30 minute read

Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Recipe courtesy Grant Easterbrook, The Olive Station, 225 Canada Avenue, Downtown Duncan

Brussel sprouts; you either love them or you hate them! At The Olive Station we are of the Brussel loving persuasion. If you are someone who needs another reason to love these little green balls of flavour have we got a recipe for you! These oven-roasted Brussel sprouts combine our Fig dark balsamic vinegar and lemon olive oil to create a beautifully balanced dish. This recipe is a great side dish for small holiday meals.

Ingredients

2-3 cups Brussel sprouts 3 tablespoons Neapolitan Herb Dark Balsamic Vinegar Dash of sea salt (or salt of your choice) - we like Saltwest Roasted garlic & onion. Freshly ground pepper to taste 3 tablespoons Lemon olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 2. Prepare Brussel sprouts. Rinse, pat dry and trim off and hard or brown ends. 3. Slice Brussel sprouts in half lengthwise. 4. In a mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, vinegar salt and pepper until evenly combined. 5. Add in the Brussel sprouts and mix until evenly coated. 6. Place brussel sprouts on a baking sheet lined with tin foil or parchment paper. 7. Roast in oven for 25 minutes, turning once (to ensure crispiness!) Serve alongside your favourite holiday meal and enjoy!

Serves 4.

Submitted by Veronica Scott

As we mark our 27th year in the Duncan town square, all of us at Imagine That! Artisans’ Cooperative extend a very special thanks to our customers, landladies, and our members and artisans - everyone who has made this challenging time a little easier.

This holiday season we are delighted to introduce three new artisans who have joined our Cooperative family.

Martha McHardy is a superb knitter who works with wool and fine fibres. A former Occupational Therapist who came to the Island many years ago, Martha has worked as a contract shepherd with large BC commercial flocks, and a breeder of border collies. Along the way, she has competed in sheepdog trials in both Canada and the US.

“I wasn’t knitting in those days, as I rarely had time, but I have always appreciated the qualities of wool,” she says. “When it came time to stay warm, dry, and comfortable, wool and natural fibres were always my first choice to wear because wool is both practical and functional.” Martha, who describes herself as a ‘woolly diva,’ loves the look, feel and texture of hand dyed, natural fibres.

Martha makes wool accessories, suitable in size and style for just about everyone. These include toques, hats, scarves, boot cuffs, fingerless gloves, cloaks, shawls and ponchos.

Knitwear by Martha McHardy

Patti McNeice joined Imagine That! recently - and we’re so glad she did! Patti is a potter with a unique style she calls “ceramic assemblage.” Instead of the smooth surfaces of traditional pottery, Patti uses a variety of materials including found

www.theainslie.ca

161 Kenneth St., Duncan 250-597-3695

Ceramic Assemblage by Patti McNeice

Santa’s Artisan Helpers have been Busy at Imagine That!

objects and stencil art. The end result is a creation of unique, lush and vibrant surfaces. Each piece of pottery is imaginatively detailed – a ‘one of a kind.’ “My grandmother and mother root my curiosity. Our three spirits dance when I create. It’s a magical time, somewhat addictive I confess,” she notes. Patti is inspired by “pattern, textures and the mystery of seeing something for what it is not.” There are no artistic rules in her studio, she says. “Things happen by chance, without intention or influence. I let my passion and distractibility guide me. I move clay and colour around then add curiosity with bling and bits,” she explains. Patti makes both wall art as well as platters, small plates, and other sculptures.

Musician Massimo Pintus joined us recently, as well. Massimo creates beautiful gongs that he calls ‘sound sculptures’ forged from copper,

iron, and bronze. “Lift the gong from its cradle, strike with a mallet, then gently wave back and forth and the tone of the sound becomes magical,” he explains. The clear sound transcends the ages with peace and strength, perfect for these unsettling times.

Massimo started his musical

www.theoldfi rehouse.ca

JOIN US

WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY

look for our daily specials on

40 Ingram Street Downtown Duncan (250) 597-3473

SHOP WITH US

Tuesday - Friday 11am - 4pm

Saturday 10am - 3pm Sunday, December 20 11 am - 3 pm

Imagine That! Artisans’ Designs 251 Craig St., Downtown Duncan imaginethatartisans.com I 250-748-6776

Sound Sculpture by Massimo Pintus

journey at the age of five in Sardinia, Italy. He was captivated listening to his grandfather play a Spanish ‘romanza’ on the guitar. At this early age Massimo knew that music would be an integral, life sustaining part of his life.

