, so I know what it’s like,” she says. After her first three years as Program Administrator for the Trades and Apprenticeship Program, Nancy realized women were underrepresented in the program. STATISTICS CANADA SHOWS FEWER THAN 3 PERCENT OF ALL APPRENTICES IN CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRY TRADES ARE WOMEN.
To this end, the college offers two sponsorship routes funded through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement to help increase the number of female apprentices in BC: The Gateway to the Building Trades for Women program, which can be followed by the specialty oriented four-year Trades Foundation program. Each route allows women to gain skills, experience and ultimately a well-paid satisfying job in the trades. The 12-week Gateway to the Building Trades for Women program, is an exploratory program offering a smorgasbord of trades for those unsure which one might be right for them. It includes classroom learning with a focus on safety and best practices as well as hands on job site training in trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical, automotive and sheet metal.
28 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
The program also includes the essential soft-skills like social responsibility on the job-site, interview skills and how to create a resume package. Counseling, mentoring and tutoring in basic academics like English, Math and Physics are also provided. Meggie Shields enrolled in the Gateway program in January 2019. After completing the program, she chose to start working directly as a sheet metal apprentice. Meggie plans to continue to work until November 2020 when she will head back to Okanagan College for the Level 1 of the four-year Sheet Metal Program. With completion of Levels 1 to 4 and apprenticeship hours, Meggie will achieve her Sheet Metal Red Seal an interprovincial standards certificate for tradespeople. “I am grateful the program exists because it is facilitating the empowerment of women and strengthening our country” says Meggie. While Meggie chose to work in her trade before continuing formal training, Johanna Turangan-Grieve and Laura Penney went directly from the Gateway program to the Carpentry section of the four-year Trades Foundation program. After living for a time in Alberta and Quebec, Penticton born Johanna returned to the Okanagan in 2015. “I am a single mama of a wonderful 12-year-old son, one of my main motivators in my career and in life.”
No matter what route you take, being a woman in trades is more possible than ever now. “IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START AGAIN,” says Johanna. “Never too late to learn new things. There is a real sense of community in the trades. And a wonderful sisterhood among the women. You’re never alone in your journey.”
On the job she loves working with the guys, joking around. “They love to bug me, and I give it right back. It probably helps that I grew up with brothers. Sometimes the work is physically demanding, hauling around 50-pound rolls of wire and heavy ladders, but I love the work. Every day is different. I love to see a project through.” In two more years, Kristy hopes to have her Red Seal and a job with the City of Kelowna. “Women bring a different aspect to the job site. They listen better,” says Kristy.
Johanna started the Gateway program in September 2016. “That’s where I met Laura. We started our journey in carpentry together. The different avenues carpentry can take a person are almost endless. I am constantly growing and changing, and my trade accommodates that. Yes, there are challenges. Some days I go home very tired and sore. The best part is, almost everyone on site has those moments, too.” Her pal Laura Penney is also happy with her choice to enroll directly in the Carpentry program and work toward her Red Seal. “I love to use my brain and critical thinking skills every day. I love the math. I love being able to take concepts from the classroom and apply them directly on the job.” Though she admits to suffering from a lack of confidence sometimes, she adds, “I am surrounded by people who encourage and support me and help me get over that obstacle. My dream is to work in New Zealand or Australia. I am very lucky I am obtaining certification that is recognized internationally.” Laura added, “I would like to continue gaining experience in all the different aspects of carpentry and construction to make me more of a well-rounded tradie.”
Kelowna apprentice electrician, Kristy Goertz, started directly at the Foundation Program Level 1. “I’m happy with my choice of electrical, but I sometimes wonder if I might have chosen differently if I had attended the Gateway program.
I’ve always loved working with my hands so being in trades was a no brainer for me. My dad is a carpenter, my mom his assistant, my elder brother owns a lighting company and the younger one is a jack of all trades.”
Not everyone takes such a direct route. Corrinne Cormier studied First Aid at Okanagan College, then Forestry at BCIT, before arriving at her position as Administrator of SilverStar Mountain Resort Maintenance Department. Corrinne now supervises a crew of 30 men including millwrights, vehicle mechanics, snow removal crew, groomers and shuttle drivers.
“We’re a family,” she says. “They call me ‘shop mom’ and I love it.”
Kristy admits her biggest challenge is being a single mom of three teenagers. “Having a full-time apprenticeship job is demanding enough. Luckily, I work for my brother. He is understanding of parents who need to get off early once in a while because of a child being ill or for parent-teacher conferences.”
