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	<title>http://www.fraservalleypulse.com &#187; Pulse Spotlight</title>
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	<description>Fraser Valley&#039;s Neighbourhood Lifestyle Guide</description>
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		<title>Spotlight: July 26, 2010 &#8211; Aloutte Fresh</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-26-2010-aloutte-fresh/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-26-2010-aloutte-fresh/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 05:20:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristi Ferguson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eats & Drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blueberries]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maple Ridge]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4637</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A purpley-blue sweet sphere. Duke. Toro. Blue Jay. Enjoyed by humans, bears and birds alike. What is it we speak of? The blueberry, of course! There is nothing quite like a plump, sweet or a small, tart blueberry.  We are blessed to live in the Fraser Valley where blueberries are abundant and farmers have perfected [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A purpley-blue sweet sphere. Duke. Toro. Blue Jay. Enjoyed by humans, bears and birds alike. What is it we speak of? The blueberry, of course!</p>
<p>There is nothing quite like a plump, sweet or a small, tart blueberry.  We are blessed to live in the Fraser Valley where blueberries are abundant and farmers have perfected the crops of these delicious berries. Many years we find our freezers stacked with fresh blueberries collected from the local farms during the summer. This year will be no different, we&#8217;re sure.</p>
<p>Now in their 18th year of growing blueberries, the folks at Aloutte Tree Farm have just opened <a href="http://alouetteblueberries.homestead.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>AloutteFresh</strong></span></a>. <span id="more-4637"></span>AlouetteFresh is a smoothie and fresh blueberry shack located at 23082 132nd Avenue in Maple Ridge.  Conveniently located at the roadside, this sweet little gem is somewhere quick, easy and awfully lovely to visit! Juicy smoothies are quickly prepared as you wait &#8211; a perfect summer refreshment. True Blue is for the blueberry lover and is only $2.25 including tax. The other flavours include a variety of other fruits and cost just $3.99.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/AlouetteFresh1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4687" title="AlouetteFresh" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/AlouetteFresh1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>You will find the freshest, loveliest blueberries at AlouetteFresh for just $1.99/lb and live blueberry plants are available for purchase as well. The fresh blueberries you buy from Alouette Tree Farm and AlouetteFresh are picked that morning or the morning before only. After that, the little delights meet the freezer and become ready for you to enjoy seasonal berries in any season! Blueberries are available May through September because they grow 10 different varieties. So if you&#8217;re looking for a specific berry to bake with or eat on its own or to put in compotes, etc &#8211; AlouetteFresh can hook you up with exactly what you&#8217;re after.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Alouette-Fresh-Blueberries.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4688" title="Alouette Fresh Blueberries" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Alouette-Fresh-Blueberries.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Every Friday these lovely folks deliver blueberries throughout the Lower Mainland to smoothie bars, local restaurants and individuals who really like blueberries <img src='http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  You can <a href="http://alouetteblueberries.homestead.com/order.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>order your blueberries online</strong></span></a> &#8211; so 2010!  Alouette Tree Farm and AlouetteFresh are supplying blueberries that are truly local, grown in Pitt Meadows and Port Coquitlam only.  No cross-country or cross-border travels for these little fine fruits.</p>
<p>We are thrilled to have found AlouetteFresh and Alouette Tree Farm.  We will be back for the <a href="http://alouettepumpkins.homestead.com/home.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>pumpkin patch</strong></span></a> in October and <a href="http://www.alouettechristmastreefarm.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Santa&#8217;s workshop and holiday trees</span></strong></a> in December! Lots of fun going on at this Maple Ridge gem! Be sure to check it out. We are also impressed by the generousity of this local company, who is very supportive of the <a href="http://www.friendsneedfood.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Friends in Need Food Bank</strong></span></a>. Any donation that is made at AlouetteFresh, up to $1000, is matched by Alouette Tree Farm!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/AlouetteFreshSmoothie.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4686" title="AlouetteFreshSmoothie" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/AlouetteFreshSmoothie.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="339" /></a></p>
<p>We tried the True Blue smoothie, since blueberries are a favourite!  It was refreshing, tasty and blueberry-tastic! It&#8217;s hot outside and we are sure you and your family could use a smoothie to cool down. <strong><em>Please leave a comment below to be entered to win smoothies for you and your family/friends (up to 5).</em></strong> A great way to cool off in this beautiful summer sunshine! Winner will be announced August 6, 2010.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>AlouetteFresh<br />
<a href="http://alouetteblueberries.homestead.com/order.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;">www.alouettechristmastreefarm.com</span></a><br />
23082 132nd Avenue, Maple Ridge<br />
Ring: 604.866.7413</strong></p>
<hr /><small>Copyright &copy; 2008<br /> This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. <br /> The use of this feed on other websites breaches copyright. If this content is not in your news reader, it makes the page you are viewing an infringement of the copyright. (Digital Fingerprint:<br /> )</small>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
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		<title>Spotlight: July 19, 2010  &#8211; Aromatica</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-26-2010-aromatica/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-26-2010-aromatica/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:36:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristi Ferguson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eats & Drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Shops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[soap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tea]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4533</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It never ceases to amaze us that each week we can set out on a journey to find something fun, unique or new in the Fraser Valley, and every week we are introduced to the most amazing people and entrepreneurs.  A recent day of exploration took us to Minter&#8217;s Country Garden in Chilliwack.  Inside this [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It never ceases to amaze us that each week we can set out on a journey to find something fun, unique or new in the Fraser Valley, and every week we are introduced to the most amazing people and entrepreneurs.  A recent day of exploration took us to Minter&#8217;s Country Garden in Chilliwack.  