Covet Magazine Summer 2012

modern living with a prairie twist

celebrate

summer f rom cottage r etreats to p ool paradise Visit Five Summer Sanctuaries Inside

fall-off-the-bone ribs with rhubarb chutney

daydream Š 2012 & Co., Limited.

Benjamin Moore and the triangle M symbol are registered trademarks, licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. /M5145771CE summer

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Š 2012 & Co., Limited.

Benjamin Moore and the triangle M symbol

6 Contributors The great friends and talents we have met along the way, that have given of themselves to make Covet possible.

7 Editor's Page

Out and About - Local businesses we would love you to know about.

8 Martha Street Studio Do-it-yourself screen printing, and so much more.

10 Sweet Impressions Nut-free bakery, and treasure trove of adorable things.

Style defined - A design lesson.

A period, style, or piece explained.

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Abode

A peek inside Manitoba homes and cottages, completed by local design talent or design-savvy homeowners.

photo Rachael King Johnson, luckygirl.ca

Welcome dog days of summer! Sultry, sunny, sweltering days and nights... we hope you take advantage of every minute and take in as many prairie sunsets as possible!

Heavenly Hammock Who knew the hammock played such a useful part in history?

12 We Love Items we have spotted here or there that we think you will love too.

Get Crafty - We can get into good craft projects, and love the satisfaction creating something brings.

14 Summer Wreaths A new take on decor for the front door.

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Escape to Eleanor A third-generation cottage revival in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Lakeside Luxury A stunning lakeshore house lived in all year round.

Collections - Admittedly, we like stuff.

Here we showcase people and their stuff, and their knowledge of their stuff.

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Beach Beauty A peek inside the Grand Beach getaway of one half of the Plush Home and Design Inc. duo.

Into the Blue A poolside oasis tucked neatly into the backyard of a small rural town.

Collecting and Using Vintage Glass

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PROfile - Allow us to introduce you to the great, local design talent available in Winnipeg for you to tap into.

on the waterfront A boardwalk without the beach.

16 Tara Spencer-Nairn of Style Within

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INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DESIGN | PROJECT MANAGEMENT ACCESSORIES | PAINT, WALLPAPER, AND SUPPLIES southwest

ta b l e o f co n t e n ts

SUMMER 2012 Bahia Taylor Editor in Chief Co-founder Leigh McKenzie Creative Director Co-founder Darren Grunerud Managing Editor Graphic Design Hinge Design www.hingedesign.ca Styling Envy Paint and Design www.benjaminmoore-mb.ca Owned and Published by: Covet Magazine For inquiries, please contact us at info@covetmagazine.ca 1811 Assiniboine Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 0A5 www.covetmagazine.ca info@covetmagazine.ca Cover Photography Rachael King Johnson luckygirl.ca While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Covet Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damaged caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only.

The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Typeset in Chronicle Roman and Whitney

photo Rachael King Johnson, luckygirl.ca

20 Tools Great gadgets, tools, and task-busting items we thought you should know about.

Tips O' the Trades - Expert advice. You didn't solicit it but we're giving it to you anyway.

18 A Clear View Chris Kaleta and Phil Robin of MPD Glass & Vinyl Graphics clear things up for us in the glass department.

24 DIY An easy, moderate, and difficult do-ityourself weekend project.

26 26 Merton road and‌ Travel with photographer Pauline Boldt throughout the city and province, and take in the glorious sites through her camera lens. This issue, TR McKoys.

Chow - Food, glorious food and everything to go with it.

60 Grill Out Chill Out Delicious, saucy fall-off-the-bone ribs, a new veggie to try, best ever garlic bread and a side of rhubarb, or two or three...

Prairie Pallette A glimpse into the Winnipeg art community or profile of a great local artist

68 Bette Woodland

Living Well - Reviews, ideas, a little form and a little function.

70 Wallflowers Take the time to stop and smell the roses by bringing some petal power indoors.

72 2 x 4 Life Follow radio personality Dez Daniels and her family as she blogs her way through the start-to-finish journey of a new home build.

Dig - Get outside and get gardening.

74 Containers three ways, cut flower tips, and a tale of a landscape designer and rhubarb

81 Hot Blogs Be sure to check these out - we do!

82 Design Dilemma - Your chance to have an expert solve your design dilemmas.

Printed in Canada

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co nt ributo rs Academy Florist Lauren Wiebe www.academy-florists.com Kal Barteski www.kalbarteski.com pauline boldt 26mertonroad.com Samantha braun ecotones@mts.net darren grunerud Man-about-town SYLVIA JANSEN banvilleandjones.com Rachael King Johnson brian johnson luckygirl.ca Chris Kaleta Phil Robin mpdglass.com

Stephen Moran, Product Ambassador MLCC www.mlcc.mb.ca Marcello 'The Butcher' www.marcellosmeats.com stephanie middagh artfulowl.ca Nourish 210 Second Street S, Kenora Scott Penner www.pioneermeat.ca jim taylor Go-to Guy DEZ WENGROWICH twobyfourlife.com KASSIA WOLOSHYN benjaminmoore-mb.ca

Whoops! As some of our more astute readers pointed out, our Spring Issue contained an error in the recording of our 'Creamy Lemon Dressing' recipe. Here is the corrected version:

F U E L E D

B Y

½ cup sour cream 2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese 1 tbsp. water 1 tbsp. oil 1 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. fresh grated lemon zest Salt and pepper to taste Whisk together all ingredients and drizzle over mixed greens.

NOW it’s lemony!

F A S H I O N

110 B LOWSON CRES. | R3P 2H8 | 204 487 3767 | FLATLANDERSFLOORING.COM

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e d i to r ' s pag e

passport to summer Have you ever considered the diversity of our Manitoba landscape? We have sandy beaches, dense forests, sprawling prairie, lovely lakes and vast tundra; our province offers so many wonderful experiences for the summer. Enjoy a scorching day of sand and surf at the beach, or take a hiking and camping trip in our many provincial parks. Drift on a lake or visit a marsh. Enjoy a picnic or a summer festival. Go sailing, fishing, rowing, or try strawberry picking. Dare zip lining or board the Prairie Dog Central. With so many wonderful adventures waiting in our own backyards, it seems the perfect place to be for a summertime stay-cation. We hope you can curl up on a lounger, hammock or patch of sand and lose yourself in our summer issue of Covet Magazine. We have brought you some lovely cottages, from the beach to the lake, to a poolside oasis tucked into the backyard of a small town. Our journey to bring our dream of an accessible, local and beautiful publication to Winnipeg has truly been a roller coaster ride; up and down, twisty and fun, scary and thrilling all at the same time. We’re so glad to have you along for the ride!

Happy summer,

Covet is free, and if you'd like to receive a copy visit covetmagazine.ca to subscribe. You can view a digital version of this issue there, too. See you in the fall!

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out and about

a printmaker's paradise text DARREN GRUNERUD | photography MARTHA STREET STUDIO

MARTHA STREET STUDIO Find It:

11 Martha Street, 204) 779-6253; printmakers@mts.net Open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm History: Begun by a group of artists as a printmaking facility in the 1980s, Martha Street Studio has evolved into much more; it is a gallery, a shop, a place to take fascinating classes in a variety of printmaking techniques, and a studio destination for artists of all kinds, both professional and amateur. Martha Street’s vision is “Unparalleled, accessible facilities and education in the print arts,” and Winnipeg is indeed fortunate to have it!

The Space: The Martha Street location (and, obviously,

the current name) date to 2001, but a recently-completed renovation has transformed the space from ‘cool’ to ‘stunning,’ and it is also now wheelchair-accessible. Once one gets past the breathtaking bronze wall at the entrance, there are beautiful galleries, well-equipped studios, and the most unique gift store your editor has ever seen.

Menu: The galleries offer a range of beautiful art in many different styles, and for many different price ranges; in addition to the work of the regular studio renters, there are beautiful pieces by many other local, national, and international artists.

In addition to the print shop, there is an additional sales area where all items are under $100. Often produced by the classes offered, there is an amazing assortment of unique t-shirts, posters, pillows, bookmarks, and too many other things to list!

Winnipeg: Each spring and fall, the studio offers beginner and advanced adult classes in screen-printing, lithography, etching, letterpress, and many more. The courses are quite comprehensive (each goes for 8 weeks, at 3 hours/week), and very ‘hands-on;’ you’ll produce a ton of art! The studio is home to 2000 square feet of state-of-the-art printing equipment and facilities that are available to all students throughout the duration of their classes. The next session of adult classes will begin in September 2012, and a full list of fall session classes will be available in late summer. You can book time for a large-size printing project in their digital suite, or rent the facilities for the length of time you need; there are daily, weekly, ‘any ten days,’ monthly, and annual rates. Once you’ve been introduced, you’ll want to stay involved! http://www.printmakers.mb.ca/

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st y l e d e f i n e d

Heavenly hammock French army officer Jean de Lattre de Tassigny said, “An optimist is a man who plants two acorns and buys a hammock.”

Whether your crescent-shaped cradle is slung between trees, posts, or on a stand, we think there must be no better way to take a summertime afternoon nap: drifting in the breeze, suspended in time and space. While the earliest hammocks were woven from tree bark or sisal, today’s hammocks are made of fabric, rope or netting. Early hammocks were utilized to protect their inhabitants, commonly soldiers, from crawling insects, animals and infectious disease.

Later, they were used on war ships where space was limited. The strung-up

beds moved in concert with the ocean waves, reducing motion sickness and injury caused by rolling out of bed. In tropical environments, the floating beds evolved out of necessity into what is known as a ‘jungle hammock.’

Constructed from breathable fabrics and netting for complete protection from flying insects, jungle hammocks also boast waterproof top sheets.

In some countries, hammocks are utilized indoors. In parts of Mexico, it is common to find hammock hooks in the walls of main rooms, and in some regions of India, sari fabrics are ceilingmounted for babies and toddlers to doze in. During the Apollo program,

hammocks were used aboard spacecraft, as they did not eat up precious square footage when not in use. At present, hammocks are gaining popularity with campers who practice ‘Leave No Trace’ camping, as well as with hikers for their light and easy transport over a tent. Why not test-drive this age-old sleep swing available in a variety of styles, colours, patterns and sizes this summer? Hang up a hammock made for one or two or even three people and bask in the sunshine with your chin up to the vast, blue yonder. We are sure you will wake up from an enjoyable afternoon nap refreshed and optimistic...although maybe not so much that you try planting acorns.

out and about

beyond a bakery text DARREN GRUNERUD | photography ERIN ALEXANDER

sweet impressions Bakery | studio | giftware Find It:

669 Stafford St (204)237.0743 Open Tues-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 11am-6pm; Sun noon-5pm History: When original partners Krista and Lindsay (a 3rd partner, Aynsley, has since joined the team) were talking with the other parents at a children’s birthday party, they were struck by how much difficulty parents were having accommodating the allergies of their children. Realizing that they had found a potentially large market of customers who weren’t finding what they needed elsewhere, they decided to fill that niche. Despite the assertions of local suppliers that the nut-free ingredients and allergy reports they needed would be too expensive, the rapid expansion of Sweet Impressions in the few years since proves the entrepreneurs right.

