FineLifestyles Saskatoon Fall 2010 by Fine

Autumn 2010 8

Feature Story A heck of a party: Roughriders’ centennial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Style

Hat designer to the stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Dresser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Heinrichs Jewellery: Local institution, international clout . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Dena’s: A high end shop, that is not a high end shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Escape Sports: Alternative sports & gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Anthonys Fashion for Men: Fashion forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Horizon College: Preparing Christian leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Janie Rose: Personal Shopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 J Marquis Hair Salons: Confessions of a dirty girl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Options by Trish: Exquisite treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 J Michaels: Warming up your wardrobe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 The Sandbox in the City: A place to play, a place to shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Bateman Jewellers: Jewellery is a lifetime investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Expert Advice: Fashion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Expert Advice: Bra fitiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Expert Advice: Make-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Second Avenue Development: Best of downtown urban living . . . . . . . . 55

Arts, Entertainment & Dining 29

Artistic Director of The Persephonie Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Living Skies Limousines: Luxury at your service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Moka Coffee Bar: Making autumn delicious. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Willetts on Wine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 SimAIR’s Gallery: International, local & unique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Tequila Nightclub: Safe, sexy & stylish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Entertainment Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Business 72

Dundee Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Saskatoon Women’s Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Stonebridge Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Expert Advice: Residential Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 The Forbes Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Wheels Bema Autosport BMW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Porsche: Taking Saskatoon by storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Health & Wellness Fosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes: Keeping Saskatoon Moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 In Touch Seniors: Alleviating headaches, maximizing assets . . . . . . . . . . 116 Packham Medical: Medicine & aesthetics under one roof . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Mrs. Canada Pageant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Weightloss Forever: A permanent solution for obesity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Expert Advice: Pets raw food diet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Expert Advice: Pet vaccinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

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Properties Hampton Roads Developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Authentic Furniture: Heirloom quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Ester Brook Appliances: A better appliance shopping experience. . . . . 140 Funktional Spaces: Putting it together. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Expert Advice: Morgage refinancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Expert Advice: Outdoor lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Saskatoon Custom Garage: Reclaiming your garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Expert Advice: Home ownership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 The Forbes Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Rock Ridge Homes Inc.: Quality custom homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Expert Advice: Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Days Paint & Design: A rare mixture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Outdoor rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

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Sports, Rec & Leisure Saskatoon Blades: Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the cup?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Leisure Travel 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Discover Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Expert Advice: River cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

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Fine Shopping Beverly Ashdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Bodacious Bustlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Flamman Fitness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 The Giggle Factory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 North Shore Outfitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Next Generation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 Step-Ahead Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Taylor Made Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Western Carpet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

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Autumn 2010 V O L U M E

1 ,

I S S U E

Editor Edward Willett ewillett@sasktel.net

Graphic Design & Layout Melissa Taylor meltaylor.meltmedia@gmail.com

Logo Design Melissa Taylor meltaylor.meltmedia@gmail.com

In-house Design

A note from

Christa Bilsky Pete Lawrence

the editor I

n the spring, they say, a young man’s heart turns to thoughts of love...but in the fall, at least in Saskatchewan, a young man’s heart turns to thoughts of football. Heck, so do old men’s hearts, young girls’ hearts, and all the hearts in-between. That’s true every fall, but even more so this fall, during the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Centennial Season. A full century of Roughrider football! It’s amazing when you think about it. And that makes it the perfect cover story for both Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon and Fine Lifestyles Regina this time around. And who better to write that story than Rod Pedersen, the Voice of the Riders? But wait (as they say in the infomercials) there’s more! We’ve got a story on the exciting launch of Porsche of Saskatchewan, an interview with Persephone Theatre Artistic Director Del Surjik, and a feature on worldclass Saskatoon milliner Sherri Hrycay. You can read about Saskatoon’s own Melanie Wildman competing in the Mrs. Canada Galaxy Pageant, developments on Second Avenue, the Saskatoon Women’s Network, and more. Look for the new column by Les Lazaruk, the voice of the Saskatoon Blades, and of course the Willetts on Wine are back, with some suggestions on breaking out of the Chardonnay-Merlot rut and expanding your wine horizons. And, as usual, you’ll also discover an enormous amount of fascinating, useful information about the many businesses and services that help make Saskatoon the great city that it is. I hope you enjoy our fall issue. I did! Which just leaves one thing to say: Go, Riders! –Edward Willett

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Joni Gaudette Terrin Kaminski

Cover Photography Captured by Cassidy Photography www.capturedbycassidy.com

Photography Lisa Landrie Grant Romancia

www.shutterbugphoto.ca Gina’s Portraits

Contributing Writers Linda Epstein Ian Goodwillie Tobie Hainstock Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Sheena Koops Jackie Kripki G.H. Lewmer

Derryl Murphy Rod Pedersen Sherry Reid Fiji Robinson Lissa Robinson Penny McKinlay Karin Melberg Schwier

Jenn Sharp Alexandra Walld Doris Wang Edward Willett Darryl Yasinowski Thom Barker

Publishers Randy Liberet Wayne UnRuh

Office Manager Tracy Shaw 306.539.8779 Tracy@FineLifestyles.ca

Advertising Consultants Natasha Solvason Colleen Jacobucci Peter Kahenya

Natasha@FineLifestyles.ca Colleen@FineLifestyles.ca Peter@FineLifestyles.ca

Publishers Randy Liberet: 306.540.3320; Randy@FineLifestylesRegina.com Wayne UnRuh: 306.541.3365; Wayne@FineLifestylesRegina.com 3440 Balsam Grove Regina, SK S4V 2S4

Website www.finelifestyles.ca Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd. We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of Fine Lifestyles Regina, Ltd., are copyrighted 2009/2010 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles Regina, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Regina or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Fine Lifestyles of Regina or the company’s they represent. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

A heck of a party The Saskatchewan Roughriders are 100 years old, and the Centennial excitement is everywhere BY ROD PEDERSEN VOICE OF THE RIDERS

he Saskatchewan Roughriders turned 100 years old in 2010—and the province has had one heck of a party for its favourite football team! In anticipation of the celebrations, the Roughriders hired Randy Dove as General Manager of the Roughrider Centennial. The results have been staggering. Dove initially appeared on the Roughrider scene eight years ago, when he was put in place to oversee the 2003 Grey Cup at Taylor Field. His fine work landed him in charge of the 100-year anniversary festivities. Along with a strong volunteer committee, the group

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came up with a massive schedule of events across the province, including:

keting in the 2010 season and was used in Rider TV advertisements;

• The launch of Centennial Rider merchandise in March, available at all Rider Store locations (Mosaic Stadium and Northgate Mall in Regina and Centre at Circle and Eighth in Saskatoon);

• 82 individuals in the province who turned 100 in the year 2010 received a congratulatory document from the Centennial Committee.

• Murals of the Roughriders’ current retro logos, installed on the McCallum Hill Towers in downtown Regina; • A pancake breakfast in Regina in late May; • Production of a promotional DVD on the history of the Riders, which drove Rider mar-

• 80 communities in the province who were incorporated in 1910 (the same year as the Riders’ first season) were honoured with a birthday basket from the football team, which included exclusive banners and prints and the Rider 100-year history book; • The 100 longest continuous season ticket holders were recognized and honoured by the

• Five professional Saskatchewan artists were commissioned to produce original Roughrider paintings, on display in Regina’s Dunlop Art Gallery. There was a student component, with three high-school students adding art as well; • All season-ticket booklets (roughly 25,000 in all) are Centennial-themed; • Canada Post launched a commemorative centennial envelope in July; • The Royal Canadian Mint launched the “Rider Loonie” in September;

PHOTOS BY CAPTURED BY CASSIDY PHOTOGRAPHY

club—some dated back to 1937;

• The “Where’s Riderville” community contest drew 37 entries, with Avonlea, Saskatchewan being crowned the winner, based on 269,000 votes cast online for the initiative. Avonlea received $25,000 from the Roughriders, which will be put towards the start of a minor football program; • Partners In Motion developed a one-hour documentary on the history of the Roughriders; • The 2010 Canadian Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held in Saskatoon on August 14; • There will be a Centennial-themed luncheon at Grey Cup in Edmonton in November; • The original Gainer The Gopher car was restored with the cooperation of Peacock Collegiate students in Moose Jaw, and has been used for a number of events and will be in the 2010 Grey Cup parade in Edmonton;

Swept up in Rider Pride It’s impossible to go anywhere in Saskatchewan without seeing the S logo, the colours green and white, and the 100-year anniversary logo. The province’s population of over a million strong has gotten completely swept up in Rider Pride. The reaction of the fans caught the team itself somewhat offguard. “Yes I think it did. And why? Because of the fans,” says Rider President Jim Hopson. “The fans made Riderville what it was. I mean, 40 entries? Places like Yorkton, Avonlea and Unity and so forth really embraced this, but not just them. Places like Qu’Appelle, Swift Current, Estevan and Indian Head...and on and on it goes. They just took the ball and ran and had so much fun with it.

“That was big. Then the way they responded to the coin...the Royal Canadian Mint tells us this has been the biggest response they’ve had to any coin launch ever outside of the Olympics. That really says something. So we’ve had tremendous fan support, and again, that shouldn’t surprise us because that’s what Rider fans do.” The Centennial committee itself was overwhelmed by the province’s reaction and, if possible, it has instilled even more love for the Canada’s Team within the province’s borders and beyond with all citizens of the Rider Nation. “The province has been really receptive,” reports Randy Dove. “The amount of positive

feedback in letters and emails to Jim Hopson has been greater than we would have anticipated. “I have to say I’m not really surprised. I thought we had a good list of celebrations and with the cooperation of Rider staff and some key volunteers that I added, things really took off.”

Riderville Contest a hit Dove says the biggest single promotion “might have been the ‘Where’s Riderville’ contest, because that really captured the imagination of the province and communities. That exceeded expectations.”

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“They won because they organized themselves in an unbelievable way,” Dove explains. “For a community of 400 people to gather together with that much creative thought and put into action is unbelievable. When you go to Avonlea it’s Riderville from the moment you enter to the moment you leave. Whether it’s peoples’ homes and yards, storefronts, street signs, special exhibits, painting main street green or just talking to the people about how much they wanted to win the contest for the bragging rights and pride. We met a woman who was 102 years old at the party who was outfitted all in green and loved the Roughriders so much.”

A few more festivities to go Although the vast majority of the events came and went before the Labour Day weekend, there are still a few festivities on the calendar before the 2010 season runs out. “We have our official birthday party coming up and a few other things,” notes Jim Hopson. “So many of the big events, like Riderville, the loonie and so on, are behind us. Labour Day really put us in the homestretch because we wanted to let the focus be on the team in the second half and playoffs. It’s been tremendous. “In mid-September we unveiled the documentary of the franchise and it brought a tear to my eye. It really brought into focus what this team means to this province.” Dove says the scheduling of events had a purpose, and that was to leave the focus of the province on the football club through the autumn months. The contest earned wide-spread media coverage throughout Saskatchewan, and the announcement of Avonlea as the winner was chronicled by every media outlet. In its report, on www.cbc.ca, the CBC noted that “the Roughrider-crazy village of Avonlea,” with a population of just around 400, had beat out four other communities to win $25,000 and “bragging rights” to be known as Riderville. “For months, homes and businesses in the community have been festooned with greenand-white Riders decals and colours,” CBC noted. “The village’s green street-sweeping machine was outfitted with stickers and a Riders flag. On the highway, motorists could

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see a sign with a goal post design touting Avonlea as Riderville.” According to the story, Avonlea, located about 60 kilometres southeast of Regina, received about 30 percent of the roughly 270,000 online votes cast, beating out Nipawin, Yorkton, Weyburn and Unity. “The says it plans to use the winnings to start a youth football team,” CBC reported, and concluded, “Along with the money and a ‘Riderville’ highway sign, Avonlea will receive a one-day football camp hosted by Rider players, coaches and alumni.” Randy Dove says that, in the end, Avonlea was head and shoulders above the other communities in the running for the award.

An interesting twist to Centennial celebrations was the introduction of retro red-andblack uniforms for the Riders to honour the outfits the club wore from 1912 to 1947. In a Week 3 home game against Edmonton, the Roughriders wore the uniforms, and at the game’s conclusion the jerseys were presented to the lucky winners of a draw of Rider season ticket holders.

Unbeaten at home The Roughrider team has done its part to keep its fans on the edge of their seats following their fortunes on the gridiron. Through the club’s opening nine games—the first half of the season—the team played be-

the Montreal Alouettes in Calgary. However, home-field advantage is once again the goal in 2010. “It’s really important to get a home playoff game,” Hopson offers. “It just positions you so well to get to the Grey Cup, which is our ultimate goal. We saw that in our lean years where we couldn’t get a home playoff game, so we had to win on the road twice to get to the Grey Cup, and that’s really tough. “First place is the next goal, because you get a week off in November and get to rest and get healthy and you’re at home. Second place would be our minimum expectation, but then there’s the business side. It’s a big dollargenerator to have a home playoff game, and it sets the tone for the fans for the next year. It’s very important, and we’d be very disappointed in our business plan if we didn’t secure a home playoff game.” Hopson is alluding to the fact that hosting a playoff game pours approximately $1 million into the coffers, and last season it went a long ways towards the franchise posting a profit of $3.14-million. However, the club’s accountants don’t budget for home playoff games. fore sellouts in each and every home game. and they were 5-0 at Mosaic Stadium to start the year. By Labour Day weekend, the Riders held a 63 record. which was good enough for secondplace in the CFL’s tough West Division. The Riders won Labour Day Classic XLIV by a 27-23 margin over their prairie rivals, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The match drew a capacity crowd of 30,048 fans of both teams.

homestretch and into the playoffs. “When you start the year you break it into thirds and halves,” Hopson reasoned. “If somebody told me before the year, ‘You’ll be 6-3’ at Labour Day, I would’ve said, “That’s great!”, because it positions us well. I look back on the Edmonton game and think it should’ve been a win, or the game in Montreal and they rankle. On the other hand, people could say we won some games we shouldn’t have. I think we put ourselves in a good position for the second half.

“You know, it’s funny, we sellout every game now, but we used to only have sellouts on Labour Day,” Hopson admits. “But there’s still something special about Labour Day. It’s still amazing to see the number of Blue Bomber fans that are here and are able to get tickets. It’s a good thing. It also seems to set the tone for our team for the back-half of the season. I now our players have talked about the importance of winning Labour Day and going into the fall on a winning note.”

Home-field playoff the goal

As always, the Riders have had their ups and downs throughout the course of the season. After a 3-0 start, the Riders were bombed 4020 in Week 4 in Calgary, which set off a month of turbulence where the football team was unable to put back-to-back wins together. The club is striving for consistency down the

In 2009, the Roughriders finished in first place for the first time since 1976. with a record of 10-7-1 and they achieved home field advantage in the coveted West Division Final, and a bye in the opening week of the playoffs. That enabled them to advance to the Grey Cup. where they succumbed 28-27 to

“We’ve been inspired by our defense. because they’ve really come together at the right time. And our offense started out great, stumbled, but got it back together. It’s going to be a dogfight right down to the wire across the whole league.”

“No, we don’t,” Hopson explains. “We’ve never budgeted for a home playoff game. We know what it costs to run and what the ramifications are, but we don’t put it in our projections because it’s an unknown whether you get to host the game or not. We also know that playoff games on the road cost you money, but they’re better than no playoff games at all.”

A worthwhile investment The Centennial celebrations themselves weren’t expected to be a cash-cow for the operation and even a small money-losing proposition wouldn’t have been problem. Fortunately, that won’t be the case. “We are on track to make a small surplus as the result of the support of the 15 Centennial sponsors and the three media sponsors plus the sale of merchandise,” notes Randy Dove. “That’s been better than budget. We think we’ll come out of this slightly ahead of breakeven, and that was a goal. “We saw this as an investment to reach out across the province and the country, solidify the brand, build for tomorrow and make sure that all people who supported this team for a

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long time were recognized. It was a chance to give back to people, so the goal wasn’t to make money. It was to engage the communities and their support of the club. With sponsors prepared to make an investment in this, it means we’ll make a few bucks. That’s not critical, though. We wanted a celebration.” All in all, 2010 has turned out to be a banner year for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and the interest and hype surrounding the team is certainly at an all-time high. The club’s onfield success has attributed to the hysteria, but has also ramped up expectations. “We’re having a good year and it’s interesting that as you go along, the culture has changed so much,” Hopson observes. “A couple of years ago we would’ve been over-the-moon to be 6-3 at Labour Day, but now that’s what people expect, and that’s a positive thing. Over the long-haul, this franchise won’t be successful if we think 3-3 or 5-4 is good enough. It’s really a change of culture and expectations right from every person in the organization to every fan of the Riders.”

“An outstanding celebration” The province of Saskatchewan has had 100 years to build up its torrid love affair for the Green and White, and it’s only served to whet the fans’ appetite for the next 100 seasons. Although it’s not yet time to reflect on all that’s gone on over the past several months, the Centennial committee can certainly afford to look back on a job well done. “I would say it’s been an outstanding celebration and an opportunity to engage longtime supporters and some new areas like arts and culture,” Dove reflects. “I just think it’s certainly been successful. We’re really proud of how well people across the province and beyond have grasped the 100-year birthday of the team and see how important it is. “The thing that sticks out for me is how the Riders are important to the communities in this province, no matter where you go. The amount of passion and effort the communities put forward, and the unifying force the Riders are, that to me is a terrific lesson. That transcends the Centennial: what the team means to this province.” fls

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cover story

style

SLAVIC IN SPIRE D, BL ACK F UR F E LT W IT H BE ADE D T RIM. PHOT O BY DAVE ST OBBE OF ST OBBE PHOT OGRAPHY.

Dress your head Milliner (n.): A person who designs, makes, or sells hats for women BY JACKIE KRIPKI

his fall, much of haute couture has a vintage flair, and a good deal of it is accessorized by hats. “Check out Louis Vuitton or Chanel,” suggests milliner Sherri Hrycay. “They are returning to the look of the 1950s, with very full skirts, gloves and hats.” Whether it’s a nostalgic turn during tough economic times or the influence of pop culture, such as 1960s fashions from the hit TV show Mad Men, the trend is right up Hrycay’s alley; her designs have always been vintage-inspired. Hrycay is one of the top milliners on the Canadian prairies. She’s made a name for herself on the Saskatchewan art show cir-

cuit or local fashion circles through her Saskatoon-based studio, Sova Design (www.sovadesign.ca). She is an admitted romantic, drawing creative stimulation from period costume, books, and illustrations. “Anything can inspire!”

Très chic chapeau! The Sova Design fall/winter collection consists of 15 styles that would look right at home on the streets of New York or Paris in the early 20th century. “I started making hats that go with new fall collections from big designers. Bows are getting big, so I replaced a lot of flowers

with bows.” The colour palette is rich and varied and perfect for autumn. Crimson, wine, aubergine, burnt sienna, olive and cranberry are present, along with burgundy and black. “And, I always have greens in a collection, because it’s my favourite colour.” Adornments include shiny buckles, flowers, ribbons and lace. Each style carries a classic lady’s name. There’s “Betsy,” a champagne bowler covered in black lace, and “Winona,” a mad-hatter style embellished with black petersham and velvet flowers. “Maria” is a wide brim in cinnamon with teal accents. The “Julia”

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CL ASSIC FEDORA WITH BROOCH. PHOTO BY DAVE STOBBE OF STOBBE PHOT OGRAPHY.

is a grape cloche with a silver buckle. There is even a Spanish flamenco-style hat inspired by Chanel. So, how does one choose a hat? “There probably are rules,” says Hrycay, “but the fun of it is trial and error. Put them all on and see what you like best. People can follow fashion, but at the end of the day, you have to wear what looks good on you.”

How to wear it... Hats are a fashion statement. Hrycay likens it to pairing a little black dress with a black handbag, and stepping into scarlet heels. “The shoes are the inten16

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BURGUNDY BOWLER. PHOTO BY DAVE STOBBE OF STOBBE PHOTOGRAPHY.

tion. In my case, it’s the hat.” Winter hats are growing in popularity, and the number-one style remains the cloche. “Think Angelina Jolie in Changeling.” Hrycay says any felt hat looks super paired with a winter coat and jeans. It will also add a touch of class to your businesswear. “If you’re a businesswoman wearing nice boots and a nice coat, a hat is much more fashionable than a toque and just as warm.” No time to touch up your roots? A sweet chapeau can cover up a bad hair day or thinning hair—not to mention protect your fragile skin from the rays of the sun. “If you truly like the idea of wearing a

hat, there is one for you,” Hrycay says. If you’re intrigued, but not quite convinced, she suggests you begin with a fascinator. Fascinators are headpieces— generally a clip, comb or headband— decorated with feathers, flowers, ribbons, embroidery and/or beads. Fascinators range from a simple to elaborate. They are a nice alternative to a traditional bridal veil, and a lovely way to top off an evening gown or cocktail dress. Whether you choose a fascinator or a hat, Hrycay insists men will truly appreciate the look. “At shows, the husbands linger at the table and bring the wives back. Men love women in hats—love them!”

VINTAGE REWORKED GREEN FUR FELT. OVERSIZE PILLBOX. PHOTO BY DON SOVYN.

Attitude Even if you’re not heading to the Kentucky Derby, you can carry off a hat. For pointers, watch a movie from the ’30s, ’40s or ’50s. Film noir dames wore hats with attitude. Stylish actresses wore them with class. A hat will do what you want it to, confirms Hrycay. “It will give you attention, if you want. Or it can shield you. When Grace Kelly went to Monaco to marry Prince Rainier, she caused quite a stir because the hat she chose covered her face and photographers couldn’t get a good picture of her.” Do make sure it fits properly. Women’s head sizes generally range from 54 to 63 centimetres (21 1/8 to 24 5/8 inches). You don’t need to measure your own head before shopping, but avoid purchasing a hat that’s obviously tight or sliding about. Throw it on, and then adjust. “Women tend to perch them at the back of their head. I always like to give the hat an ‘attitude adjustment’—pull it low and to the side a little bit.”

Hand-crafted comfort Forget every itchy hat you’ve ever worn. Hrycay’s creations are all about comfort, courtesy of high-end fur felt. The felts arrive from Europe semi-formed, looking somewhat like floppy, misshapen sunhats. Each is

steamed into shape over a special hat block. “It’s like pottery… you’re molding it. Each felt has its own personality. It talks to me.” Hrycay has acquired two millinery machines that date to 1908. The refurbished machines help cut down some of the hand-sewing. Still, the majority of the production is done by hand. Since creativity runs in the family, Sova Design is developing into something of a family business. Her mother—an artist whose Ukrainian easter eggs have been presented as gifts to Princess Anne—is learning to make decorative French flowers using specialty tools. Hrycay’s husband, who she describes as a “typical guy who loves machines,” has taken on the stretching and wiring duties. SHE RRI HRY CAY, DE SIGN E R AN D PRIN CIPAL , SOVA DE SIGN . PHOT O BY PE T E L AW RE N CE PHOT OGRAPHY.

VEIL AND FLOWER, FUR FELT WITH N E W OL D ST OCK VE IL IN G F ROM 1 9 5 0 S. PHOTO BY DAVE STOBBE OF STOBBE PHOT OGRAPHY.

By the time it reaches your head, the felt in your hat will have been sheared, graded, packed, bagged, mixed, blown, shaped/formed, shrunk, stripped, folded, dipped, rolled, stretched, blocked, flanged (ironed, cut, curled—repeat), dried, pressed, massaged, dyed, stiffened,

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sanded, trimmed, sewn and decorated. Whew!

Custom pieces It’s Hrycay’s job to interpret a woman’s fashion needs, and custom work forms a

large part of her business. She has created period hats for retro-inspired weddings, dramatic specialty designs for a fashionshow fundraiser, and a goodly number of hats for horse races. If you’re in a desperate emergency, she can finish a hat in a day. “I was once called on to create a hat for someone attending the Queen’s Garden Party in England the following week. It’s a lot of fun and I like a challenge.” If you want a unique headpiece designed for a special occasion, bring a fabric swatch and a sense of adventure. “Show up at my studio, and the fun begins...” A visit to the Sova Design studio is truly pleasurable. Felts, fabrics and adornments are littered about. Hats are layered on sofas, desks, tables, shelves and racks. Each hat seems prettier than the last. “Here’s a classic fedora,” says Hrycay. “Actually, I think I might keep this one for myself!”

“I really try to create a European feel in my studio,” she says. In Europe, shopping is slower, more precise. People stroll down the street and pop into shops to consult on everything from wedding invitations to custom clothing. “A lot of people enjoy coming here for the planning, choosing, sizing… and the tea.”

European experience Hrycay has trained with masters at home and abroad. Her first jaunt overseas, to London to attend an exhibition of milliner Steven Jones, allowed her to spend a few days studying under Rose Quarry, former milliner for the late Queen Mother. This fall, she studied with Lucy Till in the south of France. Till studies under Prudence, whose millinery has created couture hats for a long list of the rich and famous (Princess Diana and The Sex Pistols among them) and designers including Vivienne Westwood, Tom Ford and Gucci. Partnering with top designers is the ultimate goal for Hrycay. “To me, fashion is like photography or any other art. I study it. I know the history. I know my designers, and can recognize their pieces.” That being said, Hrycay insists she will stay in Saskatoon. “I’m not moving to Toronto. I’m not moving to New York. I love this province. I’m a prairie girl. My hats can be made just as easily here as anywhere else.” The Sova Design fall/winter 2010 line is available exclusively at Paramount Boutique in downtown Saskatoon. “Most turn into little girls, trying on every hat possible. You should be able to find one that works. If not, come see me.” “But once you get one,” she warns with a chuckle, “you’ll want another!” PEACOCK ADORNED FUR FELT. PHOTO BY DAVE STOBBE OF STOBBE PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Expert Advice: Style

Choosing colours and patterns for the Fall Rodger Jeffrey & Dennis Carson The Dresser Fashions for Men 222-3095

hile the fall season still encompasses your traditional blacks, greys and blues, we at The Dresser are introducing neutral tones, such as beige browns, medium greys and brighter blues. The fall season still allows for lightweight shirts and richer ties so that one can transition into fall.

and ties, which will provide a good balance that will allow you to change from season to season, so that you feel confident for any occasion. It is important when building your wardrobe to make sure that your personality is reflected in your look.

Due to the superior breathability of the wool and the new technology of the weave, the weights of the suits do not change from fall, winter, spring or summer. Where the change comes from season to season is in the colour of the suit, the colour of the fabrics and the patterns that we choose to enhance them.

As we have mentioned before, first impressions are important. When choosing ties, remember you want the tie to be seen first, as this helps you not only to change the look of your suit and show your personality, but also to stand out in a crowd.

Our commitment to stay classic at The Dresser means that a classic pattern can be made current and fashionable once again through the weave, the colour and the cut of the suit.

Variation is important It is important to have variation in your closet. If you have too many strong patterns, you will find that your style removes itself from fashion very quickly. It is our opinion you need to have a good selection of patterns and of what we call neutral suits to complete an up-todate fashionable wardrobe. For this fall, especially, the fitted suit is not only fashionable, but current, as we were the first to introduce a fitted suit to the city of Saskatoon. A fitted suit has a natural fit that follows the contour of the body and gives you shape in a positive way. Traditionally, made-to-measure suits have been an option, but that does not necessarily mean that the suits were cut to be fitted. As we mature, our bodies have a tendency to change. As an example, if you carry extra weight around the midsection or the chest, it is even more important to have a fitted suit to give you the definition one needs. Having extra fabric in a suit that might be cut square only enhances the extra weight. If your profession does not call for you to wear suits on a daily basis, it is our suggestion that you should have a minimum of three suits and a good selection of shirts

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First impressions matter

In the corporate workplace, the definitions of dress have become, in recent years, blurred or termed shades of grey. With the introduction of casual Fridays and a relaxed dress code, it is the opinion of both us and those who are in the industry that for all occasions, especially for those that are work-related, it is always best

to start with the introduction of a tie and choice of shirt colour. For casual Fridays and events out of the office, the term “casual” means shirts and ties with more colour and pattern. This is where having more flair is dress-appropriate. For business casual during the week, we have suggested that you keep a number of shirts and ties at the office so that when leaving the daytime corporate environment, you can change the colour and pattern and enhance the suit for the evening. If you are unsure of your shirt colour, we suggest you choose from your many varied whites. It is the best direction to go, as this truly makes the tie pop. As always, having consistency is very important. One way of ensuring you have consistency when choosing your shirts, tie and suits is that to ensure that the store you are working with shows you how to make your current wardrobe and your purchases work together. It is best to keep an open mind. Stepping out of the box with a new tie can transform your suit.

long coat should be a little heavier to give you the extra warmth that is desired in winter. To avoid overuse of your winter coat, make sure to use it when the weather reaches the appropriate temperature.

