Blog

BC music
Sep11

Are you coming to stay in one of our Okanagan vacation homes? Need some music for the trip? Travel can be a bit of a drag, particularly if you are stuck in a car or airplane for a long time. We made a special playlist for you that features all B.C. artists so that you can get in the mood for your stay here!

Not only will a solid playlist make time pass (or accent any good times you are already having during your vacation) but audio is a great memory device. What does this mean? Playing these songs after your trip is over will, hopefully, remind you of how much fun you had.

(Note that not all of these songs may be suitable for children.)

Let us know what you think.

The Best B.C. Artists Playlist

  1. “You’re Too Cool” by The Zolas
  2. “The Party Rages On” by Zumpano
  3. “Misunderstanding” by The Grapes of Wrath
  4. “Funny World” by Mae More
  5. “Of Mice and Men” by John Mann
  6. “These Lines” by Shari Ulrish
  7. “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
  8. “Oblivion” by Grimes
  9. “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé
  10. “Força” by Nelly Furtado
  11. “Weapon” by Matthew Good Band
  12. “Home” by Joshua Hyslop
  13. “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepsen
  14. “I Love Myself Today” by Bif Naked
  15. “Seventh Wave” by Devin Townsend
  16. “Bit By Bit” by Mother Mother
  17. “Capable” by KO

To download the whole playlist on Spotify, use: BC’s Best.

Feel free to add anything else you can think of. After all, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything” (according to Plato).

Need some help planning your trip—specifically, where to stay once you are in B.C.? We have a range of vacation homes that we cordially invite you to try out. Contact us for more details and be sure to sign up for our newsletter so that you can watch for special deals.

Travel well!

Smoothie bowl
Sep04

It’s September now, which means back to school! You had time for sleeping in and slow brunches all summer…but now it’s time to hustle! As soon as that alarm clock rings, you’ll need to start thinking about what you can prepare quickly and easily day-after-day.

That’s why we love breakfast smoothie bowls. It doesn’t hurt that you can use fresh Okanagan fruit from the local markets, too. Here are a few super easy recipes to make before school or work.

Berry Breakfast Smoothie Bowl

This one takes only 5 minutes to prepare. Super easy! You’ll need a blender but a small, personal blender or immersion blender works if you don’t have a full-sized one with you. The only ingredients you need are frozen banana and frozen berries, a milk or milk substitute, and some protein powder (optional). Eat it as is or sprinkle on some topping, like sliced fresh fruit, chia seeds, coconut, or whatever else you want!

Try it here: Minimalist Baker.

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie Bowl

This one is paleo and vegan friendly, though you can add dairy milk if you prefer. Strawberries and a banana or two make up the base of the smoothie and unsweetened coconut milk keep it smooth and creamy. You can use fresh in-season fruit or frozen fruit, whatever you desire.

Top it with dried fruit, like banana chips, and granola to add some special crunch. Once it’s in the bowl, you can decorate it however you please. If you want extra fruit, nuts, or seeds on top—go for it!

Try it here: Bakerita.

The Enlighten Smoothie Bowl

The original recipe is vegan so this one is great for lactose intolerant individuals or those who don’t consume animal products. The base is made with a few iced cubes, a frozen berry blend, and ½-1 banana, depending on what you prefer. A bit of peanut butter gives some added protein. You can substitute peanut butter for protein powder but make sure to add a bit of water, too, to keep things smooth.

Decorate the top of the bowl as you see fit: almonds, hemp hearts, cacao nibs, nut butter, currants or raisins, or kiwi slices!

Try it here: The Simple Veganista.

Green Breakfast Smoothie Bowl

This smoothie starts out with a healthy dose of mango, pineapple, avocado, and spinach. The avocado and spinach are the “greens” in this recipe but most of the flavor comes from the fresh fruit so you don’t have to worry about feeling like you are drinking salad for breakfast. Use coconut milk or almond milk to keep everything blending smoothly.

Add flax seeds to the mix if you have them but they are more for nutrients than flavor so it’s okay if you don’t have any on hand. Granola and a drizzle of honey make a great topper for this one.

Try it here: Natasha’s Kitchen.

Need to slow things down after the back to school rush? Try a lovely weekend away in one of our vacation properties. Contact us for details and availability options.

BC Wines
Aug28

Be sure to check out the expansive local vineyards if you are planning to travel B.C. this summer. Not only are they stunning to behold but they produce delicious B.C. wine of every flavor and variety. Any vacation trip to B.C. would do well with some samples from the local wineries. Many visitors arrange wine tours during their stay. (Ask us if you are staying with us and in need of recommendations!)

In honour of all the great B.C. wineries and orchards, here are just a few of our favorite B.C. wines:

  1. Quail’s Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay | Okanagan Valley, BC

This tropical and balanced wine pairs well with any pork-centric meal. It won a bronze medal in the 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition, among other notable achievements. This Chardonnay is refreshing, golden, and smooth with a fruity essence.

  1. Painted Rock Estate Red Icon, Bordeaux Blend | Okanagan Valley, BC

A red Bordeaux blend usually has Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc in it. Bold and structured, this wine pairs well with beef and/or venison meals. Red Bordeaux are often compared to fruits like plum and blackcurrant because of their dark colour and rich flavour.

  1. Painted Rock Estate Syrah | Okanagan Valley, BC

Syrah is a dark-skinned red wine grape known for floral flavors in its youth and more peppery flavors as it ages. Because of this, it pairs well with BBQ (think: spareribs and grilled veggies), braised beef, and aged hard cheeses. Fun fact: It’s only called “Shiraz” if it’s from Australia.

