December 2012

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DECEMBER 2012

THE 2012

VaughanToday.ca

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Smart toys

Yes, these playthings are educational AND fun

Dressing his best

Getting glammed up for this season’s parties isn’t just for her

The perfect wrap job

With a little creativity, your paper can be as memorable as what’s inside

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INSIDE:

Great gift ideas, shopping tips, holiday must-haves, plus: 4 •

TOY TIME: Experts share their picks for toys that are fun and educational.

14 • DRESS TO IMPRESS:

Man up and stop looking like something the cat dragged in.

17 • DOLCE CHRISTMAS:

Not surprisingly food is key tradition for chef David Rocco.

31 • SELFLESS GIFT:

Why a donation to charity may be the perfect present.

34 • HEADS UP:

Local gifts from the GTA’s talented folks.

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DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY

Terrific toys

Music, art and stacking Eight fun things to put under the tree this year

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By Karolyn Coorsh

ith a little help from our friends and toy experts, Vaughan Today has compiled a list of the hottest toys for kids this holiday season. Without further ado:

SKOOT CASE LUGGAGE Ages 3+ (Mastermind stores only) A multi-functional travel accessory, the Skoot Case is luggage that can fold into a ride-on scooter. The Skoot has enough room to hold your child’s books and stuffed animals, but the ridealong component add a layer of active fun, especially during those long waits at the airport. “Or even just when it’s time to go to grandpa and grandma’s — You pack a bunch of things into the Skoot Case and scoot out the door with it,” says Ryan Carr, a toy expert at Mastermind Toys. The Skoot Case

features a European design with handlebars and steering, plus it comes in different colours: Red, blue, pink and lilac.

MAGFORMERS Ages 5+ Children can design and build fantastical structures with colourful magnetic panels that attach to one another. Once the project is complete, the magnets can easily be pulled apart to start anew. The toy, comprised of rectangular and triangular shapes, also gets kids started on their geometry skills. “You can build something on a flat surface, and pick up one piece and all the pieces will stick together,” says Shari Bricks, of Toytown on Avenue Road in Toronto. “It’s an amazing, creative building toy.”

SPEED STACKS Ages 6+ Capitalizing on the popularity of sport stacking (it’s now a Junior Olympic Games event), retail stores are now carrying speed stackers, Bricks says. Played in teams or individually, participants stack specially designed plastic cups in a sequence. “Kids try to better their time and beat their opponent,” she says. “It’s really good for promoting hand-eye coordination, agility, speed.”

CRAYOLA AIRBRUSH MARKER SET Ages 6+ The airbrush attaches to any Crayola marker —washable or fabric — pumps it up and sprays out a fine marker ink to make neat spray-on designs. The set includes the sprayer, washable markers, fabric markers, and stencils.

Photos courtesy mastermind toys

VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

SNAP CIRCUITS LIGHT Ages 8+ An electronic and educational toy, the Snap Circuits LIGHT won the 2012 Best Toys for Kids award from the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association. Building upon the Snap Circuit brand of electronic toys, wherein children can build their own AM Radios, alarms and doorbells, the Snap Circuits LIGHT, has an additional function that syncs the circuit lights with an MP3 player (not included) so the lights flash to the sound of the music. The set comes with an infrared detector, patterned strobe light, colour changing LED, flying fan, fibre optic light and colour organ (controlled by the MP3 player, voice or finger). It’s easy to see how this toy would be a hit, Bricks says. “It’s really good science.”

SNO STOMPERS Ages 5+ Kids can literally let their imagination run wild with Sno Stompers. The snowshoes have animal prints that leave dinosaur and bear tracks. Carr says the product provides incentive for kids to get outdoors and moving about, especially during the winter months when it’s harder to engage children in physical activity. “You’re not going to have your child on the couch, they’re going to be out in the snow being active, having fun,” Carr says. MASTER KITZ ART KITS Ages 5+ Kids who dig arts and crafts will get a taste of art history when they study and try to replicate the techniques of master painters like Van Gogh, Monet and Klimt. The kits — complete with paints, stencils and brushes — break down the famous artwork for easy step-by-step learning, and also encourage your budding artist to create their own versions of the painting.

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SYMPHONY IN B MUSIC MAKER Ages 3+ One of Carr’s top picks is the Symphony in B Music Maker, a table top orchestra that allows your child to mix and match 13 instrumental sounds by adding and removing each instrument from a composition. Choosing from 25 different classical songs, kids can combine the sounds to create their own arrangement. “It just liberates the child to just explore the music, just do anything that they can think of with that composition,” Carr says.

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TWO ADVANCE BOOKING OFFERS

hat to look for when selecting a toy:

1. Play value. Toytown’s Shari Bricks says ask yourself: “What is it going to do for the child?” Will they (and you) understand how it functions so you can get the most out of the product? 2. Longevity. Some toys are tossed over the shoulder after 10 minutes of play, relegated to a toy box for all eternity. Those toys are virtually useless, Bricks says. Look for a multi-functional toy so it will not only keep a child’s attention for a few hours, but can be used at multiple stages of development.

3. Age appropriateness. Parents often make the mistake of buying a toy that is too advanced for their children so naturally, the child shows no interest in it. Says Bricks: “Ages on the boxes are there for a reason.” — Karolyn Coorsh DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY

Wrap it up

Make your gift gorgeous

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Tips for presenting the perfect present By Karolyn Coorsh

ift-wrapping for the holidays can be a frustrating blur of tangled ribbon, Scotch tape and paper cuts — ouch. But for Corinna vanGerwen, gift-wrapping for any occasion is not only a joyful hobby — it’s a bona fide business endeavor and art form. The former magazine editor has attracted a following through her website devoted to all things gift wrap, including creations for all occasions, great material finds, and how-to tips for wrapping like a professional. She also consults for small businesses and

retailers on brand packaging, gift bags and presentation. VanGerwen comes by the craft honestly. A former senior design editor at Cottage Life, she has a degree in fine arts and says she’s been a practicing artist all her life. “I’ve always been obsessed with paper,” she says. Gift-wrapping should be fun, she says, even when faced with a mountain of packages waiting to be dressed up. “It’s like fashion, where you have your haute couture, which is definitely an art form, and then you’ve got your off-the-rack, which is more utilitarian.” Here are some gift-wrapping tips from vanGerwen to make your holiday packages stand out (while keeping your sanity and wallet intact): KEEP IT SIMPLE The sky’s the limit when it comes to gift-wrapping, vanGerwen says, but it’s best to save the extravagant, time-consuming masterpieces for occasions that don’t tend to require multiple presents. Consider using kraft paper as your base wrap for all the gifts. “It’s just your basic brown, and you can really decorate it in tons of crazy ways,” vanGerwen says. To dress it up, combine it with baker’s twine, pinecones or sprigs of cedar from the Christmas tree. “That’s a beautiful gift, but you’ve spent virtually nothing on it.” ON THE CHEAP Using recycled or materials from nature is another way to get creative while avoiding reaching into your wallet. VanGerwen says

she frequently uses twigs, leaves and bark she finds outdoors, and not because it’s free but because it looks good. Consider the gift-wrapping potential of all materials you come across: old blueprints and maps, newspapers, feathers or flowers. When gift-wrapping a present for her carpenter father, vanGerwen took some zebrawood veneer he had lying about, cut it into pieces and pasted them onto some kraft paper, creating an intriguing mosaic effect. The gift looked great and featured a thoughtful, personal touch. In addition to stationery and gift shops, vanGerwen also scours hardware stores and Active Surplus stores looking for inspiration. “They have all the crazy, weird little pieces, and bits and bobs,” she says. “I don’t care what it was supposed to be for, if it’s interesting-looking, I think it makes an interesting item for a gift topper.”

“I don’t care what it was supposed to be for, if it’s interestinglooking.”

THE FINER POINTS Like any craft, it’s best to know the basics before getting started, it’ll save you headaches, and may turn gift-wrapping into an enjoyable experience for even the grumpiest of holiday Grinches. VanGerwen devotes a section of her website to instructional how-to blogs. She says the most common mistake people tend to make is not measuring out the paper properly: (The width of your paper should

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“That’s a beautiful gift, but you’ve spent virtually nothing on it.”

Photo courtesy Corinna vanGerwen

TICKLING YOUR FANCY: Combinations like a bouquet of feathers tied with ribbon to a box wrapped in herring bone patterned paper can make your Christmas gifts stand out.

cut a fabric ribbon, hiding exposed paper edges, and choosing the right tape (double-sided, invisible and clear are the best for giftwrapping). For more tips and ideas, visit corinnavangerwen. com.

DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY

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be equal to the width of your box, plus twice the height; the height needs to be enough to wrap around the box, plus three to eight centimetres). Other tips she provides — complete with easyto-follow illustrations — include how to properly

Give local

“My daughter ... tells me everyone from school who has one.”

ann ruppenstein/vaughan Today

LUNCHTIME: Fluf’s Nathalie Butterfield, left, and Terra Kushner are proud their lunch bags are now carried by Whole Foods.

