Is one of your New Year's resolutions to learn how to speak in public, do better at giving presentations or to be able to belt out a tune or two around the campfire without making animals run for cover?
If so, Kim Foreman can help you.
Foreman, who recently moved back to Kelowna, is a New York-trained singer/actor/pianist. Now she wants to help other people find their voice.
She founded Voice Lab late in 2012 and provides instruction in singing, public speaking, job interviews, theatrical auditions and acting coaching.
"In the business community, many people rely on their voice to be successful, especially when it comes to public speaking and making presentations," said Foreman. "My client's range from amazing young singers to a couple in their 70s who come see me for their date night. I even had someone come in who had suffered a brain injury and it really helped her get her confidence back."
Whether you are a dancer who wants to become a triple threat or a casual singer who just wants to feel more comfortable when speaking in public, Foreman says she can help get you there.
From auditioning for a lead role in a big musical or just wanting to feel more confident when singing karaoke, she can give you the techniques to make the most of your voice.
Voice Lab is conveniently located downtown, has reasonable rates and a flexible schedule.
Bastian-series piano instruction is also available for all levels.
You can connect with her by
going to her website at
kelownavoicelab.com.

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For those of you who need help with your New Year's resolutions, there's hypnotherapy. It can help bypass the critical mind that stops you from reaching you goals and get you directly to your powerful subconscious.
"Hypnotherapy is an advanced method of creative visualization that manifests in reality," said Cherylann Thomas, owner of Mind Miracles Hypnotherapy. She has been helping people achieve their goals for over 25 years.
Based out of West Kelowna, Thomas is a certified clinical hypnotherapist and member of the International Medical and Dental Hypnosis Association. She can help you with everything from fear of dentists to quitting smoking to weight loss.
"I have achieved every goal I've set out for myself and I believe it is because I used creative visualization," said Thomas.
"I am committed to helping my clients heal, grow, and thrive.
"Smoking cessation can be done with one or two sessions, weight loss up to six sessions and anxieties and phobias in two to four sessions."
During January, she is offering two smoking cessation sessions for the price of one. Sessions are approximately 75 minutes and cost $105. Packages are also available with up to $100 in savings. For more information, go to mindmiracleshypnotherapy.ca or call her at 778-755-4001.

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One of my New Year's resolutions is to have a 100 per cent certified organic, non-GMO heritage garden with things that will actually grow in my soil and in this climate. It may be too early to plant, but it's not too early to think about it.
Sunshine Farm has hundreds and hundreds of seeds available online for delivery to your door. They are certified organic, non-GMO, and everything is grown on site at their Southeast Kelowna farm, which means all plants are acclimatized to our area.
And the best part is you can save the seeds you get from the plants you grow this year and seed them again next year and/or pass them on to friends and neighbours. They have flowers, grains, fruits, greens, herbs, and tomatoes. Check it out at sunshinefarm.net.

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For those of you looking to get fit in 2013, check out Peachland Fitness. This funky little gym has everything you need to get into shape and shed some holiday pounds.
They have body sculpting and toning classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, as well as an infrared sauna and whole body vibration.
The best part (or at least it's my favourite part) is after the workout, you can wander in to the Happy Cow where they serve gluten- and dairy-free goodies that have less calories than your average baked goods.
The Happy Cow has a full lunch menu, which includes soup and sandwiches, and if you're lucky, and it's in season, kale chips. The café is part of Peachland Fitness and is a great way to keep your resolution to get fit and stay there. Open seven days a week. For more information, call 250-767-3457.

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The Okanagan Bridal Expo is this Sunday, Jan. 6 at Prospera Place from 1-6 p.m.
Aside from the regular bridal goodies, this is the first such show in the Okanagan to feature East Indian gowns.
"The expo is to connect brides with the top wedding professionals in the valley," said Winona Phillips, wedding planner. "The Okanagan is Canada's wedding destination mecca and we want to make sure brides (and grooms) are connected to the right people to make their special day go smoothly.
Tickets are $10 each in advance or $15 at the door. Brides are asked to fill out a registration form before they attend the expo to avoid the registration lines. There's a nice door prize from Uniglobe Direct Travel. They are giving away two seats aboard Transat Holidays from Kelowna to Puerto Vallarta nonstop, and a one-week all-inclusive stay at Occidental Grand Nuevo Vallarta, which is a five-star, award-winning property.
For more information: Facebook Okanagan-Bridal-Expo, Twitter @Okbridal, online at okanaganbridalexpo.com or email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Got news about your business? Send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Darcy Nybo is an award-winning writer, freelance journalist, book, and online magazine editor and loves to promote business in her community.