Celebrating the modern family lifestyle on the West Coast
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PARTY TIME!
Reviving retro parties
BRACES!
How early is too early?
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Quirky to quintessential
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NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2019
westcoast
families
HOLIDAYS 10 Quirky Holiday Traditions 22 Holiday Gift Ideas 24 Close-to-Home Holiday Getaways
FROM THE EDITOR 6 From our Family to Yours 7 Contest 8 WestCoast Finds 26 WCF News 28 Community Calendar 30 Last Look Holiday Mocktails and Cocktails Managing Editor Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com Assistant Editor Bianca Bujan bianca@westcoastfamilies.com Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com Administration Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com Accounts Receivable & Payable finance@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributors Alyssa Bauman Claudia Laroye Nic Enright-Morin Sandra Phinney
PARTY GUIDE 16 Bring Back Home Parties 18 Old-School Birthday Parties 18 Party Venues
For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families Mailing address: 1215-C56 St. Box 18057 Delta, BC V4L 2M4 T 604 249 2866 | F 604 676 2802
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FAMILY HEALTH 12 Braces 14 BC’s Best Wellness Retreats
FAMILY TRAVEL 20 Travel With Tweens
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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS I’ve been involved in WestCoast Families magazine for more than 16 years now, since before I had kids of my own. It wasn’t something that I had planned, but it was something new and I’ve always loved the learning side of life. Now my kids are 8 and 11 and our schedule is packed with hockey, baseball, piano, and school. Sometimes it feels like we’re too busy for sure, but like most parents, we want our kids to have great opportunities and exposure to a range of activities that they can learn from and enjoy. Our family loves to play too, and family adventure is a huge part of our world. We love nothing more than a weekend in the RV, exploring the roads, lakes, rivers, campgrounds, and small towns of our beautiful province, or jumping on a plane and exploring somewhere beyond driving distance, or another country altogether. Wherever we go, even if it’s to a place we’ve ventured before, we like to find something unique to learn or explore - a new place to see or experience.
We also are expanding digitally, and you can read an interactive issue of WestCoast Families online with live weblinks, video feeds, direct shopping clicks, and more. Our print issue is on beautiful matte paper and our cover has a new look. It’s all part of constantly learning and growing. Personally, we’re changing a bit too, and starting with our next issue, Bianca Bujan will take over as Editor of WestCoast Families. Bianca has been Assistant Editor since 2017 and is such a capable writer, researcher and editor, and we have no doubt she’ll keep us moving in the right direction. I get to focus more on innovation, partnerships, community, and marketing too, which will continue to move WestCoast Families to better meet the needs and interests of our readers. We’d love to hear what you think! Please send your thoughts on the new look and content focus, and tell us what you’d like to see in future issues. We’re always listening and learning.
CONTRIBUTORS
At WestCoast Families magazine, we love to explore, learn, and evolve too, and in this issue we are thrilled to start our new journey with you. For awhile now, we’ve been all about local guides and resources, and now we’re excited to focus even more on local family lifestyle topics for our readers. Storytelling about local businesses, people, and places, and telling the “why” and “how” in addition to the “what” of a particular topic is what we aim to do.
Alyssa Bauman Last Look Certified Holistic nutritionist, Alyssa Bauman, founded Nourished after constantly being asked for healthy living advice. Catch her as a regular nutrition expert on CTV Morning Live and CBC, and when she isn’t upgrading food choices, she can be found hanging outside with her three daughters. Foods Alyssa can’t live without: kale, lemon, quinoa, hemp hearts, nutritional yeast, avocado, berries, and chickpeas. Watch her videos series, read her nutrition tips, and get inspired with healthy recipes at Nourished.ca or on Instagram: @nourished_by_alyssa.
Nic Enright-Morin Braces Nic Enright-Morin is a writer, editor, publicist, teacher and comedian. She writes for publications all over the Lower Mainland and performs comedy all over BC. As a mum of three kids and with three dogs and four cats, it’s easy for her to draw upon her own experiences in her writing. Writing and performing comedy about her busy life as a ‘zookeeper’ for her family is what keep her sane. When she’s not busy with family life and her 17 day jobs you can find Nic trying to steal five minutes of peace to work on her book.
Claudia Laroye
Sandra Phinney
BC’s Best Wellness Retreats
Holiday Traditions
Claudia Laroye is a freelance writer and content creator living in Vancouver. She writes about adventure, family, luxury and sustainable travel for a variety of online and print publications around the world. Claudia loves all forms of active adventures, travelling with her family and wee fur baby, and sipping pineapple margaritas in her backyard garden.
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Publisher & Managing Editor
Sandra Phinney has penned four books, contributed to several travel guides, and her articles have appeared in over 70 publications. She’s also won several writing/ photography awards that have kept her humble. To satisfy her craving to teach, Sandra gives writing workshops on various topics including narrative, writing memoir, how to start a freelance business, and travel writing. In her spare time she teaches Tai Chi, and canoes in the wilderness.
CONTESTS
Win A First-Class Family Four Pack To Ride The Polar Express! This festive round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a cookie while listening to the magical story and singing Christmas carols on the way to the North Pole. Children’s faces show the magic of the season when the train arrives at the North Pole to find Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus waiting to greet each child and present them with a special gift: their own silver sleigh bell, just like in the movie. And many other activities including a mini rail ride and decorating and taking home a gingerbread cookie. Enter for a chance to win a Family Four Pack of first class tickets (Value $210) to ride on your choice of departure dates over the first two weekends (train runs on November 23/24, or November 30/December 1). For more information, please visit www.wcra.org. Enter online at www.westcoastfamilies.com/contests Deadline to enter: November 22, 2019
Win a Family Four Pack of Tickets To FlyOver Canada Fly like Santa at FlyOver Canada! First, start your day of adventure with Christmas at FlyOver Canada, sure to excite the entire family! Fly like Santa from the east to the west coast before your exhilarating trip to the North Pole. The fun doesn’t stop there, enjoy festive treats and classic Christmas movies on our flight deck or listen to our live entertainment “The Sounds of Christmas.” For more information, visit www.flyovercanada.com. Enter online at www.westcoastfamilies.com/contests Deadline to enter: November 22, 2019
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WESTCOASTFINDS Holiday Gift Guide
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1) Sydney Messenger Bag By Voylan When it comes to your everyday handbag, who says you have to sacrifice fashion for function? It may feel like you have to choose between a bag that can carry it all, and one that is sleek and stylish, but Voylan, a Canadian-founded leather goods company, has created a line of bags that is totally versatile, taking you from day to night with all the space you need. Made of high-quality Italian leather, this bag has multifunction pockets, so you can bring your everyday essentials wherever your adventures may take you. www.voylan.com | $495
2) Blingo Jewelry Storage Case There’s little more frustrating than trying to untangle a necklace while on a trip, or digging it out of the bottom of your duffle after a visit to the gym. Thanks to Julie Dawe, entrepreneur and mom, you can safely store your bling in a stylish case that won’t create kinks. Inspired by the bristles of a hairbrush, the sleek design of this storage case makes it easy for you to drop, zip and go, allowing you to transport your treasures without the tangles.
