A Winery and a Goat Farm: Feeling at home in Maui

If you've received the latest issue of Okanagan Woman Magazine in the mail, you know that the editor (moi) is spending a couple of months in Maui, HI this winter. Four days ago, on November 12th, my husband and I boarded a WestJet Flight from Kelowna to Vancouver, Vancouver to Maui.

We came for the sun, beaches and water sports -- doesn't everyone? But two months is a long time to be away from home in the Okanagan Valley, so while we explore the island, looking for new adventures, we’re also looking for places that connect us to home.





Hula Circle at Tedeschi Winery, Upcountry Maui
 



And where better than Maui’s only winery?  Ok, truth is, I’m using a bit of creative licence here.  We had not intended to visit the winery today. We were aiming for the Surfing Goat Dairy Farm (because we live on a little goat farm in Armstrong) but we got lost and realized we were on the road to the winery, so … what the heck? The plan had been to visit the winery a little later in our stay, when we are expecting friends from Lake Country to join us for a few days.  But there are no rules that say we can’t visit the winery twice, and since we were half way there … need I say more?

The Tedeschi Winery is located upcountry at Ulupalakua Ranch.  The drive up the mountain has plenty of switchbacks (slower and windier than Westside Road) and offers spectacular scenery and photo ops.  The wine tasting shop is quaint, but it’s not a winery tour like you might be used to in the Okanagan.  You don’t get to visit the vineyard or the wine cellars, but the grounds are lovely and the pineapple wine was intriquing.

We still wanted to find the goat dairy, so we cut our visit to the winery short, knowing we would be back in a few weeks. We backtracked, stopping briefly for a quick stroll through Sun Yat Sen Park, which has several memorial monuments and plenty of large Agave plants that have been engraved with the initials from its many visitors. 

 
We made it to the Surfing Dairy Goat Farm in time for the last tour and tasting of the day.  So, with a unique blend of goat cheese called 'Canada' (honey, cranberry & cinnamon) and  a bottle of Maui Blanc Semi Dry Pineapple wine in hand (OK, not really in hand, because I'm pretty sure that's against the law ... but in the cooler located in the trunk of our rental car) we drove back down the mountain, having found an Okanagan connection here in Maui.



 

 

Things my mother didn't teach me

If my mother applied nightly skin creams to her face and neck, I never witnessed it. In my parents' home, make-up was taboo,  reserved for 'hussies' or paradoxically, a 'special outing' like a wedding - and even then, only if you were old enough to vote. My high school friends painted their eyelids blue and fluttered eyelashes enhanced with mascara. I, on the other hand, was content to avoid my parents' disapproval and escape what I considered a time consuming task.

 

When I was old enough to go out for an evening, I often waited impatiently whilst friends ritualistically applied moisturizer and make-up.  As long as I didn't have a run in my pantyhose I was a happy camper.

 

So ... here's the thing.  I have never got in the habit of following a skin care regiment.

 

But now, I am the publisher / editor of a women's magazine. Perhaps it is time. There are expectations now. 

 

Based on suggestions from my BFF, Lorna - who understands these things - and from the very nice lady in the cosmetics department at London Drugs in Vernon, I have selected Vichy products.

 

I confess that I was also influenced by the very attractive packaging. I purchased Vichy Liftactiv "global anti-wrinkle & firming care (i.e. moisturizer), on sale for $44 and Liftactiv Serum 10, "youth enhancing" serum (i.e. anti-wrinkle stuff) on sale for $36.

 

I am a novice. Please remember this fact as you read on.

 

You might expect a 53 year old to know the basics of skin care. Some things are so obvious, do they need to be explained in detail on the product packaging? Well, yes. Even my shampoo bottle tells me to wash rinse repeat.

 

So, here I was inspecting my smile lines in the bathroom mirror, wondering which to apply first - the moisturizer or the serum.  I could not find any instructions on the bottles or the boxes in which they came. It is possible that I simply cannot see the instructions, since the text on the packaging is a size 3 font.  Tip for the folks at Vichy - the majority of women who require these particular products will be over the age of 40 and are likely experiencing difficulty reading the fine print. 

 

Without the necessary instructions, I sent a text to Lorna asking for guidance. She immediately questioned how the women who influenced my formative years could have failed me so miserably that I don't even know how to apply moisturizer.

 

"I just want to know which to apply first," I said.

 

Her disappointment at my lack of knowledge was palpable. She inserted a sad smiley at the beginning of her text :-(  and I could hear her judgemental tone whipping through cyberspace.

"After you use your toner, you apply the serum. Then the moisturizer."

 

Toner? Nobody said anything about toner!

 

I'll continue this story after I purchase the toner.

 

 

Fundraising launch: Habitat for Humanity, Vernon

Pictured from left (with pink shirt) going clockwise:  Karin O’Brian, Beth Marks, Kathy Szoboticsanec (pronounced: so bo tea cha nets), Cheryl Kaminsky, Sareena Sharma Nickoli, Glory Westwell (Chair of Habitat for Humanity Vernon Committee), Charlene Silverster.

Lend a hand to buy the land!

Fundraising launch:  Habitat for Humanity Vernon Chapter

 What, you ask, is needed to launch Habitat for Humanity into perpetual motion in Vernon and the North Okanagan?  Good question!  And the answer?

 

The land to build on!

