Spring 2017 Annual Culinary Issue

free MAGAZINE SPRING 2017

VANCOUVER ISLAND

PRESENTING ENRICHING, AFFORDABLE EXPERIENCES

Annual Culinary Issue

Affordable Wine Pairings WITH SOMMELIER MEGAN THOMPSON

ON THE COVER:

Malahat Chalet & Bakery Olive the Senses

Your Local Source of Premium + Infused Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar

PAGE 8

FAVOURITE

eats PAGE 2

PAGE 12

Putting yourself in charge of your life ! with Life Coach, Inspirational Speaker & Writer, Victoria Johnson PAGE 16

PAGE 2

almostfreemagazine.com

4 th A N NUAL

Dine Around

W RLD IN

80 DAYS

CONTEST

Contest on until May 8, 2017. Draw made May 10 (the snow week cut into our 80 days so we extended the time)

Right HERE on Vancouver Island - Victoria, Cowichan, and Nanaimo -

44 WINNERS in Total We ADORE cuisine from all around the world and the options for international restaurants are almost endless here on Vancouver Island. Check our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for local Vancouver Island participating restaurant videos and photos!!! Get ready to eat and WIN amazing prizes!!! It's that easy...

Prizes: Grand Prize: A 2-Night Stay at the stunning Moon Water Lodge plus dinner for 2 and a gourmet culinary basket!!!!

2nd Prize: $500 of Local Restaurant Gift Certificates 3rd Prize: Cooking Class for 2 at Olive the Senses 4th Prize: Culinary Gift Basket 5th - 44th Prizes: Forty Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants

How to Enter: For your first entry, it's as easy as liking, sharing + commenting on one of the participating restaurant videos or photo albums on our Facebook (please like our page too)! For any additional entries, simply visit one or more of the participating restaurants highlighted on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or see list below. You may enter as many times as you like by visiting different participating restaurants.

Then... Take a picture of the food/experience with a brief description. Share it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and use #AlmostFreeMagazine and #dinearoundtheworld and tag the restaurant and Almost Free Magazine (you will likely need an '@' before the titles).

SHARE, RE-POST, and TAG friends!

Participating Restaurants Spoons Diner

Longwood Brew Pub

The French Oven Bakery The Malahat Chalet Prairie Inn Pub

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Caribbean Village Cafe

Dagwoods Cafe

Red Barn Market

Turmeric Indian Cuisine

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SPRING 2017

Kuku's Fine East Indian Cuisine

Palagio Pizza

The Next Modern Japanese Cuisine

La Belle Patate

Messob Ethiopian Restaurant

Restaurante La Tortilla Mexicana

Willows Galley Fish & Chips

Dutch Bakery

Township Coffee Co.

The Loft

At this LOFT Rock n’ Roll is here to stay!

A lifelike Janice Joplin hangs out.

A mural of the Beatles’ famous walk into history with “Abbey Road” Cover Photo beautifies one staircase. The ambiance is a celebration of Rock n’ Roll’s finest paired with comfort pub food and a friendly atmosphere brings the best of nostalgia together back when curfew was also midnight and live concerts were all the rage.

At this LOFT Rock n’ Roll is here to stay and live music plays four times a week!

We’ll get you home by midnight, and hopefully you don’t have to come back in through the bathroom window!

Love Rock n’ Roll? then this Loft is for you!

our weekly line up: Monday: Music Bingo 7:30 Wednesday: Karaoke 7:30 Thursday: open jam 7:30 pm Friday: live band 7:30 pm Saturday: live band 7:00 pm Sunday: open jam 3:00 pm COMEDY NIGHT 8:00 PM 229 Gorge Rd E, Victoria BC

(250) 383-8212

OUR WEEKLY FOOD SPECIALS! MONDAY $4 OFF PIZZAS TUESDAY CHEFS SPECIAL WEDNESDAY 1/2 PRICE WINGS THURSDAY $4 OFF BURGERS FRIDAY 7 oz. ny STEAK $12.95

Follow us on facebook!

www.loftpubvictoria.com

Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine | AlmostFreeMagazine.com for all of your catering needs visit www.cateringvictoria.com

3

FAVOURITE FAVOURITE eats eats breakfast / brunch

FAVOURITE eats FAVOURITE eats

New twist on old classics • Holiday Party Location

Can Accommodate Large Groups with Special Menus

531 Yates St. Victoria BC • hawkandhen.com lunch $10 and under 778.265.4295 lunch $10 and under

Deal: FREE Kid's Deal: FREE Kid's $5 off when youAdult Dessert with Dessert with Adult spend $20 anywhere Meal Purchase. in the Diner, Bakery or Meal Purchase.

Expires Sept 30/16 Chocolate Counter Expires Sept 30/16

FREE Specialty Coffee with every meal

Expires June 30, 2017

Limit 1 per person .

dagwoods cafe 718 FORT ST. VICTORIA BC

718 FORT ST. ST. VICTORIA VICTORIABC BC 718 FORT

4

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SPRING 2017

250.385.1012 250.385.1012 250.385.1012

Buy 1 of any 10 10 Buy 1 of any

662 GOLDSTREAM AVE. LANGFORD BC

Expires June 30, 2017.

250.590.4342

FAVOURITEeats eats FAVOURITE comfort food

delivery and take out

4-5 CAN DINE FOR $45

4 or 5 CAN DINE for $45* Includes 1 large butter chicken, 1 large vegetarian korma, 1 large steamed rice, 4 plain naan bread, 1 large chana masala, & 1 lb vegetable mixed pakora

ORDER your Favourite Willows Galley Meal ONLINE! We NOW have an APP for that!

Check out willowsgalley.com

*Exp. June 30, 2017

2559 Estevan Ave. Victoria BC

24 BURNSIDE RD WEST, VICTORIA BC

250.598.2711

778.430.5858

Burgers, Authentic Quebecois Cuisine, Squeaky Cheese Poutine, Montreal Smoked Meat & more!

1215 ESQUIMALT RD. VICTORIA BC

250.220.8427

Several items under $10. Gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Eat Healthy, Eat Fresh!

COOK ST. VILLAGE, 1109 MCKENZIE ST.

Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

250.382.1501

| AlmostFreeMagazine.com

5

FAVOURITE eats pubs / special occasion

A Saanichton Landmark since 1859!

Catering to wayfarers and travelers alike wishing for a drink and a good meal.

Waterfront Dining serving modern-comfort inspired West Coast Cuisine

Daily Drink + Food Specials | Happy Hour | Pool Table + Games | Sports on TV

1765 COWICHAN BAY RD. COWICHAN BAY

250.597.4353

Mon.-Fri. 10-12am I 7806 E Saanich Rd, Saanichton I (250) 652-1575

cafes / bakeries

Buy 1 Meal and the 2nd one is 50% OFF

Warming lattes, comforting macchas, & scrumptious home baked goods.