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www.myblingo.ca | $30 (Blingo Classic)
3) Greeting Cards - One Girl Can The Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya is the oldest and biggest slum in Africa. There are 650 students supported by One Girl Can at Ushirika School and there is a critical need to rebuild the school. All funds raised from the sale of these holiday cards will go towards this need. These cards would make great company holiday cards, as they spread holiday joy while giving back to an important cause. Recipients will receive the message that a donation has been made on their behalf to support education for girls in Africa through One Girl Can. www.onegirlcan.com | $50 (12 Cards)
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4) Forty Fathers Book Family counsellor and photographer Tessa Lloyd’s upcoming book, Forty Fathers, features forty interviews with diverse Canadian dads, a down-to-earth, frank conversation about modern fatherhood and all its diverse joys and challenges. Alan Doyle shares how he keeps his rockstar ego in check while raising his son. Paul Sun-Hyung Lee explores how his own parenting style differs from that of Appa, the beloved father he plays on hit show Kim’s Convenience. The fathers reflect on both their relationships with their children and their own dads – how parenting has changed, how our fathers can shape us. The result is a beautiful, deeply affecting book, one that allows fathers to open up in ways they’ve rarely been allowed to before, and embrace every angle of modern parenting. www.tessalloyd.ca/book | $35
6 5 6) Ariana’s Sparkle Collection Lip Gloss
5) Honeysuckle Swimsuits For Kids This fresh and modern swimwear line is for children ages 0-24 months, and features the highest quality UPF 50+ fabric to provide full protection against the harsh sun. The fabric is fast-drying and stretchy and the inseam zipper makes changing your baby or toddler in and out of their swimwear super easy, even at the resort beaches this winter. There are several beautiful prints, inspired by the beautiful West Coast of Canada, with a few vacation dreams thrown in.
As a Canadian mom with two young children with autism, makeup artist Charlotte Flannery created a collection of lip glosses inspired by her daughter to raise funds and awareness for autism. The long-lasting glosses have a sheer, moisturizing texture and are enriched with Vitamin E. The collection is made in Canada, hypoallergenic and paraben-free, with no animal testing. 50% of funds raised go to Autism Speaks Canada. www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ArianasSparkleCanada | $22
www.honeysuckleswimcompany.com | $45
Nov/Dec 2019
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HOLIDAYS
QUIRKY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS The ‘Keep ‘Em Guessing’ Christmas Game by Sandra Phinney
Picture this: I’m holding a gold-coloured, metal “thing” that is about 6 inches x 3/4 inch in size, with a clip on one end like you’d find on a ballpoint pen. This thing is straight in length, weighs less than an ounce, but its width is convex. I have no clue what it is, all I know is that my sister has joined us for Christmas and we’ve all exchanged socks. She is grinning, certain that she has stumped me with this gift. For as long as I can remember, my husband and I have exchanged socks at Christmas. No other gifts—only socks—mainly because we’ve chosen not to buy into the commercial aspect that accompanies the season (and it’s a lot easier on the pocketbook, too). If our grown children, relatives, or friends join us for Christmas, they all take part in the sock exchange—and the tradition I’m about to explain. The items in our socks are usually from second-hand stores. It’s not uncommon to find used books, retro (read: cheap) jewelry, or small treats like candied ginger. But the best parts are the things we give each other with the purpose of trying to stump one another. This guessing-game custom has been going on for decades, originating with Aunt Marjorie (Sis) Dobson who lived in Seaford, Delaware. Sis sent several boxes to us every Christmas, but as none of the gifts were labelled, we had to guess who the present was intended for. Also, because she lived in the US, travelled extensively, and had access to many things we had never seen or heard of in rural Atlantic Canada, we often had no idea what most of the gifts were. In retrospect, I don’t think her intention was to send us on a guessing spree, but that was always the result. Now, we do this intentionally. Some of the items are useful; others are not. One year, daughter Margo put a 6-inch plastic square
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in everyone’s sock that turned out to be funnels when rolled up properly. Another time, my husband Barrie gave my sister a “thing” that was a short roll of heavy wire with teeth. It had a metal circle on each end. Although it eventually became obvious that it could be used for a saw if you held onto it the right way, it initially stumped us all. Last year, my sister put in my sock a flimsy yellow plastic object with a handle and flap that could be pressed down into a oneinch box, presumably to squeeze something through the holes in the bottom. She stumped me all right. The “thing” was to hold a small hunk of butter, which, in turn, could be used to butter hot corn on the cob.
There was a lot of eye-rolling on that one! Then there was the time I found something in a pawn shop in another province. The item fit in the palm of my hand, but I had to ask the shop owner what it was. When I returned home, I put it in a drawer. When I found it two years later, I couldn’t remember what its purpose was (aside from stumping someone). I put it in my sister’s sock, and to this day, no one has guessed what it is, including me. Oh yes, and that “thing” I mentioned at the start of this story? It’s a table crumber—a tool that wait staff use in fine dining establishments to remove crumbs from the table. I’ve used it ever since!
Families find comfort in traditions, and kicking the holidays off with a ritual that you can all look forward to each year is a great way to bond and create lasting memories with the ones you love. Whether your family is steeped in holiday traditions that have been passed down for generations, or you’re looking to start a new tradition of your own with family and friends, establishing a time-honoured holiday tradition - big or small - is a great way to bring comfort and joy to your family this holiday season. Here are some favourite holiday traditions, shared by the WestCoast Families team:
Bianca Bujan “Every year my extended family (and some family friends) celebrate the holidays on Christmas Eve. Instead of bringing gifts for each other, we each bring one wrapped gift of the same value and put it in the centre of the room. Then, we each draw numbers, and pick the gift of our choosing from the pile. If we like the gift that someone else has chosen and opened, we can steal the gift from them, making it a fun (and competitive) game for everyone!”
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November 23-December 13 Monday-Friday, 1-5:30pm Saturday-Sunday, 1-9pm* *December 2, 1-4:30pm
December 14-January 3, 2020 Daily, 1-9pm Closed December 24 & 25 Free Gate Admission burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
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Nov/Dec 2019
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FAMILY HEALTH
BRACES How Early is Too Early? by Nic Enright-Morin Train tracks. Metal mouth. Brace face. Growing up as a kid in the 1980s (and in the UK) other teens weren’t shy with their jibes about my new sparkling braces. Truth be told, I didn’t give a hoot what they called my new smile. All of those (let’s be honest, unoriginal) orthodontic slurs were nothing compared to the years of taunts I got due to my protruding incisors: Fang, Vampire Girl, Dracula — you get the picture. Fast forward three decades and sightings of kids sporting toothy, metallic grins are a lot more commonplace. In fact, if you are a parent and your kids have their permanent teeth, chances are you’ve had an encounter with an orthodontist. As someone who spent five years in and out of an orthodontist chair, and now with three kids of my own (all who have inherited my English teeth), it’s fair to say that I’m a smile expert. And as a self-appointed smile specialist, I’ve noted orthodontics have come a long way since my mouth was full of metal. But as many parents have the conversation about where to get braces, they don’t seem to talk much about when to get braces. I’ve noticed that younger elementary school kids are getting braces, and correct me if I’m wrong, but I had always thought braces were a teenage affliction: the jewelry of the teenangst starter-kit. Jokes aside, I felt riddled with guilt when my son’s elementary school pals rocked up to the house with their braces already firmly in place, when I hadn’t even considered braces as an option for my nine-year-old. Yeah, I worried we were behind schedule, but truth be told, I added the ‘not getting braces yet’ to my evergrowing stack of mum guilt. But is there such a thing as getting a head start on getting your kids braces? And is it possible for your children to get them too early? To get the lowdown on age-appropriate orthodontics treatments, I went to the team at the Pediatric Dental Group (PDG). According to PDG, while in most cases orthodontic treatment is best once the patient’s
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permanent adult teeth have come in, there are some situations where earlier treatment is necessary, like in overbite situations where orthodontists use growth to their advantage. For example, some kids need to be treated early if the treatment involves changing the bone structure while they are still growing. The good news is, that doesn’t always mean braces: it can mean that the child needs an expansion appliance to widen their upper jaw to create more space for the developing adult teeth. This expansion appliance is often more effective when the patient is younger and their jaw bone has not yet fused. Although some parents choose optional, early
treatment these days to align the upper front four permanent incisors, in most cases, it is best to wait, as starting early treatment can cost more, and full braces may still be needed once all the permanent teeth are in place. Another thing PDG pointed out was that oral hygiene and wearing their appliances can become a chore for some kids if they get tired of ongoing or lengthy treatment plans. I’ve got to admit, that point alone made me feel better about not bringing my kids to the orthodontist before they were twelve - just the thought of making my kids brush their bracey smiles every night while they are in elementary school makes me shudder.