Vernon’s local chapter has willing builders, architects and enthusiasm for a project but it all hinges upon a suitable lot being purchased.  We are all acutely aware of the need for safe, decent, affordable housing for working families and Habitat has proven all over the world that they have the right formula for home ownership.  Without affordable homes our young, working families have to relocate leaving an unbalanced demographic in our communities.  We need our young families to be able to live and flourish in the North Okanagan!

Enter the “Habitat Champions” an ad hoc group of great women who accepted the land challenge with gusto!  Sareena Sharma Nickoli, Karin O’Brian, Charlene Silvester, Kathy Szoboticsanec (pronounced: so bo tea cha nets), Cheryl Kaminsky and Beth Marks have made a fundraising commitment and will work closely with Glory Westwell and the local and great Habitat for Humanity Committee.

Our goal:  300,000!  We know this will be the cost of a lot which will allow for more than one home – a 4-plex would be great.  Habitat wisely does not go into debt so once we have the land all other facets will come into force and the build will begin.

 

Here is the beauty…once the first build happens it becomes the seed of the next land purchase and the next build….Kelowna has done 18 projects benefitting 75 people to date!  No reason why our North Okanagan Communities cannot do the same.  (Habitat locally was able to have one unit built as part of a wonderful collaboration, “Under on Roof.”)  Now, with an independent Habitat build we can see Habitat in perpetual motion in our communities!

So, please lend a hand to buy the land!!  All of our efforts are completely on a volunteer basis and any donations above 20.00 will receive a tax receipt.

We anticipate that businesses that rely on employees who fit the criteria of a Habitat home owner will be especially keen to come on board with donations and sponsorships!

On line, www.vernonhabitat.com note your donation is for this land project.  By cheque please note also it is for land purchase and either drop at Charlene Silvester’s Notary Public office on 30^th Ave in Vernon or mail to: 

Habitat for Humanity Vernon Chapter

Box 1703 Stn Main
Vernon, BC V1T 8C3

Follow us on facebook!  Habitat for Humanity Vernon Chapter: Lend a hand to buy the land.

 

Job Opportunities at Okanagan Woman Magazine

We are looking for two bright, dynamic, creative and motivated individuals to promote our highly successful publication, Okanagan Woman, to businesses in the North, Central and South Okanagan

These positions are full time, but can be part-time for the right individuals.

What we offer:

·         A base salary plus commission. Excellent earning potential
·         Flexible schedule, relaxed office environment
·         Administrative support to help you succeed
·         Pep talks, pats on the back and kicks in the pants

What we need from you:

·         Strong sales and presentation skills
·         Fearless at cold-calling. Results oriented
·          Relentless drive to prospect for new business
·         Strong work ethic and positive attitude
·         Patience to prospect on a regular basis and ability to work independently
·         Excellent business to business telephone communication skills
·         Very adept at communicating via emails and utilizing CRM systems for follow ups
·         Working knowledge of MS Word, Excel
·         Knowledge and interest in social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
·         Develop new business opportunities and negotiate contracts
·         Assist clients to develop highly effective advertising programs
·         Must have a home computer, cell phone, valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and a sense of humour.

Forward your resume and cover letter to: info@okanaganwoman.com

 

"Ned Durango Comes to Big Oak" at Asparagus Community Theatre in Armstrong

Asparagus Community Theatre proudly  presents our Spring production of Norm Foster"s  "Ned Durango Comes to Big Oak"

This is an adult comedy about a small town struggling in economic times.  A potential developer plans a visit to the town which coincides with their May Long weekend Tomato Festival.  Catherine, the mayor (played by Laurisa Defehr),  tries to be creative.  With the help of other citizens  Tom (played by Rory White) and Orson, (played by Mark Trussell) they have an old TV cowboy legend, Ned Durango (played by Kim Sinclair) marshal their parade in hopes of drawing in a large crowd and impressing the developer. Kay (played by Shaleen Toney) Orson's daughter who is visiting, also jumps into the cause.   

Show times are Wednesday March 6th-9th.  Wednesday March 13th-16th.  All show times 8pm with an additional matinee on Saturday the 16th at 2pm at Centennial Hall.  Ticket prices are 15.00 for adults and 12.50 for students/seniors.  There is no child's rate for this show.

Tickets are available for sale in February  at The Guy Next Door 3450A Okanagan Street.  Store hours are  9am-4pm.  For reservations please call  250-546-0950 or email us at mandyjpenner@gmail.com

Visit www.facebook.comAsparagusCommunityTheatre for updates

New Labelling Information for all Botulinum Toxin Products: Botox/Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Xeomin/Xeomin Cosmetic and Myobloc

In order to help prevent medication errors with the use of botulinum toxin products currently available on the Canadian market, Health Canada will be requesting that all manufacturers of these products revise their product labels to reflect that each product has its own individual potency and as such, is not interchangeable with other botulinum products.

For more information, please visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2013/2013_07-eng.php

Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘N Play Sleeper Advisory

Fisher Price Newborn Rock ‘N Play Sleeper Advisory: Mould can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the sleeper. The advisory affects Model R6070, which was the only model sold in Canada. While mould is not present when the product is purchased, it can grow when the product remains wet or moist, or is cleaned infrequently, exposing infants sleeping in the Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleeper to mould.

For more information, please visit: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2013/2013_06-eng.php