August/September 2014 | Issue 16

Vancouver Island's FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

VANCOUVER ISLAND

www.almostfreemagazine.com

August/September 2014 | ISSUE 16

Celebrating our

NANAIMO & AREA

2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

SEE PAGES 15-18

COWICHAN VALLEY

HOW TO buy your organic

produce while directly supporting your neighbours and community!

SEE PAGES 21-27

GREATER VICTORIA

PAGE 14

SEE PAGES 33-53

SNEAK PEAK of

The 17th Annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields WIN TICKETS PAGE 10

LAUNCHING

COMMUNITY CULTURE:

My Sky Blue Trades

ALL SUMMER PAGE 12

NEW: VictoriaHomes.com: Trusted Local

Companies Saving Homeowners Time & Money A LOCAL BUSINESS REFERRING YOU TO 1

LOCAL Businesses

PAGE 4

OUP IN C

ONS

THE LOCAL HARVEST

Vegetables & Fruits Are Here!

Celebrating over 50 Years of Good Food!

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Follow Us On Twitter @PeppersFoods

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3

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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List $: $749,900 Fin SqFt: 2388 Built (est): 1945 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 MLS #: 337984

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5836 Old West Saanich Rd V9E 2H1 SW West Saanich-Saanich West NEW Price Enjoy a peaceful rural setting only moments from town - this .96 acre property alongside Old West Saanich Road has been recently renovated. Gourmet kitchen and bath as well as hardwood floors are just a few of.‌ READ MORE AT www.victoriahomes.com

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

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AT FIRST SIGHT

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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

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Victoria Homes.com LISTING

Trusted Local Companies Saving Homeowners Time & Money List $: $559,900 Fin SqFt: 1645 Built (est): 2010 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 MLS #: 339776

564 Brant Pl V9B 5T3 La Thetis Heights-Langford FANTASTIC PRICE! Amazing value for the one level living at its finest. This 1645 sq ft rancher is a perfect family home.. Beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath luxury built on a 3 ft crawl space with fire sprinkler. Spacious open floor plan.… READ MORE AT www.victoriahomes.com

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7

letter FROM THE EDITOR

our team Welcome to Issue 2 of Summer!

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Elissa Bergman

After d, like minerals abundant in the body.

Farming ought to run strongly in my bloo . well farmer, and later a beef farmer as the war, Grandpa Mayer became a dairy man part in the farming too. Grandpa Berg Uncle Barry, his only son of seven, took dpa Gran successfully operated pork farms. But dabbled in it, with brothers who very the to him busy with many ventures, still tied Bergman’s entrepreneurial ways kept l sellor, a nature tour guide in a Provincia land and community as a municipal coun m hroo fresh blueberries, and during mus Park, and expert source for getting your y morels. He loved to fish. My mom’s savv season, the very best chanterelles and lead me, working father, three brothers and ways to provide enough food for my hard and ry, gh for the table, freezer, and pant the growth of a huge market garden, enou beef farm raised chickens and pork (we got y much to sell at markets. Our small hobb a As d. dad’s). Mom often made fresh brea from my mom’s side and often fish from and er farm truction, my own dad became a teenager, after years in building and cons n” ey went NUTS! I, a “scholarly vegetaria my brothers followed suit. I thought he/th ing weed ing to do with it. I always distained destined to become a lawyer wanted noth with es after crop, and if found doing chor the gigantic market garden rows, crop s rationale for the pigs, I cuddled the babies. But dad’ ple have to eat.” investing in a farm proved sound, “Peo from the Now, much older, I love sourcing d visiting spen I time the t land nearby and I cove to door back the out my parents and walking d raise ts mea fresh t selec pick fresh produce and rates celeb issue this g fittin within kilometres. It’s g the the Harvest Season, while also celebratin into ing grow ry versa magazine’s two-year anni ity mun com the ing light what it has become, high ish. flour omy econ l loca the and people who make l loca ans, artis and ers Thank you local farm I think eateries, and those who source locally! do it! you why and do fondly of the work you

elissa.vaf@gmail.com 250.419.2579 COMMUNITY RELATIONS INTERN

Brittney Green britt.vaf@gmail.com 613.532.9858 LAYOUT & DESIGN

Donna Hainstock PHOTOGRAPHY

Rachel Knoop, Razzle B Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Louise Hodgson-Jones Jenny Hainsworth Saira Waters 26 Victoria Holmes Andrea Zonnis

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

© 2014

www.almostfreemagazine.com

Elissa Bergman, Editor

Donna Hainstock, Graphic Designer

August/September 2014 | ISSUE 16

www.almostfreemagazine

8

@VictoriaAlmostFree

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

@VicAlmostFree

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

CABIN 12 PART 1

ISSUE THE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

10

34

in every issue 8

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

9

TABLE OF CONTENTS

10

COMMUNITY VIEW Sneak Peak of The 17Th Annual Vancouver Island Feast of Fields

features 12

COMMUNITY CULTURE My Sky Blue Trades

14

CHARITY FOCUS Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society

19

YOUR ISLAND MARKETS Make it a Day Trip

20

MONEY CENTS Teaching Kids About Money

25 DISCOVER ISLAND TASTING ROOMS 28

HEALTH & WELLNESS Gratitude Changes Everything

42 FLAVOURS

Making Produce Elegant 45 FITNESS TIPS

Last of the Summer Workouts 60 ASTRO SOUL HOROSCOPES

communities 02014 Cristal Sargent

ISLAND SPECIAL OFFERS

start here

NANAIMO & AREA

COWICHAN VALLEY

GREATER VICTORIA

SEE PAGES 15-18

SEE PAGES 21-27

SEE PAGES 33-53

CONT. ON PG 13 Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

| AlmostFreeMagazine.com

9

CO MMUNITY

view

sneak peak of THE 17TH ANNUAL VANCOUVER ISLAND

FEAST OF FIELDS SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 at Kildara Farms, 11293 Chalet Road, Sidney BC Ticket Info at www.farmfolkcityfolk.ca

PHOTOGRAPH BY RACHEL KNOOP KILDARA FARMS, 11293 Chalet Rd, Sidney, BC

CONTEST DETAILS: Enter for a chance to win two tickets to Feast of Fields! Scroll through the Vancouver Island tab of www.feastoffields.com to see a list of participating restaurants and beverage producers and tell us who your favorite is in either one of two ways: In Twitter: Cool #2Tix2Feast Contest @VictoriaAlmostFree: I love (Participant's Name)! Can't wait for @VIFeastofFields!

