CVRN120118_ValleyLiving

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

JANUARY 2012

PAPER COVER TO COVER ON-LINE

COMOXVALLEYRECORD.com

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

VALLEY LIVING INTHE KITCHEN

GADGET CORNER

Appreciating Locals

by Hans Peter Meyer

GREATEST GRATERS Microplane Graters, Grinders & Rasps This American company revolutionized graters by applying fine woodworking technology to top-quality tools for the kitchen, creating indispensable graters for cooks. The US-made blade is expertly crafted with surgical stainless steel and razor-sharp patented edges.

The handle is ergonomically designed with a soft, comfortable and easy-to-use grip.

Available at Beyond the Kitchen Door

THE WHIRLEY POP™ - POPCORN MAKER Family Movie Night The original Whirley-Pop™ stove-top popcorn popper, produced since the 1920s, is a true classic. A favourite of popcorn lovers young and old, the Whirley Pop produces up to six quarts of perfect, healthy popcorn in just a few minutes. With its gear-driven stirring device, it’s easily operated by turning the crank at the end of the wooden handle. The winter time is perfect for family to gather together to enjoy popcorn and a movie!

Available at ‘Beyond’ the Kitchen Door (250) 338-4404

Dine In You don’t have to dine out to enjoy great tasting beef.

Cut from our finest certified premium Canadian AAA beef exclusive to Thrifty Foods, these beauties are naturally aged 21 days for maximum tenderness.

Guaranteed to be tender, juicy, & full of flavour.

Try some today.

Courtenay 660 England Ave. visit thriftyfoods.com

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

One of the things I love about Locals is that the amuse bouche is a matter of course for dinner. You sit down. Before long, along with the tasty bread and the (healthy) house bean pate (butter if you ask), there’s a wee bit of beauty and deliciousness. For our dinner it was a crostini with a smidge of duck pate wearing a berry chutney. An elegant way of introducing us to the flavours to come.

My dinner pals and I had arrived to test the “customer appreciation menu,” Locals’ $25 3-course offering for the month of January. A nice gesture to those of us who frequent the place – and an excellent introduction to what Chef Ronald St. Pierre and his team do at Locals: sing the praises of local product – from oysters to apples, pasta to pork.

After the amuse bouche one of the first Vancouver Island products I enjoyed was a very dry Victoria gin martini. I’m a Hendricks man, but Victoria is a close second, and the bright floral notes are just the thing to accompany the delicate Cortes Island

oysters I shared with my table. Beautiful to behold - all pearly and iridescent in the half-shell - they are a lovely reminder of the sea on a blustery day. As he let one slide down his throat, one of my friends was transported to a moment from his youth. He’d once made a meal of 24 oysters in Paris - but preferred the fresher, more tender Cortes offerings.

The “customer appreciation” menu features several choices for appetizer, main, and a dessert. Several of us chose the “Winter Spinach and Pomegranate Cone” as our starter. A variety of mixed greens, shavings of carrot and beet, organic hazelnuts, all of it lightly dressed with citrus and wrapped in a delicate red cabbage leaf the salad gave us lots to chew on – and talk about.

My choice of main was already made when I saw the Prontissima Pappardelle option: broad egg noodles dressed with sundried tomatoes, tangy olives, all of it wrapped up in a roasted sweet pepper and citrus sauce. I am a big pasta guy. And I’m a huge fan of Prontissima. Big, huge - pasta can do that

to a person. Me, I’m trying to do this in moderation.

The mix of flavours in this dish was wonderful, an ambrosia that I’m going to be revisiting as soon as I get back from my next walk through Tin Town…

The rest of my table, however, were all smitten by the Paprika Crusted Snapper option. I had a bite. It was good. But it was also a visual delight to see the four plates in front of me: the firm white flesh of the fish with its brilliant red top crust, sitting on a cream-coloured bed of baked potato Duchesse, dressed with a green layer of arugula pesto cream. One of my friends, acknowledged by my circle of gourmands as a pesto connoisseur, opined that this arugula pesto deserved an “A1 rating.” Others had a similar opinion of the paprika crust. Both items made in-house from Black Creek’s Pattison Farms.

A shallow wine list is one of my quibbles with many local restaurants. Yes, we do have an emerging Vancouver Island wine industry. And yes, new world wines tend to be the “big flavour” choices.

