Running outside my comfort zone

Well, I just did something I never dreamed I’d do - I registered for a 10km run. Now, before you stop reading because to you 10km is a walk in the park, please take a moment to consider my running history. Until I was about 38.5 I carefully avoided any activity where I might be forced to move faster than a brisk walk, unless powered by two or more wheels. For example, my high school had cross-country trails that went though heavily wooded forest. That meant I could walk most of the way, enjoying the birdsong and day dreaming to my heart’s content. I only shifted to running mode after emerging from the forest, when the beady eyes of my PE teacher could spot what I was doing. At university I had the good fortune of getting a doctor to diagnose me with ‘flat feet’, a condition that came with strict orders to wear Birkenstocks and -- you guessed it -- avoid running. 

Since then, I had heeded her advice.

So why this change of heart? Well, it may be because the run I’m in comes with a post-race massage. It’s also because I’m doing this with a bunch of girlfriends, and any activity that involves girlfriend time is an activity worth doing. It’s helping me stay in shape, which is important at my advancing age. But the main reason I’m doing this is because I’d forgotten how challenging yourself to do something outside your comfort zone can make you feel, well, alive. Even when I’m panting along, thinking ‘dear god where is the end of the trail’, I feel (mentally) happy and excited about life. So here’s to adding a bit of spice to the every day same ol’ , same ol’, by stepping (or running) outside your comfort zone, and hopefully having a damn good time while doing it.

Vancouver Island's Wine Country

I can think of few better ways to spend one's holiday than touring wine country, especially if that country encompasses not only Vancouver Island but some of the Gulf Islands as well. First stop must be the Cowichan Valley. Here, once you turn off the main highway, you'll follow winding roads, pass country cottages and hobby farms and then come upon a winery. Unfortunately I don't have space to cover all the oenophile delights to be found in this beautiful area (for that you'll need to check outwww.wineislands.ca) but I'll share a few of my memorable sipping (and let's face it, eating moments too) at the island's wineries. Cherry Point Estate Winery's delightful garden bistro is the perfect place to sip the afternoon away indulging in some of the award winning wines, in particular the Coastal Red, a light easy drinking bottle. Cherry Point is where you'll also have the good gastronomic fortune to have the best cheesecake ever (in my opinion), a light, frothy cake, accompanied by their bursting with flavour blackberry dessert wine. The experience at Averill Creek Winery is slightly more rustic as here you have to BYOP (bring your own picnic). The booze, of course, is on site, and with a bottle of the winery's Averill Creek Prevost in hand and a picnic basket stuffed with local cheeses, bread, fruit and chocolate you can settle in for an afternoon even Dionysus would be proud of. A day spent on Salt Spring is never a waste especially if you go early Saturday morning to take in the market before visiting the island's two wineries; Garry Oaks Winery and Salt Spring Vineyards. But for something off the beaten path but still on the wine trail, hop on the ferries to Saturna Island. It takes a little longer to get there but it's the perfect combination of getting away from it all, but not so far you can't indulge in the delights of wine and good food, especially if you linger at Saturna Island Family Estate Vineyards.  Although the winery is accessbile by road, I suggest you make your visit a Gulf Island one through and through by kayaking to the winery's beach, before settling in for lunch and a glass of wine (the Pinot Noir Rose is a great way to  First stop must be the Cowichan Valley. Here, once you turn off the main highway, you'll follow winding roads, pass country cottages and hobby farms and then come upon a winery. Unfortunately I don't have space to cover all the oenophile delights to be found in this beautiful area (for that you'll need to check outwww.wineislands.ca) but I'll share a few of my memorable sipping (and let's face it, eating moments too) at the island's wineries. Cherry Point Estate Winery's delightful garden bistro is the perfect place to sip the afternoon away indulging in some of the award winning wines, in particular the Coastal Red, a light easy drinking bottle. Cherry Point is where you'll also have the good gastronomic fortune to have the best cheesecake ever (in my opinion), a light, frothy cake, accompanied by their bursting with flavour blackberry dessert wine. The experience at Averill Creek Winery is slightly more rustic as here you have to BYOP (bring your own picnic). The booze, of course, is on site, and with a bottle of the winery's Averill Creek Prevost in hand and a picnic basket stuffed with local cheeses, bread, fruit and chocolate you can settle in for an afternoon even Dionysus would be proud of. A day spent on Salt Spring is never a waste especially if you go early Saturday morning to take in the market before visiting the island's two wineries; Garry Oaks Winery and Salt Spring Vineyards. But for something off the beaten path but still on the wine trail, hop on the ferries to Saturna Island. It takes a little longer to get there but it's the perfect combination of getting away from it all, but not so far you can't indulge in the delights of wine and good food, especially if you linger at Saturna Island Family Estate Vineyards.  Although the winery is accessbile by road, I suggest you make your visit a Gulf Island one through and through by kayaking to the winery's beach, before settling in for lunch and a glass of wine (the Pinot Noir Rose is a great way to 