That’s our bag Fluf’s founders love seeing their work

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By Ann Ruppenstein athalie Butterfield and Terra Kushner’s respective children get excited when they see other kids using lunch bags made by their moms. “When they’re walking to school or the park and they see someone carrying it they go, ‘That’s my mommy’s bag,’ ” says Kushner, one half of the duo behind Fluf, a Toronto-based design and manufacturing company. “It’s a real kick for them.” “My daughter comes home and tells me everyone from school who has one,” Butterfield says. “We’ve definitely each seen it a handful of times when we’re walking down the street and I think we both now resist the urge to run after them and share our excitement that they’re carrying our product, but it’s an amazing feeling.” Since forming the Fluf line of sustainable lifestyle products in 2005, which include organic textile based pillows, lunch bags, snack packs and storage bins made from their own prints and patterns, perseverance has paid off for the former lawyer and former interior designer. “We’re hope-a-holics. We won’t give up,” Kushner says. “We really, really want things to work out and happen. Some people get blue or down or dismiss something when it doesn’t work but we’re like kick us, we’ll get back up.” Most recently, after nearly a three-year process, their line of reusable and organic snack packs and lunch bags hit shelves at Whole Foods stores throughout Canada and the U.S. “I think one of the things we learned from seeing that process come to fruition was patience,” Butterfield says. “When we have gotten or felt rewarded by something, we’ve worked really hard for it.” Although they focused solely on pillows when they started the company, they expanded when the recession hit. Around the same time they also started focusing on wholesaling instead of on retail, keeping it solely on an online basis. “We try to come up with products that are for everyday use, things that are functional that you need and can reuse over and over and over again,” Kushner says. “Everything is practical, not precious.... It’s got to weave into everyday life in a very functional way.” Of many personal highlights to date, they enjoy seeing their products go from concept to finished items and interacting and connecting with people at trade shows. “It’s really rewarding to be able to conceive of a product that you think would be great and to be able to actually manufacture it and see it come to life,” Butterfield says.

VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

Give local

Buttering up By Ann Ruppenstein t all started with soap. After learning about the properties of essential oils and their benefits, Stacey Davis became a certified aroma therapist. But she didn’t know exactly what to do with her newfound knowledge until she saw an ad for a class on how to make cold processed soap. “I took that course and I loved it,” Davis says. “I started making soap and I was just giving it to friends and family and then I thought it would be great to take it down to the St. Lawrence Market in the summertime and see if anyone wanted to buy it, see if there was an interest.” After fielding requests on whether she had any other products to offer, she began to develop a slew of other body care items to offer to shoppers on a weekly basis. By the end of that first summer in 2006, she was determined to take her Lovefresh collection to another level when she was told her body butter was better than the one used at the Park Hyatt Hotel’s Stillwater Spa. “As soon as that nugget was in my head about Stillwater Spa, that we had a body butter just as good as them, that was my goal, that became my mission,” she says. She narrowed down her offerings to hand and body lotions, sugar scrubs, body butters and body wash and while it took 18 months to get an appointment at Stillwater Spa, the location is now just one of many across the country to stock her collection. “I market it so that spas will love to use it in their services,” Davis says. “It’s a great way for me to get the line out there. If spas and nail bars use it in their services they’re going to talk about it. The customers are going to experience it without having to actually purchase a product so their introduction is immediate and if they like it, it’s there for retail on the shelves for them.” Lovefresh is available in all-natural scents such as vanilla, lavender, lemon verbena, key lime coconut, pomegranate and a newly released unscented option called naked. While she’s often inspired by nature, Davis also listens to her customers, she says. “There have been scents that I’ve introduced that I thought were fantastic but the general public didn’t like them,” she says, adding she also ventured into vanilla because she knew women liked warm and comforting scents during the winter as opposed to citrusy summer scents. “Like a rosemary-mint, which I thought was so spa like, so wonderful and natural, it was our worst seller so that one got kyboshed.” Whether it’s lathering up in the shower with a wash or moisturizing and enjoying the scent of her body butter, Davis hopes everyone using her products enjoys taking some time for themselves in their busy lives, she says. “Everyone can enjoy a little simple indulgence,” she says. “Everybody deserves a little bit of me time.”

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TREAT TIME: Whether they’re on a plate or on a stick, Lila Sarafian’s handrolled truffles are in high demand.

Sweet tooth Family recipe key to chocolatey success

Steven Del Duca, MPP Vaughan

Season’s Greetings Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Constituency Office of MPP Steven Del Duca 9587 Weston Road, Unit #9 Woodbrige, ON L4L L4H 1A6 3A5 905-832-6630 | sdelduca.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org www.stevendelduca.onmpp.ca 10 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

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By Ann Ruppenstein

sing a 100-year old family recipe passed down from her late mother-in-law, Lila Sarafian creates hand-rolled couture chocolate truffles from her North York kitchen. “I love to make them, I have the passion,� Sarafian says. “I just wanted to make truffles and my family supported me. That was very important — it wasn’t just me, it was my family, my kids, my husband, everybody.� In addition to being available through online orders at lilascocos. com, Lila’s Cocos have also hit the shelves at McEwan Fine Foods at the Shops at Don Mills. Although she initially started the business among friends and family, their support made her dream up a bigger business plan, including taking part in Toronto’s Bridal Show and branching out into the event world. Sarafian offers custom packages and colouring to match colour themes for festive occasions like weddings and baby showers and offers a variety of packaging including serving the treats as truffle-pops. Seeing the look on people’s faces when they taste one of her truffles and hearing their reactions is the best part of the job, she says. “It’s good encouragement for me and I love to do it,� she says. “I don’t want to give up.� As for the secret family recipe, which is gluten and nut free and has been passed down through five generations, she revealed the ingredients consist of fresh cocoa, honey, egg yolk, butter, sugar and vanilla. “I hope I will leave a legacy for my kids,� she says. “This way I’m going to honour my mother-in-law and I’m going to leave something for my kids.�

If I could talk to the animals

Feline adventure

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Story based on old Irish Christmas tale By Jessica Vachon

hristmas Eve in Ireland is said to be magical, and not because of Santa, but because of the animals. “When I was growing up, I was told that animals can talk on Christmas Eve because of the birth of Jesus and the animals in the stable,� author and animal lover Charlotte Daly said. Daly used this tale as the inspiration for her book Sparkie and Raider’s Christmas Adventure where the two cats go off on a Christmas Eve journey, meet friends and most importantly, can speak to one another. “It’s a great book and a very uplifting story,� she said. “I wrote it but I love it.� Daly said she left Ireland and came to Canada in 1978 after finding a job through an agency. She arrived in Barrie to be a nanny and then later moved down to Toronto.

“I loved animals all my life,� she said. “Cats are easier because they can look after themselves.� Daly speaks from experience living with seven cats, and all but one have Irish names — Ceilidh, Guinness, Meala, O’Malley, Rory, Scarlett and Tulip. She dedicated the book to its main characters — two cats she had in the past — and to her vet of 20 years Dr. Bob Watson at Eglinton Veterinary. “He is a lovely vet,� she said. “He’s just been wonderful and I couldn’t think of a better or nicer person to dedicate it to.� As he’s always looked after her cats, Daly surprised him at her cat’s vet appointment. She presented him with the book and after turning a shade of red he said he was speechless. “This is phenomenal and I’m hon-

Jessica Vachon/vaughan today

THE CAT’S MEOW: Animal lover Charlotte Daly, left, wrote a holiday tale about two of her former pets on Christmas Eve which she dedicated in part to her vet, Dr. Bob Watson, right.

oured,� he said after being presented with the dedication. “This is a very nice treat.� Daly told him that he’s always been amazing with her animals and Watson said it’s because he treats them like family. Before Daly left the veterinary office, Watson asked her to autograph his book. “We should all be a cat in Charlotte’s household,� he said. “They have a very good life.�

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or over 30 years, Sabatini Jewellery has served our clients superior quality, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. We offer a large selection of 18kt jewellery and one of a kind pieces. All our

SABATINI JEWELLERY Designers, Manufacturers and Pur veyors of Fine Custom Jeweller y Since 1972

custom pieces express the uniqueness and tastes of the customer’s request. Visit Sabatini Jewellery for all your jewellery needs, and you will be find we have something for every budget.

DIM * Triumph * MONDOR * DKNY * Secret * SPANX *

The Pantyhose Shop Complete your holiday look! SAVE BIG on Spanx, hosiery, fashion & more during our Holiday Sale! Bring in this advertisement for 10% off your purchase of $50 or more!

