Valley Living July 2011 Comox Valley Record

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

JULY 2011

INSIDE: Get Ready for Summer

+ Summertime…the Living is Easy + Green Options for Your Driveway

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

VALLEY V ALLEY L LIVING IVING INTHE KIT KITCHEN

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD RECIPE

GADGET CORNER

BEERY TASTY Beer Can Chicken By adding some of your favourite spices to the 1/2 can of beer, & applying a rub, you can add subtle flavour to your next grilled, bird, chicken, turkey, or duck.

METHOD:

Sailboat Popsicle molds

Beer Can Chicken Holder

Create fun treats with easy to use sailboat shape molds. Perfect for afternoon snacks or desserts, the durable plastic molds make 6 pops at a time. They come with recipe booklet for ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt or fruit juice. They are easy to clean, dishwasher safe, sailboat keel doubles as the pop mold handle.

The Beercan Chicken Holder is a premium beer can chicken roaster. It will gently moisten and season with steam which permeates the chicken while dry heat roasts the outside to perfection. The chicken, (or duck or turkey!) cooks evenly with no effort once it has been placed on the grill or in the oven. No turning is required.

Open standard can of beer - drink 1/2 Pierce 2 holes in top with can opener Add favourite herbs & spices to can.

Place can upright in the roaster.

Place cavity of bird upright over beer in the stand.

Place bird-on-a-can in center of grill & cook on the barbecue.

Recipe from BEYOND THE KITCHEN DOOR 274B 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

Available at: Beyond the Kitchen Door 274B 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

PRODUCED MONTHLY

RECIPE

RECIPE

Margarita Pops

Orange & Mango Popsicles Popsicles

INGREDIENTS: Now available in an easy to read downloadable & printable format

PAPER COVER TO COVER ON-LINE

COMOXVALLEYRECORD.com

COVER-TO-COVER ON-LINE www.comoxvalleyrecord.com

3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup water 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp fresh orange juice 2 Tbsp tequila 2 Tbsp orange liqueur lime wedge kosher salt, for garnish Popsicle molds

METHOD: Combine sugar, lime juice, water, lemon juice and orange juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool. Once cool transfer to a blender with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime wedge and process until smooth. Pour into shaped molds and cover with top.

Freeze until hard. Remove from freezer, garnish with kosher salt and serve.

INGREDIENTS: S S: 4 large ripe mangoes, go oes, peeled, pitted and roughly chopped o opped 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice ge e ju uice Popsicle molds

METHOD: n a blender, puree e tthe he e mango until smooth. oth. St Stir ir in the orange juice, ce e, then pour into the popsicle pssicle molds. Press on th the he lids and transfer tto o the freezer overnight..

Recipe from BEYOND THE KITCHEN DOOR 274B 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

Fr e s h !

Recipe from BEYOND NDTHE THE KITCHEN DOOR 274B 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

FRESH MADE

Morning Coffees, Muffins & Breakfast Sandwiches

Enjoy our SUNNY PATIO with friends!

GLUTEN FREE Breads & Sweets Baked Fresh Fridays & Saturdays

Made Fresh Daily on Premises

Specials & Coupons

BREAD • BUNS • ESPRESSO • DESSERTS • CAKES • SOUPS • LUNCH ENTREE’S & SALADS visit grainsbakery.ca C O U R T E N AY 6th & England Avenue Customer Service 1-800-667-8280 Visit thriftyfoods.com

Wholesome, Healthy & Nutritious

Food Prepared with Flavour & Flair!

Walk in or Place your order today!

250-338-0955 445-10th Street, Courtenay Mon-Friday 7-6 pm; Sat. 9-5 pm

www.grainsbakery.ca

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

3

INTHE KITCHEN VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The joy of fresh salads A basic salad can be dressed up in infinite ways to make a healthy side-dish or even a complete meal.

These days, there is no shortage of fancy and exotic lettuces available at our local farms and farmers market. Sturdy romaine or delicate Boston, colourful radicchio, pungent watercress or rocket, earthy spinach or field greens — accompanied by a well-made dressing, the garden salad has truly evolved.