Vancouver Island Local

Honey? Check. Cheese? Check. Salt? You betcha.

Welcome to the world of local food a la Vancouver Island. I don’t know whether it’s because we’re separated from the mainland by a huge swathe of water, or that there’s something about island life that attracts creative food connoisseurs, but here food producers have made it possible to enjoy a 100-mile diet without giving up too many of life’s edible pleasures.

Locally-produced meat (including bison!) and veggies are available almost year round as we have oodles of artisan farms up and down the island (during the spring and summer I highly recommend an Island Farmers Market tour). But what about some of the more esoteric but-can’t-live-without items such as honey, coffee, salt and more importantly cheese, because who, honestly, can live without cheese?

Well, have no fear, all of it can be found here. The hum of thousands of bees is what greets you when you enter Freidrich’s honey farm and it’s a sure sign you’re gettin’ the real local thing. But it isn’t just delicious, produced-on-the-spot honey you can get. Freidrich also sells bee pollen and propolis (said to have enormous health benefits), bee bread (a mixture of honey and pollen and ditto on the health benefits) as well as candles and soap.

When it comes to great coffee we are truly spoiled for choice. Okay, I admit, there coffee beans aren't being harvested on the island. But, there are a number of companies that buy beans and create their own roasts. I’ve already waxed lyrical about Drumroaster but there’s also Red Roaster Coffee roasted on Gabriola, available in various Vancouver Island cafés, Peaks Coffee in the Cowichan Valley, Creekmore Coffee in Coombs and Rhodos Coffee in the Comox Valley  to name a few.

And yes it's even possible to get salt, thanks to a young business called, well, Vancouver Island Salt Co. And this isn’t just any ol’ salt. You can try maple-smoked salt and roasted garlic, balsamic, Mustard and Banana Pepper Infused Salt. Of course plain Canadian Sea Salt is also available.

Which brings us to our cheeses. Unfortunately, I Ieft it too late as I could write a whole column on the cheeses created on Vancouver Island. So, I will – soon. In the meantime I’ll tease you with a sampling of my favourites: the award-winning Natural Pastures Comox Brie and the Yoo Boo Blue from Hilary’s Artisan Cheeses.

What’s that? You’d like a little wine to go with that cheese?  Well, perhaps my next column on the island’s cheese culture will include a few tidbits on where to get local wine to go with all that delicious cheese. 

Something for everyone at Woodfire

Where can you get gourmet food prepared by a chef trained in French classical cooking, who’s created meals for the likes of Boris Yeltsin, Bill Clinton, and Sarah McLachlan? On Gabriola, of course, at Woodfire Pizza & Grill Chris Hooton has thirty years of experience under his chef’s hat and if you’ve tasted his pizzas, pastas or delectable specials, you’ll be thankful he’s brought that experience to Gabriola.

