The Newsy Neighbour December Issue 134

NEWSY The

DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE 134

Neighbour Magazine

A Complimentary Magazine for Strathmore, Langdon, Chestermere & Area

Reader's Choice

4th Annual Best in Business Awards

DON` T FORGET TO VOTE

Even Santa gets his sleigh fixed here!!

403-936-5320

254 Center Street, LANGDON

BIG CHANGES FOR THE NEWSY Page 4

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A Master Planned Residential Community in Strathmore, Alberta

Phase 4 Lots NOW AVAILABLE New Showhomes Coming Spring 2019 Single Family Homes starting from the $300’s www.wildflowerranch.ca Exclusive Wildflower Builders

Aquilla Homes recently won the 2018 Customer Insights Award for Best Customer Experience

/WildflowerRanchStrathmore

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Many expected our doors to open mid-October, as did we.

WE ARE STILL ON TRACK TO OPEN IN THE NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

However, there have been some road bumps we could not foresee. Such as, bylaw amendments and lack of product supply from the AGLC. We are waiting for our license from the AGLC. Unfortunately, all licenses have been put on hold until supply issues have been resolved.

Without a license, we cannot start construction or open the store.

We have had huge support from the community, and very much appreciate your patience.

We will at his point answer as many questions as we can‌.

Our location has been secured and construction will begin as soon as our interview with the AGLC has been completed.

As per bylaw amendments, our store location has also changed since our last ad in The Newsy Neighbour Magazine was published.

Our New location is at 510, Bay B, Hwy 1. Strathmore, Ab. (Located in Country Lane Mall, across from A&W)

Bill Evans | 403-901-8875 Wes Breault | 403-999-7097 facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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news and information each and every month. However, in order to keep doing what we do, we need to make a bit of a change to the way we go about our business.

Our Delivery Services are About to Change Starting in January 2019, we’ll be implementing a change to the distribution of The Newsy Neighbour. As our 135th issue rolls out, we’ll be discontinuing our free door-to-door delivery service.

That said, we will still continue delivery to our high-traffic drop-offs in Langdon, Strathmore, and Chestermere, so there will be plenty of opportunities to grab the latest issue of The Newsy Neighbour whenever you’re out getting groceries, grabbing a bite, or filling up your truck in town – don’t worry about not being able to find us, we’ll still be at all our usual haunts! If you just don’t see yourself making it into one of these communities all that often, we will still have a residential delivery service available, but it will come attached with a small annual fee of 39.95 a year, in order to cover the costs associated with delivery.

Change is Hard

A Change is Coming to The Newsy Neighbour

Distribution and Delivery Adjustments are on the Horizon As we enter our eleventh year of operations here at The Newsy Neighbour, we couldn’t be happier with what this magazine has become. We’ve got a fiercely devoted readership, an incredible team of individuals onboard (each of whom does the work of at least five people!), and a publication that we can be proud of, each and every issue. We work hard to continue to sponsor mainstay annual community events like the Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards (coming up this January!) and the Get to Know Your Neighbour Festival, and are constantly humbled by the outpouring of support and appreciation that we’re shown every time a new issue goes to print. That said, in the words of the great Bob Dylan, the times, they are a-changin’.

Change is on the Wind We’ve always believed in being open and honest with our readership, which is part of what we attribute our publication’s success to in the first place. To that end, while this is something of a tough conversation to have, we don’t intend to beat around the bush or sugar-coat things.

We want to thank you for your understanding as we go through these changes. We also want to say that we know they’re not ideal.

We understand that they’re frustrating, and that they’ll probably make more than a few people unhappy. We’re not particularly happy with them either, if we’re being completely honest. However, when it came right down to it, the only other options we had were to substantially increase our advertising rates (directly impacting the local business owners that we always strive to do our best to support), or to continue on the way we have been and shortly wind up going out of business. With this change, we’re able to continue doing what we do best – supporting local causes, businesses, and community members – while still keeping our heads above the water. We thoroughly examined all options, and while this is by no means a perfect solution, it’s the best one that we have available to us.

Thank you for your understanding as we make this transition. One thing we want to make clear to our readership is that we’re still the same magazine, staffed by the same passionate, hard-working individuals, and we don’t intend for that to change anytime soon.

As always, we appreciate all your support, and look forward to continuing to bring you the local community news and information that you’ve come to rely on us for. ~ Aleesha Gosling & Denise Geremia

It doesn’t take an expert economist to tell you that running a monthly print publication in the digital age of 2018 is a tough gig.

We’ve made a go of it thus far thanks to an incredibly supportive community, some behind-the-scenes accounting magic, and some sacrifices to our own individual financial wellbeing in the name of the magazine and communities we serve. That said, things have been…well, they’ve been a bit lean lately, which has led us to have to make some tough choices.

Don’t worry, though; The Newsy Neighbour isn’t going anywhere!

We’re still proud to be your source for local, community-minded

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Aleesha Gosling, CEO Phone: 403-478-9114

We Are More Than Just A Magazine

aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

THE GET TO KNOW YOUR

Denise Geremia, COO Phone: 403-608-0686

Presented by

NEWSY The

Neighbour Magazine

denise@thenewsyneighbour.com

Content Development Multimedia Writer

Our Customer Service Sets Us Apart.

We GUARANTEE it!

Kyle Penn

Marci Hira, Deliveries Phone: 587-897-2193 marcibrianne@gmail.com

Thriving Since 2008

www.thenewsyneighbour.com Please Recycle This Magazine!

Winner SBC 2013 Business of the Year - Small Enterprise Winner of SBC 2015 Chamber of Commerce Award

Thank you!

/TheNewsy Neighbour @TNewsy Neighbour

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@TheNewsy Neighbour

/Newsy Neighbour ca.linkedin. com/in/thenewsyneighbour

AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO OUR READERS:

The opinions expressed in the advertisements and articles of this publication are those of the advertisers and authors and not of The Newsy Neighbour Inc. The information in this magazine is believed and fully intended to be accurate but not warranted to be so. The Newsy Neighbour Inc. disclaims responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas or products referred to in the articles or advertisements. The mention of any brand in article or photos does not imply endorsement. Images are supplied by readers, advertisers and from shutterstock.com.

Our database is confidential, we will not share our information with third parties. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of The Newsy Neighbour Inc.

NEWSY The

Neighbour Magazine

Join Thousands of others and Subscribe to the Magazine Today!

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: thenewsyneighbour.com

YES! I would like to subscribe to The Newsy Neighbour Magazine NAME____________________________________ We accept Cheque, Visa and M/C ADDRESS________________________________________ PLEASE DO NOT MAIL CASH! CITY_________________________POSTAL CODE______________ Please make cheques payable to PHONE #____________________________________(optional) “The Newsy Neighbour Inc.” Total subscription cost for one full Visa or Master Card #_____________________________________ year is $39.95 including G.S.T. Expiry_________________________________ Please return this voucher to: G-510 Highway 1, Signature__________________________________ The magazine will be mailed every month from our head office through Canada Post.

Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1M6 Questions please call 403-478-9114 aleesha@thenewsyneighbour.com

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A Primary Care Network (PCN) is a team of health specialists that complement the care you get from your family doctor.

Through this network, you can access registered nurses, psychiatrists, foot care nurses, pharmacists, geriatricians, family counsellors, social workers, die��ans, and exercise specialists - all working together to ensure greater con�nuity of care for each pa�ent.

Between the one-on-one services offered by PCN health specialists, and the free classes offered on nutri�on, exercise, health, and mental wellness, PCNs work with your family doctor to ensure your best health outcomes.

Primary care networks help people access the health services they need when they need them.

PCN specialists know their way around the health care system, and can navigate your best path.

Alberta has 41 PCNs. In the Strathmore area, your go-to team is the Calgary Rural Primary Care Network. Get in touch. We’d love to help you be as healthy as you can be!

As the name suggests, a PCN focuses on PRIMARY CARE. We want to maintain your current good health, manage health challenges, and prevent health issues from becoming serious.

Before it gets serious, so it doesn’t get serious.

Strathmore Bay H, 510 Highway 1 403-901-0142 |

Check out our FREE classes at www.crpcn.ca, and connect with us on Facebook 6 •

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IGHBOU E N R Reader’s Choice

Z AGA INE M

E NEW SY TH

Recognizing Business Excellence

in

BUSINESS

Awards IGHBOU NE R Y Reader’s Choice in

BUSINESS

AGAZINE M

E NEW TH S

2018-2019

Nominee 2018-2019

NOMINATIONS OPEN November 5th VOTING OPENS December 5th AWARDS BANQUET January 23rd

Reader’s Choice

There will be 3 winners in each active category.

Gold, Silver & Bronze. Winners will be chosen by readers of The Newsy Neighbour Magazine.

Nominate a business and cast your votes online.

readerschoicebestinbusiness.com

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As we mentioned last issue, one additional detail worth taking into account is that we’ve dramatically decreased the number of awards and categories that are up for grabs. This means two things: one, that it’ll be easier and quicker than ever for you to vote for your favourites; and two, that this year’s Best in Business Awards will be more coveted and competitive than ever, making it all the more important for you to cast your ballot and make your voice heard!

Why Vote?

When we launched the Best in Business Awards four years ago, we did so with the intention of not just highlighting the businesses that we happen to like here at the magazine. We’re not the only community news outlet to run a Business Awards show, but we wanted ours to be different. So many other publications out there use awards shows like these not as a chance to recognize those owners and entrepreneurs that truly stand out, but to incentivize businesses to advertise with them by shining an artificial spotlight on those folks who were happy to shell out some extra cash in exchange for getting called up on stage at some point throughout the evening.

Vote Today for The Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards!

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Have Your Say It’s hard to believe that in a little over a month, we’ll be celebrating the 4th Annual Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards!

January seems like a world away at this point – after all, we’ve still got all of December, Christmas, and New Year’s to get through before then! However, the holidays will fly by as they always do, and before we know it, it’ll be January 23rd, and we’ll be donning our suits and dresses for the always-exciting Business Awards Night Gala. It’s going to be a party like no other, but before we can start handing out awards and cheering on our community’s intrepid entrepreneurs and hard-working business owners, there’s one very important thing to do: vote!

These are the Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards, after all, which means that in order for this to be a proper recognition of the talents and successes of our local businesses and the folks behind them, we need to hear from YOU!

The Rundown on Voting Voting starts on December 5th and runs for a full month through to January 5th. That means that no matter how wrapped up you get in Christmas shopping, holiday travel, or New Year’s Eve shenanigans, you’ll still have plenty of time to vote on which businesses stand out as the best and brightest within the Newsy Neighbour community. Just visit our website at www.thenewsyneighbour.com, click through the Best in Business Awards link at the top of the page, and cast your vote today!

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That’s why it’s so important that you vote.

The Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards aren’t about making money or buying awards. They’re about recognizing those businesses and hard-working individuals within our community whose efforts have made an impact on those they serve and cater to. They’re about honouring the dedication of our business community members and giving voice to the public that supports them.

Even if you don’t intend to be there at the Business Awards Night Gala, don’t let that keep you from taking five minutes to vote for your favourite business. The Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards mean a lot to our business community, and winning an award creates a groundswell of interest and new customers for those lucky, dedicated employers and entrepreneurs. By voting, you’re not only making your voice heard, but you’re supporting those businesses (and the families behind them) that matter most to you.

So, visit www.thenewsyneighbour.com and cast your ballot today. It will only take a minute, and it means everything to those business owners and entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to support our communities day-in and day-out. Thanks in advance for taking the time, and we hope to see you on January 23rd when we hand out those awards!

Look for this badge throughout this issue for all of our advertising nominees!

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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THE NOMINEES

Strathmore, Langdon & Chestermere Local Businesses Best in Alternative Medicine/Health Wellness (includes Massage Therapy) • A G’ud Ba’k Massage • Active Solutions for Health • Back to Good - Whole Foods Market & Deli • Bangles Hair Studio & Spa • Big Hearts Apothecary • Calgary Rural Primary Care Network • Centrepoint Chiropractic - Cassandra Torgerson • Chestermere Mobile Massage • D.O.C Personal Training • Endeavour More Living • FSM Physiotherapy • Fuss Reflexology and Wellness • Health First - Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre • JC Massage Therapy • Langdon Chiropractic Clinic • Mystical Crystals • Optimum Wellness -

• Morgan Bentley RMT • Optimum Wellness Centres • Palms of Paradise • Sacred Winds Holistic Healing for Women • Strathmore Massage Armand Pinel at • Centerpoint Chiropractic • Strathmore Physical Therapy Clinic • Stylz Salon & Spa Brittany Coates RMT • Telluric Therapy - Tonya Wirth • The Garden Cannabis Co. • The Green Easy Ltd. • The Lakeshore Spa • The Medspa at Lifepath Wellness • Vantage Integrative Health • Wellness Within Centre Terry Procyshen • Western Oasis Massage

Best in Auto Service & Tires & Towing • Anarchy Motorsports • Bandit Heavy Diesel & Performance Ltd. • Bumper to Bumper • Chestermere Lake Tire and Mechanical • County Auto Repair • Fountain Tire • Kal-Tire • Langdon Automotive • Lube City • Mark's Dent Repair • Murray Chrysler

• OK Tire • Park Auto • PHD Automotive • Refinish FX • Ryanco Automotive • Strathmore Ford • Strathmore Motor Products • Tirecraft Chestermere • Wenstrom Equipment • Yellow Hook Towing • Zegil Automotive •

Best in Cleaning Services • (Home/Carpet & Laundry) • A Cleaner Home • Bubbles Drycleaning & Laundromat • Dana Brindle • Diane's Cleaning Services • Down Right Clean • Drycleaning by Dave • Happy Home Cleaning

• Leger Furnace Cleaning • Oracle Access Solutions Inc. • Suds in the Bucket by Kristi Stroud • Sunshine Cleaning • The Carpet Cop • The Laundry Lab • White Corner Cleaning

Best in Clothing & Shoes

• Horse Bitz • Katy's Consignment Boutique • Lil Hoots Consignment • Mark's • Rack on 3rd • Real Deals On Home Decor • Silver Icing - Larissa

Anderson • Sole Discretion • The Red Carrot • The Standard Shoe Shop • Trend Fashion • Warehouse One the Jean Store

Best in Customer Service

• Alpine View Pet Spa • Anarchy Motorsports • Animal Care Centre • Assist Business Centre • ATB Financial • Back to Good Whole Foods Market & Deli • Barrett Vet • BrightPath Chestermere • Bubbles Fine Drycleaning and Laundromat • COBS Bread • Cyndi's Embroidery & Sewing • Diane's Cleaning Services • Dollar Tree • Edo Japan • Endeavour More Living • Envious Renovations • Fountain Tire • Gold Key Registry • Home Hardware Strathmore • Horse Bitz • Ice Edge Skating Club • Joyland Theatre • Kaleidoscope Travel and Cruise • Kristina's Kreations • Lakeside Humidor & Smokes • Lifepath Wellness • Lil Hoots Consignment

• M&M Food Market • Magnum Cementing • Mary Kay - Nicole Price • Mnt Health, Langdon • Mnt Health, Strathmore • MT Platinum Painting • NEXT Kids inc.

• OK Tire • Orange Jigsaw Real Estate • Pet Planet Chestermere • RBC • Real Deals On Home Decor Strathmore • Rueban at Tim Hortons • Shear Bliss Salon • Shoppers Drug Mart Strathmore • Sole Discretion • Standard Shoe Shop • Strathmore Motor Products • Stylz Salon and Spa • Stylz Salon and Spa - Eryn Zachary • Tasty Candy & Ice Cream • Tim Hortons Shell • Value Drug Mart Strathmore • Van Son Restaurant • Volks tech Appliance • Warehouse One • Western Financial Group • Western Irrigation District

Best in Education Service (School/Preschool/Daycare)

• Bow Valley College • Camp Chestermere Summer Day Camp • E. C. I. Learning Academy-Chestermere • Early Minds Preschool • East Lake School • Expressions the Dance Gallery • George Freeman School • Golden Hills Learning Academy • Hope Community Preschool • Indus Preschool • Kids U Daycare/Preschool • Langdon Learning Centre • Little Flower Pre K

• NEXT Kids Inc. • Prince of Peace Lutheran School • Stepping Stones Langdon • Strathmore and District Playschool • Toddle Inn Daycare • Town of Strathmore Child, Youth and Family Programs (Youth Club) • Trinity Lutheran Christian Academy • Westmount Elementary • Wheatland Elementary • Wheatland Society of Arts

Best in Fitness/Training/Gym • Anndee's Fitness • Anytime Fitness Chesterme • Anytime Fitness Strathmore • Apex MMA

• Back to the Mat BJJ • Balanced Souls • Becky Stone Yoga • Chestermere FitBody Boot Camp • Crossfit Moirai in Chestermere

Best in Fitness/Training/Gym • Dexterity Dance Studio • DOC Personal Training • Expressions the Dance Gallery • Fit Together • Ice Edge Skating Club • Indus Rec Centre • Inform Fitness • Live With Balance with Lynsey Wight

• Matrix Cheer • Oku Damashi Martial Arts • Star Yoga • Strathmore Gymnastics Centre • Strathmore Skate Club • Target Fitness • Transcend Yoga • YOUR PEAK

Best in Food Services (Restaurant, Bar, Pub, Café) • Back to Good - Whole Foods Market & Deli • Bitchen Kitchen Chestermere • Browns Socialhouse • Canadian Brewhouse • Chestermere Landing • Crazy Pasta • Delhi Express • Dockside Bar & Grill • Edo Japan, Strathmore • Humpty's Restaurant • Husky House • Imperial Dragon • J&J Kitchen • Joey's Only • Kim's Cafe & Katering • Krave Catering Corp.

