The Quebec Winter Carnval has just ended, but you can still experience one of the city's coolest winter attractions - and coolest places to sleep overnight. It's the much-talked-about Hôtel de Glace (a.k.a. The Ice Hotel), only a few minutes from the heart of historic Québec City. It features huge snow vaults, ice sculptures - even beds carved out of ice. It's a living (or shall I say sleeping) work of art.

And the front desk is open for reservations until March 25.

Lounging with your toques on! (Courtesy: Hotel de Glace)

Hotel de Glace: vaulted ceilings, chiselled features and surprising comfort (Courtesy: Hotel de Glace)

Hot tub for two (Courtesy: Hotel de Glace)

What's the strangest place you've ever slept on your holiday?

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This is my friend Shiraz Bagli, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer. But her courage, her spirit, her beautiful smile and fabulous laugh, we will never forget. And it nurtures our hope for all women diagnosed with this disease. Photo, Giselle Sabatini

The best part? I get to support Ovarian Cancer Canada, the only national charity dedicated to ovarian cancer. The event started when four women wanted to honour their friend, the late Karen Campbell of Toronto, who died of ovarian cancer at the age of 57 in 2010. And to further honour Karen’s memory and all women who have lost their battles with ovarian cancer, and to bring recognition to outstanding work by Canadian researchers, Ovarian Cancer Canada launched the Karen Campbell National Award for Research Excellence.

The inaugural recipient is Dr. David Huntsman, director of the Ovarian Cancer Research Program operated jointly by the BC Cancer Agency and Vancouver General Hospital.

Dr. Huntsman leads a research team that discovered ovarian cancer is not one disease but is actually made up of five subtypes that behave like distinct diseases. His work has provided a roadmap for clinicians and researchers studying ovarian cancer - Canada’s most fatal gynecologic cancer. It has shed light on practices that could help prevent the disease, and change the way in which it’s diagnosed and treated.

I know how those four women feel. We lost our friend Shiraz Bagli to ovarian cancer, and we all felt so helpless watching such a bright spirit dim in the face of a disease that had progressed too far already when it was first diagnosed (there is no screening test for ovarian cancer). We all just wanted to do something. So every year a group of us lace up for Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Walk of Hope to help raise money.

Can't make the LOVE HER event in Toronto? Think Vancouver, then. They’re holding the event there, too, on Feb. 29. And if you can’t make either, then think about a donation. Every bit helps. For more info, visit www.love-her.ca.

Do you support cancer research? How?

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• Local winter eating, PLUS a giveaway!

I had so many plans for us.

We were going to spend countless hours together.
We were going to join you down on the frozen pond on Sunday afternoons.
We were going to get our sleds out and giggle all the way down the snowy hills.
We were going to build you a new friend, complete with button eyes and carrot nose.

We were going to have fun. Lots of it.

We used to have so much fun together.

But...

you never called.

And...

I'm not waiting anymore.

I was sooo looking forward to your arrival.
When you didn't show up in November, I thought you were just late.

I was patient.
You were worth waiting for.

But we're halfway through February now and, still, you're a no-show.

I'm going to try to put this behind me.
I'm going to put you out of mind and look forward to spring.
I'm going to tell myself that you're not worth it.
But deep down inside, we both know that isn't true.
I don't think I'll ever get over the winter that never came.

I miss you.

Let's give this another chance.
I'll be patiently waiting by the phone next November.

Please don't leave me hanging.

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That's the decision seven seniors in Moncton, N.B., are now being forced to make.

(Photo: Matthew Paul Argall)

The pet-owning residents of Lions Tower, a subsidized complex for seniors, have been told to evict their pets or face eviction themselves after a fellow tenant complained of there being animals in the building.

(While the building's lease specifically says no pets allowed, and there's also a provincial ban on pets in subsidized housing, many residents have lived in the building for years with their pets without a problem.)

With many of the seniors living off of their pensions, moving is not a financially viable option. And by surrendering their pets, residents would be saying goodbye to a friend who has been shown to enrich a person's health and well-being, whether a senior or not.

