Bring On The Food & Wine #GFWE2016

If you normally read my posts, I am sure you can identify that I LOVE food! Particularly shrimp, cheese, and Randy’s patties - lol. I definitely found a new happy place at Toronto's Gourmet Food and Wine Expo (#GWFE2016). 

SMILE - You're a rockstar!

The 3 - day expo is held annually in November at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and offers as much as 45,000 guests an opportunity to sample a variety of gourmet food and snacks. You have access to over 1,500 alcoholic beverages from around the globe. Plus you get a souvenir wine glass upon entry.

Check out footage from when I did event coverage back in 2013!

If video above does not work please visit link here: https://youtu.be/OXwjuBED_Rg

This year the expo served as a perfect GNO for me and my bestie. It was a reason to get dolled up and enjoy some grub. The show also offers cooking shows as well as cheese and wine tasting seminars from different experts. The event D.J. event started bumpin' soca as I entered the room! Ha. I wonder if that was planned?

Say Hi to Danielle - we go back to GRADE 4!

I get full pretty easily so I was very particular when it came to my final food and beverage picks! Strangely, the best thing I ate was from the booth below!

The booth was super sketchy but this goes to show you that you cannot judge a book by its cover. Their DILL-CITRUS- FETA POTATOES (with Tzatziki and oregano) were EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING. I resisted ordering two plates ONLY because I wanted to give others a chance. I will try and see if I can recreate this dish on my own.

I was very happy to see a bit of Caribbean flair at the event once again. Check out some of the vendors that showcased some “Carnival Spice” (see what I did there):

King Catering

www.kingcatering.ca

This company I remembered from the Toronto Coconut Festival (back in August). I had fallen in love with their "King Fish tacos" and "Jerk Chicken tacos"! At the GWFE, the booth was in a prime location and their food options were awesome. 

I wished the servers were much friendlier this time around. I tried to remain patient considering their serving conditions were not ideal and they were super busy.  I ordered a very delicious "Jerk Chicken poutine"!

Cool Runnings 

You may recognize this brand’s spices and sauces. They allowed attendees to sample their sauces and marinades with a tortilla chip.

Liko’s Hawaiian Barbecue

www.hawaiianbarbecue.ca

I love this company. Every time I visit their booth, they provide excellent service and delicious food making for an awesome Hawaiian experience. I also loved that they had hot sauces from neighbouring booth "Cool Runnings"  available to their customers... That's what I like to see community collaborations!

Danielle ordered the "Spam Musubi" and LOVED IT… she then went back hours later and got the "Kalua Pork on a bun". I supported her with this decision because I had it once before and it was soooooo good.

Robinson’s Cakery Inc.

www.robinsonscakery.com

Home the “Island Pleasure Jamaican Rum Cake” - yesssssss!!!!

Hot Mamas 

www.hotmamas.ca

“Adding a little spice to our life” 😉

Caribbean Vacation Anyone?

Aruba Tourism Board

Barbados Tourism Board serving Mount Gay Rum Punch

Planning To Attend Next Year?

• Dress semi - casual! The vibe is grown and sexy.

• Travel light! Too many items in your hand will become cumbersome. If you  have a wine glass holder that would come in handy. They  also have a coat & bag check.

• Attend before 5pm!! You will have less lines, space to breathe, and the grounds are much cleaner. Oh and admission will be slightly cheaper too.

• Food and wine does not come with your ticket. "Sample" tickets are sold in groups of 20 for $20. These are the tickets that you must give to booth vendors for tastings. 

• Makes for a great bachelorette or birthday party idea. I saw a lot of crews floating around. 

In The News

If you like to eat and enjoy Caribbean vibes then I invite you all to the Carnival Spice: "A Reason For The Season Holiday Lime”

Mix & Mingle. 

Enjoy a Carnival Spice dance workshop, parang, light refreshments and more.

Dress cute and comfy ("athleisure"). Prepare to sweat***

Entry is $15 but you can get $5 off when you bring a canned good as we will be donating to a local food bank

Event Info:

Friday, November 25th, 2016

2065 Midland Avenue #2 (South Side Muai Thai)

7pm - 10pm

Grab tickets HERE

Stay Connected With Me Via:

Twitter: @SimplyShakera

Facebook: SimplyShakera

Instagram:  @SimplyShakera

YouTube: Simply Shakera

Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Waitin' For Di Stage...

ONE DAY I will have stage photos with my eyes open! HA! ... I can't help but be in the moment and while enjoying the vibes. Photos like this make me so excited for what’s in store for the summer. My nephews are preparing for school in September, my best friend is getting married, and of course Toronto Carnival season is underway.

