The Holiday 2021 Issue Of Modern Mississauga Media's Interactive Digital Magazine by Modern Mississauga Media

Holiday 2021 | modernmississauga.com

A Time To Celebrate CHRISTMAS EVENTS ARTS

FOOD & DRINK

LIFESTYLE

SHOPPING LOCAL MONEY

TECHNOLOGY

SIGNS ITS THE HOLIDAYS MOTORING

TRAVEL

Enjoy the Holiday Season

Now Accepting New Members No previous fitness experience required

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the north beckons.

cabinnord.com @cabinnord

It pays to stay VISITMISSISSAUGA.CA

Book a 2 nights stay in Mississauga this season, and receive a $100 VISA Prepaid gift card as our gift to you! Start planning your trip today at VisitMississauga.ca Conditions Apply. See Terms & Conditions for full details.

Live your best life, together. Parkland on the Glen's Lifestyle Residences are designed to let you choose your level of carefree living with flexible packages to meet your dining, housekeeping and transportation needs. With a variety of lifestyle options including short-term stays in beautifully furnished suites, Parkland is where you can live your best life. Our dedicated team members are ready to explore all that Parkland has to offer you and your loved ones.

Book an in-person tour and receive a complimentary meal to-go prepared by our executive chef.* Connect with Grace to learn more! 905-820-8210 or gmiksa@shannex.com *Conditions apply.

1665 The Collegeway, Mississauga | experienceparkland.com/ontheglen

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Elsinore www.splashofcharm.ca info@splashofcharm.ca Furniture and Cabinet Painting Services 12 MODERN MISSISSAUGA | HOLIDAY 2021

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OWNER/PUBLISHER/EDITOR Jay Kana

ART DIRECTOR Elizabeth Wise (Wise Idea)

CONTRIBUTORS Alex Cibiri

Matt Cullen Jane Eshbaugh Corrie Harding-Keizs Natalie Hart Anna Hobbs Jay Kana Elaine Kapogines Jennifer Merrick John Murray Lewis Shane Saunderson Midge Shepherd Steph Wallcraft

ADVERTISING SALES

sales@modernmississauga.com 416.629.5295

FOR ALL OTHER INQUIRIES:

email: info@modernmississauga.com web: modernmississauga.com instagram: @modernmississauga youtube: modern mississauga media facebook: modernmississauga linkedin: modern mississauga media twitter: @mdrnmississauga

All images are licenced under Creative Commons Zero unless otherwise indicated. Cover Photo: Erwan Hesry on Unsplash Table of Contents Photo: Kira Auf der Heide on Unsplash © 2021 Modern Mississauga Media Ltd. All rights reserved.

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in this

ISSUE HOLIDAY 2021

ARTS Artist Profile: Tennyson King Creative Christmas events in our city TRAVEL A Niagara Falls adventure Marvellous Montreal Holiday Valley MOTORING Mississauga’s electric Zamboni 2022 Honda Civic 2021 Nissan Rogue 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV 2021 Chrysler Pacifica FEATURE How to shop local at Christmas

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Holiday Gift Guide 40 LIFESTYLE 9 Signs it’s the Holidays Malton Minutes Habit stack your way to Holiday sucess Presence in solitude The importance of community Courtney Charles and the Raptors 905 are dreaming big TECHNOLOGY Can artificial intelligence replace a human writer? MONEY How to stretch every dollar FOOD & DRINK 3 wonderful wines for the holidays Books for cooks The best homemade chocolate brownie recipe The best shortbread cookie recipe

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Editor's Letter Welcome to the Holiday issue of Modern Mississauga!

It’s been a year of change, optimism, a slow and steady pace toward a modern normal and one of hope. As we embrace the Christmas season, the popular Holiday issue is full of support from our local businesses, well written articles from our remarkable roster of writers and it’s all pieced together by wonder woman herself, Liz Wise. For all the support through this year and the past six, saying thank you seems hardly enough. I’m grateful, appreciative, humbled and astounded at the continuous support from readers, advertising partners and our community. Yes, the media landscape has changed in Mississauga this year and you have my word that the team and I will continue to do our very best to serve you consistently with all of the terrific things Mississauga has to offer. Liz and I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all of our absolute best as we close the books on 2021 and look forward to an exciting, prosperous and terrific 2022. Our very best,

JAY & LIZ

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EVENTS · OUTREACH EDUCATION · EXHIBITIONS www.visualartsmississauga.com SUN THROUGH THE SLIDING DOOR, OIL ON CANVAS, JOHN HUTCHISON MODERN MISSISSAUGA | HOLIDAY 2021

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MODERN ARTIST:

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by jay kana |

photo by savannah bagshaw

In conversation with Mississauga's terrific Tennyson King: 1. HOW WAS 2021 FROM A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE?

4. WHAT WAS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF THE NEW ALBUM?

2. HOW DID THAT IMPACT YOUR ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE SIDE?

5. ASIDE FROM THE NEW ALBUM, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN TO YOU IN 2022 FROM A CAREER ASPECT?

It was a tough year mentally and emotionally. To be doing something I love and worked so hard for, and then to have it all stop abruptly, was sad and challenging. I used the time to re-evaluate my life. I tried to reconnect with my values, the people important to me and the way forward. I tried to discover myself more, beyond the person I am when I perform and entertain. This meant spending time to understand and learn about my roots and culture.

The time I spent on my own growth impacted my creativity in a positive way. It allowed me to refine my message as an artist and what I want to share with people in my music and creativity. Looking deeper into my own roots gave me inspiration for creating music that is influenced by my Chinese culture. Understanding myself has made me confident on who I am as a person and who I want to be as an artist.

3. YOU HAVE A NEW ALBUM COMING OUT IN JANUARY - HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT TO A STRANGER?

My new album ‘Good Company’ was written over the past 4 years on the road playing music and travelling around the world. A blend of folk, pop and blues reminiscent of Jack Johnson and John Mayer. It’s a collection of stories from my life that I’d like to share with you, so you can get to know me better as a person, and ultimately offer you some ‘good company’ because sometimes, that’s all we need.

The most rewarding aspect of the new album is being able to share new music with everyone and to put together a new live performance that I can bring to people all over the world. I worked with amazing talented people on this album such as Juno nominee Ross Hayes Citrullo as my producer and Darcy Yates, bass player of one of my favourite Canadian bands ‘Bahamas’. I am so grateful for the connections music has brought to me.

I would like to get back on the road sharing music in different countries so I can continue to build a stronger connection with everyone through my language of music. I am excited to start writing and creating for my next album.

6. FOR ASPIRATIONAL ARTISTS, WHAT'S YOUR CONCISE ADVICE FOR THEM?

For all the aspiring artists out there, keep it up. Believe in yourself, be confident, work hard, be true to who you are and be kind. Most importantly, do what you do through love and not fear.

tennysonking.com

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FUN & FESTIVE FAMILY EVENTS

IN MISSISSAUGA

LIGHT UP THE SQUARE

AT CELEBRATION SQUARE

THE FESTIVAL OF TREES

AT THE SMALL ARMS INSPECTION BUILDING

November 20th to January 2nd

December 9th to 19th

The City is bringing some sparkle to Celebration Square this year in a brand new festival of lights. Visit the Square to check out four dazzling artworks, including:

• • • •

Prismatica by RAW Design in collaboration with Atomic 3 Carriers by Meghan Cheng Beacon Silo by Chris Foster Candycombs by Monkey C Interactive

While you're at the Square, you can also snap a pic in front of the 40' Christmas tree, go skating on the city's biggest outdoor rink, relax in the rink-side heated patio, grab a tasty food truck treat, and more.

JOURNEY INTO ENCHANTMENT

The festival celebrates the joy of the winter season, showcasing displays of seasonal lights, contemporary tree and woodpile art installations, artisan and culinary markets, entertainment and public workshops, at the beautiful, historic venue of the Small Arms Inspection Building. Open to artists’ interpretations, the tree and woodpile installations at the festival will celebrate the winter season and cultural diversity of Mississauga. Artists, postsecondary students, and community groups have come together to present these installations throughout the duration of the festival.

NIGHT MARKET TO FROST BITES

AT SQUARE ONE SHOPPING CENTRE (P3)

AT MEADOWVALE GO STATION

December 17th to 19th

November 25th to January 8th

Located at the Meadowvale GO Station, Journey Into Enchantment is an exciting Christmas drive-thru festival. Featuring over 2 million unique light decorations, animated and 3D interactive displays, a sparking light tunnel and musical lights, this 2km drive route is a must-see experience!