But I like the earthiness

and understated qualities I find in the old world styles. I was therefore very happy to see several affordable bottles of French and Spanish red on the Locals’ list, and chose to share a 2007 Domaine de Beaurenard from the Cotes du Rhone.

But what to choose for dessert? I like creme caramel (much more than it’s burnt cousin), but I like Profiteroles even more.

What’s not to love about fresh little cream puffs stuffed with vanilla gelato and drizzled with warm choclate sauce, Chantilly cream, and candied almonds?

Every day is a

Special Day at Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

PUB &

Fish & Chips Toonie Tuesday Prime Rib New York Steak Roast Beef Steak & Prawns Brunch Burger Mania 11-1

BISTRO

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• Healthy, Wholesome, Hot Bistro Lunches

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

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HEALTH & BEAUTY VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Beat the Winter Blaahs...

It’sTime to

SPAHHHH!!

The word SPA has a few possible origins.

It could be from the Latin words ESPA (fountain) and SPARSA (bubble up). Or… perhaps it was contrived from such phrases as “solus per aqua”, “sanus per aquam”, “salut per aqua”, or “sante per aqua”. These are all Latin and in general, they all mean “health through water”. (OK it may be useless but is it not interesting trivia? Thank goodness for the internet.)

Spas or “The Waters” can be traced back to early civilizations – the Greeks and Romans favored a variety of baths. One would frequent these baths not to get clean but to relax, socialize and conduct business. And you guessed it, in the beginning these baths were dominated by men. Oh how things changed.

Now how about some statistics? (based on a survey done by ISPA) The number one most popular spa service today is the Swedish Relaxation massage. Regular relaxation massage helps maintain physical, mental and emotional well being. Second in line is the facial with pedicures following close behind. Next, the body treatments with salt glows and exfoliation, mud and seaweed wraps, hydrotherapy and steam therapy.

In present day, spas are centers for healing…. a place to go to nourish body, mind and spirit. People go to spas for stress management, peace of mind, pampering and pleasure. Spas come in many shapes, sizes, and focuses - from day spas where you can get a single treatment or spend the day to destination spas where you can stay for a week or more. And now there are the medical spas that treat cosmetic and chronic health problems. Spas are everywhere.

For many years now, women have been the primary visitors to the spa. But the biggest change in the industry of late is the re-emergence of the male spa-goer. Guys are tapping into what we women have known all along….being pampered feels good! Men are feeling more comfortable in the whole spa environment and are not only having massages but also enjoying facials, pedicures and manicures.

Redeem those gift cards you received for Christmas to beat the winter Blaahs... it is time to Spaahh!!

Level 10 Eurospa www.level10eurospa.com 204 - 1025 Cliffe Avenue, Downtown Courtenay • 250-334-0209

L ve St ry

TIME TO SPAAHH!!

Wedding Show

Save the Date

March 17, 2012 Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa 4330 Island Highway South, Courtenay Your Love Story Begins in the Comox Valley

www.lovestoryweddingshow.ca

relax, refresh, renew www.level10eurospa.com 204 - 1025 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay • 250-334-0209

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

Specialists in DREAM KITCHENS If you have loads of great ideas for your future kitchen but you have no idea where to start,

why not talk to a KITCHEN DESIGNER.

To renovate a room as important as the kitchen,

HIRE A SPECIALIST. The job will be done quickly and you will be able to enjoy it for years to come.

The kitchen is the central area in many homes; it is where family gathers and where guests first sample the personal style of the homeowners. Because of that importance, many consultants today are specially trained in kitchen design and conception. They have different skills ranging from design and ergonomics to cabinetmaking, carpentry, and installation.

Above all, kitchen designers are advisors. They meet with clients and build a concept to suit the style of the family, taking into account budget, space, time, and personal needs.

Most designers work with computers using virtual design techniques that allow clients to preview the results without spending thousands of dollars.

Working with a kitchen designer is an opportunity to name your dreams for your home.

Because these professionals design tailor-made cabinets adapted to your requirements, they will be able to personalize storage areas and maximize available space. If you’re dreaming of a gas stove but think you don’t have enough room, or if you’d love to have culinary heat lamps, refrigerated drawers, or a professional restaurant-style kitchen, a kitchen designer will help you adapt your dreams to your budget.

