April 11, 2012

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

APRIL 2012

HERE COMES THE SUN!

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2

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

VALLEY LIVING INTHE GARDEN

Dreaming of a

GAZEBO

for your backyard?

GAZEBOS ADD TO SUMMER PLEASURES Do you dream of a peaceful gazebo for your backyard? An attractive little pavilion where you can relax, hide from the sun’s mid-day heat, or dine with friends, al fresco?

Whether you imagine it to be circular, square, or hexagonal, nothing is stopping you from creating the gazebo you’d love to have. Just head out to your closest book store or renovation centre for some plans, and get out your saws and hammers!

A gazebo is relatively easy to build, as there are no walls involved, and straightforward plans and gazebo kits are readily available in stores. If you decide to go for a personalized design, your biggest challenge will be in cutting the framework to size. However you approach this project, you should always check municipal building regulations before getting down to work. Once you have obtained a construction permit, prepare the ground with a layer of limestone gravel compacted with a roller.

There are many architectural styles to choose from, ranging from simple to extremely complicated. Four, six, or eight sides, closed or open: it all depends on what you will use it

A gazebo is an attractive feature in any garden. for. To guide you in your choice of style, remember that a gazebo can be enjoyed as much by the children as by their parents. You might want to make it big enough to include a play area, a place for family meals, or a relaxing corner for reading.

Think about adding trellises or mosquito screens on the sides, as well as double doors or an up-and-over opening to ensure that your gazebo is as user-friendly as possible.

Landscaping around the gazebo is also an important element of this project. Once it is covered in vegetation, the gazebo will blend beautifully into your backyard.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

3

INTHE GARDEN VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

FRAGRANCE in your garden

Fragrant flowers and foliage normally keep their scent throughout the season.

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Many perfumed shrubs exist to help you in your task. There are, for example, the Chinese Viburnum and the Amalanchier (Serviceberry). Daphne bushes offer abundant flowering in shades of pink.

Its flowers announce the

coming of spring and are highly perfumed. Their fragrance mingles with the hyacinth, the carnation and the spice of cloves in the scent garden. The perfume of the Daphne “Aureomarginata”, a dark green version, is even more powerful.

The Chinese Viburnum should be considered as a star of a scent garden, while the Amalanchier is outstanding in every way, including its colourful berries. This shrub diffuses a soft, slightly vanilla fragrance.

All these elements will delight your sense of smell if you plant them

near the house, close to the front door, windows, garden benches, bowers and pathways. Choose a site sheltered from air currents so fragrances do not dissipate too quickly and play with complementary perfumes by planting white, red and yellow flowering plants together. These plants are recognized for their fragrance as opposed to orange and blue flowers which are rarely scented.

However, fragrances must not compete with one another which is why sweet-scented flowers such as honeysuckle or jasmine should be chosen.

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4

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

The importance of a

WELL-MAINTAINED PROPERTY

BEING PROACTIVE ABOUT HOME MAINTENANCE COULD INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME.

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The very latest in interior decorating, a home and garden that are the envy of the neighbourhood, a house that doesn’t show its age... Keeping up with this combination of factors could lead to a considerable increase in the value of your property.

The upkeep of a home often just involves small yearly modifications and simple jobs. A neat exterior, well-pruned hedges, materials in a good state of repair, and a clear, unimpeded view of the home all add up to a well-maintained property and a proud homeowner.

Where the exterior is concerned, maintaining the siding should be your priority, as this will protect your home from bad weather for years to come. The roof is the other part of your home that should never be neglected. For example, the state of the roof could deteriorate if moss is allowed to cover it. Don’t neglect the concrete surrounding an in-ground pool and always protect garden furniture from

th harmful h f l rays off th the the sun.

Did you know that a well-planned yard can increase the value of your property?

As they grow, the trees you plant will add to the worth of your home as well as adding to your comfort both outside and inside: trees block the wind in cool weather and provide shade on hot summer days. That can mean a reduction in both air-conditioning and heating costs. So give free rein to your gardening talents by planting trees, creating flower beds, and establishing hedges. Lastly, spread compost to enrich your soil for a beautiful lawn and don’t forget to weed regularly in order to enhance the appearance of your shrubs and flowers.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

5

INTHE KITCHEN VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

SPICE IT UP

GADGET CORNER

MEXICAN Oregano

Chips in 3 Minutes Flat, Without the Fat

Mexican Oregano, a native North American herb, is more intense than the common Italian and Greek oreganos. Its flavours and fragrances suggest thyme, sage and mint with a slight citrus twist. This unique herb from south of the border is quickly gaining popularity for its strong flavour and subtle sweetness.