The Space: The bakery started on Taché, expanded into a

neighbouring space after only 6 months, and began looking for a still-larger space after 1 year. The current, employee-designed space in Stafford Square (the address is a bit misleading- the business faces Taylor, and is nearer to Harrow than Stafford)

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cannot fail to leave an impression on any visitor. The space is bright, colourful, and fun. Unique and interesting gift ideas abound, and the 1950s-style studio kitchen, which hosts kids’ birthday parties as well as adult decorating classes, is wellappointed and beautifully finished. menu: Cakes and cookies, hand-made and hand-decorated to order are absolutely to-die-for, but the main attraction for Covet staff is the selection of cupcakes; the flavours available rotate daily, and change seasonally. Don’t worry, though; perennial favourites “black chocolate” and “vanilla yum” are always among the 3-5 flavours offered each day. Custom order your favourites a week in advance (minimum 12) for parties and business functions. Sweet Impressions’ custom decorating has to be seen to be believed – so go to their website at www.sweetimpressions.ca and see!

Winnipeg: While you’re at the website, check the schedule and register for their popular adult cake decorating classes. For a memorable children’s birthday party, talk to Sweet Impressions staff about their all-inclusive parties; they’ll even provide the invitations! All you need to do is show up with the kids and bake.

If you prefer to make the mess at home, well, Covet doesn’t understand… but Sweet Impressions will send you home with a kit, including everything you need for a great birthday party!

co l l ect i o n s

Collecting and using

vintage glass text stephanie middagh

Glass is an exceptionally dynamic material, and is really the most undervalued. Its composition isn’t complex, but its beauty is unmatchable. The first use of glass was by the Ancient Egyptians, who were able to make small glass vessels and decorative beads using molten sand and other indigenous materials melted in a fire. Ancient Romans also created various small glass works, including domestic objects and mosaic tiles, which added beauty and refracted light to interior spaces.

The “glass revolution” reached its peak in the 1880s, when domestic entertaining and a strange obsession with purposed domestic objects dominated the culture. Entertaining was a social “must do,” and the appropriate glass was required. A personal favourite is the celery vase which, to the untrained eye, looks like a giant stemmed goblet. Its true purpose was to showcase the beautiful stalk of celery immersed in water. Despite the food rituals, the Victorian era saw the democratization of glass making, spurring more familiar types such as pressed Carnival glass and Depression glass. Clearly glass has had a long and varied history; it is a lovely material to both collect and to use.

Carnival glass can be identified by its iridescent surface on coloured pressed glass.

Pressed, or “sandwich,” glass is created by a mould (and not blown), making it more affordable for consumers. Beginning in 1908, Carnival glass was manufactured by various glass companies around the world to mimic the beauty of Tiffany glass, which was luxurious, expensive, and hand-blown.

The name “Carnival” glass is a recent moniker; often this type of glass was won at fairs and carnivals. The height of the popularity of this glass was 1931, but some manufacturers were producing it as recently as 2007. This iridescent glass is widely available in flea markets and charity shops, and is generally not terribly expensive. Look for large bowls and serving pieces, which can make a fantastic addition to a neutral summer table. I recommend that you hand-wash these pieces; repeated dishwasher cleaning has proven damaging to the surface of my few pieces.

Another favourite vintage glass type is the “Depression” glass of the 1930s and 1940s. It is a bit more difficult to find, and comes at a steeper price. With more than 20 manufacturers in the United-States alone, there are hundreds of patterns to choose from.

From a collecting perspective, the best strategy would be to pick a colour and collect pieces within that colour. The most common colours are clear, pink, pale blue, green, and amber. Depression glass has been highly collectable since the 1960s, and as a result there are many more current examples of this glass; it has been re-created by contemporary glassmakers. This is great for collectors, as one can acquire both newer and old glass to make a complete set. I have seen this at my in-laws’ summer home, where a lovely combination of new and old makes for a gorgeous lunch table. Washing in a dishwasher is usually fine, but I have found temperature fluctuations can cause cracking: don’t pour a cold liquid into a hot pitcher!

Collecting anything is both fun and exciting, especially when you find fantastic pieces for next to nothing! Regardless of the price of your pieces, it is important to use them and enjoy them at your table; vintage glass brings a laid-back charm and beauty to any meal.

Our collections specialist, Stephanie Middagh has spent the past 12 years being inspired by museum collections while working as a curator for various museums and galleries. Concurrent to her curatorial work, she took this inspiration to her sessional positions at the University of Manitoba where she continues to teach Introduction to Art and the History of Textiles.

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w e lov e

The Zoku Quick Pop Maker is improved technology for the ice pop. This production genius makes ice pops in 7-9 minutes right on your counter top. $69.99 available at St. Mary’s Nursery.

cov e t c r av e s

Porcelain flashlight lamps just say cottage. So cute for the lake or home, a camp-inspired room or simply for a hint of whimsy. $36.00 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd.

Colourful wasp catchers make short order of the pesky buzzers. Simply fill with fruit juice, sugar water or a little beer and the critters fly in and can’t get out. Cruel and yet so useful. $12.00 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd

moblie music and summer cinema <<Music on the move, this portable Bose system offers some serious sound for its size. Rechargable with a playtime that other systems can't match it is a must have for an afternoon away from power outlets. $399.99 at Best Buy. >>Turn your backyard into an outdoor cinema with Pocket Projector for your iphone! Create a 60" screen on any wall with this addition. It is rechargable, with a battery life of 2.5 hours; enough for most movies. $ 352.99 on amazon.ca.

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Enhance your favorite beverages with natural flavours. This handcrafted glass pitcher has a removable glass column that can easily be filled with sliced fruits or other flavourful ingredients. $39.99 available at InDecor.

Create perfect ambience indoors or out with clean-burning fire pots. No tinder, logs, or boy scout required! $38.00 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd.

This stylish bowl and server set is perfect for healthy family dinners, both indoors and outdoors. $54.99 available at InDecor.

9 These little dudes identify whose glass is whose, and a big dude stops up the bottle for freshness. A wonderful hostess gift with a potent potable. $10.00 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd.

Juicy, fun, metal watering cans are sure to make light work of your watering chores. $22.00 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd.

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get crafty

summer wreaths

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Covet went out in search of some summer door decor and came back bursting with a fresh take on wreaths.

Opposite: This beautiful wreath will make a statement in any season. With the assistance of two of Covet's smallest helpers (Charli and Cam, ages 4 and 2), we collected a bucket of driftwood from the beach (about 100 pieces in total).

Armed with a wire wreath form and a glue gun, we assembled this beauty in an hour. Try substituting birch twigs or other sticks to create your own version!

Our trickiest of the three, this terracotta gem (above) is perfect for the decorator with a green thumb. We employed a wire wreath form (16" in diameter), some heavier craft wire, some moss, and 20 pots in various sizes, which we picked up at the dollar store. Attach the pots individually to the wreath form using wire, and then fill in the gaps not covered by the pots with moss. The final touch is to add your favourite herbs or succulents.

Don't forget to water!

Stunning and simple, this ceiling medallion wreath can be painted any colour. Pick one up at a flea market, an architectural salvage store or any bigbox home reno store, and dress it up for summer with a fresh coat of paint in your favourite colour. Attach it to your door with a ribbon or bow.

DAAX2012 Design | Art | Architecture | Expo

October 12-14, 2012 Red River Exhibition Park www.daax.ca

TiTle SponSor

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p ro f i l e

Tara Spencer-Nairn of Style Within

PROfiles is a chance to meet and get to know a local Winnipeg talent.

Covet has partnered with CDECA (Canadian Decorator’s Association) to bring you the inside scoop on one of their members from the Central Prairie Chapter. To learn more about CDECA or for a list of CDECA decorators in your area, visit them at www.cdeca.com.

Having graduated from Red River College with a Diploma as an Educational Assistant, Tara worked in the school system for four years before starting her family and moving to Moose Jaw, SK. For the two years that she lived there, she was a stay-at-home mom. She really enjoyed the beauty of the many historical buildings in downtown Moose Jaw. She returned to Winnipeg in 2002, had her second child and stayed home until 2004.

Tara spent a couple of years working at the Garden Room, and found that she really enjoyed working with customers, and helping them bring beauty to their interiors and exteriors. She worked there until her third child was born. Tara decided to start working part-time again at Envy Paint and Design. She worked there for two years, and while working received her Diploma of Interior Design and Decorating through Sheffield School of Interior Design and became a CDECA member. Between Tara's work schedule, her husband’s and the kids’ schedules, Tara decided that she needed to make a change, and started her own interior design and decorating business, "Style Within." Her personal style is on the contemporary side: she loves clean lines and clutter-free spaces with pops of colour. When she works with her clients, she really focuses on her client’s "style within;" she looks at each individual as a new palette. She chooses things according to each client’s lifestyle, likes and wants.

Tara provides consultations for residential interior decorating. She is happy to help with any project, whether it is just picking paint colours or redoing an entire space.

Summer is upon us, with some gorgeous sunny skies.

What is your favourite summer time activity?

I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. Summer is too short, so I try to plan a lot of barbecues!

Who are your favourite designers?

I enjoy the work of many designers, but Tommy Smythe makes me smile.

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What is on the design agenda for your own home?

Right now I am focussed on the outside deck and patio. My next indoor project will be my bedroom.

What colour is your front door right now, and will it change this summer?

Right now my door is Benjamin Moore's AF-235 Warmed Cognac. I like to keep things fresh and fun, so yes, I do plan to repaint it this summer.

What design books are you reading right now?

I am not immersed in one book in particular, but I have been flipping through "The Face of Home" by Jeremiah Eck; it’s the time of year when I want to bring the indoors out.

Do you garden, and what have you planted this season?

I planted tomatoes and peppers. I can't wait for the jalapenos to be ready, so that I can make fresh jalapeno poppers.

Which design apps are on your iPhone?

I have quite a few design apps, but the only one that I really use and love is Houzz [editor’s note: Houzz allows you to browse over 500,000 design “idea” images, and clip your inspirations to a sort of virtual scrapbook].

What's the best thing you purchased recently?

My waterfall coffee table; I love its simplicity.

Where is your inspiration coming from these days?

The fresh colours of flowering fields inspire me.

What is your favourite light fixture at the moment?

I don't have one single favourite, but I'm loving drum shades in fabrics and various metals, for bedrooms or bathrooms; really any room. They can really add to the beauty of a space, and you don't always have to spend a lot.

tips o' the trades

A Clear View 10 questions to ask the glass pros We put these questions to Chris Kaleta & Phil Robin—owners of MPD Glass & Vinyl Graphics.

What is float glass?

Film vs. Sandblasted glass – which is better?

Float glass is the most common window glass available today.

It is manufactured by pouring molten glass continuously onto a bed of molten tin. The molten glass floats on the surface of the molten tin. When it cools down, the result is an almost perfectly flat piece of glass.