Listed by Victoria Buzz in their 'top 12 locations to visit' for a freshly made sandwich.

(Exp. June 30, 2017)

TownshipCoffeeCo

4343 TYNDALL RD. VICTORIA BC

778.265.3253

In the heart of Gordon Head/Mt. Doug

6

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SPRING 2017

2646 QUADRA ST. VICTORIA BC

250.381.3363

Plump Plate catering

"Food is LOVE" at

+ Personal Chef Services FAVOURITE FAVOURITEeats eats FAVOURITE eats What we love most is supporting our clients in their nutritional needs with our weekly meal service plans, or creating the perfect menu for your special occasion.

Watching your cholesterol or sugar intake? Eliminating fast burning carbohydrates? Or want to simply improve your overall health? Our knowledgeable staff will work with you to create a weekly meal plan where we come into your home and pack your fridge and freezer with healthy and beautiful meals for your busy week.

Are you celebrating someone or something special?

We can help re-create that memorable dinner. We will ask you about the special person you are celebrating and build the menu around all of their favourite foods.

Nutrition and beautiful food is our love and passion.

Call or email us today to learn how we can support your healthy lifestyle & next special occasion.

plumpplate.com | plumpplate@gmail.com | 250-419-2579 Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine | AlmostFreeMagazine.com

7

Affordable

Wine Pairings

by Sommelier Megan Thompson

F u e d o M a cc a ri me lt an d the flowe rs As the snow be gin s to o sp rin g ou r pa lates int “g et a blo om in” let ’s rn ste ea d’avo la fro m act ion wi th thi s ne ro ely ed o Ma cca ri, thi s lov Fu by d Sic ily. Pro du ce e rpl pu rk fru its an d red is pa cke d wi th da g nte e sat isfa cti on du rin ara gu flowe rs tha t wi ll in res cta he 0 g. Th e 17 thi s sea so n of aw ake nin es, vin his nts Ma cca ri pla the Va l di No to, wh ere m fro ed uir d tha t he acq is a co mp ila tio n of lan rs an d now ma ke s up ne ow t en over fift y dif fer of vin ey ard s an d oth er thi s ag ric ult ura l qu ilt os ed of vo lca nic roc k cro p. Th e so il is co mp s tha t he lp, no t on ly the wh ich is ric h in mi ne ral the ora ng es, lem on s, gra pe s grow, bu t als o the lan d as we ll. Th is an d oli ve s growi ng on ue t $2 0 ha s a flo ral bo uq sup erb red for un de r ur yo er ov d sm oo ths of vio let s an d plu ms an ckb err ies , plu m bla of urs vo pa late wi th fla th all so rts . It fin ish es wi pre ser ve an d lic ori ce g tan ht slig an d wi th a an ap pro ach ab le gri p lit. It is me diu m to ful fru red d of da ms on an can It . ed we ll rou nd bo die d an d ex tre me ly me at or even he art y ed cu rbe sta nd up to ba rfe ct sp rin g sip pe r to stews bu t is als o a pe y an d cas ua l aff air. It ma acc om pa ny ap pe tizers o. tw or g an Ea ste r eg even pa ir nic ely wi th le the mo st ap pro ach ab of e on is Ne ro d’avo la be to ge ran d ha s the red gra pe var iet als an dis he s. It wi ll ge t yo u of d ria my pa ire d wi th a ng da ys ah ea d wh ile he lpi excited for the sun ny n. rai of ys da few the se las t pa ss the tim e du rin g Pri ce : $1 8.4 9.

8

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SPRING 2017

A lb a r in o Sto p an d sm ell the Al ba rin os ! Al ba rin o is a wh ite grap e va rie tal fro m Ria s Ba ixa s on the no rth At lan tic co as t of Sp ain . It is ide al for sp rin g even ts an d tru ly is a brea th of fre sh air. It ca n be ma de in tw o dis tin ct sty les ; as a lig hte r ap eri tif wi th bu rst ing ac idi ty an d a zin gy cit rus pr ofi le, or in a ro un d, ful ler sty le wi th me llow fru it flavo urs an d a cre amy ric hn ess tha t ca n take on he art ier ma in co urs es . Eit he r wa y it is a pe rfe ct ch arm er for all se afo od dis he s an d ap pe tizers ali ke. Ev en try it wi th an av oc ad o sa lad or co us co us at yo ur next ga the rin g or po tlu ck ! It is a ho st’s sa vin g grac e as it ca n go wi th jus t ab ou t every thi ng . In thi s Al ba rin o’s ca se we ca n savo ur the be st of bo th sty les . Th e lin ge rin g aro ma of wh ite flowe rs en co mp ass the esse nc e of sp rin g wh ich is the n fol low ed by we igh ty pe ac h, lim e ze st an d mi ne ral ity on the pa late tha t ins pires us to take an ot he r sip . Th is ba rg ain , Sp an ish wh ite is $1 6. 49 an d ha s the Ma ste rs of Wine tal kin g ab ou t it an d ma yb e even go od en ou gh to ma ke the Ap ril sh owers sto p to en joy it.

ly. ly. ly.

Local Family Businesses supporting Local Families!

Max Furniture has been a locally owned and operated furniture store in Victoria since 2008. We specialize in Good Quality and Canadian Made Furniture for any room in your home or office. We have a great sales and design team to help with any furniture needs you may have. Having many of our pieces manufactured in Canada adds to the fact that we like to support local buying and we support a quality standard in the furniture we sell. Our business philosophy has been to give great service to our customers to ensure they are looked after and to work hard to ensure we meet their needs. We also strive to give back to the community as much as possible. We have partnered with Lifetime Networks as one of our “charity of choice” for many years as we feel they are making a huge impact within the community and changing lives for the better. Our sister company Maximum Express and Cambria College have and will be supporting Lifetime Networks in the future.

The Wilson’s Group is a locally owned and operated business with over 35 years of experience in the ground transportation and tourism industry. Since it was founded in 1963 by Kello and Mary Wilson, Wilson’s has grown to be the largest charter bus company on Vancouver Island with services reaching BC, Alberta and the Pacific Northwest. The Wilson’s Group has also grown to incorporate scheduled services which include the YYJ Airport Shuttle and the BC Ferries Connector crosswater connection between Victoria and Vancouver, and sightseeing products including Victoria's authentic vintage double decker Gray Line Hop-On Hop-Off experience and the new Harbour Sightseeing Tour. We pride ourselves in the strong network of partners that we have built over the years, a reputation for excellent service, and a commitment to our community. Each year The Wilson’s Group gives back to numerous charities, local non-profit organizations, art’s programs and sports teams. For all your connections to and from Vancouver Island, as well as any transportation needs while in Victoria, The Wilson’s Group can find a solution to best serve you.

