4th Annual UC Open Golf Tournament

With the Club’s annual golf tournament – the UC Open – only a month and a half away, the Club would like to thank all of our sponsors, and also remind those who have yet to register to do so!  This is a fun tournament that is not to be missed!

To register your foursome, please contact the Club’s Tournament organizer (and proud UC member) Gary Kirk at dgkirk@telus.net

The Passing of Past President David P. Goodenough

It is with sadness that Club Management reports the passing of Past President David P. Goodenough.  Mr. Goodenough was 79.

DAVID P. GOODENOUGH – PAST PRESIDENT 1999-2000

David Philip Goodenough was born in Kaslo, British Columbia, on January 7, 1939. He received his basic education in both the East and West Kootenays. In 1963 he married Ruth Anthony of Vancouver and they have three children, Cherie, Michael and Mandi. After graduating from the University of British Columbia in 1969, he joined the Engineering Division of B. C. Hydro. In 1970 he moved to Westcoast Energy (formerly Westcoast Transmission) as an Electrical Systems Designer.

In 1973 Mr. Goodenough moved to Calgary to join Dome Petroleum Ltd. where he served in various engineering and management positions culminating as Director of Transportation and Communications .

In 1980 he left Dome to enter a petroleum industry consulting practice in Calgary as Managing Director and subsequently became Vice President of Operations for Coho Resources Ltd. In 1984 he moved to Victoria to serve as President of a company engaged in high speed sonar research and, concurrently, as Operations Manager for a marine transportation company.

Mr. Goodenough joined the Union Club in that year. He continued his management and engineering consulting practice and from 1990 to 1992 served as President of a steel fabricating company headquartered in Duncan, BC. In 1995 Mr. Goodenough, along with partners, founded Victoria Capital Corporation where he served as its President.

Since moving to Victoria, Mr. Goodenough has been involved in fund raising for the Maritime Museum, acting as an advisor to the Cridge Centre for the Family and is a member of the Premier Leads Club of Victoria.

David Goodenough passed away on August 3, 2018

13 Things You Should Give Up If You Want To Be Successful

”Somebody once told me the definition of hell:

“On your last day on earth, the person you became will meet the person you could have become.” — Anonymous


Sometimes, to become successful and get closer to the person you can become, you don’t need to add more things — you need to give some of them up.

There are certain things that are universal, which will make you successful if you give up on them, even though each one of us could have a different definition of success.

You can give up on some of them as soon as today, while it might take a bit longer to give up on others.

 

1. Give Up On The Unhealthy Lifestyle

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” — Jim Rohn

If you want to achieve anything in life, everything starts here. First, you should take care of your health, and there are only three things you need to keep in mind:

  1. Quality Sleep
  2. Healthy Diet
  3. Physical Activity

Small steps, but you will thank yourself one day.

 

2. Give Up The Short-term Mindset

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. — Mae West

Successful people set long-term goals, and they know these aims are merely the result of short-term habits that they need to do every day.

These healthy habits shouldn’t be something you do; they should be something you embody.

There is a difference between: “Working out to get a summer body” and“Working out because that’s who you are.”

 

3. Give Up On Playing Small

“Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone, and as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

— Marianne Williamson

If you never try and take great opportunities or allow your dreams to becomerealities, you will never unleash your true potential.

And the world will never benefit from what you could have achieved.

So voice your ideas, don’t be afraid to fail, and certainly don’t be afraid to succeed.

 

4. Give Up Your Excuses

“It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Successful people know that they are responsible for their life, no matter theirstarting point, weaknesses, and past failures.

Realising that you are responsible for what happens next in your life is both frightening and exciting.

And when you do, that becomes the only way you can become successful,because excuses limit and prevent us from growing personally and professionally.

Own your life; no one else will.

 

5. Give Up The Fixed Mindset

“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.” ― Robert Greene, Mastery

People with a fixed mindset think their intelligence or talents are pre-determined traits that cannot be changed. They also believe that talent alone leads to success — without hard work. But they’re wrong.

Successful people know this. They invest an immense amount of time on adaily basis to develop a growth mindset, acquire new knowledge, learn new skills and change their perception so that it can benefit their lives.

Who you are today is not who you have to be tomorrow.

 

6. Give Up Believing In The “Magic Bullet.”

“Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better” — Émile Coué

Overnight success is a myth.