136 Winges Road, Unit 16 Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 6C4 P:905-851-9929 For her • For Him • For Kids • Bridal • Anniversary Custom • Baptism • Communions • Confirmations

Tel: (905) 660-0886 Fax: (905) 660-3250

3175 Rutherford Road, Unit 7 (Building D)

Tuscany Place at Vaughan Mills

12 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

Email: thepantyhoseshop@yahoo.ca “Like” The Pantyhose Shop on Facebook for special events and promotion

www.sabatinijewellery.com sabatini@bellnet.ca

Hue * Filodoro * Sassy Bax * Berkshire *

SPANX * Donna Karan * Mura * SPANX * Phillipe Matignon * Calvin Klein

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Phillipe Matignon, Mondor, HUE and Sassy Bax. Most importantly they carry a huge selection of SPANX for men and women, including plus sizes. Not sure which style of SPANX works for you? You can go in and try them on! Ladies if you need that perfect strapless bra or inserts for your holiday dress, they have you covered. Don’t forget that piece of jewelry to complete your look! With new arrivals just in time for the festive season, head to the Pantyhose Shop for their Holiday Sale! Location: 136 Winges Rd. Unit 16 (Highway 7 & Weston Road) in the heart of Woodbridge. 905-851-9929 Facebook: The Pantyhose Shop

Inspiration

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We’ll help you dress to impress

ere at Per Lui our slogan is “fashion elegance for men”, and that is exactly what we achieve for each and every customer. Our dress wear is highly customized, unique, and is definitely of great quality. If you’re looking for excellent service who will guide you through choosing

the right outfit for that special day, whether it be someone’s wedding or your own, we’re here to help and make you leave with a smile and in confidence. We sell a wide variety of suits ranging from Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and many more, in every shape, size, and style imaginable.

K

KICK MATERNITY

ICK Maternity is famous for providing expectant mothers with an oasis of comfort; a bowl full of candy and a comfy couch to sit on. At KICK expectant Moms can indulge in two of their favourite things: Shopping and Eating! Expecting fashionistas have plenty of fabulous designer lines to choose from. • Casual, business and evening wear • Designer denim from Citizens of Humanity, JBrand and Paige • Michael Stars chic maternity tees

• Designer Brands: Maternal America, Olian, Ripe, Noppies, Jules & Jim, 9Fashion, BOOB and more. • MCoat Need a gift? KICK Maternity has exceptional staff who will help you choose the perfect gift. KICK also offers gift certificates so mommy-tobe can select the perfect maternity piece. KICK’s goal is to provide women with wearable and fashionable pieces for their 9 months and beyond. Shop online www. KICKMATERNIY.com or in store 454 Eglinton Ave. W. Toronto.

MENSWEAR SHOP QUALITY SINCE 1988

Twice the size, twice the selection. Visit our newly renovated 3,000 sq. ft. menswear store, featuring the finest clothing from around the world.

7600 Weston Rd., Woodbridge 905.851.6500 www.perlui.ca DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 13

Man tips

ann ruppenstein/vaughan Today

HOW FESTIVE SHOULD YOU DRESS? Stylist Patricia Trépanier says that men can add a holiday feature to their party ensemble if the rest of the outfit is tasteful.

Dressing up How guys can stay fit and fashionable this season

idays from all of us Happy Hol at Europa Jewellers

905.856.7170 • europajewellers.com 7600 Weston Rd., Unit 9 at Hwy. 7 Woodbridge Square 14 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

G

By Perry King entlemen, the holiday crunch is upon us, and our long list of things to do doesn’t end with gift purchases and dinners. We want to look and feel our best for our loved ones, but our budgets are small, the foods are fatty, and our time is slim. Ergo, here are some tips from local experts on navigating all the extra details, before you have to navigate the big buys and holiday bashes.

Stylish is simple Equipping yourself with some nice duds may be low on the list of things to do, but think about this, the pre-holidays are filled with work parties where you may be networking with clients, special occasions with friends, and hosting professional functions. The time of year demands a good impression, and you need to be at your stylish best. Establishing a solid, low-cost holiday wardrobe isn’t hard. Considering a person’s lifestyle, age, activities, and self-perception, what they need to purchase will vary broadly. “I don’t want to disguise [my clients], I want them to feel like themselves, and I want them to feel confident when they wear the clothes,” said Patricia Trépanier, a men’s stylist who serves clients in Toronto and Montreal. While there are varying fashion scenarios to mind, Trépanier believes

“It’s always better to be overdressed than not dressed enough.�

you have to keep it simple, staying within a chic-casual to formal wardrobe, depending on the event. “If everyone is going to be wearing suits, and you know that, you might as well wear a suit,â€? said TrĂŠpanier. “It’s always better to be overdressed than not dressed enough.â€? In a casual environment, TrĂŠpanier recommends fitted clothes, dark pants and jeans, thick-necked sweaters, and tasteful use of accessories — scarves, pocket squares, and the like. Wintry fabrics like tweed, velvet, and corduroy are also great fashion buys for the winter stretch. “Depending on the body type, you’ll choose different cuts on pants and different colours on shirts,â€? said TrĂŠpanier, who notes that hunter green and burgundy works well with most skin types — just not at the same time. The options are vast, and for those wondering if they can wear their ugly holiday sweaters — or any other personal clothing traditions — those are fine as long as you pair them with something that matches well. “If you pair it with a white v-neck T-shirt underneath, or if you wear a plaid shirt [underneath, that’s good],â€? she said. At the end of the day, you have to make wise decisions on how to build that ideal holiday wardrobe. If you are on a budget, invest your money in smart purchases — a blazer, leather shoes, and the like — and build from there. Cheat days are part of the plan Coupled with cold weather and the onslaught of holiday food, the trend is that most fitness-conscious fellows are staying sedentary in the process — waiting until the New Year to get on track, but adding at least seven pounds to their frames. But, for those who don’t want to lose a step, yet still indulge in the holiday foods they know and love, there is a way to plan around it. “As you’re getting these invites to parties, you can actually strategize [when to cheat on your diet], because cheating strategically can help you boost your metabolism and further your cause,â€? said Conor Kelly, owner of Evolution Fitness in Yorkville. Kelly notes that a restrictive diet could slow down your metabolism. “We actively encourage cheating, but if you do it strategically, as opposed to a little bit here and here â€” if you have Wednesday and Saturday put aside to have cheat meals — you can actually leverage that to get even faster results,â€? he said. Nutrition accounts for about 70 percent of anyone’s fitness plan year round, but during the holidays, good eating habits — keeping starches to a minimum, eating more vegetables, watching the alcohol intake — won’t set you back. When that is combined with an intense workout routine — Kelly recommends morning workouts — success in the battle of the bulge is possible. Kelly, who has owned his current gym for five years, also recommends a depletion workout, which incorporates bodyweight exercises with high repetitions and lots of circuits. “What that’s doing is really depleting your body, so that when you go on a bender or drink and eat a lot — for the first little while, anyway — your body is just absorbing, going into replenishing the muscles and recovering from the workout,â€? Kelly said. In some cases, the plan could also result in muscle gain. “People have a hard time believing that could work, but it’s actually really helpful,â€? Kelly said. Whatever your fitness, always consult with a doctor about what you will be doing. Most of all, understand that staying fit will require a lot of discipline. “There’s discipline involved, but that’s what this is,â€? Kelly said.

Laying Down The Groove, One Beat At A Time! â– BUY

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DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 15

Local traditions

Life in toys Most memorable gift was one her brothers didn’t get

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By Jessica Vachon atie MacKinnon, one of the owners of Treasure Island Toys in Riverdale, has always had a love for toys and the festive season. “One of my favorite holiday memories is waking up Christmas morning and sneaking into my brother’s room to open our stockings,� MacKinnon says. “That was always the best part of Christmas morning.� While growing up, her father was an airline pilot and this meant that their family’s holidays would be a little different than most people. “There were many Christmas’ that he would be called away at the last minute and we would end up getting up at 5 a.m. to unwrap gifts then go back to bed and have grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner,� she says. One of those gifts, that MacKinnon says was her most memorable present, brought joy to her heart, but puzzlement to her brothers. “I still remember coming down the stairs and seeing this tin stove all set up in the living room with a bow and my name on it,� she says. “Both my brothers thought it was lame.�

Front (from L): Ward 1 Councillor Marilyn Iafrate; Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua; Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco; Regional Councillor Michael Di Biase Back (from L): Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor Gino Rosati; Ward 2 Councillor Tony Carella; Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca; Regional Councillor Deb Schulte; Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman www.vaughan.ca

16 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

Access Vaughan 905-832-2281

Movie time But this classic isn’t classic Christmas

C

By Jessica Vachon

omedian Debra DiGiovanni says it’s her family’s tradition to watch one funny movie every Christmas, but it may not be what you think. “My family every year would watch the movie Young Frankenstein,� says DiGiovanni, who is currently on the Just for Laughs comedy tour. “We can almost recite the whole thing together, it still makes us laugh. It’s one of my all time favourite comedies.� Having a large extended family, she says it has always been fun having everyone in her family together during the holidays because like her, they all have a great sense of humor. “My brother and cousin used to make a family Christmas movie — I think they did it for seven years in a row during the 90s,� she says. “Even now, watching them still makes us laugh.� Aside from the homemade videos, one dish she always looks forward to is one her father cooks. “Every year, my dad makes gnocchi for Christmas Eve,� she says. “It’s the only

dish he cooks, and he does it perfectly. It takes him two days and then we have gnocchi for dinner and lunch on Christmas Day too. Truly, I wait for it all year long.� Her father’s homemade gift of pasta is quite different than the types of presents she used to receive from her grandmother. “As my grandma got older, she used to get very creative with gifts — usually stuff from around her home that she’d wrap up and give to us,� she says. “At the time, we laughed, we were kids — but now, the candle sticks that still have wax in them are very sentimental to me.� DiGiovanni says she uses her professionally funny skills during the holidays as one way to avoid the question she’s asked over and over. “Being perpetually single over the holidays kind of forces me to keep my humour when I’m visiting family,� she says. “Plus, I like entertaining my nieces and nephews. Now that they’re older — we can talk about real stuff, like One Direction.�

Mangia, mangia!