LIGHTS & ICE WINTERFEST

AT PORT CREDIT MEMORIAL PARK

December 3rd to 12th

Celebrating their 25th year, the Mississauga Waterfront Festival is putting on a cool event where Port Credit Memorial Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with ice sculptures and an array of lights. This family friendly and free event welcomes visitors from in and around Mississauga and will have COVID-19 protocols in place for a safer environment.

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Square One Shopping Centre is where you'll find Mississauga's exciting Frost Bites Outdoor Holiday Festival, complete with delicious winter eats. With the support of Tourism Mississauga, this event brings you a sparkling winter forest, a drop-off giant mailbox for letters to Santa and cool holiday vibes all around. ⁠

LIVE CHRISTMAS EVENTS

AT THE LIVING ARTS CENTRE

Various dates in December

The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra proudly presents A Baroque Christmas. It will feature traditional Christmas favourites from the Baroque era, including highlights from Handel's Messiah and Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Corelli's Christmas Concerto, and Christmas Cantatas performed by a full orchestra and a wonderful cast of singers.

Also at the Living arts Centre, experience performances of The Nutcracker, Christmas Tap Convert, A Merry Little Christmas and more

As we slowly and safely progress towards a return to “normal,” this Christmas season in our city offers a variety of both indoor and outdoor fun and festive family events. MAKE YOUR OWN MISSISSAUGA CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Anytime

If you’re more about creating your own experiences and memories outside of the aforementioned, our city has several options. Make the short drive north to take beautiful pictures by the illuminated Malton letters and picturesque backdrop, or centralize in Streetsville to experience their charming Village Square atmosphere. There’s the world famous Marilyn Towers, hundreds of local parks, gorgeous spots along the lake, Riverwood Conservancy, and so many more. Create your own traditions by picking up a hot drink from a local, indie coffee shop and scope out the scenery, walk through one of our many neighbourhoods or even drive around and check out the Christmas lights on houses in our city.

STAY FOR THE WEEKEND With so much to see and do in Mississauga this season, you’ll want to stay the night and take in all the Holiday sights and lights. Whether you live locally, or are visiting friends and family from out of town be sure take advantage of Tourism Mississauga’s exciting staycation campaign called “It Pays To Stay. VisitMississauga.ca”. Simply book two or more nights at any of the over 30 participating local hotels and receive a $100 VISA prepaid gift card to spend across town! For more information on It Pays To Stay or any of these upcoming festive events, go to VisitMississauga.ca or follow Tourism Mississauga on social @VisitMississauga.

Legend... FAMILY FRIENDLY

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H O L I D AY V O YA G E T O NiagaraFa by jennifer merrick |

photos by jennifer merrick

A voyage is usually associated with longer travels, but when a trip truly inspires, the length or distance is inconsequential. Our weekend trip to Niagara Falls, hardly more than an hour’s drive, thrilled and seduced us with its jaw-dropping views, adrenalin-filled adventures, fascinating history and delectable meals. Here were our best voyage-worthy moments:

Visiting the Landscape of Nations Monument at Queenston Heights Park

Getting into the yuletide spirit at the OPG Winter Festival of Lights

Three million lights and 75 displays brilliantly lit up the night sky at Canada’s largest free outdoor festival.

The architectural features of the 1905 limestone building provided the ideal atmospheric backdrop for Currents, an interactive light show. Mesmerizing lights and projected images surrounded us, creatively depicting the wonder of the Falls themselves and the engineering feats that harnessed their tremendous power.

Journeying behind the Falls

BLunching at the historic Old Stone Inn

Travelling at 65 kms an hour, over 2,800 cubic metres of water gush over the brink every second. We sensed this awesome power at the iconic Niagara attraction, Journey Behind the Falls.

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Atop the Niagara escarpment, high above the Niagara River, is one of the most important battle sites of the War of 1812. Indigenous groups played a significant, yet under-recognized role, in this seminal event, and this tribute pays homage to their contribution. Here, it was easy to find inspiration in the artistic and meaningful design of this commemoration as well as in the unparalleled views from the top of the cliffs.

Immersing ourselves in electrifying history at the Niagara Parks Power Station

Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Restaurant, located in this most inviting of historic hotels, served up buttery, melt-in-your-mouth scones and croissants and huge pots of tea and French-pressed coffee.

alls Pairing Niagara wines with locally-sourced menu items at Table Rock House Restaurant

A winning Niagara trifecta at this FeastON-certified restaurant included veal tenderloin, a glass of Cabernet Merlot from Pondview Estate and a view of the illuminated Falls below.

Blissing out at Christienne Fallsview Spa

Between the panoramic views of the Falls in the reception and treatment rooms and an expert masseuse who kneaded out knots I didn’t even know I had, I completely understood why this oasis was rated #1 of 985 spas in Ontario.

Hovering over the Falls on a Niagara Helicopter Tour

The breath-taking aerial view of the 12,000-year-old natural wonder was well worth the butterflies in my stomach when the chopper leaned towards the gorge.

Savouring divine desserts and views at the Skylon Tower

The made-in-house chocolate amaretto torte was worth every calorie and tasted even better with the revolving views of the mist-shrouded Horseshoe and Bridal Veils Falls, complete with rainbows.

Romancing the Falls’ views at the Watermark Restaurant

Situated on the 33rd floor of the Hilton Niagara Falls, this fine-dining establishment was as romantic as they come. Seated at a tuckedaway table with what felt like our own private glass lookout perch, I couldn’t help but wonder how many wedding proposals happened at this very spot. Quite a few it turns out.

Touring stories of freedom

The hairs on my arms stood straight up several times during this Niagara Bound Tours’ excursion led by Lezlie Harper-Wells, which explored the region’s Black history ties. Harper-Wells is a direct descendant of one of the freedom seekers who used the Underground Railroad to escape slavery in the mid-19th century. Personal family anecdotes and her extensive historical knowledge gave us an intimate and passionate view of this history, as we visited crossing points, a cemetery and important landmarks. “The stories I tell are about what we’ve done and rising up,” she said. “I want them to inspire.” And that’s exactly what they did.

www.niagarafallstourism.com

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Exper by jay kana |

photos by jennifer merrick

Before our world changed in early 2020, I travelled frequently, mostly by car due to my extreme fondness of road trips. The pandemic put the brakes on that for almost a year and as we slowly and safety emerge into a modern version of “normal,” travel is taking off again.

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riencing Europe by way of marvellous Montreal I’ve been double vaccinated since June 20th, the first day of summer, and after many local Ontario road trips, I was ready to go further. How much further? Montreal, which is one of my favourite places to experience. I’ve been several times before and this time, my theme was experiencing Europe via The City Of A Hundred Steeples, as Mark Twain called it. Here’s how I enjoyed Montreal’s European flavours and flair over a few days with my travelling companion being an all-new 2022 Honda Civic. The nearly 600 km short drive from Mississauga to Montreal was done with ease. A morning departure should have you there before rush hour, leaving you more time to enjoy and explore the city. I checked into the Willam Gray Hotel, in the heart of Old Montreal and was warmly greeted. The hotel is distinguished by its charm and elegance, creating a balance between modern design and notable, historic architecture. The central location makes for easy accessibility to everything Old Montreal based and my room was intimate,

elegant and the ideal place to recharge each night. Bonus marks for having a multi-jet shower and being one of Trip Advisors best 25 hotels in Canada for 2021. The on-site restaurant, Maggie Oakes, is a delightful and convenient choice for dinner after a day of driving. Known for their dazzling array of dry aged meats and plethora of wine options, it’s easy to see and taste why they’re one of the city’s best steakhouses. There’s no bad menu option and with just enough of a variety without being overwhelming, it’s easy to enjoy the atmosphere and savoury steaks. After a sound sleep, the next morning saw me slowly stroll the charming cobblestone streets as I soaked in the old world vibe in a modern setting. From quaint shops, bistros and boutiques, vivacious views from both street level and the Grande Roue ferris wheel, art stores, to walking along Rue Saint-Paul, it’s easy to fill your camera with memories. The European inspiration is easy to spot throughout from the architecture to the feel and of course, the aforementioned cobblestone.

continued...