Country Grocer received the 2015 National Philanthropy Day Corporate Citizenship Award for its significant support of organizations including Lifetime Networks, the Prostate Centre, the MS Society, Our Place Society, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Tour de Rock and Help Fill a Dream Found. Country Grocer is celebrating 33 successful years on Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island. We are proud to say we are 100% Island owned and operated with 7 locations. We feel it’s important to keep business here on the island. We can invest more in our community and we are the ‘local guys’ and one of just a handful of island owned grocery chains left on the island. We hear all the time that our customers feel comfortable shopping at our stores. Our team is friendly and helpful; we offer competitive pricing, great customer service, convenient locations and a wide variety of locally sourced products. We often see some loyal customers a couple of times during the day. They are not only our customers; they are our friends.

Please join us for Lifetime Networks

14th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction You’ll feel like family.

May 13th, 2017 The Union Club

You’ll feel like family.

Reception: 6:00pm ~ Dinner: 7:00pm Tickets: $80/person Appetizers, Dinner, Wine, Entertainment, & Auction

For tickets call Carlene at 250 477 4112 local 201 or email Carlene@Lnv.ca.

Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine | AlmostFreeMagazine.com www.lifetimenetworks.org

9

letter FROM THE EDITOR AND THE PUBLISHER

a few new things happening at the With great joy I get to announce congratulations to Louise Hodgson warm a in me join se plea , magazine! One magazine since the with been has who t mnis Jones —our fitness colu ost Free position as Editor-in-Chief of Alm day 1—for her newly appointed position this to t talen astic fant Louise brings Magazine Online + Print as well. ications and event mun com and er, writ ss fitne r, edito as a former magazine s. events such as the Island Race Serie coordinator for many local sports ble nota with s work and ons icati Commun Additionally, Louise owns Corsa Sport Excellence (PISE). I for tute Insti fic Paci the like local organizations online Louise in creating and growing the will continue to work closely with as es biliti onsi resp and roles my core and print media, I look forward to e to present ering the mission of the magazin President and Publisher in furth ip. Over the past ersh read g ndin expa our to es enriching, affordable experienc mer, we anniversary coming up this sum several months as we saw our fifth are with we who y entif re-id to with our staff underwent a rebranding exercise 2012: where we came from since of local ts dedicated to telling the stories We are a passionate group of artis ia. med t prin and , ging sm, video, blog businesses through photojournali munity support and inclusion.

Our Vision: To be a leader in com riences most enriching and affordable expe the you with e shar To ion: Our Miss in your city and region. g, Affordable Experiences NEW Tagline: Presenting Enrichin of its I hope you enjoy this issue in all take rebrand and reformatted fun and ’s Dine in the last few weeks of this year est – Around the World in 80 Days Cont Issue! see page 2 of this Annual Culinary media l socia our on eye your keep Also ence of to enjoy an increased online pres ws, commercials, video restaurant revie and photojournalism as we present dable you with the most enriching affor d experiences here on Vancouver Islan r! and beyond. Get ready Vancouve

It is with great pleasure tha t I take on the role of Editor-in-Chief at Vancouver Island Almost Free.

Since 2012 I have been a reg ular columnist – sharing my passion of fitness and hopefully inspiring others to get out there and enjoy their sport and leisure activity of choice.

As I expand my role with the magazine, I look forward to working with our current contributors and wri ters on enhancing the editorial coverage. Our new tag line – Presenting Enriching, Affordable Exp eriences – gives us the opportunity to explore new topics which are in abundance here on Vancou ver Island.

Our plan is to expand som e of the editorial sections this year providing our readers with more interesting and pertinent information on what to see, do and eat! But we also want to hear from you.

What would you like to see in the magazine in 2017?

Are there any topics that you would like covered?

Drop us an email or commen t on Facebook and let us know what you would like to see.

L ouise

Louise Hodgson-Jones Editor-in-Chief

Love & Peace!

Elissa Bergman, Editor

10

our team

advertise with us

PUBLISHER: Elissa Bergman elissa.vaf@gmail.com 250.419.2579 EDITOR: Louise Hodgson-Jones louise.vaf@gmail.com 250.812.2518 LAYOUT & DESIGN: Tania Castillo-Pelayo Scribe Graphics PRINT PHOTOGRAPHER: Rachel Knoop, Razzle B Photography ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER: D. Bruce Gammie CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Louise Hodgson-Jones Jenny Hainsworth Jen Paterson Saira Waters Victoria Johnson Megan Thompson Jessica Natale Wollard

For advertising opportunities, online or in print please contact Elissa or Louise see contact information on the left.

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SPRING 2017

© 2017 www.almostfreemagazine.com

ISSUE THE SPRING

features

EXPLO RE

the island

Each community section invites you to explore the wonders of Vancouver Island with tips, write ups, & coupons!

2

FAVOURITE EATS

8

AFFORDABLE WINE PAIRINGS with Sommelier Megan Thompson

12

COZY COMFORT RECIPES

16

HEALTH & WELLNESS Putting Yourself in Charge of Your Life

18

ESQUIMALT: What's happening?

20

FITNESS TIPS What's Trending in Fitness

22

COMMUNITY CULTURE Bagmouse and Blossom Light

24

MONEY CENTS Staying on Track Using a Meal Plan

26

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Play it again, Victoria

Vancouver Island Almost Free Magazine Winner of the 2014 Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Crystal Award for

SPRING 2017 | ISSUE 28

www.almostfreemagazine.com

Business Excellence for a NEW Product or Service.

@AlmostFreeMagazine

@VicAlmostFree

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

| AlmostFreeMagazine.com

11

F LAVO URS

COZ Y CO M FO R T

recipes Green Goddess Pasta

2 large zucchinis, spiralized (about 1lb) ½ cup basil leaves, lightly packed ½ cup arugula, lightly packed ½ cup spinach, lightly packed 1 garlic clove, chopped ¼ cup walnuts ½ avocado, mashed 1 tsp Metropolitan Veggie Rub 1/3 cup Basil Olive Oil 2 tbsp lemon juice ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated ½ tsp cracked Black Pepper Fleur de Sel to taste

Vermicelli Caramel Chicken Bowl

8oz rice vermicelli noodles 2 tsp Japanese Sesame Oil 1 tbsp Garlic Olive Oil 2 large kale leaves or red lettuce, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly julienned 1 carrot, peeled and shredded fresh cilantro, torn fresh mint, torn fresh Thai basil leaves, torn 2 cups Caramel Chicken, chopped into 1” pieces 3 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped ¼ cup Nuoc Cham

Step 1 - In a food processor, add basil, arugula, spinach, garlic, walnuts, avocado and Veggie Rub then blend until it reaches a near smooth consistency. Add in lemon juice, EVOO, and ¼ cup of water, if too thick and blend to combine. Stir in cheese and taste for seasoning, adding ¼ tsp of Fleur de Sel at a time, as desired.

