Looking for some Boxing Day deals? Check out Me2U Consignments in the Governor's Landing mall in Westbank.
I went in for a look around and was pleasantly surprised by the level of quality in this store.
Owner Tina Krczizanowski has done a great job of collecting funky and fabulous gently used ladies apparel, designer clothes, casual wear, purses, shoes, accessories, luggage and even scrubs.
Krczizanowski opened Me2U as she loves the whole idea of recycling items that are in good shape. As she said, she's doing the community a public service.
"People get the clothes out of their closets that they don't need or use which gives other people the opportunity to purchase a gently used item at a good affordable price. We are all doing our part by recycling all these items that are still good. The person consigning gets a little cash from the sale of their items, and for those items under $50 that do not sell, I donate them to the Gospel Mission. I am looking into other charities as well, hoping to do something on the Westside and also a charity to do with woman in need."
Me2U is open Monday to Saturday, 10-6 p.m. New consigners are always welcome to come in and recycle their gently used items. Call 778-754-5577 or follow them on Facebook and Twitter, just search Me2UConsignment.  
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Naramata's Bench 1775 recently announced its new head winemaker, Richard Kanazawa.
He has built a reputation for producing unique and award-winning B.C. wines. Prior to joining Bench 1775, Kanazawa won awards with wines at Red Rooster Winery and Blasted Church Vineyards, including the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Award. He also helped the wineries become some of Top 20 Wineries in Canada ,as selected by the Canadian Wine Awards.
He notes that he is "extremely excited to execute the vision for Bench 1775 while challenging myself in the cellar to produce some of the finest wines in the country."
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Rhonda Laturnus is a new personal trainer in Black Mountain.
She has been in the fitness industry for many years and recently opened Results 4 Life Fitness, a home-based training facility; the only fitness facility in the Black Mountain area. She will be doing boot camps in the spring as well as Tabata style training. For more information, visit her website at results4lifefitness.com or give her a call at 250-215-7120.
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It's time for the Okanagan Technology Community New Year Kick Off Party at the Laurel Packinghouse in downtown Kelowna. Last year, over 300 community members enjoyed an evening of great local food, drink, and entertainment.  
This year, the event is on Jan. 11, from 7 p.m. to midnight. There will be themed cocktails, alcohol-free options, and awesome appies. There will be lots of entertainment including the Blue Room brought to you by KPMG, poker, blackjack and roulette, games, meetups, a few surprises brought to you by Digital Okanagan, and tunes from DJ Flyin' Hawaiian.
Ticket are $30 per person (or $20 for Accelerate Okanagan Premium Members), which includes a taxi ride home. Tickets must be bought by 5 p.m., Jan. 9. Last year was sold out, so best to get yours now. Tickets are purchased online at ao2013.eventbrite.com.
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Local photographer, businesswoman, and mother of two, Michelle Stephenson, has nominated herself for the national The Mompreneur Award of Excellence. The award recognizes the hard work and talent of busy moms who are making advances in today's Canadian marketplace.
Michelle is the CEO of Michelle Stephenson Contract Photography, and does wedding, family, and event photography throughout the Okanagan and Lower Mainland. She continues to pursue her long-term goal of consulting in therapeutic photography, and applies her passion for what makes people tick into every shoot.
"I became a mompreneur to expose my children to a great variety of social opportunities," she said. "I love being able to have them come with me to events, and to be actively involved in the
community. I wanted to be able
to work for others, and offer
services with a great variety of product, and price range. I felt that only in my own business could I give back to others in the ways that I value giving."
The Mompreneur Award of Excellence offers over $30,000 in cash and prizes to the national winner, all with the purpose of helping drive the winning mompreneur's business to further success.
The winner will be announced at the First Annual Mompreneurs Conference and Awards Gala on March 2. Canadians are encouraged to nominate a talented mom in business, as well as cast their votes for their favourite nominees. To register or vote, go to parentscanda.upickem.net.
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And finally, I'd like to wish everyone a very happy New Year. I want to thank all the businesses that sent me information and all the people who helped those businesses grow in 2012. May 2013 find you all healthy, happy, and prosperous.
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.