free MAGAZINE
VANCOUVER ISLAND
COUPON AND AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2016
ISSUE 24
RECIPES FROM
around the world A LETTER FROM
Taipei
WIN
ON THE COVER
Bo r e l la
local getaways
& CULINARY TREATS IN THE
Dine Around THE
W RLD
CHECK OUT OUR
COMMUNITY MAPS
and more
80 DAYS CONTEST IN
PAGE 38
HUNDREDS OF
SEE PAGE 2 FOR DETAILS
Participating restaurants on pages 4-9
almostfreemagazine.com
savings
IN COUPONS
3 rd A N N UA L
presents
Dine Around
W RLD IN
WIN
local getaways
& CULINARY TREATS DURATION OF CONTEST
Feb 5 - April 20, 2016
80 DAYS
CONTEST
HOW TO
participate
Dine in 1 of the participating restaurants on pages 4-9. Bring in the fully filled out draw form on page 2 and leave it with your server or at the register when you pay. Enter as many times as you like - have fun! CONTEST TERMS & CONDITIONS This contest is exclusive to Vancouver Island. The draw date is April 21, 2016. You must be a Canadian Citizen, 19 years of age or older. The restaurant locations are outlined on pages 4-9. The winners are determined by random draw and participants may enter as many times as they want.
Proudly sponsored in part by: VANCOUVER ISLAND
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Look on pages 4-9 for PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS PRIZE details 2 night stay in a standard king room at 1ST PRIZE:
Moon Water Lodge plus a $50 gift certificate to Malahat Chalet & Bakery, and culinary gift basket ($400 value)
To Enter the Dine Around the World in 80 Days Contest First Name: Last Name: Phone Number: Email Address: Skill Testing Question: (3 x 50) + 20 5 =
2ND PRIZE: One week of dinner meals for 2 from Plump Plate Catering (groceries not included) ($175 value)
3RD PRIZE: Off the Eaten Track Culinary Walking Tour for 2 ($100 value)
If I win one of the prizes, I understand my name will be announced publicly.
To Enter the Dine Around the World in 80 Days Contest First Name: Last Name:
4 PRIZE: Cooking class at Olive the Senses for 2 people ($85 value) TH
Phone Number: Email Address:
5 PRIZE: A gourmet culinary basket ($75 value) TH
Skill Testing Question: (3 x 50) + 20 5 = If I win one of the prizes, I understand my name will be announced publicly.
6 PRIZE: Dinner for 2 at Borella Italian Kitchen ($50 value) TH
PRIZE DRAW DATE: April 21, 2016
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32
FAVOURITE breakfast / brunch
Dine Around
W
eats
lunch $10 and under
CONTEST
All-day breakfast, swivel bar stool, everything homemade sorta place. Victoria's modern diner. spoonsdiner.com
2915 DOUGLAS ST. (INSIDE SUPER 8)
250.382.5111
Famous for our Homemade Burgers, Croquettes and Sausage rolls
718 FORT ST. VICTORIA BC
Must reedem coupon. No cash value. Cannot be combined with other offers. Limit 1 per customer per visit. Participating restaurants only. Exp. Apr. 20, 2016
Twisted Simplicity served in the Spirit of Community!
4144 WILKINSON RD. VICTORIA BC
250.590.8879
250.385.1012
576 YATES ST. VICTORIA BC
250.590.2042
Authentic Mexican Cuisine made from scratch, even our corn tortillas! Featuring dishes from Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, Guerreo
Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! We have something for everyone. Vegetarian, Vegan and Celiac Friendly!
www.latortilla.ca
4675 TRANS CANADA HWY, DUNCAN BC
4
250.746.5848
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910 ESQUIMALT RD. VICTORIA BC
778.433.1331
FAVOURITE
eats
comfort food
Dine Around
delivery and take out
W RLD CONTEST
Did you know our Fish & Chips batter is Gluten Free? Check out all our gluten free options today!
1701 DOUGLAS ST. VICTORIA BC
778.433.4385
2 CAN DINE for $18.95 Includes small butter chicken, small rice, 2 naan bread, 4 samosas, and galub jamun. Exp. April 20, 2016
24 BURNSIDE RD WEST, VICTORIA BC
Family-run Greek & Italian restaurant since 1985. Offering great services & a welcoming atmosphere to all guests for 30 years.
More than 50 savoury meals or treats and sweets... Spicy chicken, butter chicken, roti, Jamaican Patties, James’ famous Cinnamon buns!
2646 QUADRA ST. VICTORIA BC
250.381.3363
All menu items 15% OFF Take out or 10% OFF Dine In (Excluding alcohol. Exp. May 30 2016.)
2709 QUADRA ST. VICTORIA BC
Check out our menu at www.willowsgalley.com
250.598.2711
250.384.5255
Several items under $10. Gluten-free and vegetarian options. Eat Healthy, Eat Fresh!
$5 OFF your purchase of $25 or more. Exp. Apri. 20, 2016
259 ESTEVAN AVE. VICTORIA BC
778.430.5858
COOK ST. VILLAGE, 1109 MCKENZIE ST.
Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine
250.382.1501
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FAVOURITE pub fare and late night
Dine Around
W
eats
special occassion
CONTEST
WINE WEDNESDAYS 25% off bottles of wine HAPPY HOUR 3–5 pm Monday thru Friday $4 glasses of house red and white $5.25 pints of Draught SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ 8–10 pm
Have you tried our classic Louisiana chicken club? Served for the past 21 years and counting
1550 CEDAR HILL CROSS RD. VICTORIA BC
250.385.1012
WTF - Wednesday Wing Time Frenzy! Happy Hour Everyday 4-7 pm! Weekend Live Music! FREE Darts & Fooseball 25 cent Pool
3944 QUADRA ST. VICTORIA BC
W RLD IN
6
250.479.9760
2345 MILLSTREAM RD. VICTORIA BC
250.590.1119
Waterfront Dining serving modern-comfort inspired West Coast Cuisine! Buy One, Get One 1/2 Price (Of Equal or Lesser Value. Any lunch or Dinner Entree. Limit one redemption per month. Dine in Only, Excludes Specials. Expires April 20, 2016)
1765 COWICHAN BAY RD. COWICHAN BAY
250.597.4353
DINE IN ANY RESTAURANT FROM THE FAVOURITE EATS SECTION AND ENTER TO WIN FABULOUS PRIZES SEE PAGE 2 FOR CONTEST RULES
CONTEST
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FAVOURITE
eats
vegetatian / gluten-free / raw
Dine Around
W RLD CONTEST
Make the trip to Saffron Persian Cuisine for Mediterranean food you will fall in love with on first bite! Gluten, Dairy and MSG Free (no preservatives)
W RLD CONTEST
2217 OAK BAY AVE. VICTORIA BC
250.370.0766
New menu, fresh cleansing juices and smoothies, organic whole food breakfast and lunch. The best coffee. Kangen Alkaline Water. Check out www.ingredientshealthfood.com for
events, classes, seminars, and for the best health.
At the Heart of all good food, is INGREDIENTS 2217 OAK BAY AVE. VICTORIA BC
250.370.0766
100% Organic •Non-GMO • Gluten Free
Jusu Bar is a 100% organic juice bar offering the healthiest products on the planet for people on the go. Cold-pressed juice, smoothies, berry bowls and raw food. Never processed! Always delicious!
DINE IN ANY RESTAURANT FROM THE FAVOURITE EATS SECTION AND ENTER TO WIN FABULOUS PRIZES SEE PAGE 2 FOR CONTEST RULES
2560 SINCLAIR RD. • 513 FISGARD ST. • 1965 OAK BAY AVE.
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FAVOURITE cafes
Dine Around
W RLD
eats
sweets
CONTEST
Daily home-baked goods, sandwiches, and gluten-free treats. Serving fresh roasted coffee, and jaga silk teas and macha in the heart of Gordon Head.