Step 1 - Add rice vermicelli noodles to a bowl and cover with simmering but not boiling water, stirring gently to prevent noodles from sticking together. Drain noodles after 4-5 minutes and return them to bowl. Toss noodles in sesame oil and set aside.

Step 2 - Toss zucchini noodles in pesto and serve with extra EVOO and Parmesan cheese.

Step 2 - Toss kale with garlic olive oil. Rub the oil into kale, softening it. Divide into 2 wide, shallow bowls - if using other greens, gently toss with Garlic Olive Oil rather than rubbing in.

Step 3 - Divide rice noodles between the 2 bowls, and nestle caramel chicken to the remaining third of each bowl - can be served alongside salad warm or cold.

Divide carrots and cucumbers between the two bowls next to the sliced kale. Sprinkle bowls with chopped peanuts, freshly torn leaves of the fresh herbs and small bowl of Nuoc Cham for drizzling.

12

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SPRING 2017

Chia Coconut Chocolate Pudding

2 cups coconut milk ⅓ cup chia seeds 2 tbsp cocoa powder ¼ cup Askinosie Hazelnut Spread, warmed 2 tbsp Blood Orange Olive Oil 1 tbsp Clover Blossom Honey ¼ cup raspberries ½ cup blueberries 1oz shaved dark Chocolate Step 1 - In a mason jar or bowl, stir together chia seeds and coconut milk.

Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight until mixture thickens.

Step 2 - Pour chia mixture in a blender and add in all ingredients, except for raspberries and chocolate shavings.

Blend until completely smooth and taste for sweetness - add in more honey as desired.

Step 3 - Spoon chia pudding into small bowls or glasses, then top with raspberries and chocolate shavings.

Find the Infused Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar products used in the recipes at Olive the Senses

FLAVOURS

shop FABU LO U S

FO R T ST & DOW NTOWN AR EA

Celebrating a Unique Culinary Culture at Olive the Senses: Five Years (and Many Generations) in the Making!

It’s been five years since Olive the Senses burst on to the culinary scene in Victoria with their unique brand of infused oils and vinegars. From small beginnings in Bastion Square Market, owners Emily & Steve Lycopolus now share their love of oils in the magnificent Hudson Building, on two floors, which showcases over 75 different varieties.

We are not talking about just oil and vinegars here – but incredible infusions and a unique recipe that have been handed down from generation to generation. “Our family recipe comes from a little place in the Marche region of Italy, where it’s been nurtured for generations,” Emily explains. “For us, our extra virgin olive oil is not just a product, it’s a recipe that we want to hand from our family to yours.” Spanish Manzanillo Extra Virgin Olive Oils fused oils with fresh citrus, chili peppers or Herb de Provence, Expresso Dark Balsamic Vinegar, Grapefruit White Balsamic Vinegar, Sangiovese Vinegar…who would have thought all these exquisite flavours could come out of a bottle?

Working with only the finest farmers and producers in Italy and around the world, each oil and vinegar is hand-bottled on-site to ensure optimal freshness. The olive oils are sourced by the hemisphere in season to ensure they keep within the expiry. Yes, similar to fruit juices, olive oil has an expiry and is best used within a year of harvest. And if you want advice on food pairings, there are over 400 recipes online and a rotating 50 take-home recipe cards, available in store. The health benefits found, in high-quality olive oil and vinegar. are incredible!

As a family-owned business Emily & Steve are very community focused. They offer advice on dinner planning and through their online shop – This Table – they work with local artisans and producers to offer other delights including bitters from Coquitlam, Penna Olives and Pickles from California, Babes Honey from Victoria and many rubs and spices.

shop FA B ULOUS

Victoria Homes

FORT ST & D OWNTOW N A R EA IN V I CTORI A

1

Dutch Bakery

$20.00 anywhere in the Diner, Bakery or Chocolate Counter.

Expires Jan. 31/17

#

and Diner

$5 OFF when you spend

2

BRING WELLNESS & ELEGANCE INTO YOUR EVERYDAY!

Specializing in European Pastries, Cakes, Cookies & Chocolates – Full service diner offering full breakfast and lunch menus.

Dutch Bakery and Diner 718 Fort Street, Victoria BC 250-385-1012 Open Monday - Saturday 7:30AM-5:30PM

10% OFF

ANY PURCHASE

OFFER VALID WITH COUPON OFFER VALID ONLY WITH COUPON. EXPIRES JAN JUNE31, 30,2017 2017 EXPIRES

250.882.4210 www.olivethesenses.com

IN THE HUDSON, 1701 DOUGLAS ST VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE

Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

| AlmostFreeMagazine.com

13

Air Polishing for THAT Affordable Bright Smile – A quick way to remove stains from red wine, coffee, and berries for that naturally bright smile –

Air Polishing - brighten your teeth for that special occasion or just because...

Do you have an upcoming wedding, reunion, graduation, or getaway?

Air polishing is the #1 recommended treatment for braces.

Do you have embarrassing stains? The most effective and efficient way to remove surface stains and plaque.

Ways Your Oral Health is Directly Linked to your Overall Health: • improves self esteem • Dental hygiene decreases inflammation and infection in the body which decreases stress on the body (linked to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other diseases) • oral cancer screening • blood pressure monitoring The knowledgeable and friendly dental hygienists at Focus on Dental Hygiene are compassionate of your dental health needs. Their warm and inviting environment offers the latest in ultrasonic scaling and air polishing technology.

Your comfort is their focus.

– Your independent dental hygiene choice – Services for You with a Hygiene Appointment: • •

• • • • • •

Cheri Wu, RDH, BDSc, Owner

Free oral hygiene assessments Free oral cancer screening with Velscope technology Needle-free anesthesia Teeth cleaning Air polishing or traditional polishing Whitening services We accept dental insurance We work independently with your dentist for comprehensive care.

Give Focus on Dental Hygiene a call or drop by to see about availability – your teeth are as unique as you are!

IN ADDITIONAL TO REGULAR HOURS, THEY OFFER EXTENDED HOURS TO MEET YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE.

141 Menzies St, Victoria (250) 590-1931 www.focusondh.com

14

James Bay Square

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | SPRING 2017

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. Cheri Wu, RDH, BDSc, Denise, RDH, BDSc, Heather D, RDH, BDSc, Nicole, RDH, Heather O, RDH, BDSc, Rachelle, RDH, BDSc, and Carrie, RDH will make you feel comfortable while providing outstanding individualized care.

Teeth cleaning can be fun and educational!

Let us help you “SMILE FOR THE

HEALTH OF IT”

The WHY of Implant Supported Dentures Simply to eliminate the 'WOBBLE' of tissue-only supported dentures. When the roots of your teeth are removed, the Alveolar bone heals and starts to shrink. This process is called resorption and is primarily why dentures get loose. Your Alveolar bone continues to deteriorate requiring rebasing or refitting of the denture periodically. Sometimes a new design becomes necessary.

