February 2024 Newsletter - Dine out gems, family events, and more
In January, I was humbled and honoured to be named Best of Parksville by Rank My Agent for the third consecutive year! This recognition is a testament to the trust and support of my wonderful clients. It's a privilege to serve this community, and I'm grateful for the relationships built along my real estate journey. Thank you for your continued trust and confidence. Recognitions aside, I love being a realtor because I get to share all the reasons why Central Vancouver Island is a wonderful place to live. In this month’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing dining destinations and family-friendly events in the spirit of Family Day Local Restaurants Deliver Bold Flavours Dine About Mid-Island is the local region’s annual festival for foodies. During their recent run, I visited two restaurants and they both blew my socks off! Horang Korean-inspired restaurant and bar 6367 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo It was my first time trying this restaurant since it opened in 2022. I ordered the Dine About “Galbi Hansang” 5-course dinner which included a dumpling soup, yuza salad, tiger prawn gang jung (sweet and spicy glaze), and the main course of Galbi-Jjim (a soy braised beef short rib). And if you can believe it, I still had room for the blueberry Basque cheesecake! The food and atmosphere were amazing. I was so immersed in the experience I forgot to take photos! This means you’ll have to try it for yourself, and conveniently, Horang is just across the street from Costco and Woodgrove Mall. Camas Restaurant 7143 Caillet Road, Lantzville The following weekend, my friends and I went to one of our favourite restaurants, Camas in Lantzville. This time, I remembered to take photos of our Dine About meal! Albacore tuna appetizer Sole with Salt Spring Island clams Drinking chocolate with amaretto biscuits Camas never fails to impress. Dinner was delicious and the atmosphere and service are always perfect. We’ll be back! Declutter Your Stress Away Are you overwhelmed with stuff in your living space? At the latest Island Living Today talk, I was joined by Rae-Lynn Varga, Downsizing Specialist and Owner of Refine Home Inc. We discussed how to get ready to sell your home and how to bring harmony into your daily life. Some highlights included: Giving yourself lots of time to prepare for downsizing Starting with an easier space to practice categorizing items into Keep, Donate, Sell & Discard piles Asking how many you need of something and how often you use that item We covered lots more so catch the full recording now! Watch now using this link Island Living Today will return on March 6, 2024 to explore the topic of real estate planning. More details will arrive in your inbox soon. Popular Recycle BC Pop-Up Depot Continues in 2024 Did you know? The top seven materials that are not accepted in the curbside recycling cart are: flexible plastic (soft and crinkly plastic), glass, scrap metal, books, electronics, durable plastic products, and hazardous materials. Luckily, on select Saturdays in 2024, you can visit 1080 Industrial Way, Parksville between 10am to 3pm to drop off the following materials free of charge: Flexible Plastic Packaging White and Coloured Foam Packaging Glass Packaging Paper Packaging and Cardboard The next pop-up depot will be on March 2, so get your recycling ready! Get the full 2024 schedule using this link Optimism for the Spring Market In January 2024, 152 single-family homes were sold on Vancouver Island, down 6% from a year ago but up slightly from December. Sales of condos and row/townhomes were significantly higher compared to one year ago, increasing by 12% and 14% respectively. Local agents have observed that more homes are up for sale and moderately priced options are selling quickly. It appears that buyers and sellers are experiencing more optimism about the market so an active spring may be on the horizon. Read more using this link Community Events to Explore Live Music: Gary Lovell Feb 17 | 6pm-8pm Nanoose Bay Cafe (3521 Dolphin Dr, Nanoose Bay) Enjoy complimentary live music while you dine at Nanoose Bay Cafe. This session will serve up tunes by Gary Lovell, a local piano player/vocalist raised in the Oceanside area. Family Day at the Museum Feb 19 | 1pm-4pm Qualicum Beach Museum (587 Beach Road, Qualicum Beach) Stop by for an afternoon of fish-related fun and exploration! Discover crafts, scavenger hunts, prizes and plenty of salmon education. Featuring special guests Qualicum Beach