A fishy holiday Food is a huge part of Christmas for chef David Rocco

I

By Jessica Vachon

t may come as no surprise that food brings the friends and family of celebrity chef David Rocco together over the holidays. “We have an open-door policy where friends will just pop in whenever,” Rocco says. “Everyone is so busy throughout the year and Christmas allows us to re-connect with people.” The host of David Rocco’s Dolce Vita on the Food Network and author of the cookbook Made in

Italy says that food is a big part of the celebrations for his family — especially on Christmas Eve. “It’s a bigger day for us rather than Christmas and it usually starts off with a lot of fish dishes and goes until about midnight,” he says. “Sometimes we’ll even go to mass.” Rocco says that his favourite dishes at Christmastime are stuffed calamari and a fish stew that

he makes including mussels, clams and a spicy sauce. With the holidays approaching, Rocco admits he’s not sure what he will be cooking. “I haven’t even thought of what I’m making,” he laughs. “But I’ll probably think about it on the 19th of December.” CONTINUED Page 22

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Taste the Tradition DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 17

Holiday dining

L

Farro Ristorante

ongtime restaurateurs Roberto DeLuca and Carmine Biasi have teamed up to create FARRO Ristorante. Farro has been and will continue to be a fun neighborhood gathering place offering reasonable, innovative food in a friendly, casual - yet elegant atmosphere. FARRO is a great place for a quick lunch or relaxing dinner, offering unique and classic selections. Chef Roberto presents his usual high quality without compromise at

FARRO - a charming corner of Italy in Vaughan. As Carmine says, “We want our guests to leave with a satisfying feeling of value�. Servers are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. FARRO can accommodate groups of up to 120 guests. Take-out and catering services are also available. FARRO also offers a vast selection of gourmet foods from it’s boutique. “We as God’s children cannot think adequately, love properly & sleep soundly, if we have not dined well. Boun Appetito & God Bless�Roberto DeLuca

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Only Pasta Inc.

nly Pasta has been in the business of manufacturing pasta for over 20 years. Our reputation as a dedicated family business has allowed us to provide fresh, top quality pasta products, gourmet sauces and entrees to distributors, food processing plants,

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restaurants and families alike. Over the years, we have co-developed a large range of custom pasta products with discerning chefs and have advanced new products like our organic pastas to meet popular market trends. If there is a pasta you want, we can make it!

A word from by Mongiovi

place where it can mix classical French training with the casual comforts of Italian and Latin cuisine. A place where the dreams of everyone could feel like home. Chef and owner, Angelo Mongiovi, was born into a big Sicilian-Italian family and was raised in the Latin American country of Venezuela. At family functions he frequently remembers having a fusion of Latin delights and traditional Italian dishes. Over the next ten years he worked in various restaurants ranging from classic Italian cuisine, bakeries, and casual dining. He graduated from the world-renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu. Upon completion of his apprenticeship at several prestige restaurants,

where he worked under the expert guidance of Executive Chef’s, he then decided to start his own catering & private, In house Chef services. Throughout his professional experiences Angelo has learned the fundamentals of classic French, Italian & Latin cooking and was promoted to be the Executive Sous Chef at several restaurants. With his on going expertise Angelo has used his knowledge not only to prepare the most divine dishes but also has provided cooking training courses to several chefs around the world. Angelo’s skills & ongoing passion for food creation has made him a natural born Chef. The creativity is unreal. The meals are tasteful & the passion is powerful. We invite you to dine with us.

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688 Chrislea Rd, Woodbridge, ON L4L 8K9 905-265-0008 • www.bymongiovi.com 18 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

Holiday dining

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About Chartreuse Restaurant in Kleinburg

he menu at Chartreuse offers regional and classical cuisine - Dover Sole, Fresh Rack of Lamb, Atlantic Salmon, Roast Rabbit Dijonnaise, Braised Lamb Shank and Wild Game Venison Chop, Venison Saddle, Elk Medallions, Buffalo T Bone steaks are some of the dishes on the current menu. The two dining rooms are ideal for small family functions or corporate events. The dining table located

S

apore by Zafferano is a upscale casual restaurant located by Hwy 7 and Hwy 27 in the Vaughan area of York Region. Sapore by Zafferano specializes in italian cui-

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by the window with its picturesque view of the Village is very popular with our With regulars and is booked an established reputation for quality food and service, well in advance. Zafferano Ristorante guarantees a friendly, vibrant atmosphere, accompanied by delectable Longchamp Pub dishes of the highest grade. This is a spot that is popular with the locals and the many tourists that stop here to eat as they did in years gone by when Kleinburg was the mid way point to the city. In 8633 Weston Rd the winter (Crestmount months the wood-burnPlaza) Woodbridge, ON ing fire place enhances the country atmosphere905.264.2323 of the room. On the zafferano.ca

community’s restaurant fleet, sine and features a patio, award Sapore offers an array of fully culinary services, in an winning, equipped catering, fine dining elegant and tasteful atmosphere. Expect a warm dining experience in a dressy casual atmosphere. north of the city. 8000 HWY 27and delicious Elegant, friendly food, these are the quality of Woodbridge, ON Sapore by Zafferano’s restau905.851.3355 85 As the newest addition to the

(BETWEEN ASHBRIDGE & ZENWAY BLVD)

saporebyzafferano.ca yzafferan

menu are - Hot Pots, Fish and Chips, Burgers, Fresh grilled Liver, and a variety of Soups, Salads, and Desserts to choose from. The winter season is a great time to come and visit Kleinburg with its beautiful Christmas surroundings, specialty Shops, and the McMichael Art Gallery. If you happen to be passing by our place and the pleasant smells of the kitchen and our wood-burning fireplace draw you near, please know that you are Welcome.

rant.With please we invite you to pass a pleasant evening with family or/and friends.We also provide the perfect ambiance to celebrate you private parties.We look forward to see you soon.

Christmas is the time to relax and enjoy the rich aromas of the kitchen, complemented by the smells of crackling wood in an open fireplace. We welcome you to enjoy our quaint country house setting in historic Kleinburg

Voted Best Restaurant in Vaughan for the last 5 years by devoted customers

afferano Ristorante is an same time cozy and inviting for a family. award winning Now booking for Christmas andrestaurant, taking reservations for our New Year’s Eve party. Call Today! Our menu is based on Italian located in Woodbridge, north cuisine characterized by high qualof Langstaff and Weston Road. The ambience that you will ity ingredients and fresh products. find in our restaurant is classy To accompany each of our deliand elegant for business meet- cious dishes is a courteous staff ings or an evening out, but at the that is knowledgeable and would

an established reputation be delighted toWith recommend a fine for quality food and service, Ristorante guarantees wine from our Zafferano vast selection. a friendly, vibrant atmosphere, We are open for lunch and accompanied by delectable dinner from Monday to Saturdishes of the highest grade. day. On Sunday, we hold private functions such as baptisms, first Voted Best communions, confirmations Restaurant inand Vaughan for the birthdays. last 5 years

by devoted customers

8633 Weston Rd (Crestmount Plaza) Woodbridge, ON

905.264.2323 zafferano.ca

As the newest addition to the community’s restaurant fleet, Sapore offers an array of fully equipped culinary services, in an elegant and tasteful atmosphere. Expect a warm dining experience north of the city. 8000 HWY 27

(BETWEEN ASHBRIDGE & ZENWAY BLVD)

Woodbridge, ON

As the newest addition to the community’s restaurant fleet, Sapore offers an array of fully equipped culinary services, in an elegant and tasteful atmosphere. Expect a warm dining experience north of the city. 8000 HWY 27

(BETWEEN ASHBRIDGE & ZENWAY BLVD)

905.851.3355 85

saporebyzafferano.ca yzafferan

905.851.3355 85

Restaurant in

Voted Best Restaurant in Vaughan for the last 5 years by devoted customers

Woodbridge, ON

saporebyzafferano.ca yzafferan

Voted Best

With an established reputation for quality food and service, Zafferano Ristorante guarantees a friendly, vibrant atmosphere, accompanied by delectable dishes of the highest grade.

Happy

8633 Weston Rd (Crestmount Plaza) Woodbridge, ON

905.264.2323 zafferano.ca

Holidays

Vaughan for the last 5 years Now booking for Christmas and taking reservations by devotedfor our New Year’s Eve party. Call Today! customers

ear’s Eve party. Call Today!

Catering Available, Reservations, Private Functions

Thank you for nominating us in Best of Vaughan DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 19

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WHETHER IT’S DINNER, A CORPORATE AFFAIR OR A SPECIAL FAMILY EVENT, AVLYN GARDENS IS YOUR PERFECT DESTINATION. NOW ACCEPTING BOOKINGS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES & CORPORATE EVENTS.

10503 ISLINGTON AVE, P.O BOX 316 KLEINBURG, ONTARIO L0J 1C0 TEL. 905.893.1144 | FAX. 905.893.1145 EMAIL. info@avlyngardens.com

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK GET THE LATEST NEWS, UPDATES & NEW RESTAURANT PHOTOS

Photo courtesy whitecap books

YUM: Canada’s Favourite Recipes features quintessentially Canadian dishes including a roast turkey and stuffing recipe fit for the holiday season.