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continued... A short walk from the hotel will land you at Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, both a national historic site and the birthplace of Montréal. On display until January 9th, 2022. Is the interesting and intriguing Italian Montreal exhibit. With Italian influence deeply interspersed throughout Montreal, this exhibit takes a deep dive into their contributions to various aspects of life are illustrated in current-day Montreal. From culture, traditions, values, customs, social, economic and many more facets, this is a wonderful way of exploring the history and journeys of many Italo-Montrealers. Between hundreds of artifacts, interactive displays and pieces of living history, it’s an engaging way to trace the roots of this wave of oldest and largest cultural communities in Montreal. Marché de la Villette is a short walk away once you’ve wrapped up your Italian Montreal visit. Founded in 1999, this cozy restaurant has a family feel and European vibe to it. The friendly chatter of guests, warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with oh-sodelicious menu offerings solidify why this is one of the marquee dining destinations. I could eat their French Onion Soup, Poutine and Club Sandwich for days and days. The few hours in between saw me continue to wander the streets of Old Montreal,

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If you’re looking for a taste of Europe but don’t want to fly across the Atlantic to get it, Montreal has you covered. soaking in the charm and ambiance of this blend of old and modern worlds. Part of the reason Montreal will always be in my preferred list of destinations is how, in a bustling city, they’ve found a way to preserve their roots and create the feeling of a historic, enamouring setting. The views, the photography inspirations, the simplicity and overall enchantment are like that of no other place in Canada.

Dinner time!

In what should be a surprise to nobody, I love food, specifically chicken wings. Dining at Montreal’s, Bird Bar located in gorgeous Griffintown, this new fried chicken style restaurant blends mouth watering food, splendid service and a trendy yet approachable dining area. Using organic and local ingredients as much as possible only adds to their allure. They also do champagne pairings for that extra added touch. The menu is diverse and has an eco-forward philosophy via conscious cooking, their fried foods are freshly prepared and boast 40-60% less grease absorption. Ask about their vegan, lactose and gluten free options. Brasseur de Montreal is a wonderful way to wrap up your evening. This microbrewery pours lovely local beer with over a dozen offerings and is one of the largest craft breweries in the city. Utilizing traditional techniques, everything is crafted on site and of course, pairs perfectly with their comfort food menu offerings. Poutines, fish and chips, Shepherd’s Pie are highlights of an all-around marvellous menu. In a repeat performance from the night before, I had another wonderful sleep session at the William Gray Hotel in preparation for being on my feet for a few hours via a walking tour of Little Italy. I drove to Jean-Talon Market, quickly and easily parked underground and met my astoundingly knowledgable tour guide, Laura Polisena at the main entrance. We walked through the Piccola Italia area north of Mile End that’s basking with Italian culture and influence.

A few key points here: I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never had a “cronut” until my visit. A huge thank you to la Cornetteria for fixing that for me. The coffee at Caffe Italia, a fourth generation coffee shop, served me one of the absolute best cups of coffee I’ve had in years. Pasticceria Alati-Caserta provided me a world-class cannoli… the amount of self-control it took not to eat 4 dozen is remarkable. Casa D’Italia is teeming with history and in fact, Laura spent a fair bit of time there herself in her youth. It was a wonderful few hours together where she shared her personal experiences, knowledge of the area and interesting anecdotes, all of which contributed to a highly recommended experience you should engage in with her. If you’re looking for a taste of Europe but don’t want to fly across the Atlantic to get it, Montreal has you covered. The food, atmosphere, charm, architecture, history, attractions and the overall sense of being whisked away to a different continent make Montreal the best route to take. To plan your experience, visit mtl.org Also, their Twitter account is run by a remarkable team that engages with their online community, so tag them in all your Tweets via @montreal For a full review on the 2022 Honda Civic I drove, flip to page 34 to watch the video and learn why it’s one of my favourite new cars.

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OH CANADA!

We Missed You! WELCOME

BACK TO ELLICOTTVILLE

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR SPECIAL CANADIAN PACKAGES

6557 Holiday Valley Rd. | Elicottville, NY 14731 | 716-699-2345

holidayvalley.com

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Holiday Valley Resort Ellicottville, New York

Welcome back, Canada! by jane eshbaugh

Holiday Valley breathed a huge sigh of relief on November 8th when the US border was reopened to Canadians. “Since March of 2020 we have been missing our Canadian friends, “said Dennis Eshbaugh, President of Holiday Valley. “Ever since the 1950’s when Ellicottville skiers would make their annual trek to Mont Saint-Sauveur in Quebec, Canadians have been important to the culture of Holiday Valley and Ellicottville. We are so glad to have the border reopened!” If you’re a frequent Holiday Valley visitor you’ll see many new improvements. We’ve just finished building the new Yodeler Express, a high speed quad that replaces the fixed grip quad. Ego Alley has been improved and Ego Glades were expanded. The new lift

is a super smooth and quick ride, yet it is so much easier to load and unload. But if you’ve never been to this wonderful place that’s just an hour south of the Peace Bridge you will find an authentic village and a resort that welcomes you. The resort’s 60 slopes and 13 lifts are spread over four different mountain faces with pockets of interesting terrain hidden throughout. Four glades range in challenge from mild to wild. Kid-size moguls are on the moderately pitched Morning Star Slope and grownup sized moguls are found on Chute and Foxfire. Five terrain parks fill the need for air and tricks. And the Holiday Valley Tubing Park and Mountain Coaster are fun activities for all. The Tamarack Club and the Inn at Holiday

Valley offer slopeside access, indoor/outdoor heated pools, and hot tubs. Slope side and nearby condominiums have additional bedrooms and kitchens. Weekday lift and lodging packages include free lift tickets for up to two children. The Ellicottville Oasis Spa is located in the Tamarack Club, as is the lively John Harvard’s Brew House and restaurant. Shopping is delightful in the welcoming Village of Ellicottville with specialty ski and snowboard shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. For lodging information and reservations call 1-800-323-0020 or go online to www.holidayvalley.com.

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Come visit us in store and enjoy Planted Souls' unique one stop plant shopping experience. You can expect to find a variety of carefully curated houseplants, planters, plant themed accessories, home decorations, and anything that a plant lover would be interested in.

Commercial & Residential Plant Consulting (Virtual or In Person) Don’t know where to start? Let us work with you to style, offer advice and help you create and enjoy your interior plants. We will take into account the sunlight, climate and size of your space. We select plants that fit within these requirements and offer you a detailed list. For your existing plants, we can discuss any problems you're facing, details on how to manage pests, repotting and arranging your plants. info@plantedsouls.com plantedsouls.com 555 Lakeshore Rd E., Mississauga

@Planted_Souls

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mississauga's new e l e c t r i c by jay kana |

photo by jay kana

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It’s not only cars that are available as electric vehicles (EV) in the modern world; zambonis are getting in on the action. The City of Mississauga very recently introduced eight EV Zambonis for local arenas this season as part of their plan to replace all 22 gasoline ones over the next decade. Moving forward, they’ll be replacing two gasoline machines with EV ones each year. Currently, the Model 650 zambonis are in use at Iceland, Meadowvale 4 Rinks, Paramount Fine Foods Centre, Tomken Twin Arena and Erin Mills Twin Arena. Here’s everything you need to know about Mississauga is charging forward with these new machines that will reduce their Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 832 tonnes (equivalent of 255 cars) once all 22 EV zambonis are on the fleet: 1. What size battery does it use? 735 AH 2. How long does it take to charge from 0 to 100% From depleted to 100% - 10-12 hours. Although, the battery should never be brought to 0%. 3. How long does it take to charge from 0 to 80% From depleted to 80% - 8-10 hours. 4. What type of chargers can be used? (Level 1, 2, 3) Only the chargers supplied with the machine are to be used. 600V/20A with NEMA L17-30 plug attached. 5. What's the range in kilometres? It’s dependent on the depth of cut but on average, 20+ km. Note that opportunity charging allows for charging between use for continued use throughout the day. 6. How many kms are in one ice resurfacing? Approximately 1.21 KM