SO WHERE ARE WE NOW? According to data from Statistics Canada, the most recent Labour Force Survey reports that in 2018, women working in the trades, account for 34,800, or 3.9 percent of the total workforce.
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 29
It is often unimaginable hardships that have landed the homeless on the streets. Human beings in need, all of whom have a story to tell and it often involves tragic circumstances.
LIVING ON THE STREETS IS TOUGH AND SOME PEOPLE DO NOT SURVIVE, YET IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE ONLY TWO OR THREE PAYCHECKS AWAY FROM BECOMING HOMELESS.
H Onot Mhopeless. E LES S BY DEANNA RAINEY
In many cases, this is exactly what has happened…a rent increase, the loss of a job, mental illness or substance misuse are just some of the factors that result in homelessness.
One of the biggest factors the homeless face is the severity of the challenges they experience. Many are seemingly simple things, but when you’re living on the streets, everyday issues can seem insurmountable. That is especially true when winter arrives and the temperatures drop below freezing. While there are some wonderful organizations and individuals in the Okanagan working hard to help make the lives of the homeless less difficult, there are still many people who do not have a place to go during the cold winter nights.
As with many people on the streets, she comes from a very poor and troubled background, which snowballed into who and where she is today, living often in a tent in the downtown core. “I am afraid of fentanyl,” she admits. “I became an addict when I became homeless and lost jobs. You face death when you hit the streets. Mental illness is a big problem and there isn’t enough help for any of us.”
Deanna estimates that almost 100 people live outside in her downtown community and as ‘Mom’ of her fellow street dwellers, she keeps pretty close tabs on them. “I’ve buried around 25 people in the last two years,” said Deanna, adding that ninety-nine percent of the people she meets on the streets look out for each other and some, she says, actually ‘make it out of here.’
“The stigma surrounding homelessness and drug use is highly visible”, says Deanna, “but look beyond the surface and you’ll find an abundance of the very same human characteristics we all have.
“We need covered places where we can go,” says Deanna. “If people are donating clothing, we need socks and underwear, gloves and foot warmers. And we always need personal grooming stuff.”
Deanna Cowens has lived on the streets of Kelowna for the past two years, with her now, ex-husband. After two recent hip surgeries, she feels severe pain when the cold weather settles in. Deanna is also known as Mom on the streets, and her ex-husband is Dad. “We couldn’t find any affordable housing here,” she says. “I slept outside with my husband because the shelters wouldn’t let us sleep together.” While she has previously worked as a bartender, waitress and in a large store, she says her hip pain is too strong to do that now. Crystal meth and heroin are Deanna’s drugs of choice. She says, “The heroin helps with the pain”. 30 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
Loyalty, camaraderie and love are a big part of our small community”, adding “we get the odd bad guy, but mostly people deal with their lives with a good sense of humor. If you don’t keep a sense of humor, there’s nothing left.”
Basic needs such as food and shelter are, for the most part, being partially met by a group of dedicated organizations and volunteers. Depending where a person is, though, finding a bathroom or shower area they can use is tough. Many carry their belongings in buggies, which will be stolen if left alone. At Kelowna Gospel Mission, they have a storage area for the belongings of the homeless, but more space is sorely needed. Other basics, such as electrical outlets, are nowhere to be found.
Kelowna Gospel Mission is amongst the most wellknown shelter for the homeless, with 90 beds including 14 for women. Sonja Menyes, who looks after volunteers, information tours and training, says “some people end up staying at the Gospel Mission for eight months or more because there’s nowhere else to go.” “We have lots of services people may not know about. We have a dental clinic, thrift store, 24 storage sheds, a barber shop, foot care, flu shots, a courtyard for people to gather, toilets and showers,” she says. “A large group of volunteers also help serve three meals a day to anyone who is hungry. That often reaches five or six hundred meals a day.” Kelowna Gospel Mission is a dry facility. Many of the people who cannot secure a bed there are left on the streets, dealing with drug misuse and mental health issues during cold winter nights. Sonja says, “We are always in need of clothing like sleepwear, mittens, blankets, coats, toiletries and long johns.” “Housing is the key for all of these people,” says Sonja. “People don’t want the homeless as their neighbours. But if they can find a home and you get to know these people outside of their addiction, many are very special people.”