Inside this magical garden and gift centre in Chilliwack is a feast for the senses: <a href="http://myaromatica.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Aromatica</strong></span></a>.  Now in their fifth year of business, owners Kim and Karen have a delightfully exotic offering inside this little shop!<span id="more-4533"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Aromatica-Fine-Teas-Soap.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4536" title="Aromatica Fine Teas &amp; Soap" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Aromatica-Fine-Teas-Soap.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://myaromatica.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Aromatica Fine Teas &amp; Soaps</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: #23466d;"> </span></strong>carries exactly that &#8211; fine teas and soaps, amongst lots other fun finds.  Over 100 black, green, white, rooibos and herbal tea blends sit in neatly organized containers along the walls. Take a trip around the world as you smell and taste everything from Cream Caramel Rooibos to Fennel Fusion.  For the brave, give the Lapsang Souchong a try.  Can&#8217;t say we&#8217;ll be back for more, but it was definitely an interesting experience!  Owner Kim was not the &#8216;typical&#8217; person one might expect to see running a store like this. He knows it, too. Joking that husbands usually don&#8217;t pass the invisible line into the Aromatica store, he gets to hang out with the ladies all day long <img src='http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   Kim is so cool! He is super educated about all things tea and such a great host. We enjoyed over and hour of sampling teas and learning about all the fun products Aromatica carries.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Aromatica.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4535" title="Aromatica" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Aromatica.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Kim and his wife Karen love to create and cook.  You should hear some of the suggestions Kim was sharing to cook with tea!  We would never, ever think of some of the delicious recipes he was sharing.  Pork tenderloin cooked in honey infused with raspberry rooibos tea&#8230; mmm.  Even the Lapsang Souchong sounded amazing to BBQ with!</p>
<p>Making soap was next on Kim and Karen&#8217;s creative journey.  Their handcrafted Castile soaps contain no synthetic colourants or deoderants, but they do contain&#8230; tea!  Every bar contains green tea extract.  These locally handcrafted soaps come in a huge variety with scents such as Ginger Meadow, Lavender Oats &amp; Honey, Orange Basil Mint and Citrus Spice. They almost sound good enough to eat!  Aromatica didn&#8217;t just stop at soaps when it came to body care.  They also produce a line of Spa Salt Scrubs, Whipped Shea Body Butter and lots of other deliciously fabulous lotions and potions.  We have had the opportunity to check out a few of the products and we are very happy with them all.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Aromatica-Teas.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4537" title="Aromatica Teas" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Aromatica-Teas.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Aromatica also carries a fantastic line of tea pots and a whole host of accessories: stainless steel, handmade clay, glass and beautiful ceramic teapots; local honeys; Libre brew-in tea glasses and lots more.</p>
<p>During our visit, Kim put together a Mango Madness gift pack for one of our readers.  <em><strong>If you&#8217;d like to try some tea, soap and body care products with a summery mango scent, please leave a comment below.  Winner will be announced July 30, 2010.</strong></em> Thanks Kim!</p>
<p>If you have some time to explore this summer, head over to Aromatica and check out the teas, soaps and fun finds.  Minter&#8217;s Country Garden is a fantastic place to wander for a couple of hours.  Aromatica, the amazing garden centre and some seriously adorable gift shops.  Enjoy!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Aromatica Fine Teas &amp; Soaps<br />
<a href="http://www.myaromatica.com" target="_blank">www.myaromatica.com</a><br />
10015 Young Road, Chilliwack<br />
Ring: 604.703.1178 </strong></p>
<hr /><small>Copyright &copy; 2008<br /> This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. <br /> The use of this feed on other websites breaches copyright. If this content is not in your news reader, it makes the page you are viewing an infringement of the copyright. (Digital Fingerprint:<br /> )</small>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>27</slash:comments>
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		<title>Spotlight: July 12, 2010 &#8211; Goody Too Shoes</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-12-2010-goody-too-shoes/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-12-2010-goody-too-shoes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:33:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristi Ferguson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Local Shops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4523</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Shoes, shoes, shoes. We love shoes!  What you wear on your feet is such an expression of your personality.  Are you conservative? Funky? Do you prefer style over comfort, or comfort over style? Indeed, you can tell a lot about someone by what they wear on their feet.  This week&#8217;s Spotlight business is owned by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Shoes, shoes, shoes. We love shoes!  What you wear on your feet is such an expression of your personality.  Are you conservative? Funky? Do you prefer style over comfort, or comfort over style? Indeed, you can tell a lot about someone by what they wear on their feet.  This week&#8217;s Spotlight business is owned by Gemma Quiring, who loves helping people express their personality with their footwear and accessories.</p>
<p><span id="more-4523"></span><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4525" title="goody too shoes" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>Goody Too Shoes has been on First Street in Mission for nearly four years. Carrying groovy shoes and colourful scarves, funky hosiery, outerwear, handbags, wallets and wonderful accessories, this Fraser Valley shoe boutique is a feast for ladies looking to find a bit of urban style in the suburbs. Stylish designs from lines such as <a href="http://www.fluevog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>J</strong></span></a><a href="http://www.fluevog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>ohn Fluevog</strong></span></a>, <a href="http://www.chineselaundry.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Chinese Laundry</span></strong></a>, <a href="http://www.bogsfootwear.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Bogs</span></strong></a>, <a href="http://www.noa-noa.dk/main.aspx?language=en" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Noanoa</strong></span></a> await you at Goody Too Shoes, who is also the exclusive Fraser Valley retailer for <a href="http://www.flylondon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Fly</strong></span></a>, <a href="http://www.eject-shoes.com/index.php?a=st" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Eject</span></strong></a> and <a href="http://www.prophecy-shoes.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Prophecy</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: #23466d;"> </span></strong>shoes. Gemma says she never orders the same shoes twice, which is pretty fantastic. When everyone has the same shoes, that&#8217;s no fun!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4526" title="goody too shoes 2" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes-2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>In September 2010, Goody Too Shoes will begin carrying Fly London clothing. Gemma is very excited about this new opportunity to expand the store&#8217;s horizons and offer this great line to Mission and the Fraser Valley!</p>