In Facebook: “I Love (Participant’s Name)” is my answer to @ Vancouver Island Almost Free, Coupon & Affordable Living Magazine ‘s cool contest about @FarmFolkCityFolk 's annual fundraiser, Feast of Fields.

PHOTOGRAPH BY RACHEL KNOOP KILDARA FARMS, 11293 Chalet Rd, Sidney, BC

10

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

PHOTOGRAPH BY SANDRA PYKE ksandraphotos4victoria@gmail.com www.ksandraphotos.net

CO M M UNI T Y

view

PHOTOGRAPH BY SANDRA PYKE ksandraphotos4victoria@gmail.com www.ksandraphotos.net

SNEAK PEEK OF THE

PHOTOGRAPH BY RACHEL KNOOP KILDARA FARMS, 11293 Chalet Rd, Sidney, BC

GATSBY MANSION RESTAURANT'S BITE Keeping with Chef Jesse James Cummings philosophy of clean and locally sourced ingredients, this palate teaser of a dish they serve on the Evening Dining Menu at The Gatsby Mansion Restaurant is pure to the earth as the ingredients used: Roasted Duck Breast, Cauliflower Puree, Yam Confit, Blackberry Puree, Housemade Fruit & Nut Crouton

PHOTOGRAPH BY SANDRA PYKE ksandraphotos4victoria@gmail.com www.ksandraphotos.net

PHOTOGRAPH BY RACHEL KNOOP

PHOTOGRAPH BY RACHEL KNOOP KILDARA FARMS, 11293 Chalet Rd, Sidney, BC

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FMA, FCSI

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11

COMMUNITY

culture

MY SKY BLUE

trades

BY JENNY HAINSWORTH

My art education began by accident. I had just been rejected by Studio 58 – a prestigious theatre program in Vancouver—and it had broken my spirit for performing. I was a washed up actor at the age of eighteen.

I had heard the rumour that the acting program directors used a Darwinian tactic—initially rejecting talented candidates to weed out the weaklings. The idea was that the tough ones who could take rejection would reapply and succeed. But how was I to know whether my adjudicator’s handwritten notes, containing the stinging phrase “flaccid transformations”, and sent by post, were real or bluffed?

I was humiliated. I consigned my Chekhov to the shelf, and never auditioned for anything again.

A week later, I knocked on the door of the Langara Community College visual art department. My cardboard portfolio contained a few puny pieces from high school—they were all I had to show. One was a pencil sketch of a soldier embracing a woman in a goodbye kiss, his pistol pressed against her cheek. Why he was holding it in his hand at that moment, let alone pointing it at his girlfriend’s eyebrow, I could not tell you.

My judges informed me that my line was expressive. My tone needed work. But I was in. They instructed me to register for five studio courses— drawing, painting, design, ceramics and sculpture—and two academic courses; English and art history. It was a heavy course load, designed indeed for the energy of a teenager with nothing better to do in the world.

No one in my family had ever gone beyond high school, although both my parents were well-read, even cultured.

12

But we had been poor. We used the food bank, although my mom hid the fact from us. I remember the day I figured it out. I was rooting through the cupboards in search of a snack, and came across some weird products.

Cookies from Yugoslavia? A giant tin of Viennese wieners? Had my mother lost her mind? Then it dawned on me.

She hadn’t paid for these items. She had been stuck with them, along with a few vaguely nutritious things—some wilted lettuce and rubbery apples. You had to take everything in the box.

With the shame of my background still so fresh, I made few friends in my new program. I was too shy. I admired Mariko, who sat across from me in design class. She produced compelling pieces, one after another. I admired her multicultural name, her quirky beauty, her easygoing nature and her signature motif—the spiral. Oh, those spirals! people would remark, in my imagination. This is clearly the work of the innovative Mariko Ferguson!

I felt unworthy to be friends with Mariko, at least in design class. And in ceramics I was outstripped by pretty much everyone, because I just couldn’t do the work. None of it. Clay would flop wildly on my wheel. Air bubbles invaded everything I did. Wedging left me exhausted and weepy. The making of glazes was so technical I felt I was back in chemistry class— an incomprehensible nightmare. I was reduced to begging for others’ leftover glazes, daubing them on my vessels and hoping for the best.

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

The kiln terrified me, and I am sure that some people’s projects exploded on my watch, and that I have blocked out the memory.

In my drawing class there was a mature student, Mr Zingeris. He was ancient, phenomenally short, and never talked to anyone. It was murmured around campus that during the War he had fled the Holocaust in Lithuania on foot, sleeping in ditches and surviving on windfall fruit.

Mr. Zingeris’ only relationship seemed to be with his own mind, and he was in a constant state of anger at it. Every class contained a heartstopping moment—the moment when Mr. Zingeris would explode in rage from behind his drawing board. You wouldn’t know exactly when it was coming, but the scritch scritch of our willow charcoal moving on our paper and lulling us into a state of peaceful meditation would be suddenly shattered by Mr. Zingeris’ voice. “I MADE A MISTAKE! I MADE A MISTAKE!!” he would holler, to no one in particular. He would attack his paper with desperate erasing motions.