Turkey time A new look at a Christmas classic

F

By Ann Ruppenstein ood writers and editors Rose Murray and Elizabeth Baird recently released Canada’s Favourite Recipes, a cookbook featuring 160 quintessentially Canadian recipes. From Tourtière to peameal bacon roast and maple carrot cake with maple butter icing, the collection features recipes created in their own kitchens as well as submissions from other cooks, chefs and personalities across the country. In the holiday spirit, Vaughan Today was given the recipe for a turkey roast and gravy straight from the pages of Canada’s Favourite Recipes. Roast turkey with hazelnut-cranberry stuffing: makes 18 servings

20 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

If there’s one iconic Canadian holiday dish, it’s roast turkey. Plump, golden and ready to serve to a crowd, turkey is on the table for big holidays throughout the year. Paramount to a roast turkey is an excellent stuffing, and this herbed, fruity, nutty bread dressing is generous and in festive tradition. Reputation-making gravy completes the meal. Stuffing: 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) hazelnuts (filberts) 1/3 cup (75 mL) butter 4 large onions, diced 3 large tender celery stalks with leaves, diced 4 tsp (20 mL) each crumbled dried sage and thyme 3/4 tsp (4 mL) each salt and

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. Cittadini’s unique private No matter what the occasion, event r o o m c a n b e completely tailored to your liking. Let our experienced professionals provide you with the perfect setting. We can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Call us to make arrangements for your eVent. Restaurant open daily lunch & dinner • Take out & catering available • Private events seven days a week

Photo courtesy whitecap books

CHEFS-IN-CHIEF: Food writers and editors Rose Murray, left, and Elizabeth Baird have amassed 160 recipes representing Canadian food and culture.

freshly ground black pepper (approx) 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) dried cranberries 1/2 cup (125 mL) minced fresh parsley 16 cups (4L) cubed home-style or sourdough white bread 1 cup (250 mL) chicken broth Turkey: 18 lb (8 kg) turkey 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, melted 2 tsp (10 mL) each crumbled dried sage and thyme 1/2 tsp (2mL) each salt and freshly ground black pepper Stuffing Directions: Toast the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a 350F (180C) oven or toaster oven until the skins loosen and the hazelnuts turn golden, about 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, wrap in a towel and rub vigorously to remove most of the skin; chop coarsely

205 Marycroft Ave.

•

Woodbridge

•

905.264.0067

•

cittadini.ca

and set aside. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat; add the onions, celery, sage, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onions are tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cranberries and parsley. Place the bread in a large bowl; scrape the onion mixture over the bread and toss to coat. While tossing, drizzle with the chicken broth. (Make-ahead: Let cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to one day or place in and airtight container and freeze for up to two weeks. Let thaw in the refrigerator, about one day.) Stir in the hazelnuts; taste, adjusting the salt and pepper if necessary. Turkey Directions: Remove the giblets and wipe the turkey dry. Loosely pack the stuffing into the body and neck cavities, and any remaining (see note 1) into a casCONTINUED Page 22

905.893.4888 www.villaggio-ristorante.ca 110 Nashville Road, Unit #11 KleiNbURg, ON l0J 1C0

,

Happy Holidays www.maplebakery.ca

10040 Keele St. MAPLE - Ont. Tel: 905.832.2987

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DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 21

THANK VOTED US US THANK YOU YOU TO TO ALL ALL THAT VOTED

THE BEST WINGS I N

VAUGHAN

Cont. from Page 21

serole dish. Skewer the neck to the body, and tie the legs together. Fold the wing tips under the back. Place, breastside up, on a rack in a large roasting pan; brush all over with the butter and sprinkle with the sage, thyme, salt and pepper. Tent loosely with foil, tucking in the sides but leaving the ends open. Roast in a 325F (160C) oven for three and a half hours, basting every 30 minutes. Uncover, baste and roast until the proverbial golden brown, and a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 180F (82C), about an hour. Reserving the pan juices to make gravy, lift the turkey onto a carving board (see note 2) and tent loosely with foil. Let stand for 30 minutes before carving. Reputation-making gravy: makes about 4 cups (1L) After removing the bird from the roasting pan, skim off the fat from the pan juices. Place the pan over medium heat. With a flat whisk or wooden spoon, whisk in two cups (500 mL) turkey or chicken broth (see note 3), scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low. In a jar, shake together 1/3 cup (75

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• Note 1: That extra stuffing? Bake, covered, in a 375F (190C) oven for about 40 minutes, while the turkey rests and is being carved. Uncover briefly to toast the top layer of bread. • Note 2: A carving board has a shallow ditch around the sides to collect the juices and may have prongs to hold the turkey steady during carving. • Note 3: You can use the turkey neck, heart and gizzard, a bay leaf, 2 celery stalks with leaves (chopped), parsley stems, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried thyme and one small onion (chopped) to make broth for gravy. Simply cover all the ingredients listed here with 6 cups (1.5 L) cold water and simmer, uncovered, over low heart for two hours. Strain. Makes 4 cups (1L) broth.

Cont. from Page 17

While food has always been a big part of the Rocco family Christmas, he says there was one special gift that he’ll always remember. “When I was about eight I got this remote control car that my parents got me that was the coolest and I would scooch it around the house remotely,” he says. “I was loving it and really played with it for about a year.” Now that Rocco has a family of his own, he says he hopes to spend time with his loved ones and simply relax this year. Santa will also be making a personal appearance for his children this year. “We actually have someone in our family that gets dressed up as Santa usually and they’ll come through the door,” he says. “But last year my kids were saying ‘How come Santa has the same shoes as uncle Sal?’ They’re pretty clever.”

H For franchise information

mL) all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) each salt and freshly ground black pepper with another 2 cups (500 mL) turkey or chicken broth. Pour into the pan, whisking or stirring until blended and smooth; simmer for 3 minutes. For thicker gravy, simmer longer; for thinner, add more broth. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Strain the gravy through a sieve into a clean saucepan or large pitcher, for reheating just before serving in a warmed gravy boat.

ere’s a recipe for one of David Rocco’s fish stews that he enjoys having during the holidays.

Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, chopped Pinch of red pepper flakes 5 tbsp (75 mL) extra virgin olive oil 1 lb (454 g) squid, cleaned and cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) rings 1 cup (250 mL) dry white wine 1 lb (454 g) small clams 1 lb (454 g) mussels 1 lb (454 g) monkfish, cut into chunks 1 lb (454 g) black cod (Pacific), cut into chunks 2 cups (500 mL) peeled plum tomatoes, crushed by hand 1/2 bunch chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley 1/8 salt (1 mL) Pepper to taste 2 cups (500 mL) water

4 slices coarse country bread, toasted and rubbed on one side with a garlic clove. Directions: In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and garlic. Sauté until the garlic is golden. Add the squid, cod and monkfish. Add the crushed peeled plum tomatoes. If you’re using whole tomatoes, crush them with your hands for texture. Add the wine and allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes. Add the mussels and clams. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes covered. Ladle the soup into individual bowls. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with a piece of toast rubbed with garlic. From the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s website

DIY gifts and decorations

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FOUND AND MADE: Marie Gage, owner of MadeInHaliburton.ca, created festive planters for her front door after finding small birch logs in the forest. She added a few pinecones and big red bows to give her entryway the desired look.

Homemade

FREE sink

From cards to jewellery there’s lots you can do

Y

By Omar Mosleh

ou don’t have to dig deep into the pockets to fill up the stockings this holiday season, as a wide range of gifts and ornaments can be made at home for a low price. There’s also the added benefit of spending time with family, and many of the items require little to no skill in arts and crafts. A fun and simple way to save money during the holidays is to create handmade greeting cards with watercolour paper, said goldsmith and artist-in-residence at the Harbourtfront Centre, Sarah Dobranowski. Watercolour paper is less

absorbent so the paint doesn’t bleed, and is ideal for children’s drawings which can then be easily taped onto blank cards. “I find it’s easy to do, and really quite fast,� Dobranowski said. “In terms of a family, that can be a really unique way to do your greetings card.� Dobranowski, who runs a jewellery business specializing in pet-themed pendants, bracelets and anklets, said many of her metal trinkets can be recreated with cheaper materials easily found at arts and crafts stores. CONTINUED Page 24

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“Beading is an alternative, it’s something a bit more accessible to everybody,” she said. “You could also do beaded ornaments, garlands or something like that.” Handmade pottery is also an option for holiday themed gifts, because it’s cheap and doesn’t require much time or materials, said Marie Gage, owner of MadeInHaliburton.ca, an arts and crafts website that sells paints, pottery and wood and stone carvings. “Pottery items tend to be popular, because they can be smaller and still provide something special for that particular individual,” she said. “There are also ways to make a hand-made gift unique for a certain person.” She said people tend to appreciate that the extra effort to make something by hand was put in. “You can buy clay and make different shaped pottery ornaments, and there are stamps you can use to stamp the clay to make pictures, so you can have a unique ornament,” Gage said. “If somebody’s looking for something personalized, that’s a good way to go.” Christmas ornaments don’t have to be confined to the Christmas tree, and one can make wreaths from simple materials like foliage and a ribbon made from cheap cloth. Gage said she was particularly pleased with a planter she made to greet holiday visitors. “I just found some pieces of native birch bark in the forest, added some big pinecones, and a big red bow,” she said. “So it gives a festive look to the outside of the house, and the cost was the cost of the planters.” Gage recommends adding some wood shavings to your planter to add some support and wrapping the branches with a ribbon to keep them in place.