  1. Laughing Stock Vineyards ‘Portfolio’ Red, Bordeaux Blend | Okanagan Valley, BC

Laughing Stock Vineyards is located in the beachy city of Penticton, B.C. This red pairs well with heavy, fatty, and spicier steaks and lamb. We’re sensing a theme here. Routinely wins top accolades from wine competitions and wine critics alike: a proven chart-topper.

  1. Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Riesling Icewine | Okanagan Valley, BC

An ultra-sweet icewine with tons of tropical fruit flavours, like citrus and apricot. Don’t worry, citrus-infused acidity keeps it balanced. It will pair perfectly with berry-centric desserts so be sure to stick around for an after-dinner snack.

We hope this guide will help you sample the best B.C. wine. If you in the area visiting and need a cozy vacation rental, be sure to contact us. Our staff would be happy to help you find the right fit.

Travel BC
Aug21

Why travel B.C., you ask? As native British Columbia residents, we at La Casa Cottages have a few answers for you. Has traveling B.C. been on your mind? Thinking about visiting the beaches, parks, and cities? We don’t blame you! Here are just a few of the things that we love about beautiful British Columbia.

  1. B.C. Hiking Trails

From the Okanagan to the Island, B.C. has hiking trails for all ages and skill levels. Take a family-friendly meander through a wooden grove or challenge yourself with a steep uphill climb! If you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife (from a safe distance, of course).

  1. National Parks

B.C. is home to some of the most gorgeous national parks in all of Canada. You can birdwatch, picnic, or site-see to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to call or email ahead to ensure that they are open to the public during your day/hour of choice. Make a day trip to the nearest one—you won’t regret it!

  1. Budget Travel

B.C. has a perfect blend of flashy cities and small, community-centric towns. That means that no matter what your budget is, you can find somewhere to stay. Also: B.C. has a moderate climate year-round, meaning that you can fill your days with cost-free outdoor activities.

  1. The Beaches

B.C. borders the Pacific Ocean and has many lakes and ponds that are safe for a dip. No matter where you stay, you’ll be able to find a waterside spot to soak up some sun. Okanagan Lake is a must-see if you are vacationing in the Kelowna and Vernon area.

  1. Tourist-Friendly

Not only is B.C. very multicultural but they have a thriving tourism industry. That means everywhere you go you will feel welcomed and taken care of. Our doors are always open to newcomers.

  1. Wine County

B.C. wineries have a long history in the province, where the warm weather allows orchards of all sorts to flourish in the summer and autumn months. Book a wine tour to learn more or ask around for the best local picks.

  1. Farmers’ Markets

Wine grapes aren’t the only produce that grows across B.C. You’ll find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables available at any local farmers’ market and even many varieties in common grocery stores, too.

Have we convinced you to travel B.C.? Contact us for details on the best B.C. vacation rentals in the Okanagan Valley and on Vancouver Island. We welcome the opportunity to set you up in a modern, personable cottage or abode of your choosing.

As always: travel safe!

Easy Cocktails
Aug14

What takes any summer vacation up a notch? Some amazing summer cocktails (or mocktails, if you want)! If you are staying somewhere away from home, like one of our premium vacation rentals, you will probably want something easy that you can throw together with minimal supplies and prep. So here are 5 of our favourite easy summer cocktail recipes. Mix, stir, blend, and shake away!

  1. Jam Cocktails

By Dessert for Two

First, pick your favourite jam—and if you are vacationing in B.C., you can probably find something homemade at one of the farmer’s markets. Then, place a few tablespoons of jam in a jar and add 1-2 shots of vodka and some lemon juice. Shake well before straining and serving over ice. Garnish with fruits and mint according to what type of jam you picked.

  1. Easy Pimm’s Cocktails

By Taste.com

Add sliced oranges, lemon pieces, and cucumber to a significant portion of Pimm’s and then leave the whole thing in the fridge to chill for a few hours. Serve the mixture with tonic water, sparkling water, ginger ale, or lemonade, depending on your preference. Add some more fruit for garnish and voila—super easy fruity cocktail. Pimm’s can also be replaced by gin, vermouth, and an orange-based liqueur.

  1. Malibu Sunset Cocktail

By The Cookin Chicks

This is a super easy three-ingredient recipe, requiring only Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, and a bit of grenadine. You can add cherries or pineapples as a garnish, but this is wholly optional. Fill a glass with ice and add in the rum and the pineapple juice. For a “sunset” look, pour the grenadine in slowly and watch the colours set.

  1. Summer Solstice Wine Cocktail

By Boulderlocavore

What better to drink in Wine Country than a wine-based cocktail? First, combine cherries, peaches, and a Pinot Noir and muddle all the ingredients together. Then, add a few ice cubes and shake. Strain this mixture into glasses filled with fresh ice and top with Italian Soda (recommended: Blood Orange flavor). Try selecting a wine from a local vineyard for a location-specific twist.

  1. Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail

By Garnish with Lemon

This is the most ingredient-intensive cocktail on this list so save it for a night you are feeling adventurous. You’ll need strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup, vodka, elderflower liqueur, and prosecco. Muddle the strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Then, add ice, vodka, and elderflower liqueur and shake it. Strain everything into an ice-filled glass and add in the prosecco.

These summer cocktails are sure to add a little spice to your vacation plans. Don’t have any plans yet? Contact us about our vacation cottages and rentals across B.C. and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.