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The marquee lights around Victoria are ready to shine bright once again as the Victoria Film Festival gears up for its 16th year in the capital region from February 4-13. Since 1995, the festival has morphed from a low-key celebration of independent films into the annual gala that it is today.

Photo: Greg Bate on Flickr

In recent years, the Victoria Film Festival has seen attendance skyrocket with the addition of inclusive programming that appeals to a wider audience. Recent high profile guests such as Atom Egoyan, Barry Pepper and Beverly D’Angelo have also packed some star power punch into the festival. This year a large number of films have already been confirmed (click here for a list of 2011 films), including No Fun City, a Vancouver-set tale of the local music scene.

For more information on the films, the festival and the fabulous festivities, visit the Victoria Film Festival online. You can also like them on Facebook, check out Flickr photos from past festivals or follow the Victoria Film Festival on Twitter.

Want to make a weekend of the Victoria Film Festival? The Fairmont Empress Hotel is offering up the Lights, Camera, Action Film Festival package which includes overnight accommodation, breakfast for two, two film festival tickets of your choice and two tasty cocktails starting at $149CDN/$150US. Find out more or reserve your room online through the Fairmont Empress Hotel’s website.

There are some communities on Vancouver Island that, despite growth and development, seem to remain untouched after countless decades. Charming architecture, tiny shops and well-treaded sidewalks are all characteristics of the town of Ladysmith.

Photo: John Samuel

Marking the half-way point between Nanaimo and Duncan, this self-proclaimed “Heritage by the Sea” town keeps watch over Thetis Island as it’s supported by the Island’s spinal mountain range. With a population of less than 10,000, it’s easy to see how Ladysmith maintains the quaint nature it has become known for.

Source: Google Maps

Photo: Active Steve on Flickr

Photo: Read Me on Flickr

Industry has never much been centralized on Ladysmith. Originally known as Oyster Harbour, the town was founded in the very late 1800s by James Dunsmuir. Requiring an area in which to house the families who ran and worked in his adjacent coal mines, Dunsmuir began settling the area and an abundance of homes sprung up within Ladysmith.

Photo: Beana Cheese on Flickr

Photo: Make It Old on Flickr

The town grew rapidly being that it was a through-point between major coal ports on the Island and was easily accessible by rail. In fact, by 1911, the population of Ladysmith had already swollen to about 3,300. While much of the influx of residents came from Britain, there were also sizable communities of those of Belgian, Chinese, Croatian, and Finnish decent. [source]

Photo: 1st View

Photo: Jordan Oram on Flickr

Photo: dallam on Flickr

Ladysmith continues to thrive in the 21st century, relying partially on the Island’s timber resources and predominantly on tourism. The town is also actively working with the Chemainus First Nation and the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group (a coalition of six First Nations tribes) to preserve the First Nations history of the area.

Photo: Len not Lenny on Flickr

Photo: Tracy O on Flickr

Photo: Len not Lenny on Flickr

They say good things come in small packages and the same could not be more true of Ladysmith. In fact, they’ve even developed a Top 10 list of must-see attractions to do in the area. With its proximity to the ocean, the Island’s wine country, hiking trails, golfing and designated cultural spots, it’s easy to lose yourself in the 49th parallel. Ladysmith is made even easier to see with their free trolley bus service – schedules and information can be found online.

Photo: Len not Lenny on Flickr

Photo: indistinct on Flickr

Photo: Kurt V. on Flickr

Make a point of stopping at Transfer Beach, featuring breathtaking views and family-friendly amenities. This diverse community with its proud heritage is most definitely an essential part of Vancouver Island’s history. Whether you’re there for an hour, a day or a week, it’s well worth your time.

Photo: Tracy O on Flickr

Photo: PaleyFarm on Flickr

Located just 26 kilometres south of Nanaimo, Ladysmith can be found on Highway 1. For more information on the region, you can visit the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce online or stop by the Visitor Information Centre at 411 B 1st Avenue [map]. Tourism Ladysmith is also a good jumping-off point to plan your adventure.

Once upon a time there was a girl named Rebecca and a girl named Keira. One day fate brought them together over Squishees and silliness and it was a slushy, slippery slope from there.

They took photos together… lots of photos.

Photo: Duane Storey on Flickr

They “played golf” together.

They sipped tea together.

They went to Canucks games together.

They went snowboarding at Mt. Washington together.

They walked across the Brooklyn Bridge together.

They got scared together.

They baked cookies together.

They kayaked around Nanoose Bay together.

…And they brunched together with friends.

Despite all the fun and adventures, the one thing that made the memories amazing was the friendship itself. Over the last several years, Rebecca has continually shown that she has a huge heart and sky-high dreams. Highs and lows are inevitable in life but friendships that endure through them all are worth their weight in gold.

The last 365 days in Rebecca’s life have been another incredible year, full of all the good stuff she deserves. As another year begins for this beautiful lady, here’s to more adventures, more growth, more blessings, more excitement, more Manhattans (without ice, naturally), more laughter, more cookie-baking and more of everything her heart hopes for.

My interest in yoga piqued years ago when, one Boxing Day, I found VHS yoga videos in a bargain bin for nothing more than pocket change. What drew me to it was not only the physical workout but also the fact that it challenges the mind and the body’s natural inclinations such as breathing and posture.

Not long after, I discovered the Starfish Yoga Studio at the Kingfisher Spa, a quiet cork and cherry wood studio overlooking the ocean shore. It was quiet, peaceful and brought balance to my body and to my mind. So much so, in fact, that I often found myself asleep and snoring by the time I reached the end of savasana in each class.

