Events

Dec15

Baking Up Holiday Magic: The Art of Christmas Cookies

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays no responses

The holiday season is synonymous with many things: twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and, of course, the delightful aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies filling our homes. From classic sugar cookies to intricately decorated gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies are a cherished tradition that brings joy and warmth to this festive time of year. In this blog, we’ll dive into the sweet world of Christmas cookies, exploring the history, popular varieties, and tips for baking and decorating these delectable treats.

The Sweet History of Christmas Cookies:
The tradition of baking cookies during the holiday season has a rich history. In Medieval Europe, spices and dried fruits were expensive and reserved for special occasions, including Christmas. These ingredients found their way into cookies, creating the foundation for the modern Christmas cookie.

Popular Christmas Cookie Varieties:
1. Sugar Cookies: These classic treats are a canvas for creativity, often decorated with royal icing and festive sprinkles.

2. Gingerbread Cookies: Gingerbread cookies, including the iconic gingerbread men, offer a warm and spicy flavour that evokes the holiday spirit.

3. Peppermint Bark Cookies: Combining the flavours of chocolate and peppermint, these cookies are a refreshing delight.

4. Snickerdoodles: Cinnamon-sugar-coated snickerdoodles provide a comforting and nostalgic taste of the holidays.

5. Thumbprint Cookies: These cookies, with their indents filled with jam or chocolate, are both visually appealing and delicious.

6. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crumbly, shortbread cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth delight that can be shaped into festive designs.

7. Rugelach: A Jewish pastry, rugelach, is often enjoyed during Hanukkah and Christmas, featuring a flaky dough filled with nuts, raisins, and cinnamon.

Baking and Decorating Tips:
1. Plan Ahead: Start by choosing the cookie recipes you want to bake and make a shopping list. This ensures you have all the ingredients you need.

2. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients, such as real butter and fresh spices, can make a significant difference in the flavour of your cookies.

3. Chill the Dough: For cookies that hold their shape, chill the dough before rolling it out and cutting shapes.

4. Get Creative with Decorations: Use royal icing, fondant, and food colouring to create intricate designs and festive patterns on your cookies.

5. Package with Care: Share the joy of Christmas cookies by gifting them in beautifully decorated tins, boxes, or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons.

The Joy of Christmas Cookies:
Baking and sharing Christmas cookies is not just about the delicious treats themselves; it’s about creating memories, traditions, and moments of togetherness with loved ones. Whether you’re baking with family, hosting a cookie exchange, or leaving a plate of cookies for Santa, these sweet delights bring a sense of warmth and goodwill to the holiday season.

Christmas cookies are more than just baked goods; they are the embodiment of the holiday spirit. Whether you’re indulging in the cozy process of baking or savouring the final delicious results, Christmas cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the magic of the season. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let the sweet traditions of Christmas cookies fill your home with joy and love this holiday season.

Dec01

Tis the Season: Vancouver Island’s Charming Christmas Market Events

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Vancouver Island no responses

The holiday season is just around the corner, and Vancouver Island is gearing up for a festive celebration. With Christmas markets, craft fairs, twinkling lights, and delicious treats, the island is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. Here’s a guide to some of the magical Christmas events happening this year:

Coombs Christmas Market:
Location: To be determined
When: December 2 & 3, from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Kick off the holiday shopping season at the Coombs Christmas Market. Discover the perfect, locally crafted gifts for your loved ones. From artisan crafts to gourmet food items, this market is a treasure trove of handmade, local Christmas goodness. For more details, visit the Arrowsmith Agricultural Association.

Christmas Market & Walk of Lights at Arbutus Meadows:
Location: 1515 Island Hwy E, Nanoose Bay
Dates: December 2, 9, and 16, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm; Festival of Lights on December 23

Experience the magic of Christmas at Arbutus Meadows every Saturday in December. Explore the indoor venue with talented local vendors, enjoy live music, and savor delicious food. Outside, you’ll find a Festival of Lights Walk, Bethlehem Village, a live Nativity Scene, farm animals, hay wagon rides, bonfires, smores, a Lego Winter Village Display, and more. It’s an enchanting holiday experience.