Left photo: The pomegranete martini, served up with lemon zest, has proven to be one of the popular drinks at Woodfire.(Derek Kilbourn photo)
He and his wife Sharon, who skillfully manages the front-of-house-operations, own and operate Woodfire and their goal is to create a cozy, welcoming environment where they can serve fresh, seasonal dishes, using the best quality ingredients.
If the flavours that melt in your mouth when you taste a Woodfire meal are anything to go by, it’s obvious Chris has learned a lot during his 30 years in the preparing-unforgettable-meals biz. I ordered the Sandwell pizza with ingredients you wouldn’t find in just any ol’ pizza joint: prawns, spinach, smoked bacon, baby mozzarella, and herb lemon butter atop a crispy crust cooked to perfection in the woodfired oven. My dinner companion opted for one of the main entrees – a mouth-watering meal of slow-roasted ribs with a homemade Bourbon barbecue sauce, woodfired vegetables and seriously chunky fries.
The best Woodfire meal I’ve had though, wasn’t actually at the restaurant.
I was fortunate enough to attend a birthday party catered by Woodfire. The guest of honour had requested Chinese food and after digging into stir-fried strip sirloin in a soy and ginger glaze, a sumptuous sweet and sour pork dish, flavourful chow mein noodles and a spicy prawn dish, everyone agreed it was the best Chinese food they’d ever had.
The Hootons can cater for any occasion and at reasonable prices. They’ll fix sandwiches for fishing trips, cook pasta for an easy mid-week dinner, whip up pizzas for a party, or design a four-course menu for a wedding. They simply want to support islanders in whatever way they can as they love working in their community. Judging from the steady stream of hungry guests coming in to the restaurant, the community is lovin’ them, too. Right photo: White chocolate and vanilla pannacotta. (Derek Kilbourn photo)

Did you know...
…Woodfire now has an Early Bird menu between 4pm-5pm: $16 for two courses including tea or coffee.

…there are gluten-free versions of most of the pizzas and pastas.

…on Thursday dinner is accompanied by live music courtesy of Amber Handley and Brad Shipley.

Urge to Purge

Most of my friends know I’m not a huge fan of cleaning. In fact I kind of look at it the way Erma Bombeck, an American comedian, did when she said, “My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.” However, when spring rolls around I inevitably start to suffer from that seasonal affliction known as ‘spring cleaning fever’. I think this annual urge to purge is one reason Easter has never been important to me. By the time it rolls around I’m in the mood to get rid of bunnies – dust bunnies that is -- not welcome more bunnies (mythological, chocolate or otherwise) into my home.
I’ve learned though that the trick is not to be too ambitious. Up until this year I would start my spring cleaning full force, determined to put Martha Stewart herself to shame. I’d root out clothes that hadn’t been worn since high school, scrub spots that hadn’t seen a dishcloth since we moved in, and wash windows as though my life depended on them being spotless. But there was a problem (besides the fact that I hate cleaning.) The fever usually only lasted about 24-hours and so I’d end up with piles of stuff everywhere, and only about half the windows and half the spots cleaned up. That meant the house looked even worse, the unclean parts seemed even dirtier next to the sparkling clean areas. So this year I’m setting my sights much lower – chasing a few dust bunnies around, purging some clothes, maybe doing a bit of laundry. And when that fever hits hard, I’ll grab my honey and head outside. After all there’s more than one kind of fever one can succumb to when spring hits.