Years later, Massimo enthusiastically plunged into all types of sounds and instruments including East Indian and Sufi music. After an extended time in Sweden, he moved to Vancouver Island and settled in Duncan where he makes his inspirational Gaia gongs while continuing to explore the healing, life affirming properties of his passion – the sound of music.

There are more than seventy artists at Imagine That. Everything you see is made by the hands of Island artists and artisans. Our creations are the end result of many hours of hard work, patience, and love. While the ‘profit margins’ are relatively small in comparison to the effort, the ultimate reward of customer satisfaction and funds to purchase more supplies is huge!

We’ve been busy. We also follow provincial safety guidelines and welcome a few people into the store at any one time,

The walls and shelves are stocked full with Christmas treasures from small glass and ceramic ornaments, crocheted rugs, enamelled bookmarks and jewellery to paintings, kimonostyle robes, silk scarves, pottery, mosaics, candles, papier mache and wooden bowls made from local trees.

Come see what we’ve been up to!

Imagine That! Artisans 251 Craig St, Duncan 250 748-6776

Come see our wonderful selection of Christmas gifts of Christmas gifts ORGANIC & NGI PIES, CAKES, BREADS, ROLLS & FRUIT CAKES

Open MonDAY-SatURDAY to nourish you during shopping with warm, delicious & organic home made food.

Prudence Natural Skincare & Cosmetics Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Sundays 12 - 4pm • 155 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan www.prudencenaturalbeauty.ca

Cozy Natural Wool Slippers

If Santa Claus lines his snow boots with warm, cozy wool, he likely buys his merry insoles at Duncan’s Soul Comfort Sheepskin.

Christmas lists should include Soul Comfort’s wool and sheepskin footwear for loved ones with cold or aching feet — a gift friends and family will enjoy year-round.

From insoles, sheepskin pancake slippers and cabin boots, to slipons and ankle slippers, owner Anyes DeLaat and her merry elves stock it all and can custom make footwear at their Duncan store.

“We have several styles of sheepskin slippers, “ Anyes says of the addictive attire with therapeutic pluses. “Once you wear sheepskin footwear you never go back to anything else because it’s comfortable and you have happy, healthy feet.” That’s because “wool keeps the skin dry as it wicks moisture away from the body.” If folks have any bacterial or foot-fungus issues, wool is the answer. involved, notes Anyes.

Guys looking for a cozy, special gift for their sweetheart, mom, sister or other females in their lives, sheepskin is also the answer.

“Women in general have cold feet so by giving sheepskin slippers, you’ll get many kisses for years to come,” Anyes predicts.

Men begin feeling cold at around age 65 so sheepskin footwear is also a great gift for grandpa. “All our footwear is made in house so we can custom fit, and we have a variety of products for medical needs too.” Other practical Noel gifts span seating pads for car and home, plus warm, odourless presents for pets.

“Wool is naturally odour resistant so you don’t smell pets when you come inside,” Anyes advises of dog mats and beds. “Pets just love wool.” Christmas shoppers can make a Yuletide stop today at Soul Comfort for a tour of its tons of products featuring wool, the miracle fibre.

“Our cabin boots are eight inches high so they’re especially good for people with cold feet in basement suites — just nestle your feet in luxury comfort of sheepskin.”

For folks who are vegans, Soul Comfort sells wool and hemp products with no animal skin Merry Christmas to all, and to all a warm wooly night!

Soul Comfort Sheepskin Wool 190 Fourth Street Downtown Duncan 250-737-1281

Denise D’Fantis Cowichan Valley Acupuncture

While the days and nights on Vancouver Island are definitely cooler, it is still mild enough to enjoy outdoor walking or hiking, mushroom picking, biking, winter gardening, yard clean ups, etc. Sometimes however, these activities can result in muscle stiffness and soreness, especially in the cooler months.

Musculo-Skeletal pain is experienced occasionally by many individuals, as we move our bodies through our busy lives. Raking a lawn, bending over to pick up leaves and debris, using a wheelbarrow, hiking on a slight incline, etc. are just some of the seemingly harmless activities that can sometimes result in temporary muscle pain and discomfort, and mobility restriction.

