PINK Magazine - Vol. 1 August 2012

Vol. 1 - ISSUE 9 - AUGUST 2012

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

magazine

W omen of S TARS Air ambulanc e A DAY IN THE LIFE | EVERYDAY HEROES | 10 QUESTIONS WITH

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Features Vol. 1 - Issue 9 - August 2012

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16

A Day in the Life

36

10 Questions With

The Woman of Speers Funeral & Cremation Services

Cover Story Women of STARS

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

Kristy Rempel

Our Team Publisher Compass Advertising info@getcompass.ca

In this Issue Book Club

Design Matters

Editor Janelle Haas janelle@getcompass.ca

What Saskatchewan Women Are Reading

Cottage Kitchens with Gary Weisbrodt

Sudoku

Keep Yourself Busy on the Beach!

Everyday Hero

ART DIRECTOR Mustapha Itani moe@getcompass.ca

Miss Isabelle Butters

Gluten-Free Eating

Try the Gluten-Free Craze

Back 2 School Graphic Designers Robyn Tessier robyn@getcompass.ca Kailey Pirlot kailey@getcompass.ca

Fashion Column by Riley Lawson

How Two Travel

Travel Column by Dale Strawford

Health & Wellness

Find Out How Moms Are Staying Fit

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Test Your Knowledge!

DISCOVERED International Model Search

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

| 5

It’s August already! – and I think there are two ways that people view the last summer month:

itor d E e h t m o r f s e t o

N

1- There’s only one month left of summer – why did it go by so fast?

Or; 2- There’s still a full month of summer! What can I do with all of the sun and fun left?

I am a glass half full kind of girl and I can’t wait to enjoy the rest of my summer! I plan on visiting my family, enjoying my friends, hitting some outdoor waterslides (because I still find it fun and can’t get enough) and soaking up the sun.

The month of July showed me that, no matter where you are in the province, you will meet amazing women with stories to tell.

One of the women featured this month I met in Tim Horton’s and ended up talking to her for over two hours about love and loss, tradition and change. Of all places to meet someone … the long and frustrating Tim Horton’s line!

Having experienced something so spontaneous and fantastic, my words of wisdom to all of our PINK readers is: take the time to talk to another woman, someone you don’t know, and make her day like this woman did mine! It will remind you how easy it is to befriend someone, to share stories with a stranger, and to laugh until your stomach hurts!

Here’s to another great month of summer!

Janelle Haas - Editor janelle@getcompass.ca

JOIN OUR TEAM Compass Advertising is expanding again and looking for self-motivated commission based Sales Representatives for both Pink & Compass Magazines in Regina & Saskatoon.

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W OMEN of

S TARS

Air ambulanc e

S tar gazing like y ouv e nev er seen i t before...

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

For the ninth issue of PINK Magazine we interviewed some of the women who make up the STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society) air medical crew to learn how these women are making a huge impact on Saskatchewan’s emergency rescue success.

With less than three months as a running operation, STARS has already changed the lives of several patients who, with the help and rescue of the medically equipped helicopter, have lived to see another day. In the hangar where the BK117 sits waiting for its next mission, Shannon Koch, Jennifer (Jen) Pengelly, and Raegan Gardner meet to discuss what it’s like to care for critically ill and injured patients … in the air.

STARS is a nonprofit organization and uses a number of resources and volunteer services to help garner its success. Originating in Alberta 27 years ago by a physician who witnessed too many trauma cases where patients didn’t survive because they didn’t get the medical care quick enough, the vision of providing airborne intensive care was born. Private donors and community groups rallied to support STARS and, eventually, added financial backing of several corporations and the Alberta government allowed the vision to come alive. STARS is now an advanced responsive emergency medical system made up of two pilots, an air medical crew including a nurse and paramedic (sometimes a physician), as well as a communications team which work to ensure that patients receive the best care available in the shortest period of time. Each helicopter used by STARS is equipped to transport one critically injured patient or two non-critical patients.

The BK117 helicopter used in Saskatchewan flies to an incident scene and brings the patient to a larger tertiary care center. Since its inception in late April, STARS has flown approximately 30 patients with critical life or limb-threatening injuries.

When STARS began full operation on April 30 of this year, Gardner, Koch, and Pengelly had already gone through the 10 week intensive training in Alberta to learn all of the facets of the air rescue team. Born and raised in Regina, emergency nurse Gardner was eager to see STARS in her home province and knew she wanted to get involved.

“My background is as an emergency room nurse. I started my career in Edmonton at Royal Alexandra Hospital. I always saw STARS [in Alberta] bringing in patients and loved what I saw, there was a really neat dynamic of teamwork. I knew that one day I wanted to work for STARS. When my husband and I decided to relocate and move back to Saskatchewan where I was from … I found out STARS was coming to Saskatchewan and I knew I needed to apply and take the opportunity. I just loved how they worked and knew I had to be a part of it.”

Koch was also aware of the impact a service like STARS would have on the province of Saskatchewan. Growing up in the small town of Chaplin, two hours west of Regina on the #1 Highway, Koch was familiar with the lack of medical resources in small towns throughout the province. The closest hospital to her, she remembers, was always an hour away. This meant if there was

ever a big trauma or critical condition – the opportunities for immediate care and emergency rescue were numbered.

“I got into EMS really young,” Koch remembers. “I started out taking a first responder program as a part of my final year of high school where I got to do ride outs and stuff, and I decided this was what I wanted to do for a career. I didn’t want to be in an office type setting. I wanted to work in a job where I was on the go, I was being challenged, and I was able to help people.

“STARS came about as something I didn’t really know a lot about.

I knew of them but I didn’t really know the scope of what they did.

It was one of those opportunities that just seemed so cool. I was at that point in my career where I was looking for a challenge.

I was instructing part-time in the paramedic program at SIAST when I heard about STARS coming to Saskatchewan. I wanted to still be a part of pre-hospital emergency care only in a different manner, and I wasn’t ready to just teach it and not practice.

Working at STARS allows me to bring some great experience into the classroom as I still enjoy teaching.

“Once I was in the [hiring] process, I really started to think this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it turns out it was just the right decision for me. It still allows me to take care of patients but in a different environment and team dynamic. It’s not something paramedics do, normally. You get to work so much more closely in a team and that is really unique. It’s something that really excites me; to be a part of a team unlike most others. As a paramedic you come to find where you fit with nurses and the pilots, it’s just such a great uniting of a diverse group of people.”

Pengelly, like Gardner and Koch, also felt drawn to the STARS team. Born in Saskatoon, Pengelly lived in various small towns throughout Saskatchewan, ending up in Balgonie for the duration of her high school years. Post-high school, she attended SIAST in Regina and collaborated with the U of S nursing program.

“The reason I got involved with STARS,” she begins, “… I was actually working down in the States. I’d been down there for three years and while I was in Tampa there was a helicopter that would land outside the emergency doors and I was really intrigued by what they were able to do in such a short period of time … and they would accomplish so much with the patients in such a small area of space too … they just seemed to be doing something that made such an impact on so many lives. At the time I was travelling around a lot, nursing in various places, and I had always intended to come back home so I didn’t want to get involved with something down there that I’d be sad to leave. When I heard about STARS coming to Saskatchewan, I was actually working in emergency in Regina and I thought, ‘You gotta be kidding me!’ I couldn’t believe it. When they put out word they were accepting applicants I immediately applied and started the various stages of the hiring process. It involves a test, interview, and talk with Dr. Powell, the CEO so it was quite an intense procedure. But I got the position and have been with STARS ever since.

Editor’s Note: During our interview with the STARS, Dr. Powell had just announced he would be stepping down as CEO and FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

| 9

transitioning into the role of Founder. The team was in the process, during our photo shoot, of taping a congratulatory video message for Dr. Greg Powell and his wife Linda. Congratulations to the Powell’s on all of their success throughout the years.

“I had actually been in emerg for 8 years,” Pengelly continues, “and about a year prior [to hearing about STARS coming to Saskatch-

ewan] I had shifted gears a bit and taken the critical care course which allowed me to work in an ICU setting. So I think that helped me in the process to get this position as well.”

With only a few months in the air, the STARS have already been on several assignments.

“I have been involved in a total of 13 transports,” Gardner explains.

“The best experience so far … I would say, in a lot of our cases … you know you’re making a difference in this person and their family’s life. In the moment, you’re just treating symptoms and providing supportive care – just trying to keep that person alive, and then when you find out after what was actually wrong and you realize that because you were able to get there quickly and you were able to get them care – it’s incredible. You think to yourself ‘you’ve actu-

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ally just saved their life.’ And that is an incredible feeling – to be a part of something like that.”

Pengelly has transported a total of 8 patients to date, and Koch a total of 5. Pengelly agrees with Gardner that the ultimate experience of their job is coming to the realization that they’ve changed lives. They are reminded of their success and contribution to the

survival process through what STARS calls their VIPs or Very Important Patients. The VIPs, having survived traumatic circumstances with the help of STARS, continue to support the organization by sharing their stories and bringing awareness to the STARS program. The stories, says Pengelly, are an inspiration to the staff and to the public. The STARS feel tremendous pride in knowing that, together with other partners in the chain of survival, they’ve helped make a difference in those lives. See a list of VIPs at http://www. stars.ca/what-we-do/our-vips.

“The VIPs I’ve met have made this experience the ultimate in success for me,” Pengelly explains. “I met, on opening day when they had brought four Saskatchewan VIPs to our formal launch, a young boy who just warmed my heart. His family brought a photo album of his recovery process. To see him now, it’s so amazing. I think it’s just going to be those VIP experiences that are going to mean the most to us. When [as a nurse in emergency] we take care of a patient, we don’t necessarily know what their outcome is or how a patient will recover. With the VIPs, we are able to meet them again, see how they are doing, and get that interaction. The continuity of care is there.”

There is nothing, the women agree, comparable to the feeling they get when the tones go off and the rescue team is about to be dispatched on a patient mission; it’s then, they say, the reality of the significance and gravity of their job really sinks in. Like any emergency position, the heightened state of panic and procedure is always there. Because they work in a unique setting, proper training has prepared them to deal with the small confines of the rescue helicopter, or what Pengelly calls “a really tiny, compact, but efficient … ICU in the air.”

“It’s definitely something to get used to,” she continues. “I’m used to the big emergency room setting myself, so to switch gears to such close confines was hard at first. You get in the back and you basically only have what’s in arms reach. Once you learn where everything is though, it’s actually very efficient. I find in emergency rooms you’re often running for things but here [in the helicopter] I have everything right at my finger tips. I have really long legs so finding room for them is often a battle, but once you’re used to it, the small confines make for great conditions.” “In some ways,” Gardner agrees, “the close quarters are great. Everything is right there. Plus, once I’m busy working, I don’t notice the space at all.

I don’t notice turbulence; I don’t notice the heat, nothing but the patient in front of me.”

As a team, the girls explain, they go through induction training programs where simulation is set up for the staff to learn how others operate and how to work together successfully as a team. “When we’re flying in for a mission, we may or may not know what we’re going to find, if it’s cardiac or trauma, or we may know a lot of very specific details,” Gardner explains. “It’s case dependent. But we always come up with a plan, ‘this is going to be your role today, you’re going to get a report from the paramedics on scene, and I’m going to go get a patient started on the assessment.’ We will always try and prepare in advance by mixing up medications we may need, reviewing our medical control guidelines to make sure that we have a good plan in place, but as soon as we are on scene, we have a defined role to get people where they need to be.”

The MCG (Medical Control Guidelines) that Gardner refers to are extremely helpful to the nurses and paramedics, explains Pengelly.

The MCG guides the team on what to focus on to ensure nothing is overlooked. The resource, Pengelly argues, really helps the team to solidify the patient has been properly taken care of. “It’s funny,” she pauses, “how much technology has advanced what we do and how we are able to save lives. We’re lucky in that way, to be able to use tools and devices that boost our efficiency and assist in the chain of saving a life.”