We would jump two inches in the air and clutch at our chests. I was puzzled. Why was poor Mr. Z – so fearless during the war—worried about mistakes in an art class? Were we not all here to learn, to make mistakes?

It was in painting class alone that I began to shine. No one in the program could touch my gift for colour and composition. I always just knew how to lay out the picture so that

CABIN 12 PART 2 the viewer’s eye did not slide off the edge anywhere, but rather moved around inside the image. My fellow painting students, drifting around the studio during the coffee break to see what everyone was up to, would catch their breath when they rounded on my easel.

They would stand still and quietly study what they saw, as if a delightful secret lay inside.

This is it, a tiny voice said in my head. This is what you are supposed to do. Don’t forget.

In October a lump sum of money came to me—my student loan. It was the most money I had ever had access to. With no healthy family money habits or life experience to

inform me, I decided to take a lavish trip to New York City. I went because I missed a fair-haired boy named Jeremy, who had moved there in the summer and broken my heart, and I went for the museums.

A year later, I did forget that tiny voice. I forgot it for a very long time, but that is another story. Are we all not here to learn, to make mistakes?

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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CONT. ON PG 37 | AlmostFreeMagazine.com

13

C H ARIT Y

focus HALIBURTON COMMUNITY

FARM SOCIETY ORGANIC

How to Buy

YOUR ORGANIC PRODUCE WHILE DIRECTLY SUPPORTING YOUR NEIGHBOURS AND COMMUNITY! There are over

50

Sean, James, Kristen, Emily, Dave (Summer Intern), Heather, Ray, Mike Nate, Denver (Summer Intern), Elmarie, Derek (Absent Morgan Wilkens and Lila Mayer of Shooting Starts Greenhouse)

certified Organic

Farms and Farmers

IOPA/COABC #1305

products on each farm: Vegetables and fruit,

1. Barefoot Organics:

herbs, plant starts, flowers.

Haliburton Farm is situated on approximately eight acres of certified organic Agricultural Land Reserve in Cordova Bay, Victoria, part of which is wetland. The land is owned by the District of Saanich and governed by the BC charitable non-profit society, Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society volunteer Board without any paid administration. One of the successes of the community farm is excellent communication among all, which includes weekly farmer meetings in the growing season. The farmers and Board share skills through hosting schools, tours, work parties, and events such as the annual Haliburton Farm Seedy Saturday. The non-profit

Derek Powell and Goldenrose Paquette ~ growing for market, seeds, seedlings and other.

provides kitchen and room space rental to chefs and community groups. The farm Society is a community partner with Royal Roads Continuing Studies and Gaia College to teach the annual Growing Food course at the farm, now in its 3rd year. As the farm grows there are many successes and also challenges: Finding permanent land for farmers moving out of incubation, funding for administration, and aspects such as a delivery and retail liaison person, foodbox coordination, education coordination and volunteer coordination at the wetland and farming sections.

A remarkably skilled volunteer Board dedicates many volunteer hours to ensure the sustainability of the farm.

www.haliburtonfarm.org IOPA #1305 Saanich, B C Certified Organic

Vancity proudly supports the local food sector Come visit our newest location, the Mount Tolmie Community Branch at:

2. H&R Veggies:

Ray and Heather Robinson ~ growing for market and other.

3. Littlest Acre:

Emily McConnell ~ growing for market, kale, salads, eggs and other.

4. New Mountain Farm:

Mike Nyberg and Nate Poetger ~ growing for market, salads and other.

5. Saanich Native Plants:

James and Kristen Miskelly ~ Saanich native plant seedlings and seeds.

6. Shooting Starts Greenhouse:

Morgan Ingram and Lila Mayer ~ certified organic plant starts (vegetable, flower, herbs and other).

7. Sunbird Farm sharing with Haliburton Society: Elmarie Roberts ~ herbs, flowers, seeds.

Buying Your Organics The Farm Stand is stacked with beautiful produce on

Wednesdays from 11 – 5 at 741 Haliburton Rd. Look for farm produce at: Moss St Market, Saturdays from 10am-2pm Victoria Downtown Public Markets at the Hudson, Wednesdays from 11 – 3.

Orders are still taken for the Summer & Winter Food Boxes, which range from $21 to $28 a week.

Email info@haliburtonfarm.org.

Investing in farmers markets, local and organic food, and local food production.

100-1590 Cedar Hill Cross Road, Victoria, BC V8P 2P5 250 995 7563

Vancity is proud to sponsor the Charity Focus 14

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

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 15-18

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). Mark your calendar for the sandcastle festival.

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M

18

uch of the 40-acre property at Busnardo Vineyard is planted to vinifera varietals that have been traditional to Divino Estate Winery for more than 40 years. The Cobble Hill vineyard site was established in 1996 built from years of experience in the Okanagan Valley. Divino was first established in the early 1980’s in Oliver, B.C., built on a vineyard that had been planted with vinifera since the late 1960’s.

Natalia Ghose 250-857-2041 n_ghose@hotmail.com

featuring a rare selection of WINES OVER 20-YEARS OLD 1500 Freeman Rd, Cobble Hill, BC

(250) 743-2311 www.divinowine.ca OPEN 1-5 PM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS OR BY APPOINTMENT

We do private tasting parties!

YOUR ISLAND MARKETS: Make it a Day Trip!

ERRINGTON FARMERS MARKET Errington Community Park 1390 Errington Rd.