4343 TYNDALL RD. VICTORIA BC
778.265.3253
SEASON OPENS MARCH 1 (Weather Permitting)
Swing by for some scoops in the sunshine! Made right here on the island. 16 avours and the best soft serve! Look for our ice cream trucks at events near you!
12 ERIE ST/FISHERMAN'S WHARF, VICTORIA BC
Fresh Baked Bread Made with Island Milled Flour. Housemade soups, salads and sandwiches made fresh daily.
Make rainy days fade away inside our cozy den with a rich cup of coffee and delectable breakfast and lunch choices!
www.cottagebakery.ca
BEAR'S DEN CAFE 1325 BEAR MOUNTAIN PKWY #121
250.590.6322
Fresh Baked Bread Made w Island Milled Flour
Housemade Soups, Salads and Sand made fresh daily
1267 Fairfield Road, Victoria, B 778-433-2412 www.cottageba
1267 FAIRFIELD RD. VICTORIA BC
778.433.2412
FREE Specialty Coffee with any meal Limit 1 per person. Expires April 20, 2016.
W RLD IN 662 Goldstream Ave. Langford BC
8
250.590.4342
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80 DAYS
CONTEST
W RLD IN
80 DAYS
CONTEST
February 8th 2016
JAPANESE
CHINESE
Celebrate Chinese New Year at Lucky Village The Year of the Monkey FREE Delivery Greater Victoria, Langford & Colwood
10 am - 10pm
OPEN ALL HOLIDAYS
Licensed Premises Homemade Food New Management Gluten Free Options
FRIENDLY SERVICE
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letter FROM THE EDITOR ember—until one by one myself For as many evenings as I can rem s, got part-time jobs and then ager and two older brothers became teen ay nights at the Polish Frid ily. fam a our drivers—we ate dinner as ents at the German-Russian grandpar grandparents and many Sundays with ng peti Com eat! to d e. We all love with a packed house of 20 or mor I, brother who was also bigger than r nge you a and hers brot r two olde ed leng chal with most anything they proved challenging. I could keep up n dow e cam ly real it at pt for eating. Wh me to, or at least I would try; exce for left ugh eno was e ther e first so to was making sure I got to the tabl night, and it worked! Thus began y ever ost alm plan a sed devi I me. So ED offering to make or help my my love for the culinary arts. I LOV eI made it first to the table! From ther mother make dinner. It ensured I er emb rem I 12. e grad in ce and Gree got the opportunity to travel to Italy the with love in fell I and e Rom in the five-course meals we enjoyed ld n. My wish was that one day I wou city, culture, and the Trevi Fountai take ld wou ical mag life and something return there with the love of my ing to the coast, a place of culinary mov r afte ly, tual place. Then even my career, and a stint of eating my treasures, studying at UVIC, starting an boyfriend Mike right here in way around the world, I met my Itali I get the pleasure of introducing this Victoria. Now several years later, the azine’s 3rd Annual “Dine Around special culinary issue and the mag lar tacu World in 80 Days” Contest. The spec to restaurants participating would love ily fam my as just , see you dine with them . ther toge ers dinn ily fam our and I coveted est cont ’s year this for l loca are es The priz and all you have to do is dine in one your participating restaurant and leave er. For serv r you with t ballo filled out draw t, ballo draw the and es, priz ils, full deta see page 2. Elissa Bergman, Editor
our team EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Elissa Bergman elissa.vaf@gmail.com 250.419.2579 PUBLISHER ASSISTANT & ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Deena Kinarthy deena.vaf@gmail.com 250.885.5058 LAYOUT & DESIGN
Tania Castillo-Pelayo Kim Old Myrna Proulx MARKETING
Louise Hodgson-Jones louise.@gmail.com 26 250.812.2518 Deena Kinarthy deena.vaf@gmail.com 250.885.5058 PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachel Knoop, Razzle B Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Louise Hodgson-Jones Jenny Hainsworth Saira Waters Victoria Holmes Deena Kinarthy Megan Thompson
how to contact us For advertising opportunities in the next issue of VANCOUVER ISLAND ALMOST FREE magazine please contact Elissa, Louise or Deena with the contact information above
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 | ISSUE 24
© 2016
Vancouver Island Almost Free Magazine
www.almostfreemagazine.com
Winner of the 2014 Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Crystal Award for Business Excellence for a NEW Product or Service.
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@VictoriaAlmostFree
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PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
ISSUE THE FEBRUARY/MARCH
EXPLO RE
the island
Each community section invites you to come explore
features 2
DINE AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS CONTEST Win a Local Getaways and Culinary Treats
4
FAVOURITE EATS Dine Around the World Restaurants
12
FLAVOURS Recipes from Around the World
16
HEALTH & WELLNESS Taking Control of Your Thoughts and Behaviours
20
FITNESS TIPS Are You in the Trend for 2016
32
COMMUNITY CULTURE A Letter from Taipei
34
MONEY CENTS Small Change: Big Results in 2016
36
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Battle of the Painbrushes & Events Calendar
the wonders of Vancouver Island with tips, write ups, and coupons!
communities ISLAND SPECIAL OFFERS
start here
GREATER VICTORIA
COWICHAN
SEE PAGES 38-44
SEE PAGES 46-47
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11
F L AVOURS
RECIPES FROM
around the world
Cozy Yam Curry
1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1
Large/2 Small Yams Medium Onion Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil tsp sea salt tsp mustard seeds Tbsp Honey Ginger White Balsamic Cloves of garlic jalapeno (optional) 1� knob of fresh ginger tsp turmeric, ground tsp garam masala, ground tsp cumin, ground tsp coriander, ground tsp cardamon, ground tsp cinnamon, ground tsp cloves, ground
1
Can whole tomatoes
Peal yams and cut into 1 inch cubes. Set aside. Peal and slice onion. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and add in the mustard seeds. When the seeds start to make popping sound,
add in the onion and yams and saute 3-5 minutes until onions are soft. Sprinkle salt and pour in balsamic, and continue to stir. Peal cloves of garlic, seed jalapeĂąo if using, and peal the ginger, roughly chop and add to a mortar and pestle and mash together with some salt until well combined. Add this mix into the onion, yam mixture with a few Tbsp of water and add in all the spices. Mix well to evenly distribute. Pour the tomato juice from the can of whole tomatoes into the pan and continue to stir. Gently dump the tomatoes from the can into your hand, over the pan and squish them gently breaking them apart with your hand, before they land in the pan. Continue to sautee until the tomato juice has evaporated and the sauce is to a desired thickness and the yams are cooked through. Serve hot over rise and enjoy!
Cumin Scented Lemongrass Mint Rice 2 tsp EVOO or Persian Lime Infused Olive Oil 1 tsp Lemongrass Mint White Balsamic Vinegar cup white onion, finely diced 1 cup basmati rice 1 tsp black cumin seeds cup cilantro, chopped 1 cups water
In a medium saucepan, heat Olive Oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and onion, sauteing for 3 minutes, or until onion has softened and cumin has toasted and smells fragrant. Add rice, balsamic and water to pot and stir together. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 20 minutes, until rice is cooked and fluffy. Fluff with a fork, stir in cilantro and serve. Serves 4-6.