Acupuncture And Cupping For Winter Overstrain

When someone feels like they have “pulled a muscle” following either strenuous or low impact activities, they often experience pain, stiffness, and the inability to move their bodies like they normally do. (Mobility restriction.) Whether used separately or together, Acupuncture and Cupping may help ease the discomfort of muscle pain as a result of physical activity, overstrain, etc.

Acupuncture may help to promote the healing of damaged muscle tissue, and provide pain relief. When tiny sterile acupuncture needles are inserted into the body, a cascade of biochemical responses occur such as enhanced endorphin production, which activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic (pain relieving) effect. Acupuncture also dilates blood vessels and softens muscle spasms which then allows increased blood circulation into the muscle, resulting in oxygen and nutrient rich tissues to assist healing.

Offering: •Drinks •Take Out •Frozen Meals to Go

Cupping, an ancient healing modality dating back thousands of years in China and Greece, may also help to release tight and strained muscles.

When glass, silicone, or plastic cups are strategically placed on the body creating a subatmospheric pressure either by heat or by suction, blood circulation is increased to the area, facilitating healing of damaged tissue.

In addition, Cupping changes the skin’s biomechanical properties, increasing pain thresholds, and improving local anaerobic metabolism reducing inflammation, and modulation of the cellular immune system. (Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2018.)

Cupping is much like the inverse of massage: rather than applying pressure to muscles, cups use gentle pressure to pull the muscles upward, often resulting in a relaxing and relieving and warming sensation, a delight during the colder months of winter.

Cowichan Valley Acupuncture 170 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan 250 715-5649

100% Plant Based Comfort Foods With a Vegan Twist! 171 Canada Ave, Duncan (250) 597-8168

Cowichan Women’s Health Collective

Postpartum mood disorders are known to be the single biggest clinical risk that new parents face. The physical stress of having a baby “Exercising, compounded by disruption in sleep, eating, and exercise routines getting enough increases the risk of experiencing some form of postpartum depression for anyone who has given birth. And, depending on where you live and sleep, and creating other variables, resources like counselling and support groups may be a support network limited, making solutions other than prescription medication diffi cult to fi nd. are also integral to promoting your By preparing for some of the challenges that postpartum poses, you can create real opportunities to mitigate the risks to you and your baby. For instance, naturopathic medicine offers support during both the prenatal wellbeing during early parenthood. ” and postpartum period. Blending the art of traditional healing modalities with current, evidence-based approaches, a holistic and comprehensive treatment plan can be created. Compromised nutrition levels such as low iron stores (ferritin), vitamin D, and B12, can add to the fatigue and overwhelm of new parenthood. The sharp decline in both estrogen and progesterone hormone levels after the birth of the baby adds to the rollercoaster of emotions as the body tries to balance the mental/ emotional shifts in the postpartum period. Common symptoms of lowered progesterone levels include anxiety, insomnia, and overwhelm. During breastfeeding, the increase in prolactin affects the body’s natural ability to produce dopamine, which is a hormone essential for well-being, euphoria, and relaxation. As nature intended, many foods and herbal medicines can be supportive during these transitional periods. A diverse diet, rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, provides antioxidant support for healing. Essential fatty acids from nuts, seeds and fi sh are also integral for nervous system and hormonal support. Trying to maintain a regular eating schedule can also be helpful to keep blood sugar levels stable. Prepping a few nutrient dense snacks can be helpful, as hands-free time is a rare and precious commodity. A few simple snack ideas include:

• protein powder energy balls • hard boiled eggs • overnight oatmeal • rice cakes and avocados

Exercising, getting enough sleep, and creating a support network are also integral to promoting your wellbeing during early parenthood. Choosing a midwife and/or doula who can support you throughout your pregnancy, labour, and postpartum is a wonderful way to receive help during this process – although sometimes this can be diffi cult! We are one of the few cultures where new parents are not fully supported in their postpartum period. Challenge yourself to say ‘yes’ to the neighbor asking if you need anything, or the friend at your child’s preschool willing to pick up or drop off. Let someone do your laundry or hold your baby so you can eat lunch, nap, or take a shower.

The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to be alone. Reach out – it will make a difference.

The Cowichan Women’s Health Collective acknowledges our settler relationship to the unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ speaking peoples upon which we live.