Holiday plans If you happen to holiday in a warmer climate, such as Palm Springs, Hawaii or Phoenix, during the fall and winter season, you may take your fall suits to any of these environments and it would still be appropriate for the weather because of the quality and weight of the wool and fabrics. At the same time, you will not be arriving with summer colours on a winter holiday, where it may look out of place. Remember when choosing your fall suits that when you are replacing or adding to your wardrobe, it is important to be consistent with your look. This is just as important for those who are starting post-secondary education or entering the workforce as it is for faculty or upper management. It is important to all people in the workforce who are competitive and who think outside the box to represent themselves accordingly. When wearing suits, shirts and ties, you want to show leadership and direction and be a step above those you are working with. Maintaining consistency with the quality of your look ensures that you are ready for any occasion.

Brown is the new black As for shoes and other accessories, brown is the new black. In the fall, richer brown tones, such as wine, tan and oxblood, are certainly appropriate to wear to the office, or can be taken on holidays. As always, black shoes can be paired with a mediumtoned suit for fall as well. Pairing your belt with your shoes is essential, and can be done by staying in the same range of colour. In the case of black-tie events, your shoes and belt should be of the same leather and should have a higher sheen for the evening. For fall, if you’re wearing a beige or brown suit with, as an example, brown shoes, having a brown briefcase maximizes the consistency of your look. It is our opinion at The Dresser that having a number of different satchels or briefcases to carry the tools of your office is important. It is best when wearing a fitted suit not to place articles in your suit trousers, as you want the look of the suit to remain lean. Wearing a fall-weight long coat is another way of introducing colour, and will help to take the chill off in the mornings as it gives you that extra bit of warmth in the season. It is reasonable to have two fall and two winter long coats, so that you can change your look to accentuate the direction of the way in which you want to represent yourself. You want to have a good selection of fall and winter coats to avoid overuse of the garments and to allow them to look fresh. When choosing long coats, the weight of your winter

To learn more about what The Dresser can do for you, be sure to visit our website at www.thedresser.ca. fls

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Local institution, international clout Saskatoon jewelers travel the world in search of the best-quality gems BY IAN GOODWILLIE

or more than 60 years, the top name for jewellery in Saskatchewan has been Heinrichs. “Family-run,” “locally owned,” “independent” and “designer jewellery” are just a few of the phrases that describe this institution that immediately jump to mind. One phrase residents of Saskatoon may not immediately associate with Heinrichs is “internationally renowned.” But how else do you get an exclusive invitation to Antwerp alongside one of the world’s top diamond cutters?

Local commitment Dennis Heinrichs has been a jeweller for 37 years and his son, Kent, is now the third generation to be involved in the diamond business. As the exclusive dia24

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mond buyer, Kent was educated in New York City’s diamond district by the Gemological Institute of America, something that now takes him on buying trips worldwide. While they regularly travel the world in search of the best quality designer jewellery lines, the Heinrichs’ commitment first and foremost is to Saskatoon. In a business filled with large retail chains, the Heinrichs have maintained a strong presence by offering jewellery lines that are interesting and innovative, as well as participating in the community as an active sponsor of Saskatoon events and charities.

Antwerp bound How does a family-run jewellery store out of Saskatoon get an exclusive invita-

tion to Antwerp, Belgium, to be among the first in the world to preview and purchase the newest offering of rough (uncut) diamonds from around the world? It starts with Master Diamond Cutter Mike Botha, an internationally respected diamond cutter. Born and trained in South Africa, Mike has worked in Mauritius, Russia, and various parts of Canada. Mike Botha invited the Heinrichs to partner with him in a trip to Antwerp, Belgium, for a highly exclusive opportunity to be among the first to preview and purchase the newest offering of rough diamonds. This trip marks the first time that the Heinrichs have had the opportunity to buy rough diamonds before they have been cut and polished. Heinrichs purchased diamonds from

To develop this design, Botha drew on a lifetime of experience honed around the world, as well as extensive research into the cuts and designs currently available. Heinrichs is the exclusive retailer of the Sirius Star in Saskatoon. For the first time ever, clients of Heinrichs will now be offered the ultimate in customization: they will be able to view a parcel of Canadian rough diamonds and select their diamond to be cut into a Sirius Star.

Telling the tale Canadian jeweller would have to travel across the world to buy Canadian rough diamonds, it is the nature of the industry. The majority of the world’s largest diamond houses operate or have offices in Antwerp’s diamond district, and 85 percent of the world’s rough diamonds pass through it. This includes all of the world’s major rough diamond producers, such as Russia, Botswana, Angola, Congo, Australia, South Africa and Canada. As of 2009, Canada has moved into second place for world diamond production by value, behind Russia and ahead of Botswana. Selecting Canadian rough diamonds in Antwerp gives Heinrichs an opportunity to offer unprecedented value to its clients.

The Sirius Star

Canada’s two premiere diamond mines, the Ekati and the Diavik. The diamond mines are located northeast of Yellowknife. The Ekati was opened in 1998, and is owned and operated by BHP Billiton. Diavik is Canada’s second diamond mine, and is owned and operated by Rio Tinto. These mines yield a significantly higher-quality diamond than the world average. Upon returning from Antwerp, Dennis and Kent have also been invited as special guests to tour Rio Tinto’s Diavik mine. As odd as it seems to most of us that a

The primary design for the rough diamonds bought on this trip will be Mike Botha’s signature, the Sirius Star, developed and patented by Mike Botha in 2006. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and in the Heinrichs showcase. Recent submission of a Sirius Star Diamond to a leading diamond research and identification laboratory in New York for evaluation produced an unprecedented 100-percent score for light return. Keep in mind that 93 percent is considered excellent! The Sirius Star Diamond features increased light return, improved brilliance, and higher visual appeal over any other round-cut diamond on the market today.

The ultimate moment of this worldwide journey was at the Premier Festival, Saskatchewan’s Fine Wines, Spirits and Specialty Food Festival, in late September here in Saskatoon. Courtesy of Heinrichs, Mike Botha and his highly trained staff provided a cutting demonstration to attendees of the event. Surviving in a cutthroat industry and surrounded by chain competitors is no easy task. Heinrichs has made a name for itself by providing the best quality service the industry has to offer combined with the highest level of expertise and some of the most unique products on the market. They are truly a Saskatoon legacy. fls

Heinrichs Jewellery The Centre at Circle and Eighth Mall B510, 3310 Eighth St. E. 374-7171 heinrichsjewellery@sasktel.net www.heinrichsjewellery.com

PHOTOS BYGINA’S PORTRAITS

Dena’s: A high-end shop that is not a high-end shop Diverse clients find fun and fashion in the heart of downtown Saskatoon BY THOM BARKER

UGO BOSS, LIDA BADAY, Jacqueline Conoir, Sarah Pacini, Save the Queen. Women around the world covet these famous names, but if you’re in Saskatoon, there is only one place to find them.

Eclectic and unique Dena’s on 21st Street is an eclectic and unique shop in the heart of downtown Saskatoon. But despite the exclusive company the friendly, knowledgeable staff and their diverse clientele keeps, owner Joan Cline is quick to point out

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her business is not just for those with expensive taste.

product, when Benac uses buttons, they are hand-made by her brother in Peru.

“We are not a high-end store,” Cline says.

“They’re absolutely phenomenal,” Cline enthuses.

In fact, the fashionable proprietor prides herself on being able to meet just about any price point and find the appropriate garment and accessories for almost any occasion. From casual ensembles for just kicking around town to gowns that would be at home on the red carpet in Hollywood or Cannes, Dena’s has it. Cline even carries a line of comfortable, yet stylish, hand-knit sweaters made by Cecile Benac of Burnaby, B.C. And just to add another degree of flair to the

The right formula In an age and industry in which retail outlets generally focus on finding a narrow niche, Dena’s formula of broad selection is as unique as the merchandise. It is a formula that works, says Cline. It is a formula that has been working for a long time, ever since the original owner, Dena Proznick, opened the doors nearly a quarter century ago.

Despite this long, successful history, the little shop that could, tucked in the historic section of the city on 21st Street between 1st Avenue and 2cnd Avenue, may be one of Saskatoon’s best kept secrets. “There are ladies who have been in Saskatoon all their lives who don’t know about us,” Cline says. Once they find out, though, they frequently become regulars and that is not restricted to Saskatoon clients. “We have ladies coming in from Regina on a daily basis,” says Cline. “We have ladies coming in from all over Canada and they tell me, ‘we don’t have anything like this in [my city]’.”

Wide appeal At Dena’s you can find a $50 blouse and a $2,000 cocktail dress, but it is not just the prices that are wide-ranging. From ultra-chic retro dresses by Stop Staring, the sophisticated lines of Supertrash and trend-setting flair of Spanner to the everpopular GUESS, Michael Kors and DEPT, Dena’s caters to all tastes and appeals to all ages. “We have daughters shopping with mothers and granddaughters with grandmothers,” Cline says. What daughters and mothers and grandmothers—as well as, the occasional boyfriend, husband and father— find at Dena’s is not just clothes, but an allround shopping experience. The key, explains Cline, is personalized, honest and professional service. “My staff knows our lines and we will spend as much time with our clients as they want or need. And we’ll tell them honestly if something doesn’t work on them because someone going out of here in an unflattering outfit doesn’t do anyone any good.”

Dena’s Upcoming Events October 2 Hillberg & Berk Trunk Show Tied in with customer appreciation days, see the entire line of Hillberg & Berk Jewellery from ReginaH s award-winning designer Rachel Mielke. Buy directly or get your Christmas orders in early. Enter a draw for a chance to win Hillberg & Berk jewellery or a gift certificate from DenaH s while watching a mini-fashion show and enjoying dainties.

November 4-6 Grad Gowns Trunk Show

Personal touch Dena’s even offers private consultations by appointment for those who want true one-on-one attention.

ItH s never too early to start shopping for the perfect, unique look for your formal event. This year, in addition to high school offerings, DenaH s introduces gowns for Grade 8 Grad, as well as, escort dresses. “IH ve seen the dresses for spring and they are spectacular,” said Joan Cline, DenaH s owner. The show will feature several gown manufacturers and, of course, DenaH s professional, knowledgeable staff to help you pick out the most eye-popping dress for you.

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style The result is more than just a clothing store. “I’ve seen ladies spend a couple of hours in here and as they’re leaving I’ve heard them say, ‘wasn’t that fun?’” Cline says. “That’s the best compliment we can get.” To make sure the compliments keep coming, Cline is as particular about buying inventory as she is about gearing the Dena’s experience to the individual client. Every year sees her in Vancouver, Toronto and New York to plan her seasonal offerings and make sure she has garments you won’t see every day. In fact, Cline has even been known to bring in one-of-a-kind items. And if you need the perfect accessories to go with that perfect outfit, Dena’s only carries shoes, boots, handbags, belts and jewellery by the same designers who make the clothes.

Something from the Den The one exception is the Hillberg & Berk jewellery line by Regina designer Rachel Mielke who skyrocketed to fame in 2008 when she was invited to display her designs backstage at the Oscars then managed to liberate $200,000 from fellow Saskatchewan entrepreneur Brett Wilson on CBC’s popular program Dragon’s Den. Why the exception? “Because it’s fabulous,” Cline states matter-of-factly. Whether you have a specific fashion need in mind or just want to browse in a fun, no-pressure atmosphere, you owe it to yourself to get out of the mall and discover Dena’s. fls

Dena’s 5-105 21st Street East (306) 373-6966 www.denas.ca 28

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A shared passion Brothers turned their love for alternative sports and gear into a successful business BY LISSA ROBINSON

he seeds for an alternative sports store were planted in the minds of two brothers, Jonathan, 30, and Marcus Storey, 26, when they were finding their way at university in 2004. The brothers wanted to create a grassroots store where anyone could feel comfortable planning their own escape from urban life and explore non-traditional sports. The idea for Escape Sports took shape as a retail experiment inspired by their shared passion for alternative sports like slack lining, unicycling and Ultimate Frisbee. “We were both pretty active in alternative sports and saw a need for providing local enthusiasts with gear specific to those activities.” The brothers started small by selling gear mainly to family and friends, which eventually expanded to customers seeking them out through word of mouth. Their decision saved them thousands of dollars in start-up

expenses and gave them the opportunity to experiment with other products while building capital and a solid reputation locally. They knew a grassroots approach could offer them distinct advantages over other sales approaches, with lower overhead costs and the ability to reach a local indie or alternative audience that had little available to it at the local level. Escape Sports was born in a small storefront located in a family-owned building on the corner of 19th Street and Avenue A, and has since gone through an expansion to accommodate a growing selection of quality alternative products and enhanced customer experience. The Storey brothers were both then working on the business parttime while Jonathan went off tree-planting and Marcus continued to work at the family business (Pelican Signs) to support themselves and their new venture.

Heelys paves the way In 2005 the brothers struck gold with their decision to stock Heelys, which ultimately paved the way to making their dream of running a successful alternative sports store a reality. The brothers caught the early wave of young people excited to sport the new, innovative Heelys—trainers with built-in wheels that allow the wearers to glide across ground as if floating on a cushion of air. The Heelys were flying out the door, with sales hitting an upward mark of 100 pairs a day. Their return on the venture proved the duo had an innate sense of what sells, while providing the much-needed capital to expand their product offerings. A decision like the one above is truly a defining mark of the brothers’ entrepreneurial style, which is to build a solid reputation for promoting products that are innovative, superior in quality and design,

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style and marked by companies that operate with social and ecological responsibility in mind. A glance through the sport and clothing sections of their website reveals a fascinating selection of sports gear like Kite Boards, Xtracycle, Longboard and Mountain Boards, Stand Up Paddleboards and Ultimate Frisbee, and intriguing clothing lines that include Guats, Sanuk, Vibram Fivefingers, Toms Shoes and LOKI. A ton of research and determination helped the Storey brothers find the right products and the contacts needed for selling these products, which in some cases resulted in their becoming key distributors. Escape Sports is the exclusive retailer for LOKI in Saskatoon, and within the first year the brothers became the top seller of LOKI apparel world-wide and have remained there ever since.

Shape shifting: the LOKI way

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ards of

dw Lance E

PHOTO BY GINA’S PORTRAITS

It was during a family get-together in 2007 that Jonathan was first introduced to the LOKI line. Enthusiastic about their find, his sister, Blair, and her boyfriend, Tom, brought home the LOKI jackets they had purchased during a trip to Banff. Jonathan and Marcus were just as excited by their find, and Jonathan immediately got online and started searching for a LOKI distributor. It turned out to be his lucky day, and he called the Canadian distributor, Lance Edwards, on the spot. Serendipitously, Jonathan caught Edwards at home during his own family get-together, and after some discussion their future partnership was born. LOKI products are in high demand by adventure sport enthusiasts, but LOKI’s unique design has a much broader appeal for those living in cold-winter climates like Saskatchewan. All the members of the Storey family are avid LOKI enthusiasts and the brothers even recently dedicated a whole annual event to celebrate and unveil LOKI’s new line each year. In February 2009 Escape Sports inaugurated its first LOKI Winter Games, held at Beuna Vista Park in Saskatoon. Eighty-five dedicated LOKI wearers attended the fun-filled event, which offered food, warm drinks, contests, prizes and all sorts of games and sports, including dogsledding and snowshoeing. Keep a look out for the next eventm to be held in 2010. For all you soon-to-be LOKI lovers, a gift certificate of $1,000 will be one prize you won’t want to miss out on! LOKI is the ultimate outerwear for individuals and families alike who have to face harsh winter conditions on a day-to-day basis or in their outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, climbing or snowboarding.

LOKI C

ana

athan da & Jon

Storey of

ports

Escape S

Named for the Norwegian God of Mischief (who baffled people by changing his shape to fit into different environments), LOKI was created in 1997 by two mountaineering brothers in Colorado who were searching for a single piece of clothing that would serve multiple functions. Their search ended in vain, and so they decided to design an innovative range of technical outerwear that they could use in a variety of conditions, whether they were mountaineering, skiing, mountain biking or hiking. Going one step further, they decided to add truly unique features into each garment, including mitts built into the sleeves and a facemask built into the hood. LOKI began as a high-tech, high-function garment known only to Colorado locals, but within a few years quickly gained a reputation and developed a cult-like following among mountain men and women who appreciated the quality and design (not to mention the price!) that no other garment could offer. LOKI gear fuses low-key, casual design with state-of-the-art performance to update and extend the traditional outdoor experience. When you step outside with LOKI, you are fully prepared to have more fun than ever before. LOKI jackets and outerwear are famous for their integrated mittens and face-shield neck gaiters. These convenient features are unnoticeable when not deployed, but are at the ready when your all-weather lifestyle gets socked in. LOKI clothing solves the age-old question of “where are my mittens?” With the built-in components for ultimate warmth, you can be rest assured that you and your young ones are fully equipped for a hard winter’s day at work, school or play. Some brand favourites include the LOKI Lodur Ultra-Insulated Jacket, LOKI Morf Pullover and Zipped Hoodies, the LOKI Myth Softshell and LOKI Mountain Hoodie. New for this year is the Women’s Stockholm, a 3/4 length jacket that will shame anything else on the market. The LOKI 3-in-1 Hat—the item that started LOKI’s ingenuity—is still one of its bestsellers. The range of styles and colours will appeal to just about any individual taste and the line features items for men, women and youth of all ages. Escape Sports is the only place in Saskatoon where you can get your hands on LOKI. Visit the store and explore the brothers’ huge selection of gear. It’s worth the venture. In the words of both Jonathan and Marcus: “It’s the smartest clothing ever...hands down.” fls Escap e Spo rt s 339 Ave. A . South 244-7433 info @esca pesp ort s.ca

PHOTOS BY GINA’S PORTRAITS

LOKI: high-tech, high-function

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PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Preparing Christian leaders Horizon College and Seminary touches the heart, teaches the mind and trains the hands BY FIJI ROBINSON

raining godly leaders for both ministry and vocation is the mission of Saskatoon’s Horizon College and Seminary. Located on a quiet, tree-lined street behind the hustle and bustle of Eighth Street and Cumberland, it is an oasis for meditation on Christianity and leadership in the Church. “Our mission at Horizon is to prepare leaders for Christian life and ministry,” explains Rev. Mark Emde, President. “We’re a postsecondary theological college with an evangelical orientation. We prepare students to conduct in places of worship, to provide religious instruction, and further the gospel at home and through foreign missionary work.” “But we’d like the Christian community of Saskatoon to know that we’re here as a resource,” elaborates Academic Dean Dr. Jeromey Martini. “We’re here to help people grow during their spiritual journey.”

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Encouraging and nourishing spiritual growth Horizon is a modern college that has been broadening its horizons and rethinking the way it can be most effective in the community. “Take our library, for example,” explains Dr. Martini. “We recently sent out library cards to all local churches as a way of encouraging them to access those resources.” As well, the libraries of all of Saskatoon’s religious colleges have amalgamated, making their combined 130,000 volumes of books available to users of all the libraries. “All of our students do community service of some sort, including volunteering at various churches and working in areas of need,” reveals Rev. Emde. “Giving back is an important part of our college philosophy.”

Horizon offers an ever-expanding range of courses through distance education. The numerous Horizon courses available on USB or DVD allow students to view class lectures and complete the required assignments. Courses can also be taken by Directed Study though the Internet and one-on-one with professors through email or the phone. There are more flexible one-week module courses, night classes and weekend classes, all courses may be taken "for interest" for $100 per course. “We’re excited about our Film and Faith in Global Perspective program,” Dr. Martini says. “It is a program given in three parts over three weekends on Friday night and then a full day on Saturday, with 3 credit hours that are transferable to the University of Saskatchewan.”

Well-equipped for student life Student demographics have changed, and Horizon’s students are certainly more ethnically diverse that when the college opened 75 years ago. “Today, about two-thirds of our students also come from denominations other than Pentecostal,” notes Rev. Emde. “The classes are small and generally an eclectic mix of students of all ages. Right now we have a student enrolled in a full-time program who is a mother of six, a wife, and a dairy farmer.” The Horizon campus includes men’s and women’s residences, a dining room, a studentlife centre and classrooms. The College has a theological library which students have access to and a chapel they are welcome to attend. Each residence has 35 furnished, double-occupancy rooms, a computer lab, a prayer chapel, and a lounge. Amenities include wireless internet and coin-operated laundry facilities A local caterer provides three balanced meals a day, including a daily salad bar. Brunch is served on Saturday and bagged lunches can also pre-ordered. As an affiliate college of the University of Saskatchewan, Horizon students receive the benefits of a U. of S. student card: access to the university’s physical education facilities, library and student counselling services, participation in Intramural Leagues and a student bus pass for September through April. Horizon College is conveniently located close to the restaurants, shopping centres, recreational facilities and medical and dental professionals on Eighth Street, and offers easy access to public transport. “We also welcome students from the University of Saskatchewan and SIAST who want to live in a Christian environment,” mentions Rev. Emde.

PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Ministry degrees, diplomas and certificates Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Theology degrees provide an integrated Biblical, practical and general education, as well as a four- or eight-month real-life ministry internship in the area of the student’s major. The Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Theology programs are differentiated by the two semesters of Greek which are part of the Theology program. A major in Pastoral Ministries is a four-year program that prepares students for pastoral leadership in a local church and includes an eight-month supervised ministry internship. A Youth Ministries major involves three years in the Pastoral Ministries program, with a spe-

cialized focus on youth, and a year of training at a community college to earn a Youth Care Worker’s Certificate. This distinction prepares them to serve the church in ways that are especially relevant to the needs of today’s youth. Students in the Children’s Ministries program earn both a Bachelor’s degree and an Early Childhood Education Diploma, which qualifies them to run a daycare. The program requires two years at Horizon and two years at a community college. Horizon offers both a Diploma and Advanced Certificate program in Pastoral Ministries to prepare students for serving their churches. The one-year Edge Certificate gives students the basics for getting started in professional Christian service by supplying the courses required for ministry credentials (PAOC). “You can accomplish much of the Edge Certificate though modules and distance education,” notes Dr. Martini.

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Programs for disciples As Rev. Emde explains, “Many followers of Christ are not called to professional ministry but are life-time disciples. For these followers, Horizon offers Bachelor, diploma and certificate programs in Christian Studies.” G3—the Grounded, Growing and Going one-year discipleship training certificate—is a partnership with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) that provides for a Bible college experience and a 4-month overseas mission. To date, students have worked overseas in Pakistan and Nepal. The G3 program can serve as the first full year towards a Bachelor’s program.

Affiliations and transferable credits U. of S. students can take any one of 12 classes that are recognized electives transferable between Horizon and the University, such as History of the Christian Era, Reason and Christian Belief, or Introduction to the Old or New Testaments. The Maximum University Transfer Certificate is an opportunity through which students choose to study one year in Horizon’s Christian college environment before moving onto a university program.

Seminary programs The Seminary programs offered by Horizon are in partnership with Providence Theological Seminary in Manitoba. These graduate-level studies include the Master of Divinity in Pentecostal Studies; a Master of Arts in Christian Studies, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. The programs are presented as one-week modular courses given on campus at Horizon and Providence, as well as online. Degrees are granted by Providence and are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Knowing the words of Christ “Our college is a place where you can get a solid and practical Biblical education,” says Dr. Martini. “It’s a place where people can know the words of Christ.” “We can help anyone become a part of the future of Christianity,” President Emde reiterates. “We encourage our students to make an impact on the world with their belief.” fls -

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PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

style

PHOTOS BY GRANT ROMANCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

Personal shopper Look and feel fabulous with help from a fashion consultant extraordinaire BY JENN SHARP

or many people, shopping and picking out appropriate and stylish outfits for work or play is a time-consuming and stressful endeavour.

If this sounds like you, or perhaps you’re looking for some fashion advice, a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant is the perfect solution to have you looking and feeling fabulous.

Janie Rose, 29, was born and raised in Saskatoon, and now works in both her hometown and in Regina with clients of all ages and requirements. Janie studied fashion design, personal shopping and fashion consulting in Milan, Italy, and fashion marketing in London, England.

An eye for fashion Janie has had an eye for fashion since a young age. She began sewing at nine and by the age of 12 knew that it was the industry for her: “When I was in high school, my best friend would always tell me I had the ability to see something on the hanger and visualize how it would look on someone.” After consulting family and friends, Janie began her personal shopping and wardrobe consultant business last fall. Bringing out someone’s personal style is one of the most rewarding aspects of her business. “I find that what I do helps open the door for people to go within, bringing out their confidence and realize their true potential,” she says. Whether you’re looking for an outfit for a special occasion or want to dress to impress for a job interview, Janie can help you find the perfect look. “I just love helping people be the best they can be…that’s what it’s all about for me. Time flies when I’m doing my job and it never really feels like work,” she says. She’s also an expert on advising how to look great without breaking the bank. “I don’t believe that having style is about spending a lot of money,” she says. Dana, a massage therapist. explains: “I saved money, because I didn't end up purchasing a lot of clothes that ended up sitting in the closet. Definitely recommend the services.”

The “closet detox” Janie’s personal and individualized services usually start with an initial meeting followed by a closet detox. During the detox, Janie will visit your home and help you decide what to keep or give away, and which items can be added to your wardrobe to pull it together. She says some clients may want a complete revamping, while others need a few specific pieces to update and accessorize

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PHOTOS BY GRANT ROMANCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

existing items. “My philosophy is that the only way to bring in the new is by getting rid of the old,” Janie says. “I help clients let go of what they’ve been hanging onto and start over. They soon realize it gets easier every time!” Janie says that by regularly detoxing your closet and keeping it “small, neat and current,” you can dramatically cut down on time spent getting ready in the morning. Along with the closet detox, Janie includes a folder of information explaining your specific body type, the shapes that work for you, a specific colour palette, how to wear the current trends and a list of where to shop. Some clients will use their new-found knowledge to go alone on successful and productive shopping trips. Carmelle, a Pilates instructor, did just that and went shopping with her friends. She says that “for the first time ever, I knew what I was looking for.” Janie can also provide the folder of information for you without the closet detox service.

Your shopping guide Many people decide to hire Janie to take them shopping. In these cases, Janie is fully prepared and makes a pre-game action plan, mapping out the route and putting items on hold ahead of time to make the experience efficient and enjoyable. She also takes clients and visitors on guided shopping tours in both Saskatoon and Regina. If life is hectic, Janie can also be hired to go shopping for you. This is a great option if you don’t like to shop. Depending on the item, Janie will usually pick a few different pieces, deliver them to your home and return any unwanted items. Janie’s talents have also helped many parents frustrated with shopping for their teens, such as Hilary, a project manager for Aboriginal Initiatives: “I think every mother with a teenage daughter should hire personal shopper and fashion guru Autumn 2010

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style Janie Rose. Fabulous results without all the whining!” For prices, package details or to purchase a gift certificate, phone Janie at 261-6814 or email her at janierose@sasktel.net. Check out www.janierose.ca this fall for a full biography, list of services, testimonials and a blog, including photos, current trends and fashion events in Regina and Saskatoon. Janie will also discuss the best boutiques in both cities and must-have items.

Janie Rose 261-6814 janier ose@sasktel.net

“I came across Janie’s editorial in the Saskatoon Fine Lifestyles magazine and was immediately drawn to it. I have come to realize that for some time now I really didn’t like my clothes or how I felt in them. Every day I was complaining to my husband that I had nothing to wear, even though our closet and dressers were overflowing with clothes. So I emailed Janie. I was a little nervous for our first consultation but Janie quickly put me at ease. She is very easy to talk to and listened to all of my issues with finding clothes that fit my body. The ‘closet detox’ was a little overwhelming at first. but Janie and I had so much fun! It was reassuring to know that I didn’t have to go out an purchase a whole new wardrobe and that all I needed was some advice on how to piece different items of clothing together and how to accessorize to make an outfit more appealing. Along with the closet detox, Janie printed off sheets of clothing ideas and color pallets that complement my body type and skin tone. I am a visual person so these ‘cheat sheet’ are great! I keep them in my purse so I know what I should be looking for when I go shopping. The best thing I got out of my appointment with Janie is a new, more confident me (my husband is happy with the result.s too). So many people have approached me to compliment how I look. I can’t wait to go shopping with Janie and learn even more! Thanks so much, Janie! I can’t recommend her services enough!” – Kristina, Landscape Architect 39

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Expert Advice: Style

Confessions of a Dirty Girl Jacquelyn Marquis VIDA of Canada J Marquis Hair Salons #7 - 405 Circle Dr. E., 306-978-2411 Email: info@j-clips.com

Allia’s Story: It was an ordinary Sunday the day I discovered what a “dirty girl” I was. A call from Jacquelyn Marquis, owner of J Marquis Hair Salons, to meet Bil Nabors, the trainer for the new VIDA of New Orleans product line, seemed innocuous enough at the time. Little did I know that this unsuspecting brunette was about to have her complete image and way of thinking changed. Bil began the certification process for the stylists at J Marquis by cleaning my hair to remove years of product build-up which confirmed my DIRTY GIRL status! A scrape test proved that one cleaning was NOT going to be enough. Five cleanings later my true hair was beginning to show through--absolutely disgusting sludge had been removed. In a matter of hours I went from being a curly brunette to a sassy straight-haired redhead. My hair was cleansed, chemically straightened and coloured all in one afternoon with absolutely no damage done to it! I now have the healthiest, cleanest hair ever. I would say that Bil is the magician but the truth is that all the stylists at J Marquis are now VIDA certified and anyone can get the same results I did.

