Look Local Magazine Oakville & Burlington 10.8

The unmatched combination of Berkshire Hathaway Inc, Warren Buffet, plus the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices name drives more than 71% of the real estate industry’s global news coverage. The exposure that’s created by this prestigious trio is what we call the “Halo Effect”, and it means that your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network real estate agent has access to the most powerful media tools in the real estate industry to promote your real estate needs.

In an industry long seen as transactional, our network is leaning into the Berkshire Hathaway spirit of longevity and integrity to help clients realize the lasting value of home ownership that is the driving force behind our forever brand ideology.

Nick carries the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client service into every transaction he does. Nick’s ability to observe what the client’s needs are and listen to their wants has made him an instant success and a client favourite. Nick’s competitive nature drives him to work diligently and e ciently with his peers and clients to achieve the best outcome out of every transaction.

Nick is a team player and will always nurture respectful working relationships and create a pleasurable experience for the clients he works with, putting their priorities front and centre. When working with clients, Nick likes to highlight excellent restaurants, local businesses and social pastimes. He listens to his clients’ wants and needs, and he strives to ensure that the buying or selling process is fun, easy, and stress-free.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES WEST REALTY

Oakville Branch 210 Lakeshore Road East #4 Phone: 905-844-8068 gloria@bhhsoakville.ca www.gloriayellery.ca

In [Berkshire Hathaway] HomeServices you’re dealing with the ultimate strength; HomeServices will be around tomorrow, next week, next month, and a century from now.

WARREN BUFFETT CEO Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

A luxury rental community minutes away from the lake that offers every first-class amenity you can imagine. Enjoy a worry-free, luxury lifestyle, with restaurants, hair and nail salons, pharmacy, and grocery store only steps away from your home.

OAKVILLE

VOLUME

PRESIDENT

PUBLISHER

Tim Root

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jonathon Root

MANAGER Beth Walder

EDITOR

Anneliese Lawton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jenny Ratcliffe-Wright,

Pepler,

Evans

Bogle,

Sarah Noble Jennifer Brewster Vanessa Chong

& COMMUNICATIONS

MacKenzie

The cold weather and I aren’t exactly buddy-buddy – though, this time of year certainly packs a magical punch. Streets come alive with twinkles of reds and greens, silvers and golds. We gather with those we love around generational recipes and staple family foods. And, if we can, we give back to those in need. Colder months may not be at the top of my list, but this time of year certainly is.

If I’ve learned anything over my life, it’s that my stomach takes a beating around the holidays (did someone say decadent sweets and hearty meals?). To keep your gut healthy, we’ve teamed up with local experts on the ins…and outs… of gut health. Read more in our Health and Wellness Feature.

Are you looking for ways to keep your little one busy – why not try a music class? From vocal to piano and even ukulele, our Family feature will bring music to your ears.

The winter months are a great time to dig through storage for items that “spark joy.” Between reminiscing and exploring, you may even find something of value. Whether you want to keep an item protected or part ways with a sale, the first stop on your personal Antique Roadshow is an appraisal – our Round Up of local antique stores and resources will get you started.

Do you have a room you need to furnish? Maybe you’ve recently moved into a new home. Furnishing a space is all about balance – from the pieces you select to the price point. Two local interior designers share tips and tricks of the trade, highlighting where to spend and where to save. Get the hi-lo in our Home and Garden Feature.

One doesn't need to head all the way to Spain to experience the wonders of a paella; even though, for all its cultural beauty, Valencia is certainly worth the trip. Bite into our Food feature to discover authentic paella close to home.

Also in this issue: ways to make fitness fun, the Burlington Comedy Festival, curated gift boxes, and so much more!

Let’s get started!

by ERIN PEPLER

Furnishing your home can be a thrill or a challenge, depending on how much you enjoy interior design — and in some cases, it’s a bit of both. Choosing large items, accent pieces, art, and textiles that complement each other can be intimidating, and getting everything on your list comes at a price. You want decor that reflects your style and adds function to your home, but you don’t want to break the bank — so where do you start?