7. Who manufactured these zamboni EV’s? Crown Battery 8. What's the warranty on the battery? 60 months / 1500 cycle warranty 9. What's being done with the gasoline ones once they're out of service? The oldest machines in the entire fleet are sold, and the others are rotated through other City locations. This review is completed each year to determine what machines make sense to sell, and which ones to move around. 10. How much does it cos per zamboni EV? For 2021, the price was $123,830 each. 11. What's the weight of the gas one and new EV one? Gasoline: Empty 3143 k/ 6930 lbs. With water 4240 kg/9350 lbs. Electric: Empty 4853 kg 10700 lbs. With water 5670 kg 12500 lbs. 12. Did additional charging infrastructure have to be installed in City rinks to accommodate these? No, only electrical hookups were required for the supplied chargers, 2-3 k per facility. 13. What's the lifespan of the battery according to the manufacturer? Dependent on use and maintenance, typically three to seven years. 14. Aside from a battery opposed to a gasoline motor, what other differences are there between the two? The electric machines use AC motors and controls to drastically reduce maintenance. 15. Did operators have to undergo special training to use the EV zambonis? The machine functions essentially the same, but yes, training was provided to facility

operators. Training was also provided to both operators and fleet for battery maintenance and regular machine maintenance. 16. Which two arenas are next to get these EV’s? Carmen Corbasson Community Centre and Port Credit Arena. 17. Which are the last two arenas that will get these? It’s Not determined yet (see question #9) but they will be single pad arenas with the least usage. The spare machines will be the last ones replaced as they are used the least. 18. Does it take the same amount of time to resurface ice with the EV? Yes. Machine speed is a critical component of making great ice. 19. Will each arena have two machines? Dependent on the facility and number of ice pads. It’s one machine for every two ice pads but a few facilities have spares. For example, Iceland (a four pad arena) has three machines onsite. The spare is still natural gas due to limited usage but will eventually be replaced. Spare machines are used throughout the City but stored at facilities with available space and the highest usage in case they have a breakdown. 20. What's the first day these will be in use? First use was actually at Iceland Arena March of 2020, but due to the pandemic, were hardly utilized as there were limited to no bookings. Since then, we had acquired more electric machines. 21. On a full charge, how many ice resurfacing can be done? Approximately 25.

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2022 Honda Civic

2021 Nissan Rogue

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modern MOTO RING

2022 Kia Sorento PHEV

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Karen Ras

City & Regional Councillor, Ward 2

www.karenras.ca karen.ras@mississauga.ca Tel: 905.896.5200 Karen Ras 36 MODERN MISSISSAUGA | HOLIDAY 2021

| @RasWard2

Stephen

Mississauga Ward 1 Councillor

DASKO Our Community is our Home

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You! 300 City Centre Drive, 3rd Floor Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1 Telephone: 905-896-5100 Mobile: 647-289-2922 stephen.dasko@mississauga.ca @DaskoWard1 www.StephenDasko.ca MODERN MISSISSAUGA | HOLIDAY 2021 37

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shop local

how to smartly As we slowly and steadily return to our new version of “normal,” continuing to support our nearly 100,000 local businesses is as important as ever, especially this Christmas season and into the new year. Yes, vaccination rates are rising and restrictions are easing. However, to ensure our small business community stays with us, it’s important to sustain our support for all things local. Visit mississaugamade.ca as your launching point and utilize this vast resource. It supports and promotes local Mississauga products, businesses, artists, stories, activities and experiences within our community. It’s a centralized hub for everything Mississauga so residents, visitors or fellow businesses can easily shop local, source local and support local. The site includes an easy to use marketplace that’s free for local businesses to sign up for, further showing the commitment the city has to supporting our business community.

they have on the go. These BIAs are a key component to supporting businesses within their boundaries, and our local neighbourhoods.

Hear ye, hear ye

Telling your family and friends via phone call, in person or text about some or all of your favourite local businesses a smart way to endorse them and potentially help that business get new customers. The exponential effect could be far reaching, and it can start with you.

Get social

From there, here are additional ways to smartly shop local:

Take what you just read and apply it to these businesses social media pages. As potential customers research a new small businesses, reading reviews and reviewing their social accounts can be highly influential. Take the couple of minutes and write a personalized review, sign up for their newsletter, follow/like their social pages (every “like” counts) and consider putting up a post on your social channels to let your network know about your positive experiences.

Buy local gift cards

Use your social platform

Picking up gift cards from local businesses helps them today by increasing their cash flow, which is the lifeblood for all businesses. Buying now increases their chances of being here later.

Support your local BIA

Connect with all five Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) across Mississauga (Clarkson Village, Cooksville, Malton, Port Credit, Streetsville) to see what incentives/campaigns

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It’s one thing to support our local businesses social media pages and since you’re on it, utilize your own social platforms to spread the word. Whether it’s a picture or video about your excellent experience or “I finally found this cool item at a local shop,” leverage your network to boost our valued small business community. Remember to use the hashtag #MississaugaMade on your posts and happy holiday shopping!

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n o s a e s e ! h t y t' is et gift g o t

STASH TEA With six new flavours available in Ontario, Stash Tea is enhancing excitement to the tea world. The additions are Blueberry Superfruit, Double Bergamot Earl Grey, Lemon Ginger, Licorice Spice, Peppermint Spice, and Dragon Red Chai. With these being part of their150 flavours available, there’s certainly something for everyone.

stashtea.com

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E D I U G T ZESTSPOT MINERAL B FRYING PAN

The Zestspot Round Fry Pan is a modern design with a long ergonomic handle. The de Buyer Carbon Steel Mineral B collection is made of 99% iron and 1% carbon. These carbon steel pans are as slippery as a brand new non-stick with better a sear and without any synthetic coating. Protected with their signature beeswax finish, your pan will withstand oxidation during shipment and help with the seasoning process. A lifetime warranty allows these pans to pass on for generations. The more you use it, the better it performs. The darker they become the better the non-stick.

zestspot.com

DRINKMATE HOME BEVERAGE CARBONATOR The Drinkmate home beverage carbonator is the only home beverage carbonator that can carbonate any beverage from juice, tea, water, and even wine and spirits, making it very versatile. It’s safe, quick and easy to operate, and its patented “Fizz Infuser” technology makes it safe and simple to use. Drinkmate is powered by food grade CO2 gas and all brands of 60L CO2 cartridges work with it. Empty CO2 cylinders are easily exchanged through Drinkmate's convenient online exchange program. Its small footprint and no-electricity/batteries needed operation, it's ideal for backyards, kitchens, or on-the-go.

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SUMMER FRESH Summer Fresh is here all year round with a wide selection of party-perfect products sure to please any guest. From best-sellers like the Roasted Garlic Topped Hummus to limited-edition offerings like the Cranberry Bruschetta and Pecorino Dip, there really is something for everyone. With their versatile nature, you can use these products on their own, as a topping, or add a unique flavour to a multitude of recipes.

summerfresh.com

JACKSON FAMILY WINES Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay An award-winning California wine with a rich and buttery flavour. The versatility of this wine makes it an excellent gift for your host or hostess to give thanks! La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Features aromas of boysenberry, cherry, and sweet tobacco, followed by flavours of raspberry, blackberry, and cherry. Pairing well with a turkey dinner, this wine is perfect for serving at your next harvest season feast.

jacksonfamilywines.com

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FOOD HUGGERS Food Huggers are reusable wraps that preserve leftover fruits and vegetables without having to use disposable plastic bags, cling wrap or aluminum foil. They slip on and off easily, keeping perishables fresher, longer. Made with food-grade silicone, they are 100% BPA- and phthalate-free. The silicone food savers by Food Huggers are an innovative alternative to zip-top bags, plastic food storage containers, plastic wrap, aluminum foil and wax paper Packages come with five circledshaped food savers in various sizes that can seal tomatoes, cucumbers, lemons, onions, and more. They also seal onto glass jars, cans and bowls too. They’re dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.

fooddhuggers.com

GRETZKY ESTATE’S HAT TRICK OF LIQUORS Maple Canadian Cream The smooth and well balanced No.99 Red Cask Whisky are blended with farm-fresh Canadian cream that comes straight from the farm with natural flavours. As soon as the cream has arrived, it’s and blended, then the cream liquor is then bottled and ready to be enjoyed. Serve chilled straight up or on the rocks. Use it as a mix in your favourite desserts, coffee or fancy drinks. Salted Caramel Cream ‘Tis the season for sweet treats. Opposites attract when salty meets sweet, the perfect union. To craft this delicious beverage, Wayne Gretzky Distillery No.99 Red Cask Whisky is blended with local, 100% fresh Ontario cream and natural flavours. The aromas and flavours of this cream liquor excite the palate with rich notes of melted caramel, sweet cream and a hint of marshmallow and milk chocolate. Maple Cask Whiskey At first swirl of the glass look for top notes of caramelized maple syrup, baked nut loaf and cereal grains, then additional notes of baked apple, dark raisin and sweet oak emerge. The mouthfeel is smooth, round and rich, with a touch of sweetness, along with deep notes of spice, oak and toffee. The finish is long and lingering with a smooth texture, a hint of sweetness and flavours of candied nut, spice and caramelized maple syrup.

