CVRN111216_ValleyLiving

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

DECEMBER 2011

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2

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE KITCHEN

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD RECIPE

GADGET CORNER

Crusty Country Loaf

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1 package active dry yeast 1 teaspoon sugar 1- 3/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F.) 5 cups hard wheat unbleached flour or all-purpose flour 3/4 tablespoon salt

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 375º F. After the tenderloin has been trimmed of all excess fat, rub garlic, salt and pepper all over the meat. Cut the carrots, potatoes and onions into small pieces and arrange around tenderloin in the La Cloche dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover with lid and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until desired degree of doneness is attained.

Dissolve the yeast and sugar in 1/4 cup of the water and let proof.

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl, add the yeast mixture and the rest of the water. Mix thoroughly, adding more water or flour if necessary.

Turn out on a floured board and knead for 10-15 minutes until dough is soft, silky and elastic.

Return to bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk (approximately 45 minutes to one hour). Punch down dough, remove from bowl and knead a few times. Let rest for 5 minutes and form a ball.

Sprinkle bottom of La Cloche dish with cornmeal and place the ball of dough in the center. Cover with La Cloche lid and let rise in a warm, draft free place until doubled in bulk (approximately 45 minutes to one hour).

Preheat oven to 450º F. Slash top of dough with a razor blade or a sharp knife and place cloche, with lid in place, in oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 400º F. and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes or until bread is crusty, golden brown and tests done (loaf should sound hollow when tapped). The La Cloche lid should be removed for the last 5 or 10 minutes of baking. Cool on a wire rack and serve while still warm.

(Thanks to Chuck Williams of Williams-Sonoma for use of this wonderful recipe).

Recipe courtesy of Sassafras Enterprises, Inc.

Recipe courtesy of Sassafras Enterprises, Inc.

RECIPE

Beef Tenderloin ala Cloche INGREDIENTS 1 to 1-1/2 lb. beef tenderloin trimmed of all excess fat 1 clove garlic salt pepper (freshly ground) carrots potatoes onions

METHOD:

M E AT • S E A F O O D • D E L I • C U S T O M O R D E R S

INGREDIENTS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

3

INTHE KITCHEN VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD RECIPE

Around the VALLEY

Roast Traditional Turkey with Herb and Sea Salt Crust

THE COMOX VALLEY

PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOKING TIME: 2 hours 50 minutes MAKES: 8 servings INGREDIENTS

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2 Tbsp. olive oil 3 Tbsp. coarse sea salt 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh sage 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh marjoram 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary 10 pound turkey 2 to 3 Tbsp. melted butter or olive oil 3 cups chicken or turkey stock 1/4 cup flour

Chinese New Year January 23, 2012

The Year of the Dragon

METHOD:

WHAT TO SERVE ALONGSIDE:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Tie the legs of the turkey together with string and fold and tuck the wings under the body. Place in a roasting pan. Brush with oil and then rub with salt and herbs. Roast the turkey 20 minutes, then reduce heat 325 degrees F and roast, basting occasionally, approximately 2 1/2 hours, or until temperature reaches 180 degrees F when a thermometer is inserted into the deepest part of the thigh.

Remove the turkey from the pan and rest 20 minutes before carving. To make gravy, skim fat from the pan drippings and add 3 cups of the chicken stock. Bring to boil. Mix 1/4 cup flour with 1/2 cup cold water until smooth. Whisk into stock and simmer until gravy thickens. Season to taste.

Steamed snap peas tossed with fresh herbs and melted butter, and the Baby Carrots with Maple, Ginger and Cinnamon and Buttermilk-Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes found in our recipe collection will go great with the turkey.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. The Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 Animal signs. The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represents an emperor and power. Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness.

May the celestial Dragon bring great good luck to everyone.

OPTIONS: 1 teaspoon of dried sage, marjoram and rosemary could replace the fresh called for in this recipe.

Recipe courtesy of Thrifty Foods

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4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME Think you need ductwork to install a new heat pump?

SHOP LOCALLY for your Christmas gifts

Everyone has experienced massive crowds of Christmas shoppers in the bigger shopping centres in large towns. How about avoiding the hordes of people this year by finding your Christmas gifts closer to home; it can save you time and money!

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You’re sure to find what you need at the gift stores, florists and shops that sell locally produced items found in all areas of the country.

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continued on pg. 5...

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

5

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

...continued from pg. 4

SAVE TIME First of all, most of us don’t have much time to do our Christmas shopping. Reducing travelling distances between your home and the stores can save you a lot of time. By staying in the area where you live, you can avoid traffic jams and the frustrating search for a parking spot.

CLOSETO HOME boosts the local economy and saves you time!

HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT By patronizing local shops on a regular basis the sales people come to know you and are able to give a more personalized service, perhaps they can even help you find the perfect gift! For example, the sales clerk down at the cosmetic boutique will know the name of the perfume your wife or girlfriend tried recently; or the salesman at the motorcycle store will know the type of helmet your husband has wanted for a long time.

LOCAL PRODUCTS AND RELAXATION One great idea is a gift basket with a selection of locally produced products. In addition to supporting your area merchants, purchasing this type of gift will also encourage local producers. Alternately, you could offer a gift certificate to a health spa or wellness retreat. Not only will this type of gift be beneficial to a loved one, but you’ll also discover great little places often hidden away somewhere close by!

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The ChristmasTree A Christmas Tree is an important part of the Season - it not only helps to remember Christmas’ past it creates new memories.

Choosing and decorating a Tree is special and I look forward to it. I have a few ideas on decorating, but before I begin - tips on keeping your Perfect Tree Perfect!.

ORNAMENTS -

FIRST, BUY A QUALITY STAND!

NEWLYWED? NEW RELATIONSHIP ?

Don’t skimp! The better the stand the less frustration when your chosen Tree is placed in it (usually this part of “doing the Tree� is the most difficult - and has been known to cause some interesting words to be used - that are not in keeping with the Season).

SECOND, WATER YOUR TREE As soon as it’s in the stand - and daily after that - our homes are very warm this time of year, causing needles to fall - creating either a fire hazard or a very clogged vacuum cleaner.

This is where your Tree’s personality comes through- choosing theme colours this year? (red, blue and platinium are “in�) - a theme?

(Snowflakes are hot) - the “usual� ornaments ? or consider some of these ideas . . .

By: Judith Moore

LASTLY - THE TOPPER !

ANGEL OR STAR ?

Buy a special ornament to mark the occasion - every year after keep up the ‘tradition’ . When I was weightlifting my husband bought me a weight lifter ornament- each year when I put it on the tree I make the same promise. . . . .

Whatever you choose - Don’t skimp! This is the ‘crown’ - used year after year. Two ‘special’ Tree toppers?

Use them both - the Star with the Angel underneath.

The most beautiful Christmas tree is always the current one. Make sure that you have your camera as everyone stands back and exclaims - “This is the MOST beautiful Tree we have ever had!�

To ensure that everyone has a Happy Christmas PLEASE remember the Food Bank (250)338-0615 as well as the Salvation Army(250) 338-8221 and the Christmas hamper programme (250) 897-3999. More families than ever will require our help this year. Make a generous donation or donate your time. Have a wonderful Holiday and may the New Year bring Health and Happiness.

NEW BABY IN THE FAMILY? Angels, cherubs, rattles, booties - even the i.d. bracelet (tied with red and green ribbon) Does anyone decorate just the top half of their Tree once the baby starts to crawl?

NOW THE DECORATING PART, SECOND MARRIAGES AND BLENDED FAMILIES? PUT THE LIGHTS ON FIRST For a beautiful display mix clear and coloured LED lights - buy lots - they come in 72 lights per strand. Initially expensive, but LED’s have a long life and are kind to your electrical bill. Rule of thumb - 100 lights for each foot (6 foot Tree - 8 9 strands)

The first Christmas need not be stressful if you create a new tradition. Have everyone contribute a favourite Santa ornament- either an old favourite - or a new favourite for this ‘first’ Tree. Next year everyone finds a reindeer ornament ! or . . . .

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

7

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

EXPERT ADVICE - Focus on Area Rugs Area Rugs come in a large variety of sizes and styles, and you can find a huge selection of high quality, affordable brand names to suit your tastes and your budget.

There are a few ways to get started. The perfect Area Rug can be a great foundation around which your entire room’s décor can be coordinated. The rug can become your design centerpiece, inspiring the atmosphere you want to create. Alternatively, a wellchosen Area Rug can deliver a colourful finishing touch, completing your room’s existing décor as a flooring “punctuation point.” You can also use Area Rugs to define a space; create a conversation area, designate an eating space, welcome one into a foyer or usher your guests down a hallway.

Area Rugs also offer another unique capability: they are one of the few flooring products that you can install, then pick up and move. Change them from season to season, or from room to room, as your style changes and the interior design of your home evolves. The industry is constantly updated itself with new patterns and trends, as well as excellent wear and stain resistance technologies.

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Area Rugs are definitely the easiest and most affordable way to update your floors. By using a unique Area Rug you can revitalize and refresh your home’s décor in one quick and easy step. The rugs can add colour and new features to all your rooms, protecting your carpets and hardwood floors and bringing the room's theme together.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

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HEALTH, FASHION & BEAUTY VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

TIPSTO STAY HEALTHY this holiday season The holiday season should be a time for family, friends and laughter but unfortunately for many it can become stressful.

Following are a few simple tips that can help beat the holiday blues.