Successful people know that making small continuous improvement every day will be compounded over time and give them desired results.

That is why you should plan for the future, but focus on the day that’s ahead of you, and improve just 1% every day.

 

7. Give Up Your Perfectionism

“Shipping beats perfection.” — Khan Academy’s Development Mantra

Nothing will ever be perfect, no matter how much you try.

Fear of failure (or even fear of success) often prevents you from taking actionand putting your creation out there in the world. But a lot of opportunities will be lost if you wait for things to be right.

So “ship,” and then improve (that 1%).

 

8. Give Up Multi-tasking

“Most of the time multitasking is an illusion. You think you are multitasking, but in reality, you are actually wasting time switching from one task to another “

— Bosco Tjan

Successful people know this.

That’s why they choose one thing and then beat it into submission. No matter what it is — a business idea, a conversation, or a workout.

Being fully present and committed to one task is indispensable.

 

9. Give Up Your Need to Control Everything

“Some things are up to us, and some things are not up to us.” — Epictetus

Differentiating these two is crucial.

Detach from the things you cannot control, focus on the ones you can, andknow that sometimes, the only thing you will be able to control is yourattitude towards something.

Remember: nobody can be frustrated while saying “Bubbles” in an angry voice.

 

10. Give Up On Saying YES To Things That Don’t Support Your Goals

“He who would accomplish little must sacrifice little; he who would achieve much must sacrifice much; he who would attain highly must sacrifice greatly.”

— James Allen

Successful people know that in order to accomplish their goals, they will have to say NO to certain tasks, activities, and demands from their friends, family, and colleagues.

In the short-term, you might sacrifice a bit of instant gratification, but when your goals come to fruition, it will all be worth it.

 

11. Give Up The Toxic People

“Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.”

— Albert Einstein

People you spend the most time with add up to who you become.

If you spend time with those who refuse to take responsibility for their life, always find excuses and blame others for the situation they are in, your average will go down, and with it your opportunity to succeed.

However, if you spend time with people who are trying to increase their standard of living, and grow personally and professionally, your average will go up, and you will become more successful.

Take a look at around you, and see if you need to make any changes.

 

12. Give Up Your Need To Be Liked

“You can be the juiciest, ripest peach in the world, and there’s still going to be people who hate peaches.” — Dita Von Teese

Think of yourself as a market niche.

There will be a lot of people who like that niche, and there will be individuals who don’t. And no matter what you do, you won’t be able to make the entire market like you.

This is completely natural, and there’s no need to justify yourself.

The only thing you can do is to remain authentic, improve and provide valueevery day, and know that the growing number of “haters” means that you are doing remarkable things.

 

13. Give Up Wasting Time

“The trouble is, you think you have time” — Jack Kornfield

You only have this one crazy and precious life. That’s why you owe it to yourself to see who you can become, and how far you can go.

However, to do that, you need to ditch meaningless time wasters and stop allowing them to be an escape from your most important goals.

To do that, you should learn how to take control over your focus, attention and make the most out of your 24 hours within a day.

Remember that you will die, so never stop creating your legacy and doing the things that will enrich your life.

Canada’s 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in 2018 (So Far)

They are, for the most part, long-time leaders. They are the establishment, the obvious choices, the natural ruling parties. They are Canada’s 10 most popular vehicles through 2018’s first six months. Together, they account for only a small fraction of the available nameplates on offer, yet they generate one-third of the market’s overall volume.

With a 2 per cent drop in total sales in June, the first-half of 2018 ends as the second-strongest start to the year in history. “Second-best” isn’t often good enough for automakers, which typically build their business strategy on the promise of consistent year-over-year growth. At the current pace, Canadians will still buy and lease more than 2 million vehicles in 2018 for just the second time ever, but that’s with fewer total sales than in 2017.

Given that more and more consumers are acquiring new vehicles by adopting longer-term loans, having been lured in to showrooms by strong incentives (and in spite of their frequent need to roll existing vehicle debt into their new vehicle loan), the Canadian auto industry may not be as healthy as it appears on paper.  

1.04 million new vehicles were sold between January and June, according to Global Automakers of Canada, but many of the most popular vehicles – the vehicles on which the industry depends for great swathes of volume – are suffering substantial demand decreases.