Kitchen designers are constantly on the lookout for new items in the world of interior design and can suggest ergonomic innovations that will turn the most reluctant of cooks into enthusiasts!

Updatin ng, Renov vating g or New Construction

Think you need ductwork to install a new heat pump?

Visit Slegg’s Kitchen & Window Covering Design Centre

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Guess again... Call us.

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SLEGG LUMBER

Vancouver Island’s Most Complete Building Supply Company

3217 Small Road • Cumberland • 250.336.8710 • www.slegglumber.ca S A L E S

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S E R V I C E

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I N S TA L L AT I O N

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

5

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

COLOUR

as an element of design A FEWTIPS FOR PAINTING ROOMS INYOUR HOME Do you feel that painting is a tedious chore to avoid, best left for those years when you are moving into an empty apartment or house? Yet, freshening up the rooms in your home is the greatest way to do a quick and inexpensive revamp of your décor. You might feel more prepared to take on the task if you know a few tricks and tips that will keep you singing while you work.

The most important thing to remember before starting a paint job is to be well organized. Cover the floor with plastic sheets, wear old clothes, and have all the necessary tools on hand. Quality brushes for precision work and rollers for large surfaces are essential right from the start.

PREPARING THE SURFACE A thorough preparation of the surface to be painted is absolutely necessary. If it’s unpainted drywall, the surface must be dusted, and walls covered in latex paint must be washed. If the walls were previously painted with oil-based paints, they will have to be sanded and any dust removed.

A primer should be applied to wallpaper, glass, fabric, drywall, or woodwork, which will facilitate the application of your coloured paint and provide better coverage. If necessary, use joint compound to fill any holes and cracks or to level an uneven wall. Use painter’s tape to cover any fixtures, mouldings, or other surfaces that you don’t want splattered or edged with paint.

PAINTING When it’s time to start the actual painting, begin with the corners of the walls and ceilings. In order to get an even look, use both vertical and horizontal brush strokes. Once all the corners have been covered, use a roller to spread the paint from bottom to top, taking care not to remove paint already applied to the wall. Continue in this way, overlapping the part already painted. When painting doors, start with the mouldings before progressing to the door panels.

EDGES If you are doing a whole room, start with the ceiling. This way, drips will not fall and spoil new paint on the walls.

When painting the edge of a ceiling, you can also paint the top of the wall in order to completely cover the junction between the two surfaces. This will help you when the time comes to paint the top of the wall. A straight, clean edge requires a lot of skill and a steady hand that can only be learned with practice. It helps to use a good quality brush with bristles cut at an angle. If you aren’t putting fresh paint on the ceiling, use painter’s tape along all ceiling edges before starting on the walls.

By following these few suggestions you can be sure of one thing: the job will turn out to be a lot easier and a lot more fun than you’d expected!

TRICA The Barstool Specialist

McConochie’s Exclusive to:

Furniture and Appliances (1974) Ltd. 434 - 5th Street, Courtenay 250-338-8114

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Mon-Sat 9 - 5

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Simple ways to

SOUNDPROOF A HOME WINTER FIX SPECIAL 10%* DISCOUNT ON PARTS & LABOUR FOR IN-SHOP REPAIRS & SERVICE Offer expires Feb. 29th, 2012 • (*Service must be completed at our shop)

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES/MODELS OF FARM, TURF AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT. Contact our Service Manager to book your Appointment and don’t forget to mention this “Winter Fix” special when booking.

Ian Wood, Service Manager: ian@northislandtractor.com

3663 S. Island Hwy., Courtenay 250-334-0801 Open Monday - Friday 8am-5pm www.northislandtractor.com

Advancements Ad dvanc in technology have made it eas sier th easier than ever before for homeowners to cr reate a mini movie theater in the comfort create of their own homes. The affordability of home-theater systems and big-screen televisions, once deemed a luxury only available to the super-wealthy, has made it possible for everyone to enjoy theater-style entertainment at home.

But one thing that can put a damper on those home-theater plans is external noise.

Movie theaters are soundproof so customers can't hear noise from the nearby freeway or their fellow moviegoers "oohing" and "aahing" in the theater next door. Private homes, however, are not so soundproof, so homeowners must take it upon themselves to soundproof their homes to create the ultimate home-theater experience. The following are some of the ways homeowners can do just that.