Find the Infused Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar products used in the recipes at Olive the Senses
12
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FLAVO URS
Wine Pairing for the Yam Curry and Infused Rice by sommelier Megan Thompson PFAFF Pinot Gris 2014 Handpicked from the vineyard in Alsace and handpicked for this dish. Pfaff’s beautifully balanced and full-bodied Pinot Gris lures you in with seductive notes of sweet honey and marmalade, smoke and spice giving it depth, and peach preserve for a lasting finish. Its sprightly acidity and slight residual sugar will dance across your tongue and settle on your palate making it a great pairing for this lightly spiced curry squash dish. Its complexity is far beyond its shelf price. In the aim to preserve the wine’s natural and traditional characteristics, Pfaff embraces modern day wine making techniques. With a “hands off” mentality, the wines produced are not hand-crafted but products of terroir, climate, and the winemaker’s adjustments, not changes. The wine should be a representation of its surroundings whilst under the careful
Lifetime Friendships
Mom's Stovetop Pork Ribs from Lifetime Networks Society 10
supervision of the winemaker and not to be altered beyond recognition of the grape’s natural characteristics. “Our objective is that of bequeathing to our children a healthy planet!” Pfaff is also committed to preserve the environment by monitoring the vines as to withhold the use of unnecessary sprays and plant protection products. With the ever growing threat of predators of insects and other parasites, it is nearly impossible to eliminate all chemical preventative measures, especially in certain wine regions of the world, but Pfaff is dedicated to using them in moderation. *Condiment made from dried and/or fresh herb(s), mixed with sesame seeds, dried sumac, and often salt, as well as other spices. Used in Arab cuisines, both the herb and spice mixture are popular throughout the Middle East.tabbouleh
10 1 1 2 1 2 2
pork spareribs cup soy sauce garlic cloves (crushed) tablespoon dried rosemary tablespoon dried oregano bay leaves lime, juiced sprigs fresh parsley ground black pepper to taste limes cut into wedges
Place spareribs into a large pot and fill with just enough water to cover. Add the rosemary, oregano, bay leaves, lime juice, and 3/4 of the parsley. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered over medium heat until the water has completely evaporated (about 25 min.) When all the water is gone, remove the bay leaves, and allow meat to brown, turning occasionally. Use a spatula to scrape up browned bits and softened garlic from the bottom of the pot, and toss them with black pepper and garnish with lime wedges and remaining parsley. See next page for Wine Pairing
Lifetime Friendships Lifetime Friendships Lifetime Supports Lifetime Supports Lifetime Networks. Lifetime Networks. lifetimenetworks.org lifetimenetworks.org
How do youLifetime plan your annual donations? Supports
Lifetime Networks. Congratulations Country Grocer Congratulations Country Grocer for winning this year's for winning this year's Congratulations Country Grocer National Philanthropy Award $5.00 a month can make a difference? for Only winning this year's National Philanthropy Award On this page is a recipe from Lifetime Networks National Philanthropy Award for Corporate Responsibility! for Corporate forResponsibility! IndependentResponsibility! Living and Social Cooking for Cooking Corporate
Make a one-time donation by calling 250-477-4112 or lifetimenetworks.org sign up for a monthly giving call by emailing Carlene Thompson, Director of Finance at carlene@lnv.ca.
Program. Enjoy!
We create opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. We provide friendshipand support services so that all people can live rich and rewarding lives in our community – safely and with friends that care.
lifetimenetworks.org or call 250.477.4112 WeInfo create at opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. We provide friendship and support Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine | AlmostFreeMagazine.com services so that all people can live rich
13
AVOURS FFLLAVOURS
Wine Pairing for Ribs by sommelier Megan Thompson
FALERNIA Pinot Noir Reserva 2012 Setting itself away from the crowd, Falernia began its journey into wine production in a barren desert in the Elqui Valley and became Chile’s most northerly wine estate. Now it is not only its geographical distance that separates itself from the rest of Chilean winemakers. The Falernia vineyards were born out of rubble from the Andes Mountains and continue to grow in the same terroir with deposits of alluvial sand and silt from the river. The grapes reach their greatest potential when the vine is under stress, so the gravelly, stony soils are perfect to prevent unnecessary vine growth and direct the nutrients to the grapes. Falernia is not only committed to producing great wines but focuses on social responsibility. 95% of their employees come from the Elqui Valley and have earned a Social Responsibility certification that credits Falernia’s safe working conditions, fair treatment of employees and respect for the environment. Local sustainability is at the forefront of priorities. The 2012 Falernia Reserva Pinot Noir brings in old world similarities yet captures the richness of the new world style. The succulent pork needs an intense yet delicate red that compliments the salty soy and enhances the earthiness of the herbs. This wonderful Pinot Noir is medium bodied and jam packed with flavours of red cherries, spice and truffled mushrooms. Its acidity will cut through the juicy fat of the meat and the finish will keep you coming back for more. Never again will you see pork the same way as when it is prepared on “Mom’s stovetop” and paired with this beautiful Pinot.
BRING WELLNESS & ELEGANCE INTO YOUR EVERYDAY! Togethe Together, ogether, ogethe rr,, we fed over 30,000 child children in 2014 for one day across 45 countries
Eat. Feed. Love. EatFeedLove.com is our way of saying thank you. With every bottle or sample pack you purchase, Olive the Senses commits to feeding a hungry child. We contribute working to end child hunger. Plus, Olive the Senses donates olive oils and vinegars to local charities, supporting know that you are helping to make a better world. Your loyal support means we can share our passion for authentic Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oil with you, and share our passion for social change with our community and the world. We hope to grow to be able to support and feed more children, overseas, and in our local community this year. We are so blessed here in Canada, the least we can do, is help everyone have a greater knowledge of agriculture, sustainability and work together to end world hunger.
Together, no child needs to be hungry. SEE PAGE 51 FOR COUPON SEE PAGE 38 FOR COUPON
IN THE HUDSON, 1701 DOUGLAS ST, VICTORIA
250.882.4210
VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE
www.olivethesenses.com 14
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Delicious. No Work. Great Value.
CATERING THE SOUTH & CENTRAL ISLAND
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a Personal Chef ? And how affordable it could be? From a Client: Cli I’ve got a secret for you… I have not cooked a meal for my family all week… and I haven’t gone grocery shopping either… Does this make me a bad mother and wife? No. Why?
scrumptious beef ribs and yams; succulent beef stroganoff; chicken souvlaki and all of the lovely Greek fixings, and much more. Not only am I a happier person, but my husband is excited when he arrives home since he is guaranteed a homemade, gourmet supper. Overall, we are a very pleasant family now that Plump Plate Catering provides our meals.
I’ve discovered an amazing personal chef business called You need to call Plump Plate Plump Plate Catering (based Catering to book your personal in Victoria, BC) and staff do chef services, and I promise you shopping for me and mates cook played on the We enjoy what wegrocery do! Some of our band won’t regret it. delectable, healthy meals.
professional scene in the past and now we simply jam for the fun Tiffany You might think this type of it and play for our fans and future fans.of More than this, Auvinen, we love service would be expensive, but I DoctorsWivesLiving.com and honour the events we play! From Journey Rihanna and am paying the same amount now towww.facebook.com/ everything you'll love our music! that between, I was spending on groceries. DoctorsWivesLiving Now I save over 10 hours per week because I do NOT have to shop for food and cook it. For the past week, I have enjoyed scallop risotto with vegetables;
Contact Plump Plate Catering plumpplate@gmail.com 250.419.2579
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H E ALTH &
wellness
TAKING CONTROL of your thoughts
and behaviours BY VICTORIA HOLMES, Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach
Thoughts are like habits and become the filter through which we see ourselves. Those thoughts then influence our behavior and how we interact with other people. Our brain develops an actual groove as we strongly develop the habit of thinking in a particular way continuously. Some examples of this are people who believe they can’t lose weight, who then sabotage their diet, or people who believe they will never have enough money, and then spend everything they have. We all know someone who has distrust for people in general, and consequently is not able to cultivate meaningful relationships, romantic or otherwise. Improving the thoughts that we think about ourselves will lead to improved behaviours and subsequently improved results. We don’t have to wait to start that process! We can be willing to love and accept all parts of ourselves immediately, jumpstarting change to those repetitive thoughts that are controlling our behavior and our results. When we let go of the need for approval from others, we stop comparing ourselves to other people. We must learn to stop judging, frightening, and criticizing ourselves. To do this we need to learn the difference between our behaviour and who we are truly. We are not our ‘faults’ and when we focus on what we do well we will form the habit of engaging in more and more confident behaviours. This is who we are, pure, positive energy.