gretzkyestateswines.com

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CUISIPRO 10 PIECE SOFT-TOUCH ALUMINIUM COOKWARE SET The Cuisipro Soft-Touch Aluminum Cookware Set brings a streamlined design and comfort to home cooking. Ergonomic Soft-Touch handles offer comfort while cooking and domed glass lids allow for self-basting and viewing of food while cooking. The aluminum body distributes and retains heat evenly for more consistent cooking, while the 2-layer Whitford non-stick coating easily releases food from the cooking surface. It’s suitable for gas, electric, ceramic and halogen and oven safe up to 320°F/160°C. The set includes a 1.5L and 2.5L sauce pot, 2.75L and 4.75L casserole pot, and an 8’ and 9.5” fry pans.

cuisipro.com

BUSHWICK KITCHEN

Angry Orchard and Bushwick Kitchen have launched three new Angry Orchard inspired hot sauces; Crisp Apple Jalapeno, Peach Mango Scotch Bonnet and Strawberry Jalapeno. Peach Mango Scotch Bonnet is a blend of bold spices coriander, cumin, and ginger - and lush peach and mango. Crisp Apple Jalapeno is coming in hot with spicy serrano and jalapeno peppers that is balanced out with everyone’s favorite fruit, apples. Strawberry Jalapeno Hot Sauce combines fresh ruby red pureed strawberries with a red pepper blend of habaneros, jalapenos and their OG gochujang paste for a sauce that brings layers of sweet and smokey heat.

bushwickkitchen.com

THE COMFY This is the one you saw on Shark Tank in 2017 that’s become wildly popular. The Comfy wearable blanket is the world’s first of its kind letting you stay warm and cozy whether you’re at home or on the go. This wearable blanket’s huge, one-size-fits-all design combines an ultrasoft microfiber exterior with a luxurious, sherpa-lined interior to give you warmth and functionality.

thecomfy.com

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ROOMBA J7+ BY IROBOT The new Roomba j7+ is iRobot’s most thoughtful robot vacuum to-date and a collaborative cleaning partner that delivers superior cleaning performance with every mission. The Roomba j7+ is designed to identify obstacles and avoid hazards such as cords and pet waste through PrecisionVision Navigation, making it the perfect gift this holiday season. With Clean Base, you won't have to worry about touching any dirt and dust as it will automatically empty the bin for you, for months at a time. The Roomba j7+ is powered by Genius 3.0, providing new levels of intelligence, personalization and control over your clean. Not only will it learn the floor-plan of your home, but it will adapt to your cleaning preferences and schedule, and will get smarter over time. Click here to easily purchase your Roomba j7+

Available at iRobot.ca - $1049.99

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CLEANCULT Cleancult offers solutions for every room in the home: All Purpose Cleaner, Liquid Hand Soap, Liquid Laundry Detergent, Liquid Dish Soap and more. The brand’s innovative, zero waste refill system is comprised of recyclable, paper-based milk carton refills and stylish, shatter-resistant glass bottles that act as reusable vessels. It's free from harmful chemicals and plastic waste, utilizes highly effective plant-based ingredients, and can save an average household from tossing up to 44 lbs. of plastic into the environment each year.

cleancult.com

NINJA NEVERSTICK COOKWARE Pots & pans just got a whole lot better. Ninja’s Neverstick technology bring the joys of cooking to a new level with pans that sear like stainless steel & bake and brown like a cast iron. Combining ceramic plasma bonding with their unique Neverstick coating, this cookware line up won’t stick, chip or flake. Start your culinary adventure here, with the equipment to elevate your cooking experiences every day.

ninjakitchen.ca

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GALERIE AU CHOCOLAT Made in Canada, Galerie au Chocolat is adding a little indulgence this holiday season with a new, luxurious assortment of chocolate offerings all under $25! Crafted and perfected for more than 35 years, their Artisan and Fairtrade holiday collection is made with the finest, high quality, gourmet ingredients. Manufactured in Montreal, Galerie au Chocolat is dedicated to producing ultra-premium quality chocolate that is all natural, non-GMO, peanut-free, kosher, and their dark chocolates are suitable for a vegan lifestyle.

galerieauchocolat.ca

SHARK S7000C STEAM & SCRUB ALL-IN-ONE SCRUBBING AND SANITIZING HARD FLOOR STEAM MOP The Shark Steam & Scrub scrubbing and sanitizing* steam mop gently scrubs and sanitizes* all at once. The combination of steam and rotating pads delivers up to 2x better stuck-on stain removal vs. traditional steam mops** on sealed hard floors. This deeper cleaning removes layers of dust, residue, grease, and bacteria while providing chemical-free sanitization. The chemical-free sanitization that removes up to 99.9% of bacteria, the automatic scrubbing mop head with rotating pads delivers over 150 scrubs per minute, providing an effortless glide and a smooth cleaning experience, and it’s designed for all sealed hard floors: hardwood, marble, tile, and stone.

sharkclean.ca

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9 SIGNS IT'S THE by john murray lewis |

photo by erin mckenna on unsplash

Wondering if it's the Holidays? Put down that calendar, aka "the Devil's Horoscope"! Just look for these nine indisputable signs. 1. Aunt Myrtle is back in town.

When you wake up to the chittering sound of pointed teeth and the feeling of stale breath on your face; when, gripping the sheets, you force your eyes open, only to catch a fleeting glimpse of a malformed shadow beneath the window; then count your lucky stars, because when Aunt Myrtle returns from her trip through the cosmic void, it can mean only one thing: the Holidays are here, baby! Remember to leave out a saucer of one part cat food, two parts English toffee so she knows it's safe to burrow through an electrical outlet and live between your walls.

2. Gifts start appearing under the tree.

Consider this a twofer -- you should have realized something was up the minute a tree started growing through your floor. If you somehow failed to get the message (pandemic life is crazy, we get it), there's no way you can miss the oddly-shaped, brightly-wrapped boxes growing from its roots like abominable tubers. Once puddles of dark, rank liquid begin forming beneath the gifts, you know the good times are about to begin! Just make sure they've finished leaking before you pick them. Your friends will thank you.

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3. Doug Ford is taking a well-earned vacation.

Just kidding. Doug Ford shows up to work like four days a year, max. His presence at Queen's Park is completely useless for determining if it's the Holidays, and everything else.

4. Your family starts giving you "the look."

You know the one: lips moistened, tummies rumbling, eyes glistening as they picture you marinating in your own juices at an even 350 degrees for three to four hours. If you are a turkey who, through a series of increasingly unlikely misunderstandings, acquired a human spouse and children, there's no surer sign that the Holidays are upon us!

5. COVID cases are on the rise.

What's to blame -- poor planning? Incomprehensible public health policies? Willful blindness? Unchecked personal and political hubris? Yes. Nothing says "the Holidays" like breathing deeply of each other's germ-ridden air before kicking-off 2022 with another lockdown. Let's do this!

6. All of your childhood favourites are back on Netflix.

Booted up Netflix lately and noticed that the usual selection of Korean dramas and 90s reboots nobody asked for have been replaced by more festive fare? That's a good sign that the Holidays are right around the corner. Gremlins, Die Hard 2, Halloween, season 3 of Kung Fu: The Legend Continues... now that's a marathon I wouldn't mind running!

E Holidays 7. Mariah Carey has emerged from her chrysalis.

It's one of nature's most mesmerizing sights: once a year, on the cusp of the Holiday season, Mariah Carey claws her way out of the chrysalis in which she has spent the last 11 months. Once dry, she flexes her unique sound-producing membranes to serenade onlookers with her characteristic song. Then, when the Holidays have passed, Mariah will liquefy herself inside a new chrysalis until it's time for next year's royalty cheques. Nature is truly miraculous!