Additionally, Koch chimes in, it’s important to have tools and guidelines in all aspects of air rescue. Aside from the various stages of

a patient’s injuries or a lack of knowledge about the situation, there are additional outside factors that come into play. A prime example, she explains, is the weather.

“What’s unique to us here as opposed to, say, some other places that conduct air rescues is we have to also worry about or potentially combat the weather. We have had situations where the weather didn’t allow us to go out, and that’s always something that’s going to affect us and the work we do as long as we’re in Saskatchewan. We want to always get to the patient, but sometimes the pilots have to make that call for our safety. Safety is one of the highest priorities for STARS and we have the highest regard for the health and safety of our patients, crew and the general public.”

Like the pilots, the families of the women of STARS also want to make sure they stay safe – but that doesn’t mean they aren’t proud!

Despite the daunting word emergency, in actuality, says Gardner, the air ambulance rescue missions are quite safe. “We feel it is actually very safe and there are other risks inherent to the job like communal disease or violent patients that pose more of a problem than the fact that we are in the air. Generally EMS by helicopter is very safe. My family supports me because they know how much I love doing my job; I love the patients, problem solving, and detective work we do. I also love meeting people. My two year old daughter,

Every time i fly, it s that anxious feeling, that adrenaline to get the job done.

I m proud that i am here -- but i don t think the nervousness will ever go away.

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

| 11

Kate, loves to see the STARS helicopters or commercials on TV. When I was in Alberta for training, it was hard to be away from her, but technology like Facetime allowed me to still have that face-toface interaction with her. It was worth it, though [to train for the job]. Working for the STARS has been a profound experience. Whenever Kate sees a helicopter she cries, ‘Mama’s copter...”

Similarly, Pengelly and Koch’s families are proud of what they do and the risks they are willing to take to save a life. Pengelly’s partner, Cory, is excited about what STARS is going to bring to Saskatchewan. “He knows that I’m trained and skilled in an emergency setting,” Pengelly states, “and he knows I’ll use my skill set the best I can, everyday, and in the safest, most resourceful way possible.”

Cory’s daughter, Anika, gets the same excitement as Gardner’s.

“She’ll see the STARS commercial on TV and she’ll say, ‘there’s Jen!’” Pengelly laughs. “It’s clearly not me, but if she sees that red helicopter it’s always ‘there’s Jen, there’s Jen!’” “My family is very proud of me,” Koch agrees. “When the kids, Logan and Kayli, see where I work of course it’s like ‘mom doesn’t matter anymore, look at the helicopter,’ she laughs, “but it’s a big commitment and it takes a lot of support because there is a big

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

emphasis on education and keeping up your skills regularly, so your partner has to be very supportive of you. At first Logan was scared. He would say, ‘I don’t want you to go far away!’ but now he knows that mom will always come back. They love coming to the hangar and seeing the big helicopter.

“My family is my number one, always has been. My husband is a firefighter so he really understands what we do and what my job entails. He knows the risks and the hours, but he trusts that we are safe up there [in the air]. Because we both work shift work it’s challenging sometimes. We have to juggle, but we have lots of friends and our childcare provider has been very understanding and helpful. I think we’ve become used to it, we knew what we were getting into, but it’s definitely a challenge. STARS is flexible in scheduling shifts and we all tend to help each other out, so it seems to work out fine.”

One of the reasons, besides the ability to help in the chain of survival, to get involved with STARS is that the team dynamic is incredible within the organization.

“It’s funny,” says Pengelly. “Everyone who works here is very excited to be here. The way they picked us, it was as if we were all meant to work together. It’s the perfect environment to do what we do. I just heard the tones go off, and I have goosebumps. Every time I fly, it’s that anxious feeling, that adrenaline to get the job done. I’m proud that I am here – but I don’t think the nervousness will ever go away.”

Koch pitches in, “I think it’s just this dynamic of how we work and how we fit into the emergency medical system. It’s not just us in a red helicopter; it’s us, the doctors, the paramedics, the nurses, first responders, firefighters… everyone comes together to help keep this person alive. It makes that chain stronger; we see how we fit in and make that pre-hospital puzzle fit together. Also, in this line of work, we get the time to reflect on what we’ve done; on the lives we’ve saved, on what we could improve on or what we’ve done very strongly. It’s one of those things where the adrenaline goes and you follow your training, and only after the event do you get to stop and think about how it played out.

“As a team we are passionate and we all have the same goals in mind. We always sit and discuss cases, and it’s a unique team dynamic and culture. We are very accepting of one another but we also challenge each other to do the best we can do. That’s why we are all here and all work so well together.”

With the strength of teamwork and excellent training and procedure enforced by the STARS program, VIP survivors across the prairies have lived to tell their story. Gardner remembers one patient who would have died without transport, and she had the opportunity to go meet with him when he got discharged from the hospital. “He looked at me,” she explains, “he got up, saw us in our uniforms, he had tears in his eyes and he said ‘I understand that, even though I don’t remember anything that happened, I wouldn’t be here today without you guys so thanks for what you did.’ I will never forget that.”

The women encourage anyone who is interested in the STARS program to get involved. “My advice,” says Gardner, “is to secure education and at least five years of critical care experience, whether it’s ICU or emergency, or in EMS if you hope to be a nurse or paramedic on staff. Be an active learner. Any learning opportunity – whether with the nurses, paramedics, aviation, foundation, sponsors, events planners, media people, engineers, or admin. assistants – take it. We truly are a team and without any one component, we don’t or couldn’t exist.” “You can be a part of STARS,” Koch continues, “whether you are actually taking care of patients or not. We have a great volunteer base forming in Saskatchewan and we encourage everyone to get involved in the mission.” http://www.stars.ca

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BOOK CLUB Last month we asked our PINK followers, readers, and friends to let us know what they’re reading for the summer, and we were ecstatic to be blasted with comments on our Facebook. Check out what women are reading across Saskatchewan – it looks like we are no different from the rest of the world … 50 Shades mania!

Corla Rokochy Just finished reading the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. Hard cover.

Daniel Victor Benesh The last book I “read” was by Stephen King - it was 11/22/63 (title). It was a great book. My wife and I read it together on our iPad, and then listened to the rest on audio book when we were on a trip to Medicine Hat!

Barb Butler The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton is a must read.

Sabrina Harris How about a great Sask. author? Who just happens to be my Mom!!

Check out her book at http://shirleyharris.ca/

Chantelle Butterfield Stealing Breath by Saskatoon’s Joanne Brothwell, was worth the read. Something really different from the design books and magazines I normally read :) Sheryl Spence I’m reading everything I can since I bought my iPad. The smells of the inks used in most publications give me a headache so I hadn’t been reading much. I love anything paranormal.

Kathleen O’Grady Lessons From the Monk I Married - by Katherine Jenkins. She’s a friend of mine and currently on book tour across the States. Soon to be in NY city. Reading it by hardcopy. I really like it. An interesting journey she’s been on.

Judi Erickson Just finished “50 Shades...” It’s a love story with an uncommon life-style. Probably be serialized.

Della Steinke The Fifty Shades series is amazing!

Lillian Morris Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza. In hard copy. A must read; the powerful strength of the human spirit.

Heather McGinnis I am one of the many millions who has read the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy... and loved it...

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A Day In the Life of...

The Women of Speers funeral and cremation services

Who

Women of Speers

At Speers Funeral and Cremation Services, chances are that hug will be delivered by one of the six female funeral directors they have on staff.

Where

Just 30 years ago, women only offered support service to male funeral directors, and were told that they themselves would never hold the coveted title. Today, as part of a growing worldwide trend, upwards of 80% of graduating classes consist of women intent on making funeral directing their career.

A trend that not only returns women to a more traditional role in the life and death cycle, but one that also recognizes some of the unique nurturing characteristics that woman can bring to the profession.

Regina, SK

When

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Written by

Gail Jansen-Kesslar

16 |

Death is an experience that often leaves us reaching for someone to help us find our way through grief and loss. Someone who knows the answers to our questions, who can help us plan a celebration of life that will honour our loved one, who can guide us through the process from beginning to end, and can give us a hug when it’s needed.

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

With the emphasis more and more on seeking unique ways to honour people’s memory, today’s funeral director wears many different hats. Part event planner, part grief counselor and all compassion, it’s a career that’s often described more as a vocation than a job.

Here there’s no such thing as a “typical” day, nor does it follow the course of a 40 hour work week.

Instead the hours run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, regardless of holidays, weather or best laid plans. Hours that can be a real challenge to those women with families who often also shoulder the bulk of childcare and household duties in addition to their demanding careers.

The job description of a funeral director is also no less demanding than their hours. One day alone may see them transferring a deceased loved one into care, planning the details of a funeral service, making arrangements with a new family, writing obituaries, registering deaths or burials, or doing more mundane but necessary tasks including cleaning, washing cars, cutting grass, or shoveling snow.

No two days are ever alike, but the women we spoke with are always up to doing what needs to be done. It was what they were trained to do, but more importantly, say the women of Speers, it’s what they want to do.

A career decision that each of them arrived at in their own unique way.

For Bonnie Templeton, who started with Speers more than 19 years ago, paving the way for some of the younger female directors, it was a career that started in an administrative capacity in 1993. When licensing requirements changed in 2000, Templeton was able to take advantage of the opportunity and became one of the first licensed female directors at Speers.

For Renée Legrand and Charity Landgraf, it was more of a conscious decision. Becoming a funeral director and embalmer was a career choice that had been on both of their minds and in their hearts since high school.

Legrand entered into her career on a parttime basis while still in university to see if it would be the right fit, while Landgraf entered after first exploring other career options, returning to the lure of funeral services just over two years ago.

Bonnie Templeton

Renée Legrand

Roberta Ripplinger, in contrast, came to the decision later in life after her own mother and father had passed away. Wishing that she and her family had received a better level of care, she looked into what it would take to become an “aftercare” visitor, and just a few short weeks later she began the first step along the way to becoming licensed as a funeral director.

Young women are also being drawn to the profession. Sara Boychuk, a licensed funeral director and embalmer who has worked in funeral service for three years, had always been interested in what she calls the “science

Roberta Ripplinger FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

| 17

of death,” but a bad experience at her stepfather’s funeral gave her the motivation she needed to seek it out as a career. A decision she hopes will ensure that families under her care will never have to go through what she and her own family had to.

The scientific aspect of the career also drew the attention of Kelsi Kenny, whose interest grew after taking a university-level anatomy course. Today, licensed as both an embalmer and a funeral director, Kenny has become passionate about her role, knowing that the work she does can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Kelsi Kenny

Six completely different women, all with their own story, all with one common goal – to help people in whatever way they can as they face one of the most trying periods in their lives.

Despite the fact that they all love this career, each of them admit, just as one would expect, that there are times when it’s not always the easiest. Times when the same characteristics of empathy and compassion that make them good at their jobs can also lead to emotions that can be hard to handle, particularly when dealing with deaths that are sudden and tragic, or the death of a child.

Charity Landgraf

“We’ve definitely shared some tears together,” admits Ripplinger. “As you can imagine, we have all ages that are passing away, sometimes naturally, sometimes tragically, and it’s heavy. But it’s hard to describe the honour, reward, and the thrill you get knowing you are helping the people in your care that are going through this difficult time.”

“It’s a privilege to be a part of that moment in people’s lives,” agrees Legrand. “At that point people are entrusting us to take care of their loved one, and it’s a very intimate experience to go through that with a family. Just to know that they trust us like that is both very humbling and very rewarding at the same time.”

A sentiment shared by all of the women of Speers.

Sara Boychuk 18 |

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

“When a family gives you a hug at the end of the day and says to you, ‘we couldn’t have gotten through this without you,’” says Kenny, “it makes it all worthwhile to know that you

were a big factor in helping them through that difficult time.”

For those moments when the emotions and the pressures of their job can seem too much, they all agree that a healthy work/life balance, important in other careers, is absolutely crucial to theirs as a way of ensuring that the challenges don’t outweigh the rewards.

Challenges that have led three of the six women to take breaks from their careers in order to take care of both their families and themselves.