Road Tripping on the Island | BC Lifestyle

Road Tripping on the Island | BC Lifestyle

Gabriola Restaurant Sizzles all Year Round

Chef Jonah Hicks in the Silva Bay kitchen, 

preparing the Turf part of the Mexico-style 

Surf and Turf special. Derek Kilbourn photo

Do you like your seafood sustainable? Your sauces made from scratch? A menu that reflects the seasons? Then it’s time to head down to Silva Bay Pub & Restaurant and indulge in a dish prepared by the personable, and talented, young chef Jonah Hicks. The night we went was dark and stormy but when we walked through the doors we were enveloped by the cozy ambience – fireplace roaring, muted music playing and the chatter of conversation. Even though the million dollar view wasn’t visible, I realized Gabriolans Tanya and Tim Gambrill, who own and operate the restaurant at Silva Bay, had created a place where it’s easy to relax and unwind – no matter what’s happening outside. The menu has traditional pub fare (fish and chips, burgers, chicken wings) and the Gambrill’s have also put their creative talents to work partnering with their chef to create one-of-a-kind dishes like the Cashew Lentil Burger, Ravioli Puttanesca, and Miso-Planked Salmon. There are also nightly specials so even frequent visitors always have something new to try.Which is why I found myself indulging in a Mexican style Surf & Turf with scallops, steaks, frites and refried beans. It was supposed to come drizzled in mole (mo-lay) sauce but our server Joelle kindly brought the sauce to me on the side as I wasn’t sure I could handle the heat. Turns out I could because this mole sauce was homemade with the heat tempered by just the right amount of chocolate and cinnamon. My dinner companion went à la carte and his Island Stir Fry was chock-a-bloc with veggies, chicken and noodles, although we substituted them for rice to create a gluten-free version. Even though we were both stuffed, Joelle managed to convince us to try the Crème Brûlée topped with candied orange slices and filled with custard infused with lavender and Grand Marnier (Yes, we finished it all.).The best part? I learned that even though I love Silva Bay in the summer, cozying up in the winter with a great meal and a pint has its own unique charm.

Did you know…
…all the seafood on the menu has been approved by the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Sustainable Seafood Program?
…they serve breakfast on Sundays in the summer?
…the menus shift to reflect the seasons?

Bento Box Bash at the Bastion

Okay, I guess it wasn't exactly a bash. But the two out of eight of us who ordered bento boxes during the company lunch felt we'd chosen best. Before I tell you why, did you know, those of you who live in or near Nanaimo, that Minnoz (the restaurant/bar at the Coast Bastion Inn) has a daily bento box special? Well, now you do.

So onto the delicious details. The bento box is like a food adventure -- in each little compartment you get to discover a different taste sensation: here a little sushi, there a little tempura and everywhere wasabi and pickled ginger to spice things up. Yum! And each daily bento box at the Bastion comes with something a little bit different -- one day it might be a spicy tuna roll and ginger beef, the next a california roll and lemon chicken. And yes, if your colleagues like to have their adventures well away from the restaurant table there is more traditional fare -- like a bacon, brie chicken sandwich (gluten-free bread available if you want) and of course, fries.

Location: 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, BC
Price: lunches, $9-$15 

Walking (and Spelunking and Snowshoeing) in a West Coast Winter Wonderland

A foggy walk through Nanaimo's Swy-a-lana. www.bradpowellphoto.com

The beautiful thing about west coast winters is the dramatic weather. One day there’s a foot of snow; the next a torrential downpour; and then a day of bright sunshine and blue skies. But, the best part is the thermometer rarely dips to the “frozen wasteland” temperatures that most of our compatriots have to deal with. And that’s why, even when there’s snow on the ground, we still get to go outside and play. One of my favourite Vancouver Island ways to do that is bundling up and going on a leaf-crunching walk through the plethora of city and wilderness trails that criss-cross the island. 

My favourite Vancouver Island city walk is along the Nanaimo harbourfront. It doesn’t have the grandiose views of Victoria’s Harbour, with the Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings, but I’m happier with the unimpeded views across the Strait of Georgia to the sky-scraping North Shore Mountains (or a cosy stroll through foggy winter mornings), as well as the delicious hot chocolate at the marina-side Javawocky Café.   

Head just north of Nanaimo and you’ll discover a plethora of trails between Parksville and Qualicum Beach. You can follow them through old growth forests, by stunning waterfalls, and across rolling rivers where, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch site of the resident eagles swooping in to pick up dinner – even during the winter.