• Langdon AM • Langdon Firehouse • Legends Kitchen + Bar • Margaret's Place • More Than Ice Cream • Oriental Grill • Original Joes • Origins Brewery & Distillery • Pho Minh • Pour Beer Chestermere • Renaissance Bakery • Rocky’s Bakery • Shawna's Bistro • Smileys Restaurant • Stix, Strathmore Golf Course • Strathmore Station • The Broil • The Roadhouse • Township 24 Brewery • Van Son Restaurant • Yume Sushi

Best in Grocery

• Back to Good - Whole Foods Market & Deli • Buy-Low Grocery Langdon • Co-Op Strathmore • COBS Bread • Eric's No Frills Chestermere • M&M Food Market

• Safeway Chestermere • Shoppers Drug Mart Strathmore • Sobeys Strathmore • Strathmore Convenience Store • Tina's No Frills Strathmore

Best in Home and Building Services (Property Management, Mortgage, Insurance) • Action Insurance Group • Action Insurance Group - Janelle Pettifer • BDS Properties • Chinook Credit Union • Co-Operators Insurance Chestermere • Co-Operators Insurance Strathmore • Coldwell Insurance

• Emerald Management • Gold Key Insurance & Registry • Hillcrest Insurance • Jencor Mortgage Broker • Orange Jigsaw • ATB Financial Kori-Lynn Corbin • SCAPE Landscaping Ltd. • Western Financial Group Insurance Brokers

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THE NOMINEES

Strathmore, Langdon & Chestermere Local Businesses Best in Home Building • Abe Fehr Contracting • Aquilla Homes • Douglas Homes • Gigantelli Fine Homes • Loreck Homes • Luxuria Homes • Rich Lee Custom

Homes • Shane Homes • Stepper Homes • Straight Line Contracting • Trilogy Homes

Best in Home Improvement (Contractor, Home Décor, Interior Designing, Landscaping, Floors, Glass, Building Supplies) • All Decked Out • Aris Landscape Design • Basically Beautiful Interior Redesign & Contracting • Bloomfield Garden Centre • Boutique Blinds • Canadian Tire Strathmore • Clark's Supply & Service LTD. • Copper Tree Renovations • Cover Up Flooring and Painting • Crystal Image Construction • Curb-Ease • Done Right Contracting • Embee Contracting • Envious Renovations • Exceed Home Inspections • Garden Scents • Handyman Solutions • Henderson Renovations • Home Hardware • iDesign It Interiors • "Kautz Brothers • Landscape Plus • Langdon Glass

• Nick's Only Choice • New Space Construction • Positive Pruning & Maintenance • Real Deals On Home Decor Strathmore • Remuda • Rona • Rose Enterprises • Ry-Dan Strathmore Glass • SarBer Contracting, Chestermere • Southern Stars Custom Woodwork • Square 1 Contracting • Sticky's Maintenance Services • Straight Line Contracting • Strathmore Building Supplies • Strathmore Flooring Concepts • The Red Carrot • Tim's Glass • Triple M Exteriors Ltd. • True Design House • UFA Strathmore • Valley Works Construction

Best in Home-Based Business (Including Direct Sales) • Avon - Julie Gibbs-Wiebe • Corianne's Custom Cookies • Endeavour More Living • Enlightened Soles • Epicure Selections Marci Hira • Epicure Selections Sonia de Souza • Epicure Selections Taura's Kitchen • GelMoment - Candace Shultz • GelMoment - Michelle Plante • Jesters Furniture • Mary Kay - Nicole Price • My Heart and Soul

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Designs by Courtney Lynn • Norwex - Amanda Maunsell • Norwex - Rebecca Cummings • Releaf Aromatherapy • Scentsy - Danielle Stahl • Scentsy - Heather Wenzel • Sew Delicious • Thea-Bel • Thirty-One Sonia De Souza • Tower Gardens and Juice Plus - Michelle Dominique Aris • Young Living - Karen Oslanski

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Best in Medical Services (Dentists, Optometrists, Pharmacies, Doctors) • Alberta Hearing Centre • Beltone • Calgary Rural Primary Care Network • Chestermere Optometry • Chestermere Station Dental • Crystal Ridge Dental • Crystal Ridge Family Medical, Laser & Aesthetics Clinic • Dr. Maria Muller • Dr. Micheal O'Brien • Dr. Orna McLaughlin • Dr. Piesas • Dr. Sreeja Puthencherry • East Chestermere Dental • Ellis Dental • Family Dental Clinic • FYi Doctors Strathmore

• Lake Med • Langdon Dental • Lifepath Wellness • Mnt Health, Langdon • Mnt Health, Strathmore • Pinnacle Medical Centre - Dr. Kelly • Rainbow Falls Dental • Reflections Medical • Remedy RX Chestermere • Remedy RX Strathmore • Sandstone Pharmacy • Strathmore Dental • Strathmore Denture Clinic • The Ranch Dental Centre • Valley Dental • Valley Medical Clinic • Value Drug Mart Strathmore • Wheatland Denture

Best in Party Services (Cakes, Gift Shop, Flowers)

• Andrea's Mixing Bowl, Chestermere (cakes/ cupcakes) • Cakebox Creations by Carmen • Corianne's Custom Cookies • Dollarama • Real Deals On Home Decor Strathmore

• Safeway Chestermere • Sew Delicious • Strathmore florist • The Red Carrot • Truly Scrumptious Cakes by Lindsay Desmarais • Walmart • Wired floral

Best in Pet Service (Veterinarian, Groomer, Store) • Alpine View Pet Spa • Animal Care Centre • Barks N Bubbles Pet Spa • Barrett Vet • Chestermere Veterinarian • Deb's Dog Grooming • Designer Mutts by Laura • Fur Fluff's Sake Pet Services • Horse Bitz • Hot Dogs Grooming Salon • Langdon Vet Clinic • Larrikin Vets • Not Alone Pet/House

Sitting • Pet Planet Chestermere • Pet Planet Strathmore • Pet Valu • Prairie Paws Grooming • Scrubs All Breed Pet Grooming • Sevick Veterinary • Strathmore Vet Clinic • Tracy's All Breed Dog Grooming • Ultimate K9 Bodyguards • Wet Noses Kennel

Best in Photography

• Amanda Lesley Photography • Brooklynn Garrioch • CHF photography • Christina Bethlehem Photography • Deidre Cameron Photography • Dirt Road Pretty Photography

• Divine Goddess Photography • E2 Photography • Face2Face Photography • Heaven's Edge Chestermere • Image Works Photography • Immaculate Images

Best in Photography

• Jolene Sansome Photography • LA Dumont Photography • Lesley Ann Boutilier Photography • Memories by Design • Miriam Ostermann Photography • MW Photography • Photos by Wendy

• Q Photography • Reinholdt Productions • River and Reeds Photography • Shauna Kenworthy Photography • Shot to Frame by Paige Maddison • Shots N Giggles • Taylor Hillier

Best in Business Services (Printing, Promotional, Embroidery, Coaching) • All Things Pretty • Aris Landscape Design providing Commercial and Residential Designs • Assist Business Centre • At Home Designs • Bow Valley College • Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs • Choice Environment • Community Futures Wildrose

• Custom Apparel by BJ Sanders • Down to Business Solutions • Ignition Clothing Company • Indus Graphics • Kristina's Kreations • Level 2 Sportswear Inc • Mountain Lion Leadership • The Phoenix Signs & Graphics

Best in Professional Services (Accounting, Tax, Lawyers, Funeral Homes) • AskArleneTaxes.ca • Chestermere Law • Derek Conte Professional Corporation Chartered Professional Accounting • Eastside Accounting Services • Felker-Dunbar Law • Getz & Associates • Gregory, Harriman and Associates • H&R Block • Heal & Associates

• Heming & Associates • Kerry G Glass Professional Corp.

• Liberty Tax • Lynn Woods Law Office • Randall Jarvis Law • Synscape Services • Tax Toad • Top Drawer Accounting • Wheatland Funeral Home • Wise & Company Accountants • Yours Truly

Best in Real Estate (Individual, Team)

• Alisa Wurtz-Stairs • Amanda Beattie • CIR Realty Strathmore • Debbie Enslen • Debbie Mitzner • Debbie Murray • Guy Cooley • Heather Dougall • Judy Buckle • Karen Gonzales, Sutton Group • Karoline Beninger Real Estate

• Kevin Baldwin • La Shaun Andrews • Nancy Stairs Team • Natasha Eden • Orange Jigsaw Real Estate • Real Estate - Raelene Nichol - Re/Max • Royal LePage Aztec Realty • Shauna Kenworthy • Tamara Desjardins • Trent Gustus

Best in Senior Services Agecare Sagewood • Alberta Hearing Clinic • Beltone • Calgary Rural Primary Care Network

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

• Care 4 U • Full Circle FItness • Golden Help 4 You • Kindred Companions • Meadowlark Care Home •

Altogether Different

Best in Senior Services (Hearing, Lodging) • Medical Foot Care at The Medspa at Lifepath Wellness • Sharon Sequillion Seniors Services

• Wheatland Funeral Home • Wheatland Lodge • Wheatland Whirlers

Best in Spa/Skincare/Tanning (includes Hair, Pedicures, Manicures) • All About Nails • Ashley the Hairapist • Avleen Spa • Bangles Hair Studio & Spa • Bliss Hair Studio • Creative Change Hair Studio • Diversion Salon • Dragonfly Beauty Kim Pardy • Enlightened Soles • Hair by Heer • Inspire Nails By Wendy Mockford • Lavender Spa in Chestermere

• Lifepath Wellness • Liv Beautiful Sugaring • Minosa Nails • NV Hair • Rodeo Alley • Runway Hair design • Shear Bliss Salon • Sir Lance's Barber Shop • Sky Nails • Spa Comforts • Studio 86 • Stylz Salon & Spa • Sweeny Todds • The Bronzing Bar • The Lakeshore Spa

Best in Trades (Plumbing, Heating, Electrical, Cooling, Roofing) • A- Plus Developments inc • Aquaduct Plumbing + Heating • Bro-tech Plumbing & Heating • Cesare's Plumbing • Chestermere Heating & Cooling • Curtis Plumbing & Heating • DKP plumbing and heating

• Dutchmen Plumbing & Heating Ltd. • KMW Heating & Air • MT Platinum Painting • New Space Construction • Rose Enterprises • Triple M Exteriors Ltd. • Trust Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd. • Volks tech Appliance

Best in Travel Agencies • Chestermere Cruise Ship Centers • Kaleidoscope Travel and Cruise • Swan Valley Travel • TPI Travel Sarah-Dawn Thiessen • Tracy Thomas Travel

• Vicky Barzey-ECSC Chestermere and Mountain View(Cruise ships) • Vision Travel • Vision Travel Solutions - Jolene Williams

BEST BURGER - Sponsored by Orange Jigsaw Real Estate • A&W - Beyond Meat • Browns Socialhouse • Canadian Brewhouse • Dairy Queen - Mushroom Swiss • Dockside Bar & Grill • Firehouse Bar & Grill Firehouse Classic • Humpty's - Peanut Butter Burger

• Husky House • Krave Catering Corp.

• Legends • Original Joes • Pour Beer - Maui burger • The Broil • The Roadhouse Strathmore

BEST FRIES - Sponsored by Gold Key Insurance and Registry • Firehouse Bar & Grill • Husky House • Krave Catering Corp.

• Legends • McDonald's

• Original Joes • Pita King • Shawna's Bistro • Smileys Restaurant • The Broil

BEST PIZZA - Sponsored by New Space Construction • Boston Pizza • Canadian Pizza Unlimited Chestermere • Canadian Pizza Unlimited Langdon • Canadian Pizza Unlimited Strathmore • Dominos • Langdon Firehouse

• Pizza 249 • Pizza Hut Strathmore • Pizza Lite Chestermere • Roadhouse • Smileys • Strathmore Station

Most BADASS CREW Sponsored by The REPs

• Anarchy Motorsports • Animal Care Centre • Calgary Rural Primary Care Network • COBS Bread • Cover Up Painting/ Flooring • Envious Renovations • Expressions the Dance Gallery • Firehouse Langdon • Ink Addicts • Inner Equine Therapy

• Krave Catering Corp.

• Lifepath Wellness • OK Tire • Pet Planet Strathmore • Real Deals On Home Decor Strathmore • Shoppers Drug Mart Strathmore • Strathmore FAIM Society • The Lakeshore Spa • The Roadhouse • Western Irrigation District

Community Service Award Sponsored by Kori-Lynn Corbin of ATB Financial • 903 Air Cadets • Amber Link • Arnold Henry • Calgary Rural Primary Care Network • Camp Chestermere Summer Day Camp • Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre • Chrissy Craig (Langdon Volunteer) • COBS Bread • Community Therapy Dogs Society

• Craig Stone • Envious Renovations • Lisa Brister BVA Volunteer Indus • Nancy Stairs • No Frills Chestermere • OK Tire • Preston Pouteaux (Chestermere Volunteer) • Rocking Horse Industries • Strathmore Poker Run

Entrepreneur of the Year - Sponsored by The Lakeshore Spa • Aris Landscape Design - Michelle Dominique Aris • Arnold Henry • Ashley Needham The Hairapist • Back to Good Market & Deli - Nicole Cordes • Chestermere Mobile Massage - Shaunna Ruddock • Corianne's Custom Cookies - Corianne Froese • Diversion Salon Sarah McDougall • Drew Gregory

• Envious Renovations - Justin Cook • Gold Key Insurance - Julia Marshall • Horse Bitz - Susan Phillips • Magnum Cementing - Brand Beekman • Real Deals on Home Decor - Di Cozart • Rose Enterprises Ken Rose • Strathmore NEXT Paula Beekman • Tasty Candy & Ice Cream • Thea-Bel - Sarah Reuangrith

Senior Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by Agecare Sagewood • (Shorty) Ernest Setliffe • Bob Sobol • Chestermere Rotary Club - Karen McKee

• Mardel Bazant • Marilyn King • Robert Damen

Best Hotel/Motel/Inn/Campsite Award - sponsored by Pizza Hut Strathmore • Best Western Chestermere • Best Western Strathmore • Days Inn Strathmore

• Eagle Lake RV • Travelodge Strathmore • Wheatland Inn Strathmore

Strathmore Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award (Strathmore & Wheatland County) • Bandit Heavy Diesel & Performance Ltd. • Boutique Blinds • Horse Bitz • Kristina's Kreations • Magnum Infrastructure

• Margaret's Place • Renaissance Bakery • Tasty Candy & Ice Cream • The Rack on 3rd

Strathmore Chamber of Commerce Rural Business of the Year Award (Wheatland County) • Alpine View Pet Spa • Animal Care Centre • Armstrong Auto Services • Country Lane Farms • Sage Bluff Farms - Eldon & Hannah Konschuh

• Early Bird Air Ltd. • Gates Agencies Ltd. • Gold Key Insurance • Horse Bitz • Rocking R Guest Ranch

It’s so important that you vote!!

The Reader’s Choice Best in Business Awards are about recognizing those businesses and hard-working individuals within our community whose efforts have made an impact on those they serve and cater to.

They’re about honouring the dedication of our business community members and giving voice to the public that supports them.

So, visit: www.thenewsyneighbour.com and cast your ballot today. It will only take a minute, and it means everything to those business owners and entrepreneurs who work tirelessly to support our communities day-in and day-out. facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Psssst…

Visit us for some great gift ideas! › Our Gift Cards never go out of season! › Rubber Ball › Skinneeez No Stuffing Dog Toys › Stuffy Hedgehog Squeaky › Feather Bird Toy › CET Dental Chews All available for you at our location.

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Plus we can help you make a responsible decision in choosing a new furry friend.

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and candies hold a lot of appeal.

Chocolates are potentially toxic to dogs, particularly in the case of very dark, rich cocoas like we often use at the holidays. While all things in moderation may be fine for us, dogs seem not to understand the meaning of moderation. It is best to totally avoid holiday treats and candies, and never use them as a reward. Always keep these delights out of your dog’s reach.

4. Consider gift wrapping to be a hazard for dogs

HOLIDAY HOURS

December 24 Closing early at 12:00pm December 25 & 26 Closed December 31 Closing early at 1:30pm January 1 Closed

403.901.1800 clinic & emergency | info@animalcarecentre.ca | animalcarecentre.ca We are located north of the Trans Canada Hwy on RR 254, 2 km West of Strathmore.

Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season!

Gift wraps and ribbons are sometimes the best part of holidays for pets.

Chewing and tearing paper, running into and out of boxes and bags, unfurling ribbons… You get the idea! It’s important to remember that if swallowed, these items can cause stomach upset or even blockage. This a particular concern with wrapping strings and curling ribbons. These should be avoided if your dogs show celebratory inclinations.