“The challenge of sometimes being at the funeral home morning, noon and night, and having to face the disappointment of your family when you’re unable to attend an event, or you’ve had to leave in the middle of a family celebration, can really be a difficult one,” says Ripplinger. “After taking a little bit of a break, and then coming [back] to work at Speers, I’m fairly determined to keep a balance, and my family is encouraging me and supporting my efforts to do so.”

Celebrating lives well lived.

“To me it’s non-negotiable,” agrees Legrand, who took her own sabbatical after six years of service. “You have to have a life outside of this work so that you can go home, recharge your batteries, and come back to give 110 per cent the next day.”

Behind the balance they strive for is the support they feel from the rest of the team at Speers from the top down. Each is an integral member of the whole; each a cog in the wheel that keeps Speers turning.

Still, there are misconceptions and questions they face from those on the outside when they learn of what it is they do for a living. They get everything from, “Why would you ever want to do something like that?” to a belief that they are a solemn, sombre group even when they’re outside of the workplace – something that couldn’t be further from the truth. There is a lighter side to the women of Speers that shines when it is appropriate to do so.

“Everyone thinks that we’re sad and solemn all the time,” says Templeton, “but we’re really not. I think to deal with the things that we do from day to day, you have to joke around a lot, you have to laugh a lot, and so that’s something we do behind the scenes and after hours. We have fun with each other, and that helps us a lot.”

It takes a special kind of person to be a funeral director, it takes: patience, compassion, empathy, kindness, an attention to detail, an ability to communicate, and an ability to listen. The women of Speers have those characteristics and more, but they’ll all agree, it’s not just because they are women, it’s because they truly care.

2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK | 306-522-3232 speersfuneralchapel.com

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

| 19

DESIGNMATTERS GARY JACOB WEISBRODT

Cottage Kitchens HOT N EW KITCH EN DESIGN TREN D

Gary is responsible for the design and building of your housing dreams at gjConstructs House of Design. Gary’s thirty years of working with owners, Architects, Engineers, contractors, TD Bank, BLM Architects and the Regina Health Region provides you with a unique blend of skills and know-how for the delivery of your ideas. He’s a Design Builder which means working with you from design until the keys are turned over.

An end to end no fuss no worry service.

gjconstructs@mac.com

DETAILSMATTER Soon to be published book “Cottage Kitchen Design” a home design series.

Join Gary’s Design & Details Matter blog at: http://gjconstructs.wordpress.com Free Report The Only Four Knives Your Kitchen Ever Needs http://gjconstructs.wordpress.com/free/

Design and Decorating Features Overview

Let us talk about the parts and pieces found in a cottage kitchen with enough detail for you to start planning. I know that like myself there are kindred soles who like to jump right in and just do. You will find in depth detail in future editorials.

Relationships

Cottage kitchens belong to the same family as country kitchens, rustic kitchens, French country kitchens, classical Swedish, clean lined beach cottage, Victorian cottage, and farmhouse kitchen design.

Setting the Mood

Lots of sunlight streaming in sets the mood. A view looking out into your yard adds a sense of poised calm to your space. A simple hood or apron sink at the centre of your design makes a great focal point. Your family or guests are warmly greeted by a breakfast table or comfy booth to sit in. Add country style dishes, an old clock, rustic furniture, or chests from another era to make your kitchen uniquely yours. A palette that includes whites, neutrals, and pastels creates a breezy, relaxed, kitchen and dining room. A setting with a great deal of worldly experience and feeling is born.

Elements of cottage kitchens

It’s all a matter of taste as to how bona fide you want your cottage kitchen to be. Cottage style kitchens are light, airy, calm, peaceful and untroubled. Your kitchen reflects your one of a kind blend of traits and class.

Next, a light study on making a cottage kitchen. Get your overview here and when you are ready to delve into the making of your new cottage kitchen get an indepth study of the topic in future editorials.

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

Butcher-block & Farm Sink.

Apron sink.

Beadboard Schoolhouse fixtures.

Plank and batten doors.

Subway tile.

to take care of. Paint your floor and use stencils to adorn it. Fitting flooring materials include vinyl, linoleum, laminate, rubber, ceramic tile, quarry tile, and natural stone.

Windows and Walls

Cabinetry and Hardware

Butcher-block counters are ever popular, up to the task and develop a good looking golden tone over the years. Other fitting materials include granite, engineered stone, solid surface, ceramic tile, laminates, soapstone, marble, and concrete. Cottage kitchen cabinets are as a rule painted white or with light shades.

Beadboard or plank and batten doors add the look found in cottage kitchens.

Seeded or clear glass doors in upper cabinetry display your colourful dishes and serving pieces.

Open shelving, plate racks and architectural elements give rise to the look of cottage style storage. Wainscoting, a subway tile or patterned vintage tile backsplash, simple crown moulding to top the cabinets all play a part in your kitchen design.

Use exposed feet on lower cabinets to match the form and features of furniture.

Wrought iron handles like old-fashioned freezer handles or large wooden knobs fit right in.

Add a distressed, light coloured hutch that doesn’t have to “match” other surfaces in your kitchen, but still looks great and fulfills the task well in it. You can also cover the fronts of modern appliances with white wainscoting, vertically aligned beadboard panels or even draperies.

Sinks and Faucets

Cottage kitchen designs often include a white farm or apron sink. Metal finishes such as oiled or antique bronze, or even copper fit right in. Buy a retro sink and matching faucet made to look as though it were pulled from an old farmhouse.

Flooring

Painted wood plank floors are truly classic and easy

Cottage kitchens enjoy lots of natural light and fresh breezes. Soft romantic floral patterns in window coverings are the pick of the day. Paint exposed framing white to add truth to your room’s makeover. Fitting cottage window covering types include venetian blinds, valences, shades, roller shades, roman shades, sheers, lace, cellular, wood and shutters on the inside.

Distressing your walls brings off a “weathered-bytime” bona fide look. Varnish bricks to add drama. Add charm and beauty to your kitchen with beadboard on walls or the fronts of cabinets. Simple crown mouldings, baseboards, window and door casings, plate rails all add to the look of a real cottage kitchen.

Ceilings and Lights

Pendants, retro lamps, schoolhouse fixtures, farm style lamps, sconces and romantic chandeliers all are great choices to light your cottage kitchen.

A classic cottage ceiling often includes exposed beams and boards painted white. Install crown mouldings for added style, or try a more stately coffered ceiling.

Colour and Texture

Cottage kitchens are made up of colours right out of your garden, cozy sit-in-me-right-now furnishings, rich textures, and worn finishes. Pick up braided rugs or make them yourself to add warmth to your kitchen.

Tins and hatboxes covered with fabric bring together your colour scheme while storing kitchen utensils or odds and ends. Add accessories and decorations like mismatched crockery with worn looking tea & coffee sets to make the kitchen your own. Place a milky white farm pitcher on the table and fill it with sunflowers to complete your magazine-worthy cottage kitchen. Add your photos or wall art to bring the overall theme to a fine finish.

In Next Issue

Cabinetry and Hardware In Depth FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

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ailable to new and existing customers on a monthly, one, two or three-year term. A 911 fee of 83¢ applies to each device. Not eligible for Add-a-Cell. Not available on BlackBerry® Enterprise he property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. Used under license from Research In Motion Limited.

Sure, you could save a few dollars by going to a box store for your new big-screen television or home theatre … but are you saving any money in the long run?

Buying a big screen television is a huge investment. You’re spending big bucks. That’s why it’s essential that you know what you’re buying: Plasma or LED? 2D or 3D? how big of a screen? The best way to answer those questions is to figure out your viewing habits. Cable or Satellite? Streamed movies or DVD/BluRay? Are you a gamer? Watch a lot of sports?

These aren’t the questions that the sales people at the big box stores often ask. They’re under pressure to move product fast. And most of them work in other areas of the box store. If they’re also selling sporting goods or house wares … how much do they really know – or really care – about your viewing habits?

That’s why Echo Sound in Fort Qu’Appelle is where you should go to buy your next television. The store’s been around a while, because the staff knows their stuff – audio and visual equipment is their speciality. If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a big-screen TV, spend a little time with people who know the most about what you’re looking for.

Address: Fort Qu’appelle 161 Broadway Street • Tel: (306) 332 6711 Email: echo.sound@sasktel.net • Website: echosound.ca

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Difficulty: Hard

2 Minutes North on Highway #6 Regina, Sk. Phone: 306.525.4260 FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

| 23

Everyday

Hero Isabelle Butters

Butters has been a leader in the city of Weyburn and in community affairs for all of her adult life. In addition to her terms as alderman and mayor, she has served on many committees including the Hospital Board and Executive, the Arts Council, the Weyburn Public Library Board, the Southeast Regional Library Board, the Parks Board, the Weyburn and District United Way, the Weyburn Ladies Curling Club, the Community Development Committee and the Aid For the Ageing Committee. She has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce and president of the Special Care Homes Corporation. She has served as chairman of the Community Health Council.

PINK congratulates our Everyday Hero, Miss Isabelle Butters, on all of her success throughout the years. What an inspiration to women across the province!

As written by citizens of Weyburn.

Margaret Isabelle Butters was born on a farm south of Weyburn in 1929. She was educated in a one-room school from Grades 1-10 (Grades 9 and 10 were taken by correspondence, supervised by the teacher at the school). She then completed high school at Weyburn Collegiate Institute. Butters took a business course and on completion was employed as a junior clerk at the Weyburn Cooperative Association.

She progressed through the Coop from junior clerk to corporate secretary to bookkeeper to office manager to personal manager and to progressive levels of management until she became the general manager. The Coop at that time had at least 150 employees and it was generally thought that a woman manager just could not do the job. A woman had to be twice as good as a man to even be considered for a managerial job in a male-dominated workplace. Butters was a very successful general manager who was decisive and who was considered fair by her employees. Her career with the Weyburn Coop spanned the years from 1945 to 1991, with the last 11 years as general manager of the largest retail business in the city of Weyburn.

At a time when women were not very visible in politics, either as candidates or policy makers, Butters became involved in municipal politics. In 1962, she ran successfully for alderman and she served in that position for 12 years. In 1976, Butters ran for mayor and won (at that time, there had been only one other woman mayor in Saskatchewan). Butters was the mayor of Weyburn for 6 years, from 1976-1982.

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

Butters has been a member of Grace United Church since her youth and has served in the choir and on the official board. She has been chairperson of the Board of Stewards, chairman of the Ministry and Personnel Committee for 13 years, and secretary of the Future Needs Committee.

Butters has always been interested in the theatre and the performing arts. From 1998 to 2011, she was a member of the Weyburn Performing Arts Society. In 2011, when the Triple “C� Centre Board was established (to replace the Weyburn Performing Arts Society), she became a member of the new board and has industriously worked with her committee to fundraise $3.5 million for that project. She is an excellent fundraiser and has the self-confidence to approach anyone for assistance.

A founding member of Quota International of Weyburn, chartered in 1954, Butters has served in all local offices. On that level, she still acts as an advisor to the group and as a member of the Finance Committee. Provincially and nationally, Butters has been active, both as the Governor of District 11 and as secretary-treasurer of District 11. Butters was the vice-president and then Canada Area director on the Quota International Board. She is still very active and it would be very hard to hold a District meeting without her service as Parliamentarian.

Her expertise in the financial area is remarkable and Butters has acted as a treasurer to many local and provincial groups, has been auditor to many of them and has served as a leader and member of the Budget and Finance Committee for Quota International District 11.

Butters is an active member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge and is a life member of Alexandria Rebekah Lodge, Number 14 of Weyburn. In 1961, Butters received the Decoration of Chivalry, the highest honour that can be bestowed on a Rebekah; it is presented for outstanding community service.

She is an associate member of the Queen Esther Rebekah Lodge of Fulton, MO. and a member of the Regina Lodge #6 IOOF. Butters has been treasurer (for 13 years) and president (for 1 year) of the Rebekah Assembly of Saskatchewan. She has been on the Assembly’s Finance Committee since 1987 and has been on the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies finance committee intermittently from 1974-2000 and from 2003-2012. She was a member of the IOOF World Eye Foundation Board for 12 years.