“There are also ways to make a hand-made gift unique for a certain person.”

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235 Trowers Rd. Unit 4 • Woodbridge L4L 5Z8 Tel: 416.798.7097 - 905:850.2052 Email: uav@look.ca

he greeting cards

What you need: A pack of plain greeting cards — usually found in scrapbooking or craft stores Magazines Scissors Glue stick White paper Coloured paper Double sided tape Using scissors cut out the shapes you desire out of magazines. I like to make dogs. I cut the body, head,

B

eaded Bangles

What you need: Memory wire — Available at bead or craft stores such as Michaels An assortment of beads and charms Pliers/wire clippers End caps Crazy glue Cut the memory wire to the desired length depending on how many times you want the bracelet to wrap around.

24 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

legs, ears etc. out separately. (Look for large colour blocked sections in the magazine free of text.) I assemble them onto white paper with a glue stick. You can cut out letters or words to spell out your greeting on the front. I colour photocopy the collage and shrink it to a smaller size. I then cut the photocopy and mount it using double sided tape onto a rectangular piece of coloured paper. I then mount this using double sided tape onto the plain card. This craft is fun for any age group and requires little skill. For the holidays you can make snowmen, Christmas trees, angels, reindeer, Santa ... the possibilities are endless. On one end glue the end cap using crazy glue. Plan out a pattern with your chosen beads — Swarovski crystal beads have great sparkle for the holiday season. String your beads onto your wire. When you get to the end glue another end cap to the end of the wire. This craft can be altered to make wine charms by buying the pre-made wires at the craft store instead of the memory wire. String on 3–4 beads. Add a charm. String on 3 or 4 more beads. — Sarah Dobranowski

Holiday Happenings

Saturday, Dec. 8 Winter Wonderland, Woodbridge Library, 150 Woodbridge Ave. 1 p.m. Though the weather outside appears frightful, it is actually quite delightful! Get set for some blustery seasonal stories, songs, and activities as we celebrate winter. Free.

Jane St. 2 p.m. Gift Wrapping Workshop: Make your own gift wrap, cards, gift tags in this intro to printmaking. Fine Art Activity: Create detailed drawings of a family event inspired by Canadian Ukrainian artist William Kurelek known for his elaborate paintings. $5.

Carollers Wanted to Help Challenge World Record, 55 Mill St. 5 p.m. Mill Street Brewery and the Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market are embarking on a bold and very vocal campaign to challenge a world record for most carollers singing in one place. Free.

Toronto Beach Chorale, 975 Kingston Rd. 7:30 p.m. Toronto Beach Chorale presents John Rutter’s “Gloria”, with brass, organ and percussion. Seasonal favourites complete a joy-filled program to usher in the holiday season. $20, $10 for youth 7–18, free admission age 6 and under. www.torontobeachchorale.com.

Etobicoke Centennial Choir concert — Sacred Traditions, Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd. 7:30 p.m. Join the celebration as the Etobicoke Centennial Choir opens its 46th season with a concert of glorious classics and joyous Christmas music. Featuring Haydn’s St. Nicholas Mass, Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, and a selection festive carols. $20. Saturday, Dec 8–Sunday, Dec. 9 & Saturday, Dec. 15–Sunday, Dec. 16 Breakfast with Santa at Shops at Don Mills, 1090 Don Mills Rd. 9 a.m. Join Santa and his helper for a delicious breakfast at Jack Astors. $15. Saturday, Dec. 8–Sunday, Jan. 6 All Aboard the Miniature Train at Shops at Don Mills this Holiday Season, 1090 Don Mills Rd. Enjoy a miniature train ride through Shops at Don Mills. Hop aboard for a magical tour and a firsthand glimpse of the decorative holiday windows throughout December. Full schedule at www.shopsatdonmills.ca. $3. Sunday, Dec. 9 Joy of the Season!, Bathurst Clark Resource Library, 900 Clark Avenue W. 2 p.m. Vaughan Public Libraries is delighted to ring in the holiday season with a free concert. Enjoy a solo performance by Toronto-based stride pianist Mboya Nicholson. Free. Family Sunday Art Event at Art Works Art School, 238

Riverdale Share Concert, Riverdale Share Community Association, 147 Danforth Ave. 3 p.m. Join us for this diverse holiday celebration featuring some of Toronto’s most celebrated artists as we raise money and food for families in crisis. Tickets available at The Big Carrot, It’s My Party, Treasure Island Toys and Ticketmaster. $20. Tuesday, Dec. 11 Chanukah with Mickey Lewin, Bathurst Clark Resource Library, 900 Clark Ave. W. 7 p.m. Join us for a toe-tapping, dreidel-dancing good time as Mickey Lewin performs live in the library. Tickets are available at the Service Desk for $2. Wednesday, Dec. 12 A Choral Society Christmas, Toronto Choral Society, Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. 7:30 p.m. Toronto’s oldest community choir presents the best of the Christmas season, featuring favourites from around the world as well as selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Handel’s Messiah and Liszt’s Missa Choralis. $20 in advance $25 at the door. Toronto Mendelssohn Choir — Festival of Carols, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. 7:30 p.m. Join us for the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir’s joyous Christmas tradition of festive music, seasonal anecdotes and carols for all to sing. It’s a great way to start off the Continued Page 32

The McMichael – the perfect destination to celebrate the holidays! This holiday season experience all that is Canadian at the McMichael gallery, in the charming village of Kleinburg. The McMichael Gallery Shop features unique, handcrafted items such as jewellery, pottery, Inuit carvings, handblown glass collections by Robert Held, and much more. Popular gift items include: GROUP OF SEVEN MUG SET Featuring four different works from the McMichael collection, these Rob McIntosh fine bone china mugs are beautifully nestled in a silk-lined gift box and make a wonderful gift for you or a friend. 2013 MCMICHAEL DESK CALENDAR Perfect for mailing as a gift, and handy to have on your desk, this lovely little calendar features images from newer McMichael art acquisitions, plus some old permanent collection favourites. PAINTING CANADA: TOM

THOMSON AND THE GROUP OF SEVEN CATALOGUE Beautifully illustrated with over 120 colour reproductions and maps indicating the geographical range covered by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. Plus see the exhibition that took Europe by storm – Painting Canada: Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven is on only until January 6, 2013, and the McMichael is the only Canadian stop on its international tour! Also see the special exhibitions Double Take: Portraits of Intriguing Canadians and Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration. Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of 100 acres of stunning woodland and participate in programs for the whole family. Call 905.893.1121 or visit: www.mcmichael.com for program details and registration.

Bell Ringers Needed for The Salvation Army

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Shifts are 2 to 4 hours long. Training and support is provided. Have your company, service club or organization sponsor a Kettle by giving your time for a day. For more information, please visit BellRingerToronto.ca SalvationArmy.ca 1-800-SAL-ARMY

DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 25

Ignite the Holiday spirit and enjoy activities for the whole family!

What s On

Happy Holidays from our Community Family Sunday with Humber River Shakespeare Company performance, December 9 Crazy about Mosaic Family Workshop, December 29 McMichael Winter Art Camp Ages 5 to 10 January 2, 3, and 4 Registration is required for all classes, workshops and Winter Art Camp; fees may apply. Call 905.893.1121 ext. 2209 to register. For details please visit: ?~t~ztyrv}?t ~

PLUS...DON’T MISS THIS BREATHTAKING, SPECIAL EXHIBITION, ONLY AT THE McMICHAEL!

Painting Canada TOM THOMSON and the GROUP OF SEVEN For the first time, a Group of Seven exhibition brings together iconic masterpieces with their sketches. See the exhibition that took Europe by storm!

A.Y. Jackson, Winter, Quebec, 1926, Oil on canvas, 53.8 x 66.5 cm, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Vincent Massey Bequest, 1968, Courtesy of Carleton University Art Gallery, Ottawa, Ontario

NOW ON until JANUARY 6, 2013

M E D I A PA R T N E R S

AN AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO

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26 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

CANADIAN ART COLLECTION D’ART CANADIEN

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How To enTer

PrIZeS: one (1) of Two (2) Toronto Argonauts 100TH Anniversary cap and T-shirt. Two (2) of four (4) Toronto Argonauts 2013 season tickets. Six (6) McMichael Canadian Art Collection Family Passes.

name ____________________________________ Age: ___________ Address __________________________________________________ City _________________ Prov. ______ Postal Code ____________ Daytime Telephone number ________________________________ email: ________________________________

Operation of this contest is Sole Responsibility of Vaughan Today under the control of Multicom Media Services Ltd.