1. START YOUR DAY RIGHT: Starting your day off with a few simple deep breaths or as little as five minutes of meditation can be really beneficial. Deep breathing helps to relieve stress and gets the energy moving throughout the body. It also allows you to start your day feeling positive and ready to move forward rather than overwhelmed.

2. KEEP EXERCISING: Try to keep up with your regular exercise routine as much as possible. This will help with mood and keep the excess weight off.

3. EAT HEALTHY: I always suggest the 80/20 rule. What this means is that 80% of the time you are eating well and the other 20% you eat whatever you want. By using this rule over the holiday season you won't have to worry about weight gain come January 1st, and as well such symptoms as acid reflux, bloating, gas and changes in your bowels. Limit the sweets and fats and you will feel better.

4. DON’T USE EXCUSES: For many of us we use the holidays as an excuse not to exercise or eat well.

We pay for it in January. Try to keep up your healthy habits.

5. DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE SMALL THINGS: Do what you love to do and forget the rest. Do you really want to stay up all night making Christmas cookies? If it is something that you love and it makes you happy then do it.

Otherwise maybe it is time to let that tradition go.

DR. MICHELLE HUGHES of Traditional Chinese Medicine 6. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP: As a society we do not put enough importance on the value of sleep.

Sleep is when we restore and revitalize ourselves. Put away the late night list of chores and go to bed. You will be more productive the next day.

7. LEARN TO SAY NO: We can't be everywhere this holiday season.

Choose the functions you will attend wisely and surround yourself with the family and friends you enjoy spending time with.

8. VOLUNTEER: For many the holidays can be a lonely time. If you find yourself lonely this season volunteering can be helpful.

There are many local shelters and food banks that need your help throughout the holiday season.

9. TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF: get a massage, come in for an acupuncture treatment. Don’t let it wait until January. Relieve your stress today and enjoy the holiday season.

Comox Valley Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine 250-334-3630 www.comoxvalleyacupuncture.com

GLAM IT UP! There is no other time of year like it! The holiday season is the glamorous season.

We glamorize our homes inside and out, we glamorously decorate gifts for loved ones, we listen to glamorous music and we even eat glamorous looking and sounding foods.

And with all the festive parties and events to attend it is also an opportunity to really ‘glam’ ourselves up and let it shine!

Winter can be harsh and drying for our skin. The remedy: total body exfoliation and moisturization. Visit your favourite aesthetician for an allover body polish to remove old skin cells and allow for the absorption of super hydrating body creams.

Especially if your party dress is backless!

Schedule a revitalizing facial to expose a fresh, glowing face. This creates the canvas to showcase the shimmery, fabulously festive makeup that is essential for merrymaking. Look for metallic and iridescent eye colours, lots of shine for the lips and sparkle lotion to smooth anywhere and everywhere on your body.

Don’t neglect your hands…… a professional manicure to exfoliate and

moisturize the skin along with tidying up and shaping the nails is a must in order to wear the exciting nail colours of the season. (not to mention showing off your best sparkly jewellry!) Now might be the time to try nail extensions and really toast the holidays with elegance and sophistication!

Holiday shoes are strappy and toe baring so get your feet party perfect with a pedicure. Your aesthetician will take care of any calluses, dry, rough or cracked heels and tidy your toes. ‘Tis the season….. so toenails need colour! (the shade may match your manicure but isn’t necessary just so long it’s the same tone).

As for hair, book your appointment now for vibrant colour and shine, shine, shine. It’s also time to book appointments to coincide with holiday celebrations as “party hair” is glamorous with the “up do” definitely making a comeback. Hair ornamentation such as sparkly barrettes, hair diamonds, feather head pieces or ballerina bands is a wonderful way to dress up hair even if it is ultra short.

Happy Glamming!

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10

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

VALLEY LIVING HEALTH, FASHION, BEAUTY &TRAVEL VACATION DESTINATION

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THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

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NEW YEAR’S EVE, NEW YEAR’S DRESS One of the brilliant things about New Year’s Eve is it gives everyone a chance to dress in their finest. That’s the slinky black number you’ve been saving all year or the glittering gown with the plunging neckline.

Well, when you go that glamorous, underthings really matter.

For anything slinky and silhouette-clinging, foundation garments are the key. This might be a bra and underwear set, perfectly hugging so as not to make a line or seam visible. Or this might be a formal foundation garment that tucks and sucks and curves in all the right places. Foundation garments can fit chest to waist, waist to thigh or combinations in between. The right undergarment can easily make you look a size smaller.

And for anything deep-plunging, the right bra is essential. You don’t want to experience a wardrobe malfunction just as the ball drops. A push-up bra often allows for plenty of cleavage with a low-cut top. You might also need a strapless bra or a convertible bra whose straps go from standard to cross-over to halter. And don’t forget the fashion tape to keep every stitch sitting in its proper place.