Let’s Ta lk R ea l Estate with

Amoung her many outstanding contributions, Butters has been a member of the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts Board, the Saskatchewan Division of the Canadian Arthritis Society of which she was president, and a member of the Board of the Saskatchewan Division of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Butters was a member of this foundation for 20 years and served as president from 1997-1999. She also served on the Canadian Arthritis and Heart and Stroke Foundation Boards for two years each.

She has been a committee member of the Job Creation Program Advisory Committee for Saskatchewan and Canada. She served on the Saskatchewan Public Service Appeal Board for 13 years.

She was a member of the Coop Guarantee Board for 5 years.

Butters has made many outstanding contributions to libraries in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and Canada. When Butters was chairman of the Weyburn Public Library Board, rather than ask City Council for the large capital expenditure required to computerize the local library, she successfully undertook a fundraising campaign for all of the money needed.

In addition to her service as chairperson on both the Weyburn Public Library Board and the Southeast Regional Library Board, Butters served on the Library Development Board (11 years), the Saskatchewan Library Board, the Saskatchewan Libraries “Independent but Together” review in 1992, and the Regional Library Review Committee in 1997. Butters was very active in the Saskatchewan Library Trustees Association and on the executive for 11 years; she was president of the latter organization from 19982003. She was also a member of the Canadian Library Trustees Association and served as secretary, vice-president and on the Executive. From 2004-2009, she was a member of the Saskatchewan Multi-Type Library Board. In 1987, the Saskatchewan Library Trustees Association presented Butters with an honourary life membership in SLTA. Butters has received numerous awards. Amoung them is the prestigious Order of Canada, received in 1980.

The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce named her Citizen of the Year in 1978. Butters was presented a YWCA Women of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. The Government of Saskatchewan, in 1998, presented her with the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. In 2003, the Saskatchewan Library Association presented her with the Frances Morrison Award. This award recognizes exemplary service to libraries. The Canadian Library Trustees presented her with their Merit Award in 2004 for service to Canadian Libraries. In 2005, the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce recognized her accomplishments with the “Golden Spike” Award.

Butters is able to meet and work with anyone, from a group of farmers to the Queen of Canada. She is comfortable in social and business situations and listens carefully to everyone. Anyone who has ever worked with her on a committee board or in an organization comes away with a profound respect for her hard work and her good ideas. Butters is a remarkably optimistic person who can see what is inequitable in the society and does what she can to right it.

Penny Milton

WHAT’S GOING ON IN REGINA?? ... part 2 Last month we took a look at the average house prices for the south and southeast areas of Regina. This month we’ll focus on the north & northwest. And remember ... these figures are overall averages for various areas and do not take into account style of home, size, etc. and this list does not include condos. When pricing a home a comparative market analysis would still be necessary, but this information will give you a bit of an idea of what’s happening in your neighborhood.

These numbers are based on my research using the MLS stats from January 1 – June 30, 2012.

Subdivision Argyle Park Englewood Garden Ridge Kensington Greens Lakeridge Lakewood Mapleridge McCarthy Park Rochdale Sherwood Estates Uplands Walsh Acres Dieppe Fairways West Mount Royal Normanview Normanview West Pioneer Village Rosemont Regent Park Westhill

Average Sale Price $ 283,867 374,050 366,483 435,000 482,557 404,898 439,640 310,473 309,752 301,999 322,075 332,227 287,317 475,663 291,513 292,239 322,404 221,209 248,980 265,950 451,603

Average Days on Market 8 10 9 4 32 32 17 6 20 8 14 11 14 37 17 9 25 24 15 11 36

Units Sold 12 6 6 2 53 26 10 11 8 25 28 26 6 21 26 23 24 11 61 20 14

Check back next month for the final piece in this three-part report when I review what’s happening in the downtown areas of Regina. Cheers for now!

Penny is a full time REALTOR® with Sutton Group Results Realty and has been in the business for over 18 years. As a long time resident of Regina, she has extensive knowledge of the local housing market and specializes in relocations and residential sales of all types.Contact Penny at 306-522-4726 or visit www.pennymilton.com

www.pennymilton.com FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

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Gluten - Free Eating

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. It causes some people serious health problems.

But those people don’t seem to be the only ones buying the gluten-free beer and brownies hitting homes and restaurants everywhere.

Gluten-free products consume fewer fast and proceassed foods and in turn, more and more people are eating fruits and vegetables as alternative fillers throughout the day. The trend has certainly kept growing, so there must be something to it! If you or someone you know has jumped on the gluten-free train, here are some delicious gluten-free recipes to try out this summer.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Gluten-Free Coconut Milk Drop Biscuits

Gluten-Free Pecan Caramel Brownies

½ cup warm water 1 tablespoon gluten-free yeast 1 teaspoon sugar ¾ cup milk ¼ cup oil 1 cup potato starch 1 cup cornstarch ½ cup garbanzo bean flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons xanthan gum

½ cup brown rice flour ½ cup white rice flour ½ cup sweet rice flour ½ cup amaranth flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons xanthan gum 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon sugar (optional - as amaranth flour is sweet) 1 can (13.5 oz) cold and solidified coconut milk - not low fat

4 ounces gluten-free unsweetened chocolate 12 ounces butter 2 cups sugar 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted-optional) 2 large eggs 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour 1 Tablespoon gluten-free vanilla extract

A. Mix water, yeast and suger together and let rise.

B. Whisk together room temperature milk and oil.

C. Mix together well the potato starch, cornstarch, bean flour, salt, baking powder, and xanthum gum.

Grease an 8 X 8 square baking pan.

With an electric mixer mix B & C together.

Then add A and mix. Beat on high for 4 minutes.

Sprinkle the counter top with rice flour, pour the batter onto the counter top, sprinkle with rice flour, and roll into a 13 X 13 square. Spread softened margarine over the top of the rolled batter. Sprinkle on sugar and cinnamon to your liking. Roll up the batter carefully. Cut 1 ½ long slices. Place them into the pan. Let rise in a warm place until doubled OR cover pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until the next morning. LETTING THESE ROLLS RISE IS VERY IMPORTANT. Preheat the oven 375F. If rolls are refrigerated, let them come to a warmer temperature before preheating the oven. Brush the rolls with melted butter or margarine. Bake 20 minutes and test with a cake tester. The tester must come out clean. Cook longer if needed. While cooking, if the rolls begin to brown too quickly, cover with foil.

Glaze - mix together: ¾ cup of powdered sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons milk, 2 drops of vanilla extract 26 |

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

Preheat the oven to 450F degrees. Put all the dry ingredients in the bowl of a food processor run until all the dry ingredients are mixed. Open the food processor and add the coconut milk. Run the food processor just long enough to mix thoroughly. You might have to open it once to scrape down the sides. The dough should be airy. Drop by tablespoon full onto cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes.

Makes about 18 small biscuits.

Preheat oven to 325 F degrees. Grease your pan thoroughly and generously with butter.

Melt the butter and the 4 ounces of chocolate together. Add 2 cups of sugar and mix by hand or fold with a fork. Beat the eggs and then add to the mixture. Add the gluten-free flour and the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

Caramel Topping

1/2 cup heavy cream 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup water 4 ounces unsalted butter 1 ¾ teaspoons fine Himalayan salt/table salt 2 tablespoons gelatin Gently heat cream in saucepan. In a tall pot, place sugar and water. Heat on medium high heat until becomes amber caramel. Do not stir. After about 5 minutes, it will start to turn light brown. Watch it closely now as it will turn amber color very quickly. Add the warm cream, butter and salt. Stir until smooth.

Remove from heat and add the gelatin.

Immediately pour over the pan of cooled brownies. Place in the refrigerator to set.

Cut into squares and serve.

Gluten-Free Soft Pretzels

Gluten-Free Brussel Sprout Pizza

Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffin Recipe

2 packages of active dry yeast 1 and one half cups of water at 110F 1 teaspoon brown sugar Dash salt 2 cups brown rice flour 1 cup tapioca starch 1 cup potato starch 4 teaspoons xanthan gum 1 Tablespoon baking soda ½ cup warm water 1 cup real butter, melted

4 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cloves garlic, pressed 1 large Roma tomato, thinly sliced ¼ cup pine nuts 8 oz fresh mozzarella, shredded 2 cups fresh Brussels sprouts, halved 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds 1 tsp. chili powder 1 gluten-free pizza crust

1 cup hazelnut flour 1/2 cup organic white rice flour 1/2 cup tapioca starch/flour 1/4 cup coconut flour 1 cup light brown sugar 2 teaspoons double acting baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup organic virgin coconut oil 3 free-range organic eggs, beaten 1/2 cup non-dairy milk 2 teaspoons bourbon or Tahitian vanilla 2 cups organic blueberries, washed, drained well

Mix first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Let rest for 5 mins. Mix rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum in a medium bowl. Put half the flour mixture into the yeast mixture. Mix with a hand electric mixer on low speed until all ingredients are mixed in. Add the other half of the flour. Mix with the mixer until well combined. Do not over beat. Grease a bowl. Transfer the dough to this bowl and turn dough over so that it is greased on all sides. Cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for one hour. Grease a large cookie sheet. Preheat oven to 550F. Mix baking soda and ½ cup warm water in a shallow pan (a round cake pan works well). Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Gently roll each into a rope with your hands and/or on waxed paper. The dough is fragile and will come apart easily so rest the parts that are not between your hands on the waxed paper so that it is supported. Shape the rope into a pretzel shape. If parts of the dough feel dry, put a few drops of the baking soda water on your hands.

Dip each pretzel in the baking soda/water, then lay them on the greased cookie sheet. Bake 7-8 mins.

They will be a faint tan but not brown. Remove cookie sheet from oven when done. Dip each pretzel in the melted butter and place on a plate.

Sprinkle generously with topping. Eat immediately.

Toppings: Salted pretzels, use sea, Kosher or pretzel salt. Cinnamon sugar pretzels, use ½ cup sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Parmesan pretzels, sprinkle with a mix of ¼ cup parmesan and 1 tsp garlic salt.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large skillet over medium flame, heat olive oil and garlic; cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato, onion and Brussels sprouts. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are soft.

Transfer mixture to a food processor; pulse until smooth.

Spread gluten-free crust on a flat surface; add fresh mozzarella, followed by brussels sprout mixture. Sprinkle with pine nuts. Line the outside crust with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Place pizza onto a pizza stone or baking sheet; bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Top with chili powder.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 12-muffin tin with paper liners.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, starch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, sea salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add in the coconut oil, eggs, non-dairy milk, and vanilla and beat to combine. Continue beating for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth. It should not be overly wet or too dry- this batter is a fairly moist batter, akin to thick cake batter. If the coconut flour has absorbed too much liquid and the batter appears dryish, add another tablespoon of non-dairy milk to loosen it.

Stir in the blueberries by hand, using a big spoon or silicone spatula.

Using a spoon, drop the batter into the 12 muffin cups and smooth out tops with wet fingers. Bake in the center of the oven for 22-25 minutes, until domed and golden brown. A cake tester inserted into the center should emerge clean.

Cool on a wire rack of five minutes, then turn out the muffins to continue cooling on the rack.

Makes one dozen muffins.

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

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style@rileylawson.com |w w w . r i l e y l a w s o n . c o m

I

t may seem like classes just ended, but it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear come fall! August is the perfect time to begin the search for some classic pieces with a fresh fall twist. Check out a few of the front runners…

The BomBer:

The NeoN JeAN: The classic style with a bit more flare thanks to some leather (real or fake).

Wear this with everything!

The BoYFrIeND BLAZer:

Dark tops are big for fall - enter: the neon jean.

Pair these bright bottoms with a classic white tee for day and toss on a darker, flirty top on the weekends.

The PrINTeD JeAN: This style isn’t going anywhere so take it into fall for back to school. Big trend: denim shorts, tank top and blazer - just be sure the hemline of your blazer is shorter than your shorts/skirt!

