Supporting Local Wineries and Breweries: Nova Scotia Options

vLife Supporting local Wineries and Breweries in Nova Scotia. Large pint of craft beer with lobster dinner in the background.

Local wineries and breweries play a vital role in your local economy. While many people will still go for your typical Budweiser or Barefoot selections, the increase in local drinks connoisseurs over the past few decades has been significant – infusing strong growth in the microbrewery and micro winery industries. Especially in Nova Scotia! As […]

Local Bookstores in Halifax: Treasures for Book Lovers

2023-01-04 vLife Blog feature image Halifax Local Used Bookstores

Local bookstores and the treasures therein have been a big hobby of mine since I was little. Whether they’re selling used, or new books, they just have a special feel to them, you know? They bring me comfort on days when I need it the most. So, it’s my genuine pleasure to take you on […]

Real Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner

Toronto Skyline Fall Colours. 2022-12-28 Blog featured image Real Challenges of Small Business Owners in Toronto

They say money makes the world go round. For the most part, the phrase is true. But to say just big money turns the wheel is wrong. Small businesses and their owners make up 40% of the Canadian GDP and employ 60% of all Canadians. From small bakeries to the rise of online shops, small […]

Projected Recession Q&A: What does it all mean?

Thoughtful Black Man wondering about the impact of the projected recession on his small business

The projected recession looms large and we wanted to provide some helpful info – for context, and to help the small business owners we love prepare for what may be in-store. We’re still reeling from the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as we will see, the pandemic economic effects are not […]

A Newcomer’s Guide to Halifax: Resources, Supports and Things to do!

Smiling Asian woman holding a Canadian Passport pointing to vLife Blog: Newcomers Guide to Halifax. Supports & Things To Do.

Being newcomers to any country can be confusing as well as overwhelming when you don’t have someone to guide you. I know this from first hand experience. In July of 2014, my family and I made a very big…..change. We decided to move from the warm, tropical, and top tourist destination known as Jamaica to […]

Christmas, Boxing Day, and Sustainable Shopping 

2022-12-06 vLife blog Christmas Gifts and Sustainable Shopping featured image

Sustainable boxing day shopping can mean one big thing – more stuff. Look, I know Christmas at its core is about the spirit of it all, but come on. Gift getting, gift giving, who doesn’t love it? But as Christmas ever encroaches and boxing day sales loom, I’ve been giving more and more thought to […]

The World Cup, Canada and Buy Local – A Mixed Bag

vLife blog feature image Canada and World Cup 2026 Nov 2022

We’re done. The Canadians are mathematically out of the FIFA World Cup. But not without making a statement. After a historic run, Canada’s men’s soccer (or football, and vice versa) made The World Cup for the first time in 29 years and scored their first goal ever. And Canadians were watching. In fact, over 3.7 […]

Gifts for Men – Local Options for the Gift Giving Season

Woman holding laptop looking very confused. vLife blog featured image Gifts For Men Nova Scotia Local ideas Nov 2022

Gifts for men. Let’s be honest, like ‘gifts for women’, the whole concept is a bit simplistic. People are complex. Trying to pin down a stereotypical gift for these ‘guys’ – it’s nearly impossible. Not to vent, but I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent looking for good gifts for my father. I’ve […]

Five Unique and Local Nova Scotia Gift Basket Ideas 

2022 vLife blog featured image Holiday Gift Baskets Nov 2022

The holidays – they’re stressful. Cooking, cleaning, baking, gift giving, gift wrapping, planning, and planning noise. Noise noise. I’m starting to stress myself out already. I think all of us, at some point, loaded up Google and threw in “Christmas Gift Ideas For…” x, y, and z.” I’ve always found researching gifts helpful and all. […]

Nova Scotian Local Deals this Canadian Black Friday & Small Business Saturday

2022 vLife blog image. Nova Scotia Local Black Friday Deals two shoppers looking into shopping bags Nov 2022

Here we go again, Canadian Black Friday shopping. We’ve all seen those clips on YouTube – the ones of endless shoppers and pandemonium in a Walmart. Don’t get me wrong. Black Friday is tempting. I have had the same laptop for longer than Cyber Monday has even existed. And, unfortunately, even a sustainability nerd like […]