Alternative Thanksgiving Options

It is Thanksgiving weekend. That usually means big get togethers with friends or family. A delicious juicy turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing. This year will have to look a little different. Unfortunately, this year none of our holidays are going to be the huge groups that we are used too. We need to keep our friends and family as well as our selves safe and healthy. BC has had relatively low Covid count, and although cases have gone up, they are starting to flatten out again. Let us keep it this way by trying out some of these options for a new approach to thanksgiving.

 

Host A Zoom Meeting with Friends/Family

Zoom has become an essential service this year. The video group chat platform has allowed us to have face to face contact that we need to avoid in person. This year, use Zoom to have an awesome thanksgiving get together with friends and family. There is so much you can do with the platform, like plays games! Two games that are very popular at the moment are Jackbox and Among Us. Jack box party packs are purchasable through the steam gaming platform on PC. Players connect via code through the jackbox.tv web page on there electronic device. The best thing is only one person must pay to play the game. Share the cost with everyone to save some money. Stream your screen on zoom so all members can see the code. Popular games within the party packs are Drawful, Quiplash and Trivia Murder Party.

Among us is another popular game, that is free to download on your phones, or through steam it is about six dollars. Play with up to ten people and walk around as a colourful blobby character trying to fix your spaceship. But beware of the imposter among you. Do not get to upset when your aunt kills you in electrical. Just remember it is thanksgiving and you need to be thankful you can still spend time with friends and family. This game is very easy to learn. Although it might take a couple tries to get the hang of it.

You can also watch movies with your family over zoom. Many streaming platforms have options to watch together now. Netflix Party for example. Make sure you have the google chrome browser and download the Netflix Party (now teleparty) plugin to continue. You do not zoom to do this, but it’s more fun when you can see and hear your friends and family scream as you watch a scary Halloween themed movie. Google chrome also has extensions for streaming services like prime and Disney plus. Look into it!

 

Have Outdoor Visits

Sometimes you cannot avoid seeing some family members. Maybe you have a very small family, and you feel a bit more comfortable. If this is the case for you, try your best to keep your visits outdoors. You could sit out in your yard, under a porch, on the balcony, just make sure to maintain a 2m distance.  There are also lots of hikes to take around Vancouver. Walk the grouse grind, lighthouse park or Elsay lake. Find a lot more options at this link.

https://www.outdoorproject.com/travel/best-day-hikes-near-vancouver-bc

This weekend is going to be wet, so make sure if you choose to hike, you bring the proper great and you choose a hike that is not pure mud.

Make A Thanksgiving Meal for Yourself!

Just because you will not be with family does not mean you can’t have a tasty small meal. Treat yourself! Cooking and baking can be relaxing. Maybe you will pick up a new hobby. Last year I made myself A delicious one pan chicken potatoes and carrots with fall spices. It was super easy, and it felt like a meal my mom would make back home. If you want the stuffing and the cranberry sauce to, it is easy to find canned sauces in stores and stove top stuffing and gravy recipes. Do not forget about dessert! Make your self an apple or pumpkin pie. Do not need a whole one. Try out these single serving recipes from spoonunversity.com.

https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/pumpkin-pie-mug

 

Take Out A Thanksgiving Meal from a Restaurant

You are not a good cook. That is totally fine! There are many restaurants out there that will cook that delicious turkey for you. If you choose a small or local business to support, you will also be helping them stay afloat during this difficult time. It has been a financial strain on a lot of smaller restaurants. You might even be able to find a place that has an ethnic spin on the traditional meal, so you can go on a flavour vacation. Might not quite replace some real time away but hey, we will all take what we can get.

The Daily Hive Vancouver has an awesome list of restaurants to chose from, so you do not have to do the hard work. There might be more out there though so keep you eyes open. I know whole foods has thanksgiving meals all ready, they just need to be heated up.

 

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/thanksgiving-dinner-to-go-vancouver-2020

 

I hope you choose to be safe this year and keep everyone else safe. This year might even be chance for you to take a break from your family trying to nose into your personal life (you do not need a boyfriend/girlfriend to be happy). Let us know if you are doing anything different this year and inspire other people to do the same. Now go out and enjoy your turkey!