There is no right or wrong answer here. Films that give the appearance of sandblasted glass provide privacy, and we use them for applications like front doors, restaurant divider glass, and door logos. They are a great choice when we do not have the option to sandblast on-site, or our customer is renting or leasing a space and may not want the permanency of etched glass. We will usually recommend sandblasted glass when the glass has to be supplied and installed. There is a misconception that films are less expensive than real etching. This is not necessarily true; cost is determined by the amount of detail in a design, and by how many films are used. Most often, sandblasting is a lot less than the cost of on-site film installation.

What is the difference between tempered glass and float glass?

Tempered glass is float glass that has been heated to an almost-molten state, then rapidly cooled. This creates a stronger glass. When tempered glass breaks, it shatters into many small pieces; that’s why it is commonly called “safety glass.” Regular float glass breaks into larger shards, which are sharp and therefore dangerous when broken. Although tempered glass is stronger, it is more prone to surface scratching; keep this in mind if ordering glass for an end table, or anywhere abrasion is likely.

When does glass have to be tempered?

Glass has to be tempered whenever safety is a concern; in many cases, government codes dictate the use of tempered glass. Examples of where glass must be tempered include staircase railings, floor to ceiling glass dividers, bus shacks, door inserts… anywhere someone can get hurt from broken glass.

Why has my mirror turned black along the edges?

Air contains many contaminates which can attack the vulnerable edges of mirrors. These contaminates, along with moisture, gradually discolour and erode the mirror’s silver backing. You can delay this process by leaving your fan running during showers, and for 20-30 minutes afterward. Wiping down the mirrors, especially their edges, will also help keep your mirror from tarnishing.

What is the difference between a decorative film & a solar control film?

Decorative films simulate different textures and effects, like acid etch or sandblasted glass. We can cut patterns into them and use them to decorate glass, or they can be used strictly for privacy. They obscure glass, yet maintain a level of translucency.

Solar control films, or “window tints,” have been around since the 1960s, but have been greatly improved by modern technology.

They help reduce glare, discomfort, heat, and fading from the sun’s harmful rays by reflecting and absorbing solar energy.

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How should I clean my filmed or sandblasted glass?

Always use clean, soft materials to wash and dry your window. We prefer microfibre cloths for washing window film, followed by another clean soft cloth for drying. A good economical cleaning solution for window film is one ounce liquid dish soap added to one quart fresh warm water.

I have triple-sealed unit windows in my home. Can I put a window tint on them to reduce the heat that comes through them?

We get asked this a lot. There are guidelines to follow for determining the appropriate film for each application. Solar control films (window tint) have many benefits: they reduce interior heat gain, glare, and fading; they increase privacy; they can even help reduce energy costs in both the summer and winter. Having said that, we do NOT usually recommend installing solar control films on triple-sealed units. When a film is applied to a triple-sealed unit, this causes temperature differences between air chambers; the resulting thermal stress can cause breaks in your unit. There are films designed for installation on the exterior of triple-sealed units; however, with exposure to the elements, their lifespan is much less than that of films we can install inside your home. There are solutions, but it depends on the application!

MPD has been producing decorative glasswork since 1990. They are specialized in the supply and installation of many different glass projects for both the commercial and residential markets. MPD also supplies and installs decorative and solar-control films for glass.

to o l s

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to o l s

Handy Apps Use your smart phone to help get the job done! iHandy Level Hanging a photo? Putting up a shelf? The iHandy Level free app is a simple, but highly effective tool that provides a precise measure for alignment.

Carpet & Floor Calculator This flooring calculator app will price carpet or tile based on square footage and price per square foot.

Photo Measures Most home improvement projects require taking measurements. Rather than fumbling around with pencil and paper, Photo Measures lets you take a photo of a room or an object and directly draw in its measures.

Benjamin Moore Color Capture Feeling suddenly inspired by the scene in front of you? Snap a photo with this app and it will automatically create a palette from a selection of Benjamin Moore paints. You can then save the search and add notes.

All these app and more can be found on itunes.

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diy

1. EASY: Tin Can Herb Garden:

Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love fresh herbs? Whether you are a foodie or not, it goes without saying that fresh ingredients just make things taste better.

Here are three easy ideas for your summer herb garden, or to give the gift of herbs this summer.

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These look so cute, and what a great way to keep some tins out of the landfill. We used vintage cans, from our stash of items we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t throw away, as well as a new and readily available Heinz Ketchup can from the supermarket. Use rocks or packing peanuts in the bottom for drainage, add dirt, transplant your favourite herbs, and water in well. Keep them outside in the yard or right on your kitchen counter. We love the idea of carrying one of these to a dinner party as a hostess gift!

Luxe 30 Collection

B R I N G I N G T H E I N D O O R S , O U T. 24,000sq.ft. showroom | open 7 days a week

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2. A LITTLE HARDER: Spoon Herb Markers: Collect those one-off spoons from your kitchen drawer, or hit a thrift store to get some on the cheap. Wrap each spoon in a rag and place it flat on a hard surface.

Hammer flat with a few good blows on each side. A stronger spoon may need a few more whacks to flatten out. Use a punch stamp set to press the names of herbs into place or hand write them with

paint or a permanent marker. Patina will develop over time, and the markers will look better with age. Makes a lovely gift.

3. TAKES SOME LIGHT HANDYMAN SKILLS: Hanging Herb Garden: Utilize a scrap piece of wood, and give it a paint job in the colour of your choosing.

We used an old 1 x 6 fence board. Make sure to choose paint or stain appropriate

for indoors or out, depending on where your planter will be. Gather any size mason jars (we used three, evenly spaced, on our board) and one or two herb plants for each. Attach a gear clamp for each mason jar with two screws - stainless screws for outdoors are best. Fill your jar with dirt and your herbs, and tighten gear clamp around the mason jar. Hang just outside your back door, near your BBQ, or in your kitchen for fresh and tasty herbs at the ready.

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26 m e rto n roa d a n d … t r m c koy ' s

d e st i n at i o n text DARREN GRUNERUD photography PAULINE BOLDT

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Located in the town site of Wasagaming in beautiful Riding Mountain National Park, TR McKoys has become a destination within a destination. The warm, cottagelike feel, outstanding service, and “nouveau Italian-inspired” cuisine have been making a reputation far beyond the boundaries of the park.

Photographer Pauline Boldt has been there 3 times, and will return as often as she can. She has really become family friends with Teen and Trevor, the owners and proprietors of TR McKoys. What started for Pauline as another photography job has turned into a valued friendship.

Pauline originally spent about 2 weeks meeting the staff, photographing the premises, and generally getting the full

feel and experience of the place, as part of a planned “re-brand” of the restaurant. To explain exactly what makes TR McKoys so special, Pauline relates what happened when she tried to take portraits of the restaurant’s staff. While Pauline had intended a simple series of portraits, the staff quickly started driving the session; they brought an incredible enthusiasm and energy that funnelled into a stream of ideas on how they could show their love and appreciation for the restaurant. Our photographer was both shocked and thrilled that her “simple portrait shoot” had turned into, well, a party that went well into the night!

Teen and Trevor, who have operated the business since its inception in 1990, take reservations all winter; the restaurant is

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26 m e rto n roa d a n d â&#x20AC;Ś t r m c koy ' s

Park Highlights: Wildlife: Moose, black bears, wolves, elk, and a captive bison herd are definite highlights. Hundreds of species of birds proliferate.

Diversity: covering 3,000 sq. km, Riding Mountain National Park includes lakes, gorges, boreal forests, plains, heights, and all the accompanying bio-diversity.

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always packed through the summer months. Yes, the food is outstanding (and all the recipes are original), but the service and the atmosphere are so friendly, that people just gravitate to it. Trevor works his magic in the restaurant’s kitchen, while Teen runs the “front” of the restaurant, making sure that every guest feels at home. Says Pauline, “Whenever I come back from my travels, I go there.

It’s like a home for me; they’ve become like a second family! Taking pictures there is no chore- it’s just so inspiring. Everyone is happy to be there- it’s always packed. The restaurant has this great energy, and everyone wants to be part of it!”

Wasagaming, on the shore of beautiful Clear Lake, is located within Riding Mountain National Park, near Dauphin in southwestern Manitoba.

The main town site within the park, Wasagaming offers hotels, restaurants, shopping, a beach, movie

theatre, and numerous other attractions and activities. With each successive visit, Pauline has become more familiar with Riding Mountain in general and Wasagaming in particular; she says that each time “feels like another layer of this wonderful Canadian destination has been revealed to me.”

Wasagaming is one of Manitoba’s top summer tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why!

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to eleanor design by envy paint and design ltd. photography Rachael King Johnson

The sea foam topped laminate table that Opa Winters made. A fresh lick of white paint on the legs and bench, and some new chairs with custom cushions give it a new lease on life.

Summer blooms provided by Academy Florists.

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A new cottage built upon old memories and the Canadian Shield makes for a wonderful weekend getaway, year-round.

Jack Winters’ grandparents found their family cottage plot on Eleanor Lake in 1956. The gang spent their first weekend in their new 800-square foot two-bedroom cottage on Victoria Day Weekend in 1957. As their family grew, the need for more space prompted an addition of 240 more square feet. For more than fifty years, the Winters clan vacationed and played, grew up and grew in numbers in that cottage, on one of the 200 lakes that can be found in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park. The cottage changed hands as it was passed down to Jack’s father and sister; it now rests in the care of Jack and his wife Diane, and Jack’s sister Rosemary.

Left: Dishes are at the ready, adjacent to the table on the beautifully styled hutch.

Right: A pair of these glass-topped driftwood tables are unique conversation pieces.

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Each bedroom has its own palette. The Winters children made some colour requests, and Bahia delivered rooms that are unified in feel, but that are easily identifiable for guests to the cottage.

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In 2009 the family decided that the shifting family cottage, constructed on post and pad, had come to the end of its useful life. Un-level, water damaged, leaning, and with the addition separating from the original structure, they decided that it would be more efficient to start from scratch than to try to repair the time-worn building. Plans were chosen and a builder selected. Diane, an architect by trade, went straight to Bahia Taylor of Envy Paint and Design Ltd. to assist with the finishes for the new cottage.

Bahia had worked with the Winters previously on portions of their city home. This, however, was going to be different.

Who wants to leave the city only to be met with that from which they were escaping? A lovely, transitionalstyle home, that definitely says ‘city,’ is what the Winters enjoy Monday to Friday. For their weekend retreat, a comfortable, charming, cozy space that felt like the old family cottage was the mandate.

It’s hard to see a place that’s jam-packed with so many fond memories go, even in its dilapidated condition; it was important to make the new space everything the Winters wanted, but to pay homage to the cottage built by their grandparents. The dining table, with its classic 1950s top, was original to the cabin of 1956; in fact, Opa Winters himself constructed it. The sea foam green top was the modern living with a prairie twist

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A front-to-back view of the cottage shows the kitchen with woven wicker lighting, embroidered roman shades and a custombuilt island. The chenille couch is a dream to relax on.

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“ I wanted the cottage to unapologetically use what we already had. I love faded, distressed and worn.

