The objects we surround ourselves with can remind us of who we are and connect us to other people, places and times. We invited David Furlonger of the Breakwater Cafe to discuss how ocean bull kelp influenced his career and life. Read more…
Still Room Perfumery is a Creative Collaboration
Looking for your signature scent? Consider a visit to The Still Room Natural Perfumery in Oak Bay. Read more…
The 70s Style Comeback in Home Decor
Bring some vibrance, and neon, into your home decor with these looks inspired by 70s fashion. Read more…
The Reality of Anxiety
Anxiety may be a household word, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to deal with. YAM writer Susan Hollis talks to some anxiety experts on how the condition reflects the complex inner landscape of humans in a post-industrialized world. Read more…
AGGV Curator Michelle Jacques’ Beloved Painting Connects her to the Past
The objects we surround ourselves with can remind us of who we are and connect us to other people, places and times. We invited Michelle Jacques of the AGGV to tell the story of her beloved friend’s painting. Read more…
Frances Grey Brings a Rebellious Edge to Elegance
Lara Miller of Frances Grey takes a contemporary approach to women’s fashion, focusing on sustainability, personal style and minimalism. Read more…
Q at the Empress Receives Wine Spectator’s 2019 Award of Excellence
The Fairmont Empress hotel’s signature restaurant was awarded for their exemplary selection of wines that complement their menu. Read more…
Downtown Victoria is Your Place to be FIT: Cara’s Story [Video]
Downtown Victoria: Your Place to Be Storytelling Project features unscripted stories of people, like Cara, who live, work, and play in downtown Victoria. Read more…
The Magic of Chanterelle Foraging Season
Mushroom lovers consider the fall one of the most delicious times of the year. Among the fruiting bodies of forest fungi, there may be none as elegant as the golden chanterelle. Read more…
Celebrating Victoria’s Best Restaurants [Video]
This summer, YAM Magazine hosted the 2019 YAM Best Restaurant Awards, celebrating the local culinary community and Victoria’s top chefs, cocktails and restaurants. Read more…
A Home Designed with Nature in Mind
In an oceanside neighbourhood, the Mills family embraced the idea of urban gardening so fully they designed their spectacular Scandi-inspired home around the concept of “food forests” that feed their family, engage their children and attract the bees. Read more…
Tonic Jewelry Believes in the West Coast Creative Community
From day one, the ethos at Tonic Jewelry has been to celebrate local people making local jewelry. Read more…
YAM’s Top Picks for Art & Culture this Fall
Find out what’s new in Victoria’s art, theatre and music scene with these five local events and shows. Read more…
Indu Brar, GM of the Empress, Uses Running Shoes to Find Peace of Mind
The objects we surround ourselves with can remind us of who we are and connect us to other people, places and times. YAM invited Indu Brar, the GM of the Fairmont Empress, to talk about how running brings her peace. Read more…
B.C. Cider’s Modern Makeover
Whether you like to drink your cider in the pub or tip a pint into a savoury stew, it’s time to celebrate cider season with local, artisan ciders. Read more…
YAM READER SURVEY 2019
Let us know what you think about YAM! We want to learn more about what you’d love to see in YAM magazine. Be entered to win a $50 gift card for Glo Restaurant! Read more…
A New Note for Hermann’s Jazz Club
The venerable View Street club, which has been the heart and soul of the Island’s jazz and blues culture for three decades, literally has a new lease on life. Read more…
The AGGV Presents Their 66th House Tour
Mark your calendar for the 66th AGGV House Tour on Sunday, September 22. The tour features collections by artists Pat Martin Bates, Luke Marston, Nita Forest, Karl Spreitz and Louise Bourgeois. Read more…
Calling All Animal lovers to Register for Paws for a Cause Victoria
Two – and four-legged friends are invited to join the BC SPCA Victoria Branch and Wild ARC at Paws for a Cause on September 8th for a delicious selection of food, dog-friendly beer garden, activities for kids and games for dogs. Read more…
Fashion Forward Jessie Atkins Creates Sustainable Watches
One of the trendsetters making waves in Victoria is Jessie Atkins and her line of sustainable watches. Berg + Betts watches are fashion forward, and Atkins is showing that sustainable inventiveness is a way of life in Victoria. Read more…
Surface Pattern Designer Jackie Tahara is a Rising Star
Since prehistoric times, humans have derived meaning from patterns, seeking them out, creating them and curating them. Jackie Tahara, a rising star in the world of surface pattern design, makes them beautiful. Read more…
Ian Locke is a True Creative Original
Ian Locke is a multi-faceted creative with a gift for collaboration — he continues to lead the way with his trend-setting creative endeavours. Read more…
Chef Sam Harris Proves it’s all in the Details
Victoria is blessed with trendsetters and tastemakers, like chef Sam Harris of Boom + Batten, who reflect Victoria’s evolution as the capital of cool. Harris is at the forefront of his craft and we can’t wait to see what he does next. Read more…
Fall Fashions Inspired by the Forest
Fall is our favourite season for fashion. This year’s luxe mohair sweaters, patterned jackets and quilted outerwear feel right at home amid the massive trees, majestic waterfalls and meandering river of Goldstream Provincial Park. Read more…
Fairfield Character Home featured in the AGGV House Tour
YAM gets a sneak preview into an art-filled 1916 Fairfield character home featured on the upcoming AGGV Home Tour, and discovers a family whose life is as artful as their impressive collection of antiques, heirlooms and works by some of Canada’s most revered artists. Read more…
Bridging Cultures at the Heart of New Flamenco Show
Vancouver native Deborah Dawson-Mourocq (La Caramelita Flamenco Company) is excited to return to Victoria and Vancouver to perform her first solo flamenco show, mixing various Indian influences (familiar Indian songs and chants) with traditional flamenco rhythms and footwork. Read more…
Enter to win a family pass to the Saanich Fair!
Celebrate the fair’s 151st birthday with a weekend of fun for the whole family! Read more…
Live A Day the Greek Way!
OPA! Eat, dance, and have fun at two Greekfest weekends in Victoria! Read more…
Harvest Moon Pop-Up Store August 16, 17 & 18
Upside Studios will be filled with local artisans and businesses August 16, 17 & 18 for the Harvest Moon pop-up store. Read more…
The Saanich Fair celebrates 151 years!
Western Canada’s oldest agricultural fair celebrates its 151st year this Labour Day weekend with a sweet and timely focus: Bees. Read more…
What Artists Bring to the Table: Free Art & Food Events by the AGGV Aug-Nov 2019
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria will be offering free events from Aug – Nov 2019 for people to experience food and art in hands-on workshops exploring the artistic expression of food.. Read more…
6 Simple Chef Hacks for Seaweed
Local chefs share their tips and tricks for cooking with wild seaweed. Read more…
Boom Boxes Create Urban Gardens
Jordan Glowicki created Boom Boxes, instant gardens for non-gardeners. Read more…
Fresh Summer Products for your Home
Natural is the new sexy, and these exquisite earthy products are sure to create a calming summer mood for any room in your home. Read more…
How to Become an Early Riser: From Night Owl to Morning Lark
Research shows early risers are happier than late nighters, but changing from night owl to morning lark isn’t always easy. We put some expert advice to the test. Read more…
Long Table Dining Events for Summertime
This summer’s dining trend is long table celebrations with tables laden with the best local protein and produce. Read more…
The Joy of Doing Nothing
YAM Editor in Chief went on holiday with high hopes of productivity. But productivity doesn’t always equal happiness. Read more…
Local Summer Style Guide
Looking for your next favourite summer style? These local businesses share their summer favourites. Read more…
Recipe: Ocean Potatoes with Seaweed Salsa Verde
Try these potatoes, cooked in salty seawater with seaweed salsa verde, with grilled salmon created by Chef Paul Moran of 1909 Kitchen in Tofino. Read more…
A Victoria Cycling Adventure: Downtown to Sooke Potholes
YAM Takes you through a local cycling route and all the adventures and stops along the way. Read more…
Wicked Wanda Pottery, Pieces for Everyday Life
Local potter Erika Arbour-Nevins creates pieces that become part of everyday life while exuding beauty and style. Read more…
6 Wake-up Apps From Gentle to Annoying
Here are a few apps to help you wake up in the best way for your sleep type: Read more…
Wheelies Motorcycles: Motorbike Repair Shop Meets Foodie Haven
Chef Kellan (“Kai”) Musseau of Wheelies Motorcycles has a unique business that combines his love of motorcycles and local food. Read more…
YAM Summer Wine List
Looking for the perfect wine for the season? These local experts weigh in with their top picks for summer. Read more…
Seaweed, the Wild Food to Forage from the Sea
Delicious and nutritious seaweed is one of the wild foods attracting the interest of contemporary chefs and foragers, especially here on Vancouver Island, which boasts more varieties of seaweed than anywhere else in the world. Read more…
A Victoria Cycling Adventure: Rockbay to Central Saanich
YAM Takes you through a local cycling route and all the adventures and stops along the way. Read more…
Music, Art and Poetry Events for Summer in Victoria
Looking for cultural events and art shows for some summer fun? We have a list for you. Read more…
A Victoria Cycling Adventure: Downtown to Cadboro Bay
YAM Takes you through a local cycling route and all the adventures and stops along the way. Read more…
Blue Bridge’s Theatrical Gender Swap
This summer a woman will play the traditionally male role in Blue Bridge’s A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and it’s not just a stunt. It’s a way to make outdated theatre relevant to contemporary audiences. Read more…
Bingsoo is the Hottest Way to Cool off this Summer.