The market’s evolving palate nevertheless remains visible, even in a cursory glance at the best sellers’ list. Honda and Toyota, for instance, sold nearly 5,000 fewer Corollas and Civics in the first-half of 2018 compared with the same period one year ago. Yet the same two automakers reported 5,500 extra sales of the CR-V and RAV4. The most popular compact cars in the country can’t sustain recent levels of demand, while the most popular compact crossovers only briefly sit on dealer lots.

There’s more to Canada’s top 10 list than just cars and crossovers. Full-size pickup trucks consume 40 per cent of the limelight.

10. Nissan Rogue: 22,404, down 1 per cent

2017 nissan rogue sl 20 Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2017 Nissan Rogue

Faced with growing in-showroom utility vehicle traffic, Nissan Rogue volume fell slightly short of 2017 levels in the first-half of 2018. The good news for Nissan revolves around the success of its two other small crossovers. Together with the hugely popular Rogue, the Nissan Qashqai contributed 9,257 first-half sales, and Nissan sold its first 615 copies of the Kicks late in Q2. That trio accounted for just under half of the brand’s sales in June. 

9. Ford Escape: 23,612, up 1 per cent

17fordescape titanium 16 hr Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2017 Ford Escape Titanium

Historically, the Ford Escape was the preeminent SUV sales leader in Canada. That changed in 2016 when the Toyota RAV4 took over. Halfway through 2018, the Escape sits third among utility vehicles as the current generation approaches its seventh model year. Escape demand peaked in Canada in 2014 with 52,198 total sales.  

8. Toyota Corolla: 25,166, down 11 per cent

2018 Toyota Corolla

2018 Toyota Corolla

Long a global powerhouse, the Toyota Corolla remains a leading passenger car in Canada, as well. The current model, however, is dated in many ways, and is therefore left to trade largely on a reliability reputation and advanced safety technology. Corolla volume is currently shrinking more rapidly than the passenger car market at large, in part because demand that once resulted in a Corolla sale is often shifting to vehicles like Toyota’s own C-HR.  

7. Toyota RAV4: 26,606, up 5 per cent

03 toyota rav4 Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2018 Toyota RAV4

In 2016 and 2017, the Toyota RAV4 was Canada’s most popular utility vehicle. Indeed, with the launch of a more style-centric RAV4 – the fifth iteration – later this year, hype could yet see the Toyota take the top spot again in 2018. For the time being, sales of the RAV4 continue to rise even in the current model’s sixth model year.  

6. Honda CR-V: 28,022, up 18 per cent

2018 Honda CR-V

2018 Honda CR-V

On track to end 2018 as Canada’s top-selling SUV/crossover for the first time ever, the Canadian-built Honda CR-V is tracking towards a near-60,000 end-of-year sales total. The shift away from vehicles such as the Honda Accord toward the CR-V and its cohorts has been swift and momentous. Less than a decade ago, Honda Canada reported fewer than 20,000 annual CR-V sales. Fast forward to 2017, and Honda Canada will sell more CR-Vs in the first nine months of this year than the company did in all of 2015.  

5. GMC Sierra: 29,765, down 5 per cent

2018 GMC Sierra

2018 GMC Sierra

Caused only by General Motors’ own decision to market the two trucks under different banners, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado separately take the No.5 and No.4 positions on Canada’s best-selling vehicles list. The trucks are all but identical. Combine their sales and the duo’s 59,975 first-half sales places GM in the second position, still well back of the leader, but well ahead of the current No.2.  

4. Chevrolet Silverado: 30,210, up 8 per cent

2017 Chevrolet Silverado

2017 Chevrolet Silverado

South of the border, it’s normal to see the Chevrolet Silverado generating far greater sales figures than its corporate GMC twin. GM Canada’s strategy, on the other hand, has always been different, typically resulting in Sierra leadership. That trend has flipped in early 2018, if only by the slightest of margins. Chevrolet is on track to sell more Silverados in 2018 than ever before and is therefore eating up significant chunks of full-size truck market share as chief competitors suffer sharp declines. 

3. Honda Civic: 35,536, down 4 per cent

img 4050 Canada’s 10 best selling vehicles so far in 2018

2018 Honda Civic Si Sedan

Only a remarkable second-half accomplishment by the No.2 Toyota Corolla would unseat the Honda Civic, which is set to be Canada’s best-selling car for a 21st consecutive year. The Civic, despite a predictable decrease in volume after 2017’s nine-year high, outsells its nearest rival by a surely insurmountable 41-percent margin.  