16
Let go of what you should be, should have, should want, and should look like. ‘Should’ implies guilt and blame. It always makes you wrong and is a passive way of criticising yourself. Take full responsibility for your thoughts and your subsequent actions by taking full responsibility for your life as it is now. How many of our thoughts - now and in the past - are even true? If you are like most people, probably very few of them are true. Think about how many of your thoughts live in the past. How much time do you spend fretting about the future? Researchers say that 98% of what we worry about never actually happens. If you can replace those worries with self-assured thoughts, you will create new experiences that reflect your new thoughts and beliefs about yourself. How many times has something happened that we perceive as negative, and then later go on to say it was one of the best things that have ever happened to us? Replace your negative thoughts about yourself with positive affirmations. Using the previous examples some new thoughts would be; I lose weight easily and enjoy being healthy, I easily maintain a positive cash flow each month, and all of my relationships are harmonious If you tend to have a lot of worrisome thoughts regarding the future use the self esteem tool of visualization. For a few minutes each day, imagine, see, and connect with the feeling of everything always working out in the best way possible. Visualization can neutralise the
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Our self esteem is a combination of the beliefs we have about ourselves - positive and negative. The more positive beliefs we have, the higher our self esteem. Researchers claim that we have 60,000 to 90,000 thoughts a day. Over 90% are the same as the day before. Beliefs about ourselves come from all parts of our life, starting in childhood.
past and create a future that is desirable to you. Remember that we are all the same, and we all have basically the same thoughts, wants, needs, ‘shoulds’ and worries. This is true with samplings of people from all over the world. While improving your thoughts, do your part to build other people up as well. Give sincere compliments and help redirect negative thoughts and behaviours by your example. In ‘A Return to Love’, Marianne Williamson states in her now famous passage, ‘And as we let our own light shine, unconsciously we give other people permission to do the same.’
Ways to Reduce Stress and Take Control of your Thoughts: Floatation Therapy. Floatation therapy, or more simply floating, is the most incredible means of stress relief and relaxation available today. Each float tank contains 1000 L of water with over 1200 pounds of dissolved Epsom salts. This solution allows you to float effortlessly on the water’s surface. Once settled in the tank, with the water and air heated to skin temperature (94.0oF), it is virtually impossible to distinguish between parts of the body that are in contact with the water, and those that are not. This in effect gives you the sensation of floating in midair. And finally, the elimination of all light and sound creates the ultimate sensory-free environment – the universe has been reduced to you.
H E A LTH &
Trust Nature to Help You Reduce Stress. Nature is here for all of us to enjoy. For some of us, it is out our back door, while others need to make an organized effort to enjoy the benefits of nature. Doctors have been prescribing fresh air and salt water baths since the 18th century. Whether you enjoy a hike at a nearby lake, or a trip to the ocean, natural beauty will delight all of your senses. The relaxing sounds of waves lapping against the shore will help put you into a meditative state which promotes well being. Take the time to really connect with your surroundings, and promise yourself you will do it again soon. Fight, Flight or Breathe! One of the body’s first reactions to stress is quick, shallow breath. This robs the body of the oxygen it needs to function efficiently or be in a state of relaxation. Many people live most of their lives in this state, and even worse, wear ‘being stressed’ as a badge of honour. To reduce the effects of stress on your body, remember to breathe deeply throughout the day. Let your neck, shoulders, and back relax. To prompt yourself to breathe deeply, post reminders at your desk, on the refrigerator, on your bathroom mirror and in your car to practice at red-lights. When making this a daily habit you improve the functionality of every system in your body. Spend Time with People who are Good for Your Health! Have you noticed that there are certain people in your life who drain you? You leave their company feeling stressed, tired and cranky – and for no particular reason. These people have a negative impact on your health. Instead, you can lovingly release them, and surround yourself with people who are interested in personal growth. Attract people to you who prioritize health, relaxation and giving back to the community. Explore your creativity and your values. Having supportive people around you will reinforce your commitment to reducing stress and help you find more joy in life. Heartaches are Healed by the Sea. Music is a great stress buster, motivator, and relaxation tool. There is a country song written by Garth Brooks that sassily claims that ‘Science has proven that heartaches are healed by the sea.’ Take some time to relax into the natural ebb and flow of your life. Create an ambiance for stress-reduction by listening to relaxation music with the sounds of water – or even better, go to the water. Let your awareness go to a place of forgiveness and release thoughts, words and events that have hurt you, causing you to feel stress in your life. Sometimes this simple act will come easily, other times it will require repetitive daily practice. Use visualization to have the water wash all of the hurt away. Nothing is more important than your health, and your ability to relax. Practice Kindness and Express Gratitude. Being kind and gentle with yourself will help you to be kind and gentle with others. When you are kind to others your brain produces serotonin which results in positive feelings. Express gratitude to everyone and everything. Get in touch with what you believe is your essence, and practice genuine gratitude for the support given to you from that which you observe. Be grateful for the ground underneath you, the trees that are devoted to giving out the air you breathe in, and the healing powers of water. Extend kindness and gratitude to your fellow spiritual beings, and you will enjoy less stress, and better physical health. Victoria Holmes Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach
wellness
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Saving Time & Money on Your Home At Victoria Homes, our mission is to provide homeowners with the resources and financing to save time and money through our home services and supply partners. Founded by Realtor速 Alex Burns and Associates in 2014, Victoria Homes, for FREE, connects local businesses with homeowners. By developing longterm trust-based relationships with local businesses and home-buyers, we provide great deals, financing on home renovation and supplies, and direct service referrals on home services. Living in the industry of homes everyday, our professional group of businesses serving homeowners understand the pressure and complexity that can face a homeowner or buyer. We want to make these
experiences transparent, seamless, and based in a positive referral and reputation system. All of our partners make customer service a priority in their business mission. Homeowners receive exclusive offers from our partners, which will save you time and money. Home renovations are expensive but with our easy financing options, and cash back loyalty system, it just got easier. All of our trusted partners offer premium services at a discount through our program. We also offer you financing at 5.9%. Access a listing of our partners and exclusive offers, FOR FREE, at www.victoriahomes.com. Just click on 'Our Partners' in the top navigation bar for over 20 amazing deals waiting for you.
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F IT NESS
tips
ARE YOU IN THE TREND
for 2016
BY LOUISE HODGSON-JONES
Have you heard of Fitbit or Strava? HIIT or Fusion classes? Well, according to experts in Canada and south of the border we are in for some fabulous, fitness fun this year as we endeavour to experiment with different activities and tackle new technology.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (CanfitPro) have both released their top 10 fitness trends for 2016, and, although not dissimilar, they do differ. Let’s look at the comparison.
ACSM
5. Faith-based Fitness Program. Exercise will become mainstream as churches, mosques and other faith-based communities come together and share health and fitness values.