Every Saturday until September 6

41st Anniversary of "The Market in the Park" Live Music, Coffee Shop, Fresh Produce, Flowers, Plants, Preserves, Baking, Crafts and much more!

manager@erringtonfarmersmarket.ca (250)586-0099 www.erringtonfarmersmarket.ca

MOSS STREET MARKET Moss St & Fairfield Rd, Saturdays, 10am to 2pm Established in 1992, Moss Street Market is Victoria's premier farmers market and a local favourite. With over 25 farmers and 100 vendors overall, great live local music, kid's activity tent, and our Chef's Stage, there is always something for everyone. www.MossStreetMarket.com 250-361-1747 info@MossStreetMarket.com

HALIBURTON COMMUNITY

FARM SOCIETY ORGANIC

HALIBURTON COMMUNITY ORGANIC FARM SOCIETY The Farm Stand: 741 Haliburton Rd. Wednesdays from 11am – 5pm Look for farm produce at: Moss St Market, Saturdays from 10am – 2pm Victoria Downtown Public Markets at the Hudson, Wednesdays 11am – 3pm

VICTORIA PUBLIC MARKET AT THE HUDSON 1701 Douglas Street Monday - closed Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30m-6:30pm Sunday: 9:30am-5pm The Victoria Public Market is a destination for hungry travelers and local food lovers. Located on the ground floor of the iconic Hudson Building, former home to The Hudson Bay Co.; Canada's oldest department store chain and founding frontier business.

The 18,000 square-foot market is brimming with ingredients to match your kitchen and dining wish lists, meals made to order, picnics to go, a community kitchen featuring demonstrations by local chefs, a changing lineup of farmers and producers, plus a year round Farmers Market every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. We can't wait to see you here, bring your appetite!

Year Round Farmers Market: Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday: 11am-3pm www.victoriapublicmarket.com 778 433 2787 twitter: @vicpubmark instagram: victoriapublicmarket fb: victoriapublicmarket

Orders are still taken for the Summer & Winter Food Boxes, which range from $21 to $28 a week.

Email info@haliburtonfarm.org.

Haliburton Farm is situated on approximately eight acres of certified organic Agricultural Land Reserve in Cordova Bay, Victoria, part of which is wetland. The land is owned by the District of Saanich and governed by the BC charitable non-profit society, Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society volunteer Board without any paid administration. One of the successes of the community farm is excellent communication

ARTISANS LANE 309 Belleville Street, Victoria BC at Huntingdon Manor

Artisans Lane Our property features Artisan’s Lane showcasing the cities most talented artists, craftsmen, and jewelers. Situated between Huntingdon Manor and The Gatsby Mansion on Belleville Street, the walk has booths on either side of the lane with a cobblestone walkway down the center.

Within the property, there are rose gardens, fountains and ponds, cobblestone pathways, an outdoor amphitheatre and turn of the century buildings that attract many onlookers.

For opening hours please visit artisanslane.weebly.com check us out on facebook www.facebook.com/artisanslane

among all, which includes weekly farmer meetings in the growing season. The farmers and Board share skills through hosting schools, tours, work parties, and events such as the annual Haliburton Farm Seedy Saturday. The non-profit provides kitchen and room space rental to chefs and community groups. The farm Society is a community partner with Royal Roads Continuing Studies and Gaia College to teach the annual Growing Food course at the farm, now in its 3rd year.

www.haliburtonfarm.org Certified Organic Saanich, BC

Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

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19

M ONEY

cents

TEACHING KIDS

about money

BY SAIRA WATERS

Co-Founder of Dollar Divas

With school starting soon and back to school sales starting to creep up we find ourselves constantly thinking about education. It is our opinion that there is simply not enough financial education in the public school system today. So, at least for now, it is up to us to teach the next generation not to make the same mistakes we did. Here are some fun ways to teach your kids to have a healthy relationship with money

Start Young As soon as your kids are old enough not to put money in their mouths (money truly is one of the dirtiest things out there), they are old enough to learn about money. Have them do coin and bill recognition games and making simple change. Make learning about money fun!

Help Them Achieve a Money Goal Everyone has something that they want, sit down with your child and come up with a realistic goal for them to work towards. For little ones this might be a toy or game, for older kids it might be a day trip or the newest electronic toy on the market. Put a visual reminder on their wall of their goal along with a savings chart. Once they have saved enough to purchase their goal, go with them and help them make that special purchase. Your child will feel a sense of accomplishment that is priceless. Frugal Mama has some great free printable savings charts.

Let Them Fall Down Figuratively of course! Let your child make their own spending choices and inevitable mistakes. The consequences of a financial misstep will be much less now than when they are 20 or 30.

Want v/s Need Teaching your children the difference between things they desire, and things that are critical, is a lesson that can not be overlooked. A great way to do this is when you are shopping for their fall school clothes. Before you leave home go through their wardrobe together and figure out 20

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

the priorities. Do they have shoes or a winter coat that fits? When you are in the store remind them that brand name jeans are a want, but shoes that fit are a need and compromises have to be made on wants when there are needs.

Ask Their Opinion When you make big financial decisions that affect the whole family check in with your kids. Let them know the details (all the details) and ask for their opinions. Exposing them to decisions that will directly impact their lives will teach them how to make sound decisions in their own lives later in life. You will also be surprised at the clear insights kids have, they might make a very challenging decision simple.

If you are feeling a little intimidated there are some great resources out there for teaching your kids. For little ones there are some great story books that can introduce the topic of money: • “These Shoes” by Maribeth Boelts or "Amelia Bedelia Means Business," by Herman Parish • For older kids have them read “The Wealthy Barber”

by David Chilton and “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki to get them thinking about handling money in a smart way.

Money is a part of all our lives whether we like it or not. Educating the next generation on how to handle their finances is absolutely critical for their success.

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.

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 21-27

You’ll Never Believe

More than half of the Vancouver Island Vineyards are in the Cowichan Valley.

from any of a number of 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. See page 52 for details. 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

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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featuring a rare selection of WINES OVER 20-YEARS OLD We pride ourselves on making wines in the Italian tradition grapes, time and a blessing from mother nature...

1500 Freeman Rd, Cobble Hill, BC (250) 743-2311 www.divinowine.ca Open 1-5 PM Fridays & Saturdays or by appointment

We do private tasting parties!

