Tag Archives: Food & Drink

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

Top 5 Local Economy Growth Hacks through Buying Local

Happy small business woman with We're open sign

The local economy grows by supporting small businesses more than larger corporations. Why, you ask? Well, buying from small local businesses strengthens the local supply chain and retains more of your purchase dollars locally. Not to mention also reducing your carbon footprint. If you haven’t already, you can take a closer look at how this […]

Sustainable Grocery Shopping: What You Can Do to Help

Sustainable Grocery Shopping vLife Blog reusable produce bag

Sustainability is one of the most important issues that the world faces today. As our use of plastics increase to astronomical amounts, we are observing how our harmful use of plastics can contaminate not just our environments, but every single microbial being that inhabits it. Frankly, grocery stores are no exception to this trend. Your […]

vLife’s Top 5 March Break Activities for 2022

vLife Blog Top 5 March Break Activities for 2022 image

Nine whole days of March Break activities… fun for the whooooole family. Yes, it’s that special time of year again… and our third pandemic March Break. The kids are home, you’re too scared of being trapped in a hotel room with your entire family for a week to actually fly anywhere, AND if you have […]