Protesters as well as politicians are making their voices heard. As reported in the Toronto Sun:

"NDP Leader Dominic Cardy has written Social Development Minister Sue Stultz asking her to reverse the order and calling on the province to either scrap the no-pets rule, or enact legislation like Ontario's that prevents people from being evicted for having pets.

'There is significant research linking pet ownership and reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other disorders that often disproportionately afflict seniors and those living in assisted housing,' Cardy wrote.

I hope this leads to a thoughtful discussion and re-examination of the legislation. Do you think the province should reconsider its ban on pets in subsidized housing?

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I was raised in the Ontario snow belt. I grew up loving snow. Winter was my favourite season. Then something happened in my early 40s. I became one of "them." You know who "they" are. They're those Canadians who must have their dose of sunshine each winter, beach time, and a few nights of being lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the waves.

But I don't need a lot. I just need to tell myself that before the end of winter, I will have enjoyed four or five days languishing on a beach, with nothing but the sound of my dollar store flip-flops slapping a well-worn pathway to a beach-side cafe and the unfolding of a deck chair as I park myself under a palm tree. I look for a destination where I can spend 4 to 5 days relaxing, soaking up some natural Vitamin D.

As laid-back as I am on these short winter getaways, my picky side rears itself in the planning. I have 7 specific criteria for short winter getaways. I'm happy if I can satisfy five or six, but last year I discovered a new destination that met all seven criteria: Anguilla, a jewel in the northern Caribbean that hadn't been on my radar.

Viceroy Anguilla: a few days in the lap of luxury is the best antidote to winter (Courtesy: Anguilla Tourism)

Here are my 7 criteria for short winter getaways and 7 good reasons you need to park your butt on the next plane to Anguilla for a 4- or 5-day winter getaway:

1. Sunny destination. That means beaches, swimming, days spent in T-shirts and shorts, a little exercise, some sun... And Anguilla beaches are among the best in the Caribbean. Activities are plentiful: snorkel among parrot fish and sea turtles, or join a game of cricket, tennis or soccer, cycle around the island (it's mostly flat) or play a round of golf. There is no gambling on Anguilla and no all-inclusives or noisy sea-doos!

2. Easy to get to. Key for me on a short getaway any time of year is a direct flight. I don't want any airport transfers. My maximum travel time for a short getaway: 4.5 hours. West Jet offers direct flights from various Canadian airports to St. Martin – St. Maarten, where you'll disembark and hop a quick speed boat or ferry.

It's actually an enjoyable and, depending on the passengers and crew on the speed boat, highly entertaining jaunt to Anguilla once your plane lands. From French St. Martin, you take a quick shuttle to the Marigot Port on the French side of St. Martin/St. Maarten, and then board a boat or ferry to the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal on Anguilla. (Ferries and speed boats run frequently.)

3. Same time zone (give or take one hour). For short getaways I don't want to face jet-lag or red-eye flights. I want to hop on a plane, arrive, and have my body clock still working fine. Anguilla, depending on season, has only 30 minutes difference on the world time clock. I can handle that, no problem.

4. No visa required. Short getaways, winter or any time of year, are sometimes last-minute. Often, I just want to get away with as little fuss as possible. For rejuvenating winter getaways, I don't want the hassle of VISA line-ups, couriering my passport and money order off to some office that's only open three half-days per week. I want to grab my passport, cab it to the airport and be gone. Canadians do not need a visa for Anguilla. Lucky us!

Anguilla: 33 beaches on one beautiful island

5. Option of Carry-on Luggage Only. I'm a firm believer that humungous suitcases are verboten for short getaways. My packing philosophy: if it can't fit into a carry-on, then I don't bring it on short jaunts. Casual clothes, shorts, one good shirt and a pair of semi-dress slacks for nights I want some fine dining - that's all I need.

Packing light for a destination like Anguilla means I can book a meal at the elegant Cap Juluca - or buy some local grub at one of the famous food trucks in The Valley (the quaint capital of Anguilla). I want to pack in less than 20 minutes. My goal is to hop off the plane, go through customs and exit the airport asap.

For short getaways I aim for two things upon arrival: (a) no time wasted at the luggage carousel, and (b) no lost luggage!

