The Vault Bazaar
If I could name only one place that really screams “Nanaimo,” that place would be The Vault Café. Before moving to this city, I never thought I would step through the pink walls of what used to be an early twentieth-century bank and emerge into a bohemian paradise. The space is eclectic to say the … Continued
November Horoscope
Aries (March 21 to April 19) Come on Aries! Now is the time to just grab the bull by its horns and do it! Oh wait… your sign is a ram—Taurus is the bull. Nevermind. Taurus (April 20 to May 20) Come on Taurus, now is the time to just grab the bull by the … Continued
Have a Safe and Spooky 2020 Halloween
With many children’s favourite holiday fast approaching, now is the time to prepare yourself for October 31—so you get all the treats and none of the tricks. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has released information to their website on how to keep this year’s Halloween fun and safe as the COVID-19 pandemic … Continued
No Gym? No Worries:
Here we are again—a COVID-related article. Our daily life and routines have changed dramatically as we’ve adapted. Exercise is no exception. In fact, having a strong activity routine can be a major help in keeping up mental health, as well as physical health. You may look at public gyms and think, “OK, I have to … Continued
Power to the People:
The City of Nanaimo is asking its citizens how they think the city should evolve over the next decades. REIMAGINE NANAIMO set up booths last weekend and will again this weekend to answer questions and hear ideas about the city’s future. REIMAGINE NANAIMO is a team put together by the city and has been … Continued
Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of loving the cooler weather fall has brought us here on the Island. It means more indoor time to bake and sit by the fire (or heater, in my case). I recently made these bad boys and needed to share them. They are oh so gooey and … Continued
Music to Help You Focus
I think we can all agree that staying focused and on-task is a little hard these days. Being alone in a house with no other people is a little eerie at times, but then having the TV, a podcast, or the radio on can be too distracting. On the other hand, if you live with … Continued
Exercising is Hard!
Keeping up with a routine can be difficult in the best of times. So, how in the world is someone supposed to stay on top of their exercise schedule during COVID-19? Gyms haven’t been open long, and all the convenience of dropping in whenever at the VIU gym to shoot hoops, or do a workout, … Continued
Playing Across Borders:
VIU students have grown accustomed to change over the past six months. Oftentimes, the changes have been unexpected and out of their control. One particular group of students that has had to face more unexpected challenges than most—ones domestic students may not—are international student athletes. Student athletes who have arrived in or returned to Canada … Continued
October Horoscope
Aries (March 21 to April 19) You need to slow down. Like really, stop whatever you’re doing and take a deep breath. It must be hard juggling six classes, two jobs, 3 clubs, and hiking Mount Benson at 5 am every morning, but you really need to slow down and take some time for … Continued
Queen & Slim
The film Queen & Slim written by Lena Waithe and produced by Melina Matsoukas is a provocative, timely drama of crime pursuit. It is a fearless reflection of the present day issues of race in America. The movie’s opening scene is at a diner in Ohio where the main characters, Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) and Slim … Continued
Pedal to the Metal:
Pump up those tires and clip on that helmet—it’s GoByBike Week in BC. GoByBike BC, formerly known as Bike to Work BC, runs from September 28–October 4. The event calls attention to the importance of healthy transportation for adults and children alike, encouraging people to record their cycling trips online during the week. It’s been … Continued
Healthy Lentil Curry
Yes, it’s true that summer is over. Cozy sweaters, colour-changing leaves, and fall cuisine are all positives we can look forward to. I’m reminded of all my favourite fall dishes I like to cook. I’m not much of an inventive chef, but I’m constantly browsing the internet for easy, delicious, and healthy meals. My recent … Continued
Lantzville Flowers
Last summer Jenny Dawson began her journey selling self-grown, organic flowers from her farm in Lantzville. Her enthusiasm for finding a balance between business and sustainability was obvious when I spoke with her on her farm. “It’s a hobby that will take me into retirement,” Dawson said to me as we strolled around the eleven … Continued