A HOME IS A HOME

While some people feel like they should wait until they’re in their “forever home” to invest in beautiful, high-quality pieces, there is no better time than the present. “Your home is an extension of your personality and should reflect a life of thoughtful purpose,” says Anderson’s Interiors in Burlington.

MURRAY'S PRO PAINTING

INTERIORS

Whether you’re renting or hoping to relocate, Emma Robinson of ER Designs Inc notes that divisibility is key. “You want furniture that is easy to move and fits in different-sized homes.” So, avoid a massive sectional but say yes to that solid wood dining table that extends with a leaf.

Focus on building a collection of timeless, quality pieces that you love — rugs, art, chairs, or a smaller sofa — these can be incorporated into different spaces over time. Joshua Creek Furniture and Swiss Interiors, both in Oakville, have large showrooms featuring everything from furniture to décor pieces, and they even offer custom-made furniture (which can be perfect for furnishing awkward spaces).

If purchasing something new isn’t an option, Fairhome Interiors in Burlington also carries a large selection of beautiful fabrics and has an upholstery room on-site. Upcycle an older sofa with high-quality new fabric to rejuvenate a space.

WHAT SHOULD I INVEST IN?

Everyone’s lifestyle is different. Katie Campbell of Katie Campbell Interiors & Design can direct you where to start. Katie says, “The best approach to creating a home that tells your story and reflects your values is through a collaborative process.” As a certified and storied interior decorator, Katie offers a full range of services required to design and implement your unique vision while removing the stress that can arise with inexperience, including design consultation, space planning, and custom designs.

Emma Robinson recommends investing in a great sofa, a high-quality dining table, and the often-neglected bedroom. “Adding a beautiful headboard and bedframe will give your bedroom a focal point and help achieve that “finished” look,” says Robinson. Anderson’s Interiors, Joshua Creek Furniture and Swiss Interiors are all great places to start. They carry beautiful selections of Canadian-made upholstered and solid wood bedroom sets (including dressers, nightstands, and chests if you’re looking for a finished look). Home Sweet Linens, a family-owned shop in Oakville, carries luxuriously soft bedding and throw pillows to tie it all together.

JOSHUA CREEK

WHERE CAN I SAVE MONEY?

“It’s easy to get away with inexpensive items,” Robinson shares. “What makes a home unique is when you incorporate some of those inexpensive items with more expensive ones.” She suggests investing in anything that’s a focal point, whether it’s a piece of furniture or an amazing painting, but those filler pieces throughout a home can be more affordable. “There are a lot of great looking, quality items that are duplicates of expensive pieces,” she says. A great rule of thumb is to invest money in pieces you only need one of (a table, your bed, a large piece of art for over the couch) and spend less on things you buy in larger quantities (tabletop decor, accent pieces, etc.).

We love Pure Boutique, Campbell & Co., Centro Garden, Lakeside Livin’ Home Décor, and Homebody for timeless (and seasonal) décor pieces (think beautiful candles, vases, table accents, and more). Each shop has its own vibe and personality, just like your home!

And when you get that high-low balance just right? Perfection!

THE ValUE OF WHaT YOU HO DL

by MICHELE BOGLE

Part adventure, part history lesson, part treasure hunt – whether you're a long-time collector or the recipient of Granny's china, there's a subtle thrill that comes with the world of antiques.

Mainstream fascination with antiques was encouraged by a 1997 BBC documentary touring a West Country Auction House in England. With people's heightened interest in placing a value on their treasures, whether collected, gifted, or inherited, the BBC recognized they had tapped into something special. Results of viewers' letters and ratings indicated that Antique Roadshow was - and still is - a hit.

PBS took note of this phenomenon and modeled their Antique Roadshow after the British version. The popularity of that show spawned CBC's Canadian Antiques Roadshow in 2004 and the Great Canadian Roadshow in 2010. Both shows are no longer running, but The Wayback Times has been publishing a free guide to antiques and collectibles since 1995, and is a good source of monthly local antique roadshows. The Vintage Seeker is another great resource for lovers of vintage items and collectibles, and provides up-to-date listings of local antique markets.