ADD SOME LAYERS OF DRYWALL. An extra layer or two of drywall will block sound coming from neighboring rooms.

Simply add a layer or two of drywall to the existing wall.

INSTALL DOUBLE-PANED WINDOWS. If it's noise from outside the home that's ruining your home theater experience, then consider installing double-paned windows with acrylic frames. Such a job can be costly, so if it's going to be a budget-buster, then sound-deadening drapes are a cheaper alternative that can also be effective.

DECORATE THE HOME WITH SOUND-ABSORBENT ITEMS. Another way to soundproof a home is to decorate the house with sound-absorbent items. Furnishings with substantial cushioning, carpeting and fabric on the walls will each absorb sound, reducing the transfer of sound from room to room.

Upstairs rooms should be carpeted to further reduce the transfer of sound.

INSTALL SOUNDPROOFING TILE ON CEILINGS. Soundproofing tile on ceilings is another effective way to reduce the transference of sound from room to room and keep external noise out of the home-theater room.

SECURITY

Relax in your own home,

with a home theatre that surpasses most cinemas.

WINDOW FILM • Protects against forced entry • Earthquake safety • 99% UV reduction against fading • One way visibility, daytime, privacy

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CLEAR OR TINTED PEACE OF MIND

SAFE & SOUND

WINDOW FILM

For a complimentary in home consultation, call Dave 250.339.7003

TRANSFORMING your GLASS

safeandsoundwindowfilm.com

Movies are meant to be experienced.

FURNACE WINTER SPECIAL

FURNACE WINTER MAINTENANCE SPECIAL

www.wcht.ca

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 2940 A MORAY AVENUE, COURTENAY

(250) 338-7469 info@wcht.ca

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Having your heating equipment serviced could reduce your fuel costs as much as 10% and could save you the discomfort & expense of equipment breakdown during winter

Heat Pumps Plumbing Hot Water Tanks Tankless Water Heaters Geothermal Heat Pumps Heating Gas/Propane Water Purification CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

7

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The world is about to LOOK A LOT MORE VIVID! TANGO TANGERINE The deep red-orange color is intended to give us all an energy boost, and a much needed recharge, according to the official press release. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone institute tells us more about the choice: Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it.

Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. But the current economic climate and frustrations call for something bolder this coming year. Pantone has turned to the “spirited reddish-orange” which signals not only vitality, but also urgency and strength—associations that should resonate in a year where many are hoping to finally start seeing changes. “There’s the element of encouragement with orange,” said Leatrice Eiseman. ”It’s building on the ideas of courage and action that we want to move on to better things.

Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. Energize

Solid Wood Furniture Made in Canada

interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

This is a highly-usable color for interiors. It's a plunge to use the full wall treatment as show here, but it’s very easy to add tangerine into a room as an accent color.

Red-Orange-Cream Bathrooms Creams and gray-browns can look fantastic with red-oranges. Stronger colors like blues or olive greens would work well too.

Let us know what you think and if you are ready to try “TANGERINE TANGO”.

Submitted by Cody & Company, Downtown Courtenay

We will match any advertised price in North America on any machine we carry*

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Greet Guests With a

TOUCH OF GLASS The trend of using decorative glass to create dramatic entryways continues to grow as homeowners choose to stay in their homes longer and remodel for extended personal enjoyment. Adding a "touch of glass" with a new front entry door can be one of the most effective and economical ways to enhance a home's curb appeal.

(MS) --

Beyond aesthetics, a new entry with decorative glass can add value to the home. According to a national home valuation study conducted by Therma-Tru(R) and TNS, an independent research organization, simply installing a new entryway door has been shown to increase the perceived value of a home by more than $24,000 on average.

Manufacturers offer a wide array of choices for entryways incorporating decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms. These choices allow homeowners to create a custom look for the home while making a statement about the homeowner's personal sense of style.

The recently-introduced Avonlea(TM) and Maple Park(TM) decorative glass options from Therma-Tru (available at www.thermatru.com) are perfect examples of the beauty decorative glass can add to the home. With its fluid lines and free flowing leaf pattern, the Avonlea

glass package is inspired by nature and features bronze water and clear baroque glass with black nickel caming.

The Maple Park decorative glass option creates a peaceful, comforting design element for the home. With its water and granite glass married with clear bevels and a soft arc, the Maple Park glass creates a Craftsman-inspired look, well suited for all types of homes.