It’s also good to get that initial consultation because certain treatments, such as jaw expansions and headgear are best if done during that smaller window of opportunity when kids are younger in order for treatment to be successful. Such early intervention can also prevent or minimize lengthy and costly treatment in the future. When it comes to finding an orthodontist that is a good fit for your family, the best thing to do is choose a certified orthodontist, one that makes you feel comfortable and well cared for. And as a self-appointed smile specialist (and one who is secretly terrified of the dentist) I say ‘cheese’ to that sentiment.
Check out these local dental clinics for more expert advice: AARM Dental www.aarm-dental.com But while some kids are early bloomers when it comes to orthodontics, later treatment may also be necessary if you’re waiting for lower jaw growth to be complete. Basically, just like people’s smiles, each child is unique, and if you’re not sure what course of treatment is needed, bring your child to an orthodontist for a consultation around the age of eight to find out what lies ahead (and to give yourself a heads up on how much money to save).
EZ Brace www.ezbrace.ca Pediatric Dental Group (PDG) www.pdgdental.com/
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FAMILY HEALTH
BC’S BEST WELLNESS RETREATS Change Your Life One Step At A Time At A Wellness Retreat In The Woods by Claudia Laroye People travel from all over the world to reboot, detox, and reconnect with nature and themselves at Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat & Health Spa, found in Ainsworth Hot Springs, BC. Recognized as one of the top health retreats in the world by Travel + Leisure, it has become a bucket-list destination for many. But as I stepped my way up the mountain trail at the pace of a Roman legionnaire (i.e. sweaty quick march), I couldn’t have cared less about their awards and accolades. I was too busy getting my butt kicked and handed back to me on a platter by the four-hour hike up and down a mountain in the beautiful Selkirk range of the Kootenays. The fitness regime at Mountain Trek Retreat is designed to improve cardio and get a heart rate up to its healthy maximum for a good oldfashioned fat flushing. Yes, that’s a thing. This retreat is all about rebooting your body, mind, and emotional state through a combination of diet, exercise and sessions on improving life stress, sleep patterns, and establishing healthy daily habits. In other words, this is a wellness retreat with a life-changing twist. When I’d signed on for a week of hiking, yoga, and calorie-reduced, yet remarkably delicious meals, I wasn’t thinking about the need for self-examination and life change. I was just keen to hike and be outdoors in beautiful BC. My life was good, and I believed myself to be pretty happy with everything. But my week in the wilderness, albeit one complete with luxurious touches and daily massages, would reveal that not everything was as it seemed. The daily regime at Mountain Trek is built upon schedules and routine. As Retreat Director Kirkland Shave instructs guests during the welcome orientation, “You are here to care for and about yourselves.” Food, hiking, hydrotherapy, massages, and even laundry is arranged and provided, so all we had to worry about was showing up at the appointed place at the appointed hour. As a busy mom whose job it is to manage, care for, and do everything for everyone else, these instructions seemed almost too good to be true.
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A soft knock at 5:45am awakens us for a sunrise yoga session in a room overlooking the mountains and Kootenay Lake. A healthy organic breakfast of protein, vegetables, and fruit provides fuel for the day’s hikes, which are discussed over herbal tea (no caffeine or alcohol products allowed). We dress and prepare for our hike up mountains, and along rivers and waterfalls, divided into groups of speed and ability that are measurements of our own health and pace. Despite thinking I was in pretty good shape, the punishing quick marches uphill quickly dissolved my delusions. I accepted nature’s, and my body’s, message and refocused on doing the best job I could do to achieve my desired heart rate (it’s about health after all) and catch glimpses of the stunning alpine beauty and valley views all around me. On the shores of Kootenay Lake, I enjoyed a moment of reflection on the changes I’d already noted during my short stay here. I was sleeping deeply, feeling healthy, and had begun a nightly gratitude exercise that focused my mind on good things in my day. Afternoons at the retreat were spent in informal chat sessions about healthy living, eating, and sleeping, and how to continue the good habits we’d started to form. It takes about three months for a practice to become a habit, so it’s all about repetition, and rewarding yourself weekly with things that make you feel good but maintain your commitment to your new, healthier you. Post-dinner gym sessions are followed by massage and hydrotherapy in the retreat’s sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge pool. The physical elements of wellness are well attended to, but in the spirit of holistic wellness, many retreats liks this also offer guests the option of working on their emotional state as well. I was intrigued by this and signed up for a counseling session with a trained therapist. I’d never done therapy before and had no idea what to expect. Minutes after sitting down in my chair (no stereotypical couch in sight), I was pouring my heart out to therapist Millie with pent up frustrations about relationships, responsibilities and perceived injustices. She calmly listened to me through my tears and helped me find a way to focus on action rather than emotion. It felt as if a burden had been lifted from my slightly more defined shoulders. As I packed up to leave for home, I was exhilarated and happy. I was leaving old resentments behind - along with the 6lbs I’d lost from the hiking, yoga and gym workouts - and was heading home with a new perspective on my own health and wellness.
More Of BC’s Best Wellness Retreats Wellness retreats offer the perfect escape, whether you’re looking for a getaway with your girlfriends, a way to reconnect as a couple, or a sweet solo sojourn. From breathtaking views, to soothing spa offerings, to outdoor explorations, these wellness retreats will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated - and they can all be found right here in BC. Rivendell Retreat Centre - Bowen Island, BC Rivendell Retreat Centre on Bowen Island offers a quiet retreat experience that will bring guests closer to a higher power. Located on the top of Cates Hill with stunning views of Howe Sound and Vancouver’s Coastal Mountains, guests can enjoy spiritual renewal through internal and natural exploration and individual or group reflection. www.rivendellretreat.org Hollyhock Retreat - Cortes Island, BC Hollyhock Lifelong Learning Centre is dedicated to individual and cultural transformation through an extensive menu of wellness and educational programs. Enjoy meditation, yoga, massages, guided walks in nature, as well as quiet time exploring beautiful Cortes Island in the Salish Sea. www.hollyhock.ca Sparkling Hill Resort - Vernon, BC Overlooking Lake Okanagan, Sparkling Hill Resort near Vernon features full service accommodations and spa facilities. Glittering with 3.5 million Swarovski crystals (the resort’s founder is patriarch of the Swarovski family), the resort offers whole body wellness at its 40,000 sq ft European KurSpa, naturopathic treatments, a CryoCold Chamber, as well as healthy farm-to-table meals. www.sparklinghill.com
So, can a fitness retreat change your life? Yes, it can. Whether you’re seeking that change or that change finds you.