Jacquelyn’s Story: At J Marquis Salon, we are opening the door to the science of safe beauty and we welcome you to come on in. We are proud to offer our clients and customers innovative, high-quality and safe products that tread as softly on the hair and scalp as they do on the environment. In May of this year, we flew our stylists to Jacksonville, Florida to be trained and certified by the creator of VIDA of New Orleans, Leroy Courteaux. We now provide on-going certification by bringing educators, like Bil Nabors, to

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Saskatoon to ensure every stylist is fully certified as a VIDA of New Orleans stylist. Offering hair products that protect both consumers and stylists is an important part of the J Marquis philosophy and is one of the reasons why we are so excited to announce that we are now the exclusive Canadian distributor for VIDA of New Orleans hair products and a VIDA of New Orleans Concept Salon. The VIDA systems for hair maintenance are all water-soluble and environmentally safe.

The scrape test shows build-up removed before cleaning system. Allia Before:

Closer examination will also reveal that colour and other chemical processes are actually in the build up, not in the hair shaft. This revelation explains why hair can feel heavy, why colour quickly fades, and perms seem to process unevenly. It can even result in hair loss when the body’s heat softens the build up causing it to fall into the pores of the scalp and into the hair follicle, thereby suffocating it. At J. Marquis Salon, the healthy hair revolution begins with VIDA’s five-step cleansing process to rid the hair and scalp of this residue. Cleansing of the hair and scalp once a month with this five-step process will keep your hair and scalp clean and clear. It will also leave your hair ready for whatever chemical process you have in mind and will produce excellent results. We are happy to say that the proof is in the pudding. Since we began this revolution a short time ago, our clientele have wholeheartedly endorsed the VIDA five-step system. No more uneven perms or colour, no more irritated scalp, no more need to over process. Next column, I’ll tell you about the other chemical services, including colouring, highlights, bleaches, perms and hair straightening products, available from VIDA of New Orleans. All water soluble, all safe for you and the environment, and all exclusive to J. Marquis Salon.

Love the hair you wear!

Allia After:

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The Brazilian Blowout Salon brings unique “Hollywood secret” hair treatment to Saskatoon

hear Excellence is, as its name suggests, excellence in everything that is hair. Owner Terry Swan has been in the industry for more than 25 years and has travelled to Italy, Los Angeles, New York and Vancouver for training. The vibrant, busy, buzzing salon at 321 Fourth Ave. N. is highlighted by neon, stainless steel and trendy and traditional stylists. Stylists and an esthetician are ready and able to serve you. Shear Excellence has been in business for 25 years, and at its current location for the past seven. Its most recent addition comes from a Hollywood secret known as the Brazilian Blowout, a hair-protection treatment inspired by hot climates. The Brazilian is a temporary straightening process that involves painting the hair with liquid keratin protein before sealing it with a hot iron. The technique is designed to effect the same kind of smooth, glossy locks seen on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Shear Excellence has brought the process from Hollywood to Saskatoon. “Until recently, the Brazilian was one of those celebrity beauty

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secrets used on the quiet by people like Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry and Rachel McAdams,” says Swan. According to Swan, a stylist herself, the keratin used in the process relaxes curls and tames frizz, while the heat of the iron shuts in moisture and maintains shine for up to 12 weeks. “I think one of the biggest (hair) battles women face in general is summer heat,” Swan says. “Once the humidity gets at it, the hair gets frizzy and loses its style.” One of Shear Excellence’s guests, Christine Hrudka, who has tried all her life to tame her curls, says nothing has worked as well as the Brazilian. It’s no longer necessary to spend time blow-drying hair to straighten it: now, it’s just wash-and-go. “Women get it done and can’t believe the results,” Swan says. “They go from curly to bone-straight in just one session and the results last for months.” In addition to controlling curls, the Brazilian can also revive over-processed hair, claims Swan, who uses it on her own curly hair. The results have been described as

“younger hair.” “For people with chemically damaged hair, the Brazilian is almost like a miracle serum,” Swan says. Shear Excellence offers the treatment for between $200 and $300, depending on the length and texture of the hair. After the heat and humidity of summer and before the hot beach holidays to come this winter, the Brazilian is a must for those looking to cure flyaway hair. Shear Excellence is currently licensed and trained for the Brazilian, which is sure to become a staple in the salon for years to come.

PHOTOS BY GINA’S PORTRAITS

BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

Autumn 2010

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PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE

“We want people to be happy”

Your jewellery is a lifetime investment. Buy it from a lifetime friend! BY JACKIE KRIPKI

here can you have a ring cleaned, get pearls strung, buy a Swiss Army knife, kitchen gadgets and high-end copper cookware, set up a service call to fix your grandfather clock, and get your watch fixed while you wait?

The answer is Bateman Jewellers, the oldest independent jewelry store in Saskatoon, celebrating 65 years in business. Ask coowner Cam Kripki the secret to the business’s longevity and he answers, “We want people to be happy. They tell others. That’s how we’ve made it 65 years.”

A local legend: G.W. Bateman George Bateman returned home from the Second World War to a scarcity of jobs in Saskatoon. As an instrument technician, and an entrepreneur at heart, he decided to take a chance on the jewellery business. It was a bold move. Many were struggling to get back on their feet after the war, and Bateman struggled, too. He worked exceptionally hard, and it paid off. Bateman Jewellers became known for its solid service. Over the next four decades, George and his wife Milly developed a devoted clientele. Kripki says the Batemans were very down-toearth people with simple, straightforward morals, and he’s quick to share stories from the Bateman folklore. “Yes, it’s absolutely

true that George wore a three-piece suit every day. He’d cut his grass in a three-piece-suit, even if it was 30 degrees.”

65 years later Outside Bateman’s Jewellers on Second Avenue in downtown Saskatoon, you might spot Cam Kripki out shoveling the walk, sweeping up or cleaning up the store front. “I like saying ‘Hi’ to customers going by. To me, that old small-town feel is the best part. Some stores you feel like you have to put on a suit before you go in. That’s not us. We’re not pretentious people. We’re down-to-earth.” Kripki’s family had a long history in the jewellery business. He followed in their footsteps, became a gemologist and a watchmaker. He began working at Bateman Jewellers in 1991, right around the time that George and Milly’s daughter, Marilyn, was buying the business, and he quickly grew to admire the family’s dedication to their customers. “They had very strong ethics like our own family did.” Eventually, he purchased the store outright,

bronze… all kinds of colours.” This year, you’ll also see plenty of copper and bronze. When it comes to diamonds, white is classic, but other colours are catching on. “This year the trend is black diamonds. They’ve really caught on.” Batemans’s also handles custom pieces, and features a collection of unique and interesting estate jewelry. “We’re the only store in the city that I’m aware of that carries estate jewellery. People love it!”

with his wife, Janice, close friends and business partners John Scarfe and Laurie Brower, and help from his parents. They remain true to the Bateman legacy. “I always wanted this kind of business: good service, good quality, good value. We want to keep that alive.”

You better shop around If you’ve spotted a special piece of jewellery, Kripki suggests you come to Bateman’s before making a purchase. “It’s rare that we cannot find a piece,” he says, “and we will usually be able to offer you a better-quality piece for the same price.” The store website will soon feature photos of nearly every piece of inventory. It also offers more information on diamonds than anyone could possibly need. You can find out how big the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found was (3,106.75 carats), learn about human rights in diamond mining, and teach yourself about the four Cs— colour, clarity, carat and cut. When it comes to random shopping on the internet, though, Kripki has a warning. “There’s no trust factor.” Even when a diamond comes with a certificate, he says, gemologists are only human. As such, a stone can earn very

different ratings from different jewellers. “It (the certificate) is based on opinion, and not cold, hard scientific data. Even machines have trouble when it comes to clarity grade.” He likes to educate the customer by bringing out four or five diamonds with equal grades. The client can look at them through the microscope while Kripki explains the differences. Together, they will decide on the best value, based on the customer’s needs.

When choosing jewellery, says Kripki, it comes down to passion. When it comes to the purchase, it’s all about trust. “We have families in their fourth and now fifth generation coming here. They wouldn’t think of going anywhere else because we take care of them. My daughter and son work at the store. Angie has been with me for 18 years, and her daughter works here too. We are a real family jewelry store—and that’s all I want to ever be.” fls Bateman Jewellers Ltd. 234 2nd Ave S, Saskatoon (306) 244-8277 info@batemanjewellers.com

For those about to propose Diamonds may represent eternity and love, but they also have a reputation for being difficult to purchase. Kripki’s advice is to fall in love with the ring. “Buying an engagement ring should be romantic. For too many men, it’s become a chore. Pick something you like or take her shopping and see what she likes. That’s half the fun, and that’s what jewelry is all about—the love, the romance.” Every year brings new trends in stones and styles. Right now, the move is toward classic, even old-fashioned, items, with a modern twist. “Pearls are coming on big. You can dress them up or down and they come in blue, grey, pink, peach, copper, Autumn 2010

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Expert Advice: Style

Fashion By Janie Rose Personal Shopper and Wardrobe Consultant 306.261.6814 janierose@sasktel.net

y job doesn’t really feel like work; it’s more like one of the reasons I was put on this earth! Whether it’s helping someone through a change or helping them become a role model of style, at the end of the day people want to look their best, and that’s why they come to me. I’m constantly researching to find the best of the best for my clients. This enables me to teach people about current trends and how to wear them. Here are a few things happening in fashionable Saskatoon, plus some hints and tips on how to make it all work for you!

Trends Cargo pants for women—I love the military trend and cargo pants (a great alternative to jeans) are back with a vengeance in an array of colours and styles. For a refined hip-hop look, try pairing them with high heels, as the new cargo styles are baggy but still quite slim-fitting. Skinny cargos look sweet tucked into a boot and the jegging cargo looks great worn either way! Cargos work especially well for women who are a little top heavy or chesty, as the pockets create volume on the lower half and balance the body. Look for classic army green, charcoal grey, khaki and black. Over-the-knee boots—We saw a few styles last year, but for this season, over-the-knee is what fashion boots are all about! I understand that they can be intimidating, but do yourself a favour and just try on a pair; you might be surprised at how easy they are to wear, and many come in low heels or flats. Over-the-knees look great worn with skinny jeans, jeggings or paired with a pretty mid-thigh-length skirt. Some styles have the “Robin Hood” roll-over option, which can give the boot a totally different look. Another nice option is the ever-popular riding boot; in an over-the-knee style, it will give you a rich and sophisticated aura. No longer hard to find, over-the-knee boots are available at your local fashion footwear boutique in all types of leathers, colours and styles.

Brands Roberto Coin’s Tiny Treasures—According to the jewelry industry, a fun diamond pendant is a staple in every woman’s jewelry box. I agree that having that little “go-to” piece is a wonderful way to express your personal style while complementing any outfit, for any occasion. Roberto Coin designs just that; fun little pendants constructed of diamonds and 18K gold. The Italian designer created Tiny Treasures strictly for the North American market. It’s a collection of pendants, from a baby crab to a mini flip-flop sandal, a palm tree and even little dog bones. You can even have a pendant custom-made to your personal taste. It’s a great gift idea for any special lady in your life. The pendants retail for between $600 and $1,200. You can see more at www.robertocoin.com. MAG creative footwear—In the days of Doc Martens there, too, was MAG Creative Footwear. MCF is a fashion-forward line designed in the Netherlands and produced in Portugal, which has made a huge comeback since the ’90s across North America. The stylish and funky designs boast “optimal pleasure and comfort,” and are perfect for everyday wear. I bought myself a pair of grey Elevation wedgeheel boots and consider them more refined than

Uggs. The entire MAG creative footwear collection is designed with a thick rubber sole and serious tread, which is Canadian-winter friendly! The line has something for everyone, from low heel pumps for the office (with removable insoles for those with orthotics) to the fashionforward platform lace-up Megamok, their signature style. Check out www.magcreativefootwear.com to see what all the hype is about! Tips for fall and winter—Headbands were all over the catwalks for the upcoming season and are a great way to change up your look and keep it current, especially if you tend to wear your hair down or if you don’t like hair in your face. (Note: there is nothing wrong with Lulu Lemon hair bands, but there is a time and a place for them; keep your eyes peeled for leather-wrapped or textured styles from your favourite accessories store.) Sheer tights or panty hose are popular again and starting to reign over opaque and printed tights. Keep it fun with a bold colour that complements your outfit, or stay neutral with black, navy, grey or brown. Structured handbags look sharp right now, especially paired with your riding boots or heels. Hobo bags are still around, although handbags are becoming less slouchy and designers are adding more structure. fls

Expert Advice: Style

Bra fitting Angela Scully

Bodacious Bustlines Bras and Lingerie 520 Central St W. Warman

249-6239 bodaciousbustlines@sasktel.net

ow many times have you women gone begrudgingly bra shopping and experienced the bra shopping nightmare? Here is what our trusty fly has heard over the years on many change room walls: “I think I know what size I am...” “The smaller bras are soooo cute!” “I have always worn this size!” “I don’t want to look bigger then I am.” “I don’t want an old-lady bra.” “There is nothing available in my size.” Does any of this sound familiar to you? Let’s smash the fitting-room voices once and for all. When you come into Bodacious Bustlines Bras and Lingerie you will be overwhelmed by the number of bras in the store, but there is a reason for that. We as women from pre-teen years to the ripe old golden years tend to come in every shape and size, and that changes constantly over the years. So what makes Bodacious Bustlines different? Angela, the owner, is formally trained and specializes in pattern-making. This does cause contradictions to other ways of fitting as recommended by books, blogs and departmentstore chains, not to mention other specialty store fitting processes. So do expect to see some differences in the numbers for your size when you come visit us.

Here is what to expect The fitting process starts with you coming to the counter and filling out a basic profile. Over your lightest layer of clothing we will take the two measurements we use. The trained fitters will then ask you to lift your breasts by pulling up on your straps. The fitter will then use a tape measure to get an accurate under-bust measurement snugly, one finger room under tape measure (number one in the picture above). The fitter will then take the bust measurement with the arms down and relaxed. This is not a tight measurement, but gently across the bust

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point (number two in the picture above). The difference between the under-bust and bust will give us the actual cup size. This is usually when the customer goes into complete shock or bra denial and bolts for the door. Be assured 98 percent of the customers that come through our doors are generally wearing two bands too big, and a minimum of three cups to small! Here is a typical example: a customer has been wearing a 38DD, but measures with us as a 34F. How could that be? Well, let’s look at this from above formula: 38 down two bands equals 34 band. For every band you decrease you need to add a cup, so down two band sizes, up two cups: from DD to E to F. Thus, 34F. Please remember the measurements are guidelines, as there are many variables that will skew the measurement to an accurate fit. Some of those variables are body shapes or what you are wearing for a fitting. Body shapes that can affect fitting include inverted T backs (usually swimmers, gymnasts or good farm girls) large large ribcages but small breasts, or bottomheavy breasts. If you have a sports bra on, they flatten: or maybe the bra you are wearing is too small. The fitter will then find one or two bras that the customer is generally looking for. When the customer has the bra on the fitter will come into the change room and make adjustments to band and straps. We will also show you how to “fluff the girls,” as we refer to the bending forward with the bra on and pulling the breast tissue from the armpit forward into your cup. This clears the lymphatic system and helps with proper circulation in the breast tissue. Good prevention for breast health! When the customer stands up usually we have breast tissue doing the double bubble or spilling out of the cup. This indicates that there is a bigger cup required. This is so common it is scary, but when are we actually trained to put on a bra? I never was, I was left to my own means until I had my first bra fitting at 14 years old. So all you gals reading this article, I want you to go and

fluff the girls and see how your current bras are fitting. Now that we have the right cup, the band is fitting, so we can run two fingers each side from the back to your sides and the straps are adjusted so you also can run two fingers from the bottom of the straps to the top shoulder smoothly. Voila! The breasts are up where they haven’t been in years, after babies or plain old gravity has set in. For the younger, perky girls, you finally have a comfortable bra that feels and looks great. If you have any further bra-fitting questions, do not hesitate to email us at the store, at bodaciousbustlines@sasktel.net, or please drop on by to have a complimentary bra fitting and get on file for the upcoming gift-giving season. Bodacious Bustlines specializes in sizes 28 to 52 bands and cups AA to L in stock on the floor. Do not fear prices, as there is a range for all budgets from $26 to $200 and everything in-between. Selection is varied, from basic to fashion, nursing, sports, bridal, naughty nightwear, stockings, men’s briefs and cupped swimwear. See you soon. Have a boobalicious day! fls

Make-up Courtney Janz The Makeup Studio 432 2st St.E. 244-4554 makeupstudio@themakeupstudio.ca

any people ask me how often they should get a facial. I say, give yourself a facial every day by investing in a good daily skin-care routine with a quality product tailored to your skin-care needs. And then, for an added touch, get a professional facial at least once each season of the year. Skin-care needs vary with each season and this is an excellent way to keep up with the challenges of environmental effects. It is also a great time to take a closer look at your skin and incorporate some simple changes into your daily regime.

As autumn sweeps in and the colours of the leaves change, so does the condition of your skin. Outdoors, your skin will retain less moisture because of the cooler, drier air, and the same happens indoors as the heating turns up. You will want to focus on keeping your complexion hydrated. This might mean switching moisturizers or adding a hydrating mask, serum or concentrate to your selection of products. Healthy, hydrated skin is the best foundation for the fall make-up trends, focusing on red lips or smoky eyes set against a seamless complexion with slight contours and subtle highlights to create a plump dewy flawless look.

Facials: relaxing and luxurious

PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE

Expert Advice: Style

Clients of Babor stay loyal to its luxurious qualities and unbeatable results. Key ingredients like active yeast from champagne, rich macadamia nut oil and vitamins A, E and C, plus marine-based collagen and plant-derived ceramides, make Babor one of the most sought-after lines in the world. For fall, you will want to add a serum, concentrate or fluid to your skin regime, which will soothe the surface of your skin and work on a cellular level to hydrate below.

Don’t dry out! A gentle cleanser is also recommended for keeping skin properly hydrated, as soap can actually be harmful, due to its harsh surfactants that defeat the purpose of applying expensive moisturizers. Soap will clean the skin topically, but it doesn’t penetrate the surface like a quality skin-care product should. If the skin below is still dirty, an expensive cream will simply lock in the dirt. And worse, the dryness caused by soap may also mean that you are not getting the full benefits of your moisturizer. The negative affect of using harsh soaps certainly doesn’t stop at your face. Using soap on your body can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. The Make-Up Studio carries a high-end bath-and-body-care collection, LaLicious, which was created to moisturize and smooth your skin to perfection. Their famous scrubs, butters, oils and body washes are available in scrumptious scents like Passionfruit Lime, Coconut Cream and Vanilla. LaLicious products are all-natural and free of paraben preservatives and sulfate detergents. Super-decadent lotions, they smooth on like whipped butter and smell delicious. LaLicious maintains its form from creation to application using natural ingredients and a unique whipped technique. Coconut and almond oil provide minerals, vitamins and proteins that are essential for soft, radiant skin. The oils penetrate skin easily while locking in moisture without leaving a greasy feeling.

Taking time to get a facial may seem like an indulgence to some, but after experiencing a treatment (designed just for you!) I think you will agree that it is a vital component to healthy and radiant skin. If you have never had a facial, make sure you gift yourself with this opportunity at least once. It truly is one of life’s most relaxing and luxurious experiences when done at the hands of a knowledgeable and skilled esthetician.

Almond oil relieves itching, dryness, inflammation, burns and thread veins, while Vitamin E soothes and conditions. Then there is the honey, which softens, and the pure cane sugar, which is less abrasive than salt and won’t sting cuts on the skin. With its perfect combination of ingredients, LaLicious helps exfoliate, condition, moisturize and smooth you to perfection.

Facials are a specialty of The Make-Up Studio. We combine hands-on expertise with our Babor products, an exclusive skin-care line from Germany. Babor is used in many of the world’s best spas and retreats due to its luscious textures, aromas and natural ingredients. The company uses all-natural plant extracts and combines them with the latest technology to refine and produce the finest products for your skin-care needs. The Babor products are well tolerated by the skin and targeted for all different skin types. This allows virtually anyone to experience a luxurious beauty treatment and the sense of wellbeing that comes with daily use.

For general inquires or product information, email makeupstudio@themakeupstudio.ca. To request a booking, email bookings@themakeupstudio.ca. Please include your phone number so we can call you back to confirm your requested time. fls

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Seasonal facials combined with these top of the line body and skin care products is everything your face and body craves and deserves. Treat yourself to a luxurious experience today!

style

Living large Revitalized Second Avenue offers the best of downtown urban living BY FIJI ROBINSON

utumn is in the air and a stroll along Saskatoon’s Second Avenue reveals that urban living has definitely returned to downtown Saskatoon. The economic boom and the city’s determination to revitalize its South Downtown are paying back big dividends in the fantastic food, inspired shopping, great services, terrific nightlife and downtown living that are yours to enjoy on Second!

Relish the eats and entertainment Look to Second Avenue for the best in great food and entertaining diversions. You’ll find more than 20 eating establishments on this downtown strip, ranging from gourmet take-out to the best in Asian foods, from fusion favourites to martini bars. Breakfast lovers have been jumping for joy since Poached Breakfast Bistro (a.k.a. 60

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Flint Saloon in the p.m.) opened in early August. Lovers of authentic Thai food are over the moon that Keo’s Kitchen opened its second location on Second Avenue last fall, with Keo’s daughter, Jenny, at the helm. It’s been almost a year since Scratch restaurant and nightclub joined the Odeon on the 200 block of Second Avenue South as two of the city’s hottest nightclubs. And, of course, there are great performances where Second meets River Landing at the Remai Arts

Centre and Persephone Theatre, and in the latest Hollywood blockbusters showing up the avenue at the Galaxy Cinemas. Shopping on The Avenue Looking good is easy on Second Avenue, where you’ll find the best in men’s and women’s wear. It’s where the fashionistas go for the latest in designer jeans, casual wear, trend-setting shoes—and more! Check out the accessories at Watch It! and the Cree-inspired moccasins and leather crafts upstairs at Rosie’s Handmade Moccasins. The Trading Post offers footwear and clothing suited to Saskatchewan’s four seasons, as well as Inuit sculpture and unique jewellery lines. Second Avenue’s import shops, Ten Thousand Villages and Amos & Andes, offer home décor items, clothing, fair-trade products and jewellery from around the world. Speaking of bling, there are plenty of jewellery stores, bridal boutiques, venues and event-planning services on Second for anyone contemplating a wedding. There are also numerous beauty salons, spas, gift shops, and tanning salons to help you look and feel your very best on that big day or any other special occasion. Autumn 2010

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If you’re into yoga, soccer or cycling to keep you feeling good, you’ll find that the sporting life is alive and well on The Avenue at Serendipity Apparel, Xtratime Sports and 2nd Nature Sports & Apparel. And, finally, don’t forget you can make your home look great, too, with a visit to any of the many home décor, lighting and furniture shops located on Second.

Where the past is in the future It’s easy to catch a glimpse of the city’s past by taking a closer look at the architecture on Second Avenue, home to some of Saskatoon’s most historic buildings. Each architectural gem has its own unique story. The Zenith Building dates back to the 1890s, and the Zenith Cafe was reportedly the location of the first television broadcast in Canada. The York

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Building, built in 1914, features Chicago-style architecture and was part of the original Temperance Colonization grant. The Laurentian Bank, built in 1909, originally housed the city’s second chartered bank, The Union Bank. The exterior of the building boasts Bedford cut stone and pressed brick while the interior featured Italian marble floors. The Paramount building, built in 1916, was once the Daylight Theatre, the local movie house that began showing “talkies” in 1929. CBC Radio is located down the block in the former Saskatoon Hardware Company building, built in the 1920s. The neighbouring Wilson Block, faced with Tyndall stone, originally housed Wilson Brothers’ carriages and automobiles in 1911. Perhaps the most exciting news on The Avenue is the restoration of The King George Hotel, which in its heyday served “the best 75-cent Lunch in Western Canada” and featured an orchestra in the dining room on Sunday evenings. Soon to open as luxury condominiums, The Residences at The King George revive the original site’s legacy of prestige.

Contemporary urban life The Second Avenue Lofts in the former Hudsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay Company department store have been breathing new life into Second Avenue since late 2008. This restoration was nominated for the 2009 World Architecture News Residential Award partly because it successfully retained almost the entire orig-

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inal building, which was built during the booming ’60s and ’70s. The 2SEVEN5 condo venture planned for 20th Street and Second Avenue intends to continue attracting urbanites to the city’s core with its upscale New York-business-district feel, much like the original National Trust building did for its clients more than a century ago Second Avenue is truly the heartbeat of Saskatoon. Friendly and vibrant, it is gaining in its reputation as a great place to live, work and to visit. This fall, whether you’re looking to shop, dine, socialize, or just take a stroll, come downtown and take the time to discover something new, or old, on Saskatoon’s singular Second Avenue. fls

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Luxury at your service Locally owned company offers luxury limousine and top-notch delivery services BY JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH

uxury at your service—that’s what James and Phyl Rolston promise as owners and operators of Living Skies Limousine. This locally owned company operates two white SUV Ford Expedition Limousines in the Saskatoon area. “You’ll love the richness of leather seats, starlight ceiling lights, four TV screens and a full wet bar,” says James Rolston. “Both limousines have MP3 player capabilities. Just sit back, relax and enjoy a luxurious ride.” Water and soft drinks are provided, plus Living Skies is fully licensed, so you may enjoy your favourite beverage. Treat yourself or someone special. You deserve it!

Weddings For weddings, Living Skies can add an extra-special touch to an already special day. Their wedding packages range from three hours to full day packages. Wedding packages can begin at the start of your 70

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day with your arrival in elegance at the hair salon. The groom and groomsmen can arrive at the ceremony in luxury. The bride and bridesmaids can make an entrance. “This is your day,” explains Rolston. “Let us know how we can make it more fun and enjoyable.” The 13- and 14-passenger limousines allow the wedding party to stay together. They can sit back, relax and enjoy the refreshments. No worries about where to park, who is driving. All they have to do is have fun and enjoy the day. There is also a complimentary late-night pick-up for the bride and groom—a beautiful way to end a perfect day. Plus, save 10 percent on Living Skies Limousine when you book your wedding photos with Freeborn Photography!

Stag and stagette Let’s party! Stag and stagette packages let you start the celebrations. No need for a designated driver. Kick back and have

fun! Take advantage of discounts for stag and stagette parties for couples who’ve booked their wedding with Living Skies, too. Heavenly Decadence Hostessing is also available for stags or private functions.

A birthday night on the town Living Skies offers three-hour packages, including a bottle of champagne. Take a long drive along the river with the best company of all: family and friends. Treasure the laughter and memories of any special occasion.

Graduation Honour your favourite graduate with special service for them and their friends! Living Skies has a variety of graduation packages. Get together with your friends before the ceremony. Go for pictures together. And most importantly, arrive at your event in GRANDEUR!

PHOTOS BY FREEBORN PHOTOGRAPHY

LS Delivery

Corporate events

Wine tours

Have a business meeting? Take it on the road! Need transportation for a special client? Call Living Skies. “We’re at your service for corporate events,” says Rolston. “We can pick up your client at the airport or transport them to and from lunch, or any business event.” Whether you’re touring a facility or need a private place to hold a meeting, Living Skies Limousine can provide first-class service for your clients or business associates.

Living Skies is in the process of setting up wine tours. Call for more information.

Rider games or sporting events Going to a Rider game? Go in style. No need to worry about the drive. Let Living Skies do the driving for you. Planning a trip to the Grey Cup? Call and ask about Grey Cup Packages. Go Riders!

Concerts Why worry about the traffic or parking for concerts? Living Skies will pick you up at your door and drop you off at the concert. Once the concert is over, they’ll be waiting to take you home in comfort and elegance.

Staff Christmas parties Your staff deserves a special surprise. Take them out with flair. Plan a great evening that includes a luxurious tour, with arrival to a special event in class, as well as a safe reliable return home.

About Living Skies Living Skies drivers are polite, courteous and at your service. “We’ll get the door for you or give you a hand with your belongings. Whatever is needed, we are at your service,” says Rolston. To make booking super-convenient, Living Skies lets you book online 24 hours a day. Visit www.livingskieslimousine.ca to check availability for your booking. Add details and place your alcohol order, too. You can even pay online. Right now book online and receive an additional five percent off. Use promotional code 456. Or give Living Skies a call at 221-6520.