Your Alveolar bone heals and shrinks in height and width and your gum tissue stretches over this receding bone structure.

Tissues can and will get pinched and squeeze under the load of chewing because your tissues have lots of nerves in them and they can 'scream in pain'. This is usually why we see you yearly to monitor the level of deterioration and see if a renewal or refit of the dental product is appropriate. Usually a denture that is five years old has 'worked' fifteen - eighteen hours a day which is a phenomenal 27,375 hours (1825 x 15 hours) of service give or take a few hundred hours smiling, chewing, complementing your life! Any wonder why they wear out?

So let's visit the reason you should be considering an implant retained product.

1 - The quality of your life will improve because the extra support from the implants will stabilize movement on your gum tissues.

2 - The loss of Alveolar or jaw bone close to the implants will be preserved.

3 - Your appearance or integrity of facial bones will be supported, preserving your full facial features.

4 - Your ability to chew and digest and choose more food groups is enhanced. Better digestion makes your aging much more 'palatable'. Most friends who go with this treatment option rave about the taste of fresh fruit, vegetables, and chosen meat flavours that have returned also the subtle bouquet of wine all seem to thrill friends who choose an implant retained dental product.

5 - Renewed confidence in your smile for every occasion is empowering and contagious. It is a very personal and satisfying investment in the health of your body and mind. I might make you feel like a bit of the 'fountain of youth' has been shared with you. Let's talk!

Jami and the team at Spinnakers James Bay Spirit Merchants invite you to pop in for a FREE Tasting and Talk EACH Saturday and Sunday between 3:30 and 6:30pm. The first Saturday + Sunday of each month is a special feature tasting.

Learn about a new wine, craft beer, craft cider or spirit. The passionate reps and knowledgeable staff team love to inspire your palate for a truly enriching and affordable experience each and every time your visit.

Please call us for a visit time to see if we can help you. 250-995-1663

James Bay Spinnakers Spirit Merchants carry over 400 craft brews! + A large selection of local spirits, wine, beer and ciders!

Curious if they carry your next must-have craft beer or cider?

FOLLOW them on Untappd.com 3-435 Simcoe Street, Victoria BC (250) 590-3515 Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

| AlmostFreeMagazine.com

15

H EA LTH &

wellness

PUTTING YOURSELF

in charge of your life

BY VICTORIA JOHNSON Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach

Over the last few years the term ‘Time Management’ has become standard lingo in both our personal and business lives. What if we take it that term to a different level and call it ‘Self Management’? In other words, learning to manage ourselves and our commitments to others in a way that allows us to be effective, but still at peace in our own lives.

I have caught myself feeling overwhelmed lately. So many different hats to wear, and a million little tasks. This then feeds into feeling unsupported, and like I am failing, or disappointing people. The first things I sacrifice are the things that are for me personally, such as healthy eating, exercise, and time with my family. I categorize these things as luxuries, but in reality they are the priorities and staples to living a healthy and balanced life. These feelings have prompted me to personal reflection, the results of which, I am sharing with you to help put you in charge of your life.

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Some of the ques to being overloaded and overwhelmed are as follows. (I chose to list them because many of us have been living this way for so long that we don’t even recognize them anymore!)

-Floundering and losing focus -Spinning your wheels without accomplishing anything -Living in a constant state of crisis -Procrastinating -Spreading yourself too thin – Diverting between projects -The inability to say no to people, projects and events -Dwelling on the past, whether it be negative or positive -Having unrealistic expectations -Demanding perfection of yourself -Thinking self-care is selfish and not a priority -Having trouble putting your needs before others and ending up resentful -Feelings of being drained and exhausted -Feeling stuck by financial constraints -Running on adrenaline (and coffee) -Feelings of isolation or disconnection.

When we are clear on our goals and direction, it becomes easier to have our time

arranged and our priorities in order. Set aside time each week to identify the priorities for that week, and the action needed to make them happen. Recognize that each day you will encounter things that will hinder your progress, so knowing your priorities and addressing them first becomes imperative.

Going back to my earlier reference of doing things for myself last, according to my own advice, that would mean doing them first.

I suspect many of you reading this would benefit from following this advice as well!

When we catch ourselves procrastinating we are often avoiding a task or situation.

We can train ourselves (by doing) to face those tasks head on. In doing so, we become disciplined with our priorities, even if they are unpleasant for us. Delegate tasks to others.

We do not have to be everything to everyone.

Asking for help is a sign of strength and confidence. Some of our time and attention will inevitably be spent on activities outside of our control. This is part of the law of numbers,

H E A LT H &

wellness

and will naturally occur. When this happens, we can practice relaxing into the situation, knowing that we will get back on track. Sometimes the distractions or detours end up being exactly what we needed at the time.

Making the decision to change our time management to self-management starts by making a personal choice. We often forget that we are the ones in control of calling the shots about how we choose to live our lives! We give up this choice and become slaves to other people’s priorities and schedules. Springtime is the perfect time to renew our energy and identify our priorities. There is no need for sudden or drastic changes. We can lovingly shift our awareness to a place of positive self-management. When we look at our lives’ from the perspective of what is draining, and what is fueling to us (both personally and professionally) we can make subtle but impactful changes that set the tone for a better managed future. We do have standards we need to maintain, especially in the workplace, but we can still have healthy boundaries. When we are pushed outside our limits, we can politely but firmly decline.

Let go of the past, and what might have been, and concentrate on what is and what can be. We are in charge of our choices, so let me encourage you to make the choice for a self-managed life that provides balance, peace, and enjoyment. You are worth it, and so am I! Victoria Johnson Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach Dedicated to helping you live a happier, healthier, more abundant life.

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- Full materials for leading your own Love Yourself, Heal Your Life® two day workshop (script, handouts, music CDs, flyer).

- How to “mix and match” the materials to lead up to 14 different workshops!

- Marketing guides and information for your courses - Training for leading short workshops: inner child, affirmations, meditation, visualization, etc.

- Handouts and digital information for the workshops - In-depth personal development work and workshop leader training - Group teleconferences and email follow-up after the course - Certificate of Training from the only Heal Your Life program that is authorized by HayHouse and approved by Louise Hay herself!

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SP EC IAL featu re

E squimal t:

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Remember a moment in your life when you turned a corner to discover an unexpected natural view?

A pleasing exhale came next as your shoulders dropped and smile curved upwards.

Tucked away on the water’s edge of Esquimalt you’ll find just that at Saxe Point Park at the end of Fraser Street.

With revitalization projects in Esquimalt underway in several areas, and a buzzing energy to build a community, family activities, and support local business and arts, add this municipality to your radar.

The vibe around town feels like the rewinding of time when things ran a little slower; you waved to the corner store owner, kids met up with other kids in the park, and you knew your neighbour well enough to call for a cup of sugar if you were out.