What You Should Know

Whether you need an appraisal for insurance purposes or you are thinking of selling an item, it's important to know an object's value before selling it. Verbal and written appraisals rely on current market trends and a professional appraiser's knowledge of antiques -- but note that these are only an opinion of value.

Where to Find Appraisers

In Burlington, you can try Treasure Antique & Appraisers. They offer appraisals, consignment sales, support with estate sales or downsizing, and prop rentals. They even host appraisal shows at retirement homes and seniors’ centres. Think of them as a local Antiques Roadshow!

In Oakville, you’ll find AG Antiques & Appraisers in Bronte, and Turner Chapel Antiques and Appraisers, located in what was the historic African Methodist Episcopalian Church, established in 1890. AG Antiques purchases the best in artwork, fine English and continental furniture, porcelain, and china, while also offering appraisals and prop rentals. Turner Chapel offers consignment, auction evaluations, formal appraisals, antique repairs, and prop rentals.

Some of the Best Antique Shops that Oakville and Burlington have to offer

At  Nagwa's Antiques on Speers Road in Oakville, you can expect to find the truly elegant pieces of a time gone by, as well as friendly service.

My Back Shed recently moved from Bronte to Kerr Street in Oakville, and is the destination spot for all enthusiasts of French country, antiques, hand-painted furniture, and shabby chic home decor.

At  AG Antiques & Appraisers in Bronte, proprietor Anna Gardner offers the best silver, artwork, porcelain, and furnishings.

Treasure Antique & Appraisers in Burlington is a great place for Royal Doulton, Dresden, and Hummel collectors. They host Antique Appraisal Days in various locations.

ODDSPOT in Burlington is where you'll find more than 1,000 uniquely unexpected items like records to a clothes iron from the 1800s.

What's Hot

Rejoice! The holidays are just around the corner – and so is Burlington Downtown’s beloved Comedy Festival. Working around the clock to bring you the best in comedy, Burlington Downtown Comedy Festival is excited to announce that they will be bringing two special shows as previews of the full comedy festival in 2023. They will hit the stage at the Art Gallery of Burlington (1333 Lakeshore Road) on December 2nd and 3rd, featuring special headliners DeAnne Smith and Nile Seguin consecutively. Festival goers will enjoy hilarious star-powered stand-ups, including Ted Morris, Heather Mariko, and Mark Debonis, hosted by Just for Laughs comedian, Christophe Davidson. Expect laugh-out-loud, mature content perfect for a night out with friends or a date night.

Doors open at 7 p.m., leaving plenty of time to explore Burlington’s beautiful downtown. Amp up the date night romance with a stroll through twinkle lights along downtown streets and Spencer Smith Park. You can also curate your own unique “dinner and a show” experience at one of over fifty downtown Burlington restaurants, or stroll through Burlington’s downtown shopping district featuring an array of chic clothing and high fashion boutiques, and one-of-a-kind accessory and gift shops. Note: the cobblestone path in The Village is Insta-worthy.

Are you gifting the festival tickets? You can easily add a Downtown GIFT CARD (a creative new way to shop local and give the gift of over 60 retailers, personal services, and eateries in the downtown core. Grab yours at burlingtondowntown.ca/gift-cards).

For a full list of acts and tickets, visit burlingtoncomedy.com.

BOXES

BODEGA WELLNESS

HAMILTON

Bodega Wellness is one of Canada's leading CBD brands. Bodega's gift box is the perfect gift for self care, comfort & pain relief for only $155! Give the gift of Peace and Calm to yourself, or someone you love! At a $225 value, this gift box includes: CBD Personal Lubricant, CBD Bath Bomb, CBD Pain Salve, CBD Oil, 'On The Go', Palo Santo, Bodega Travel Bag. bodegawellness.com

NICETY'S OAKVILLE

A great Charcuterie Gift Set for Someone Special. Regularly $99.99, Look Local Gift Set for $79.99. Canadian Made Cherry Charcuterie board, USA Barrick dripless candle, USA flavoured finishing salt, a cheese slicer by Osti, and an oil or vinegar cruet. shop.nicetys.com

Holiday season is approaching and to make gifting easy, consider one of these Gift Boxes from your local retailers - packed with goodies that are sure to make a memorable gift!