James and Phyl Rolston also own LS Delivery. LS Delivery offers delivery service to homes, offices or private functions. It operates Monday through Saturday from noon until midnight. Why go out? Let LS Delivery Service do it for you! It offers delivery of alcohol from the liquor board store or off-sale establishment for your office or private function. The service can pick up ice and mix for you as well. If you need a hand getting the basics, LS Delivery can also pick up groceries or prescriptions. Or bring coffee and donuts to your next meeting or busy work place. “We can also send some flowers or chocolates or a bottle of wine to someone special with a personal touch that’s all yours,” notes Rolston. Call LS Delivery at 955-9900, extension 2. Or book online at www.lsdelivery.ca. “We at Living Skies Limousine, LS Delivery and parent companies Seaweed Transportation and River Rider Hovercraft, are continuing to expand since beginning in November 2008,” Rolston concludes. “We continue to be at the forefront of transportation and delivery for Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. We look forward to serving all facets of transportation and delivery. “We strive to be ‘at your service’ for the people of Saskatchewan!” fls Living Skies Limousine 955-9900, Ext. 1 seaweed1@sasktel.net

Making autumn delicious Cozy up to one of the top coffee and dessert destinations in the city BY FIJI ROBINSON “Delicious autumn! My ver y soul is wedded to it, and if I we re a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the succes sive autumns.”—George Eliot

oka Coffee Bar owners Lynn Derksen and Vickie Fulawka are offering up their own version of George Eliot’s “delicious autumn” this fall. Since opening in the late 2009, in the Common in Lakewood Suburban Centre, Moka has established itself as one of the top coffee and dessert destinations in the city. Dessert aficionados choose from the vast array of cakes, pies, tarts, muffins and bars Moka makes in-house daily. Clients have also started taking whole pies and cakes home for special occasions or other delicious reasons. Moka requires only 24 to 48 hours’ notice, depending on request, to happily create whatever your taste buds desire. Coffee aficionados come to see the handmade espresso machine from Florence, Italy, in action, and to taste the richness of the coffees Moka serves.

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Drink coffee, do good Moka espresso coffees are made with espresso beans from JJBean, a fair-trade, organic coffee bean roastery in Vancouver. Their brewed coffees are from JJBean and the Thousand Hills Bean Company. Thousand Hills is a small American roasting company in Roswell, Ga., that buys its coffee from two Rwandan coffee companies, Buf Café Cooperative and CoadekaBukonya Cooperative. Thousand Hills supports the economic and community development in the region of the cooperatives, where farming operations are rebuilding and communities are healing in post-genocide Rwanda. “Some of our customers are now buying their favourite Moka coffee beans in bulk for at-home brewing,” says Lynn, “and the Land of a Thousand Hills T-shirts, that read, ‘Drink coffee. Do good,’ have really taken off in sales. People really respond to the message.” Moka in turn gives back to the community by donating coffee to special events. Over the summer they helped to fundraise for the Lakewood Under-14 Girls Soccer Team by providing 100 pounds of coffee to the campaign. The coffee was supplied

by Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Company, which in turn donated T-shirts, mugs and tote-bags as team give-aways. It was a great opportunity for both businesses to “fuel” the love of soccer and to connect Saskatoon players with soccer players on the other side of the world through coffee. “L isten ... W ith faint dr y sound, L ike ste ps of pass ing ghosts, T he leaves, fr ost-crisp'd, br eak free from the tree s And fall.” —Adelaide Crapsey, 1878-1914, “November Night” Trounce Pond, the city’s first man-made lake, welcomes visitors to the community of Lakewood Suburban Centre as you travel south of Taylor on the east side of Boychuk Drive. A unique neighbourhood composed entirely of low-rise apartmentstyle condominiums and townhouses, Lakewood has pedestrian- and bikefriendly trails and parks throughout, which are part of a campaign by city planners and conservationists to preserve the wetlands surrounding the area. “We get a number of walking groups in here,” Lynn says. “And we expect that will increase as more nature lovers learn that they can come here to encounter the

Falling into fall With autumn coming on, Lynn and Vickie are busy considering what additions to add to their drinks menu to help their clientele stay cozy as the seasons change: warm and sweet for some tastes; savoury treats for others. Pumpkin spice latte or spiced apple cider, anyone? They are also contemplating what new latte flavours to bring on board to keep customers warmed over winter. You’ll find goodies for the spirit on Moka’s menu this fall as well. New work by visual artists is presented every two months and Moka staff is looking forward to welcoming more live music. Moka gift certificates are always available and as the fall turns into winter, Moka will be bundling up gift baskets for the holiday season. Yes, Christmas will be here before you know it, so now’s the time to drive, cycle or walk to Moka Coffee Bar, grab a beverage to go and take advantage of Lakewood’s green spaces to enjoy the beauty of Saskatoon in autumn. Or, simply stay put at Moka Coffee Bar and cozy up to a one of their sumptuous coffees and scrumptious desserts! Either way, you’ll be glad you made the trip. Moka Coffee Bar 411-E Herold Ct. (Just off Boychuk Dr. S.) 382-6652 www.mokacoffee.ca

PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE

wildlife that inhabits the wetlands.” Members of Saskatoon’s Fire Station Number 6 have also become regulars. “Although they are assigned to the newest and most technologically advanced station in Saskatoon, some members of the fire brigade are also happy to be stationed in Lakewood because of the close proximity to Moka,” Lynn says with a smile. “Our first summer was great,” she notes. “Our new iced teas—peach, mango, raspberry and lemon—were very popular, and some of our regulars swear that our London Fog and frozen hot chocolate are the best in the city.” The Monin Premium Gourmet syrups are also popular, both for in-house drinks and as take-away items. Moka’s catering has taken off as well, with businesses responding positively to their fresh and tasty soups and wraps.

The Willetts on Wine Madeleine Angevine and beyond: adventures in wine-tasting BY MARGARET ANNE & EDWARD WILLETT

dventure, discovery and exploring the unknown are all aspects of a great vacation—and a great wine-tasting. This summer we had both, when our trip to British Columbia brought us the Larch Hills Winery in the Salmon Arm area. Upon discovering at our hotel that the Okanagan’s northernmost vineyards were only a few minutes’ drive away, we headed out with GPS in hand. A winding, switch-back road took us to the top of a mountain, where both a vineyard and a spectacular view awaited. Larch Hills specializes (for obvious reasons) in cool-climate viticulture. We tasted several of the winemaker’s offerings, and found, to our surprise, that our favourite was made from a seldomheard-of grape variety called Madeleine Angevine. A French grape that produces wines with Germanic style, it impressed with a fullon floral nose that reminded us of a bouquet of flowers...and a nicely balanced body and flavor that complemented that impression. Inspired by our discovery, we decided on our return to Regina to continue our summertime wine exploration by looking for other unfamiliar varieties. There are many single-varietal wines that are relatively new to consumers, such as Chenin Blancs and Argentinian Malbecs, but we wanted to find varietals we’d never even heard of. There’s no shortage of those. Worldwide, thousands of varieties of grapes are used to make wine. More than 60 varieties are grown in the Okanagan alone (though only about 20 of those receive the bulk of the attention). 74

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Many unfamiliar wine grapes are varieties of Vitis labrusca or Vitis aestivalis, native to North America, rather than the Vitis vinifera of European fame. Concord grapes are an example of labrusca (and yes, Concord grapes are used to make wine). At a Missouri winery a few years ago we tasted Norton, a variety of Vitis aestivalis that is the cornerstone of that state’s wine industry (and the state’s official grape). Other less-familiar grape varieties may be hybrids of better-known varietals, or a cross between European and North American ones. One easy way to find unfamiliar varieties is to look at wines from emerging wineexporting areas such as Uruguay or Hungary, whose local vinifera grapes are just showing up on store shelves.

Or you can just wander through the liquor store reading labels, looking for grape names you don’t recognize. Which is how we found our first two choices: a Greek Agiorgitiko and an Italian Negroamaro.

Agiorgitiko Boutari Agiorgitiko is an important red grape in Greece, sometimes referred to “the noble red grape.” We found this wine to be earthy and leathery on the nose and very smooth in the mouth, with lots of berry and a bit of spice (although not Shirazlevel). It was also very reasonably priced for its quality. Boutari, founded in 1879, has wineries all over Greece, and seeks to preserve and promote Greek varietals, shipping them all over the world...much to our benefit!

Mezzomondo Negroamaro Salento “Negroamaro” means “black bitter” in Latin. A grape hailing from the “heel” of Italy, it’s often blended. On its own, as we found it, it is well-rounded, without a lot of tannin, but perhaps better as an accompaniment to food than for sipping on its own. Having taken a hit-or-miss approach for our first two unfamiliar wines, we next asked a couple of experts, who pointed us to two more wines, one from Italy, one from France.

Colli di Luni Vermentino Vermentino, a white grape varietal grown on the island of Sardinia, off the coast of Italy, as well as in southern France, is being used for more and more New World wines. It was by far our favorite of our we’ve-never-heard-of-these-before quartet, light and fruity (peach and apricot), with an excellent balance of acid and sugar and delightful honey characteristics.

Our readers recommend... Gerry Bezaire

Vina Maipo Gran Devocion Carmenere/Syrah 2008 "Great Devotion" is what I tasted when I happened upon this blend from Chile. The soft tannins of the Carmenere embrace the peppery spice of the Syrah to produce a full, round, deep, dark, sensuous glass for your sipping pleasure. This wine is bold enough to pair nicely with the most savory of foods, red meats and lively cheeses, yet friendly enough to drink on its own. I’m not sure what percentage of each grape is used, but they got it right; and priced under $20, it’s a bargain. Gerry Bezaire is a New Home Specialist employed by Boychuk Homes in Saskatoon and a food and wine enthusiast.

Domaine de Pellehaut We hit the jackpot with this wine, which blends six wines (Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Gros Manseng, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Folle Blanche), four of which were mostly unfamiliar to us. Ugni Blanc is widely planted in France and, under the name St-Emilion, is the predominate grape in cognac. Gros Manseng is grown almost entirely in southwest France and is also most often part of a blend. As for Colombard, while its plantings are declining in France, it is increasing in popularity in California and South Africa. On the nose, we detected pear; in the mouth, green apple, giving it a kind of “sharpness” on the palette. “There are more wines in heaven and earth...than are dreamt of in your philosophy,” Shakespeare famously wrote. Or would have, had he been a wine writer.

Margaret Anne and Edward Willett drink wine, buy wine, taste wine, write about wine, conduct wine tastings, belong to three different wine clubs, and have more corkscrews than they can count. Like to see your wine recommendation in a future Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon? Contact The Willetts on Wine at ewillett@sasktel.net.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oenotriaâ&#x20AC;? the land of the wine

t's "grape stompin" time all over the world and no more so than in Italy. The invading Greeks called Italy "Oenotria" ...the land of wine. Today it is still well deserving of that name, usually producing more wine than any other country in the world. In Italy wine is as much a part of every day life as family, friends and food. Vines are cultivated almost everywhere in Italy, often on hillsides, leaving the lush valley floors for the cultivation of grains and vegetables, and for the grazing of cattle. The impressive1200 kilometer 'Italian Peninsula' varies greatly in climate, soils and topography, boasting over 2000 indigenous grape varieties. This month at Wine Kitz we are promoting a full-bodied Italian red...Festa Italia Primitivo, similar to the Zinfandel of California. This wine is a fruit-driven wine with aromas and flavours of blue plum, blackberry and cherry. Subtle notes of oak and spice present themselves due to the oak aging.. The smooth, rich mouth-feel allows for early consumption but will also age very nicely. Be sure and order yours now...an excellent addition to your wine cellar. Also new on our shelves will be the Italian Pinot Grigio and the Argentinian Malbec. Our discounted wines for the month of October will be the Australian Riesling and the Australian Shraz. Exciting times at Wine Kitz! "Wines, from wherever they are, possess the virtually limitless ability to surprise. No two wines are alike, some say no two bottles are alike. It all depends on the context, the company, the bottle and you!"

Make tw o kits and r eceive 50% of f of your second U-Vin f ee. To find out more about making your own wine, visit Wine Kitz Varsity Common, 1526 Eighth St. E., (306) 653-9463

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A fresh start

The Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra is the city’s musical heart...and it’s beating strong BY EDWARD WILLETT

ome people think that, while a symphony orchestra is something kind of nice for a city to have, it’s not exactly

vital. “Some people” are flat-out wrong, says Victor Sawa, the new music director of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra.

A symphony orchestra, far from being a frill, is “essential,” Sawa says. “It’s not just the music itself,” he says. “The symphony players provide teaching, they provide the entire musical life of the community. The spinoff is felt from bands to high school teachers to private teachers. It is the artistic and musical life of the community to have the symphony.” And fortunately for Saskatoon, the news about its symphony orchestra is good.

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“Extremely positive” “It’s extremely positive,” says Jill Reid, General Manager of the SSO. And, she adds, the best news of all for Saskatoon is the hiring of Victor Sawa, maestro of the Regina Symphony Orchestra for more than a decade now, as music director of its Saskatoon counterpart. The good news doesn’t end there. Thanks to generous support from the community, careful management and sacrifice, the symphony posted a modest profit last season...and even better, there’s been a dramatic increase in ticket sales. At least part of the reason for the sense of optimism is the presence of Sawa. Sawa is a tireless, high-energy promoter of classical music, someone who loves to conduct, loves to interact with audiences, and, most of all, loves music.

“Thirteen years ago when we came (to Saskatchewan), my first slogan was, ‘Symphony should not be like root canal.’ You know, where you’re sitting in this chair and you know there’s going to be pain. It should be a fun and enjoyable experience.” Sawa does everything he can to bring new audience members to the symphony, because, he says,“You’ll be surprised if you go. You’ll be hooked. Just like I was.” Sawa said he went to a symphony concert for the first time “for no reason” when he was 13. “It was phenomenal,” he says, and he’s been a symphony lover ever since. In fact, he recently told the Saskatoon Sun, “I knew immediately I wanted to be the dude in the middle with the stick.” He’s been that dude now since 1994, when he was hired as a conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic after several years as a musician with other orchestras. He’s been with

the Regina Symphony Orchestra for 13 years, and he’s also the conductor of the Sudbury Symphony.

“I love...to conduct” He’s thrilled to be able to add the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra to that list. “I love the opportunity to conduct orchestras,” he says. “The chance to do extra repertoire for me is wonderful.” The Masters Series opened with a concert on October 9. Entitled “Feelin’ Good,” it featured pianist Angela Cheng playing the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1. “Any time she does anything it’s a highlight,” Sawa says. On November 20, guest conductor Alexai Kornienko leads Vienna-based violinist Elena Denisova on what’s described as “a thrilling musical journey through the concert halls of Europe,” with the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra coming along for the ride. Vieuxtemps, Schumann, Wagner, and Saskatoon composer Monte Keene Pishny-Floyd are all on the program. Looking further ahead, audiences will thrill to works by Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Sibelius and more. Wrapping up the season on May 21 will be Holst’s monumental The Planets. It’s not all classics, either. There’ll be movie music in the February 26 concert “Heroes,” featuring music from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In the April 2 Pops concert, “SSO Goes to the Oscars,” Sawa presents a program of award-winning movie music. Other Pops concerts include Chantal Kreviazuk on November 2, and ABBAMania on February 5. In addition to the guest stars, both events feature the big sound of the orchestra and Sawa at the helm. As music director, Sawa selects repertoire he’d like to do, but he doesn’t dictate it: he works through a committee. “I give the draft proposal, then the members of the committee will tear it apart,” he jokes. “It’s like my place at dinner with the kids. I’ll suggest something, they disagree. “I try to suit the repertoire to the community,” he continues, adding that some people have asked him why he doesn’t just do the same pieces in all three cities where he conducts. “It doesn’t work that way. I’m hoping to provide the artists and the programs that will appeal to everybody.”

Victor Sawa

Harmony, harmony, harmony Although he jokes about arguing with the repertoire committee, in fact Sawa says his entire philosophy as music director is “working together as a team, of harmony in the workplace.” Sawa says that’s because he’s not interested only in the music, but also in the overall

Chantal Kreviazuk

ested only in the music, but also in the overall ambiance of the group. After all, he says, “If the musicians are happier playing, they sound it, they look it, and the audience knows as well. This spinoff effect helps the music. It’s all connected in the end. You can’t really disconnect it. “Harmony, harmony, harmony. That’s the key.” There’s another key to a successful symphony orchestra as well, of course, and that’s funding. And there, too, the news is good.

Fantastic fundraising The Symphony’s Book and Music Sale continues to thrive, contributing more than $107,000 to the orchestra’s coffers this year. Over the years, the contribution of the Book and Music Sale volunteers has been more than $1 million. “They work tirelessly,” Reid says, “and the sale is the envy of orchestras across the country.” Donations to the Sustain the Music Matching Challenge campaign exceeded $244,000, surpassing the goal by nearly 25 percent, and the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation matched the entire amount, well beyond its original commitment, bringing the total funds raised to at least $488,000. “The response has been very gratifying,” says SSO board of directors president Bev Drew. “The challenge to the community from Ellen Remai, of the Frank and Ellen Remai Foundation—to ensure that we always have the symphony in the city—was the catalyst for others to show their support, and we cannot thank her enough.” Among those who donated to the fund: Victor Sawa. “It’s so great to see that Saskatoon cares about the symphony, and I wanted my family to be a part of what’s happening,” Sawa says. His goal for the SSO, he says, is “to develop a healthy, happy organization, fiscally sound, musically satisfying, for the musicians and the community. I feel strongly about keeping us looking forward into the future, keeping us positive, making sure we’re producing the best music possible.” Among those plans: expanding both the Pops and the Masters series. “They used to have eight Masters concerts,” he says. “I want to go back to doing more than five and create new events to expand the audience. “The players are here. The organization is here,” he continues. “There’s a very strong group of musicians, and a very strong group of listeners.” It’s all about growth, stability...and great music. As Sawa puts it, “Saskatoon is a great city, it has a great orchestra, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

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Kornienko & Denisova

Angela Cheng

Guy Fewhuang

George Gaotux

Simon Gardner

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PHOTO BY GRANT ROMANCIA

Safe, sexy and stylish Saskatoon’s newest, hottest nightclub offers a posh, fun place to dance the night away BY FIJI ROBINSON

lthough autumn is upon us, things are just starting to heat up at Tequila Nightclub, at 1201 Alberta Ave.

If you like Las Vegas, you’ll love Tequila, which opened in July. It’s for the more mature nightlife-seeker, a posh and fun place to dance the night away. “We wanted to create a club where the crowd can party with class,” says General Manager Chris Cole of the new establishment. “We have a dress code that reflects the culture we’re creating here—safe, sexy and stylish.” According to Cole, good customer service is the key to this establishment. “Our guests are greeted by our hosts, not bouncers,” he points out.

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It’s not exclusive, but it is sophisticated. Take Pink Fridays, for instance, which is all about giving the ladies a night just for themselves to get dressed up, go out and have some fun. What guy doesn’t want to be part of that? Tequila hosted the Black Eyed Peas AfterParty in August, which turned out to be a blast, with all the band members in attendance. “We’re reinventing this space so that it’s unlike any other club or ambiance in Saskatoon,” Chris emphasizes. “It’s in the realm of clubs you’ll find in some of the world’s largest cities, like New York or Los Angeles.” That’s obvious from the line-up of celebrity DJs who have been invited to spin the sounds, including Playboy model DJ Roxanne Dawn, Steve Aoki from Las Angeles,

Pauly D from MTV’s Jersey Shore, MSTRKRFT from Toronto and pros from the island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean. The Tequila experience is a team effort from all the partners, who helped to craft the wine list, the menus and the interior design. Upcoming celebrity and artist appearances include: Members from The Hills, HBO’s Entourage and Dave Navarro.

Energy efficiency “We added R-20 insulation from floor to ceiling to help with exterior noise as well as the interior cooling and heating.” Cole says. “We added waterless urinals to save water and added lots of LED lighting to cut power dramatically. The state-of-the-art energy-efficient

lighting outside makes it seem like daylight, but it’s not costing a fortune at the meter.” They estimate the energy costs will be half that of the previous tenants’. They also brought the building up to code and improved the fire exits and washroom capacity. The exotic palms, the red carpet and the fullcolour LED-lit glass chandeliers that greet guests to Tequila are an indicator of how much the location has changed. Its warehouse-like interior is balanced by the decor of large, friendly couches and rich, dark colours. Plenty of tables are available, but the feeling is open, and it’s clear how many people the place can hold. The wooden dance floor is spacious (for high-energy dancing), flashy chrome lighting rises high above it, evoking a big-city vibe, and the DJ booth sits up above at centre stage. Tequila’s four resident DJs mix a wide range of music most nights, everything from electro to hip-hop to house, with others stepping

in on Sundays and College Thursdays to keep things happening. “Saskatoon is already embracing the Tequila experience,” Cole says. “Our numbers have been great since we opened.”

Tasty taps... Tequila’s kitchen, viewable though two huge windows which face the dance floor, is open for lunch during the week and in the evenings offers a short but diverse selection of Spanish-influenced tapas. The light weekday lunch menu features the same choice of tapas, along with soups, salads and a variety of sandwiches. The Chorizo sausage is featured on the Tequila burger and in the Chorizo-and-shrimp entrée, following through on the menu’s Spanish influences. The three paninis on the menu draw on traditional Italian ingredients such as basil pesto, prosciutto and Asiago cheese, while the chicken quesadilla and chicken brie sandwich are taken up a notch with a smoked-tomato relish. The Tequila bar serves up premium spirits, and two beer tubs make getting a cold brew a breeze. The nightclub offers a small-but-select choice of Old- and New-World wines by the glass and bottle, and for special occasions it’s possible to order ahead for Champagne table service from a selection of five vintages. The nightclub is all for attracting the mature college crowd, which can take advantage of the $3.75 drinks and appetizer specials on College Thursdays, a true college party night featuring Trystan and Chad.

Creating a gem Opening a night club with a different feel and philosophy than the competition takes a lot of energy and inspiration. According to Cole,

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the club’s management has been putting in 14-hour days since beginning in January. “But it’s been worth it,” he says. “It’s been so exciting to watch the club open and to witness its evolution.” Despite some of the scepticism related to the location, Cole reiterates that it’s a great space for a club. The location and interior design certainly suit the return of fine urban living to downtown Saskatoon, and is convenient to the city’s core neighbourhoods. The positive reviews that greeted Tequila’s beginnings continue, with some 3,000 patrons passing through its doors each weekend. It’s a smart and classy destination for those seeking good food, fine drink and great dancing. “We’re here to build a Tequila culture that includes a respected clientele who are being served by employees who feel they are part of the Tequila experience,” Cole explains. “People are pleasantly surprised at what we’re doing here—and we’ve only just begun!” fls Teq uila Nightclu b 1201 Alber ta A ve. 668- 2582 www.tequ ilanightclu b.ca

dining & entertainment

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Expert Advice: Dining & Entertainment

Wine Making Shirley Voldeng Wine 4 You #260-2600 8th Street East (across from 8th St. Co-op Marketplace)

955-4455 Now you can afford your own wine cellar! At Wine 4 You we help you make your wine kit right in our store. Easy, fun and affordable. Our friendly knowledgable staff will assist with finding a wine to satisfy your tastes and budget. You perform a few easy steps to start the winemaking process, then come back in a few weeks to bottle your wine. Each wine kit makes about 30 bottles of fine wine. This is an exciting new service for Saskatoon, only available in Saskatchewan since spring of 2009. Our bright, spacious store is a great place to learn the steps in the winemaking process, with an impressive glass wall showcasing wines in all stages of production. As you start your own wine you will learn how the juice in the box becomes wine, and how oak, grape skins, berries and even flowers can add flavour and body. Red wines, white wines, blush, sherry, ice wine, port, fruit wines – we have them all. For the holiday season we also have cranap-

ple chardonnay and spiced plum pinot noir. White chocolate white port, orange chocolate port, apple tatin white port (tastes like apple pie!), and chocolate port are a decadent treat available for a limited time only.

Experience wine a whole new way – “Your Wine, Our Time” at Wine 4 You.

Your Financial Repair Team The key to successful financial planning is avoiding pitfalls and minimizing mistakes

inancial planning is not about getting rich quick or hitting home runs in the stock market. You work your whole life to support yourself and your family and, hopefully, save for a comfortable retirement. Nothing is more demoralizing than realizing that weeks, months or even years of hard work has gone down the drain because of costly financial planning mistakes. Avoiding— and recovering from—these disasters is the key to both living and retiring in the manner you’ve always envisioned. And that’s where they come in—your Dundee Securities Corporation Financial Repair Team. It is their job to help you avoid these pitfalls when possible and minimize the damage when the mistakes have already taken place. There are literally dozens of routine errors that can devastate your long-term

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goals, yet are easily avoidable if you take the time to seek the advice of qualified financial experts like Kevin Hegedus and Kevin Haakensen. The following are just a few of the most frequent mistakes they see people make with regard to longterm investment planning:

Investment portfolio Results are based on a $500,000 portfolio and a 20-year time frame. • Underestimating inflation. Inflation in Canada has hovered between 1.5 and 3 percent in recent years. Underestimating inflation by even 1 percent could result in your retirement portfolio running out 2 ½ years earlier than you planned. • Underestimating your time horizon. Average life expectancy in Canada today is almost 81. However, if you are already

65, your adjusted life expectancy is now closer to 86. For most retirees five extra years of living expenses will amount to approximately $200,000 in today’s dollars. • Inefficiently structuring your tax situation. There are an infinite number of ways to make your tax situation more efficient. But even if all you do is manage to avoid having your Old Age Security clawed back, you will save $283,000 over the life of your portfolio. • Misunderstanding market volatility. The Canadian market has averaged 8.5 percent over the past 20 years. On the other hand, the average rate of return for someone selling when markets drop and investing only after markets start to recover is just three percent. It turns out that chasing the market cost this unhappy investor $1.6 million!

*Insurance products provided through Dundee Insurance Agency Ltd.

PHOT OS BY GINA’ S PORT RAIT S

Those numbers are certainly frightening enough but, unfortunately, they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to financial miscues. Investing aside, there are a number of other key life events that also illustrate how small mistakes can cost big dollars: • High taxable income. If someone 20 years from retirement is in the highest tax bracket and pays even $2,000 per year in unnecessary income tax, it could lower their retirement nest egg by nearly $110,000. The Dundee Securities Corporation team carefully assesses all the details of your tax situation and arranges your income to minimize both your short- and long-term tax payable. • Children’s education. Failing to take advantage of the Canada Education Savings Grant and tax-sheltered growth of RESPs means you could be leaving around $54,000 on the table. The DundeeWealth team will help you get started saving for your children’s education and set up a portfolio that will fit your risk tolerance and time horizon. • Business succession. Failing to properly structure your business to qualify for the Small Business Capital Gains Exemption could cost you up to $330,000. DundeeWealth’s team members use their expertise to help you structure your business to ensure you take full advantage of all available tax shelters. • Loss of independence. Full-time care can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,500 per month and statistics show that 25 percent of Canadians will require more than four months of care in their lifetime. Five years of even minimum-cost care will make a difference of $446,000 over a 20-year portfolio time horizon. The DundeeWealth team analyzes your situation to determine your risk category and then finds the appropriate risk-management product for you. Mistakes may be a part of life, but they don’t have to be part of your financial plan. No one wants to look back 20 years from now and realize they were letting their hard-earned savings slip through their fingers. Make sure that doesn’t happen to you—call Dundee Securities Corporation now to schedule your financial tune-up!

Kevin Haakensen, BComm, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CFA Investment Advisor

Kevin Hegedus, CFP® Executive Director, Private Client Group; Senior Investment Advisor; Branch Manager

Thursday, October 28th, 2010, 7:00 pm Personal Finance and Investing in Modern Times Get Smart–ItH s time for you to take control and make educated decisions regarding your finances.

Featuring guest speaker Jerry White. 1016 8th St. E. Saskatoon, SK (306) 975-9500 www.kevinhegedus.com

SEATINGG ISG LIMITED. Register for the Free Event by calling 975.9500

DundeeWealth Inc., its subsidiaries, or its affiliates, including Dundee Securities Corporation, does not provide any income tax preparation service and does not supervise or review any income tax returns.

