Tag Archives: blogpost

Supporting local self-care businesses in Nova Scotia

Happy young black woman applying local natural hair-care product. 2023-02-01 vLife Blog image Supporting Local Self-Care Providers

Self-care is more important than some people might give it credit for. It doesn’t really solve your problems or give you solutions to big life dilemmas. However, you might feel a bit better afterward. And this can only help make you better able to handle what life throws at you. That’s a small victory in […]

Small ways you can support local BIPOC-owned businesses

Group of Diverse Business owners working together.vLife Blog Supporting Local BIPOC Businesses

Around two years ago, I came across an Instagram post about a group of white women creating a start-up business based on the traditional Chinese mahjong game. I remember feeling shock and abject disappointment that these women were, appropriating a culture that was experiencing increasing amounts of hate at the time. To me, they were […]

Halifax Guide to Local International Food Stores

vLife Blog. Halifax Guide: Small Local International Food Stores. Written by Sarah van Achte. Globe cut in half with fresh peppers, an avocado, tomatoes, and fresh lettuce in between the two halves.

Hey again! We all have heard of Gateway by now, living in and around Nova Scotia. It is inarguably the most well-known independent grocery store in Nova Scotia. But did you know there are others? Today, I’m going to highlight different independent grocery stores that are focused on international food. For all of you adventurous […]

The Many Benefits of Buying Local

Friends happily looking online together in a local cafe. vLife Blog The Many Benefits of Buying Local

We’ve been hearing more and more about the benefits of buying local lately. And we’re one of the steadfast contributors to this important conversation here at vLife. Why? Because research has shown that by buying locally sourced products, you’re supporting your fellow community members, growing your local economy, and reducing your carbon footprint. So, it […]

Why Does Supporting SMALL Local Businesses Matter?

2023-01-17 vLife Blog images Benefits of Buying Small and Local

Big Corporate Local or Small Indie Local? “Supporting local” doesn’t necessarily mean supporting small local businesses in your community. “Local” is term that gets tossed around a lot lately. In fact, it’s used so much that it’s become a little kitsch. But what does it really mean? Well, technically, local can be used to refer […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]