Bingsoo is the Korean version of shaved ice. Snowy Village has moved to Victoria – and you have to try this delicate dessert! Read more…
Vic West Market Garden: Boutique Market and Urban Farm
The Market Garden in Vic West is something of a throwback, reminiscent of an old-time general store — but one with a heightened design esthetic. Read more…
Blu Smith Captures Light in his Abstract Art
Blu Smith is one of the West Coast’s best-known abstract artists, who is especially revered for the way he magically captures the luminous quality of light in his work. Read more…
Westholme Tea Farm is Turning Heads in Tea World
Life, philosophy and the art of sipping in the Cowichan Valley. Read more…
Announcing YAM Best Restaurant Award Winners 2019
See the full list of winners from the YAM Best Restaurant Awards 2019! Read more…
Meet the Judges of YAM Best Restaurant Awards 2019
YAM Best Restaurant Awards honour Victoria’s vibrant restaurant scene. Meet our panel of chefs and local food experts for the 2019 Best Restaurant Awards. Read more…
Hamptons-Style Home Tour
A Cobble Hill reno transforms a dated bed and breakfast into a New York-style estate. Take a tour through this magnificent home. Read more…
Victoria’s Best World Food 2019: Dobosala Cantina
At Dobosala Cantina, chef Kunal Ghose has embraced the best of world food with a creative menu that mashes up addictive flavours from across the Pacific Rim. Read more…
Sail Away in these Summer Styles
This summer, claim the freedom to pursue your dreams, whether you’re sailing the Salish Sea or sailing through life. While you are at it, feel free to mix and match your prints and patterns with abandon. Read more…
Shelbourne Community Kitchen
Creating opportunities with people living on a low income to cook, grow, share and connect for improved health and wellbeing. Read more…
Victoria’s Chef of the Year 2019: Castro Boateng
Castro Boateng has been flying under the radar for awhile, but with his new café in Langford, he’s soared into our top chef spot. Read more…
Victoria’s Best Fine Dining 2019: Saveur
At Saveur, fine dining is in the details, many of them orchestrated and delivered by chef/owner Robert Cassels. Read more…
Victoria’s Best Cocktail Bar 2019: Veneto
Take a seat at the bright, marble-topped bar and watch the mixologists in action at cozy Veneto. Read more…
Victoria’s Best Bakery Cafe 2019: Fol Epi Organic Bakery
Fol Epi owner Clif Leir opened this downtown location to expand beyond his artisan bread into pastry, and the popular café has become the best place to enjoy their baking, both sweet and savoury. Read more…
People’s Choice Restaurant Award 2019: Part and Parcel
Chef Grant Gard and his cooks rotate through their ever-changing seasonal inventory, posting new menus on Facebook and Instagram almost daily, tweaking their favourites, from house-made gnocchi and risotto to salads and sandwiches. Read more…
Victoria’s Best New Restaurant 2019: House of Boateng
House of Boateng is small and stylish, a welcoming space for breakfast or lunch, with regular evening events and pop-ups. The casual menu showcases Boateng’s innovative style and skill for balanced flavours. Read more…
Victoria’s Best Brunch 2019: Saveur
For something beyond the standard morning menu, there’s chef Robert Cassels’ creative brunch at Saveur. Read more…
Victoria’s Restaurant of the Year 2019: Saveur
To choose YAM’s Restaurant of the Year, our judges looked beyond the requisite outstanding culinary artistry and delicious food — they sought the innovative and unforgettable. Read more…
Victoria’s Best Pub 2019: Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Spinnakers gastropub is Canada’s first brewpub, and it’s still an innovator in food and drink. Read more…
Ticket Giveaway to Diner en Blanc
Win tickets for you and a guest to the elegant picnic where guests dress all in white to connect and appreciate our beautiful city. Read more…
Create Your own Canadian Cheese Board
YAM food writer Cinda Chavich asked three local cheese experts to name their three favourite Canadian cheeses. Read more…
Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival
Kick off your summer solstice and celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Victoria Indigenous Cultural Festival this June. Read more…
4 Ways You Can Support the BC Cancer Foundation
Cancer effects all of us in one way or another. We talked to Sarah Roth, CEO of BC Cancer, about what we can do to support research and care. Read more…
How Honey Keeps us Healthy and Happy
Honey is a multipurpose substance that is as useful as it is sweet. Urban Bee Honey Farm is just one of the businesses using honey to improve health and happiness. Read more…
Luna Collective is Curated with Care
Luna Collective is a community-oriented shop located in Fernwood Square. Read more…
Kaila Jackson’s Natural Art
Kaila Jackson is inspired by music and nature. Often her art is created while listening to one song on repeat. Read more…
Victoria’s RockBay Square Supports Creativity and Business
The much-loved Rock Bay Square building that is home to many of the city’s artisans and artists is for sale. But those who count on the cheap studio rent for everything from painting to carving, have their fingers crossed, wishing that this community, with its Brooklyn-esque creative vibe, will last and last. Read more…
Mixologist: Jane Allen of Sherwood Bar
Jane Allen has been a part of the Sherwood project since last year and she has fallen in love with living and working in Victoria – creating cocktails that reflect the vibrance of the city. Read more…
Mixologist: Avi Kunen of Little Jumbo
Avi Kunen of Little Jumbo believes that cocktails shouldn’t be taken too seriously. The fun cocktail list puts a contemporary twist on the classic look of the 19th century style bar. Read more…
Mixologist: Jayce Kadyschuk of Clive’s Classic Lounge
Clive’s Classic Lounge could be called ground zero for Victoria’s booming cocktail culture. Jayce Kadyschuk tells us about his experience as a mixologist and shares his recipe for his maccha sour. Read more…
Pacific Rim Flavours in Victoria
Restaurants like Nubo and Aura are fusing together Pacific Rim flavours inspired by the sea. Read more…
Q & A with Victoria Blogger Thomas Guerrero
The author of the local blog, Sidewalking Victoria, opens up about his experience as an avid observer of our capital city in this personal interview. Read more…
Cheryl Bryce Knows her Trees
Cheryl Bryce is a Songhees Nation member who knows that the island’s forests and ecosystems are not just natural but also cultural. Read more…
Understanding Victoria’s Urban Forest
Victoria residents have a fierce and protective love for the trees that abound in this city. Read more…
Lessons from Robert J. Wiersema, Bookseller Turned Novelist
Victoria is a literary destination, as much built on books as bricks. In this city of words, writer Robert J. Wiersema — bookseller turned novelist — shares lessons from 23 years of talking to readers about books. Read more…
Style Watch: Bright Lights and City Nights
As the sun goes down and lights begin illuminating the city, that’s when the magic starts to happen, with spring fashion featuring bold stripes, pops of colour and a bit of shimmer bringing the night to life. Read more…
John, Yoko…and Joan
Joan Athey is ensuring that the famous collection of photos featuring John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Bed-In for Peace” doesn’t become forgotten. Read more…
Victoria’s Cheese Culture
YAM writer explores the rich cheese culture on Vancouver Island. Read more…
Powerful Women Making Powerful Music
Female musicians are taking off – YAM talks to three powerful artists on their experience in music in Victoria. Read more…
50 Ways to Live your Best Life in Victoria, BC
Read the 50 places to go and things to do to get the most out of Summertime in Victoria, B.C. Read more…
Home Tour: Contemporary Contrast
Take a tour through this Fairfield home full of contrast and minimalist style. Read more…
Art Meets Fashion at Art Gallery Fundraiser
Fashion is rarely elevated to the same stature as painting, music, or sculpture. And yet, it is a true expression of art because it is art lived daily. Read more…
Meet Me in Shanghai gala: A glam way to raise funds for DragonBoat Society
The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society is putting on a fundraising Gala on June 18, 2019. Read more…
Cowichan: A Food & Drink Paradise
A combination of climate and innovation has created an agricultural and craft mecca in Cowichan. Plan your vacation to this beautiful holiday destination. Read more…
YAM Magazine Best Restaurant Awards 2019
Look for the YAM Best Restaurant Award Winners announcement in our July/August issue of YAM! Read more…
Power of Mentorship in Big Brothers Big Sisters Victoria
Chloe and Marie-Eve’s big-sister, little-sister relationship is just one reason to join the Bowl for Kids’ Sake Fundraiser. Read more…
Oak Bay Beach Hotel – A Sanctuary at the edge of the Salish Sea
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel offers breathtaking ocean views of snow-capped mountains. It is minutes away from boutique shops, cafes, and galleries in Oak Bay. Read more…