If you’re afraid of small cramped spaces, oh, and the dark, the next hike may not be up your alley. But if you’re up for it then spelunking through the caves at Horne Lake might be just your thing. Be prepared though – this trip isn’t called wet and wild for nothing.

And then there’s Mount Washington and Strathcona Park. Sure you can ski in both places but why not try something a little different (and cheaper) like strapping on the light-weight modern day version of the snowshoe and literally trekking through a winter wonderland. Mount Washington hastrails mapped out for you; the more adventurous can bushwhack through the pristine wilderness of BC’s oldest provincial park – 250,000 hectares of pristine wilderness to be exact.

Photo Credit: www.bradpowellphoto.com

Girls' and Boys' Toys

A girl (in her blue jeans, blue shirt, and blue shoes) and her Lego.

Last Sunday I had the displeasure of going into Toys 'R' Us to buy a birthday present for my son’s friend. Usually I avoid this store at all costs. As a dear friend described, the store makes one itchy, with its sky-high piles of televisions and pop star branded toys. Unfortunately, it was the only store in town to have this particular toy. After my experience though, I will never step foot into it again. Here is the conversation I had with a staff member: 
Me: "Do you have BeyBlades?"
Staff member: "Yes. Those are in the boys’ toy section."
Me (now looking aghast at said staff member): "Gasp. Boys’ toy section? You have a ‘boys’ toy section’? Oh…never mind."
With that I marched off to find out which toys this massive retailer has deemed suitable only for the boys among us. It was filled with Transformers (which I loved as a child), Lego (ditto) and yes, BeyBlades (no comment, as I’d never heard of such a thing till this weekend). The girls’ toy section was so blindingly pink I had to shield my eyes as I walked by, but I caught glimpses of Barbies, dolls and Hannah Montana. 
Now, as the mother of a son I’m fully aware boys and girls are different, and not just physically. But do we need a major toy retailer deciding whether a toy is suitable for girls or boys? 
What’s next? A ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ section in the bookstores? 
Children and their parents are the ones to decide if a toy is suitable based on their family values, not on gender. 
If a girl fancies the newest action figure, or a boy wants to play with Barbie, then no one, especially not a massive corporation, should be sending any other message than “that’s okay.”

Happy Robbie Burns Day! Bring on the Haggis

It's Robbie Burns Day tomorrow. Anyone up for Haggis at Mclean's Specialty Foods? Remember, if Haggis isn't your thing, Mclean's has one of the most amazing cheese selections this side of France.

Discover One of Nanaimo's Hidden Restaurants

Hidden at the end of a long hallway behind Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) bustling cafeteria is a place you can enjoy a gourmet three-course-meal for a fraction of the cost accompanied by a million dollar view of Georgia Strait and the North Shore mountains. What? You’ve never heard of VIU’s Discovery Room restaurant? Not to worry – neither had I until I started working at the university. But I'm here to tell you it's not one to miss.

We were greeted at the non-descript door by a very helpful Hospitality student who took our coats and led us to our window-side table. During the course of the meal we had two students fussing over us, filling up our water even before we asked and consistently checking in just to make sure all was well.

A complimentary amuse bouche (I love that this phrase literally translates as 'mouth amuser') started us off and then we were asked to chose from a selection of appys and mains. I chose a New England Clam Chowder swimming with veggies and clams and just the right consistency. My lunch partner had a delicate dish of wasabi and sesame crusted Albacore tuna -- seared just right. We both chose lamb medallions for our main and they were presented on a bed of mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables with a delicious red wine sauce reduction. 

And for dessert? Profiteroles

Best of all the bill didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth because this gourmet food is prepared by VIU’s stellar chefs-in-training so at the Discovery Room it costs a fraction of the price these chefs will be charging once they graduate. What a treat!

Location: 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada V9R 5S5

Price:$10-$15

Slurping up International Flavours at Atlas Cafe

Heading up island this weekend? Then you should pay a visit to the Atlas Café in Courtenay and treat your taste buds to some international flavours. Although our server seemed a little distracted (perhaps Santa didn’t bring him what he wanted), the food more than made up for it.