How to participate

1) To enter, complete the Entry Form and include your completed colouring of the image attached to the form and mail it to Multicom Media Services Holiday Colouring Contest 2012, 101 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6B 1P8. 2) The contest begins Monday, December 3rd, 2012 and ends Monday, December 17th, 2012. All entries must be postmarked on or before December 17th, 2012. Limit one (1) entry per postage stamped envelope. Entry limited to children 12 years old and under. No mechanical reproduction will be accepted. 3) No purchase is necessary. 4) To print additional copies of the contest drawing, please visit www.vaughantoday.ca and click on the 2012 Holiday Colouring Contest link.

How you Could win

The contest draw is 12 noon, wednesday, December 19 th, 2012. Ten (10) entries will be randomly selected for a total of Ten (10) prizes. All winners will be notified via telephone that day. Winners may be asked to pose for a photograph to be used in any subsequent editions of any Multicom Media Services Ltd. newspaper. The odds of winning depend on the total number of entries received.

DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 27

F

28 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

Body and soul

Don’t stress

What you can do when you have too much

I

By michael appugliese t is probably safe to say that in today’s fast-paced society, to a certain degree, almost everyone experiences one type of stress or another. Stress can be categorized as negative (distress) or positive (eustress). Classic examples of negative stress, stem from issues pertaining to personal life, work, family or health. Together, these events lead to many problems physiologically and socially. Most people are usually not aware of situations where positive stress can also elicit a stress response. For example, if you won the lottery, your body would respond internally similar to losing your job. The body continually strives to maintain a state wherea healthy balance of bodily functions are reached known as “homeostasis.” When referring to stress, this normal state is also referred to as “self-regulation”. Whether the stress you face is negative, or positive, it is easy to be pushed away from your selfregulation zone. Being displaced from this level is normal as long as you don’t let it happen for extended periods of time. Pathologic situations are reached when you’re away from your self-regulation zone for too long. Becoming aware of feelings from your body is the key to staying on a safe path and maintaining selfregulation. Naïve lifestyle choices are often chosen and individuals add to the stress response without even being aware. Levels of disconnectedness are reached for so long that their awareness has shifted with regards to how stressed they actually are. If you stay in a stressful situation for a long enough amount of time, your body will adapt to it. You feel normal and forget the original healthy set point of self-regulation, where you belong. Here are a few areas where being stressed has an impact on the choices you make with regards to nutrition and exercise. Nutriton and Vitamin Depletion In order to satisfy our energy needs, we make choices pertaining to what we ingest in our bodies. If you want your body/mind to function at an optimal level, it is

necessary to ingest high quality food.While under stress, your body requires additional Vitamins B, C and some minerals. The body uses extra amounts of these vitamins to combat the extra physiologic stress response created during these periods. While under stress, individuals might not have enough time to eat properly. Easy alternatives like fast food are high in fat and sugar and low in vitamins. Due to the low amount of vitamins in fast food, in order for these compounds to be processed, vitamins are stolen from existing stores in the body. This type of eating routine leads to further depletion of vitamins, thus creating even more stress on the individual. Exercise It is also important to become aware that excessive amounts of exercise can also lead to increase stress levels. Some people become addicted to this behaviour and actually do more harm than good. Overtraining can lead to physical injury, mood swings, and neglect of responsibilities at home or work. However, low levels of physical activity are not good either — there are associations with obesity, hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis, which can lead to faster aging. Many positive benefits with regards to engaging in physical activity are widely known and accepted. Some specific benefits that deal directly with stress are, lowering of state and trait anxiety, feel better syndrome (FBS), decrease of mild and moderate depression. Get to know your body and begin assessing your surroundings. If you suffer from one of these factors, start making concrete steps today and gain control of yourself.

Helping hand Charity donations can be the perfect present

L

By Shawn Star in underprivileged communities. Right to Play has also been involved with the Toronto District School Board for a number of years.

et’s see… perfume for mom, new tie for dad, gift card for your sister, but what about your brother? The guy has everything. Everything. What do you get for the person who doesn’t need anything? Try giving them the opportunity to give back. Making a donation to a charity in someone’s name can be just as meaningful and thoughtful as a material gift, all you need to do is find a charity that relates to the person’s passions or interests. With that in mind, here are five charities for five different kinds of people, just to give you a start:

The Techno-Geek — Engineers Without Borders Working both in Canada and in Africa, this charity aims to create systemic change, that is, they help provide sustainability. For instance, instead of providing people with seeds, they work with farmers to ensure their crops are prosperous. The One Who’s Good With Kids — Youth Without Shelter Located in the northwestern part of Toronto, Youth Without Shelter usually helps kids who have left abusive homes or live in the child welfare system. The charity helps youth build confidence and life skills in order to attain stable housing and jobs for life.

The Environmentalist — Evergreen Brick Works Donations to Evergreen Brick Works, located off of Bayview Avenue just north of Bloor Street E./Danforth Avenue, go to various green projects at the site. Some projects undertaken include making historical buildings green and sustainable, and holding educational programs for kids.

The Animal Lover — Bear Creek Sanctuary This animal sanctuary north of the city cares for various animals, many of which are exotic. Residents include lions, jaguars, and even a three-legged raccoon named Smoky.

The Sports Nut — Right To Play This charity uses sports to enable the education and empowerment of kids in order to battle poverty, disease and conflict

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DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 29

Related tales

A different take Stories of seven grandsons by seven authors are a popular read

E

By Ann Ruppenstein

ric Walters was sitting in a hot tub thinking of his late father-in-law and the legacy a grandfather leaves behind when he came up with the idea for the book series Seven. “I thought about a wise grandfather dying and giving a task for one of his grandsons and I thought, why one, why not three, seven is such a magical number,” he says. “I started thinking of how this could be written by different people and how would other people write this? I started thinking of people whose work I admired and getting them involved in the project.” His thoughts immediately went to authors like Ted Staunton and Richard Scrimger for comedic stories and Norah McClintock for the

“I started thinking how this could be written by different people.”

mystery genre, he says. After contacting Orca Book Publishers, who agreed to take on the project, he proceeded to get in touch with other writers including John Wilson, Sigmund Brouwer and Shane Peacock about contributing to the series for young adults. “The basic parameters was they had to respect the grandfather’s death, the will scene,” Walters says. “They could write the genre they wanted, the length they wanted, the adventure they wanted and what was in that envelope their grandfather gave them.” The result is a collection of seven books by seven different Canadian authors, which were released simultaneously in October which can be read individually or as a series and in any order. “People just ran with it in directions I couldn’t have conceived,” Walters says. “This is so much more powerful than it would have

been if I had written seven different characters.” One of his goals behind the series is to encourage literacy and appeal to reluctant male readers by making the lead characters in the books be male and offer a variety of genres including history, mystery and comedy to draw readers in. “This is a chance to get kids to cross genres to get into reading as opposed to reading a series to just

get them to read it,” he says. “The literature clearly says that while girls will read male lead characters, boys are reluctant (to read stories with female lead characters).” The first printing of Seven sold out before its release date, prompting both a second and third reprint to date, he says. “It’s not Harry Potter but by Canadian standards this has never happened with children’s books in this country,” Walters says.

ann ruppenstein/vaughan today

30 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

ann ruppenstein/vaughan today

Norah McClintock Ever since she was a little girl Norah McClintock wanted to be a writer. “If you go back and look at my high school yearbook that’s what it says: I’m going to be a writer one day,” McClintock says from her home in Toronto. “So I actually managed to make that happen for myself.” An avid reader who grew up near a public library, McClintock got hooked on mysteries like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys at an early age and eventually became known for her own work in the mystery and crime genre, winning the Crime Writers of Canada’s Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel five times. After getting a call from series creator Eric Walters about the Seven project, she was intrigued by the idea of all seven books in the series coming out at once and how the only ground rule was the main character in each novel had to be a grandson of David McLean who received a mission from

Richard Scrimger Richard Scrimger admits he was a combination of class clown and nerd when he was growing up. “I’ve always liked making people laugh,” he says. “I was in fact a member of the chess club. I was on the debating team but I was also the guy who sat at the back of the class and told jokes that made people laugh and got in trouble with the teacher.” Although the award-winning author of 15 books for children and adults is known for his quirky sense of humour, he says he blends darker themes in with the comedy. “I don’t tell simple fart jokes, not that those aren’t funny, but I like to build the depth, the darkness behind my comedy,” he says. “My first big book for kids was a book in which there’s a guy with an alien living in his nose, which is totally whacky and yet the guy is going through a divorce, he’s getting bullied on the playground.”

their grandfather. “I just thought why not?” she says. “I knew some of the authors that Eric had already spoken to and they’re all pretty terrific writers so I just couldn’t say no.” As a result, each book wound up lining up with each author’s personal interests, she says. “I write almost exclusively mystery and crime novels so when I started thinking about what was going to happen I knew that there was going to be a body in there somewhere,” she says. Close to the Heel, her book in the series, follows her narrator Rennie who receives a mission from his late grandfather to fly to Iceland to pay homage to a mystery woman and deliver a message from beyond the grave. “In doing this Rennie stumbles upon a mystery that involves mysterious circumstances and then it gets more complicated as he finds out a little bit more about what happens until ultimately his own life is in peril,” McClintock says, adding she was able to spend several weeks in Iceland for research