Streamkeepers. All ages and families welcome. No admission required. Queen Milli of Galt Feb 22 to Mar 10 Village Theatre (110 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach) A romantic comedy with a handy supply of humour, this play is a witty exploration of unexpected love. In 1972, the Duke of Windsor (Edward VIII) dies in exile at the age of 78. Two weeks later, in Canada, an 80-year-old woman in a small town named Galt has her tombstone engraved, claiming to be his wife. Flashback to 1919 as Edward, then holding the official title of the Prince of Wales, visits Canada as an emissary of the King, bored with the pomp and circumstance, he slips away from his official duties and begins a romance with a charming young woman. Science Sunday Expo Feb 25 | 9am-11am Country Club Centre (3200 North Island Highway, Nanaimo) Nanaimo Science has organized a large-scale expo featuring non-profit organizations and science-related providers for families since 2014. Kids and their parents/caregivers are invited to explore hands-on science education! Pre-purchase tickets at Nanaimo Science or Country Club Centre's Information/Lotto booth. Tickets are also available at the door, but lineups are expected. Cash only: $5 per person, $20 for families of 4 or more, free for children under 2. Seedy Sunday Mar 3 | 10am-3pm Nanaimo District Secondary School (355 Wakesiah Ave, Nanaimo) Nanaimo Seedy Sunday is a local event where you can purchase locally produced seeds, participate in a seed exchange and gain knowledge to grow your own successful garden! $3 admission. Registration required for educational workshops on backyard livestock and backyard composting.
Island Living Today - Declutter Your Stress Away
Declutter Your Stress Away Guest Speaker: Rae-Lynn Varga, Downsizing Specialist and Owner of Refine Home Inc. (@refinehomeinc on Instagram) Have you accumulated things over the years and now you’re not sure what to do with it all? You’re not alone. Clutter in your living space can affect the ability to sell your home as well as your overall well-being. So if you’re thinking about moving, or you’re feeling overwhelmed by your possessions, it’s a good time to figure out what stays and what goes. On February 7, get started on your journey towards a successful home sale and a calmer life. Join the Island Living Today conversation with a downsizing expert to learn: How to decide what to keep, sell, or donate Practical tips for packing, unpacking, and setting up your home Organizational systems that simplify your life Speaker Bio Rae-Lynn Varga is a downsizing specialist and professional organizer based on Vancouver Island. As the owner of Refine Home Inc.(@refinehomein on Instagram) she leads a team to help clients reduce overwhelm and create more function in their lives. Whether it's preparing for a move, downsizing a family home, or decluttering everyday living spaces, Rae-Lynn supports clients to get the process started and create systems for long-term organization. Combining practical strategies and full-service support, she is an empathetic partner to anyone ready to make the next move in life.
January 2024 Newsletter - Get ready for an active 2024
I hope your near is off to an energizing start! Last month, my husband and I celebrated Christmas with our children and their families. If you have grown kids, you can probably relate to how special it is to all gather under one roof. My son and his family live not too far away in Nanoose Bay, but my daughter and her family travelled all the way from Colorado. As we shared a holiday feast festive music and laughter in the air, I felt deep gratitude for living in such a beautiful and peaceful place. Canada is a wonderful country to live in, and Vancouver Island is simply the best place to call home! In 2024, I plan to deepen my relationships with the local community and continue sharing the best of Vancouver Island in my monthly newsletter. Contact me if you’re in the mid-island region and want to go for a coffee. Or let me know if you have any questions about the area. I’m happy to connect! New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home The new year brings fresh energy, making it the perfect time to tackle home projects! Here are some ideas for home-related resolutions: Declutter your space Reduce your energy use Install smart home technology Start a monthly home maintenance schedule (clean gutters, change furnace filters, etc.) Create a weekly cleaning routine Improve the air quality of your home Apply a fresh coat of paint Add edible plants to your garden Personalize