Powell Floral and the Art of Floral Therapy
Powell Floral hosts floral design workshops that teach people to design playfully and creatively. Read more…
A Concrete Chair that Pushes the Boundaries of Design
This chair design uses a harmonious selection of elements for a modern look. Read more…
The Wild Flavour of Nettles
Nettles may be tricky to pick without gloves but they are well worth the effort with many culinary uses that adds a wild element to dishes. Read more…
The Home Edit that Simplifies your Life
When you clean out your closet and discover forgotten items you may just learn something about yourself. Read more…
Design Ideas: Pigeonhole Home Store
Pigeonhole Home Store is known to be a treasure trove – and for the beautiful shelving in the front room. Read more…
Recipe: La Pasta Clam Fettuccine
Chef Aaron Lawrence of La Pasta shares his recipe for saffron fettuccine with clams. Read more…
How Embracing Fear Leads to Truth and Healing
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to face our fears and move forward – but it is possible. Read more…
Recipe: Stinging Nettle Pesto
Perfect for a dip, spread or pasta sauce. Read more…
Coastal Boho Chic
A collection of products that mash up coastal, desert and bohemian styles. Read more…
Design Ideas: E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar
E:Né Raw Food and Sake Bar brings a dark and sultry vibe to dining in the city with cedar panelling and creative wall decor. Read more…
Design Ideas: Superbaba
Superbaba melds old-school diner vibe with Middle Eastern esthetic using curved elements and pops of colour. Read more…
The Calming Design of Curves in Home Interiors
Home decor for 2019 is all about organic curves so here is a selection of home decor that will help soften the edges in your home. Read more…
The Marvellous Ms. Madoff
Ms. Madoff is a longtime Victoria resident and city councillor and has an eclectic and wonderful sense of personal and home style. Read more…
Calculus Opens New Showroom
Calculus has artisanal menswear and specialty garments for Victoria’s fashion watchers. Read more…
Creative Space: Stylish Urban Loft
The condo in Victoria West has an irresistible view and an even better stove. Read more…
Kay Ceramic and Design Creates Earth-Inspired Jewelry
Kay Strickland creates unique pieces from her home studio in Ucluelet that reflect the Pacific Northwest. Read more…
3 Arts and Culture Events for Springtime
This spring Victoria hosts plays, music and art so there is something for everyone. Read more…
Fresh Pasta 101
Here are seven tips to start making your own pasta at any budget and skill level. Read more…
Home Tour: The Chic Cottage Conversion
the View Royal home has an elegant mix of Scandinavian and minimalistic design with just a hint of country. Read more…
Recipe: Zambri’s Broccoli Pasta
Chef Peter Zambri’s broccoli pasta is a one-pot dish that can be on the table in 15 minutes. Read more…
Everybody Dance Now
Dance Victoria’s partnership with Crystal Pite and Ballet BC is a new level of maturity for the local company. Read more…
Cold Gold Pottery is One of a Kind
Each Cold Gold piece is hand cast and has unique characteristics so no two pieces are alike. Read more…
One of a Kind Lace Dresses
Reclamation dresses made by local designer Trista Smith are truly stunning vintage lace creations. Read more…
Design Ideas: Travelbea & Associates
Inhabit Designs filled Travelbea and Associates with bold wallpaper and a modern colour palette. Read more…
Design Ideas: The Courtney Room
The Courtney Room is an elegant space where the old world meets the new. Read more…
The Meaning of “Home”
Home is more than where you reside – it is a state of being that includes all aspects of life. Read more…
A Q & A with Pam Ubeda of Coast + Beam Architecture
Pam Ubeda of Coast + Beam Architecture talks to YAM about her love of friendships, family, and architecture. Read more…
In Praise of Pasta
Pasta is growing in popularity due to the opportunity to buy high-quality, artisanal pasta or making your own. Read more…
4 Fun Ways to Style Your Deck for Spring
It is time to throw open the doors and decide how you want to style your deck. With plenty of fresh, hot picks for the warmer seasons. Read more…
7 Strategies to Organize your Pantry
How to both get and keep your pantry in order. Read more…
Get Organized from Entryway to Bedroom
Tips and tricks to update and clean up your home. Read more…
Heart and Sole Shoes Expands
Heart and Sole Shoes has launched Heart and Sole Too that offers fine hosiery and fun clothing. Read more…
Design Ideas: Sherwood Cafe and Bar
Sherwood Cafe and Bar experiments with lots of plants and greenery to soften the light in the space. Read more…
Design Ideas: Studio Kanti
Studio Kanti has an inviting ambience that creates private cozy areas in a boxy space. Read more…
Victoria Beer Week Events March 1-9, 2019
Nine days of tasting, education, and of course – beer. Victoria hosts 40 BC craft breweries for this fun-filled week. Read more…
Island Inspiration: 5 Ways to Decorate Your Space with Nature in Mind
Let that inspiration come from the surrounding environment by bringing a bit of the outdoors in. Read more…
Going Green: The Lifestyle Trends of 2019
Sustainability and the 3Rs aren’t anything new, but the ways in which green consciousness is progressing to touch all corners of our lives is surprising — and encouraging. Read more…
The New Words of 2019
Every year, the editors at Merriam-Webster keep track of any new words gaining prevalence in our lexicon, making this online dictionary a valuable — and maybe unexpected — lens on trends. Here are just a few of the new entries. Read more…
Tonino Mantovani’s Scarves are a Piece of Italy
Designer Tonino Mantovani creates scarves from his own paintings with the goal of evoking beauty and pleasure with his colourful creations. Read more…
The Sanctuary That is Heartwood & Co
Heartwood & Co is a place full of heart and passion. An overwhelming sense of peace envelopes you as soon as you walk in the doors. Heartwood embraces the spirit of a multi-use space with their curated services. Read more…
New Years Goals: Turning Less into More
Sometimes we all need a reminder that to truly grow we need reflections, forgiveness and a positive mindset. Read more…
Modern Minimalist Fashion: Nomi Designs
Timeless, slow-fashion is always on trend. Local designer, Nomi Levi, uses linen to capture the effortless layered style that works so well on the West Coast. Read more…
The Art of Small-Space Living
Living small is redefining the Canadian dream home Read more…
Local Sips: An Insight on Island Tea and Wine
Whether you prefer a warm cup of tea in the morning or a crisp glass of wine in the evening. Or both! YAM has you covered with businesses that celebrate the drinks we love to sip. Read more…
Culture Trends of 2019
Ideas and cultural trends are always shifting, growing and changing. YAM explores some of the largest cultural shifts and movements for the coming year. Read more…
10 Strategies to Cut Back on Carbs
Even cutting back to 50 or 100 grams of carbs per day can improve blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Here are some tips on how to start decreasing your intake. Read more…
The Power of Eye Contact in Human Connection: A Q&A With Local Street Artist
Local street artist Kashif Abbas opens up about happiness, his greatest love and the importance of human connection. Read more…
5 Pre-Wedding Party Ideas
In 2019, with a greater emphasis on wellness, more brides and grooms will choose experiential pre-wedding parties over alcohol-fueled all-nighters. Here are some local ideas. Read more…
Style Trends of 2019
The looks and styles to take note of this year from fashion to home decor. Read more…
Laura Harris and the Art of Being Uncomfortable
YAM visits Laura Harris in her downtown studio and discovers why this Victoria artist, celebrated for her abstract florals and landscapes, has traded the comfort zone for life on the creative edge. Read more…
Home Tour: The Retro Remix Fairfield Home
Mid-century style meets contemporary artistry in this Fairfield home. Read more…
The Low-Carb Diet Makeover
Low-carb diets are ever-popular because they tend to work, but do they have to be so extreme? YAM presents low-carb diet ideas you can actually live with. Read more…
Tofino Towel Co Embraces Coastal Culture
Tofino Towel Co continues to celebrate the West Coast lifestyle with their new Sand & Sea home collection. Read more…
Style Watch: Days of Denim
Denim has been a style staple for so long, we tend to take it for granted. But this year, get ready for denim to dominate. Read more…
Fiddle Me This: Ivonne Hernandez
Known for dazzling talent and spirited performances, Ivonne Hernandez is a bright spark in the fascinating world of fiddle music. Read more…
Say I Do to 2019’s Wedding Trends
This year’s biggest wedding trends combine the regal touch with an infusion of informality. Read more…
Keeping it Classic with Colour this Season
Rich gold, mallard blue and Tibetan red are just three of the trending tones in Pantone’s 2019 Classico palette for interior design. As the name implies, these hues are fundamental, everlasting and elegant — and forever fashionable. Read more…