How cool is it to curl up in a comfortable chair with a great book, and know your grandfather did the same over fifty years ago?” ~designer Bahia Taylor. jumping off point for the main area’s colour scheme. The sea foam banana fibre carpet was the perfect find to anchor the scheme, and reference the table.

Neutral shades of beiges and browns counter the sea foam, and make for a restful atmosphere. The headboards in the bedrooms are doors from the original cottage, painted out in fresh shades that give each room a definite colour scheme.

This was custom-picked to the tastes of the main occupant of each room, but also gives guests to the cottage a clear idea of where to make camp during their

visit – the red room, the plaid room, etc.

Some amazing new pieces were added

by Bahia to compliment the many that she and Diane had culled from the old cottage. The driftwood end tables, the uber-comfortable chenille corduroy sofa, the bark dresser and mirror, and the dining hutch are all new. They fit in seamlessly with the painted bedroom dressers (one of which used to be Oma’s), Opa’s horsehair chair (which was reupholstered), and the paddles and steering wheel from the first boat the family enjoyed on Lake Eleanor.

The Winters love their new four-season retreat. It’s incredibly inviting, texturefilled, and relaxing. A bowl of crystal doorknobs, saved before demolition, grace the coffee table. Old dishes from meals gone by are still used, and conjure flashbacks as strong as the currents. It’s safe to say that Grandpa Winters built more than furniture and a dwelling, when he pounded that first nail fifty-six years ago.

He laid the foundation upon which were built memories, good times, and tradition that have endured over three generations, and will for many more to come.

Left: The front deck, with a view to the water, has four sunny yellow Adirondack chairs and a lovely dining set (not shown).

Bottom Right: The back deck hosts a lounge area that matches the front dining set. This all-season furniture is from Wicker World, where you can choose your set and customize your cushions.

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The low sofa table, built to fit the height and width of the sofa, perfectly and matches the island in form and materials. Sea foam accessories repeat the coloured top of Opaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dining table.

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g et t h i s look Handscraped Acacia, Natural, Kentwood at Flatlanders Flooring

F A L L T E R M T h e A r t f u l O w l u s e s a r t h i s t o r y a s i t s s t a r t i n g p o i n t f o r t h e e x p l o r a t i o n o f v a r i o u s m e t h o d s a n d m e d i u m s i n a r t m a k i n g .

T h e g o a l o f t h e w o r k s h o p s i s t o i n s t i l l v i s u a l l i t e r a c y i n t h e p a r t i c i p a n t s t h r o u g h e x p e r i e n t i a l l e a r n i n g i n a r t h i s t o r y .

Sofa: Viva, Coffee, VanGogh

C a l l 4 8 7 . 2 0 1 2

f o r i n f o o r t o r e g i s t e r F A L L T E R M : S e p t e m b e r 1 0 t h - D e c e m b e r 8 t h Preschool Themes (Ages 2-6)

• Colour and Medium School Age Themes (Ages 6-16)

• Canadian Art and A n c i e n t C i v i l i z a t i o n • Dadaism, Surrealism and Modern Art S t u d e n t s w i l l l e a r n t h e c o n t e x t o f t h e s e p e r i o d s i n a r t w h i l e c o n n e c t i n g w i t h t h e m a t e r i a l s a n d m e t h o d s . V i s u a l l i t e r a c y , h i s t o r y a n d c r e a t i v i t y a r e t h e g o a l s o f o u r s e s s i o n s .

Above: Backsplash tile: Bliss Series, BSCAS, Ames at Flatlanders Flooring Right: Chair Fabric: 15435, Colour 437 Surf, Durale

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$ 2 2 5 6 - 8 y e a r o l d s ; w e e k l y c l a s s i s 1 h o u r

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1. HC-174 Lancaster Whitewash, Benjamin Moore throughout 2. CC-66, Rapture, Benjamin Moore red room table 3. 2022-40 Banana Yellow, Benjamin Moore dresser and headboard in red room 4. 2028-50 Douglas Fir, Benjamin Moore headboard in green room 5. HC-129 Southfield Green, Benjamin Moore accent wall in coral room

$ 2 9 0 9 - 1 2 y e a r o l d s a n d T e e n A r t ; w e e k l y c l a s s i s 1 . 5 h o u r s $ 3 5 0 A d v a n c e d A r t ; w e e k l y c l a s s i s 2 h o u r s P r i c e s i n c l u d e a l l m a t e r i a l s

SUMMER ART CAMP J u l y 9 t h - A u g u s t 2 4 t h | M o n d a y - F r i d a y 9 a m - 4 p m $ 1 0 0 p e r d a y $ 5 0 f o r h a l f d a y C l a s s e s a r e l i m i t e d t o 1 0 p a r t i c i p a n t s s o b o o k e a r l y a t c r e a t e @ a r t f u l o w l . c a hoot hoot, love art.

w w w . a r t f u l o w l . c a 1 6 - 1 7 0 0 C o r y d o n

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b e ac h beauty Interior Design plush home + design | Photography BLISS STUDIOS

"Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the beach when the waves kiss your feet, the sand is your seat and your friends out number the stars" ~Author unknown.

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If you are anything like the design duo from Plush Home and Design, Jennifer Stephanson and Dayna Kinsman, a trip to the grocery store nets you more than just nourishment. While drapes for the cottage may not be on the list, they may still be found tucked between the bread and milk at checkout time. When it came to decorating Jenniferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own cottage, the grocery store was the ultimate treasure trove for accessories. The large sail boat behind the sofa, the big clock, the white lanterns, the photos and even the art: all found their way into the mix via a trip to the local supermarket. The lovely little beach house the girls have created shows that a great design can be developed from a multitude of sources, and a mix of high and low budget items.

Natural materials abound, with wooden blinds, wicker shades and baskets, and rustic wood floors.

The traditional pendant light adds a touch of sophistication.

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The white trim, white canvas slipcovers, and white curtain panels keep the overall look fresh and light.

Jennifer and her family bought what she describes as a “mouldy shack with a failing roof” eight years ago as a ‘tear-down;’ building and finishing the 1120 square foot cottage was a two-year process. Having to abide by strict park regulations, Jennifer carefully devised a plan for the building that maximized the footprint, while staying within the parameters set forth by the park. The result is a quaint, open-concept three bed and one bath, sandwiched neatly in line on a shady street in the cottage area of Grand Beach. The main level contains the master bedroom, full bathroom,

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kitchen and dining area, and the living room. The large front porch is often used for lounging and dining as well. The upper level consists of the kids’ quarters, with 2 bedrooms and a common seating and games area: tailor-made for city friends to tag along for the weekend, and for beach friends to pop over and hang out.

Summer weekends at the beach are filled with leisurely swims, strolls, beach volleyball, windsurfing, and sandcastle creations. In winter, the activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing on the great trails, and skating on the

lagoon. Gone are the days of train rides to the dance hall in the 1920s, when if you missed that last train home to Winnipeg at midnight, you slept under the boardwalk. In those days people began pitching tents, in order to stay and dance later into the night. Gradually the tents became hard-walled and the hardwalled tents received roofs. Strolling through the village today, you can still see some of these teeny hard-walled and roofed tents here and there. Many, with lots of love and sweat equity, have indeed evolved into little cottages; some have stayed very close to their original

Designer Jennifer Stephanson says â&#x20AC;&#x153;even designers pull great stuff from the grocery store!â&#x20AC;?

Below: The side door of the cottage offers easy access to the BBQ and backyard fire pit.

roots; and others, like Jenniferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shack, had fallen into such disrepair that they had to be torn down and built anew. The new cottage Jennifer built, however, still has its own bit of history to share; the doorframes, the newel post and the stair railing were salvaged from a Winnipeg orphanage built around 1926. The posts of the pergola on the front deck are old hydro poles that Jennifer had milled down, and the mantle came from an old Crescentwood home. The kitchen cabinets made their way to Grand Beach from a previous life in a Lake of the Woods cottage. The combination of old

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Below: The newel post, reclaimed from a circa 1926 orphanage, and reused here to anchor the stairs up to the kids’ quarters.

Tumbled travertine marble backsplash, Cafe Imperiale granite counters, and painted cabinets in Benjamin Moore’s HC-80 perfectly capture the naturaltoned calm of beach house style.

and new is charming, but being a new build, it boasts some amenities that leave no one wanting in the department of creature comforts.

The hardwoods that run throughout are the colour of sand. The kitchen keeps things calm with reclaimed painted cabinetry, deep-toned granite counters, and a tumbled travertine backsplash. The linen drapes over natural wood blinds, and the white slip-covered furniture, evoke an unmistakable beach vibe. The wood and wicker furniture, mixed with the shells and baskets and touches of tranquil turquoise, bring the outdoor surroundings inside. A dark sisal rug anchors the seating area. Crisp white trim and panelling, combined with a cool grey paint scheme, sets it all off beautifully. Indoors or out, there is no mistaking that you are

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at the beach; one of the best beaches in North America, to boot: three kilometres of golden sand situated on the sixth largest lake in Canada; jack pine, blueberries, beavers and squirrels aplenty. The endangered piping plover chooses to make Grand Beach his home, and so do many other creatures in the spruce bog and large lagoon. Jennifer and her young family did likewise, as they set out to create their oasis away from the city.

The Plush Home and Design team, Jennifer and Dayna, had a list in mind for that laid-back oasis they created amid the hot sun, blue skies and sand dunes: casual coastal style? Check.

Modest budget? Check. Easy, breezy living? Check. No fuss living in knockout style? Check. A jug of milk? Check. A stick of butter, new dishes, and a loaf of bread? Check, check and check.

What’s on your list... design, grocery or otherwise?

get this lo o k

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1. Brushed Oak, Lexington at Flatlanders Flooring 2. Cinnamon #81970, Meshreeds, Levolor 3. Supernatural, Colour #77, Maxwell 4. Tumbled Travertime mosaic at Flatlanders Flooring 5. HC- 169 Coventry Gray, Benjamin Moore 6. CC-40 Cloud White, Benjamin Moore 7. Hc-80 Bleeker Beige, Benjamin Moore 4.

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design by WIND AND WATER INTERIORS photography Rachael King Johnson

A beautiful lakeside vista, unobstructed by railings.

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Dale and Shelly opted to make the lakeshore their permanent home. Every day, they are met by the beauty of their surroundings both indoors and out.

Sleek and clean-lined, Dale and Shellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living room masterfully sets off the artwork in the room. Through the large windows, one can see Mother Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpieces as well.

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The front of the lakeside home has a wonderful deck that leads down to the dock, and the lapping edge of the water.

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Dale and Shelly purchased their piece of the lakeshore with a dream to take up permanent residence there. A carefully laid out chain of events brought their vision to fruition: They erected a guesthouse in which they could temporarily live. They sold, raised and moved the existing house on their property to make way for their new dream home. They enlisted an architect to draw up plans, a builder to turn the plans into a structure, and a talented woman to turn the structure into their home.