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Expert Advice: Business

RRSP Meltdowns Kevin Haakensen,

Kevin Hegedus, CFP®

BComm, CIM, FMA, CFA, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor, Branch Manager

Investment Advisor

veryone knows that RRSPs are a useful tool for saving tax and that they should be building up their RRSPs, not melting them down. Right? Or has that become a myth? In truth, because of the many tax issues created by RRSPs when they are withdrawn in retirement, this popular investment strategy has actually become an antiquated concept that will often result in a significant increase in your long-term tax payable. RRSPs are a tax-sheltered investment vehicle used to save for retirement. However, eventually you need to figure out how to best turn those savings to income. Once you have converted to a RRIF you are legally required to withdraw a minimum amount each year, and there are even some negative implications to simply holding registered investments: • Capital gains are only 50-percent taxable outside RRSPs, but fully taxable as withdrawals from registered plans; • Fees, costs and interest on money borrowed to make RRSP contributions are not deductible. The fully taxable withdrawals can cause even more serious problems: • Losses of Guaranteed Income Supplement, GST Rebate and Age Tax Credit; • Old Age Security clawbacks; • As RRIF withdrawals increase with age, your marginal tax rate could actually exceed your rate when the contributions were originally deducted. The net result of all this is that for many Canadians an RRSP will provide only short-term tax relief, while creating even more tax payable in the long run. Never fear, however! There are several ways you can escape the RRSP tax trap.

Basic RRSP meltdown This involves starting withdrawals earlier than necessary, and preferably in low-income years. The amount you take out will depend on your marginal tax rate, your age and the types of investments held in the RRSP. The result: A lower average tax rate on your registered withdrawals and no senior’s clawbacks.

Leveraged RRSP meltdown* You start by borrowing to invest in a non-registered account, ensuring that the interest is taxdeductible. Then you withdraw enough from your RRSP each year to pay the interest on the loan. Some tax will be withheld on the withdrawal but will be refunded when you file your tax return. The result: The annual RRSP withdrawals are offset by the interest-expense deduction and eventually you will have completely melted down your RRSP without paying any additional income tax. The investor must be willing to take on the risk associated with borrowing to invest. *Borrowing to invest is not suitable for everyone. You should be fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with using borrowed money to invest since losses as well as gains may be magnified.

Leveraged estate RRSP meltdown* This idea is for individuals with a large RRSP or RRIF who are concerned with the significant tax liability building in their estate and takes the leveraged meltdown one step further. You still borrow to invest and withdraw from your RRSP to cover the interest payable, but you also make further withdrawals and use them to purchase a joint last-to-die universal life insurance policy. The result: You only pay tax on a small portion of your RRSP withdrawals, generate taxefficient growth in your non-registered account and maximize the value of the estate that will be left to your beneficiaries. Once the RRSPs have been melted down you can use growth in the investment account to pay the insurance premiums. Borrowing to invest is not suitable for everyone. You should be fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with using borrowed money to invest since losses as well as gains may be magnified.

Using flow-through shares Flow-through shares are investments in oil, gas and mining exploration that are tax-deductible against any source, including RRSP and RRIF withdrawals. They are generally considered higher risk, usually need to be held for at least 18 months, and when sold are treated as a capital gain and are only 50-percent taxable. This

effectively creates both a multi-year tax deferral and an overall tax reduction of 50 percent. There are no income or age limitations on using RRSP withdrawals to purchase flowthrough shares. Alternatively, a similar result can be achieved using WCSB Oil & Gas Royalty Income Limited Partnerships. The difference here is that you are investing in oil and gas development (drilling) rather than exploration, and you own a percentage of the oil and gas production created, rather than shares. CRA views this as lower risk and provides a 30-percent deduction each year to investors until the investor has deducted 100 percent of his investment cost. In the Oil & Gas Royalty Income Limited Partnerships, investors own a “royalty” interest (percentage of the well production created) in the development wells being drilled, which produces income, paid out to investors on a monthly basis. The investment is usually held between 24 and 36 months, after which time the oil and gas production remaining (after the well’s natural decline rate) is sold, creating a capital gain for investors. The result: You take on some additional investment risk but reduce the tax payable on your RRSPs by half. *Important information about flow-through limited partnerships is contained in their relevant Prospectus/Offering Memorandum. Please obtain a copy and read it carefully including the associated risks and tax consequences before investing.

Final thoughts Is an RRSP meltdown right for you? The only way to know for sure is to have a Certified Financial Planner prepare a comprehensive financial plan to determine which strategy will work best for you and your family. While RRSPs remain a viable option in certain cases, the cold reality is that just as often further contributions to an RRSP will end with you handing over far more money to CRA than you needed to. Don’t let yourself become another cautionary tale—call Kevin Hegedus, Senior Investment Advisor, and Kevin Haakensen, Investment Advisor, Dundee Securities Corporation, for your free consultation today!

*This article is solely the work of Kevin Hegedus for the private information of his/her/their clients. Although the author is a registered Senior Investment Advisor with Dundee Securities Corporation a DundeeWealth Inc. Company, this is not an official publication of Dundee Securities Corporation and the author is not a Dundee Securities analyst. The views (including any recommendations) expressed in this article are those of the author alone, and they have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of, Dundee Securities Corporation. *

Dundee Securities Corporation, Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund, is a DundeeWealth Inc. Company.

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Expert Advice: Homes

Residential Insurance Darcy Shenher Affinity Insurance Services Inc. Direct Line: 306.934.7102 darcy.shenher@affinityis.ca

his past summer was difficult for many homeowners. There were many thousands of losses across the province and, on one night, over one thousand claims in Saskatoon alone. With fall upon us there are steps all homeowners should take whether they have suffered a loss or not. • The ground around your foundation may have settled over time, especially in the first few years after construction. Before the snow is here to stay, take a walk around your home and ensure the ground is high enough next to the foundation to ensure proper drainage away from the house. Pay attention to areas that may not be easily visible, such as under decks or steps. The ground must slope away from the foundation or the spring runoff can drain into your basement. • Remove all debris and leaves from your eaves troughs and downspouts. Keeping them clear allows the melting snow to drain away from the house effectively. Also check that your downspouts are securely fastened to the house and extend at least six feet away; this is important all year round. The use of splash pads at the end of your downspout will also help the water drain away from the foundation. Your downspouts should not empty towards your neighbor's property but should drain away to the front or back of your property. Work with your neighbor to identify and correct any potential issues.

other air vents to make sure there are no obstructions and that outdoor cover flaps are functional. It is also important to check your outdoor vents regularly during the winter and remove any snow or ice buildup. •If you burn wood in your home it is important to have a qualified professional complete a chimney cleaning once per year. A professional may also be able to certify your wood-burning unit under the W.E.T.T. standard (Wood Energy Technical Training) which could identify any potential risks and may also reduce your insurance premium. Be sure your supply of wood is well seasoned and store it in a dry place; this will reduce the risk of creosote buildup in your chimney, which can lead to an increased risk of fire. •Be sure to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Also check the expiry date on your detectors as they are only guaranteed to be effective for a certain number of years. If they are battery-operated it is recommended that you replace them with sealed units which contain lithium batteries that may last up to 10 years. Check the pressure on your your fire extinguisher(s). It is recommended that your fire extinguishers be serviced by a professional on a regular basis as indicated by the manufacturer.

• Check your driveway and walkways for any significant cracks or loose material that may pose a tripping hazard. Fill in any gaps where necessary or take other appropriate actions.

• Draining water from the bottom valve of your water heater can clear sediment buildup and will prolong the life of the unit as well as making it run more efficiently. If your water heater has a pressure relief valve, you should make sure there is a clear path for water to run to a floor drain without damaging or affecting any household contents, flooring or floor covering.

• Change your furnace filter; these should be checked monthly during the heating season and replaced as necessary. Clean the filters on your range hood and HRV (heat recovery ventilator) if applicable, also check

• Any time of the year is good to do a thorough review of your home insurance. It is critical that your homeowner’s policy contain certain coverage extensions such as sewer back-up coverage and guaranteed re-

placement cost coverage. You should review the details of your dwelling with your broker and if the guaranteed replacement option is not available on your home, you must have an adequate value placed on your dwelling. Home insurance policies can change over time; it is important to review your coverage with your broker on a regular basis to ensure you are taking advantage of any available coverage extensions and policy discounts. Homeowners that experienced unfortunate losses from the summer storms also had an opportunity to experience the level of service their insurance broker could provide. As an independent insurance broker, our primary responsibility is to our clients. It is relatively easy to provide good service at the time of sale, but it is also vital that we provide exceptional service at the time of loss as well. fls The above is provided as general information only. Please consult a licensed insurance broker to review your specific insurance requirements. You should consult a qualified, licensed, and insured contractor for specific advice on any issues that relate to your dwelling or property.

Af finity Insurance Ser vices Inc. 718E Circle Dr. E. 306.933.9800 65-2325 Pre ston Ave. Market Mall 306.934.4141

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Expert Advice: Business

Health and Welfare of the Entrepreneur Marg Forbes & Peter Uchacz The Forbes Solution 213-2366 Ave C N

306-979-0294 www.forbessolution.com

our business is successfully established. You have good records and good cash flow. Now, how are you doing as an entrepreneur? • Are you struggling to manage the growth of your business? • Are you working more and more hours, but can’t keep up? • Are you discouraged because you thought it would be easier by this point? If you said yes to any of these, your business could be at the tipping point where it needs more than you at the helm.

Profile of the entrepreneur In our experience, entrepreneurs are highly motivated, innovative problemsolvers and multi-taskers. They are selfconfident risk-takers who withstand rejection and failure, adapting quickly while focusing on possibilities, not realities. Start-up growth is infilling, exciting and energy-providing for the entrepreneur. Doing things in a new and different way constantly gives them a purpose. Entrepreneurial types are needed for starting small businesses because it’s tough, with a lot going on at once. Their perseverance gets them through the beginning hurdles of tight cash, staffing issues and handling multiple irons in the fire.

The tipping point Many entrepreneurs are proud of their ability to keep most of the information pertinent to their companies in their heads, with amazing clarity and strong memory, but there is a limit. It’s important to note at this point that the entrepreneurial strengths, which propelled the company into existence, can become barriers to its ongoing maintenance and 104

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success. This takes a toll on the business, as well as the physical and mental wellbeing of the entrepreneur. When a business gets too big and systems such as filing, bookkeeping, hiring protocols, and strategies are needed, this simply becomes too much. When the business has grown beyond your physical capacity, it’s time to think about a management team. Unfortunately, too often hiring decisions are based primarily on cost. The job description lists as many duties as possible, in hopes of getting more for the money, (e.g. the “all-inclusive” receptionist/bookkeeper/cleaner). This type of position makes sense to the multi-tasking entrepreneur, but leads to dissatisfied staff and lack of productive processes. People who work as employees prefer routine and will move their jobs toward developing routines, files and structures of their own. When the employees begin to talk about structure and fight about how to manage the company, it’s time to think about a manager. A plan for structure and organization must be in place prior to hiring, to maximize resources. It’s going to cost to hire these people, which is one reason why we talked about cash flow in our previous article. It’s critical to ensure there’s enough operating capital to grow and hire the right people. The strategy of hiring one person to do many things is not as cost-effective as hiring the right person. When identifying what positions need to be filled, you as the entrepreneur should consider your personal strengths and weaknesses and how they affect your business. (E.g., if you’re lousy at sales or bookkeeping, don’t hire someone with the same skill levels you have.) Success-

ful people surround themselves with people who are better than they are. Fill the positions where you are weak. The reality is your business can only grow to your people’s capacity. Surround yourself with good people. Having hired strong people, you need to have the discipline to let go of the reins and trust those people. Building a team that brings expertise in sales, management, human resources and accounting is probably the hardest thing you will do. To misquote a well-known axiom, often the entrepreneur does not see the trees for the forest. Working with a professional business advisor can help you through the tipping point and develop structure, management, staffing, and strategies you may have never considered. At The Forbes Solution, “we work with the business—not just the books.” We talk to entrepreneurs and help them recognize when they need to engage new people for managing their businesses. We help recruit and train the right individuals for our clients, supporting the entrepreneur as he or she grows in the role of CEO or branches off into new ventures. This is what we mean when we say, “We work with the business, not just the books.” Beyond the bookkeeping and internal accounting, it’s important that the entrepreneur, the manager, and the person at the front desk are all doing what they love to do and what they’re best at. People working in their areas of strength and expertise are best at what they do. Every business is different. Every entrepreneur is different. When you need a solution for your business, call The Forbes Solution. fls

LISA LANDRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Premium level of service at BMW in Saskatoon

(Front Support Service team)

What Bema Autosport BMW clients have to say... Bema really goes above and beyond when it comes to service. While travelling I encountered some troubles with my car, I called Bema and they had a car waiting for me at BMW in Calgary so I wasn’t stranded. My car was taken in immediately for service. They really go the extra mile to make sure we are taken care of as customers when we need service. –Rob Smith Business Owner My family has been dealing with Bema Autosport BMW for six years. During that time, we have acquired four vehicles from this dealership. From vehicle order to delivery, the process was always effortless. The salespeople were knowledgeable, relaxed, and patient. At no time were we rushed into a decision. The quality of BMW does not usually translate into many service visits, but when required the service department at Bema Autosport was exemplary. Service was quick, efficient, and accommodating to my schedule. Two thumbs up to Leslie Fenyes and his crew! –Dr. A. Bedi, MD; FRCPC My BMW has been virtually problem free (which, I understand is often the case), so I have had little reason to use the Bema service department for other than oil changes and scheduled maintenance. When I have, though, Dave and the gang have been a pleasure to work with. I recommend them. –Brian Storey Business Owner

I currently own two 2010 BMW vehicles. In the last six years I have purchased and traded in several other BMW models. I cannot say enough good things about this dealership. They have always treated me fairly and have always “gone the extra mile for me.” I have never been disappointed in the way this dealership has responded to my questions or requests. The sales staff and service department’s staff are always quick to respond in a very positive manner. Harry Dickinson, one of the sales specialists at Bema, has looked after all my needs and wants over these past six years. He is friendly, knowledgeable and very personable. I now regard Harry as more of a friend, rather than as a salesman. “If” for any reason, my vehicle was in for service, the service staff were helpful and prompt in getting my vehicle back to me. (Plus washed and cleaned inside and out) I highly recommend that if anyone is thinking about purchasing a new or used vehicle – make sure you stop in and check out Bema Autosport!! –Randy Jacobson General Manager, Fraser Homes I have had the opportunity of knowing and dealing with Les and his professional team at BMW Saskatoon for the past ten years. Quality and efficiency does not begin and end as soon as a vehicle has been purchased, rather extends to the outstanding service provided by the Service personnel at every appointment. Les fosters a value added environment focusing on developing and strengthening personal relationships which builds customer loyalty. Simply put, Les and his team is what BMW is all about. –Henry Ravichander, MBA Business Owner Taco Del Mar – At the Mall at Lawson

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PHOTOS BY GINA’S PORTRAITS

Keeping Saskatoon moving Exceptional products, well-trained staff and the best service sets this shoe store apart BY IAN GOODWILLIE

“It all starts with a proper-fitting shoe.” Not only is that one of the first lines you read on the Foster’s Shoes website, it is a mantra that has been at the core of the business for 30 years. The devotion of owners Hilda and Len Romanski to exceptional products, well-trained staff and the best service in footwear has always set them apart from others in the industry. Their dedication and history are at the forefront of Fosters’ service to the people of Saskatchewan.

Footwear history 101 Starting on Eighth Street in Saskatoon, Foster’s Shoes opened its doors on August 1, 1980. It was the fruit of training and the dream of owning a unique shoe store specializing in the proper fitting of hard-to-fit feet. This obviously resonated with Saskatoon residents, because Foster’s Shoes quickly ran out of space on Eighth Street and needed a larger, more central venue. The decision was made to move to the present location on Broadway Avenue. After the Romanskis travelled to Regina and worked with two podiatrists in a hotel room, they decided to open a store in Regina, operated by their son, Mike, to bring the same quality and expertise to Saskatchewan’s capital. Though the change is less obvious than a new location, Foster’s has also added new lines of footwear and some of the new services this constantly growing industry has to offer, and increased the number of knowledgeable staff trained to fit shoes in the same precise fashion as Hilda and Len. This commitment to growth means that Foster’s is always offering the people of Saskatoon the most innovative products possible. Foster’s Shoes, simply put, does not compete with chain stores in merchandise. They carry a different quality of product even though some products may carry the same brand name. In many cases people need a specific type of shoe, and Foster’s has always prided itself on being able to offer the best possible options to fit those individuals’ “...your feet,” they say. Foster’s is proud of the quality of its staff. They provide a one-on-one-style service, combined with a level of knowledge that is not readily available elsewhere. Though the Romanskis do like potential staff to have some experience and training in the footwear industry, it is not mandatory. Len and Hilda maintain their own standard of service and are respected by all staff members. “At Foster's Shoes, our goal is to help improve your lifestyle by providing additional comfort for your feet.”

Taking our feet for granted Many people make the same mistake every day: they take their feet for granted. While people know a lot about the anatomy of the body, they often overlook their feet. Feet are the parts of the body that take the most abuse throughout the day, a fact often ignored. When your feet hurt, you hurt, and that pain extends throughout your body.

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Anyone experiencing that kind of pain is far less productive, not to mention far less happy. A properly fitted shoe makes all the difference in the world. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes every day has a dramatic affect on the health of your feet. And the right shoes can greatly improve your mobility, overall health and fitness, and your quality of life. With that in mind, here are three main factors to keep in mind when purchasing shoes that will protect you and your feet from unnecessary agony: First, never let a salesperson tell you that you must “break in” a new pair of shoes. If a pair of shoes does not feel good on your feet, leave it in the store. A shoe might feel better as the leather softens and takes the contour of your feet, but you can start with shoes feeling good, so take the time to find the shoe that feels right immediately. The second point is as simple as the first: if people were meant to walk with their heels two or three inches higher than the ball of their feet, humans probably would have been designed that way. Find a shoe with the right dimensions and you will have a far more comfortable life. And, finally, if you are experiencing any swelling in your feet it may be wise to buy your shoes later in the day.

Services to help everyone To make your shoe-buying experience as enjoyable as possible, the professionals at Foster’s offer a number of services that will ensure the shoes you

wear out the door fit your feet. The staff of Foster’s Shoes are first and foremost trained to give you a custom fit. By measuring the dimensions of your feet, including arch and toe length, and by assessing swelling, bunions, high arches, and other conditions, they can provide the correct-fitting shoe. To help determine a proper fit, Foster's Shoes has an iStep machine. As you stand in place, the iStep machine measures the length and placement of your arch and the pressure points across your feet. With this information visually displayed, Foster’s staff are happy to suggest a qualified podiatrist. If you love the shoes you have, Foster’s experienced staff can make those shoes like new again. Foster’s also does custom alterations, adding permanent toe caps to work boots, replacing heel counters, converting laced shoes to Velcro and much more. “Our products and services are geared toward helping you be on your feet, with an active and healthier lifestyle in mind,” say Len and Hilda.

Hometown heroes Saskatoon is the Romanskis’ home city. Foster’s is very community-minded, supporting organizations such as the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Hip, Hip Hooray Walkathon, the Chamber of Commerce and the 722 Club. To date the donation of shoes to the Salvation Army exceeds more than 10,000 pairs. The level of caring and support that the Romanskis extend to the community through Foster’s Shoes is extended to their loyal clientele day after day. Whether you are shopping for a new pair of shoes or are looking to get a favorite pair of shoes repaired, let Foster’s shoes be your “Foot Wear, Foot Care” store—where trained personal really do care. fls

Foster ’s Shoes 818 Br oad way Ave. 653-1155 cust omerser vice@fost er s-shoes.co m www.fost er s-shoes.co m

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PHOTO BY LISA LANDRIE

health & wellness with the desired services that fit the seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle and financial means, and creating asset-allocation strategies for investment and income streams. In Touch Seniors can also provide address-change services and any other financial advisory or administrative support that is required. Many seniors have families who live outside of the city or who have their own families and businesses or jobs that limit the time available to implement a successful transition with the least amount of stress possible. In Touch Seniors is here to help in these situations. We are experienced Certified Senior Advisors and Certified Financial Planners who are caring and knowledgeable. We offer a fully tax-deductible, fee-only service. We do not make any product sales nor do we accept any referral fees. We are a totally independent and impartial professional advisory firm.

Alleviating headaches, maximizing assets In Touch Seniors provides financial advice and support to seniors and their families BY KRISTINE SCARROW

any people, as they grow older, require some form of assistance with their day-to-day living. The assistance may be provided through home care or it may require moving to a personal care home that offers services such as 24-hour supervision, meals, cleaning, laundry and assistance with medications. If the situation requires a move, many seniors may be unprepared not only for the change in physical location, daily activities co-habitants, and the emotional ties to their current residence, but also for the financial decisions, new financial obligations and budgeting that is required.

Upon consultations between the senior and his or her family and possibly medical advisors, it may be time to consider moving to a more suitable living space. Once the decision is reached to make this transition, the senior may need to sell his or her home, pass on some of the family heirlooms (downsizing), pay off any outstanding debts and invest the proceeds in a manner suitable to provide the income required to fund new living arrangements for the remainder of their lifetime. This may also be a time for gifting some financial assets and, with the assistance of legal counsel, a time to revisit wills, powers of attorney and health care directives (living wills). In Touch Seniors offers assistance to seniors and their families making these financial and lifestyle choices. We can help with evaluating the value of the seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current property, choosing a reputable realtor, hiring of movers and purchasing of any new furniture or supplies that may be required in the seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new home. In addition, we can assist with creating a financial plan and budget, finding a quality care home

We pride ourselves on our client service. You can feel confident delegating to us the important matters of those most precious to you. For more information, please contact Carla Herman, In Touch Seniors Financial Advisory & Administrative Support, (306)270-0935; www.intouchseniors.ca or at carla.herman@sasktel.net.

PHOTOS BY GRANT ROMANCIA

Clinic combines medicine and aesthetics under one roof Nobody is saying a day at the spa won’t make you feel great, but sometimes a person needs, or wants, something only a doctor can deliver. BY THOM BARKER

Where science and beauty meet Packham Medical Aesthetics brings medical and cosmetic treatment together under one roof in east Saskatoon with a mission to “turn back the clock and reverse the effects of time, age and stress.” In the relaxing and comfortable environment of the clinic on Packham Avenue just off 105th Street, clients receive a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation to ensure that Doctors Christine Otani and Lucy Nickel along with Michelle Hankewich, a skilled medical aesthetics technician, can design a personalized treatment plan that will provide the best possible results. “We want our patients to be fully informed about our procedures so they can be completely comfortable with their decisions,” says Dr. Otani

recommendations and really enjoy my treatments in the friendly, warm atmosphere,” she says.

Safety first The emphasis at Packham is on safety. All of the procedures and products they provide are medically approved, have a clinical track record and are administered by professionals with state-of-the-art technology. And the staff members are not shy about putting their money where their mouths are. “We’ve all had these treatments,” says Nickel. “We wouldn’t use anything on our clients we wouldn’t use ourselves,” adds Hankewich.

procedure, a customized application of dermal filler and Botox— which promises to “smooth deep wrinkles and soften lines, restore lost fullness and enhance facial contours” and to make a person “look 10 years younger in 60 minutes,”—usually allows a person to get right back to their life with very little down-time. Even so, the doctors understand some people have concerns about cosmetic procedures for a variety reasons. That is where the free, nopressure consultations come into play. “We all work in partnership with the client to understand their needs and create a personalized treatment plan that will achieve the best possible results,” says Nickel.

Look yourself, only better

And Otani points out that Botox, one of their more popular cosmetic procedures, is also approved for medical use to treat overactive perspiration (hyperhidrosis ), migraines and jaw pain (also known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, TMJ), all of which a person can also receive treatment for at Packham.

Arline Chermishnok, a long-time client, knows first-hand the benefit of consultation.

All of the treatments Packham offers are noninvasive and effective in restoring natural beauty.

“It’s very safe,” Otani says, citing clinical studies that have shown no long-term sideeffects.

“I am truly confident in [the doctors’]

For example, the very popular Soft Lift

That is, of course, if it is administered professionally. With nearly 20 years of medical

Those procedures cover the gamut of skin health treatment including, but not limited to: wrinkle correction; unwanted hair removal; remediation of sunspots, warts, acne, rosacea and spider veins; and skin rejuvenation.

In fact, some of the clinic’s clients are family members and friends.

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practice and ten years of medical aesthetic/cosmetic experience between the two doctors, that is what clients can expect at Packham. “I am extremely satisfied with the professionalism of the care I have received and I will be a lifetime client,” said Lianne Rae, an automobile sales associate and former cosmetician. The other distinct advantage of Packham’s business model is just having a practicing physician on hand at all times. “If Michelle, or a client, has a concern, we are right here to address it,” says Otani.

Not just for women Although the doctors admit their clientele is predominantly female, the fastest growing segment of their Saskatoon business is for men, reflecting a trend in North America as a whole. “It is important for both men’s and women’s overall health to look and feel their best,” Nickel says. Men are taking advantage of many of the same treatments women get, but particularly the Intense Pulsed Light procedure to remove unwanted body hair.

Always current Medicine, aesthetics and technology does not stand still. In fact, it changes so rapidly, the Packham staff members take advantage of new training opportunities at least one or two times every year so clients know they are receiving the most up-to-date care. In addition to continuing education, the Packham clinic is constantly on the lookout for new, safe services and products to offer their clients. The latest will be added in November. The long-anticipated eyelash thickener Latisse, approved in the United States two years ago, was finally given the green light by Health Canada in the summer. Available only by prescription, the product acts in a similar fashion to a naturallyoccurring hormone in the body that increases the number, thickness and darkness of eyelashes. Canadians all over the country are excited that they can finally obtain this new product and by the promise that it actually grows and enhances their own lashes. Although the product will not be available for a few more weeks, the clinic is currently booking consultations so clients can discuss ahead of time whether Latisse is right for them.

Packham Medical Aesthetics 104-335 Packham Ave 651-7091 www.packhammedicalaesthetics.ca

Expert Advice: Health & Wellness

Botox Q&A

What is Botox? Botox is prescription medicine (botulinum toxin type A) that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and is known to be neurotoxic. The toxin blocks the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which causes muscle contraction. No muscle contraction reduces wrinkles.

How long will it last? It will take two weeks to see the full results and is effective for three to four months.

Am I the right candidate for Botox and is it safe? Many people are concerned with the safety of Botox and are unsure if it is right for them. Botox is a very safe and effective treatment and there have never been any severe complications associated with its use. It has been used for many years for the muscle disorders blepharospasm and strabismus. Cosmetic treatments use much lower dosages of the medication than medical. There is a small group of people who should not have Botox including people who are pregnant, lactating or have a neurological disorder.

What are the possible side effects? Bruising, relaxing the wrong muscle and eyelid ptosis (drooping). These are all temporary or reversible.

What can I expect from an appointment? We like to have a consultation visit before starting any procedure to discuss a treatment plan and side effects. We require consent forms to be signed and before photos taken. A consultation appointment can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes and a Botox treatment takes ap-

Dr. Lucy Nickel, B.Sc., M.D.

Dr. Christine Otani. B.Sc., M.D.

University of Saskatchewan Practicing 10 years Member of Canadian Association of Aesthetic Medicine

University of Edmonton Practicing 9 years Member of Canadian Association of Aesthetic Medicine

proximately 20 minutes. We do ask that you come back for a follow up visit after two weeks during which we review photos.

What can be treated? Botox cosmetic has been approved for reducing frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) and is also used for treating other wrinkles on the face caused from muscle contractions such as smile lines, forehead lines, lip lines etc. A full consultation would be best to give you an idea as to what we can do. How else can wrinkles be treated? Creases and facial lines are an almost universal side effect of the aging process and are exacerbated by sun and weather damage, cigarette smoking and poor nourishment. Dermal fillers will also help diminish lines by replacing volume. Glycolic chemical peels and microdermabrasion also help diminish lines, as does a quality skin care regimen including sun screen.

What do I have to do after a treatment? We ask that you work the muscle (practice frowning, raising eyebrows, smiling) for 45 minutes after your treatment to help get the Botox working exactly where

we want it. We also ask you not to lie down for four hours after the treatment and to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 24 hours.

What else is Botox used for? Medical applications include: hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating); migraine and tension headaches; and strabismus, blepharospasm and other muscle spasms. It has been used in the medical community since 1980 and was first suggested for cosmetic use when researchers noted patients treated for strabismus had fewer wrinkles around their eyes. It has been used for cosmetic purposes since the 1990s.

I don't want to look fake or frozen! This is a very common concern. Most people have seen faces on television that are "frozen." Not everyone wants this look and we work hard to provide you with the appropriate dosage of Botox to give you the effect you want. Another reassuring fact is that the Botox does wear off gradually. It is not that you can't frown one day and the next day you can. It is gradual and there are people who like to have the treatment twice per year to help slow down the aging process but not halt it completely.

Seeking to be Mrs. Canada Pageant mixes beauty queens, bathing suits and the Republic of Afghanistan BY ALEXANDRA WALLD

s likely as it may be to find well-educated women—scientists, doctors, environmental engineers—congregated at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, it’s not very often you’ll find them dancing in bathing suits or answering skill-testing questions in front of a panel of judges, but that’s exactly what happened August 21 at the 2011 Mrs. Canada Galaxy Pageant. Saskatoon’s own Melanie Wildman, CEO of Weight Loss Forever, was one of about 30 contestants from across Canada competing for the title role of Mrs. Canada.

