Maui Swap Meet - open on Saturdays and costs .50 to enter.  It’s your typical market where many of the stalls sell very similar goods, such as jewelry, clothing, crafts and knick-knacks.  The reason why it made it as a top highlight is because they sell super cheap fruit, like these Maui Gold pineapples!  We also got 6 papaya’s for a few bucks and they were ripe and ready to eat.  Stock up for the week right when you arrive and you won’t have to pay the higher prices at the supermarkets.

Fish Market – in Honokowai.  They serve food on the spot or you can buy pieces of all types of fish to take home and put on the BBQ.  My absolute favourite fish was the Butter Fish.  It’ssuper rich and a bit sweet, even.  They also have fresh oyster shooters for $1 each, but they’re not on the menu, so be sure to ask.  If you don’t want the cocktail sauce, you will need to specify.

Gazebo – I would definitely recommend the specialty pancakes (like Banana, Pineapple & Macadamia Nut) and the Fried Rice. The other dishes were good, but didn’t “wow” me like those two. The lineup is crazy, but they’re open all week, so go on a weekday, later on in the day (they’re open until 2pm) and it should die down by then.

Dairy Farmers of Canada – I am newly lactose intolerant, so I wasn’t able to sit in on this workshop, but the association did hold a class specifically about cheese which included several free samples of a variety of cheeses.  I thought it was a clever way to remind people of the deliciousness of cheese while allowing us to hear from Canadian Dairy farmers, themselves, and the importance of supporting them.

Green Foods - Ok, I have to admit that I first learned and became sold on the importance of greens and combating acidity in ones body at an Unleash the Power Within weekend seminar I attended in 2008.  Tony Robbins does a session on diet and health and is a huge proponent of alkalinity.  Specifically, he starts his morning every day with a shot of wheat grass.  As with many things I start on a whim or high, I went out and bought myself a pretty pricey juicer and promised that I would start my day with a healthy glass of spinach, celery, carrots, apple and cucumber everyday, forever!  But, my days of juicing didn’t last more than a couple of weeks and my juicer is now collecting dust somewhere at my parent’s place.  So, what really caught my eye about the Green Foods Green Magma product was that after a couple hours of walking around the show and sampling foods, I was getting thirsty and the exhibitor had one of those fountain drink machines with this green concoction rolling around in it that was calling my name!  They offered a free sample and it was delicious!  It was a mix of their Green Magma powder with apple juice and water.  I ended up walking away, trying another greens drink across the way, just to return and absolutely have to purchase a bottle of the Green Foods Green Magma mix, mostly for the taste.  It cost me $20 for the powder and the shaker.  Not too bad considering it’ll make me about 30 servings, as well as the convenience of not having to compost and clean my huge juicer everyday.

USA Pears - We were so spoiled by this exhibitor that I had to include them.  I love pears and they were offering free samples of Anjou and Bosc varietals and when I say samples, I mean we pretty much had a full pear each.  I think she really liked us.  Then she made us answer a trivia question in order to get a free pear corer/automatic cutter.  Question:  besides bananas, what is another fruit with a lot of potassium?  I answersd apple, but got the prize, anyway.

Nature’s Path Foods – Another generous sample we received was at the Nature’s Path booth.  I’ve seen these products before, but have never tried any and to have all the different flavours available for sampling was really helpful, since I’d probably never buy an entire bag of each to see which one I like the best.  After sampling handfuls of granola, I settled that the Love Crunch Aloha Blend was by far the best granola I’ve ever had.  It contained toasted coconut, juicy pineapple, and a crunch of wholesome organic granola.  Oh, and I can’t forget the little pieces of white chocolate that just took it to another level.  We left with a handful of coupons so we could buy some the next time we’re at Choices or Whole Foods or London Drugs.  Unfortunately they didn’t sell any onsite, otherwise you can bet it was going to be my dinner that night.

DefenZall – The reason why we stopped at this booth was because there was a flurry of activity around it and whenever that happens at a show, you know that they’re either giving something away that’s really good or there’s something really neat being introduced.  DefenZall was both.  This company is claiming that they have formulated a natural cure to the common flu!  And they were giving away samples of the drink in little shot glasses that we got to keep.  The main ingredient in this drink is elderberry, which decreases the flu virus in the body dramatically (they said it shortens it as much as 3-4 days).  The idea is that once you feel a flu coming on, you drink DefenZall 3-4 times daily and it will minimize the amount of time that you are sick because the bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell.  This has been a long time known remedy, but to have it combined with 8 other key ingredients made into a very convenient and tasty drink is so smart.  I’m not sure about price point because they haven’t even gone to market, yet, but watch for it in the cold and flu section at your local pharmacy around June of this year!