2. Ram: 48,659, down 16 per cent

2017 Ram 1500

2017 Ram 1500

Quickly losing full-size truck market share during a year of generational changeover, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ line of Ram pickups remains a tremendously high-volume family. But compared to 2017, sales fell by more than 9,000 units in 2018’s first-half alone. Now dealers are tasked with clearing out remaining 2018 models while accepting the hotter, newer, flashier 2019 trucks, a task that will be accomplished with long-term interest-free loans and 25-per cent-off stickers plastered on the sides of crew cab pickups.  

1. Ford F-Series: 72,308, down 8 per cent

2018 Ford F-150 diesel

2018 Ford F-150 diesel

Victory seems all but assured. By the end of 2018, the Ford F-Series will complete its tenth consecutive year as Canada’s best-selling vehicle line. As with its Detroit trio of full-size truck rivals, F-Series sales include a variety of full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks. Production levels suggest between two-thirds and three-quarters of F-Series sales are produced by the F-150, a truck which now enjoys virtually annual updates. The F-Series’ reign atop the Canadian leaderboard did not occur by the Blue Oval resting on its laurels. Still, Ford has not proven able to sustain 2017’s record level of F-Series demand.

Hotelier: Bill Lewis, Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Victoria

Hotelier Magazine recently featured our neighbouring property’s General Manager, Bill Lewis:

The words “fun” and “energy” seem to come up quite often in conversations with Bill Lewis. The GM of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria, B.C. is an entrepreneur at heart. He’s also adamant about not accepting the status quo as good enough. “We can always look for improvements and ways to better meet our guests’ needs every day.”

It’s that can-do philosophy that’s earned the 40-something hotelier plaudits from guests and critics alike. Having landed in the hotel industry in his teens via the restaurant industry, Lewis quickly determined hotels would be “fun” places to work. “I originally thought I’d go to business school later and pursue a different field,” but instead, he continued working in hotels, while earning a Bachelor of Commerce undergraduate degree in Entrepreneurship at Victoria’s Royal Roads University. He later returned to school to complete an MBA in Hotel & Restaurant Management at the University of Guelph, where it became clear to him hotels were his passion.

After nine years at the stunning Victoria hotel, situated a stone’s throw from the city’s inner harbour, Lewis still has fun being at the helm of a unique 64-room boutique property featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, bright spacious rooms with natural light and a tranquil spa setting that offers a soothing oasis.

The hotel is “locally owned and the owners are passionately involved. They provide the hotel every resource to ensure we continually pursue our goal — to maintain our place as one of Canada’s finest luxury boutiques.”

In April, the hotel opened a new restaurant called The Courtney Room, which celebrates local products with a classic-French twist. He’s hopeful the dining space will “set new trends in dining in our region.”

Lewis is proud and supportive of his team of 85 associates, who work tirelessly to keep customers happy. Clearly, it’s working: the Magnolia Hotel & Spa has consistently been voted one of the country’s top-five hotels by Conde Nast Traveler. One of Lewis’ biggest challenges is managing opportunities for his staff’s career growth. “I believe in promoting from within and mentoring strong talent but, based on our small size, we don’t have opportunity for advancement for all of our outstanding candidates.”

Delivering exceptional and personalized hospitality to each and every guest in a relaxed style is what drives the father of two. “I strive to create a service environment where guests’ expectations are always exceeded in a way that seems natural, not forced. When we get to know our guests, we can anticipate their every need,” he says. At the end of the day, “the key is to stick to your vision — in good times and bad — and not waver. Guests love consistency, which, in our case, builds loyal business.”

Athenaeum Club – 150th Anniversary Offer

A proud resident of Collins Street, Melbourne, for 150 years, the Athenaeum is one of Australia’s oldest and finest clubs. They take pride in their heritage and traditions, yet are contemporary in their outlook.

The Athenaeum Club’s location, service, facilities and first-class dining reflect their Australian and international reputation as a welcoming place of relaxation and good fellowship in a busy world, and their members are proud to bring their guests into the Club to enjoy the fine ambience the Athenaeum Club is renowned for.

This year, the Athenaeum Club, Melbourne celebrates its 150th anniversary and invites Union Club members to help celebrate this significant milestone.