23

DUNCAN/COWACHAN BAY

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24

uch of the 40-acre property at Busnardo Vineyard is planted to vinifera varietals that have been traditional to Divino Estate Winery for more than 40 years. The Cobble Hill vineyard site was established in 1996 built from years of experience in the Okanagan Valley. Divino was first established in the early 1980’s in Oliver, B.C., built on a vineyard that had been planted with vinifera since the late 1960’s.

featuring a rare selection of WINES OVER 20-YEARS OLD 1500 Freeman Rd, Cobble Hill, BC

(250) 743-2311 www.divinowine.ca OPEN 1-5 PM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS OR BY APPOINTMENT

We do private tasting parties!

STRAIT OF GEORGIA

Gabriola Island

19

Island Tasting Rooms

DISCOVER

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Gulf Islands

Ladysmith

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Chemainus

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Salt Spring Island

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ichan Valley

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Pender Island

3

2

3

South Island

4

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JUAN DE FUCA STRAIT

ENRICO WINERY

250.733.2356 www.enricowinery.com 3280 Telegraph Road, Mill Bay

VENTURI-SCHULZE VINEYARDS 250.743.5630 www.venturischulze.com 4235 Vineyard Rd, Cobble Hill

Here you will find purists. No pesticides or herbicides. No compromise in the vineyard or winery. Just a commitment to producing wines uniquely expressive of our site and of our personalities.

14

DISTANCES (1Km = .6 miles approx.)

Victoria to Mill Bay - 41 km Mill Bay to Cobble Hill – 7 to 10 km Cobble Hill to Duncan – 10 to 14 km Duncan to Nanaimo – 51 km Duncan to Salt Spring Island Ferry – 15 km

250. 743.2330 www.glenterravineyards.com 3897 Cobble Hill Rd, Cobble Hill

Summertime at Enrico Winery Celebrate Summer with a bottle of our Sparkling Wine.

Enjoy a picnic down at the pond or relax with a glass of wine over looking the Vineyard.

17 1

GLENTERRA VINEYARDS

Glenterra Vineyards maintains 5 acres of sustainable dry farmed vineyards in the Cowichan Valley, additional grapes are purchased as needed from vineyards that use similarly responsible farming methods.

Sidney

Mill Bay Shaw niga n Lak e

250.743.3667 www.unsworthvineyards.com 2915 Cameron Taggart Rd, Mill Bay

A Vibrant New Scene at Unsworth’s New Restaurant!

Bring this ad in for a complementary (3oz) glass of wine, with the purchase of any entrée. Offer is valid until Sept.

30th, 2014. Conditions apply.

6

1

UNSWORTH VINEYARDS

5

BLUE GROUSE WINERY

250.743.3834 www.bluegrousevineyards.com 4365 Blue Grouse Road, Duncan

Our philosophy at Blue Grouse is, “What Really Matters?”

And what matters to us is the experience – yours and ours. We want you to remember us because you were at a beautiful place, on a beautiful day (rain or shine), with people you love – an experience we hope to perfect with just the right wine.

6

DIVINO ESTATE WINERY 250.743.2311 www.divinowine.ca 1500 Freeman Rd, Cobble Hill, BC

NEW VINTAGES in Tasting Room. Tasting Room Available for Special Occasion & Private Tasting Events! EMAIL FOR DETAILS! divinowinery@aol.com OPEN 1-5 PM FRIDAYS &

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26

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

BEADS BEADS BEADS

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Upcoming Chemainus Events Chemainus Accordion Days, Aug 8 & 9 chemainusaccordiandays.com ArtBeat Street Parties, Aug 8 & Aug 22 cvcas.com/artbeat Chemainus Jazz Festival, Aug 23 chemainusjazzfestival.com Chemainus Wednesday Market - to Sept 24 chemainus.bc.ca ’Savour Chemainu, Thu Oct 3 Wine and Culinary Tastings Event Details coming soon to visitchemainus.ca

The Polka Dot Trail Chemainus Valley Studio Tour, Oct 3 – 5 Details coming soon to cvcas.com Chemainus Theatre Festival Les Misérables, to Sep 7 Freud's Last Session, Aug 20 - 30 Christine Reimer, Painting Exhibit to Sept 7 Over the River & Through the Woods, Opens Oct 3 www.chemainustheatre.ca

visitchemainus.ca Vancouver Island’s FREE coupon and affordable living magazine

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27

HEALT H &

wellness

GRATITUDE

changes everything

BY VICTORIA HOLMES, Inspirational Speaker, Writer, Life Coach

We often think of gratitude as something we need to express after we have experienced what we want.

What if we expressed gratitude for things we desire, believing that everything we desire is trying to make its way to us? What if we could feel what it would be like to have what we desire, before we have it?

Would being in alignment with our desires put us in a place where we have the power to achieve them?

We have been conditioned to think that it is only acceptable to feel good when things are flowing a certain way. Then, when everything is not as we think it should be in our lives, we reserve our happiness for another time — a time that may never be exactly as we had hoped. By repeating this practice on a daily basis we are literally deteriorating our quality of life simply with our state of mind.

Instead, we can follow a path to a happy and joyous life by deciding irreversibly, that no matter what our situation in life is, we will choose to be grateful for it, and mindfully live in a state of happiness. Our lives are ever changing and there will be periods of pain and sorrow.

Through it all we can maintain a spirit of gratitude, appreciation, and happiness if we choose to, it is up to us.

When I go to bed at night, I visualize my day and offer thoughts of gratitude. Then I visualize the day to come and do the same. Usually, that process continues on throughout the night and I wake up in a positive frame of mind. A few days ago, that was not the case. I woke up to construction noise and was irritable. As I lay in bed, (preparing mini speeches in my head that I wanted to yell out the window) I found myself finding all sorts of other things to be cranky about as well. I decided it was just going to be one of those days. I got up, and headed to my favourite spot for a morning hike. I continued on in my state of mind muttering to myself about people who litter, people who don’t clean up after their dogs, and so on. At one point I had clarity and I realized what I was doing. I began to offer thoughts of gratitude for the trees, the different shades of green, the people who maintain the path, the city planners who had the foresight to protect this piece of land, the sunshine, the clean water, and that I live in a place that is safe. This went on for the rest of the day, and it turned out to be one of ‘those’ days — the 28

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

amazing kind! What changed? Only my thoughts.