Maison Orphee - I was drawn to this booth because they had it set up in a very classy and elegant way.  I absolutely love the packaging on these olive oil products and was happy to see that they had pretty much every flavour of their gourmet line for tasting.  My favorites were Hazelnut, and a somewhat peppery tasting Extra Virgin blend.  The taste is very clean and pure.  At $13.99 a bottle retail, I’m glad I know which ones to go for the next time I’m at the store.  They also have a convenient spray bottle line that I sampled, but I don’t really get the purpose for spray bottles.  I want to dip and really taste the deliciousness!

Lastly, we did attend a seminar called “Healing Depression and Anxiety Holistically” which had some good points to it and was quite interesting, so I will be writing a separate post based on it.

All in all, well worth our $14 admission and we are very much looking forward to the show, next year!

Oh, and by the way, Sweet & Sour flavoured potato chips?  Boo Hao.  That means “not good”, Old Dutch.  Not good, at all.

When we are stressed, what we are telling our bodies is that we are in danger and in the same way as we avoided being eaten by the tiger in the jungle, way back in history, an overflowing inbox of 300 emails can communicate the same “red alert” to our bodies.  Adrenalin is our acute stress hormone and it was designed to save our lives, so it seems ironic that a hormone once designed to keep us from becoming a tiger’s lunch, is now having such a detrimental effect on our health. As just one example, the link between stress and PMS is undeniable from both a scientific perspective and also my own personal experience!  Stress also effects such things as fertility and weight.

Come and learn about holistic solutions to the deadly cost of stress at this one night only information session with health guru, Dr. Libby Weaver.

Thursday, February 23rd, 7:00-9:00pm

Doors open 6:30pm

Tickets: $15 ($20 @ door) Click here to purchase.

@ The Executive Airport Plaza Hotel 7311 Westminster Hwy Richmond, BC

See you there!

Acupressure massage is an ancient form of massage that combines various techniques - firm pressure, slow motion kneading, brisk rubbing and quick tapping – to target specific trigger points in the body. In layman’s terms, if you like deep massages, it makes for one heck of a satisfying treatment! Now, that’s not to say that you can’t request less pressure, but my experience with the practioners I’ve seen have led me to believe that they don’t feel they are giving the best value if you’re not in a little bit of pain. Just kidding. Well, maybe. The key is to communicate with your masseuse and really, don’t be afraid to do that. They want you to come back, so just be honest about what you like.

Now here comes the best part, it’s super affordable! I haven’t seen any shop charge more than $50 for a full hour of this gloriousness, but, the catch is that there are many many places to choose from, so your best bet is to try a few out before sticking to one or ask for referrals from friends.  And of course, stay connected with Pamper Me Canada as we continue to check out the various locations offering acupressure massage in Vancouver.

Admission is free (@ Peakoe in Vancouver), but space is limited so to book your spot, call  (604) 678-8600, or email the Acubalance Clinic at admin@acubalance.ca.

A few years ago, I found myself in a similar place where I had given and given for so many years, mostly through my career in the not-for-profit world, and really had neglected to find balance and care for myself physically and even moreso, emotionally.  My ability to handle stress the way I’d always been able to was wearing thin and the people around me began to notice.  I remember plenty of mornings when getting out of bed was the hardest thing to even imagine doing, where I didn’t want to eat anything or talk to anyone and would start arguments with my boyfriend, just to feel some sort of emotion.

On the worse day of all, I literally threw some clothes into a bag and jumped into my car and began driving.  It was like my old neanderthal brain was telling my body “you must flee from danger!”  So, I went as far as my budget could take me.  I drove to the ferry terminal and as I sat in line, I googled  local retreats or spa holidays on Vancouver Island.  This is how I accidently found the Ocean Resort in Oyster Bay, BC.

First of all, even though it was early Spring, Vancouver Island gets something like a third of the rain that Vancouver gets, so I was fortunate to arrive on a nice clear early evening after driving about 2 hours from the Ferry in Nanaimo.  The Ocean Resort is a breathtaking, peaceful space that really strives to bring the natural elements into their common areas and rooms.  From stone counters and walls to wood floors and panelling to light, fresh decor, one cannot help to immediately feel happier upon entering the resort.  I honestly had no idea what to expect when I booked my stay here after only seeing a few pictures and reading some reviews online, but I quickly realized that this was exactly what I needed.  Really, just getting away from the competing demands of work, relationship duties, family and old settings and patterns did part of the trick, but The Ocean Resort is really a place for inner healing.  After checking in, I went downstairs to look at their spa menu and to wait for dinner (dinner is served in a common dining room, although I believe I was assigned a personal seating time).  I also booked an appointment with one of the resort’s visiting massage therapists and was very much looking forward to that for the next day.  After my raw food dinner (which was surprisingly delicious), I wanted to stay outside until it got dark, so I sat on the edge of the water and just breathed in the fresh air, already feeling slight rejuvination.  Oh, I forgot to mention that prior to this weekend, I was glued to my cell phone (how many of you can relate to that), but I had made a decision to focus on myself 110%, so that night I went to bed completely with that in mind and not turning on my cell phone, at all.  That was a huge message to myself that I was worth the time and complete energy.  The next day, I woke up too late for breakfast, so I remembered that the staff had recommended that I make use of their beautiful labyrinth of driftwood and to spend some time walking it and meditating.  So before lunch, I did just that.  And it was strangely peaceful and allowed me to focus on my breathing with each footstep I took.  There were definitely moments when I felt emotional, as well, and that was ok.  After lunch, I went into the sanctuary to see what it had to offer.  Luckily, no one was there when I entered, so I was able to really focus on what I needed to do – I had an appointment with my Creator.  The sanctuary respected various faiths and belief systems, which I thought was cool, but I knew why I was there and I began to do my thing.  It was in this place that the most spiritually transformative thing happened to me that I still remember vividly to this day.  And all it took was for me to be still, be honest and just let everything out.  I finally had nothing to distract me from doing that and when it was done, I felt a thousand pounds lighter.  The last highlight of my getaway was my appoinment with my massage therapist.  We started the session unlike any other I had before.  She started by sitting across from me and asking me what brought me to the resort and what I’d like to gain from my time there.  I opened up to her and she nodded with empathy and then began her treatment.  The treatment she provided involved imagery and as she massaged the key areas, with the final stretch of my arms and shoulders (where I carried all my weight and tension) she asked me to imagine that I was a butterfly spreading my wings and could now fly and soar anywhere it chose.  It was a beautiful analogy that needed no further explanation as we ended the session.