Check out these mussels – direct from the waters of Saltspring Island, they were some of the plumpest, most flavourful crustaceans I’ve had the pleasure of slurping up in a long time.

My companions decided they needed to warm up with some Mexican flavours and indulged in a massive baked burrito – good thing we were heading up to Mount Washington for cross-country skiing the next day.

If you’re not into Mexico (although how could you not be?) then the menu features flavours from around the world with nods to Japanese, Morroccan and Italian cuisines. And yes, there are even burgers for those who don't went to venture to far afield in the culinary world. Best of all , much of it is made with ingredients sourced right here on Vancouver Island. Happy island weekend!

Location: 250 6th Street, Courtenay, BC
250.338.9838

Price: Dinner entrees from $12-$25

Yoga isn't bad for your body -- you are!

     The yoga world is in a twist this week after this New YorkTimes article suggested yoga can be harmful to your body. Of course like any headline making story it just focused on all the bad stuff listing a huge array of injuries people had suffered in the pursuit of yoga.

      Can yoga wreck your body? Nope. But you can wreck it doing yoga. That’s right – like everything it’s your responsibility to say “Um, I’m sorry, but I really, really can’t wrap my leg around my neck this morning and seriously, I have no desire to do that.” If your teacher insists you do it, leave the class and find a new teacher.

       Personally I think the crux of the problem is most of us are either too scared or too competitive to admit we can’t do something AND most of us (unlike dedicated yoginis) do not have the time to practice three hours a day and create a body capable of bending into knots, or doing full headstand for five minutes.

        So when we’re in class and our gorgeous yoga teacher (who does practice three hours a day) bends over backwards we think, “If I just push a little harder I can do that, too.” Of course, what we should be thinking is, “OMG, if I do that I’m gonna pop a disc.”

         If you want to keep enjoying yoga then find a teacher who truly means it when she says “listen to your body” (Nanaimoites can head to Steph's class at OmTown yoga). And when your body is screaming ‘dear god stop’ then, stop. 

A Positively Brilliant New Year

        Ah, a fresh new year – 12 pristine months with which to create our world anew. Apropos of that, I think we need an injection of positive thinking to get us off on the right foot, especially with the dreary weather upon us. So here’s a few (very) random rays of sunshine to brighten up the first month of 2012.

•        Canada’s crime rate is at its lowest in 40 years – the homicide rate at its lowest in 45 years (I won’t point out how foolish this makes Harper & Co. look because they don’t belong in a good news story).
•       The need for a work-life balance was acknowledged (gasp) by an international corporation when Volkswagen agreed emails to its German workers would not be forwarded to their Blackberry’s after 6 p.m. or before 7 a.m. 
• The Canadian Boreal Initiative says the future of Canada’s Boreal Forest looks bright. They released their top ten stories about the forest, and nine of them were positive. The top spot was a shout out to Quebec’s government for creating the largest land conservation plan in history for the forest. Vive la Boreal Forest à la Québec!
• BC Ferry riders will appreciates this one: David Hahn is gone. I repeat: Hahn is gone.
• Rumour has it that the Rolling Stones are planning a 50th year reunion tour and everyone loves a good rumour.
• The prediction this was going to be the coldest winter on record is proving patently untrue (touch wood).The shortest day of the year is long gone, which means the idyllic west coast summer is rapidly approaching.
• And finally – on Feb. 7, 2012, Charles Dickens fans will celebrate his 200th birthday. So, to paraphrase his most famous words, here’s my wish to you for 2012: “God (or whichever supernatural being/entity you chose to believe or not believe in) bless us, every one.”

Get your Firehouse On

So here’s the challenge...to review one restaurant a week somewhere on Vancouver Island.  No boundaries or rules – they can be chains, one-offs, diners, pubs, fine-dining establishments – anywhere you can get food and drink.

Let the games begin.