Plastic Detox Hacks
How to decrease the plastic in your life – at home, the store and out & about. Read more…
The Plastic Detox
YAM writer embarks on a journey to cut back on using products that clog up our oceans and discovers a whole new mindset. Read more…
Unique Statement Piece from West Coast Designer
A unique statement piece that plays with our perspective. Read more…
Vegan is Right on Trend in Victoria
If you’re keen to try the latest plant-based diet trend, you’re in the right city. Read more…
3 Events to See in Victoria this February
Victoria has some pretty wonderful musical, cultural and artistic events all year round. Here are our February picks for what to see in music, art and the stage. Cape Breton’s golden (bad) boy A certain enfant terrible, fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, will join local guitar whiz Quinn Bachand on another stop in a 10-year off-and-on gig. […] Read more…
Wedding Makeup Dos and Don’ts
Victoria makeup artist and stylist Erin Bradley dishes on how to look your best on the big day. Read more…
Stylish Stockist: Paboom
Paboom is a store filled with eclectic gifts, home decor and a wide selection of colours and textures to thrill your senses as you walk through the door. Read more…
The Luxurious Look of Velvet
Velvet is a timeless choice. Whether in rich jewel tones or soft pastels, this plush textile adds an opulent touch to your wardrobe and decor. The Loren sofa from Mobital is upholstered in a rich shimmery velvet. (Max Furniture, $3,499) Add textural quality to your accessories with this mini quilted backpack. (Indigo, $30) The Mirage […] Read more…
Simple and Classic Ceramic Pieces
“For me, making with clay is about time and memory and space…” Read more…
4 Gift Ideas for the Design-Savvy
High-style, high-fun gift ideas guaranteed to make even the most choosy people on your shopping list happy. Read more…
5 Plants to Make Your Home Happy
Top 5 houseplants, according to a NASA study on healthy, oxygenated air. Read more…
The YAM Team’s Ultimate Holiday Playlist
The team at YAM magazine collected their favourite seasonal music for our holiday playlist. It’s a fun mix for get-togethers — or just getting in the holiday spirit. Read more…
The Uprise of Victoria’s Comedy Scene
Victoria’s comedy scene has gone from ho-hum to happening thanks to some great gigs and a new breed of hilarious (and even home-grown) funny folks. Read more…
Traditional and Sweet: The Buttery Goodness of Shortbread
This favourite holiday recipe, so often passed down through families’ generations like heirlooms, is really all about the butter.
Read more…
Just Sing: The Popularity of Victoria’s Choir Scene
Local Choirs are uniting communities and bringing Victoria together. Read more…
Home Tour: Anne and Chris Tetley’s West Saanich Family Manor
Take a tour of a family manor that exudes coziness and connection with nature. Read more…
Recipe: 3 Seafood Recipes for your Holiday Feast
Seafood dishes signify special occasions with their aromas and rich flavours – making them perfect for the Holidays. Read more…
Holiday Celebrations with Seafood
YAM explores how the Holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy the bounty of the sea. By Cinda Cavich There’s something about serving crustaceans that always says “let’s celebrate” to me. Though shellfish was a rare treat in my childhood home, every year, just before Christmas, my dad would come home with several pounds of frozen […] Read more…
How Local Farms are Creating High-Quality, Slow-Fashion Products
Farmers like Hanahlie Beise are raising alpacas, llamas and sheep to make yarn from their coats, creating high-quality, slow-fashion products with a distinct B.C. edge. Read more…
Recipe: 3 Shortbread Variations for the Holidays
Jump into the Holiday spirit with these 3 creative shortbread cookie recipes. Read more…
3 Home Design Strategies to Increase Happiness
YAM explores how to create a living space that calms, heals and nourishes — and invites happiness.
Read more…
Layered Looks For West Coast Winters
Chase away those winter blues by layering various textures, patterns, and materials to create an effortless west coast warmth this season. Read more…
6 Local Cook Books for the Food Lovers on Your Gift List
It’s fun to find a good book under the Christmas tree to curl up with over the holidays. Cookbooks provide inspiration for months and years to come. Here are several new local titles to add to your gift list for food lovers. Read more…
Jamie Gentry’s Custom-Made West Coast Moccasins
Jamie Gentry adds a personal touch to each pair of her moccasin creations by engaging with her customers before starting the design process. Read more…
The Proudest Victorian Ever: A Q&A with Sharmarke Dubow
Sharmarke chats with YAM about his greatest achievement, when it is permissible to lie, and what trait he finds most deplorable. Read more…
Stylish Stockist: Pigeonhole Home Store
Pigeonhole provides a welcoming atmosphere and wide selection to find your next unique and stylish furniture or decor piece for your home. Read more…
New Store: SALT Pure Goods
SALT stays environmentally conscious and encourages shopping with intention as it grows from its original Saltspring roots. Read more…
New Store: Michal Negrin at the Bay Centre
Michal Negrin moves into the old Teavana location at the Bay Centre and creates a relaxed and upscale shopping experience by offering a tea bar within the store. Read more…
Local Products We Love this Month: Flore and Kodo Scents
Scent can connect you to a memory, a place or even a feeling — which is why some perfume makers refer to their art as storytelling. Read more…
New Store: Amelia Lee’s New Uptown Location
Amelia Lee’s new bright open space at Uptown houses everything from jewelry to home decor to children’s clothes and toys. Read more…
Have You Noticed? There’s a Growing Collection of Korean Eateries Around Town
Creative Korean eateries are conquering Victoria’s once-traditional palate — and we can’t get enough. Read more…
What We Love This Summer: Wild Hill Botanicals
Based in East Sooke and owned by husband-and-wife founders Teague Griffin and Sarah Richer, Wild Hill grows its own organic herbs to create small-batch, handcrafted products. Read more…
Home Tour: Transforming a Dark Manor Into a Bright, Luxurious Beach House
A bold reno transforms a dark Vancouver Island manor into a light-filled beach house. Read more…
Discovering the Healing Power of Trees In Tofino
A forest bathing getaway to Tofino unlocks the restorative potential of nature. By Athena McKenzie The original trail to Hot Springs Cove was created over time by the Hesquiaht First Nation and then by early settlers, who created the boardwalk. A new boardwalk was constructed in the 1990s to protect the natural landscape. Photograph by Carrie […] Read more…
5 Minutes With Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s Bailey Williamson
Winemaker Bailey Williamson shares his greatest fear, his idea of perfect happiness and which historical figure he most admires in this frank conversation. Read more…
Unique Travel Tips for a Cultural Layover in Richmond, B.C.
Set your GPS for authentic wanders through nature, history, cuisine, the Night Market and more. Read more…
Victoria’s Top 3 Best Restaurants 2018
The top three restaurants in Victoria this year, as decided by YAM’s panel of judges. Read more…
How to Incorporate Mise-en-place Practices Into Your Home and Life
YAM explores how the mindful culinary practice of mise-en-place can bring order to life outside of the kitchen. Read more…
Meet the Woman Behind Nourish Kitchen and Cafe, a 1888 Heritage Home-Turned-Restaurant
Hayley Rosenberg, owner of Nourish Kitchen and Café, talks simplicity, change, and cooking the way Grandma used to. Read more…
Street Style: This Season’s Hottest Trends
Step out in style with the season’s most eye-catching trends, from the modern pantsuit to romantic dresses to bold colours and stripes a-plenty. Read more…
The Divisiveness of Victoria’s Public Art
YAM writer Moira Dann shares which pieces of public art she loves, which ones she likes a little less and why she thinks public art is a positive addition to our city. Read more…
Recipe: How to Make Spinnakers’ Spicy Fish Tostadas
At Spinnakers, dry-rubbed wild Pacific salmon, halibut and smoked tuna are served on Adriana’s chia tortillas with crunchy cabbage, chilies and a drizzle of citrusy sauce. Read more…
4 Brands Perfect For Pampering, Primping and Treating Yourself
The next time you’re craving sugar, want to treat yourself to a gorgeous bouquet or are hunting for a luxurious candle, opt for these local products. Read more…
Your YAM-Recommended Summer Playlist
YAM magazine staff share their top Victoria tracks for our ultimate summer playlist. Read more…
Idar Bergseth On Idar Jewellers’ Understated, Spectacular and “Stealth Wealth” Items
Ask Victoria jeweler Idar Bergseth of Idar Jewellers why his work draws from nature and he’ll tell you it wasn’t always that way. Read more…
How Is Victoria’s Public Art Chosen?