BC Road Trips To Take This Fall

This year has been wild. So much has happened in just a few months. Planes have crashed, fires destroyed parts of countries, a global pandemic now rules out lives, there was a massive explosion in Beirut, Trump might be president again. It’s a lot to take in. I think we all need a little bit of break. And what’s a better way of taking a break then going on vacation? Wait, you don’t want to take a plane. Well honey, I’ve got you covered with some beautiful road trips you can take in BC this Fall.

Our province is gorgeous, after all, it is beautiful British Columbia. The fall might even be one of the best times to check out what our home has to offer. The bright colors of the leaves on the tree’s as you drive down the road is a sight to behold. The reds, oranges and yellows contrasting against the cerulean sky, or sometimes the deep blue of the ocean, depending on where you’re headed. The crisp air is also perfect for a relaxing day at one of BC’s many hot springs, where you can forget just for a while about the many human imperfections of our world.

There are a few things you need to be aware of before you rip out onto the highway into the wilds of British Columbia. If you are taking your own vehicle, make sure you have winter tires on your car as most Highways in BC require them starting on October 1st. The farther north and the more mountain passes you go through will put you more at risk of icy sections or even snow at this time of year so be careful. You also will need to be respectful of the communities you are entering and their covid-19 restrictions. Make sure to bring enough masks for your trip for use in restaurants, grocery stores and hotels. Be safe and book accommodations ahead of time!

There are so many places to see in BC and each one is better than the next, so I’ve only picked a few that you can still go experience. I’ve not included Haida Gwaii because it is currently closed to visitors, but I recommend checking out the serene island when it opens as it is sparsely populated, and you can really feel closer to nature. Here are my recommended road trips. You can take them any time of year but the fall is the most beautiful.

 

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island has a lot to offer. It can be pricey to take your vehicle on the ferry, but it will be totally worth it in the end. Start in Nanaimo and make your way up the coast stopping in little towns along the way. You’ll love the vast beach access the island has to offer. Stop at some museums along the way and learn a bit about the indigenous history of Canada. Look for whales as you drive along side the ocean. There are also many hikes you can take. One being the Elk Falls suspension bridge. Check out this link for more ideas.

https://vancouverisland.travel/road-trips/

Tofino

*Trip Duration: 1 week

 

Okanagan

The Okanagan valley has so much for everyone to do. Whether you are a foodie or an adventurer. If you are into adventurer, there are tons of great biking routes along old train trestles. Check out the leaves while you bike along. Wear warm clothes. The great thing about heading to wine country in the fall is that there are not as many people. No crowded streets or beaches. But what are somethings you can do you might ask? Sip your wine in peace! Red wines are being just released, and while you are at the winery why not stay around for some delicious fresh food. There are so many wineries to enjoy, it might take up a whole weekend. Here are some wineries to check out.

https://www.okanaganwines.ca/wineries

Myra Canyon

*Trip Duration: 3-4 days

 

 

Northwest British Columbia

Travel to Northwest BC and you will see the serenity of our province. The farther north you travel the more separate each town becomes. You could drive for hours and not hit a town. Make sure to fill up your gas tank. To see northwest BC, make your way to Prince George and take highway 16 all the way to Prince Rupert, the end of the line. Don’t expect too see bustling town centers, up north you’ll have more of chance to connect with nature by renting bikes, going on hikes, or taking a whale watching/grizzly bear tour. Each town down the highway has their own personalities so make sure you stop in places like Smithers or Vanderhoof to see what small town life is like. Be aware that there are small first nations communities in the area that are not allowing visitors because of the pandemic. Please respect their safety precautions.

https://www.hellobc.com/places-to-go/stewart-cassiar-highway-16/

Prince Rupert Harbor

*Trip duration: 1-2 weeks

 

BC Rockies Hot Spring route

In eastern BC are the Rocky Mountains and LOTS of hot springs. What is more relaxing then sitting in a warm pool of water surrounded by nature? Get back to your roots. Hellobc.com has a great road trip route you can take to hit a lot of hot springs. Take me there now. Be aware that some hot springs may not be open because of the pandemic, so check ahead of time. Radium is open for sure, but brig your own bathing suit and towel this year. Escape the cold this fall.

https://www.hellobc.com/road-trips/hot-springs-circle-route/

Halycon Hot spring

*Trip Duration: 1 week

Get Out There!