<p>Goody Too Shoes carries a fun selection of handbags, wallets and makeup bags. A favourite was the quirky, indestructible HARVEYS seatbelt bags. Have you seen these? Such fun! They are hand woven bags made of seatbelt material and they are pretty cool.  <a href="http://www.seatbeltbags.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Check out the seatbelt bag collection on HARVEYS website</strong></span></a>.</p>
<p>Another favourite was a line of jewellery with a touching story.  Twigz jewellery are beautiful pieces made of recycled materials. All of the necklaces and bracelets are made by a group of Ugandan widows; single mothers trying to better their family by creating these products to sell. Goody Too Shoes carries a lovely selection of Twigz pieces, including these cow horn necklaces below. You have to see the paper beaded necklaces, they are so pretty! And impressive&#8230; imagine just how long it takes to make one paper bead.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes-4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4528" title="goody too shoes 4" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes-4.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>We wanted to know how Gemma came to open such a fun boutique.  She says it&#8217;s something she has always wanted to do. Since age 8 she has been sewing and creating. Her love for shoes and fashion, and the realization that Mission could use somewhere funky to shop, she opened Goody Too Shoes in 2006.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes-3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4527" title="goody too shoes 3" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goody-too-shoes-3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>We are so glad to have found this great little boutique in Mission.  Next time you are in the neighbourhood, stop by Goody Too Shoes and check out all the fun shoes and accessories!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Goody Too Shoes<br />
1-33231 First Avenue, Mission<br />
Ring: 604.820.7338</strong></p>
<hr /><small>Copyright &copy; 2008<br /> This feed is for personal, non-commercial use only. <br /> The use of this feed on other websites breaches copyright. If this content is not in your news reader, it makes the page you are viewing an infringement of the copyright. (Digital Fingerprint:<br /> )</small>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Spotlight: July 5, 2010 &#8211; Shoreline Tours</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-5-2010-shoreline-tours/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-july-5-2010-shoreline-tours/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:38:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristi Ferguson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Things To Do]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[boat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cruise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[harrison]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4200</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everywhere we look in the Fraser Valley, we are spoiled with breathtaking landscapes. Harrison Hot Springs has to be one of the prettiest local places to explore; Harrison Lake is absolutely splendid. We recently took a lake tour with Shoreline Tours and were treated to an afternoon of beauty and relaxation. Shoreline Tours, located at Harrison [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Everywhere we look in the Fraser Valley, we are spoiled with breathtaking landscapes. Harrison Hot Springs has to be one of the prettiest local places to explore; Harrison Lake is absolutely splendid. We recently took a lake tour with Shoreline Tours and were treated to an afternoon of beauty and relaxation.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.shorelinetours.net/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Shoreline Tours</span></strong></a>, located at Harrison Hot Springs&#8217; Resort Marina, is run by Captain Steve Dunn.  Steve tells us that there has been a boat cruise on Harrison Lake since the 1950&#8242;s! As a teenager, Steve and his brother used to work on the lake cruises, which led to Steve following his passion and starting his own tour company on this beautiful lake. Talk about a local expert &#8211; Steve knows Harrison Lake like the back of his hand!<span id="more-4200"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Captain-Steve-Dunn.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4453" title="Captain Steve Dunn" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Captain-Steve-Dunn.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Harrison Lake is 38 miles long and it takes approximately 3.5 hours to travel from one shore to the other by boat.  Several local high school groups take the trip right across the lake to Port Douglas for some exploration.  Many stay to camp, some even hike through to near Pemberton. There is so much history, so many things to see along this lake.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Harrison-Lake.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4463" title="Harrison Lake" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Harrison-Lake.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>The boat, Laroan, is a 60 footer that is complete with a kitchen, bathroom, sitting room, stereo, TV/VCR and upper deck.  The upper deck of the boat is comfy and spacious, and comes complete with a very large BBQ grill.  Laroan is wheelchair accessible and it has stairways available for lake swimming. We enjoyed our afternoon tour with people of all ages &#8211; kids were entertained with marine life fossils, colouring books and different marine and wildlife sightings.  The adults enjoyed the guided tour and the beautiful sights.  It was so peaceful. Several cabins and homes line the shores of Harrison Lake.  The most amazing thing about each of them?  There is no road access &#8211; so not only do their occupants have to arrive by water, the impressive structures were all constructed by boating in the materials. Boggles the mind to think how long some of them must have taken to complete!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Shoreline-Tours-Harrison-Lake.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4454" title="Shoreline Tours Harrison Lake" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Shoreline-Tours-Harrison-Lake.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Up to 36 guests can enjoy the boat at any given time and it is available for chartered tours &#8211; a perfect number for an intimate wedding, a staff party or an afternoon with family and friends.  It&#8217;s an affordable option to try something unique and really special.  At $325/hour, a full boat would see cost at about $10 per person, per hour &#8211; not bad at all!</p>
<p>Shoreline Tours&#8217; Harrison Lake tour leaves daily in the summer at 1PM and 4PM.  The round trip to Rainbow Falls takes about 2.5 hours.  It&#8217;s an interesting trip as you first go by the St. Alice hot springs, onto Echo Island, then through the channel up to Rainbow Falls.  The regular lake tour trips do not stop at Rainbow Falls, but the chartered ones can do so.  We had the opportunity to get off and check out the falls up close.  They are&#8230; stunning.  Loud, powerful, gorgeous.  It was early in the summer season so the runoff was strong.  Later in the year we&#8217;re told there is a beautiful pond at the foot of the falls, where people climb up to swim.  Imagine the pristine water up there!  Rainbow Falls is a favourite stop for wedding charters as the Falls make for a pretty fabulous photo background!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Rainbow-Falls-on-Harrison-Lake.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4458" title="Rainbow Falls on Harrison Lake" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Rainbow-Falls-on-Harrison-Lake.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="500" /></a></p>