How the city’s public art goes from a creative idea into an artistic reality. Read more…
50 Reasons To Love Victoria
With hundreds — or even thousands — of reasons to love Victoria, it was no easy task for the YAM team to narrow it down to our top 50. Read more…
In Conversation With Victoria’s Own Rock Star Neil Osborne
Neil Osborne of 54-40 is a rock star, but he’s Victoria’s rock star, and that makes all the down-to-earth difference. Read more…
Where to Shop For Latin Ingredients In Victoria
Whether you’re looking for dry or fresh chilies, tomatillos or fresh cilantro, you can get Mexican ingredients in local supermarkets and specialty shops. Read more…
Embrace Pantone’s Colour of the Year With These 8 Ultra Violet Products
With Pantone proclaiming Ultra Violet as the colour of the year for 2018, purple is having a moment. Read more…
A Look At Victoria’s Growing Cannabis Culture
With legalization on the horizon, the city is readying for a trendy green future. Read more…
An Engaged Resident’s Thoughts on Life In Cook Street Village
David Lennam, one of Cook Street Village’s engaged residents, gives us a view to village life. Read more…
3 Events For Your Calendar This May and June
YAM’s top picks for what’s new in theatre, music and art this season. Read more…
What To Do On a Weekend Getaway To Sooke
When a weekend getaway outside of Victoria calls, Sooke is close enough to be convenient, but far enough to let you take a deep breath. Read more…
Making the Capital City Ballroom A Celebrated Live Music Venue
Not since the days of Harpo’s has Victoria had a city-defining live-music venue. Capital City Ballroom is ready to be that place. Read more…
Victoria Does the Breakfast, Brunch and “Brinner” Food Trends Well
A new book about Canada’s brunch capital will convince you that breakfast is really
an “anytime, anywhere” type of meal. Read more…
How To Embrace the Beet This Spring
Ancient Greeks considered the beet to be an aphrodisiac, and while that may be debatable, there’s so much to love about Aphrodite’s favourite food. Read more…
How To Design an Attention-Grabbing Home
Avoid common home decor problems and update your interior so that it really shines. Read more…
10 Wild and Inspiring Wallpaper Designs
When it comes to giving your home interior a powerful style surge for 2018, think wild wallpaper. Read more…
Local Artist Spotlight: Samantha Dickie Uses Clay to Explore Urban and Natural Landscapes
See her work at Madrona Gallery and at the Fired Up! ceramics exhibit in Metchosin this May 25 to 27. Read more…
Inside an Artistic, Oceanfront Ten Mile Point Home
Craftsman architecture merges with West Coast artistry in a custom oceanfront home whose beauty is the result of a balance of opposites. Read more…
New Store: Shabby Rabbit Clothing
Boho, Gypset, modern romantic — however you describe this enduring style, you can find it at Shabby Rabbit Clothing, the new boutique on Oak Bay Avenue. Read more…
12 Teal Products We Love
This trending tone works wonderfully as a primary colour on walls, but it’s equally evocative as an accent and makes a contemporary statement in cosmetics. Read more…
3 Must-Attend Events This Spring
Our top picks for what’s new in theatre, music and art this March and April.
Read more…
3 Victoria Creatives Embrace the Loft Living Lifestyle
For these individuals, finding home meant discovering a unique space, adding lots of character and building a sense of community. Read more…
Inspiring Accessories To Add Glamour To Any Outfit
Far from being afterthoughts, accessories are fashion essentials for that head-turning finish. Read more…
New Store: West Coast Refill
West Coast Refill, located in Chinatown’s Dragon Alley, is a modern, minimalist bulk store for home-cleaning and body-care products. Read more…
House Tour: Inside Designer Tamara Bush’s Dream Home
Interior designer Tamara Bush’s home is incredibly personal: it’s part showpiece, part princess castle and part act of rebellion. Read more…
10 Stylish Products to Help You Live Large In a Small Space
At last, functionality is fun and stylish. Read more…
Tips For the Best Wedding Bouquets
Make a statement with your wedding flowers. Read more…
A Little Bit About Middle Eastern Cuisine (and Where To Find It In Victoria)
From baba ghanouj to shawarma, flavourful dishes of the Middle East and Mediterranean are proving irresistible to food lovers with palates for the exotic. Read more…
10 Ways to Add Geometrics Into Your Life
Evoke drama with the bold lines of geometric patterns. Read more…
Top 5 Wedding Trends For 2018
Are you saying “I do” this year? Incorporate these style, decor and floral trends into your important day to make it glamorous and bold — and, most importantly, a day you’ll never forget. Read more…
Creative Local Designer Spotlight: Kirk Van Ludwig of Autonomous
Kirk van Ludwig’s line of furniture is inspired, in part, by car design. Read more…
Valentine’s Day Gift Idea: Sirene Chocolate
You’ve heard of farm-to-table. This is bean-to-bar. Read more…
Creative Local Designer Spotlight: Bao Ly of Bao Shoemaker
Bao Ly’s custom shoes are hand sewn using fine leather and make a serious style statement. Read more…
Creative Local Designer Spotlight: D. Ellis of Dellis Made
A chef by trade, D. Ellis also designs his own clothing brand. Dellis Made is an urban-inspired line of basics. Read more…
What To Do, Where To Eat and What To See On a Weekend Trip to Richmond
Exploring all things Asian in Richmond — no passport required. Read more…
Local Product We Love This Month: Honey Tobacco Apothecary Products
The sweet and earthy Honey Tobacco apothecary products grew out of the signature candle that Britt Buntain created for Picot, her Fernwood boutique for well-designed gifts and goods. Read more…
Kaleidoscope Theatre Reimagines the Story of Pinocchio This March
Kaleidoscope Theatre’s production of Pinocchio is less Disney, more Indigenous. Read more…
Creative Local Designer Spotlight: Andrew Azzopardi and Christina Robev of Studio Robazzo
Studio Robazzo uses parametric algorithmic design to create funky, industrial-style interior elements. Read more…
5 Minutes With Artist Jonathan Gleed
Jonathan Gleed talks artistic angst, giant chickens and subjective truth. Read more…
Essential Ingredients For a Middle Eastern Pantry
Consider these 17 ingredients all staples if you want to prepare authentic Middle Eastern dishes at home. Read more…
3 Things To Do In Victoria This January
Our top picks for what’s new in music and art. Read more…
Recipes: 5 Middle Eastern Dishes To Make At Home
Bookmark this page. When you’re ready to make a Middle Eastern feast, you’ll have five great recipes and they will all be a hit. Read more…
3 Ways to Make Fitness Fun in 2018
YAM discovers that trying something new and exciting — whether it’s the new fitness craze of bouldering or a real-life circus training workout — is the key to loving your workout. Read more…
Great Local Fitness Events and Deals
These make sticking to that New Year’s fitness resolution easier. Read more…
3 Interior Design Trends For 2018
This year, watch for a major shift away from too much softness. Instead, think strong, as in strong colour, strong statements and strong textures. Read more…
Our 6 Favourite Rooms of 2017
With so many beautiful, Vancouver Island homes featured in our magazines this year, it was a challenge to pick just a few. There were bold bathrooms, bright kitchens and cozy living areas, but these are our six favourite rooms from our 2017 issues. Read more…
Our Favourite Food Stories of 2017
If you’re a foodie looking for some tasty inspiration, re-visit these food stories that appeared in our 2017 magazines. You’ll find lists of great eats, recipes and interesting tidbits. Read more…
All of 2017’s YAM Magazine Covers
While you’re reflecting on 2017, also look back on the six issues of YAM — and re-read your favourite stories from those issues. Read more…
A Year of Fashion Shoots: Our Favourite Fashion Shots of 2017
We saw some inspiring fashion photography in our pages this year. Here are a few of our favourite images from the fashion shoots that appeared in our 2017 magazines. Read more…
