A-Life BC Travel Blog

By Holly Rose

Dear readers,

I want to thank you for the emails and feedback you send. I always enjoy your notes and questions; so much, in fact, that we have decided to create a running feature where I answer some of your questions. I invite you to ask any questions you may have related to living your best: from travel and leisure, to cuisine, lifestyle, and even a little beauty. In return, I will address your questions and hunt down professional chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, and more to bring you the best kept secrets in British Columbia.

Question:
Recently, Darlene emailed and asked me:

"I am interested in finding a kind of massage I can treat my mother to, and enjoy myself as well. My Mom always complains about feeling too sleepy after a massage and dislikes the oil used in most typical massages. I would like this to be something we can go to together as a bonding experience. Any ideas?"

By Holly Rose

A mere fortnight ago, the sun was strong and shining down with an intensity that had many of us wondering if fall would be warned off this year. And while leaves have yet to turn the brilliant shades of auburn that mark fall's glory, many of her other charms have arrived almost overnight. Upon my waking each morning I see the sun peaking up over the ocean and the islands; now they sleep with a downy comforter of fog.

The changes in temperature, in light and in weather have a very real effect on how we experience our day. Many people report feeling drained by the lack of sun. Others report feeling sleepy and less productive and connect it to the grey sky. People oversleep, crave carbohydrates and experience a lack of energy – just a few symptoms that can pop up. Of course, this isn't something everyone experiences. However, an ounce of prevention still trumps a pound of cure.

With this in mind, I have put together a Top Five list of the Best Ways to Beat Fall. You may find adding a little something to your routine now makes the span till spring much more enjoyable.  

By Holly Rose

During this busy time, our focus shifts from lazy summer days to circling the wagons to ready our kids for going back to school.

Some of us are readying ourselves for university or college while others are returning to a normal schedule after summer holidays. Regardless of what is on your calendar, it is likely you are busy transitioning. So with this in mind, I bring you:

My Top 5 Ways to Relax

By Jacqueline Windh

Tofino and Ucluelet tend to attract visitors who value healthy living: clean air and water, keeping active in the outdoors, and nutritious foods. For people who value health and wellness, it helps to know where to find local and organic products.

Each town has a supermarket—the Co-op Grocery stores—with a small organic section and some organic produce, so you may be able to find what you are looking for there. But each town has specialty shops too, and even some local products.

By Bri Wilson

Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa's Prana at Parkside Yoga Retreat was featured in an article in the Times Colonist today!

Times Colonist reporter Amy Smart attended the first yoga retreat held in June 2011 at Parkside, hosted by Liz Zdunich of Namaste Inspired Athletics.

If you're wondering what a yoga retreat is all about or are thinking about trying yoga for the first time, you'll want to read this article!

Parkside will be hosting another Prana at Parkside Yoga Retreat with Liz on January 6 - 8, 2012, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details.

By Holly Rose

Every time I turn on the radio or switch on the TV lately I hear someone talking about the benefits of a "staycation."

For those of you who aren’t familiar with this saying, it’s a fancier term for being a tourist in your own town.

I grew up on Vancouver Island and my childhood summers were filled with staycations. My family explored this island and the surrounding ones, never finding ourselves restless for uncharted territory. I still find hidden treasures on a regular basis.

By Jacqueline Windh

It’s the running event of the year for those of us who live in Tofino and Ucluelet—as well as for the hundreds of runners who come out to the edge of the island for the marathon (42 km), half-marathon (21 km), or marathon-relay (each runner’s distance ranging from 7 km to 10 km).

Tofino and Ucluelet just happen to be 40 km apart—so near to the standard marathon distance (which is actually 42.2 km) that it only seemed logical to organize a marathon here.

This year marks the 12th running of the annual Edge to Edge Marathon.

 By Claire Minns

If you think the title is unique, wait until you try the food.

Gorilla Food is one of the few restaurants in Vancouver that offers an entire menu of uncooked eats, serving up foods you won’t believe could possibly be prepared without any cooking involved.

Apart from the green, leafy sign reading GORILLA FOOD in bright yellow lettering, you’d never know to walk down the thin staircase leading to this health-seekers haven unless you were tipped off by someone in the know.

By Claire Minns

Health-conscious Vancouverites are well aware of yoga's benefits, whether it's relaxing through hatha yoga, sweating out toxins during hot yoga, or testing the body's limitations over an intense session of power yoga.

Toronto-based Passport to Prana, which was created by former yoga teachers, studio owners and avid practitioners, is dedicated to promoting yoga in all its forms across Canada – including Vancouver and Victoria.

When you buy a Passport to Prana card you are entitled to one yoga class at each of the participating studios. It's designed to introduce you to the many excellent yoga studios and teachers in the city while giving you the opportunity to sample a variety of classes and styles.

For those hesitant to commit to a single studio, the Passport to Prana offers the opportunity to dabble in various classes before choosing a studio. Meanwhile, experienced yogis have the opportunity to try a few new studios and teachers at an affordable price.

By Brent Baker

When we plan a vacation, we look to many resources to decide where to go, what to do and exactly when is the best time to do it.

Regardless of which resource you choose, there will always be great photos and descriptions of all the activities during the best possible conditions.

Let's face it, though; how often do we have ideal weather for every day of our travels? 

It's always a good idea to have at least a couple of ideas in your back pocket as your "plan B" activities.