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Five cool things to do this week (November 29 to December 5)

Looking for some entertainment? Grab a friend to hit the slopes, celebrate a female chef, and perfect your floral arrangements.
Snowy skis leaning against a wall Botanica/Getty Images

1. Celebrate the “Female Gods of Food”

A recent "Best of" list in Time magazine sparked great debates between foodies, critics, and culinary industry members alike. The initial spark: the magazines, "13 Gods of Food" did not include one female chef. Do you have a favourite female chef? We have a list that's longer than 13 names and this week a few of them, including host, The Great Hall’s, Alexandra Feswick, and 2013’s Toronto’s Hottest Chef Leah Wildman, will be gathering in Toronto to co-create a menu for a fundraising dinner inspired by the famed artwork installation by Judy Chicago, “The Dinner Party.” Not in Toronto? In light of the recent Time magazine list, this weekend raise a glass and a fork at your favourite restaurant that boasts a female lead.

The Dinner Party, December 3, The Great Hall, Toronto

2. Hit the slopes

Riders across Canada rejoice as fresh snow falls cover mountains tops to create perfect skiing and boarding conditions. Never buckled into skis or a snowboard? This is the perfect time (before the slopes get too, too crowded) to take a lesson (or ten) and master the bunny hill. And if it turns out it’s not for you, a good read by the fireplace in the chalet is for everyone! Top picks: Carve your name in the snow on the infamous BlackComb Mountain in Whistler; catch a breathtaking view of Banff National Park in Lake Louise; or toast the 75th season in Montreal at Mont Tremblant.

3. Listen to Glen Hansard

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This past week, the eight-time Tony winning Broadway musical, Once (based on the movie, Once) took centre stage at Toronto's Royal Alexandra Theatre. Naturally, the production has been dazzling audiences with its endearing storyline and of course, the beautiful soundtrack written primarily by Glen Hansard. The sweetest tale of big dreams and love, we highly suggest you book some time in to check it out before it closes in January. Better news, if you watch it (the musical, or even the movie!) and like what you hear (you will, his voice will lull you into a tranquil state), Hansard has just released an EP titled, Drive All Night that we can’t stop pressing play on. And as if we hadn’t fallen hard enough for the modern day troubadour, a portion of proceeds from the sale of his record will be donated to Little Kids Rock, a non-profit charity that provides music education classes to K-12 students in public schools that have been stripped of their music programs.

4. Shop online

The internet may crash due to high volumes of traffic this weekend, but that’s not going to stop us from logging on as our favourite brands cut prices on everything and anything in-store and online this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. With the gift-giving season just around the corner, save yourself a few pennies this year and take advantage of bargain surfing from the comforts of your couch. (Two words: Free Shipping.)

5. Perfect your floral arrangements

Have a long list of parties you’ve agreed to play host for this season? Wondering where to start? We suggest you follow your nose to the sweet scent of floral. Whether it’s to craft winter centrepieces to woo your holiday visitors, or simply because you adore the look of fresh cut flowers all-year-round, why not attend a floral workshop and get a few artistic tips from an expert?

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Holiday Floral Workshops with Breakfast Television, Frankie Flowers, December 6th, Shops at Don Mills, Toronto

Garden Party Christmas Workshop, Book ahead by December 7th, Vancouver

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