Entryway systems that incorporate decorative glass also offer the added benefit of allowing more sunlight into the home without energy loss, making for a more attractive, more energy-efficient interior. Some of the most stunning designs are available in impact-rated versions that provide added home security and protection from severe weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rain. Other decorative glass options include vented sidelites to allow both air and natural ventilation into the home.

DECORATIVE AVONLEA GLASS in an energy-efficient fiberglass entryway.

Why retro-fit? Custom Fit!

■ WDMA, HPO & CSA do not approve retro-fitted windows ■ Condensation and mould issues will develop or persist ■ Custom fitted windows prevent leaks, drafts & condensation ■ Mould, rot and structural damage are eliminated

Custom Fit costs less than you think!

Make your house a Vera-De Windows home.

VERA-DE WINDOWS 2940 Moray Ave., Courtenay 250-334-9819

Why retro-fit? Custom Fit! www.veradewindows.com

INC.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

9

LIFESTYLE VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

INNOVATIONS IN SKINCARE Just a few minutes a day!

In a time where we value a healthy lifestyle and appearance, and are aware of more effective methods than ever to achieve these goals; whether through exercise, careful diet or supplementation of necessary vitamins and nutrients. One must also consider the importance of taking care of one’s skin and the way it ages.

Luckily there are some great options to help you achieve this goal that are as simple as having your hair done. With only a few minutes of your day and virtually no down-time you can take advantage of the exciting innovations in laser skin treatments.

Laser treatments such as “Facial Rejuvenation” and “Skin Tightening” will not stop the hands of time but will certainly do a great deal to help turn back the years and reveal a more youthful you.

“Skin Tightening” is a fantastic option that uses broadband light to heat the collagen bonds under your skin which then contracts both immediately and

VACATION DESTINATION

h t sp ts Cayo-Coco C ayo y -Coco C

2 28°C 8°C 8° C

Fort Lauderdale 26°C Hilo

24°C

Tangolunda

30°C

Manzanillo

31°C

continued on pg. 10...

BOOK CORNER

Winter Therapy

THE SCORPIO RACES

BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER

Don’t Limit the Number of Your Sunny Days GLOBAL DESTINATIONS

250.703.2916 www.globaldestinationstravelplus.com

$19.99 Recommended ages 13+ It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die.

This is the day of the Scorpio Races – when men test their mettle against the wild beasts that emerge from the stormy ocean – the bloodthirsty water horses, the capaill uisce.

Each year the Races bring glory, honour and death to the small island community of Thisby. But this year there's a twist.

Puck (Kate) Connolly is going to enter the race on her own horse – and she has to win. But so does Sean Kendrick – four time champion of the race. Each needs to win for their own compelling reasons – for the love of a horse, for home and for freedom.

Losing is not an option.

But as they begin their training rivalry becomes respect, even a cautious friendship.

Sean, the “horse whisperer” and Puck are connected by their deep love for their animals and their single mindedness.

Obstacles abound - not the least of which is Puck's gender. A woman has never raced before.

Steifvater evokes the majestic and dangerous water horses, the harsh lives and landscapes with beautifully descriptive language building the tension from the first sentence to the last. She takes her characters to the breaking point where only the strong of heart can survive.

A gripping good read!

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

JANUARY CLEARANCE SALE

UP TO

70% OFF BOARD BO OARD SHORTS OA O TS T-SHIRTS WETSUITS W REEF SANDALS REE RE E 250-338-6829 25 5

www.scubashark.com w Inn Mansfield Centre: 2270 22 2 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay Co o

320 - 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

250-334-2611

Pre inventory Sale ALL TEEN BOOKS

25% off

to January 31 Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

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

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

VALLEY LIVING LIFESTYLE

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

What laser treatments can do for you! ...continued from pg. 9 progressively more so over time to tighten the skin, both reducing wrinkles and giving a younger, firmer look. “Photo Facial Rejuvenation� on the other hand uses an intense pulse light that can correct many skin conditions, with no down-time, creating clearer more vibrant skin. It is excellent for sun damaged skin and broken capillaries all while stimulating new collagen synthesis to improve skin tone and texture.