5. When prepping food, know what’s safe

Well, here we are again. While it seems we were just preparing for summer vacation, it’s the holiday season already. The holidays bring much with them, including celebrations, decorations and unfortunately, potential hazards for our pets. Make sure this holiday season is all of the fun it should be, and none of the pain it could be for you and your dog by checking out these holiday safety tips.

1. Keep decorations out of reach

Let’s start with a tip that for many of us is already relevant. Decorating for the holidays might mean trees, lots of candles or ornamental, seasonal plants. However you celebrate, if you use decorations, it means lots of new sights, smells and, unfortunately, tastes that dogs and cats can be drawn to out of curiosity. This might mean damage to the decorations or harm to your pets.

2. Block decorations that can’t be placed out of reach

Dogs, and in particular puppies, tend to investigate with their mouth as well as their eyes and nose. Many decorations have interesting and chewy textures and tastes. While dogs might not particularly like evergreen trees or peppermint candles, they will only naturally be curious. Chewing on an electrical cord, a glass ornament, a tree or a plant can result in an otherwise avoidable trip to the veterinarian.

Make sure to pet-proof decorations by unplugging them when not at home (always a good idea!). And make sure that dangerous items are blocked off where the temptation to chew might be too great.

This is particularly important when dealing with seasonal plants and electrical cords.

Now we come to the feast and its preparation. Regardless of your intended meal, your pets will be attracted to the magical smells and tastes.

Butcher’s strings, paper, plastic ties and bags can all be fair game, even when uncooked. Secure these items in a closed container. There is no more certain of a way to ruin a holiday than to have to clean up after a sick cat or dog.

The key with all of these suggestions is to protect your pet from himself. Think of your dog or cat as a toddler that is curious, excited and could get into trouble with the most benign goodies.

Oh and one last request…

Have a fantastic holiday season regardless which holiday you are celebrating. We all deserve it.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

Animal Care Centre

**Sourced from Pet Health Network Pro by Dr. Mike Paul, DVM

3. Beware of holiday sweets

One of my personal favourite parts of the season is snacks and treats that I really don’t need, but do so enjoy. Dogs, in particular, are pretty undiscerning about what they eat, and holiday cookies

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We're riders too, so we understand what you need!

Horse Bitz Pre-Order your copy of the Pouty Puppy today!

Available August 2013

Dear Santa, I hate our Christmas tree. It’s so bright!

Only $12 + gst, s/h

The stupid puppy lays underneath the tree and stares up at the lights. I think she has some brain damage. She learned pretty quickly not to destroy any ornaments after she broke two and mom got mad. So she’s definitely on the Naughty List, so don’t bother bringing her any gifts. She hasn’t destroyed any more, but I am considering breaking a couple and blaming it on her… don’t worry though! I won’t do it! I’m a good boy!

Santa, last night, mom forgot to shut off the lights. So, there I am, laying on my big, ginormous, comfy couch that I have aaaaaallll to myself every night (thanks, by the way), and the lights were blinking away. So, I huffed and puffed, and ran upstairs to let my parents know that I was NOT happy. I was informing them, Santa. Like a good dog.

But I need my beauty sleep! Otherwise I’m way grumpier than I normally am! And Santa, I don’t WANT to be grumpy! I am a good boy, remember? I am on the Nice List!

Santa, this year I’m asking that you get rid of the puppy. If it’s not possible, I’d like to ask for some treats. Have I ever expressed my absolute LOVE for food? Mom took me to the vet last week to get Call: 403-608-0686 my tri-yearly shots, and the VERY RUDE vet told her that I was…. denise.newsyneighbour@gmail.com *gulp*…. Email: I can barely say the words… TOO FAT. ME!!! The Black Ninja! So what did mom do? SHE PUT ME ON A DIET!!!!!!!!

Quality Tack At Affordable Prices Western & English Tack

Santa, do you know how I’ve always told you how awfully I’m treated? Well, that was a cake walk. It’s the WORST now!

in Strathmore Centre

Also, the (again, VERY MEAN) vet actually ACCUSED me of eating Stella’s food. Santa, I promise I haven’t. Wait… you see me when I’m sleeping, and know when I’m awake… and know when I’ve been bad or good… Ok… maybe I’ve snuck her food once or twice.

I am starving. Like, literally STARVING. Please bring me treats.

Sincerely, Bauer (the Good Puppy)

(old co-op building) 320 2nd street

Call Us: 403 983 1007

www.horsebitz.ca touchedbygraceequine@gmail.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Deb’s Dog Grooming Gentle, Professional Grooming

Serving Langdon & area for over 16 years.

Grooming dogs up to 50 lbs!

Call for your appointment today /Debs Dog Grooming

Deb Corbett (403) 936.5034

Monday - Friday appointments and occasional Saturdays 9:00am - 4:30pm Can accommodate early drop-offs

ICE CREAM

If only one thing is true, it would be this: Rachel Eisbrenner and I are complete ice cream fanatics. We have been making ice cream for several years now– something we consider a tradition of ours. With the help of a simple recipe, we began chopping and mixing a few of our favourite toppings into our ice cream machines and the magic began to happen *cue ice cream machine whir*. So, there we were: making our usual fan favourites, but attempting to chronicle it for the first time.

Rachel and I sat down the evening before our first writing/experimenting day and made our master list. I suppose that you could say we made ourselves Julie and Julia, but people who work through their own untested recipes ... maybe that's not the best analogy… we clearly aren’t pros.

How To Take A Picture Of A Puppy

Anyway, one of the flavours we thought of was pink lemonade.

I will admit, this was a bit of a leap from what we have made in the past, but we were feeling, you could say, intrepid.

1. Remove puppy from trash and brush coffee grounds from muzzle 2. Choose a suitable background for photo 3. Mount camera on tripod and focus 4. Find puppy and take dirty sock from mouth 5. Place puppy in pre-focused spot and return to camera 6. Forget about spot and crawl after puppy on knees 7. Focus with one hand and fend off puppy with other hand 8. Get tissue and clean nose print from lens 9. Take flash cube from puppy's mouth and throw in trash 10. Put cat outside and put peroxide on the scratch on puppy's nose 11. Put magazines back on coffee table 12. Try to get puppy's attention by squeaking toy over your head 13. Replace your glasses and check camera for damage 14. Jump up in time to grab puppy by scruff of neck and say, "No, no, outside!!"

15. Fix a drink 16. Sit back in recliner with drink and resolve to teach puppy "sit" and “stay" first thing in the morning

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When we made a trip to a local grocery store, we wandered rather aimlessly, feeling confused about what pink lemonade actually is, but vowed to make the best pink lemonade ice cream recipe yet– that may be a bit of a stretch considering our apparent lack of experience. We wandered by the frozen juice section and came across a pink lemonade concentrate. We have used concentrate in the past and it has proven to be a very simple, fast, and effective flavour agent. Mango was our guinea pig and it yielded a fabulously creamy batch. The concentrate we used this time was also Minute Maid, which to our surprise, was made with grape juice. Who would’ve thought?

After watching this ice cream materialize beautifully before our eyes, we are proud to present it as our first and only “perfect-onthe-first-try” ice cream recipe so far. On the day that we created this recipe, it was in competition with three other flavours and we were rather skeptical about it... we were kind of guessing as we went and just hoped for the best. Rachel raised her eyebrow when I said that I had dumped all of the concentrate into the The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

base, but in the end, we were glad that we had. A little lemon zest here and a little there, and voila! We hope that you will be as thrilled as we are!

Summertime Pink Lemonade Ice Cream recipe

● 2 cups whipping cream ● 1 cup 1% or 2% milk ● 2 eggs ● ¾ cups granulated sugar (This ice cream base has been borrowed from a Ben and Jerry’s cookbook we found. We do not take credit for this amazing base recipe, but love to experiment with our own flavour additions, which we have listed below.) ● 1 can pink lemonade juice concentrate (we used Minute Maid’s) ● 1 lemon’s zest ● Red liquid food colouring or pink icing colour * Ensure that your mixing bowls for the ice cream machine have been frozen for approximately 24 hours prior.*

of the ice cream is slightly too much for the mixer’s volume‒ this means that the ice cream is totally overflowing everywhere.

Good luck! ** This gives it more of a professional appearance and makes the ice cream leagues more appetizing.

After we had tasted some, we had Rachel’s family test it and watched as their eyes widened and they oohed and ahhed over it. And you know what the best part of it is? The base’s ingredients are standard items to have on hand and it cost us only $3.75 to flavour double the recipe! So, feel free to enjoy this ice cream that is both sweet and tart, light and creamy in texture, a cheerful pink hue, and quite frankly, the most flavourful way to be swept into summer. We hope you’re as tickled pink as we are! ;) ~ Sabrina Kooistra

Warm up your winter with this delicious Summer Treat

Put all ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until mixed. Use red food colouring semi-liberally to make the cream base appear as its flavour. ** You may also choose to use pink icing colour in place of the liquid food colouring. Icing colour is intensely pigmented so we recommend using a very small amount so you maintain that rosy hue rather than a red one. Pour the cream base into the frozen mixing bowl and watch thicken over the next 20-30 minutes. Try to get the ice cream as thick as possible before removing it from the bowl to ensure that the texture and consistency are closest to “store bought” ice cream after being placed in a freezer. For my mixer‒ due to the fact that the liquid-form facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 15

#307, 100 Marina Drive, Chestermere

Vansoncuisine.ca

Vote for us for Best Restaurant & Best Customer Service

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate 1½ cups granulated sugar ¼ tsp fresh lemon juice 4½ cups room temperature milk 8 oz milk chocolate, finely chopped 2 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped Big pinch salt In a small bowl, rub together the sugar and the lemon juice, until the sugar is damp and fragrant. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and let it preheat for several minutes until the pan is hot. Once the saucepan is hot, add the sugar. Begin stirring immediately and continuously. Because the pan was preheated, the sugar will start cooking very quickly. Soon after it liquefies, it will start to take on colour. Cook, stirring constantly, until it is a medium amber colour. Continue to stir while you stream in the milk. The caramel may seize and form small chunks of sugar, but continue to stir and heat the mixture, and by the time the milk is piping hot, the caramel will have melted and you will have a smooth liquid. Once the milk is at a simmer (small bubbles forming along the sides of the pan) remove the pan from the heat.

Don’t let the milk come to a boil! Add the chopped chocolates to the pan and whisk until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is melted. Add a pinch of salt, taste the milk, and add more salt if desired.

Santa’s Sangria 1 bottle red wine ½ cup orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier ½ cup brandy 2 - 3 cinnamon sticks 3 - 5 whole star anise Orange or clementine wedges Grapefruit wedges Sparkling Water Frozen cranberries Ice (optional) 1. In a large jug or carafe, add the wine, liqueur, brandy, cinnamon sticks, star anise and fruit wedges. Stir to combine.

2. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour. Around 4 hours is ideal.

3. When you’re ready to serve, add a few frozen cranberries to each glass then fill half way with sangria, making sure to include lots of fruit. A touch of bubbles perfects this cocktail, so top each with Montellier® Sparkling Water to taste.

4. Enjoy!

LOCAL WHOLE FOOD & ORGANIC GROCERIES FRESH DAILY SOUP, SALAD, SANDWICHES DELICIOUS SPECIALTY ESPRESSO COFFEE GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN, VEGETARIAN, DAIRY FREE, KETO OPTIONS HIGH QUALITY SUPPLEMENTS & NUTRITIONAL BOOSTERS NUTRITIONAL CONSULTING AND INFORMED STAFF

EAT GOOD, FEEL GOOD

232 – 3RD AVE, STRATHMORE • 403-901-5855 MARKET & DELI 16 •

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Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls Dough 1 cup warm whole milk ⅓ cup granulated sugar 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 tsp kosher salt 1 0.25-oz package active dry yeast 2 large eggs 4 cups all-purpose flour Vegetable oil, for the bowl Filling 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup light brown sugar 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon 1 cup chopped toasted pecans ½ cup raisins, optional Icing 2 cups confectioners' sugar 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted ½ tsp vanilla extract 4 Tbsp milk, plus more as needed

Renaissance Bakery Cafe & Wine Bar 318-3 Avenue, Strathmore

403-861-4460

Facebook/ Renaissance Bakery

Dough

1. Combine the milk, granulated sugar, butter, salt and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment and stir to combine well. Add the eggs and stir until well mixed.

Add the flour and mix on medium-high speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes.

2. Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let stand in a warm, draftfree place until doubled in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

3. Punch the dough down and lightly flour a work surface. Lay the dough out and pat or roll the dough out into an 18-by-12inch rectangle.

Filling

1. Butter a 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish. Spread the softened butter evenly all over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border, then sprinkle evenly with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle with the pecans and raisins, if using. Starting with a short end, roll up the dough and press and crimp the edges to seal. Cut the dough into 12 slices and arrange them in the buttered baking dish. If you want to bake them the same day, cover with plastic wrap and let stand until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Otherwise, refrigerate overnight; take out of the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

2. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Bake the cinnamon rolls until puffed and golden brown all over, about 25 minutes.

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Icing

1. Put the confectioners' sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in the melted butter, vanilla and 4 tablespoons of milk; whisk until smooth. Add additional milk, about 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed to achieve a thick but spreadable consistency.

2. Spread the icing over the warm cinnamon rolls. Serve warm.

#200-180 MARINA DRIVE | (587) 535 - 4054

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 17

207-97 Centre St, Langdon 403.936.4545

6am - 2pm 7 days a week

BREAKFAST Langdon A.M. On the 14th of November 2018, many of us caught the great news that the Langdon AM had finally opened its doors. The new breakfast restaurant across from Langdon’s Tim Horton offers all-day breakfast from 6 am until 2 pm every day of the week.

The following day, as I skipped breakfast to drive my older son to school after he missed his bus, I decided, with my three-year-old in tow, that we should give the breakfast joint a try. Upon setting foot inside, I noticed right away the brightness of the place, the breezy feeling given by the well-spaced tables adorned with chic dark chairs. As we sat down, our attention was caught by the beautiful drywall mud art representing the old town on one wall, and on the other across the room, a depiction of the newer parts of town. My son excitedly pointed the train tracks to me.

The staff greeted us with a smile, letting us choose where to sit.

They were both hospitable and attentive with our needs: I didn’t need to ask for the kid’s menu or booster seat, they were already on it.

I came in expecting a small-town mom and pop restaurant; I didn’t expect to be blown away like this. For only five dollars, kids have good breakfast options including a drink, which is definitely within my budget. My son had a Mickey Mouse-shaped fluffy pancake with strawberry eyes, a very thick bacon smile and whipped cream. My son squealed with delight a few times while eating, obviously satisfied.

I had the Eggs Benedict, making this the second time I’ve had them in my life. My first time had been disappointing, but at Langdon AM, they know what they are doing and are truly capable of changing minds. I was presented with a delicious stack of two fresh and soft English muffins with fluffy eggs atop a thick slice of ham, all under a creamy but not too rich Hollandaise

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sauce and a dash of paprika. These came with a side of fried potatoes and onions, just like the ones I beg my husband to make on a Saturday morning. I added a side of sausages, which looked as if they had been made in-house. Our waitress informed me that, prior to opening the restaurant, they had to taste a series of sausages and vote on them. This sausage, with its mild herb and pepper profile, had a unanimous vote in their kitchen, and deserved mine as well.

Their menu contained plenty of breakfast options, from delicious-looking fluffy pancakes, of which I stole a few hungry glances from my neighbours’ table, to breakfast wraps, French toasts, and of course classic bacon and eggs but with premium sides. There are many added extras, such as unlimited slices of toast with any breakfast meal, as long as you're dining in. Tea lovers will be happy to sip on loose-leaf tea from quality brands sure to please, and coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the freshness of in-house ground coffee beans. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are also being looked into and the public is welcome to share their experiences.

This kind of attention to detail and the quality ingredients were not only due to the newness of the place; in a recent interview with owner Rolly Ashdown, I found that he wants to keep going with this business model, striving for improvement while remaining flexible. After the initial three-month test run, he and his team will be able to work out the kinks in order to retain the quality a lot of customers have already come to love. Delivery could also become a reality with the opening of neighbouring Langdon Pizza, allowing customers to enjoy delicious pizza or breakfast within the comforts of their homes. This service is expected to cover Langdon and surrounding areas but may not extend to other towns and cities. There is no menu online as of yet, but a website will be up and running in the near future.

We loved Langdon AM and we are convinced it will be a crowd pleaser in the neighbourhood. The place smelled new and had a The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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modern flair. It definitely is a place for the whole family wanting a change from the fast-food kind of breakfasts. Meals are carefully prepared and adorned with edible decorations, portions are generous and plentiful, and they are still getting more products in, but already they are offering so much to the Langdon community.

Langdon AM will definitely become a great alternative whether you want to eat breakfast in or out.

Bon Appetit!

— Salem Wolfe

HEALTH BENEFITS OF YOUR

Christmas Dinner

Turkey is a traditional part of Christmas dinner and luckily it is also extremely good for you. Turkey is a great source of high quality protein, as well as being naturally low in fat – particularly when the skin is removed. Not only that, but turkey is rich in vitamins B3 and B6 (important for brain health and energy production) and zinc and selenium (good for the immune system and skin). Furthermore, the festive bird is high in tryptophan, which can help to boost your mood.