1. Wearable Technology. Fitness trackers and smart watches will be huge, according to ACSM. Fitbit, Garmin and the Apple watch will see a growth, particularly the Apple watch, which can do everything except start your car!
6. Functional Fitness. More specific classes and programs will emerge for different demographics. Youth camps and senior cardio classes will be part of the functional movement.
2. Fitness Apps. There will be a growing need for apps, not just for counting calories but nutrition and coaching and training plans. Strava is one of the latest apps that logs your run or bike ride and by sharing it with others, you can track each other. 3. Personal Trainers Practicing Health and Wellness Coaching. Personal trainers will become a one-stop-shop for individuals who want the complete package – trainer and wellness coaching. 4. Workplace Health and Wellness. A healthy employee is a happy one. Company gyms, perks such as gym member-
20
ship, ergonomic aids such as stand up chairs, company-sponsored events – all will grow this year.
7. Public – Private Fitness Partnerships. Equipment companies and clubs will see how they can work directly with the public, whether it is working with schools or in the community. 8. Combined Group Fitness Classes. The trend will be to combine your favourite fitness classes giving you an aerobic and cardio workout in one. Boxing and Pilates (Piloxing) is already becoming popular. 9. Group Personal Training. As an increased way of doing business, personal trainers will offer group training for groups of two – five.
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10. Educational Fitness Workshops. In our hunt for knowledge about why we do a certain exercise, there will be chances to learn the techniques and concepts behind the workouts.
CanfitPro 1. Functional Fitness. Number six on ACSM’s list is number one here, although the definition differs. Here it “involves exercising using multiple muscle groups versus one specific muscle group at a time.” Functional fitness programs include practical, balance-challenging movements that simulate activities like carrying groceries, unloading the car, getting up from a chair. 2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). HIIT workouts involve intense periods of exercise followed by durations of rest, often alternating cardio and weight bearing exercise. HIIT has grown exponentially over the last two-three years and is offered at most fitness clubs. 3. Life/Wellness Coaching to Complement Fitness Training. Number three here concurs with the ACSM trend. Coaches provide expertise and support to help clients improve their health and
F I T NESS
tips
lead a more balanced lifestyle. Trainer, nutritionist and coach all in one. 4. Nutrition and Healthy Eating Programs. Nutrition doesn’t appear anywhere in the ACSM trend. But those in health and fitness are becoming more aware of nutrition and how it relates to energy levels. 5. Express Workouts. Once called circuit training – a fast, efficient 30 minute workout for those on a tight schedule. 6. Older Adult Training. ACSM touch on this in their Functional Fitness trend - designing specialized programs for the older/senior population. 7. Fusion-style Group Fitness. Number nine on the ACSM list, these classes combine different disciplines with the goal of developing strength, balance, agility and coordination from one exercise class. 8. Personal Training. A stand-alone trend here whereas ACSM grouped it with life coaching. Trainers create customized fitness plans and offer advice for healthy eating, among other services. 9. Working with Certified and Experienced Fitness Professionals. With so many fitness professionals out there, we want to research and find the best qualified professional. 10. Body Weight Training. Using your own body weight to create resistance is a growing workout trend. TRX is an example of a very popular workout with movements such as lunges and push-ups. ACSM and CanfitPro agree on four of the trends, although some definitions differ, with our American counterparts favouring the growing technology. But all of the predictions are interesting, and we are all bound to find some we can identify with and say ‘yes I will do that this year.’ So why not pick five of these trends and see if you can change up your training this year. Then you can call yourself a trend setter. Louise Hodgson-Jones is a media relations specialist, working with events such as the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, TC10K, and Vancouver Island Race Series. She also coordinates communications for PISE and the Pacific Cycling Centre, and writes for IMPACT Magazine and Canadian Running. www.corsafit.com @LouiseHodgsonJo Photo Credit: Fitbit
Maimuna Jaffer-Thomas on the Holistic Approach Maimuna Jaffer-Thomas (Maia or MJ for short), started her own personal journey towards health and wellness 20 years ago, when she was diagnosed with a debilitating auto-immune disease. Under the guidance of a Dr. of Chinese medicine, and several energy modalities she practised she was able to cure her ailments, thus eliminating prescription drugs! She studied the holistic art of Reiki healing, and now is a Reiki Master. Her success in self-healing led her to open her own holistic practice where Maia works with a variety of different therapies including Reiki, Lumalight Color Therapy, EFT tapping, crystal chakra balancing, meridian reflexology and more. All her methods are centred on energy healing, clearing emotions, releasing pain and shifting thoughts. She regularly teaches workshops, a popular one is Neural Network Reprogramming, which accesses the subconscious to shift limiting beliefs and to help achieve goals in all areas of our life, such as good health, relationships, and working in a career that lights you up. Learn how to create new habits to enhance your life. Her next workshop offered for Neural Network Reprogramming will take place on Saturday 20th February, just in time for a post- Valentine’s Day special. If you and a friend, colleague, or partner sign up together, Maia will give both of you a special couple’s discount. As she can attest to, working with a partner can help keep one another focused and accountable! Mention this Article when booking your space. For her regular practice, a free consultation is available where Maia will assess your individual needs and find the right therapeutic mode to achieve maximum results. She can build a coaching pkg. specifically designed for you to assist in clearing emotional blocks that are not allowing you to live the life of your Dreams! Check out Maia’s Inspirational Thoughts or purchase product such as amazing bath salts rosemary and wild orange blend enough for 4 baths at $7:50 Or for $12 you can purchase her magical blend which includes the powerful scents of frankincense, Myrrh, cinnamon, & nutmeg plus. Watch for Crystal Pendants and other products to be added soon. Stay up to date on Upcoming Workshops & Events on her website. Maia, (MJ) Thomas. Shift Empowerment Coach, Reiki Master Healer, Shamanic Healer, Luma Light Practitioner, Access Bars Practitioner, Meridian Reflexology. Call MJ at 1-778-678-7860 or Email: mj@heartandsoulenergy.com http://www.heartandsoulenergy.com/
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VANCOUVER ISLAND’S AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE
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Air Polishing for Spring Cleaning!
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Meet the Team: RECEPTION: Warren, Kim, Chandra and their little rescue dog Roscoe will welcome you at the door and answer any service related questions you may have—they take most dental insurance plans and don’t forget to ask about the Senior’s Discount. HYGIENISTS: Cheri Wu, owner, dental hygienist and educator, takes great pride in her innovative clinic and awards for dental hygiene excellence. Denise, RDH, BDSc, Heather, RDH, BDSc, Nicole, RDH, and Rachelle RDH, BDSc will make you feel comfortable while providing outstanding individualized care.
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Monthly Specials In Store!
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flavours of vancouver island At Spinnakers Spirit Merchants James Bay enjoy the selection of over 300 craft beer choices! Open daily 9 am - 11 pm! Starting this February, beer and wine events at the James Bay Location: Every Tuesday and Thursday 3-6 Spinnakers Beers Saturday Feb 6 Feature Winery Blue Grouse 3-6 Sunday Feb 7 Lighten Up With Lagers 12-3 Saturday Feb 13 For the Love of Rose 3-6 Sunday Feb 14 Apple Love: Local Ciders 3-6 Saturday Feb 20 Basic Red Varietals 3-6 Sunday Feb 21 Get Your Buzz On Coffee Beers 3-6 Saturday Feb 27 More Than New Zealand Sauv Blancs 3-6 Sunday Feb 28 The Stouts and Porters Dreams Are Made Of 3-6 More event info and dates in the Art & Entertainment section! Call us at 250.590.3515
Driftwood Brewery Quality, consistency and flavour are the key elements that make Driftwood Brewery one of the most popular microbreweries in Victoria. New Growth Pale Ale, Farmhand Saison, Crooked Coast Altbier, and of course the ultra-favourite Fat Tug IPA are just four brews that beer aficionados flock to taste at their Hillside Avenue location, and at select pubs. In just seven years Driftwood has extended its fan base beyond Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland, BC interior, the Yukon and Alberta. Not bad for the three partners who started off their beer journey as home brewers.