Mona Bartmanovich of Wind and Water Interiors masterfully combined the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contemporary taste with natural materials. She brought the outdoors into the home, with a slight twist on classic cottage style, by sourcing most of her materials below ground. Shopping in Mother Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subterranean market enabled Mona to personify the decor perfectly for the couple; Dale is a geologist. Fossils, rocks and minerals from both near and far were carefully selected. The natural quarried granite on the soaring fireplace was combined with carefully selected stones from the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own goldmine. If you look closely as you walk around the two-sided masterpiece that divides the kitchen and living room, you will catch the glint and gleam of gold scattered amongst the masonry.

Amethyst sculpture, fossils, and even some preserved dinosaur excrement along with driftwood, glass, and stone blend to form contemporary cottage style.

The view from every window is sheer beauty. Mona carefully positioned all the furnishings to maximize this. Wherever you wander or perch in the large house, you are always welcomed by stunning scenery and the most beautiful finishes. Open beams create an interesting ceiling-scape, and are treated to a rustic grey stain, while the light from roof-high windows dances across the entire home. Mona designed the large kitchen island to function for large family gatherings and to satisfy Dale and Clockwise: The kitchen island artfully designed by Mona to seat the entire family, and look fabulous; A closed-in porch, rustic in its composition but made interesting with the use of very modern furniture; Edison-style lighting hangs over the kitchen island; Amazing accessories from Wind and Water Interiors.

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A stunning vignette, flanked by the closet and the ensuite in the principal bedroom. Mona commissioned custom art to hold pride of place above the leather love seat and colourful area rug.

In the upstairs loft, punches of red and orange dress up the seating and work area.

Quarried granite stone clads the fireplace with pieces of rock that are interspersed with gold throughout; these came from the coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own gold mine, and give the massive fireplace a personal touch.

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Shellyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request for something interesting and unique. From the solid ash floors in a custom stain, to the specific location of in-floor plugs intended to integrate floor lamps into the space, Mona covered every detail. At the end of her nine-month involvement, Dale and Shelly were treated to the white glove service from Wind and Water Interiors.

Furniture was delivered, unpacked and set into place. Artwork was carted in and hung in the rightful places, and the perfect accessories were placed. The end result is an unconventional cottage home that delivers high style for its occupants 365 days a year.

The home turns lake living into living in luxury.

get this lo o k 1.

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1. Ash Black Emerald, Cosmic engineered hardwood at Flatlanders Flooring 2. Absolute Black, Artisan Stone at FloForm 3. GLMBK, Lightning Black, Ames at Flatlanders Flooring 4. Koali, Colour 612, Kravet 5. 31603 Colour 24, Kravet 6. CC-30 Oxford White, Benjamin Moore 7. HC-170 Coventry Gray, Benjamin Moore 8. OC-30 Gray Mist, Benjamin Moore

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Into the blue design by envy paint and design ltd. photography Rachael King Johnson

Natural grasscloth, a flatweave carpet and a down-filled sofa and benches upholstered with burlap shipping sacks give this poolside sunroom a vintage vibe. The Lee Industries sofa from Noble Savage Interiors keeps you cool as a cucumber on a hot afternoon.

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Blue has never been a colour I would use in my own spaces, but it seemed the obvious choice given the crystal blue water of the pool. Result - I love it! I try to take my clients to new places, and I guess I unwittingly did that to myself this time around, too!

The shared family cottage of designer Bahia Taylor of Envy Paint and Design Ltd. and her family is a three-and-a-half hour jaunt into Nopiming Park. With a young family and their activities, work, and day-to-day life, it isn't a journey they make often. “We love it when we get out there, for sure, but it's not something we pack up and do for a weekend.

It just isn't for us. When we go, we go for an extended stay.” The family thus decided to create their own weekend oasis close to home – just outside the back door, in fact.

The blue, blue water, lit with floating white lights, beckons all for a midnight dip.

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Several patterns play well together in this room: lattice on the drapes and pillow, floral on the basket chair cushion and a pillow, an embroidered medallion print on a pillow, and a striped linen sofa.

A lovely swimming pool, lounge areas, a dining area, a deck and a sunroom comprise the backyard, and use every inch of space to its fullest. Every blade of grass was eradicated in the process, leaving the area low on bugs of the biting kind, as well as on maintenance of the mowing variety. The space was planned to be very rectilinear. The pool is rectangular with no swoops or curves.

The concrete pad around it, the deck, the patio and rock landings all take on the same rectangular shape. Rippling water softens the clean lines, as do the pretty plantings that spill out of

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raised beds and pots dotted around the perimeter of the yard.

The detached garage was closed up from the front, and blown open from the pool side to create a sunroom. Double French doors look over the pool, so adults can watch the kids at play in the pool while sheltered from the sun. The sunroom boasts a down-filled sofa for afternoon naps, or camping out under the stars in comfort. The room also has double bar fridges, and a margarita maker for those who choose to indulge in a poolside umbrella beverage. Two patches of several varieties of mint grow between lounge

chairs. The beds are contained to keep the mint in check, as it can be invasive, and if someone steps on the plantings, the mint is resilient enough to handle it; the mint just releases its wonderful fragrance. The gardens also come in handy when fresh mojitos are in order!

A long, custom-built sofa bench spans the back side of the house and looks onto the pool. The cushions were expertly tailored to fit, and mountains of pillows beckon one to perch there and lounge about with a summer book. The bench also accommodates several, to gather together around the bonfire. Beneath the cushions are trap doors that open and house all the pool toys and water guns required for a day in the deep. Touches of blue are expertly mixed with the beige and grey colour palette of the yard, and reference the gorgeous blue water.

The palette runs the gamut, from the beautiful turquoise of the large ceramic pots, outdoor accent pillows and rustic metal benches, to the deep indigo of the doors and accents in the sunroom.

The entire family uses the space constantly: it is absolutely utilized as an extension of the house. The sunroom is decorated in the fashion of a second den. Board games and card games take place. Movie nights are made special with a cool breeze blowing in, and Internet access makes it a comfortable spot for paperwork and communications.

Bahia had tucked away a collection of enamelware pots a few years ago, when her kitchen was renovated, and with the addition of a floor to ceiling bookcase the collection has the perfect new home outdoors. The crisp white and blue palette of the collection blends in perfectly with the décor, and adds to the room’s vintage vibe. A wool flatweave rug adds texture and a pop of colour to the painted concrete floor, and a hanging basket chair with a custom cushion makes a perfect perch for the kids to hang out. Bahia and her husband Jim agree, “Finishing the yard has truly doubled our space for the summer. We can entertain comfortably now; our small home has not been conducive to large gatherings. It's wonderful. We just wonder why we didn't do it sooner!”

Clockwise from top left: The metal chair was given a new, inky blue leather skin and adds a modern vibe to the room. The vibrant wool carpet from Flatlanders Flooring adds a pop of orangeyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;red to the space; One of Bahiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite pieces, the face vase, sprouting a lovely mohawk of Peace Lily; The bar area is topped with a gorgeous piece of travertine from Carrara Marble and Tile; A fish dish holds blossoms from Academy Florist; Part of the enamelware collection, with a few vintage tins.

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The sofa is over 15 feet long, with custom cushions from Wicker World and a mountain of pillows. Below them, the Taylors stash pool toys out of sight.

Every poolside needs towels on tap.

Three loungers sit poolside, adjacent to a raised flower garden. Mojito beds of Chocolate Mint, Pineapple Mint, and Peppermint are beautiful and useful accents between the loungers.

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get this lo o k 1.

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1. Jovian, Blue #1583, Pindler and Pindler 2. Houdini, Joanne #69J5401 metal 3. Hathaway, #90 Atlantic, Maxwell hanging 4. Havock, #516, Kravet 5. #427-6430, Grasscloth Collection, Brewster 6. OC-15 Baby Fawn, Benjamin Moore 7. CC-500 Ranchwood, Benjamin Moore 8. 2125-20 Deep Space, Benjamin Moore 9. HC-155 Newburyport Blue, Benjamin Moore

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on the waterfront design by XYZ DESIGN INC. | photography KEITH LEVIT

The Levit family takes the use of their dock to a new level by building pavilions onto it for dining, working and leisure. Organic and constantly evolving they have built their very own boardwalk on Lake of the Woods.

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Relaxing in this pavilion, one of two, on the Levit family boardwalk offers an amazing ringside view of the lake. Frankly, we arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure how Keith gets any work done here!

Nestled on the scenic shoreline of Lake of the Woods, this waterfront boardwalk has evolved to become the hub of summer activity for the Levit family. Linda and Keith, along with their children, spend the summer months living and working from the lake; their dockside space sees daily yoga practice, conference calls and is the occasional launching spot for celebratory fireworks. modern living with a pr airie t wist

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The long dock stretches across the entire front of the Levit cottage property and connects the two dock pavilions to each other. One pavilion is for dining, and one serves as the live/work space. The pavilions seem to grow out of the shoreline organically, and were designed to leave the existing fauna undisturbed.

There is an emphasis on clean lines, and the interior showcases natural materials including rustic beams, and eclectic finds brought back from their world travels.

An inviting sectional sofa and Papasan chair offer seating for many indoors, and a covered lounger and red Adirondack chairs beckon anyone who prefers to sit outdoors. Open the folding screen doors up during the day to enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake, or batten them down at night to enjoy the moon on the lake whilst keeping the bugs at bay. Keith has the ability to keep connected with his work in the lakeside office, and conducts his day-to-day business when necessary. Early mornings, before dawn, you can catch the photographer slipping out into the mist to capture his well-known images while most of us are still snug in our beds. Linda, an interior designer and owner of XYZ Design Inc., is an avid gardener and keeps a beautiful summer garden on the cottage property.

Clockwise, opposite: The sectional sofa in cool white with subdued shades of oranges and reds for accents. The screens open and fold away for an unobstructed experience with the outdoors; A driftwood stump makes a statement on the dock; The stunning-scape of the boardwalk.

Clockwise, above: The view at night with the dock pavilion aglow; Linda relaxing with a book on the dock, snuggled into a fabulous covered lounger; Scattered pops of red are fun. We love that Linda chose a slightly subdued red for her Adirondack chairs in keeping with the accents inside the pavilions.

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Lake of the Woods cottages all have their own identity; no two are the same.

The topography of the area dictates the footprint each domicile can take, and insists that it exist around the landscape. The Levit cottage is no exception. A family of five females and one male mean bathroom form and, in particular, function are of great importance. Tired of the trek up to the cottage from their boardwalk hangout, a decision to put a working toilet dockside was made. Rather than a composting toilet Linda planned a toilet that is constructed to flush and be pumped up the hill to tap into the main cottageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s septic system. A nature-lover at heart, she also made certain the invasive digging to construct the commode of her cottage dreams all took place without any harm to the canopy of trees that grow up the hillside from dock to cottage.

As the Levits return to their own piece of paradise summer after summer, the cottage evolves. What was necessary to keep young children safe at the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge when they were younger has given way to new needs and desires. Family canoeing and excursions, and dining al frescoe all over the property are what comes naturally to the family these days. Last season saw the addition of a day bed along the dock, which the kids are absolutely enjoying to the max. Bonfires on the dock and cooling off in the lake, as often as required, are second nature all summer long. Who could want for anything more? << A sculpture by Todd Braun from S Altona reflects the evening sky; Linda and two of her girls venture out in the evening for a relaxing canoe paddle.