The Holiday Market at Nanaimo North Town Centre:
Location: Nanaimo North Town Centre
Dates: December 2-3; 9-10; 16-17
Hours: Saturdays – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday – 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hosted by The Mom Market Vancouver Island, this Christmas vendor market is your one-stop shop for holiday gifts and goodies. Explore a winter wonderland with free admission, grand prizes, music, Christmas cocktails/mocktails, and more. This market is for everyone, not just moms, and is perfect for finding unique and special presents.

Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair:
Location: 1843 Tzouhalem Rd, Duncan
Date: Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Step back in time and visit the Providence Farm Christmas Craft Fair, set in the historic heritage property. Over 40 local vendors will showcase their handmade crafts, from candles and carvings to toys and clothing. Explore the three floors, take pictures with Santa, engage in kids’ crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and savor nostalgic food in the Dining Room. Best of all, this fair supports Providence Farm’s therapeutic programs for adults and seniors with various challenges.

St. Mark’s Christmas Bazaar:
Location: Church Hall – 138 Hoylake Rd. W, Qualicum Beach
Date: Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Don’t miss St. Mark Anglican’s Christmas Bazaar. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up delightful Christmas baking and preserves and discover handcrafted gifts, books, curios, treasures, and mysterious mystery bottles. Relax with a muffin and a cup of tea with friends while you’re there.

The holiday season on Vancouver Island is a time of joy, community, and cherished traditions. These Christmas events offer a chance to find unique gifts, enjoy delicious treats, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. As the island transforms into a winter wonderland, there’s no better time to embrace the festive spirit and celebrate the magic of the season.

Dec09

Holiday Dinner Recipes

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

You have arrived at your destination and packed your bags inside your cozy cottage and your vacation has begun your stomach begins to grumble and at last it comes time to utilize your large kitchen that is equipped with most the supplies you need, now what to cook? You are reading the perfect blog for you with some of our favourite home cooked meals to make your stay extra memorable from the kitchen outwards.

Turkey Biscuit Stew – a delicious dish to keep your warm and utilize that leftover turkey

⅓ cup chopped onion
¼ cup butter, cubed
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
1 can (10-½ ounces) condensed chicken broth, undiluted
¾ cup milk
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 cup cooked peas
1 cup cooked, sliced carrots
1 tube (10 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, not flaky

Creamy Chicken Piccata

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 ¼ cups chicken stock
¼ cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
¼ cup capers, drained

Easy Red Lentil Dal Recipe – super simple and ingredients you will have in your pantry

red lentils- which are cost effective, shelf stable, and a staple in our pantry
Spices – curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, ground coriander and salt
Aromatics – finely chopped onion, minced garlic and finely grated ginger
tomatoes- one 15 oz can (juices included)
stock- vegetable stock for vegetarians, homemade bone broth if you are not. Using stock infuses even more flavor into the lentils as they cook!

Nov21

Winterfest Craft Fair Qualicum Beach

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Sustainability, Travel, Vacation Homes, Vancouver Island, Winter no responses

We are counting down the days till the Winterfest Craft Fair at Qualicum Beach! 50+ Crafters, Artisans and in between will be attending the Winterfest the list of vendors can be found here. While you are checking out all of the vendors there will be 7 types stage entertainment from Highland dance, bands and live music.

Admission price is $4 per person – come and go as you please!

Not only will you be supporting local while shopping at the Winterfest Craft Fair event you will also be donating to local community groups. From the beginning of 2012 they have raise $24,108 for local community groups!

Last year they were able to raise $3,323 which was split to the following community groups. Sourced from Winterfest Website

Bikers Against Child Abuse $447,    Oceanside Hospice $408,
Qualicum Beach Cat Resue $237,    Haven Society $1060,
Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs $427,    North Island Wildlife Rescue Ass. $408,
Ballenus Track Rebuild, $200 Building Learning Together $127.

Get to know the community while staying on the property and enjoy the local talent that Qualicum and surrounding area brings.

Where: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street

When: November 25th – 27th

Friday 9am – 5pm

Saturday 9am – 5pm

Sunday 10am – 4pm

Oct23

The Best Fall Recipes!

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Food and drink, Holidays, Travel, Vacation Homes, Vancouver Island, Vancouver Island no responses

Fall has fallen upon us and we found some of the most delicious fall recipes for you try during your stay with us!

Busy day ahead and no time to cook? Not to worry – toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and be prepared for the delicious smells once you arrive back at the Breakaway Properties!