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PARTY GUIDE
BRING BACK HOME PARTIES Party Like It’s 1979 by Andrea Vance Think back - WAY back to your early childhood days of elementary school and neighbourhood playtime in the Lower Mainland. Before the advent of scheduled playdates and overscheduled weekends, things were simple. It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of hosting a birthday party in a venue other than your home was uncommon. Then the restaurant parties became popular, when McDonald’s play areas, Chuck E. Cheese, and the local ice cream shop became the party spots of preference. Then the trend moved to have kids’ birthday parties anywhere BUT home. Somewhere along the way it became mandatory to invite every student in your child’s class, and the thought of having them all in your house, making more noise and messes than you thought possible was too much to handle. Today, birthday parties hosted outside of the home have become the norm. The dilemmas of whether or not you should invite the whole class, if parents should come, and whether there should be a gift opening, are all high on the list of decisions, and today, it often feels like it’s more about who’s doing the coolest thing than it is about celebrating the birthday person. Retro fashion is hip again, and we’re thinking the return of retro should apply to birthday parties too. What if we threw it back, and partied like it’s 1979 again? What would it look like?
The games Pin the tail on the donkey was a childhood classic. Kids may roll their eyes at first, but watch them light up when they pin that tail closest to the donkey’s a##! The memory game was another hit. Remember the one kid who could always remember every item on that tray? Musical chairs was the perfect ice breaker. Update this game with the latest pop or rap song, and keep the kids dancing. Pass the
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parcel is another go-to game. A mystery prize is wrapped in layer after layer of newspaper, and the last one to uncover the prize, wins!
teams. Upgrade the game by allowing kids to use phones or iPads to take photos of them doing interesting things instead of just collecting items.
Blind man’s bluff was a personal favourite, where you blindfold one child, and spin them three times. They then try to catch one of the other kids, and when they do, they must guess who it is while staying blindfolded.
The setting
The telephone game is a great way to engage everyone at the party. Write out some phrases on pieces of paper, and let the birthday child start by whispering it into the ear of the person to their side. They whisper to the next, and on it goes. The last one says the phrase out loud based on what they think they heard. No prizes necessary, just lots of laughs.
Put up streamers, but skip the balloons for the sake of the environment. Get the kids involved in the décor. Colour match the napkins and tablecloth, and keep it simple. Kids care more about the fun to be had than the decorations!
You can’t lose with a good old fashioned scavenger hunt. Make a list of items for the kids to gather, and even divide them into
Pick a theme, even if it is just a colour theme, and then pick a few things to dress up the room.
The food The cake is key. Let the kids bake the cake,
even if it just comes out of a box - this is way cheaper than going to the bakery, and it’s an opportunity for the older siblings to get involved or the birthday child to take the lead. Put out some chips and snacks, and order up some pizza! Fresh Slice, Panago, Domino’s, or your favourite local pizzeria can supply the kids’ favourite slices. You know this is one birthday meal that will get eaten. Another easy birthday food that is often overlooked is sushi. The West Coast has some of the best sushi around, and it’s inexpensive if you stick to simple rolls like cucumber maki.
Other ideas One friend hosted her daughter’s birthday in a local park for years. Friends and family were all invited for an outdoor barbecue or picnic while the kids played for hours. “Happy Birthday” was sung, cake was eaten, and the kids still remember this fun day. If you have multiple kids, consider having the older siblings plan and run the birthday party for the younger one. They can make the cake, setup the games, give out the prizes, and keep everyone entertained for hours. The classic slumber party is a big win. Kids can bring a sleeping bag, a pillow, and their best onesie jammies, and spend the evening playing games, eating popcorn, and watching movies!
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PARTY GUIDE
HOW TO THROW AN OLD-SCHOOL BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR KIDS Invitations
A week before the party, send your kids on their bikes to tell their friends in the neighbourhood to come over, and have them spread the word at school. Cake: Grab a box of Duncan Hines Cake Mix, bake it, and top it with a can of white frosting.
Food & Drinks
Make a pitcher of Tang or Kool-Aid, dump a bag of potato chips into a bowl, and throw a frozen pizza in the oven.
Party Games
Wrap a cheap gift in layers of last weekend’s newspaper cartoon pages for an old fashioned game of pass the present, and set up a game of pin the tail on the donkey.
BIRTHDAY PARTY VENUES FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES When You Don’t Want To Host The Party At Home by Andrea Vance If you can’t stand the thought of having 20 kids in your home, or you just don’t have the room for a home-based birthday, no problem! We totally get it. There are so many great birthday party venues in the Lower Mainland to choose from, so to help you with your party planning, we’re sharing some of our favourite picks.
or make arrangements for a spot nearby. Summer time can take you to Cultus Waterpark near Chilliwack with a car full of tweens or teens for a day of adventure. It’s only an hour or so from the city, and you can spend the whole day, wrapping up with pizza from the famous Beethoven’s Pizza restaurant across the street.
For the sporty kids If your kids are into sports, rent your local school or community gym for a couple of hours, and hire Sportball to come out to keep them busy. They can play indoor hockey or soccer, and the coordinator will set up lots of different games to ensure everyone can participate. At 6 Pack Beach in Richmond, kids can play volleyball, archery, dodgeball, or soccer. Bring snacks, drinks, and a cake, and you’re all set.
Fun for all ages Kids parties are also a great time to try something new. Making your own pizza at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Kitsilano or Main Street locations fits the bill for kids who love food, complete with chef’s hat, juice cocktails, frozen yogurt, and chocolate brownies for dessert. The ROX birthday party at the Richmond Oval lets kids try sports simulators like bobsled and ski jumps, plus a private screening of the ROX film and exhibits too. It also includes one of the best party rooms in town, with 3 hours in the Legacy Suite for up to 15 kids and 5 adults.
For the little ones Kidtropolis in Richmond offers an indoor town complete with bank, airplane, vet clinic, grocery store and more for exploring and using their imagination. Tumbletown in Vancouver focuses on movement and provides instructed play on specially designed gym equipment, and offers added activities and games. Both places have party rooms and spots for coats and shoes. For tweens and teens Older kids need a place to party too, and for that we love Playland! Hours of fun on the rides, games, and lots of food options too. If your tween loves music, singing, and dancing, check out the cool setup from My Studio Party. They can come to you at home,
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If you think a swimming party is boring, it’s time to check out Watermania from Richmond Aquatics, including action for all ages. The older kids can try the crazy fun wave pool with floaties, while the younger kids will enjoy the interactive water play features with giant tipping bucket and sprayers. The waterslides are great for all ages too. They’ve got lots of room for kids and families in the multipurpose room for cake and snacks. Parties don’t need to be complicated or expensive. In the end, kids just want to have fun and spend time with their friends.
FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS Bond Over Big Mac® Sandwiches At Home Ten dance classes, four football and soccer games, and two cross-country meets. These are just some of the back-and-forth activities that fill our weekly schedule, and this doesn’t include school pickups and drop-offs, work meetings, doctor and dentist appointments, grocery shops, and dog walks. With three active kids, a puppy and two working parents in my house, our weekdays can definitely get busy. After a jam-packed week full of dance drop-offs and soccer games spent on the sidelines, the last thing I want to do on Friday nights is cook a lavish dinner for my family of five. As a special treat (for both my family and myself), we opt to order in and enjoy a family movie night at home once our busy week comes to a close. Unfortunately, beyond pizza, there aren’t a lot of take-out options that will satisfy the taste buds of everyone in my house, while offering food that I can feel good about feeding my family.
and delivery time of your food – perfect for placing orders while you’re on-the-go and ensuring that you’ll be home in time for your order’s arrival.
3) McDelivery Arrives At Your Door Because you’ve already pre-paid for your order through the app of your choice, receiving your McDelivery order is simple – no cash exchanged or fumbling to find money for tips. Best of all, while you wait for your food to arrive, you can enjoy more together time at home with your family. From Big Mac® sandwiches and fries, to Chicken McNuggets® and Triple Thick Milkshakes, the full McDonald’s menu is available for delivery (with the exception of soft serve cones), so everyone in your family can have their favourite items brought right to your door for a delicious dinner in. With the McDelivery service available in over 700 locations across Canada, everyone can dine together and enjoy special moments together as a family – courtesy of McDonald’s – without having to leave the comfort of your home.