Chestnuts

Whether you eat them with sprouts, in a veggie-friendly nut roast or added to stuffing, chestnuts are a great way to boost your health at Christmas time. Unlike most nuts, chestnuts are surprisingly low in fat and also an excellent source of vitamin C. On top of this, chestnuts are a good source of protein, fibre and nutrients, including iron, B vitamins and foliate.

Cranberry sauce

Cranberry sauce is a staple of many Christmas dinners, so it may comes as good news to lots of us that the popular condiment is packed with antioxidants and nutrients essential for good health.

Several studies have identified links between consuming cranberries and reduced risks of heart disease and breast cancer.

Bread sauce

While bread is often given the cold shoulder by those of us watching our waistlines, this breadcrumb based sauce is actually good for your health when enjoyed in moderation. As well as being high in fibre and calcium, homemade bread sauce traditionally contains onion and cloves, which have antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Brussels sprouts

Many people claim to dislike sprouts – perhaps due to their unappealing smell or appearance. However, if you can get past your aversion to this traditional Christmas veg, you could be doing your health a big favour. By tucking into your sprouts on Christmas day you will be filling your body with plenty of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids (great for the heart and brain) and cancer-fighting substances, glucosinolates.

Carrots

Carrots have long had a reputation for helping you to see in the dark, and it may be that this is not far from the truth. The vibrant vegetable is packed with carotenoids such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lutein, which help to protect vision and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration, as well as helping to protect against cancer.

Information found on:www.realbuzz.com

King Of The Road Burger With Fries

Strathmore

When you get hungry a hearty home-cooked meal is all your stomach wants.

Husky House Restaurants serve up fresh, hot favourites for all meal times: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

HuskyHouseRestaurantStrathmore

Phone Us: 403-934-3561

436 Ridge Rd, Strathmore

Judy was going to the Christmas office party but needed a new party dress.

In the clothing store she asked, ‘May I try on that dress in the window, please?’

‘Certainly not, madam,’ responded the salesgirl. ‘You’ll have to use the fitting room like everyone else.’

One year, my father gave Mom a DVD. In and of itself it wasn’t a bad gift, except A) it was a rental, and B) we didn’t own a DVD player.

—Amy Marshall Hodges

Bitchen Kitchen Corporate & Private Catering

Weekly Meal Planning Luncheons Delivery

bon appétit!! /bitchenkitchen

Ph:

403.875.9040

sylvira69@gmail.com

100 Merganser Dr. Chestermere (inside the gas plus) facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

• 19

Why the Nutrition in Med Marijuana® Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil May Be the Game Changer You Need If you are looking for a safe, natural alternative for you, your children, and your animals, Med Marijuana® Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil may be for you.

This pure oil is from a strain of the Cannabis Sativa plant bred for medicinal purposes (not to be confused with industrial hemp) and may be beneficial for countless health, stress, and sleep-related conditions. You cannot get high from any of these products and you do not have to worry about driving or work-related drug testing.

Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is one of nature’s most wonderful superfoods and it is the healthiest oil found on the planet. You can actually live on it with nothing else but water! It is known for improving quality of life and it provides the optimal nutrition the body needs to help combat and prevent illness.

More than any other plant on Earth, the oil contains the most balanced and richest natural source of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The oil is an 80% concentration of EFAs, making them a complete omega profile of Omega 3,6 & 9 in a safe, perfect ratio. Because EFAs cannot be produced in the body of mammals and must be continually supplemented in our diets, Med Marijuana® Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is the perfect way to ensure your body is getting what it needs.

“Dear Santa, Please text my dad.

He has my whole list.”

- Timmy

Med Marijuana® Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is an excellent protein source and contains protein that mimics globulin protein found in our bodies. It is also a balanced source of 8 Amino Acids, is packed with vitamins, minerals, naturally reoccurring enzymes, probiotics, and chlorophyll, all of which are beneficial for enhancing immune system and intestinal health in humans and animals (large and small). Coconut oil, vitamin C, healthy nutritional yeast, and essential oils also play an important part in the Med Marijuana® family and have been added in the product line.

“Dear Santa, Sorry for what I did in the past, and thank you for the Christmas letter—I love it.

But what I want for Christmas is $53 billion dollars.” - Sophie

Med Marijuana® Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil products are Federally legal and Health Canada approved (the products are registered with Health Canada’s Natural Product Numbers). All of the products are 100% Canadian, with plants grown and produced in Health Canada approved facilities using a completely controlled, sterile, inert environment (no light, no oxygen, cool temperature). They are also vegan, non-GMO, and free of herbicides, pesticides, preservatives, artificial colouring, gluten, sugar, and salt.

Endeavour More Living FOR PEOPLE AND ANIMALS

Cameron and Reesa Bruce have been distributors of Med Marijuana® Cannabis Sa�va Seed Oil products since 2016. Their mission is to help improve the quality of life for people and animals with the healthiest oil found on the planet. You cannot get high from these products and you don’t have to fear work-related drug tes�ng. Find their products at local markets or in MYSTICAL CRYSTALS at #105-95 Brent Blvd in Strathmore.

Shipping and free delivery within Strathmore available.

There are no known side affects with any of these natural products and they will not interfere with medications. They may even help you reduce or eliminate pharmaceuticals. Doses can be adjusted for children and pets or to suit your own wellness needs. The products can also be taken in combination with each other or used alone.

More than ever, people are making intelligent decisions about their health. But with so many options and sources of information regarding Cannabis, the decisions can be overwhelming. We invite you to explore www.EndeavourMoreLiving.com to discover why Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil is nature’s perfect food.

www.EndeavourMoreLiving.com Phone/Text: 403-934-3531 EndeavourMoreLiving@gmail.com

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The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Balanced Souls

Jen Kaminsky

Mom & Tot Bootcamp Yoga Wellness Coaching

403.975.1630 jakaminsky14@gmail.com

BalancedSouls.ca

Christmas Rules 1. Don’t go into debt trying to show people how much you love them.

2. Don’t go visit your family if it compromises your mental health.

3. If someone comments on your weight… eat them.

#105f 100 Ranch Market, Strathmore, Alberta, T1P0A8

Call your parents now and ask them what the WiFi password is so they have time to find the little paper it’s written on before Christmas.

Dr. Ashkan Hamzehi DDS; Dr. Sharif Faizi DMD; Dr. Arzy Kafrouny DDS

General Prac�ce Family Den�sts

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Cardamom Spiced Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk, coconut milk or almond milk 1/4 cup cocoa powder OR cacao powder 2 tbsp of your sweetener of choice, maple, honey or coconut sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp bruised cardamom pods (to bruise a pod, you can use a rolling pin over the pod and gently push.)

1-2 sticks of cinnamon Optional: a few pinches of other spices, like: nutmeg, ginger, and/or cloves In a saucepan, whisk together all of the ingredients. Heat on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scalding (don’t use a higher heat to make this quickly: a low heat will simmer and blend the spices into the milk perfectly).

Allow your hot chocolate to simmer on low heat for at least 15 minutes. This makes enough for two mugs of lusciousness. *If this beverage is too thick for you, simply add more milk. Taste-test towards the end to decide if it’s too bitter (then add more sweetener) or if it needs more chocolate.

Think about this as you are sipping you luscious hot chocolate, the health benefits of cardamom include gastrointestinal protection, cholesterol control, control of cancer, relief from cardiovascular issues, and the improvement of blood circulation in the body. It is useful for curing dental diseases and urinary tract infections such as cystitis, nephritis, and gonorrhea and Cardamom is said to possess aphrodisiac properties and cinnamon is high in a substance called cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for most of the health benefits. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking “superfoods” like garlic and oregano. The antioxidants in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help lower the risk of disease.

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People of all ages and various nationalities who have more grateful dispositions report fewer health complaints than their less grateful counterparts. In one study, more grateful participants reported fewer health problems (such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, and sleep disturbances); in another, they reported fewer physical symptoms (including headaches, dizziness, stomachaches, and runny noses). Seems pretty clear-cut, right?

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Not necessarily. One big question is whether gratitude causes good health or whether good health causes gratitude—or perhaps something else makes us both grateful and healthy. Indeed, while these studies suggest that grateful people are healthier, they could also suggest that people in poorer health are less likely to feel grateful. To tease apart this relationship, researchers have begun to explore whether people who engage in gratitude activities benefit from improved health.

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The Ways Gratitude Can Also Make You Physically Healthier

i t a r

Some research suggests that grateful people may have better sleep, healthier hearts, and fewer aches and pains.

People of all ages and various nationalities who have more grateful dispositions report fewer health complaints than their less grateful counterparts.

G

After 15 years of research, we know that gratitude is a key to psychological well-being. Gratitude can make people happier, improve their relationships, and potentially even counteract depression and suicidal thoughts. But might the benefits of gratitude go beyond that? Could gratitude be good for your physical health, too?

While some studies have associated gratitude with a whole slew of benefits—from fewer aches and pains to improved sleep to better cardiovascular health—others have found more mixed results. More research is needed before doctors start giving out prescriptions for gratitude, but there’s good reason to suspect that gratitude has positive ramifications for your body.

“Gratitude … can be an incredibly powerful and invigorating experience,” says researcher Jeff Huffman. “There is growing evidence that being grateful may not only bring good feelings. It could lead to better health.”

Are grateful people healthier?

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Results from the GGSC’s own Thnx4 project found that participants who kept an online gratitude journal for two weeks reported better physical health, including fewer headaches, less stomach pain, clearer skin, and reduced congestion. These results are consistent with a 2003 paper published by Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough. In that study, college students who wrote about things they were grateful for just once a week for 10 weeks reported fewer physical symptoms (such as headaches, shortness of breath, sore muscles, and nausea) than students who wrote about daily events or hassles.

Other studies, however, have found no health benefits from gratitude. In one study of middle school students, those who completed a “counting blessings” activity for two weeks didn’t report better physical health than other groups. And, in their 2003 study, Emmons and McCullough found that college students who kept daily gratitude journals for two weeks (rather than 10) didn’t fare better in terms of health complaints. Emmons and McCullough also found that people with neuromuscular disease who kept a daily gratitude journal for three weeks reported the same amount of physical pain as people who just filled out basic daily surveys.

Do these mixed results mean that keeping a gratitude journal or writing gratitude letters won’t improve your health? Not necessarily. In the studies that failed to find health benefits, participants tried their gratitude activities for relatively short periods of time (two to three weeks). It could be that people who keep a gratitude journal for longer—say, multiple months—see stronger effects. Future studies will need to test this possibility.

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e d u t

Do grateful people sleep better?

Is gratitude good for your heart?

Sleep is vital for good health. Inadequate sleep puts strain on the body and increases your risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions. But anyone who’s struggled with insomnia knows it’s not always so easy to get enough Z’s. Perhaps surprisingly, studies suggest that boosting your gratitude might be a relatively easy way to improve your slumber.

People with heart failure and chronic pain who are more grateful report sleeping better, despite their condition, than less grateful patients. In a study of 401 people—40 percent of whom had clinically impaired sleep—more grateful people reported falling asleep more quickly, sleeping longer, having better sleep quality, and staying awake more easily during the day. This study also found evidence that more grateful people sleep better because they have fewer negative thoughts and more positive ones at bedtime.

Gratitude feels heartwarming, and a growing body of work suggests that gratitude might help keep our actual hearts healthy, too.

G

i t a r

While the evidence that gratitude practices benefit sleep is still preliminary, it’s strong enough to suggest that those of us counting sheep may want to try counting blessings instead. You don’t have to be a natural gratitude guru to get good sleep. Evidence suggests that just performing gratitude exercises can help. In one study, people with neuromuscular disease who kept a daily gratitude journal for three weeks reported sleeping significantly longer at night and feeling significantly more refreshed than people in the control group. And in a 2016 study, women who kept a gratitude journal for two weeks reported slightly better daily sleep quality compared to women who performed other tasks.

This line of research began in 1995, when a study found that people feeling appreciation (an emotion related to gratitude) have improved heart rate variability, an indicator of good heart health. In a more recent study, women who kept a gratitude journal where they wrote about “previously unappreciated people and things in their lives” for two weeks ended up with lower blood pressure than those who wrote about daily events. Together, these and other results suggest that feeling gratitude can be good for healthy hearts.

What about people who already have heart problems? Recent studies by Paul Mills, Laura Redwine, and colleagues have probed the relationship between gratitude and health in people with Stage B, asymptomatic heart failure—people whose hearts have suffered structural damage but who show no clear outward symptoms. In their study of 186 patients, more grateful people reported better sleep, less fatigue, less depression, more confidence in their ability to care for themselves, and lower levels of systemic inflammation (an immune response that can have negative effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system).

Patients who did daily gratitude journaling for eight weeks also showed decreased markers of inflammation at the end of the experiment.

These results are especially important given that both depression

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• 23

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and sleep problems can worsen heart failure, and they suggest that a gratitude journal might indeed be a good addition to the care provided to heart patients.

e d u t

Research on the relationship between gratitude and physical health is still developing, but studies so far suggest that there may be a connection. At the very least, it appears that more grateful people report feeling healthier and sleeping better, and they may even have some physiological markers of better health.

This raises a clear question: How is it that gratitude might make people healthier? Besides helping them sleep, gratitude may lead people to engage in other behaviors that help keep them healthy, like eating well and not smoking. Indeed, more grateful people report having healthier lifestyles, more grateful heart attack patients adhere better to their doctors’ recommendations, and college students who count blessings weekly for 10 weeks exercise significantly more than those who do other writing activities.

i t a r

Gratitude may even help patients recover from a heart attack.

In the Gratitude Research in Acute Coronary Events study by Jeff Huffman and colleagues, more optimistic and more grateful people showed signs of improved blood vessel function two weeks—though not six months—after being hospitalized for heart attacks, compared to less grateful patients. Unlike optimism, though, gratitude didn’t seem to improve patients’ physical activity levels or their likelihood of being readmitted to the hospital. A follow-up study found that people who were more grateful or optimistic two weeks after their heart attack were more likely to follow their doctors’ recommendations six months later.

G

A 2017 study by Neal Krause and colleagues may point to yet another way that gratitude supports heart health. This study found that more grateful people had significantly lower levels of a protein found in red blood cells called hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). High HbA1c levels are a “biomarker” associated with an increased risk of heart failure and non-fatal heart attacks.

HbA1C has also been implicated in poor blood sugar control in diabetes, as well as chronic kidney disease, a number of cancers, and overall risk of death. (This study does not tell us that being more grateful directly affects one’s HbA1C level; it is just as likely that more grateful people engage in other positive health activities that in turn lower their HbA1C.)

Studies focused on identifying biomarkers like this are likely to be an important part of the future of research on gratitude and

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But there are other possible mechanisms. Gratitude’s stress-buffering ability and known power to increase happiness and positive emotions may have downstream positive influences on health.

And gratitude’s role in fostering and strengthening social connections may be just as important. A growing body of research strongly suggests that our relationships with others can have tangible health benefits.

Still, there is a lot we don’t yet know. As we speak, researchers are exploring how different types of gratitude might have different benefits, whether the target of your gratitude makes a difference, and how gratitude could impact your body in real time.

Additionally, we still need more evidence to determine whether or not particular gratitude activities can improve specific health outcomes, how long these improvements last, and whether characteristics such as age, gender, religion, or personality can influence gratitude’s effects on health. But the evidence is mounting that gratitude may well be one of the fundamental pillars of a healthy lifestyle.

This article was originally published https://www.yesmagazine.org /happiness/the-ways-gratitude-can-also-make-you-physically-healthier-20180307

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Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. Speaking of mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food

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7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labour Day? 9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, a glass of red wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO HOO what a ride!"

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Mouth breathing can result in an altered position of the head, shoulders, and spine as the body makes adaptations necessary to keep the airway open. Forward head posture, elevated shoulders, increased curvature of the spine, and tilting of the pelvis are all common traits found to be associated with this form of respiration.

When you complete a full 4. checkup and cleaning Snoring

The nose is designed to act as a natural filter and humidifier Loud snoring is one of the primary characteristics mouth breathers for the air we breathe. When the body is unable Now to take open in an Saturdays! exhibit during sleep. Snoring can both interfere with an individuadequate amount of air through the nose, the mouth begins al’s quality as well as cause relationship difficulties with whoever www.langdondental.com to take over. Healthy individuals may temporarily switch to shares the bedroom with the offending party. oral respiration when their nasal passages become blocked due to a cold, or during strenuous exercise when the bodies 5. Changes in Face Shape and Appearance demand for oxygen increases. A chronic mouth breather inDr. Yosh Jefferson, a New Jersey orthodontist and author of rehales and exhales primarily through their mouth, regardless cent report in the journal General Dentistry, notes that over time, of their activity. children whose mouth breathing goes untreated may suffer from abnormal facial and dental development, such as long, narrow facChronic Mouth Breathing Health Effects es, gummy smiles, and misaligned teeth. Other alterations in facial appearance seen include an anterior open bite, incomplete lip cloMouth breathing is caused by a number of factors, including sure, and dark under eye circles. chronic allergies, sinus trouble, or enlarged tonsils. Once the habit is established, it may continue even after the initial ob6. Diminished Sense of Smell struction is successfully treated. The condition typically can Our sense of smell is one of the five ways we interact with our enbe seen at an early age and it’s estimated to affect as much vironment and plays an important role in our behaviour, emotions, as 40% of the population. Despite this high prevalence, the memory, and many nervous system functions. The olfactory recephealth care field historically has not given much attention to tors responsible for this sense are located in the nose, so breathing the many problems caused by habitual mouth breathing, and in air through the mouth reduces our ability to perceive smells. A the many ways it can impact a person’s quality of life. diminished sense of smell can cause disturbances in appetite and interfere with normal feelings of satiety after eating, which may 1. Poor Sleep Quality create complications for individuals struggling with weight issues.