Another group of women who are making a huge difference on the streets of Kelowna and Vernon work with the H.O.P.E Outreach program. Seven nights a week, these trained volunteer women reach out to assist women living on the streets. They also ensure that women have clean needles and access to Naloxone kits. Executive Director Kathleen MacKinnon says, "Women who live on the streets suffer the most violence and the most challenges. The safety issues are huge. We know these women individually and are in regular contact with them. That's how we keep track of people if they go missing. In order to create a safe space, we must listen to people. Chocolate is a great conversation opener... we carry it and give it out regularly!"
“I just got eight boxes of blankets, toques and gloves today from a friend in Texas,” Pam says. “You just have to ask, and many people respond.” Moms Stop the Harm (MSTH) is a network of Canadian families whose loved ones died from drug related harms or who have struggled with substance use. MSTH members, Helen Jennens and Pam Turgeon, are helping head the group in collecting blankets and clothing again this year. Helen appeals to the community, “While solutions for homelessness are complex and long term, a small dose of compassion from the more fortunate members of the community goes a long way. There are many organizations throughout the Okanagan who would love your help making this winter a little warmer, more comfortable and humane.” Arlene Howe from MSTH and her colleagues assist in securing items that women need most during the cold winter months on the streets. Arlene adds “Regardless of the reason people live on the streets, whether through trauma, mental health issues, bad luck or addiction…it doesn’t matter. It isn’t our job to judge. We don’t know these women’s personal stories and we do co-exist in the community."
All people deserve kindness, empathy, compassion and care… but most of all a place to call home! OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 31
Meatless
LENTIL MASALA SOUP INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •
1 teaspoon coconut oil 1/2 cup red onion, diced 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 tablespoon garam masala 1 teaspoon Himalayan Salt 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 cups organic vegetable broth or bone broth (non-vegan) • 3 cups diced tomatoes • 1 cup red lentils, dry • 1 cup organic coconut milk, canned • 4 cups kale leaves, stemmed and chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat coconut oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute for about 4 minutes or until translucent. Add in the minced garlic and saute for another minute. 2. Stir in the turmeric, garam masala, and Himalayan salt until mixed. Add the cilantro, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. SERVINGS: 4
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
3. Add dry lentils, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. 4. Once the lentils are cooked, pour in the coconut milk. Stir, then add the kale. Cook kale until it’s wilted. 5. Remove from heat and ladle into bowls.
Garnish with chopped almonds and cilantro!
COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES
Slow Cooker
VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE
BURRITO SOUP INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups, Black Beans (cooked, drained and rinsed) • 3 cups, Diced Tomatoes • 1 Sweet Onion (diced) • 1 cup Organic Frozen Corn • 1/2 Green Bell Pepper (diced) • 2 Jalapeno Pepper (de-seeded and diced) • 2 tbsps. Chili Powder
YIELDS 6 SERVINGS
• • • • •
2 tsps. Cumin 1 tsp. Oregano 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper 2 tsps. Himalayan Salt 1 cup Brown Rice (uncooked) • 4 cups Water • 1 Avocado (peeled + diced) • 1/4 cup Organic Salsa
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Add all ingredients except avocado, and salsa to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for at least 4 hours. Cook up to 8 hours, depending on how thick you like your soup. 2. Ladle into bowls
Top with a spoonful of organic salsa and avocado. 32 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
VERITYNUTRITION.COM
ENJOY!
VERITYNUTRITION.COM
VEGAN CINNAMON ROLLS INGREDIENTS Cinnamon Rolls • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk • 9 tbsp vegan butter divided • 1 packet instant, rapid-rise yeast • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt • 2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour more as needed • 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp organic cane sugar • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom Glaze and Toppings • 1 cup confectioner's sugar • 2 tbsp almond milk more as needed • pinch of salt • Suggested toppings: toasted chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond milk and 3 tbls of butter. Place in the microwave, heat on 30 second increments, stirring after each increment, until the butter has melted. Let the mixture cool then sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow the yeast to activate for ten minutes and then sprinkle on the sea salt and 2 tbls sugar. 2. Add a cup of flour to the mixture and stir together. Add a second cup of flour and stir together. The dough should be sticky. If you find that the mixture is still too wet and you can't form into a ball, add more flour until you get a sticky consistency. Once the dough becomes extremely difficult to stir, roll it out onto a floured surface. Knead the dough, adding flour as needed, for about 2 minutes, and then form into a ball. 3. Transfer the dough to a well-oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Put in a warm place to rise for an hour. The dough should double in size. 4. Melt the rest of the butter (6 tbls) in a small saucepan or in the microwave. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and brush a 10 to 12-inch pan with a tbls of the butter.