As an author, Scrimger enjoys engaging readers and strives to have an authorial narrative voice. “Moses comes down with 10 commandments, the writer has one commandment: thou shall not be boring,” he says. “I’ve always liked connecting with people. When people ask, ‘What’s the best thing about being a writer?’ My usual answer is something to do with the fact that I get to engage people.” After discussing the Seven series with Eric Walters, what he liked the most about the project was the fact that although Walters had the broad strokes outlined it was up to him to craft his own story. Ink Me, is the tale of Bunny a.k.a Bernard the 15-year-old who doesn’t understand why his late grandfather wants him to get a tattoo and winds up getting involved with a local gang and is torn between his new alliance and doing what he knows is right. Although all the books in the series

for the story. “The really cool thing about each novel in the series is they’re completely different genres.” As a writer, one of the biggest thrills of her job comes from the emails she receives from kids, especially those from young boys who write saying they were forced to read a book and actually wound up enjoying one of hers or those who say they were reacquainted with reading after engaging in one of her mysteries, she says. “When that happens I feel as if I have transformed maybe a non-reader or an extremely reluctant reader into someone who really had a good time with a book and is willing to take a chance on reading another one and I think that’s terrific because I honestly can’t think of a better way to pass the time than to read,” she says. However, she also fields messages from students seeking a synopsis for a book report, she says. “Every now and again someone tries to slip a fast one by me,” she says, laughing. “I guess you can’t blame them for trying.”

are built to standalone, his story is connected to Ted Staunton’s book Jump Cut, which features Spencer, Bunny’s older brother. Although Scrimger enjoys writing for kids as well as adults, he says writing for a younger audience allows him to access his inner kid, whom his friends can attest is a large and overt part of who he is, he says. “Writing for kids as an audience, it’s pure,” he says. “If they like you, they tell you. If an audience of kids is bored, boy do you know it. “If an audience of adults is bored you might not know it because they’re awfully polite. When you can please an audience of kids there’s a sense of genuineness.”

“I like to build the depth, the darkness behind my comedy.”

DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 31

Business Directory help wanted

Cont. from Page 25

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Network Network AUTOMOTIVE Vehicle buyers are ONLY protected by OMVIC and Ontario consumer protection laws when they buy from registered dealers. There’s no protection if you buy privately and you risk becoming victim of a curbsider. To verify dealer registration or seek help with a complaint: www.omvic.on.ca or 1-800-943-6002.

VACATION/TRAVEL

Saturday, Dec. 15 A “Shining Night” of Singing, VOCA Chorus of Toronto, Eastminster United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. 7:30 p.m. The 75-voice VOCA Chorus of Toronto presents seasonal songs of light, featuring rousing wassails, 16th century classics, African carols with percus-

Friday, Dec. 21 “Messiah” Amadeus Choir & Ontario Philharmonic, Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. 8 p.m. A great way to get in the spirit of the holiday season as you experience the glorious sounds of this choral marvel Ontario Philharmonic Amadeus Choir. Jennifer Taverner, soprano LeighAnne Martin, alto Zach Finkelstein, tenor Justin Welsh, baritone. $25–45. www. ontariophil.ca. Saturday, Dec.22 Christmas Sing-Along, Pierre Berton Resource Library, 4921 Rutherford Road. 2 p.m. Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way to the library. Join our festivities including Christmas songs, rhymes and activities. Free.

For more information contact your local newspaper.

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.

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Chanukah Concert Live! Toronto Public Library/ Toronto Jewish Folk Choir, Barbara Frum Library, 20 Covington Rd. 8 p.m. The Toronto Jewish Folk Choir returns with lively Chanukah songs and songs from its current repertoire in Yiddish, Hebrew, Ladino and English. Free, but call 416395-5440 to register.

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Last minute ideas

Stuck?

The Yetitoy, a ride-on fantasy creature by Prince Lionheart, is suitable for kids 2–6 years old. It comes in a variety of bright colours and can be customized with accessories including horns, ears and a saddle. $140. princelionheart.com

Seven things to add to your shopping list

T

By Ann Ruppenstein is the season of giving. But if you’ve made your list and checked it twice, and still have nice people left to shop for, consider these gift ideas:

The natural elements mini collection by contemporary, lifestyle fashion collections brand Spanner offers cozy, comfortable and warm pieces like the eternity scarf in blush/charcoal and a long cable knit cardigan, which is also available in grey mélange. $49–119. spanner.ca

Specialty lingerie retailer Linea Intima has a wide selection of offerings for women this holiday season, including the Ari Dein taupe pink chemise, which is hand crafted in Manhattan of 100 percent silk. $395. lineaintima.com

Shaped like an owl, this rockin’ plush speaker is not only cozy but has a speaker on each side and a front pouch pocket fit to hold an iPhone or MP3 player. $87. pbteen.com

Designed in stainless steel and black or white crystal minerals, this shimmer and shine astound set of three bangles is a part of the Calvin Klein jewellery collection. $130. calvinklein.com

For a gift that gives back, Habitat for Humanity’s gift from the heart catalogue offers an opportunity to give friends and family a donation that helps build Habitat homes in Toronto ranging from $16 for a screwdriver set to $5,000 for the trusses and shingles of an entire home. torontohabitat.ca

Inspire, evolve, create, love, heal. Detailed with an inscription in flowing cursive, this bold inspirational sentimental bangle makes a positive statement. $57. pbteen.com

DECEMBER 2012 VAUGHAN ToDAY 33

F

’

Gifts from our backyard

GTA treats

F

Gross-abulary Never has vocabulary been so fun — and gross. Part word game, part trivia game, Gross-abulary, which is produced by Toronto-based recreational games company BE Inc., makes use of boogers, farts and body parts to appeal to the whole family. By combining picture and word cards together to make sentences, players expand their vocabulary while finding out about strange and zany facts. $25. grossabulary.com

Nine great present ideas created close to home

By Ann Ruppenstein orget the 100-mile diet. We’ve found some great gift ideas made and designed within 100-miles of the GTA. Naughty or nice, keep it local this holiday season with these options fit for the chocoholic, fashionista, avid reader and naturalist on your Christmas shopping list.

Valentine K These cozy Valentine K cashmere sweaters by Leaside-based designer Lauren McLachlan blend comfort with style for the fashionista on your holiday shopping list. The leather embellishments adorning every top are hand picked and unique to each sweater. The pullovers and cardigans are available in an assortment of colours including grey, navy, purple and dusty pink. $325–425. valentinekdesigns.com

Lovefresh Beach resident Stacey Davis’ line of all-natural products including body lotions, body scrubs, sugar scrubs and body washes will not only pamper someone special, they also fit nicely in a stocking. Lovefresh uses fresh ingredients and natural essential oils to create scents such as vanilla, pink grapefruit & tangerine, key lime coconut, pomegranate and naked, the newly released unscented option. See story on page 9. $20–30 each. lovefresh.com

Lila’s Cocos Lila Sarafian’s hand-rolled dark chocolate truffles are made from a 100-year old family recipe passed down through generations of chocolatiers. Lila’s Cocos are made in North York with fresh cocoa, honey, egg yolk, butter, sugar and vanilla. These gluten and nut free treats can be given away as gifts or served to guests — and unexpected visitors. See story on page 10. $15–25. lilascocos.com

Ela

Bel Ami The handmade sweetheart bow headband designed by Toronto-based Erin Fitzpatrick is a party perfect piece for girls of all ages and comes in a variety of colours including scarlet. “This style is our most popular seller over the holiday season because it makes a great stocking stuffer,” says Fitzpatrick, the founder and CEO of Bel Ami School Headbands. $15. schoolheadbands.com

Seven Seven Canadian authors, including Toronto-based Richard Scrimger and Norah McClintock, teamed up to simultaneously release a series of seven books for young adults. The resulting Seven collection can be purchased and read individually or as a box set and range in genre from history to mystery and comedy. Each story is the tale of one of David McLean’s seven grandsons who are left with an unusual will outlining seven tasks. See story on page 30. $60. orcabook.com/seventheseries

34 VAUGHAN ToDAY DECEMBER 2012

Although these bags are made in Spain, designer and co-founder Ela Kowalewska is based in Toronto. Whether it’s a clutch, pouch or tote bag, the Ela collection, which is available at Holt Renfrew, is a stylish and colourful choice suited for a fashionable woman to receive this time of year and enjoy year round. $298–418. elabyela.com

Niki & Lola Husband and wife duo Angie Tingas and Michael Proteau are behind the Niki & Lola line of one-of-a-kind hand crafted jewellery, which is made of mixed metals and semi-precious stones. Named after their daughters, their collection offers stylish items like the agny spear and the polygonia bangle, which will complete any outfit. $120–190. nikiandlola.com

Damn Heels The damn glamorous collection by Damn Heels by Leaside resident Hailey Coleman is designed to look like a corset. The twotone colours dress feet up for the holidays and are available in Champagne Gold, Black Diamond and Gunmetal Glitz. Teenagers and women alike will enjoy the feel of a comfortable flat in the look of a heeled shoe. These sleek shoes come in sizes 6 through 10. $55. damnheels.com

The Humidor Cigar Company 3883 Highway 7 Unit #3

Woodbridge (highway 7 & Nova Star) 905.264.2623

Humidors, lighters, cutters, pipes, ashtrays, pens and more can be found at The Humidor Cigar Co.

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