You will need to pick up the following ingredients to make this delicious Slow-Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup!

Butternut Squash
“no-chicken” broth or vegetable broth
Onion
Curry powder
Salt
Garlic powder
Coconut Milk
Lime
Cilantro

Do you have a extra pumpkin laying around inspiring you to make a special dish for Halloween..? Look no further this Cheesy Pumpkin Lasagna is a must try!

You will need to pick up the following ingredients to make this delicious Cheesy Pumpkin Lasagna!

Butter
Garlic
Onion
Cider vinegar
Dried sage
Cans pumpkin purée
Maple syrup
Freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella
Shredded Fontina
Egg
Box no-boil lasagna noodles
Cooking Spray

Halloween birthday upon you? Try these festive cupcakes this year!

You will need to pick up the following ingredients to make these Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes!

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Ground ginger
White sugar
Ground allspice
Teaspoon salt
Brown sugar
Butter
Eggs
Milk
Pumpkin puree
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon

Icing:

Cream Cheese
Butter
Confectioners Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Ground cinnamon

Oct15

Qualicum Beach Farmers Market

Tara Rafferty Blog, British Columbia, Events, Family Activities, Food and drink, Holidays, Sports, Travel, Vancouver Island no responses

Have you had the opportunity to indulge in local ingredients and produce? The Qualicum Beach Farmers Market is a must add to your list when looking for local, fresh ingredients. Hosted year round every Saturday from 8:30am-noon.

A few common asked questions from the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market website attached below:

Are Dogs Allowed? No – The friends of Qualicum Beach Farmers Market love the fur babies but ask for them to stay at home for the market trips!
What is in season? Check out the in season diagram here!
Is there food at the market? Yes
Are there washrooms? Yes – located outside the Community Hall
Where do I park? – In the church behind the market there is parking offered during the market.
Where is the Market? 644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8

There are so many vendors who frequently are at the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market from produce, eggs, baked goods, and crafts just to name a few. To view the entire vendor list check out the website here.

Happy Shopping and don’t forget your reusable bag!

Jul30

Vancouver Island + Area Events for August 2021

Tara Rafferty Blog, Events no responses

Are you visiting one of Breakaway Vacation’s luxury vacation properties across Vancouver Island or the surrounding islands? Here are some Vancouver Island + area events that you can check out during the month of August.

Parksville Qualicum Beach Events

Blue Moon Acres Camp

Mon., Aug. 16, 9:00 AM
Qualicum Beach Family History Society
180 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC

Campers will spend time amongst our cows, they will learn basic cheese-making skills, bread making, fresh jam and so much more! We will spend time each day with all of the animals and learn their role on our farm. A short yoga class is a part of each day. Arts and crafts are also incorporated into the programming.

Tofino Area Events

Eco Heroes Kids’ Camp

Sat., Aug. 9-13, 9:00 a.m.
Tofino Botanical Gardens
1084 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC

Calling all superheroes! Grab your cape and join us for a week of non-stop adventure! With Raincoast’s new “Exploring the Edge” camps, you will fly down sand dunes, race through eco obstacle courses, hop on paddleboards to explore kelp forests and so much more! Get ready for a week of endless excitement, exploration and fun in the sun!

Gust Of Wind Concert Series

Sat., Aug. 14, 2:00 PM
380 Campbell St, Tofino, BC

Tofino Arts Council is incredibly excited to announce that the Gust Of Wind Concert Series is back in full force this year! Every Friday at 7:00 PM from now until September we will be filling the streets of Tofino with the sounds of live music. Join us at the Al Fresco Dining Tent (380 Campbell St., beside the Community Theatre) to take in the sounds of our local talent.

Pender Island Events

Mosaic Arts & Culture Festival
Sun., Aug. 1, all day

A week long community arts and culture festival produced by Ptarmigan Arts that celebrates the diversity of the land we live on and the people who inhabit it. Featuring performances by local and regional artists, workshops and demonstrations in various artistic disciplines, and nature-based programming.

Free Live Show: Bill Heintz

Fri., Aug. 20, 12:00
Pender Island Community Hall
4418 Bedwell Harbour Rd, Pender Island, BC

Join the community every Friday from 12-1 pm at the Pender Community Hall for free live music outside! Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic, or enjoy food from Tom’s food truck while you listen to amazing local artists. The concerts will also be live-streamed on Ptarmigan Arts’ Facebook page if you aren’t able to make it in person.