Why limit yourself to greens? Grated cabbage, beetroot, and carrots make delicious side-dishes. Some raw or blanched asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, or green beans can be tossed with a handful of roasted nuts and some cubes of your favourite cheese to make a meal all in itself! Add a bit of tuna, salmon, or leftover chicken or steak to make a more substantial dish. Beans, peas, and lentils are also fine additions to a salad.

Creating unique salad dressings is a great way of expressing your creativity. However you fancy it up, a basic dressing contains three ingredients: an acidic product (vinegar or lemon juice), a fat (oil, mashed avocado, yogurt, or the like), and something to bind the two, such as mustard, mayonnaise, or honey.

A classic red-wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil dressing is always delicious, but the v variations are endless: try a nut, pistachio, or ssesame oil, or a different type of vinegar, such a as balsamic, sherry, or raspberry. Bind your h homemade vinaigrette with a bit of honey or Dijon mustard or mayonnaise. Season it with poppy seeds, fresh herbs, lemon, or orange zest. Let your inner chef loose and make a simple salad into a masterpiece!

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS B:

30 g Shallots - Chopped 15 g Garlic - Chopped 40 ml Chives - Chopped 15 ml Fresh Basil - Chopped

35 ml Sherry 10 ml Lemon Juice 15 ml White Wine Vinegar 15 ml Dijon Mustard 60 ml Grape Seed Oil 15 ml Flax Seed Oil To Taste - Salt and Pepper

THE COMOX VALLEY

30 Day Food Challenge

www.eatlocaalcomoxvalley.com Saturday, July 2 - Tuesday, August 2 Spend 30 days experiencing local food through farm and producer tours, restaurant events, educational activities and demonstrations.

THE COMOX VALLEY

Farm Cycle Tour

www.discovercomoxvalley.com August 6 Cyclists are invited to local farms and producers who will open their doors for tours, farm stands and other unique agriculture experiences!

outstanding

250.897.0081 250.897 7 00 7.

5th Street, C Court Courtenay

DOWNTOWN DOWNT TOW

Special Day at PUB &

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

BISTRO

DAILY DRINK SPECIALS

268 Fifth Street, Downtown Courtenay 250-334-8 250-334-88 811 w w w.bill yds pub.c om

Chef Ronald St. Pierre Recipe from ISLAND INSPIRATIONS Vancouver Island Chefs Association

LOCAL PEOPLE LOCAL PRODUCT

simply

Every day is a

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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

www.UnionStreetGrill.ca

Saturdays — 9am - 12 noon Exhibition Grounds - Headquarters Rd., Courtenay Wenesdays — 9am - 12 noon Comox Bay Farm

Wine and Food Friday, August 26 - Saturday, August 27 Mount Washington Alpine Lodge

A. Chop shallots, garlic and chives very finely. Place in a small bowl.

Let stand for at least 15 minutes before using.

Farmers Market

Alpine Festival

METHOD: B. In a blender, mix together the rest of the ingredients for at the vinaigrette. Process and pour the vinaigrette over the chopped herbs.

THE COMOX VALLEY

MOUNT WASHINGTON

Dijon Mustard & Chive Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS A:

Around the VALLEY

319-4TH STREET, COURTENAY, BC 250-338-1142 • TOLL FREE 1-800-893-2011 w w w. b u t c h e r s b l o c k . c a

4

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Summertime…THE LIVING IS EASY. SUMMER IS FINALLY HERE AND NOWTHE SCRAMBLE IS ON to see how many times we can eat outside before the season ends.

Weather it is a lively dinner party or a laid back picnic, forget about setting a serious table. Summer is the perfect excuse to set a table that is drenched in color and wild patterns. Make the most of the few months or reliable warm weather and create a special place in your yard for summertime entertaining and dining.

You can set a humble picnic table with as much care as your fine dining table. Use a few strategically placed bowls and plates, an embroidered cotton runner and mix in vivid flowers and saturate with color and patterns to dress up a wooden picnic table.

Mismatched silverware and china still look sophisticated with natural embellishments, like a hand-picked fern frond. If the surface of the table is in good shape, you can forgo a tablecloth. To add elegance use crystal goblets which look great alongside antique flatware and tapered candle sticks.

Now you are ‘set’ for summer...