PREP TIME: 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES
SPRINKLE WITH NUTS IF DESIRED Enjoy immediately! COOKINGANDBEER.COM
5. Roll the dough out to a thin rectangle (about 1/2 inch thick) on a lightly floured surface. Taking 3 tbls of butter, brush the dough. Sprinkle the remaining sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom on top. Roll the dough into a log and place the seam down. With a sharp knife cut 8 equal pieces out of the dough. Place them evenly spread apart in the prepared pan. 6. Brush the remaining melted butter on top and place on top of the stove to rise for about 5 minutes. Place in the oven and bake the rolls for about 25-30 minutes or until puffy and brown on top. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. 7. While the cinnamon rolls are baking, prepare your glaze. Combine the confectioner's sugar, almond milk, and salt in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth. 8. Drizzle the glaze on top of the rolls
COOK TIME: 35 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 50 MINUTES
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 33
POMEGRANATE MOLASSES, HONEY, DIJON MUSTARD, AND ALLSPICE CREATE AN IRRESISTIBLE GLAZE FOR A HOLIDAY-PARTY CLASSIC: A WHOLE HAM. The meat is roasted with a pile of cipollini onions, which caramelize and soak up all the delicious drippings, then served with mini pickle biscuits for making sandwiches.
Pomegranate-Glazed Ham with Jammy Cipollinis
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 pounds cipollini onions • 1/3 cup pomegranate molasses, such as Al Wadi • 2 tbls packed light-brown sugar • 2 tbls honey • 2 tbls Dijon mustard • 1/8 tsp ground allspice • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • 1 spiral-cut ham (6 to 8 pounds) • Grainy or Dijon mustard, lady apples, and parsley sprigs, for serving
Serve ham with biscuits, mustard, onions, apples, and parsley.
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with a rack in lower third. Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Trim 1/4 inch off root end of each onion, then cook onions in pot until just beginning to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to ice-water bath, slip off skins, and cut into quarters. (Quartered onions can be refrigerated up to 2 days.) 2. Stir together molasses, brown sugar, honey, mustard, allspice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down; baste generously with glaze. Scatter onions around ham and pour in 1/2 cup water. 3. Cover ham with parchment-lined foil; roast until a thermometer inserted into thickest part (not touching bone) reads 125 degrees, 1 hour to 1 hour, 15 minutes. Uncover, baste with more glaze, and return to oven. Increase heat to 400 degrees and roast, basting and rotating pan once, until outside is crisp, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer to a serving platter; tent with foil. 4. Return roasting pan with onions to oven; roast until sauce has thickened slightly and onions are caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer onions and pan drippings to a serving vessel; skim fat from top.
TIME: 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES
34 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
SERVES: 8 TO 10
MARTHASTEWART.COM
Open-Faced
Steak Sandwiches with Parmesan Avocado Cream INGREDIENTS • • • • • •
1 large avocado 2 tbsp dijon mustard zest from one lemon 1 tbsp lemon juice 3/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup water more as needed
• 2 oz freshly grated parmesan cheese • 1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil • 1 lb boneless ribeye steak • salt and black pepper • 1 loaf fresh bread sliced • 3 cups baby arugula • 1 bunch radishes finely sliced
DIRECTIONS
1. To the pitcher of your blender, add the avocado, dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, water, parmesan cheese, and a dash of salt and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth. If you would like a thinner consistency, add more water as needed. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, cover, and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. 2. To a large nonstick skillet, add the oil and heat over medium-high heat. Season the ribeye generously with salt and black pepper and place it on the hot pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, for blue or rare. You may cook it longer based on your liking. Remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Keep the heat on and add another tablespoon of oil if there is none left in the pan. At this point, you may refrigerate it until you are ready to serve or slice it thinly immediately. 3. To the pan now add the sliced bread in batches. Toast on both sides until browned to your liking and then carefully remove from pan. 4. Assemble your open-faced steak sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of parmesan avocado cream. On top of the cream, add the arugula and then the steak. Top with sliced radishes and a drizzle of cream. PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 6 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 16 MINUTES
Season with black pepper and enjoy immediately!
COOKINGANDBEER.COM
Spicy Mango Guacamole INGREDIENTS
• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted • 1 champagne mango, peeled and diced small • ½ cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped • ¼ medium onion, minced
• Juice of ½ lime (about 1 Tbsp) • ½ jalapeno, minced (remove most of the seeds) • 1 tsp minced garlic (about 1 large clove) • ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste • ½ tsp pepper • ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder
DIRECTIONS
1. Scoop the avocados out of their pits and mash with a fork or a potato masher. Leave some chunky bits, you don’t want to pulverize the crap out of it so you have pudding-like guac. 2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients except the mango. Be careful with those hot peppers! 3. Adjust salt and pepper to taste (and add some more jalapeno if you want it even spicier!), then fold in the chopped mango.