A GREENER PLACE

CAMPBELL & CO HOME

of everlasting

Canada, steel oil candle is clean

scentless, and drip-free. The

sticks don't burn down, so you can light them thousands of times without the need to replace them!

yet modern, the

gift for anyone, adding a warm glow to the darker days of winter.

NAIL HAVEN WAX BAR

WATERDOWN

Gift a luxury experience to someone who needs a little extra R&R. From tea to bath bombs and skin care, these luxury self-care gift boxes are perfect for every occasion (there are even boxes for kids, too). Shop in-store and online.

nailhavenwaxbar.com

TEN AND CO.

BURLINGTON

Born from the desire to bring useful and sustainable gifts to you and your loved ones, the Ten and Co. Sustainable Gift Box is made with your home and the earth in mind. Filled with beautiful, thoughtfully sourced, and functional products, this is a gift you can feel good about giving and receiving! Packaged in a gorgeous ready-to-ship or gift box, the Ten and Co. Gift Box simplifies the gifting process without sacrificing quality.

tenandco.ca

THE PLATTER CO.

OAKVILLE

You bring the champagne and let The Platter Co create a wonderful food and drink basket for your clients, hosts or just because! Alcohol free? They also have mocktails and more to choose from. theplattercompany.ca

#DTBURLBOX

BURLINGTON

The #DTBURLBOX is back for 2022! Support multiple small businesses in Downtown Burlington with a fantastic assortment of hand picked items by the BDBA Team. These usually sell out fast - the best way to get your hands on one is by following their Instagram account for an announcement.

AND

by ANNELIESE LAWTON

FITNESS.

An intimidating seven letter word associated with running, weights, gyms, and equipment. But the truth is, fitness is far more than a run on an elliptical - it's actually a pretty broad term that can mean something different to everyone. Overall, when it comes to being "fit", the goal is to focus on your overall health and wellbeing - and the best way to do that, is by having fun! For some people, fitness is a lifestyle but for others, it could be joining a weekly yoga class to centre your body and mind, or using physical activity to recover from a major surgery or illness. Working your body as a system (and having fun while doing it) is a great way to not only work towards living a healthier and fuller life, but it supports a healthy mindset too.

There are a number of unique, inclusive, and expert-led fitness studios in our area, featuring everything from Jazzercise to Egyptian Dance. Here are are just a few of them.

the studio B elly Up

BellyUp BellyDance Studio is a one-of-a-kind dance studio designed to embody the Egyptian vibe and ambiance from the moment you walk in. For over 16 years, their fun and vibrant instructors have taught thousands of women how to move their bodies in a way that makes them feel empowered, more confident, and more alive. Not only is it fun and challenging, but Egyptian dance is an art form -- and BellyUp is passionate about sharing its rich cultural legacy with their students, too. If you’re interested in finding a new hobby, a new way of getting in shape, or for self-transformation and artistry, BellyUp offers classes for absolute beginners to advanced level.

DANCE

Pine Street,

Level

BellyUp has specialized in the art of Egyptian dance (also known as Raqs Sharki) for nearly two decades! Their courses, which typically run for eight weeks, incorporate technique, fun combinations of moves and steps, and cultural context of the dance. Even beginners feel like they’re dancing right from their very first class. Since Egyptian dance is an art form, technique is very important. BellyUp focuses on giving students proper technical instruction to build a strong foundation of dance skills -- and from there, the sky’s the limit! The more you practice, the stronger your foundation will become, and the easier it is to advance in the dance form. It’s never too late to learn a new dance style! Whether you’re an absolute beginner or have some previous experience, BellyUp has a class to suit every level. At BellyUp, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming dance community, amazing women to dance with from all walks of life, and a place to belong and call home!