The WAIsTCoAT (sLeeveLess BLAZer): Perfect first day back outfit choice ladies! Try this with an unfitted tee, some shorts, skinnies, or leggings, and some gladiators or desert boots if it’s chil y.

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

Printed denim is going to be all over the place this fall. Like the neon styles, keep the rest of your wardrobe fairly simple. If you’re not daring enough to go for the brights, tons of grey and black prints wil also be around.

The BrooCh: A personal favorite for years, brooches are making their return this fall.

Use them as a closure on a cardigan or clump three or four of them together on the shoulder of a plain tee.

Written by: Dale Strawford

Travelling alone is easy. You follow the wind and see where it takes you.

Travelling with family adds challenges to easy. You can follow the wind and see where it takes you, but sometimes only as far as your children’s food and pee breaks allow.

Travelling with your spouse and friends introduces a whole new set of parameters to consider. Carefully consider.

Travelling with another couple or couples can be a fantastic way to spend a vacation. It is kind of like the best of both worlds for you as a couple when the girls can split off and go shopping or spend some time at the spa without their husbands whining about having to tag along. The men are all too happy to go golfing, hit a sports bar or just goof off. The fact that you are all there together allows the freedom to pursue fun in whatever combination you feel like at the time. Go out as a group, share time with just the girls or guys, or have a romantic supper or day out on your own.

Seems easy. Seems perfect.

It is, providing you take care in selecting your travel partners.

The basic first litmus test that must be given relates to compatibility.

The couple you travel with needs to have an attitude that matches yours. Both of them. It is tempting to want to go on a vacation with your good friend but to make it work they must ‘as a couple’ share 30 |

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

the same attitude, otherwise it just doesn’t work. Vacation time is a precious commodity and you should absolutely be sure your companions’ interests and idea of fun is shared.

It is a strange twist of fate that the best travel partners are not always necessarily your best or closest friends. This is often learned the hard way. It seems counterintuitive but it’s unusually common.

Just because someone is your best friend does not mean the feeling is mutual with their spouse, and vice versa. That’s just the way it works. Sometimes it’s more of a tolerance. So, putting everyone together for a vacation is not necessarily going to be a great time for everyone. It is a rare and beautiful thing when you have friends you can travel with and everyone enjoys each other’s company. If you can sit with your friends spouse and enjoy each other’s company you may have found your travel buddies.

Time has a way of influencing just when a ‘coupling’ works. Your friends and you are often at different points in your lives. There is a point where things align perfectly then something comes along to change the equation – often the arrival of children.

Years ago some dear friends of ours often travelled with us each year. We even spent time with their siblings and parents on the odd occasion. It was all good. We were a perfect team, aligned in almost every respect. Above all we shared a very similar sense of humour. Then one day the bombshell arrived over breakfast in Prince Albert on the way to Nemeiben Lake – my buddies spouse

was pregnant. And so our worlds began to change and after a few more trips we began to go our own separate vacation ways. At the time it was so disappointing and I was heartbroken to lose my vacation buddies – we had been friends most of our lives and now things had changed.

But such is life and over the years you tend to change your travel companions to fit your individual situation. Once you yourselves begin to have children, you naturally gravitate to others who are in the same situation. But also too, you begin to seek refuge from the children for some big people time away. And ‘coupling’ is a great way to multiply the fun of your trip.

One of the things going with another couple on vacation does for you is it keeps you active. I find that it energizes you to an extent where you feel more inclined to look for things to do. While you can relax if you choose to, you can also expand your fun.

With activity, more can be merrier, but as a rule I recommend travelling with only one other couple. Four people are what I find to be a perfect number. Decisions are easily made. Conversation comes easy. Never travel with two other couples. Three is never a good number, just ask explorers. It is a standard rule of thumb in the adventurer world that you never travel in three’s. It seems like it would be great for breaking ties, but instead it means one person is unhappy. Instead of compromise, it’s a voting contest. Same thing for couples. Going with three couples is a bit better, but this can have the tendency to create splits between the guys and gals where they go their separate ways more often. This does not lead for happy couples, especially the gals, when it heads this way.

After all, you are going with your spouse, not your friends.

A universal trait of those I like to travel with is that they roll with the punches, go with the flow and all that. They are not fazed by bad fortune or the fact that someone forgot to put a lime in their drink.

Simply put, they are able to step past any inconveniences and move forward and have fun. Fussy people or those who are not easygoing can be a buzz kill. Avoid them no matter how much you love them.

Happy hour is another important mutual love. Personally, I don’t trust people who don’t drink (kidding - sort of). After many years of research I have found people who enjoy a good drink, whether it’s a few beers or a fine bottle of wine, are my kind of people. There is something about the consumption of spirits which is universally appealing and relaxing, at least to those people I call my friends.

People I love to be around enrich my experience. So too it goes with travel. When I am with my favourite travel couples, my food and drink tastes better because they are there to share it with me.

The sun shines brighter and the days are long and satisfying, and importantly, I know they feel the same way.

Top 5 Travel Couple Myths 1. More is better. Unless you are at an all-inclusive resort, too many people often leads to decision paralysis. With more people comes more ideas and suggestions and ultimately decisions that, from experience, means disappointment. People follow the group and they end up not doing what they would really like to do. Nobody wants to feel like they are being held hostage.

2. You need to spend 100% of your time together.

On the contrary, travelling with couples allows flexibility to choose your grouping and pick your fun. I think variation makes the trip more fun. No matter how good of friends you are, some private time is needed – after all, you don’t live with your friends 24/7. Ensure you spend some time to yourselves.

3. Only travel with your best friends. In fact, there are casual friends who share more in common with you than your best friends and could allow you to explore places outside your normal box.

You could be very compatible for a shared vacation.

4. People love when you play the part of travel guide. Never go somewhere you have been before that the other couple hasn’t. You are naturally going to pick the things you find the best and steer them there. Or perhaps avoid things you have done already. This robs the other couple of discovery, something they might resent.

5. You need an agenda. Rigidity is a death blow to couples trips. Travel fatigue is something nobody likes.

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

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Health and Wellness

by Marissa Landry

How Moms Stay Fit

Whether you are a new mom or a seasoned member of the mom club, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is keep fit. The benefits of daily exercise include restful sleep, stress reduction, increased energy, and emotional stability; not to mention the positive influence on your children’s healthy activity choices.

Despite these benefits, once a woman dons a ‘mother hat,’ too often she will neglect herself while focusing on caring for her family. Mother-guilt kicks in when we even consider putting our needs above our children.

It can be a catch-22, but as Karin Lofstrom, executive director of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women & Sports and Physical Activity (CAAWS), shares, mothers need “not to think they are taking away from their family, they are adding to their family,” when creating time for exercise. Born in Prince Albert, Lofstrom, a 2012 inductee into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame, notes that “generally women think of themselves last, but by placing themselves higher up on the priority list it will benefit self and family.”

The key to motivation, Lofstrom suggests, is to focus on the health benefits for women and their families. Acknowledging the barriers that can exist for women of different cultures or lower socio-economic status is important to Lofstrom, who promotes thinking outside the box when it comes to programming for women with children. Of her various fresh ideas for programming, Lofstrom shares how a 10 week course has mothers rotating each week to provide childcare. As a result, each mom only misses one class. This means that a gym membership or spending a lot of money to keep fit isn’t necessary.

Additionally, Lofstrom offers small exercises as simple as getting off the bus a few stops sooner to walk the rest of the way or, instead of sitting on the sidelines at your child’s soccer game, walking around the field while you watch.

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CAAWS offers a myriad of programs on their website from Mothers in Motion to Girls @ Play. The site also offers tips, ideas, links and resources on staying fit, healthy eating, and having fun. Mothers in Motion started out as a program for new moms, says Lofstrom, then began to branch out to offer resources for moms of pre-schoolers and school-aged kids.

The CAAWS website is worth browsing for valuable information moms of any age, economic standing, or cultural background can implement. www.caaws.ca Cathie Santo, owner of Willow Plains Yoga in Assiniboia, understands the challenges moms can face when trying to make time for a yoga class. Whether it’s lack of childcare or conflicting schedules, kids have to be in one place and mom in another. It is precisely this spreading oneself too thin dilemma that contributes to the problem. The irony, says Santo, is that making the effort to attend classes “improves a mother’s own quality of life and helps them to better care for others in their life.”

While Santo asserts many moms start yoga classes for exercise reasons, it’s not long before they realize the other benefits. “It really helps them to improve their state of mind as a parent, partner, employee…” she states. Furthermore, moms who establish the time to immerse themselves in the practice of yoga “begin to open up and explore their internal world more.” As a result, yoga can parlay (for some) into a spiritual practice, allowing participants the benefits of introspection and the insights which follow learning to know oneself on a deeper level.

In response to suggestions from her clients who

are mothers, Santo added an 8:15 pm session that allows mom’s to put their children to bed prior to attending yoga class. As Santo grows her yoga studio offerings, one of the classes she looks forward to incorporating is a Moms & Tots yoga class, mixing the best of both worlds; time with baby and time for mom to exercise.

Keeping fit, eating healthy foods, and role modelling these positive choices to your children all sounds good on paper – but how does it look in practice? For Jolene Rommelaere, a wife, mom, and registered dietician in Swift Current, it has been a balance she eagerly embraces. Rommelaere attributes her decision to integrate exercise and healthy eating into her family’s lifestyle as an extension of her pre-mom priorities in those areas. “My workouts are 99% of the time, first thing in the morning,” she says. “I’m definitely a morning person. Always have been. Even before I had kids I would get up at 5:30 am and run before work. Now I get up at 5 am because it’s “MY TIME;” a time that doesn’t affect anyone else and doesn’t get interrupted by kids sports, husband working late, work commitments …

“I am active seven days a week. I like variety (keeps me motivated) so I switch between running, yoga, gym, cardio and weights. I normally do yoga right after work (I have the luxury of only working until 3 pm) — for 30-45 minutes I focus on my breath, clear my head and rejuvenate my soul. This is also “kid time” to unwind after school with friends, watch TV or play video games. Afterwards, it’s “homework time” until supper. The kids do homework and I prep for supper. We’ve got a pretty good routine going.”

Rommelaere has seen the benefits of her decision to take care of herself. “Exercise calms me down and releases toxins from my body. I am active because it makes me feel good. It makes me happy. If I’m happy, I’m a better mother to my children, wife to my husband, and support to my family and friends.” The benefits have also translated into her husband Jeremy jumping on the running bandwagon and now competing along with his wife in marathons.

And best of all, their sons, Zander (9) and Ryder (6), are competing in mini races; excited to get a running number, t-shirt, and medal at the end of the race.

The best thing about running, contemplates Rommelaere, is its simplicity. “All you need is a good pair of runners,” she states, and in addition, running gets her out into nature where she can “enjoy how fresh air improves [her] mood and state of mind.” What number one suggestion does Rommelaere have for other moms?

“Make time for you! Taking care of yourself makes you a better mom and wife.”

The key is finding an exercise that appeals to you. While exercise is a work-out, it should also be fun and challenging or it’s just not the right fit for you. Zumba, a Latin-inspired dance-aerobic exercise, joins the ranks of hot yoga, Pilates, and yogalates as the latest in fitness craze and has moms of all ages up and moving. Whether attending a gym that offers Zumba or purchasing a DVD, many moms are feeling rejuvenated after a session – keeping people

coming back for more!

Exercising outside of the home may not be an option; memberships can be expensive, childcare a problem, in addition to various other excuses or reasons. To combat these obstacles, moms of today’s generation are turning to the internet to get fit. The P.I.N.K. Method (Power Intensity Nutrition Kardio), priced at approximately $80.00, provides a set of DVD’s which take you through different levels of exercise via stretching, light weights, squats, cardio, and yoga based fitness. In addition, the method offers tips on eating right and meal suggestions for the duration of the program. The pluses to a program like P.I.N.K. or others offered via www.exercise.com are that it’s home-based, accessed from the computer, sends email reminders, tracks progress, provides videos, reviews recipes, and it joins you to an internet community of other women and moms who support you in reaching your goals. Fitness at home is no longer a solitary endeavour.