<p>In the Autumn, Shoreline Tours changes its route and heads down Harrison River.  The river tour runs from October 1st through the end of November, leaving daily at 1PM, at $45 per person.  This tour sounds amazing and we will certainly be back to check it out.  Spawning salmon, sea lions, swans, blue herons will all be seen at that time of year. The main attraction is the bald eagles, who flock to Harrison River by the thousands.  They spend their Winter months here feeding.  If you&#8217;ve never been to see a gathering of bald eagles like this, you must do so.  They are cheeky, gorgeous creatures.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Harrison-Lake-with-Shoreline-Tours.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4455" title="Harrison Lake with Shoreline Tours" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Harrison-Lake-with-Shoreline-Tours.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>At just $32 per person ($29/seniors, $20 children, 5 and under are free), an afternoon lake tour is a great way to enjoy your day and do something out of the ordinary.  Harrison Hot Springs beach boasts a huge variety of activities, but getting out on the lake is another fabulous perspective of this great Fraser Valley gem.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for the lake tour, Steve.  What a great job you have, cruising one of the most beautiful places in the Fraser Valley!  Readers, you must check this out.  A few hours away from the hustle and bustle &#8211; so relaxing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Shoreline Tours<br />
<a href="http://shorelinetours.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;">www.shorelinetours.net</span></a><br />
Ring: 604.819.3418 </strong></p>
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		<title>Spotlight: June 28, 2010 &#8211; Dead Frog Brewery</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-28-2010-dead-frog-brewery/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-28-2010-dead-frog-brewery/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:11:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kristi Ferguson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eats & Drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brewery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Langley]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4284</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When a company has a tagline that reads &#8216;Do It Froggy Style&#8217;, you know they are going to be fun!  Dead Frog Brewery is a local craft brewery that sure does have a fun, fabulous, memorable brand! I met with Dead Frog Founder Derrick Smith and Marketing Manager Chris Landsman, who shared their enthusiasm and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When a company has a tagline that reads &#8216;Do It Froggy Style&#8217;, you know they are going to be fun!  <a href="http://www.deadfrog.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Dead Frog Brewery</strong></span></a> is a local craft brewery that sure does have a fun, fabulous, memorable brand!</p>
<p>I met with Dead Frog Founder Derrick Smith and Marketing Manager Chris Landsman, who shared their enthusiasm and commitment to innovation in both their brews and their marketing strategies.  A quick look through Dead Frog Brewery&#8217;s website and you&#8217;ll see the quirky, informal marketing language used in all of their promotions. The top of their 6 and 12 packs of beer also use the same fun tone, a refreshing way to engage their customers.  I had to ask about the name of the company and sincerely hoped there wasn&#8217;t a morbid story behind it.  On the contrary, the folks at Dead Frog Brewery love frogs! <span id="more-4284"></span>It seems the name was, in part, chosen to reflect the current conservation issues surrounding many species of frogs. Glad to hear it <img src='http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Chris-Landsman-and-Derrick-Smith-Dead-Frog-Brewery.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4394" title="Chris Landsman and Derrick Smith, Dead Frog Brewery" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Chris-Landsman-and-Derrick-Smith-Dead-Frog-Brewery.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Derrick Smith has been brewing beers as a hobby since he was a young adult.  At 19 years old, he toured Europe where he learned all about craft brewing and the different kinds of beers one could create.  In 1989, Derrick followed his passion and  opened a brew-on-premise in Aldergrove.  Eventually this business became a micro-brewery, which has been Dead Frog Brewery since 2006.  We enjoyed a tour of the Dead Frog facilities to see where all those tasty creations were made. Their new space is five times the size of where they moved from on the other side of Aldergrove.  Their current refrigerator is the size of their entire previous facility &#8211; wow!  Amazing what some businesses work with when they first begin.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Dead-Frog-Brewery-in-Aldergrove.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4397" title="Dead Frog Brewery in Aldergrove" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Dead-Frog-Brewery-in-Aldergrove.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>As one of the largest craft breweries in BC, Dead Frog beers are available at over 400 private and government liquor stores throughout the province.  You can also visit their brewery retail store at #1 &#8211; 27272 Gloucester Way in Aldergrove and is open 10AM &#8211; 4PM, Monday through Friday.  Dead Frog Brewery produces five different brews: <a href="http://www.deadfrog.ca/beer_lager.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Lager</strong></span></a>, <a href="http://www.deadfrog.ca/beer_paleale.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Pale Ale</strong></span></a>, <a href="http://www.deadfrog.ca/beer_honeybrown.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Honey Brown</strong></span></a>, <a href="http://www.deadfrog.ca/beer_nutbrown.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Nut Brown</strong></span></a> and the new <a href="http://www.deadfrog.ca/beer_seasonal.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Pepper Lime Lager</strong></span></a>.  I&#8217;m not afraid to admit that I&#8217;m not a fan of lime flavoured beer.  When I was offered some Dead Frog Pepper Lime Lager, I had a moment of &#8216;uh oh&#8217; go through my head.  Thankfully, this isn&#8217;t your run-of-the-mill fake lime flavoured beverage, it actually tastes like beer with a refreshing hint of lime and pepper.  I couldn&#8217;t believe you could actually taste the pepper (but it&#8217;s not overwhelming at all)! It&#8217;s tasty and if you&#8217;re looking for something cold and crisp to sip on a hot summer&#8217;s day &#8211; give it a try. No time like the present, with Canada Day coming up.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Dead-Frog-beer.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4395" title="Dead Frog beer" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Dead-Frog-beer.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="387" /></a></p>
<p>A summer mixer 12 pack of Dead Frog brews and a Dead Frog Brewery t-shirt will soon be making their way into the hands of one of our lucky readers.  Please leave a comment below to enter to win.  You must be 19 years or older to enter.  Winner will be announced on Friday July 9, 2010.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Dead Frog Brewery<br />