Adding the Wild Flavours of Conifers To Your Cooking
YAM goes foraging with the founders of Gather to discover the wild flavours of conifers, perfect for your Yuletide recipes. Read more…
Victorians Discuss Overcoming Struggles and Finding Joy
It’s the season of comfort and joy, but what does joy really mean? As YAM discovers, some of the most inspiring wisdom about joy comes from people who have seemingly had the greatest burdens to carry. Read more…
New Store: Biophilia
Biophilia is encouraging Victoria residents to bring the outdoors in. Read more…
Recipe: Sparkling White Chocolate Cranberry Cake
From Kimberley Vy, pastry chef at The Inn at Laurel Point, comes this unique champagne sponge Cake, layered with white chocolate buttercream and garnished with sugar-frosted cranberries. Read more…
3 Must-Attend Events in Victoria This December
Our top picks for what’s new in theatre, music and poetry. Read more…
Home Tour: Murray and Valerie Nunns’ Luxurious Tudor-Style Home
A Saanich historical home revives its owners’ dreams with a modern take on historic luxury. Read more…
Local Gift Idea: Cookbooks by Emily Lycopolus and Rebecca Wellman
Treat the foodie in your life with a cookbook by a local author this season. Read more…
Local Christmas Baking Ideas For the Season
From coconut flurries to fluffy meringues, and icing as white as newly fallen snow, it’s the season for dreamy desserts. Read more…
How To Host an Elegant (and Easy) Holiday Party
Welcome your favourite people into your home with a low-stress, high-impact cocktail party that sets the tone for the season. Read more…
12 Essential Holiday Experiences In and Around Victoria
From an invigorating winter beach walk to indulging in some old-fashioned holiday glitz, give yourself the best of the season with these unique local adventures. Read more…
Recipe: Make Crust Bakery’s Red and White Candy Cane Meringues
Tom Moore, the chef/owner of Crust Bakery, says meringues make lovely gifts when packaged in pretty cello bags. Read more…
3 Local Spots That Offer Creative Classes and Workshops
Look to expertly guided workshops to help you make truly original gifts and décor this holiday season. Read more…
12 Glittery and Glamorous Chandeliers We Love
From traditional crystal chandeliers to art-deco inspired pendants, the right overhead statement lighting brings personal drama to your home. Read more…
3 Ways to Cozy Up Your Home For the Holidays
Here are some ideas for infusing your home with unhurried glamour this season. Read more…
Local Gift Idea: Jewelry by Shannon Munro and Two Blooms
The maxim that the best gifts come in small packages is made truer when local jewelry makers create those coveted gifts. Read more…
Stylish Seattle Getaway: The Kimpton Palladian Hotel
The Kimpton Palladian reimagines a historic hotel, melding old-world beauty and luxe design. Read more…
Recipe: How To Make Crust Bakery’s Marshmallow S’mores
At Crust Bakery, chef Tom Moore makes pans of Marshmallow S’mores to cut into squares and brulée with a torch for a simple holiday dessert. Read more…
A Stylish Staycation at the Newly Refurbished Fairmont Empress Hotel
Be a tourist in your own city — and check out a part of town you likely don’t visit very often — and stay at the beautifully restored Fairmont Empress Hotel. Read more…
10 Beautiful Pieces You Will See (and Can Buy) at the oneTree 2017 Exhibit
The oneTree 2017 exhibit opened at the Robert Bateman Centre on November 16 and will run until January 31, 2018. Read more…
Your Go-To Liqueur This Season Should Be Artisanal Amaro
YAM looks into the bittersweet appeal of vermouth. Read more…
Stylish Vancouver Getaway: The OPUS Hotel
The OPUS Hotel in Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown neighbourhood mixes local art with the sassy chic of bright colours and bold patterns. Read more…
Recipe: How to Make Ruth & Dean’s Coconut Cake
Susannah Ruth Bryan, the maker of beautiful cakes at Ruth & Dean in Victoria, is famed for her tall, snowy coconut cakes. Read more…
10 Ways to Add Greenery Into Your Life
These products are all inspired by Greenery, Pantone’s colour of the year. Read more…
Holiday Markets Around Victoria to Shop This Season
Visit as many holiday craft markets as you can and shop local this season. Read more…
A New Late-Night Dessert and Snack Delivery Service is Launching In Victoria
It’s called Iced Victoria and it’s essentially an ice cream truck for adults. Read more…
DID YOU KNOW THERE’S AN OLIVE FARM ON SALT SPRING ISLAND?
A visionary couple has brought the ancient art of olive growing to Salt Spring Island — and the result is a rare extra-virgin olive oil, coveted by chefs. Read more…
PART-TIME VICTORIAN NOAH BECKER TALKS ART, MUSIC AND NEW YORK CITY
Artist and jazz musician Noah Becker about his “New York state of mind” and why the Big Apple keeps beckoning him back. Read more…
5 MINUTES WITH THE SKY IS THE LIMIT INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT’S INES HANL
Ines Hanl shares her greatest extravagance, her idea of perfect happiness and why she loves Pippi Longstocking. Read more…
Everything You Need to Know About Coffee Tables
The humble coffee table can be the standout statement piece of your décor. Read more…
Stylish Local Tastemakers: Kari McLay
Boutique owner Kari McLay blends old-world elegance with a modern twist. Read more…
Season of Mist and Mellow: Fall Fashion Inspiration
Embrace a luxurious layered look this season with textured handmade pieces, designer knitwear, unstructured silhouettes and an organic, natural palette. Read more…
How To Achieve a West Coast-Meets-France Esthetic In Your Home
The French are known for their under-styled elegance, which plays surprisingly well here on the West Coast. Read more…
Stylish Local Tastemakers: McCauley Wanner and Ryan Palibroda
Partners in love and business, the styles of McCauley Wanner and Ryan Palibroda of Alleles Design Studio artfully complement each other. Read more…
Stylish Local Tastemakers: Maria Curcic
A passion for retro inspires milliner Maria Curcic’s eclectic fashion. Read more…
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR HOME WITH COLOUR BLOCKING
Adding blocks of colour to your home isn’t just for the fashion world. Read more…
HOME TOUR: MERLE ALEXANDER’S GRAND, DESIGN-FOCUSED RENO
A savvy design and construction team transforms a home suffering from decades of mismatched renos into a modern masterpiece of exceptional grandeur. Read more…
Stylish Local Tastemakers: Graham and Ashleigh Newmarch
Graham and Ashleigh Newmarch bring the world of alternative high fashion to Victoria. Read more…
Carla and Michael Perry’s Home Is Basically a Live-In Art Gallery
Leading up to the AGGV’s annual House Tour on September 24, YAM visits one of Victoria’s most artful homes, renovated specifically to showcase the owners’ impressive collection, which includes iconic pieces by David Blackwood and Douglas Coupland. Read more…
3 MUST-ATTEND EVENTS IN VICTORIA THIS FALL
These are our music and art event picks we think you should put on your to-do list this season. Read more…
MAKE THIS THE SEASON YOU EAT A LITTLE MORE MINDFULLY
How YAM’s food writer embraced reducetarianism, stopped overeating animal protein and learned to love the lentil. Read more…
3 HOME AND DESIGN PRODUCTS WE LOVE THIS FALL
This fall, we’ve got our eyes on Kez Sherwood’s ceramics, functional credenzas and pastel stools. Read more…
LIVABLE STYLE: PERSONALITY NOT PERFECTION
Creating a stylish living space isn’t about recreating the flawless neutrality of a model show home. Today’s home style is more about originality than artifice — and favours personality over perfection. Read more…
DIY ICE CREAM SECRETS
Does any food evoke summer more that ice cream? YAM visits an ice-cream artisan to discover the tricks to making this cool creamy treat at home. Read more…
LUXURY B.C. CAMPING EXPERIENCES
How many grown-ups really enjoy bedding down on the ground? We’ve got your camping alternatives, from serene treetop spheres to luxe tents with soaker tubs.