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WITH

designed for cancer survivors and those who have undergone surgery, The Cornerstone Pilates is a ‘cornerstone’ in our community. Their clinical, personalized programs are tailored to individuals and their specific needs. The Cornerstone Pilates staff’s compassion, combined with their personalized approach will help support you in your journey as you work towards becoming “you” once again.

TOP PICK FOR CANCER SURVIVORS PILATES

Cornerstone Pilates’ clinical program is designed to assess where the client is at by creating an individualized program. The objective is to help you find range of motion in your body post surgery and/ or treatment. The program targets the diaphragm to restore breathing mechanics, the inner unit to support the low back and torso, the shoulders and scapula to regain movement caused by restrictions from scar tissue caused by the surgery or trauma due to the body protecting itself. The purpose of the program is to deliver measurable goals by improving range of motion

movement, thus enriching one’s quality of life. A top-pick studio for cancer survivors, Cornerstone supports and restores the body as a full system.

20 years of corporate burnout and a fleeting pandemic, Buket Necip, realized how much she truly missed her family, and, even more importantly, herself.

a degree in Health Sciences and a passion for fitness and coaching, Buket founded Free2Be Wellness, an exclusive health studio that offers a personalized wellness journey. A unique take on wellness, Free2Be has transformed and elevated the outdated “gym” experience, creating instead a fully-equipped training studio that also offers float therapy, mindfulness and meditation practices,

counselling, and an atmosphere of support

acceptance.

Our pick FOR ZUMBA

Zumba® program is a beloved staple at the studio, featuring a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout to a global community. Zumba® Fitness is a global lifestyle brand that fuses fitness, entertainment, and culture into an exhilarating dance-party workout. Coined “fitness parties,” Zumba classes blend upbeat world rhythms with easy-to-follow choreography, which provide effective, total-body workouts. Zumba instructors, Sebrina and Lou, will have you smiling, and laughing, all while burning calories.

judgment-free and inclusive studio, you’re safe to be yourself as you discover and strengthen your body, your mind, and your soul. Ask how you can try a free class!

Our spin classes are 50 minutes long, combining cardio, upbeat music, and fun for an intense full body workout! Our mantra is “One Team, One Bike” which signifies the importance of community and working together to achieve our goals. Our team and riders are considered family and you get a sense of that as soon as you walk through our doors. The studio is a place where everyone is welcome no matter what your fitness level is.

rider tips

First class is on us using promo code: SPINCOLOCAL. Just make an account at SPINCO.ca and put a one class card in your cart, then enter the promo code at checkout.

Spin shoes and towels are included with each class, just come in your workout gear and bring a water bottle and we will take care of the rest!

For your first class we ask that you come to the studio 15 minutes early as we will take you through bike setup to ensure you are ready to ride!

MEET

AT JAZZERCISE

Jazzercise is the original dance party work out. Founded in 1969 by Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise has been the innovator in fitness for 53 years. 8,500 franchisees offer Jazzercise classes in 25 countries around the world.

If you are looking for a fun way to get fit, Jazzercise was created for you. Blending dance cardio with Pilates, yoga, kickboxing and strength training, one 55-minute session can burn up to 800 calories. The results? Long, lean muscles and an undeniable mood boost.

TOP PICKS FOR JAZZERCISE

Get a fun and effective total-body workout that works for all ages and fitness levels. Certified Jazzercise instructors guide you through cardio and strength routines that leave you glowing from the inside out.

A variety of formats will keep your workout fresh, fun, and challenging too. All the routines in our Dance Mixx, Interval/Fusion, and Strength classes are carefully choreographed, and reviewed by an exercise physiologist. A safe and effective workout is our priority.

DANCE MIXX: This top 40 dance workout mixes modern moves with strength training. Dance Mixx targets the 3 major muscle groups for a full-body workout.

INTERVAL/FUSION: Equal parts circuitbased bursts of cardio and strength training, this workout carves your body into the shape you

for.