Thanks to the McDelivery™ option available through Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes, families can have their favourite McDonald’s® meals delivered right to their door – which means no more driving and a more affordable dinner option for families who want to dine at home – without breaking the bank and ensuring everyone in the family gets what they want.
Order dinner while you’re on your way home from a midweek soccer practice and have your food arrive moments after you’ve stepped in the door, or pre-order your meal for your child’s weekend sleepover with friends. The flexibility of this service makes meal planning quick and easy, regardless of the plans that are packing your family calendar.
With McDelivery, the ordering process is super simple, so you can have your favourite McDonald’s items delivered right to your door in three simple steps:
1) Get The Food You Love Download and open either the SkipTheDishes or Uber Eats apps – both are easy-to-use food delivery apps that allow you to enjoy the convenience, control and accuracy of ordering exactly what you want online, and having it delivered right to your door.
Next Friday night, bond over Big Mac® sandwiches at home by adding the McDonald’s McDelivery service to your plans. Pick a family movie, snuggle up, and eat your favourite food while enjoying the extra family time that this simple service adds to your busy life.
2) Easily Pay & Track Your Order Add your credit card and pay with the click of a button, and then track your order, just as you would track a driver if you were using a ridesharing app. Through both the Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes apps, you can see when your food is ready, when it has been picked up, and the exact driving route
Less driving, more family time and our favourite McDonald’s meals delivered right to our door? McDelivery was made for busy families like ours, and I love it. Delivery available at participating McDonald’s® restaurants in Canada. Product availability varies by restaurant.
SPONSORED
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TRAVEL
TRAVEL WITH TWEENS San Diego Satisfies Travellers Of All Ages by Bianca Bujan My heart races as my 12-year-old daughter and I settle into our cherry red plastic seats on San Diego’s Patriot Jet Boat, a thrilling tour that promises speed, screams, and splashes. It’s not the boat itself that has me feeling nervous, but the high-speed spins, tricks, and turns that are to be expected on the turbocharged ride. My daughter notices that I’m gripping the bars in front of me with both hands and wearing a worried look on my face, and laughs at me as the tour guide prepares us for what’s about to go down. We haven’t even left the harbour and I’m already second-guessing my decision to board. Once the safety spiel ends, there’s an uneasy silence, and then Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” begins to blare from the speakers as our boat speeds away from the dock. Suddenly, the wind is hitting my face with force but I can’t stop smiling. The boat does a reverse 360 turn, just as the song hits the climactic chorus, I’m going off the rails on a crazy train! Everyone on the boat simultaneously raises their arms as if descending a steep hill on a rollercoaster, and screams the words to the song in unison. Around me, grandparents, tweens, and single twenty-somethings are bonding over this one-of-a-kind boat ride, and when we return to the dock, I proclaim that I want to go again. After an adventure-filled mother-daughter trip to San Diego with my oldest daughter, I realized that planning a trip with a child who is approaching her teen years is a unique feat, and that if not properly planned, taking a tween on a trip can be more challenging than travelling with a toddler. This age group can be tough to impress, and if you’re not prepared, your travel itinerary will be met with eye rolls and apathy - the perfect recipe for a ruined family trip. To help you plan a family trip with your tween in tow, I’m sharing some tips on how to keep everyone in your family engaged - especially those kids on the cusp of childhood and their teen years.
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1) Take it up a notch Want to go on a whale watching/sightseeing tour by boat? Ditch the slow sail, and consider a jet boat tour instead. On the one we did in San Diego, the jet boat went 50mph, blasted loud music, did doughnuts on the ocean, and had us dancing and waving our arms while we saw the coastal sights of the city. Think a visit to the local zoo might be fun? Step up your game and see a safari instead. In San Diego, a 40-minute drive out of town takes you to a 1,800 acre safari where you can feed giraffes, watch a cheetah run, and zipline, swing and climb through the trees.
For the second half of our trip, we stayed at another beachfront hotel called Paradise Point Resort & Spa. A much larger property, this resort could have been a destination in itself, offering spacious, multi-room villas on the water, perfect for larger families. There, we enjoyed dipping in the property’s multiple pools, taking a ride on a Funcat (an electric-powered chaise lounge chair for two) - a great way to sit back and explore the resort’s surroundings. The property also has several restaurants, from a casual pizza joint to a fancier five-star restaurant, and in the evenings, you can enjoy live music and cocktails as you watch the stunning San Diego sunsets.
2) Put yourself in their shoes I wanted to shop through downtown La Jolla, but didn’t want to bore my tween with visits to boutiques and souvenir shops that she might not like. My daughter loves to take photos and share them on social media, so I printed out a map of the murals found around town and turned our shopping trip into a scavenger hunt! We searched for the murals and snapped fun photos as we shopped through town, and my girl was all smiles.
3) Be prepared to switch it up I had a few items on our itinerary that I thought my tween would love, but when the time came, I could tell she wasn’t as excited as I had thought she would be, so I gave her some new ideas and we changed our plans at the last minute. We ended up having an amazing time, because I was willing and able to change things up to suit her mood.
4) Plan for some down time I have a tendency to want to pack everything into a trip, especially when I’m only visiting a destination for a few days. With a tween, it’s important to remember that they like to have a little down time to check in with friends, catch up on a show, or just rest up before the next big excursion. Plan for a slow morning start, and if possible, incorporate a few stops throughout your day so your tween isn’t too overwhelmed by your jam-packed itinerary.
5) Stay somewhere with appealing amenities During our visit to San Diego, my daughter and I stayed at two very different resort-style hotels. The first was Kona Kai Resort & Spa, which offered oceanview rooms, a pool and hot tub, and on-site offerings such as city bikes (free to use for hotel guests), and fire pits with all the fixings you need to enjoy some late-night s’mores after a day full of adventures. This property was quaint, quiet and upscale, offering a perfect balance of fancy and fun.
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HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Give The Gift of Experiences by Bianca Bujan The bright lights and chilly nights always get me excited as winter nears, but each holiday season, I cringe as Christmas approaches. While I love the festive fun to be had during the dizzying month of December, I worry about the hoards of holiday gifts that are soon to fill my house. I love that friends and family want to spoil my kids, but with three children and a packed-to-the-walls playroom, the last thing we need is more stuff. One year, as my children sat in piles of paper, surrounded by the gifts given to them by their grandparents, aunts and uncles, my brother and sister-in-law handed them each an envelope, and I was happily intrigued. Inside each one was an annual pass to Science World. I thought this was the best gift idea because not only had it been years since our last visit to the Vancouver attraction, but I took comfort in knowing that we could visit as a family, without worrying about the big price tag that would be attached to visiting as a family of five. If you really want to impress your family and friends this Christmas, consider giving the gift of experiences. From cooking classes for the grownups, to lessons for the kids, these thoughtful gifts will be greatly appreciated, and will reduce the amount of stuff that gets stocked up too. To help you get started on your holiday shopping, we’ve created a list of experiences that we think will make great gifts this Christmas:
FOR THE GROWNUPS For me, the best gifts are the things I’ve been wanting to try, or the places I’ve been wanting to go - things that I haven’t been able to book or justify purchasing with all of the other financial obligations that plague my pocketbook. Forced rest and relaxation when I need a getaway to unwind, or weekly classes that I’ve considered taking, like ukulele lessons, top my wish list this year. Here are just some of the experiential gift ideas to consider for the grownups on your list: Pre-book a weekend getaway for two Your partner or spouse would love to be surprised with a romantic weekend getaway - the perfect way to unwind after a busy holiday season sans kids. BC has lots of great destinations to consider, like Harrison Hot Springs, where you can soak in the warm pools, enjoy a soothing spa experience, and stroll around the lake at any time of the year. The gifts that keep on giving Schedule a cooking class, or a shopping spree with a stylist and store gift card for two, and gift your friend, partner, or coworker with an experience that you can enjoy together!