Not breathing well through the nose can reduce an individual’s quality of sleep, and may aggravate existing sleep ap7. Compromised Immune System nea. Not sleeping well can cause tiredness and lack of conYour nose is equipped with a number of safeguards to protect centration during the day, and in children may result in poor the sensitive tissue of the respiratory tract from the environment. academic performance and behavioural problems similar to Breathing through the mouth bypasses the nose’s natural defensADHD. es against germs, allergens, and other pollutants. Nitric oxide gas, produced by the nose, an inhaled only with air breathed through 2. Bad Breath and Gum Disease the nasal passageways, has the ability to kill bacteria, viruses and Research has found a significant association between halitosis other germs. (bad breath) and chronic mouth breathing. The development of bad breath is thought to be due to the drying of the lin8. Decreased Oxygen Delivery ing of the mouth, which reduces saliva flow and causes an Air is exhaled through the mouth faster than through the nose. increase in odor-producing bacteria. This proliferation of bacNose breathing creates back pressure which keeps the lungs interia is also a major factor in the progression of gum disease. flated longer and allows the body to better extract oxygen from

26 •

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Altogether Different

the air we breath in. Mouth breathing poses less resistance and can lead to areas of poor ventilation in the lungs. Additionally, the nitric oxide in the air inhaled through nose significantly enhances your lung’s capacity to absorb oxygen.

9. Breathing Unconditioned Air

Inhaling through the nose warms and humidifies the air before it reaches your lungs, whereas breathing through the mouth does not offer the same benefit. Breathing unconditioned air can affect the sensitive tissue of the airway, particularly for individuals who live in cold, dry climates. Taking cold air into your lungs without allowing your nose to warm it causes the airways to constrict so breathing becomes more difficult.

10. Exacerbation of Asthma Symptoms

TM

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Langdon, AB Pharmacy Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm. Sat: 9am - 5pm (403) 936-5006 ADDRESS Pharmacy Hours: Closed Fri : Sundays and Holidays Front Store Hours: Sun : Store Hours: Mon Fri: 9am 7pm.

Sat: 9am 5pm.

Sun: 9am 4pm Mon-Wed : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mon - Fri : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Langdon Pharmacy Hours: Mon-Wed : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Thur : 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

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A study published in 2008 showed the mouth 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat : breathing reduced lung function and initiated asthma symptoms in subjects with mild asthma. Nasal breathing is also thought to provide a protective influence against exercise induced asthma.

Reference: James Speck At Langdon Dental, a thorough examination is completed of the alignment of the jaws, teeth, tongue position and airway. For more information please contact us at 403 936 8432 or via email at info@langdondental.com

Christmas Joke The gifts are opened, the eggnog consumed, and your kid has begun a Demands Wish List for next year. If you’re feeling woozy, it may be because you’ve contracted at least one of these seasonal maladies: • Pay Saks Disease: A mania for buying gifts and abusing credit lines, followed by a compulsive urge to carry ten shopping bags at once.

• Seasonal Affection Disorder (SAD): An exaggerated emotional response (typically shrieking and air-kissing) triggered by seeing insignificant acquaintances at annual parties.

• Gift-aphasia: Loss of memory that causes the accidental recycling of gifts back to the same people who gave them to you last year.

—Bob Morris, from New York Observer

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Christmas Joke

Scene: Christmas morning, and I’m opening my gifts.

Dad: “Open that one next, sweetie.”

(He points to a box, which I open. Inside is one of those obnoxious singing-and-dancing robot Christmas trees. I’m a bit shocked, as I had pointed out how much I hate these things when we went shopping the week before.)

Me: “Uh, weren’t you listening when I said I thought these were the most annoying things ever?”

Dad: “I know, I know. But … open that one next.”

(This time he points to a long, heavy package. I open it up to reveal a sledgehammer.)

Me: “Is this for what I think it’s for?”

Dad: “And you thought I wasn’t paying attention!”

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• 27

altogether.

This is particularly true of festive foods; too often the "healthy" option is so far removed from our idea of what that food actually tastes like we'd almost rather go without than eat the substitute.

Not so with this Christmas cake! It’s rich and dark but not sticky.

It has a good cake texture and the nutty spicy flavour of a classic Christmas cake with no added sugar or fat. The sweetness comes entirely from the fruit.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups mixed dried fruit ½ cup pitted dates • 1 can of apricots or peaches in juice not syrup • ¼ cup cold tea • Zest of an orange • 1½ tsp mixed spice • ¾ tsp cinnamon • 3 eggs beaten • 2¼ tsp baking soda • 1/3 cup sliced almonds • 2 cups self-raising flour • 16 whole almonds for decorating • 1 tsp melted butter

THE CHRONICLES OF LARRY AND ROGER:

A Pair of Diabetic Feet

Written by: Vicki L Myhre CPOD (I) CMP PFRP. Enlightened Soles. Internationally Certified Pod-

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the dried fruit in a large saucepan. Add the spices, juice from the canned fruit and orange zest. Chop the dates and canned fruit into small pieces and add to the pan with the cold tea. Bring to the boil stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes then cool.

Heat the oven to 170°C/340°F and grease and line an 18 cm square cake pan. When cool, add the beaten eggs, almonds, baking soda and flour to the fruit and quickly combine. Stir well to ensure no flour pockets in the mix. Quickly pour into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, or until dark golden and well risen. A skewer inserted into the cake should come out clean. If the cake browns too quickly place a double layer of paper over the top to protect it.

Cool for a few minutes in the pan and then turn out, carefully remove baking paper and brush the top with melted butter to add a little shine. *Cut into 40 serves each serve contains 15g Carbohydrate. *Cut into 20 serves each serve contains 30g Carbohydrate.

Even those who are not diabetic will enjoy the results of their labours when they follow this recipe. We are thrilled to share it with you.

ologist. Registered through the Canadian Examining.

Board of Health Practitioners

Hello All, Larry here! Seasons Greetings to all!

Roger and I would love to take this chance to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We can not believe that it is that time of year already… We go into this holiday season with plans to be the best “HUMAN” Diabetics that we can be. We will plan wisely, knowing there will be moments where we will be human. An important part of making it through such big holidays in the healthiest manner possible is planning. Planning food, planning activities, planning WISE CHEATS, planning to feel like we belong with everyone else.

We will continue to get our steps on along with other activities.

Roger was surfing the internet and found this amazingly wonderful Christmas Cake recipe (www.radionz.co.nz). It is suitable for Diabetics. It has NO ADDED SUGAR. Keep in mind, moderation is the key as fruit has all kinds of natural sugar that can and will affect blood sugars.

Cayle Christmas Cake

So, heading into New Years, we are still contemplating what type of New Years Resolution we should set this year. We want to try something new. Do you have any ideas? Roger and I look forward to hearing them. We are going to try to come up with some great ideas to share with you and we would love to hear your ideas. Please feel free to send your comments and ideas to us at enlightenedsoles@ shaw.ca. On that note, stay healthy and enjoy the best Festive Season ever.

(suitable for diabetics)

By Sophie Gray

AND… Until Next month, Make your Footprints Count.

Larry and Roger

A lot of recipes developed for special diets seem to place all the importance on observing the diet at the expense of flavour. If a recipe doesn't taste good, then we tend to revert to what we have always eaten and ignore the dietician’s advice

28 •

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A Grown-up Christmas Wish

The magic in Christmas is that this is the time of year when miracles can happen. When all that isn't right in the world is temporarily forgotten, we can take solace in the fact that we have those we hold dear to us. Christmas trees, mistletoes, perfectly wrapped gifts enveloped in shiny red paper that draws the attention of every animal, child and father in the general vicinity.

(Obnoxious?) in-laws, over-eager children, eggnog and a log on the fire - this is Christmas.

However, this year, I would like to make my grown-up wish list a little less about diamonds and lot more about unity. You see, as I sat here pondering my list to Santa, I couldn't help but realize just how much pain our world is actually in. The poverty and despair; wars, hunger and hatred. Circumstances around us have hardened so many, and for some, understandably, our greatest defense has been to numb ourselves from humanity.

and try to empathize with the fact that Santa usually brings less to those who need more.

Forget religion, geography and social status for a moment and just focus on the purity in the people around us, near and far. If we can find it in our hearts to do that this Christmas, then our world may see peace again - if only just for a day.

Merry Christmas to you and yours (and theirs)

I'm not asking anyone to donate their time or their money. I'm asking that we put aside our hurt, anger and judgements this holiday season and reignite our compassion for humankind.

See the love in your grandfather's eyes, the longing for home in that child’s smile, the nearly unbearable chill running over the homeless man’s bones as he lay alone on the park bench.

I ask you to shake that veterans hand, hug your brother

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Unit 531-409 East Hills Blvd S.E. Calgary

Please Call For An Appointment 403.668.7776

Y

IGHBOU NE R Reader’s Choice in

BUSINESS

AGAZINE M

JINGLE BELLS?

E NEW TH S

HAD ENOUGH

Nominee 2018-2019

E: strathmore@valuedrug.ca

132-2nd Ave Strathmore AB T1P 1K3

403-934-3122 ph 403-934-6474 fax

facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

Kids Jungle Gym Adults Work Out Gym HIIT / Circuit Training Birthday Parties and EVENTS

Chestermere

587.830.3488 fittogether.studio

www.

1. What happens to elves when they behave naughty?

Santa gives them the sack.

2. What kind of music do elves listen to? Wrap.

3. What is a snowmans favorite breakfast? Ice Crispies.

4. Why didn't the skeleton go to the Christmas party?

He had no-body to go with.

5. Who hides in the bakery at Christmas? A Mince Spy! 6. What says 'Oh Oh Oh'? Santa walking backwards!

7. What do you call a greedy elf? Elfish.

8. What do zombies eat with their Christmas dinner?

Grave-y.

9. Who delivers presents to baby sharks at Christmas?

Santa Jaws!

10. What did one snowman say to the other snowman?

Can you smell carrot?

11. Whats the best Christmas Present? A broken drum you can't beat it.

12. Which of Santa's reindeer has bad manners? Rudealph!

13. Why did Santa put a clock in his sleigh? He wanted to see time fly!

14. What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck in a chimney? Claustrophobia!

15. Why does Santa have three gardens? So he can ho, ho, ho.

16. What do you get if you combine Santa and a duck?

A Christmas Quacker!

17. What do snowmen eat for lunch? Iceburgers!

18. Why are Christmas trees so bad at sewing? They always drop their needles!

19. What happened to the thief who stole a Christmas Advent Calendar? He got 25 days!

20. What is a skunks favorite Christmas song? Jingle smells!

21. What is Santa's dogs name? Santa Paws!

22. What falls at the North Pole but never gets hurt?

Snow.

23. What never eats at Christmas dinner? The turkey – it’s stuffed.

24. Where does Santa stay when he is on holiday? At a Ho-ho-ho-tel.

25. What do you call Frosty the Snowman in May? A puddle!

26. Did you know that Rudolph the Reindeer never went to school? He was elf taught.

27. What did Adam say the day before Christmas? It's Christmas, Eve!

28. What do snowmen usually wear on their heads? Ice caps!

29. Where do you find chilli beans? At the north pole!

30. What is a librarians favorite Christmas song? Silent Night 31. What do you call a frozen elf hanging from the ceiling? An elfcicle!

32. What kind of motorcycle does Santa ride? Holly Davidson.

33. Why does Santa go down the chimney on Christmas Eve? Because it 'soots' him!

34. How do you know Santa is good at karate? He has a black belt!

35. What do you call an old snowman? Water.

Founded in 2011, the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce provides an avenue for businesses in the community to create a positive business environment and essentially exists to make the community a better place in which to live.

The Chamber works closely with its municipal government and peaks for the business community at public hearings, the media and behind closed doors. It is the "United voice of Chestermere business".

READY TO GET STARTED?

Join The Chamber TODAY! Phone: 403 770 9680

Email: info@chestermerechamber.com

www.chestermerechamber.com facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Strathmore Farmers Market Night Market Wednesday Nights November 21st - December 19th 5pm - 8pm

Strathmore Civic Centre

www.strathmorefarmersmarket.ca

8.

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WE’VE MOVED!

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(East door on 2nd Street - formerly McBride Centre)

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Your Own Personal Christmas Present

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We just don't do enough for ourselves; especially if you are a wife and a mother! You find yourself always busy looking after your family. There is certainly nothing wrong with that! But, sometimes you just need to take a time out and care for yourself. Most people go through life waiting for that perfect time before they do something special or nice for themselves. There is always something more important that needs doing first and waiting for that perfect time to come, you will find one day that the best part of your life has passed you by. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

1. Create something. It does not matter what it is. Something from within you. I am not only talking about something artistic. It can be anything.

2. Crawl into bed when you should be working - just for a short nap. Be sure to set the alarm.

3. Cook something special to eat.

4. Go for a walk and take your camera; you may be inspired to take a picture.

5. Learn meditation – meditation is an excellent tool for de-stressing the mind and body.

6. Make a list of the things you like doing the most and try to do at least one of them each day. Two if you can.

7. Learn yoga – yoga is the natural method devised by hermits of ancient India to keep every aspect of the body and

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mind healthy.

Buy something small that costs almost nothing but is something you would normally not buy for yourself.

Introduce exercise into your life – you need not do much.

Buy something small for someone else.

Drink plenty of water – make a plan – and stick to it – to drink at least two litres of water per day.

Just sit and listen to the noises around you or just listen to the silence.

Write a budget – the first step towards improving finance is to have a budget.

Listen to a piece of music you have wanted to hear.

Decide to do a good thing every day – it gives tremendous satisfaction and it does improve relationships.

Make a list at the end of the day of what you did for yourself.

Make it a point of being positive – say only good things about anyone around you. If you can't say anything nice don't say nothing at all.

Get up a little bit earlier than you should and feel the luxury of doing things you aren't too rushed to do, or just sit and enjoy the morning instead of rushing to get ready.

Say ‘I love you’ often – make it a point to say these 3 exceptional words to all those whom you love as often as you can. They mean a lot. As a kicker, say them to the reflection in the mirror.

Give something to someone - something you would not normally do. A smile, encouragement, or a gift.

Give a hug often – hugging, touching, smiling are ways to say ‘I love you’ that benefit both the giver and the receiver.

Decide that you are going to do something that you want to do and without any excuses, take the first step. It will be the start of something new and special in your life.

And do not forget to make that list. And, by the way, every so often, take a look at your lists.

Last but not least, love yourself!!

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA This morning I saw my neighbour talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her… I came back into my house and told my dog… we laughed a lot.

If my wife was a transformer, her name would be Amazon Prime.

I’m sorry I’m so cranky. I’m in my terrible 40s right now.

My boss told me to dress for the job I want, not the job I have.

Now I’m sitting in a disciplinary meeting dressed as Batman.

Valley Dental Clinic GENERAL FAMILY DENTISTRY Ph:

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Santa Goes to the Dentist Too!

Thank goodness I don’t have to hunt for my own food.

I don’t even know where tacos live.

English teacher: Give me the opposite of this sentence: “Children in the dark make mistakes.”

Student: “Mistakes in the dark make children.”

I’m mature, but not mature-mature. Like, I pay my own bills, but I still say “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey” to figure stuff out.

My well-behaved firstborn gave me the confidence to be a good mom.

My wild child second kid taught me not to judge other moms.

Maybe hot chocolate wants to be called beautiful chocolate just one time.

Our grocery store has 4 check-out lanes open at all times.

Unless it’s really busy, then there is 1.

If I ever go missing and someone writes my real weight on the poster, I am not coming back.

and a Happy New Year!

231-2nd Avenue, Strathmore valleydentalstrathmore@hotmail.com

www.valleydentalstrathmore.ca Maybe my mom was right all those years ago. Maybe I won’t be happy until someone loses an eye. Maybe that’s what’s been missing.

Everyone: if you keep listening to your music so loud, you’ll be deaf by the time you’re 30.

Me: What?

Early 20s: as long as I’m in bed by 3am, I’m good.

Current: it’s already 8:30pm. We can’t start a movie this late.

HAHAHAHA

You know when you buy a bag of salad and it gets all brown and soggy?

Cookies don’t do that.

When I try an outfit on and it doesn’t make me look good, I just throw it on the floor. Like, NO. You don’t deserve to be hunt up. Sit there and think about what you’ve done.

I’ve tried telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried grapes.

It’s all about raisin awareness, really.

Two things I know I can make: good looking kids, and people mad.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Where can I get directions to that freaking village? facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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bully know they need to STOP, put your hands up in front of you to show them they need to stop. Using your Super Hero voice and hands to set boundaries helps people around you know about the bullying behaviour.

4. Protect your feelings from name calling and hurtful words. Wrap your Super Hero cape around you and let the nasty words bounce off you.