The Mrs. Canada pageant supports the Sunshine foundation, a Canadian charity created in 1987 that creates dreams for children with severe disabilities. More than 700 volunteers in 30 chapters across Canada work to makes dreams a reality. Pageant contestants met with kids helped by the charity and the Mrs. Canada Pageant winner, Kelly Robbins from British Columbia, works closely with the foundation to raise funds for the Sunshine foundation. Melanie, who had struggled with her weight for much of her life, recently underwent a permanent weight-loss procedure called the Sleeve. Motivated by her growing curiosity of whether or not she could succeed in the pageant, and by the mentoring her grandmother provided for contestants in Prince Edward Island, she submitted an application for the pageant. “The women that were represented across the country were all amazingly talented; smart beautiful leaders in their communities. The kinds of women who compete in pageants have to be incredibly well-rounded and make excellent mentors in the community. It was really inspiring being there with such an amazing group of people,” says Melanie. “And after struggling with my weight and knowing only two years ago that it was never an option to be in a beauty pageant, getting up on stage in a swimsuit was just surreal. It was overwhelming, but incredible. I’ve been able to expand my horizons and try things I never thought were possible before.” Many hours of the three days prior to the pageant were spent diligently memorizing the choreography of the opening number—which, for someone like Melanie, who doesn’t have a background in dance, was a whole new experience in itself. She laughingly reminds readers that answering impromptu questions with confidence, and coming down a flight of stairs in a bathing suit and sixinch heels, while doing spins on the stage in front of judges and cameramen, is a lot harder than most people realize.

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Parliament pageantry As VIP guests at Parliament Hill, Melanie and the other pageant contestants were invited to attend the changing of the guards with representatives from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan as they celebrated their Independence Day. “There were all these beauty queens with their sashes and then there were the representatives from the Republic of Afghanistan,” Melanie says, laughing at the memory. “There was a huge crowd of people taking pictures and asking to get their pictures taken with us, so it was a neat experience.” The pageant’s friendly, supportive atmosphere and the life-long friendships she made with other contestants convinced Melanie that although she didn’t become Mrs. Canada, she would compete in another pageant in a heartbeat— or a couple months; she was scouted by the Mrs. International Pageant and asked to compete against women from more than 60 countries this November in Jamaica. Supporting her will be her will be her 10and eight-year-old daughters, Caitlin and Abigail, her three-year-old son, Raine, and her husband, Blair. “My daughters are so proud of me for doing it; they both gave me huge hugs. When I got first runner-up, I was feeling down—even though I placed well, you always want to win—but my husband had a huge bouquet of my favourite flowers and a card that said, ‘You’re always my Mrs. Canada,’” says Melanie. “When you challenge yourself to do things you thought weren’t possible and put in the effort, anything really is possible.”

Paparazzi and inner-city youth Crowned Mrs. Saskatchewan 2010 at the Saskatoon Inn last May, Melanie has since been working hard to educate the public about the risks, misconceptions and medical issues surrounding obesity: 25 percent of adults in Saskatchewan are obese. She has also been working alongside Miss Saskatchewan, Ashleigh Clark, and the Witness to a Dream foundation

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to bring their mentoring program for inner-city youth to Saskatoon. Melanie and Ashleigh recently represented the province of Saskatchewan in Los Angeles at the Branded Art exhibition, where they met Macy Gray, the vice-president of Universal Music, and were interviewed by the paparazzi. The art exhibition and live music event benefited the Witness to a Dream foundation. “The Witness to a Dream foundation has local artists—visual artists, dancers, ac-

tors, musicians—teach inner-city youth their trade, and right now we’re working together to bring that program to Saskatchewan,” says Melanie. “Ashley Clark is an accomplished dancer and I’m a visual artist; we’d be working with children at risk in Saskatchewan and we’re hoping to get it started in January.” The women are looking for sponsors, so anyone interested is urged to contact Melanie at 665-8891. fls

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Orthopaedic Surgery Plastic Surgery LAP-BAND® Dentistry

It’s about You, and How We can Help 530 UNIVERSITY PARK DRIVE, REGINA, SK S4V 2Z3

P:(306) 545.8181

F: (306) 545.8182 INFO@OMNISURGERY.CA

WWW.OMNISURGERY.CA

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The weight is over! Struggling with obesity? A permanent solution is close at hand BY ALEXANDRA WALLD

s the number-one killer in Canada, obesity surpasses smoking as the leading preventable cause of death, but just because it’s preventable doesn’t necessarily mean those suffering have willingly chosen the condition. “People seem to think that we want to be obese or that we’re lazy, and it’s really quite the opposite,” says Deborah Pellettieri, one of the patients to get the “Sleeve” procedure with Weight Loss Forever, a referral service for weight-loss and cosmetic surgery based in Saskatoon. “Anybody I’ve met has done years of diets, pills and exercise, but they don’t work: if they did, we’d all be slim. When you get to be 100 pounds overweight, your body stops working; it doesn’t get your metabolism going, so you lose a little and gain it back. It’s a vicious cycle.” Ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates hunger, can turn against your weight-loss dreams because of how it works, which is why

dieting and exercising have virtually a 100-percent failure rate for people who are clinically obese. “Through dieting, I created my own monster,” says Karen Valentine, RN, BScN, who got Sleeved through Weight Loss Forever. “In the end, it’s not because I created it, but how I was created; my body was predisposed to making this hormone in this way and the more I fought it, the worse it got.” Weight Loss Forever offers clients a support group, clothing exchange and comprehensive follow-up, and specializes in the Sleeve, a.k.a. Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. The 30-to-40-minute procedure induces weight loss by restricting food intake. Eighty percent of the stomach is removed, but the stomach continues to function normally. Because the Sleeve eliminates the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, you tend not to feel hungry as often or crave sugary, fatty foods. “I’ve seen and felt that people who are heavy are the last group that can still be discriminated against. You’re always worried what’s in your shopping cart and wonder what others think,” says Valentine. “You feel like you’re naked in front of the world because people can see what’s wrong with you.” Melanie Wildman, CEO of Weight Loss Forever, started the company after she got Sleeved in April 2009. Now that she’s 100 pounds less than her higher weight, she knew she had to let others know about this permanent weight-loss solution. Weight Loss Forever has financing available, with payments as low as $145 per month, and the Sleeve is tax-deductible as a medical expense. Weight Loss Forever 665-8891 Toll-free (877) 306-8891 weightlossforever.ca P HO TO S B Y D EB O R AH P E LLE TTIER RI, CPA , D IV IN E IM A G ES , (W W W.D IV INE IM AG ES.CA )

Karen’s story The first time Karen Valentine felt fat, she was 10 years old; after that, she hated her body and feared becoming overweight. Karen mistakenly took a comparison to an aunt as a reflection of her weight, not her striking features, and didn’t learn the truth until 15 years later, when the physical reality had overtaken the emotional upset. “I used humour to hide my feelings, talked about being a plus-size Barbie and avoided cameras. Looking back, I

Before

shouldn’t have felt fat, but I think it’s a pretty common feeling,” says Karen, a RN and manager with the Infection Prevention and Control department at the Royal University Hospital. “That’s why I’m sensitive about what people say to kids; they don’t always take it right and you do mental damage to yourself when you feel that way.” The battle continued after childbirth and after losing more than 60 pounds (four times!), only to regain it back, the temporary results of exercise left her frustrated, turning her to thoughts of doing something permanent. Last fall, when her BMI hit 35.5, Karen, at 253 pounds, decided on surgery. After researching her options, Karen found an online ad for Weight Loss Forever and met with Melanie to learn more about the Sleeve. She’d thought about the Lap-Band and liked that it was reversible, but then Melanie asked her if she wanted her weight loss to be reversible.

My emotional weight loss is as significant as my physical weight loss and it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done. “Being a healthcare professional, I worried about the care I would get outside Canada and the doctors’ credentials,” says Karen. “But Melanie did such great legwork, and because her brothers are physicians and her sister-in-law studies obesity in women at Cornell University, there was a lot of credit in what she said and I really felt I was in the best hands. Actually, the lead surgeon is board-certified in the United States and trained at the Mayo Clinic.” Coming from a family of 12, there was

After Surgery

no support shortage when Karen told her family her decision; her dad even jokingly pointed out the procedure was cheaper than a funeral. At 38, Karen was Sleeved April 12, with her patient facilitator at her side, and since then has lost 57 pounds and made her way into what Weight Loss Forever patients call “One-derland,” that lovely place where your scale never reaches the big two-oh-oh. “Knowing you’ll never see that two at the beginning of your weight or be losing it again is surreal,” says Karen.

Deborah’s story As lead patient facilitator and photographer with Weight Loss Forever, Deborah Pellettieri, a Sleeve patient through Weight Loss Forever, helps patients considering surgery and photographs Sleeve Sisters at glamour shoots once they reach their goal weight. Seeing the happiness patients find through the procedure and the bonds they create with one another makes Deborah ecstatic; she never thought she could be part of something so meaningful. Ever since high school, Deborah had felt overweight. She tried slimming down with diet pills, LA Weight Loss and good, oldfashioned exercise. None of it worked.

I always felt like a failure because no matter what I did, it didn’t work. I felt it was all me.

After Surgery

On a six-year wait-list for a full bariatric weight loss surgery, Deborah changed her mind and decided to go with the Sleeve through Weight Loss Forever. Her doctor warned her diabetes was lurking around the corner and she knew she had to go ahead with the procedure. On January 19 Deborah was Sleeved, lost 75 pounds, and was freed Before from GERD, a typically life-long condition. “You go through such a physical journey right away, and the mental and emotional doesn’t happen right away, but now at eight months, it’s finally catching up,” says Deborah. “I feel hot. I’m 57, I’m wearing skinny jeans and

Gerald’s & Karen’s story When Gerald Vavrik and his wife Karen Amundson were married, they became life partners, life lovers and life losers. Since last fall, the couple has lost a combined total of 135 pounds. Karen, who had always been self-conscious about her weight, tried different diets to keep her scale happy. After giving birth to their now nine-year-old daughter, she started putting herself last. It wasn’t until two years ago, when her eldest brother died of a heart attack, that she realized she had to start taking better care of herself. “I had three reasons for getting weight loss surgery,” says Karen. “Cancer, dia-

betes and heart disease. After my brother died, it really hit home that I had to do something.” Gerald, like his wife, was worried about his weight and followed a strict, threehour-a-day exercise regiment, but five years ago an accident with a grain truck on the highway to Battleford forced him to take a break from his body and take care of his health. “I had many problems after the accident,” says Gerald, an electrical engineering technologist with AECOM. “Everything from a swollen brainstem to a broken forearm, wrist and most of my ribs. I pierced my left lung, tore the TCL out of my left knee and underwent four Before

high heels and I feel great. Looking back, if I’d known the result, I would have paid 10 times more and wished it was available 30 years ago.” The positive changes Deborah encountered through her journey motivated her to help others. As a facilitator, she helps patients feel comfortable learning about the Sleeve and jokes that after joining a patient in her operation, she literally knows her inside and out. “I’m lucky to be on the journey with other women and I’m so happy to explain it from both sides,” she says. “I always thought it was only me that was failing, being fat and eating the wrong foods, but there are so many people out there with the same thoughts, guilt and fears; they aren’t alone.” As a professional photographer, Deborah connects with patients on a further level, which helps her heal, too. “A big part of the photography business is making people feel beautiful, and even though I didn’t feel or look beautiful, I wanted to make everyone else look and feel beautiful,” says the award-winning photographer. “It’s what’s in your mind, and I have the sparkle back in my life. It’s not about looking beautiful; it’s about feeling beautiful, whatever that means for you.”

surgeries; it took me three years to recover from that.” During that time, Karen’s and Gerald’s weights crept up. With health issues threatening them, the couple discussed their options. They eventually learned about Weight Loss Forever and the Sleeve procedure and decided to get the surgery done together. “The funny part about me and my husband going at the same time is that I was more eager than he was, but because he’s a guy, we were going back and forth, doing the ‘you go first and I’ll go with you as your support person.”

In the end, we took the plunge together and it worked out really well; we were there to support each other and we still are. On November 20, 2009, Gerald, at 320 pounds, and Karen, at 225 pounds, both got Sleeved. Since then, Karen has lost more than 50 pounds, Gerald is down 85 pounds, and both are steadily working toward their goal. “I tell people of the five major surgeries I’ve had in the past five years, this was by far the easiest,” says Gerald. “For lots of people, this might be the only permanent solution. If anybody has any doubt or is thinking about it, just talk to somebody who’s been there; it’s a very safe, great alternative.”

For more information contact Weightloss Forever at 665-8891; toll free at (877) 306-8891 or online at weightlossforever.ca After Surgery

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Expert Advice: Pet health

Raw food diet Mike & Rochelle Heebner Pet Planet (306) 956-2245 www.petplanet.ca

s raw diets become more popular and available, at Pet Planet we are frequently asked about the difference between raw pet foods and dry or canned pet foods and whether or not it’s safe. I will try to fit as much information as I can on one page to help answer these questions. Raw diets are frozen patties that consist of muscle meat, vital organs, ground bones, fruits and vegetables, all mixed together in their raw form for full nutrition that you simply thaw and serve. The theory behind feeding raw food is that our pets’ ancestors ate raw meat and bones, and that raw food represents a more natural diet for our pets. Although domestication has changed our pets’ external appearance, the digestive system and nutritional needs have not changed from those of their wild ancestors.

The question of whether a raw food diet for our pets is effective or safe can be controversial. Some are concerned about the bacteria and salmonella that may be present in raw meat, but a large and growing community of people, including many well-respected veterinarians, say that isn’t a concern. In fact dogs’ and cats’ stomachs are extremely acidic, which creates an extremely inhospitable environment for bacteria: therefore, salmonella does not colonize in dogs or cats and is not harmful to them. Most people don’t realize salmonella is often present in many kibble brands of pet food. Of course, proper handling is an important key to raw food safety. Raw pet food is, in essence, no different than the food you prepare for your human family. Quality raw pet foods that are handled appropriately, by both the manufacturer and at home, are safe and pose no bacterial threat to your pet or your family. Thousands of people around the world have been feeding safe, raw food diets to their pets with wonderful results for years. The benefits for many pets include a strengthened immune system, healthy digestion, low stool

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volume and improved skin and coat. Raw diets are generally very effective for pets with allergies, partly because the food has not been processed with artificial ingredients, but also because they are grain-free and have a low glycemic index, which also makes them an excellent treatment for certain diseases such as diabetes. Raw diets are an important treatment for cancer. Cancer cells feed on carbohydrates, which are not present in a raw diet. Also, the liver in raw offal is an excellent source of Vitamin A, and Vitamin A is thought to prevent the growth of cancer cells. Another benefit is that dogs and cats fed a raw diet typically have cleaner teeth and a healthy, odourless mouth. This is because dogs do not produce the enzyme amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates in their mouths. Instead, carbohydrates from cereal grains, which are present in many kibble brands, break down into sugar during the digestive process, creating an environment where plaque and bacteria thrive. A raw diet reduces the natural build-up of bacteria, mainly because it doesn’t contain carbohydrates but also because the ground bone present in raw food is an excellent source of calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen teeth and bones. Raw food from animal sources is one of the

best sources of essential amino acids and enzymes like taurine. This is because enzymes are destroyed when food is cooked—temperatures over 118 degrees F. destroy all enzymes. Enzymes are needed to run all body systems, including the brain, heart, lungs kidney and immune system. As animals age they will become enzyme-deficient. Enzymes must be provided by food, otherwise their health will deteriorate. The decision to feed a raw diet is one of long-term health management. There is a lot of information available on raw food—both positive and negative. Truthfully, the decision is a personal one for each family, and should be the result of careful research and understanding. There are a growing number of veterinarians around the world who, from experience and their own research, strongly recommend raw diets to their clients. Seek these veterinarians out to get balanced information before making a decision. Avoid the sensationalism and misinformation that exists so that you can make the best decision for your pet! fls

Expert Advice: Pet health

Pet Vaccinations Dr. Wole Adeniran Stonebridge Veterinary Hospital

(306) 244-2815 stonebridgevets@sasktel.net

nfectious childhood diseases are prevented in children by early childhood vaccinations. Similarly, in animals, diseases are prevented by early vaccinations in young ones after birth. In dogs and cats vaccinations have become so important that vaccination certificates may be required as part of a health certificate in order to qualify for border crossing. Vaccinations of pets against rabies is very important in prevention of the disease in animal populations and in humans. Vaccination of pets against known diseases is a proactive action, as infection of these pets with these diseases may not only result in loss of the pets but may be very stressful to their owners and very expensive to treat. Disease situations may also predispose pets to other sicknesses (due to immune suppression) and poor growth. Preventive immunization is part of a wellness program for pets which veterinarians discuss with pet owners when they newly adopt or acquire their furry friends. It is very important for pet owners to visit their veterinarians as soon as they acquire or adopt new pets to discuss comprehensive health programs, including vaccinations, de-worming, feeding, general health care (particular to the breed) and training.

Types of vaccinations Core vaccines are those vaccines that are strongly recommended pets be immunized with. They include the following: • Dogs: Canine parvo virus, distemper, hepatitis and rabies vaccines; • Cats: Feline rhinotracheitis (herpes virus), calicivirus, feline panleukopenia (feline parvovirus) and rabies vaccines; • Ferrets: Ferret distemper vaccine. Non-core vaccines are those vaccines that are given based on the pet’s lifestyle. For dogs, these include Corona virus, Kennel cough

(Bordetella bacterium +/- Para influenza virus) and Leptospira bacteria vaccines. Leptospirosis is not known to be present in Saskatchewan, but if owners have their pets travel with them to warmer regions of Canada (e.g. Ontario) and they go to swim in lakes or visit cabins with natural pools of water or are kenneled, it may be important to protect them against the disease. Non-core vaccines for cats include feline leukemia virus vaccine. This vaccine is important for those cats that are outdoor or indoor/outdoor. It is recommended to do a test for feline leukemia before the vaccine is administered. The cat must be negative to the test to receive the vaccination.

nual. The annual rabies shot is given every year, while the tri-annual is given every three years. Adult pets of unknown vaccination history are given two shots of core vaccines (not including rabies) three to four weeks apart and one-year rabies shot. All the vaccines are then boosted after one year. I discuss and formulate vaccination programs for my clients’ pets based on their lifestyles. Owners may want to discuss their pets’ vaccination programs with their veterinarians too. fls

Vaccination ages Young animals are usually vaccinated at the age of eight weeks (six weeks if their moms are known not have their vaccinations up to date) and are re-vaccinated twice at three- to four-week intervals. It is expected that early puppy or kitten shots would be completed by about the age of 16 weeks. Young animals of unknown vaccination history and older than 16 weeks of age may be given two vaccinations, three to four weeks apart. First rabies vaccination is commonly given at the age of six months. It may be given from three months of age if the risk of exposure is high or if travelling south of the border. First rabies shots are done with one-year rabies vaccine, irrespective of age. Adult pets are usually given annual booster vaccinations, based on their lifestyles. Owners who do not want to do annual vaccinations for their pets may elect to do immunization titers determination. This allows them to know the immune status of their pets against such diseases as they are tested for. This can be used to formulate future vaccination programs for their pets that may involve shuttle programs. Rabies shots are two types: annual or tri-an-

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It takes a village For a small-town feel with city convenience BY FLS STAFF

A comfortable place to live Buying a new home is a huge commitment. You’re choosing the place where you and your children will make friends, where you will relax and unwind after a busy day at work. There’s a small-town feel to Evergreen and Hampton Village, the newest neighbourhoods to be developed by the City of Saskatoon’s Land Branch. There are parks and trails so that you can go for a run before work or a family bike ride in the evening. The Village Square provides a central gathering place where you can visit with your neighbours or do some last-minute shopping.

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And you’re still within easy reach of all the conveniences of a big city—recreation centres, libraries, sports and cultural events.

The Village Square The Village Square is at the heart of Hampton Village and Evergreen. There is a fountain in the middle of Hampton Village’s grassy square, and the Land Branch’s vision for Evergreen Village Square includes a mix of land uses with stores at street level and housing up above. Space has been allotted for commercial services, possibly a coffee shop, a con-

venience store, or maybe a drugstore, so you won’t have to travel far to pick up a few supplies. But, most of all, the Village Square will be a meeting place. You’ll be able to chat with your neighbours while your kids organize an impromptu game of Frisbee. Evergreen residents will be able to take advantage of an additional, larger shopping and commercial district within community boundaries.

Parks and trails Linear parks are a central feature of both neighbourhoods. A ribbon of green runs through the centre of Hampton Village,

while there are more than three kilometres of trails in Evergreen. The communities have been designed for pedestrians and cyclists. You can walk, cycle or jog for miles without having to worry about crossing the street. “You won’t need to get in your vehicle every time you leave the house,” says Frank Long, an urban planner with the City of Saskatoon’s Land Branch. “You can walk your kids to school or ride your bicycle to the store.” In Evergreen, the planned trail system will include a green bridge providing easy access from one side of McOrmond Drive to the other. And you’ll feel safe. Good lighting, open sightlines and parks surrounded by houses will ensure neighbourhood safety.

Close to nature If you enjoy being outdoors, you’ll enjoy living in Evergreen, which is surrounded by a combination of parks, open fields and farmland. The Forestry Farm Park and Zoo are right next door. You can cycle from your home west past the Forestry Farm, eventually connecting up with the Meewasin Valley Authority’s network of trails along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. Houses on the north side of the community will overlook the Northeast Swale, a natural prairie remnant.

Solar energy and sustainability Two rows of mature Scots pines form a central focal point as you enter Evergreen. The trees were planted more than 50 years ago as part of the Sutherland Forest Nursery Station, and they have been built into Evergreen’s linear park system so that residents can continue to enjoy their stately beauty. The trees are representative of Evergreen’s focus on sustainability. It’s a compact neighbourhood, and the streets have been laid out with an east-west orientation so that houses can easily take advantage of solar power. The proposed

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LED street lights will use less power than traditional street lights, and there are plans for community gardens.

An easy commute to work and recreation â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hampton Village is a quick drive to the major employment areas in the north end of the City,â&#x20AC;? says Frank Long. The neighbourhood is also well advanced. Half the lots have already been sold. The parks are almost complete and are already turning green. Evergreen residents have some great recreational opportunities right on their doorsteps, with easy access to the Saskatoon Field House, the SaskTel Sports Centre and the Alice Turner Branch Library. Schools and community centres are central to the design of both neighbourhoods.

Mixed housing opportunities Both Evergreen and Hampton Village offer a variety of different housing options, apartment buildings, townhouses or individual units, to accommodate different lifestyle choices. A number of houses in Hampton Village are located next to a park with a walkout basement linking the indoor living space directly with the outdoors. Lot sizes and street layouts are also varied, so you can choose a wide lot to accommodate an attached garage or a narrower lot with a paved back lane.

Purchasing options The City of Saskatoon plans to start selling lots in Evergreen before the end of the year. Individuals and building contractors can obtain more information by contacting the Land Branch at 975-3278. Hampton Village is being co-developed by Dundee Developments and the City of Saskatoon Land Branch. Both partners will be happy to help you with purchase decisions.

properties

Heirloom quality The made-to-order furniture from this family-run business will last your family for generations BY DERRYL MURPHY

or a member of a generation that has partly come into its own watching Antiques Road Show, there’s something to be said in favour of walking through the door and being greeted by the sight of a store full of furniture that looks, in every way, destined to be heritage and heirloom pieces for some future generation finding themselves surprised that we were indeed sometimes able to make items of quality. That may be the best way of expressing the feeling one has when walking into a family-run business like Authentic Furniture at 510 Circle Dr. E. in Saskatoon, owned and operated by Levi and Vera Dueck.

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Years of woodworking experience With 11 years of woodworking experience, Levi opened the store with his wife two years ago in Warman, moving to Saskatoon about four months later. In the beginning they dealt with a middleman who acted as their furniture supplier, but then about a year ago they went on their own, buying directly from the builders themselves, and, as Levi says, “the experience has been nothing but positive.” In fact, after Authentic Furniture left its supplier, some of the builders were initially unsure about dealing with Levi’s store directly, but he earned their trust

That trust goes to warranty issues as well. While Levi points out that with furniture of this quality there is not much to worry about, Authentic Furniture is there to back up every piece. The builders, almost all of them Amish and based in the United States, trust his judgement on whether or not something needs to be replaced or can be fixed, and if it needs fixing, he will fix it himself. Authentic Furniture guarantees the lowest price on the same product from the same builder, in a no-commission, no-pressure atmosphere. Prices for furniture of similar styles—but high-end quality—are comparable to the big chain stores, and in fact are very reasonable, with a lower-end price considering the quality of the product.

won’t find with most other furniture stores) the owner does the delivery himself. That sort of attention to detail and caring about the customer’s

planning to be at the October Home Improvement show in Saskatoon, showing some of its wares and finding a larger audience of potential customers

PHOTOS BY GRANT ROMANCIA

and now all of them, as well as some newer builders—more than a dozen right now—are very happy to work straight through him.

Built to order But what is very different than the big chains is the actual shopping and ordering experience. While the customer can buy off the floor, in most cases the furniture is built to order. That way, the customers have their choice of stain colour as well as several different types of American hardwood: maple, hickory, oak, cherry, or 1/4 sawn white oak. Authentic Furniture can also do custom sizing, all without a huge custom charge, so that you can make the furniture fit the house, rather than fight to make the house fit the furniture after the fact. In building the furniture, most of Authentic Furniture’s suppliers build unfinished product, and then all of it is sent to the same finish shop. This way, Levi says, the customer can have confidence that there won’t be any variation with the stains. When your order arrives, after two or three months—remember, when you’re paying for quality and workmanship you want to make sure that you’re getting the best you can get—Authentic Furniture offers free delivery for Saskatoon and area, and (here’s something that you

experience from the beginning right through to the end is just another point in favour of fulfilling all of your furnishing needs at Authentic Furniture.

Furniture that lasts At home, Levi says that all of their furniture is the same sort of quality. This is furniture that he knows will last for years and years, heirlooms that can stay in the family and actually mean something far into the future, rather than ending up discounted in a thrift shop, or worse, thrown away and forgotten about. And in the end, furniture that lasts that long will also be about saving money, since what you buy doesn’t have to be replaced again and again.

who may not yet know what it is that they’re missing in terms of the quality and attention to detail that Authentic Furniture offers. With only the highest-quality furniture for every room of the house, Authentic Furniture is ready to supply your home decorating needs and dreams. Come in today! fls

In keeping with the authentic, almost old-fashioned, aspect of Authentic Furniture, it is at this moment printing catalogues to hand out to customers, and is hopeful that by the time you find yourself reading this the catalogues will be ready. In addition, Authentic Furniture is

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Quality, inventory and service meeting the need for a better appliance-shopping experience BY DANA OLAFSON

eigh Estabrook is always moving, always trying something new and passionately following her dreams. These traits are apparent in not only her personal life as a skydiving, Harley-driving fundraising force, but in her business sense as well. While shopping in Saskatoon as the head buyer/purchaser for Mattress Mattress, Leigh became aware of the need for a better appliance-shopping experience for the people in our city. Thanks to her insight and dedication, Esterbrook Appliance Expert was born, and now has three locations in Saskatchewan. Esterbrook Appliance Expert is the only appliance store in Saskatoon to offer Builder Direct Pricing, and it is pleased to offer immediate availability of its products. If you purchase an appliance today, you get to take it home and enjoy it today!

Quality, inventory and service Other qualities that set Esterbrook apart from other retailers, such as the big box stores, are the quality and selection of inventory and its continuing commitment to unbeatable customer service. The 140

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knowledge and experience of the staff is exceptional, and you will be guaranteed excellence from Esterbrook’s product lines. Befitting its high standards of excellence, Esterbrook is proud to carry the latest Electrolux line of appliances—the new collection from the premium kitchen appliance brand that has been used in Europe for more than 70 years. This new collection is stylish and distinctive, offering innovative performance you can count on. And the features? They’ll make you look amazing! Push one button to cook a perfect turkey. Boil water in 90 seconds on the new induction cooktop. These versatile appliances help you do everything better, faster and easier. You’ll find quiet perfection in dishwashers with effortlessly smooth pull-out racks; warming drawers to keep your dinner plates warm; fridge controls to keep your beverages perfectly chilled; a selection of sleek ranges that are right at home in any home…finishing touches that once you use them, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without them. Visit the Electrolux virtual kitchen at

www.electroluxappliances.com and see what is in store for you at Esterbrook.

