Keira-anne.com

British Columbians are fortunate to live in a part of the world that is so deeply steeped in natural beauty around every tree, under ever rock and in every ocean current. This could not be more true, however, than for the residents of Vancouver Island. The abundance of wildlife that call the Island and its surrounding waters home is astounding.

Photo: MagicLens on Flickr

Etched into the eastern shores of northern Vancouver Island is the Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve. Named after a man famously known for identifying and photographing the countless pods of killer whales that call the area home, Robson Bight has been a Provincially-sanctioned reserve to protect the local killer whale population since 1982. The name Robson comes from Lieutenant Commander Charles Rufus Robson who died in Victoria, BC in 1861.

Photo: BC Parks

Stretching over 1200 hectares of shoreline, all boats are forbidden from entering the reserve and the park area around it is restricted to non-destructive recreational activities such as hiking and photography. Fishing, camping and hiking are strictly forbidden. These regulations are key in creating a safe refuge for these gentle giants.

Photo: Traveler’s Voice

While it is unclear exactly how many killer whales and their pods travel up and down British Columbia’s shores, what is known is how drastically they’re being affected by the fishing industry, toxic waste, boating and sonar interference (as whales rely on this method of communication with each other).

Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins/Nature’s Best Photography

Robson Bight Ecological Reserve is perhaps best known in recent media as being the site of a tragic and preventable man-made disaster on August 20, 2007 when a barge illegally traveling through the sound lost its load, dumping 11 vehicles and pieces of forestry equipment into the water. The vehicles – and over 10,000 litres of diesel fuel – laid 350 metres below the surface for almost two years until it was recovered in May of this year.

Photo: Stubbs Island Sightings

Thankfully, the damage to the whales’ sanctuary was minimal. Crown prosecutors laid charges against Chemainus-based logging contractor Ted LeRoy Trucking, Campbell River’s Gowlland Towing and the skipper of the tugboat Kathy L in July, 2008.

Photo: Northern Lights Expeditions

While recreation in the area is extremely limited, the nearby community of Telegraph Cove is a hot spot for eco-tourism and nature-spotting with a focus on sea kayaking. Though it’s my personal belief that the killer whales should be left alone to bask in their natural environment free of interference, many of these sea kayaking ventures are careful to respect the area and give the killer whales a wide, safe berth. Keep in mind that even ecotourism is prohibited in Robson Bight, so all whale watching is done from a safe distance outside of the designated area.

Photo: Wildheart Adventures

Anyone lucky enough to have explored this area knows how precious the landscape is. Nothing lasts forever, and if we don’t take active steps to protect the land we call home, perhaps even this generation will see the day when what was will no longer be. The trees, the ocean, the air, the rocks and even the whales are gifts to us all and we must always be sure to view them as such – not to be taken for granted.

Photo: Our BC

To learn more about Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve, please visit BC Parks’ website. A guideline for viewing or encountering killer whales in the wild can be viewed here in PDF format. If you’re interested in adopting a killer whale and contributing to the conservation of the local population, please visit the British Columbia Wild Killer Whale Adoption Program.

Last week I was invited to visit the Island’s newest antique boutique, located in the picturesque community of Union Bay. Situated above a still-functioning post office that dates back to 1913, Blinking Star Antiques is the result of the hard work and passion of Beth Campbell Duke and her husband, Tony Duke.

Tony comes from a family of “antique buffs,” growing up in a home where virtually every item had a tag hanging off of it. Now an antiques appraiser himself, Tony has been featured on one of my guilty television pleasures, the Canadian Antiques Roadshow.

I spent some time wandering the historically-laced rooms of Blinking Star Antiques, admiring all the exquisite items on display. The majority of what is sold at Blinking Star is done so on a consignment basis.

Some of my favourite items included these silver bottle tags, some of which dated back more than a century. Though the definition of an “antique” is often a gray area, Beth told me that items can generally be considered antique if they are both more than 100 years old and if they are unique pieces as opposed to mass-manufactured items.

A fantastic concept to keep in mind when considering an antique to either adorn your mantle, splash onto your home’s walls or surprise someone with a gift is that doing so is a great way to be environmentally friendly. Blinking Star Antiques supports and encourages the concept that buying antiques is another way in which was can “go green” – something we can all get on board with.