ENJOY! Submitted by: Cody & Company 248 5th St., Courtenay • 250-338-1571 www.codyandcompany.ca

TRICA

paradise found

The Barstool Specialist

McConochie’s Exclusive to:

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

248 - FIFTH STREET | DOWNTOWN COURTENAY | 250•338•1571

USE YOUR SEARS CARD TO COLLECT SEARS CLUB POINTS

Mon-Sat 9 - 5

Fast FREE Delivery &Set Up!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

5

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

THE CHILDREN ARE HOME and the Laundry Room (andYou) are Getting a Workout While working with a client’s house plans the other day I realized how badly placed the Laundry Room was. Why is it that contractors, architects and builders all thought that the Laundry Room should be in the most inconvenient place in the home? If you have a basement - voila ! there is the Laundry Room. If you have a split level - it is just off of the garage!

What were these men (notice the gender bias) thinking? 98% of Laundry comes from our bedrooms and bathrooms - not from the garage or the basement! But there they are - in the most absurd, awkward and inconvenient place possible (I’d rather voluntarily work out at the gym than run up and down the stairs doing laundry to get my exercise).

I realize that old habits

die hard - even in the late 90’s the Laundry Room position wasn’t considered a priority they always seemed to be an afterthought, stuck in some inconvenient AND tiny spot. But hey - this is the 21st Century - we have addressed our kitchens and bathrooms - let’s make the placement and planning of our laundry rooms the next on the rethink list.

AND JUST FOR FUN, let’s think outside of the box.

1. Put the Laundry room between two bedrooms.

2. How about a Laundry Room off of the Main Bathroom?

With a little training the damp and yukky towels will end up in the hamper rather than on the floor.

3. A Laundry in the hallway by the children’s bedrooms.

4. Or a laundry behind folding doors in the Guest Room

Also, I recommend that you seriously consider the front loading washer and dryer. (I personally have stacked front loaders. My clothes just love them - and so do I ! I have gone beyond washing the usual stuff - I now wash my down filled duvets and pillows - cool water with Zero detergent please - and, in a wild moment I washed my favourite, wool, black and white hounds tooth jacket - and it came out beautifully ! Stacking your washer and dryer gives you that extra space to put in a generous counter and sink. Top hanging cupboards could have a clothes rod under them for hanging your drip-dry blouses and shirts. And, if you need to do the occasional bit of ironing - how about a swing-out ironing board tucked into one of the walls?

Planning is definitely the key as well as recognizing that a Laundry Room is an essential and often used facility. If your home has the Laundry room downstairs take a look at the upstairs bedroom closets - if they are back to back you can appropriate the 18-24 inches (50-60 cms) from each and make a very workable Laundry Room. Then use the ‘old’ downstairs Laundry Room for a voluntary exercise room.

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

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

JUDITH MOORE INTERIOR DESIGN

Complete Interior Design Services

Introducing HERTCO EXPRESS 2.0

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Our new contractor line of cabinetry.

In this line we offer 28 door styles and colors in a variety of finishes, from melamine, to high pressure laminatesh, to thermofoil and hand stained wood.

SPECIAL OFFER

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

t www.jmid.ca

Receive $100 gas card with the purchase of Hertco Express 2.0 cabinets valued at $2500 or more between June 1st, 2011 and August 31st, 2011.

APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

COOL IT?

AND KEEP EP YOUR Y VIEW!

plus

Dramatic UV, heat and glare reduction Daytime privacy, frosted film for deck rails.

SAFE & SOUND

WINDOW FILM

TRANSFORMING your GLASS

safeandsoundwindowfilm.com

For a complimentary in home consultation, call Dave 250.339.7003

Laura Pigott and Jenn Ferrero are our kitchen sales and design specialists in our Cumberland store. They have over 8 years experience in designing and sales.

Contractors and homeowners rely on their expertise in coming up with a visually pleasing and functional kitchen.

Book your appointment with Laura and Jenn to discuss and create your plan.

We also supply vanities and window coverings

Let us design, supply and install your Dream Kitchen!

Cumberland

3217 Small Rd., Cumberland, BC

250-336-8710

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Getting Ready for SUMMER or picnics. Perfect to swirl and aerate wine with an indentation to keep wet or greasy hands from losing grip. It’s also recyclable.

Wrap it all up and call it a great summer night.

HAVE FUN!