Knowledgeable suggestions and guidance Some clients come to the store in search of stylish, state-of-the-art products. Others are looking for flexibility and customization in their appliances. Many want energy-efficient solutions. And everyone is looking for suggestions, guidance and a solid foundation of knowledge to base their decisions on. You will find all of this at Esterbrook. Esterbrook takes into account every facet of the appliance-shopping experience, staying on top of trends in style, functionality and available features. It’s difficult to overstate the value of appliances today, and the staff at Esterbrook is keenly aware of the importance and role of each appliance in your home. Whatever your lifestyle, your home design and your needs, the staff at Esterbrook will take the time to ensure you uncover the ultimate appliance solutions for your home. Come in with your wish list and leave with everything you’d hoped for. fls

270 - 32nd St. W. Prince Albert

2835 Cleveland Ave. Saskatoon

518 Circle Dr. E. Saskatoon

Putting it together Briarwood restyling offers new look for young family BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

hen Sheila and Brent, a professional couple with young children, heard the kids’ pleas for bedroom redecorating, it seemed like a good opportunity to freshen up their six-year-old, 2,600square-foot two-storey with a developed 1,000 square feet of basement. But with limited design and decorating skill, Sheila knew she was quickly reaching the limits of her abilities. Her work to redecorate with the kids was “filled with love, but terribly unsatisfactory to me,” she admits. “I’ve struggled with decorating for years. Words like scale, palate and hue might as well be a foreign language. In fact, to me they are!” Enter Chantelle Butterfield of Funktional Space. An interior decorator, designer and colour advisor, Chantelle offered Sheila the advice and guidance she needed, and most importantly, listened to Sheila to discover what it really was she hoped to achieve.

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“Chantelle is fun and unpretentious,” Sheila laughs. “There’s no ‘I am Decorator God/you have no taste’ syndrome. When we first started down this path, she told me that it was important to her that I look around my house afterwards and feel good about the work we did together.” “It’s a beautiful home, big, open and airy, so they loved the bones of the house,” says Chantelle, “but Sheila just wanted a new look that fit their family. She really wanted something fresh, but just didn’t feel confident in her ability to pull it all together. I spent a little time in the beginning asking questions about their lifestyle, what they love about their home, what might make it a more comfortable place to be. I don’t like to ask what they do for a living at first,” she says with a laugh. “I don’t want any preconceived notions in my head!”

Client at the forefront Any designer or decorator worth their salt, she insists, decorates with the unique client at the forefront of their decisions. “I can make suggestions and advise, but this is the home they will live in, not me. It’s got to reflect their personalities.” Sheila had started on her own with the second-storey kids’ bedrooms. In fact, Chantelle came to consult about treatments for two-storey living/dining room/entryway windows at the front of the house. “Having started down the redecoration path, I knew I had to deal with privacy issues and the $6 paper blinds had stayed for much longer than ever intended,” she explains. “My neighbours likely got more views than they ever wanted, but I was at a loss about what to do.” Chantelle’s consult on the windows turned

Incorporating treasures Then the focus turned to the master bedroom and ensuite. Everything was cleared out except for the furniture, a jewelry box given to Sheila by her father, a sentimental painting the couple bought on their Montego Bay honeymoon, and a print of a cat Sheila received for her 21st birthday, found with her mother at a local artists’ display in Regina. Personal treasures are always kept, Chantelle insists, and Sheila was most impressed that Chantelle “listens to what is important, remembers it and figures out a way to incorporate it.” If an odd item detracts, it can be buried or mellowed with the right placement or layering. What Sheila wanted in the master bedroom was a serene space, the opposite of what it had become with a high-energy tension, a busy décor with lime-greens and blues. They drew their inspiration in the ensuite from the silver, black and grey tiles. The bedroom green was drawn in and they changed it up from bedroom blue to a deep calm purple for a more modern look. Sconces, candles, and new towels were inexpensive accessories to tie the rooms together. “We still used those colours, but we’ve created a much more subtle and relaxing environment,” explains Chantelle. “When Sheila first told me what she hoped for, it reminded me of a picture I’d come across of a beach scene through an open window with gauzy white curtains gently blowing through. We used that print as our inspiration and pulled that feeling into the room. That’s why it’s so important to spend a little bit of time having the person describe the kind of feeling they’d like. It’s absolutely beautiful and when it’s right, all the pieces just come together.” Sheila agrees. “As soon as she described the scene, I knew the print Chantelle meant. It was one I had coveted for years! Our space is now so beautiful I don’t want to leave it in the morning and I can’t wait to crawl into bed every night.”

The “wonder closet” While gutting and starting from scratch may be easier for a designer, Chantelle counsels her clients against it. In fact, she starts her projects by putting furniture and accessories in a separate closet or room. She calls it the “wonder closet” as in “if you are wondering where it went, that’s where it is!” She believes in “shop-

PHOTOS BY GRANT ROMANCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

into a request to complete the children’s bedrooms and bath. “She ended up finishing the kids’ rooms in about a nanosecond compared to how long it took me to just figure out the paint colour,” Sheila jokes. The kids’ bathroom was next, with red pulled from the silver/white/red in the adjacent bedroom. A circles motif allowed for a fun feel with a more sophisticated, less childish look.

Redistribute, don’t discard Instead of junking pieces that ultimately will not be reused, Chantelle encourages clients to redistribute. “If at the end of the project when you’ve used everything you need to out of your wonder closet and are left with things you simply no longer want, give to people who will really appreciate them. Put them on Kijiji and recoup some of your expenses. Donate them to a charity or deliver to the women’s shelter. Make sure those things are used. Even if you have to put things on the front lawn with a ‘free’ sign, do it,” she says. “It breaks my heart to think about what ends up in the landfill when people are in need. So make that part of your restyling, renovation or new-build plans.” Next on the restyle agenda is the main floor dining, living, and family room, library and the kitchen. Sheila is excited about the next phase. “I always know Chantelle has a plan and a vision and knows how one room is going to flow into the other without even working on the next room yet. For someone like me who has no, none, zero, zippo decorating ability—I just know what I like and don’t like—that skill is incredibly important to me. She’s like a Colour Confidential/Candice Olson all rolled into one. I’m just so very pleased and I’m having so much fun!” fls

Funktion al Space Chan telle B utterfi eld 227-3008 www.fu nktionalspace.com

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PHOTOS BY GRANT ROMANCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

ping from your own possessions first.” Sometimes taking a piece of furniture from one room and placing it elsewhere is the perfect solution. “I really believe in using what you have,” she insists. “Or you risk ending up with a room in the decorator’s style and new pieces that have none of your own personality or meaning. So we restyle and rework and buy new when we need to.” She also recommends visits to second-hand shops and places like Habitat for Humanity’s Restore. Having a decorator who economizes purchases and repurposes possessions has meant endless value, Sheila says. “And she is fast,” she says. “That woman can pick a whole colour palette from floor to ceiling in less than five minutes and it just works! She figures out what is important to me and, again, listens when I don’t think something will work. Her focus is always on function and she just makes it beautiful because she has a gift for being able to do that.” A relationship with a decorator is like a good marriage, she adds. “You know when you’ve found the right one.”

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Expert Advice: Financial

Mortgage Refinancing Corey Klassen

Marla Slater

Mortgage Expert

all is upon us and with a sense of routine back into our lives it is a great time to examine our financial positions and mortgage refinance alternatives. Spending throughout the spring and summer, whether it be vacationing or on home improvements, may have left you with some debt obligations, such as credit cards and lines of credit that you would really like to “get rid of.” Your very own mortgage professional at Dominion Lending Centres (DLC) can show you how it may be beneficial to consolidate and refinance your mortgage to incorporate these high-interest-rate debts and lower your monthly payments. With Broker-preferred mortgage rates at their historic all-time lows, even if your mortgage is locked into a term in which penalties would apply, it still may be worth getting out now— especially with the new five-year term offerings as low as 3.59 percent* and the variable

rates as low as 2.10 percent*! Let’s look at a very common scenario: Three years ago a couple took out a $200,000 mortgage at the current rates for that time, and since then have ran up credit-card debt to $20,000. Typically the credit-card companies will demand a minimum monthly payment equal to three precent of the outstanding credit-card balance, or in this scenario approximately $600 a month. This plus their mortgage payment (shown below) forces them to pay $600 + $1065.92 = $1665.92 each and every month…but with some very simple re-financing they are able to free up an astounding $704.82 each and every month! See for yourself: Existing mortgage taken out three years ago: $200,000 at 5.5 percent = $1065.92/month (now has 32 years remaining). Refinance existing mortgage with the creditcard debt including fees and penalties today:

$220,000 at 3.59 percent*/32-year amortization payment = $961.10/month. With today’s interest rates drastically lowering your borrowing costs, you can lower your monthly payment obligations without adding any additional life to your mortgage. Pay off credit cards and other higher interest rate debt with the additional funds, and you can alleviate the stress of other monthly payments as well. And remember, you are benefiting from the fact DLC as a whole literally sends billions in mortgage business each year to Canada’s foremost and largest mortgage lenders. As a result, our clients benefit from the trust, confidence and security of knowing they are getting the absolute best rates and products to match every one of their mortgage needs. Call us and start saving today! fls The above amounts are estimates, OAC and subject to change without notice.

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Expert Advice: Homes

Outdoor lighting By Luke Rempel, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Comm. City Gardens Landscape Construction & Irrigation

www.city-gardens.ca luke@city-gardens.ca

utdoor lighting, if done right and well, can take your home and yard from nice, but forgettable, to beautiful and memorable in a few easy steps. It takes you from a 12-hour to a 24-hour window to show off all your planning and hard work. Thoughtful lighting design extends the enjoyment of all the best elements of your home and landscaping and creates an inviting mood in any season. The key to landscape lighting is doing it well. It needs to be subtle, but it has to highlight the features to look good. You want a warm glow; you don’t want your yard ablaze like Disneyland. In that case, no one notices or appreciates the beautiful elements of landscaping or home. It’s all just an irritating glare. As more people appreciate spending time and money on their homes in this age of “cocooning” and creating comfortable, cozy environments, many are looking for ways to duplicate that comfort outside. Inexpensive solar lights are fun to experiment with, but they lack potential and tend to fall apart and break easily. But they’ve helped people think about outdoor lighting. A low-voltage architectural-grade landscape system can highlight interesting aspects of your home and yard, like rocks, water features and plants. While adding a pleasing look, you can also ensure greater safety on steps and changes in grade and elevation. Durable landscape lighting is built and designed for all kinds of weather, extreme temperatures and the abuse it might take in a yard from lawnmowers, whipper snippers, snow shovels and snowblowers. As a landscaper, I’ve noticed people are far more interested in lighting these days. They’re paying more attention to well-planned public areas. River Landing is a good example of a project where architects have thought about the look in the evening and nighttime. If you go to a holiday resort and go for a walk at night where there’s up lighting on the palm trees and subtle directional lighting on the path, you’re struck by

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the special feel it creates. You’re not thinking, “Wow, what great lights!” You think it’s beautiful and you enjoy the environment. Lighting isn’t seasonally limited and low-voltage boxes with timers take into account changing daylight hours. People put up holiday lights because they like the look it creates on the snow, against the spruce trees. Your system adds good looks to your property all year long. Getting lights up and out of the way will increase their longevity. Even architectural-grade lights in high-traffic areas suffer some abuse from shoveling in the winter and so on, so if you can mount them out of harm’s way, so much the better. There are few things to think when planning outdoor lighting project: 1. Plan: The first thing is to think about it! Whether it’s a new build on a brand-new lot or if you’re working on an established yard, when you start thinking about your landscaping materials and placement, think about lighting as part of the whole project. How might it look good in the late evening and early morning hours? Look at all angles, not only from an aesthetic point of view but for safety as well. 2. Budget: Depending on how complex your system, there are ranges of prices for the con-

trol box and timer, and the lights themselves in terms of the type and number you require. So a good plan means considering the various unique aspects of your yard and what you’d like to accomplish. 3. Advice: Get expert professional advice about the materials and design. We’ve been doing more lighting projects than ever before, so let us help. What you don’t want to do is end up with a confusing jumble of the wrong type of light that is worse than having no lighting at all. Everyone remembers Chevy Chase’s mega-illuminated house in the Christmas Vacation movie. You want to add a pleasing ambiance, not a fireball that can be seen from outer space or a fluorescent glare that gives your neighbours retina damage. Tasteful and discreet outdoor lighting can add an element of safety, beauty and elegance to your property that has been waiting there in the dark to be revealed. At City Gardens, we provide our customers with quality workmanship in a prompt, professional manner. Beautiful landscapes involve many decisions regarding design, plant selection, use of space and quality of construction. At City Gardens we have the knowledge and experience to do the job right, from the planning stages through to the final product. fls

A lot of homebuilders are satisfied with meeting minimum standards. Not DDD+ Construction. As Shawn Dodman puts it, “We always go steps further with extra trim work and lighting and give more attention to detail to make sure the customer is satisfied.” DDD+ Construction Ltd. also has a Drafting Consultant to help customers meet all their unique needs, and an Interior Design Consultant to help with the finer details.

A tradition continues Carman Dodman, the family patriarch and owner of the business, says he’s proud of all of his children for learning carpentry at a time when many people have turned their backs on the trades. “It’s always been my goal to pass down the skills of carpentry from generation to generation,” he says. Carman himself is a third-generation carpenter. A native of Chatham, Ont., he worked with his father and grandfather in construction, and, prior to moving to Saskatchewan almost 20 years ago, operated Dodman Homes with his brother, Dave. After the move to Saskatoon their interest in construction rekindled, beginning, as Shawn recalls it, with a friend of Carman’s asking for help putting down a hardwood floor. Other people discovered the Dodmans’ skills in the various trades. That led to further recommendations to other construction and renovation jobs, and soon, DDD+ Construction Ltd. was born.

Dedicated to customers

Home is where the heart is This family-owned construction businesses builds every home as though it’s their own BY FLS STAFF

our home should be the happiest place on Earth, the place where you feel tucked safely away from the hurly-burly world outside. DDD+ Construction Ltd. understands the importance of home. Maybe it’s because it’s a family-owned business itself, and who better understand the importance of home than a family? DDD+ Construction Ltd. gets its name from Carman, Vickie, Shawn and Paul Dodman, who founded the company in the 1990s. The three D’s represent the Dodman brothers and their father, the shareholders in the company. The “+” stands for all the other contributors. Since its inception, this small Saskatoon-based property-development, construction and renovation business has become not only successful, but even more importantly, highly respected. That’s because the Dodmans build every house as if they themselves were going to live in it. That quality of work and their friendly approach to business has led inevitably to a reputation for excellence and the business that comes from word-ofmouth referrals from satisfied clients.

DDD Construction Ltd

630 Wollaston Bay

Affordable prices, low labour rates, and the dedication of the owners and employees continue to attract customers to DDD+ Construction Ltd. As part of the New Home Warranty it offers, the company makes regular follow-up visits to homes after the homeowners have moved in to make sure everything is to their satisfaction. Again, it boils down to treating customers like they, too, were part of the Dodman family...and, like family, are welcome to call at any time. Cell phones are always turned, and one of the three co-owners is always available to answer questions and address concerns--ensuring customers that their voices are being heard during the process of building their home. The feeling of family includes employees as well as customers. “Being a smaller business, we have time to teach and train the employees to the best of our ability,” Shawn points out. “Also, we have control of the quality of our work. We are able to interact on a personal level and make them feel happy coming to work every day.” The new subdivisions DDD+ Construction Ltd. has developed in Clavet and Warman include lot surveys and infrastructure, and custom-built homes in a variety of styles: bungalows, bi-levels, and two-stories both with and without walkouts. We all have an image deep inside of our dream home, the place where we can relax, be ourselves, and be happy. The DDD+ Construction Ltd. family understands those dreams, and loves to turn them into reality...and has the experience, knowledge and vision to achieve that goal.

955-3310

www.ddd-construction.ca

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Only Ten Minutes From Home! Features: CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING, VAC. BLT IN/ATT, VAC POWER NOZZLE, GARAGE DOOR OPENER/CONTROL(S), DISHWASHER (BI), SUMP PUMP Inclusions: MICROWAVE, DISHWASHER Outdoor Area: DECK New construction on this 1361 sq ft raised bungalow with a view of the golf course in Warman. This new home on a large lot features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and main floor laundry. The master bedroom has a large walk in closet as well as his and hers sinks in the ensuite. Both bathrooms have in floor heat. Hardwood, tile, and carpet flooring throughout the home. The large kitchen has dark stained maple cabinets, granite counter-tops, under cabinet lighting, and a corner pantry. The 9' basement has oversized windows and is built with steel beam construction and an ICF foundation. The basement is also partially finished with a 28' x 18' family room. Additional upgrades include a finished concrete driveway, central air conditioning, central vacuum, a 12' x 20' rear deck with aluminum railings, and upgraded trim and door package. Stainless steel microwave and dishwasher included. Possession to be approximately Oct 1. New home warranty. For more information, call Margaret Baker, Century 21 Conexus Realty (306)341-1021

DDD Construction Ltd

630 Wollaston Bay

955-3310

www.ddd-construction.ca

With the right makeover, your grimy, messy garage can become the best rec-room you’ve ever had BY JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH

arages are known to be grimy, messy places; often an embarrassing sight you’d prefer your friends didn’t see. Saskatoon Custom Garages (SCG) is transforming garages into dens of organization. Owners Larry Westby and his wife, Elaine, started the business three years ago. Last year they added business partner Cliff Thiemann, and this past March Ken Pozniak joined the team. SCG take the biggest room in your house and puts in nice flooring and cabinets, so everything is put away. As a result, it becomes the best rec-room for the whole family. There’s even room for vehicles when all is said and done.

Garage floors With oil stains and dust, concrete always looks dingy; no matter how much you sweep, it’s always dusty. SCG uses a unique coating system that is absorbed into the concrete and thereby becomes part of it, Polyaspartic making it a permanent feature.

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This coating not only looks great, but provides a slip-resistant surface. It also protects the concrete against gasoline, water, salt, oil and antifreeze. The coating will not yellow or fade. Available in several colours, the coating can be applied in one day. You can walk on it six hours after application. Twentyfour hours after application, the floor is ready for vehicles and equipment. The coating is also perfect for pool decks, courtyards, basements and showrooms, and comes with a 15-year warranty. SCG does a lot of commercial applications of it, as well: for example, 12,000 square feet at Farm World in Kinistino. The company has also applied the coating to car-dealer show rooms, as well as some food-processing and watertreatment plants, which comes with a 5-year commercial warranty.

Cabinets The best way to personalize your storage space is with cabinets. Saskatoon Custom Garages carries several styles of cabinetry to suit your needs.

PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE

Reclaiming your garage

Hayley cabinets feature double 16-guage steel doors with piano hinges the entire length of the door. Each shelf can hold up to 500 pounds. The powder-coated finish is available in several dynamic colours. Many clients opt to match them to their recreational toys. For example, orange and black cabinets for the Harley lover. “Then you open your garage for your friends and, ‘Wow!’ They’re blown away,” says Westby. The cabinets have many configurations, including drawers and cabinets of various sizes for tools, utensils, or carmaintenance products. Slide-Lok cabinets are constructed of plywood, not particle board. They get their name from their patented dove-tail design. Each cabinet is easy to assembly by sliding the corresponding joints together.

They are available in do-it-yourself kits for customers to install themselves, or Saskatoon Custom Garages is happy to professionally install them, as it is all its products. Cabinet configurations are customized using SCG’s computerdesign centre to fit the customer’s lifestyle. Are you a golfer? You’ll want a big cabinet for your clubs. Got a motorcycle or snowmobile? Then you’ll want a wardrobe with a rod and hangers inside to hang up your motorcycle and sled gear, and a shelf for your helmets. And a drawer configuration can keep everything organized, from woodworking and automotive tools to gardening implements.

Slat wall and accessories A garage isn't complete without slat wall. Slat-wall baskets and hooks give the ultimate in flexibility for whatever you need to keep tidy and out of the way. The slat wall SCG carries is made of super tough PVC—the same material used in plumbing pipes. The material also won’t warp or get damaged by water. Accessories for the slat wall include brackets for holding baskets and hooks for hanging garden hoses, rakes or hand tools. It keeps things like brooms and rakes from taking up precious floor space. The slat wall is easy to use and install. The hooks and brackets snap into place for a firm grip. Some customers get slat wall installed inside their cabinetry, to keep brooms and rakes out of sight.

SCG also carries car lifts for storing vehicles, or up to four snowmobiles or ATVs.

Saskatoon Custom Garages An average two-car garage is 525 square feet. Many of SCG’s customers are calling because “they want that room back,” says Westby. For over 30 years, Westby and his wife operated Miele-Bosch Kitchen Centre on Circle Drive. Westby says he made a point of going out on deliveries to ensure the customer was happy and everything fit like it should. With his new business venture, he’s just as hands-on. He says he enjoys meeting with customers and helping them transform their garage into a beautiful, functional space for the whole family. Westby says some of his customers host large gatherings of family and friends in their new garages.

And why not? Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors can set up a flat-panel TV, as well as built-in

beer and wine coolers. It even has a beer keg system that keeps your beer, cold, fresh and bubbly for months. And in cold weather, a Redwell infrared heating system can make the garage a warm place to work or have fun. Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors is an authorized Redwell dealer. With Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors, you can find a place for everything and keep everything in its place. For a free in-garage consultation, call 933-4320. For more information click on www.slide-lokofsaskatoon.com. Or stop by and visit their beautiful showroom at 3122A Millar Ave. fls Saskatoon Custom Garage Interiors 3122A Millar Ave. 933-4320 www.slide-lokofsaskatoon.com

Consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; choice

This award-winning store offers the finest doors in Saskatoon...and more BY IAN GOODWILLIE

ince 1986, Saskatoon Doors & More has offered award-winning products and service to satisfy the homebuilding needs of the people of Saskatoon. As the name suggests, it has a strong focus on doors, but offer so much more. From your front door all the way to the hardware on your bedroom door, the expert staff of Saskatoon Doors & More offer you nothing less than their best when it comes to customer service and expertise in their field. And they have the Consumer Choice Award to prove it!

Saskatoon born and bred Saskatoon Doors & More opened its doors in the early â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s, and continues today with new owners at the helm. Currently, it is owned and operated by Ron

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Sielski and Tony Orosz, two men who have been in the construction industry for a number of years. Their decision to take over Saskatoon Doors & More came from a desire to be a part of something they could build for themselves, something that reflected their commitment to quality products and exceptional customer service. The business has grown to provide doors, windows and hardware to contractors, renovators, insurance contractors, homebuilders and homeowners alike. Whether the customer chooses exterior doors by Plygem or something from the in-house custom line of exterior doors, Saskatoon Doors & More stands behind its products 100 percent. With the facilities to provide custom exterior doors, Ron and Tony have the ability to provide any door to fit any entranceway, regard-

less of dimensions or personal tastes. The same is true of interior doors, where they can accommodate any frame or bi-fold request. And when it comes to selection for hardware, Saskatoon Doors & More is second to none. They offer the widest variety of both functional and aesthetic hardware designed to complete the look of any space, inside your home as well as outside. Saskatoon Doors & More also offers complete interior house packages for builders, featuring a variety of molding and hardware combinations to get the job done right. They are one of the few places in Saskatoon that offers a true interior pre-hung door that is, simply put, ready to be hung. All you need to do is pick out the right door.

Consumer Choice Award In May of 2010, Saskatoon Doors & More received a very high honour from the people of Saskatoon: they were given the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence. A sampled group of Saskatoon residents filled out a survey that discussed the quality of product and service of seven Saskatoon door and window contractors. From that group, Saskatoon Doors & More emerged as the top choice by the people of Saskatoon. The award was presented at a gala event held at TCU Place in May. What brings people back to Saskatoon Doors & More is quality, both of product and of staff. The staff of Saskatoon Doors & More work tirelessly with their clients to proved the best possible service in all circumstances. Their one-onone approach to customer service means that you always know who you are dealing with when you walk in the door, because you have developed a relationship with that person. While sales are the goal of any business, sales at Saskatoon Doors & More never come at the sacrifice of customer satisfaction or at the expense of a customer’s project. They care as much about the look of your home as you do. This is true for all customers, whether they are contractors who are in everyday looking for products for their most recent projects, or a weekend renovator wanting to update the look of his home. The goal is always the same for Ron and Tony: give customers the best possible

product that fits their needs. As much as they are in the business of selling doors and windows, the owners and staff of Saskatoon Doors & More are in the business of giving advice to those who need it when it comes to filling their needs.

If it’s not broken... What does the future hold for Saskatoon Doors & More? More of the same: the same quality products and the same quality service will always be readily available. The plan is to stay right here in Saskatoon and continue serving the people of this city as always. But that doesn’t mean there are not good changes on the horizon… Ron and Tony are always looking for new products to stock in their store and for new ways to customize products inhouse for their customers. There are always new designs to try out and new hardware to test. With staff who have years of experience under their belts and new staff always at the ready to learn the business, there is always someone at Saskatoon Doors & More ready to lend a helpful hand with any new project you have on the go.

Saskatoon Doors & Mor e 2 - 85 9 60th St. E. 24 2-75 50 www.saskatoondoors.ca

Expert Advice: Homes

Home ownership Ron Baliski Realty Inc. (RE/MAX) Clark Dziadyk (306) 227-2036 www.homesbycd.com clarkdziadyk@shaw.ca

ride of home ownership is the number-one reason why Canadians desire their own homes. There is no landlord looking over your shoulder. You are able to make home improvements knowing that any appreciation that results will be to your benefit. Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It’s making an investment in your future. In Canada, especially in the last few years, homes have appreciated considerably, and in doing so have added substantially to owners’ net worth. Unlike stocks and bonds, you get to live in your real-estate investment. Also, in Canada your principal residence is exempt from capital gains taxes.

Mortgage reduction builds equity Each month, part of your monthly payment is applied to the principal balance of your home loan, which builds your equity. You can borrow against a home’s equity for a variety of reasons such as home improvement, sending your kids to university or college, or starting a new business. Why pay off your landlord’s property when you can own your own? Homeowners accumulate wealth for the future while enjoying the benefits of a shelter that they can use, improve and sell. Their home is a safe haven for investment.

Are you ready to buy a home? First: do you have the financial resources? You should have five percent of the purchase price of a home for the down payment, but ideally even more. Are there other priorities in your life, e.g. starting a new business, which require your savings? If not, buying a home should be on your radar. Second: do you expect to stay in your new home for some time? Moving can be expensive and you will want to build some equity before having to relocate. Your job and home life should be stable.

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Ron Baliski (306) 221-0421 www.teambaliski.com

Reagan Baliski (306) 290-7377 www.homesbyrb.com

ronbaliskirealty@sasktel.net

reagan.baliski@sasktel.net

What can you afford? If you haven’t already gone through the mortgage pre-qualification process, you will need to meet with a lender or mortgage broker. They will establish how much of a mortgage you will qualify for. Mortgage rates vary considerably and it is paramount that you shop around for the best rate, terms and options. There’s an affordability calculator at www.remax-western.ca/calculators[1] that can help help you determine what monthly mortgage payment and the maximum mortgage you can manage. (Note: if you are buying a condo, the amount of your monthly assessment has a direct impact on how much you can afford to spend on your mortgage.) First-time homebuyers may want to take advantage of the federal government’s Home Buyers’ Plan. Under this plan, you may use up to $25,000 of your RRSP towards the purchase of a home. The money is tax-free as long as you pay it back in the next 15 years. Ask your RE/MAX Sales Associate for details. There are a lot of questions to ask when assessing features on a home. For instance, do you need several bedrooms, more than one bathroom, space for a home office, a twocar garage? Do you want air conditioning, storage or hobby space, a fireplace, a swimming pool? Do you have family members with special needs, and do you have or plan to have children? What about pets? Do you need a substantial backyard? Is there adequate storage space? Will any remodeling be required? Who provides cable, Internet, telephone and satellite services in the area? Is the house wired for each? How good is the cellphone reception? How much are property taxes? What about utlities? Does the house use gas or electric for heat and appliances—and how old are those appliances, anyway? Which ones are included? What major repairs has the house undergone, and when? How old is the roof ? Is

there any water damage to the basement or foundation? Have there ever been any insect or rodent problems? Older homes need to be carefully examined. Windows may need caulking or new sashes, bathroom tiles may need grouting, the home may need rewiring, or it may need a new hot water heater, or a new furnace.

Location, location, location When you’re considering the house’s location, ask yourself more questions. For example, how far will you be commuting, and what is the traffic like? Where will your children attend school? How will they get there? Are there recreational facilities and parks close by? Are you close to family and friends? Is safety or high crime an issue? Does this neighbouhood, for any reason, have a poor reputation? Are there privacy or noise concerns? (Visit at various times to check it out.) What else is nearby? (For example, apartment buildings, shopping centres, power lines, airports, commercial property, etc.) How does it impact the property? If there’s undeveloped land, what’s planned for it? What’s the economic climate like? Are businesses moving in? Is there government investment? Are people moving in or out of the neighbourhood? What is their age, income level and family size? In addition to the First Time Home Buyers’ Guide at www.remax-western.ca/firsttime-buyers-guide, RE/MAX also offers an online Space Planner at www.remax-western.ca/remax-space-planner.

