Upcoming Events at the Burlington Brewery

 

I just wanted to share the upcoming events being held at Burlington Brewery.  

Tomorrow I will be doing my first meditation group with Ray-weather permitting but these will be held every 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.  

I am very excited about this event.

Also for Gypsy Kings a couple of us have purchased tickets for the Saturday performance.

We are also looking to attend the Tragically Hip as well

Check out their link for more info and/or to purchase your tickets:

https://www.burlingtoncraft.com/bbpresents

BUY LOCAL

 I'm proud to be Canadian

Canada is not for sale

BUY CANADIAN

Here's a list of US products and their Canadian equivalents you can keep handy for your next trip to the grocery store.

Dairy Products

Instead of Kraft (cheese, dairy) → Try Saputo, Black Diamond, Armstrong

Instead of Philadelphia (cream cheese) → Try Lactantia, Tre Stelle, Agropur

Instead of Yoplait (yogurt) → Try Astro, Olympic, Liberté

Instead of Land O'Lakes (butter) → Try Lactantia, Natrel, Gay Lea

Soft Drinks & Beverages

Instead of Coca-Cola, Pepsi → Try Canada Dry, PC sodas

Instead of Tropicana (juice) → Try Oasis, SunRype, Arthur’s

Instead of Gatorade, Powerade → Try BioSteel (Canadian sports drink)

Instead of Starbucks bottled drinks → Try Tim Hortons, Second Cup ready-to-drink beverages

Packaged & Snack Foods

Instead of Lay's (chips) → Try Old Dutch, Covered Bridge, Hardbite

Instead of Doritos, Cheetos → Try Neal Brothers, Hardbite tortilla chips

Instead of Kellogg's (cereal) → Try Nature’s Path, Barbara’s, Quaker (some products Canadian-made)

Instead of Nabisco (cookies/crackers) → Try Dare, Leclerc, Voortman

Instead of Campbell's (soups) → Try Habitant (by Loblaws), President’s Choice soups

Instead of Heinz (ketchup, sauces) → Try French's (Canadian-made ketchup), President’s Choice

Meat & Processed Foods

Instead of Oscar Mayer (deli meats) → Try Maple Leaf, Schneiders, Pillers

Instead of Hormel (bacon, ham) → Try Olymel, Grimm’s

Instead of Tyson Foods (chicken products) → Try Lilydale, Maple Lodge Farms

Instead of Beyond Meat (plant-based) → Try Yves Veggie Cuisine, Gardein

Condiments & Sauces

Instead of Hellmann’s (mayonnaise) → Try President's Choice, Compliments

Instead of French's (mustard) → Try Kozlik’s, President's Choice

Instead of Hidden Valley (salad dressing) → Try Renee’s, Kraft (Canadian-made varieties)

Instead of Tabasco (hot sauce) → Try Dawson's, Piri Piri by PC, No Name hot sauce

Baking Products

Instead of Pillsbury (flour, baking mixes) → Try Robin Hood, Five Roses, Compliments

Instead of Betty Crocker (cake mixes) → Try President’s Choice, No Name

Instead of Hershey’s (chocolate chips) → Try Camino, Laura Secord, PC chocolate chips

Instead of Domino (sugar) → Try Redpath (Canadian brand)

Frozen Foods

Instead of Green Giant (vegetables) → Try Arctic Gardens, Compliments, No Name

Instead of Stouffer’s (frozen meals) → Try President’s Choice, M&M Food Market

Instead of Eggo (waffles) → Try Nature’s Path, President’s Choice

Instead of DiGiorno (frozen pizza) → Try Dr. Oetker (some made in Canada), President’s Choice

Coffee & Tea

Instead of Starbucks → Try Tim Hortons, Second Cup, Van Houtte

Instead of Folgers → Try Nabob, Kicking Horse Coffee

Instead of Lipton (tea) → Try Red Rose, Tetley (some products Canadian-made)

Instead of Nestlé (coffee creamers) → Try International Delight (Canadian-made), Beatrice creamers

Personal Care Products (found at grocery stores)

Instead of Colgate (toothpaste) → Try Green Beaver, Tom’s of Maine (some Canadian-made)

Instead of Dove (soap, shampoo) → Try Live Clean, The Green Beaver Company

Instead of Head & Shoulders → Try Attitude, The Unscented Company

Instead of Gillette (razors, shaving cream) → Try Schick (some Canadian-made), Personna

Copy and paste if you want to share :)

Wellness Workshop with Ray @ Burlington Brewery

 I am really looking forward to attending my 1st Wellness Event with the one and only Ray as the facilitator. 

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AGGeC9mzC/

I have met Ray a few times as he is the Event Organizer at Burlington Brewery and was even so lucky to meet his son who is such a delight.  