Since then, I’ve bounced around from studio to studio, enjoying the practice at each but never really committing to one place. I’ve tried out everything from Vancouver Corporate Yoga to Radha Yoga to Yoga For The People and each has offered something different to me. To be honest, the price of yoga passes easily scares me (being that it’s usually considerably more than a monthly gym pass) and drop-in rates add up really fast.

Recently I discovered Yoga Yak, an online yoga “studio” offering free yoga classes through their YouTube channel. While it’s not necessarily easy to bend, stretch and find my centre on the living room floor with Jordy curiously trying to sniff at my heart centre, it’s definitely a budget-friendly alternative.

For those of you that practice, have you committed to a particular studio? Do you find home practice more or less effective than practicing with a group of students? What are some tips you can share that have been particularly helpful to you and your practice?

It seems that the moment you label something as a “resolution”, you’re setting yourself up for instantaneous failure. It’s no secret that the vast majority of those of us that make up our minds to create changes in our lives often give up on our resolutions within a week or two of January 1st. Sometimes it seems easier to resolve not to make any resolutions, because at least that way we can’t fail.

That being said, I don’t make resolutions and I haven’t done so in years. However, a new calender always seems like a refreshed opportunity for change. Instead, I would like to present my list of try-hards – endeavours I hope to accomplish in 2011 though I won’t be hard on myself if I don’t hit those targets.

1. Less Carbs, More Cardio

Our bodies need carbohydrates to function properly and healthily, but you can have too much of a good thing (especially if you’re me). I’ve given up refined sugars in the past and this time I’m including excessive carbs. The general rule of thumb is that when you eat well, you feel well. Eating well leads to more energy which hopefully leads to a greater desire for exercise.

2. Au Revoir, Skyscrapers

I’ve lived among the towers of downtown Vancouver since the summer of 2004 and, in that time, have grown to loathe downtown life. It was a dream as a child, exciting when I first moved there and now is nothing more than a constant annoyance. When the weather gets better, it’s time to pack up and move to somewhere on the other side of the bridge where the brunch is better, the rent is cheaper and the streets are quieter.

3. Stretch Time

Having practiced yoga on and off for many years, I tend to get into it head-first and then drop it a few months later for one reason or another. At times it’s difficult to push myself to get to class but once I’m there I always feel both phenomenal and peaceful. Committing myself to one class per week sounds like a reasonable compromise.

4. Pack My Bags

Last year marked the first time I’d ever taken any kind of epic holiday and 2011 will be no exception. In the spring, the plan is to escape April showers in exchange for 32 degrees in sunny Mexico. This fall I’m hopping a plane to JFK airport once again to watch the leaves change colour in Central Park, feel the rumble of the subway and sip lattes on chilly Autumn sidewalks in New York City.

5. Blogging On My Terms

More often than not, maintaining a blog can easily slip into the category of “chore” rather than “hobby”. Writing creatively about things that interest me or invoke some passion is something I will never tire of, so I’ve decided that this year I will blog only on my own terms. Rather than pursuing stories, leads or ideas, I’m going to let the content come to me.

6. Mo’ Money, Mo’ Savings

Over the past handful of years, I’ve been so focused on getting rid of student loan debt that I’ve neglected equally important financial decisions like RRSPs and a tax-free savings account. Being financially independent is being financially responsible and relying on “someday” and “what if” does no one any good.

7. Stand Tall

At nearly 5’9″, I tend to slouch a lot. My back has never been the strongest part of my body, and probably more than any other endeavour on this list, I want need to stay focused on proper posture. This includes keeping my shoulders back, sitting up straight, not crossing my legs and making sure my feet are squared off when walking.

Ever notice how, in yoga, you’re expected to keep your feet squared when in poses? It’s what’s best for the connection between your back, hips, legs and feet alignment. I dare you to try it.

8. Flip The Page

If you’re like me, you read in spurts. Two or three books in a short period of time and then nothing at all for months. I enjoy reading, love the way book collections look on shelves and constantly wish I made time to read more often than I do. If I could average getting through a new book every other month, I’d feel like much less of a slacker in this realm.

Photo: Tempest Kat on Flickr

It’s said that making your so-called resolutions known will help you stick to them. Since it seems that that’s likely true, you tell me: what are some of your try-hards for 2011?

Each January, Liberty Wine Merchants rounds up some of the very best in BC wine and food – all for a good cause and all in one place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Taste BC provides guests with the opportunity to sample incredible reds, whites, fruit wines, craft beers and so much more while nibbling on tantalizing cuisine.

Dedicated to providing care for children living with HIV and AIDS, the Children’s Hospital-Oak Tree Clinic will benefit from all funds raised this evening. Apart from the wine and food, the evening is jam-packed with live music, door prizes and a silent auction with fabulous items to bid on.

This year Taste BC is being held on Tuesday, January 18 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Liberty Wine Merchants have provided a pair of tickets (valued at $49.99 each) to one lucky winner. You’ve got two ways to enter for two chances to win:

1. Leave a comment below telling me which is your favourite BC wine. (1 entry)

2. Post the following on Twitter: (1 entry)

RT to win a pair of tickets to @tastebc2011 from Liberty Wine Merchants and @keiraanne http://bit.ly/hBLk6y

I will draw one winner on Friday, January 14th at noon. You must be 19+ to attend. Good luck and don’t forget to check out Taste BC 2011 on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. Tickets to the event can be purchased at Liberty Wine Merchants.