As with any trip, take your time to enjoy the sights along the way, connect with nature and let yourself forget about the world for a little while. It will still be waiting for you when you come home, so take your time. British Columbia is waiting for you.

 

*Based on leaving from the Greater Vancouver Area

Eight Canadian TV Shows You Need To Watch

 

I don’t know about you, but I find myself watching a lot of American television. There is so much to choose from it’s overwhelming. In my attempts to see every show pumped out that is on the top of all the “need to see” lists, I tend to accidently avoid Canadian programming. Not because I don’t want to watch it, but because it’s not advertised as often. There is some really awesome Canadian content out there that doesn’t get enough interest. I wanted to give it the attention it deserves by making this list of eight Canadian tv shows I think should take precedent over the next American series you plan to binge.

 

Comedies

There are so many Canadian comedies that I could list, but I am going to stick to ones that are on the newer side, so that context is not lost as you watch. That doesn’t mean you should forget the old ones. I just don’t want to overwhelm you at this point.

 

  1. Schitts Creek

    Twitter / @SchittsCreek

    This one is probably the most famous Canadian tv shows in America right now. Schitts creek one big at the Emmys last month, but that’s not the only reason to watch it. It really is a terrifically produced show. Even though your’re watching a show about rich people, you can relate to them because they’re living the life of regular people. The characters grow throughout each season and the show is finished so you don’t need wait for new seasons to come out.

    Where to watch:

    cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.

    Netflix currently has every episode

  2. Kim’s Convenience

    Twitter / @KimsConvenience

    I absolutely love this show. Kim’s convenience is a heartwarming show about family with a Korean spin. Follow the Kim family as they manage a convenience store and go about their daily lives. There are currently 4 seasons to stream at your viewing pleasure. It’s always hilarious and has me laughing out loud every episode. I also love the diversity of the cast. It represents how many cultures there are in Canada.

    Where to watch:

    cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.

    Netflix currently has every episode

  3. Mr. D

    Do you remember that one teacher you had that clearly didn’t put much effort into their job? Mr. D is a horrendous teacher, which leads the viewer to many laughs. Try not to be to be too embarrassed as you watch Gerry Duncan make mistake after mistake as a high school teacher and still think he’s awesome. The show is based off comedian Gerry Dee’s real experiences as a PE teacher in high school. This comedy is relatable to teachers, students and anyone who has gone through school. Seeing a Canadian school environment is also great because I am flooded with American school life on television and for me it’s not that relatable.

    Where to watch:

    Gem.cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.

 

  1. Baroness Von Sketch Show

    Twitter / @BaronessIFC

    Do you get distracted easily or bored when you watch anything over 5 minutes? This show is for you. Or anyone really. Sketch comedy is comedy in its purest form. The Baroness Von Sketch show has an all-female cast who also serve as the executive producers of the show. One of my favorite skits has a woman ordering a Bloody Mary at a bar. Check out the show to see what happens next. Let me warn you, it’s the perfect skit for Halloween.

    Where to watch:

    cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.

Dramas/Sci Fi

Comedy isn’t the only tv show genre that Canada produce’s, although there are a lot! Here are some Drama’s and science fiction series that you might not recognize as Canadian or have never heard of.

 

  1. The Book of Negroes

    The Book of Negroes is a miniseries based on the book by Canadian writer Lawrence Hill. The story surrounds the life of a fictional African woman who was sold into slavery in the United States. Although the story is a work of fiction, it was ultimately inspired by history of the British transporting 3,000 Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia with names documented in the Book of Negroes. If you are looking to learn a little more about black history in Canada this would be a great show to watch.

    Where to Watch:

    cbc.ca. Free when you sign up for an account.

