This Life BC

The new year for some may bring about feelings of renewed hope, fresh opportunities and adventure. Whether you are someone who enjoys making resolutions or think of the new year as a chance to reset goals and intentions, we hope that 2020 brings forth positive feelings and the anticipation of new memories to be made.

It's important to practice gratitude at this time of year to be thankful for that which we already have and those around us that we're so thankful to have in our lives. Here's to making beautiful memories this holiday season!

Baking and the holidays are often a nostalgic memory for a lot of people. I know I have lifelong memories of baking shortbread cookies with my grandmother every year over the Christmas holidays as a child. Baking pies at Thanksgiving, cakes for birthdays there's often a yummy dessert associated with special occasions! If you're running out of time to do your holiday baking this year, be sure to stop into Savary Island Pie Company and pick up one of their beautiful, famous handcrafted pies or other delicious treats for the holidays!

We've heard of a lot of people who are being more concious with their gift-giving this holiday season and gifting unique experiences over things and that's an idea we can fully get behind! Scenic Rush in West Vancouver is a great gift idea for the exotic car lover or thrill seeker in your life who has everything they need, but could use a little more adventure! You can save 10% off your gift voucher when ordering online. https://scenicrush.com/buy-now/gift-certificates/

Winter is always a great time of year to learn something new! Whether it's getting your hands in some dough for a bread baking workshop, checking out an art or business/self-improvement class, or doing something crafty like building a seasonal wreath the winter months we tend to stay inside and hibernate, so it's a great time to check out a workshop or class to chase those winter blues away.

While our neighbours in America are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend, we may as well take a moment to reflect on our own gratefulness and all that we are thankful for, because it's always a good time to express gratitude! This weekend, make sure you spread a little love tell those you spend time with how much you appreciate them, and don't forget to show yourself some gratitude as well!

Keeping cozy on these chilly days is key! Finding a coffee shop or restaurant that feels like home is the perfect addition to your day. Bring a friend and make some new memories together over pie! Savary Island Pie Company is the warm & cozy spot you've been looking for. Located in West Vancouver, Savary Pie is the place to get your freshly baked bread, treats or a caffeinated pick-me-up!

Have you ever wondered how memories are made? The hippocampus is essential for memory function, particularly the transference from short- to long-term memory and control of spatial memory and behaviour. The hippocampus is one of the few areas of the brain capable of growing new neurons. There's lots of ways in which we can boost brain power and memory through exercise, education & learning, mental stimulation like dancing, travelling, reading & crafts, social interaction..., sleeping & laughing! So go on get out there and boost your brain power!! Thanks to human-memory.net for the tips!

As the colder weather sneaks in, we're wondering what activities you're looking forward to most? We're lucky to live in a country that has 4 seasons and we think it's important to appreciate each and every one of them (even the cold ones!) If snow sports aren't your thing, then maybe going for a hike in the mountains or watching your children play in the snow is what makes winter enjoyable for you! Whatever you prefer, creating beautiful memories all year 'round is what's important!

They say that as you travel, home becomes more of a feeling than a place. Home is a place of familiarity, comfort and contentment. It's a feeling of warmth, joy and love. We hope that you've found these feelings of home in both people and places alike.

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough." - Melody Beattie Practice gratitude find it on your challenging days, and on the brighter ones. Express it to yourself, and to loved ones.

What makes a moment unforgettable is it where you are, who you're with, the song that's playing, the food that's infront of you? No matter what makes a moment memorable, always remaining present can take an ordinary moment and make it extraordinary.

As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, we thought it would be appropriate to share some tips on practicing gratitude one of the most powerful emotions. Spend time with those who lift you up Express yourself Appreciate the simple moments... Practice random acts of kindness Cook meals with love Live mindfully Embrace challenges Focus on the good We'd love to hear your simple practices that you incorporate into your day to remind yourself that you are on a beautiful journey.