Red Arrow Brewery The Best Things in Life Are Meant to Be Shared! Featuring year-around hits like Sweet Leaf IPA, Kustom Kolsch, Midnite Umber Ale, Heritage River Hefeweizen, and PiggyPale Ale; as well as adventurous limited releases - Invasion of the Blackberry Lager, Hop Shop Imperial IPA, Chocolate Cherry Porter, Idle Hands Oaked Orange Ale, and their Threesome Hemp-Hibiscus-Honey brew. Available in the tasting room and retail store open: Tuesday-Thursday 11am - 6pm Friday 11am - 8pm Monday, Saturday & Sunday 11am - 5pm 5255 Chaster Rd., Duncan BC / 250.597.0037
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Westshore's 1st craft brewery located at the site of the historic Loghouse Pub. Opened October 30, 2015 and soon to become Axe & Barrel Barbecue Brewhouse. Stop by their tasting room and rent a keg for your next party. 2323 Millstream Rd., Langford BC / info@axeandbarrel.com 778.433.6746 / 250.474.1989
flavours of vancouver island
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flavours of vancouver island
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
flavours of vancouver island
“I have never felt as confident and beautiful in my own skin since using these products. If I can share this feeling with as many people as possible I will feel excited.” ~ Kimiko Foster Local Environmental Sciences Grad creates NonToxic, Edible Skin Care Line Based on her research at The University of Victoria regarding the toxic ingredients many of us unknowingly ingest through our food, cosmetics, and household cleaners local Kimiko Foster founded a natural skincare product line. Miiko Skin Co was launched this past November with a focus on using local artisan ingredients, such as oil from Olive the Senses, and apple cider vinegar from Merridale Ciderworks, to encapsulate the idea that our skin is a digestive organ that should be treated with premium foodgrade ingredients. It was during her degree in Environmental Studies and Anthropology that Kimiko saw a real need for non-toxic awareness and education in the community. “When I found out my apple a day carried 40+ pesticide residues linked to cancer and endocrine disruption, I felt violated to my very core (no pun intended),” explains Kimiko. “I also knew that environmental issues were mental baggage for the general public, and a topic like toxins was overwhelming to say the least. I felt that it was my responsibility to educate the public
on the toxins in our everyday lives in the gentlest and most approachable way possible so to negate any kind of fight or flight response.” Through her own experiences of eliminating toxins through do-it-yourself cleaners, homemade products, and 50-60% local organic food, Kimiko felt excited and empowered to share her new feelings and understanding of health with anyone who was interested. With this approach, she first started “Seeds of Change” workshops, a business focused on teaching interested individuals how to make their own products through experiential learning. Since the launch Kimiko has held over 16 workshops in the community with attendance of 12-35 people in each. The most common denominator during the beginning of these workshops, she explains, was a request for a product line. “I realized that not everyone had the time or interest in making their own products but that wasn’t to say they didn’t desire the simplicity and safety of homemade non-toxic products. I chose skincare because I wanted to connect with as many people as possible as many times as possible in a day. It is the organ we interact with the most after our digestive system.” Having her own troubles with skin issues from the age of 8-14 she only started
to find some relief when she changed her diet and skincare approach. “I had terrible acne,” Kimiko compassionately shares. “I saw doctors and dermatologists only to see some relief in my early 20s through a significant change in diet. Still I suffered from acne and breakouts until 2 years ago when I learned about the acid mantle (the acidic mucosal membrane that is created by our skin glands with a PH of 4.5-5.5). When I started approaching my skincare for maximized health of the acid mantle everything changed.” With a philosophy that education is her product, and the products are her service, the “Seeds of Change” workshops continue to be the driving force behind the company. Kimiko wants to continue to grow this community by holding Miiko Connect Events this year. These events are meant to be an easier mode to sharing the education she developed from the workshops. They are more affordable ($15 suggested donation) and there is no DIY component. You simply attend a Miiko Connect Event and learn about the products, try the products, and eat and drink the product ingredients. There is still a shared experience but the messy parts of DIY have been removed. To register for a Miiko Connect Event or Purchase Product, go to miikoskinco.com.
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Spotlight on
WHIPPLETREE JUNCTION 4705 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan
A DECISION Karel and Max Bossi of Next to Nature Trading Co—home of Beaver House Fudge—offer a good sense of humour to their clients and in business. When major highway construction in 2000 threatened to dump all over sales at the Trading Co, they decided to start making fudge to get out to the people. An internationally-known product, Beaver House Fudge maintains ethical business practices in its production. The chocolate used boasts the finest quality from a small, family-owned Swiss company called Felchlin. The spices are fair trade and organic, and although they still do use artificial flavours and colours, all the ingredients must be high quality.
in Fudge
Now drooling over fudge, you probably wonder: Exactly what building at Whippletree Junction to find said fudge, and the Trading Co? Next to Nature Trading Co—the small cabin directly to the left of the big cabin, Pioneer House— carries items made by BC artisans and the FUDGE. You can also order their fudge from www.beaverhousefudge.com or have some sent to your friends.
socks for cold feet, locally made pottery and a line of gift cards that just make you laugh. In the 24 years the Bossi’s have been in business, retail has changed phenomenally. When they started in 1992, Walmart was not yet established the way it is today. China as a cheap supplier just started. And so, to be an artisan here in BC was easier as the general public was still willing to pay for Canadian wages. With this in mind, the Trading Co continues to practise ethical decision making in their local buying and they retail items that appeal to local residents.
Having a personal interest in health and wellness, the Bossi’s look for gifts with fun and function, including mohair
The next time you drive past, be sure to stop in to say hello and sample some of your favourite fudge.
The fudge is only made on demand to ensure the highest standards in freshness. Customers will tell you it’s the best they ever had.
Other incredible businesses to visit at Whippletree Junction Come in for our wide selection of
HOMEMADE FUDGE! at Whippletree Junction. Puzzles. Mohair Socks. Sheepskin Slippers. Fair Trade Sweaters. Cards. Pottery. Salt Lamps and more.
Beaver House Fudge www.beaverhousefudge.com 250 748 6647
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
We are moving February 15th! We're moving to on another location at To the North End of Whippletree the Junction for February 15. Just up Junction (next door beside to Kaleidoscope Quilts) the street Kaleidoscope.
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CO MMUNITY
culture
A Letter From Taipei BY JENNY HAINSWORTH
1. Smoke and Art I'm in Taipei for one month. I brought a sketchbook. I might as well have brought a grapefruit spoon to drink the ocean. I have established my beat, at least, to combat bewilderment. Most mornings I zigzag the narrow back lanes connected to my friend's house in its tiny alley in Datong. An ancient district near the river, the cradle of Taipei itself. I connect with Yan Ping at the astonishing intersection with Minquan, at Daqiaotou station. What seem like five hundred scooters bearing masked riders strain as one smoking mass for their turn to roar forward. Today I turn right at the Cosmed, slip down an alley and emerge at the corner of Dadaocheng park. I sit on a curb out of the rain to draw the twisting banyans. R贸ng s霉. Instead I eat a bun. Struggle to focus. I had plans to spend most of each day making art, but it is proving impossible. I console myself with the idea that I am here to absorb and I see more than to produce. What will I tell myself at home? That I should have made more of my time in Taipei? Probably. After dark I come back to the cafe in Yuan Shan to write this letter. My mind is overstimulated, I suppose. I can't sleep at night until I pass out, and in the morning I'm almost afraid to get up. We live in the city of dreams We drive on this highway of fire. Should we awake to find it gone... Taipei is fanciful. It has a fountain for a soul with a thousand birds in a thousand colours. There is more inspiration for art and delight than I could use in a hundred lifetimes. An electric sign on a side street says "I believe in you." Why? Who put this here? I know -- any unfamiliar place can seem veiled in loveliness to a foreign traveler doped on free time and a release from responsibility.