So, getting back to my friend.  Needless to say, I sent her the link to The Ocean Resort and recommended that she clear everything off her schedule and just go.  As far as I know, she still hasn’t done that, but I truly believe that while it didn’t “cure” me of the root problems I was manifesting, it was a step in the right direction.

For 3 nights, including meals and accommodation, I spent about $450, plus a massage for about another $100.  All in all, if anyone is looking for a place to get away to to focus on themselves, whether as a desperate attempt at healing or as a preventative or proactive thing, I’d highly recommend booking yourself in to The Ocean Resort.  I have never dwelled upon the money that I spent during those 4 glorious days, yet what I gained still positively affects me today.

Stay tuned for an update on their popular Spa and Raw Food Weekend schedule for 2012!

1pm – Hart House Restaurant Executive Chef, Kris Kabush, will be showing us how to make a Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Quinoa and Tomato Coriander Vinaigrette, Seared Scallops with Braised Kale, Chorizo, and Pistachio Sauce Vierge
2pm – “Alive and Kicking – Increase Health, Lose Stubborn Weight and Be Happy”
3pm – “Healing Depression and Anxiety Holistically”.

Check out the full program!

For the kids and pets, there will also be exhibits and workshops focusing on them.

Tickets are $16 at the door, $13.50 pre-purchased online or you can get a $2 off coupon at any Choices Market to be discounted at the door.  For the enthusiasts, $30 is available for all 3 days.

One thing’s for sure, there’s no better way to start off 2012 than spending some time discovering wellness in its many forms.  See you there!

Highlights of the Sunday show now available here.

At the root of acupuncture is the belief that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi (pronounced chee), present in every living creature.

Qi is the life force energy that runs in pathways across both the superficial and deep levels of the body. In a positive state of health these pathways are balanced with one another. However, our lives are full of stresses. Stress, whether long-term, short-term, physical or emotional can easily throw the pathways of Qi out of balance, which can result in undesirable symptoms and illnesses.

Acupuncture, with the insertion of fine needles can stimulate specific points on the meridians to move the Chi energy, influence physiological functioning of the body and balance the yin and the yang.

Many people have found traditional Chinese methods of healing to be excellent tools for maintaining optimum health and preventing illness.

Acupuncture has been known to help with conditions such as:

• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Labor pain
• Low back pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Migraines
• Osteoarthritis
• Dental pain
• Tennis elbow
• Infertility

There are definitely still skeptics out there, so of course your own experience with it is going to be the best bet.  And, when trying to choose between the many practitioners in Vancouver and surrounding areas, I would recommend asking friends you trust for referrals.  That’s how I found my clinic and so far, so good.

When you visit a clinic, they will usually take a complete inventory of your overall health, make an assessment and put you on a plan to achieve your desired goals.  The plan can include recommended visits per week (in Western countries, it’s usually 1-2 for the sake of financial budgets, but firm believers will say daily is best) and monitoring and adjusting diets (staying away from highly acidic foods, dairy, spicy or sour).  On the top of my list is healthy digestion (something that’s been troubling me since getting ecoli after a trip to Indonesia in 2008), then comes balancing my hormones and with that will hopefully come better skin.  My acupuncture points (in a non-technical explanation) is around my belly button, the tops of my ears, below my knees, my forehead and the top of my head.  The clinic I go to also offers the choice of ambient sounds or guided meditation, but for me, I usually use it to get in a nice 30 minute nap!

Lastly, like anything, something is only as good as you put it into practice, so if you are going to consider acupuncture, be prepared to commit to it for a minimum of 3 months to give it a fair shot and see progress.

What has your experience with acupunture been like?