During the month of August the Athenaeum Club’s charming accommodation rooms are available for only, $150 per night.

If taking advantage of this offer for accommodation, why not make it even more special by dining in the elegant mixed dining Athena Room.

Reservations for accommodation or dinner can be made:

Union Club Car Show – A “WHEEL” Success

The Union Club held its first annual Car Show on Sunday, July 8.

With 23 cars and 1 motorcycle, Car Show organizer, Lee Ferreira, says that the show was a great success.

Please find below pictures taken by Club members Lee Ferreira and Bob MacFarlane:

CFB Esquimalt Museum 5th Annual Open House

Where: CFB Esquimalt
When: July 14, 2018 – 10:00AM to 4:00PM

CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum will be holding an open house on Saturday July 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The family-friendly event is free and features:

  • A bouncy castle
  • Button-making station
  • Military vehicles and re-enactors
  • Pirate camp
  • Artist-in-residence
  • Bubble blowing
  • Sno-cones
  • Cupcakes for early birds

The museum is located at CFB Esquimalt off of Admirals Road in Esquimalt. Enter at the Naden main gate and follow the blue lines. Please bring photo identification to gain admission.

Whisky vs. Bourbon: Canadian Distillers Wary of a Cross-Border Tariff Showdown

Single malt whiskey ages in oak casks at the Eau Claire Distillery in Turner Valley, AB, August 1, 2017. Ottawa’s new 10 per cent tariff on American whiskey could force bourbon aficionados to shell out more for a drink, prompting some to switch to a domestic blend, but Canadian distillers fear the politically motivated move could paint a reciprocal target on their industry.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Ottawa’s new 10 per cent tariff on American whiskey could force bourbon aficionados to shell out more for a drink, prompting some to switch to a domestic blend, but Canadian distillers fear the politically motivated move could paint a reciprocal target on their industry.

The federal government confirmed Friday that American whiskey is on its final list of dozens of American goods subject to retaliatory tariffs starting July 1 in response to the crushing steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The strike is both political and symbolic — it would target Kentucky, the home state of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the heart of a distinctly American product in the midst of a rise in global popularity.

Any price increase could drive some Canadian drinkers to choose a domestic blend, an historic Canadian product that is experiencing its own moment in the global spotlight, including the recognition of Crown Royal’s Northern Harvest Rye as 2016 World Whisky of the Year.

But Canadian distillers also fear the tariffs could spark reciprocal levies from U.S. President Donald Trump against Canadian whiskies sold into the bigger U.S. market, just as Americans seem to be embracing the lighter-tasting spirit from north of the border.

U.S. whiskey producers of popular Kentucky bourbons and Tennessee-style whiskeys could pass along the 10 per cent tariff to Canadian consumers. Jack Daniel’s producer has already announced it will increase prices by about 10 per cent in the European Union due to the impact of a new 25 per cent tariff in response to Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum from the trading bloc.

Jack Daniel’s maker Brown-Forman said it’s taking a brand-by-brand and province-by-province approach to dealing with Canada’s tariff.

“Tariff increases could be passed directly to the customer in full, partially or not at all,” it said.

But some provincial liquor boards appear set to raise prices on their own.

The Societe des alcools du Quebec carries 20 U.S. whiskies in continuous supply that would be affected by the surcharge if it comes into effect. Prices could rise as much as $4 per 750-millilitre bottle, it said.

A spokeswoman for the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation said bourbon retail prices will rise in accordance with the 10 per cent tariff on July 16 — once the corporation can make changes to promotional materials that will be issued on that date.

Price increases on American whiskey could prompt bourbon connoisseurs to switch to Canadian whisky instead, increasing the customer base for the domestic spirit, Davin de Kergommeaux, author of “Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert.”

However, he warned, the possibility of reciprocal tariffs “could be pretty devastating” given that the U.S. is the world’s largest market for Canadian whisky.

In 2017, 157.5 million litres of Canadian whisky was sold in the States, according to the Distilled Spirits Council — up 2.4 per cent from the previous year.

From the 1860s until about 2010, Canadian whisky was the most popular whisky style among American drinkers, he said. Recently, bourbon gained popularity and is now neck-and-neck with the Canadian-style blend, which includes labels such as Crown Royal and Canadian Club.