A delicious and essential part of the Mexican and Southwestern pantry, Mexican oregano is used in both traditional and contemporary recipes. It adds authentic complex flavor to many bean dishes, soups, stews and marinades, and pairs well with beef, chorizo, onions, squash, cumin, garlic, lime and tomato. Try adding it to any dish that requires

savouriness – even sprinkling on garlic bread will enhance the flavours.

You can also feel good about your health when adding oregano to your meal. Used in therapeutic cookery for centuries, oregano is a digestion aid, as well as being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial. Oregano also contains antioxidants. It will uplift for your senses and your well-being while impressing your palate.

Before using, rub Mexican oregano briskly between your palms to release the aromatics, or toast for one to two minutes in a dry skillet. Because its flavour is bolder than regular oregano, be sure to adjust your recipes by taste if substituting.

Submitted by: Beyond the Kitchen Door 274 5 Street, Downtown Courtenay • (250) 338-4404 www.beyondthekitchendoor.com

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Create healthy chips and crispy snacks that add nutrients to your grazing in a fun and delicious way.

Meet the TopChips Maker. To use, just slice any type of potato, or other vegetables and fruits, thinly and evenly. Place in a single layer on the TopChips Tray and prepare according to the microwave directions, then season with your favorite topping, sweet or salty.

The chip maker works great with carrots, beets and parsnips and fruit such as apples, pears and mangos to name a few. It’s a fun way for kids to experiment with different vegetables and fruits.

Create delicious snacks that you’ll feel good about serving to your children and guests.

6

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

VALLEY LIVING FASHION & BEAUTY

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

EYELASH EXTENSIONS: The Next Big Thing in Beauty Eyelash extensions are the latest beauty trend. First becoming popular in Asia, this phenomenon has caught on with the help of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Jennifer Lopez flashing their lash extensions on the red carpet. J. Lo's are reportedly made of mink while Madonna's are studded with diamonds.

Long lashes are considered a sign of femininity as they really open up the eyes giving the face a fresh appearance and make women look and feel years younger.

When applied by a certified lash technician, the effect can be very natural by adding fullness and length. More dramatic looks can be achieved with longer and/or brightly coloured extensions.

Unlike traditional false eyelashes that only last one day and are applied on a strip, single strand eyelash extensions are individual lash-like fibers that are carefully bonded to natural eyelash hairs one by one. These extensions are a wonderful way

to achieve full, lush lashes without the use of mascara.

They look and feel natural and remain flexible just like your own! You can work out, swim or go to the beach without worrying about ruining your lashes or having your mascara smudge or run. As the extensions curl upward instead of pointing downward or straight ahead, you can also say ‘goodbye’ to your eyelash curler!

The process for a full set takes approx. two hours and with proper care they will last 2-3 months. Since the extensions are bonded onto the natural eyelash, they are also shed, along with the natural growth cycle of an eyelash. Therefore, you get a touch up or "fill" when necessary. (generally every 3-4 wks) Whether you decide to wear a full set of lash extensions for an extended period of time or opt for a temporary, glamorous, special occasion look, always have them applied and removed by a lash technician with training and certification.

Submitted by: Leanne, Level 10 Eurospa www.level10eurospa.com #204 1025 Cliffe Avenue, Downtown Courtenay • 250-334-0209

LOOKING THINNER

SHAPEWEAR HOLLYWOOD’S SECRET Most people ooh and ah over the incredible fashion stars wear to events like the Academy Awards. This reaction is, in no small part, due to how amazing women look in couture gowns. But what if I told you that even the sveltest Hollywood actress has a secret weapon? What if I told you that what they were really hiding under sequins, fur and silk was today’s version of a corset? What if I told you every one of them is wearing a special garment that makes them look just a little more glamorous than they normally would?