<a href="http://www.deadfrog.ca"><span style="color: #23466d;"> www.deadfrog.ca</span></a><br />
1 &#8211; 27272 Gloucester Way, Aldergrove<br />
Ring: 604.865.1055</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://twitter.com/deadfrogbrewery"><img class="aligncenter" title="Dead Frog Brewery on Twitter" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/twitter.jpg" alt="" width="24" height="24" /></a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Frog-Brewery/125145154176973?ref=ts"><img class="aligncenter" title="Dead Frog Brewery on Facebook" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/facebook.jpg" alt="" width="24" height="24" /></a><br />
</strong></p>
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		<title>Sponsored Spotlight &#8211; Harrison Hot Springs</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/sponsored-spotlight-harrison-hot-springs/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/sponsored-spotlight-harrison-hot-springs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:00:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sponsored Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Things To Do]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[harrison hot springs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4156</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[School is almost finished for the year and summer seems to have finally arrived. What to do with all those long summer days ahead? Have you been to Harrison Hot Springs lately? Located on the south shore of spectacular Harrison Lake, Harrison Hot Springs is one of the Fraser Valley&#8217;s most glorious holiday destinations. Renowned [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>School is almost finished for the year and summer seems to have finally arrived. What to do with all those long summer days ahead?</p>
<p>Have you been to Harrison Hot Springs lately? Located on the south shore of spectacular Harrison Lake, Harrison Hot Springs is one of the Fraser Valley&#8217;s most glorious holiday destinations.</p>
<p>Renowned for its natural beauty, Harrison Hot Springs offers visitors plenty of things to do while taking in some of B.C.&#8217;s most breathtaking scenery.<span id="more-4156"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/walking-harrison-beach.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4163" title="walking harrison beach" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/walking-harrison-beach.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Perhaps Harrison Hot Springs is most famous for their namesake, the mineral hot springs. Visitors can enjoy the public mineral pool seven days a week, or wander along the beach up to take a look at the natural hot springs.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Adult-Pool-at-Dusk.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4178" title="Adult Pool at Dusk" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Adult-Pool-at-Dusk.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="309" /></a></p>
<p>Summer activities in Harrison Hot Springs abound.  The resort marina boasts plenty of water sport options to keep you cool: Enjoy a leisurely boat cruise with Shoreline Tours, take an eco tour with Harrison Eco Tours, cool off and have fun on a sea-doo, kayak, bumper boats or banana tube from Harrison Watersports, or simply relax on the beautiful sandy beach. Ice cream shops, fabulous restaurants and gift stores line the street directly across from the beach.  There is always something to keep you busy! Stop by the <a href="http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/contact" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Harrison Visitor Information Centre</span></strong></a><strong> </strong>to pick up a copy of the Ticket To Explore booklet, which lists community events, local hikes and discount coupons to local businesses.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/banana-tube-on-Harrison-Lake.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4162" title="banana tube on Harrison Lake" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/banana-tube-on-Harrison-Lake.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="333" /></a></p>
<p>Harrison Hot Springs proudly hosts several events throughout the summer, including the Harrison Festival of the Arts.  July 10 &#8211; 18, 2010 marks the 32nd Annual festival and it&#8217;s going to be great! Live music on the beach, art shows, children&#8217;s day, workshops, art market and evening concerts. You don&#8217;t want to miss it!</p>
<p>If you love to explore, you&#8217;ll enjoy the Harrison Hot Springs<span style="color: #23466d;"><strong> </strong></span><a href="http://www.circlefarmtour.com/index.php?page_id=13" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Circle Farm Tour</strong></span></a>. This self-guided tour includes visits to fantastic local gems such as Canadian Hazelnut, The Back Porch, Limbert Mountain Farm ~ Simply Fine Foods, Sparkes Corn Barn and Valedoorn Farms. Sasquatch Provincial Park is minutes up the street and was recently nominated as one of Canada&#8217;s Best by CBC, Canadian Tourism Commission&#8217;s Locals Know &amp; The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/summer-beach.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4176" title="summer beach" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/summer-beach.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Wherever you live in the Fraser Valley, Harrison Hot Springs is less than an hour away, so it makes for a great day trip. Seeing as there is so much to do though, why not stay awhile and take in all it has to offer? Harrison Hot Springs is home to fabulous accommodation such as the Harrison Hot Springs Resort &amp; Spa, where guests enjoy 5 indoor &amp; outdoor mineral pools. There is no shortage of great places to stay including several <a href="http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/hotels_and_resorts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>hotels &amp; resorts</strong></span></a>, <a href="http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/motels" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>motels</strong></span></a>, <span style="color: #23466d;"><strong><a href="http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/bed_and_breakfasts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;">B&amp;Bs</span></a> </strong></span>and <a href="http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/vacation_rentals" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>vacation rentals</strong></span></a>.</p>
<p>If camping is your family&#8217;s style, Harrison Hot Springs and surrounding areas offer fantastic <a href="http://www.tourismharrison.com/page/campgrounds_and_RV_parks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>family-friendly RV parks &amp; campgrounds</strong></span></a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/resort-marina.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4177" title="resort marina" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/resort-marina.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re staying in Harrison, be sure to check out some of the nearby attractions: Kilby Historic Site, Minter Gardens, Dinotown, Tugboat Junction or Bridal Falls Waterpark.</p>
<p>Be sure to visit Harrison Hot Springs this summer and find family fun, serenity, rejuvenation and adventure&#8230; just up the road!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tourismharrison.com" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">www.tourismharrison.com</span></strong></a></p>