You had them as kids, now you can have them again. Melamine dishware is back and in colours and patterns that are sure to please. Melamine dishware was hugely popular in the 1950s and 60s. but it fell from favour in the 1970s when polyethylene plastic (think Tupperware material) took its place. But a fresh crop of designers has rediscovered it and are splashing bold colours and patterns across the surface. Melamine is affordable, colourful, easy to live with and a fun product, great for the summer whether it is your backyard or off to the beach for a picnic. To set off your melamine dishware is a great line of tablemats from Chilewich.

They are a woven vinyl in a variety

w of weaves and colours to match any décor. They are great for your outdoor entertaining as they are fade resistant and so easy to maintain, you just use soap and water on them and let them air dry.

Now that your table is set, keep it fun and bring out your Ice Bag, It is small so it saves table space and is easy to bring along to a BBQ. It is also recyclable. It chills faster than a traditional ice bucket.

Just put your beer or wine in it, add ice and water. In minutes your beverages are ready to drink. Once your wine is chilled you can pour it into a Govino, “Go anywhere wine glass” It’s the perfect wine tumbler that goes places where glass does not. It is perfect for the patio, beaches

Otter's Kitchen Cove Inc 1761 Comox Avenue, Comox 250-339-1153 otterskitchencove.com

Stylish, Easycare Indoor-Outdoor Placemats Made in the USA. See our range of colours and patterns.

Eat, drink & share the passion! phone (250) 339-1153 • email otterskitchencove@shaw.ca 1761 A Comox Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 2M2

Make your house, a Vera-De Windows home We are celebrating Saskia’s wedding. and take an save additional 5% off

35

% OFF

your purchase

with Saskia’s Wedding Special.

Any combination of 3 or more doors & windows.

Ordered before july 31, 2011. Not valid with any other promotion. New orders only, offer is 35% August 1-31.

We build & deliver doors and windows others can only promise.

VERA-DE WINDOWS

INC.

www. v e r ade wi ndo ws . c o m

2940 Moray Ave., Courtenay • 250.334.9819

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

7

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Hardwood Flooring bringing elegance and style to any home Adding both value and structural strength to your home, hardwood is an investment no other type of flooring can compare with. It is as durable as it is gorgeous, with so many new hardwood choices, you are sure to bring elegance and style to any home.

Unlike many other flooring products – which wear out over time – your hardwood floor will age and change over its lifetime, developing a rich patina with unique characteristics.

Whether decorating a formal dining room, a working office or a high traffic kitchen, builders and homeowners agree that installing hardwood flooring is a smart decision.

Simply stated, few things can enhance the quality of a living space the way a hardwood floor can. It adds warmth, luster, and charm to a home and is much more economical than one might imagine. Because of the outstanding insulating properties of wood, it can help keep a room warmer in the wintertime and cooler in the summer, thereby saving the homeowner on energy bills over the long term.

THE BENEFITS • COST: Wood flooring can usually be installed at a similar cost of other floor options.

BEAUTIFUL JEWELLERY D E S E RV E S A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

• ENVIRONMENTAL: It is a "life-long" flooring option which requires minimal care and maintenance and out-lives most other floor coverings.

• DESIGN/LOOK: Wood adds warmth and character and is one of the oldest floor coverings used by man.

• HYPOALLERGENIC: It helps reduce allergic reactions to dust and other man-made products.

• MAINTENANCE: Wood flooring is easy to clean and care for.

L

I

M

I

T

E

D

3 2 0 - 5 T H S T R E E T, DOWNTOWN C O U R T E N AY 2 5 0 - 3 3 4 - 2 6 11

Relax in your own home,

with a home theatre that surpasses most cinemas.

There are different ways to categorize hardwood flooring such as the type of material (e.g. oak or walnut), and the form of the material (e.g. solid or engineered). Considering what kind of traffic and wear the floor will receive, as well as the foundation it is being installed on, is key in deciding what type of hardwood floor you should use.

Hardwood flooring can be integrated into many different environments, from contemporary to traditional and everything in between, and can dramatically increase the beauty – and value – of your home. So if you're considering bringing beautiful hardwood floors into your home, be sure to call the wood flooring professionals at End Of The Roll.

Enjoy...

Movies are meant to be experienced.