But maybe slinky and skin-revealing isn’t for you. That’s OK too. Lingerie can still make the difference between simply clothes or a memorable statement. Try a lacy camisole under that blouse or a pair of patterned leggings to go with your skirt. These details can really punch up everyday items.

And looking good out of your clothes? Lingerie was made for it. There are camis and teddies and thongs galore. Or silk pajamas, a satin robe or embroidered boxers. On New Year’s Eve, think glitz and glam and outside of the everyday bra and panty.

Whether you go out or stay in, lingerie can make the difference between another New Year’s Eve or one to remember.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2011

11

HEALTH, FASHION, BEAUTY &TRAVEL VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

A SWIM WITH

THE SEA COW

BOOK CORNER

NEW COASTAL L BC HISTORY JUST INTIME FOR CHRISTMAS

On a recent business trip to Florida, we had the opportunity to visit nearby Crystal River and spend the afternoon swimming with some very unique and friendly creatures.

After showing up to rent our pontoon boat in the morning we were given a very thorough briefing about where to go, how to operate boats around these very slow and seemingly lazy animals as well as the do’s and don’ts regarding human interaction. We were pleased to learn that the Florida State Wildlife folks regularly patrol the area in an effort to ensure that human related Manatee injuries are minimized. After watching the mandatory Manatee Interaction Video and loading our snorkeling gear onboard we were off on our self guided adventure.

The West Indian Mantees are large, grey mammals with bodies that taper to a flat, paddle shaped tail. They have two forelimbs, which the young can often be found hanging onto for a free ride from their mothers. The average adult is about ten feet long and weighs between 800 and 1200 pounds. Their head and face are wrinkled with an abundance of whiskers on the snout. A number of them also have large amounts of algae, barnacles and other invertebrate life growing on their skin, likely because of the number of naps the Manatee takes in a day. Although commonly referred

to as the Sea Cow the Manatee’s closest relatives are actually the Elephant.

Once out of the marina it didn’t take long to find a small cove with what we estimated was fifty animals. We quickly donning our wetsuits and slipped into the murky water with our cameras. Within just a few minutes we had three large adults come over to check us out. Some of the adults would allow us to scratch their backs and bellies while the more cautious of the bunch would tend to stay just out of reach. The younger Manatees however displayed no inhibitions whatsoever, even gently pushing us around like a floating beach ball.

These animals have no known natural enemies and it is believed that they can live 60 years or more. There are unfortunately a high number of fatalities from human related causes such as collisions with watercraft, ingestion of garbage and fish hooks as well as entanglement in traps and lines. We were told that the minimum population count of Mantees in January of this year was 4500 animals and were pleased to learn that this fall was the highest number of animals that had been sighted in the area for more than 25 years..

Many opportunities exist in Crystal River and surrounding areas for viewing the Mantees including Boat Rentals, Equipment Rentals or if you prefer there are a number of companies that also offer Guided Tours.

Three of the new books in the British Columbia section at Laughing Oyster Bookshop relate some of the history that has taken place in our own back yard. In “Good Hope Cannery” Bruce Macdonald tells stories of the people – fishermen, storekeepers, cannery workers – and the fortunes of men and of the fishing industry. In 1895, Scottish entrepreneur and adventurer Henry Ogle Bell-Irving built the Good Hope Cannery in Rivers Inlet and proceeded to make a fortune with his salmon canning company. By the 1940's, stocks depleted, Good Hope Cannery had become a provisioning stop for company fishermen, then in the 1970's was re-visioned as a sport fishing resort, as it is still today.

“West Coast Wrecks” by writer and maritime historian Rick James takes us on

an authoritative and well illustrated tour of the most fascinating of B.C.'s shipwrecks.

High seas adventure, intrigue and unique characters fuel these stories of ships and lives lost at sea.

Heather Harbord has explored and written about coastal British Columbia from her vantage point as a kayaker and background as a geology librarian. Her latest book, 'Texada Tapestry” is an extensively researched and engaging read about the history of Texada, its rich minerals, mining and forest industry, and the stories of the families who have made this, the largest island in the Gulf of Georgia, their home.

All three of these books bring very human stories to the history of settlement on the west coast – right here in our own back yard!

Laughing Oyster Bookshop, 250-334-2511 286 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay • Open Sundays Noon to 4 pm

The Pearls from the LAUGHING OYSTER BOOKSHOP wish you a joyful Christmas season!

Open Sundays 12 - 4 PM

Laughing Oyster Bookshop

Extended Hours through December

286-5th St., Downtown Courtenay 250-334-2511 www.laughingoysterbooks.com

Written by: Bill Coltart of Sea the World Adventure Travel www.scubashark.com

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