 

  1. Trickster

    This Show is brand new, and I am talking released this week. There is currently only one episode, but if your reading this article months later, maybe your lucky enough to be able to binge every episode. The story is based of the book Son of a Trickster by northern BC author, Eden Robinson. The story is heavy, with an indigenous boy named Jared doing his best to keep his family supported by working at a fast-food restaurant and making/selling ecstasy to get by. But strange things start happening to Jared. I am excited for the next episodes. I watched the first one as soon as it was released.

    Where to watch:

    Gem.cbc.ca. No need to sign up!

  2. Continuum

    I watched season one of this show years ago on Netflix and I was hooked. I couldn’t believe I was watching a tv show about time travel that included the Vancouver Police Department. A police officer from 2077 is accidently dragged to 2012 with a group of terrorists who have a nefarious plan to stop corporations from replacing government. It has such a unique premise and yet I never know anyone who has heard of this show. If you watch shows on Netflix like the 100 or Travelers, you will enjoy his show. Honestly watch it anyways. Not many shows take place in Vancouver.

    Where to watch:

    Prime Video has every season but you will need to make an account

 

Reality

  1. Dragons Den

    Twitter / @cbcdragon

    I am not one for reality television, but Dragon’s Den does it right. I really like it better than it’s American counterpart, Shark Tank. I am always exited for the real people who are pitching their ideas to the business moguls, who give great advice, even if the product doesn’t quiet make the cut. You know they are a Canadian just like you. And when hey are from small owns in Canada it’s very inspiring that you really can do anything. It also gives the viewer the opportunity to support small time Canadian companies. I like walking into a store and seeing an item from Dragons Den on the shelfs. I am way more likely to buy it.

    Where to Watch:

    Watch all 15 seasons at  gem.cbc.ca or Netflix

How To Be More Creative

 

These days it feels like there are all sorts of opportunities to be more creative. With the explosion of TikTok, ordinary people have the chance to become content creators. Online blogs allow you to write stories that have an audience reach larger than only 20 years ago. Maybe you’ve thought of trying out a creative hobby but have felt a bit discouraged by your ability to make unique content. With all these choices it can be difficult to decide where or how to start. The following is a list of how to get your creative juices flowing, whether you want to make music, videos, or any other form of art.

  1. Lose the Internal Judge
    Stop telling yourself you aren’t good enough. It just isn’t true. When you do this, ultimately you are comparing yourself to other people. Maybe other people who have been creating much longer than you. They are going to be better than you at first and that’s totally normal. The truth is, they started out just like you at some point in their life. The best place to start is with positive self-talk! Lifehack.org has some great tips for doing just this. Please give up that voice in your head that is stopping you from starting, it’s the biggest and the hardest hurtle. Which leads me to the next tip.
  2. Just Start
    Whatever you want to do, just do it! Practice makes perfect after all. Start writing the book you always wanted to. Pick up a guitar and learn some chords. Use the phone you already own to make some funny videos. You don’t need to share your creations with other people right away, make it for you. If you want to be creative but don’t know in what way, the next tip will help you out.
  3. Take Up a New Creative Hobby
    Don’t know how to play guitar or never took a writing class before? There are tons of online options to teach your exactly what you want to learn. Youtube is a great place to start for free how to videos, but if you want something more structured websites like Coursera or Udemy offer paid classes for you to get the knowledge you need. If you aren’t looking to pay money, check out skill share which has some free courses with the option to upgrade to a premium account.

https://www.coursera.org/

https://www.udemy.com/

https://www.skillshare.com/browse/creative-writing?via=header

  1. Be Adventurous
    You don’t need to leave your hometown or country to be adventurous, it could be as simple as trying a different dish at your favorite restaurant. Go for walk on a path you’ve never been to. Try a new board game, talk to strangers. Whatever takes you our of your comfort zone a little bit. You never know what kind of interaction is going to inspire you. Try out this app on your phone for some inspiration.

https://appgrooves.com/app/harbour-3-daily-challenges-by-james-gadsby

  1. Make To-Do Lists
    Sometimes getting everything that you need to do out of your head and on to a piece of paper can clear up mind space. That way you are free to think about only song writing or that new wooden statue you’re working on. Write it down on paper and put it on your fridge. Buy a journal to make lists in. Use one of many phone apps for tracking daily tasks. Whatever works best for you.
  2. Get Inspiration from Other Creative Minds
    Borrow from other people. I’m not saying to copy them word for word or steal there idea completely, but maybe take two ideas from others and combine them to come up with something brand new. Podcasters and vloggers often do this. Like making a youtube channel where you talk about sports while you create a painting. Unique ideas are what bring people to your content. So start watching youtubers, reading books, heading to art exhibits, or exploring TikTok challenges