A significant aid in bringing community and family together can be attributed to the Esquimalt Farmers Market. Going into its 3rd season with its new location at Memorial Park, Esquimalt Farmers Market exists to provide a marketplace which serves as a community gathering point that builds relationships, encourages healthy, local living, environmental and economic sustainability. In fact, the origins of the market sparked from organizer Katrina Dwulit’s sharing the excess of raspberries with neighbours on her block. “I had lots of them,” explained Dwulit. “All the neighbours got lots of raspberries.” However, once Dwulit gave as much out as available recipients, she approached the Township to see if she could run a farm stand on her front yard to sell the remainders. In order to do so, Dwulit would have had to change a city bylaw. She figured it might just be easier to start a market.

Stroll along the storefronts in the village core and you will find a unique cross section of small “Mom + Pop” restaurants, speciality shops, thrift stores, and recreation stores like: The Sunnyside Café: We are a locally owned and operated cafe located in the heart of Esquimalt. We offer all day breakfast and lunch including vegetarian, vegan & gluten free options. We are located underneath Action Motorcycles and our patio is on the sunny side of the street! Sunnyside is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible with parking close by. We are open 7 days a week, 8am – 3pm and look forward to seeing you! Our popular items on the menu include eggs bennys, huevos rancheros, paninis, and homemade soups. We are fully licensed serving local beer, caesars, and specialty coffees!

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19

F I T NES S

tips

WHAT'S TRENDING

in fitness

By Louise Hodgson-Jones

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (CanfitPro) have released their lists of what will be hot and trending in fitness in 2017. As in prior years they aren’t dissimilar – they agree on five common trends. The American list tends to be broader and a little more ‘out there’ but it is interesting to compare the lists.

The five common trends are: Wearable Technology, HITT Training, Body Weight Training, Functional Fitness and Group Personal Training. All of these also appeared as 2016 trends.

Wearable Technology ACSM list as number one whereas CanfitPro has it as sixth, but up from #13 in 2016. MYZONE, FitBit, and Garmin are three popular wearables, used to track your activity, which can then be downloaded and analyzed. It makes you honest and can also be fun if you share it on Strava with your friends.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been on the top ten lists for a couple of years. It isn’t any wonder as these

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workouts are easy to fit into a busy lifestyle. The theory behind it is having intense periods of exercise followed by durations of rest or less intense. Tabata and circuit style workouts are examples.

quickly, and there is less chance of dropping out.

Body weight training where you use your body as resistance is growing in popularity as it can be done anywhere, so great if you do a lot of travelling. Some gyms now do have equipment that can be used for this type of training – TRX and Lebert are two.

CanfitPro also adds: Older Adult Training, Express Workouts, Nutrition and Healthy Eating Programs, Circuit Training/Bootcamps, and Personal Training.

All of these have been trending over the last two -three years, as a result of the aging population, being more aware of what we eat, and using our time wisely by getting maximum results in the shortest possible time.

Functional Fitness has also been a trend for a couple of years. Adapting exercises that can simulate everyday activities and chores like carrying groceries, gardening and cleaning, helps build strength and alleviates aches and pains. Using major muscle groups as opposed to one, also helps to balance the body.

Group Personal Training in a small setting is a balance between just having your own trainer and working out in a large group. Many feel less intimidated when working out with four to six people as opposed to 20. The long term benefits are greater as you could improve more

So those are the commonalities between the two fitness organizations.

The ACSM adds seven more trends: Walkability, Online Workout Videos, Social Media Fitness Stars, Workplace Fitness Promotion, Studios Within Gyms, Outdoor Activities, Holistic Health Coaching, and Smartphone Exercise Apps. Some of these are questionable – haven’t we been doing outdoor activities for years? Aren’t smartphone exercise apps linked to wearable technology? And then there is social media fitness stars.

Hmm … we will see where that goes this year!

F ITNES S

tips

Tips for Safe Spring Riding It’s time to dust off the bike and get out and enjoy the trails. But before you do, it’s important to ensure your bike is road-worthy and safe for you to ride, particularly if you haven’t ridden over the winter. Here are some tips from our friends at Oak Bay Bikes.

Basic Checks: ∙ Check tire pressures before heading out on a ride ∙ Check your helmet for damages and/or age. Helmets should be replaced every three years at least. If you have had a fall resulting in a sold impact, it needs replacing ∙ Check seat positioning – it may have been knocked or moved over winter ∙ Check gears to see they transition smoothly, particularly between the small cog and large cog ∙ Consider getting a spring tune-up at your local bike shop.

This will also ensure that the bike is set up for you and you have a comfortable seat. Cycling shouldn’t cause any neck or shoulder pain, if it does it may be a matter of adjusting your saddle or handlebars.

Good Gear to Have Having equipment with you doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Here are some basics. ∙ Spare tube ∙ Tire levers ∙ Pump ∙ Chain oil ∙ Bike lights for your bike to be seen, even during the day

RUN TRAINING AN INTRODUCTION

Safe riding.

Get on Track A brand new running track is now available for group training at PISE on Camosun’s Interurban Campus. The 4-lane 400-metre track is also being used for PISE’s spring programs. Marilyn Arsenault’s Mindful Strides clinic will be offered on Monday evenings from May 2, and there is also a new running program led by Almost Free fitness editor – Louise Hodgson-Jones. The 8-week program – Running Workouts: An Introduction – is for those who would like to learn the basics of a run workout as preparation for racing - abcs, strides, intervals, tempo, ladders, hills and more will be covered. The program will also incorporate the trails around Camosun/PISE. The class run on Thursdays from May 11-June 29 from 6 – 7 pm.

More info go to www.piseworld.com/endurance Louise Hodgson-Jones is a media relations specialist, working with events such as the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, 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

Learn to do run workouts in a safe structured environment to improve your speed, strength & race times! Training will be on PISE’s new track and adjacent trails, and will include: • ABCs • strides • intervals • tempo • hills

PISEworld.com/endurance

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21

CO MM UNITY

culture

Bagmouse and Blossom Light

BY JENNY HAINSWORTH AULD

Kangaroo, in Chinese, is daishu. Literally, “bag mouse.”

I just thought you should know that, if you didn’t already. I thought it might brighten your day.

I have been studying Chinese for two years. My reasons for doing this are complicated. Most recently, it’s because I fell in love with Taiwan when I was first invited there to exhibit my art in 2015. But the first spark was many years before that, at a meeting of the Fairbank Calligraphy Society. The guest speaker that night was a Chinese artist who demonstrated, with elegant motions, the grinding of stick ink and the writing of several characters. As he wrote, he called attention to the bone-like shape of the horizontal strokes, and the subtle lift from left to right. After the coffee break, he presented a slide show of contemporary calligraphy.

I had almost scrunched my eyes shut during the entire presentation, from the classical writing to the edgy stuff on the screen. It was all too good. I can become obsessed with a language after any amount of exposure to it. When I lived in Kona, I studied Hawai’ian feverishly every night. Before that, it was Greek. Before that, Russian. I tried Arabic for a couple of days, but I just about flipped the table over when I found out that Arabic letters change form depending upon whether they are at the beginning, middle or end of a word.