Regardless of whether you opt for an organized program, invest in an elliptical machine, or purchase an online exercise membership, it’s clear that moms need a daily schedule conducive to keeping fit. Think of it this way: when taking a flight, adults are instructed to put their oxygen mask on first before they can put a mask on their child. This is because, without getting the help to sustain yourself first, you cannot take proper care of your child. The role of a mother is the most rewarding job we will have. It is an act of self-love to be as fit for the job as we can possibly be.

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10 Fitness Strategies 1.

Find a way to move every day for at least 30 minutes.

Make yourself a priority, Mom. You deserve it!

2.

3.

7.

While the kids use a hula hoop, mom uses a weighted hula hoop. Whittle down that waist.

Take advantage of no-fee exercise such free yoga in the park or coach your child’s sports team to gain the benefits of exercising at practices along with your child.

8.

Plant a garden or join a community garden. You will exercise while you plant, weed, and care for your healthy food. Win-Win!

Just try something; yoga, kick-boxing, Zumba, Pilates, Tae Bo, swimming, golfing, skating, skiing, running, Tai Chi, walking the dog … the list goes on.

9.

Buy physically active games for your child’s game console such as tennis or baseball. Have some fun with them!

10.

Notice changes to your physical and mental state as you are rewarded with a fitter body and mind – which in turn will motivate healthy lifestyle choices.

4.

Walk to work or get off a few bus stops early. Park the car at the end of the mall parking lot.

5.

In the winter or inclement weather, visit venues like Moose Jaw’s Fieldhouse which offers programs such as Stroller-Boogie, getting new moms out and active.

Moms can also walk/run the track or exercise in the room provided.

6.

Incorporate squats and other simple stretches into your house cleaning routine. Get more out of housework than a clean house.

http://www.caaws.ca/mothersinmotion/e/baby/physical_log.pdf http://www.caaws.ca/mothersinmotion/e/index.cfm http://www.womenandleadershipnetwork.ca/index.php http://www.willowplainsyoga.com/index.html https://www.exercise.com/pink-method

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Crossword Puzzle Across 1. Leaf opening 6. Website addresses 10. Hearing organs 14. Roof overhangs 15. Following 16. Chimney channel 17. Stream 18. Largest continent 19. Dossier 20. A certain cut of meat 22. Not under 23. A girl›s toy 24. Gentle stroke 26. Hairless 30. Governor (abbrev.)

31. Eastern Standard Time 32. Wings 33. Visual organs 35. Braid of hair 39. Equate 41. Gist 43. Souvlaki 44. Fender blemish 46. Any day now 47. Regret 49. Hog›s home 50. Found on most beaches 51. Uneven 54. Scrabble piece 56. Streetcar 57. Graniteware 63. Ascend 64. Pear-shaped instrument 65. Repaired 66. Norse god 67. Biblical garden 68. Stagnated 69. Annoyance 70. Exam 71. Poverty-stricken

Down 1. Religious offshoot 2. Container weight 3. Baking appliance 4. A fitting reward (archaic) 5. Requested 6. Pure 7. Clear up 8. 62 in Roman numerals 9. Position 10. Easy 11. Not dead 12. Governs 13. Clairvoyants

21. ʺMessage received and understoodʺ 25. Vipers 26. Not front 27. Found in some lotions 28. Young sheep 29. Division 34. Tender feeling 36. Dwarf buffalo 37. Computer symbol 38. Care for 40. Adjoin 42. Pizazz 45. Demesnes

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

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10 Questions

with Kristy Rempel from the Children’s Wish Foundation

by Lee Parent

1

When was the Children’s Wish Foundation established in Saskatchewan?

In 1984 a volunteer established the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. An article about the launch of the charity here in the province caught the attention of zone manager (at the time) of Acklands Grainger, Chuck Newmeyer. For over 25 years the Children’s Wish Saskatchewan Chapter office has been located (rent free) in the Acklands Grainger building in Saskatoon. This significant partnership allows so much more of our funding to go to the wishes we grant.

2

How did your career path lead you to the Children’s Wish Foundation?

I have always had a passion for running events and ran an events management company in Saskatoon for six years; before that I was very involved in many Saskatoon events as a volunteer. Some of that volunteer time was spent with the Children’s Wish Foundation – I have been hooked since then! As fundraising and events coordinator, I focus much of my energy on the marketing, events and fundraising efforts, both internally and externally for the Foundation.

3

Working with the Children’s Wish Foundation must be fulfilling in many ways, but what facets of the job do you find especially enjoyable?

I have a passion for events and people. Definitely an extravert, I like the amount of time dealing directly with volunteers, sponsors and Children’s Wish supporters. It’s incredibly fulfilling to find a perfect fit for a business within the Children’s Wish culture and create a special partnership we can both be proud of. Meeting the Wish children and their families has also been a special reminder of why we do the work we do. These courageous and special kids make all the difference.

4

What criteria are used to decide that a child will have his or her wish granted?

We grant wishes to children between the ages of three to 17 dealing with a life threatening illness which includes non-terminal conditions. Our eligibility process is completely medically based and does not take into consideration the financial standing of the family.

Being a positive point of reference in the future, a wish can be the hope and desire to keep fighting. The Children’s Wish Foundation is proud to say no eligible child has ever been refused a wish. We currently estimate that less than half of the eligible children, the ones with a recent high risk diagnosis, initiate the wish application process for various reasons. We’d like to see all eligible children get a wish! That is why we rely on medical professionals to encourage families to give us a call and start the process; we as a charity do not solicit in the hospitals directly.

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FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

5

What types of wishes are there?

We categorize the wishes into three types: a travel wish, an item wish or to meet a celebrity. We’ve had some incredibly fun item wishes; a herd of cattle, a “man cave”, DJ equipment, a growing dome (green house), and of course our most common item wish in Saskatchewan – a camper trailer.

Of all three categories, our most common is a travel wish and the most wished for destination is Disney World. In the end, the wish is about so much more than a thing or a trip – it’s about having something to look forward to when things are their darkest. It’s about creating new special memories with your loved ones. It’s about hope.

6

The Children’s Wish Home Lottery is well known in the province and obviously generates funds for the foundation; what other sources of funding do you rely on?

We are not government funded – we rely on the donations of incredible donors throughout the province. Our provincial office organizes three main events: the Swing and a Wish golf tournament in Saskatoon, the Wishmaker Walk for Wishes (provincially), and Exile Island, a corporate fundraiser.

A significant amount of donated funds come from champions in our community who use events to raise money for us. A few of our largest event donors are in Regina; the DISCOVERED international modeling event and the You’ve Got a Friend golf tournament have annually picked Children’s Wish as their charity of choice. New to our Saskatoon lineup this year is Rayna’s Day of Play in August.

7

“Exile Island” sounds like a television reality show, but am I correct in guessing it’s a new way of gathering pledged donations?

I can easily say this event is by far my favorite, incredibly unique in the market and simply a blast to participate in! It is loosely based on the theme of the television show Survivor, with local corporate teams making up ten tribes.Teams do steak nights, dunk tanks, pledging, penny drives,

auctions and barbecues for six weeks, then compete in fun, team building challenges at Exile Island. The highlight of the day is meeting a wish family and witnessing firsthand what their hard work translates into. Exile Island’s Ultimate Survivor tribe in May 2012 was BHP, raising an impressive $45,000!

5 6 3 Love Everywhere

8

You mentioned the Event in a Box concept to me; can you explain how it would help a group interested in organizing a fundraising event for the foundation?

About a year ago we noticed a great many volunteers throughout the province ready, willing and able to help, but no project in their area they could get involved with. We created the concept of as simple as an event in a box – and the idea took off. On request, we send a welcome letter to the interested volunteer outlining some of the types of events possible. The box we send them contains all the necessary Children’s Wish collateral for the type of event they choose and a binder with everything they need to succeed. Our office is always just a phone call away for support or encouragement.

9

Another concept that applies to many organizations is Charity Of Choice; what does that mean for Children’s Wish?

With over 85,000 registered charities in Canada it is important to be supportive and transparent to our donors. It is also imperative to remain relevant with our mandate, our goals and our fundraising efforts. Being chosen as a charity of choice by a company, corporation or event benefits a charity greatly and contributions can take many different forms: donations made for a casual day in an office, proceeds from a significant fundraiser, or a philanthropic corporate donation.

The Children’s Wish Foundation makes up a special part in the circle of care for child patients and relies on public funding to continue to make those wishes happen.

10

What goals do you have, personally and for the Children’s Wish Foundation, as our province enjoys growing prosperity over the next decade and onward?

It is fantastic to see the province I grew up in, and have always called home, doing so well on a global stage. I have always believed it is important as part of the non-profit industry to know the economics (to some degree) of the industries we are seeking support from. Recently I achieved a personal goal and was voted on the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

I hope to use that position to elevate the profile of Children’s Wish and maintain that much needed business climate knowledge.

The Children’s Wish Foundation is working to increase public awareness on a provincial level. We always want to dispel the notion our wishes are only for terminal patients. The ultimate goal is to also have that awareness translate into more Charity of Choice events, more donations, more funding, and the opportunity to grant more wishes.

written by

Stephanie Staples I was peacefully enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of spring while biking through the Royalwood Woods (spirit de ? - I forget the name of the trail!), when I saw something that caught my eye. It was just a hollow at the base of an old tree but that’s not what I saw. I saw a heart and it made me smile.

I stopped my bike, turned around and went back to check out my discovery and to my surprise, because I was approaching from a different angle, it didn’t look like a heart anymore – it just looked like the hollow at the base of an old tree. I adjusted my angle until my heart appeared. Again it made me smile. I was thinking of hearts and hearts make me think of love and thinking of love makes me smile.

Back on my bike I was contemplating how, if you look for it, you could probably find signs of love everywhere.

Love everywhere, that’s a beautiful theme, I thought.

It would be interesting if someone did a project about finding signs of love everywhere. I imagined what might be a part of their project, heart shaped rocks, hidden hearts, pictures of an elderly couple holding hands, babies being soothed. That would be a cool project for someone.

A few weeks later I am passing time in between flights by mindlessly window shopping in the Denver airport. A book jumps off the shelf at me, it is called 365 – A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Everyday and Change Your Life by Noah Scalin.

I flip through this colorful and unusual book and am immediately drawn in. It’s filled with a mix of suggestions, space, tips, ideas, recipes, photographs and thoughts. I soon own this book and begin reading. It’s not that I need or want to “change my life” as the title suggests, but I am always intrigued by ideas to expand my own creativity, especially since I am not artistic in the typical sense of the word.

The essence of the book is to start a daily (or weekly, or monthly, or ongoing) project focused around a central subject (dogs, flowers – Noah did skulls) or a consistent medium or technique (photography, clay, collage) and to chronicle your experience in bringing your project to life.

Noah suggests using online sharing tools to create a community to support you, encourage you and perhaps even surprise you. Having the online community also adds the accountability portion to your project, which, as a coach, I love.

So, of course Love Everywhere meets 365. Coincidence? Serendipity? Call it what you will – it’s game on!

I have passed the 40 day mark of my project and it has been a fascinating challenge so far. You can see my project here: https://www.facebook.com/stephaniestaples/ photos. I encourage you to try your own project or look for signs of Love Everywhere and join mine!

Stephanie Staples is a motivACTional speaker and the author of When Enlightening StrikesCreating a Mindset for Uncommon Success.

Jazz up your next event with fun and life enriching content, visit www.YourLifeUnlimited. ca to find out more!

w w w. Yo ur Li feUnlimi ted. ca FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

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www.BeDiscovered.ca

Saskatchewan Chapter

social • digital & design

DISCOVERED DISCOVERED: for one lucky young man or woman, this is not just an event. For the winner of the annual DISCOVERED international model search, this is a life event – one that will rocket them to a new level of self-confidence through hard work, dedication and perseverance. For the winner, DISCOVERED is an opportunity not just for them to be discovered, but also to discover themselves and the world.