Firehouse Grill – Nanaimo. Since I’ve lived on Gabriola Island, Nanaimo's beautiful old firehouse with a peek-a-boo ocean view has been home to a number of restaurants that sadly have all crashed and burned. Its most recent reincarnation (which opened in 2007) looks set to burn brightly for many years. Welcome to the Firehouse Grill – where the food is original, eclectic and downright delicious. In fact, there’s something for everyone in the family – from sushi aficionados to meat lovers and the excellent chefs are willing to alter recipes to accommodate any food allergies. 

But enough. What about the food? Well I indulged in a Curry Karma roll, just one of the many signature sushi rolls the creative chefs have come up with. This one was stuffed with avocado, tempura asparagus and cucumber and topped with a sweet, spicy curry sauce. It was sublime. Next time I'm going to indulge in the Black& Blue roll: ginger, coffee and garlic rubbed tuna, lox, avocado and green onion with the made-in-house Firehouse sauce. For those who aren't too sure about sushi there's another whole menu with more traditional fare, all of it made with the Firehouse flare -- pulled-pork sandwiches, fish and chips, a variety of pasta dishes, steaks and a spicy jambalaya in a Creole sauce. All of this is accompanied by excellent service, a great wine list -- oh and delectable desserts for those who have any room left after their dinners.

One caveat: You may want to book -- when we visited on a Monday night it was absolutely packed and we were seated in the upstairs alcove.

Entrees: $10-$26

Location: #7 Victoria Road, Nanaimo

A New Year’s Eve (or any) Party Worth Savouring

Ah, New Year’s Eve—a time to say goodbye to the old year and celebrate the possibilities of a fresh, sparkling new one. I refuse to believe that age has anything to do with my shifting impressions of this auspicious evening, but during the last few years I’ve felt that the charm of the New Year’s celebration has worn a little thin. No longer do I feel like tottering out in high heels and a skimpy dress into the freezing cold, wet, possibly snowy weather, to drink pricey not-so-tasty beverages, dance to run-of-the-mill music with people I hardly know, then fight hundreds of other tipsy (or drunk) revelers to snag that elusive taxi ride home. However, I’m not very happy with the alternative either – staying at home in my pajamas and falling asleep before the clock chimes midnight.

So I’ve been searching for an alternative way to ring in the New Year and after attending a catered birthday party last week I think I’ve found it. Picture this: sumptuous food you didn’t lift a finger to prepare, a selection of tasty wines and beverages, a group of friends you know you’re guaranteed to have fun with, your favourite music on the iPod and no need to leave your house. Sounds kind of nice, eh? Well it’s completely doable – just find a group of friends also tired of the ‘same old, same old’, and hire a catering company to prepare an unforgettable New Year’s feast. Before you dismiss the idea as too pricey, add up the cost of a traditional New Year’s night out – tickets, drinks, taxi rides to and fro and time wasted at an event you didn’t enjoy. The catering idea now sounds cheap and cheerful, especially when all those good friends will split the catering tab. There are a few important tips to remember though to make sure it runs smoothly:

1.     If your best gluten-intolerant, vegan friend has accepted the invite make sure there’s something on the menu she can eat.

2.     Pick a food theme – Mexican, west coast, Japanese, Italian – it makes it easier to choose dishes and decide what type of drinks guests should bring to accompany the meal.

3.     Decide if you want the caterers to drop and run or if you want them to stay and serve. That way if you’re doing the last-minute food prep you can make sure it really is last-minute, and doesn’t involve you slaving over dish preparation.

4.     Always round up guest numbers when ordering. Seems like this will only benefit the caterers, but not so. It’s much better to have a couple of day’s worth of professionally prepared leftovers than starving guests.

And finally choose tried and true caterers. A couple of my Vancouver Island favourites are Sharon and Chris Hooten of Woodfire Pizza & Grill (responsible for the delights in the above photos) and Ann Matthews from Occasions Occasions (250-390-2588); for those on the mainland Owen Lightly from Butter on the Endive comes highly recommended. Here’s to a truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration.