That just isn’t fair, okay? THAT IS NOT FAIR. Chinese, of course, isn’t any simpler, at least not in the written form, but the odd twists of my life have left me uniquely equipped to attempt it, as much as an outsider can be. I got a degree in linguistics because I was young and had no concept of self-preservation. Years later, I studied calligraphy after I dropped out of graduate school at Edinburgh. I have my mother’s ear for music. When I finally stopped resisting and fell for Chinese, I needed all of this, and more. It is really, really hard.

What do we mean when we say Chinese, though? As the name of a language, the word is ambiguous. Which Chinese?

Whose Chinese? You have probably heard of Mandarin and Cantonese. You may have heard them referred to as dialects.

This isn’t quite right – they are distinct languages, and their speakers usually feel pretty strongly about that. It can be insulting or upsetting to have one’s language referred to as a dialect – something to keep in mind. It’s better to err the other way.

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"The Chinese School in Spring" by Jenny Auld.

Collection of Walter Chiang Also, what do we mean by “dialect” and “language”?

Linguists quip that “a language is a dialect with an army and a navy.” In other words, the reasons people have for calling something a language are not pure, but political. All of the Scandinavian languages, for example, are fairly intelligible to each other. But they are still considered languages, not dialects. Conversely, English is one language, but a speaker from Alabama in conversation with someone from western Scotland would probably need a translator.

I wanted to understand for myself how “close” Mandarin and Cantonese are. I’ve asked some tailored questions to try to get to the bottom of it. I get different answers. Some speakers of both languages report that they are totally different and cannot possibly be understood across the divide. Others state, just as emphatically, that if you speak one you can understand the other with little difficulty. Huh? In the end, I figure it depends on the ear of the individual. It’s like how some people can watch Coronation Street no problem, while others can’t cope with it at all. Free Deirdre.

Mandarin and Cantonese, by the way, are only two of many Chinese languages. There are between five and thirteen

g • food • supplies

C O M M UNI TY

culture

languages spoken in China, depending on how you count.

(I’m studying Mandarin because of my crush on Taiwan.)

And, naturally, each of these has its own regional dialects.

But here’s the amazing thing: the writing is the same for all of them. Chinese speakers of different languages who can’t converse could, theoretically, pass notes back and forth to communicate.

This can be hard for English speakers to fathom, because the Roman alphabet represents sounds.

But Chinese written words represent concepts. The pronunciation has to be memorized for each word -Chinese writing can’t be sounded out. The easiest way to understand this is by thinking about numbers. The Arabic numeral 7 is pronounced sieben in German, sept in French, hepta in Greek, and so on. You can’t “sound out” 7 by looking at it. You just know how to say it in your own language. That’s because, early in your childhood, you memorized how to say it. Well, Chinese does this for words as well as numbers. Just as we understand that behind the symbol 7 is “sevenness”, a Chinese reader knows that behind the fire character is “fireness” – and each Chinese language pronounces the fire radical, and every other character, its own way.

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Grooming: 250-590-5803 So the fire radical, called huo in Mandarin, is combined with other characters toGoldstream form compound characters thatAvenue #106-751 refer to sparks, to charcoal, to artillery, as well as abstract ideas like urgency and anger. Each new compound word has its own pronunciation. A “radical” is a root character -- like a building block of Chinese writing. There are about 230 radicals that must be memorized before you can even begin learning how to read Chinese.

Characters can be like little puzzles. Two of them might be smushed together into a compound which has the sound of one but the concept of the other. The word for clock, zhong in Mandarin, is a combination of the sign for metal and the sign for middle -- which is also pronounced “zhong”. The ‘metal’ character refers to the movement of the clock, while the zhong sound of “middle” hints at the pronunciation. It’s like charades: “It has to do with metal!

Sounds like middle! What is it? A clock!”

Some characters are simpler, and strangely touching.

The character diao, meaning pity, is a stylized picture of an arrow stayed upon the bow. The character for “loyal” combines the radicals for center and heart. And a lantern is huadeng -- “blossom light.” I thought that might brighten your night.

Jenny Auld is a writer and artist living in Victoria. You can see her art on her Facebook page (Jenny Auld Fine Art), and read her essays and stories on jennyauld.atavist.com/ as well as back issues of Vancouver Island Almost Free!

If your cat or dog has food sensitivities, feeding your pet can be a challenge. More and more pet parents are reading the label on their bag of food and questioning whether it is the best choice for their furry friend. Unique diet options are becoming increasingly popular and necessary. These days you will find a variety of alternatives to traditional kibble style pet food. Freeze dried, dehydrated, frozen, grain-free, and unusual proteins are all examples of the growing demand for more healthy, nutritious choices in pet nutrition. Home cooked meals are another great way to cater your pet’s specific needs. Ask a pet specialist for advice with nutritional supplements to ensure a balanced diet for DIY meal preparation. Food sensitivities can often be eliminated by regularly rotating proteins i.e. feed turkey for a few days/weeks, then switch to lamb or pork, then switch to salmon or whitefish.

Your pet specialist can make recommendations and help you find the diet that works best!

Sardine Salad: 1 tin of low sodium sardines (or salmon) in water 1/4 c lightly cooked green beans 1/4 c finely diced melon 1/4 c cottage cheese or plain yogurt Gently combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add the salad to your pet's regular diet as a tasty topper.

Store: 250-590-4460 Grooming: 250-590-5803

106-751 Goldstream Ave. Langford, BC

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23

MO NEY

cents

STAYING ON TRACK

using a meal plan

BY JEN PATERSON & SAIRA WATERS Co-Founders of Dollar Divas

New Year’s Resolutions are generally centered around two things, money and food. They are also usually abandoned by now. If this is you, we want to help you get back on track and achieve the goals that you set for yourself in January. Even if this isn’t you, you might pick up some tips that could help you be a little more comfortable with your wallet and your waistline.

Meal planning is a scary phrase for many and may sound like a lot of work but with a little practice and patience it can really make your life much easier.

Where to Start: Pick one meal per day that you want to start planning out. I like to start with dinner as it is generally the meal that creates the biggest challenge. Grab your calendar and see what you have going on in your life in the next 7 days. Do you have a night that you usually work late? What about plans with friends? Take these things into consideration

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when you are making a plan, it will go a long way towards helping you succeed.

The Next Step: Write down what you want to have for dinner each night, be specific and don’t forget sides. For example: Monday

meals. Once again, the more specific you are the better. For example instead of writing down “Peppers” on your list, write down 3 Peppers. This way you won’t over or under purchase when it comes time to shop.

After you have created your list, do a quick inventory of what you already have in your cupboards and fridge so you don’t buy things you don’t need.