your home with art and decor Set yourself up for success by breaking big projects into smaller tasks. And don’t be shy about asking for help if you need it! Email me if you need any referrals to professionals in the mid-island region. Mortgage Trends in 2024 While we don’t have a crystal ball to predict what will happen to mortgage rates in 2024, bond yields in Canada have moved in line with interest rates over the past several years. Thus, it can be helpful to follow bond market trends, which have been dropping as of late. At the same time, interest rates will not come down unless inflation rates drop. So if inflation rates fall in 2024, the Bank of Canada will be more likely to reduce interest rates and more potential buyers will pass the stress test to qualify for a mortgage. In the meantime, buyers who are ready with funds have less competition, so it’s a good time to go house-hunting. For homeowners who are thinking of selling, now is a good time to work with a realtor to prepare for a sale in 2024. Learn More Save the Date: Estate Planning for Homeowners Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Time: 6-7 PM Pacific Time Join a lawyer and a wealth management expert for a conversation about planning for your estate’s future, factors to consider when creating your will and naming your executor, plus more. Additional details will arrive in your inbox soon but you’re welcome to email me to pre-register. Love golf? Get 50% off your Fairwinds membership Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay offers a semi-private 18-hole course only 15 minutes away from Nanaimo and Parksville. Facilities include two large practice greens, a year-round driving range, and a short-game practice area. PGA-certified professionals provide lessons, camps, and clinics for golfers of all levels. Members can also participate in various leagues and social events while enjoying exceptional food and service. For a limited time until March 31, 2024, you can purchase an annual membership for 50% off. Learn More Quiet Market Closed Out 2023 Compared to November, December sales were 36% lower for single-family homes, 30% lower for condo apartments, and 22% lower for row/townhomes. There were 796 active listings of single-family homes in December 2023 compared to 895 listings a year ago, while the benchmark price sat at $753,000. Conversations with buyers and sellers indicate that folks are in a waiting pattern as policy changes, such as restrictions on short-term rentals, take effect. An active spring is still forecasted as policy impacts, and perhaps interest rates, settle down. Read More Community Events to Explore Jan 17 to Feb 4, 2024 Check out this festival for foodies! Sample the fare of participating establishments in Cedar, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose, Parksville, and Qualicum. No tickets are necessary, but reservations are recommended to enjoy special menus at nice prices. See participating restaurants. A Cuban-inspired evening of culture & conversation Jan 18 | 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Vancouver Island University (900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo) VIU Culinary and Pastry Arts students will tantalize your taste buds with delectable Cuban-inspired canapés, perfectly paired with the mesmerizing melodies of the Vancouver Island Symphony. And that's not all – sit in on an exclusive conversation with the Vancouver Island Symphony's new artistic director, Cosette Justo Valdés. Get your tickets. VIU Symphony | Your Favourite Composers Episode 1 Jan 20 | 5:00 pm or 7:30 pm The Port Theatre (125 Front Street, Nanaimo) These musical gems by Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart are some of the most marvelous and popular pieces in orchestral repertoire. Marianna Martines will become one of your favourites too! She was a pupil of Haydn and a friend of Mozart, and the discovery of her Sinfonia in C major will enrich what you already love about the classical era of music. Get your tickets. SPOTLIGHT - International Guitar Night Jan 28 | 7:30 pm The Port Theatre (125 Front Street, Nanaimo) For the 24th annual tour, there will be a lineup of three favorites and an exciting newcomer: Luca Stricagnoli (Italy), the amazing acoustic rock interpreter, The Le THU (Vietnam), whose nylon string artistry stretches from classical to contemporary, Marco Pereira (Brazil), the master composer and performer, and Minnie Marks (Australia), the irrepressible blues slide guitarist and singer making her North American debut. Get your tickets.