Laser treatments are not only great for skin and skin’s aging but are ideal for both men and women for the removal of unwanted hair. With the latest in laser technology geared to effectively and gently remove hair growth (head to toe).

Another age old issue is finding an effective method to treat acne.

There are many options on the market to control acne and they all play a valuable role in helping clear skin, but many people have

trouble finding an option that works for them. Laser acne treatments again offer a safe, no down-time treatment that creates noticeably clearer skin in as little as six weeks.

Although the perception is that the cost for these types of treatments can be restrictively high, most would be surprised how laser treatments, like all technology, has drastically come down in price over the years. With the amount of potential benefits it seems that now may be the best time yet to consider what laser treatments can do for you!

Submitted by: Chantal Swayze Certified Laser Technician Endless Skin Rejuvenation 250 897-2600 www.endlessskinrejuvenation.com

Professional OfďŹ ces Residential 3FUBJM t $PNNFSDJBM (New and Renovations)

JUDITH MOORE INTERIOR DESIGN

Complete Interior Design Services

Accessories $PMPVS $POTVMUBUJPOT 'MPPS $overings 'VSOJUVSF 'VSOJUVSF "SUXPSL 1MBDFNFOU -JHIUJOH t Wall Paper 8JOEPX $overings

GLAMOUR GLITZ AND GA GA washing your car) and find the lushest coziest towels you can afford to pamper yourself after your bath or shower.

DRAPERY TIEBACKS Dress up your drapery with tiebacks that have large tassels or install a pair of jewelled holdbacks (just imagine how amazing your drapery will look with an emerald cut ‘diamond’ on either side).

SUITE 2 - 625 LIFFE AVE. Ryan (AT 6THRd., STREET ), COURTENAY , B.C. UnitCF - 1766 Comox BC

t www.jmid.ca

APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

Custom Compounded Medications

EATING WELL

By: Judith Moore The creativity of Lady Ga Ga has inspired trends, not only in the clothing world but in the home. The timing is perfect. The world is still suffering from an economic meltdown and we need cheering up.

Her take on fashion is cheeky lighthearted and definitely glamourous.

My remedy?? - listen to good music (and yes the Lady can sing) eat well and live in a lighthearted environment all helps to create a positive frame of mind.

To create a glamourous environment don’t go overboard. You can create the look by adding a few luxurious items or accessories or grabbing a gallon of paint.

I have a few ideas - the most expensive of which is my personal passion. . . . .

A CHANDELIER - replace that silly marshmallow light in your closet with one. Sales are on at our local lighting stores and I know that you can find a treasure for under $150.

Consider mealtime an occasion and dress up the table. How about a fish theme table setting when you have seafood? Red napkins when you serve spaghetti? When all of the family is together use your “good silver� and your “good dishes� that you have been saving for “best�. Somehow pizza tastes even better when you use use those dishes. Use the rug that you bought in Mexico for a table cloth when you serve Tacos ! Serve your morning orange juice from a pink pitcher.

COLOUR - Tangerine toss cushions - polka dot toss cushions - Zebra striped place mats with those red napkins - Paint your bedside table Chartreuse - Paint your front door Chinese Red - When buying flowers mix up the colours pink and orange and purpleuse your china teapot as a vase.

I will be attending the Toronto Interior Design Show at the end of this month - can’t wait - it is always inspirational.

BEDDING

Medications customized to your exact needs. Call us.

- mmm there is nothing nicer than slipping into a bed made with a beautiful set of sheets. January is WHITE SALE month use some of that Christmas bonus and treat yourself to a fabulous set of linens.

TOWELS 204 - 1530 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay tel 250.338.5665 toll free: 1.877.214.6337 www.livingroompharmacy.ca

- again part of the January White Sales - throw out (yipe - did I say that ? - no no - ‘RECYCLE your old towels for wiping mud off of your children’s or pets feet or

Judith Moore Interior Design • 250-941-0262 • www.jmid.ca

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

11

FASHION & BEAUTY VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

LINGERIE TRENDS in 2012 Lingerie is subject to trends as much as any other fashion. This is why, at Secret Drawers Lingerie, we bring in pieces all year long that reflect the very latest trends in silks, lace, colour and print. And this year you can expect to see spirit-lifting colours and prints to fight the feelings around the current economic climate.

Nothing is too matchy-matchy this season with an emphasis on being artistic and original. Sheers and lace are important looks this year.