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FOR THE KIDS Has the little one on your list always wanted to try horseback riding? Why not present them with a gift card for a few lessons at the equestrian centre closest to their home? For aspiring dancers and artists, a gift card for classes at Arts Umbrella will get their creative juices flowing. If music is more their speed, consider classes at Tom Lee Music. For those picky tweens, gift cards are a top choice. Consider enhancing your gift by adding an experience to their gift, such as a gift certificate to Lush, with an added opportunity for the tween or teen on your list to enjoy a hands-on bath bomb class or party with friends!
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Gifting a family with an experience not only reduces the amount of stuff they receive, but it encourages them to spend time together, bonding over new activities. Consider tickets to shows like Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia or Ballet BC’s presentation of the Nutcracker, or for your sportsloving friends, gift them with tickets to see their favourite teams like the Canucks, the Giants, the Whitecaps, or the Lions. Ski passes are great for families who love to hit the slopes, or consider annual memberships to Science World, the Vancouver Aquarium for long-term family fun. For more budget-friendly options, consider onetime event tickets to city favourites like FlyOver Canada, the Stanley Park train, or Polar Express, When it comes to experiential gifts, the options are endless! We hope our list of ideas has helped you to get started on your holiday shopping. Consider giving gifts that will create lasting memories for those you love, and give them something they can do this December.
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www.westcoastfamilies.com
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CLOSE-TO-HOME HOLIDAY GETAWAYS by Andrea Vance
The holidays are a magical time of year, with so many celebrations happening in homes and around town. This year, we’ve found some beautiful ways to celebrate with your family and friends, no matter what your traditions and beliefs may be.
Head South To Find Santa If you’re heading south across the border, Bellevue is a great alternative to its neighbouring cities. Avoid the crowds, and enjoy a fantastic downtown that is very family friendly. On the way, stop at Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, Washington. Not far off I-5, it is a great stop for families driving south. Each weekend, they hold a variety of special events, like the Holiday Workshop (December 14), where guests can use art to create Santa, snowmen, and holiday pals. Although the $20 workshop is meant for kids 4-8 years old, there is plenty to do for all kids. You can also check out the North Pole Party (November 30), with holiday fun for everyone from 10am-2pm, where Santa stops by for story and craft time, and kids can try carpet skating too. This party is free with admission, which is only $13. Learn more at www.imaginecm.org.
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Celebrate The Holidays in the City If you’re staying in the city, experience a whole day and night of magic with the Waterfront Christmas Experience at Canada Place. Downtown Vancouver’s harbourfront district includes FlyOver Canada, where you can take in the amazing ride Fly Like Santa and the pre-show and festivities that surround it. Then head over the Canadian Trail to take in the historic Woodward’s Windows holiday scenes. To finish off the day, head to Jack Poole Plaza for the Vancouver Christmas Market, a traditional market that brings festive Old-World charm to Vancouver each and every year with food, shops, and a carousel ride too. You will be fully immersed in the holidays with this amazing day filled with spirit.
Close-To-Home Day Trips From Whistler To Steveston Heading to Whistler? Stop in Squamish and ride the Polar Express™ at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park for select dates in November and December. After the train ride experience, head over to The North Pole to visit Santa, build toys, ride the mini rail and much more. The ride typically lasts approximately 50 minutes and guests are encouraged to wear their pyjamas just like in the movie. There is parking available for just $5 but don’t forget to put snow tires on your car. We love that there is also a sensory-friendly ride too (November 24).
Learn more and buy tickets at www.flyovercanada.com.
Tickets start at $35 and you can reserve your time in advance online at www.wcra.org.
Add a little music and dance to your itinerary with the kids to get into the holiday spirit, with Holiday Hooray with Lisa & Linda from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Canada Life Tiny Tots concerts series. “Hooray, hooray, we’ll have fun in the snow today!” allows kids to singalong to frosty favourites while you move along with miniatures from “The Nutcracker,” “Babes in Toyland” and other sparkly holiday classics. Featuring a brass trio that will have the kids wide-eyed. The concerts are 45 minutes long and full of sing-along, move-along fun, and you can see the show on December 6 at Pyatt Hall at the VSO School of Music in Vancouver, or on December 7 at Anvil Centre in New Westminster.
Out past the valley, the hot springs were revered as a “healing place” by natives of the Coast Salish people, who travelled by canoe to benefit from their waters. Harrison Hot Springs has now become a year-round destination, and the winter is now just as magical as summer. Enjoy the cozy Christmas feeling with Lights by the Lake (www.lightsbythelake.ca), which starts on November 23. This free event features a Christmas light display along the front of the lagoon in Harrison Hot Springs where you can stroll and play. New in 2019 is a synthetic outdoor ice rink, so bring your skates or rent there. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Trail too, with local businesses decorating beautiful trees for families to enjoy.
Head to www.myvso.ca for more details.
For places to play and stay, visit www.tourismharrison.com.
The miracle of Hanukkah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil for one day, and yet it lasted for eight full days. So each year, this is celebrated with a Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” including a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. Treat yourself to doughnuts and chocolate gelt, make a dreidel and spin it, light the menorah, sing songs, and listen to the story of Hanukkah at Trout Lake Community Centre (December 15). This is a family fun event for all ages and kids 2 years and under are free!
Steveston is a beautiful spot year round, and the holiday season makes it just a little more special with Christmas at the Cannery: Festival of Trees (December 1-31).The event is held in Richmond‘s Steveston Village where the place is transformed with dozens of elaborately decorated Christmas trees designed and sponsored by local merchants. It’s a nice bonus when you visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Historic Site and all its displays. After the tree lights, take a stroll along the wharf for fish ‘n chips at Dave’s or Pajo’s to see who really is the best in the business, and check out all the beautiful shops that will be dressed up for the season.
Visit www.troutlakecc.com for more details.
For more details, check out www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org and then try www.exploresteveston.com for a listing of restaurants and shops in the area.