Coming into its third year, DISCOVERED is swiftly becoming more than just a model search. Co-presented by EDGE Agency and Sara Lindsay Makeup Artistry, DISCOVERED is what people are talking about. It’s a search for modeling talent (not only here in Saskatchewan, but across Canada), a showcase for our creative professionals, a fundraiser for the Children’s Wish Foundation and a red carpet runway evening for guests, sponsors, contestants and their families. It’s a lot of things, but most importantly, it’s a chance to make a difference.

By: Mackenzie Kulcsár

editorial experience in Canada and in the UK. Together, they are laying the foundation for something big. As a result, DISCOVERED will just keep evolving.

What has grown out of this initial idea is a large-scale and two-part event: the DISCOVERED model search as the primary focus which culminates as a high end gala that brings together community and concludes with the announcement of the search winner. “We’ve made it our priority to grow the event so we can grow the total dollars raised for the Children’s Wish Foundation.” said Schwartz.

“And it’s been our privilege to see through the hard work that we and especially the DISCOVERED committee have invested, as well as the community support we’ve acquired, that together we’ve raised more than $52,000 for the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation,” added Lindsay. “As parents, this particular children’s cause resonated with all of us,” said Schwartz.

“The Children’s Wish Foundation has been an incredible partner

In an interview this past week, while the rest of Regina was revelling in the heat of early July, the co-presenters of DISCOVERED sat down for an interview with PINK Magazine to discuss what’s heating up their third year of co-presenting DISCOVERED. It’s obvious from the start that Sara Lindsay and Lisa Marie and Gregg Schwartz are folks with grand designs for DISCOVERED. It doesn’t take long to see their enthusiasm is based on hard work and that their eyes are always on the goal: making dreams come true for kids in Saskatchewan through the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Although it seems an obvious place to start, everyone wants to know about their motivation. When asked what spurred them to create DISCOVERED, both Sara Lindsay and Lisa Marie Schwartz discussed their position on their mutual goals. “Initially we wanted to create something that brought our businesses together, obviously, because we work in areas that complement one another,” said Schwartz. “But it was soon obvious that an opportunity existed to bring together the many other people who excel in their creative fields.” she continued. “We have a lot of incredible talent working here in Saskatchewan,” added Lindsay. “We really just wanted to showcase all the collective imaginations of the creative people living and growing their businesses here, so initially our focus was to pull all these folks together.” Each with professional backgrounds in international modelling across Europe, Asia and Australia, the Schwartz’s bring their knowledge to each of DISCOVERED’s contestants through EDGE Agency, as well as their current working professional models. Lindsay, as a seasoned professional and Canada’s top makeup artist in 2011, brings years of fashion and

Kyle (DISCOVERED 2011 Winner) FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

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for us too, and it’s gratifying to know that every dollar raised here in Saskatchewan stays right here.” Chalk another one up for the people of Saskatchewan; big dreams, and big hearts too.

For the contestants themselves, DISCOVERED is a total package; they receive the opportunity to learn from professionals in the modeling industry, with access to and assistance from Lindsay, the Schwartz’s, wardrobe styling professionals, top hair stylists, photographers, videographers and all the people who move this event forward. It’s a mixture of talent and dedication; contestants learn from the best and through three rounds of photo shoots (each with their own set of challenges) compete for the chance to win a prize package that includes a contract with NEXT Models International of Toronto. A scout from NEXT Models will fly in to Regina to hand select the next DISCOVERED winner. The winner could be someone you already know.

For guests of the gala on September 29, 2012, DISCOVERED’s creators have a red carpet evening in store. “Our red carpet runway event will feature our model search finalists as well as reveal the winner chosen by the scout from NEXT Models International,” said Schwartz. “We’re expecting a sell-out crowd and as we have only 375 tickets available, we encourage our supporters to get theirs early.” If last year’s gala production is any indication of the calibre of event that DISCOVERED has evolved into, this year we’re to expect more of the expert team putting the gala evening together.

“We’ve really committed to bringing the best possible experience to our guests,” said Lindsay. “We are privileged to have developed

Iain (DISCOVERED 2011 Top Finalist) 40 |

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

some incredible relationships with the community and they have helped us to pull together a stunning list of silent and live auction items so we can complement our fundraising for the Children’s Wish Foundation and maximize our potential to build on what DISCOVERED has already accomplished,” she continued. “It’s going to be an exciting night for everyone involved; guests, participants and especially for the Children’s Wish Foundation,” said Schwartz.

“And for us too, of course!” said Lindsay. There can be no doubt of that; DISCOVERED is a not-to-be-missed event. Mark your calendars and get your tickets for the runway show that will feature Regina merchants as well as clothing designers.

This September, DISCOVERED promises a truly exceptional experience for contestants and gala guests. Purchase your tickets now.

For more information and to sign up for the model search or become a sponsor, visit DISCOVERED online at www.bediscovered. ca. Log on to follow them on Twitter: @bediscovered_ca and on Facebook for real time updates.

Taya (DISCOVERED 2011 Top Finalist)

Mandyy (DISCOVERED 2011 Top Finalist)

MAKEUP FOR MY TEEN? Written by Sara Lindsay

Many of my clients are looking for instruction on how to apply makeup for themselves but many of those women are also looking for advice for their young daughters.

Whatever age you choose to allow your daughter to wear makeup, it’s important she has the tools, products and knowledge she needs to maintain an “age appropriate” look. I believe that young girls look their best without makeup, but many young ladies feel pressure to wear it to school and out with their friends. So, if makeup is a must for her, try to lead her in the right direction. I’ve had many moms in my studio urging me to help rid their daughters of their black eyeliner obsession. When experimenting for the first time, teens don’t always warm to the “less is more” theory, but it’s always so much more flattering.

Before any makeup goes on, now is a perfect time to start a good skin care routine. Try to encourage a brand that uses ingredients from nature and try to keep it simple. A good cleanser and moisturizer are a must and if possible, introduce a toner and mild exfoliant. Below are a few suggestions for colours and products you may want to consider when introducing your teen to her first makeup & skin care routine.

One of the challenges is that there are so many products out there and it can be very daunting to know which ones are right for you and for her. I suggest always testing the product in the store before buying to ensure that you are getting the correct coverage, color, texture and quality. Keep the foundation (or better yet, a tinted moisturizer) light and dewy. For problem skin, use a concealer only where necessary. Foundation should always disappear into the skin for a correct colour match. Many young ladies want to cover their freckles. If you have freckles, show them off! Choose a foundation that will let these little beauty marks shine through.

For more in depth information, I offer private makeup lessons at my studio. www.saralindsay.ca | info@saralindsay.ca (306) 591-7829

There are all kinds of brands out there at all different price points, so you can use these suggestions or find a comparable brand that suits your budget and preferences.

A bare lid with a coat of mascara and curled lashes is pretty on its own but if she feels more comfortable with eyeshadow, stick to light taupes, dusty pinks, and peaches for a light contour in the crease and across the lower lash line.

Keep the brows tidy and full. Never over tweeze. Natural brows soften your look and keep you looking youthful.

Blush is a pretty way to brighten your complexion. Use it sparingly and on your apples only for a fresh and natural flush of colour.

Peaches and warm pinks in a cream formula are lovely and easy to use.

On the lips, use something sheer with a creamy or glossy texture.

Keep it simple ... even a good balm with a hint of shine is enough.

Products from L to R: SEPHORA-Heated Lash Curler, AVEDA- Light Tinted Moisturizer-SPF, MAC COSMETiCS- Cremeblend Blush, MAC COSMETiCS- Face & Body Foundation, LOREAL- Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black, BENEFiT- Posy Tint Lip & Cheek Stain, AVEDA- Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser CLARiNS- Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm

About the artist...

Originally from Canada, and having spent many years of her career in the United Kingdom, Sara Lindsay is a professional makeup artist, with training from some of London’s top fashion academies. Having had the opportunity to work with some of Britain’s top artists, Sara brings an edge to her hometown of Regina.

Sara’s professional experience includes runway work, editorial spreads, compelling commercial campaigns, weddings and special event clients. London Fashion Week and The London Clothes Show are just some of the highlights of her career. Sara was named Canadian Makeup Artist of the Year at The Mirror Awards 2011 and most recently was named a finalist for 2012.

Sara’s successful freelance career, which complimented her time as a regional associate with MAC COSMETICS UK, gave her valuable experience in working closely with clientele to consult and direct their transformation to the extraordinary.

In a consultative style, Sara works to achieve a look that is uniquely your own.

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

| 41

Puzzles

What Can Investors Learn From Gardeners

August Answers

Summer is here. If you’re a gardener, you’re probably outside daily tending to your flowers, fruits or vegetables. But even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still take advantage of the season by “planting the seeds” for the growth of another valuable piece of property — your investment portfolio.

Another trait exhibited by gardeners and worthy of emulation by investors is patience. If you were dissatisfied with the growth of a plant after just a few days, would you uproot it and put another plant in its place? Probably not.

Instead, you’d nurture the original plant, hoping that, in the long term, it is possible for it to grow. The same thinking can apply to investments. Over the short term, your investment choices will fluctuate in price, and sometimes you may be frustrated by what you perceive as the lack of progress. But instead of constantly selling off investments and buying new ones, you’ll likely be better off choosing quality securities and holding them for a period of many years. Eventually, your efforts may be rewarded.

What else do gardeners do that might be relevant to investors? For one thing, PMS 5535 they get rid of weeds that can choke off the growth of flowers or vegetables.

As an investor, you too may benefit from occasionally “pruning” your portfolio of those investments that no longer meet your needs, and, in fact, take up space that could otherwise be more profitably used. That’s why it’s a good idea to review your holdings at least once a year.

Difficulty: Medium

In addition, just as gardeners don’t usually grow only one variety of a flower or one fruit or vegetable, an investor shouldn’t stick with one type of investment vehicle. If you own nothing but aggressive growth stocks, you’ll likely take on too much risk. Conversely, if you are too conservative and invest only in bonds, you’ll probably never achieve the growth you need, and your earnings may not even keep pace with inflation. Instead, think about building a portfolio containing a variety of investments that, when put together, can help you make progress toward your objectives. We call this diversification, and while it can’t guarantee you’ll make a profit or prevent losses, it can be a good strategy to help reduce overall risk.

Crossword

Actually, you can find a few similarities between successful gardening and effective investing. For starters, both gardeners and investors need to consider the landscape. If, for example, your garden is in a shady part of your yard, you could grow some nice geraniums, but you’ll have tougher time with roses, which crave the sun. As an investor, you’ll also find that some investments are more appropriate for your situation than others. So, before you purchase a stock, bond or mutual fund, you’ll need to determine if it’s suitable for your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals.

Finally, just as backyard “diggers” may turn to master gardeners for advice and guidance, you, as an investor, could quite likely benefit from the services of a financial advisor — an experienced professional who knows the markets and who will take the time to understand your situation, needs and goals.

PMS 5535

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Difficulty: Hard

So the next time you see some industrious gardeners making something beautiful and productive in their yards, watch them closely. Their skills and habits might be productively transferred to you as you invest for the future.

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Social Worker

Helping with relationships and intimacy

For people diagnosed with cancer, an oncology social worker is an important member of the health care team. An oncology social worker provides counseling, education, and information services, and referrals to community resources to people with cancer and their families and friends. In addition, an oncology social worker helps people navigate the health care system and find support to manage the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer.

People living with cancer may have questions about how their treatment will affect their relationship with their spouse or partner, including sexual intimacy. A social worker can help answer questions about sexuality, intimacy, and how cancer treatment may change their abilities and desires. In addition, he or she can provide couples or other relationship counseling, during which people with cancer and their partners may talk about the emotional changes they are going through, how they want to handle those changes, and what kind of support they want from each other and from other people.

Taking care of the whole person

Adjusting to life after treatment

For most people, a cancer diagnosis brings new feelings and experiences, and an oncology social worker can help people work through these aspects of a cancer diagnosis. A social worker understands that there are many aspects of a person’s life that contribute to his or her cancer experience, such as a person’s ethnicity, spirituality, and family situation, and that cancer affects each person in a different way. He or she talks to people about the different aspects of adjusting to the cancer, and helps find strategies to adapt to and manage health care concerns. Talking with a professional who has helped other people manage similar situations may help a person find ways to improve his or her quality of life, manage fears, and find hope.