Serve with plantain chips or tostones and margaritas!! PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 10 MINUTES
SERVES:: 4 TO 6
WWW.REALFOODWITHDANA.COM
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 35
THAI SWEET POTATO CARROT SOUP INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • •
THAI SWEET POTATO CARROT SOUP 1 tbls oil 1 cup diced onion 1 tbls grated garlic 2 tbls grated fresh ginger 2 tbls red curry paste 2 tsp sriracha (see note), use 1 if you don't want it as spicy 4 cups peeled and diced sweet potatoes 2 cups peeled and diced carrots Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth 1 cup light coconut milk Lime wedges, chopped cilantro and unsweetened shredded coconut for toppings CURRY ROASTED CASHEWS 1/3 cup raw cashews 1/2 tsp coconut oil 1/4 tsp curry powder 1/4 tsp red curry paste Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
SERVE THE SOUP topped with the chopped CURRY ROASTED CASHEWS, CILANTRO, SHREDDED COCONUT and LIME WEDGES. NOTES If you don't have an immersion stick blender, Ladle the soup into a blender. It will probably be a couple of batches, depending on the size of your blender, don't fill the blender more than half way. Leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, blend on low and slowly increase the speed until the soup is completely smooth. RECIPERUNNER.COM
CURRY ROASTED CASHEWS 1. Preheat oven to 325° F. and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. 2. In a small bowl stir together the coconut oil, curry powder and red curry paste until combined. 3. Add in the cashew and toss until coated. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Dump them onto the prepared sheet pan and roast for 8-12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as nuts tend to burn quickly. THAI SWEET POTATO CARROT SOUP 1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in the onion and sauté 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic, ginger, red curry paste and sriracha (or chile paste) and sauté another 1-2 minutes. 2. Add in the sweet potatoes and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together then pour in the vegetable broth. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender. 4. Turn off the heat and use an immersion stick blender* to purée the soup. Stir in the coconut milk and taste for seasoning.
To make this recipe Whole30 and Paleo compliant, replace the sriracha with chili paste such as Sambal Oelek. 36 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
tor pplica A / r e l ea tions rized D Autho w Film Solu o Wind OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 37
The YEAR of the
RAT
HEATHER’S YEAR OF THE RAT HOROSCOPE FOR 2020 The personality of the ruling animal will be felt in some of the year’s activities. Rats are ambitious, charming, aggressive and optimistic. They are also friendly and humorous. They like to fit in socially; attracted to the bright and shiny; with a focus on entertainment. They are attracted to success and will leave a sinking ship. If their backs are to the wall they will “rat” on those doing it... avoid the traps this year.
They are busy bodies liking to advance and keep moving.
Money that comes easy, needs to be diverted into something more secure as a buffer against leaner times.
Financially, there can appear to be more bounty or wealth than really exists.
Great efforts will be made to avoid war as rats don’t like to be cornered or confined.
Those who can spot opportunity will do well this year. Markets and commodities will fluctuate.
A trapped rat will jump at you. Settle things with a little cheese and wine as rats are very social by nature.
Ventures begun on a wellprepared base will flourish. Those done haphazardly will not do so well, that’s when the rats tend to ‘jump ship’, some will go bankrupt.
Advances will be made with eyes or the ability to “see” in other areas. -Heather Zais
THE YEAR OF THE RAT BEGINS JANUARY 25TH, 2020 & ENDS ON FEBRUARY 11TH, 2021 ACCORDING TO THE LUNAR CYCLE IN CHINESE ASTROLOGY LUCKY NUMBERS – 2, 3 and numbers containing them (23 and 32) UNLUCKY NUMBERS – 5, 9 and numbers containing them (59 and 95) LUCKY COLOURS – Blue, gold, green UNLUCKY COLOURS – Yellow, brown FLOWERS – Lily and African Violet ELEMENT – Metal (Gold) WOMEN BORN IN THE RAT YEAR ARE TRADITIONAL WOMEN. They love to keep things organized and place great value on the family. There is no need for their partners to worry, they will take care of everything. Outside of home, they’re also someone with a sense of responsibility and ability.