Kate Koyote (she/her) Jenna Waddy ND (she/her) Rikst Attema ND (she/her) Cowichan Women’s Health Collective

BEATING THE DECEMBER BLUES

Cold and rainy weather affects everyone. Maintaining your nutritional health is an important way to support your mental and emotional wellbeing. New and expecting parents can be at risk of losing electrolytes and minerals simply from being pregnant or breastfeeding. Filling up and drinking a 1 liter water bottle twice a day can be a good way to gauge your daily fl uid intake. Coconut water and non-caffeinated herbal teas are also great hydration support. Below is a simple and safe nourishing tea blend to enjoy during your pregnancy and every day!

NOURISHING WINTER HERBAL ELIXIR

• Milky oat tops – 25g • Milky oat straw – 25g • Nettle tops – 25g • Peppermint – 25g Directions: Add 1 Tbsp. of the mixed herbs to 1 cup boiling water. Steep with lid covered 15-20 minutes – add a can of organic, full fat coconut milk to make a creamy, nutritionally supportive herbal elixir! Drink 1-3 cups daily. Ideally sitting in front of the fi re with a good book! Enjoy. For more information about natural supports in pregnancy, contact the Health Practitioners at the Matraea Centre located at 170 Craig Street, downtown Duncan.

PRACTITIONER & SERVICES AT MATRAEA CENTRE: Denise D’Fantis, Registered Acupuncturist, Rebecca Christopherson R.C.C., Hayley Sinai Youth & Family Counsellor and Intuitive Reader, Registered Midwives Jane Ballaro, Talia McKenzie, Kate Koyote and Elizabeth Morrison, Amanda Slydell Tax Preparation, Two Moons Lactation with Candice Wray, Naturopathic Physicians Dr Attema ND & Dr. Waddy, ND, Amber Burwash and Erin Sheen, The Place to Mortgage, Cowichan Valley MLA Offi ce.

www.matraea.com I 170 Craig Street, Downtown Duncan I 1-844 Matraea

Cowichan Green Community (CGC) is a non-profit organization that has been focusing on environmental sustainability since 2004. With a focus on food security in the Cowichan Region, CGC has grown to include the downtown office building “The Station” where the reFRESH Marketplace store is located, KinPark Youth Urban Farm, as well as the Garden Education Centre on Beverly Street. This organization is proud to be running a variety of programs that support farming, food sustainability and resiliency in the unceded territory of Quw’utsun Tribes.

An integral piece in providing these programs are CGC’s members whose dedication, devotion, and diligence strengthen the vast CGC community. Susan Smith has been an active member and volunteer at CGC for over 15 years as well as a member of

Become A Supporting Member of The Cowichan Green Community

the Food Security Coalition for 10 years. She strongly believes in the ethos at CGC around food security and ending food waste.

An older farmer once told her that “it takes more than a weekend to grow some peas.” And that it does. Susan knows the importance of passing on the skills of food production and cooking to the younger people she works with in the garden, the kitchen and the store. Sewing sheets into tubes to edge gardens, cooking and serving meals in the kitchen, stocking the reFRESH store, and attending meetings with politicians to raise awareness of the food security issues on behalf of CGC are a few of the ways that Susan is a liaison between the work of CGC and the broader community.

CGC currently has 129 members! Our goal is to double that for 2021! Here are the details!

Yearly Memberships:

• $20 for youth or seniors • $30 for individuals • $50 for a family • $100 for a business

Member Benefits:

• 10% off reFRESH items in the reFRESH Marketplace store • Free access to events hosted by CGC • Voting privilege at the Annual General Meeting

Where to Purchase:

• In the reFRESH Marketplace at 360 Duncan, St. • On line at https:// cowichangreencommunity. org/product/cgc-membership/

Membership purchases made in December 2020 will expire December 31st 2021. Come join CGC’s community by becoming a member where your dedication, devotion, and diligence can bring us one step closer to a food secure Cowichan.

Cowichan Green Community 360 Duncan Street, Downtown Duncan (250) 748-8506

Image above; Sandy McPhearson and Susan Smith are both volunteers who received CGC totes for their dedication.

Visit our new Gallery space featuring Local Artists - next door @ 165 Station Street! TEN OLD BOOKS Always something for everyone Great Selection of Used & New Books • Bestsellers & Award

Winners • Classic Novels & Timeless Favourites • BC & Canadian Authors

Plus Local Cards • Crafts • Children’s Books • Jewelry • Unique Gift Ideas and More! 102-330 Duncan St 250 -715-1383

Find us inside the historic Duncan Garage

Soapstone Carving Kits - Sculpture in Five Easy Steps

Studiostone Soapstone Carving Kits are designed to inspire creativity and introduce people of all ages to the art of carving. Kits include everything you need to create your own carving from start to finish. Perfect gift idea!