6. Island time. By that I mean peace and quiet, but also, a relaxed ambience. You can find that all over Anguilla. A must-visit is to Sandy Island, which makes for a great day trip or even just the afternoon. Think Gilligan's Island with Captain and MaryAnne. You can walk the circumference of Sandy Island in less than 14 minutes. Picture a colourful shack, some beach chairs, snorkelling gear, good food, fresh drinks, and some music.

Sandy Island is big enough for a couple dozen holidayers and a smattering of locals (Photo: Doug O'Neill)

It's only a matter of minutes by boat to Sandy Island from from the pier at Sandy Ground Beach. Cost when I was there was around $10 for return fare. Can't beat that.

Another daytrip option in Anguilla is Prickly Pear Island. Bluebeard Charters and Aqua Mania Adventures both run daytrips from Simpson Bay.

7. Mix of accommodations. Okay, I can be a bit fickle. Sometimes I want a resort-style getaway, and other times I want the option of something more modest where I can cook on my own. Anguilla offers all of that -- and there are no all-inclusives on Anguilla which can make for a refreshing change.

By all means, splurge for a couple nights at the beautifully appointed Viceroy Anguilla but then seek out Gayle Enzel from mycaribbean.com for the scoop on renting local villas. I interviewed Gayle, a transplanted Canadian, in an earlier blog post.

Viceroy Anguilla: infinity pools, sunset cocktails and four-star service

If you have the perfect short winter getaway, I'd love to hear about it. What's your criteria? What makes or breaks a short getaway for you?

• Travel Talk: Anguilla - The Inside Track on Family-friendly Villa Rentals

My husband always said that love should be shown every day, not once a year when consumerism is at its finest.

I wholeheartedly agreed.

Then we had kids.

As the kids grew up, they started noticing heart-shaped chocolate boxes, long-stemmed roses, fluffy pink stuffed animals and greeting cards proclaiming “true love” all around them... but never in our home. So, they started asking why we don’t celebrate our love on this day, the most love-filled day of the year.

Oh boy. Here we go.

How do you tell your kids that not buying into all this Valentine's Day hoopla doesn't necessarily mean that you love each other any less?

How do you tell them that you believe businesses are using our very real feelings as another sneaky way of getting us to reach for our wallets?

How do you tell them your thoughts and yet not dampen their excitement of being able to show you their love?

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have the heart.

Love is sharing your strawberries with your friends.

I didn’t want to be labelled the Valentine's Day "Scrooge."

Although I don’t go for all the consumerism, I do love my family a whole lot. So, I pack heart-shaped sandwiches along with little love notes into their lunch bags. When they come home after school, we bake pink cupcakes with red sprinkles on top. We even purchase some Valentine's Day cards for their classmates.

We still express our love often, but now we just add a little extra oomph on this extra special day of love.

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

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The 2012 Sex Survey results are in!

Here are the three sauciest secrets revealed:

1. You really have a thing for actors named Ryan
Last year, respondents chose Ryan Reynolds as the sexiest Canadian man. He won again this year, by a mere 1 per cent over fellow actor Ryan Gosling. Combined, the two Ryans took 53 per cent of all votes cast, easily beating the other contenders.

2. You think a sexual partner's sexiest trait is… their sense of humour
Oh, come on. In fact, a partner's hot body or good looks didn't even make it into the top three. We've all heard that love is blind, but is sex appeal blind, too? Seems counter-intuitive to me.

(In case you were wondering, the top three sexiest traits are: Sense of humour, raw sex appeal and intellect.)

3. Sexting is on the rise
Be sure to put a lock on your smartphone! This year 36 per cent said they'd sent a saucy picture or video of themselves to another -- a rise of 6 per cent over last year's results.

For all the sexy stats, you can visit us at canadianliving.com/sexsurvey.

A decadent giveaway -- just in time for Valentine's Day
Looking ahead to Valentine's, the Body Shop has sent over goodies from their new Chocomania line - including their famous body butter, body scrub, shower cream, soap and body lotion. Believe me when I say they smell divine.