5. Be a Super Hero for others. Notice if others are being left out or teased then go to them and start a conversation or asks them to leave the situation with you. Show them they are liked and supported. Take the attention away from the bullies and their power will disappear.

6. Find a Super Hero Adult who can help fix the problem. If one adult will not help, find another who will help. Be persistent with the adults to let them know there is a problem.

7. Use Fists as a last Super Hero option. The best choice is to avoid or walk away from someone’s bad behaviour. If the bully grabs you or hits you, you have the right to hit back in your efforts to get away. Always talk with your parent about your family and school rules for fighting back.

Registration for Winter Classes Something for everyone to enjoy

Strathmore’s ONLY Professional Dance Studio This Christmas, give the gift of dance!

Gift Certificates Available

*Note to Parents: Register your child in a Self Defense Class. Learning confidence and physical strategies can empower children so they are perceived as less of a target or victim. Often, just by having the skills and knowing they can perform them if needed, will improve a child’s self esteem. They hold their head up higher, walk with more confidence and give the impression that they are deliberate and strong. As such, they are less likely to be victimized.

403-901-6392

expressionsthedancegallery.com 126 Canal Garden Strathmore, AB

Lorna Selig | 403 701 9037 | www.safe4life.ca

Christmas Decoration Ideas for Kids Are you a parent? If so, there is a good chance that you already know just how much kids love the holidays. That is why you may want to think about letting your children help you decorate for Christmas. In fact, in addition to just letting them help you hang Christmas decorations, you may also want to let them make their own handmade Christmas decorations. Not only will you find that there are a number of benefits to doing so, but you will also find that there are a number of fun and exciting Christmas decorations that they can easily make.

7 Super Hero Steps for Children to Manage Bullying

Almost every family that celebrates Christmas has a Christmas tree; therefore, there is a good chance that your family will have one. One fun and exciting Christmas craft project that your children could do involves making their own Christmas ornaments.

1. Use the Calm Confidence of a Super Hero: Hold your head high, walk briskly like you are confident, have a peaceful face and body and be alert. Put on your Super Hero cape, and imagine you are one as you move through your day.

2. Leave in a calm powerful way: Wrap yourself in the Super Hero cape and get away from someone who is bullying or being mean. Stepping out of a line, or changing seats is an effective way to leave with authority and assuredness.

3. Set Super Hero Boundaries: Use your strong voice to let the

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Example 1: Glue together 4-8 popsicle sticks into the shape of a snowflake. Get your child to glue buttons onto the snowflake in whatever pattern they choose. Sprinkle some glitter on top, and voila – a homemade Christmas ornament your child can keep year after year!

Example 2: Using a glass Christmas ball, dip your child hands in

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Largest Candy Store in Alberta LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

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Now you have your child’s hand print as a Christmas ornament for years to come!

In addition to Christmas trees, a large number of families have small Christmas signs or pictures throughout their home. These signs and pictures often state a Christmas message or have a picture of Santa. Your children could easily make their own paintings or drawings, often with the supplies that can already be found inside your home.

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PH: 403.983.3666 your child fill the glass vases with whatever items they choose: small Christmas balls, acorns, plastic berries, greenery, etc. Next, wrap a red or gold ribbon around the outside of the vase and voila! A beautiful homemade Christmas centrepiece!

Regardless of which type of Christmas decorations you allow your child or children to make, they will likely enjoy the experience, especially if you participate as well. For a child, there is nothing like seeing their Christmas drawings hanging on the walls or their Christmas ornaments hanging on the tree. As mentioned above, there are a number of decorations that they can easily create; decorations that may require little time and money.

Example: Using a medium-sized canvas, dip your child’s hands in green paint. Have them place their hands on the canvas multiple times into the shape of a Christmas tree. Next, have them dip their fingers in other colours of paint and make Christmas lights on the tree. Paint a brown base and you have yourself a hand-printed Christmas tree!

Another fun Christmas decoration that your children could do is make a centerpiece for your dining room table. In fact, you may also want to use that centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. If you are looking for a somewhat elegant centerpiece, you could easily have your children make their own. You can do this by purchasing artificial flowers, a large bowl or vase, as well as other decorative items.

Example: purchase 3 clear glass vases of various heights (or the same height!), but make sure they are wide enough to be able to hold items. Insert some solar LED lights at the bottom, and have facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Banquet Hall Rentals and Catering Services

Who doesn't believe that Christmas is magical?

It is very magical! The entire holiday season can be such a special time and there are many ways to help kids truly feel the magic of Christmas. We only have a few short years where kids really believe, so take advantage of that and help encourage it.

Chances are kids won't remember which year they got a Polly Pocket, but they will remember the traditions and memories they have associated with them.

Here are 10 simple ideas that will help kids feel that sense of wonder and amazement of the holiday season. Even as an adult I enjoy pushing the practical part of my mind aside and taking the chance to feel the magic of Christmas.

1. Imagine your child's surprise when they receive a letter from Santa! How magical is that? There are lots of sites on the net to find the letters www.santaprintables.com, www.freeletterfromsantaclaus.com and easyfreesantaletter.com just to name a few.

2. Starting December 1st, you can visit the noradsanta.org site each day to see Santa's progress as he prepares to visit all the children in the world. I love the images this site features and for its official looking nature!

3. Go to portablenorthpole.com where your child can receive

403-936-5474

www.indusrec.ca

Indus is located approximately 15km East of Calgary on Hwy 22x

a FREE video messages from Santa that you can personalize with your children's names! You can also take a look at some behind-the-scenes images that give you a glimpse into a day in the life of Santa.

4. Go to icaughtsanta.com to make your own personalized athome Santa pictures: These are so cool! You can take pictures of different areas of your house and get Santa posed in them.

He's eating cookies in your kitchen, leaving presents under your Christmas tree, sitting in his sleigh on your roof - you get the idea!

5. Go to Christmasdialer.com and receive a personal phone call from Santa. These are cute! You can type in what you'd like Santa to say and his voice sounds very authentic.

6. I'm sure we all know a family in need. Christmas is the time to open your heart and be generous, a perfect time to be a Secret Santa. Do it anonymously and "doorbell ditch" the gifts on the doorstep. This does not have to be an expensive venture; you can give baked goods you made yourself or other small gifts.

You will figure it out.

7. Watch Christmas movies together! I especially love movies that really emphasize the spirit of Christmas, such as the Polar Express and Miracle on 34th Street.

8. Go to reindeercam.com and watch Santa feed his reindeer!

10 WAYS TO MAKE CHRISTMAS MAGICAL FOR KIDS

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You’re Invited to our

Family Christmas Party & Open House Santa feeds his reindeer at 9am and 5pm during the week and 5pm on weekends. You can even download the app on your phone so that you don't miss a feeding.

9. Start collecting Christmas books; a few each year. Wrap your books and let the kids open one each day in December as a type of advent calendar. If you don't have many Christmas books, you may be able to check some out at the library. There are so many great Christmas stories that are both entertaining and meaningful, spend some time reading with your children, it is magical. Make some hot cocoa and sit under the tree each night reading a Christmas story!

10. Go to elfontheshelf.com. This is the first time I heard of this but your children will love it. This could be your first year to start this tradition. Essentially, the idea is that there is an elf that stays at your home in the weeks before Christmas to keep an eye on the kids and then each night he goes back to the North Pole to report to Santa. He then returns to your home each morning, but never to the same place twice, so your kids will have to find him every day when they wake up.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!

Come join us on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Enjoy contests, games and special guests!

Special Meet and Greet with Award Winning Country Ar�st

DREW GREGORY

70 Brent Blvd.

Strathmore Youth Club $5 per Family 403-934-4918 facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Women Talk Strathmore

Darlis is an entrepreneur with a passion for helping people in business, organizations and entire communities recognize their uniqueness and achieve possibilities they may not have thought possible. She believes growth and success start at the grassroots level… with people, and she uses training, coaching and facilitating to inspire positive change. She is a Board member of Women Talk Strathmore. Contact her at Darlis@DownToBusinessSolutions.com.

The Perfect Gift

"A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer." ~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca During this time of year, the message of giving and receiving gifts is all around us. We often think of material gifts, things we purchase from stores or perhaps things we make with our own hands. We consider what would make a great gift, what do the people we care about need and what would they appreciate.

I’ve come to realize that there is one gift that not only is simple to give, but it is also a blessing to receive. It is a gift, that when given freely to others, also benefits us. It is a gift that we can (and should) give to ourselves. It is a gift that may not seem like it is deserved by the person who is receiving it.

It is a gift that makes the world a better place. What is this gift?

It is the gift of Grace.

Although most religions and faiths speak about the Grace of God, there is great merit in applying a sense of Grace into our lives outside of a religious context. The question is, what does Grace really mean? Saint Augustine is quoted as having said, “What is Grace? I know until you ask me; when you ask me, I do not know.” It is one of those concepts that we have an understanding of, yet to explain it can be difficult.

In addition, Grace can have slightly different meanings to people and it can mean different things in different situa-

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tions.

Growing up, I understood the Grace of God as being God’s unconditional love and acceptance of who we are, as we are. As I had more life experiences, I realized that I could also be an instrument of Grace by offering it to others and to myself, even when by society’s standards, it was not deserved.

I was recently reminded of the power of Grace with a tenant in my basement suite. I knew she was in the early stages of recovery from a destructive and dangerous lifestyle that, by having her move in, would potentially put my safety at risk. I put my faith in her desire to change her life and my belief that my home would create a positive environment for her to make those changes.

Within a month, it became clear that her desire to leave her old life behind held no importance to her. My personal safety and the sanctity of my home was quickly (and seriously) compromised. I experienced tremendous fear and turmoil about the situation, I blamed myself for allowing her to move in, I felt anger and betrayal towards her. Then I was reminded to have Grace.

For me, Grace is forgiveness. It is kindness. It is understanding.

It is gentleness. It is compassion. It is mercy. It is strength. It is gratitude. It is love. I was experiencing many emotions over the issue with my tenant and these emotions were not in any way associated with Grace. So, I looked within, I reached out to others for clarity, I prayed for understanding and strength, and I found Grace for us both. I have forgiven myself for my role in the situation and have learned from it. I have compassion for my tenant and I wish for her to find what she needs in her life journey. Grace was the perfect gift.

For almost three years at Women Talk in Strathmore, we have come together to hear women share their stories of tragedy and triumph, confusion and clarity, challenge and celebration.

Although the word ‘Grace’ is rarely spoken, words such as forgiveness, compassion, strength and love often are. At Women Talk, we get to see that while we may not be able to control what happens to us, we are able to choose how we respond. That we can let experiences leave us feeling defeated and beaten down, or we can use them to fuel our inner strength and perhaps even be a change agent that touches the lives of others in positive ways. It is a place where we are given permission to look after ourselves, to ask for support and to reach out to others in need.

Join us at Women Talk Strathmore on the third Thursday of the month at The Station. Book your tickets online at www.womentalk.ca/events and bring a girlfriend or two to enjoy the warm embrace of ‘Grace’ that is waiting for you!

To connect to Women Talk in Strathmore, please visit https:// www.facebook.com/womentalkstrathmore/

Holiday Stories

www.womentalk.ca

Thursday Dec. 20th, 2018 | 7pm @ Strathmore Station Sponsored by: TICKETS: $20 Online Pure Potentials & Sportsbras.ca $25 at the door The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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Altogether Different

Langdon, AB

Thursday January 10th 6-7pm Social 7-9:30 TALKs Langdon Firehouse 716 Centre Street Langdon, AB TICKETS $20 online $25 at the door womentalk.ca

Family Christmas Traditions

Are you in search of some great NEW family traditions you may not have thought of yet? Well, thanks to AnxiousToddlers.com, we have compiled a list of 25 traditions you could start with your family this Christmas season!

1. Wrap 25 books. Your kids can open one book each night leading up to Christmas.

2. Looking for things to do Christmas Eve night? Do a video interview of family members every Christmas Eve. When you re-watch it a few years down the road, you can watch as everyone grows and matures!

3. Instead of candy in the Advent Calendar, write notes each day about what you love the most about each child. This has been one of our best family Christmas traditions in our house for years. My kids run to the calendar each day for their love notes.

4. Hide the last presents on Christmas day and make clues as to where your kids can find them.

5. Turn your Elf on a Shelf into a Kindness Elf that helps around the house and notices when your kids do considerate things.

6. Make hot chocolate and cookies and drive around looking at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve (FYI: The Newsy Neighbour has actually created a Facebook event for this in Strathmore! Check out facebook.com/groups/StrathmoreChristmasLights to see the list!

We are even partnering up with McDonald’s Strathmore on December 15 where you can buy a small hot chocolate and a cookie for $1 before heading out to see the best lights Strathmore has to offer!)

10. Watch The Polar Express Christmas Eve.

and drink hot chocolate every

11. Take your kids shopping for a toy to donate during the Christmas season.

12. Make a countdown to Christmas paper chain. Take a ring off the chain each day.

13. Make a hot chocolate bar with whip cream and marshmallows.

14. Write a yearly letter to your kids and put it in a clear plastic, fillable ornament ball .

15. Take your kids shopping to buy presents for each other.

16. Have a special dessert or dish you only make on Christmas. I am a big fan of candy bacon. If you haven’t tried it you are missing out!

17. Have a camp out one night under the Christmas tree.

18. Booby trap the children’s bedroom doors by creating a web of green and red streamers the kids have to break through on Christmas morning.

19. Take a picture each year in front of the tree in the same poses.

Keep an ongoing collection for a photo series that shows them growing up.

20. Photocopy your children’s letters to Santa each year and make a book out of them when they are older.

21. Make a red and green paper gratitude chain. Each night leading up to Christmas, each person writes what they are grateful for and adds it to the chain.

22. Have your children make gift coupons for people in the family (e.g. this coupon is good for one complimentary room cleaning).

for the whole family on

23. Leave stockings at the foot of your children’s bed to keep them entertain as you catch a few more winks Christmas morning (one can dream)!

8. Make reindeer food out of dried oats and glitter and have the kids sprinkle it in the backyard on Christmas Eve. The moon makes the snow glisten!

24. Give your kids a Christmas bath with a few drops of green food dye or Crayola Color Bath Dropz , candy canes and some holiday decorations all around the tub.

9. Use flour or icing sugar to make Santa footprints on Christmas Eve.

25. Hide Christmas chocolate coins in the Christmas dinner.

7. Give matching Christmas pajamas Christmas Eve.

KEEP THIS ARTICLE

https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/best-family-christmas-traditions/#.

XABVTOJRe9J facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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canes for all of the children. Other items that might be just as appreciated by the kids include holiday pencils or colouring books.

Give the Gift of Christmas Magic with These Ideas

Local Animal Shelters

What could be lonelier for abandoned pups and kittens than to spend a few weeks in the local animal shelter? If you have the room, adopt a new pet. Not only will the staff at the shelter rejoice, but your family will love you for it.

Christmas is filled with magic from tiny elves with pointy ears, to flying reindeer with clever names, to a jolly old man who delivers gifts to children all around the world. This day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated each and every year. Whether or not you honour the day with a visit to church, you can still enjoy the holiday magic that it provides. Here are a few ideas to experience the magic of Christmas this year by giving to the people around you.

The Homeless

Whether you live in a city or in a rural area, you are likely to know of an area where the homeless spend their time. Gather up unwanted blankets, coats, gloves, hats, boots, and socks and bring them to these individuals to help keep them warm and comfortable throughout the long winter. Alternatively, you might want to consider donating to the local soup kitchen to bring the warmth of the holiday to those who are struggling to survive.

Hostess Gifts

Christmas is a time for many things, including reflection, praying, sharing, laughing, singing, loving, eating, and being merry. If you love this magical season, why not make it even more enjoyable by coming up with ways to share the holiday spirit. Share what you have, give what you can, and embrace your ability to do so.

If you receive invitations to holiday parties, bring the hostess an unusual gift. Rather than opting for the traditional bottle of wine or basket of holiday cookies, why not bring a book of holiday poems or a snow globe filled with holiday cheer?

Elderly Neighbours

While they might have their own families who intend to visit, elderly neighbours often don't receive many visitors, no matter what time of year it is. Consider organizing a singing group to serenade your elderly neighbours with Christmas carols. Instead of expecting a cup of hot chocolate for your efforts, bring along a picnic basket filled with freshly baked cookies and a thermos of chocolatey goodness.

Food Pantries

Keeping the local food pantry full is a year-long effort.

During the holidays, however, the pantry cupboards begin to empty out quickly. Since you know other people will contribute items from the pantry's request list of turkey, cranberries, and stuffing mix, consider donating unusual items. Things to consider include ready-to-eat puddings, Christmas cookies, chewing gum, candy canes, and treats for the pets.

Local Schools

Whether the school is private or public in nature, funds are often limited. Consider calling up the principal and asking if you can donate money that can be used to purchase candy

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Altogether Different

Steven currently lives in Strathmore, but is originally from Newfoundland. At 25-years old, his passions in life are playing guitar, writing motivational stories and just writing in general. He’s a very positive and outgoing person who loves to watch football. Steven has Spina Bifida and is confined to a wheelchair, but his ultimate goal in life is to inspire people to be more positive, as positivity is one of my philosophies in life.

Overall, Steven is just an average guy looking to make a difference in the world!