These include authors, editors and artists. Rats pay attention to fine detail, which make them fit for technical work, such as engineering and architecture. They are alert but have a lack of courage, this makes them less suitable for entrepreneurship endeavours or leadership and political positions. Although Rats make good financial decisions, they should be careful not to invest with a close friend. It will not only cause money problems, but could also affect the friendship. THREE FAMOUS WOMEN BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE RAT
MOST COMPATIBLE with Rat: Ox, Dragon, Monkey LEAST COMPATIBLE with Rat: Horse, Goat and Rabbit CAREERS FIT FOR RATS Because of their independence and imagination, they are suitable for creative jobs.
Julianne Moore Dec. 3, 1960 (59) Sagittarius
Julia Louis Dreyfus Jan 13, 1961 (58) Capricorn
Jennifer Garner Apr. 17, 1972 (47) Aries
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 39
HOROSCOPE by Heather Zais heather_zais@telus.net
Aries
MAR 21 - APRIL 19 Dec - A restless feeling could see you travelling or looking for another place to work or live. Take time. Jan - Look at your future long term to consider where you want to step up or down. Weigh security. Feb - Patience you have had to this point will start to pay off. Pick a channel for it to flow naturally.
Cancer
JUNE 21 - JULY 22 Dec - Present your side of the story in the way others would be able to accept; it will be important. Jan - Intense communications will bring changes or settlement in personal or business dealings. Feb - Look for the ways you can achieve your goals or advance your agenda. Follow sure path.
SEPT 23 - OCT 22 Dec - Communicating in a way that informs or instructs will bring about changes for you or others. Jan - Consider how much longer you want to remain in your current place or circumstances. Relax. Feb - You can make changes to provide more security for yourself or loved ones. Build or renovate.
DEC 22 - JAN 19 Dec - Play cards close to the vest as others need you more than you need them. Get together. Jan - Take a stand or a place front and centre. Others look to you for leadership or know how. Feb - Your toolbox is full of knowledge and experience that others are interested in. Show them. 40 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
APRIL 20 - MAY 20
Taurus
MAY 21 - JUNE 20
Dec - You will have good luck with finances or investments of your own or connected to others now. Jan - Expand your field of influence and you will benefit from it as well as being generous to all. Feb - You get credit for your sense of duty and how responsible you are. Makes others look good.
Dec - Careful handling of relationship matters puts you in a better position. Play events out calmly. Jan - Meeting with others and getting them to come on board will give you what you need. It’s ok. Feb - Unite with those of equal or greater power. This pooling of resources will work out well, etc.
JULY 23 - AUG 22
AUG 23 - SEPT 22
Dec - This month highlights your personal efforts and creativity. It also enhances any relationship data. Jan - Do what is required to maintain or enhance your position on the job or otherwise. Be prepared. Feb - New or renewed relationships have real possibilities of success once you’re on the same page.
Dec - Arrange to be in a cozy or relaxing environment or take a cruise. You need some down time. Jan - You can have a wish come true for yourself or what you want to happen to others. It’s good. Feb - Certain matters have reached a point of no return. Don’t shake up the status quo, for now.
OCT 23 - NOV 21
NOV 22 - DEC 21
Dec - Financial or investment gains grow naturally, and you can use that as leverage to continue. Jan - Your powerful energy makes others feel more secure. Put your thumb on the scale to help. Feb - You have the connections to shake things up and let the pieces fall where they may. It’s ok.
JAN 20 - FEB 18 Dec - Gather information and sort what you already have before presenting it to other people. Jan - Private wheeling and dealing will work if you wish to invest or participate as silent partner. Feb - Well connected individuals are in your corner and will assist you where needed. Make calls.
Virgo
Dec - You shine in the eyes of others now as they look to you for direction. Answer questions. Jan - Work with others or pool resources to benefit all involved on a larger scale. Negotiate. Feb - You attract good luck or fortune. Others look to you for direction or your ability to judge.
FEB 19 - MAR 20 Dec - Step into the spotlight more as your confidence grows and you feel more comfortable now. Jan - Meet or connect with powerful individuals who can make the rules or get things in motion. Feb - You rise through the ranks easily as a place opens up for you. Dress the part. Step forward.
WITH THE PROPHECY OF PERFECT VISION AS OUR HARBINGER TO THE ARRIVAL OF A NEW DECADE; HOW WE FACE THE FUTURE CAN BE OURS TO DETERMINE.
