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The Benefits of Running Every Day

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As a senior trial lawyer, I spend my work days buried in legal precedents, police reports, affidavits, and other dense paperwork in preparation for my various cases. It’s rewarding work, but very sedentary. As you might imagine, it involves a lot of sitting while reading files and sitting in meetings with clients and colleagues.  A few years into my now three-decade-plus-long career, I decided that I would have to make a concerted attempt to get regular exercise for the sake of both my health and my sanity. So, I took up running. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I should give some background first. Although I work in an urban setting (for a long time it was in Toronto, Canada’s largest city, but I now work out of an office in Hamilton, Ontario, which is home to more than 500,000 people), a while back, I moved my personal residence to a farm. The farm is located in Ancaster, Ontario, which is a peaceful, pastoral town located just outside Hamilton. The scenery is beautiful,
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The best brunch spots to visit in the Ancaster/Hamilton area

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The holidays are approaching, so it’s a great time to start planning for some hearty brunch experiences - and there’s plenty to be had in my hometown of Hamilton. I personally live in the Ancaster area, but I’ve made it my mission to explore the whole city to explore the best restaurants.  So get ready to indulge in champagne pancakes, breakfast tacos, and perfect pastries at the incredible brunch spots scattered across Hamilton. Ancaster Mill Picture this: brunch with a view of a waterfall. Elevate your dining experience at this iconic fine-dining establishment located in a historic stone flour mill. Their renowned weekend brunch, celebrating an earth-to-table ethos, features seasonally inspired, chef-curated dishes that guarantee a menu as exceptional as the breathtaking views. Martello Infuse a modern Italian flair into your weekend brunch at this popular James Street North restaurant. Savor soppressata and mortadella eggs benny, breakfast pizza, and stuffed brioche. Don't miss
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Pairing Seasonal Fruits with Cheeses – The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

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Entertaining guests? Nothing makes an impression like a stunning charcuterie board or a delightful cheese platter, provided you master the art of pairing fruit and cheese. As you assemble that picturesque platter you've been envisioning, the big dilemma strikes: 'Which fruit complements which cheese?' If you're unsure, don't fret; you don't need to be a cheese aficionado to get it right. Pairing fruit and cheese: the essentials Pairing fruit with cheese is a trendy culinary practice in Canada. This concise guide aims to reveal easy and swift combinations that will steal the spotlight, whether at home or in a restaurant.  So, why pair fruit with cheese in the first place? The concept revolves around achieving a balance of complementary tastes and textures. For instance, pairing sweet, juicy fruit with a rich and savory cheese assortment enhances both flavors through their contrasting elements. Navigating the myriad possibilities can be daunting, but fear not. Nao
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5 Ways More Time In Nature Can Improve Your Health

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When it comes to enhancing health and well-being, nature may be one of the most underrated prescriptions.  Spending time outdoors provides numerous physical and mental health benefits, from reducing stress to boosting your immune system. Let's explore five compelling ways more time in nature can contribute to improved health. Improved Physical Fitness When you're surrounded by the beauty of nature, physical activity doesn't feel like a chore. Whether it's a hike in the mountains, a walk in the park, or a swim in the ocean, nature inherently encourages us to move.  Regular physical activity is critical for maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening muscles and bones, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the World Health Organization.  Moreover, outdoor exercise tends to be more varied, engaging different muscle groups and promoting better overall fitness. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Numerous studies have demons
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The 5 Essential Pieces of Running Gear

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When it comes to running, having the right gear can make all the difference in your performance, comfort, and overall enjoyment of the sport.  Whether you're a seasoned runner or just getting started, investing in a few pieces of gear will help you stay focused and take your running to the next level.  Here are the top five items that every runner should have in their arsenal. Running Shoes The foundation of any runner's gear collection is a good pair of running shoes. Proper running shoes provide the necessary cushioning, support, and stability to minimize the risk of injuries and enhance your running experience. It's important to find a pair that fits well and suits your specific foot type and running style. Visit a specialty running store or consult with a professional to get expert guidance in choosing the right shoes for you. Moisture-Wicking Apparel When it comes to running, moisture-wicking apparel is a game-changer. These fabrics are designed to wick away sweat from
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Ancaster: A Remarkable Place in Which to Connect to Nature

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The historic town of Ancaster, nestled in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, is surrounded by natural splendor. Located on the Niagara Escarpment, a steep ridge that extends across the NorthEastern United States and into Canada,  the area is a refuge for part of the Carolinian Forest of Southern Ontario. Just as the Japanese practice of “forest bathing” is becoming part of international vernacular and practice, and business people have started removing their shoes in Central Park in order to get “grounded” the modern world is beginning to awaken to the healing power of nature. Nature, it appears, restores in profound ways. It not only eases physical ailments but also psychological stressors, which modern medicine has also learned are inextricably linked. But that wasn’t always the case. For generations, men sought to tame the natural world and build skyscrapers within concrete jungles, blighting the stars with light pollution in their wake and limiting the ability of the soil  and grass to
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Best Recipe Ideas for Farm-Fresh Honey

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Working with bees is some of the most rewarding work you can do on a homestead. If you also have an orchard, you will see immediate growth in fruit. If you have cattle, the bees are more likely to pollinate it and make a much thicker and more rewarding grassland for your herd. This is not even mentioning the output that a bee can give in its main product – honey. The sheer amount of honey produced can actually be overwhelming, especially to new apiarists that don’t know what to do with it. Of course, if sealed properly with methods like pressure canning, honey can last for decades or even centuries , but if harvesting only for yourself, the amount of honey in your larder can begin to pile up if you’re unable to use it all by the following year. Some bees produce so much honey, you can even harvest a jar in the middle of winter . There are more ways to use honey than simply having it in your tea with cream or milk. Here are just a few of the recipes that can help make that farm-fresh
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