This Chocomania gift set smells good enough to eat. Photo credit: The Body Shop

For your chance to win, leave a comment below and let me know what you look forward to most about Valentine's Day. Is it spending time with your main squeeze, getting a cute card from your kids, or indulging in a chocolate treat or two?

I'll announce two winners here next Wed., Feb. 15, 2012.

• Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
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• It’s time for chocolate
• Have a green and happy Valentine’s Day

You got the shot, only to review it a few seconds later and find that's it's a whirl of blur. Artistic, maybe. But not exactly something you can send to Grandma and Grandpa. It happens to the best of us, doesn't it?

Whether you're an amateur or a professional, mastering a few photography basics can make more of your snapshots worthy of framing and displaying. The following pro tips from Toronto-based photographer, Jennifer Pearson, will help you to take better photos starting...now.

1. Motion
It may seem counter-intuitive, but holding your camera as still as possible, while tracking your moving subject, can keep your subject in focus. That's what I didn't do right in this shot:

Moving traffic on Toronto's Gardiner Expressway blurs while the sunset remains clear with a steady hand. Photo by Jen Melo

Had I tracked the traffic with my camera as it zoomed by, I could've gotten a clearer shot of the cars, but that probably would've blurred the lovely sunset. And so, I learned, every shot is a photography lesson.

According to Pearson, manually adjusting camera settings in favour of a quick shutter speed (choose a higher number) can help you to capture your action shots at their best. And that's probably what I should've done to get a clearer shot of the zooming cars. Noted for next time.

But video just might be the best way to capture the action, so consider shooting video clips too. Had I spent more time with my new Panasonic Lumix GF3X's instruction manual, I'd have known that it has an auto-focus function that can lock its focus on a subject while in video mode, and gradually shift its focus to another moving subject at my fingertip's command.

2. Lighting

Light and shadows add dimension to my treasured hibiscus bloom, non? Photo by Jen Melo

Whether you're shooting with a flash indoors or outside in natural lighting, know where your light is and pay attention to those shadows.

When photographing outdoors seek "open shade," a photographer's trick for ensuring a flattering photo. Position your subject under an awning for example, with the sun behind you, and over your shoulder. This magical lighting can help make your subject's eyes look bright and vivid while eliminating squinting and distracting shadows.

When shooting indoors and flash is too harsh, consider manually adjusting your camera's exposure setting or directing the flash upwards, "bouncing" it off a low, light-coloured ceiling.

3. Framing
"Pay attention to your background," says Pearson. "It can make or break your shot."

Look for simple and/or interesting backgrounds like a brick wall, for example, to make your subject stand out. For picture-perfect results, look for natural or architectural borders and frames such as archways and door frames.

You can find plenty of framing options at playgrounds too, but if you want to avoid having a bunch of strangers' kids in your shot, follow Pearson's advice: "Get there early."

4. Composition
Experiment with the rule of thirds. Break up your frame into thirds vertically and horizontally. As you look through the viewfinder or at your camera's LCD screen, align your subject with the lines or place a focal point such as a person's eyes where the lines intersect. "It can make for a more interesting shot," Pearson explains.

5. Creativity
With digital photography enabling you to photograph and delete without incurring film and photo processing costs (remember those days?), dare to try various approaches and unleash your creativity. Alternate close-up shots with wide shots, people and objects, to help tell a story. Use photo filter options (if available on your camera) and see your photos in new and different ways.

More expert photography tips:

• Play with angles. Shoot from above, below and on the same level as your subject.
• Forget the fake smiles and try some candid shots. Avoid instructing, "smile!" before every shot. Some of Pearson's most "soulful" portraits come from natural facial expressions, free from coaching.
• Use the grid feature on your camera's view, not only to work with the rule of thirds, but also to use the straight lines as guides. Say goodbye to crooked shots of horizons or tall buildings.
• I've said it before but it's worth repeating. Read your camera's instruction manual and take time to get to know your camera's settings. There could be plenty of unexplored features just waiting to turn your photos into wonderful works of art. Or at least some answers on how to find that shutter speed setting that'll help you to get that perfect portrait of your active child.

Motion shots are my biggest challenges so some of my favourite subjects -- kids and pets -- are commonly the sources of my photo woes but I'm learning more with every shot I take.