The
POWER of
2020 BY GISELA SCHOLZE
Individually and collectively we can take a viewpoint for 2020 that is based on POSITIVITY AND JOYFUL ANTICIPATION. By creatively working with a psychological practice known as mind mapping, we can establish a positive frame of mind as we propel forward into 2020. This visually pictorial technique helps to enlist a mindset by graphically representing ideas within an image collage; also known as a concept board. A mind map/concept board helps to formulate our thoughts and ideas with the quick assembly of graphic images and words. The free-form layout allows us to quickly generate, analyze and synthesize new concepts and thoughts towards our future steps in life.
One of the key ingredients to 20/20 mind mapping, is to encourage and conjure up the wild child within us. The creative process is based on the recruitment of spontaneous thinking, by allowing freewheeling ideas to percolate forward, random thoughts spawn more creative energy, which in turn can lead to amazing feats of intense creativity.
LITTLE GIRLS WITH DREAMS BECOME WOMEN WITH VISION!
the barbs of life's current affairs. Studies have shown that the simple act of smiling helps to boost your mood, while laughter helps to untangle jangled nerves and melt away stress. Giggling stimulates the interior belly organs, improves immunity and is a well-known pain reliever. Or a well-known antidote for pain.
Mind mapping is a method of ‘thought catching’; essentially taking a creative journey that is impulsive and speaks to our inner primal urges and desires. The core belief within mind mapping lies in ‘anything goes’ - so let your imagination rip! While being self tailored and channelled by your inner warrior - the end results are often very foretelling and clairvoyantly super-POWER-full!
Being funny is an entertainment craft well-honed by professional comedians in order to help us see the brighter and lighter side of life. While viewing how the world turns, comedians are masterminds in articulating situational absurdity. Learning to laugh at yourself in awkward situations helps to break down personal defensive barriers and develop greater self-confidence.
Start by finding a focal point image to represent the key driver to what you are trying to convey in your ideal 2020 future. Continue to add color, symbols, words and vibrant images that establish associations while developing this creative visual journal. Each image conveys intent and meaning; allowing the process to grow and naturally flow.
The discovery process is that, with a humorous view of our future, new friendships will evolve that are enriched with laughter.
The secret ingredient in generating a 20/20 mind map is to add a splash of humour and take a light-hearted approach while evolving through the metamorphic phase. Humour is a very creative art form in itself, as it promotes divergent thinking; a highly valued characteristic of creativity. Using the element of humour helps us to counterbalance anxiety, grief and depression while polishing off some of
By lowering stress and challenging our guards to negativity, we signal to our social tribe that we are all collectively in a safer place... that in itself is a very good inspiration as we embrace the year 2020!
OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019 41
Many herbal teas are marketed as sleep aids. The herbs they contain work by increasing or modifying specific neurotransmitters that are involved in initiating sleep. Some of them may help you fall asleep faster, decrease nighttime awakenings, and improve your overall sleep quality.
While results can vary by individual, these herbal teas may be worth trying for those who are looking to get a better night’s sleep naturally.
6 best Teas
to Support Sleep
CHAMOMILE
For years, chamomile tea has been used as a natural remedy to reduce inflammation and anxiety and treat insomnia. In fact, chamomile is commonly regarded as a mild tranquilizer or sleep inducer. Its calming effects may be attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin, which is found in abundance in chamomile tea.
PASSIONFLOWER
LAVENDER
Lavender is an herb often touted for its aromatic and soothing scent. Lavender tea is made from the small purple buds of the flowering plant. Many people drink lavender tea to relax, settle their nerves, and aid sleep.
VALERIAN ROOT
Valerian is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat problems like insomnia, nervousness, and headaches. Historically, it was used in England during World War II to relieve stress and anxiety caused by air raids. Valerian root may support sleep by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA. Smaller studies suggest that valerian root may improve overall sleep quality by shortening the time it takes to fall asleep and decreasing nighttime awakenings.
Passionflower tea is made from the dried leaves, flowers, and stems of the Passiflora plant. Traditionally, it has been used to alleviate anxiety and improve sleep. Drinking passionflower tea may improve overall sleep quality.
MAGNOLIA BARK
LEMON BALM
Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and is found all over the world. This citrus-scented, aromatic herb has been used for reducing stress and improving sleep since the Middle Ages. Drinking lemon balm tea may decrease insomniarelated symptoms.
42 OKANAGAN WOMAN WINTER | 2019
Magnolia is a flowering plant that has been around for millions of years. Magnolia tea is made mostly from the bark of the plant but also consists of some dried buds and stems. Traditionally, magnolia was used in Chinese medicine to alleviate various symptoms, including abdominal discomfort, nasal congestion, and stress. WWW.HEALTHLINE.COM
Are you tired of body impressions in your
MATTRESS?