SPECIALIZING IN SPEC NATURAL QUARTZ STONE & LAMINAT COUNTERTOPS LAMINATE

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 2940 A MORAY AVENUE, COURTENAY

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P: 250-334-2126 • F: 250-334-2220

ASK US ABOUT UNDERMOUNTED SINKS UNDERM FOR LAMINATE LAMIN COUNTERTOPS

8

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

VALLEY LIVING FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Make Room for Lingerie that LOVESYOU BACK Luxurious Secrets

Small Store.

Big Shoulders

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Secret Drawers Lingerie 250.897.7488 431 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay

In Feng Shui the closet represents secrets: the Manolo Blahnik fetish you’re hiding; the coat you paid way-too-much for and never wore; the muff made of real fur, even though you tell everyone it’s faux. And nowhere are there more secrets than in an underwear drawer.

We women do love to keep secrets. The two sanctuaries are the purse and the underwear drawer. No one dare go into either without an engraved invitation. Why all the secrecy around the skivvies? Well, it’s hard to say exactly, but in general, we don’t want people to know we’re living in the past.

Open up an underwear drawer and you’re suddenly awash in cotton, silk, lace and satin. No matter how big the drawer, it’s never quite big enough. We always have more underwear, pantyhose, socks and garters than a person knows what to do with.

The trouble is with drawers that full, there is no room for the new, beautiful, luxurious underthings we may come across. And even if we manage to stuff new knickers in there, they certainly aren’t going to be treated with the care and attention they deserve.

THE UNFORTUNATE FACTS of the underwear drawer: 1. We hang onto underwear too long. Men aren’t the only ones running around in moth-eaten undergarments. In a sentimental unwillingness to part with old triangles of fabric, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to keep things that make us look and feel our best.

2. We’re sentimental about underwear. Yes, that’s right, I said sentimental. There’s the underwear you were given nine Valentine’s Days ago, the bra you bought when you were in Europe when you were 21 and socks you keep because they were a gift, but refuse to wear because they make your feet itch. Do you really need these items? Because the memory of the person who gave them to you is much better than the Hello Kitty underwear you haven’t worn since college.

3. We keep “wishful” underwear. These are the bras and underwear and garters and bustiers we wish we fit into.These are the things we fit into once, but only after a week of the stomach flu.These are the things we wore before we had kids or before we understood the benefits of support. By keeping these things we chastise ourselves for not being where and who we were instead of celebrating who we are today.

By keeping underwear that is no longer “us” thanks to moths, washing machines or simply the passage of time, it’s clear to everyone around us how not “us” it really is. You’re not hiding behind that decade-old bra. In fact, you’re standing out because your curves aren’t showing you in your best light – and others know it.

So clean out that underwear drawer. Get rid of things that are old, things you don’t like and things that don’t like you. Give them away or burn them in the backyard; but either way, declutter one of your sanctuaries. And you’ll find space for the things you love and the lingerie that loves you back.

Helping you help your family.

Medication counselling & delivery service.

Dozens of books for aging, mental health & learning challenges.

Custom compounding.

Compression socks & orthodpaedic shoes.

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

to help every new mother have a successful breastfeeding experience.

underwearmatters.blogspot.com 431 Fifth Street, ❦ Downtown Courtenay ❦ 250-897-7488

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

9

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

CHECKLIST

READY FOR SUMMER? 1. Lost those 5 extra lbs. (well…hhmm…still working on it) 2. Purchased a new bathing suit: now that was the most fun I had in a day!

3. Visited favourite aesthetician: had body waxed, feet pedicured and lashes/brows tinted.

Also had a skin polishing body scrub and massage! Now that was a really fun day.

4. Self tanner: sunless fun! That is what we are having so far….but things are bound to change! Skin need some colour now? I recommend a lightweight self-tanning foam that works with the skin to promote an instant ‘beautiful’ summer glow without UV exposure.

5. Sunscreen: use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day.

Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun.

6. Got my feathers!The latest in hair fashion; real feathers to add some fun and pizzazz to your summer ‘do’ without permanently altering your tresses. The feathers come in an array of amazing colours from subtle brown to hot pink. It takes mere seconds to secure the feathers through a little plastic bead and won’t damage the hair.You can wash, blow dry, curl, and straighten it like you would with any other type of extension. It’s such a fun and easy way to accessorize!