8. It's Black Friday at Uncle Lou's Discount Tooth and Bone Emporium!

Completely renovated following that unfortunate incident

with Aunt Myrtle, Uncle Lou's is back and better than ever! That's right, the pandemic may have kicked us in the teeth but make no bones about it -- this Mississauga institution has the selection, expertise and low prices to meet your every osteological need! Femur got you down? Grab a few more! Feeling a little humerus instead? Got those too. While you're here, trade in a few phalanges or browse our expansive selection of second-hand molars. Find us beneath the full moon on a clear, cold evening in abandoned lots throughout the city. We'll be waiting!

9. Despite everything, your heart is filled with joy.

Sounds bad. You should probably get that checked.

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MALTON MINUTES by natalie hart |

photo by jay kana

The start of winter always brings a bit of magic along with the first snowfall. This year Malton will once again have a light display at Paul Coffey Park, the trees behind the Malton Letters will be lit for the season and decorated with huge snowlflakes. The Malton sign makes an impressive photo backdrop if you are looking for that special spot. Speaking of photo spots! Westwood Square Mall will offer 6 photo backdrop spots in the Mall for those who prefer an indoor photo. Please make sure to distance while you take your photos and share them online with the hashtag #EnjoyLocalMississauga as a part of the ShopLocalMississauga.Ca campaign across the whole city.

Shopping local is more important than ever, and Malton offers so many choices! From Jewelry, Fabrics, Food options galore there is something for everyone. Did you know we even have our very own museum? Check out the Sikh Heritage Museum for a different day trip with the family. What is your favorite hidden Malton Gem? Need a well-earned holiday but not ready to travel? Mississauga has you covered for that too check out https://www. visitmississauga.ca/paystostay for how to be rewarded for your local staycation plans. Best of all you can use that reward anyway you wish! Light represents a common theme across many of the holidays celebrated here in Malton, from Diwali, Kwanzaa, Hannukah and more that’s why we choose to decorate

with light wherever we can. Food is another major part of many celebrations if you are able, please consider supporting one of the area Food Banks like Seva or Mount Zion with donations at this time of year.

ARE YOU A BUSINESS OWNER? The holidays can be stressful, but it is important to take care of your self and your business. There are a number of free programs to support you at this time click on the links to find out how you can register for these: Business Watch Shop Local Mississauga Digital Main Street

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holiday celebrations

Across December by natalie hart |

photo by robert thiemann on unsplash

Most of us are very familiar with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. From decorated trees, plates of cookies for Santa and stockings to stuff we see lots of movies, images and songs to provide Christmas Cheer all month long. But what about some other happenings in December? Do you know what they mean? For instance, Boxing Day was initially about a day to give gifts to those in need in your community. Now that would be a nice tradition to bring back for 2021! Another holiday that occurs is New Years Eve! Did you know that in Japan it is called Omisoka and traditions include cleaning the house, and eating a special noodle dish called “Toshikoshi Soba” (年越しそば, “year-passing buckwheat noodles”) that promises a long life when eaten on New Year's Eve Another holiday that includes many food symbols is Kwanzaa which lasts for 7 Days and has 7 key symbols. The seven symbols displayed during Kwanzaa represent the community values: a straw mat as the community's foundation; fruits and vegetables to represent

abundance and corn to symbolize growth and prosperity; a cup for sharing; a Kinara or candle holder for seven candles; and homemade gifts to represent creativity and purpose. The seventh symbol comprises the candles; three red, three green and a black candle to represent the colours of the Pan-African flag symbolizing unity among African people. The holiday begins December 26th. Light of course plays a role in so many festivals at this time of year including Hanukkah an 8 day festival of lights this year starting on November 28th. Traditionally one candle is lit each night, gifts are exchanged, special foods like Latkes are enjoyed and games are played with a dreidel (spinning top). Not to be missed is one (or more we aren’t judging) sufganiyot ( jelly donut)! If none of these are your jam, there is always the winter wonderland themes of lights, snowmen, and sledding. Hot Chocolate anyone?

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HABIT STACK YOUR WAY TO

HOLIDAY SUCCESS

This is the time of year when many people get anxious and worried about their diet and exercise routines and the potential impacts the holiday season can have on them. Like everyone else I find this time of the year more challenging to navigate than usual, but there are a few things you can do to not only maintain but also make progress over the next few weeks. Habit stacking is a powerful method that helps a lot of people intentionally take control of their daily routines by appending new actions onto pre-existing habits. Who knew that taking advantage of your old-habits could be so useful, right? The habit stacking formula is simply as follows:

After or Before [pre-existing habit], I will [desired new habit].

“We don't rise to the level

of our goals; we fall to the level of our habits.” – James Clear

Here are some examples of how you can use this to your advantage this holiday season: • After I make coffee every morning I will spend 90 seconds stretching my lower body • After I get home from work I will immediately change into workout clothes and head to the gym • After I put on my running shoes I’ll text a buddy how long I plan on running for today • After I make tea in the evening I’ll sit down and read 10 pages of a book with no distractions You can use habit stacking to level up things you’re already doing (i.e. workout more often) or add in things you’d like to begin doing (i.e. reading physical books). Now that you get the idea, go through your daily habits, pinpoint a few things you’d like to be consistent with and stack your way to success!

By Alex Cibiri, Element CrossFit Passionately improving the lives of those around him through an uncannily relatable approach to health and wellness, Element has been a hub in the growth of both CrossFit and the micro-gym industry in Canada. With a focus on creating lasting change through the pursuit of fitness and other meaningful life experiences, Element is changing lives through revolutionized personal and small-group training across both virtual and physical environments.

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! e h t e g o t d e b n i y a st

HoriZen B&B | Leamington, Ontario | www.horizenbnb.com *Inquire about our new Presence in Unity boxes*

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Presence in Solitude

by elaine kapogines

From the moment you step into the entrance of HoriZen Bnb, you feel an instant sense of relaxation. Owners Shelby and Mike Foster have gone to great lengths to create an atmosphere of welcoming and openness inside this Victorian Farmhouse, weaving together historical elements with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. I was lucky enough to have been gifted a two-night stay in The Joy Suite, complete with queen-sized bed, large sectional (that doubles as a pullout bed), private ensuite bathroom and lovely little workspace all my own. Having never had a solo getaway, I was looking forward to spending some time in the peace and quiet of such a calming space. Along with the room, I was also gifted one of the Bnb’s newest additions, a Presence Box. I received Presence in Solitude, which is packed full with items, as well as a guide, to help guests reconnect with themselves on a deeper level. The box includes a handmade candle and massage oil, a keyring with discovery prompts, a variety of textured items, and a guide book with two suggested activities — all used to encourage the guest to experience the present while exploring what it means to be in solitude. After a beautiful, homemade breakfast of fresh coffee, fruit salad, cinnamon buns and huevos rancheros, I headed back to my suite to dive into the activities inside the Presence in Solitude guidebook. “As we spend time in solitude, without distraction, we are able to discover parts of ourselves that create new awareness and appreciation for who we are,” starts the book. I began with the Cultivating Connection activity, lighting my new candle and breathing in the subtle but sweet aroma. I decided to draw the curtains and dim the lights to help eliminate any distractions — seriously, when was the last time you just sat with yourself, free from external distractions? After a few minutes of running through a couple of my favourite breathing exercises, I grab my journal and randomly selected a prompt from the discovery keyring: What is your favourite memory this year? I love this prompt which just set the tone for the rest of the experience. For the next hour and a half, I surrendered to the present and diligently followed along with each of the nine steps (honestly, I could have spent longer, but the outside distractions were getting the better of me!). Refreshed, reenergized and reconnected are just a few of the terms that come to mind after my experience with the Presence Box. For the rest of my stay, I was basking in the bliss of gratitude for this opportunity. horizenbnb.com HoriZen Bnb is located in Leamington, Ontario, approximately three hours from the GTA. Four versions of the Presence Boxes are available, depending on whom you’d like to reconnect with — your partner, sister, son/daughter or yourself. Boxes are included in the Presence Packages or order online at www.horizenbnb.com. MODERN MISSISSAUGA | HOLIDAY 2021 55

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The Importance of

Community by corrie harding-keizs

‘Twas The Bite Before Christmas Foundation Since 2009, ‘twas the Bite Before Christmas Foundation has been able to raise over 1 million dollars. Having the support of Mayor Bonnie Crombie and hosting numerous fundraising events throughout November & December has

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allowed us to support the community in a more significant way than ever imagined. One of our recent events (Ladies Night) at Capra’s Kitchen in November 2021 hosted a fashion show with Maya Carbin and had the talented Carson Freeman join us with live music. Our community came together to make this one of our most successful Ladies’ Night, and we are grateful for the support and our community partners.