O
hhhh... the dreaded body impression!
Only Sleepy's have the cure! So, you just invested in a new sleep set and already in two months to two years you are noticing a large hump up the middle of the mattress with two deep sinkholes on either side of the top where your bodies lay. You call the salesperson that sold it to you and you are told that body impressions are normal, that the mattress is conforming to your body. You are told to rotate your mattress more often or if you have a king size, to make quarter turns and this should minimize the issue. Then you find out that these sags have to be visibly more than 1.5" to 2.5" deep
before you can have anything done about it. You explain that you have to roll uphill to meet your partner and are told again that this is normal? "Well, I assure you that this issue is very common, but it is not normal!" says Geoff McLeary, Owner of Sleepy's – Bedroom Furniture & Sleep Shop in Kelowna. Going back 12 years ago and beyond, mattresses did not get body impressions. Most good mattresses performed very well for years and stood the test of time. The mattress of today will last (if you're lucky) an average of 5 to 6 years and most get these dreaded body impressions in a very short period of time. Mattress sets of the past lasted more than 10 to 12 years or longer. Back when the mattress makers decided to brainwash the North American public into believing that half a mattress was better than a whole one, it wasn't so bad. Most of the factories upgraded the quality of the components in the top of the mattress to give the bed more integrity. Sadly, after a few short years, the larger mattress stores put pressure on the manufacturers to reduce their wholesale costs
so they could amp up their profit margins even more. The only way this could be achieved is by using inferior components and/or sourcing lower priced fillers from China.. . even spring systems come from there now. Some of the largest mattress makers are using 1.2 lb. density foam in their high-end sleep sets. That's only one step above "camping foam" folks! Sleepy's owner, Geoff McLeary does not like this! He says, “At Sleepy's, we do not like our clients to have issues with their sleep. We want happy and well rested customers! Sleep is important and your new mattress should enhance your health, not take away from it." He has teamed up with the Restonic and Spring Air Mattress factories in Vancouver to resurrect the two sided flippable mattress. These two mattress makers build their beds with integrity, they use all North American components, and they are not in any of the bigger mattress stores. Restonic has won the Women's Choice Award for the most recommended mattress brand for four years in a row. Both brands win the Consumer's Digest Best Buy Award on a yearly basis for giving you more for your money. Even our new Swiss Bliss mattress that’s made in Switzerland is two sided and flippable. So, for about 10% to 20% increase in the cost. . . you will receive over 100%+ additional lifespan on your new double sided flippable mattress. The mattress will perform better, will feel better over a much longer period of time, and will retain it's shape for the long term. "We offer a range of two sided mattresses starting at $398 queen size.
my dad sells the best mattresses!
"Sleepy's also specialize in a lesser known superior material used in their mattresses, toppers, and pillows ... pure latex. Latex is the longest lasting material used in the mattress industry today and is derived from the rubber tree. You never have to flip or rotate a quality latex mattress, because these comfortable sleep systems will perform for the long term. Our most popular latex bed offers a 15 year full non prorated warranty and an unheard of 3/4" body impression tolerance over that 15 year period of time. McLeary says "We have had clients come into our store that were dealing with a big mattress store in town and have gone through as many as five mattresses in two years due to premature body impressions/ warranty issues and are looking for solutions. They found Sleepy's offered them a solution, a better built and refreshing alternative to the defective designs being offered from other stores. "Sleepy's are also striving to be your destination "green" sleep shop in the Okanagan. "We offer a nice range of green, natural, and organic mattresses and bedding for your better sleep and better health. "Sleepy's promise to offer you only the best materials in their mattresses. Nothing made in China! No smoke and mirrors. No toxic memory foam. No gimmicks! Just the straight goods from the owner himself. You will find Sleepy's - The Mattress Store - just behind Costco on Baron Road in Kelowna - or visit our virtual showroom at www.sleepys.ca to get a feel of who we are.
O K A N A G A N W O M Awww.sleepys.ca N WINTER | 2019 Sleepy’s #3-1725 Baron Road, Kelowna, BC 250-868-2337 sleepys@shaw.ca
43
Introducing Walnut Grove
In Walnut Grove, Stickley has combined flowing lines inspired by modern design with moments of sophisticated handwork that beautifully showcase the furniture-maker’s art.
EXCLUSIVELY AT 4 4 O K A N A G A N W O1788 M A NBARON W I N T EROAD R | 2 0 |1KELOWNA 9 |
I N T E R I ORS
(250) 861-8656 | JORDANSINTERIORS.CA