That special garment is known as shapewear, and as the name implies, it works to give the wearer a desired shape.

SPANX Most people out there have even heard of shapewear in the form of “Spanx.” This is no surprise as Spanx represents a billion dollar business in spandex and nylon. Spanx has been seen on Oprah and in most magazines worth mentioning.

But what is Spanx? Spanx is a garment that compresses areas of the body to create the desired shape and silhouette. This compression creates a defined waist, smooths bumps and creates a firm, toned look. It’s like going to the gym without the monthly fees.

A Spanx garment might go from directly under your bra, down to your mid-thigh, taming the tummy, buns and thighs.

CASS But shapewear comes in all shapes and sizes to better support you under different outfits. CASS considers itself luxury shapewear and comes in a slip.

A shapewear slip takes the place of an ordinary full slip – it looks just like a body-hugging black dress. It tones all the way from the breasts to the thighs and is perfect under slinky dresses.

UNBELIEVABRA

ENHANCE YOUR EYES

The Unbelievabra has also gained wide applause and has also been seen on the Oprah Winfrey show.

The Unbelievabra combines an underwire bra and body-shaper in one. This body shaper supports the breasts and shapes the body down to the upper thigh.

It’s perfect under everyday wear and it removes the bulges from the dreaded back fat.

JANIRA

s e h s a L h s u L

But sometimes a woman just wants to target a specific body part. This is where Janira comes in. These targeted bodyshapers take the place of underwear and range from high-waisted to bikini-cut designs.

Shapewear used to be the little secret hiding between a star and a Marc Jacob’s dress, but now you too can get the Hollywood silhouette.

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

7

LIFESTYLE VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

PROPER MEDICATION USE A Pharmacists Perspective

BOOK CORNER I SHALL NOT HATE

by Izzeldin Abuelaish

$21.00

My name is Adam Sawula and I have been a pharmacist for almost 8 years now. I worked as a relief pharmacist for the first 5 years of my career and as such, I have worked in many different stores and towns. One of the key things that I have noticed is that proper use of medications is one of the most important aspects in ensuring that you get the greatest benefit from them.

Unfortunately it seems to be one of the least addressed issues in any pharmacy.

It has been suggested that 18-50% of medications used by people aged 65 and older are not used correctly. This statistic does not surprise me; given the difficulty I have remembering to take my one multivitamin every day!

While the situation has improved with the introduction of pharmacy-prepared blister packs and patient-loaded dose containers, there are still many people who don’t know about or refuse to use these products. There are others who do not take their medications because they feel they are not getting any benefit from them or because they are getting side effects from them. In many cases people don’t tell anyone they have stopped taking the medication because they are afraid that others will get angry that they have stopped. The last type of improper medication use is overuse of medications, such as sleeping medications or pain medications. This type of medication

abuse can be extremely dangerous.

There are problems that can develop if you do not take your medications as prescribed. If you are not taking enough of your medications you are putting yourself at risk of aggravating or developing the medical condition that you are trying to avoid. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t feel your medication is doing anything. Some medications work “silently” meaning you will not directly feel an effect but they do work to keep your blood pressure or cholesterol or other condition under control. If you are taking too much of your medication you are at an increased risk of side effects such as falls due to dizziness or worse yet, an overdose.

It is worth noting that as your body ages, it’s ability to break down drugs decreases, so as you get older you are at an increased risk for developing side effects from your medications – particularly if you are using too much or if the dose is high. The bottom line is if there are questions or problems with your medications or if you are not taking them as you were instructed, the best thing you can do for yourself is talk to your doctor or pharmacist. We can review your medication regimen, answer your questions and help ensure you get the most out of your medications.

Remember, we are a part of your health care team and we are here to help!

Submitted by: Adam Sawula, Comox Pharmasave Aspengrove Centre • #7 - 2225 Guthrie Road www.comoxvalleypharmasave.com

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish was a Palestinian physician and infertility specialist, practicing in Israel, living in the Gaza Strip. It is little short of a miracle that he, a child of a Gaza refugee camp, had the opportunity to study in Egypt, England and the US and to be held with deep respect by his Israeli colleagues and patients.