Admittedly, it is easier to do that some days than others. I recognize that there are very serious things with which we all have to deal. The law of attraction states ‘That which is like unto itself is drawn’ so it is law that when we are appreciative and live in a state of gratitude — even in difficult situations — we will draw more into our lives to be appreciative and grateful. It doesn’t matter that your current situation isn’t what society would consider the ideal situation; what matters is that you can pull yourself into a state of appreciation and draw off the positive way it feels to live your life in that state.

Our setbacks only make us stronger. Forgive yourself and everyone involved, and return to a state of well being as quickly as possible. We do not want to draw more turmoil or pain into our lives by continuing to live in that low vibration state of being. Choosing to continue in a negative state does not allow positive experiences and emotions to pass through us. We become stuck and our negativity grows into jealousy, resentment, and anger.

Instead, choosing to release these thoughts and reach for the higher thoughts of gratitude, appreciation and service by their very nature draw unto us more opportunities for which to be thankful.

What kind of day will you choose to have today?

Whatever it is, you will get more of it… and more of what you give your attention. It is within your power, it is up to you to decide.

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

www.rejuvenateyourlifecoaching.com

250.474.1401 or 250.588.4683

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In doing their best to be known as Victoria's most female-friendly shop, Victoria Transmission & Auto Care would like to reward a local woman for doing her best with the current ride she owns.

From now until September 12, women all over the city are invited to apply at www.cheknews.ca and share their story of the difference $4,000 would make to improve her vehicle.

Do you (or a woman you know) need a new transmission, new tires and tune up, or a new paint job to put a little extra spring in your step?

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Twelve applicants will be selected and the winner will be announced on September 15 at one of Victoria Transmission & Auto Care's always popular Ladies' Night Events.

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Kuku’s Summer Sizzling Contest Guess one missing ingredient in the Butter Chicken Ingredients for your chance to win Dinner for 4 every two weeks throughout August and September.

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Working on a fitness goal to increase your running or walking? Or, are you already planning to participate in the Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon this year?

We hope you will consider joining our team, The Lifetime Networks Cruisers, to meet your fitness goal. And maybe even make a few friends!

Our team is made up of Lifetime Networks Program Participants, Family, and Friends, and we all work together to meet our fitness and fundraising goals.

We do this to ensure Lifetime Networks' Programming will continue making a difference in the lives of adults in our community who live with developmental disabilities.

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31

GET A

head start

AND ADVERTISE FOR THE HOLIDAYS For advertising opportunities in

VANCOUVER ISLAND ALMOST FREE magazine please call 250-419-2579 or email us at elissa.vaf@gmail.com

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E X P LORE

the island:

G R E ATE R V I C TO R I A

connecting with GREATER VICTORIA SAANICH PENINSULA - VICTORIA - WESTERN COMMUNITIES

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 33-53

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.

Little Known Fact There are 7 women to every man in Victoria. Enough said.

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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Established 155 years ago by Henry Simpson (A Native of Essex, England) as The Prairie Tavern, this once popular watering hole on the long stretch of road between Sidney and Victoria adorns much of the historic wood and glass style of its period. The original English Tavern burned down in 1893 and later re-established as The Prairie Inn, a hostel that catered to wayfarers and travelers alike wishing for a drink and a good meal.

Located in the heart of Saanichton on the corner of Mt. Newton and East Saanich Rd, the building is now a Central Saanich Heritage Site.

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Later when roads appeared they started a stage to Victoria. Simpson devoted himself to the Community and helped to found the Saanich Agricultural Fair.

Flashing forward, today when you visit The Prairie Inn that re-opened as a pub and restaurant on December 26, 1974, you’ll find the long-time staff familiar with the regulars’ drink and meal of choice. You’ll find General Manager, Jamie Day, onhand helping whatever section that needs him and often serving his own. And even now many travelers make their way off the highway to visit a little piece of Vancouver Island history, to enjoy a pint and chips before making their way home.

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flavours

MAKING PRODUCE

fresh roasted cauliflower 1 4

Head of Cauliflower tbsp Harissa Infused Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Slice up the cauliflower into small flowerettes – for those who love the stems, feel free to chop them up as well.

Place flowerettes in a medium sized bowl and drizzle with Harissa Infused Olive Oil. Toss well to coat Roast in the oven at 375F for 15 minutes, or until golden and still crisp, or alternatively, in a grill roasting pan, or wrapped in tin foil, roast on the BBQ for 10-15 minutes.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

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honey caramelized string beans 1

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Wash beans and remove any residual flowers or stems.

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AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

flavours

lemon tarragon broccoli 1 2 1 1

Head of Broccoli tbsp Tarragon Infused Olive Oil tbsp Lemon Juice tsp grainy Dijon Mustard

Sea Salt to taste

Chop Broccoli into flowerets. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, rinsing well with cold water to ensure broccoli will stop cooking.

In serving bowl, whisk together Tarragon Infused Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Dijon. Toss in Broccoli and turn to coat well in dressing. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste and serve. This dish is lovely as a warm side, cold salad, or a light lunch the next day.

bbq grilled potatoes

toasted snacking peas 1 2 1

cup Peas tbsp Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil tsp Smoked Paprika tsp Sea Salt

In a roasting pan, drizzle peas with olive oil and roll peas around pan to completely coat. Sprinkle with Paprika and Sea Salt.

Roast 15 minutes at 350, until peas are crisp but not cracked. Serve warm or allow to cool – a perfect and fresh alternative to peanuts, for a snack while dinner is on the grill.