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before

Over & Above Custom Homes can help with your next renovation project.

overandaboveconstruction.com

after Call us for your free estimate

204.999.5351

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grill out photography Brian Johnson AND RACHAEL KING JOHNSON

Succulent, saucy ribs grilled to perfection. Challenge someone to a rib-off this summer; with our falloff-the-bone recipe, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to be the grill master.

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chill out Fruity and fresh Raspberry Rhubarb Sangria, a summer starter cocktail sure to please everyone.

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The word "coleslaw" comes from the Dutch word "Koolsla" which means cabbage salad. The team from Covet Magazine is headed to Denmark and Sweden to visit Ikea headquarters... follow us on Twitter @Covet_Magazine for the inside scoop on our trip July 7-16!!

We may not make it to the Netherlands to report on the Koolsla but we will keep you posted on a bunch of other cool stuff!

The team from Covet Magazine, and friends gathered in the backyard of Editor-in-Chief Bahia Taylor, for a lovely summer meal al fresco. <<A julienne peeler makes perfect, uniform sticks of carrot, radish and kohlrabi.

A beer for each course... we had loads of fun trying new things.

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A bird’s eye view of our table-scape. The perfect outdoor dining nook, flanked all around with shade plants and a beautiful canopy of trees overhead.

Fall Off the Bone BBQ Ribs and Dark Yummy Sauce Marinade 2 slabs ribs cut into 4 rib sections 1 can beer ¼ cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 4 cloves garlic quartered ½ onion sliced Epicure Selections beef and steak spice apple juice Place ribs in a roasting pan or casserole dish and sprinkle generously with the beef and steak spice on the meaty side.

Let stand covered and refrigerated for 1-4 hours. Place garlic and onion on top of and around rib pieces. Dash soy sauce and Worcestershire over ribs, hitting each piece. Pour can of beer carefully around ribs, but down side of pan or dish so as not to disturb spices and sauces on top. Add apple juice in the same fashion as the beer to bring liquid in pan or dish high enough to be just at the top of the rib pieces, but not so high as to disturb spices and sauces. Cover and let marinade in the refrigerator for approximately 4 hours. Turn ribs over and let marinade for another 4 hours (this can be overnight if desired). Heat oven to 250 degrees and cover ribs with tin foil.

Bake low and slow for 3 hours and allow them to cool in their marinade. (continued on page 65) << Flowers by Academy Florist modern living with a pr airie t wist

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As our resident gardener, Sam Braun, explains on page 79, rhubarb has had a bad rap. We wanted to bring it back into fashion, as we love it so! We put it in our starter cocktail, in our chutney and in our dessert. We called the evening our Rhubar-BQ!

<< This pretty cake with its sweet-tart contradiction for your taste buds is absolute perfection! Try it with a dollop of crème fraiche.

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake ½ cup salted butter ¾ cup flour ¼ cup sugar ½ cup salted butter 1 cup sugar 1 ½ cups flour 1 ½ tsps baking powder ½ tsp orange zest 1 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice 2 eggs 1 cup sour cream ¼ cup salted butter cut into pieces 4 cups rhubarb trimmed and cut on a sharp diagonal about 1/2” thick 1/2 cup sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mash together the first three ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until crumbly.

Grease an 8” square pan and line with **Continued on page 80.

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r ec i p e s (continued from page 63) Sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup minced onion 3 cloves minced garlic 1 cup ketchup 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar ¼ cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon dry mustard 2 teaspoons chilli powder ¼ teaspoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon Epicure Selections beef and steak spice ½ cup molasses Heat oil in aa small saucepan over medium low heat and saute onion and garlic until onion is soft and clear. Reduce heat to low and add remaining ingredients. Combine well and bring to a boil while stirring.

Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, and reduce heat back to low until you are ready to use the sauce.

Put ribs on a preheated bbq grill and baste with the sauce to crisp and caramelize. **Ribs will be very tender and fall from the bone so move them carefully from pan to grill - it's best to cradle the entire rib piece in tongs and turn only once.

Kohl-Slaw 8 small kohlrabi 1 large carrot 5 radishes ½ cup Miracle Whip ¼ cup sour cream 2 tablespoons mustard 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice ½ inch piece fresh ginger peeled and grated super fine salt and fresh ground pepper 1 apple (optional)

Whisk together Miracle Whip, sour cream, mustard, vinegar, orange juice ginger and the s and p. Refrigerate at least one hour.

Peel and julienne kohlrabi, carrots and radishes. We love a julienne peeler for a pretty presentation, but it is time consuming - feel free to use a food processor or mandoline as desired.

Combine veggies in a bowl and toss with dressing. Julienne apple just before serving and toss into salad. Serve cold.

Green Beans Blanche green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain, dollop with butter as desired, and season to taste with coarse sea salt.

Garlic Bread ¼ cup butter ¼ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup Parmesan cheese Cayenne pepper to taste 1 loaf unsliced French bread Cut French bread loaf into thick slices, three quarters of the way through, leaving envelopes between each slice. Combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Spread butter mixture between the bread slices in the envelope, getting some on both sides of the bread. Be generous. Wrap in foil and grill with indirect heat until butter is melted and toast is crispy, or place it in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.

Rhubarb Chutney Rhubarb is finally in season! Rather than crisps and deserts, how about main meal appeal?

chopped ½ cup dried cranberries 1 tbsp minced gingerroot ½ tsp salt ½tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves Combine rhubarb, sugar, water, apple, cranberries, and gingerroot in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat.

Stir occasionally, cooking for 10 minutes or until the fruit has softened, and the mixture has thickened. Stir in salt, cinnamon and cloves. Remove from heat.

Your rhubarb chutney should be a great compliment to many meals. To preserve, pour into sterilized jars and refrigerate for up to 1 month.

Razzy Rhubarb Sangria ¼ cup sugar ½ cup water 2 rhubarb stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces ½ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 orange) 1 orange, halved and cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 litre chilled club soda 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine Ice In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water to make a simple syrup. Bring to a boil and add rhubarb. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. In a pitcher or punch bowl, combine orange juice, orange, and raspberries. Add cooled rhubarb mixture, soda, sparkling wine, and ice.

3 cups chopped rhubarb ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup water 1 apple (approx 1 cup), peeled and

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pa i r i n g s

greet your guests with a starter cocktail Raspberry Rhubarb Sangria: The road to a perfect Sangria starts with a great base wine—bubbly or still, red or white. For raspberry rhubarb Sangria, go Italian and try Il Faggeto vino frizzante Prosecco (under $15).

Ginger Beer Shandy • part Royal Jamaican Ginger Beer +11860 $2.79 355ml btl. Jamaica • 2 parts ‘good’ Orange juice • Stemmed maraschino cherry for garnish Add beer to OJ, stir lightly to mix (but not knock out CO2) chill and serve over ice in a highball glass, garnish w/ cherry.

Royal Jamaican is refreshing on its own, but when mixed into a shandy, you’ll want to re-think your summer beverage routine. Sweet but clean, this is a great and somewhat unique alternative summer beverage.

BBQ ribs with Kolhrabi Slaw, Green Beans and Grilled Garlic Bread Wine selection - A red with nice fruit, spice and complexity would be a hit!

Michele Satta Bolgheri Rosso (under $25) is a stylish blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese.

Beer selection - “Baldwin & Cooper Best Bitter” Howe Sound Brewery +97394 $9.99 1000ml.btl Canada. Plan to share a one-litre bottle of this well-carbonated bitter. We found it surprisingly light on the palate, for such a flavourful and aromatic beer. It pours into a gorgeous, copper colour with a creamy head.

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake Wine selection - Innocent bystander 2010 Moscato, Australia (about $12, half bottle): This little Moscato is low alcohol, with a lovely fizz, bright fruit character and a kiss of sweetness is perfect for a cake like this!

Beer selection – ‘St Louis Kriek’ +11889 $2.74 250ml. btl Belgium. If you like a fruity beer, you’ll love this one; the cherry aroma seems more natural than that of many competitors, the light body and lingering, fruity sweetness are sure to please. The small bottle is just the right size for dessert!

Wines: Sylvia Jansen is a sommelier and wine instructor at Banville & Jones Wine Co. Beer: Stephen Moran is a Product Ambassador for the MLCC

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Choosing which ribs to barbeque can be confusing. We went straight to the experts.

Marcello of Marcello’s meats, Winnipeg’s fabulous new butcher shop, and Scott Penner of Pioneer Meats fame. They gave us the low down on a few meaty mysteries. Here’s what they had to say.

Always select fresh cuts of meat.

• Pork baby back ribs, or loin ribs, are the quickest to cook; they can be directly grilled without pre-cooking, but they are also the most costly. They are naturally tender and are small enough to work with easily.

• Pork spare ribs are available in the full rack or as a trimmed cut known as a St. Louis cut. St. Louis cuts are more expensive, but are much easier to work with and to eat. St. Louis style has the brisket bone removed, while Kansas City style ribs are trimmed even more, having the hard bone removed. Pork spare ribs must be slow-cooked before grilling, but the results are worth it.

They have more inherent flavour than baby back ribs, but if grilled over direct heat, they'll turn out like leather.

• B eef ribs, like spare ribs, will require about 3 to 4 hours of cooking, but this can be done the day before. They are best when braised first, then reheated on the grill.

• W hatever type you choose, look for even marbling throughout. The fat, particularly on spare ribs, contributes a lot of flavour, but avoid large fat deposits in one spot. If you can see much bone through the meat, choose a different rack.

Full of flavor and falling off the ribs is how we want it! To get there cook them low and slow, over indirect heat. Utilize the top rack of your grill. Remember you

are not searing a steak.

Cook your ribs until they have a slight crust and an internal temperature of 165F. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little.

Try a wrap in foil, add a little water, juice or wine.

If you like your ribs with sauce don’t just reach for what’s tried and true. Try

a few different sauces this season. Make a homemade sauce or doctor up a store bought sauce with your favourite spices and seasonings.

Fire it up! Melt in your mouth ribs can be yours! Put theses tips into practice and you’ll have the best ribs in town.

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Clockwise from top left: Slow Clouds Oil on Canvas | 36" x 60" Lester Creek Oil on Canvas | 42" x 48" Girl on Beach Oil on Canvas | 18" x 18" Three Boys on Sandbank Oil on Canvas | 42" x 42" www.bettewoodland.com

Manitoba has a plethora of both emerging and established artists.

In each issue, Prairie Palette will introduce you to some of the talented locals who share Manitoba with us, and demystify some of the intricacies of art and the art scene in Manitoba. This issue we are excited to introduce Bette Woodland to you.

Bette Woodland grew up on a small farm in southern Ontario. Upon completion of high school, she spent a year living and working in Europe. She studied at the University of Manitoba, School of Art as an Isbister Scholar, graduating with the gold medal and a Fine Arts degree in painting. She has since resided in Winnipeg, developing a deep attachment to the prairies while pursuing her career as painter.