STRENGTH 45/60: Sculpt lean muscle

resistance training for a tight, toned physique in 45 or 60 minutes.

weight

About the studio

Sadhana Yoga

Located inside the Burlington Fitness and Racquet Club, students refer to this studio as a “hidden gem.” From the welcoming reception area to the studio with warm cork floors and infrared heating, you will quickly settle into Sadhana’s cozy space. Upon arrival, you’ll be encouraged to take a few moments to meditate and rest before practice. Sadhana’s experienced instructors will then guide you through the practice, with a focus on proper, safe alignment and breath. Class ends with a cool eucalyptus cloth, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed!

top pick for All Levels of practice in

yogaWhether you’re a beginner or an avid Yogi, Sadhana is a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for all to learn and develop the fundamentals of yoga practice. Offering a variety of classes from Restorative to Yin Style Stretch to Hatha Fusion and Yogalates (a Yoga and Pilates fusion), Sadhana has something for everyone – and can even accommodate those recovering from illness or injury. Classes are daily, including evenings and weekends! Plus, Sadhana is a Yoga Alliance Accredited Yoga Teacher Training School and offers a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training each year to those looking to deepen their practice and expand their knowledge of yoga or become yoga instructors! Join a group, or one-on-one session, or even bring Sadhana into your workplace or community.

Striking Chord theright

by LISA EVANS

Iwasa band kid. Yup, I went to band camp. I played clarinet and saxophone in a jazz band, a symphony, and even a marching band. So, when my 7-year-old expressed interest in music, I assumed it was genetic. Except he didn’t want to play the clarinet. He wanted to play drums or guitar - “the cool instruments, Mom.” I think the piano is pretty cool, too - I mean, look at Elton John.

Aside from being cool, though, music has many benefits for children, from aiding in the development of language skills, to strengthening cognitive functions such as planning and working memory, to building self-confidence. One 2004 study by E. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto at Mississauga found an increase in the IQs of sixyear-olds who participated in weekly voice and piano lessons.

My search for music lessons first led me to  Waterdown Music Academy. This music studio offers everything! They include piano, guitar, bass, flute, and drum lessons for children and adults, and even have voice and ukulele lessons. Lessons are one-on-one with

in-person

the sweet

they’ve

to help

you

age 6 - 8 is

to learn

will learn

If your child isn’t set on an instrument,  TipToe Music in Oakville offers an interactive Rhythm Kids class for ages 4 to 8. This class explores music through games, rhythm pattern play, and drumming. Kids sing, dance, and jam to rhythms inspired by worldwide musical traditions.

Two music schools that have been around for quite some time are  Burlington’s Academy of Music and Oakville’s Academy of Music. These schools offer private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, violin, voice, and ukulele, and also some woodwind instruments including flute, saxophone, and clarinet. Piano classes begin as young as four, and guitar and drum lessons start at six. Both schools offer optional recitals twice a year. They also have a rewards program called the music ladder system, providing students with cool coloured wristbands and certificates for passing music tests.

my search for my 7-year-old’s request for “cool,” I found Rock This Way! School of Rock. If that doesn’t sound cool, I don’t know what does. With locations in Burlington and Oakville, Rock This Way takes a modern songoriented approach to music lessons and throws out some cool alum names. The school’s founder managed Hall of Fame guitar player Rik Emmett from Triumph and drummer Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers. Rock This Way teaches students their favourite songs, whether Taylor Swift or Metallica, citing on their website “forget Twinkle Twinkle.” With guitar, drums, and keyboard lessons, Rock This Way encourages students and instructors to jam together. Instructors are multiinstrumentalists, so guitar students can jam with a pianist, allowing students to practice alongside other musicians and really feel like a rock star.

the right music school for your child is a bit like finding the right instrument. Visit a few and see which one is the right fit for your child. Regardless of which school they choose to study in, take it from this former band geek - there’s no doubt learning a musical instrument will provide your child with skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

We Forget

Oakville Pumpkin Parade

Bring your pumpkins to Erchless Estate and settle in for storytime and treats while staff light the pumpkins and line the paths near the Coach House. Jack-o’-lantern drop-off is between 4 and 5:30 p.m., and stories, treats, and the parade takes place between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Following the event, pumpkins will be given to local farms to help feed their animals.  Erchless Estate, 8 Navy Street, Oakville Oakville.ca/museums

Library After Dark

Rock out at the library! In a Burlington Public Library first, the BPL will be opening its doors after hours for an epic party featuring every millennial’s favourite cover band, Born in the Eighties. Think candy-coloured neon lights and throwback tunes. There will be tacos from Burro, and drinks!