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016
Signs of hard life are here too, if you don't sugar-coat it. Young children bent over homework at ten, eleven o'clock at night. They sit at tables in the dark streets, the shadows of their pencils moving in the glow of their parents' food carts. I see this every night, in street upon street. I see a young man in a suit through the window of a brightly lit eyewear shop. He rubs his face wearily while his seated clients leaf through a brochure. It is 11:45 pm. In Eslite bookstore, open twenty-four hours, I pore over a book about Paul Klee. "Be better." I admonish myself, looking at his charming paintings. How? I don't know if I can really try harder. I feel frustrated, always, by my limitations. Philosophy can only take you so far before it dissolves in acid emotion. I buy a book of works by Sanyu. His flowers in vases -appearing so calm, so balanced, in fact brimming with energy -- have a lot to teach me. I see things I am not used to seeing. Walking late one night in Datong, -- lost, in fact -- I see a box of pigs' faces sitting at a curbside in front of a closed restaurant. The backs of their faces. Row upon row, with still-peaked ears, as if still listening.
2. Henry One afternoon, I meet up with Henry, a young Taiwanese man I know only from Facebook. Together we climb the ziggurat-like steps of the Chiang Kai-Shek memorial. I hadn't expected it to be so huge. "His great grandson still lives here in Taipei," Henry says.
CO M M U NI T Y
"Imagine being able to visit your grandfather here..." I murmur, looking up at the colossal seated figure who smiles out across the gardens and pools, on the twin opera houses, splendid with colour, on all Taiwan.
table manners." He turns the phone around so I can read Lani's response. A single word: "Whatever." "Serves you right," I say. "I never said any such thing." Henry laughs again.
cinnamon Sweets, Savoury eats... caribbean Style
culture
couldn't find a Maori woman who can act. We talk about Canada and New Zealand, we high-five over not being American, and Lani returns to her studies. Henry walks me to the MRT station and I return to Daquiatou.
2656 Quadra Str 778 265-0911 •
Bu
Monday to Thursday: Friday & Saturday: 11 Sunda I take an unfamiliar turn and find
Henry and I find a place in a crowded, lantern-crammed lane to eat dinner. He We walk through Long Shan Temple appears slightly puzzled while ordering. myself in a street like a blackened canyon. and the nearby night market, then head He explains afterward: "In fact this cuisine One red lantern glows from one food cart, over to meet up with Lani outside a Mos is very distinct -- not just Taiwanese, but still open. Steam rises. Under a tarp, five Two of Victoria’s best-kept secrets: Caribbean Village’s M Burger, where she has been doing her local to Yilan. That area is famous for friends sit and chat, an oasis of friendship cinnamon buns and owner James Bowen’s famous special Mandarin homework. She can't speak growing rice. That's why everything is All Day Lunch Bo in the winter night. spicy chicken. In the Chinese yet.heart of Quadra Village, this cafe cooked with rice wine, as you see." BBQ Chicken leg
Lunch & Dinner
serves up more than just delectable buns and spicy poulet. Beef kebab, tzat I pass by shyly, I hope unseen. Open Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm to meet All Day Lunch Bo She is wrapped in a long sweater, her As we eat -- tofu, seaweed salad, coralEmbarrassed by the infatuation that demand, youbun. willShe find a cornucopia BBQ Chicken leg (2) qu hair in a loose is smoking bad-ass ofwould show on my face, Taipei coloured prawns with glitteringcustomer black has my tzatziki sa Caribbean-fused scrumptious and home-cooked style and staring into thetreats traffic when we eyes -- I look at Henry's handsome face heart, and will not give it back. smells enter All Day Lunch Bo walk up. the tropically themed eatery. and wonder what sort of person his wifeas you BBQ Chicken Breast wi is. I only know that the couple met in New • 20 Entrée Menu Items • Homemade Ginger Beer Jenny Hainsworth is a BC-born painter sauce Zealand. • Rice Dishes and Curries Oxtail Bread We chat a bit, soon• joined by Soup other and Coco and writer. Find her on the webKabsah at Rice Box • Punches and Smoothies Espresso friends. I decide in my•mind that in aCoffees www.rabbitinthedirt.wordpress.com/ or One lamb shank with 14 types ofmovie, Pastries and Cakes Lani would be played by Kate He glances at his phone and•suddenly like her page 'Jenny Hainsworth Fine Art' shank in k Winslet. The producers claim they laughs. "I told my wife you said •I have good Samosas, Patties andwould Savoury Fritters on Facebook. Kabsah Rice Box An innovator and creator, owner James takes pride in Beef botti bon the uniqueness of each menu item. And like his food, Kabsah Rice Box James finds the distinctness of his customers. He Chicken with remembers their names and circumstances, and truly BBQ C for people’s well-being. things Covered, combine to CaribbeanChicken Party Picnics &cares Gatherings… We’veThese got you Styleleg quarter m garlic & spices). Serve keep people coming back. Butte Drop by soon and try the three new samosas: Boneless chicken, Jerk Chicken, Cajun Chicken, and Grilled Chicken. Serv DINE WITH US to Proudly participating in the Be claim your chance to
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MO NEY
cents
SMALL CHANGE
Big Results in 2016 BY JEN PATERSON & SAIRA WATERS Co-Founders of Dollar Divas
When January hits, we all feel hope for the new year being better than the past one. We have faith that this is going to be the year that we make better choices whether it be for our waistline or our bank account.
But it is human nature to fall back into habits very quickly because they are behaviours we are comfortable with whether they are healthy or not. The key to seeing big change in your life is to look at the little things. Here are a few little tweaks you can make to your financial habits that will make a big impact in 2016.
Invest in a decent coffee maker and travel mug If you spend $5 a day on a cup of coffee (or more if you are a repeat offender), it adds up to over $1800 over the course of a year. By investing a couple hundred dollars in a nice coffee maker for your home and a travel mug that will keep your coffee piping hot all day, you will save big bucks in the long run.
Supplement your meat If you are a vegetarian, you can skip right over this tip. If you are not, then it might be worth your while to take a page from the vegetarian playbook. Meat is expensive, especially if you are shelling out big bucks for high-quality, free-range, hormone-free meat. Using high-protein legumes and lentils can be
34
a good way to make meat stretch further and you can buy them at a fraction of the cost.
Cut out cable There are so many great options for entertainment that are dirt cheap compared to traditional cable now. Netflix, Hulu, Crave TV, and Shomi are all very inexpensive options for bingewatching your favourite shows. Want to stay current on the latest episodes of your favourites? CTV, CityTV, Global, and Discovery all have fantastic streaming online for free! Are you still hanging on to make sure you can catch the big game? TSN also offers streaming services so you won’t miss a single play.
Stay in I love getting together with friends and having a night out, but those bills can add up quickly if you’re doing that every week. A way I like to keep things cheap without being a hermit is having my friends over for game night. It might sound lame at first glance, but these nights inevitably lead to laughing to the point of tears. Make this even more affordable by doing a good old-fashioned potluck.
