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5 Fraser Valley Bookstores Worth a Visit

Sunday, November 28th, 2010

There is just something about a rainy or snowy afternoon that makes us want to curl up with a good book. Lucky for us, there are enough fantastic independent bookstores in the Fraser Valley to get us through an entire season of wet and slushy weather! With this list of 5 Fraser Valley bookstores to get lost in, you will have a good idea where to start the next time you’re looking to disappear in a good book – or even a whole bookstore!

Bookman
45939 Wellington St, Chilliwack 604.792.4595

Open 364 days a year (closed only on Christmas Day), you’ll never have to wonder if The Bookman will be open when the book shopping mood strikes you.

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Preparing Your Car for Winter

Sunday, November 21st, 2010

Winter sure has arrived here in the Fraser Valley. As we are posting this article, it’s -8c outside. -8!!! We asked local mechanic, Brendan Grant, for some advice about preparing one’s car for the cold winter weather. We hear it’s going to be a cold one this year, so check out these great tips!

Q. Why is it important to prepare your car for the winter?

A. With colder temperatures bringing snow, ice and rain it’s clearly important to have your vehicle safe and in proper operating condition for the coming winter.

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Frugal Fun: Jo Priestley Pottery Studio & Garden

Monday, November 8th, 2010

As we know from last week’s Pulse Spotlight, the Fraser Valley is filled with incredibly talented artists! This month for our Frugal Fun adventure, we visited the studio of local pottery artist Jo Priestley, and learned about beautiful artwork, tending gardens, and taking time to enjoy the views of the Fraser Valley.

The Jo Priestley Pottery Studio & Garden is a great artistic destination to visit before the weather gets too chilly. Located in Mission, Jo opens her studio, personal gallery and award winning garden up to visitors Thursdays to Sundays from 10am – 5pm. Admission is complimentary, and visitors are encouraged to wander around the grounds and enjoy not only the pottery, but also the beautiful garden and a breathtaking view of the Fraser Valley.

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Composting Tips With Langley Environmental Partners Society

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Composting does not have to stop in the winter time. One can compost inside, in your garage or outside with some insulation in most weather conditions. We asked Liz Kendler of the Langley Environmental Partners Society for some tips on composting. The Langley Environmental Partners offers composting classes as part of their mission to “protect and restore the natural environment through education, cooperation and action.”

Q. To someone who has never composted before, how would you simply explain its benefits?

A. It’s estimated that a whopping 40% of our household waste is organic material. Some of our landfills are close to overflowing and all this unnecessary garbage is contributing to climate change.

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Outdoor Living Tips With Heather Stewart

Monday, May 24th, 2010

With the beautiful weather lately we want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. FVP asked local home stager, Heather Stewart for tips on creating beautiful outdoor living spaces.

Q. When should you start planning and setting up your outdoor living space?

A. You can set up your outdoor living space as soon as it’s warm enough that you want to spend time there.

You can plan your outdoor space all year long. Pay attention to colours, textures and shapes that you like and think about how you might incorporate them into your outdoor space.

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Interview: Gardening Tips With Arnold Falk

Monday, March 15th, 2010

One of the best things about Spring is the beautiful flowers and vegetation. While there are plenty of pretty plants throughout the Fraser Valley, if you want them in your own backyard it will take a bit of work. With all the plant varieties, weather variables and technical knowledge needed, gardening can be overwhelming.  We asked local nursery owner, Arnold Falk, for advice on gardening in the Fraser Valley climate.

Arnold, his wife, Brenda, and daughter Lauren run a boutique nursery, Tanglebank, located in Abbotsford.

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Interview: Spring Organization Tips w/ Janis Nylund

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Spring doesn’t officially start until March 21, but recent weather in the Fraser Valley certainly feels like Spring. The ritual of Spring cleaning began as a way to get rid of smoke residue leftover from wood-burning stoves that burnt all winter. Spring was an ideal time to open the windows and get rid of the dust before it was hot enough that bugs coming in would be a problem.

Although modern heating and vacuums have eliminated the need for cleaning to take place in the Spring, it is a great time to take stock of your possessions and re-organize your house.

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