But it was the horror of January 16, 2009, that propelled Abuelaish to write this book. On that date, in the middle of the continuing conflict between Israel and the Gaza, an Israeli shell hit the Abuelaish home, killing three of his daughters and a niece and severely injuring four more family members. Izzeldin’s call for help to his friend, an Israeli news anchor, was carried live on the air - prompting a

herculean effort to get to the injured and bring them to an Israeli hospital.

From his profound pain, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish brings a powerful voice to reconciliation and forgiveness. His refusal to hate is carried in the love with which he writes this story.

The Comox Valley Community Justice Centre is bringing Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish to speak at Mark Isfeld Secondary School on Thursday, April 26. His subject – “I Shall Not Hate: moving forward from forgiveness to compassion”. Tickets are $15 and available online at Sid Williams Theatre, and with cash only at Laughing Oyster Bookshop in Courtenay, Seeds Food Market in Cumberland and Videos ’N More in Comox.

Laughing Oyster Bookshop 250-334-2511 • 286 5th St., Courtenay

Whether you want a light read or a challenge, a cookbook or a children’s story...

...you’ll be delighted by our extensive OPEN selection!

ONLINE 24 Hours A Day

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

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

Pharmasave Comox - Your Medication Experts!

320 - 5th Street, Dow Downtown wntown Courtenay

250-334 250-334-2611 4-2611 Visit any of our Live Well Pharmacists with over 45 years of combined pharmacy experience!

OPEN EVERYDAY Pharmacy: 250-339-9879 Front Store: 250-339-4563

Aspengrove Centre • #7 - 2225 Guthrie Road

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GGreat ffor entertainingg at home or on a ppicnic! icnic!

8

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

VALLEY LIVING LIFESTYLE

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

VACATION DESTINATION

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DREAMING OF GOING ON ATRIP? Your travel agent can

TURNYOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY! Who hasn't dreamed of traveling around the world, trekking across the desert or lounging on a white, sandy beach surrounded by turquoise waters? Or perhaps you would like to visit the Himalayas, meditate in a Buddhist temple in China, or live the good life on a large sailboat?

When it comes to dreams, there certainly are no limits!

Why not turn your dreams into reality? It might not be as expensive as you think, particularly if you do a bit of planning. Whether you are young or old, in top physical shape or living with a physical handicap, nowadays it is easier than ever to set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

The key to making these dreams come true is to find a travel agency that specializes in the type of trip you have in mind. For example, some agencies focus on leisure and business travel, others are experts in hiking excursions and still others know all about safaris. And if you want to just lay back and enjoy a luxurious Caribbean cruise, there are travel agencies that specialize in those too!

Being a travel agent requires a great deal of skill and talent.

Travel agents must be excellent communicators who can quickly understand what type of trip their clients are looking for. Then they have to turn these ideas and dreams into reality. Often the hardest part of being a travel agent is working with clients who talk about wanting to take a three-month around-the-world cruise, but won't admit that they cannot afford it; it's up to the travel agent to pick up on subtle signs and clues that are often not expressed verbally. Despite these challenges, travel agents have an incredible ability to satisfy their clients' needs, whatever their dreams and budgets may be.

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

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

www.searlesshoes.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

9

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

PRACTICAL ADVICE for eating on the deck

TRUNK SHOW

APRIL12, 6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM LIVE MUSIC • REFRESHMENTS

An outdoor meal can turn into a nightmare if your space is poorly organized.

Most people would agree that a meal seems more special when eaten outside in the fresh air. Everything seems to taste better, even if the barbecue is sometimes a bit smoky and a few mosquitoes are always buzzing around. But sharing a delicious meal with friends in your backyard can turn into a nightmare if your space for entertaining is poorly designed.

For example, if you decide to build your own brick grilling pit instead of purchasing a grill on wheels from a store, don’t forget to incorporate shelves for plates and cooking accessories. There’s nothing more frustrating for a chef than a grill with no place to store things. When it isn’t in use, dress it up with some flower and herb pots.

Lighting is another important element of successful entertaining. Soft lighting throughout the evening is always appreciated by visitors who aren’t familiar with your surroundings. After all, you don’t want your guests stumbling around in the dark! If you install lights on your deck, make sure they are not bare bulbs, which cast an unpleasant and harsh glare all around. If you prefer to go natural, place candles and torches in such a way as to cast shadows on the garden. If you group them together, you’ll create enough light for a comfortable ambiance that will be appreciated by all. Just don’t forget to extinguish them once the evening draws to an end.