Roast Beef Baked Potatoes Green Salad The more specific you are the easier it will be when you go to make the meal. Are you trying a new recipe you found online?

Include the link so it’s at your fingertips when you go to prepare the meal.

Grocery Shopping: After you have your meals all planned out for the week write down all the ingredients you will need to prepare these

Navigating the Store: This is the really simple part, just buy what’s on the list and only what’s on the list.

This will help keep you on budget.

Tips and Tricks ∙ Avoid the grocery store when you are hungry. This keeps impulse purchases to a minimum. ∙ Make use of all the tools in your kitchen. My favourite is the slow cooker. If I have a long day this makes sure dinner is

M ONEY

cents

ready even if I’m not home to cook it. ∙ Schedule in the odd dinner out or treat meal. It creates something to look forward to. ∙ Still struggling with time or impulse purchases at the store? Consider using an online shopping service. Save On Foods offers one free of charge if you use their pickup option. It’s a great time saver and keeps you from being tempted when you walk past your favourite snacks. ∙ Having trouble keeping track of nonfood items that you need to purchase? Put a dry erase board on the fridge and write down those items as you notice you are getting low. ∙ Does you meal plan go up in flames half way through the week? Keep trying, you will learn as you go what works for your family. ∙ Think about how long it takes to prepare the meal and what time you like to eat. Do these things line up with what’s in your calendar or have you set an impossible timeline? ∙ Keep the meals simple in the shortterm or save the new and fun recipes for the weekend. Just because you are making a plan doesn’t mean leftovers are no longer an option. ∙ Meal planning can be a little more time consuming when you first start but the more you do it the easier it gets.

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! To learn more about Dollar Divas, check out www. dollardivas.org or find us on Facebook.

A Smart Choice

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25

A RT S &

entertainment

PLAY IT AGAIN,VICTORIA:

Local theatre companies bring well-loved classical tales to the stage

By Jessica Natale Woollard

Students from the Canadian College of Performing Arts in rehearsals for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Credit: Peter Pokorny Tales as old as time will take centre stage in Victoria this spring as the curtain rises on an array of classical theatre productions made new. Whether you define the classics as Greek drama, Disney, Theatre of the Absurd, or even British television, Victoria’s theatre companies are staging retellings of stories that have stood — or are poised to stand — the tests of time.

Be Our Guest From April 21 to 29, the Canadian College of Performing Arts brings Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and the bewitched bunch of lovable characters to the McPherson Playhouse. The production coincides with the 25th anniversary of Disney’s animated version as well as the release of the new liveaction version released in March. “Beauty and the Beast is one of those musicals with great roles, that allows us to feature a lot of students from years one and two of the Enriched Performing Arts Diploma Program.

That it happens to be the anniversary year is a happy accident,” says Jackie Adamthwaite, CCPA’s outreach, events and box office manager. Adamthwaite promises

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that, whatever your first impression of the story — whether it’s the original fairy tale, the 1987 TV show, the Disney cartoon, or the new live-action movie — the CCPA production will touch your “memories and recall your favourite version of the show.”

Tickets starting at $28. ccpacanada.com Two other local companies are tackling versions of Beauty and the Beast this spring.

On May 19 and 20, Ballet Victoria brings their production to the Royal Theatre, followed by Four Seasons Musical Theatre’s production of the Disney musical version June 15 to 25 at Royal Bay Secondary.

British Invasion From classic Disney, we go to modern classic theatre with Harold Pinter, Noble prize-winning dramaturge, director and actor.

Kicking off what they are calling their People’s Choice Season, Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre tackles Pinter’s The Caretaker, one of the most performed plays written by one of the most influential British playwrights of the 20th century. In this

tragicomedy from 1960, Pinter explores the story of two brothers who take in a homeless man to their London flat and the ensuing power struggle.

The Caretaker features illogical language and speech characteristic of the Theatre of the Absurd that developed in the post-war period. The style can be difficult to follow but delivers immense gratification if you take the time to get to know it, one reason Pinter’s works are considered classics today. The people asked for Pinter, and the professional company at Blue Bridge is delivering from April 27 to May 7 at the Roxy Theatre. Tickets starting at $20. bluebridgetheatre.ca Running at the same time, Langham Court Theatre’s second last production of the season is also set in London, but a century earlier, in a foggier, grittier, bloodier London, the London of Jack the Ripper.

From April 21 to May 6, the community theatre presents Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 19th century

A RT S &

entertainment

gothic novel, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. “This version really fascinated us because there is not one Hyde, but four, representing four different aspects of Dr. Jekyll’s darker desires,” says Keith Digby, who is directing the show with his wife, Cynthia Pronick.

Like Beauty and the Beast, the story of Dr. Jekyll’s experiments and the duplicity — or in this case, multiplicity — of human identity has been retold dozens of times in different ways, styles, and formats over the years, appealing to generation after generation. “As with all classics, Jekyll and Hyde is both of its time and timeless,” Digby says. “The dual nature of mankind, the search for knowledge, no matter the cost, the war between the classes, all are still with us…It seems we are fascinated by our darker fears and desires transmuted into goblins and depravity.” Tickets starting at $15 (Two for $30). langhamtheatre.ca If you prefer your England a bit jollier, Peninsula Players presents three episodes of the classic 1970s British television show Fawlty Towers, which starred John Cleese as Basil Fawlty, the comically inept hotel manager in a fictional seaside town.

The Peninsula Players presented three episodes in 2016, and they are back by popular demand at the Charlie White Theatre in Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre from May 4 to 7, this time presenting the episodes “A Touch of Class,” “Waldorf Salad,” and the popular “The Germans.” Tickets starting at $15. thepeninsulaplayers.ca

Classical Greek Meets Canadiana Fernwood’s Theatre Inconnu presents Governor General Award winner Nancy Huston’s retelling of the Oedipus myth in Jocasta Regina, playing May 2 to 20. Watch the ancient Oedipus myth get turned upside down as it’s told from his wife Jocasta’s perspective. Tickets starting at $10. Pay what you wish option on May 10. theatreinconnue.com Across the road from Inconnu, the Belfry Theatre brings another Canadian’s work to the stage, a Canadian destined for the classical cannon. In a world premiere, director Anita Rochon stages two of Alice Munro’s Nobel prize-winning short stories, word for word, from April 18 to May 14. Tickets starting at $18.00. belfry.bc.ca A writer and communications professional, Jessica Natale Woollard is also active in the community as a performer and violinist. She has a fondness for writing about the arts. Visit jessicawoollard.ca.

Blue Bridge repertory theatre

fresh classics!

2017Season

Harold Pinter’s

garson kanin’s

THE CARETAKER

born yesterday

april 25-may 7

may 30-june 11

Thornton Wilder’s

A Cole Porter Revue

OUR TOWN

RED, HOT COLE!

JULY 4-16

AUGUST 1-13

www.bluebridgetheatre.ca for show times + tickets

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