I met Ray at the Burlington Brewery which is my new fav place to attend events, such as;  Elvis Impersonator and a Comedian/Magician event. 

I am looking forward to the upcoming tribute to the GYPSY KINGS!!!!

The people who work here are easy to get along with, super friendly and very patient people.  

The food being of Mexican and Venezuelan ethnicity is simply outstandingly delici0us and mouth watering.  

I can't wait to come back and try other new meals.

I just wanted to share info on the Wellness Workshop with Ray that will be held every 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.

If interested in joining please purchase your tickets before they are sold out.  

https://www.burlingtoncraft.com/event-details/wellness-workshop-with-ray-elemental-flow-experience-i-2025

info@burlingtoncraft.com

289 - 245 1134

3600 Dundas St Unit G101, Burlington, ON L7M 4B8

© 2017 by Burlington Brewery 

Safetynet Charities

In case you need a place to donate to as you are decluttering.  

Spring is around the corner.  

I can personally speak to this organization.  

It is a huge help and support in our community.  

Bill Shields and all his volunteers are such compassionate people with all that they do and offer with SafetyNet.

Can you help? We are in great need of essential houseware items:

• Bowls (matching sets)

• Plates (matching sets)

• Pots and Pans

• Toasters

• Kettles

• Microwaves

• Coffee Makers

• Blenders

If you have these items in good working condition, please consider donating to Safetynet. These will be given free of charge to families in need, right in our community.

Drop off to: 166 South Service Rd E, Oakville

Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 1 pm

#housewaredonations #smallappliancedonations #kitchendonations

Gender Journeys

Self Sabotage-Karma Gaia

 

Perfectionism vs. Self-Sabotage: How Striving for Perfection Holds You Back

Ever found yourself staring at a project, tweaking every tiny detail until it’s “just right”? Or maybe you keep putting things off because you're waiting for the perfect time to start. If this sounds familiar, congratulations—you might be caught in the perfectionism vs. self-sabotage trap!

At first glance, perfectionism seems like a good thing. After all, striving for excellence is great... right? Well, not always. Sometimes, that relentless pursuit of perfection isn’t helping you move forward—it’s holding you back. And that’s where perfectionism and self-sabotage go hand in hand.

The Sneaky Link Between Perfectionism and Self-Sabotage

Perfectionism whispers sweet lies like:

“You’re not ready yet. Wait until you have ALL the answers.” “If it’s not flawless, don’t even bother.” “People will judge you if you mess up.”

But here’s the kicker: perfectionism creates an impossible standard, and when you can’t reach it (spoiler alert: you never can), self-sabotage creeps in. You end up procrastinating, overthinking, or avoiding tasks altogether.

In short, perfectionism tricks you into believing you’re aiming high, when really, you're just avoiding the possibility of failure. Ouch.

How Perfectionism Leads to Self-Sabotage

Here’s how this vicious cycle usually goes down:

The Pressure Cooker: You set unrealistically high expectations for yourself. The Fear Factor: You worry you won't meet them, so you delay starting. The Procrastination Pit: Instead of taking action, you binge-watch your favorite show (because hey, tomorrow is a fresh start, right?). The Last-Minute Panic: You rush to finish, feeling frustrated and exhausted. The Regret Spiral: You beat yourself up and vow to “do better next time” (but end up repeating the cycle).

Sound familiar? Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Breaking Free: Progress Over Perfection

So how do you stop perfectionism from sabotaging your success? The answer: embrace progress, not perfection. Here’s how:

1. Start Before You Feel Ready. Action beats overthinking every time. Take small steps and build momentum. 2. Set "Good Enough" Goals. Aim for progress, not perfection—done is better than perfect! 3. Give Yourself Permission to Fail. Mistakes are proof you're trying. Learn, adjust, and keep moving. 4. Time-Box Your Tasks. Set a deadline and stick to it to avoid endless tweaking. 5. Celebrate Small Wins. Every step forward is a victory worth acknowledging.

Final Thoughts

Perfectionism and self-sabotage are sneaky little gremlins, but they don’t have to control you. Let go of the need to be perfect, take messy action, and remember: progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and crush it—imperfections and all!

Declutter-Karma Gaia

 

Challenge-Karma Gaia

 

30-Day Self-Care Challenge: Small Steps to a Happier You

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, self-care often takes a backseat. However, prioritizing your well-being is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. This 30-day self-care challenge is designed to help you incorporate small, manageable habits into your routine, leading to a happier and more balanced life.

Why a Self-Care Challenge?

Self-care isn’t just about spa days or indulgences; it’s about making consistent choices that nourish your physical, mental, and emotional health. A structured challenge provides a roadmap to help you stay accountable and explore different ways to care for yourself without feeling overwhelmed.