As you know with the Carnival Spice team and I, Carnival runs all year round… but we can’t help but excited with the extra buzz in the summer! I want to highlight some of the awesome events and initiatives that Carnival Spice has in store. If you are considering participation in Caribana this year,  THEN YOU DEFINITELY do not want to miss this::

Carnival Spice Summer Sessions

Let’s jam to the sweet sounds of soca, dancehall, chutney and more! Dance up a sweat with amazing members from your community and have fun while getting a great workout! You will definitely leave feeling ENERGIZED from the Caribbean vibes!

BONUS: With Toronto Carnival just weeks away

We will help you get ready for di road!!****

Join Us June 4th - July 21st at the following locations:

DOWNTOWN, TORONTO

527 Bloor St West (inside Dance Annex)

Saturdays 12pm - 1pm

SCARBOROUGH

2065 Midland Avenue #2 (inside Southside Muay Thai)

Mondays 7pm to 8pm

MISSISSAUGA

626 Burnhamthorpe Road West (inside Grooves Dance Studio)

Wednesdays 8pm - 9pm

BRAMPTON

180B Sandalwood Pkwy E suite #2000 (inside Synergy Performing Arts Academy)

Thursdays 7pm - 8pm

Summer Session Promo Rate is $99 and includes:

- unlimited access to all Carnival Spice classes at all four locations

- Carnival Spice "Caribana" workbook; feat. carnival playlists, costume discounts & more

- free gift for the first 50 registrants 
(hint, it will make jumping and waving much easier!)

- offer expires Friday, June 3rd, 2016

Register ONLINE HERE

OR send email transfer and contact information to info@carnivalspice.com (Password “carnivalspice”)

Check out some of the action in the video below:

If the video link is not visible, please click here: https://youtu.be/CZmNjzvpT6U

Mississauga Dance Fitness Workshop 

Mississauga crew ahganize yuhself! 

Bring your sweats, water bottle, and rag or flah! 

MISSISSAUGA CENTRAL Saturday, May 28th, 2016 11am to 1pm

626 Burnhamthorpe Road West (inside Groove Fitness Studio)

located east of Mavis - minutes away from Square One Shopping Center.

Click HERE For Further Information.

TESTIMONIAL from Spring Workshop Participant Kadaajah J.L

CARNIVAL SPICE PRESENTS: "Summertime Lunch & Lime"

Join us Sunday, June 26th, 2016 from 1pm - 4pm for a chance to connect with your community and experience Caribbean culture while tantalizing your taste buds.

Enjoy Creole food with a Caribbean flair while relaxing in the atmosphere of Harlem Restaurant. Dress to the nines. Mix and mingle. Let yourself go while we entertain all your senses.

$30 ADVANCE TICKETS

- food inclusive + live performances*

- limited tickets available

Click HERE for tickets

The Toronto Carnival Run with “Di Spice Crew"

Once Carnival Spice summer session is complete we would love for everyone to participate on our team “Di Spice Crew” for the Toronto Carnival Run taking place Saturday, July 23rd. This is a 5k run or walk meant to encourage wellness and community involvement with a Caribbean carnival theme. 

Join our team HERE

Thanks for reading! 
Join me on my social media pages below:

Facebook: Simply Shakera
Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email:  info@simplyshakera.com

Get Into The Groove

It has been a while since my last post but I promise that I was keeping myself busy working on upcoming projects that I know you will love. 

Today's post is quite fitting of where my attention has been for the last few weeks. I just completed teaching a dance fitness children's program with the Toronto Public Library in celebration of Black History Month. Additionally, while leading my weekly classes with private clients I also launched ten week Carnival Spice programs in Toronto and Mississauga. It has been amazing seeing so many new faces and watching each person grow week by week. I appreciate everyone that comes out and can confidently say that the energy in each session is so special and felt by all!  Below are a couple anonymous responses from participants when asked, "How did you feel?" after one of my classes!

(Love you guys ^^^^^^ #squad)

"Get into the groove" is more than just a phrase, it is a an action that everyone should be practicing. I encourage you all to embrace the power of movement and if you have not tried a dance fitness workshop or class, then you are definitely missing out! I do understand however if you are unable to participate because of physical injury or other health reasons but any other concerns shouldn't stop you -  instead they should motivate you!

Dance fitness is a type of group exercise that incorporates dance moves/technique. This full body workout is tons of fun and the overall intensity of a class varies depending on the style of dance you are doing.  I often hear folks call dance fitness “ Zumba". To clarify, "Zumba" is a TYPE of dance fitness workout and one of the more popular dance fitness brands. Their instructors go through a training process based on the Zumba style, class format, and program principles. So for example, when someone calls any of my classes "Zumba" , they are very incorrect and legally if I ever advertised my classes as "Zumba" I could be sued for trademark infringement. #foodforthought #fyi #pleasestop #knowledgeispower

One of the main differences between dance fitness classes is STYLE! There can be fifty different hip hop classes out there but I promise you they are not the same. I challenge you to try them all so you can experience the difference for yourself and feel which one you enjoy the most. 