Choose from ten different animals: Wolf, Cat, Seal, Orca, Eagle, Bear and also Lion, Elephant, Rhino, and Turtle

The concept was created by professional sculptors from British Columbia. Stone carving is one of their favourite experiences and their Studiostone Kits are a great way to help you make your own sculpture. Every element of the process is carefully thought out and tested with ages 7 to 99. Easy-to-do in 90 minutes! Every Kit is made with their own hands so that when they put it into yours, the quality and enjoyment speak for themselves. The art of stone carving is both their mission and passion and they hope that you enjoy this timeless tradition that puts you right in the moment. Think with your hands and make art from the heart!

Soapstone Carving Kits contain everything you need to create your own carving: • Pre-cut soapstone animal shape 2 × 3.5” • Carving file • 220 and 400 grit sandpaper • Wax and polishing cloth • Step-by-step instructions The carving process is done using water so there is no need to be concerned about stone dust.

Very fun, safe, creative and the result is a timeless little treasure!

Find Studiostone Carving kits at Ten Old Books in the Duncan Garage. WILLOWANDORCHID.COM

Weekly and monthly fl oral subscriptions • Weddings & Events • Customized Gift Crates • Floral Design Classes and Workshops • Sympathy Arrangements • Online, Telephone and Email Ordering • Delivery

101 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250-748-9868 willowandorchid@gmail.com

Ten Old Books 330 Duncan Street, Downtown Duncan 250 715-1383

Submitted by Kathie Tenold, Ten Old Books

Cynthia Qin a storyteller and lover of photography,

In Cowichan Valley’s Liujun Zheng is known as Lou, a 12th-generation Chen Taijiquan master who has taught Tai Chi for free since moving to Duncan in 2014. The Tai Chi team he leads performs every year in festivals and schools, such as CIS International Festival, Cowichan Summer Festival and Victoria Spring Festival. “A lot of people have helped me since moving here. That is why I have volunteered to teach tai chi for six years and never stopped. I teach for free because I like to contribute to the community. That is how I want to give back.” Lou said that.

For another way to give back to the community, Lou is running businesses successfully and solving local employment. After successfully operating The Island Bagel Company, Lou took over The Tin Cup on August 1, 2020. During COVID-19, it is a hard time for running a new business. But Lou focuses on the future. He desires to build an exquisite style café for Cowichan Valley, that is focused simply on excellent coffee, great food and hospitable service. After taking over The Tin

The Tin Cup, When Coffee Met Tai Chi

Cup, Lou updates and uses the most professional coffee machine in the world, Black Eagle. Since 2015, it is the official machine of the World Barista Championship and the first professional espresso coffee machine that loves the planet. Lou also invited a professional barista to train his team for improving coffee making process. The Tin Cup uses the green coffee beans which are no chemical addition and freshly roasted in BC, so as to provide a cup of amazing tasting coffee.

More than just a coffee bar, The Tin Cup offers a rustic and elegant atmosphere. Lou maintained the aesthetic and exquisite appearance of The TIN CUP to suit the leisurely lifestyle of those living in the surrounding Vancouver Island areas. A beautifully designed space, with high ceilings and windows that flood the café with lots of natural light, it is the perfect setting for a casual coffee, some light and heartwarming food. The quality has improved but the price has not changed. New and old customers are pleasantly surprised to appreciate this change.

Interestingly enough, Lou also incorporated Tai Chi into The Tin Cup. He said, “In the system of Change there is the Great Ultimate. It generates the Two Modes (yin and yang). The Two Modes generate the Four Forms (major and minor yin and yang). The Four Forms generate the Eight Trigrams. There are yin and yang in Tai Chi, and the wonderful thing is that coffee also has yin and yang. For example, a cup of coffee, espresso is yang, milk is yin. Espresso and milk, yin and yang blend together, different combinations ideate different types of style coffee.”

“High-quality coffee beans, professional coffee machines, excellent baristas with love and emotion to make coffee, so that everyone in Cowichan Valley is willing to take their stories to The Tin Cup and has a cup of coffee .” Lou’s wish is so unpretentious.

When you wander along the streets of Totem Town Duncan, you might as well take a seat at The Tin Cup, located in the center of the town with a beautiful landscape. Have a cup of high-quality coffee, and listen to Lou telling stories about Tai Chi and coffee.