Jul20

6 Events Around Vancouver Island – July 2021

Tara Rafferty Events no responses

It sure isn’t hard to find events around Vancouver Island in the summer. Some events take place on the main island and others in the surrounding islands, accessible by boat or ferry. There are festivals (both online and in-person this year), nature treks, music and shows, and even a medicine retreat.

Pasley Island & Howe Sound Kayak Tour
Fri., Jul. 2, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Pasley Island group is a beautiful archipelago of eight islands tucked between Bowen and the Sunshine Coast. During the tour, we weave in and out of the Paisleys, paddling among seals and watching the bald eagles soar overhead. A cafe box lunch is provided that we eat on a beach.

Gambier Island Food Festival
Sat., Jul. 3, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We invite you to join us at the 1st annual Gambier Island Food Festival. Hosted by the Gambier Island Farmers Market.

SUP Shoreline Tour on Bowen Island
Sun., Jul. 4, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Offered through Bowen Island Sea Kayaking, departing from Snug Cove we head either north towards Finisterre Island in view of the Coastal Range and the Lions or heads south along the rugged coastline towards Apodaca Beach, Bowen’s only Marine Park. We go at pace suitable for SUPs and the group’s abilities. This tour is suitable for adults and youth aged 14+ with some SUP experience. If you’ve never tried SUP before, please start with the 2-HOUR LESSON.

We start with on-land instruction to ensure that you are comfortable and confident before launching. Our guide to paddler ratio is max 1:6 ensuring your safety on and off the water. We launch directly from our docks at Bowen Island Marina. Your guide will help set up your board and safety equipment before heading out.

Vancouver Island Musicfest (virtual)
Fri., Jul. 9 – Sun., Jul. 11

Vancouver Island MusicFest is an annual summer event featuring musical acts that range from bluegrass, blues, reggae, folk, rock, country, hip-hop, and more. This year, they are offering 25 hours of programming online. Purchase tickets, enter raffles, and return to their website day-of to catch the show.

Family Camp – Gambier Island
Thu., Jul. 29, 5:00 p.m. – Mon., Aug. 2, 4:59 p.m.

This Summer at Camp Latona join us over the weekend for a weekend away from the city. Bring the whole family for unique weekend adventures. All ages welcome.

Earth & Soul Medicine Retreat – Bowen Island
Fri., Jul. 30, 5:00 p.m. – Mon., Aug. 2, 2:00 p.m.

You are invited to step out of your everyday life…. immersing yourself in nature and connecting in sisterhood for 4 days and 3 nights. There will be plenty of time to heal, connect, relax, recharge and create.

Attending one of these events around Vancouver Island and need a place to stay? Check out the wide range of vacation rentals from Breakaway Vacations.

Jun18

12 Travel YouTubers We are Loving Right Now

Tara Rafferty Events, Travel no responses

Can’t travel just yet? Spending your time bingeing YouTube and Netflix in the meantime? Why not combine your wanderlust with your vlogger addiction? Here are 12 travel YouTubers we are loving right now.

1. Kold

Sam Kolder is a Canadian travel junkie armed with a 6K drone for stunning landscape shots and areal views of his destinations—when he doesn’t accidentally break it, that is! Some of his most popular videos include 5 Days in Bali and My Best Drone Clips (2019).

2. Lost LeBlanc

Canadain Christian LeBlanc did what many of us only dream about: quitting his day job to travel the world. His channel launched in 2015 and since then he has been creating a mix of inspiring content and how-to guides.

3. Sailing La Vagabonde

Couple Elayna and Riley are Australian travel YouTubers with the dream of circumnavigating the globe by sailboat…initially having no clue of how to sail. They have now sailed over 90,000nm each across many oceans, making videos along the way.

4. Wolter’s World

Mark and Jocelyn are a wife-husband team who travel with their kids and make all the big touristy mistakes and warn you about them so that you don’t have to. This channel is down-to-earth and filled with the best travel tips.

5. Hey Nadine

Nadine Sykora’s charming and personable channel boasts videos on travel hacks, tips and advice, packing guides, destination ideas, videos about food, and more. Check out her Things to Inspire You series for the best binge-worthy travel content.

6. Sorelle Amore

Sorelle Amore is a fun and quirky travel guide with relatable content about everything from art, sustainability, being a digital nomadic, and even how to take the best selfies. Viewers love her honesty and ability to not take life too seriously.

7. Fearless and Far

YouTuber Mike Corey is an adventure travel specialist with videos about exploring abandoned places, attending the craziest festivals and celebrations around the globe, and observing isolated tribes.

8. The Planet D

Married couple Dave and Deb produce a weekly video series about their adventures around the globe—they have visited 110 countries and counting. They were named a top travel influencer by Forbes magazine.

9. Mark Wiens

Mark is a food-centric traveller who offers his captivated audience cuisine reviews as well as general travel tips. Watch him hunt down the best Thailand seafood, sample Iranian street food, and meet the “pajama chef.”

10. Drew Binsky

Drew has been chronicling his journey to visit every country in the world (currently at 194/197!) with video content that is more like mini-documentaries than typical influencer stuff. He currently holds two world records: the most UNESCO Heritage sites visited within 24-hours and the fastest recorded suitcase packing.

11. I Am Aileen

Aileen Adalid left her job at age 21 to become a full-time entrepreneur, blogger, and vlogger. This travel and adventure guru has even been featured on BBC, National Geographic, Business Insider, Cosmopolitan, and Lonely Planet.

12. Brooke Saward

Brooke lives out of her suitcase and makes her living as a writer and travel influencer. She started with a popular blog but has now broken into videos/vlogs on YouTube. She wrote and published World of Wanderlust with Penguin Random House in 2016.

Who are your favourite travel YouTubers? Ready to experience the joy of traveling yourself? Reach out to us at Breakaway Vacations and we can help you find the perfect vacation spot around beautiful British Columbia.

Jun11

8 Ideas for the Best BBQ Party this Summer

Tara Rafferty Events, Family Activities, Food and drink no responses

Use these tips to host the best BBQ party this summer.

Summer is here and the outdoors are calling. Hopefully, most of you have got your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and are anticipating your second (if applicable). In the coming months, we might even have the go-ahead to mingle with family and friends.

As gatherings safely restart, you might be thinking of a few outdoor events with which to test the waters. And a BBQ party in your backyard or at a public park is a great place to start.

Here are a few ideas to plan and host the best BBQ event of the season.

Pick Guests Wisely

We’re just getting used to hanging out in crowds again. Let’s keep it simple for the first few attempts! Invite your family and a few close friends and keep it at that. A private Facebook group can be a good way to keep tabs on who has RSVP’d.

Provide Dietary Options

Have meat- and plant-based options and ask your guests ahead of time if anyone needs a special menu (gluten intolerance, vegan, dairy allergy). The same applies to desserts. There’s nothing worse than being the only one who can’t partake in the cupcakes or brownies!

Decide: BYOB?

Make sure your guests are crystal clear about whether the BBQ is a dry event, BYOB affair, or an open bar situation. Be sure to provide the basics, like a source for water and maybe some soda in a cooler.

Weather Check

Obviously, you’ll want to aim for a sunny day. But sometimes Mother Nature doesn’t perform as promised. Email or text your guest list a day or two before with a weather update, letting them know what to expect and what to bring—be it sunscreen or umbrellas!

Game Plan

Bring a few things for people to do, if they are so inclined. A deck of cards, a few sets of dice, or pen and paper for charades can go a long way. Keep it simple, as people may get caught up in socializing and not tap into them at all. Still, it’s nice to have for any lulls!

Side Dishes

A build-your-own salad is always an easy side. Just chop some veggies and provide a few dressing options. Or, consider having people bring their own dish, salad, or snack while you provide the main course.

Venue Rules

You’ll want to check any venue rules before you solidify your plans. Does the location have limitations on gathering sizes? Are fire bans in effect in your area? Is the site dog-friendly or not? Be aware of these for yourself—but don’t forget to inform your guests, too!

DIY DJ

Have a game plan for playing some tunes while your guests mingle. A Bluetooth stereo will do the trick but be sure it has enough juice to get you through the evening. A battery pack, extension cord, or camping generator will do the trick in most circumstances.

What are your best BBQ tips? Let us know in the comments.

If you’re staying with us at Breakaway Vacation, ask us which of our luxury vacation cottages have BBQ access! Our friendly travel advisors are always happy to help.