7. O.K., I am ready for summer, are you?

Having attended the International Beauty Show in Las Vegas last month, we, ‘beauty professionals’ are a colourful bunch. Surrounded by 25,000 beauty pros from around the world, you get to see all the extremes. Apart from all the latest in technology, techniques, products and

services, one thing that really stood out was feathers. So of course we brought them home for you! We also had the opportunity to spend time learning with Nick Arrojo (from the t.v. show WHAT NOT TO WEAR) and his team. In fact, 2 of our girls were chosen as hair models! Check out our

Facebook page for photos and stay tuned for some exciting new skincare and makeup!

Level 10 Eurospa 250 334 0209 204 - 1025 Cliffe Avenue, Downtown Courtenay

GET FEATHERED! Summer Clearance

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE OR 30% OFF • HURRY FOR BEST SELECTION

Highest quality, genuine feathers

COMOX CENTRE MALL 250.339.5049

Can be washed, dried, curled and flat ironed Stays in for up to 8 weeks and re-usable!

Keds Champion CVO canvas tie white, red, purple, green & burgundy.

35.00

$

“Searle’s for that hard to fit foot” “Serving the Comox Valley for over 80 Years”

204 - 1025 Cliffe Ave. Courtenay • 250-334-0209 www.level10eurospa.com

250 Fifth Street, Downtown Courtenay • 250-334-3178 Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 Fri till 9pm

www.searlesshoes.com

10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

VALLEY LIVING TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

Feeding Stingrays of the Grand Cayman INTHE CARIBBEAN SEA Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Islands that make up the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Sea. It is surrounded by a barrier reef and just inside that reef, through a natural channel, there is a series of sandbars that run through North Sound, from Morgan’s Harbour to Rum Point. It was there many years ago that fishermen would anchor in the relative protection of the reef to clean their days catch. Over the years, these fishermen, came to the same spot to clean the fish, and then would discard the waste over board and the local Southern Stingray population realized it was a free meal and would gather, in large numbers, to consume this complimentary dinner. As time went by the fishermen realized that the Stingrays came to the Sandbar to feed when they heard the sound of their boat engines. Then at some point someone thought it would be a great idea to get in the water to dive or snorkel with the feeding Stingrays, and it became the great tourism attraction it is today.

There are three ways to visit the Rays at Stingray city, scuba diving, snorkeling and glass bottom boat. If you decide to dive with the Stingrays you will go by boat to the deeper area of the sand bar that sits at approximately 12-20 feet in depth. Once there, your group of divers will descend to the sandy bottom, all of you slightly over weighted to make sure you remain firmly on the bottom. Your guide will then proceed to open his container of squid

and fish pieces, the smell combined the sounds of the boat’s engines, help to bring in the Stingrays. The guide will then come by each diver handing out food and the Rays will quickly approach you looking for the tasty treat that you have hidden within your hand. If you have decided to snorkel with the Stingrays then the guides will take you to an area on the sandbar where the water averages 3-5 feet in depth and you will float at the surface or stand in waist deep water with you face submerged. The guide, as when diving, will approach and put the food into your hand the Stingrays will follow the scent of the food where ever you move it. At this point, if you put out the hand without the food, you can gently run your palm along their soft white underbellies or their grey, slightly rougher backs. Just be careful to stop before the tail. To actually feed the Stingrays hold your food filled hand palm facing up but do not open your hand till the Stingray is directly over, then open your hand flat and the Stingray will inhale the food from your palm. The third way to visit the Stingrays is by glass bottom boat. This is a good choice if it’s too windy for snorkeling, but however is not a very interactive option.

Summer

The Southern Stingray is the ray that inhabits Stingray City it is found in the tropical and Subtropical waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean from New Jersey to Brazil. These creatures are flat, diamond in-shape and brown-grey in colour on their backs with white underbellies.

Their tails hold the so call stinger, which is actually just a serrated barb that is covered in a poisonous mucous. This barb is only used in self defense, people are rarely hurt by a Stingray unless a person steps on one or someone grabs the tail. The male ray reach a maximum of 27 inches or just over 2 feet in diameter, where as the female can reach up to 59 inches or almost 5 feet in diameter.

