Uncategorized

– by Esther Harvey, Instep Accounting – A budget is a tool/plan to guide and control spending through the holiday season and beyond. Basically it is a list of what you need and what you want in say, a month, compared to the amount of income you actually receive in the same period. How to create […]

– by Erin Bremner – It’s that time again! How did it possibly get here so quickly? These days it seems like the days just fly by, but this holiday season I’m going to find time to enjoy it! I’ve got a plan for gift giving, I’ve got a few key outfits to wear for

– by Barry Mathias – People who move to islands do so for a variety of reasons, but two in particular: those who want to make an economic killing, or those who want to belong and contribute to a small community. The first become rapidly disenchanted, like those who think it might be fun to

– by Doreen Marion Gee – The holidays are supposed to be a joyous and happy time of celebration. However, the stress of the season can put a serious damper on the merry-making. It is important to relax and stay healthy – physically and mentally – in order to reap the most rewards from this

– by Tina Kelly – If you don’t think the sea can be festive, think again. Common names for some local species embrace vocabulary typically associated with the upcoming season. Mother Nature’s marine “decorations” reflect Christmas colours, winter weather and holiday treats, trees and wrapping. Marine Snow: In the poorly lit twilight zone of the

– by Ed Wignall – Although winters in Victoria are much milder than the rest of Canada, preparations for winter driving are still needed to maintain your vehicle in safe, roadworthy condition. A little preventative maintenance for the winter will provide you a better chance for trouble-free motoring. Although we are already well into the

– by Gillian Crowley – It couldn’t be easier to select artistic and handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list and support Island artists at the same time. ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOWS GALORE A Touch of Saltspring Christmas Show continues a tradition started on Salt Spring Island in 1991. See what over 230 B.C. and

– by Susan Simosko – What kind of holiday shopper are you? Do you like to stroll around looking for that something special for each person on your gift list, or do you like to zip around picking things up here and there, knowing you’ll sort out who gets what later? Regardless of your personal

The Magic of Christmas Season at The Butchart Gardens begins on Tuesday, December 1st with the Light-Up Ceremony. At 5 p.m. the switch is thrown and The Gardens come alive with thousands of coloured lights. Sing along with the Traditional Carollers or listen to holiday favourites performed by the Festival Brass. Bring the family and

– by Shelaugh Begg – As kids we all had heroes, whether they were on the screen or in real life. In our teenage years, we looked up to movie stars and rock singers. By the time you are in your 40s, however, or older, it is a lot harder to see a hero. I