  1. Take Time to Relax
    Relaxing gives our brain the rest it needs to come up with new ideas. Have you ever noticed yourself getting frustrated with something, leaving it, and coming back with a clearer mind? I have, and it’s refreshing.  Artist’s and creators come up with there best idea’s in the shower, or in the middle of the night. These are times when they have the freedom to think freely. Too often the world we live in is full of distractions. And sometimes our thoughts are freaky. But let yourself think them. Write them down. Some of my favorite ways to relax are taking a bath, meditating, or looking out the window and just appreciating life. Here’s a quick little meditation for you to try right now!

 

  1. Listen To Music
    Another great tip for being more creative is listening to music. There are so many forms so you can listen to, so pick your favourite. Whether it be pop, rap, indie or instrumental. I love to listen to Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Mangan when I am feeling like I need a boost of creativity, but there is tons of stuff out there. Take this spotify playlist for example!
     

  2. Live A Healthy Lifestyle
    My final tip is to be healthy. This mean getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water and eating good foods regularly. I you aren’t feeling well it’s had to be at your best creatively. I know when I am tired, I really don’t function the same way. There are also foods that you can incorporate into meals that will boost your brain power. Just follow this link.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3

These are just a few tips I like to incorporate into my life for being more creative. There are tons of inspiring messages on the web to get you started, you just need to look. I hope these tips motivate you to start a new creative adventure. Are you already creating content? Share links to your works below or lend some tips that you use when you’re in a slump. I can’t wait to hear from you!

No Haunted Houses? Try This Haunted Corn Maze

While it’s great news that Halloween won’t be cancelled this year, a lot of the events we all have come to love about the holiday are still put on hold. No big parties with friends, no haunted houses, no digging through bins of candy to find your favourite one. Don’t despair yet! If you are living in the Vancouver area there is an outdoor haunted “house” that will scare you to death. Mann Farms haunted corn maze.

About the Maze

Enter if you dare! This haunted maze has been called Canada’s scariest cornmaze. Located in Abbotsford, it can be a bit of trip to get there if you are from the downtown Vancouver, but it is worth it. The theme this year has a man named Thomas exploring a myth about an abandoned testing facility beneath the farm. Last year the farm debuted their “pitch-black” maze, where the actors would engage with willing participants, going as far as removing them from there friends for short periods of time. Unfortunately, due to covid-19 that experience has been removed from the 2020 maze.

Covid-19 Protocols

Feeling a little wary about being around other people? Maan Farms has a Covid Safety Plan that’s goal is to ensure the health and safety of the customers. Some of the rules are as follows:

  • Not wearing a mask will have you removed without refund
  • Tickets can only be purchased from their website prior to the date of attendance
  • There is a limited number of tickets each night
  • Hand sanitizer and washing stations are located throughout property
  • Temperature screenings for staff and guests
  • LOTS of cleaning and sanitizing

Tickets are only sold in groups of four so get your “bubble” together for a night of fun.

Not Down With The Scream Factor?

If scary mazes aren’t really your thing, Playland is rebranding to “Slayland” for October. Unfortunately, the haunted houses from “Fright Nights” won’t be open this year but check out some of the rides they have to offer. You’ll find something spooky to do for Halloween!

 

 

Two Books Everyone Should Read

I’ve always loved reading. I like being torn away from reality into someone else’s universe. I am truly amazed by what the human mind can come with and create only from words. My favorite books always make me feel a flurry of emotions and can usually have me tearing up by the end. I wanted to give other readers the chance to go through the whirlwind of emotions I have by suggesting some of my favorite books and why you need to read them.

 

  1. Jurassic Park

    You’ve probably seen the movie, but have you read Michael Crichton’s book? If nothing else, read this book for the nostalgia it will bring you. You can never experience watching the film for the first time again, but you can read the book. The book is as good if not better than the movie. You will get more dinosaurs, more suspense, and more death. Think you already know exactly how it’s going to end? Think again.