Tin Cup Coffee and Espresso Bar 277 Canada Avenue Downtown Duncan

Welcome to Tin Cup Coffee & Espresso Bar

The perfect place to sit down, relax, have a chat, enjoy free WiFi, and fl ip through some inspirational books, all while sipping your favourite drink.

Open Hours Monday to Saturday 7:00 -17:00

277 Canada Ave, Downtown Duncan Please visit us at www.thetincup.ca

Dr. Lyn Pascoe Viva Medical Aesthetics

Wearing Masks

It was a little weird until it wasn’t. We are all used to them now and are happy to follow the advice of our public health experts to help manage the situation we are dealing with at present. So, how do we deal with the skin issues behind the mask? Have you noticed more acne, blackheads, and whiteheads? Have you experienced more aggravation of existing skin issues? If so, you are not alone. Troubled skin under the mask is one of the most frequent issues I have been seeing in the last few months during my consultations. So, what to do?

Exfoliation is Key

I don’t mean harsh physical scrubs as those can be damaging to your skin and cause inflammation. Chemical exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol is the kind of exfoliation that can be very helpful. Adding either lactic, glycolic, or salicylic acid to your daytime regime or retinol to your nighttime routine can help keep those pores breathing.

The Right Product for You

Choosing the right product for your specific skin type is important. Here are some

Behind the Mask

guidelines:

Rosacea and Sensitive Skin

Lactic and glycolic products will be the most important for this skin type. Gentle chemical peels using lactic acid can be very helpful and are also cost-effective. In addition, they are a nice, relaxing treat.

Normal Skin

Retinol is great for this skin type. Save this treatment for your nighttime routine because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun (even low winter levels). Retinol not only chemically exfoliates but also gives a glow to your skin. Treatments such as HydraFacial MD will both physically and chemically exfoliate your skin to help with the congestion of pores. Chemical peels are also very helpful in maintaining healthy skin. If you do one a month through these winter months, you will notice how your skin appreciates you.

Acne

This is a tough one since acne thrives in the conditions caused by masks. Luckily, we have strong tools in our medical toolbox. Alpha hydroxy acids and retinol can be helpful, but sometimes a prescription topical cream may be necessary. You will need a physician consultation for this. HydraFacial MD and chemical peels can be added to the acne skincare regime as well.

There is Always Hope

Our masks will come off at some point and you can be ready with healthy, glowing skin by using the above suggestions which are specific to your skin type.

Viva Medical Aesthetics #4-177 Fourth Street Downtown Duncan 250 746-6512

DIffusing for your Wellness

Submitted by Tina Lee Foster

There are many applications and benefits of using essential oils. One of the most popular is diffusing the essential oils (which is obtained by distillation of the plant source/extract) in a room diffuser.

Not only does this add a nice aroma to a living space, each essential oil also provides numerous health benefits for the home and air, and for those present in the room and breathing it in. Among these is improving your mood, boosting energy, for a healthy immune system, for relaxation, or for promoting a good nights sleep. Users of essential oils will attest to these and to many many more uses and benefits! Your preferences will be unique to you as a wonderful individual!

The easy to use and handy diffuser offers a safe and natural alternative to chemicalladen air fresheners, and also offers more for your well-being. One can start their own personal essential oils collection, and choose any fragrance or blend to use for your specific need or environmental requirement.

There are various types of room diffusers available, including: • heat diffusers, like a candle diffuser, plug-in steam diffuser, or a lamp diffuser. • evaporative diffuser, like diffuser stones (good for small spaces, closets, drawers, etc.) • portable diffuser, which use diffuser pads and are available battery operated or USB plug (small rooms, offices, and travel), and also car diffusers that simply clip onto the vent.

Top picks for essential oil uses:

• Stress relief- lavender, frankincense, rosemary, rose, citrus, lemongrass • Sleep- lavender, bergamot, chamomile, sandalwood • Energy boost- lime, orange, grapefruit, cinnamon, peppermint • Immune system- clove, tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus, thieves blend • Respiratory health- eucalyptus, lemon, thyme, palo santo, tea tree • Cognitive function- basil, rosemary, thyme, lemongrass • Cleaning the environment- tea tree, lemon, clove, lime, eucalyptus • Repelling insects- peppermint, lemongrass, tea tree, geranium, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, lavender • Pain-relief(best topically)- clary sage, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, ginger, frankincense