Our mission is to bring the community of Mississauga together to “Fight Hunger; Feed Hope and Empower People in Need” To learn more, visit www.TwasTheBite.ca CORRIE HARDING-KEIZS, BROKER Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage corrieharding.com 416-833-5516

The Modern Mississauga team warmly wishes you and yours a very

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COURTNEY CHARLES & T H E

RAP

by matt cullen

MAT T CULLEN: The new NBA G League season is already underway. What are your initial thoughts?

Sauga960’s Matt Cullen recently sat down with the Raptors 905 VP of Basketball and Franchise Operations, Courtney Charles. They had a chance to discuss the team, the pandemic and Courtney’s rise to become one of the leading sports executives in Canada.

COURTNEY CHARLES: It’s great to be back home. After just being in a pandemic and dealing with the life changes, how we've had to pivot and learn from these experiences. Being in the G League bubble last year - that was really well done by the G League - it was great to compete and to be among our peers, our colleagues playing the game and coaching the game we love. But to be home, there is nothing better. To be back in Canada, to be back in Mississauga, to have our players to be able to experience and learn. And culturally, to see what it is and means to be a 905 player and employee as well as seeing the building open and seeing all the people that we work with. It's been nothing but spectacular.

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MC: I want to talk about your personal journey. You're from Toronto. You began in this industry as an intern with the Raptors back in 2006. What would you say is your biggest key to success in your rise up to your current role?

matt cullen

PTORS905 ARE DRE AMING BIG CC: It's something that you continue to work hard at and you don't realize how much you've been able to accomplish sometimes until you stop. You kind of look back at where you started and where you're going and where you plan to push yourself even further. It's a huge shout out to all my mentors and the people who have set me up for success. Rob Babcock, Bryan Colangelo, Masai Ujiri, Mr. (Wayne) Embry, Theresa (Resch), Bobby (Webster) and Dan (Tolzman) have all been key in building and growing not only myself but the people around me. It's been a great journey and I don’t feel that it is over anytime soon.

CC: The biggest thing is that we are a Sport and Entertainment business and we are supported by our amazing fans across Canada. So, for us not to be in person, for us not to be able to meet and see our players or our fans, that was hard. The business is generated through revenue and that is done through the attendance, merchandise, food and beverage that is purchased at an event. That hasn't happened over the last couple of months. For us to be successful, we have to continue to get back to what is our normalcy. But we're going to do that in a safe manner. We're going to make sure that everybody is in a safe and healthy situation to participate in some form to watch our games.

MC: We're seeing a growing list of successful and rising Canadian sports executives and Courtney, you're certainly part of that group. I'd like to ask you as a member of this exclusive club, how much of a role model do you see yourself and what advice would you give to the next generation?

MC: The Raptors 905 play a huge part in Peel Region and Mississauga. What role do you see them playing going forward and engaging with the community and ultimately growing the game of basketball.

CC: I'm humbled to be a leader in this area. Not only being diverse and being in the sport-business world, but being someone who has been able to experience a championship at the G League level when we won in 2017 and obviously, with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. So it's something that I'm truly humbled to do, to be able to live out my dreams and to see this experience for the youth. It's important to encourage our youth to realize that this game is growing. There are so many different ways that our sport can involve into. There are all different types of ethnic groups, all different type of jobs and positions.

CC: What we're going to do is continue to educate. We're going to continue to help the youth, understand the importance of education. We're going to also encourage everyone to realize their social responsibility on giving back and making sure that we’re in all the different communities to support everyone. We’ve got to become more humane in treating everyone fairly and equally; making sure that everybody has an opportunity at a great life. The Raptors 905 are using basketball as a tool and a way to connect and bring belief and confidence to people.

MC: What has been your biggest key to your success in this industry?

All Raptors905 Home Games can be heard exclusively on Sauga960AM. For the complete audio interview, please visit www.sauga960am.ca

CC: The first thing is to dream big. For me coming from an Athletics background, once I was able to realize that I probably wasn't going to be the fastest person in the world, I started saying that I wanted to go back to being part of basketball. At that point, it wouldn't be on the floor. I was able to see more of the business side and understand the growth of how we bring players along, the ways of impacting and contributing to this game and the business of how you can take something from point A to point B. MC: How has the landscape changed business-wise for the growth of Canadian basketball over the last several months?

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Walking in a Winter INSE by shane saunderson… sorta OpenAI, one of the front runners of AI-based text generation, recently made their GPT-3 platform available without waitlist review. Though still in the beta phase, GPT-3 represents a seismic jump forward in the quality of algorithmically generated text. While this might not seem like a huge deal, what must be now realized is how easy it is for anyone, anywhere, to write swaths of emails, articles, social media posts and more promoting or validating a new idea. This takes a massive and frightening step toward the internet being more written by machines than it is by people… a concept known as the dead internet theory. Wondering how good GPT-3 is? The rest of this article was written

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by GPT-3 using only the 40 bold words at the start as an input. Now just imagine what happens when this algorithm is unleashed on election issues, global issues, or local news incidents. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet; these days, who knows who actually wrote it? With the winter fast approaching and the pandemic still looming in the background of our minds and cities, many people are left wondering how to weather the storm of yet another snowy Ontario season locked at home with little to do. If you are one of these people, I have a few suggestions for you.

1. Take advantage of the situation! Winter is a great time to catch up on all the projects you have been meaning to start or finish. It is also a great time to try new recipes, clear your backyard, or just relax with a book. 2. Stay active! There are many fun winter activities that can be done locally in the winter months. These include ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, tobogganing, and much more! 3. Indulge in comfort food! This is the time of year when comfort food is not only acceptable but encouraged! If you do not like to cook (like me), there are always

ERT HUMAN CONCEPT HERE places like Tim Horton’s that can warm your belly and spirit with their various rich and delicious offerings. However, if you want to try something new, look into some fun recipes that can be made in your own home. 4. Get creative! Many times the winter months can feel like a very slow time for people who do not work in offices or factories. If this is the case for you, why not get creative and create some art? There are many ways to get creative; drawing, painting, writing, photography, etc. The possibilities are endless!

5. Watch TV! There is not much else to do when it is cold and snowy outside. So, why not get cozy and watch some of your favourite TV shows? I recommend ‘This Is Us’ or ‘The Big Bang Theory’ if you like dramatic comedies; or if you like sci-fi, try watching ‘The Flash’ or ‘Supergirl.’ 6. Read! Reading is always a great way to pass the time during the winter months when there is little else going on in some people’s lives. Try reading through an old book from high school or university that you have been meaning to read but have never gotten around to doing so until now! Also, consider

reading some new books this year by authors such as John Green (author of The Fault In Our Stars) or JK Rowling (author of Harry Potter). 7. Take advantage of the peace and quiet! Winter is a great time to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Try taking some time for yourself every now and then just to relax, reflect on what has happened over this past year, and think about what you would like to do next year.

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we bring good ideas to light.

We’ve built our design studio around the ability to explore, develop and follow ideas, wherever they lead.

wise idea.

BRANDING D E S IG N PAC K AG I N G D IG ITAL

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MAXIMIZING by jay kana |

photo by pina messina on unsplash

As we march forward into a new year and creating a new normal, it’s an ideal time to plan for the year ahead. Finances are a key part of our lives as it enables our needs, aspirations and wants. Here’s a list of how to help maximize you money not only at the turn of the calendar but also year round.

PIt’sOnotI Nquite T S “free” C A Rmoney D S (there’s no such thing) but by utilizing points card, you’re able to stretch your dollars further. All major gas stations offer them, most grocery stores have some type of rewards system, some retailers offer them (Canadian Tire has their own, for example) and of course, Aeroplan and Air Miles are available to collect a variety of locations. My tip is to stay loyal to the services you use most

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often. It's better to have 20,000 points at one place opposed to having 4,000 points at five places, as you can cash in your points for more at once and sooner. Check your balances once a month along with any expiry dates and promotions.

CRE ATE AND FOLLOW A REALISTIC BUDGET

The cornerstone of personal and family finances is achieved through a sensible budget. Include everything that you spend money on, down to the last penny for accuracy. Whether it's weekly groceries or the Mississauga water bill that comes in every three months, allocate your funds for that appropriately and accurately. I revisit my budget weekly and make any adjustments needed. You could review it monthly but my five cents is that a weekly look keeps you on top of your finances with greater clarity.

