The 2010 Wellness Show Recap

Why hello there everyone! I’m back from my much needed impromptu hiatus to bring you my recap of The 2010 Wellness Show. It was the perfect way to kick off my summer vacation. Yes, you read that right – I’m officially on vacation from school until September. Had my last final on Thursday, plus the big dietetics interview (fingers crossed I did well enough to get into the program). Now I’m ready to spend my new found free time on so many projects I’ve been putting off. I’m excited!

But, I digress…let’s talk wellness, shall we?

I had a quick brush with the show on Friday afternoon when I made my way downtown to drop off my muffins for the Media Muffin Contest.

Alas, I could only stay long enough to chat with Rebecca, the Media Relations person at the show, hand in my muffins, check out the Rogers Foods booth, and take a peak at a few other things before I had to get on transit and back out the ‘burbs for work. Which of course, meant I had to miss the judging of the contest. Booo-urns! How did the contest go, you may ask? Well, if you’ve followed my Twitter (@fache79) you probably already know. Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait a little longer for the muffin recap post (plus recipe!)

My full show experience was on Saturday, when I had plans to spend the day there with my sister and cousin’s wife. We were up bright and early (for a Saturday morning anyways), and got to the show around 11 am. I proudly donned my “Media” badge (while rockin’ the Canucks jersey, since it was game day).

We wound our way throughout all the booths, checking out free samples, learning about various health innovations, and getting in some great people watching. I met up with Rebecca again, when she randomly chose my sister and cousin’s wife to interview on camera. I also had the chance to briefly chat with Desiree, the Choices Market. Alas, I didn’t take any photos at the show, but they probably wouldn’t have been that exciting anyways. Although, I wish I’d been thinking, and gotten some photos with Rebecca and Desiree. I blame all those exams I was still detoxing from

What I did photograph for you was all the loot I brought home with me. Starting with all the free shiz.

I think the highlight of that collection are the coupons for Liberté Greek Yogurt.

I was also excited for the chia seed powder.

Rogers Foods granola coupons.

Nature’s Path granola bar.

And these Omega-3 Oil supplement samples from Barlean’s. They had all of their oils available to taste, and let me tell you, they are delicious. Too bad they had none for sale at the show – I would have probably purchased some. Note to exhibitors – if you have it to sample, you better have it for sale! And if you have product for sale, you should probably be sampling it. I’m just saying.

Speaking of things for sale, you don’t think I went without purchasing a few items, did you?

Let’s talk about the deal of the show: Liberté Greek yogurt – 2 for $5. Yes, you read that right. And did you know they have a vanilla flavour? It’s good!

Too bad I didn’t go to the show on Sunday. Word on the street was the yogurt was on sale 2 for $2!

I also finally broke down and bought some Bali’Sun Coconut Oil. I was able to taste it, and OMG, it was delightful.

Last, but not least, I splurged on some MacaSure Chocolate bars from Sequel Naturals. They are delicious.

I did check out the Vita-Mix booth at the show, hoping they would have some good deals on their blenders, but frankly, I didn’t think they offered much of a deal. Not to mention, I’m not totally sold on actually needing one. And I wish they were designed with a little more style in mind. I know, I’m so demanding.

Overall, I quite enjoyed the show. I wish I had more time to take in some of the cooking demonstrations and various seminars, and that I could have schmoozed more with vendors there. I don’t know why I never think to bring out my blog business cards when I’m out. I fail and social networking. Next year though – next year I’m going full on, and maybe without family in tow Or I’ll just have to go on multiple days.

Big thanks to Rebecca for hooking me up this weekend!

Stay tuned for a whack of things this week, including a full muffin contest recap, winner of the Genuine Health dermalipid contest, a book review, my plans for my extended summer break, and oh yeah, some food!