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		<title>Spotlight: June 21, 2010 &#8211; Campbell&#8217;s Gold Honey Farm &amp; Meadery</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-21-2010-campbells-gold-honey-farm-meadery/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-21-2010-campbells-gold-honey-farm-meadery/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:14:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eats & Drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Things To Do]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[honey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mead]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4198</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Campbell&#8217;s Gold Honey Farm &#38; Meadery is an interesting, educational, fun and tasty place for the whole family to visit.  Mike and Judy Campbell are retired professionals whose hobby has grown into a delightfully sweet gem located in Abbotsford. Several years ago Mike started beekeeping as a hobby and started making honey in the mid [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.bchoney.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Campbell&#8217;s Gold Honey Farm &amp; Meadery</span></strong></a> is an interesting, educational, fun and tasty place for the whole family to visit.  Mike and Judy Campbell are retired professionals whose hobby has grown into a delightfully sweet gem located in Abbotsford.</p>
<p>Several years ago Mike started beekeeping as a hobby and started making honey in the mid nineties.  When Mike retired, his hobby became a thriving business and when Judy retired it really took off!  They recalled their living room being taken over by honey shelves.  Eventually they knew it was time to <em>go big or get out</em> and they decided on go big! An old barn was torn down and the present production, education and retail facility was built.  <span id="more-4198"></span>Live bees, orchards, a small vineyard, prayer garden and more is set on their 8 acres.  It&#8217;s an extremely impressive use of space.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Mike-and-Judy-Campbell1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4345" title="Mike-and-Judy-Campbell" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Mike-and-Judy-Campbell1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>We were treated to a bee education session and it was outstanding.  We had no idea how extremely interesting bee culture is!  Campbell’s Honey Gold provides free self-directed tours of their facility where one can  taste honey and walk out to a live hive.  Formal tours for groups of 5 or more people are available for a cost of $8/pp.  These 1-2 hour tours include classroom education, observation of live bees and a honey treat to take home.  Mike and Judy enjoy visitors from 3 to over 100 years old.  School and church groups, seniors centres &#8211; all kinds of organizations are taking in some fun bee knowledge!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Campbells-Gold-Honey-Farm-Meadery1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4346" title="Campbells-Gold-Honey-Farm-Meadery" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Campbells-Gold-Honey-Farm-Meadery1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Honey is simply amazing and we’re pretty blessed to have so many local honey farms scattered throughout the Fraser Valley.  At Campbell’s Gold you will find honey and bee products from many local producers: flavoured honey (jalapeno, chocolate mint and orange were some of our favourites), hand creams, soaps, furniture polish, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propolis" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Propolis</strong></span></a>, candles and lots more!  As an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, honey has many uses.</p>
<p>Probably one of our favourite things about Campbell’s Gold – it’s also a meadery!  Mead is a honey wine and it is sweet, smooth and delicious.  Campbell’s Gold Meadery is the only meadery on BC’s mainland, so their mead is a hot seller!  At Christmas, a spiced mead is available at Campbell’s Gold and we hear it’s divine. They also produce a number of honey Melomel wines, which are part whole fruit (not just the juice) and part honey.  If you&#8217;ve never tried these before, definitely mark down mead and honey wine tasting at Campbell&#8217;s Gold on your summer to-do list!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/honey-wine-and-mead-at-Campbells-Gold-Honey-Farm-Meadery1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4347" title="honey-wine-and-mead-at-Campbells-Gold-Honey-Farm-Meadery" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/honey-wine-and-mead-at-Campbells-Gold-Honey-Farm-Meadery1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>You will find so much going on at Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery.  The bees, the shop, the meditation/prayer garden that is a stunning site for wedding/engagement photos.  The top floor of their facility is also a great banquet hall that is available for wedding receptions, meetings and other events.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Campbells-Gold-Honey-shop1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4348" title="Campbells-Gold-Honey-shop" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Campbells-Gold-Honey-shop1.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Look for some <a href="http://www.bchoney.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>great events</strong></span></a> happening throughout the year at Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery.  July 5<sup>th</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup> there is a Junior Beekeeper course for kids ages 10-14 (sounds like fun!), August 21st is <a href="http://www.bchoney.com/pdf/CG_ArtInGardenAug2010.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Art in the Garden</strong></span></a>, August 28th is <a href="http://www.bchoney.com/pdf/CG_FamilyFunAug2010.pdf" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">FREE Family Fun Day</span></strong></a>.</p>
<p>Thanks for the bee education and tasty drinks, Mike and Judy.  We so very much enjoy your passion for bees and community!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Campbell&#8217;s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery<br />
</strong><a href="http://www.bchoney.com"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">www.bchoney.com</span></strong><br />
</a><strong>2595 Lefeuvre Road, Abbotsford<br />
Ring: 604.856.2125</strong></p>
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		<title>Spotlight: June 14, 2010 &#8211; Moon Masterpieces</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-14-2010-moon-masterpieces/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-14-2010-moon-masterpieces/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:06:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eats & Drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[carving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Catering Services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fruit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4118</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Move over boring fruit and veggie platters!  We&#8217;ve found a cool local company creating beautiful fruit and vegetable masterpieces. Melons are being transformed into flowers, veggies into leaves&#8230; impressive one-of-a-kind produce creations are making their way onto tables all throughout the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver! Moon Masterpieces in White Rock is the joint venture [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Move over boring fruit and veggie platters!  We&#8217;ve found a cool local company creating beautiful fruit and vegetable masterpieces. Melons are being transformed into flowers, veggies into leaves&#8230; impressive one-of-a-kind produce creations are making their way onto tables all throughout the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.moonmasterpieces.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Moon Masterpieces</span></strong></a> in White Rock is the joint venture of Jason Gontier and Chef Moon.<span id="more-4118"></span></p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/moon-masterpieces-creations.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4145" title="moon masterpieces creations" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/moon-masterpieces-creations.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="356" /></a></p>