These silk kimono sleeves date back to the mid-1800s and featured hand-stitched embroidery that was simply stunning.

On a final note, Blinking Star Antiques is also excited to encourage a sense of community through featuring gorgeous locally-made soap (they all smelled so great!), candles, delicate glass and so much more.

If you find yourself on the winding, seaside highway between Parksville and the Comox Valley, keep your eye open for the sandwich board sign on the side of the highway in Union Bay (a few kilometres north of the Buckley Bay ferry terminal). Blinking Star Antiques is currently open between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday, as well as by appointment at other times.

I live for Fridays. Actually, scratch that – I live for weekends. I relish time spent in quiet; completely un-rushed. Waking in the morning with sunlight spilling all over the floor, crisp coffee, pajamas until noon, leg warmers, movie marathons and time to do whatever I please to do (or not do). This weekend is no exception.

Amy and I have planned a “doggy date” with three little munchkins in the sunshine that Vancouver is supposed to be blessed with tomorrow. Also this weekend marks a birthday, so I am honoured with the duty of spending all of Sunday in the kitchen, cooking and baking up a storm. Truth be told, the Martha Stewart in me adores the task and I’m more than excited about it.

In the spirit of all things Friday at 5pm, here’s a little link love to kick off your weekend…

I’ve been waiting on pins and needles for this weekend’s Green Living Show at BC Place Stadium. Educating myself, particularly with respect to subjects that fit in with my values, has always been something I’ve held in high importance. I’m always excited to go on adventures with Becky, and this was no exception. My plan was to review the show, share some pictures and point you, my readers, in some interesting directions (if you planned on visiting the show). However, it turned out that there was so much to learn, see, do, take in and read about that to re-cap it all in one post will be impossible.

That being said, I plan on creating a series of posts which will appear here and on the frogblog over on the happyfrog website, breaking down some of the ideas shared, products presented and anything else that I think will be beneficial and of interest to you all.

The truth is, sustainable living is something that can be applied to a part of nearly every facet of everyday life, from food and clothing to transportation and construction. Each and every one of us are responsible for doing our part, and to do so is much easier than most may realize. Even just changing one aspect of your life is a change for the better, whether it be eating locally-produced vegetables or incorporating more eco-friendly fabrics into your wardrobe (bamboo is terrific and irresistibly soft). Organic beer is even an option if you just need to take baby steps!

That being said, here’s a look at some of the shenanigans us ladies got up to:

Here’s a quick list of particular booths, products, ideas and services I recommend checking out:

Also, make sure you stop by the Clear FM booth and enter for a chance to win a $2,000 “Eco-Dream Deluxe Bedroom Makeover” from Dream Designs, including 1 queen size organic cotton supreme futon mattress, 1 queen size organic cotton sateen sheet set & duvet cover, 2 standard size organic buckwheat comfort cloud pillows, 2 standard size kapok filled pillows, 1 bamboo filled duvet, 1 hemp shower curtain and delivery anywhere in Vancouver.

Two final pieces of very important advice I leave you with:

1. Though you will be tempted to try samples of all the foods and beverages you see, once your tummy is full of no less than organic chocolate, organic beer, coconut oil, hemp butter, organic wine and hemp milk, that same tummy will be very, very angry with you.

2. The guy running the Zipcar booth is very cute.

If you’ve been incessantly scratching your head, attempting to figure out ways in which you can incorporate a little bit more green living into your life, you may be interested in checking out The Green Living Show. From February 29 until March 2, more than 200 globe-friendly companies will be displaying their wares and ideas at BC Place Stadium. Dedicated to “information, innovation and inspiration,” the Green Living Show has a wealth of ideas and information for those who already live a wholly green lifestyle and those who are wondering where to begin.

Adult ticket prices are $10.50 online and $12.00 at the door. Please visit The Green Living Show’s website for more information on vendors, tickets, location, green tips and more.

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It seems that I’ve been watching a lot of classic British cinema lately, and I believe I’ve found a new love in doing so. Last week I finished the entirety of the BBC’s ‘Pride and Prejudice‘ from 1995 starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. My first thought as the credits rolled was “forget ‘Dirty Dancing’ because this is my favourite new love story.” How I never saw it before this year is beyond me because it’s a fantastically acted movie that tells a smile-inducing story. The tension and chemistry between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett is perfection. That being said, I have no desire to see the recently released version starring quite possibly one of my least favourite actresses, mostly due to the fact that you can’t build on perfection, so the 2005 film would be nothing but a let-down.