Considering the quality of light on the Prairies, it's not surprising that her

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work has become more and more deeply involved with the subject of light. The effects of light, on both the landscape and the figure, inspire Bette Woodland.

Photographs and field notes serve as points of departure in the construction of her works, which often combine several different sources into one coherent whole. The works are not 'realistic' in the sense of rendering a specific scene like a photograph, but are more concerned with presenting a state of heightened experience. Light is used not just to

reveal objects, but as a way of making a certain feeling intelligible.

Bette Woodland's oil paintings are found in many corporate and private collections throughout Canada. She exhibits her work at the Loch Gallery in Winnipeg, and is also represented in galleries in Montreal and Toronto.

Her most recent project has been the completion of a series of twenty-five oil paintings illustrating the acclaimed children's book "A Walk In Pirates Cove," by author Marissa Hochman.

In the spring, At the end of the day, You should smell like dirt.

-Margaret Atwood

habitat in harmony with design | samantha braun | 204.223.6157 | ecotones@mts.net

Hinge Design is a strategic branding and interactive design agency.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re honest, approachable, down to earth and would like to help you advance the interests of your business. hingedesign.ca | 204.997.8857 design | illustration | branding | social media | web

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Pretty Petals

Carry your garden indoors, with gorgeous floral wallpapers. Today’s papers are more user and remover-friendly than ever. Advanced technology in the strippable papers category means you can bring blooms indoors that aren’t just for vases. Whether you choose something graphic, abstract, symmetrical or painterly, you can bet the impact will be a huge return on your investment. With staying power that outlasts your cut-flower bouquet, you can bring new life to a whole room or an accent wall that we guarantee won’t wilt away! For the commitment-phobe, why not test the waters by papering the inside of an alcove, the backs of a cabinet or the inside of a closet? Cultivate your interior with some of our fresh-picked faves, but careful... these are no shrinking violets!

Crown EcoChic LS71101

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Crown EcoChic LS70101

Crown Miranda Damson W0021/01

Crown DP30004

Crown FH61401

Crown VC2408

Amy Butler for Graham & Brown Momento 50-147

Crown AP 7427

Amy Butler for Graham & Brown Temple Tulips 50-155

Crown EcoChic LS71209

Crown W0012/01

Crown EcoChic LS7000

Graham & Brown 50-140

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Two-by-Four Life text DEZ DANIELS

Covet is excited to follow Dez Daniels and her husband Rudy on their journey as they build their dream home. Dez has been a radio broadcaster for 20 years, 16 of which have been in Winnipeg. She has started a blog documenting their progress and we're along for the ride.

Over the last 14 years, my husband Rudy and I have renovated four houses, including two complete “guts” since 2008. All these projects were born of a lust for challenge, adrenaline addiction, and most importantly, a desire to make something neglected worth loving again. Our kids have grown up crawling through caulking and ducking drywall; our daughter’s first words were “Schluter system.” Aftevr our last reno, we finally realized what everyone has been telling us for years: that we’re probably nuts. So… we decided that enough was enough. We decided that what we were doing was WAY too stressful. And in the most logical turn of events yet, we decided to build a house As crazy as that sounds, it does feel right. We’ve stumbled upon a property we love. We have peace and quiet, and incredible neighbours, but we know it’s going to be our biggest challenge yet. In an effort to document the process, share the emotional ups and downs, and prevent myself from going totally insane, I have decided to blog the entire thing, and Covet magazine has decided to go along for the ride. My catharsis will hopefully be your enjoyment!

Now pass me that sledgehammer!

Dreams are about to come true… http://www.twobyfourlife.com/

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Size (and style) Matters text SAMANTHA BRAUN

We’ve all been tempted by those overflowing planters at the door to the grocery store… some quick colour to liven up the patio or front step.

They look lovely massed together next to crates of watermelon, but look lonely and less than stellar when you get them home (especially if you only bought one, and left it in the plastic pot!). Remember where it’s going when you get home… houses are big (even “small” houses!), and a 12” pot on the step is not going to cut it! It sounds simple, but find planters that fit the scale and size of your intended space. Normally 24” or bigger will do the trick to flank an entrance with style, but you may need a little more height to set next to your favourite lounger on the patio.

With a little extra love and attention, your containers can go from an afterthought at the grocery store to a front and center display you look forward to filling. Here are three examples of containers that are equal parts interesting and colourful (and their size matters!).

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1 2

3

Pick containers you can love for a long time.

Gorgeous planters make good investment pieces, or just find some that look like it.

1. These planters are actually plastic—no really, they are! Don’t be shy with whimsical combinations—these planters are filled with weird and wonderful finds, but grounded with this season’s hot classic—the dahlia. A rare play on textures is toned down by a fairly simple colour pallet of silvers, greens and crimson-purples. *A budget-saving trick is to save your dahlia tubers. Cut them off after a light frost and let them dry. Pack them in peat moss and store in a cool (around 40C), dry place until next spring.

2. Containers don’t even have to be containers—it depends upon the style you love. For this country-inspired patio planter, an antique pair of wash basins (complete with stand) are just the right height for harvesting, and big enough to jam full of tomatoes, purple peppers, beautiful herbs and flowering salad fixings.

Combinations of interesting veggies (like the asparagus pea and “pumpkin on a stick”), and foliage-centered herbs (purple basils and curry plant) with sizzling hot edible blossoms (Nasturtium) make these containers more than worthy of a hot spot on the patio—conveniently just outside the kitchen doors.

3. Annual planters are a great way to satisfy the trend seekers among us… it’s the best of non-committal gardening. Experiment and play with colour, and experiment again next year (or even next month). You can finally grab one of those beckoning grocery store planters and “tweek” your collection as the season progresses. This contemporary container pairs the tropical ornamental banana with the citrusy blossoms of this season’s intensely hot, fun, and lively brights.

And don’t tell anyone, but the million bells in this planter were actually a ready to go hanging basket—re-invented for a pool-side splash!

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cut flower tips text SAMANTHA BRAUN

Tip 1: Warm water rules!

Put cut flowers into warm water (think bath temperature—but not strip-your-skin-off hot!). Warm water travels up the stem better than cool or cold, and actually has a chance to reach the flower heads. One of the few exceptions is tulips; use cold only (it’s a spring bulb thing). In fact, re-cutting and re-adding warm water is an old florist’s trick to force some stubborn flower heads to blow open.

Tip 2: Have bucket, will travel.

Take a vase or bucket of warm water with you if you’re going to stop and cut daisies on the way to the cabin. Don’t overfill the bucket or vase, or your passenger (the one stuck holding the vase) will have a very wet lap by the time you get there. My usual road trip arsenal includes a good pair of shears, and a 5 gallon bucket with a lid. Luckily, once the flowers are in, the water’s less mobile,

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and your passenger will get less wet. In the garden, a large vase or jug works well. Place the stems directly into your container as you go. You can still take them out to clean and arrange the blooms later, but you’ll reduce water loss (i.e. droopy heads) by keeping the flowers drinking as soon as they’re cut.

Tip 3: Thou Shalt Use Shears!

Technically a good sharp knife will work in a pinch, but shears are easier, and ultimately lead to less thumb bleeding. Plant stems are built like a bundle of very long, tiny straws, which run from root to shoot tip—the straws need a clean cut to draw the water up the stem. Scissors and rusty blunt shears have a tendency to crush the stems. In addition, your garden and roadside plants are not specifically bred for the floral industry (selected to survive an 8+ hour international flight, wait in a fridge, and still drink in a vase). Ok, I admit it… I’ve used scissors

Whether you’re stopping at the side of the road to cut daisies (go ahead—they’re on the invasive species list!) or cutting some blooms from auntie’s farm, these tips will keep your flowers drinking and lovely (not droopy and sad!).

a couple of times, but I’m a pro, so I get to break the rules once in a while—and some flowers are more temperamental than others. I know that the hard-core gardeners out there probably have a trowel and shears stashed under the seat of the car right now (or possibly their purse).

Tip 4: Practice good etiquette— stick to the ditch!

Never cut rare or endangered plants. You might think a wood lily or orchid looks lovely in the vase, but they also look lovely in their natural setting. When you remove the flower, you’re also removing the subsequent seed. Members of the aster family (golden rod, fall asters, and any cultivated escapees—daisies and tansy) are easily found along roadways and waste places, and drink well as cut flowers. Just keep the daisy and tansy heads from spreading their seed around (throw them into the garbage

after using). Even grasses and willow branches are nice choices for foliage, and can be harvested responsibly without depleting native stock. And please, no picking in the park-any park.

Tip 5: Remember your greens.

The old adage “know the rules, before you break them” applies here; don’t forget to use some greenery. Adding foliage to your vases not only makes the flowers easier to arrange, but adds texture and fullness to the arrangement. Techniques vary, but I often add some greenery first to bulk out the container and get the general desired shape, then place the flower stems, and add more greenery if needed. To add grasses, pinch a few stems together and place them as a group (so that the stems stay sturdy and workable). Grasses, willow (and many woody shrubs), peony leaves, all make easy choices for the garden florist—but you’ll need to use the shears to get the woody stems to drink.

Tip 6: Special occasions take special measures.

If you're cutting flowers for a big day (like Nanny’s tea-party themed 80th Birthday), cut a few more blooms than you need.

Remember that garden blooms are more temperamental than flower shop blooms, so let them drink a few hours to overnight before you arrange them. Only pick the best of the best for the final arrangements, and keep them out of direct sun. Much like trying a new recipe at your dinner party, the “big day” is not the day to learn which flowers will work, and which won’t— experiment first so you’ll have stunning results when you need them. It’s also worth a mention that day lily and bearded iris individual blooms only last one day (hence: “Day” lily), so add these (after taking off spent blooms) the “day of” to keep the arrangements picture-perfect.

Tip 7: Buggy blooms Peonies are probably the most notorious of the buggy blooms— ironically, they make a fabulous cut flower if you can get past the ant thing. Many unwanted flower passengers can be removed by a gentle upside down shake (the flowers, not you!). For more stubborn critters (like ants on peonies) you can follow the quick shake with a dunk in cold water (again, the flowers, not you!). Fill a bucket or the sink with cold water and swish the blooms for a few seconds. Don’t soak flowers with fluffy stems or delicate blooms (like fall asters, or geraniums)—you’re just going to have to flick the bugs off those guys!

Tip 8: Flower power Arguably the most important tip is to grow the flowers you love—so that you can enjoy them on your dinner table, as well as in the garden. Experiment with the flowers in your garden (or the annuals in your pots). If one of your perennials is having a “leggy” summer and shooting towards the heavens (which happens with all the rain we’ve had this season, followed by heat), take it as a sign that you need some cut flowers in the house, and cut them for the vase before the next storm cuts them for you. Even doing dishes is more pleasant with a vase, jar, or tea cup of cut flowers by the sink. Be creative and bring your lovely garden show-offs inside.