And now, I'd love to hear your thoughts on your most common photography challenges so please post a comment below. Would you rather photograph a squirmy two-year old or a hyperactive dog? How about shooting both the dog and the kid together? I welcome -- and look forward to -- your photography tips.

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Valentine's Day is coming. Romance is in the air. And things are heating up in Canmore, Alberta.

Courtesy: Tourism Canmore

The majestic vista of the Canadian Rockies peeking your mountainview window, moonlit snowshoe excursions, mid-mornings on the ski hills followed by fine meal by a fireplace, snuggling under a warm blanket on an afternoon dog-sled ride, and then booking a spa treatment at Chateau Canmore or one of the other chateaux or lodges. Surely this makes Canmore the most romantic Valentine destination in Canada. The highlights of their current "Do It In Canmore Kananaskis" campaign campaign is enough to make you blush - if not book a plane ticket.

The New Romance: Where else in the world can you and your date spend the day tracking wolves, coyotes or the crafty linx? Or go snowshoeing with a guide? (Okay, three could be a crowd but safety comes first when you're outdoors.) Canadian Rockies Adventure Centre, Kananaskis Outfitters and Mahikan Trails are three outfitters who can show you a good time on the wild side of Canmore-Kananaskis country.

There's a lot more on offer. You and your beau can strap on your blades and head to the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park or beautiful Mt. Norquay in Banff.

Try ice-walking in Grotto Canyon, Mount Shark, Spray Valley (Courtesy: Tourism Canmore)

What's the lure of ice-walking? Let me quote the folks behind "Just Do It in Canmore-Kananaskis" :

Just imagine making your way across a polished sheet of glass covering the floor of a canyon from wall to wall. Your ice cleats grip the surface as you turn to look at your incredible surroundings. You snap a picture, walk another two feet and snap another shot.

If that doesn't entice you, I can only suggest that your heart urgently requires a handful of de-icing salt.

Fine dining in Canmore: options aplenty (Courtesy: Tourism Canmore)

Dining options run the gamut from wallet-friendly to fine international cuisine. Check out the list of Dining and Nightlife options in Canmore. Best bet: You're in Alberta - go for the steak!

One dish = dinner for two: Win a Canadian Living Cook-book

Does Canmore tickle your fancy? Or have you got another suggestion for the Most Romantic Place in Canada to spend Valentine? Post your suggestion below and you'll automatically be entered to win one of 5 of our latest Canadian Living cookbooks, "The One Dish."

• Travel Talk: Pumpkin festivals from Alberta to Australia

"No room at the inn, but you can sleep in my stable." Sounds biblical, I know. But those words were actually uttered to me by Helmut, owner of a small auberge in the the little out-of-the-way mountain village of Gimmelwald, Switzerland.

It was the end of a long day, and I had to sleep somewhere. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I climbed up into the loft above his stable - only to find half a dozen other tourists. And that's when a voice piped up through the dark, "Hi there, we're from Ontario. Do you speak English?" I remember feeling surprised but sheepish. There I was, back-packing around the world and I run into folks from my home province.

It never surprises where I'll run into other Canadian travellers. When we take to the big highway we're apt to end up anywhere. But we do have our habits, which is mirrored in this recent list compiled by Hotwire.com, a discount travel site, based on the habits of Canadians who travelled on Family Day weekend 2011 (the third Monday in February).

Here's their list of 10 most popular destinations for Canadian travellers:

Canadians love New York City. Everyone needs to see Lady Liberty at least once in their lifetime. (Photo: Derek Jensen)

Three Canadian cities made it to the list: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, along with a few American cities (New York, Orlando) which are perennial favourites among Canadians.

1. New York City, New York
2. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
3. Montreal, Quebec
4. Vancouver, British Columbia
5. Orlando, Florida
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
7. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
8. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
10. Phoenix, Arizona

The cafe scene and street life of Montreal are tops in Canada -if not the world (Photo: Bonjour Quebec)

If I could choose a weekend getaway from this list my number one pick (on this snowy day in January) would be Las Vegas (not for the gambling strip but for the day trips to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam). Vancouver and Montreal would tie for second (if I could transplant Stanley Park in the heart of Old Montreal I'd move in a nano sec). My third pick? Well, I'd have to say Minneapolis because (a) I've never been there and (b) to out why it appeals to so many Canadians.

Stanley Park, Vancouver. My favourite city green space in all of Canada (Courtesy: Thorfinn Stainforth)

I mean, who comes into work on a Monday and boasts about having gone to Minneapolis for the weekend? Maybe I'm out of the loop. I'd love to know what I'm missing.

So why do Canadians love New York so much? For me, it's an equal mix of Broadway shows, the sites (everyone's gotta get a close-up of Lady Liberty at some point) and the personality of New Yorkers. They're a breed unto themselves - direct, helpful, blunt, a unique urban chutzpah.

Have you been to New York? What's you're No. recommendation?

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We were invited to embark upon an epic journey -  the only one of its kind in Canada.  MagiQuest - It's a journey fraught with mystery and filled with magic.

Cool or what?

We entered a world of MagiQuest, a live action, interative adventure game that had the whole family casting spells, vanquishing goblins and yes, slaying dragons. With a simple wave of a wand, siblings united, parents and grandparents were a welcomed force in the quest.

Armed with our wands, an extra ounce of courage, and some really cool wizard names, we enbarked on our adventure at Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls.  My boys were set in character, not Harry Potter, but Sir Swordhand Darkeyes and Sir Shieldheart Littleknight.

The game is incorporated into the lodge's hallways, landscape and lobby. Medieval characters are flowing throughout the enchanted woods, forgotten halls and tangled woods.

It was a little confusing at first, and we probably didn't follow all the rules, but for a 6 and a 4 year old it was just awesome to make treasure chests magically open, framed photos speak and items light up all in a wave of a wand.

Needless to say, they didn't complete their quest.  They got so easily distracted with the other adventures offered at the lodge.  Story time in the lobby, Cub Club, Northern Lights Arcade, and oh yeah, the Water Park (again, again, and again)!

So many decisions.............................................for a little wizard.

So for now, we bid thee adieu, till next time.

Image via Wikipedia

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• Christmas in Canada #5: Niagara Falls, Ontario

But what we wanted to know was how they drove. This past fall, we took five green vehicles for a spin. Here’s what we thought of our rides.

2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V

Toyota Prius V

Suggested price: $27,200 (base); $38,500 (premium)
What it is: full hybrid: its electric motors are powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and a 1.8 L four-cylinder engine. Note: premium gas required.
Fuel economy: 4.3 L/100 km city; 4.8 L/100 km highway
Nice to know: The climate-control system uses an electric compressor, meaning you don’t need the engine to run the air conditioning.
Review: "I fell hard for this car. The comfy interior has a surprising amount of legroom, even in the back. One huge bonus: the hatchback design and fold-flat seats let you cram in anything from suitcases to 2x4s. Running the car in Eco mode drained its pep, but Power mode allowed normal acceleration when zooming onto a busy highway. I loved watching the display to see how often I could get the electric motor to take over. It made me want to start hypermiling!"
– Tina Anson Mine, executive editor, Food & Books

2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Suggested price: $29,999 (base); $34,499 (premium)
What it is: full hybrid: its electric motor is powered by a lithium-polymer battery pack and 2.4 L four-cylinder gas engine. Note: regular gas required.
Fuel economy: 5.5 L/100 km city; 4.6 L/100 km highway
Nice to know: Designed for highway driving, the Sonata can reach up to 100 km/h in electric-only mode.
Review: "The zippiness of this car is a pleasant surprise. I expected a hybrid to need time to switch operating modes, but it reacted just like any other vehicle and, in some instances – like when I accelerated to merge on the highway – it performed better. I also enjoyed the extras. If you know where to look, the computer tells you how "green" you're driving. The one downside is the size of the trunk; since that’s where the battery is stored, space is limited."
– Erin Poetschke, managing editor