Get started today, using essential oils for a healthy and heightened internal and external well-being! Essential Remedies 141 Craig Street Downtown Duncan (250) 748-9632

BEST OF DOWNTOWN DUNCAN

Give the gift of flavour with an expertly curated OLIVE OIL & BALSAMIC VINEGAR GIFT PACK! available in-store or online. The Olive Station #7 - 225 Canada Avenue Duncan 250597-8808 www.theolivestation.com

MARGOT PAGE ONE OF A KIND

COAT PINS enamelled onto 2 inch large copper hearts. $16 each. Many designs to choose from. Special orders by request. Available at Imagine that! Artisans Designs 251 Craig St, Dunca .margotpage.com

COZY SWEATERS, COLOURED DENIM AND FINE ACCESSORIES

Doesn’t take much to help your men be the best dressed guys around. Outlooks For Men 53 Station St, Duncan 250-597-2848

BEAUTIFUL PROPS TO SUPPORT MIND AND BODY WELLNESS.

This year, give the gift of peace, well being, and yoga. Harmony Yoga and Wellness 103-360 Duncan Street, Downtown Duncan www.harmonyyogaduncan.com

WHEN WE ARE KIND, BY

MONIQUE GRAY SMITH , celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness. Published by Orca. $19.95. Volume One Bookstore. 149 Kenneth St. 250748-1533 www.volumeone.ca

SPARKLY WIRE TIARAS &

CROWNS Handmade in store, unique, beautiful & customizable! Little Bird, 163 Station Street Downtown Duncan 250 748-6861 www.littlebirdonline.ca

Enjoy the soft glow of a natural HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP creating ambiance and relaxing tranquil atmosphere. Private Shopping & Gift Certificates available. Wishes Gifts 125 Station St., Downtown Duncan 250 748 9411 Visit FB & Instagram 40

FRESH COFFEE & DELICIOUS

CREPES Give the gift of incredible crepes packed with fresh ingredients Gift Certificates Available. Ironworks Cafe & Creperie Locations in Duncan and Ladysmith! 250 710 9441 www.ironworkscafe.ca

LUYCHO MIRROR CUP AND

SAUCER Stunning luxury tea cups. Each one a shiny work of art that includes shadow and reflection. Many styles to choose from. Tin Cup Coffee & Espresso 277 Canada Avenue, Downtown Duncan

2020 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

ORGANIC FLANNEL SHEETS

make for a great gift during the frosty winter months. Cozy colours for everyone in the family. Visit Resthouse at 126 Station St.Downtown Duncan 250-597-7378

GOLDEN GLASS PEARS

handblown by BC glass artist Joanne Andrighetti, at Aquamaris Art Gallery 330 Duncan St Upstairs (inside the Garage building) Downtown Duncan 250 597-2798

STAY LOYAL TO LOCAL!

Pick up one of these best of 2020 gift ideas and more when you visit Downtown Duncan for all your holiday shopping this year. Can’t decide? Gift certificates fit all sizes!

JADE RUBBER YOGA MATS

Incredible grip, great comfort and eco-friendly. No PVC, EVA or synthetics! W Dance & Yoga Supply 225 Canada Ave, Duncan 250-7483277 www.wdanceandyoga.ca

E.J. HUGHES PAINTS THE 1940’S

2021 CALENDAR This calendar contains works of art painted by EJ in the 1940’s. A homage to the decade of post-war challenges and the beauty of hope. 115 Kenneth Street in Downtown Duncan 250-746-7112 FABRICATIONS The sparkle of the West Coast can be found at Fabrications. Showcasing jewellery artisans from near and far. 125 Kenneth St. Downtown Duncan 250 746-4751 Open 7 days a week. www.foreverfab.com

Treat a loved one to a relaxing and rejuvenating medical-grade

HYDRAFACIAL MD TREATMENT

at Viva Medical Aesthetics! #4 177 Fourth Street Duncan 250-746-6512

STUDIOSTONE CARVING KITS

come with everything you need to transform rough cut soapstone into a work of art. Made in B.C. Easy to do and fun for everyone from 7 to 99. Ten Old Books 330 Duncan St (inside Duncan Garage) 250-715-1383

CORKCICLE STEMLESS WINE

CUP keeps drinks cold for 9 hours or hot for 3, and always looks cool. Triple-insulated for the perfect chill. Shatter-proof crystal clear lid. 101 Station St, Duncan 250 748-9868 www.willowandorchid.com 41

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