Many people find that the months after completing cancer treatment are especially difficult. In addition to a slow physical recovery, there are often intense worries about future health and returning to a more normal life. A social worker can continue to work with individuals through the period of survivorship, and many people find this an ideal time to process the experience. Others join a support group for survivors and find the best understanding and help from other people in similar situations. Read more about what comes next after finishing treatment.

How a Social Worker Can Help

Understanding new roles and responsibilities A person with cancer may wonder how parents, children, friends, and coworkers will react to the diagnosis. A social worker can help a person cope with these reactions. People may also wonder if there will be changes in their ability and desire to keep up with the many responsibilities of their life, such as a demanding job, taking care of young children, or helping an older parent. A social worker can arrange a meeting to talk about how those roles and responsibilities might change, and about what kind of support a person needs while going through treatment.

A bridge to the medical care team Another role of a social worker is a liaison between the person with cancer and the medical team. Because a social worker has advanced training in cancer treatment and how these treatments affect a person with cancer, he or she can help people and their families understand the treatment options. For example, a social worker helps gather and organize the information people need to make decisions about their care and arrange a meeting with the patient, family members, and the medical team to discuss the patient’s care and treatment options. A social worker can also refer people to additional educational resources and to community organizations that have information about cancer and treatment.

44 |

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B: WHO DO YOU WANT TO MEET - If there are people of interest attending such as people that may offer you info you want, potential clients, or people who are ahead of you on your path to success, it’s smart to do a little research so you can appear informed about them. People are impressed and flattered that others know about them, give them a card and they might remember you. Follow up with a ‘great to meet you’ email and you will be sure they do!

Continuing on from last month’s five tips … if you want success …

C: DON’T GET DRUNK - Seriously, if it is an evening affair have one or two drinks if you want, but keep it at that. You don’t want to be remembered as the gal that fell over dancing on the table … and besides, you want to recall what went on!

6. Be prepared to work HARD.

9. Find a mentor or three!

An ‘overnight’ success is a myth. Being successful demands many long hours, late nights and early mornings, working on weekends, and missing things because work takes priority.

However, you also have to do more than just ‘get out of bed’ and show up. Just because you work for ten hours a day does not mean you are working hard, nor does it mean you are being effective! Athletes that just ‘show up’ for practice are the ones that get cut, period! If you own your own business or sell on commission you MUST expect to spend at least 60+ hours a week working hard in the first few years, or you will fail. Work like you are going on vacation next week and you will do well … if you don’t, someone else will and they will succeed instead of you!

7. Have a plan and stick to it!

Make sure that you are working with intensity and sticking to the plan (you do have a plan don’t you?). Too many people spend work time dealing with the ‘simply urgent’ stuff that pops into their email inbox (or on Facebook) instead of dealing with the REALLY IMPORTANT stuff that they need to get done. If you are in sales, EVERYTHING you do at work should be helping you get more sales. If it isn’t, STOP doing it! Only by speaking to and selling to more people will you have more sales; sharpening your pencils and ‘taking long lunches’ will not generate any income or help your career … nor will it bring you success!

8. Networking I believe that anyone in all industries can do this effectively if they follow some simple rules:

Your networking events are a great place to look, and where I have found mine most of the time. These are people you admire and that know things that you want to know, not necessarily in your industry, but they should be successful and smart! Social media offers a great way to find mentors too, and you don’t have to actually meet them in person to connect. I follow a few of my mentors on Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook. I read their updates, comment and engage with them, occasionally bouncing ideas of my own off them.

10. DON’T give up.

Even when it seems that you can’t win. Think about it; sure the most exciting/famous sporting events in history have been hard fought battles, but no one would cheer for a team or an athlete that just gave up because it got too hard or they couldn’t win. People love winners and they really respect people who try.

Even if you didn’t get the job you wanted, or the sale you thought was a SURE THING, the bank turned down your new business loan, or perhaps your idea failed; whatever it was, don’t get sad and dejected about it. Work out WHY you failed and make sure you do a better job next time, because next time you might very well succeed!

Remember, the biggest obstacle in your life truly limiting your success is always going to be YOU! Sara owns the www.trustedsaskatoon.com and www.trustedregina.com directories.

A: THIS IS NOT SOCIAL - it is business. Only attend networking events that are applicable to your industry or the role/career you are in want. Always dress appropriately.

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| 47

New to the Spotlight Reclaiming Life’s Great Expectations

by Gail Jansen-Kesslar

When Jackie Ermel stared into a mirror at age 43, she wasn’t sure who exactly it was that was staring back.

what exactly it was that she still had left to offer, both the world and herself.

Like most women, she had thrown herself into her roles as a wife, an employee, and a mother. She had balanced it all, dipping into her own reserves to make sure her family, the family business, and her employer were always well taken care of. But, as she looked into the mirror, she realized the well from which she continuously dipped into was slowly but surely drying up. Soon there would be nothing left for her.

“Krav Maga helped me mentally because it gave me a strength that I didn’t know I had. It also helped rejuvenate my body and helped me to feel energized again.”

Adding to her inner turmoil was the ending of her 20 year career with Sasktel when she agreed to a severance package and retired.

“It taught me that I’m not too old to start accomplishing things again,” says Ermel.

Then came the car accident involving Ermel’s 21 year old son and his best friend, one that claimed the life of his best friend.

After her career with Sasktel ended, Ermel had planned to stay on her farm and look after the cattle that she and her husband raised, but deep down there was this niggling belief that there was still something more for her, and once more she looked to the mirror for answers.

“It was life-changing and devastating for me,” says Ermel. “It devastated all of us but at the time, I was already going through this stuff of wondering what the future held for me, and all of a sudden one minute you’re on the good side, and the next moment you’re on the bad side. Almost like a murder, except it’s an accident. And I started feeling really bad about myself.”

A cathartic moment that Ermel says created additional problems in her life that, in typical mom fashion, she pushed to the side to look after her hurting son.

“He needed to heal and because he wouldn’t go on his own, I started attending counseling sessions with him.” Looking back, Ermel says, she probably got more from them than he did.

While the counseling sessions helped, they only scratched the surface of what both mother and son needed, and at the insistent urgings of her brother who felt that it would work wonders in his nephew’s healing process, the pair took up the little known martial art known as Krav Maga, an Israeli form of self-defense.

Focused on preparing people how to effectively defend themselves on the streets, its intentional byproduct was that attendees would also gain strength, both mental and physical, as they learned.

For Ermel, who went in with no expectations whatsoever, what Krav Maga gave her was more than she ever thought possible. It helped set her firmly back on the path of finding out who she was and 48 |

FOR SASKATCHEWAN WOMEN

Now on her way to rediscovering herself and her own dreams and ambitions, Ermel confesses that change has helped her to recognize that age is just a number and that possibilities are still open to her.

“I just started thinking – what’s life all about again? And wondering if maybe my life was still valuable – maybe there was something still to it.”

After a long drawn out process, with a courage born of her counseling, her deep abiding faith which buoyed her in some of her darkest moments, and the strength she took from her workouts, Ermel decided to follow a long held dream to pursue a career in real estate. A decision, she says, that required a lot of “guts.”

“My family didn’t want me to do it because it’s a very time consuming job, and they didn’t really want me to be gone like that because they depended on me so much. It’s also a career where you either lose everything you have or you make a success of it, but it costs you enormously in the beginning to do it.

“It was a very difficult decision,” continues Jackie. “ I just kept putting it off.”

Eventually, she followed her heart which told her it was the right thing to do. A decision aided by the perspective the past few years had given her.

“I had wanted to do it since I had left Sasktel and it finally got to a point where I felt like I couldn’t not do it,” says Ermel. “I had always

done everything for everyone else and I just thought ‘it’s time that I made decisions for myself, it’s time that I pursued some of the dreams and aspirations that I have,’ and I decided that I was still worth something and that I could do this.”

gone. And I tried my whole life to make it so good by being a hard worker, by being a good mother, by being a good wife, by being responsible, by doing all that stuff. You do all of that – but in the end, is that enough?

Soon after she signed up for the books, confronted the exams, and began what is now a successful real estate career, looking after rural as well as residential listings. Having grown up on a farm and lived and worked the farming lifestyle her entire life, it was a decision to help those like her who wanted the lifestyle that rural living offered.

“You only get one life to live,” continues Ermel. “The accident taught me that, and when you die, no one goes with you. No matter what advice anyone will give you over the course of your life, only you will be accountable for it in the end.”

“The reason that real estate is so important to me is the connection I have with my rural clients. Not a day goes by that I don’t meet a stranger or somebody that impacts me in some way. When I was at home looking after the cows I didn’t have that. I didn’t have that avenue I needed to meet people. It’s what made life worthwhile for me again.”

Since that day, Ermel has been able to see the purpose of her life again. Not every day is sunshine and roses, and even the most longed for career can have its ups and its downs, but through it all, her sense of self has never felt more on the right path.

Today, when Ermel looks in the mirror at 49, she sees a woman who has come a long way, but one who still has a long journey ahead of her. Only now, instead of dreading that journey she looks forward, at least most of the time, to the new adventures that lay ahead.

“I don’t feel like an old person any longer, or someone who has to fit into some mold of what being older means. These past years have shown me I can still do things. I can go to Krav Maga. I can go into real estate. I can keep my hair long. I can still accomplish things. I can still do this stuff that people say you can’t do.” ***

“Why didn’t I demand all these things before?” wonders Ermel, with typical 20/20 hindsight. “Why were they not important to me before? We’re taught as girls to be very unselfish. We’re taught that that’s right and we’re taught that we’re supposed to be content and satisfied and that those are good qualities. And they are good qualities, but if you get lost in that, it’s not good in the end.

“I could see myself paying the price for good qualities. What happened to Jackie? What happened to the inside of me? It was

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| 49

Simply Stunning D esigns

Staging a Home to Sell, and for Life

Prepare the home from the outside in. Have the home looking clean, repaired and well taken care of. (Look at last month’s issue for hints on Street Appeal.)

The key to successful home staging is to make your place look as if someone lives there only better.

Set the stage. Create vignettes that let people imagine themselves in the home. Set the table with inviting place settings. Put a tea kettle on the stove with two teacups nearby.

Studies show staged homes spend 45 percent less time on the market than nonstaged homes, and sell for about 6 percent more. Whether staging your home to sell, to impress company, or treat yourself to a more stylized lifestyle, here are some staging secrets.

Pare down. It looks better, feels better, and makes moving and living much easier.

Have towels for show and for use. Fill apothecary jars with fresh soaps, roll towels and tie them with raffia, tuck a large silk daisy in the tie. Hang used towels out of sight, and hide the used soap.

Don’t over-furnish. Keep accessories minimal. Make rooms feel as big as you can.

Simply Stunning Designs www.simplystunningdesigns.ca PHONE: 306.585.0775 MOBILE: 306.581.7750 INFO@SIMPLYSTUNNINGDESIGNS.CA

Go behind closed doors. Stage the pantry and closet. “It makes buyers think, ‘I could move in right now.’

Keep it coordinated. “Try to have a room in a box. It has rugs, artwork, lamps and accessories that all work together. That makes the decorating process so much easier. Use a palette of colours like greygreen, red and beige, and homes will just fall together.

Use versatility. Opt for flexible furniture. If you have a grey-green sofa sectional that fills large spaces well, you can also pull a section off and use the piece as a chaise somewhere else.

Be gleaming clean. Having a home that is clean is the most important quality a staged home can have. It should sparkle.

This means being obsessive about wiping

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50 |

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fingerprints off the refrigerator, water spots off fixtures, toothpaste off mirrors and crumbs off tables. Beds shouldn’t just be made with no sheets hanging out, but detailed.

Add finishing touches. Fresh flowers on the kitchen table, soft music in the background, chocolates on the nightstand all cast a spell on buyers. Pretty soon you’ll realize it’s also a pretty nice way to live every day.

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