They forage on small crabs, shrimp, bony fish, mollusks and lancets. They feed by inhaling the food and then crushing it with grinding plates inside their mouths.

A Stingrays suction power is comparable to very powerful vacuum cleaner.

Grand Caymans Stingray City is an incredible experience. I have snorkeled this site once and dove it countless times, it never gets tiresome. To have a chance to interact with these creatures, or just to sit off in the sand and observe their graceful movements or to have them approach you, when you have no food, out of pure curiosity is truly overwhelming. This is a city well worth exploring.

Pacific Pro Dive #101 - 2270 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay (250) 338-6829 www.scubashark.com

TRAINING SPECIAL

RECREATIONAL SCUBA PROGRAM

Evelyn Gillespie,

Laughing Oyster Bookshop

The Paris Wife

by Paula McLain

$29.95

Hadley Richardson is remembered, not for herself herself, but that she was the first of Ern Ernest Hemingway’s four wives. McLain takes us on a fictional journey inside her experience of meeting and loving Hemingway and of their life together as he struggled to launch a writing career in the expatriate artist community of 1920’s Paris. Think Gertrude Stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald, absinthe and jazz, bullfights and boxing.

Paula McLain gives us a glimpse into a volatile, alcohol fuelled, creative life and time and a solid woman who never quite fit in. This completely absorbing novel will excite the reader to go back to Hemingway and his compatriots and experience again the passion, parties, politics and the Paris of this unforgettable time.

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

CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION

with us this summer, & when you bring a friend

YOUR TUITION IS FREE* *Does not include training materials, equipment or certification fees.

Call 250-338-6829

In Mansfield Centre: 2270 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay

Recommended by

The Perfect Summer Reads

Sign up forr any

or visit www.scubashark.com

BOOK CORNER

& MARINE ADVENTURES

Gardening Nature Birds Hiking Camping Try a Beach Read

Laughing hi Oyster O Book B k Shop Sh 286-5th St., Downtown Courtenay 250-334-2511 www.laughingoysterbooks.com

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

11

INTHE GARDEN VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

GREEN OPTIONS for your driveway, paths & parking areas WHY INSTALL A PERMEABLE DRIVEWAY? Our traditional stormwater (SW) management practices significantly reduce groundwater recharge causing to a number of environmental concerns in recent years.

CURRENT SW PRACTICE: rain ➞ collects pollutants ➞ storm sewer (complete w/ pollutants) ➞ streams (high flows = erosion) ➞ oceans WHAT WE NEED: rain ➞ picks up pollutants ➞ soil (filters out pollutants) ➞ replace ground water ➞ feeds plants and trees ➞ slow, clean percolation into streams ➞ ocean As less rain enters the grounds, the water table is lowered and stream flows are reduced.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A POROUS SURFACE? Porous surfaces are those which allow rain to enter the ground and prevent the overland flows into the storm sewer system. The end result is that the rain seeps directly into the soil and is naturally cleansed before it reaches our streams and oceans.

WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? There are a number of options available to those of us wishing to install a permeable surface instead of the impermeable concrete or asphalt that we have become accustomed to. Examples include using below surface grids to strengthen and stabilize permeable permeable material such as soil, grass and gravel. You can also install a permeable system of individual pavers.

These options have the advantage of allowing rain water to enter the ground, thus helping remove pollutants and reducing the strain on storm sewers. The grass option has the advantage of reducing the ‘heat island’ effect associated with paved surfaces and offers the “natural” feel and look to your yard.

GRASS You could, of course, simply remove your existing driveway surface and then plant grass – the obvious downside however, is that the soil becomes compacted, ruts form and the grass dies. In order to maintain good drainage structural grid work is required beneath the surface – typically this is made of high density plastic or concrete/stone.

There are a number of examples of these plastic grids available including: CORE Grass, Grasspave2 and NidaGrass. Here is a quote from the CORE Grass page webpage: CORE GrassTM Turf Stabilizer is a green choice for low impact paving. A beautiful, sustainable and economical solution to manage stormwater and reduce heat island effects in public places, parking and traffic areas. Parking lots, access roads, and driveways installed with CORE Grass are stabilized so turf can grow, without forming ruts or sinking, and all the beauty and benefits of natural, eco-friendly surfaces.