Photo: BBC/Television Heaven

A few nights ago I began watching a BBC mini-series that was released in 1971, “Elizabeth R,” which chronicles the rise, rule and reign that Queen Elizabeth I held over England in the mid-1500s. In what is said to be the most accurate portrayal of England’s beloved Queen, the incomparable Glenda Jackson commands the audience to watch and be enamored.

What I love most about this film, besides the fascinating story, is the acting. By way of their exuberant motions and movements, it is rather obvious that the majority of those playing in the film are quality British stage actors who rely heavily on their bodies to convey their character. What is most brilliant about this is that they could all be performing this film on a sound stage in nothing more than jeans and t-shirts, free of props, and the film would still be just as engaging.

The winter brings about the most perfect weather for diving into cinematic classics, so I’d suggest tackling this one if you’re up to the task. Because let me tell you, those Brits are most certainly dedicated to their craft.

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The second Kokanee Day For Dudes of 2008 is happening this Friday at Mount Washington, which is reason enough for Becky and I to make the trek to Vancouver Island. For 59 bucks, men can ride, take a lesson and enjoy some apres good times in the lodge, sponsored by Kokanee. Did I mention you also get to oggle Becky and myself when you catch glimpses of us shredding up there?

Some points for Thursday morning…

Clap your hands and say “yeah!” for Capers and Whole Foods markets. After April 22, 2008, which coincidentally enough is also Earth Day, you’ll have to bring your own bags to fill with your grocery booty or buy their reusable bags. Cheers to keeping plastic out of the landfill!

The City of Vancouver is making it much tougher for you to be lazy when it comes to taking care of your community (and your planet). As of January 1, 2008, new garbage restrictions in Metro Vancouver will limit what you can stack at the curb or toss into the garbage bins behind your apartment.

Photo courtesy of unity.project on Flickr

The following items are strictly banned when it comes to tossing it in the trash:

For more information, please visit the City of Vancouver’s website.

I still have yet to find a composting solution for downtown living aside from worm composting. If anyone has any ideas, solutions or knows of a downtown location at which to rid of compost materials, please e-mail me at keira at keira-anne dot com or leave a message in the comments.

I am very, very excited to say that I made my first happyfrog purchase after work tonight as part of the shopping shenanigans that Dave put a couple girls up to.

A few weeks ago I wrote about some really great, locally-made cloth bags that are useful for pretty much anything. In particular, I was rather fond of the “F*@k Plastic” design.

This and all the bags from BYOB collection were designed and manufactured in Vancouver by Jenny Hughes and Elizabeth Clark, whose philosophy behind the bags is simple and straight to the point: “There is an overwhelming use of plastic bags littering the earth and bringing your own bag is the immediate solution.”

Our product mission is to provide people with the best selection of reusable shopping bags that combine fashion, style, quality, and awareness.

On the weekend, Becky mentioned that she’d picked up a reusable bag herself, and at a bargain price. While BYOB bags cost more than a pretty penny (mine rang in at a little over $45 and change with tax), their purpose is to go beyond the practical and bring sustainability into the fashion realm. And the cotton…luxuriously soft!

I picked my bag up at Farfalla in Gastown (located at 57 East Cordova). Check out BYOB’s website to order directly or scope out their list of local retailers near you. Click here to view happyfrog.ca’s listing.

I can’t wait to go grocery shopping!

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And while on the topic of pretty things, I got an early Christmas present today from my darling friend Andrew. We met a few years ago through mutual friends, and it took next to no time to realize that we had oh-so-very-much in common. I’ll never forget the day I met him, if only for the fact that he was wearing two belts and I thought it rather peculiar that anyone would wear two belts with an otherwise seemingly normal outfit. Though looking back, it was rather suiting that he had one little quirk about his appearance because there is something entirely unique and wonderful about his personality too.

He has indeed been a good friend to me over the years, one who always, always, always has my back and supports me in anything I do. So to him I say bon voyage, Merry Christmas and merci beaucoup, mon ami. Je t’aime.