Clothing swaps Go to your closet right now. I bet that there are a bunch of things in there that you haven’t worn in the past 12 months. There may even be things that still have the tags on them. I’m right, aren’t I? Gather all those previously loved items and ask your girlfriends to do the same. It really doesn’t matter if your friends are different sizes. I’ve been to clothing swaps where I have been bigger or smaller than the other participants and, every time, I have left with a bag of clothes bigger than I brought. Your wardrobe gets refreshed and it won’t cost you a cent. With 2015 in the rearview mirror and 2016 stretching out in front of us, it’s almost impossible not to feel hopeful. Take a few minutes to tweak a few small things now and enjoy the big rewards Stay tuned for the next Money Sense column for info on retirement savings vehicles and how to estimate how much to save. Jen Paterson, Financial Expert & Saira Waters, REALTOR® with Royal LePage, teamed up to create Dollar Divas, the Meetup group for women who want to be financially independent! Find us on Meetup & Facebook.
M O NEY
cents
Bo r e l la A New York Style Pasta Kitchen has arrived in the Westshore!
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ARTS &
enter tainment
BATTLE OF THE PAINTBRUSHES As I enter the setting of the art battle that happened the night before, freshfaced for my next-day interview with event producer Angela Hillier, The Victoria Event Centre is no longer full of buzzing spectators. The room is now empty, the bright lights are dim, the tables and chairs all neatly arranged, and the floors clear of painting debris. It’s a drastic change from the night before, where I was a spectator among 220 other people who all gathered to watch different artists both aspiring and seasoned paint in an epic live battle. The concept: Live competitive painting with three rounds, each round lasting 20 minutes. Six different artists gather per round. The final winner moves on with 15 other winners from other art battles throughout the year, and competes at the Victoria City finals. There are cash prizes and a title. Across Canada city finalists move onto the National Competition. At each step the audience votes on their favorites. At the start of each round, each painter is given a blank canvas, several daubs of color and some brushes. Seconds count down, the audience is gabbing loudly, and I’m poised at the ready, until the enthusiastic MC announces ‘it’s go time!’ And then the madness begins. Audience members crowd around and revolve around the circle of painters while they furiously or meticulously drop paint onto a blank surface. Some of the artists are nervous at first, but then they zone in, and
36
tune everything else out. Packed together like sardines, the audience is ‘oohing and awing’ and commenting to their friends, while they hold a cold glass of cider, beer or wine in their hands. Another crew member takes professional photographs as the event unfolds- he is right up front, then moves onto a ledge, then stands on the bar for a better angle, clicking away. Leah Patterson is in round one. Blonde strands of hair loosely swept behind her head. Her first painting is of an old automobile parked on an empty street in the middle of tall skyscraper buildings. Her choice of perspective (the street narrowing at the top) is clever as it tricks the eye into seeing distances, far off. Across from her is Michael Munday, a recent graduate of the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. He shows off his training in a flash as he piles on the thick paint strokes with his fingers, ending up with a dreamy landscape of aqua blue and turquoise and green mountains and a lake against a sky. Veteran artist Malcolm McCallum paints a taupe brown nude figure of a woman with white lines. Starting out with a completely blank canvas, his first move is to cover the canvas with gold paint. Then add the layers. It is an interesting change, to observe these artists’ process, to see their creations come to life from start to finish. As Angela points out, for the audience, it’s a different experience than buying a painting from a gallery and potentially never meeting the artist it came from. All the paintings are for sale through a silent auction onstage after each round.
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People can bid, starting at a minimum suggested amount of $50, an affordable offering. Although some painters draw in higher bids. Tied with Leah Patterson for the final winner spot Thursday night, Hovey Eyres’, painting in round two sold for $250, and the highest Angela has seen someone bid on a painting is $800 at an event in Vancouver. However, the average bid is usually around $70-$80 dollars. “What I really like about art battle – I’m an abstract painter myself-- I think it’s really unfortunate how people view painting on a pedestal. There’s an automatic respect for paintings, which can be good but also you never touch a painting. You don’t take photos of them. It’s this precious object…art battle makes the process accessible.” Then there is the wild card in round two. The wild card is a randomly picked audience member who gets to join the artists and paint something. Angela loves the idea of the wild card, because it makes live painting really accessible and interactive for the audience. As she explains, you don’t have to be an artist at all to simply have fun painting on the fly whatever inspires you. “A lot of people really love it, because it’s unplanned, it’s unpredictable. It could be anyone. We always like to have that spot open. It’s always interesting to see what they do…I’ve had people who have been the wild card before, come back and officially paint.” At the interview desk, I notice that Angela and I are wearing matching black and white polka dot dresses. (I must be
A R TS &
enter tainment
channeling my inner artist!) She tells me how Art Battle Canada first began seven years ago by two artists, Chris and Simon, who had the vision in Toronto, and since then it has grown to dozens of cities across Canada. In Victoria, art battles take place on the second Thursday of each month. The next two art battles take place on February 11, and March 10 at the VEC. For more details visit artbattle. ca or visit them on Facebook.
EVENTS CALENDAR 1) Theatre Inconnu Theatre Inconnu presents: The New York smash hit BAD JEWS by Joshua Harmon. Feb 16 – Mar 5 “The best comedy of the season.” (2013) New York Times Info: http://www.theatreinconnu.com 2) Kaleidoscope Theatre presents Robinson & Crusoe Two unlucky soldiers from opposing sides find themselves stranded on a roof of a house adrift on the sea. Together they must overcome their heightened suspicions if they are to make it out of this ordeal alive. Can they work together to survive? Metro Studio February 26- March 6. Tickets available at McPherson box office. http://kaleidoscope.bc.ca/ EXTREME COARSE LANGUAGE
3) Langham Court Theatre- Female Transport Six women convicted of petty crimes endure a six-month voyage from 19th Century England to a penal colony in what we now know as Australia. March 2, 2016 to March 19. 2016 - Tickets $15 to $21 Langhamtheatre.ca – 250-384-2142 4) Flavour of Chocolate Culinary Competition April 23rd at The Westin, Bear Mountain. Vote for your favorite chef! Six chefs compete and serve up delicious savory plates incorporating an element of chocolate, paired with a complimentary beverage. Entertainment, silent auction and more. www.flavourofchocolate.com Soroptimist Westshore. Contact Deb Alcadinho or Joan Jackson for more information.flvrofchocolate@gmail.com 5) FILMS & FUN EVENTS: THE VIC THEATRE DOWNTOWN Indulge in fresh popcorn, hot movies (daily!), wine and local beer at Victoria’s only independent (and licensed!) cinema, or rent The Vic for your own event! Embrace the unexpected at The Vic Theatre at 808 Douglas Street. www.thevic.ca Deena Kinarthy, Arts & Entertainment and Media Expert deena.vaf@gmail.com
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shop GORDON
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Call
EXPIRES December 20, 2015
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shop LANGFOR D shop LANG FO R D
No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face.
Stra S thmtra orethm Rdore Rd
Sca fe RSc d afe Rd
No spring spring nor norsummer summerbeauty beautyhath hathsuch suchgrace, grace, No as IIhave haveseen seenin inone oneautumnal autumnalface. face. as
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stre am Ave Gol dstr eam Ave
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“There is no love sincerer than Perc y Pl the love of food.” ~ George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman No spring nor summerGobeauty hath such grace, Perc ld yP l
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• web design logo design is We is a a global, global, cultural cultural movement. movement. • We aim aim to to help help people people achieve insurmountable goals in health, well-being, achieve insurmountable goals in health, well-being, print design • Karunamata Karunamata -- meaning meaning “Compassion “Compassion Mother” Mother” --
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a Ave Canad
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3
Trunk Rd 2
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ay Rd han W Cowic
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