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grow your own If you love fresh cut flowers, and you have a sunny spot in the garden, consider giving a cut flower garden a try. There are many cuttable flowers hiding in your beds, but intentionally allocating some for the cut flower chopping block will keep the purple cone flower by your front door safe and sound (at least for a while). Since cut flower gardens are utilitarian by nature, it’s a great opportunity to use some of the flowers that don’t make the cut in your “proper” garden (like those that just look sad by mid- July, or worse, need massive stakes to stay upright, or throw seed all over the place). You can guiltlessly add some of these lovelies into a part of the garden where “collecting things” in different colours and nasty old hockey sticks are less frowned upon (I might still frown upon hockey sticks in the garden… but it’s your garden!). Dedicating a block of your veggie patch (or converting a 4’ X 8’ raised bed or two) will provide a season-long supply of color; and bring your garden fare to the kitchen table in a slightly different way. And on a production note, flowering plants will bring some beneficial pollinators to those cukes, tomatoes and peppers nearby.

Here’s an example of a 10’x10’ cut flower plan. Ours includes some easy-to-grow staples, and a frame to keep stems long and strong all season. Over-planting the bed (cramming things in a bit) keeps the weeds out, and forces the plants taller—but will make the largest plants dependent on some sort of staking or support.

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The following list includes some beautiful perennial bloomers that are great contenders for a cut flower garden (they grow long stems, and drink well after cutting): Delphinium spp. (D), Yarrow (Y) (Achillea millefolium), Shasta daisy (S) (Leucoanthemum x superbum), Purple coneflower (Pc) (Echinacea purpurea), Garden phlox (P)(Phlox paniculata), Peony (Pn)(Paeonia spp), Blackeyed susan (.)(Rudbeckia hirta), Mountain bluet (M) (Centaurea mointana), Iris spp. (I), Asiatic lily (L) (Lilium spp.), Seaholly (H)(Eryngium maritimum), Giant hyssop (H)(Agastache foeniculum), Asters (Symphyotrichum spp), Pin cushion flower (Scabiosa sp.), Goldenrod (Solidago spp.), Day lily (Hemerocallis spp.), Beebalm (Monarda spp.), Blazingstar (Liatris spicata).

Try adding some classic and interesting annuals to a cut flower bed or planters too. They’ll provide a healthy supply of blooms (since annuals tend to produce more flowers when cut), and keep your options fresh and current from year to year. Some of the best annuals for cutting: Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), Statice (Limonium sinuatum), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus), Straw flower (Helichrysum spp.), Cosmos, Zinnia (Zinnia elegans), China asters (Callisttephus chinensis), Dahlia, Stock (Matthiola incana), Schizianthus x wisentonensis, Lavatera, Dill (Anethum graveolens), Spider flower (Cleome hassleriana), Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana), Bells of Ireland (Molucca balmis).

boundaries. re-defined. t a h w . . . o s y about m rhubarb?

Not the words I was expecting while working on a landscape plan a few years back. My “inside voice” thought: Really?

That huge cabbage-looking thing that grandma had by the shed… the stuff you got by the bag full when you were 20 (and reluctantly accepted second only to monster-sized zucchini and green beans)? Luckily my better-mannered “designer voice” responded with: "Ok? Rhubarb. We can make some rhubarb work."

I have since learned to love rhubarb again (I’m not the one baking pies… just eating them!). We even have some in the herb garden—I “rescued” a root ball indignantly tossed in a back lane shortly after the aforementioned conversation— an unequivocal sign that I needed to accept Rhubarb’s rightful place in the garden. No doubt, rhubarb is a bit of a space hog (it easily reaches about a 5’ swath), but it’s valuable tender amongst culinary friends and pie-baking family.

Since Rhubarb is a relatively fast growing plant, it thrives with lots of organic material in the soil and a constant supply of nutrients. Ergo, one of my favourite design spots for it in a garden is next to the compost bin (possibly behind a shed!). Ok, Rhubarb is not that ugly… it’s just kind of wholesome looking. However, Rhubarb’s tall, robust, mounding form does work well to soften the edges of garden sheds, compost bin rows, and the often paired garage-wallveggie-garden combo. I still think of it as a very utilitarian feeling plant, and

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find it best suited to that space in the garden—the working part of the garden.

It conjures up visions of rusty old wheel barrows, and fantastic garden tools that you can only find in yard sales. So set up the space to reflect its history—tilted wheelbarrow, wound up hose, stacks of terracotta pots… You get the idea—think of the cover of a garden supply catalogue.

So if you love Rhubarb too, find a lovely

sunny spot where it can get the water, nutrients, and space it needs to do its thing. Your grandma (and your Rhubarb) will love you for it.

Samantha Braun is a landscape ecologist and designer with over 15 years experience in the horticultural industry. Her company, Ecotones, specializes in creating Habitat in Harmony with Design.

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w h e r e to f i n d If you liked what you saw, check out our digital version at www.covetmagazine.ca for links to the product and talent featured in this issue. In addition, we are happy to help you source one of your “gotta haves” from within our pages. Simply visit us on Facebook at Covet Mag where you can post your query, and one of our team will reach out with the information... while you’re there, be sure to “like” us too!

Thank you for taking the time to get this far!

If you enjoyed our Summer 2012 issue of Covet perhaps you might give your patronage to our advertisers. Their support has allowed us to create what you have enjoyed.

AG Windows

Designers in this issue: Escape to Eleanor Envy Paint and Design Ltd. Designer: Bahia Taylor 204.487.3666 130-1600 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3P 0Y4 Beach Beauty Plush Home + Design Inc. Designers: Jennifer Stephanson and Dayna Kinsman 204.415.7070 70 Arthur Street Winnipeg, MB R3B 1G7 Lakeside Luxury Wind & Water Interiors Designer: Mona Bartmanovich 807.468.7843 326 2nd Street South Kenora, ON P9N 1G5 Into the Blue Envy Paint and Design Ltd. Designer: Bahia Taylor 204.487.3666 130-1600 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3P 0Y4 On the Waterfront XYZ Design Inc. Designer: Linda Levit 204.944.0008 502-44 Princess Street Winnipeg, MB R3B 1K2

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Artful Owl

J and M Window and Door Co.

Benjamin Moore & Co. Ltd.

Linden Ridge Eye Care

BINZ Container Service Ltd.

Linden Ridge Orthodontics

Birchwood Art Gallery

MPD Glass

CertaPro Painters

Murray Chevrolet

DAAX 2012

Noble Savage Interiors

Ecotones

Nu-Life Kitchens

Eckstein Design Group

Over and Above Custom Homes

Envy Paint and Design Ltd. Expedia Travel Flatlanders Flooring Hinge Design Gallagher Group

Rockwell Basement Finishing Pioneer Meat Plush Home and Design Inc. Wind and Water Interiors

Rhubarb Upside Down Cakee (from page 64) parchment paper. Dot with ¼ cup butter cut into pieces.

Mix rhubarb with ½ cup of sugar and let stand for two minutes and toss again.

Whisk together flour and baking powder.

Beat ½ cup butter with 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in orange zest and juice. Beat in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Alternately beat in thirds of the flour mixture and sour cream until smooth.

Toss rhubarb again and spread in the pan.

Spread cake mixture evenly over rhubarb and cover with crumb mixture.

Bake for 50 – 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for ten minutes and then turn out to cool completely.

hot blogs This season we asked Kal Barteski to tell us what her favourite daily blog-reads were. Kal is a Winnipeg artist who sells her painting and illustration work internationally. She has won a Manitoba Entrepreneur of the Year, award and can be found at her daily journal kalbarteski.com My favourite blog reads: I'd call my interior style modern eclectic. I'm an artist - a painter and graphic designer among other creative things. My family is made up of three young daughters, two French bulldogs and a patient husband.

Our house is a Wolseley classic that we are infusing with fresh life. What I look for in a good blog about design is something attainable, interesting and fun. I'm not looking for one-hundred-and-one ways to style an Eames chair, or three hundred ways to spend my retirement money. I love real-life examples of creative ideas and fun homes.

Local Artists.

World Wide Appeal!

Looking Towards Land a watercolour by Joanne Thomson

Remodelista ( http://remodelista.com ) This site is on top of the latest trends and products for the home. It's beautiful. These are the that designer dreams are made of, and it's really great about listing products and where you can find them.

Apartment Therapy ( http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ ) This is the place to see real homes in action. I love that it features people in their own environment and I really, really love that it's real. Small apartments. Big houses. Real budgets. You can find it here.

Fresh Home ( http://www.freshhomeideas.com/fresh-home-blog ) Great place to get inspired! From interesting D-I-Y ideas to refreshing colour palettes, this is where I find great, doable projects that look awesome.

Kal Barteski | www.kalbarteski.com @kalbarteski on twitter + instagram

Along the River oil on canvas by Brian Lund

6-1170 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba 204.888.5840 800.822.5840 www.birchwoodartgallery.com main level gallery, ample parking,

Love it! Hang it! Live it!

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design dilemma the dilemma First of all I love the Covet Magazine... can't wait to get my next issue!

I have attached pictures of my entrance. This is a huge problem in our house... it may be enough to make us move! Here are the problems: • It is very dark (but we are going to be putting in a new exterior door with a window) • There is no storage (help!)... I need solutions to hide all the clutter • The paint colour is boring beige...

I would like this space to feel striking and beautiful, as it makes the first impression when you walk into the house.

I would appreciate any advice...

Thanks!

Rosie

2.

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1. Crown Wallpaper RB4278 2. AF-155 weimaraner, Benjamin Moore 3. AF-5 frostine, Benjamin Moore 4. AF-855 thunder Benjamin Moore

t h e s o lu t i o n Dear Rosie, You have an issue common in bi-level homes. It’s a small area with little in the way of storage, and it doesn’t help that there isn’t any natural light. It’s wonderful that you will be changing the door to let the light in; that’s a great start. In order to create a more welcoming entry space that makes a good impression on your guests, it is important to have dynamic design and tidy organization. Our suggestion is to continue to use the little ledge to the left side of the door to store all of your outdoor belongings, but in a more stylish way. You simply don’t have the space for any other means of storage, so let’s make the most of what you do have – a shallow vertical space. We came up with these interesting zig-zag, square, wooden shelves for you to mount onto the wall. They create a perch for shoes, purses, etc. The longer

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5. CSP-700 skydive, Benjamin Moore 6. CSP-720 dark harbor Benjamin Moore 7. CSP-890 martini olive, Benjamin Moore

shelf extension at the top of each individual piece can hold decorative baskets for items you do not wish to be seen, or do not use on a regular basis. Pegs underneath the top shelf can hold anything that needs to be hung. Frame out the two shelves with a square to delineate it, and to create a niche in which to make a strong statement with a great wallpaper or paint. A cool pendant light, some great storage baskets and a new carpet or runner will round out the look for you.

Design by Bahia Taylor and Kassia Woloshyn of Envy Paint and Design Ltd.

Do you have a design dilemma?

Send us your questions and some photographs to info@covetmagazine.ca for your opportunity to receive free design advice from the talented design team at Covet!

spring azalea Š 2012 & Co., Limited.

Benjamin Moore and the triangle M symbol are registered trademarks, licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. /M5145773CE

spring azalea

Š 2012 & Co., Limited.

Benjamin Moore and the triangle M symbol are registered trademarks, licensed to

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