LAKESIDE HUMIDOR & SMOKE

The Gift of Love

As the leaves have fallen and the weather has changed, it could only mean one thing: it’s almost that time of year when most of us do our last-minute Christmas shopping (yes, I’m guilty of it too!). Over the last few years, I have to admit, I was beginning to slowly lose my Christmas spirit. But this year, I can honestly say will be the one that I am actually looking forward to. It’s not because of the turkey dinner (which is one of my favourite meals) and most definitely not because of the presents under the Christmas tree.

This holiday season, my family will be celebrating our very first Christmas with my niece, who will already be 9 months old by the time this column is out. I can’t wait to see the look on her face as she opens her presents. Having her in our lives is truly a gift and she honestly couldn’t ask for a better family to be a part of, which I can without a doubt say that I’m very proud to have in my life.

It’s crazy how fast this year has seemed to have gone by. I truly feel that this year has been both a blessing and a learning experience in many ways I can’t even describe. Not only have I learned more about myself, which is a blessing in itself, but the most important thing I’ve learned in all my 26 years of living, is that no matter what obstacles we face in life, no matter what hardships we face, family is one of the most important things that nobody should ever take for granted. Just like life, our families can be taken away in the blink of an eye. In closing, I would like to say is that my Christmas wish this year is: everyone, hold your loved ones close, and cherish every moment, because we’re never guaranteed tomorrow. Have a safe and very Merry Christmas, and I look forward to hearing from you all again in 2019!

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MartinSHIELDS,MP

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES: Strathmore – Box 2070, 129 2nd Ave, Strathmore, AB. T1P1K1 Hours: Tuesday – Friday 9am – 4pm

Phone: 403-361-2980

fax: 403-361-2989 mar�n.shields.c1b@parl.gc.ca Brooks office: 1-844-241-0020 mar�n.shields.c1@parl.gc.ca www.mar�nshieldsbowriver.ca

We are finally approaching the end of 2018, and it’s a good time to look back on the past year and reflect on what we’ve accomplished.

/MartininBowRiver

The real trick isn’t picking the right pine. It’s getting it inside your home. But with our 15-point plan, you’ll be trimming in no time.

1) Cut the cords that bind the tree to the roof of your car. Allow them to snap back and strike you in the eye.

2) Curse.

3) Slowly pull the tree toward you.

4) Wobble under its weight for a few seconds, then fall down.

5) Curse.

6) Stand up and notice the fresh scratches in the roof of your car.

7) Curse.

8) Drag the tree to your front door. Spend 15 minutes figuring out how to open the door while simultaneously getting the tree through it.

9) Drag the tree away from the door so that you can enter with the tree facing in the right direction.

10) Once inside, fill the tree stand with water.

11) Knock all the water out of the tree stand because you forgot to wait to fill the tree stand until after putting the tree in it.

12) Curse.

13) Your tree should now be in the stand. Notice the fallen needles that have reduced your tree to half the size it was when you bought it.

14) Down seven cups of eggnog to settle your nerves.

15) Slur your curses.

It has been another productive and action-packed year as your Member of Parliament for Bow River riding. I have done my best to hold the government to account on your behalf in Ottawa. I’ve also spent as much time as possible in the riding meeting with you and hearing your concerns. It remains an honour to serve as your MP and to have so many opportunities to engage with you around our riding.

We have debated many issues you’ve likely heard about in the House of Commons over the past year. We have pressed the government on far too many issues over the last twelve months to list them all here, but topics like our Canadian energy industry, crime, the rights of firearms owners, and Statistics Canada’s data collection have been the most contentious subjects in recent months.

I receive thousands of communications from you on all of these subjects (and many others) every month, and I do review every one. Knowing what you are thinking allows me to represent your view in the House of Commons, and I greatly appreciate everyone who takes the time to write me.

I regularly read all of our local news publications, including the Newsy Neighbour. I am always amazed to read about how many local heroes we have around the riding. Whether it’s volunteering, championing a worthy cause, or raising money for charity, good people across our riding are doing incredible work for their communities. As we enter the Christmas season, I know many of you will be taking action to help those in need in your communities. Thank you for your continued effort to make our region of Southern Alberta a better place.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope that you all have a wonderful time with loved ones and friends over the holidays.

I can be reached in Ottawa at martin.shields@parl.gc.ca. My Brooks office can be reached at 403-793-6775 or martin. shields.c1@parl.gc.ca, and my Strathmore office at 403-3612980 or martin.shields.c1B@parl.gc.ca. Please don’t hesitate to contact me about any federal issue. thenewsyneighbour.com

@MartinBowRiver

The Truth About Getting A Real Tree

A Message From Martin Shields

42 •

Please contact our office:

• If you are having issues with any Federal programs or departments • If you are holding or celebra�ng a local event • If you have an Anniversary or Birthday you would like Cer�ficates for • If you would like to speak to the Member of Parliament See Our Social Media Pages for Updates

JOKE

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

For over 25 years the Wheatland Crisis Society has relied on the support of our community to help those impacted by abuse. Without this support many individuals and families would not have had a safe place to go in their time of need.

As valuable allies in the work we do, we wish to recognize and thank the many community members, organizations and local businesses that have helped us change lives for the past 25 years. Your support has been unwavering and is essential in allowing this organization to evolve and grow.

In the spirit of community connectedness and partnership we are excited to announce we are working on some new fundraising initiatives and programs. We would like to encourage you to follow our social media channels to learn about exciting new opportunities and campaigns that are coming soon.

Please stay tuned for announcements about events, initiatives and campaigns on our Facebook page @wheatlandcrisissociety or strathmoreshelter.com.

On behalf of the Wheatland Crisis Society board, management, staff, volunteers and especially the families in our care we wish to thank you for your past, present and future support. If you are interested in making a donation or becoming a donor, please contact 403-934-6634 for information or visit http://strathmoreshelter.com/how-to-help/donate/ If you prefer to be contacted by phone or email about WCS events and updates please call or email us anytime and we will gladly add your contact details to our direct contact index.

For any other inquiries please contact Wanda McGinnis, CEO, directly at 403-934-6634 ext. 103.

JOKE

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN HOW TO WRITE A BOASTFUL, OVERLY INTIMATE HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER?

Our indispensable how-to guide can help, illustrated with real quotes.

• Open strong with a passive-aggressive attack on a loved one: “[This year is] barreling to a close as Deborah spends yet another Saturday at the wine shop.”

• Brag about any new job developments—especially if you don’t deserve them: “I got promoted this year to VP … shows how little they really know about my past!!!”

• Be creative! Even good news can be delivered so the reader cringes: “[My wife has] felt almost every negative feeling you can have during a pregnancy— nausea, fatigue, rashes, arthritis, sciatic nerve pain, hip pains, and strong emotional conditions.”

• If you want to cement your status as least favorite distant cousins, just write the most dreaded words in the English language: “We thought it would be cool if we shared what’s going on as a PowerPoint presentation.”

—Sources: Specktor

gawker.com,

worstchristmasletters.blogspot.com,

“All that time spent selecting and decorating, and a week after [Christmas], you see the tree by the side of the road, like a mob hit. A car slows down, a door opens, and a tree rolls out.”

—Jerry Seinfeld My daughter and I took the long route through the neighbourhood to admire the Christmas decorations. One yard contained a trove of lights, ornaments, elves, carolers, trimmings … in short, it was a mess. My daughter summed it up perfectly when she announced, “It looks like Christmas threw up.”

—Cecille Hansen

Brandon facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things. ~Thomas S. Monson

Decorating For The Holidays

It is hard to believe how fast this year went and that Christmas is just around the corner. Now is the time to bring out the decorations and bring some festive cheer to your home. Everyone loves decorating for Christmas, as it brings that extra level of cheer and coziness to your space. Here are a few areas not to miss when decorating for the holidays that your family and holiday guest will adore.

Number one is always the tree – starting from the top and working your way down, you can customize any tree to work with existing décor colours in your space, or create a whole new wow factor for the season. There are also no rules in how many trees you may have in your space; of course, depending on space available. This would allow you to decorate with many different colours and styles; for instance, having the main large tree the more traditional style and smaller trees to display keep sake items, advent items or to add a new burst of colour into your scheme.

Entrance – This is your front foyer and door, the first holiday impression of your home that extends into the rest of the house.

Dressing the front door is an easy way to add some holiday flare, as well as lights, garlands and dramatic Christmas planters. There

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are many options other than your typical wreath to dress the front door and make your home one of a kind for the holiday season.

Fireplace and Mantel – this area is usually the focal point of any living space and deserves to become even more of a feature during the holidays. Replacing existing art with seasonal pieces layered on the mantel will draw the eye to this space and create a unique holiday feature that you can echo from this area to the remainder of the space.

Table Settings and Centrepieces – If you are imaginative, creating a unique table display can be as easy as bringing the outside in. In addition, to make this an extra special arrangement, soft finishes such as linens and seat covers will add extra wow factor for you and your guests.

Ambience Lighting – I find this time of year especially beautiful because of all the different lighting. Lighting is the perfect way to set a mood in a space and create a cozy and intimate feel. Christmas is the perfect time to bring out all those candles, light the fire place, as well as string up lights wherever you like. White fairy lights are a staple in Christmas decorating and can be used around banisters, on mantels, draped around artwork and or windows. This will add hints of sparkle wherever you need.

It has been an amazing year and from myself to your family, I wish you the best Christmas yet. Enjoy decorating and enjoying your home with family and friends and see you next year for new and exciting décor ideas and articles!

Santa’s Privacy Policy:

What happens when kids’ letters arrive at the North Pole? Does Kringle and Co. sell the data to online marketers? We read the fine print on Santa’s website: • Santa’s Privacy Policy: At Santa’s Workshop, your privacy is important to us. What follows is an explanation of how we collect and safeguard your personal information.

• Why Do We Need This Information? Santa Claus requires your information in order to compile his annual list of who is Naughty and who is Nice and to ensure accuracy when he checks it twice.

• What Information Do We Collect? We obtain information from the unsolicited letters sent to Santa by children all over the world listing specific items they would like to receive for Christmas. Often these letters convey additional information, such as which of their siblings are doodyheads. The letters also provide another important piece of information—fingerprints.

We run these through databases maintained by the FBI, CIA, NSA, Interpol, MI6, and the Mossad. If we find a match, it goes straight on the Naughty List.

• What Do We Do with the Information We Collect? Sharing is one of the joys of Christmas. For this reason, we share your personal information with unaffiliated third parties: the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Hanukkah Harry.

—Laurence Hughes, from McSweeney’s Internet Tendency

Let me help you relax!

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Sarah-Dawn Thiessen

403.901.9618

sdthiessen@tpi.ca

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Winter Driving Tips for Alberta Motorists

Insurance Claims and Fleet Cards Welcome

Do your part to keep our highways safe this winter and make it easier for maintenance crews to clear away snow and ice as quickly and efficiently as possible. Plan ahead and drive according to the conditions.

Keep your vehicles in shape for winter driving: • Winterize your vehicles. This should include an examination of the spare tire, battery, belts, hoses, anti-freeze, tires, brakes, heater, defroster and windshield wipers.

• Carry an emergency road kit in your vehicle’s trunk or cargo space.

• Clear all snow and ice completely off windows, side view mirrors, headlights, taillights and licence plates.

• Buckle up and adjust head restraints. The centre of your head restraint should be even with the top of your ears.

• Try to keep your vehicle’s fuel tank more than half full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems in your fuel system and it adds extra weight to your vehicle. A topped-up gas tank will also be an asset if you become stranded.

• Don’t expect clear and dry summer highway conditions in the winter.

• The Alberta government and its highway maintenance contractors work hard to keep Alberta's highways clear and open to traffic during the winter. However, some severe storms exceed their ability to keep highways free of snow and ice. This may be caused by the amount of snow, timing or duration of the storm, high winds, freezing rain or a combination of all of these factors.

• Drive cautiously during bad weather • Slow down when conditions aren’t ideal. The posted speed limit is intended for ideal road conditions. Even if road signs say you may drive 110 km/h, that doesn’t mean you should if the road is icy or snow-covered.

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• Motorists have a legal obligation to drive according to road conditions. You can be charged with a traffic offence by police if you are found not to be doing so.

• Unless travel is absolutely necessary, stay off the roads during major storms.

• Keep your headlights on all the time - don’t rely on daytime running lights. Low beams are more effective than high beams in fog or heavy snow conditions.

• Never use cruise control in winter conditions.

• When travelling on snowy roads, try driving outside of the previous tire tracks to give you some extra traction. This also helps when there are shiny ruts in the road.

• Signal well in advance of turning to give other motorists time to anticipate and react to your actions. Check your rear-view and side mirrors, and always shoulder check before changing lanes.

• Avoid sudden moves by anticipating turns or lane changes.

Abrupt changes in direction or slamming on the brakes could cause you to spin out of control.

• On a wet or slick surface, allow yourself at least three times the normal following distance to stop.

• Remember that bridge decks may be slippery even when other parts of the highway are not, since they are subject to greater temperature fluctuations.

• Know your braking system and how it reacts on ice. Always be gentle with braking pressure on slick roads.

• Avoid braking on curves by driving through them at a safe, steady speed.

• Accelerate slightly when approaching a hill and then maintain a steady speed going up.

• Gear down for both uphill climbs and downhill grades. This can help you avoid brake wear and chances of sliding. But be careful of abrupt downshifting as it can upset a vehicle’s balance and cause a skid to occur, particularly when turning.

• Take your foot off the brake if your vehicle begins to skid and steer in the direction you want to go. When the wheels regain their grip, brake firmly and smoothly.

•If you are driving a rear-wheel drive, prepare to steer just enough in the opposite direction in order to prevent a counter skid.

For your comfort, safety and peace of mind, you should carry an emergency road kit in your vehicle’s trunk or cargo space. Pack or replenish these supplies: • Blanket • Extra clothing and footwear • Emergency non-perishable food • Candle in a deep tin • Waterproof matches • First aid kit • Flashlight with extra batteries • Fire extinguisher • Booster cables • Ice scraper • Snowbrush • Paper towels or rags • Road map • Compass • Sand, road salt or kitty litter • Shovel If you have a cell phone, carry it with you – but definitely, under no circumstances, use that phone while driving! http://www.transportation.alberta.ca

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Christmas

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• 47

Christmas Table Games

parents against each other in a game of monopoly or cards. The kids can play with their parents on a team or the parents can play against the kids. Either way, it's sure to be fun.

If you're getting everyone together for Christmas dinner, you want to provide some fun activities and games in addition to just the meal. Here are some good ideas to keep the crowd in the Christmas mood and keep them busy and diverted until the meal is ready.

If the children are getting restless waiting for the meal, have them decorate the tablecloth. This isn't the time, then, to put great Aunt Martha's tablecloth on the table, but something inexpensive and yet not disposable. You can keep the tablecloth from year to year and enjoy watching the progression of the children's art through the tablecloth. Be sure to have them use permanent markers and have them date and sign it, if they are old enough. If they're not, date and sign it for them. You'll want that bit of information later.

Guess the dinner - Have all the people who are not working in the kitchen do a smell test and try to figure out what's on the menu for dinner. Sure, turkey or ham or roast beef might be an obvious choice and an easy one if they are traditional in your family, but what's the potato smell? Is it a hashed brown casserole, or baked potatoes? Are they mashed with sour cream or garlic? Are there brussels sprouts for dinner or squash, or both? The winner, or the person who most closely guesses the items on the menu, gets a taste test.

Board Game Fun

Bring out the most kid-like board game you have. This might be one that was just opened that morning or something you already have. Get everyone to sit down on the floor and play the game. A great picture can be had when even the adults are on the living room rug, playing Candyland or Chutes and Ladders. As a secondary activity, pit the kids and

Tablecloth

Outdoor Fun

Have a fun game of "toss the hat". Fill Santa's hat with some candy or other small items and try to toss the hat around without the items falling out. You can have a relay with Santa's hat where everyone wears Santa's hat, then hands it to the next person, who has to put it on and then take if off and then hand it to the next person. How about a rousing game of football, where the goal line is made of discarded Christmas ribbon? Or a game of soccer where the soccer ball is a rolled up ball of discarded Christmas paper?

Worst Presents

Who has the best story about the worst present they ever got?

Before dessert, have everyone share their best of the worst stories.

Be sure that you don't tell the story in front of the person who gave you the worst present! What was the most interesting present you ever got? Or the best handmade present? What was the best present that came this Christmas? Dessert isn't handed out until everyone shares a story, good or bad.

Where's Santa?

Amanda Maunsell Independent Consultant

403.815.3378

wybrants5@gmail.com 48 •

thenewsyneighbour.com

While eating dinner, have a fun activity going on that's sure to delight the children. Using a Santa hat, play a game of "Where's Santa"? Surely he's back at the North Pole by now, right? Have someone start with the Santa hat and under the table, that person passes it to someone else. Everyone tries to decide where the hat is. Whoever has the hat (they can keep it in their lap while they eat) winks at someone else when they catch their eye. If someone gets winked at, they say, "Santa's lost!" and this continues, with the passing of the hat and the winking, until someone figures out where Santa is.

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

•

Altogether Different

HAHAHAHAWendy Zak HAHAHAHA Owner

From

Why is biting your bottom lip considered sexy, but biting your top lip is weird?

Technically, every mirror in the world is in used condition.

Why is there a setting on my toaster that’ll completely burn my bread?