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WCFNEWS Music With Marnie Celebrates 20 Years With A SHINDIGGY Dance Party Music With Marnie has been producing and performing “music that makes you move” since 1999, and now, on the 20th anniversary of the start of her musical career, she wants to celebrate with a magical, musical mosh pit - the SHINDIGGY Dance Party! Marnie will open the event, and DJ Mario will spin an eclectic mix of tunes for everyone to dance to. Go to the event hungry, as Eat the Dishes will be serving up a delicious vegan feast in dinnerware that you can actually eat! Vendors will be on-site, selling some of Marnie’s favourite items, like Petit Tembo. Get your holiday shopping done at the silent auction, where 100% of the proceeds will be going to Baby Go Round, who will also have a volunteer there to collect gently used items to help families in need. Take a break from dancing, and get your face painted, sip on a glass of wine or Kombucha served by the Beaumont, or chill out in the Kiddo Naturals playdough area. Be sure to get a photo with Marnie at the photo wall, and participate in a chance to win fabulous Music with Marnie prizes, Including a #DateWithMarnie at The Juice Truck. Celebrate 20 Years of #MusicThatMakesYouMOVE with lots of fun at this fabulous, all ages #ShindiggyDanceParty event, coming to the Beaumont Studios in Vancouver on Nov 16th. To learn more, please visit www.MusicwithMarnie.com/Concerts
Lieutenant Governor of BC and Legislative Assembly of BC Launch Democracy & Me Art Contest For Kids Calling all young artists! The Democracy & Me Art Contest is now open to all children and youth in British Columbia. Co-sponsored by Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, the contest encourages K-12 students to create artwork that explores the importance of community and democracy. Participants may submit one entry each during the contest period (September 16 - January 31, 2020). The entries must be submitted in visual format only, and will be judged in one of the following grade categories: Kindergarten to grade 4, grades 5 to 8, and grades 9 to 12. Three contest winners will each receive the following prizes awarded by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, including: A trip to Victoria in May 2020 for an unveiling at the Parliament Buildings of the three winning entries (the cost of travel to and from Victoria and hotel accommodation for up to two nights for each contest winner and one parent or guardian will be provided), lunch hosted by the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia at Government House, a formal introduction of contest winners to the Legislative Assembly, and a behind-thescenes tour of the Parliament Buildings. Artwork must be submitted by January 31, 2020. Visit the contest website for more details at www.democracyandme.ca
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BC Children’s Hospital Orthopaedic Team’s “I’m a HIPpy” Initiative Awarded $450,000 Research Grant At birth, all newborns should be tested for hip dysplasia but there is currently no standardized testing and in some countries, little testing at all. When not properly diagnosed, children can go on to have numerous surgeries and physical limitations that will impact them for life, causing much suffering and significant costs to medical systems, worldwide. The “I’m a HIPpy” program was developed in 2016 by Dr. Kishore Mulpuri and his team with a goal to improve hip health, mobility and quality of life for children with hip dysplasia. Since then, the International Hip Dysplasia Registry (IHDR) research and patient registry was created and is now being utilized in 23 centres around the world, including in China and India. This fall, BC Children’s Hospital Orthopaedic team’s “I’m a HIPpy” program was awarded a $450,000 research grant from the federal government’s Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to help this Vancouver-led initiative end the burden of hip dysplasia. To learn more about this important initiative, visit www.imahippy.org
Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup Encourages Peewee Hockey Teams To Give Back The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, in partnership with Hockey Canada, is back for its fourth season, and Chevrolet is inspiring Canadian Peewee hockey teams to give back to their communities in a big way. Whether it be volunteering at a local food bank or organizing a clothing drive, teams are encouraged to take the positive values learned “on the ice” and apply them “off the ice” in their community. Teams will have a chance to win a $100,000 donation for a charity of their choice and will have their names proudly engraved on the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup, as large as the Stanley Cup, to commemorate the incredible contribution made to their community for years to come. Last year’s winners, The West Carleton Warriors from Dunrobin Ontario, embarked on disaster relief efforts following a devastating tornado that tore through their hometown months before. The year prior, The Pas Huskies from The Pas, Manitoba saved their local homeless shelter from closing its doors forever and in the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup inaugural year, the Glace Bay Minors organized a Valentine’s Day celebration for the residents of a continuing care home. It’s time to get inspired by another Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup Season that shows how good deeds not only make great people “off the ice” they make a difference in communities from coast to coast to coast! For more information, please visit www.ChevroletGoodDeedsCup.ca
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR COMMU Foster Parent Information Series Ministry of Children and Family Development, 9180 King George Blvd, Surrey First Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8pm There are many children and youth across BC who need loving, supportive foster families to provide a safe place when they can’t live at home. Learn more about how to become a foster caregiver and help to change a child’s life. Contact 604-209-2681 www.fosternow.ca Cirque du Soleil Luzia Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver Oct 3-Dec 29 LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul. through a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, $54 & up www.cirquedusoleil.com/
Diwali Lunch & Dance Celebration Trout Lake Community Centre, Vancouver Nov 3, 12:30-2:30 pm Celebrate the festival of light! India’s biggest and most important holiday. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. Listen to the story of Diwali, decorate diya clay lamps, listen and dance to traditional Indian music. Enjoy a delicious luncheon of seekh kebab, vegie samosas, lamb curry, butter chicken, aloo gobhi, mattar paneer, raita rice, naan, salad, and chai tea. Please pre-register as this event will sell out. $8 www.troutlakecc.com Circle Craft Christmas Market Convention Centre West, Vancouver Nov 7-11 Over 300 artisans (60 new this year!) will gather to show their wares: fine artistry and modern design via wood, clay, textiles, metal and more! A Vancouver tradition for over four decades, the Market traditionally begins the holiday shopping season in the city. www.circlecraft.net
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents Out of Concealment from October 23, 2019–April 5, 2020, with an opening celebration on October 22 from 6–8pm. The Vancouver premiere of the solo exhibition by Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson is an innovative reimagining of supernatural beings from the oral traditions of Haida Gwaii. Curated by Beth Carter, in consultation with Nika Collison, Out of Concealment foregrounds an Indigenous ethos of environmentalism by honouring the power and sexuality of Indigenous women — inherent values that were disrupted and suppressed by colonization. www.billreidgallery.ca
www.vancouvertrainexpo.ca
Why I Design Museum of Vancouver November 2, 7-10:30pm Over two dozen designers pack into the museum spaces for drinks, demonstrations and discussion. The purpose driven exhibitors will engage attendees with the stories behind their development projects, companies, systems, and practices. $15 & up. www.museumofvancouver.ca/why-idesign-2019
Adults, Kids, Social Media and Mental Health 2468 Scotia Street, Vancouver Nov 13, 7-8:30pm This interactive and introspective workshop is designed for adults and parents to develop personal strategies to make changes in your relationships, and in your homes. What would you be doing right now if social media or smart phones did not exist? How would you live your life differently? $40 www.keltymentalhealth.ca
Vancouver Train Expo PNE Forum, 2901 East Hastings St, Vancouver Nov 9, 10am-6pm, Nov 10, 10am-5pm The event showcases model trains, miniature railway displays, product vendors, kids’ activities and more. Also within the event is a marketplace where folk can purchase model railway products, toy trains and accessories. There are even some family-friendly activities available. Kids – or folk of any ages – can enjoy the Lego displays, mini train rides and a play area with model trains.
Music with Marnie SHINDIGGY Dance Party The Beaumont Studios, 316 West 5th Ave, Vancouver Nov 16, 5-8pm Calling all past, present & soon to be Music with Marnie families, to come dance and celebrate 20 years of #MusicThatMakesYouMOVE! www.musicwithmarnie.com/concerts Bald Eagle Festival Various locations, Harrison Mills Nov 16-17 Taking place at various venues along the Harrison River and other waterways between Harrison Hot Springs and Mission, the Fraser Valley Bald Eagle Festival features various family-friendly activities. Highlights include expert speakers, environmental displays, natural walking tours, food, and an exhibitors fair at Harrison Mills Hall. www.fraservalleybaldeaglefestival.ca/ Annual Hyde Creek Salmon Festival Hyde Creek Education Centre & Hatchery, 3636 Coast Meridian Rd, Port Coquitlam Nov 17 This family event provides visitors of all ages the opportunity to observe salmon up close and learn about their life cycle through educational displays, salmon dissections and in-stream demonstrations. Come out for a day of exploring, experiencing and learning about the salmon and wildlife in a fishbearing watershed. Free. www.hydecreek.org/salmon-festival Heart-Mind Well-Being: A Focus on Adolescence Workshop 1500 W. Georgia St, Floor 9, The Boardroom, Vancouver Nov 19, 10am-1pm The workshop helps adults explore ways to help teenagers feel secure and calm in their lives, approach situations with curiosity and confidence, solve problems peacefully, get along with others and to be compassionate and kind. $69 www.dalailamacenter.org
For more family events, or to add your own event to our community calendar, please visit www.westcoastfamilies.com
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Westminster Savings Family Day Art Gallery at Evergreen, 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam Nov 23, 1-4pm Join us for family-friendly tour of our current exhibition and take part in a fun art-making activity! Learn about the process of paper-making. Join us as we create our own mix of recycled paper pulp and transform it into handmade paper. (Come prepared for messy creativity!)