December 2023 Newsletter - Happy Holidays
Can you believe there are only a handful of days left in 2023? From my corner of the world to yours, I wish you peace, health, and joy as we enter a new year. For me, the holiday season is a time to reconnect, relax, and recharge with loved ones. That’s why in this month’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing ways in which you can make memories with those dear to you on Vancouver Island. Entertain With Ease Are you hosting company this Christmas? Between prepping meals and making your home welcoming to guests, there’s a lot to juggle! But don’t worry, there are ways to entertain in style without breaking the bank or breaking a sweat. At the recent Island Living Today talk, Luke Griffin (Chef & Owner at Chefs Course) and Eva Hurly (Design Consultant & Owner at Spaces by Eva) shared time-saving tips that let you fully enjoy the holidays. Some highlights included: Making your home inviting through music, lighting, warmth, and natural decor. Creating more free time to spend with guests by renting dishes, preparing items ahead of time, and cooking tried-and-true dishes that you know will be delicious. For both food and decor, use elements that have special meaning to you and can be repurposed in different ways. There was so much more covered in the hour of festive conversation (including unique cocktail ideas) so catch the full recording now! Island Living Today will take a break in January and we'll return on February 7, 2024. If there are topics you'd like to learn about in the coming year, please email me and let me know! Dive Into Sweet Treats Please enjoy this holiday recipe courtesy of Chef Luke Griffin, who will also take part in Dine About Mid-Island (Jan 17 to Feb 4, 2024). Serve this lemon curd in tarts, with a meringue, or accompanying raspberries and blueberries. Chef Luke recommends using farm-fresh, organic eggs so the dark yolks will give the curd a bright yellow hue. Lemon Curd 5 Egg Yolks 1 cups sugar 4 Lemons, zested and juiced 0.25 lbs Cold cubed butter Combine egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Stir constantly over a double boiler on medium heat until thick. DO NOT OVER HEAT. Approx 30-40 minutes. Turn off the heat and whisk in butter a bit at a time until completely melted. Strain and let cool before serving. Enjoy Refreshing Outdoor Walks On Vancouver Island, we’re blessed to enjoy a mild climate and gorgeous scenery. So why not enjoy a refreshing outdoor walk between your holiday meals? Here are some of my favourite family-friendly walks around Central Vancouver Island. Nanoose Bay Moorecroft Regional Park and Beachcomber Regional Park offer breathtaking coastal views. Parksville Rathtrevor Provincial Park is the ideal destination for beach explorations and trail walks. Qualicum Beach The Qualicum Beach paved promenade provides impressive and accessible beachside views for all members of the family, including four-legged friends. Qualicum Beach Heritage Forest is home to 50 acres of rare remnant old-growth forest carrying much local history. Stroll through the quaint downtown area (plus, the surrounding trails crisscrossing through town) and support small, local businesses while you’re at it! Errington / Coombs Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park delivers an awe-inspiring stroll through ancient Douglas fir trees. Englishman River Falls Park and Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park provide views of splendid waterfalls. A Special Getaway In Tofino If you and your loved ones are looking for a special getaway, look no further than Tofino. Situated within the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and just a 3-hour drive from my home in Nanoose Bay, it feels like another world where time stands still. Last month, my husband and I went for a weekend getaway and we came back completely refreshed. We stayed in an oceanfront cabin at Crystal Cove Beach Resort which was also pet-friendly for our dog. We loved sitting by the wood fireplace and going for long walks on the beach. To take in majestic Pacific Ocean views, we visited Wickaninnish Beach, located at the south end of Long Beach within the Pacific Rim National Park. The next time we visit, hopefully the Nuu Chah Nulth Trail will be open. (It was closed for maintenance.) It’s a path of raised wooden boardwalks leading through the dense rainforest towards Florence Beach. The trail passes through a wetland and showcases incredible plants and wildlife. We also took a 10-minute water taxi to visit the Big Tree Trail. The Big Tree Trail at Wanachus-Hilthuuis (Meares Island) Tribal Park is a historically and culturally significant site as the trail was originally established by Tofino artist, Adrian Dorst, and his friends in 1984, during a time when the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and environmental organizations successfully protested logging on Meares Island. You’ll be awe-struck by the old-growth spruce, hemlock, and western cedar trees that are as old as 1,500 years. One of the most famous is the Hanging Garden Tree, with a circumference of 18.3 metres, which was once considered the largest tree of its kind in Canada. Just be careful as you navigate the wooden boardwalk during the rainy (i.e. slippery) season! Housing Market Slows As Expected The housing market typically slows down at the end of the year heading into the holiday season, and the statistics reflected this in November 2023. The sales of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses all dropped between October and November. A demand still exists and an active spring will likely ensue. For now, many buyers are focusing on other matters while interest rates stay high. For sellers, the winter is a good time to start a conversation with a realtor to plan for a home sale in 2024. READ MORE Community Events To Explore Dine About Mid-Island Jan 17 to Feb 4, 2024 Sample delicious fare at participating establishments in Ladysmith, Cedar, Nanaimo, Nanoose, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach. Each establishment designs prix fixe menus or combo at a special price for this food and beverage festival. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please note that some establishments may offer their Dine Out Nanaimo menu as a take out option.
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