Read more…
Oh So Cool: Frozen G&T Cocktail Recipe
Tart and refreshing, the classic gin and tonic gets an ultimate summer makeover when made with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin and blended with ice. Read more…
HOUSE TOUR: COASTAL MODERN
An award-winning Cadboro Bay home takes its cues from its locale on the ocean’s edge — it blends into its environment with a modern esthetic, using glass, concrete, stone and wood. Read more…
AN OUTDOOR FEAST FOR CANADA 150
Celebrate Canada 150 by exploring our culinary heritage with a delicious barbecue inspired by the unique flavours of the West Coast. Read more…
DO TELL: A Q&A WITH LITTLE JUMBO’S NATE CAUDLE
Nate Caudle — who has twice won Art of the Cocktail’s competition for Best Bartender in the Pacific Northwest — shares what drew him to bartending, when he lies and his biggest fear. Read more…
STREET SCENE: TINY SPACE, BIG TASTE
You’ve heard of molecular gastronomy? One could say Victoria now has micro gastronomy. Chef Liam Quinn has set up shop in the teensy spot on lower Johnson Street made famous by Smoking Lily. Read more…
HOUSE TOUR: AT HOME WITH HISTORY
Located in one of Victoria’s most coveted neighbourhoods, this fully restored heritage home — complete with vintage-inspired touches and modern amenities — comes with its own backstory. Read more…
COOKING WITH FIRE
Chefs have a “new” tool in their culinary arsenal — fire. Pushing back against high-tech kitchen trends, many are ditching the thermo-circulators and foam siphons for something
far simpler: a smoky wood or charcoal-fired grill. Read more…
HOW TO ADD COLOUR TO YOUR HOME
A refresh of this Victoria home by designers Kyla Bidgood and Kristine Hageland of Bidgood and Co. introduces playful elements of colour and pattern — making for a vibrant and functional living space. Read more…
Tastes & Trends: Person, Place, Thing
YAM’s food columnist Cinda Chavich explores our region to discover the latest palate-pleasing offerings, culinary talent and eatery openings. Read more…
BRING MORE ART INTO YOUR LIFE
The right pieces not only add design and colour to your rooms, they can also bring emotion and depth. YAM talks to the experts about how to buy art for your home. Read more…
STREET SCENE: SALUTING THE GENERAL STORE
Retailers looking to give their customers a more authentic and local experience are reviving an old-style concept: the general store. Read more…
HOME TOUR: MODERN GEOMETRY
The Victoria home uses a dynamic mix of geometric lines and natural elements to create a unique West Coast space and a modern Zen experience. Read more…
GROW YOUR OWN BOUQUETS
Cutting gardens have been in and out of fashion since the days of the ancient Egyptians. Today, many gardeners are rediscovering the eco-benefits and the pure pleasure of growing, harvesting and arranging their own blooms. Read more…
STREET SCENE: DUNCAN DOUBLE-TAKE
YAM heads off the highway and discovers a new Island destination — Duncan is small-town charm fused with a hip edge in everything from food and art to fashion and even music. Read more…
IN THE STUDIO WITH DESIGN VISIONARY LESLIE SHEWRING
Victoria’s Leslie Shewring is a designer, stylist and photographer whose work — both unattributed and under her own name — has brought her international success. Read more…
IT’S A GOOD DAY FOR SOUP
Soups are super nourishing and loaded with easily digestible vitamins and minerals, so it’s not surprising that “souping” is the latest health-food trend. And it’s not hard to add souping to your home-cooking routine. Read more…
Victoria Tastes & Trends: Winter 2017
From a new butcher to a local take on bao buns, YAM’s food columnist Cinda Chavich explores our region to discover the latest palate-pleasing offerings, culinary talent and eatery openings. Read more…
DO TELL: A Q&A WITH ARTIST CAROLLYNE YARDLEY
You’ll never look at squirrels the same way once you’ve seen the finely detailed paintings of Carollyne Yardley, whose distinctive style (which she dubbed Squirrealism) has earned her international attention. Read more…
STYLE WATCH: THE WINTER DANCE
Inspired by the minimalism of winter, these white tulle skirts, silk and lace dresses and soft sweaters perfectly capture the dreamlike quality of the season. Read more…
HOME & DESIGN: THE ARCHITECT AT HOME
Stretching tall instead of wide, this spectacular Nanaimo home — designed by an architect for his own family —turns minimal space into a high-reaching, light-filled oasis of inspiration. Read more…
ROBBIE BURNS DAY: HAGGIS, BRAWN & BEER
This annual mid-winter celebration is having a moment. YAM’s food expert goes in search of the perfect recipe for a contemporary take on the Robbie Burns Dinner. Read more…
YAM Special Wedding Feature: TOP TRENDS FOR 2017
A guide to planning your wedding day. Searching for the perfect bridal look? Here are five of 2017’s standout trends to inspire you to make a style statement on your wedding day. Read more…
HOW TO FIGHT EXHAUSTION AND THRIVE
“I’m so exhausted” is the frequently spoken anti-mantra of many Canadians. YAM explores this not-so-modern epidemic and how to escape it. Read more…
VANCOUVER ISLAND’S DESIGN MINDS
From awe-inspiring spaces to iconic furniture and art, these four creative forces are pushing the form and function of our West Coast esthetic.
Read more…
SPARKLING COCKTAILS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
This being a celebratory time of year, your fridge should never be without a bottle of sparkling wine. And local Island bubbly is the perfect pairing for all your holiday celebrations — whether you drink it as is or mix it into a holiday cocktail. Read more…
DISCOVER THE JOYS OF A WINTER HIKE
Wander under moss-hung trees, tramp across windswept scenic bluffs, or amble along sandy shorelines — these West Coast excursions prove you don’t need to rough it to reap the benefits of an invigorating winter hike. Read more…
HOME & DESIGN: COLLECTOR’S EDITION
In their entrancing postwar house, a shop owner and a chef combine classic elements and favourite pieces to sublime effect — creating a life surrounded by the things they love. Read more…
STYLE WATCH: VELVET UNDERGROUND
From Venetian royalty to modern rock stars and luxe-loving fashionistas — velvet always makes a statement. It’s calling card says, “I know exactly who I am.” Read more…
WINTER WELCOME: DIY WREATHS
From elegant rings of lush juniper to loopy twists of vine and draping cedar, it’s all about personal expression when crafting your own winter wreath. Read more…
DREAMS OF GINGERBREAD
Whether you want to bake gingerbread cookies or construct gingerbread condos, YAM brings you tips and stories from local gingerbread gurus to enrich this most gingery of seasons. Read more…
CREATING COZY: EMBRACE THE DANISH ART OF HYGGE
Incorporate this Danish mainstay into your life and learn how the practice of coziness can create a sanctuary for your soul. Read more…
CHESTNUTS ROASTING: RECIPES TO IMPRESS
Sweet chestnut trees are an endangered species in North America, but our culinary expert has sleuthed out ways you can still have chestnuts roasting on an open fire — or in delicious holiday soups, stuffings and desserts. Read more…
HEIRLOOM APPLES FOR EATING AND COOKING
Eaten fresh or cooked into sweet pies or savoury dishes, heirloom apples possess unique flavours and fascinating heritage stories that make them the hidden gems of B.C.’s fall bounty. Read more…
VICTORIA IS WILD ABOUT WHISKY
The topic of “whisky trends” may seem to be an oxymoron — innovation and change aren’t words one typically associates with whisky. But change is afoot for the spirit — in British Columbia and around the world. Read more…
MEN’S STYLE: TAKING IT TO THE STREET
The designers who outfit Victoria’s men in casual wear are a diverse lot, united by a sense of style and influenced by the Pacific landscape and coastal city life. Read more…
WHY FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT
Finding — and keeping — friends in adulthood can be a challenge, but by shifting the focus from you to others, you’ll open the door to the best friendships you’ve ever experienced. Read more…
STYLE WATCH: BETWEEN WORLDS
This month’s Style Watch — which brought together YAM’s fashion editor Janine Metcalfe and Director of Photography Jeffrey Bosdet with contemporary Northwest Coast artist Rande Cook — explores fashion in nature to bring myth alive. Read more…
VICTORIA’S AMBASSADORS OF STYLE
From the coastal cool of the shopkeepers of Beachology to the urbanism of the salon owners of DesignHouse, these four dynamic duos make Victoria a little more hip — and by sharing their passions, allow us all to bring some flair into our own lives. Read more…
HOME TOUR: GULF ISLAND CLIFFHANGER
This Quadra Island home is drawing worldwide attention and the kind of architectural acclaim usually reserved for art galleries, libraries and other buildings of public significance. But first, it’s a home. Read more…
In Person With Elate Clean Cosmetics’s Melodie Reynolds
The creator of Elate Clean Cosmetics, Melodie Reynolds has rejected beauty marketing that plays on fear and inadequacy. Her message: show yourself some love. Read more…
INSIDE FASHION INFERNO, THE PARTY OF THE SUMMER
Temperatures may have been soaring on August 18, but it was Fashion Inferno that made it the hottest night of the summer. A fashion party like no other, the evening saw models — and firefighters —strutting the runway in the latest looks from some of Victoria’s favourite local boutiques. Read more…
