We’re Planning Our Annual Trek to Osoyoos For the Osoyoos Oyster Festival No there are not oysters grown right in Osoyoos, but that didn’t stop the founders of the Osoyoos Oyster Festival, from having a vision to give weary oyster farmers a break from the coast and locals and visiting oyster aficionados something to slurp while waiting for all of the spring wines to be released. It’s in the sixth year now and Michael and I will, once again make the journey to the Okanagan, via Kelowna, where we’ll stop for some last minute wedding prep, then continue down the…
Author: Cassandra Anderton
Touring Morocco – A Taste of Moroccan Cuisine Last year my parents were on the road a fair bit and one of their trips took them to Moroccan. My mother, Suzanne Anderton, was kind enough to contribute this article to GLV! Aching for the exotic? Willing to explore sights and foods you’ve only read about? Then go to Morocco-a well-spring of antiquity about to propel itself into the 21st Century. In this amazing country the true meaning of Moroccan food hits you. A blend of French, Berber and Arabian cuisine is cheaply available at in local street side cafes, elegant hotels,…
What To Do in Vancouver for Easter Weekend? Folks I’ve been so wrapped up in wedding thingies and my big weight loss challenge that I’ve been running around like a chicken with my head chopped off! AND yes, they sadly do that and really, so do I. I don’t even think I told you I won the challenge, but more about that later. However, I can’t let Easter go by without at least a couple suggestions as I believe in fully celebrating each and every holiday. It’s something I got from my mother, who went out of her way to make…
Gin and Tonic With Bombay Sapphire East What’s in your glass today? April 9th is national gin and tonic day, so why not mix one up, hit the patio and catch some of the sunshine we are currently experiencing, and quickly before it disappears! The army of the British East India Company is credited with the creation of the drink. In India malaria was a persistent problem and thankfully a Scottish doctor discovered that quinine could be used to prevent the disease. The habit was to drink in tonic water, but the bitter taste was unpleasant so they then added water, sugar, lime…
What Exactly Is This Dailey Method All About? I’ve been working out at the Dailey Method since about September and I’m totally addicted to their Dailey Cycle Classes and go at least 2 or 3 times a week. The cycle class is 35-40 minutes cycling and then 20 minutes of floor exercises such as planking, bicep curls, sit ups and stretches and I love the combination. These classes are a huge reason I’ve dropped 35 lbs this past while and I love the way the exercises shape my body and the intensity of the cycle gets my heart rate way…
Events in and Around Vancouver WHAT? It’s almost April, and this is our Vancouver weather? Well, at least Vancouver is a city that knows how to function in the rain and whether it’s pouring or sunny, we’ve always got a ton to do to distract us. What to do this week? Here’s just a few suggestions. March 30 Dining Out For Life HELP OTHERS ONE SPOONFUL AT A TIME! On Thursday, March 30, 2017, dine out for breakfast, lunch or dinner at participating restaurants and support people living with HIV/AIDS right here at home. From Whistler to White Rock and…
My BMISmart Journey to Better Health For those who’ve been following me of late, you may have noticed a lot more posts on health, fitness and good food on Good Life Vancouver and on our social media accounts. AND you may have noticed pictures of me where I appear, slightly smaller, AND that’s because I am, and it’s thanks to BMISmart. Since January 18th I have had the good fortune to have been selected to participate in a Weight Loss Challenge, sponsored by BMI Smart, that included using their weight loss supplement, I-REMOVE. I’ve been taking I-REMOVE since then and…
Start Fresh With a HydraFacial When you are choosing a skin care provider, especially when it involves procedures on the most visible and sensitive part of your body, your face, it’s essential that you choose someone very reputable and a clinic that explains everything to you extremely thoroughly. There’s a lot of “deals” out there and some are very worthwhile, but a lot of them are merely a hook to get you into more and are the clinics rush so they can fit more clients in to cover their costs. I’ve had a few of these experiences, so when it…
Vancouver Events This Week Hard to believe we are half into March! C’mon cherry blosoms! But I think I boringly say it’s always hard to believe we are at “some particular date”, as time tends to fly by for me every day. I should try a better intro. However, back to the weather, it’s a little warmer out this week, although by the weekend it looks like temperature may cool. At least there’s not constant rain in the city so you can get out for a walk or two. I’m doing a long run Sunday morning so say a little…
Cooking Up Local Spiced Pork Tenderloin In Bacon Ensures Moist Meat This post is part of the Virtual Potluck menu, a fun project created by Piquant Marketing, scroll down to the bottom for more recipes from the potluck and click the image below for more information. OR HERE! Growing up in Kelowna we had both an apricot orchard and a few pigs on our farm, and I still love the combination of pork with tree fruit as the meat is already a bit sweet and it’s a natural complement. As an official pork ambassador for BC and Alberta Pork you…