Burlington Public Library 2331 New Street, Burlington bpl.on.ca

Hamilton Day Waterdown

Village merchants are gearing up for the holidays with a special day focused on rewarding your loyalty and thanking you for ‘Spending It Here.’ Waterdown Village Waterdownvillage.ca

Remembrance Day

Royal Canadian Legion Branches host Remembrance Day ceremonies in communities across the country and abroad. Visit Legion.ca to access service information for your community. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember.

NOV 13

Merry Market

The biggest Merry Market to date! Over 60 local businesses and small shops will come together at the beautiful LaSalle Banquet Centre in Burlington for all of your holiday gifting needs! Follow along @hellohappyhq for maker sneak-peeks. LaSalle Banquet Centre 50 North Show Boulevard, Burlington Hellohappyhq.com

Light Up the Night

Take a stroll and enjoy Downtown Oakville's spectacular holiday lighting, including a 30-foot-tall ribbon tree and Winter Wonderland of lights. The Sugarplums will perform holiday favourites, while a horse and carriage ride will trot you around historic Downtown. Stop by to visit Santa at his cabin in Centennial Square (Navy/Lakeshore) (5-9 pm). Plus, participating shops are staying open late for you to kick-start your holiday shopping! Downtown Oakville

Oakville Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus is landing his sleigh in Oakville for this year’s in-person parade on Saturday, November 19, beginning at 9 a.m. After taking the free Santa shuttle, Oakville residents can get their spot along the parade route to take in the sights and sounds of the creative floats. This year’s parade theme will be Christmas Around the World to recognize holiday traditions from all cultures and countries.

Downtown Oakville + Kerr Village Oakvillesantaclausparade.ca

Night on the Rooftop

On Thursday evenings from November 24 until December 29, enjoy free hot chocolate, popcorn, and holiday tunes offered on the Museum rooftop, which overlooks the Festival of Lights.

Joseph Brant Museum 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, Burlington Museumsofburlington.ca

Waterdown Santa Claus Parade

Returning to the streets of Waterdown Village – the Santa Claus Parade is BACK! Witness local organizations on floats and performance troops as they bring festive light, sound and energy to the core of Waterdown. Come be a part of the action as chairs line the streets along the parade route and cheer on this kick-off to the holiday season. Waterdown Village Waterdownvillage.ca

My first endoscopy was at the age of thirteen, resulting from months of stomach discomfort. Nagging bloat, nausea, and pain had finally impacted my eating, and I began to lose weight. As a lover of all things smothered in cheese and carbs, my parents grabbed hold of the red flag. And so, a (very long) path of testing began.

First, there were the lab tests (think bodily functions and fluids). Then came the endoscopy, along with ultrasounds and x-rays. No findings. After ruling out every possible condition, I accepted my fate. An upset stomach would just be a part of my life.

Years later, it flared up again. Upset stomach, bloating, and bathroom visits became an imminent emergency (which was a delight while out on dates). A colonoscopy finally pinned down a diagnosis: irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS. It was only then that I began to learn more about the importance of gut health and how it affects our entire body.

Moore Chiropractic

Burlington, says,

system, optimizing our

As someone who has struggled with mood swings, body aches, tummy troubles, and brain fog (and has undergone nearly every medical test in the book), it appeared my symptoms were pointing to my gut. Dr. Daniela Steyn, founder and director of Wellness MD Health in Oakville, adds, "Whenever changes in the communication between the gut, brain, and gut microbiota occur, you are at risk of developing digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bloating. Changes in this communication might happen when you go through a period of high stress, too little sleep, or bad eating habits." If I was going to feel better, I had to support my gut (and get my stress under control).