<p>Jason &amp; Moon met several years ago through a mutual friend while they were both working in Las Vegas.  <a href="http://www.moonmasterpieces.com/bio.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Chef Moon</strong></span></a> worked at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas, providing his signature carvings for buffets, conferences and hotel guests.  Jason&#8217;s background is well rounded in all areas of hospitality, mostly as a Training Director for front-of-house staff and customer service.  The two have always talked about starting a business together: Moon&#8217;s creativity in the kitchen matched with Jason&#8217;s management background &#8211; a perfect combo.  When it was time to move on from Vegas, B.C. was their chosen destination. Lucky us!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/chef-moon-jason-gontier.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4147" title="chef moon &amp; jason gontier" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/chef-moon-jason-gontier.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="344" /></a></p>
<p>Besides the fabulous fruit and veggie creations, Moon Masterpieces offers healthy and delicious fresh lunch options.  Fresh salad rolls, burritos and many other delights are available throughout the day.  Frozen dishes such as traditional Thai curries, soups and chicken dishes are also available to take home.  Moon Masterpieces offer a variety of catering options &#8211; Thai-fusion canapes, &#8216;traditional&#8217; sandwich platters to gourmet tapas creations, for groups of any size.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fresh-lunch-ideas-from-moon-masterpieces.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4149" title="fresh lunch ideas from moon masterpieces" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/fresh-lunch-ideas-from-moon-masterpieces.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Individual fruit creations (think thank you, birthday, congratulations gifts) start at just $39. With the intricacies of the work involved to make these, we were pleasantly surprised with their pricing.  Moon Masterpieces is a huge hit at kid&#8217;s birthday parties, weddings and other banquets.  A healthy offering that looks great!</p>
<p>Would you like to learn how to create one of these masterpieces yourself?  Chef Moon offers 3 hour carving classes where you will leave with a carved melon and the know-how to impress the guests at your next dinner party.  Sounds like a fun night out for a group of friends &#8211; or even a fun date night!</p>
<p>We&#8217;ll definitely be ordering from Moon Masterpieces when we next host an event.  Thanks for bringing your great talent and company to our neck of the woods, Jason &amp; Moon!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Moon Masterpieces<br />
<a href="http://www.moonmasterpieces.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;">www.moonmasterpieces.com</span></a><br />
1407 Johnston Road, White Rock<br />
Ring: 778.294.4321 </strong></p>
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		<title>Spotlight: June 7, 2010 &#8211; The Town Butcher</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-7-2010-the-town-butcher/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-june-7-2010-the-town-butcher/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:57:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eats & Drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[butcher]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=4047</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It used to be that people shopped at local food producers: farms, butchers, dairies.  Then came the big box revolution where unfortunately more than a little bit of food quality was lost. In recent years, the population is seeking healthier alternatives &#8211; slow food, no fillers, locally produced.  We&#8217;re educating ourselves more and going back [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It used to be that people shopped at local food producers: farms, butchers, dairies.  Then came the big box revolution where unfortunately more than a little bit of food quality was lost. In recent years, the population is seeking healthier alternatives &#8211; slow food, no fillers, locally produced.  We&#8217;re educating ourselves more and going back to the way of decades past.  One local butcher shop is doing a stellar job at capturing that community feel of the old-time butcher shops while stylishly captivating a 2010 audience.  <a href="http://thetownbutcher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>The Town Butcher</strong></span></a> in Chilliwack is one of our Valley&#8217;s shining gems!</p>
<p>Liv &amp; Bill Turnbull are a young, dynamic couple who have combined their entrepreneurial spirit with their individual skills to create an awesome local business.  <span id="more-4047"></span>Bill had trained as a butcher and always knew he&#8217;d open his own shop one day.  When his dream became a reality, wife Liv jumped on board with enthusiasm and excitement about creating a beautiful space.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Liv-Bill-Turnbull.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4065" title="Liv &amp; Bill Turnbull" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Liv-Bill-Turnbull.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>We love how Liv has decorated <a href="http://thetownbutcher.com/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">The Town Butcher</span></strong></a>. Ever seen gorgeous chandeliers hanging above cuts of meat? You will here! <em>Uptown glamour meets old world charm </em>- indeed. Liv has pulled from her background in interior design and created a warm, inviting, beautiful shop. We especially enjoy the photos of old Chilliwack butchers shops hanging on the walls.  Liv obtained them from the Chilliwack archives and says it is she &amp; Bill&#8217;s nod to the old-time butchers who stood for community, product knowledge and trust.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Town-Butcher-in-Chilliwack.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4066" title="The Town Butcher in Chilliwack" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Town-Butcher-in-Chilliwack.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Chatting with Liv &amp; Bill was so refreshing &#8211; they really do support local, in every way.  &#8221;It blows my mind,&#8221; she explained, &#8220;that we have access to all these local farms &amp; agriculture and that more people don&#8217;t use it!&#8221;  We couldn&#8217;t agree more.</p>
<p>At <a href="http://thetownbutcher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>The Town Butcher</strong></span></a><a href="http://thetownbutcher.com/" target="_blank"> </a>you&#8217;ll find fresh hormone-free local beef, pork, chicken, turkey and lamb, all from within 50 km.  They also carry some AAA Alberta beef and buffalo steaks and, in the summer, fresh halibut and salmon. Butcher Bill prepares the cuts of meat on-site and through his work station window you can watch him in action. To compliment the butcher shop is a great deli section with fresh, delicious selections of salads, side dishes and more. Liv says employee Andrea is the force behind the fabulous deli recipes &#8211; she sure was busy creating when we visited!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Town-Butcher-outside.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4067" title="The Town Butcher outside" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Town-Butcher-outside.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="349" /></a></p>