Spring is About Colour This spring is going to be all about colour: violet, chartreuse, scarlet red, azure, cognac, indigo and beetroot. These colours will be seen in naturalist looks that celebrate upcylcing, pastoral eccentricities and plant life. The broadest sense of nature is in mind as the source of lasting creative energy and well-being. Fine embroideries and backstitching are seen on these often thin-stretch, layered looks.

SUNSCREEN in the Winter?

Everybody knows about the damaging effects that UV rays can have on ones skin, and sunscreen is a automatic when the summer hits.

But what about those overcast gloomy fall and winter days, that we are all used to seeing living here on the island.

Although the affects of UVB rays reduce in the winter, UVA rays remain relentless all year. UVA rays may not cause sunburn but can lead to a host of unpleasant skin conditions over time. 80% of both UVB and UVA rays can penetrate through cloud, and Jessica O'Gorman, Licensed Esthetician has 100% of UVA rays penetrate extensive knowledge & experience with the through glass. Climate, time of year, altitude, and reflective Eminence Organic Skin Care line. elements such as water, sand, snow, and cement can all increase A Mineral powder may also be a good the effects of UV rays on the skin. option because of its ease of application Nowadays, many skin creams and on the go, with or without make up on the makeup contain a small amount of SPF skin. protection. Although to be completely With just a simple addition to a persons protected from damaging UV rays, I would everyday skin care routine, one can feel suggest regular re applications through out confident that they are not damaging their the day, as the SPF coverage only gives a own skin or speeding up the aging process few hours of protection. no matter what the weather looks like.

Amongst these strong fashion statements lay the palest of pastels like whipped cream, cappuccino and icicle to freshen the palette.

Prints may be oversized as in large rose blooms or miniature as is tiny rose buds covering a pair of panties. Prints can be seen in a traveller’s palette including tribal, primitive and blanket prints. You’ll also notice Mediterranean and Spanish influences throughout.

Structure Makes Your Current Closet Work You’ll be finding more structured pieces next season. These pieces will make the what’s already in your closet even better by providing you with a great foundation. A keyword this season is “couture” as body-hugging designs look like they were made just for you. The classics will be meticulously reinvented and adorned with humor and surprise.

Loungewear Making a Comeback And in opposition to constricting structure, loungewear is making a comeback with housecoats becoming a new, multi-functional, must-have piece. Bi-stretch and easy comfort pieces make lounging particularly decadent.

Glamour Hosiery Trends The four key themes of hosiery in 2012 include words like, “diva,” “naturalle,” “sheer delight” and “rebel.” These looks include fullon glam with retro themes as well as looks that take advantage of the latest in fabric technology. Seaming, micro-mesh, fencenet and seductive patterning all exemplify these styles.

And look for all of these trends and more to be featured at the Salon International de la Lingerie in Paris at the end of the month.

For more information you can check out www.lingerie-paris.com/.

Secret Drawers Lingerie 431 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay • 250.897.7488

Exciting things to come...

underwearmatters.blogspot.com unde un derw r earmatters blogspot com 431 Fifth Street, ❦ Downtown Courtenay ❦ 250-897-7488

Jessica O'Gorman, Licensed Esthetician - I Day Spa 244 4th St (second floor), Courtenay, BC V9N 1G6 www.idayspa.ca

RENEW YOUR SKIN!

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Please visit www.idayspa.ca or call 250 871-0411 for more details.

244 4th St, Courtenay on the corner of Cliffe & 4th St. above MudSharks

250 Fifth Street, Downtown Courtenay • 250-334-3178 searlesshoes@telus.net Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 Fri till 9pm

www.searlesshoes.com

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

BUY ANY 1 TREATMENT AND RECEIVE 50% OFF YOUR SECOND TREATMENT This Month’s Special For Men: Back/Chest Package of 5,

40% off • Laser Hair Removal • Facial Skin Rejuvenation • Skin tightening • Acne Treatments First 10 to call and book a complimentary consultation

by Saturday, January 21st, will receive a $100 value towards a laser treatment of choice.

Call now to book your complimentary consultation

250-897-2600 or 250-897-3362 #104-1742 Cliffe Avenue Courtenay (Next to Pizza Hut) w w w. e n d l e s s k i n r e j u v e n a t i o n . c o m