 

  1. Station Eleven

    @SubPress / Twitter

    Station Eleven is particularly relevant now because of the pandemic. This beautifully written story will have you longing for the world we live in now as it grapples with the state of the world after an apocalyptic flu. Another aspect I love about this book is that it is written by Canadian author, Emily St. John Mandel. Parts of the story are set in Toronto and references are made to growing up in rural BC which makes me feel a connection to the characters that I don’t get from a lot of other books.

What Do You Think?

These books are a must experience, whether you enjoy reading or not. If you have read them before I would love to know what you think and if you’re just picking them up now have fun in the world the authors create.

 

Three Things To Do On A Rainy Fall Day

Sweater weather and pumpkin spice fans rejoice! Fall has finally arrived. It’s the time of year to enjoy apple picking, go for hayrides and roast marshmallows over a bonfire. But here on the west coast fall also brings something else with it. Storm season. Bad weather makes it a little harder to enjoy some of the outdoorsy things that make fall an enjoyable time of year. Crisp leaves become soggy, corn mazes are filled with mud and the sky is too grey to star gaze after a long day at the farm. What can you do inside on the gloomy days to still make fall seem like fall? Here are three of my favorite things.

 

  1. Bake Fall Themed Recipes

You can put pumpkin in almost everything. Pumpkin Pancakes. Pumpkin Muffins. Pumpkin soup. Your options are endless. If Pumpkin isn’t your thing, apples are another fall fruit that make a rainy day feel like fall. Take the apples you picked last week and make a pie or try your hand at homemade apple cider. Need some inspiration? Check out the link below for some recipes to try at home.

https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshow/fall-recipes

  1. Have a Scary Movie Marathon

Nothing screams fall like Halloween and what’s a better way to get into the spooky season then giving yourself a little scare? Curl up on the couch with your biggest sweater, fuzziest socks, a steaming cup of fresh apple cider and throw on some scary movies. Any streaming service has loads to choose from and fall is the time of year when they start adding to there collections. Start ticking some of these ones off your list now.

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt/top_100_horror_movies/

  1. Visit a Museum

2019 - Vancouver - Science World at Dusk

Do you still need to get out of the house? Vancouver has many museums to offer that will have you appreciating the art and culture around Canada. Not to mention you can dress up in your best fall attire and it will not go to waste lounging around your home where no one can see you. See if any of these are what you’re looking for.

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-vancouver

 

Indigenous Films at VIFF

The Vancouver International Film Festival is starting this week and with it the premier of Monkey Beach. This film is based on the novel of the same name, written by BC local Eden Robison. Robison is a member of the Haisla nation and writes about life on reserves in Northern BC, while incorporating myths and legends from her culture. This film will not be any different. Monkey Beach’s main character is Lisa, a young woman who has had unusual dreams and seen strange creatures since she was young. The dreams return when her brother Jimmy goes missing at sea and Lisa must set out on a journey to rescue him.

@_gracedove / Twitter

Indigenous Female Role Models

The actor playing Lisa is Grace Dove, a young BC local, who previously starred in The Revenant alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. The filming was led by indigenous director Loretta Sarah Todd. It is wonderful to see a film about a strong indigenous woman, led by indigenous creatives and adapted from an indigenous story.

Beans

Tickets for Monkey Beach went fast and unfortunately it has sold out for both the cinema and online viewings. If you still want to check out a Canadian film from an indigenous perspective, there are tickets left for Beans, but you better be quick. Another film by an indigenous female director, Beans looks at the violence and racism surrounding the Oka crisis from the eyes of a young girl growing up in a Mohawk community. The story is shaped around the memories of the filmmaker, Tracey Deer, who was 12 at the time of the protests.

Don’t Wait

If Eden Robinson’s Monkey Beach has you intrigued, you don’t need to wait for the movie to be released. You can read the book or get ready for the new CBC tv series, Trickster, premiering October 7th and it will also be available to stream through CBC Gem.

 

To know more about VIFF check out this article published by Jiahong Lin earlier in the week.