2011 FORD FUSION HYBRID

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Suggested price: $34,499
What it is: full hybrid: its electric motor is powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and a 1.4 L four-cylinder gas engine. Note: regular gas required.
Fuel economy: 4.6 L/100 km city; 5.4 L/100 km highway
Nice to know: The interior seating is made from 85 per cent post-industrial materials.
Review: "It’s a good thing the dashboard lit up when I turned the car on; otherwise, I never would’ve known it was ready to go – it’s that quiet! It rode just as smooth as a non-hybrid when I took it for a spin through the city streets and later on the highway. With the fun displays tracking my eco- status, I made it my mission to improve the car’s fuel economy from when I got it on Friday to when I turned it in on Monday. Mission accomplished! My only complaint: For vertically challenged drivers like myself, seeing out the rear-view mirror is a strain on the neck."
– Wendy Graves, senior editor, Life

2012 CHEVROLET VOLT

Chevrolet Volt

Suggested price: $41,500
What it is: electric with extended range – when the battery is depleted, a gas-powered generator kicks in. Note: premium gas required.
Range: between 40 km and 80 km on electric power (depending on driving style and conditions); up to 580 km total
Nice to know: If you only use the car for short trips and are diligent about charging it, you may never need to use the gas engine. Since this actually isn’t good for the vehicle, the Volt will occasionally ask for permission to turn on the engine to keep it fresh.
Review: "I was initially intimated after my how-to lesson on where to find power stations to plug the car in and how to “power up” at home. But after 10 minutes of driving, I realized this is one of the coolest vehicles I’ve ever driven: it’s electric first, gas second. I liked the centre-stack LCD screens that are touch-sensitive, highly interactive and easy to use. While the price tag is high, there are cash-back incentives through government programs. Combine that with your gas savings and suddenly the cost is a little more palatable."
– Susan Antonacci, editor-in-chief

2012 NISSAN LEAF

Nissan Leaf

Suggested price: $38,395
What it is: full electric
Range: up to 160 km on a full charge (depending on driving style and conditions)
Nice to know: The “Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians” system gives a whole new meaning to safety. With no internal combustion engine, the car is quite quiet. At speeds slower than 26 km/h, the car will emit an “approaching sound” so pedestrians know your car is nearby. Once the car reaches at least 31 km/h, the car becomes “audible” on its own.
Review: "The first thing I noticed about the Leaf? No tailpipe. It felt good driving away and not leaving a trail of carbon dioxide in my wake. A quick switch over to Eco drive mode improved my mileage but made for a slightly bumpier ride. The eco display system not only showed me how much distance I had left with the charge, but also how much more I could have if I turned the air conditioner off."
– Wendy Graves, senior editor, Life

Do you drive an electric or hybrid vehicle? And if not, how would you rate your interest in trying one out?

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Year of the Dragon

Festival cities are curious places. You know, those towns and cities which draw mega crowds for a stellar annual festival but when that particular event is over, well, there's not a lot to do. Party's over. It it's time to go home folks.

I remember spending a November weekend in Stratford, Ontario, home of one of the world's' most prestigious Shakespeare Festivals and one of my favourite getaways during the summer and early fall, and it felt like a ghost town. It wouldn't have surprised me to see tumbleweed bouncing down the barren windswept streets on the heels of a ghostly MacBeth.

But some cities keep the party going - year-round. Take Richmond, British Columbia, for instance, which is in the midst of hosting an exciting roster of events to celebrate Chinese New Year, including 12-course banquets (Peking duck two-ways, Pan-fried tiger prawns, fried live crab, sticky rice, shredded jellyfish, bean curd roll, braised bamboo shoots), dance performances, concerts, dragon festivals and prayer ceremonies at the Buddhist temple.

But if you're not in the Richmond area within the next few weeks, don't despair, the city's flourishing Asian heritage is an integral part of the cultural (and physical) landscape life every day of the year.

Traditional Chinese dance performance (Courtesy: Richmond Tourism)

If you're on a driving trip that takes you through British Columbia or if you're in Vancouver for a family vacation, take a short side trip to Richmond (and I mean short - you can get there in 20 minutes from Vancouver) and devote a few days to exploring British Columbia's fourth-largest city.

