Do Your Dance Shoes Fit Properly? Can you forget they're on your feet while you dance? Properly fitting quality dance shoes for ballroom, latin, swing and country dancing have specific fitting criteria. It is important to understand that dance shoes need to fit differently than your street shoes. Dance shoes are more than a mere suede sole and not all suede soles are created equal either. There are suede soles that will wear out very quickly. Quality 'chrome' suede soled shoes will last years.Shoes are standard. Feet are not. Certain styles of shoes will fit foot styles differently. Difficult fits can be reasonably addressed, but not easily come by. Open toe shoes are the easiest fit and most versatile for many reasons. Dance shoes often will fit 1/2 to a full size smaller than street s... 10/01/2007

In the June article, http://activerain.com/blogsview/132063/Argentine-Tango-in-Kelowna I told of my longtime dream and how Argentine Tango had come right to my front door! I continue with regular tango lessons and now consider that I have progressed from beginner to level 1. A step upon step process which mirrors many learning processes in life, it is essential to get the basics correct and done well, as each succeeding step is built from the solid foundation of those leading to it. Missing  steps, poor form, bad technique, or not keeping time throws off the synchronicity and looks ..terrible!  It depends what you want from it. Working perfection into the basics takes time, but is worth getting right.  What frequently happens in dance is that people get the patterns and want to race ahe... 10/01/2007

(published in Sept/07 OA Magazine  uneditted copy) Dance is actively growing. We have amazing talent in various styles of couples social dance.                                                                                                    My initiation into dance 12 years ago was with Diane Pratt from Toronto. Trained in International Ballroom and Latin in England, she competed and trained Canadian & North American Latin champions before coming to Kelowna. She showcases performances annually and is invited to judge competitions. ‘Diane's Dancesport' teaches all levels. ‘Let's Dance Kelowna' was formed as a practice venue open to the community. (862-8063)    Also trained in England, we are fortunate to have Warren Eaton specializing in International Latin. Warren became part of the n... 10/01/2007

 The Okanagan Valley Harvest has always been an experience of rich abundance to me. Picking of local grapes has begun, with the table varieties available. These are so delicious! They've ruined for me any taste I had for store bought varieties, which to me just plain are 'dead' and tasteless! So I savour every bit of the harvest possible. Grapes are primarilary grown for fabulous Okanagan world class wines here, which is another story. We also boast world famous Canadian ice wines! The wine grapes are distinct in flavour, giving the varietal wines thier unique bouquets and palate. These are not good eating grapes though.Table grapes are a minor, but so delicious crop, available in blue, green and red varieties for just a short window of time. I like to freeze some - they make a deliciou... 10/01/2007

(published in Sept/07 OA Magazine  uneditted copy) Structured partner dance is the runaway success of recent television series and movies. Awareness is widening with the dedication of dancers to a wonderful sport & art form in the exciting process of growth. Media has recognized a very good thing!Ballroom, Latin & Jive, with Hustle & Westcoast Swing among others significantly boost social dance repertoire. Many can be and are, danced to popular music. Diane Pratt and Warren Eaton >>>>>>>Energizing physically & mentally, dance generates and imparts energy. Expression through dance is naturally & culturally inherent. Dance elevates mood; anyone who dances knows the magic of moving synchronistically to music.Volta, my art & dance oriented café on the edge of Kelowna's Cultural District sup... 10/01/2007

It is a hot, hot real estate market in Kelowna. Sales activity is brisk and has been for some time. There appears to be no end to the development, construction and investment in the valley. Some mistakenly think that because sales are high the market is 'bullish' enough to avoid staging. Countering the high rate of sales, is the fact that there are also many properties on the market. Everyone wants to be in on the action while it is lucrative. Construction is high. Renovation also enters the competing foray.Staging gives the edge in fact in any market. In a market like the one current, with demand being met with a huge number of homes for sale, staging is more essential than ever for quicker profitable sale.   Staging is profitable in any market, with statistics proving faster sale with... 09/30/2007

 I am probably asked this more than anything else - "What paint color should I use for staging?" Fortunately, people are finally realizing that more neutrals exist besides white or that archaic term, 'off white'! Was that ever really a color? Contrary to common belief, it is very difficult to decorate with a colorless palette. Keep in mind that all colors 'go' together depending on various factors.I cannot tell you without seeing, what color to use. First considerations are exsiting colors in the home. Flooring color and any existing features and furnishings that will remain with the house have to be taken into the foray.Choose paint color within the range of existing 'tone' and 'depth'. Medium tones are easiest to work with and are often deep enough for home interiors. The light of eac... 09/30/2007

                                                                                                                                                                                     A sunny autumn afternoon had me deciding to take the short walk over to nearby Okanagan Fruit Growers outlet for fresh fall apples. I live in the midst of the famous Okanagan Valley's local fruit packing, processing and juice facilities central to Kelowna. Believe it or not I've never done that! Instead I have shopped as usual at the grocery stores. Time permitting, getting out to the local farm stands is a pleasant weekend jaunt into the country. Memories as a girl, of harvest, back to school, colorful walks through fallen leaves in the cooling early days of autumn have always been favorites to remember. I l... 09/26/2007

 "This is great David! Do you mind if I quote you in my marketing? Thanks so much for posting this. Cheers - Happy 4th!""Deborah, I would be honored for you to use my comments."Used with permission these are the July 1/07 statements on the Remax Realtor David Slavin's blog. "A staged house made me wake up!""I showed a vacant house this morning.  I was expecting to walk into an empty house and to my and the buyers surprise, this was a staged house.  WOW!  What a difference!  My buyers loved the house so much that they signed an offer in the house at the kitchen table. I need to find stagers in the Houston area to work with on my listings, vacant or occupied.  I would like to pay for and provide staging as an added bonus to help get listings.  I think this can be a fantastic win/win for e... 07/04/2007