1

lbs Potatoes (Russet are best, but Yukon Gold,

Fingerling or any new potoates are delicious as well)

2 1

tbsp Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil Bulb of Garlic

Salt and Pepper to taste

Wash and chop Potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add in potatoes, boil for about 10 minutes, until potatoes can be easily pierced with a knife. While potatoes are boiling, remove cloves of garlic from bulb and wash.

Drain potatoes, and place on tin foil or a grilling roasting pan. Toss with bulbs of garlic and drizzle with Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil. Grill for 20 minutes, turning once to ensure they are roasting evenly.

Remove from pan or foil and serve immediately, scrapping any crispy bits from the bottom.

Alternatively, if you love mashed potatoes, once finished roasting, the garlic and potatoes can be transferred to a food processor, add an additional tablespoon of Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil and blend until smooth.

baked caramel apple

roasted tropical fruit salad

4 Apples – Crip and Tart – Golden Delicious, Crispin, Granny Smith etc.

2 tbsp Brown Sugar 1 tbsp All Purpose Flour 2 tbsp Maple Dark Balsamic

cup Raisins, Walnuts, etc.

4 cups of largely chopped fresh tropical fruit Pineapple – Mango – Papaya – Jackfruit – Kiwi – Star fruit – Guava etc.

3

tbsp Coconut White Balsamic

In a large bowl, toss fruit with Coconut White Balsamic, mixing to coat well let sit 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375F On a parchment paper covered cookie sheet, spread fruit evenly in a single layer and drizzle with any juices and balsamic in the bowl.

Roast in the oven for 30 minutes turning once at 15 minutes. Fruit will be blistered and juices will be syrupy. Let cool to room temperature on the cookie sheet.

Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

cup Water

Preheat oven to 350F Leaving apples whole, core the center, so they look like a very large doughnut.

In a small bowl mix together brown sugar and flour, add in Maple Dark Balsamic mixing well, add the raisins and walnuts.

Place cored apples in a small roasting pan Stuff center of the apples loosely with sugar mixture and pour water in the bottom of the roasting pan.

Roast for 45 minutes; remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Watch the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure the skin on the apples doesn’t split, so they are soft but still in tacked.

Delicious with a dollop of ice cream or soft whipped cream, drizzled with the juices left over in the pan.

marinated grilled peaches 2 4

Peaches tbsp Goat Cheese

2

tbsp Cranberry Pear White Balsamic

Slice Peaches in half vertically and remove pit.

Drizzle Balsamic onto a plate and place peaches cut side down in the balsamic. Cover and let sit for 1-2 hours.

While grill is still hot from dinner ☺ Place Peaches cut side down on the grill, and reserve remaining balsamic from the plate. Grill for 2 minute, and turn peaches cut side up. Place 1 Tbsp of goat cheese in the center of each peach half and drizzle with remaining balsamic. Grill an additional 2-3 minutes, until cheese is just starting to melt and is warmed through. Serve immediately.

This is also delicious with Apricots, nectarines or plums. Grill 2 minutes more per side if using nectarines, or any less tender stone fruit.

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F IT NE SS

tips

LAST OF THE

summer workouts

BY LOUISE HODGSON-JONES

What a summer we are having. This long stretch of hot, sunny weather means we have no excuse to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. With just a few weeks left of warm temperatures it is a great time to get in those last few outdoor workouts. With cooler temperatures in the early mornings and evenings it is also ideal conditions for running or cycling, particularly if you are training for a fall race and need to get those last few miles under your belt.

If there was ever a time to take the gym outdoors it is over these last few weeks of summer. There are still many outdoor workouts to take in as was summarized in the last issue - such as boot camps and yoga – but there are also many ways you can use our wonderful parks and green spaces to create your own training zone. This can be a form of circuit training – alternating cardio between each exercise – or can be done on its own. This is also a great way to prepare you for the gym if you have had a break for a few months.

Here are some examples to try. Tip: do this with a friend – far more fun and you can challenge each other.

• Tricep dips on park bench: just as you would do dips in the gym with a bench, a park bench is a great substitute. Place your hands behind you on the bench, legs straight and dip!

• Push-ups on the grass: soft lush grass provides a great ‘mat’ for push-ups. If you find a full push-up too much, rest your knees on the grass.

44

• Bench press on a park bench or log: as with the dips, bench presses can easily be done on a park bench or if you want a lower surface – a log.

• Side leg raises on a bench or table (ensure table is stable): if using a bench ensure it is wide enough for this exercise.

This also provides a great core workout because you are on an elevated surface.

Raise one leg to the side at a 45 degree angle, repeat the other side.

• Step-ups on a bench or log: for a less challenging exercise try a log. Alternate legs as you step up and down.

• Squats with bench: stand with the bench behind you and squat as if you are about to sit down and then stand.

• Explosive jumps with rocks or logs: find a log with no obstacles nearby and jump over front and backwards. Alternatively find some rocks and place at 3’ – 4’ intervals and leap frog over each.

If you want to do this as circuit training do one set of each: 10 – 15 reps, cardio (jog

AlmostFreeMagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014

or rope skip for one minute are examples), and repeat for as many sets you can do in 30 minutes.

If you are a runner and want to try something different try running on sand.

On Vancouver Island we are blessed with abundant beaches – so pick the beach that you feel would be the most suitable. Soft sand would provide more uneven footing so potentially could cause injuries, so hard packed sand may be the best option. Tip: for inspiration just imagine you are in Chariots of Fire!

So, enjoy the rest of summer with these workouts that are sure to challenge you, but they will also prepare you for whatever goals you set yourself this fall.

Louise Hodgson-Jonesis 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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T RAVEL

around

SOUTHERN Africa

BY CHRISTIAN DEAN

We spent an afternoon an d night in Sw had the expe aziland's Hlan rience of comi e National Pa ng within 15 rk where we feet of four rh ino while on a walking sa fari.