Somewhere between 60 and 65% of Richmond's 200,000-strong populace is of Asian decent, with citizens of Chinese ancestry accounting for 47%. This wonderful mix of Asian influences is evident in the restaurants, stores, festivals, cultural attractions as well as the music and languages you hear in the streets of Richmond.

And on the food front? I hear echoes of any Asian country I've visited. Chinese dim sum, Korean twist potato, Japanese takoyaki balls, Filipino talent shows, Chinese karaoke contests, beautiful statues of Buddha, dragon dances, xiao long bao (soup dumplings)...

Richmond, B.C. offers a year-round buffet of Asian food from China, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Malaysia...

I'm certainly not the first scribe to insist that the best way to get to know the culture of any place is to ramble (preferably with an empty stomach - so skip the western-style buffet in your hotel or mountain of waffles served in your B&B). Just hit the street and bring an empty sack or knapsack because you will do some serious shopping.

1. The Golden Village:

There are more than 200 Asian restaurants and eateries in Richmond, B.C.'s Golden Village

First-timers to Richmond typically get one bit of advice: head to Alexandra Road, known locally as Food Street. You'll be in the heart of The Golden Village:. Within a four-block radius of the Golden Village, near No. 3 Road, you can choose from more than 300 shops, three Hong Kong-inspired malls, Asian specialty grocery stores, electronic outlets, jewelry stores, art galleries, stores dedicated to Asian designer fashions, and no fewer than 200 restaurants. One of my Hong Kong-born neighbours in Toronto tells me the Golden Village in Richmond reminds her of home.

2. Aberdeen Centre

Dragon Dance at Aberdeen Centre Mall

The humungous, glass-panelled Aberdeen Center mall (4151 Hazelbridge Way) is the place to go whether you're shopping for a Ferrari, Fazioli piano or food. Seasoned or neophyte bargain shoppers can lose themselves Daiso, a Japanese emporium bursting with housewares, cosmetics, clothes, garden tools, with many priced around the $2 mark. There are frequent cultural exhibits and, depending on the day, you can catch some live Asian entertainment, as well.

When you've shopped your feet off, and it's time to satisfy that rumbling tummy, head up to the third floor where you'll find a food court that seats 800. Nosh your way through Wo Fun’s famous Chicken Wings, Shanghainese meals, pho... If you're in the mood for a proper sit-down, you're in the right place. Two Vancouverite friends are effusive about the Beijing-style Shredded Pork at Northern Delicacy and the crab claw balls at Fishermen’s Terrace.

Dishware, collectibles, clothes, jewellery...you can buy almost anything at the Aberdeen Centre

A bonus for visitors: Aberdeen Centre offers a special Tourist Program for out-of-towners (you could even bag a free gift!)

Two other (smaller) malls to check out: Yahoan Centre and Parker Place.

3. International Buddhist Temple

International Buddhist Temple, Richmond, British Columbia

Burning incense, golden Buddha statues, ornamental fountains and manicured gardens are the lure for visitors to the International Buddhist Temple. Located on Steveston Highway, it's the second-largest Buddhist temple in North America, and is said to rank among the best examples of Chinese temple construction outside mainland China.

Each year, on New Year’s morning, the temple hosts a prayer ceremony and a vegetarian lunch for as many as 10,000 people.

4. Best restaurants?

Mouth-watering Peking Duck (Courtesy: Bluetofu)

If time is tight, I share with you a trio of Asian restaurants to try. There are three that seem to crop up in the Top 5 Faves of my informal poll of West Coast gourmands and foodies:

• Executive Chef Tony Luk of Jade Seafood Restaurant won Chef of the Year at HSBC Chinese Restaurant Awards. His winning dishes included Sauteed Geoduck with Egg Whites and Italian Herbs; Drunken Free-Run Chicken with Yunnan Wild Morel Mushroom Sauce.

•The Shanghai pork dumpling is a perpetual favourite at Shanghai River.

• A colleague based in West Vancouver regularly makes the trek to Richmond for the Beijing-style Shredded Pork at Northern Delicacy.

I'm always on the lookout for great Asian eateries anywhere in Canada? Got one in your area? Post below and let me know.

Gung Hay Fat Choy.

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