If you’re looking for some excellent ‘how to’ info on building your own green driveway, try Googling “How to Build a Green Driveway in a Long Weekend”. It takes you through one couple’s weekend journey of installing their own grass driveway using a plastic grid system. Very helpful! Price range for these products is from $2.25 - $4.89/sq. ft.

GRAVEL If you prefer the look of gravel, but realize the drawbacks (i.e. weeds, ruts, spilling over of gravel, etc.) of loose gravel are just too much to put up with, then consider using a similar plastic grid system specifically designed for stabilizing gravel. There are a variety of grid choices (including some from the same companies mentioned above) with the end result being a permeable, stable, wheelchair friendly surface with gravel that actually stays in place. It is recommended to find a grid system with a geotextile cloth attached, this prevents the gravel from moving downward into the sub-base, as well as effectively suppressing weed growth. Price range for these products is about the same as for the grass plastic grid.

PARADISE PLANTS R E TA I L

•

GARDEN CENTRE G A R D E N

D E S I G N

•

PERMEABLE PAVERS S Permeable pavers are another option allowing forr ground water recharge through the space created between each brick. Permeable pavers can include both standard bricks as well as composite pavers. The composite pavers allow you to use a product that is essentially 100% recycled, much lighter and, therefore, easier to install. These composite pavers are made of recycled rubber tires (some pavers include plastic as well) over a recycled plastic base. The 4” X 8” pavers fit onto 16” X 16” base sections which fit securely to one another. You can create a variety of patterns using this type of system and your choice of colours is more extensive (i.e. green, blue, slate as well as your tried and true browns and reds) than with standard bricks. Two composite pavers are available in North America: CORE Pavers and VAST Pavers. Price range for these products is from $6.99 - $9.50/sq.ft.

100% Permeable Products

Core Systems offers products to create Stabilized Gravel and Grass Driveways, as well as Recycled Rubber Pavers to provide you an eco-friendly, attractive landscaped area.

• Parking Lots • Access Roads • Driveways • Patios • Camping Sites • Public Parks An eco-friendly alternative that A beautiful, sustainable and CORE Pavers are made from 95% recycled material • Playgrounds costs less than pavement and economical solution to manage using tires and recycled plastic. Core Pavers are an ideal • Bicycle Trails solves the problem of aggregates storm water and reduce heat island permeable surface for parking lots, entryways, walkways, • Sports Grounds sinking or forming ruts. effects in parking and traffic areas. patios and other commercial landscape applications.

• Pathways • Landscaping Contact us for a quote on materials required for your personal or civic project.

G R AV E L

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTOR

GRASS

PAV E R

Tel. 250.897.6840 Office 250.871.6840

IDEAL FOR:

www.coregravel.ca

EQUIPMENT RENTALS Daily • Weekly • Monthly

I N S TA L L AT I O N

Garden Design • New Construction • Garden Renovations • Irrigation • Walls and Patios

Full line of Mini Excavators and Skid Steers Iain & Cassandra Haigh

2480 Hardy Rd., Courtenay • Mon-Sat 9-5 250-897-3898 • www.paradiseplants.ca

North Island Tractor 250-334-0801

3663 South Island Highway • Courtenay Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 12pm www.northislandtractor.com

12

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

30% OFF

A BIKINI OR FULL BIKINI LASER HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT

FREE LASER * TREATMENT

WITH PURCHASE OF ANY SWISSTEC™ PRODUCT *LIP OR UNDERARM

Your skin is ever changing. It is affected by a wide array of environmental, biological and chronological factors. These external and internal factors impact the epidermis and dermis changing it’s appearance and elasticity over time. The skin has certain regenerative properties that when stimulated can slow and even reverse the signs of aging. SwissTEC™ has been formulated to work with the skin’s vitality and youthfulness. 100% Swiss Technology for optimal efficacy.

To take advantage of these great offers call

2 FOR 1

UNLIMITED TANNING PH. 250-897-3361

T. 250.897.2600 or 250.897.3362 #104 -1742 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay (Next to Pizza Hut) Ask about our MILITARY DISCOUNTS endlesskinrejuvenation.com

STORE HOURS Monday to Friday 9:00am - 8:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm