Vancouver Island's FREE coupon and affordable living magazine
VANCOUVER ISLAND
www.almostfreemagazine.com
October/November 2014 | ISSUE 17
OCTOBER we are Celebrating Small Business Month
with you!
GREATER VICTORIA SEE PAGES 15-34
COWICHAN VALLEY SEE PAGES 35-43
PAGE 12
NANAIMO & AREA
VictoriaHomes.com:
Trusted Local Companies Saving Homeowners Time & Money
SEE PAGES 47-49
PAGE 4
NEW Format for our
Community Pages: 2-Page Spreads with Maps
Your ASTRO
HOROSCOPES PAGE 44
FLAVOURS:
Comfort Baking this Season
PAGE 28
UNDERSTANDING DEBT: The Good,
The Bad, The Ugly
PAGE 18
A LOCAL BUSINESS REFERRING YOU TO 6
LOCAL Businesses
OUP IN C
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Hours Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm, Sat: 8am-7:30pm Sun: 8am-7:30pm
Quality & Service Guaranteed = 100% Victoria Owned
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
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SEE PAGE 33 FOR SPECIAL OFFER
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At VictoriaHomes.com you can find a trusted local group of companies dedicated to saving homeowners money and time. Every month you will automatically be entered into our contest draws to win all sorts of VALUABLE Prizes. In addition each month, our dedicated professional members feature special offers and discounts on products and services for your home. So be sure to go to VictoriaHomes.com and sign up to be eligible for these great contest prizes and special home products and services offers.
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
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letter FROM THE EDITOR
our team
'! Happy 'October Small Business Month
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
ar mark as a small local We made it! We finally crossed the 2-ye es on Vancouver Island and we business supporting other local business t to promoting local business couldn't be more grateful. Our first star began exclusively in Greater and value-oriented consumer options bly boasted 24 pages. Victoria in July 2012. The magazine hum
Elissa Bergman elissa.vaf@gmail.com 250.419.2579 LAYOUT & DESIGN
Donna Hainstock, Freelance Graphic Designer
an island-wide presence The February-March 2014 issue launched es all over Vancouver Island. highlighting and working with business We grew to 64 pages.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Rachel Knoop, Razzle B Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
This issue, we are proud to unveil a new look for our community pages. In keeping with our motto to always improve the way we communicate and promote small local business in a way that is affordable and accessible to our clients, we expanded the sections to include community maps to best highlight the small businesses that keep communities flourishing.
Louise Hodgson-Jones Jenny Hainsworth Saira Waters Victoria Holmes Andrea Zonnis
26
how to contact us For advertising opportunities in the next issue of VANCOUVER ISLAND ALMOST FREE magazine please contact Elissa at 250.419.2579 / elissa.vaf@gmail.com
Enjoy this issue, the new community pages format, and Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Halloween, and lest we forget.
Š 2014
www.almostfreemagazine.com
Elissa Bergman, Editor
Donna Hainstock, Graphic Designer
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 17
www.almostfreemagazine
8
@VictoriaAlmostFree
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
@VicAlmostFree
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
ISSUE THE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
in every issue 48
12
START YO U R
holiday shopping early
8
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
12
COMMUNITY VIEW 'October Small Business Month' Pictorial
features 18
MONEY CENTS Understanding Debt: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
25 FITNESS TIPS Tapping Your Inner Strength EXPLO RE
the island
Each community section invites you to come explore the wonders of Vancouver Island with tips, write ups, and coupons!
28 FLAVOURS Comfort Baking this Season 38 COMMUNITY CULTURE The Perfect Day 44 ASTRO SOUL HOROSCOPES 46
HEALTH & WELLNESS Learning to Love Ourselves
53 CHARITY FOCUS Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria and Area
communities ISLAND SPECIAL OFFERS
start here
GREATER VICTORIA
COWICHAN VALLEY
NANAIMO & AREA
SEE PAGES 15-34
SEE PAGES 35-43
SEE PAGES 47-49
Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
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I traveled with my husband and 6 month old daughter to Kauai, Hawaii for a week in early December of last year and it was fantastic! After doing my research I knew Kauai was the island I wanted to visit. The “Garden Island” is much quieter than Oahu and Maui having avoided the big push for resort development. More known for it's hiking and beaches than shopping and restaurants, Kauai offered the quiet and peaceful vacation we were looking for. Knowing December was the most expensive time of year to travel to Hawaii I booked my trip in March with Westjet Vacations before my daughter Arya was even born! The direct flights from Vancouver were great. We loved the convenience and the fact that there was no messing around in connecting airports with a fussy 6 month old and the Westjet stewardesses were very accommodating. Once we landed in Kauai we picked up our car rental and headed to our condo at the Kauai Resort in Kapa'a. A car rental on Kauai was necessary. We rented the car through Alamo and were offered a complimentary upgrade to full-size. Great service, and the extra room was really appreciated. The car rental allowed us the freedom to explore the island at our own pace. We were able to visit tons of different beaches and all the little towns and tourist attractions. The Kauai Resort's rooms all varied as they were privately owned but they all had well stocked kitchens which was great for us. It was nice to be able to have a quick breakfast in the condo in the morning and cook the occasional dinner after Arya was asleep. When we weren't cooking at the condo we were eating from the numerous food trucks or at friendly local restaurants.
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CO MMUNITY
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LET'S CELEBRATE SMALL BUSINESS MONTH TOGETHER! There are no words to express our gratitude for all of our long-term loyal advertisers. These relationships go beyond one of business and we consider you all a part of the magazine family. We support and help each other whenever we can. Now this is how one truly grows community strength! James Bowen, Owner Caribbean Village CafĂŠ
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spicy chicken. In the heart of Quadra Village, this cafe serves up more than just delectable buns and spicy poulet. Open Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm to meet customer demand, you will find a cornucopia of Caribbean-fused scrumptious and home-cooked Party Picnics & treats Gatherings… smells as you enter the tropically themed eatery. We’ve got you Covered, Caribbean Style • 20 Entrée Menu Items • Homemade Ginger Beer • Rice Dishes and Curries • Oxtail Soup and Coco Bread • Punches and Smoothies • Espresso Coffees Meals: • 14 types of Pastries and Cakes Jamaican Patties: Curried Chicken Beef Curry • Savoury Samosas, Patties and Fritters Curried Beef Chicken Curry Curried Veggie Vegetable Curry An innovator and creator, owner James takes pride in Potato Onion Butter Chicken Spicy Chicken the uniqueness of each menu item.Spinach And like his food, James finds the distinctness of his customers. He Callaloo Wraps: Ackee & Salt Fish Butter Chicken and truly Curry Fish remembers their names and circumstances, Spicy Chicken Oxtail Stew cares for people’s well-being. These things combine Goat to Curry Rice: Chana Potato keep people coming back. Spanish Cou Cou & Fried Fish Rice & Beans Drop by soon and try the three new samosas: Johnny Cakes, etc. Samosas Desserts: Jerk Chicken, Cajun Chicken, and Grilled Chicken. Beef Veggie Spinach & Feta
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LOCATION: Spans the Saanich Peninsula, through Victoria and the Western Communities MUST SEE: The Sooke Potholes, China Beach, Fisherman's Wharf and The Breakwater in Victoria, and the Wineries throughout the Saanich Peninsula EAT: With the varied international cuisine and West Coast flare of many restaurant menus, we suggest trying several. To name a few: Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub, Willow’s Galley Fish & Chips, Cabin 12, The Black Olive, Cook St Village International Food Court, or simply eat through the restaurants listed in the magazine PLAY: Walk beyond the Victoria Inner Harbour Limits and downtown to discover a treasure of beautiful and welcoming neighbourhoods and local businesses.
STAY: Otter Point Beach House BUY: Candied Salmon, Local Art, Waffles, Local Craft Beer BEST KEPT SECRET: For a quiet moment, slip into the Historic Christ Church Cathedral, corner of Quadra and Broughton in Victoria. SEE PAGES 15-34
You’ll Never Believe In British Columbia there are 83.5 small businesses per 1,000 people, the highest number in Canada. The “shop local” concept supports an independent and growing community of local business here in Victoria, on the island, and across British Columbia (BC Stats, 2013). Keeping these businesses alive requires the average spend of $1,000 per month locally on grocery, eating out, clothing, entertainment, fitness, and leisure. A thought to consider when you plan your next shopping trip... For the Diehard The 10 kilometre East Sooke Trail, a challenging six hour trip. Don’t Leave Without This Take a soothing dip in the Sooke Potholes, a swimmers paradise—swim through the picturesque rock cliffs with a panoramic view of a lush west coast rainforest horizon.
Exclusive to the Area B.C. Sunshine – in July 2013, Victoria received 432.8 hours of sunshine, the most ever recorded in any month in B.C. history. It receives an average of 2,193 hours annually, second only to Cranbrook. History What? The peninsula is home to the oldest agricultural exhibition in Western Canada, the Saanich Fair, established in 1868. This annual fair is hosted on September Labour Day weekend each year. Friday Night Fever With 4 major playhouses and a very vibrant entertainment scene, there is no reason to be bored on a Friday night. For the Family The list is endless with so many options all over the city. To name just a few: Willow’s Beach, The Maritime Museum, Cook St Village Playground, Fisherman’s Wharf, and many other clean and attractive family friendly parks.
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M ONEY
cents
UNDERSTANDING DEBT: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly BY SAIRA WATERS
Co-Founder of Dollar Divas
Debt, a four-letter word that has made its way into our every day lives. Collectively we have accepted that in order to have the things we want we need to carry some sort of debt. Yet, considering that debt is a part of our lives every day we know very little about how it works.
Is all debt bad? No! There is good debt. As a general rule, good debt is considered to be money borrowed to fund an appreciating asset. What does this mean? It means that if you borrow money to buy something that will increase in value over time, like a house, it is considered to be good debt. Other examples of good debt would be student loans, investment loans or business loans.
Are all bad debts, ugly? No! Some types of bad debt can be used to your advantage if managed properly. First lets understand what bad debt is. Bad debt is money borrowed to fund or purchase a depreciating asset. In other words, it’s spending borrowed money on something that decreases in value over time, like clothing.
Using Bad Debt to Your Advantage: In order to obtain good debt, like a mortgage, a person needs a credit history. This is where the bad debt comes into play. Giving yourself a credit history using credit cards is one way to show that you are a reliable customer who pays debts on time. A great way to do this is using store cards. Sears, The Bay, Home Depot, Canadian Tire and Ikea are all stores that have their own credit cards. Use them to make small purchases every month and then pay off the whole balance as soon as bill comes.
How We Get Into Trouble Debt, especially credit card debt is a slippery slope. It can be very easy to pull out a piece of plastic every time you see 18
AlmostFreeMagazine.com AlmostFreeMagazine.com| OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 2014
something you want. It can also be a bit of a shock when the bill comes. A common mistake people do when they have overspent with credit cards is to put too much money towards paying it off. If you don’t have enough to live on after you have paid money towards your debts then you will have to go back to using credit cards to supplement and it becomes a vicious cycle.
The Never, Never Plan Companies that lend money make their income from the interest you pay. So if you pay off your debt quickly then they stop making money. Keeping you coming back for more is what the credit companies want. The worst offenders of this are payday loan companies like Money Mart or Cash Money. They offer small loans to “help you out” until your next payday. Yet, when that payday comes you are required to pay back your loan, plus large sums of interest. This puts you behind, which brings you back for another loan and the cycle continues. It can be very challenging to get out of this situation, so do yourself a favour. Don’t start. At the end of the day, it seems we can’t escape debt. Understanding how debt works is the key to making it work for you. If you learn nothing else from this column please take away this one thing: Read the contract! Know what your responsibilities are and what the consequences are before you sign on the dotted line. Saira Waters, REALTOR® with Royal LePage, is a co-founder of Dollar Divas, the Meetup group for women who want to be financially independent! Find us on Meetup & Facebook.
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Meet the Team: RECEPTION: Warren, Kim, 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. Lindsey, RDH and Denise, RDH, BDSc, will make you feel comfortable while providing outstanding individualized care.
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FI T NESS
tips
TAPPING YOUR
inner strength BY LOUISE HODGSON-JONES
So the glorious summer of 2014 is behind us and now we can look forward to the cooler temperatures of fall and the magnificent autumnal colours. Days can still be warm but the mornings have a dampness about it and the evenings are getting darker earlier, but still pleasant enough to get out and do things.
Over the last few months we have talked about all of the diverse activities that can be enjoyed during the summer and I do hope some of you have tried some different sports and workouts. There is no reason not to continue these into the fall should your schedule permit, or you may want to take a break and reflect on what you did in the summer, and plan more fun and challenging activities over the next few weeks. Fall classes at rec and fitness centres are now in full swing so you may have already set your next challenge. Or you may be waiting for the New Year to really plan and set that one goal that has eluded you. Fall is a popular time for class sign up, but January far exceeds that. Rec centres traditionally hit a spike in January as we make those resolutions that we never break (right!). But let’s not move too far ahead of ourselves – we still have three months to go in 2014 so what are you going to do with that time? This time of year is a good time to head back into the gym and work on your strength and core. If you are a runner you may have run or are about to run that fall race that was your target goal. So now is the time to reflect on that, and enjoy the down time. You no longer have to get up on weekends at the crack of dawn to get in the miles. You don’t have to do those weekly hill or speed workouts any more. You can certainly keep up the running but not the intensity. So consider a twice
weekly visit to the gym. Why? Building a strength and conditioning base will make you stronger and will reap huge benefits when you decide to set your next running goal. When we say strength that doesn’t mean bulk. Maintaining two sets of 15 reps of a chest press at a moderate weight, for example, will strengthen and tone. If you want more intensity – lower reps at a higher weight will do that. It really depends on your goal. We are all stronger than we think we are, so just go with the flow and see what works for you. Regardless of what you do – maintaining form and a strong core is important. I do my chest press and pec flys lying on an exercise ball. That way I engage my core. Similarly, bicep curls and triceps dips I do standing on a Bosu – this is great not just for the core but balance. Adding these props also make workouts more interesting and challenging. Strength workouts (including warm up and cool down) don’t have to be long: 30 – 45 minutes, twice weekly is quite adequate for maintenance, particularly if you are new to this type of training. Prior to starting your strength training warm up first on a bike, rower or treadmill for ten minutes. Gentle stretching can be your cool down afterwards. If you haven’t used a roller, and your gym has one, use it! Gentle rolling out your quads, hamstrings, even your back can have a therapeutic effect on
your body. It’s rather like giving yourself a massage. Most gyms have sample exercises posted so consult those, or talk to the fitness consultant on its proper use. The gym is also a great time to do those exercises that your physio, chiro and massage therapist gave you that you didn’t do. (We have all been there and find excuses not to do them). So take a few minutes at the end and work on those areas that were niggling you during your training. Again, this will only benefit you later. So regard these next few weeks before the silly season starts, to reflect on your achievements over the summer and if you did a big race, give yourself a pat on the back. Then before you dive in headlong into your next challenge, consider the gym – it is an ideal way of complementing your current regimen while giving your body a well-earned break from hi-intensity training. And you know what? You might get to like it and want to continue it when you do ramp up the miles again. Louise Hodgson-Jones is a media relations specialist, working with events such as the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon, TC10K, and Frontrunners 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
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flavours
CO M FO R T B A K I N G
this season WITH OLIVE THE SENSES
blood orange oatmeal muffins
pear breakfast bread Bread/Cake Mixture: 3 1 1 1
fresh Pears, to measure about 2 Cups cups Flour cup Wheat Germ tsp Baking Powder tsp Baking Soda tsp Salt egg cup Milk cup Blood Orange Olive Oil cup Honey
Streusel Topping: 4 4 2
tbsp Flour tbsp Brown Sugar tsp Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar
2
tbsp Blood Orange Olive Oil
A GREAT
GIFT IDEA
Core and finely dice pears without peeling. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder and soda. Stir in wheat germ. Beat eggs slightly and blend with Blood Orange Oil and honey. Slowly mix into dry ingredients. When fully incorporated, mix in pears. Fold together gently until pears are fully incorporated. To make streusel topping, combine all ingredients and mix until crumbly. Pour batter into greased 9-inch round cake pan and sprinkle with streusel topping. Garnish with additional pear slices if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Until toothpick comes out clean and streusel topping is golden brown.
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SEE PAGE 33 FOR COUPON DOWNTOWN VICTORIA/JAMES BAY
BRING WELLNESS & ELEGANCE INTO YOUR EVERYDAY!
Did you know? Extra Virgin Olive Oil helps to lower the levels of blood cholesterol?This leads to lowering risk of heart disease. Balsamic Vinegars, as does Extra Virgin Olive Oils, fights cancer. The grapes from which balsamic vinegar is formed are known to contain a bioflavonoid called quercetin, which has antioxidant properties. Along with vitamin C, this antioxidant strengthens the immune system to fight cancer and other infectious diseases and inflammations. Extra Virgin Olive Oil also contains polyphenols IN THE HUDSON, 1701 DOUGLAS ST, VICTORIA which are anti-cancer agents. VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
flavours For streusel topping, mix together in a small bowl:
lemon-blueberry tea cake It may look sinful but it’s not – thanks to the addition of white whole wheat flour, lemon extra virgin olive oil, honey, yogurt, and fresh berries. This lightly sweetened bread is divine toasted and buttered for breakfast or simply enjoyed as a light snack. 2 2 1 1 1 2
cups white whole wheat flour cups ground whole grain corn meal tbsp baking powder tsp salt cup whole milk large eggs cup whole milk yogurt cup honey cup Eureka Lemon Olive Oil Freshly grated zest from one lemon
2
cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Preheat oven to 400º. Grease or line muffin cups or miniature loaf pans. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl mix the wet ingredients and lemon zest. In 3 separate additions, add the wet ingredients to the dry, scraping down the bowl, then gently fold in the berries. Fill the muffin cups or loaf pans half way with batter. Bake in the centre of the oven for 20-25 minutes until a tester inserted into the middle comes out clean. Makes 18 standard size muffins OR a dozen muffins + a large (or 2 small) loaves.
Eureka Lemon Ricotta Muffins with Maple Walnut Streusel Topping 1 1 1
cup All Purpose Flour tsp Baking Powder tsp Baking Soda tsp Sea Salt cup Sugar egg cup Eureka Lemon Fused Olive Oil cup Ricotta Cheese (or sour cream...)
cup Milk
1
In a mixing bowl, add dry ingredients and mix well. Create a well in the center, add egg and oil, mix together and begin to blend with dry ingredients. Add ricotta and milk, mixing well, until batter is fully combined. Divide into 6 large, greased or lined muffin cups, filling them 3/4 full.
2 2
cup Walnuts tbsp flour tbsp Eureka Lemon Fused Olive Oil cup Maple Syrup
2
tbsp Maple Dark Balsamic
Top muffins with walnut mixture and bake at 375F for 17 minutes. Serve warm with a fresh cup of coffee, and enjoy!
cranberry orange olive oil cake 1 1 3 1 1 5 3 1 1
cups + 1 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice (about 4-5 large navel oranges) tbsp finely grated orange zest cups all- purpose flour tsp baking powder tsp kosher salt large eggs cups granulated sugar cups + 1 Tbsp Blood Orange Olive Oil cup dried cranberries cup confectioners’ sugar
Position a rack in the middle of the oven, remove any racks above, and crank up the heat to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 12-cup bundt or tube pan with 1 tbsp whole blood orange olive oil and set aside. Finely grate the zest of 2 oranges, and then squeeze 4 of them. You should have 1 ½ cups and 1 reserved tablespoon of orange juice of juice; if not, squeeze the 5th orange. Set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand held mixer in a large bowl, beat eggs on medium-high speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the granulated sugar and continue beating until thick and pale yellow, about 3 minutes. On low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and olive oil, starting and ending with the flour, and beat until just a few wisps of flour remain. Pour in the orange juice, zest and dried cranberries and whirl for a few seconds to bring the batter together. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a cake tester comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, about 1 ¼ hrs. If the top is browning too much as the cake bakes, cover lightly with foil. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 minutes and then turn the cake out on to a rack over a sheet pan. Mix together 1 tablespoon of reserved orange juice with confectioners’ sugar to form a glaze. Pour slowly and evenly over the warm cake. Serve at room temperature.
easy breakfast coffee cake As a kid, there was nothing quite like coming home from school and seeing a coffee cake on the counter, just waiting to be devoured. What’s could be better? My dad slicing me off a corner and sliding it on to my breakfast plate, and smiling as he walked out the door to work ensuring mom was none the wiser. Cake for breakfast! Somehow pancakes were able to slide into this category, but regular cake usually must be saved until after the nutritious meal has been long gone. This favourite, I think can handle both categories just fine, not to sweet is perfect in the morning, as a mid afternoon snack, or enjoyed with coffee after a meal. cup Brown Sugar cup Ruby Grapefruit Olive Oil 2 eggs cups All Purpose Flour 1 1 tsp Baking Powder 1 tsp Baking Soda tsp Sea Salt cup Milk Streusel Toping 3 2
cup All Purpose Flour tbsp Brown Sugar tsp Orange Zest cup Steal Cut Oats
3
tbsp Ruby Grapefruit Fused Olive Oil
Preheat oven to 350F In a large mixing bowl whisk brown sugar, olive oil and eggs until frothy. Sift dry ingredients over top, and mix together to form a soft batter. Add in milk and stir to combine Grease a 9” round cake pan and pour in batter. Tap pan on the counter several times to ensure batter is level and to remove any extra air bubbles. In a small bowl, or in the bottom of the cake batter mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, zest and oats. Drizzle in olive oil and stir to combine into a coarse crumb mixture. Sprinkle evenly over cake and place in preheated oven. Bake 35-40 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and run an knife around the outside. Let rest at least 10 minutes, to serve warm, or let cool completely.
Find the Infused Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar products used in the recipes at Olive the Senses
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(in store) 2945 Jacklin Road
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(in store) 2945 Jacklin Road
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E X P LO RE
the island:
COW I C H A N VA L L E Y
connecting with COWICHAN VALLEY COWICHAN BAY - DUNCAN - CHEMAINUS
LOCATION: Bordering towns are Mill Bay on the south side and Ladysmith to the north when travelling along the Trans Canada Highway MUST SEE: Wine Country – Join the wine trail from any of the signs along the highway EAT: The Old Firehouse Grille in Duncan, explore the eateries in Cowichan Bay, savour the baked goods from Utopia Bakery Cafe in Chemainus, and make reservations for The Chemainus Playbill Dining Room and after enjoy a show. PLAY: Explore, Shop, Fish, and Boat STAY: Moon Water Lodge BUY: Local Wine BEST KEPT SECRET: Shopping Downtown Duncan and Cowichan Bay SEE PAGES 35-43
You’ll Never Believe
More than half of the Vancouver Island Vineyards are in the Cowichan Valley.
the eclectic shops found in the beautifully revitalized downtown Duncan. And on your way north, be sure to save time. Art and nature are combined in the murals of Chemainus.
For the Diehard
Exclusive to the Area
The internationally renowned West Coast Trail starts right before the Cowichan Valley southwest border. This span of the trail features rugged, lush, and steep coastal terrain with breathtaking Oceanside camping along the way. A regional treat, depending on the season and day, will be awaiting you before the boat crossing at Nitinat Narrows.
Although some might have emigrated down south by now, the Cowichan Sweater originated in this Valley.
Don’t Leave Without This
After a fun-filled family night, many locals fill their pantries with fresh produce from the year-round Duncan Farmers Market held in the heart of old Duncan.
You must visit the award-winning independent wineries scattered throughout the region. Check their schedules for wine tasting opportunities. Work up an appetite with a stroll in Cowichan Bay, then grab a bite, selecting from fresh cheeses at Hilary’s Cheese and the catch of the day from one of the many restaurants in walking distance. Your time in Cowichan Valley would not be complete without taking time to select treasures from any of a number of
Little Known Fact
Duncan is the home to the largest ice hockey stick.
Saturday Morning Shopping
For the Family
Choose between gas or steam locomotion. For most of the year enjoy one of the only remaining passenger trains on Vancouver Island at the B.C. Forest Discover Centre.
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1
2
TOWN D U N C A N
250 422 3036
Designer labels, great stock, best prices Island-raised meats & great value and service!
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Public studio. Consignment gallery. U-paint ceramics. Paint by numbers.
TOWN D UN CA N
shop O LD
shop O L D
www.sweetartworks.ca
9 “A shopping experience where style harmoniously combines with the patina of time-loved treasures”
Come in for our “meal to oven” options, meat cutting and more!
Moby Meats Butcher Shop 5817 York Rd, Duncan, BC 250-748-9932
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Your choice for Thai Food and great prices in Cowichan Valley!
Embellish Home Decor 115 Kenneth St, Duncan, BC 250-746-9809 www.embellishhome.ca facebook.com/pages/Embellish-Home-Decor
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12 Vintage Collections & Painted Cottage Style Furnishing for your home
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Duncan Vacuum Unit 111 - 2763 Beverly St, Duncan, BC 250-748-4115
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A bright and energetic little boutique filled with lovely things.
55 Lois Lane, Duncan, BC 250-746-3631 jeanettesbelongings@gmail.com
13 Spinning Ninny Boutique is a shop with its entire inventory made by the hands of the good people of Vancouver Island.
Locally crafted jewellery, beautiful handbags, and clothing for every occasion.
150 Craig St. Duncan, BC 778-455-2120 www.archerandarrow.ca
36
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
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COMMUNITY
culture
THE PERFECT BY JENNY HAINSWORTH
day
My brother Dylan and I are fans of David Byrne, the avant-garde musician and frontman of Talking Heads. Our enthusiasm for Byrne dates back to when we were kids in the 1980s. My first boyfriend, Jerry, was a DJ and budding felon who crimped his hair and wore a black karate outfit every day. He didn’t study karate; he just thought it looked cool.
My brother Dylan and I are fans of David Byrne, the avant-garde musician and frontman of Talking Heads. Our enthusiasm for Byrne dates back to when we were kids in the 1980s. My first boyfriend, Jerry, was a DJ and budding felon who crimped his hair and wore a black karate outfit every day. He didn’t study karate; he just thought it looked cool. One summer day, my dad announced that we were going to a family reunion in Saskatchewan. Jerry did what any decent boyfriend did in the eighties. He made me a mixtape. I was stuck in a prairie town at age sixteen for a month – a Vancouver girl through and through. I yearned for my mountains. My cafes and art galleries. Were it not for my grandmother’s homemade vereneki and Jerry’s mixtape, it would have been unbearable. I would slip out of the house every evening at sunset, bloated with starch, to pace the landscape soulfully and listen to the startling new sounds of Talking Heads, PIL, Bowie, Yaz, The Cure. Picture Luke Skywalker mooning about on Tattooine, except with orange lipstick and a Walkman. Dylan just sat in the basement surrounded by Tinkertoy, as far as I can remember. You had to hand it to Jerry for his good taste, criminal record or not. Our puppy-love didn’t last, but Jerry had shaped my musical aesthetic forever. I collected new music like a fiend. At 38
eighteen, I acquired a cassette of David Byrne’s solo album, Rei Momo. In those days you bought music guided by very little. Sometimes only the look of the cover art. The disappointment of ripping into a new cassette or CD only to discover that you didn’t like it was simply a part of eighties life, like hairspray and mono. In any case, though I loved Talking Heads, I wasn’t crazy about Rei Momo, and I passed it on to my little brother. Another Byrne fan was born. A decade later I was living in Edinburgh as a grad student during the same two years that Dylan lived in London, writing doomed pilots for BBC television. He would sometimes take an overnight train up to Scotland and call me upon his arrival, at some rotten hour of the morning. “Sis, I’m at Waverley,” he’d say. “Wanna hang out today?” He is not what you’d call a planner. One dark morning in January, the phone rang. “I’m at Waverley. . .” “Dammit, Dylan” I croaked. “It’s half six.” “I know, I know. But are you free? Let’s go to a village.” “Which village, maniac?” “Just get down here. We’ll pick one and just go.” “Fine. I hate my stupid paper anyway. Stupid linguistics. Stupid university.” “Right, you need a break. I’ll be at the Costa Café. Hurry up.” I dressed, put on my heaviest coat and trudged along the foggy Royal
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
Mile, down the castle mound and into the station. Spotted my lanky brother striding toward me. “What,” I said as we hugged. I could tell he had one of his ideas. “Let’s go to DUNFERMLINE!” “Why.” “David Byrne’s birthplace!” he stared at me, as though it was obvious. “Huh? Dylan, it’s not like there’s going to be a statue or anything.” “I know, I just want to see the town. Walk the streets he walked as a kid, breathe the air –“ “Geez. Okay. I don’t care. It will have a good pub, that much we know.” “That’s the spirit.” We bought our tickets and boarded a train. Alighting at the Dunfermline station, we made our way to a pub for a pint and a plate of chips. Stepped back out into the bitingly cold air. Our breath made golden clouds. The sun set everything ablaze with light, but gave no heat. We chose a direction and set off walking. After a few minutes we turned a corner and I caught my breath. A fantastically ornate black gate towered over our heads. “Look at that wrought iron.” I whispered, for some reason. “The thistles and roses intertwining – amazing. Thorns, even.” “It’s brilliant,” Dylan said, lighting a cigarette. Through the gate we could see the statue of a man. We walked
CO MM UNI T Y
over to it. I read the plaque. “Oh, it’s Andrew Carnegie! It says he was born here. Just like David Byrne – funny.” Dylan got a weird look on his face, as if he was trying to remember something. He puffed thoughtfully. “Funny to think of going to the Carnegie Center with dad when we were kids. . .” “Main and Hastings? I never went.” “Oh, I guess you were too young. I used to go with dad to his poetry readings. And here we are, where Carnegie was born. So far away. Dad will get a kick when we tell him.” “Jenny.” “Yeah.” “This is a perfect day. Like the song. Years from now you will remember this. This exact moment.” “Good cigarette, hey?” “I’m serious.” I nodded. “Such a perfect day. . .” I sang into the frozen air. “You made me forget myself. . .” Dylan answered, singing. “And for Bowie, that would take some doing” I said. “I’m singing the Lou Reed version.”
“Whatever, purist. I like the new one.” “Yeah, it’s good too.” There was no one around. We sang a bit more of the song. We couldn’t remember all the words. On our way back toward the station, we stopped inside Dunfermline Abbey. Cavernous, sunlit, empty. Breathed in the particular smell that old stone churches have. Felt the wood of the pews’ edges, smoothed to a gleam by generations of hands running over them. In the deserted visitors’ center I pulled Dylan’s sleeve. “Let’s go back to Edinburgh. I have some macaroni pies in the fridge. We can get some broccoli at Tesco. Maybe go to Ewart’s after.” “Okay. Yeah. Or that Irish place.” Back on the train, I put my head against Dylan’s shoulder. My little brother, so much taller than me now. “Sorry we didn’t see anything about David Byrne, Pickle. I almost expected him to walk around the corner or something. It’s like how you go to Loch Ness and you’re bummed when you don’t see the monster. As if you were ever going to!” I laughed. “That’s okay. It was cool to see that
culture
stuff about Andrew Carnegie anyway.” Suddenly he bolted straight up as if he had been shocked. I flopped over and sloshed my tea. “Crap!” he slapped his forehead. “What? Geez, Dylan, I was comfortable!” “David Byrne wasn’t born in Dunfermline! He was born in Dumbarton!” “Oh my God. You’re an idiot.” “Yeah, but still.” He grinned at me. “Perfect day. You have to admit.” I looked out the train window at the winter sun fading over the low hills. The humble silhouettes of sheep, the crumbling walls. My dear adopted homeland, Scotland. My only brother, here beside me. “Yeah. It was. Give me back your shoulder, you dork.” (A few months later, Dylan and I did meet David Byrne, in Edinburgh. But that, as they say, is another story.) Jenny Hainsworth is a writer and visual artist in Victoria, BC. Check out her blogs at www.rabbitinthedirt.wordpress.com and www.jennyhainsworthwrites.wordpress.com
NEW VINTAGES in Tasting Room
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Great Food, Great People Divino Estate Winery 1500 Freeman Rd, Cobble Hill, BC
(250) 743-2311
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& a good chance of Fleetwood Mac on the record player
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shop CHEM A I N US
shop CHEMAINUS 1
Like no other store in town!
8
Our aim is to showcase clothing, footwear & accessories from the activewear and skate lifestyle while catering to the whole family.
helping you whether buying or selling.
Sutton Realty, 9745 Willow Street, Chemainus, BC Debbie Simmons 250-246-0708 debbiesimmonds@shaw.ca www.debbiesimmonds.com
Beyond the Usual, 9774 Willow St., Chemainus, BC 250-324-1551 Find Us On Facebook
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Enjoy one Lunch or Dinner Buffet and receive a second Lunch or Dinner Buffet at 50% off. * 9737 Chemainus Rd, Chemainus, BC 250-246-9820 or 1-800-565-7738 chemainustheatre.ca
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*CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. NOT VALID WITH PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED TICKETS. EXCLUDES TAX, TIP AND ALCOHOL. EXPIRES DEC.5, 2014. BOOKING CODE: BUFFET2014. PLEASE PRESENT COUPON UPON ARRIVAL.
3
You’ve found a home. We’re dedicated to
10 Shabby Chic/Cottage/Vintage Decor & More Retailer of Cottage Paint | Classes available
Offering repairs, maintenance, mobile support, sales, printers, ink, training & graphic design
Vintage Treasures 9779 Willow St, Chemainus, BC 250-589-8182 www.facebook.com/shabbyvintagetreasures
105C 3055 Oak Street, Chemainus, BC 250-324-6100 www.cvcc.ca info@cvcc.ca Like us on Facebook /chemainusvillagecomputercentre Follow us on Twitter @chemcomputer
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Best Prices on the Island
HUGE Selection | Workshops & Classes Beading I Kumihimo I Bead Weaving I Viking Knit I Herringbone and more!
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Most Original Canadian Art Gallery in Chemainus
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Willow Antique MAll
3000 square feet and 20 dealers of Antiques & Collectables… Willow Antique Mall 9756 Willow Street, Chemainus BC 250-246-4333 billscvo@gmail.com www.chemainus.site88.net
12 SIMPLE VIETNAMESE CUISINE
Paintings, Drawings, Prints, Art and Ceramic Tile Murals by Michael Osborne at very reasonable prices
Gluten-free Options
Pho Triple 7 Restaurant 9779 Willow Street, Chemainus, BC 250-324-0777 www.photriple7.com
Earth Art Canada, 9747 Willow St, Chemainus, BC Exhibiting Paintings, Drawings, Ceramic Tile Murals www.earthartcanada.ca Earth Art Canada
6
Casual fine dining in the heart of Chemainus Odika fuses global and domestic cuisine to create a unique experience for every palate.
2976 Mill St, Chemainus, BC 250-324-3303 www.odikacafe.com
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Purveyors of Exquisite Diversion Oddities, Jewellery, Local Art
Bound to be Different 9736 Chemainus Rd., Chemainus, BC 250-324-4119
7 Pharmasave Chemainus Locally owned and operated in your neighbourhood
101B 3055 Oak Street, Chemainus, BC Ph 250-324-4488
40
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Join the Map! Victoria Almost Free Magazine Call 250-419-2579
shop CHEM A I N US
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PROUDLY SPONSORED IN PART BY: Visiting the Chemainus Theatre Festival will tease (and please) your senses!
Enjoy
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whippletree JUNCTION
4705 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan
handcrafted dolls made with all natural ingredients and a whole lotta love
open 7 days a week breakfast, lunch and dinner 4675 Trans Canada Hwy, Duncan 250 746-5848
We have something for everyone!
www . BAMBOLETTA . com we ship everywhere!
Leather Showroom Locally owned and operated
Visit us for Fresh Fudge & Unique Gifts
Sofas • Loveseats Chairs • Sectionals Swivel Tubs • Recliners All Covered in Natural & Protected Leathers
250-746-4255
Fair Trade Sweaters, Mohair socks, slippers, cards, pottery, puzzles, crystals and more.
250 748 6647 www.beaverhousefudge.com
The courtyard at Whippletree Junction www.whippletreefurniture.com
Helping families
enjoy natural, real foods for over 25
years with our
Annual Food & Grain Order.
At our new retail location, we are able to provide whole, healthy foods in smaller quantities at affordable prices year round. We also carry natural groceries and snacks. Check in with us here or online about our workshops, recipes, and demonstrations of our exclusive line of small appliances.
Our mission is to help customers learn new ways to use and enjoy real foods.
From Our Pantry To Yours
BOSCH KITCHEN CENTRE (778) 422-3310 42
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
scoopsnaturalfoods.com
@scoopsnaturalfoods Whippletree Junction, Cowichan Bay
shop COWI CHA N
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B AY
B AY
1
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Waterfront Dining serving modern-comfort inspired
“Consistently Delicious” Great Food, Great Value, Great Portions
West Coast Cuisine with local wines and craft beers. There’s always something for everyone at Cow Cafe.
Famous Chowder, Fish & Chips, Seafood, Wraps & More
1765 Cowichan Bay Rd, Bluenose Marina 250-597-4353 info@cowcafegrill.ca @cowcafewestcoastgrill @cow_cafe
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1751 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC 250-597-2006
Antiques, Retro Chic, Designer Jewellery, Art, Organic Skin Care
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Fentiman Avenue, 1721 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC 250-597-2239
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ASTRO S OUL
horoscopes
ASTRO SOUL
horoscope
PISCES - SIMPLICITY
What’s done is done, there is no way to change the past but you can change the way you look it. The more you move forward the better you will feel. AQUARIUS – OPENNESS
A re-newed sense of confidence is rising in you. Balance your intellect with the wisdom of your inner voice. CAPRICORN – RELEASE
Big changes and adventure are on the horizon for you. There’s no need to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Live your truth. SAGITTARIUS – HARMONY
A prosperous time of financial success is headed your way. Enjoy the comfort and endless love. SCORPIO – TRANSCENDENCE
The less you focus on your personal problems the more mind space you will have for creativity, community and joy. Let time solve your challenges. LIBRA – SERENITY
Keep calm and carry on. Good news is on the way, it’s just taking a little longer than you’d like to arrive!
44
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
BY PSYCHIC MEDIUM ANDREA ZONNIS www.psychicsong.com
VIRGO – WILLPOWER
Time spent on creative self-expression will lead to a stronger sense of self. Focus your mind and heart on what you want to manifest. LEO – VISION
Stop and smell the flowers. Mmmm, isn’t that nice? Slow and steady wins the race, there’s no need to rush. Find clarity and then make the choice. CANCER – PERSEVERANCE
Faith is powerful. You are supported fully by the universe in your endeavours. Don’t stop believing! GEMINI – UNIFICATION
Give your worries to your angels. Everything works out beautifully to create comfort, ease and enjoyment TAURUS – STABILITY
You’ve been working hard to create a solid foundation. There’s still more work to do but appreciate how far you’ve already come! ARIES – ACTION
Now is the time to face people and situations that you’ve been avoiding. Stay open as the resolution will be fair and balanced for all involved.
Imagining 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Possibilities
8:30 am – 3:30 pm Olympic View Golf Club, 643 Latoria Rd, Colwood Presented by
CONFERENCE
S
oroptimist means “best for women” and that’s what we strive to be – an organization of women helping other women and girls to be their best in our community and around the world.
Workshops & Exhibits for Young Women Ages 16-24
Our Club – Soroptimist International of Victoria Westshore (SIVW) – is a lively Club of women of various ages, professions and backgrounds. This diversity is often the creative ‘juice’ of the very interesting projects we undertake! Presentations Designed to Inspire & Enlighten Conference includes:
Take Charge of Your Future Believe in Yourself Find Your Way Forward
• Keynote Speaker Presentation • Choice of any 3 Workshop Sessions • “Live Your Dreams Show” – 25 exhibitorswith information to enlighten & support Keynote Speaker Presentation: Holding Onto The Dream
– Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi
Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi is First Nations from Northern Vancouver Island. She specializes in aboriginal adult education and community development and has a BSW, MAdEd and is a PhD candidate. Fran has owned businesses in ecotourism, consulting, and the restaurant industry. She has also been an elected
Schedule 8:30-10:00 10:15-11:15 11:15-11:30 11:30-12:30 12:30-1:45 1:50-2:50 2:50-3:00 3:00-3:30 3:30
Live Your Dreams Show Workshop Session 1 Break Workshop Session 2 Lunch (gluten free available) Workshop Session 3 Break “What’s Next?” Groups Pick up your swag bag!
chief and leader in post-secondary education, and is a tireless educator, role model and visionary leader with a “business sense second to none”. Join us as she shares her journey from leaving school at an early age to seeing her dreams bear fruit.
To register visit si-victoriawestshore.com/events/
T
his Imagine Possibilities Conference ad is proudly sponsored by:
Learn more about BLUE HERON ART Calendars & More at www.blueheronart.ca
The Victoria & Circle Tour Art Calendar 2015
Esquimalt Lagoon
Beacon Hill Park
Island View Beach at Dawn
Cowichan Bay Village
Harling Point Chair
Lake Cowichan
Damali Lavender Farm, Cowichan
Ferry Ballet, Inner Harbour
Deep Cove, North Saanich
Mystic Beach
Mount Douglas View
Genoa Bay at Christmas
The Pacific Marine Circle Tour is the perfect one-day drive. From ocean to mountains, forest to farm, vineyard to city lights, Suzanne Heron’s digital paintings capture favourite stops, sights and activities along the way. www.blueheronart.ca
Blue Heron Art Enterprises celebrates places people love. These calendar pages include multiple pictures of special spots, tidbits of history and culture, monthly events and festivals, and seasonal recipes from renowned area chefs.
Cover: Victoria ClassICBboat Festival - All art copyright Suzanne Heron ~ ~ ~ Printed on Royal Sundance Felt paper by Digital Direct Printing, a carbon neutral company
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CAL 5932
45
HEALT H &
wellness
LEARNING
to love ourselves BY VICTORIA HOLMES, Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach
As children we were born loving ourselves. We knew how to clearly ask for what we needed and it was important to us that our needs were met. As toddlers we had a confidence that held no apologies or modesty. We expressed what we thought in the moment without censorship. If we felt it needed to be said, we said it – not in judgment – but in a way that expressed our feelings. We celebrated ourselves and had appreciation for our physical form. Having a negative self-image was impossible to us. We were filled with courage and we adored ourselves.
Recently, I took my four year old granddaughter shopping. She loves to wear dresses, and I love to buy them for her. I helped her try the dress on in the dressing room and then left her for a few moments to select another size. It was then I heard her voice, ‘Hello, can anyone see me?’, she shouted across the store. A little boy said ‘I can see you.’ She asked, ‘Don’t I look cute in my new dress?’ He of course agreed that she did, and they continued in conversation. I am not suggesting that you adopt this practice the next time you go shopping, but what I am curious about is – when did the thought process we were born with change into the thought process we so often adopt now in the dressing room? You know the one, we have all had the inner dialogue that accompanies a shopping trip. Never in our lives do we change so quickly as we do in front of the mirror of the poorly lit retail change room! We all know to avoid junk food, but what about junk thoughts? If we could clear junk thoughts from our daily practice, I am confident that guilt, shame, fear, anger and resentment would no longer have a place in our lives. I am suggesting that not only 46
should we work to eliminate the junk thoughts, but also that we replace them with nourishing, healthy and loving thoughts. In order to make these thoughts habitual we will need to deliberately affirm them, and to make a conscious effort to catch ourselves when we have a negative thought. Taking it a step further, replace that thought with a positive affirmation. Practicing affirmations in front of a mirror is hard, and will require courage and persistence. I have found that the words ‘I love and approve of myself just the way I am’ have been very effective for me. In the beginning, you may need to use the affirmation ‘I am willing to love and appreciate myself just the way I am’ in order to establish a comfort level with looking yourself in the eye and believing what you are saying. Affirmations are powerful, pay attention to the negative emotions that come up as you say the words. Realize that those negative messages are in the way of you really loving yourself. Keep affirming, and work through them. Plant the seed and it will grow. Make it a habit. In addition, practice gratitude throughout your day. The more you are grateful for the good in your life, the
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
more good you will receive. Loving yourself and sharing that love with others is the most powerful thing you can do. Your respect and appreciation for yourself will grow, as will your confidence. Your thoughts create your life, and when you are able to shut down the guilt and shame, and replace the negative emotions with love and acceptance, you can return to your childlike state of self-appreciation. Most of us have a tendency to make life more complicated than it has to be by trying to fix all of our (and everyone else’s) problems. When we learn to love and accept ourselves, we won't have to fix problems. We will trust in the process of life. Living a joyful life is really very simple, and it is our choice. I will leave you with a statement to finish as many times and ways as you wish. “If I were to love myself any more today I would… Victoria Holmes Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach Dedicated to helping you live a happier, healthier, more abundant life. Heal Your Life Workshops and Life Coaching
victoriaholmes.ca
E X P LORE
the island:
NA NA I M O & A R E A
connecting with NANAIMO & AREA NANAIMO - PARKSVILLE - QUALICUM BEACH
LOCATION: 111 km north of Victoria MUST SEE: Never been to Rathtrevor Beach?
EAT: Acme Food Co. (it’s not a grocery store) or Longwood Pub in Nanaimo, and the recently renovated Cedars Restaurant and Lounge at Tigh-Na-Mara PLAY: It’s all about the outdoors and exploring the Old City Quarter in Nanaimo
STAY: Tigh-Na-Mara, of course (incredible winter packages available)
BUY: Qualicum Bay Scallops, Fanny Bay Oysters, and of course, a local Nanaimo Bar
BEST KEPT SECRET: Through my gastronomic adventures, I would say the ever flavourful, meaty Qualicum Bay Scallop
SEE PAGES 47-49
Little Known Fact Halfway between Parksville and Qualicum Beach you will find the World Parrot Refuge.
You’ll Never Believe Jingle Pot Road in Nanaimo. Ask Siri. For the Diehard Explore the Horne Cave Lake. Don’t Leave Without This Leave the hustle-bustle of Nanaimo and enjoy a quiet tranquil oceanside evening drive along the Old Island Highway driving north of Nanaimo past the communities of Parksville and Qualicum Bay. As you drive, each community house, heritage pub, and fishing wharf gives you a closer connection with the people living in the communities along the way. Exclusive to the Area The now, world-coveted Nanaimo Bar! Although the exact origin has been questioned, it is attributed to our very own Nanaimo, British Columbia.
History What? The goats on the roof of Coombs Market have been there for more than 30 years. Their tenure began as a lawn mowing solution. Friday Night Fever Join the locals, choose from any of the number of local watering holes dotting Old Island Highway up this way. For the Family Simply drive down Parksville and your children will direct the way (season permitting).
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47
B EACH
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shop & walk QUALICUM BEACH 8
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Coffee or tea served with a delectable treat Courtyard Cafe and Patio:
Prancing Pony Gifts 2-133 Second Ave West, Qualicum Beach, BC 250-594-9011 @PrancingPonyGifts prancingponygifts@hotmail.com
Your go-to place in downtown Qualicum Beach. Gluten Free and special diets are no problem!
673 Memorial Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC, (250) 752-4152 courtyard.tryon@gmail.com www.courtyardcafepatio.biz
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4 Wicked Good Sushi!
Offering an eclectic array of unique jewellery, fashions, gifts and local art
In a relaxing setting, just off 2nd Ave. Fully accessible.
Qualicum Sushi 133 West 2nd Avenue, Qualicum Beach, BC 250-752-5199
147 Second Ave W, Qualicum Beach, BC 250-738-9008 @Arbutus-Emporium
5 For all the things that move you…
Join the Map!
113 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach, BC office 250.752.2466 cell 250-240.732 www.remaxanchor.ca
Victoria Almost Free Magazine Call 250-419-2579
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Find Something Original Three Galleries, Twenty Resident Artists and One Great Gift Shop
The Old School House Arts Centre 122 Fern Road West, Qualicum Beach, BC 250-752-6133 www.theoldschoolhouse.org
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
Join the Map! Victoria Almost Free Magazine Call 250-419-2579
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Ready
DID YOU KNOW?
Willing
Able
80%
Of consumers prefer to support businesses with diverse workforces.
Ready Willing
82%
Of workers who have a disability scored average or above average in performance ratings.
Able
86%
Of employees who have a disability have average to above average attendance records.
Calling all Employers!!
Are you ready, willing and able to make your
Calling allinclusive Employers!! workplace more and improve your bottom line at the same time?
Are you ready, willing and
Ready, Willing & ABLE is an exciting new project aimed at increasing the employment rate ofworkplace people with more able to make your
DID YOU KNOW?
We are seeking employer champions of change who may or may not have experience hiring a person with a developmental developmental disability. All sectors welcome! Want to learn more? Get in touch by emailing Craig Woods, Director of Membership Initiatives Of cwoods@inclusionbc.org. consumers prefer to Of workers who have a disability with Inclusion BC:
inclusive and improve your bottom line at the86% same time? 80% 82% disabilities in BC.
Of employees who have a
We are seeking employerscored champions welcome! Want to learn more? Get in average or above average disability have average to above in performance average records. or may not have ratings. touch by emailing Craigattendance Woods, Director Inclusion BC is a provincial, non-profit organization with 70 member agencies across the experience hiring a person with a of Membership Initiatives with Inclusion province of B.C. The Federation is made up of people with developmental disabilities, their families and the agencies who serve and support them. BC: cwoods@inclusionbc.org. Calling all developmental Employers!! disability. All sectors support businesses with diverse workforces. of change who may
T: 604 777 9100 TF: 1 800 618 1119
Are you ready, willing and able to make your www.inclusionbc.org workplace more inclusive and improve your bottom line at the same time?
Ready, Willing & ABLE project is an exciting Ready, Willing & ABLE is an exciting new aimed new project aimed at increasing the
at increasing the employment rate of people with employment rate of people with
We are seeking employer champions of change who may or may not have experience hiring a person with a developmental disability. All sectors welcome! Want to learn more? Get in touch by emailing Craig Woods, Director of Membership Initiatives with Inclusion BC: cwoods@inclusionbc.org.
disabilities in BC. developmental disabilitiesdevelopmental in BC.
Inclusion BC is a provincial, non-profit organization with 70 member agencies across the province of B.C. The Federation is made up of people with developmental disabilities, their families and the agencies who serve and support them.
T: 604 777 9100 TF: 1 800 618 1119
www.inclusionbc.org 50
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
Lifetime Friendships Lifetime Supports Lifetime Networks.
lifetimenetworks.org
Welcoming our partner, Inclusion BC, in October Community Inclusion Month. This month we are recognizing our incredible Marathon teammates who come out rain or shine to walk and run in the marathon, cheer us on, and get us that much closer to our $20,000 team fundraising goal. This event is a great example of community inclusion. There is still time to join our team or donate. Learn more at www.lifetimenetworks.org or call the office at 250.477.4112 to speak to Carlene.
Stay tuned for the 2015 "Almost Free Magazine" Charity Golf Tournament in partnership with Prospect Lake Golf Course, with Lifetime Networks being the benefitting Charity.
We are grateful for our Marathon Team Sponsors! 1550'S ARE A GREAT COMMUNITY SUPPORTER! The next time you go for dinner, consider 1550's!
You’ll feel like family. You’ll feel like family. You’ll feel like family. Apple Pie
You’ll
Congratulations Country Grocer on being a finalist in the 2014 National Philanthropy "Corporate Responsibility" Award. You’ll feel like family. Info at lifetimenetworks.org or call 250.477.4112 Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine
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51
2 CAN DINE for $18.95
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11:30am to Late
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24 Burnside Road West, Victoria
In Victoria call 778-430-5858
We Deliver Anywhere In Victoria 52
AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
CHARI T Y
focus
of Victoria and Area
PRESENTS THE 5TH ANNUAL
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OCT 24TH - 25TH, 2014 FRIDAY 5PM TO 9:30PM SATURDAY 10AM TO 4PM
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Come visit our newest location, the Mount Tolmie Community Branch at:
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100-1590 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, BC V8P 2P5 250 995 7563
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• Residential & Commercial Moving • The Best Service for The Best Price! • Call Us About Our Mid-Month Special!
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veryone who works for Done Right Moving is courteous, conscientious, and respectful to ALL customers, building owners, managers, and neighbours. We take pride in our reputation of having professional, reliable, and experienced movers who are happy to work hard and do a good job. Seniors receive a special rate and service. We are fully insured and WorkSafe approved. Our guarantee is honesty: we are only human and if mistakes are made, such as damage, we take full responsibility to make it right.
Our goal is to provide a stress-free moving experience for the good people of Victoria, and get the job Done Right. Tyler Jackson, Owner/Operator smoothmoves250@gmail.com
$20 OFF
first hour with coupon (see page 31) SEE PAGE 31 FOR OUR OFFER
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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014
DRINK in the SUNRISE along with your morning coffee; then settle in for the evening and watch, as the MOON rises in the night sky and its reflection is mirrored by the CALM WATERS below.
NOW OPEN THE CHALET
GIFT SHOP
The Chalet welcomes you to a full coffee house in the front end and a restaurant tucked in the back showcasing serene inlet views. Serving “Canadian Comfort” food, there is something for everyone, including connoisseurs of baked goods. Our baking is in-house and fresh every day. Open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and available for special occasion functions.
Located in the Lodge Reception. Works done by local artists on Vancouver Island and other areas of BC.
LOCATED near the top of the historic Malahat Drive on Vancouver Island
THE LODGE We are a west-coast style, boutique hotel, located near the top of the historic Malahat Drive on Vancouver Island. Overlooking the Saanich Inlet, you will be taken a world away from the routine of dayto-day life. Beautiful British Columbia encapsulated; mountains, ocean, birds, orcas, trees, all right outside your window.
First year special rates starting at
$115 to $265* *Based on double occupancy.
265 Trans Canada Hwy Malahat, BC moonwaterlodge@gmail.com
T: 778-432-3123 F: 778-432-3124 TF: 855-489-6872
www.moonwaterlodge.ca
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Coming up
Over the River and Through the Woods By Joe DiPietro
Family Comedy
October 3 - November 8
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol
V A N C O U V E R
By John Longenbaugh
Holiday Mystery
November 21 - December 22
Gala Fundraiser Sherlock’s Masquerade
with host Bernard Cuffling
November 15, 7-10pm
Online Auction
Vickers Serigraphs and Getaway Packages
All proceeds benefit theTheatre Online until November 15
Theatre Getaway Packages Playbill Dining Room Gallery Gift Shop
1.800.565.7738 I S L A N D ’ S
| chemainustheatre.ca
T H E A T R E
G E T A W A Y