Fun stuff to do during a Vancouver Island Christmas

Nothing beats an island Christmas, especially on Vancouver Island, when the sun is shining.

• Tromp through the ‘woods’ and get yourself a Christmas Tree at Gogo’s.
• Ride the Christmas Train at BC’s Forestry Discovery Centre in Duncan.
• Get wowed by the Christmas Lights at Milner Gardens and in Ladysmith town centre.
• Head to Frank Crane Arena for a Winter Wonderland Skate.
• Celebrate New Year’s with the family at the Nanaimo pool. 
• Go for a walk on the Harbourfront walkway or and warm yourself with something hot from Javawocky.
• Hike up Mount Benson (then stuff yourself silly at Smokin’ Georges BBQ – you’ll have earned it.) Or check out the plethora of other hiking opportunities in Nanaimo.
• Ski, snowboard, tube, snowshoe at Mount Washington and check out their Torchlight Parade and Fireworks on Boxing Day.
• Go surfing or storm watching on Long Beach, Tofino.
• Check out an old-fashioned Christmas at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria.
• Shiver your timbers in the Port Hardy Polar Bear Swim.

Unwrap a Christmas Movie or Two

Ah, the holiday movie – as much a part of the season as eggnog, mistletoe and family feuds. In fact, choosing a movie is one of the leading causes of family feuds during the holidays when situations such as Cousin Willy not understanding that Bad Santa is inappropriate viewing for an eight-year-old raise their ugly head. While there is no real solution to said situation, there are a plethora of holiday movie treats that are perfect for tuning-in to once the turkey-coma takes hold. After a very unscientific poll of colleagues, friends and family here are my top picks.

Something for everyone:
The Polar Express: It will make you believe all over again.
Elf: Adults may need a rum and eggnog or two to truly appreciate Will Ferrell’s elf character.
Miracle on 34th Street: The original is still the best (even the trailer is great). 

At your discretion
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: ‘nuff said
Trading Places: A classic with a message and laughs that never get old

Definitely for the adults in the family
Love Actually: A chick flick movie even the guys can enjoy – hands down my top pick for the holidays.
Bad Santa: Make sure the kiddies are snug in their beds when you start this one.

One final option: Make a huge bowl of popcorn, stock up on easily accessible drinks and make sure the phone is either turned off or close to hand. Then start the movie series marathon. There are tons to choose from that suit every taste: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, Alien, Friday the 13th, the Bourne Identity series, The Matrix, Pirates of the Caribbean – much like Santa’s, the list is endless.

What are your favs?

It's official - stop doing so much

Eddy Campbell, president of the University of New Brunswick, said something a few months back that was so profound, yet so simple, I wondered why no one had said it before: “Up until now, we’ve been trying to do more with less. I think we probably need to have some very serious conversations about doing less with less.”

I’ll leave the discussion about who originally introduced the idea that we should all ‘do more with less’ for another editorial. But, as I pondered Campbell’s words of wisdom, I remembered the words of poet Robert Browning (which have been adopted by everyone from authors to advertisers to new age philosophers): ‘Less IS more’. Suddenly, I realized I could prove without a doubt that Campbell’s theory is correct. So, here comes the math bit:

If it’s true, as Browning says, that ‘less’ = ‘more’, than the word ‘more’ in the phrase ‘do more with less’ should be replaced with the word ‘less’ so that it reads ‘do less with less’ – exactly what Campbell is suggesting. (Of course, you could also argue the opposite and have the phrase read 'do more with more' -- another perfectly valid and reasonable idea).

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by requests at work or at home to continue to do more with less – whether ‘less’ refers to less time, less money, less support – I suggest you show your employer this editorial and/or cut it out and stick it to your fridge as a reminder that we should all in fact be doing less with less.

Confused? Then the next time you see me let’s talk…because I really think I’ve figured it all out…more or less