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

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VERA-DE WINDOWS If you retro-fit your windows, you cannot see problems that may already exist.

The wood rot and water damage, shown here, resulted in the rebuilding of the entire wall below the window.

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

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10

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

VALLEY LIVING INTHE HOME

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

FIVE TIPS for choosing a CONTRACTOR

(NC)—Whether it's the need for a change, an upgrade, or an emergency home repair, most homeowners will at some point need to hire a contractor. Renovations and repairs vary widely in both the scope and the resources needed to get the job done right.

“Even a homeowner experienced in repairs will need to hire a contractor eventually due to the size or level of difficulty with a project,” says Yvonne Ratigan, an executive with Royal LePage Canada.

Ratigan offers these guidelines to finding and choosing a contractor:

1. Ask for referrals and consult local resources. Start by asking friends and family for referrals.

Other sources include your local homebuilder and renovator associations and local building supply stores.

2. Ask questions. What kind of work do you specialize in? Do you offer a warranty? How do you handle clean up? How do you schedule the work? Do you provide a contract? The answers to questions like these will help you to narrow down your choices.

3. Consider more than just price. In addition to price, consider the level of trust and the quality of work you see from the contractors you have short-listed. Make your decision on a variety of pre-determined factors, asking the same question to all bidders. Be sure to get references and ask to see the work the contractor has done for past customers.

4. Proper insurance. Both the homeowner and the contractor need to have the right insurance.

If the contractor's crew is injured on the job or damages your property or a neighbour's property, your homeowner's insurance policy might not cover you and you could be liable.

5. Get it in writing. The final agreement between you and your contractor should always be in writing. Don't be tempted to accept cash only jobs. A cash deal may leave you with no legal recourse if something goes wrong.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012

11

INTHE HOME VALLEY LIVING

THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

HAVE A SEAT

OCCASIONAL SEATING, AND CHESTERFIELDS - need to be comfortable as well as easy to get into and out of. Many of my clients complain that they have been at a friends home, they sat down in the chesterfield and found ain it almost impossible to get up again wkward acrobatics. without performing some very awkward Their hosts either had cushions that were too soft soft, or the seat height was lower than the recommended 16 inches (40 cm).

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

Professional OfďŹ ces Residential 3FUBJM t $PNNFSDJBM

By: Judith Moore At the beginning of the 16th century, chairs, thrones and formal seating, were reserved for Royalty, Church Leaders, and the very wealthy - and only the head of the household would have a chair - less mortals used a tripod (three-legged stools) or bench seats. Chairs were considered an indication of status and power. That held true until the middle of that century when the French realized that chairs were becoming a necessity for the ladies of the Court. Their voluminous dresses, corsets and HUGE wigs were the direct cause of many fainting spells.

The first chairs that were designed for these women had arms set well back on the seat, to accommodate not only the sitter, but her enormous skirts. Shortly after this, enterprising woodworkers began making chairs in styles and price ranges that made them affordable for the common folk.

Chair designers need engineering and creative skills, as seating must not only accommodate the weight and girth of the sitter, it should be aesthetically pleasing. No matter what our seating is used for - dining, working or watching television, each chair must consider the task at hand.

(New and Renovations)

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

JUDITH MOORE INTERIOR DESIGN

Complete Interior Design Services

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

t www.jmid.ca

APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED

DINING SEATS - need to be the correct height for a table, comfortable enough to sit on y throughout the meal. If you have dinner at my tered home you will find arm chairs with upholstered ort, seats and backs - and we all linger, in comfort, after the meal is over continuing our conversations. The recommended seat height for a Dining Chair is 18 1/2 inches (47cm).

TRICA

WORKING SEATS - architects, computer operators, bus drivers, bicycle riders all need specific seats. Each seat has to take into consideration body-type, the task at hand, and of course, style. When I work at my computer I sit on an upholstered computer chair that has an adjustable ack seat and back. So far I have not had any back problems, nor have I developed any carpall tunnel syndrome in my hands or wrists.

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