DIY CHEESE: A RAW-MILK REVOLUTION
Cheesemaking celebrity and food activist David Asher is teaching students how to make cheeses from raw — and yes, illegal — unpasteurized milk. It’s all deliciously underground. Read more…
HOME TOUR: DESIGNED TO LAST
Constructed of steel and tempered skyscraper windows, this unique eco-friendly home is designed to last for at least a millennium. Some might call it a prototype for the ideal home for the 21st century and beyond. Read more…
THE EVOLUTION OF THE GIN & TONIC
Enjoyed on any sunny patio, a gin and tonic is the best cure for the summertime blues — two simple ingredients poured over ice and given a gentle stir. Use these B.C.-made gins for a local terroir of cedar, fir, lavender, bay laurel and, of course, juniper. Read more…
STYLE WATCH: TRUE WEST
Take your fashion cue from country life this summer in textures, colours and patterns inspired by everything from weathered red barns to bales of blonde hay. Whether you choose denim, summer cashmere or gaucho-style culottes, it’s the perfect time to revel in rural chic. Read more…
VICTORIA’S “HAPPIEST” HAPPY HOURS
YAM goes in search of Victoria’s best happy hours and discovers a city that has embraced a new tradition. In bars and on patios everywhere, Victorians are blissing out with their favourite beers and cocktails. Read more…
HOW FITNESS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
From surfing to Jazzercise, fitness not only shapes our bodies, but also has the power to completely transform our lives in powerful and positive ways. Discover how inspiration, not intimidation, is the most powerful tool when you are embarking on Project You. Read more…
IN SEARCH OF THE ELUSIVE COASTAL CLAM
Known as the shellfish capital of BC, the beaches of Baynes Sound are where the oyster industry has flourished for decades. Follow YAM’s food writer Cinda Chavich as she discovers the how, where and when to dig for clams — and cook your catch! Read more…
HOME TOUR: AN INVITING RETREAT BY THE SEA
A Gulf Island escape doesn’t get any dreamier than this Pender Island home, designed for inviting family gatherings. Inspired by nature and filled with art and mementos, this home exemplifies summer living at its best. Read more…
Photo Gallery: Dîner en Blanc 2016
The fourth annual Dîner en Blanc Victoria saw a crowd of 1,700 descend on the grounds of the Delta Ocean Pointe for the elegant picnic, where attendees dress in head-to-toe white. Read more…
PANTONE’S COLOURS OF THE YEAR: PERFECT FOR SUMMER
Looking for fresh new colours to update your décor? From expressing your mood to creating a calming atmosphere, use Pantone’s Colour of the Year to bring a feeling of relaxation into your home. Read more…
25 BEST EATS IN VICTORIA
Victoria is blessed with a wealth of small, independent restaurants, creative chefs, beautiful bakers, bold butchers and cheesemakers — in short, a food scene that’s vibrant and growing organically every day, literally from the ground up. Read more…
SAVOURY COCKTAILS TO TRY NOW
One needs look no further than the quintessential Canadian cocktail, the Caesar, for the perfect example of a savoury cocktail. But from smoky to herbal to vegetal, more foodie flavours are entering the bartender lexicon. Read more…
PORT RENFREW: OUTPOST OF COOL
When you need to get away, really away, then wild and wondrous Port Renfrew surrounds you with forest, sea and as much serenity as you can handle. Join YAM on a getaway along a twisting ribbon of West Coast Highway, just two hours northwest of Victoria. Read more…
HOME TOUR: INTO THE WOODS
With great respect for the forest, this couple built their home on Denman Island, creating an eminently livable work of art. Designer Etienne de Villiers calls it a modern home that will stand the test of time to become an enduring classic. Read more…
LIFE LESSONS WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM MOMS
With Mother’s Day approaching, YAM talks to four inspiring moms who have each experienced their own struggles and joys. They share their profound life lessons about unconditional love, and how they learned to let go and trust that voice of inner wisdom. Read more…
HOUSE TOUR: SMALL SPACE, AMPLIFIED STYLE
Beyond its undeniable stylishness, one of the most striking aspects of Jody and David Adelman’s new townhouse is how they’ve optimized the space. Smart modern design, perfect furniture picks and sleek custom built-ins mean this couple can live large in their small-scale home. Read more…
DISCOVER HUMBOLDT SQUID: A TASTE OF THE DEEP
This “monster of the deep” and darling of sustainability-minded chefs is popping up on menus across the country. Unlike the ubiquitous baby squid imported from Asia, this eco-friendly option — found in B.C. waters — offers a fresh clean taste of the ocean. Read more…
LOVE IS LOVE: NEW LOCAL AD EMBRACES DIVERSITY
Luxe Home Interiors sends positive message that “your home should be your favourite place in the world, no matter who you are or who you love,” in new commercial featuring a same-sex couple. Read more…
DESIGN TRENDS: WILD ABOUT WALLS
When it comes to wall trends, 2016 is a myth-busting year. Feature walls are out and so is the notion that small rooms need small patterns. So toss out your preconceptions and let’s look at what’s big in walls. Read more…
HOW TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH
With no single agreed-upon rule book that will tell you how to keep your one-and-only body in optimal working condition, YAM has your go-to guide to stay in tiptop shape.
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DISCOVER THE ISLAND’S AMAZING WINES, BEERS AND SPIRITS
We have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Island libations, from vodka and gin, to local bubbly, to craft brews. Read more…
AN ECO RENO WITH A TRADITIONAL TOUCH
Eco design meets antique décor when a spectacular renovation by Victoria designer JC Scott transforms a cramped 1970s cottage into the elegant epitome of sustainable living. Read more…
FASHION: THE MUSE IN ALL HER MOODS
Regal in chiffon and crystals, whimsical in florals or enigmatic in embroidered splendour, go wherever your fashion muse takes you this spring. Read more…
URBAN CHICKENS — PETS WITH BENEFITS
With no requirement to register birds in Victoria and a climate conducive to keeping poultry year round, local hen-trepreneurs talk about their pets with benefits. Read more…
HOUSE TOUR: A DRAMATIC MOUNTAINTOP HOME
A dramatic mountaintop home draws its design inspiration from the elements of nature — earth, air, fire and water. Read more…
A DARING CONDO RENO
When faced with the dilemma of buying a new condo versus renovating an older one, a Victoria couple proved that out-of-date can become spectacular in the hands of an innovative designer. Read more…
THE DREAMY WORLD OF ARTIST RENEE NAULT
To say Renee Nault is a nerd misses a key attribute — she is a cool nerd, something altogether more interesting. From fantastical creatures to modern-day mermaids, the Victoria-based illustrator knows no limit to her artistic imagination. Read more…
HOW GIVING BACK CAN LEAD TO A BETTER LIFE
During this holiday season of giving, YAM talks to some very inspirational people — including, yes, a real-life genie — who are passionate about paying it forward. We also discover why the spirit of giving benefits the giver just as much as the recipient. Read more…
THE WEST COAST’S COZIEST WINTER ESCAPES
When winter comes and you crave a relaxing escape but you still want to stay warm and cozy, B.C.’s West Coast offers rustically luxurious getaways where you can wile away the chilly days by the fire or storm-watch from your deck with a hot toddy in hand. Read more…
BEAUTY & STONE: MODERN ARTISTRY FROM AN ANCIENT SOURCE
YAM visits Andreas Kunert and Naomi Zettl of Ancient Art of Stone, internationally acclaimed artists who take their inspiration directly from nature to create extraordinary works from an ancient, timeless material. Read more…
HOME TOUR: AN ARTS AND CRAFTS HOUSE REIMAGINED
Local designer Tara Hurst and her husband Michael Zary restore a 1914 character home in Oak Bay, creating an elegant tribute to the style of the era and striking a beautiful balance between old and new. Read more…
FEEL-GOOD FASHION: LOCAL DESIGNERS EMBRACE ETHICAL PRACTICES
Ethically minded clothing has evolved far from its clichéd origins of patchwork skirts and burlap overalls. Make your wardrobe an investment in your conscience as well as your style with these ethically minded local designers. Read more…
INSIDE A MID-CENTURY MODERN RENO
For a behind-the-scenes look at local style setters, YAM visits our fashion editor Janine Metcalfe and her ultra-creative husband L.J. Smith, who happen to live in one of Victoria’s most architecturally unique homes. Read more…
MARVELLOUS COCKTAIL MAKEOVERS
These thoughtful and playful renditions of classic cocktails from five inspired Victoria bartenders offer a great way to try a different take on an old favourite. They may just inspire you to get a little creative with your home bar. Read more…
FALL FASHION: JET SET CONFIDENTIAL
This autumn, luxury is found in the details, with sumptuous capes and statement coats paired with sleek accessories. It’s your passport to arriving in sophisticated style, whether you’re travelling by land, air or sea. Read more…