BWhether U L K it’sB UCostco, Y I N GBulk Barn or your favourite local retailer, there’s often a discount to be enjoyed with bulk purchases. Be smart about it; only consider this

YOURMONEY for high consumption items, such as razor blades, non perishable food items or foods that are eaten frequently. Plus, it’s one less thing to put on your weekly/ bi-weekly shopping list. And it’s one less thing you’ll likely run out of, meaning one less single trip to the store, meaning less gas used.

BNobody A L A needs N C E anNoverpriced E E D S cup A N ofD coffee. W A NButT Smost of us do enjoy one and as such, want one. Yes, the “it’s my money and I’ll spend it how I please” factor is evident, but balance that out with other things you want and need. When you're creating your budget and checking it weekly, see if anything on your wants list can be reduced, even on a bi-weekly schedule. Avoid going razor thin on spending money at the cost of padding your wants over needs.

FRegardless I N A N CofI long A L orAshort D V Iterm S O plans, R consider working with a financial advisor to give you a stronger understanding of how your money can work for you. Whether it’s assessing debt, creating a sustainable savings plan or helping increase the power of every

dollar, having the right tools makes every job easier. Of course, due plenty of research to find the right one for you that comes with several legitimate testimonials, references and a solid reputation.

ARM YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE

With the amount of information accessible to us in the modern world, there’s no shortage of resources relating to finances. You may not become an expert investor or financial guru in the short term but what you can have is a solid baseline of knowledge that you can build upon. Plus, it makes conversations easier with your financial advisor, accountant, spouse, children, and even your mortgage broker. Again, doing thorough and detailed research is crucial. There’s enough incorrect information out there that triple checking should be part of your process. Send your tips and techniques for maximizing your money to info@modernmississauga.com so they can be shared with our community.

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DECANTING Wonderfu DIGEST by steph wallcraft No matter which way you celebrate with those closest to you, the beauty of the holidays is in tradition. And as dramatically different as these can be from one home to the next, the one constant across cultures and generations is gathering around a table to share a beautiful meal and celebrate love in all its forms. For many of us, boundless care and attention go into making these days and memories special. Especially after a year of shelving our traditions to protect one another, a great bottle of wine is called for to tie everything together. Here’s a list of three wines that will cover just about every traditional holiday dinner, all of which are available in the Vintages section of the LCBO for less than $30 a bottle.

LARRY CHERUBINO PEDESTAL 2018 MARGARET RIVER Cabernet Sauvignon // Western Australia // Vintages #20885 // $24.95 A stout Cab Sauv is a beautiful thing with red meats, and the Margaret River region of Western Australia produces some of the world’s most underappreciated examples. This one is a marvel with peppery notes, stewed black fruits, and a regioncharacteristic hint of eucalyptus on the nose, carrying through to rich and nuanced flavours of cassis, dark chocolate, and even a subtle undertone of cherry pie. The latest release was tiny, so don’t delay in securing at least two bottles, one for the holidays and another to put up for a few years. Score: 9/10.

KENDALL-JACKSON 2020 VINTNER’S RESERVE Chardonnay // Sonoma, California, USA // Vintages #369686 // $21.95 Everything about this is a classic choice: Chardonnay is a natural accompaniment for a turkey dinner with all the fixings, and this example is the signature wine from one of Sonoma Valley’s biggest producers. Even if you’re an anything-butChardonnay wine drinker, you may like this one. Fermented in small barrels, it goes easy on the oak and lets just a hint of warm vanilla linger with the sweet pineapple and papaya flavours that a great Chard allows to shine. Score: 8.5/10.

LOVEBLOCK TEE 2020 Sauvignon Blanc // Marlborough, New Zealand // Vintages #14568 // $29.95 New Zealand is arguably the new world’s top region for Sauvignon blanc on its own, but this example is truly exceptional, if highly untraditional. It presents with a rich, golden straw colour and a light herbaceous nose to go with more traditional notes of pear and lemon. But it’s the palate that shines, mixing baked apple, Meyer lemon, and even light caramel flavours imparted by the 30% barrel fermentation, but retaining enough acidity to cut through rich foods. Not only would this wine be a wonderful accompaniment for a fish or seafood-based holiday meal, but it’s also vegan, organic, and sulphur-free with green tea used to add antioxidants, so it should satisfy every dietary restriction you might find at your table. A little outside the budget I’d typically recommend for any Sauvignon Blanc, but this one is special enough to justify it. Score: 9.5/10.

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ul Wines for the Holidays

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BOOKS FOR by anna hobbs |

photo by lukas blazek on unsplash

If you are a person who enjoys time spent in the kitchen, or if there’s a foodie on your gift list, here are some of the best in this year’s lineup of inspiring cookbooks, with one for every kind of cook. CANNELLE ET VANILLE BAKES SIMPLE

In addition to writing about food, Aran Goyoaga is a food stylist, photographer, acclaimed blogger and expert on gluten-free cooking. Her latest book has been called “the gluten-free baking bible we all need.” 100 recipes showcase how uncomplicated -and delicious – gluten-free baking can be. Penguin Random House $35.00

COOK, EAT, REPEAT

TV host Nigella Lawson’s countless fans will welcome her latest book which, along with recipes includes a collection of personal notes and short essays about her thoughts on food. Lawson writes about food, her life and her home in an engaging and evocative way. Harper Collins $44.99

FARM, FIRE, FEAST

PEI chef, Michael Smith’s, ninth cookbook features recipes from his award-winning restaurant Fire Works, at The Inn at Bay Fortune. The stars here are foods to cook over fire, as Smith does daily. He offers alternatives for an indoor kitchen. Gorgeous location photography. Penguin $40

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R COOKS HOW TO SOUS VEDE

Daniel Shumski, author of How to Instant Pot, has done it again. Once used only by professional chefs, sous vede has taken off with home cooks. Shumski demystifies the process with 100 easy, delicious recipes and a method as simple as vacuum-sealing food in a plastic bag, then slow cooking in a bath of warm, circulating water for mouth-watering results. Thomas Allen $24.95

ANTONI LET’S DO DINNER

Antoni Porowski, food and wine expert on Netflix smash hit Queer Eye, invites you into his kitchen to enjoy easy weeknight dinners that feel special. A follow-up to his award-winning Antonio in the Kitchen shows how to make the most out of a few pantry staples, while giving a nod to his Polish heritage. Raincoast $39.99

SIMPLY JULIA

Epicurious has called Julia Turshen one of the 100 Greatest Home Cooks of All Time. In Simply Julia, she shares 110 recipes for heathy comfort food, inspiring home cooks to get into the kitchen and cook up something that makes their family feel good. Recipes with widely available, affordable ingredients mean there is something for everyone and everything is simple. Destined to become a favourite kitchen companion. Harper Collins $39.99

TOBLERONE COOKBOOK 40 FABULOUS BAKING TREATS

If you laid out –end to end – all the triangular Toblerone chocolate bars sold this year, they would stretch around the world and then some. This little gem will delight any chocolate lover. And who doesn’t love chocolate? Foolproof recipes from simple bakes to celebration cakes and spectacular desserts. Consider it a sweet stocking stuffer. Octopus Books $14.99

BURNT TOAST AND OTHER DISASTERS

Attention! Any cook who has ever burned the toast. Heroic hacks and quick fixes are in this funny, practical guide to making bad food good and good food better. Cal Peternell, author of the awardwinner, Twelve Recipes, shows you how to spin anything in your pantry or fridge into something better than it might have been. Harper Collins $31.99

THE WORLD ATLAS OF BEER

This definitive guide to the world of beer is fully updated for the third edition. Two of the world’s leading authorities, Canadians Stephen Beaumont and Tim Webb take readers on a beer-lover’s trip to more than 120 countries. With thousands of breweries now operating around the globe, and more opening every day, this is the expert guide to what is really worth drinking. Canadian Manda $43.99

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2 jolly holiday recipes The Best Homemade Chocolate Brownies

The Best Homemade Shortbread Cookies

We take your safety very seriously here at The Apricot Tree Cafe!

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Which is why we've invested in state of the art HEPA filters to keep our valued guests as safe as possible. We invite you to book and enjoy your Holiday parties and events with us, and we look forward to welcoming you with delicious food and drink in a safe environment.

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