<p>We couldn&#8217;t resist one of The Town Butcher&#8217;s biggest sellers: the maui ribs.  They prepare 8 full racks each day and are always sold out. Let us just say that there&#8217;s no secret as to why &#8211; they are so yummy.  We also hear Bill&#8217;s specialty is sausages made from local, hormone-free meats.  25 flavours, no fillers&#8230; we&#8217;ll have to check those out next time.</p>
<p>Every week there is a new theme section in the deli. When we visited it was Indian week: fresh homemade mango salsa, coconut curry pork kebabs, baked chicken samosas, garam masala baked salmon. Variety is top of mind with Liv &amp; Bill; the selection at The Town Butcher changes daily.</p>
<p>Liv &amp; Bill are all about community, about creating trusting relationships with their customers.  From whole sides of meat to custom freezer packs based on your family&#8217;s favourites, The Town Butcher works with their customers to ensure you&#8217;re serving healthy, tasty meats to your family. Reading through their guest book shows how loved The Town Butcher and its team are loved by all, including the young visitors.  This great praise reads: <em>I like this store. I really like your ambrosia salad and your twice baked potatoes look good. We&#8217;re going to get farmers sausage and twice baked potatoes.</em></p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Town-Butcher-review.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4068" title="The Town Butcher review" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Town-Butcher-review.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Definitely check out The Town Butcher if you&#8217;re in the neighbourhood.  You won&#8217;t be disappointed. Thanks, Liv &amp; Bill, for your commitment to good food, great community and making shopping for meat an enjoyable experience!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Town Butcher<br />
<a href="http://thetownbutcher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;">www.thetownbutcher.com</span></a><br />
46298 Yale Road East, Chilliwack<br />
Ring: 604.701.6328 </strong></p>
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		<title>Spotlight: May 31, 2010 &#8211; Vista D&#8217;oro</title>
		<link>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-may-31-2010-vista-doro/</link>
		<comments>http://fraservalleypulse.com/pulse-spotlight/spotlight-may-31-2010-vista-doro/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:44:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Eats & Drinks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pulse Spotlight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://fraservalleypulse.com/?p=3889</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever paid a visit to somewhere that has instantly stolen your heart? That&#8217;s how we feel about Vista D&#8217;oro in South Langley. Patrick &#38; Lee Murphy have turned an abandoned dairy farm property into one of the most relaxing, delicious places in the Fraser Valley. After purchasing the land and building a new [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever paid a visit to somewhere that has instantly stolen your heart? That&#8217;s how we feel about Vista D&#8217;oro in South Langley. Patrick &amp; Lee Murphy have turned an abandoned dairy farm property into one of the most relaxing, delicious places in the Fraser Valley.</p>
<p>After purchasing the land and building a new home a few years ago, Patrick &amp; Lee were inspired by a trip to Paris which introduced them to the idea of farmhouses. Excited by this new idea, they set to work on growing culinary herbs and heirloom tomatoes. <span id="more-3889"></span>For the first while they hit the local farmers market scene, which is where they eventually launched <a href="http://vistadoro.com/culinary.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>Vista D&#8217;oro&#8217;s Artisanal Preserves</strong></span></a>. These preserves are unlike any other you&#8217;ve tried. Rhubarb &amp; Vanilla, Pink Grapefruit &amp; Champagne, Green Tomato with Garam Masala, Blueberry &amp; Burboun&#8230; sound good, yes?  Most of the ingredients for everything they produce is grown on their own land. A large greenhouse is home to baby tomato plants and culinary herbs grown nearby. Fruit trees are scattered throughout the property and large walnut trees outside their home are grand and fruitful.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3935" title="vistadoro" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Patrick says his passion is the whole growing cycle, from planting to picking to creating delicious food and wine from what is grown on their property.  He has created some absolutely <a href="http://vistadoro.com/winery.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;"><strong>delicious and unique wines</strong></span></a>. Their D&#8217;oro is a fortified walnut wine and you must try it! Although home to dozens of varieties of fruit trees, the first grapes were planted on the property just three years ago with the first harvest expected next year. Exciting! Plans for the historic barn, pictured below, include a new winery tasting room. We can&#8217;t wait to see how it will be transformed over the next few years!</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro2.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3936" title="vistadoro2" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro2.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>In the <a href="http://vistadoro.com/market.html" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #23466d;">Vista D&#8217;oro Farmgate Shop &amp; Winery</span></strong></a> you&#8217;ll find their wines and preserves, along with fresh breads, cheeses, chocolates, honey, gourmet frozen meals and so much more, most of which is from local producers.  Lee graduated from culinary school a few years ago and you&#8217;ll always find fresh baked treats of some description waiting for you to take them home. We recently enjoyed Lee&#8217;s chocolate chip cookies and may or may not have eaten the entire bag without sharing.  :)</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro1.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3937" title="vistadoro1" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro1.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>A complete agritourism destination, Vista D&#8217;oro is a wonderful place to visit. Find some time this Spring &amp; Summer to take a drive down to South Langley, taste the fabulous wines and tasty preserves.  Pick up some fresh tomato plants, some herbs to compliment your cooking and some delicious treats from other locals such as Honeyview Farms, Goat&#8217;s Pride Dairy, Terra Breads, Farmhouse Natural Cheeses and so many others. Vista D&#8217;oro is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10AM &#8211; 4PM.</p>
<p><a href="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro3.jpeg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3938" title="vistadoro3" src="http://fraservalleypulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/vistadoro3.jpeg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a></p>
<p>Thank you Lee &amp; Patrick for the tour of your lovely property and letting us introduce our readers to Vista D&#8217;oro!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Vista D&#8217;oro<br />
<a href="http://vistadoro.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #23466d;">www.vistadoro.com</span></a><br />
20856 4th Avenue, Langley<br />
Ring: 604.514.3539 </strong></p>
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