Family Activities

Dec15

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

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.

Nov26

Nestled off the southwestern coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts, and one of its most breathtaking experiences is whale watching. With its diverse marine ecosystem, the island offers the chance to encounter a variety of whale species in their natural habitat. Let’s embark on a virtual marine safari to explore the magnificent whales that call the waters around Vancouver Island home.

1. Orcas (Killer Whales):
– These iconic black and white creatures are the stars of the show in these waters.
– The southern resident orcas are known for their unique family groups, each with distinct dialects.
– Witnessing orcas breach the surface or work together in hunting pods is a sight to behold.

2. Humpback Whales:
– Humpbacks are celebrated for their acrobatics, including jaw-dropping breaches.
– Their intricate songs, believed to be a form of communication, add to the wonder of encountering them.

3. Gray Whales:
– Catch a glimpse of gray whales during their annual migration, as they travel from their breeding grounds in Mexico to their Arctic feeding grounds.
– These gentle giants are recognized by their mottled, barnacle-covered skin.

4. Minke Whales:
– Minke whales are the smallest baleen whales and are often seen in the region.
– Their elusive nature adds an element of surprise to any whale-watching tour.

5. Pacific White-Sided Dolphins:
– While not a whale, these playful dolphins are frequent companions during whale-watching trips.
– Their striking black-and-white markings and acrobatic displays make for entertaining sightings.

6. Fin Whales:
– As the second-largest whale species globally, fin whales are known for their sleek appearance and streamlined bodies.
– Although they are not the most common sighting, their presence is always a thrill.

7. Blue Whales:
– The largest animal on the planet, the blue whale is a rare but awe-inspiring sight in the region.
– Their sheer size and the breathtaking blue-gray coloration of their skin leave a lasting impression.

Vancouver Island’s marine environment provides a remarkable opportunity to connect with nature and witness the majesty of these magnificent whales. Whale-watching tours offer not only the chance to observe these creatures up close but also promote the importance of conservation and responsible tourism. As you plan your next adventure, consider embarking on a whale-watching excursion around Vancouver Island, where every glimpse of these gentle giants is a testament to the beauty of our natural world.

Aug09

Building sandcastles at the beach can be a fun and creative activity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a simple sandcastle, along with some ideas to take your sandcastle-building skills to the next level:

Basic Sandcastle:

  1. Choose Your Location: Find a spot on the beach with slightly damp sand, as it holds its shape better.
  2. Gather Tools: Bring along some buckets, shovels, and plastic cups for shaping and molding the sand.
  3. Create a Base: Fill a large bucket with damp sand, pack it down, and then flip it over to create the base of your sandcastle.
  4. Build Towers: Fill smaller buckets or plastic cups with damp sand, pack it, and then flip them over to create towers. Place these towers on the corners of the base.
  5. Add Walls: Create walls by packing more sand around the towers. You can use your hands to shape and smooth the sand.
  6. Carve Details: Use smaller tools like sticks or straws to carve details like windows, doors, and crenellations.
  7. Decorate: Add seashells, pebbles, or seaweed as decoration. Be mindful of the environment and don’t disturb the natural ecosystem.
  8. Moat: Dig a shallow moat around your sandcastle. You can use a small cup to pour water into the moat, creating a protective barrier for your castle.
  9. Tide Awareness: Remember that the tide can wash away your creation, so build closer to the shore during low tide if you want your sandcastle to last longer.

Advanced Sandcastle Ideas:

  1. Sand Sculptures: Instead of a traditional castle, create elaborate sculptures like animals, mythical creatures, or famous landmarks.
  2. Multiple Levels: Build multi-level castles with ramps, staircases, and bridges connecting different sections.
  3. Tunnels: Create tunnels and archways within your sandcastle for added complexity.
  4. Incorporate Water: Create channels or waterways within your sandcastle design, allowing water to flow through and around your creation.
  5. Team Effort: If you’re with a group, have each person or team build their own unique section of the sandcastle, then connect them to make a collaborative masterpiece.
  6. Beach Landscape: Design a whole landscape, including hills, valleys, and more, incorporating various elements like sand, water, and vegetation.
  7. Themed Castles: Build sandcastles inspired by your favourite movies, books, or historical periods.
  8. Drip Castles: Use a bucket to create a tall, pointed tower. Slowly pour wet sand over the tower to create a drip effect.

Remember, the key to building impressive sandcastles is practice and creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and have fun while you’re at it!

What will your sand castle look like?

Dec14

Nothing says holidays like over indulging in cookies, or coming home to the smell of freshly baked cookies. Treat yourself this year.. literally!

Our home away from home offer beautiful kitchens that are ready to be baked in, stop by the store for a few ingredients and you are ready to bake. At Breakaway Vacation homes the smell of your freshly baked cookies will linger throughout your stay and bring joy and happiness to your stay. Celebrate the holiday with us this year, we offer houses ranging from sizes at 3 locations including Tanglewood, Qualicum Landing, and Otter Bay – book now and relax later!

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup coarse sugar or granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (for the coating)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup jam, raspberry or strawberry
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1-2 tablespoons almond milk
Dec09

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

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

Nov03

Did you know that two billion pounds of pumpkin ends up in landfills worldwide each year? Are you looking to dispose of your pumpkin differently so it does not land in the landfill this year?

Here are a few ways you can dispose of your pumpkin:

  1. If you pumpkin is bare with no candle residue, paint, marker etc pumpkins are a great snack for wildlife to enjoy. On your next hike bring your pumpkin cut into pieces and dispose it into the bush off the path and out of the way of other hikers. If animals decide to pass on enjoying this snack not to worry pumpkins are 90% water so they will decompose into the earth.
  2. Compost your pumpkin and reuse the dirt for your garden in the upcoming years!
  3. Create a “snack-o-lantern” for the birds around your neighbourhood follow this craft here
  4. Plant the pumpkin seeds to see if you are able to grow your own pumpkins next year!
  5. If your pumpkin was freshly carved and no mould or decomposing has taken place you are able to make a long list of recipes from the pumpkins “meat” aka the inside of the pumpkin!
  6. Reach out to local farmers and see if their pigs, chickens or goats would enjoy your pumpkin as an afternoon snack!

A few recipes you can try are:

  1. Pumpkin Pie
  2. Vegan Pumpkin Soup
  3. Pumpkin Spice Latte
  4. Pumpkin Based Vegetable Stock
  5. Pumpkin Bread
Oct15

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!

Sep01

Surfing Tips!

Have you ever gone surfing and caught the biggest wave? Whether or not you are a seasoned surfer or first time catching a wave we have a few tips for you as you set out on your way.

Here are some hot tips provided by Surfer Today!

1. Learn to Pick the Right Wave

2. Fine-Tune the Position on the Peak

3. Eye Your Target

4. Keep a Low Center of Gravity

5. Paddle With Nearly-Closed Fingers

6. Check the Time Period Between Waves

7. Adjust Your Feet While Riding the Wave

8. Set One Goal and Improve It

9. Manage the Wave Face Timing

10. Watch Wave Videos in Slow Motion

11. Analyze Your Mistakes

12. Broaden the Working Area on the Wave Face

13. Pick the Right Surfboard for the Right Wave

14. Focus on Rail-to-Rail Surfing

15. Learn How Waves Are Formed

Most importantly Breakaway Vacation reminds you, and your family to have fun!