Marc Slingsby-Jones Mixes Up The ‘Fez’ Cocktail at Cafe Medina Joe Leary and I have been testing out those cocktails again and stumbled upon a rather tasty one (pardon the overused pun) at Cafe Medina for the latest Hand Crafted Spirits Show on TSN1410. Known for their brunch, Cafe Medina serves up a lot more than your regular eggs benny, and drinks are equally complex. I’m thinking this one would go very well with their Salmon Fume, a Fried Egg, Smoked Wild Salmon Cream Cheese, Avocado, Organic Greens, and pepper and artichoke salad on Grilled Ciabatta. Thanks to bar manager Marc Slingsy-Jones for…
Jameson 2017 St. Patrick’s Day Limited Edition Pick up a bottle of the Limited Edition Jameson Irish Whisky and you’ll find it contains the same premium, internationally-adored classic Jameson Irish whiskey, but with a truly original label with a very cool story behind it. The label design illustrates the traditional Jameson family motto, Sine Metu; to live without fear – providing a way to encourage people to openly embrace new experiences, as well as steer away from the well-trodden paths in life in favour of forging your own. The Jameson St. Patrick’s Day limited edition bottle is available at BC Liquor this…
3 Renowned Vancouver Restaurants celebrate French Gastronomy on March 21st What are you doing next Tuesday night? If you enjoy French Food done well it would be a good time to make a reservation. We’re torn! For the third consecutive year, over 2000 restaurants in 150 countries will participate in the #GoodFrance event to celebrate French gastronomy. They will prepare a special menu one night only and there’s three in Vancouver participating. The event is orchestrated by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development and chef Alain Ducasse, and was inspired by Auguste Escoffier, who launched the “Dîners…
Wedding Prep Just Got Real – The Imperfect Bride’s Guide to a Near Perfect Wedding If you follow me you may have noted that we are getting married this year, as I have mentioned perhaps a few too many times? It creeps into all aspects of our lives, but Michael and I don’t mind it at all as we are really looking forward to this celebration and both of us vowed not to get (too) stressed out, try to make everything perfect or go over the top. Our budget isn’t huge and we’re spending most of it on our shoes.…
Get Loads of Healthy Vegetables With This Veggie Gratin This veggie gratin can be served as a meal, perhaps with some crusty bread, or a side if you would prefer. It’s fun to have individual servings and you could always use kidney or white beans instead of chickpeas, and switch up the spices a bit. Roasting veggies really brings out the flavour and don’t forget the vinegar for a splash of acidity! Ingredients 3 tbsp olive oil 12 tiny new potatoes, quartered 3 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces…
India Rose Educates Clients on Makeup That Works India Rose Cosmeticary is a Vancouver-based makeup boutique offering luxury beauty products, makeup services and lessons. Founded by makeup artist India Daykin, India Rose specializes in the ritualistic side of beauty regimes, ensuring each client’s experience is tailor-made to their needs. Located 4850 Mackenzie St. in Vancouver it’s worth checking out. We caught up with India to ask her a few questions about make up and since I have a wedding coming up, bridal make up in particular. She also did a natural look for me while we chatted and I left glowing!…
Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes I’ve been on a course to get healthy and have been lucky enough to meet Nutritionist Ashley Freeman in the process. She’s got some great nutrition tips and my meetings with her are always beneficial I’ve learned a lot from her and it’s often far more than just straight nutrition. I’ve added more protein to my regime and a lot more fresh veggies, fruit and fiber; she’s got some great recipes including this one for chocolate pancakes! Who can resist a healthy chocolate breakfast? If you are looking for extra help in your own journey…
What’s Good In And Around Vancouver Can’t believe is March already and also that it is snowing in Vancouver at the very same time. Ah well…..we’ll get spring soon enough, right? I’m hopeful! In any case, here’s a few suggestions to brighten up your day and give you something to look forward to. Get Your Honey at Beaucoup Bakery Spring makes an early appearance at Beaucoup Bakery & Café with a new star ingredient, local honey from Hives for Humanity. The golden nectar plays a sweet role in three seasonal pastries: Honey Banana Double Baked Croissant, Grapefruit Honey Tarragon Cheesecake,…
Locally Made Tempea Tempeh Makes a Tasty Alternative Protein For those that follow me (and I thank you!), you will know that I am an official BC and Alberta Pork Ambassador and that I cook a lot with pork and other locally-raised meats at home, however, not all my meals include meat, and I love my veggies too. I had heard of tempeh before, but had never cooked with it, or even seen it anywhere for sale until a local Vancouver company, Tempea, started selling it at Farmers’ Markets. Popsugar has a great article on the difference between tofu and…
Sun Peaks – Way More Than Snow I’ve been up to Sun Peaks a few times over the years, twice for the Wine Festival, once for a harvest dinner in the fall, another for a summer visit and recently, just before Christmas, for the Holiday Kick Off Weekend. Each time the resort gets better, with more to do and see, and with the new management at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, the accommodation and cuisine is now top notch too. Just before Christmas we checked in and checked out the resort and there’s was certainly a lot going…