The Tango Art Print Zolan, Richard... Buy Tango Prints Sometimes I get a feeling that won't go away... to experience something without understanding why. Maybe hearing and loving the music. Maybe it was seeing it danced, not even live mind you, that I developed a fascination for Argentine Tango. The movie, "The Tango Lesson", I know impacted me when it came out in the '90's. No one was teaching or dancing it here - I wondered if it would ever come, or just remain a tantalizing mystery that just happened somewhere else, where it was 'goin' on'. Passion grew to dance this dance. I felt it deep inside, longed for it. They say you don't dance tango. You feel it. Tango is in the heart & it flows from there. Several things are said of & about Tango. "Tango is Life," they say in Argentina.  D... 06/25/2007

I live downtown in a booming resort & vacation destination in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. Out in the 'burbs for many years, I now love living near the 'happenings' & waterfront.  Cycling & walking everywhere, I have no desire to return to suburbia with it's long drives into town. Spring has turned to summer. I have missed my garden. So this spring I got involved with the community garden across the street! How lucky am I?!  I've just come in with a basket of healthy organic mixed green things for dinner. They are so fresh & beautiful they make me smile & I hesitate to eat them!  But I do, thankful for the amazing bright to dark greens, reds, even purplish tones, curling, serrated leaf forms & the tender green pea tops with irresistibly happy curling tendrils. Yes, the tender gro... 06/25/2007

Snow in June!! It started out a very chilly June 25 /07. I’d left my windows open overnight & awoke to a brisk temperature in my home. On my way out this morning, I was surprised to see white atop the  mountains that line the valley. At higher levels up to 13cm (about 6in) were reported. Conversely several weeks ago we suffered temperatures hitting 40’C! The weather is unusual all over it seems. However having lived here in Kelowna for 40 years (that will date me!), I’ve seen unusual weather many times before. There has always been a non-stop flow of people moving into the Okanagan. It is desirable especially to  Retirees, Vacation Home Owners, families wanting to get out of the big cities & generally people attracted to the various amenities, four season activities, the scenic vistas, ... 06/25/2007

If you're visiting Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley of  BC's Interior, you will not be at a loss for sights to see & activities to wear you out if you're not careful. If you're a Kelowna local, make a point to get downtown to see what's happening here. It isn't surprising that people get caught up in the routine of work & responsibilities. A change is as good as a rest, they say!  Don't miss Kelowna's Cultural District, just north of the downtown core near Waterfront Park. The lakeside walkway is great for a  stroll, running, cycling or whatever you think you want to do there. It connects a Brandt's Creek wildlife sanctuary at the north end to City Park at the south, with the downtown main street in between. In addition to shops you'll find a variety of restaurants, coffee & ice cream sho... 06/17/2007

Staging for Real Estate Sale or Resale is not a new concept. The term 'Staging' is what is new & perhaps creates a little confusion. It is still the professional process it has always been, of presenting property at its best. I have seen properties sell in 1 to 3 days after staging.  The goal is to de-personalize & de-clutter, aiding the potential buyer in seeing themselves in the 'Living Spaces'. What is new is the growing recognition that Home Real Estate Staging puts your sale at the front of the pack in any market. Whether it is a hot market or slow, staging has statistically shown higher profitability in buyer decision, quicker sale, higher selling price.   Buyers are ready to make a decision after viewing 10 homes. According to statistics, 63% of buyers are willing to pay more for... 06/13/2007

 Kelowna is the hub of the Okanagan. The international airport of the interior of BC is here, as well as many determining factors that make Kelowna the 'Big Player' in the scheme of Okanagan business & development. Surrounded by many golf courses, vineyards, world class wineries, resorts, & ski facilities, Kelowna overflows with endless attractions with an international draw. It also is the business & shopping designation of BC's Central Interior. It is a logical focus of attention, investment, & desirability.   There seems no end to the flurry of construction fever & real estate increase which spills over into many levels. Building trades are in big demand, with home - related industry thriving as well. A new Okanagan Lake bridge is under construction which has been in demand for many ... 06/09/2007

  Construction booms. Reaching a feverish pitch with a labour shortage, the provincial government is making agreements with other countries (ie: Jamaica) to bring in specialized labor - electricians, plumbers,etc. A long period of provincial economic lows & the international exchange rate, supported & encouraged international investment interest creating some development flow in the nineties. The low Canadian dollar made it very appealing to BC's immediate neighbors Washington State & Alberta residents, as well as many internationals to invest in Okanagan recreational properties. This is where I started staging in the nineties (decorating we called it then!) properties for developers' & internationals'  vacation & resort properties. Being a resort area, the Okanagan attracted a variety ... 06/09/2007

  Kelowna,  in British Columbia's central interior lies in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. It has long been a sought after resort & vacation spot. See also 'About' the Central Okanagan. Spectacular Valley Vistas showcase the Okanagan Lake as it ribbons eighty miles along the valley. Kelowna is nestled at the center surrounded by hillsides graced with orchards, golf courses, & vineyards producing world class wines.     Regardless of the fire-scarred mountain sides from the Okanagan Mountain fire in 2003, an explosion of development is at its height, with residential tracts now making their mark on the landscape. Some say the fire contibuted to the expansion. Famous for powder, local ski resorts attract both skiers & recreational investment. A 4-season playground, we have it all!    ht... 06/08/2007