Tariffs on Canadian whisky would impact distillers’ ability to export south of the border, said David Farran, owner of Eau Claire Distillery, a new producer in Turner Valley, Alta.

“Everybody gets hurt with a tariff like this, no matter what side of the border you’re on,” he said.

“That would be a disaster for everybody and I think that’s the slippery slope of a tariff trade war.”

Perfect-for-Summer Smoothies

With the summer temperatures arriving before summer, we thought it would be great to share the following article, pulled from the archives of Victoria’s Times Colonist newspaper:

A colourful array of smoothies, packed with nutrition. From left, Cucumber, Beet Green and Apple Smoothie; Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie with Oats; Beet, Blackberry and Island Yogurt Smoothie; Nectarine Smoothies with Tofu, Ginger and Hemp Seeds. Photograph By ERIC AKIS

When summer temperatures are soaring and your energy level is sinking, perk up by blending and sipping a cool, refreshing and nutritious smoothie. It’s also the perfect time of year to make this puréed drink because farm markets and food stores are filled with locally grown, ripe, just-picked fruits and vegetables to use in them.

For example, my four smoothie recipes here incorporate Island-grown produce such as beets, berries, rhubarb, apples and cucumber. I also added other nutritious ingredients to my smoothies, including soft tofu, Greek yogurt, coconut beverage, fruit juice, hemps seeds, flax seeds, oats and matcha tea powder.

All my smoothie recipes could be made in a regular blender, or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender. Feel free to adjust the recipes to your liking or to substitute one ingredient for one you might have on hand. For example, if you have raspberries on hand, but not blackberries, use them in the beet smoothie.

Happy blending and keep cool!

 

BEET, BLACKBERRY & ISLAND YOGURT SMOOTHIES

These deep purple, nutrient-rich smoothies, flavoured with earthy beets, sweet berries and tangy yogurt, also contain heart healthy, ground flax seeds. They are sold at health-food stores and supermarkets.  I used Vancouver Island-made Tree Island brand yogurt in these smoothies.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one-cup servings

1 cup loosely packed, grated raw, peeled fresh beet (about 1 medium beet)

1 cup blackberries or marionberries

1/2 cup pomegranate juice (see Note)

2 tsp ground flax seeds (see Note)

2 tsp honey, or to taste

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender). Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

Note: Pomegranate juice is sold at most large supermarkets in the produce department.

 

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SMOOTHIES WITH OATS

Flavoured with nutritious oats and cinnamon, these sweet and tangy smoothies taste similar to strawberry rhubarb crumble in a glass.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one-cup servings

1 1/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup sliced fresh rhubarb

3/4 cup coconut or almond beverage, or milk

2 Tbsp large flake rolled oats

1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp honey, or taste

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender). Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

 

CUCUMBER, BEET GREEN & APPLE SMOOTHIES

If you’ve bought a bunch of beets with the tops attached and are wondering what to do with some of those greens, these rich-green smoothies provide a solution. The antioxidant-rich matcha tea powder used in these smoothies is sold at specialty tea stores and at some supermarkets.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one-cup servings

1 cup coarsely chopped, packed beet greens (just leafy parts; no tough rib sections)

1 cup cubed English cucumber

1 cup cubed, peeled apple

1/2 cup unsweetened apple cider or juice

3/4 tsp matcha tea powder (optional)

4 to 5 fresh mint leaves

1 Tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp honey, or to taste (optional)

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with you immersion (hand) blender). Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

Eric options: Instead of beet greens, use chopped kale or chard in these smoothies.

NECTARINE SMOOTHIES WITH TOFU, GINGER & HEMP SEEDS

The hemp seeds in these sustaining, orange-hued smoothies add a slightly nutty flavour and provide essential fatty acids, protein and fibre.

Hemp seeds are sold in small bags at health-food stores and supermarkets.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: None

Makes: Two one- cup servings

2 cups ripe, cubed fresh nectarine, skins on

1 medium banana, peeled and sliced

1/2 cup soft tofu

1 Tbsp fresh lime juice

2 tsp hemp seeds

1 tsp freshly grated ginger

honey, to taste

3 ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender or in the cup that came with your immersion (hand) blender).

Pulse until very smooth. Taste smoothie and adjust flavourings as needed. Pour into glasses and serve.

Eric Akis is the author of eight cookbooks. His columns appear in the Times Colonist’s Life section Wednesday and Sunday.