www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca
Bad Hats Theatre’s Peter Pan Nov 23, 2019 – Jan 5, 2020 Pirates. Lost Boys. A ticking crocodile. And a child who never wants to grow up. With live folk and jazz music, this exuberant adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale reimagines Peter Pan for the new millennium. This magical story soars to new heights – without the use of wires. Infused with spirited play, music, joy, and a pinch of fairy dust- Peter Pan promises a rollicking good time! The Toronto production swept the Dora TYA Awards in 2018. www.carouseltheatre.ca Teen Day Place des Arts, Coquitlam Nov 24, 2-4pm The members of our Youth Arts Council invite 13-17 year olds to immerse in art. Get creative and explore your own artistic side in a variety of fun art activities specifically designed to engage teens. Gain inspiration by touring our galleries to view three diverse exhibitions. Free Admission! 604.664.1636 www.tricityevents.com/Events.html Organic Wine & Cheese Fair Cousteau School, North Vancouver Nov 27, 7-9pm North Vancouver sommelier Jessamyn Box will present six pairings of wine and cheese that are organically produced with a jazzy ambiance provided by guitarists Schuld & Rudner. Profits go towards outdoor field trips for Cousteau School students. Tasting $50, otherwise admission is free but restricted to 19+. www.cousteauschool.org Are You Prepared? Workshop North Delta Recreation Centre Nov 28, 6:30 - 8:30pm This free personal preparedness workshop will teach you the risks, how to make an emergency plan, and what to do in an emergency or disaster. Call 604-952-3000 www.DeltaReg.ca
Surrey Youth Cooking Showdown South Surrey Recreation & Arts Centre Nov 30,11am-3pm Teams of youth will prepare two courses: a main and dessert. Then a panel of judges - including Raveena Oberoi from Just Cakes Bakeshop and RCMP Constable Troy Derrick - will determine who to crown as champion. Youth, between the ages of 10-18 years, are invited to participate as chefs in this free event. All experience levels and abilities are welcome. Free. Register to Participate. youth@ surrey.ca www.surrey.ca Kids Day at the Vancouver Christmas Market 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver Dec 1, 11:30am-9:30pm Extra kid-friendly fun in store for Kids where youth (12 and under) have the chance to enter the market by making a donation to Children’s Wish Foundation all-day-long, making it the perfect day to bring the whole family. Including Carousel rides by donation, princess visits, photos with Holly and Jolly, Santa visits, Treasure Hunt, and more. www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com 6th annual Herring Sale: Fishermen Helping Kids with Cancer 12740 Trites Road, Richmond, BC Dec 3, 8am-4pm Herring by the boatfuls freshly caught in the Gulf of Georgia. 20lb bags will be sold for $10 each (cash only), with all proceeds going to the BC Children’s Hospital, to help kids with cancer. Run entirely by volunteers from BC’s commercial fishing industry, whose hard work and dedication have helped to raise $550,000 since its start in 2011. www.fhkwc.ca
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Various Locations Nov 11 The Remembrance Day Ceremony has played a major role in Remembrance since 1931. Every year, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of all who have fallen. Together, we observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve. Join your community in remembering the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. Find a ceremony near you. www.legion.ca/remembrance/ remembrance-day
Vancouver’s 25th Annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival Yaletown Roundhouse and Granville Island., Vancouver Dec 21 Evening music and fire performances in celebration of the darkest day of the year and old-world traditions. It’s also fun, family-friendly, communityfocused and mostly free, although some venues are ticketed and donations are encouraged. www.secretlantern.org
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LAST LOOK
HOLIDAY MOCKTAILS (AND COCKTAILS) Get Festive With These Stress-Free Holiday Spirits by Alyssa Bauman, Nourished.ca Ahhh the holidays - the time of year that is filled with sparkles, lights, trees and that constant air of excitement and buzz. Yes, that buzz! With endless invitations to office parties, open houses, kids’ parties and holiday soirees, cocktails easily become an every night affair during the month of December. But feeling hungover leaves us all a little scroogy and not feeling our merriest. Imbibe in these lighter, bumped-up mocktails that when you add alcohol, can easily become holiday cocktails—the choice is yours. Add the booze if you choose, but these festive, dressed-up drinks taste equally as delicious on their own.
DAIRY-FREE EGGNOG For those of you who like eggnog, this version has all the taste but with half the sugar and calories. The process is simple, the ingredient list short, and the end result is more delish and way cleaner than any store-bought version. Knowing every single ingredient is important when it comes to how you will feel the next morning. There are no fillers, preservatives, or chemicals in here, just 100% holiday. Ingredients: • • • • • • • •
2 egg yolks—omit completely if vegan 2 cups almond milk or dairy-free milk of choice 1 400ml can of full-fat coconut milk 1/4 cup coconut sugar (lower on the glycemic index than white sugar) 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg Pinch of allspice 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions: Separate the egg whites from yolks. Place egg yolks in a small mixing bowl and set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer on medium heat. Reduce heat to low. Slowly add approximately 1/4 cup of the hot liquid to the egg yolks while whisking continuously. Continue until one cup of the liquid mixture has been added to the egg yolks. Transfer mixture back to pot. Bring back up to medium heat and whisk while simmering for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy on its own, or for the cocktail version, add 1/2-1 cup of rum. Sprinkle with a touch of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, and enjoy!
30 WestCoastFamilies.com
BEAUTIFYING HOT CHOCOLATE Ah, the power of raw chocolate. It’s an automatic feel-good food, and always feels like a rich and creamy treat. Think of this as a healthy, nutrient-dense hot chocolate. This antioxidant-rich, metabolismboosting beautifying elixir is rich in iron, fibre, magnesium and healthy fats. Adding a little collagen powder powers up the beauty benefits, while adding a little Baileys and Kahlua bumps up the holiday cheer. Ingredients: • 3 cups non-dairy milk of choice (we’re loving Brazilian nut milk at the moment) • 5 tbsp raw cacao powder • 1-2 tbsp collagen powder • 2 dates • dash of salt • 1 tsp Maca powder • Dash of Cinnamon • Dash of Cayenne pepper Directions: Blend everything in blender, and then warm it on the stove until it’s nice and hot. For the cocktail version, add 1 cup of either (or both) Baileys and Kahlua.
LIQUID SUNSHINE
CHRISTMAS IN A CUP
Pineapple’s star enzyme Bromelain aids in digestion and lowers inflammation, turmeric is the go-to antiinflammatory root which also adds a bit of bite, and ginger’s zing and circulation-boosting elements make this bright-and-chipper sipper my latest obsession.
Antioxidant, nutrient-rich, and boasting tons of Vitamin C, this tart yet sweet smoothie is definitely Christmas in a cup. I especially love the festive little red specks that are left by the cranberries!
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups coconut water • 5 kale leaves, stems removed and leaves roughly torn • 1 frozen banana • 1 cup fresh organic whole cranberries • 2 dates • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or more if you like)
• • • • • •
1 cup frozen pineapple 1 TSP Organic Coconut Oil 1 cup coconut water 1-inch fresh ginger 1-inch fresh turmeric Half of lime, peeled
Ingredients:
Directions:
Directions:
Just blend and enjoy. For the cocktail version, add 1/2 to 1 cup of spiced rum. Top with a squeeze of lime, and it’s ready to sip!
Just blend and enjoy! For the cocktail version, omit the banana and add 1/2 cup of vodka. Blend and top off with sparkling soda water.
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