Whether in class or online there are so many great dance fitness classes out there that provide amazing results. Benefits include building your stamina and energy levels, strengthening and toning your muscles, burning tons of calories etc. Dance fitness workouts can also help you avoid or overcome plateaus because they will challenge the body in a different way. Plus most classes are super fun so you do not realize how much work you are putting in. 

Listed were only a few benefits that affect your physical state but there are amazing social benefits as well such as boosting your confidence, building your performance ability, releasing stress and meeting amazing people who are active and may also be looking for support for their workout too.  Not everyone in the class will be at the same fitness or dance level, but that is the beauty of it, you have to start somewhere in order to grow or see results. As as I would say, you have to "pace", listen to the music, listen to your body and take everything in stride. 

What to bring to a dance fitness class:

- a water bottle

- comfortable fitness attire and shoes

- a yoga mat (if you have)

- and a change of clothes because you will get sweaty!

There are so many different classes to choose from out there. Ask yourself:  What music do you like? How long is the class? Check out different videos and see how you feel while watching. 

Below are a couple different classes that I personally enjoy/attend in the GTA:

Army Of Sass with Carla Catherwood

- they also offer the opportunity for you to perform in front of a live audience. 

- they also have locations across Canada. 

Hot In Heels Canada with Angela Mahoney

- I especially enjoyed their 6 hour dance intensive in January. 

- See video clip here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BAYBz4LO7MC

Fusion Cardio Toronto with Sumera Q

- Get your Zumba on here!

Caribbean Movements with Kay Ann Ward

-signature classes include Wickedest Wine and Socalicious; great foundations are taught here. 

Carnival Spice with Simply Shakera

- fuses all the sounds of the Caribbean such as soca, dancehall, and chutney. 

- The Spring programs end May 9th in Downtown Toronto & Central Mississauga. See below for further program details!

If video does not load, please click here: (https://youtu.be/XUzbrAv1FTc)

Join Carnival Spice for Caribbean Dance Fitness. 
Click HERE to reserve your spot in Toronto or HERE to reserve your spot in Mississauga.

See you on the dance floor!

Stay Connected With Me Via:

Facebook: Simply Shakera

Twitter: @SimplyShakera

Instagram:  @SimplyShakera

YouTube: Simply Shakera

Email:  info@simplyshakera.com

Dance, Fitness, Culture

Welcome to 2016. The year where we rise up like champions!

I am excited to see what is in store for us all. But first, let me highlight a few magical moments in 2015 as it truly was a year of growth, connections, and awareness. The pillars of Simply Shakera Inc., Dance, Fitness, and Culture have been used to share these moments. 

 

DANCE

My love, my outlet and the driving force behind Simply Shakera Inc.

“…stand for a moment with your eyes closed. Feel the connection of your feet to the floor and just relax. If you feel completely at a loss for what to do, imagine your breath supplying your entire body with a golden fluid, making your body light and flexible. Allow this to transition into any movements you wish, moving as the body dictates. Flow, float, stomp, jump up and down.” - Unknown

I am grateful to have danced all the way through 2015 with so many talented people creating everlasting memories for my clients. Make sure to get your dance on today!

Favourite Dance Moment

Simply Shakera Flash Mobs helped almost a dozen men pop the question this year to their special ladies. My fave dance moment for #2015 would have to be our performance for the "A Wedding to Remember" segment on The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV 

If the video link is not visible, please click here: http://youtu.be/anfWAsk5zAQ

FITNESS

The second and most integral part of Simply Shakera Inc.

My personal fitness journey is ever-growing and I am grateful to all my clients/students who have allowed me to be a part of theirs. I cannot wait to sweat with you and look forward to introducing 3 NEW workouts in 2016!

Fundraisers, Fitness Center Sessions, Television, Bachelorettes, International, Conferences... So Grateful For This Journey!

Favourite Fitness Moment

It was hard to select just one favourite but organic vibin' moments like the video clip below gets me every time! Everyone being free and feeling the rhythm... shout out to “Di Humber Crew”.

 

  

CULTURE

By definition, it is “a way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next.”

My Caribbean culture has helped define who I am hence why it is a major component of Simply Shakera Inc.

2015 allowed ample opportunities for my company Carnival Spice and Everything Nice to showcase and celebrate Caribbean mas, music, and movement. My hope is that drastic changes are made to CARIBANA so it truly reflects the amazing Caribbean culture while allowing the Caribbean community to thrive. 

Favourite Culture Moment

 

Appearing LIVE in a segment on CityLine Canada with the ‪Toronto Revellers. The energy, the culture, the reach to a broader audience – it was a wonderful day. Huge shout out to my dancin’ partner Mr. Meggy. Tracy Moore, I am glad you are one of “our people”. <3

If the video link is not visible, please click here: http://youtu.be/tOA7F-LWxgM

Stay Connected With Me Via:

Twitter: @SimplyShakeraFacebook: SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
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SnapChat: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com