The 30-Day Self-Care Plan

Each day, focus on one small action to bring more balance and joy into your life. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

Week 1: Mindfulness and Reflection

1.Start a gratitude journal – write three things you’re grateful for. 2.Meditate for 5-10 minutes. 3.Take a tech-free hour. 4.Write down your goals and intentions. 5.Practice deep breathing exercises. 6.Enjoy a quiet morning with no distractions. 7.Reflect on what makes you happiest.

Week 2: Physical Wellness 8. Take a 20-minute walk outside. 9. Hydrate! Drink at least 8 glasses of water. 10. Try a new healthy recipe. 11. Do a short home workout or yoga session. 12. Stretch for 10 minutes before bed. 13. Get 7-9 hours of sleep. 14. Dance to your favorite music for fun.

Week 3: Emotional Well-being 15. Call or text a loved one to check in. 16. Say "no" to something that drains you. 17. Treat yourself to something you love. 18. Write yourself a kind note. 19. Spend time in nature. 20. Listen to your favorite uplifting podcast. 21. Practice self-compassion and positive affirmations.

Week 4: Creative and Personal Growth 22. Try a new hobby or creative activity. 23. Read a book or listen to an audiobook. 24. Declutter and organize a space in your home. 25. Take yourself on a solo date. 26. Unplug from social media for a day. 27. Learn something new online. 28. Practice mindfulness while eating. 29. Pamper yourself with a skincare routine. 30. Reflect on your progress and set new self-care goals.

Tips to Stay on Track

Be flexible: If you miss a day, don’t stress—just pick up where you left off. Personalize it: Modify activities to suit your lifestyle and preferences. Celebrate small wins: Recognize your progress and the effort you're putting in.

By taking small, consistent steps each day, you'll gradually cultivate habits that improve your overall well-being and happiness. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary!

Are you ready to take on the 30-day self-care challenge? Start today and embrace the journey to a happier you!

Workshop for Caregivers

I have been informed that there will most likely be a waitlist for this workshop as there is a huge need for this kind of support.  

The good news is that this workshop will be run again.  

Once I have that information I will update here in the blog.  

Remember to always take care of you! 

Mental Health Compass for Parents-Capillary Wave (Nelson Borges)

 An new resource offered through Neson Borges and his organization Capillary Wave

From Nelson posted on Facebook:

As a father who lived through teenagers with mental health struggles, there is no worse feeling as a parent than helplessness. We either see our kids slowly changing (more time spent in their rooms, quieter, not laughing as much) or sometimes it seems that it happens overnight.

We question ourselves with feelings of guilt and sometimes even feelings of embarrassment. What did we miss? Were there signs that we didn't see?

One thing we can do as parents is learn the best ways to see the signs... the what's, why's and how's. If you're a parent at the beginning, middle or even if you think there's no issues with your child's mental health - having coping skills and a plan is always better than winging it.

Capillary Wave will be hosting a Mental Health Compass for Parents. Date TBD. Please use the link to register. This is open to all.

Here is the link:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/mental-health-compass-for-parents?fbclid=IwY2xjawH3YmBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRtQPFXzPZ4CqdXRM938hAOWRJmH3C48x2J6VNKSII8TN1wqVHmvfJqgdQ_aem_nKbIuk_CbwBgljNhLWQXLA

Vagus Nerve

 

Confidence Challenge-Karma Gaia

 

DID YOU KNOW?

Here are a few quick strategies to give your confidence a swift, effective boost:

Power Pose Stand tall, lift your chin, pull your shoulders back—spend 60 seconds in a “victory” stance or with hands on hips (à la Wonder Woman). This simple physical shift can elevate your self-assurance almost instantly. Positive Affirmations Give yourself a mini pep talk. Repeat a phrase like, “I am capable and confident,” or, “I’ve got this!” Written notes on a mirror or phone reminders throughout the day also help keep you in a strong mindset. List Your Wins Jot down a quick list of recent successes, no matter how small (nailing a recipe, giving a compliment, finishing a task early). Seeing proof of your accomplishments reminds you of what you can achieve. Music Magic Play an upbeat song that makes you feel like the main character of your life story—think of it as your personal soundtrack to success. Sing or dance along to immediately boost your mood (and confidence)! Compliment Someone Else By giving genuine compliments, you’ll be reminded of your own strengths and positive energy. Encouraging others can help you feel capable and appreciated in return.

Pick one (or a few) of these quick tips whenever you need a fast confidence pick-me-up!

New Year

 

Growth Mindset

 

REIKI

 

Gratitude

 

Limiting Relief

 

Challenge 2025