I started by making an appointment with a naturopathic doctor. They support clients by addressing their health's physical, environmental, lifestyle, and emotional aspects. And by doing so, they're usually able to pinpoint specific factors, such as diet and stress levels, that may contribute to symptoms. In my case, an elimination diet – or FODMAP diet – was the place to start, restricting fermentable carbohydrates to reduce gut symptoms. And I have to say; the result was life-changing. I had more energy. I felt lighter,

happier, and healthier. I was able to get myself off my butt and get active. Dr. Steyn recommends a Mediterranean diet for a healthy gut, "Characterized by a high fruit and vegetable intake, healthy fats such as olive oil and fish, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. It can increase the diversity of gut microbiota, which directly impacts the gut-brain-microbiome axis."

While both Balice and Steyn agree that diet plays an important role in the health of our gut, it's not always enough. You also need to consume enough vitamins and minerals to fuel your body optimally. Balice notes that “vitamins B, C, and D, Zinc, Magnesium, Collagen peptides, and an excellent multistrain probiotic are essential to maintain good gut health."

With the foundation of a healthy diet, daily vitamins, and my good friend kombucha (a fermented tea that boosts the health of intestinal cells, improves immune function, and aids in food digestion), I finally have my IBS under control. Though with three young kids at home, managing my stress is a stretch.

Note:

As a relentless foodie, my recent trip to Spain took me in search of the perfect paella. One often sees romantic images of groups of happy people swilling wine and serving themselves helpings of delicious rice and seafood from a large round pan in the middle of the table. I wanted to find out if these images had any truth. It all looked so fun and moreish.

So I headed off to Valencia, on the glorious southeast coast of Spain, the traditional home of paella. Upon arriving, I couldn't tell if I was more excited to try the paella, which I could see on almost every restaurant patio, or the rich, heavy red wine the guests were drinking.

My deep dive into Spanish paella culture taught me that there are many different types of paella. Valencian paella could contain any combination of green vegetables, duck, chicken, rabbit, or even snails. Paella de marisco is the more common one I was familiar with, consisting of rice cooked with stock and saffron, and garlic, with mounds of seafood poking out of the top.

Paella mixta contains seafood as well as meat. The meat could be chicken, rabbit, or chorizo sausage for extra spiciness.

After my all-too-brief time of eating, drinking, and shopping my way through Valencia and its surroundings, it was time to head back to Ontario. But the minute my feet touched home soil, my mouth was watering for another steaming dish of aromatic, spicy paella.

I did some research and found a few local places that do justice to the dish.

If you prefer to eat at home (while someone else does all the work), go to Monastery Bakery in Oakville, and they do a seafood paella to take home and impress your friends.

For a restaurant paella experience, I headed to Burlington and stumbled across Barra Fion Tapas and Barrel. As well as many delicious Spanish tapas dishes like patatas bravas, they also serve three different types of paella (making it hard to choose just one). The traditional version

had chorizo, seafood, and poblano pepper. The seafood lover's paella had mussels, jumbo shrimp, and other seafood, and for vegetarians, they had a forest mushroom paella with artichokes. After mulling over the menu, I decided to stick with the traditional paella -- and as expected, it didn't disappoint.

Peruvian paella is similar to Spanish and often has the added ingredient of the spicy aji amarillo, the Peruvian yellow chili pepper. El Inka Peruvian Cuisine in Burlington serves an excellent Peruvian paella or arroz con mariscos as it is known.

Lastly, my quest took me to Bronte in Oakville, where I discovered Casa Mia Latin Restaurant. They also featured an excellent Peruvian paella. There was fragrant rice cooked with saffron and smothered in seafood, which was exotic and delicious.

You can make this recipe with your own pastry base, or buy one premade at your grocery store. It also works amazingly well with a ginger snap cookie crust. The filling is light and fluffy and oh so tasty…..

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1 Preheat the oven to 350 F.

2 In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Then mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Stir in the pumpkin and cream and blend until well mixed.

3 Pour the mixture into your crust, and bake until the filling is set, about 45 to 50 minutes.

4 Let the pie cool completely on a rack before serving. Cut into wedges and serve with a healthy topping of whipped cream.