When Snoop Dogg is 60, he’ll be 420 in dog years.

It’d make more sense if the number 3 had the value of the number 4, since 3 looks like half of 8.

N R E DE T G A R N C E

403-466-7978 wendy@bloomfieldgardencentre.net 243015 Boundary Road Box 12, Site 16, RR7 Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2G7

Thanks to all our customers for making our second season a great one.

Bloomfield

We wish you all the best for Christmas and the bloomfieldgardencentre.net New Year, and we’ll look forward to seeing you in Spring 2019.

Don’t forget bring us your containers by mid-March and we’ll plant them up and have them looking glorious by the May long weekend!

Getting drunk is like borrowing tomorrow’s happiness.

Ellen should rename her show Ellen de Generous.

A bed is a shelf for your body when you’re not using it.

Nothing is on fire; fire is on things.

Your stomach thinks all potato is mashed.

In order to fall asleep, you must first pretend to be asleep.

Does a dog know it’s naked?

Why do we use the term hair for all of it, but hairs for just a few?

There are more nipples in this world than there are people.

Bathtubs are just boats in reverse.

In 2069, kids will have to write ’69 on their school work.

If you’re at a restaurant waiting for the waiter, aren’t you the waiter?

Is the s or the c silent in scent?

Why is it called a building when it’s already built?

How come our nose runs but our feet smell?

wendy@bloomfieldgardencentre.net

bloomfieldgardencentre.net

Follow Bloomfield Garden Centre on Facebook

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

If you rip a hole in a net, then it has fewer holes in it.

Why do we get in a car but on a bus?

Wife: You wanna switch positions tonight?

Husband: Heck yeah!

Wife: OK, you do the dishes and I’ll sit on the couch and fart.

My stomach is FLAT. The L is just silent.

Because a Great Experience Begins with a Great Agent.

Tamara Desjardins Realtor ®

403-874-6486

proper�esbytamara@gmail.com

Imagine if our internal organs got itchy.

105I-2 Ranch Market Strathmore

Finding your answers starts with asking yourself questions.

- Socrates

MAIN: 403.902.0440

HAHAHAHA

www.soldbytamara.ca

TOP PRODUCER facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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We are 4 RE/MAX First Real Estate Professionals DEDICATED to working together and licensed in Residential, Rural, Commercial and Condos. We are here to help our clients reach ALL their real estate goals. Contact us: reps.remax@gmail.com. www.the-reps.

Why Do Traditions Matter?

I’m dusting off a blog that I wrote a few years back... because it inspired me again. I was thinking about how important traditions are - old and new - and also about WHY we create traditions.

Me? I think it’s because it feels comfortable. Traditions are like comfy sweaters. They just feel cozy and right. Traditions also help us keep great memories alive.

I love pulling out my Christmas recipe book. It always reminds me of Phil’s mom, who passed away 8 years ago. This recipe book is full of some of her favourite treats to make at Christmas and I think of her every time I’m making “Marshmallow Marvys” and other family favourites at Christmas. All these traditions remind me of when we moved far away from family and our home ... and our first Christmas here.

Our first Christmas here didn’t feel right; it was different than we had always had, and I didn’t know what we were going to do.

My mom was the person who helped remind me to “create your OWN traditions... to start NEW ones.” So, we did and here is a copy of that blog that I shared.

Yes - it does happen... People move during the holidays... we did!

Phil and I landed here just before the holiday season - complete with 2 young kids, a dog and a cat in tow.

Imagine your typical Christmas preparations, along with ALL the "over the top” planning that occurs... shopping, wrapping, shopping, baking, shopping, visiting, eating, shopping, entertaining, school plays and concerts, more shopping, more cooking and then more eating. And then add MOVING to a new home into that equation and.... Holy Reindeer!!

Talk about a recipe for stress... but only if you let it! We Poiriers were new to Strathmore during the holidays. There were so many things to consider but we knew one thing: we wanted our kids’ experience to be top priority; because, let’s face it – Christmas is for family (and especially the kids!). We had no other family here when we moved, and we were in a new province so the one thing we did know... a white Christmas was going to be a first for us!

We all sat down and made a list of NEW traditions... It was a perfect time to create new memories with new traditions. We all got to pick one new tradition each and all these years later, each tradition is honoured - from "More Than Ice Cream" for Christmas Eve Dinner (they were the only restaurant open that first year,

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Altogether Different

and our waitress still remembers us each year), to skating outdoors on Christmas Day (only 2 Christmas' we've had no ice to skate on, but hiking in +15°C sunny weather is a great substitute). Another important item that first year was an early letter to Santa, letting him know that we had moved, complete with directions on how to get to our new house... it was all good. Santa found us, and we started our traditions... Strathmore was our new home!

Traditions during the Holiday season are treasured memories, whether you are new to your town or have always lived there; keep traditions. Or start a new one!

First written, 2008 Another update.

Nowadays, our traditions have changed again. Phil and I are now empty nesters, so once again, we have created new traditions!

Spending time in Kelowna and Lethbridge over the holidays, sharing those old recipes with Jayden, his wife Taylor and Brayln too. AND sharing in their new traditions in their own homes!

Home + Traditions... that is what makes the holiday season special... What are your special traditions? Treasure them, share them or if it’s been awhile, dust them off and experience these traditions with your loved ones this year!

The REPs Group want to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas ALL!!

There’s Snow Place Like Home Season’s Greetings From The REPs Group Of RE/MAX First Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season And Peace & Cheer In The New Year

587-316-2000

the-reps.ca facebook.com/TheNewsyNeighbour

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Leela Sharon Aheer MLA I am thrilled to be part of the Newsy Neighbour Family. While I do not have the honour of representing Strathmore residents and those of you in Wheatland County you may contact Independent MLA Derek Fildebrandt. Please connect with his office at 403-934-4400 or Strathmore.Brooks@ assembly.ab.ca.

I am sure none of us are enjoying our early Christmas present courtesy of bad policy decisions by the Alberta and Federal Governments: a negative 80 million dollars a DAY. As I write this, that is what Alberta is losing. 80 million dollars a day. This past weekend, I went out to Fort McMurray because Brian Jean’s (the former leader of the Wildrose Party) Mom passed away, so I went for the service. I was at the airport waiting for my flight, and I started up a chat with a bunch of folks leaving for various places, but a couple of them were heading in the same direction.

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They told me that the average salary of someone in Fort McMurray was around $200,000/year. They have always been fairly agnostic to politics because they were doing well, the town was booming, they paid high taxes, but they had great schools, a good life, and all was well. Well even with these folks that were flying with me, even though they have not lost their jobs (yet), the common denominator of our conversation was the lack of pipeline access and capacity. Did you know that Line 3 runs from Hardisty, Alberta to Manitoba to the US Border at Gretna, and then on to Superior, Wisconsin? It is currently being replaced and expanded. This is supposed to happen later in 2019. Let’s hope so, as it is almost complete. This is the replacement line that the Premier kept taking victory laps over, even though this aging infrastructure had to be replaced. It is being replaced with a larger diameter pipeline, and is supposed to add around 400,000 barrels per day, or think of it as $400 million to the economy.

There have been many sleepless nights for many Albertans as we see our precious resources being practically given away to our southern neighbours, and this crisis is not likely to end anytime soon. If the Premier had helped to fight for Northern Gateway, and if her friend and ally Justin Trudeau had approved this pipeline, it would be breaking ground and on its way to completion, and now the only thing that our NDP Government can suggest is rail cars? These don’t just grow on trees. They take up to a year to purchase and to have access to the train lines is really the more complicated issue, and it is frustrating that the NDP government just throws the idea of buying trains for capacity like they are monopoly playing pieces from the board game. This is not a game.

Let’s ask ourselves how we got here, where suddenly the NDP government wants to buy rail cars for the bargain price of at The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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least $350 million dollars (they haven’t given us the numbers)?

Well let’s take a trip down memory lane. Members of our NDP Government have actively protested pipelines, helped to write books to condemn and end the energy industry, and did not fight for a fair price for our natural resources. Now the Federal “no more pipelines” Bill C-69 is sitting and waiting to be proclaimed. This bill will virtually stop any new export pipelines from being built and the Alberta Government had nothing to say when it was introduced last February 8 even though we pleaded with them to do so. The only explanation for that one is they either didn’t read the Bill or didn’t care.

Premier Notley was anti-pipeline until the money started to run out. She openly opposed Northern Gateway and Keystone XL, did not raise any objection to the cancellation of Energy East, and only started to really push for Trans Mountain when she realized her job-killing Carbon Tax did not persuade her buddy Mr. Trudeau to actually follow through and ensure Trans Mountain got expanded. It’s time to stand up for Alberta and use a bit of wisdom here, folks.

As we head into the Christmas season, I hope that you and your families are well. Let us make sure we are doing everything we can to help those in need as there are many who need our help now. We are all in this together, and we need to keep our voices strong. Remember, what you do for yourself dies with you but what you do for others lasts forever in their hearts. This is true no matter what your faith. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and let’s hope we all have a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year. As always, we love to hear from you.

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Christmas Jokes The Little Drummer Boy’s Greatest Hits: Includes the songs “Pum Pum Pum Pum,” “Rum Pum Pum,” “Ba Rum Pum Pum,” “Rum Pum Pum Ba Rum Pum Pum,” and special bonus track “Pum Pum Pum, Ba Rum Pum Pum.” —Source: someecards.com Hope you like schmaltzy, sentimental holiday movies because that’s what will be playing on cable 24/7 for the entire month. In case you’ve forgotten these films you’ve seen only 47 times, some brief reviews: - How the Grinch Stole Christmas: “Crimes against Who-manity” - A Christmas Carol: “Bob, Marley” - Elf: “A Christmas Ferrell” —Source: fwfr.com “Dear Santa, How are you? I’m good. Here is what I want for Christmas: http://www.amazon.com/dp/ B0032HF60M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410271945&sr=8-1” - Tim

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BUSINESS BYTES Jill Crossland is a Business & Marketing Consultant with over twenty years of business experience. She is the owner of Jill Crossland Consulting & editor of Entrepreneurial-Life Magazine. From business strategizing to marketing plans and social media, Jill knows how to put the pieces in place for her clients. jill@jbcrossland.com | 403 901 6147 https://entrepreneurial-life.today

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All this doesn’t necessitate filling the space with furniture from Staples with an end result of a sterile and unimaginative environment. The atmosphere of your office is ultimately subjective to your taste, the nature of your business and budget Adding plants, good lighting, art work and photos will make you feel good, plus can ease anxiety and stress. Warm colours on the walls and in the décor also add to an effective workspace. Access to a refreshment area with healthy snacks, fruit, fresh water

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along with quality coffee and teas helps the hours spent working go much faster.

Long Canadian winters translate to us often starting and ending our work day in the dark. The Danes created ‘hygge’ to combat the effect of winter’s psychological effects; they wanted to design a lifestyle to help them survive the cold, dark and sameness of the winter. A quality of cosiness and comfort that gives rise to a feeling of contentment or well-being is an easier undertaking in the home than office. However, any attempts to get through a day of work in January are worth the effort.

Meik Wiking has written about the concept in his book, The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living. He defines hygge as "an atmosphere AND an experience”. We want to bring warmth and light into our office environment – candles, flowers, blooming plants, books related to your business and photographs of a summer vacation taken or visuals of one being planned will all help.

During the work day, turn off the tech and take a break, rearrange your schedule instead of being constrained by fixedhours, have a space in your office away from the desk where you can think, meditate and unleash your creativity. Ensuring our mental, physical and spiritual health is truly one of the best gifts we can give ourselves and our business.

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Kyle Penn is a writer, a music-lover, and a lover of all things literary. He also owns and operates Ink Slinger, a small business devoted to content creation, copywriting, and social media management. For innovative writing solutions, reach out to him at kylewpenn@gmail. com.

Keep Holiday Stress Under Wraps this Season Stop Dreading the Yuletide and Start Enjoying It

All it takes is one glance around a busy main street, local business, or mall in neighbouring Calgary to know that yes, the holiday season is here once again! Lights twinkle

brightly on trees and in shop windows, elves and reindeer are common sights, and suddenly, it’s not all that out-of-the-ordinary to run into jolly ol’ Saint Nick himself while out and about running errands around town. This is a genuinely magical time of the year, and we look forward every December to experiencing all the warmth and human kindness that the holiday season has the tendency to bring out in people (we wrote an article about that this issue, too!), but there’s something else that the holiday season has a proclivity to bring along with it: STRESS. Nothing stresses people out like the holidays! It’s a common theme that’s inescapable this time of year. Whenever you talk to friends or family and ask how they’re doing, the answer is usually, “Good, but stressed!” and honestly, we get it. There’s a lot to

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do to prepare for the holidays. Presents must be bought. Meals need to be planned. Decorations require hanging. If you’re heading home for the holidays, travel arrangements need to be made. If you happen to be THE home for the holidays, you’ll spend a full week doing nothing but cleaning in preparation for a house full of guests. To say there’s a lot to do is an understatement!

However, it’s important to remember that none of this stress is strictly necessary. Well, okay, some of it is – the prospect of having to fly during the holidays is enough to give anyone palpitations. That said, the holidays, at their core, are about taking a moment to relax, recharge, and spend time with those that matter most. Everything else is just window dressing. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a helpful list of stress-busting techniques that should hopefully enable you to take a step back this holiday season, take a deep breath, and actually enjoy this special time of year – we know, what a concept! Without further ado, our guide to destressing the holidays.

Cut Back on the Presents This is an easy one! When you take a moment to think about some of the biggest stress factors of the season, it usually boils down to two main contenders: holiday shopping, and December finances. So, let’s kill two turtle doves with one stone this year with a single simple, helpful idea: it’s okay to cool it on the presents. Sure, there’s nothing like the joy of giving, and it’s always great to get that really cool treat you’ve had your eye on all year, but really, it doesn’t take long for it to get out of hand, and before you know it, you’re spending entire days at the mall with multi-page lists for everyone from Grandma to Cousin Sherry, twice-removed.

Now, we’re not saying to just cut presents from your holiday tradition altogether (although if that’s the direction you want to take your holiday tradition, more power to you!), but there are ways to lighten the stress load here. Some great ideas include setting a smaller dollar amount for gifts so that you’re The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

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only spending a couple of bucks per person as opposed to a couple hundred. If you’ve got kids in the family, consider focusing the gift-giving on them, and maybe only buying the adults token gifts – or forgoing adult-gifting at all (because really, Uncle Bruce’s reaction to that book you got him is going to pale in comparison to the excitement of the little ones on Christmas morning!).

Finally, consider a Secret Santa situation in which everyone swaps names and gets one bigger, nicer gift for another sole individual in the family. This is the route we’ve gone in our household these past few years, and we appreciate how it still lets us splurge on something nice for someone you love without having to worry about doing the same for EVERYONE in the family. You get to put a lot of thought and effort into showing someone you care about them, and everyone gets to experience the joy of receiving a gift that someone put loads of time and consideration into.

Plan ahead, chat with everyone in your family, and set new expectations this holiday season for what will be under the tree.

Do that, and all of a sudden, we bet you’ll find you’re spending less time buying, shopping, and wrapping, and more time simply enjoying the season and being with friends and family. Your bank account will thank you for it, and we guarantee you’ll almost physically feel some of that holiday stress start to melt away!

When You Shop, Shop Prepared Unless you’re one of those few individuals who likes to live on the edge and happens to enjoy the rush and chaos of last-minute holiday shopping, chances are you’ll want to be spending as little time at the mall as possible this December. To that end, a great way to reduce holiday-time stress is to plan ahead. Know what you’re going to the mall to get, where you’re going to get it, and what it’s going to cost. Do some research and reconnaissance so that if it comes in two colours, you know which one to grab. Call the store ahead to see if they have what you need in stock, and if they do, see if they’ll put it aside for you (not all stores will do this, though, just due to holiday policy, so consider it a bonus if you can set this up!).

Finally, if you can, don’t even go to the mall at all. Instead, shop local, and support our community’s independent businesses while beating the rush at the same time!

Another option is to just take care of that wish list from the comfort of your own home. In our digital age of computers, smart phones, and online shopping, it’s often quicker, more convenient, and far less stressful to just spend an hour or two online getting what you need rather than driving all the way into town only to fight through a busy mall for an entire afternoon and evening.

Finally, Don’t Let Housecleaning Get the Better of You We all want a nice, tidy home during the holiday season, of course, and everybody wants to be Martha Stewart and put their best foot forward when hosting family and friends – but at the end of the day, if housecleaning is causing you stress during the holidays, then somewhere along the way, you’ve crossed a bridge too far.

Just like with presents, being the “perfect” host during the holidays isn’t worth ruining your enjoyment of the season. Your family didn’t come home to inspect the cleanliness of your mantlepiece with a white cotton glove – they came home to be together. So, run a vacuum over the place, do a quick dust, and then get to what really matters: enjoying the warmth and spirit of the season.

Happy Holidays, Everyone We hope that this quick-and-dirty guide to de-stressing the holidays is helpful to our readers out there this December. If you find yourself feeling stressed this Yuletide, just remember to take a step back and recall what this holidays are truly about: spending time with and showing appreciation for those friends and family who make life just a little bit better all those other 364 days of the year. Warmest holiday wishes, everyone!

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