Christian Dean is a travel consultant at the Broughton Street Centre and has been with the company for over 6 years. He traveled to Southern Africa in June of 2014.

Contact him and his team at: In June of 2014, I was fortunate enough to take a tour of Southern Africa with Intrepid Travel. Twenty-three hours of time in the air was all that stood between me and realizing a long standing dream of traveling to Southern Africa. Despite my trepidation, there was no way I was being held back from this opportunity.

If you are planning a trip to South Africa, there are countless pieces of advice that people will give you. My best, tip is to include a stopover in each direction on your flights. Nobody likes to arrive in their destination and spoil a day because they can’t keep their eyes open for longer than 30 seconds. I chose an overnight in Dubai on my way there to take the opportunity to travel with the excellent Emirates Airlines and to catch a glimpse of the famed city of Dubai with it’s immense skyscrapers and reputation for luxurious living.

Johannesburg shares a reputation with many cities in South Africa of being dangerous. I spent three nights in this city, albeit based in the decidedly well-to-do suburb of Sandton, and never felt in any more danger than I have in any city in Canada or the US that I have visited. However, there are dangerous areas of Johannesburg, and those are easily avoidable with minimal research.

Apartheid was broken 20 years ago, but its mark has been left throughout the country. Soweto (short for South Western Townships) was the centre of a decades long fight for equality and the home to South Africas two most famous icons, Bishop Desmond Tutu and the great Nelson Mandela. Their homes still stand here and the region is well worth a visit to experience the culture, witness the strength of the people and eat some fantastic food.

Our tour next took us through the Drankensberg, the mountain range separating the high plains and the lowlands closer to the coast. The scenery is breathtaking and this drive has two absolute “must sees” in Bourkes Luck Potholes and The Three Rondovals. Each of these sights are located in the Blyde River Canyon, one of the worlds largest green (read: treed) canyons.

Kruger National Park is incredible. If it is not on your bucket list already, you need to add it. Over a 24 hour period, I was able to see the famed “Big Five” of lions, white rhinos, leopards, water buffalo and elephants, in

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addition to hyenas, jackal, baboon, Wildebeest, African Wild Dogs and numerous varieties of antelope. The best time to visit Kruger is from June to August when the park is at it’s driest and the vegetation lowest. This timing will offer better visibility of the animals and they will often gather at the waterholes for easier viewing.

Our group next headed into the Kingdom of Swaziland, a small country with an incredible culture and home to a number of national parks, created by Swaziland's king in the mid 1990’s amidst a successful effort to halt rampant hunting of rhinos and elephant for their tusks. We spent an afternoon and night in Swaziland's Hlane National Park where we had the experience of coming within 15 feet of four rhino while on a walking safari. While not intentional, it was definitely remarkable.

The following day took us to the Southern coast of Mozambique and the beautiful Punta Malangone. The coastline of Mozambique covers about 1/3 of Africa’s East Coast and it is stunning. Expansive beaches backed by massive sand dunes spotted with beach homes for the many vacationing South Africans made for

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Backed by an incredible estuary, the focus of our time here was to take a boat trip on the salt water lake and get up close with an sizeable number of hippos and crocodiles that line its shores.

Our tour moved onwards to KwaZulu-Natal, the home of the people of the Zulu Nation and the beautiful Valley of1,000 Hills. We were treated to an immersion in Zulu culture here, meeting with a Sangoma, a practitioner of traditional Zulu medicine, some youth at an orphanage that was sponsored by our hosts and a Zulu dance troupe and treated to an incredible evening in a home stay with one of the local families.

Though it may be some time before I have the opportunity to visit Africa again, it will absolutely happen. My fears were unfounded and my expectations exceeded at every turn.

I cannot wait to share the complete splendour of Africa with my wife and children. Is it your time to experience Africa?

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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.

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Meet the Team: RECEPTION: Warren, Kim, and their little recue 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.

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“SMILE FOR THE

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ASTR O S O UL

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ASTRO SOUL

horoscope

PISCES – WILLINGNESS

Life is full of endless possibilities, get ready to dive in with a renewed sense of optimism and openness. It takes courage to be yourself but it feels so good when you do!

VIRGO – ABUNDANCE

Take the first step and trust your heart to lead you to joy.

Wonderful social opportunities are awaiting you. Spend time with the people you love the most.

LEO – VALOR

AQUARIUS – SWIFTNESS

You are surrounded by people that believe in you so why not believe in yourself too? Compromise is a great skill but make sure to stay true to what is most important to you.

CAPRICORN – COMMUNICATION

Clarity will come shining through clearing up the confusion to show you your greatest desires. The bigger the dream the more work is necessary to build it!

SAGITTARIUS – SOLUTIONS

Creative problem solving will help to overcome obstacles relating to career and life path. Allow the answers to come to you, there’s no need to over-think.

SCORPIO – DESIRE

Forgiveness will lead to new and exciting opportunities.

Let go of the past and embrace your passion.

LIBRA – INITIATE

BY PSYCHIC MEDIUM ANDREA ZONNIS www.psychicsong.com

Open your heart and let the love flow! Transform old pains into wisdom as you learn what you need from life by knowing what you don’t want.

A solid foundation is the key to success. The obstacles are easier to jump over than you think!

CANCER – COLLABORATION

Opportunities will find you when you least expect them.

It’s not about what you know it’s about who you know; so watch for helpful people popping into your life.

GEMINI – PERCEPTION

Your angels are talking to you. Are you listening? Make peace with your worries and get ready to take action.

TAURUS – MAGNIFICENCE

Accepting your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to have more control over your destination. Be sure to stop and smell the flowers on your fast track to success.

ARIES – LEADERSHIP

Trust your intuition about co-workers and bosses as there is more under the surface that is yet to be revealed. A little compassion can go a long way.

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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.

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