With it, you can choose furniture to fit the exact measurements of the rooms in your home, experiment with different combinations, swap things around and try different styles until you’re satisfied with the result, then view and print out the best options, with all the measurements, just like an architect. Once you’re happy with your plan, save it for viewing at a later time, perhaps on-site while viewing your new dream home! fls

house & home

Solutions For Business ACCOUNTING | ADVISING | TRAINING BY WENDY LEMAUVIEL

ithin Saskatoon’s burgeoning economy, a new and unique service company is emerging, under the leadership of Marg Forbes and Peter Uchacz. The Forbes Solution Inc., which specializes in internal accounting, business advising & bookkeeper training, provides a valuable resource geared specifically for small to medium sized businesses.

The Company The Forbes Solution Inc. (TFS) began with Marg Forbes MSc CA in 2007, as a home based controllership consulting business. Marg identified small businesses have a significant disadvantage compared to larger businesses. “Large businesses have the resources to support the organization with a Controller or CFO who is part of the management team. Small businesses do not

have the resources for full time access to this financial expertise.” The Forbes Solution Inc. makes that expertise affordable for small businesses through part-time controllership services. Through her consulting, Marg also identified that small businesses struggle to maintain accurate records and timely information required for decision making. Marg’s husband, Peter Uchacz B.Admin, joined her as business partner & General Manager in 2009 and they moved the growing business out of their home. Today the company has expanded to a group of ten individuals, with varied professional skills and expertise related to internal accounting & management. The combined skill set has proven invaluable for working with the business owner in finding the right solution for the specific challenges facing their organization.

We work with the business, not just the books” has become a founding principle at The Forbes Solution Inc. This underlines the corporate philosophy that a successful business requires more than just good accounting records, it also needs financial expertise and experienced management know-how.

The Principals Marg holds a Master of Science in Accounting and has over twenty years of experience working as a Chartered Accountant and university professor. In 2007 she left her position at the University of Saskatchewan as the Director of the Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) Program to dedicate herself full time to her consultancy practice, The Forbes Solution. Marg has also worked as

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house & home

Accounting The Forbes Solution Inc. is raising the bar with professional, full time bookkeepers

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that work with year-end accountants to create an enhanced level of service for mutual clients. In building the team, Marg recognized that it takes the right personality to like bookkeeping. Bookkeepers at TFS do books well because they enjoy doing it. They are highly trained and committed to their individual client’s success. TFS provides the accurate information needed for tax filing and does a lot of the work that is burdensome to the year-end accountant. This allows them more time to deal with issues such as tax planning, growth strategy and structuring of the business. As mentioned previously, small businesses PHOTOS BY GINA’S PORTRAITS

a professional speaker and workshop facilitator in the areas of generational differences and emotional intelligence, subjects she became interested in during her years of teaching. Today Marg combines her practical approach with these “touchyfeely” subjects to provide her clients with workable solutions to tough issues facing businesses today. Peter began his career with 12 years as Owner/Manager of his family’s meat processing business. After selling this business and graduating with his Bachelor of Administration Degree, he worked as a Sales Manager for Xerox Office Equipment and managed print production in an independent print shop. After moving to Saskatchewan, he took a position as Dealer Development Manager for Cover-All Building Systems, responsible for the east coast of the United States. He then spent 7 years as the Product Support Manager for Redhead Equipment Ltd. in Saskatoon, overseeing the construction of a new facility and assimilation of two company branches into that new location. Over a span of 35 years, these varied experiences have given Peter an in-depth understanding of the internal dynamics and management of small business. He currently oversees operations at TFS and consults with clients, in the areas of business set-up, general management, product costing and profitability analysis. Marg and Peter are both originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Marg came to Saskatoon briefly in the early 1990’s to obtain her Master’s Degree at the University of Saskatchewan, and then returned to her tenured position as professor at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. They reminisce about walking along the Broadway Bridge and how they fell in love with Saskatoon at that time. When a job opportunity presented itself for Peter in the late 1990’s, they made the decision to make the big move west to Saskatoon. In Peter’s words, “We love the entrepreneurial spirit here which was present long before the current boom. [In my opinion,] by comparison, Saskatoon is void of many big national companies, as they focus on Alberta and Manitoba. What we see here are more grassroots, big companies – the mentality of ‘it’s not here, so we have to build it’. We get excitement out of working with these types of companies. Business is definitely in our blood.”

do not have the resources that large businesses have. The TFS philosophy is that the bookkeeper needs to provide accurate reporting, tailored to their client’s specific needs on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, not just year-end. What about taxes? It’s important to note that TFS does not do personal or corporate tax returns, Notice to Reader, audit or review. Although Marg is a Chartered Accountant, the company has chosen to focus on bookkeeping as a result of seeing a need to fill the gap between the entrepreneur and year-end accountant.

The Forbes Solution is not just a name, it’s a part of the business philosophy. Marg and Peter recognized that although there are many similarities between businesses, individual circumstances and goals require individual solutions. That is why it’s important to them to listen to their clients and assist them in identifying the solution that best fits their needs. Adding an advisor from TFS is, to many clients, like adding another member to the client’s management team. They take the time to get to know what drives the owner and what s/he needs. This is vital to tracking and charting a course for the business. Too often short-term profit is the only measure of success, at the risk of the overall health of the business. The Forbes advisor works with the client to examine such things as financial strength and staff productivity & training. They assist in examining everything from the product and personnel to cash-flow. The solution might require improvements in processes, procedures and policies or training and reorganizing of personnel. The goal is to find the unique solution for their clients’ particular needs.

Training With Marg’s past experience and continued love for teaching, it comes as no surprise that training is a key element at TFS. The Forbes Solution provides one-on-one training to ensure the client’s accounting personnel have the skills to use their software, whether QuickBooks®, Simply Accounting®, or an industry specific program. They work with the client to set up a chart of accounts and standardized entries that make sense to their business and remove the mystery out of bookkeeping and financial statements. New this fall, TFS has expanded into classroom training for QuickBooks® Level 1, including bookkeeping instruction and best practices. With her 20 years’ experience as a Chartered Accountant and educator, Marg has tailored this course for maximum knowledge retention in adult learning. Real life examples and practical application are used in a personal, relaxed learning environment, which provides each student with an effective, hands-on-experience. QuickBooks® Level 2 and Simply Accounting® levels 1 & 2 are planned to commence in the New Year. With a year of rapid expansion behind them, the Forbes team is positioned well and looking forward with excitement to serving the growing business sector in Saskatoon.

PHOTOS BY GINA’S PORTRAITS

Advising

What our clients have to say... “The Forbes Solution has the resources to make things happen. I have come to rely on Marg as a partner in our business. Her skills in finding solutions to cash flow predicaments, corporate planning and sticky H.R. situations have been absolutely invaluable. Having an accountant who is so intuitive with human behavior is rare.” –Arlene Jorgenson, CEO HEALTHSERV SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan’s Largest Occupational Health Services Provider

“The Forbes Solution has been providing contract controllership services to the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association and related companies for two years. Their professionalism and high level of service have added an enhanced degree of accountability to our Board and our members. Innovative improvements to our office procedures have been implemented that have raised the bar for our internal accounting, reporting and maximized productivity. I have no hesitation in recommending the services of The Forbes Solution for any business looking for more useful financial information.” –Allan Thomarat, CEO SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION SASKATOON “…knowing that we have the support of The Forbes Solution relieves tremendous stress from our already busy schedule. The professional and organized nature of their company makes them very easy to work with. We have grown to heavily rely on The Forbes Solution for all of our bookkeeping, and employee recruitment needs and would highly recommend them to any and all businesses.” –Scott Faulkner, Owner INNOVATIVE HEATING & COOLING LTD. Residential Plumbing & Home Comfort Systems

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Rock Ridge Homes Inc. Quality custom homes built for generations to come BY LISSA ROBINSON

hink luxury—perhaps a beautiful estate near the historic town of Osler, an elegant starter home, or a Victorian-style mansion with a spectacular view of the South Saskatchewan River. Or just imagine architectural stone accents, a staircase rimmed with metal and glass balustrades, or a highly crafted kitchen laced with marble, dark wood and stainless steel. This is the world of Jason Doell, CEO/President of Rock Ridge Homes Inc. and homebuilder for clients with a penchant for living in the house of their dreams. He began the business in 2005 when two sets of strangers arrived unexpectedly on his doorstep to contract his services. Driven by his passion for carpentry and a blue collar upbringing, Doell says it took the construction of five or six residences—including three of his own—before he saw himself as a custom builder. “My Grandfather was an amazing carpenter—though not by trade,”

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says the thirty-eight former IT sales manager, who put his own carpentry skills to the test by renovating a new home in Osler for his wife and children in 1996. The couple found the perfect house in Holdfast, but it wasn’t quite in the right spot. As ambitious as it may seem, the house was uprooted, moved and then newly planted in the historic town of Osler. Once gutted, Doell worked hard in his spare time to completely renovate and refinish their new home. A year later, the Doell family sold the house, built a new home and then started the process all over again—twice.

High Demand Along with his love of architecture and design, Doell is a skilled carpenter. While continuing to work full time, Doell built three of his own homes and was in high demand by family and friends for builds and reno-

vations. It was this string of personal projects that brought strangers to his door and led him to pursue his passion. With lots of encouragement from his wife and a chance meeting with master cabinet maker, Dan Paul—Doell left his job and took on the new venture. It turned out that Dan Paul’s career had taken a similar path. In 1983, Paul received a certificate in carpentry at Kelsey. Due to the slow construction industry at that time, he took on other work full time and began his own business by doing cabinetry work for family and friends. By the time he met Doell, he was ready to take the cabinetry business to the next level. Doell and Paul incorporated Ridge Rock Homes that year. Together they have built a very successful New Home Custom Builder and Renovation business which operates three divisions: 1) Custom Homes/Renovations, 2) Custom Cabinetry and 3) Electrical Contracting.

With over 60 well built homes enrolled in our program, there has been nothing but accolades from their homeowners and suppliers alike. As Rock Ridge Homes Inc. recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, the company continues to garner acclaim for its unique designs, high quality building standards and meticulous craftsmanship. Among its various accolades and industry designations, Rock Ridge Homes Inc. is on the RBC and the TD Bank National Preferred Builder lists, as well as one of the preferred partners of the Canadian Alliance of Residential Builders. As an added benefit and a nod to its high quality standards, every home built by Rock Ridge Homes Inc. is backed by the Progressive Home Warranty Program.

“Jason and Dan of Rock Ridge Homes have been members of the Progressive Home Warranty program since June of 2005. Their membership is one which has been in excellent standing since we began our partnership. With over 60 well built homes enrolled in our program, there has been nothing but accolades from their homeowners and suppliers alike. Rock Ridge Homes prides themselves’ on building great relationships with our staff and are well respected builders in our program and in their community where they live and build quality homes. Our onsite assessors have high praise for the quality of construction and customer service that Rock Ridge Homes has proven. Progressive Home Warranty is proud to call Rock Ridge Homes a partner as well as what we consider one of the marquis builders to our warranty program.” –John Eaton B.Mgt| Director of Sales Progressive Home Warranty

Doell admits that Rock Ridge doesn’t do a lot of marketing, noting that as part of the consultative process he does let prospective customers tour completed homes. Most of their clients arrive at the company’s door by

PHOTOS BY GINA’S PORTRAITS

Garnering acclaim

recommendation and word of mouth. A reputation built on product rather than on marketing takes time, but Doell believes that strong client relationships lead to new business. He tries to find out what his clients want, and then works to make it happen. Some builders might dread a change or suggestion to the plans, but both partners seem to welcome the challenge. Attention to detail and giving the client exactly what they want is the foundation of the company. Everyone at Rock Ridge makes the home great, and if it isn’t—then it’s done until it is great.

Getting it right the first time Chances are that most people will only build one dream home in their lifetime. You want a custom builder who will get it right the first time. Doell and Paul emphasize that there is total transparency in their design and build process. Homeowners can expect no surprises, upgrades or add-ons after their house is planned and built. A true custom home is one in which a client works with the designer to create a plan that is uniquely suited to the homeowner. Throughout the process, the client will design the layout and size of the rooms, and select everything that goes into the house, from the flooring, to the fixtures and to where the rooms are placed. Doell and Paul have hired the best tradesmen and artisans to work on their custom builds and renovations. All of Rock Ridge’s sub-trades are in-house or exclusive to the company. Although a lot of builders do prefer to hire the lowest bidder to keep the overhead low, both partners agree that the consistency and continuity that comes from a quality team make it worth the expense. Although many people assume custom homes are a lot more expensive than buying a ready-made, Doell and Paul are quick to respond that custom homes often costs less than buying on the open market. Rock Ridge’s pricing policy is attractive. The prices are not market driven but based on a fee for service. Rock Ridge determines the cost of the materials and labour and that is the cost to the customer. In addition, their basic specs are set at a level higher than industry standard. It is their competitive pricing and passion for creating distinct living spaces that has catapulted Rock Ridge Homes Inc. rapidly to popularity.

“In October, 2008, my wife, Dina, and I decided to renovate our home. Our main area of concern was the kitchen. After looking at a number of different cabinet companies we finally chose Rock Ridge Cabinets. The decision to choose Rock Ridge was easy after comparing products to the other cabinet manufacturers. Their attention to detail was very noticeable, the quality of material was superior, and the assembly was flawless. The installation crew came in on the day promised, and did a beautiful job. They were very pleasant and cleaned up any mess that had been made during the process. The whole experience was absolutely painless. The only thing better than the quality of the cupboards, was the way in which the staff treated us. It was a pleasure to deal with such a fine company. Dan Paul and Jason Doell have done a great job and are highly respected in the home building and cabinet industry. Thank you very much to Jason, Dan and the staff of Rock Ridge for a job well done. It's not often where one gets to deal with a company that makes you feel so important and respected. This company goes above and beyond normal expectations.” –Rick Casavant, Warman Home Centre For more information, contact Rock Ridge Homes at: 239-2229 or please visit their website at www.rockridgehomes.ca fls

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They insist on the highest level of craftsmanship for their clients that will last for generations to come. In celebration of their fifth year anniversary, every house booked in 2010 will include a six-zone audio system, valued at $10,000 to $15,000; and every set of cabinets booked in 2010 will receive a free upgrade to softclose hinges and drawer slides.

Expert Advice: Properties

Roofing Ryan McClelland Rapid Roofing Solutions (306) 260-8492

omeowners looking for high-performance shingles with an upscale look will usually choose architectural roofing. The multi-layer laminate is the most popular architectural shingle. Its shake-like styling and extraordinary protection make it a good choice for value and return on investment. Warranties range from 30 to 40 years up to lifetime.

While felt paper is the traditional underlayment, there are three major issues with it. First, it is susceptible to buckling due to heat, causing waves in the roof. Second, because it is not breathable it can actually cause damage to the roof and add heat to the underside of the shingle. Lastly, it tears easily.

The more traditional square-cut three-tab shingles are easily matched to many different home styles, providing curb appeal, long-term durability and proven performance in all kinds of weather. Warranties range from 25 to 30 years.

Synthetic roofing underlayment materials serve the same function as a secondary weather barrier as felt paper, but with better resistance to tearing, moisture and ultraviolet raysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fully breathable. Synthetics are typically polypropylene, polyester or fibreglass fabric.

Underlayment is mandatory with most shingles sold today. Underlayment reduces the risk of water infiltration due to wind-driven rain, missing windblown shingles and shingles that are torn or cracked due to natural aging.

Eave protection is best, starting with a metal drip edge that is nailed at the bottom of the roof edge to facilitate proper water drainage. This is one of the most crucial areas of a roof. Considerable damage can be caused to the eaves as a re-

sult of ice build-up during winter freeze/thaw cycles. Ice-and-water shield is a special water-resistant material that protects your eaves and should be used in valleys as well. A properly ventilated attic will keep your roofdeck and insulation dry, dissipate heat build-up in the attic, minimize the potential for ice dams, and extend the life of your shingles. Finally, nailing is very important. With rapidfire air-nailers it is easy to place a nail crooked or toe-nailed, which will cause the shingle to not lay flat. Wind will get under and lift the shingle until it is weak enough to break or blow off. Nails should always be driven in straight and flush to the surface. Whether you are renovating or building new, you are assured top-quality work when choosing Rapid Roofing Solutions. fls

A rare mixture Family paint business is rooted in good customer service and enduring quality product BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

n June 28, 1917, William Smith of Adanac dipped his fountain pen into an ink well to issue a cheque to J. O. Day Ltd. for painting his house. Jack Oakes Day, a very proper Englishman, cleaned his brushes, straightened his tie, tucked the considerable sum of $160.50 into his suit jacket, and headed back to Saskatoon. Neither customer nor painter could know it was the official beginning of a business that would span more than nine decades. Days Paints continues today as a rare mixture of family values, steadfast quality product and good customer service. In 1911, when he arrived in Canada, J.O. began plying—or rather applying—his trade as a master painter, taking on work at the University of Saskatchewan. After striking out on his own six years later, he ran his contract painting operation until the

end of the Second World War. On his way to visit son Harry on the west coast, a car accident near Rosetown incapacitated him, and while he lay in hospital, Harry came back to manage the business. “My grandfather was never the same after the accident,” says Rick Day as he holds the framed 1917 cheque, “so my Dad, even though he was an engineering graduate from the University of Saskatchewan, took over the company. My brother and I grew up in the business, too.”

First retail outlet in 1947 By the end of war, Harry had changed the name to Days Paints Ltd. He opened the first retail outlet in about 1947 in Saskatoon, largely as a supplier for the contracting side. Large painting contracts during the 1950s, like University Hospital, kept

the business going strong. In 1954, Harry opened a retail outlet in Edmonton, operated by a manager. Paint giant Benjamin Moore was moving into western Canada and had an eye on the Day family. “Benjamin Moore encouraged my father to open up in Edmonton, the first outlet in Alberta. We were the first in Saskatchewan so our Benjamin Moore connections go way back. It’s more than loyalty,” Rick notes. “The company has a great product that we’re proud to sell.” It was during some of the larger contracts that Harry Day traveled to a trade show in Chicago. He returned with a handy little tool that revolutionized the paint industry. “They did it all: walls, ceilings, trim, everything but the floors. So that was a pretty big advantage,” recalls Rick. “He was anxious to try it on the new University Hospi-

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Rolling over the competition That “big advantage” catapulted the Day company well ahead of its competition. It didn’t take too long before everyone was using paint rollers, but it helped firmly establish Days Paints as a leader in the painting industry. Still, despite a booming business, Harry Day always put family first. “Growing up, we never talked paint at the dinner table,” laughs Rick. “My father was very involved in the community. He had had a busy life outside of work. Paint was not his first love, but like most young people at the time, he was expected to work for his father when he wasn’t in school.” Harry’s oldest son, John, joined the business in 1966 and was sent to Edmonton to work in the store up there. Rick came on board in the early ’70s and worked in the contracting end of the business, where he became a journeyman painter. The management of the company was passed along to John and Rick in 1978. At one time, three Days Paints locations served Saskatoon, but in 1987 the family consolidated and built their single sizable building at the Second Avenue location. Paint is a fashion product, says Rick. “It really gives you the most bang for your buck and it’s something you can apply yourself. When decorating your home, of course there’s the feeling of the satisfaction you get by doing it yourself.”

The metamorphosis of paint Paint itself has undergone a metamorphosis and research has made it safer and easier to use. In the beginning, paints were all oil-based. Then manufacturers began mass-producing solvent-based alkyd paints. As a result,up until the 1960s, there wasn’t a lot of do-it-yourself work because the paints were so caustic. Manufacturers recognized a huge untapped market, and in order to get products into the consumers’ hands, they developed waterbased latex paints. They started out poorly in terms of finishes, durability, and washability, but, with more research, latex improved. Environmental regulations forced companies to eventually eliminate the volatile organic compounds (VOC) to make them much more green and user-friendly. In fact, as of September 2012 there will be no oil-based paints sold that do not meet strict regulations. Rick credits two forces for the success of Days Paints: the enduring aspect of the product and the company’s steadfast reputation for good customer service.

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PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

tal contract. It was the paint roller! That eliminated the slow and tedious work that was done with a brush up until then.”

An emphasis on family The emphasis on family was something designer Michelle Rowlett came to appreciate as soon as she joined Days Paint in 2003. Michelle, who is now a co-owner with Rick’s son-in-law, Rick Pilon, remembers getting a call from her son’s Grade 1 teacher at the beginning of the school year. He wasn’t settling in well during his first days away from his mom. “As I was on the phone, Rick Day was painting the ceiling in the design studio,” she says, “and he simply said, ‘You’re a mother first and you need to go look after your boy. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine!’ That’s the type of atmosphere here. We don’t open on holidays or Sundays because family time is important. Staff get together socially; Lorrie and Norm are staff members who have been here 30, 40 years. We are family and that extends to our customers, too.”

PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE PHOTOGRAPHY

The paint industry has done a good job of continuing to improve its products to meet the needs of the consumer. A lot of building materials have become obsolete. Over the years, paint has been able to retain and even grow in popularity. “Our customers rely on us to help them make an informed decision by providing exceptional service through our knowledgeable staff,” says Rick. “Paint is readily available. We need to give the customer a reason to come to us.”

Days Paints products and services include: • Michelle Rowlett, IDT, Interior Design Consultant for residential, commercial applications; • Selection of works by local artists, including Jackie Miller. • Computer colour matching; • In-home/in-store colour consultations; • Delivery service; • Furniture finishes; • Custom colour oil and latex aerosols;

Days Paints 701 2nd A venue N. Ge neral inquiries : 665-6366 Design inquiries : 244-4721

• Environmental paint products • Hunter Douglas window coverings; • Large selection of designer fabrics for custom-made drapery, upholstery and bedspreads; • Complete selection of tools to help your project run smoothly and safely;

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Not your ordinary backyard The indoors is moving outdoors with the growing trend toward outdoor rooms BY CAROL TODD

o longer limited to a simple patio or deck, upscale homeowners are increasingly broadening the scope of their imaginations—and their yards—to incorporate outdoor kitchens and recreation areas that are extensions of interior spaces. There is no hard data, but a stroll through any of the major box stores, with their numerous displays of canopies, modern outdoor furniture and massive barbecues, offers a glimpse into the growing trend in exterior design—the outdoor room. More and more people are putting down major coin for outdoor kitchens, spas and living areas to provide elegant exterior focal points for family and friends. An outdoor room can be any area that includes cooking and eating spaces, often combined with a hearth or outdoor fire fea-

ture, like a fireplace, fire pit or chimney. Some outdoor rooms even resemble indoor kitchens, with counter space and food preparation areas, complete with sinks and plumbing. It's even possible to add a dishwasher and a refrigerator. Whether it be a basic umbrella-topped area on a deck or patio or a major structure, there is a growing movement to make outdoor living spaces more like those inside the house. The sky is almost literally the limit, with outdoor rooms incorporating hardscape features like brick or stone columns, louvered wood privacy panels, stone or other flooring and more. Amenities such as draperies, rugs, lighting, a heating component for cool evenings, upgraded and landscaping/gardening features, pools or spas and full kitchens with coun-

tertops, storage and plumbing, even hardwired electrical features like overhead fans and built-in stereo systems, are becoming commonplace.

Add living space, add value Luke Rempel, owner of City Gardens Landscape Construction, says outdoor rooms not only increase the homeowners’ useable living area, they also add to the value of the home. “The number-one reason people build an outdoor room is to enhance the usability of the space that’s available in the yard. And many people are also using them

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to help unlock the value of their homes,” he says. Rempel says that people are also weighing the cost benefit of owning a cottage in Saskatchewan versus spending money on an outdoor room. For example, he points out that lakefront cottages can run up to $300,000, and are often used only a few weekends each summer. “When you get there you have to do a lot of work on upkeep rather than relaxing. Spending $100,000 on your back yard may seem like a lot of money, but once you start shopping around, you’d be impressed with

what you can get for $100,000, and that’s a space you can use every single day,” he says. The size of the yard is largely irrelevant when considering an outdoor room. Large yards can be broken up into different areas: one for cooking and another for relaxing and visiting with friends and family, a pool or spa area, or any combination the homeowner desires. Small yards can become complete outdoor retreats, with all the elements under one roof, so to speak. The first step in developing an outdoor room is to decide where it is going to be located within your yard. Make sure to take into account the direction of the sun, the prevailing wind, existing buildings and/or trees or shrubs, and your need for privacy. You’ll want the room where it won’t be continually blasted by the wind or seared by the sun; and you’ll want to make sure you and your neighbours can both enjoy the space in peace. The area can be set apart from the rest of your yard in any number of ways, from stone or brick columns to statuary or potted plants at the corners, or simply defined by the supports for an awning. In most cases, these surrounding features will also form the base for whatever cover you decide upon, one of the other key components, and essential to keeping the rain, or sun, off.

Popular elements In addition to corners, walls or other elements to define the space, and the cover to protect it and you, the other main elements

of an outdoor room can include, but aren’t limited to: • Privacy features like lattice or louvers, to not only help define the space but keep it yours alone. • Flooring, which can be anything from paving stone to decking to concrete. The new outdoor carpets have come a long way from the old green plastic. They are surprisingly soft, and available in an array of fabrics, styles and colours. More than just a cover for the flooring, a beautiful rug can

also help define the space and form the basis for the room’s decor. • Potted planters, which can also help define the space and bring the garden into the outdoor room, adding texture and colour. A glazed ceramic pot with citronella or lemon balm with colourful lemon-gem marigolds will add colour and help keep the mosquitoes away. Remember to take ceramic or clay pots inside over the winter; they’ll most likely crack if left outside in the cold. • Outdoor furniture, which has also come a long way. The list is almost endless and en-

compasses both man-made and natural products. Consider not only comfort, but durability and maintenance when choosing furniture for your outdoor room. Check wood products to ensure the wood was harvested sustainably. • Draperies and cushions, which reflect your personal taste and add drama and colour to your outdoor space. The new outdoor fabrics have excellent stain and fade resistance, and are available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. They are also great for indoor furniture that takes a lot of abuse. If the

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fabric is not specified for outdoor use, it can be treated with products such as Crypton or Nanotex for protection and durability. • Lighting, which also helps define the area, and adds emphasis, drama and colour. From simple candle arrangements all the way to hard-wired fixtures, lighting can do more than just illuminate. • Statuary or other accents like fountains, which can help make your outdoor room a reflection of your personal taste. In addition to the barbecue or other cooking means, a heat source is considered an integral part of an outdoor room, and can be anything from a simple fire pit to a naturalgas fireplace built in as part of the room’s “walls.” It can provide a focal point for the area, as well as the means to take the edge off a cool summer night. (Note: the City of Saskatoon has a bylaw governing the placement and use of fire pits—check to ensure yours is in keeping with the law.)

Work with a plan and a pro Whatever you decide to do, Rempel advises working from a detailed plan and with a professional to ensure you get all the details right. One of those details homeowners may not immediately consider is drainage. Hardscape features like concrete or brick or even decking can affect the way the water drains within and out of your property, and needs to be carefully factored into your plan. Homeowners also need to consider whether the improvements they plan will need a permit from the City, especially if they’re considering major structural, electrical or significant plumbing work. Big or small, extensive hardscaping or just a few extra cushions and matching umbrella, an outdoor room can add value to your home and enjoyment to your summer, offering an enjoyable alternative to a cottage or destination vacation, all with the comforts of home. fls

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Where’s the cup? The Blades excel at developing young players into stars...but a championship would be nice! BY LES LAZARUK SPORTS DIRECTOR, SASKATOON MEDIA GROUP PLAY-BY-PLAY VOICE OF THE SASKATOON BLADES

ike Green, Devin Setoguchi, Darcy Hordichuk, Cory Sarich, Garnet Exelby, Wade Belak. All of the above-mentioned are currently playing in the NHL and had their names called in the Entry Draft while playing major junior hockey for the Saskatoon Blades. Wendel Clark, Bernie Federko, Brent Ashton, Tim Cheveldae, Rhett Warrener, Richard Matvichuk, Curtis Leschyshyn, Tony Twist, Brian Glynn, Trent Yawney, Joey Kocur, Dave Brown, Marc Habscheid, Bob Bourne. All of the above-mentioned had stellar NHL careers after cutting their teeth with the Blades.

Despite all of those “star” names coming through Saskatoon, the city’s franchise has yet to win a WHL championship. So, is the Blades’ obvious ability to develop young men into adults…prepared for the rigors of professional hockey and beyond…a consolation for not having won a title in the 46 previous seasons of the franchise’s operation?

A source of pride “I think it’s a real source of pride. It’s not a consolation,” president, governor and member of the Blades’ family ownership group Jack Brodsky states emphatically.

“You don’t just get into (owning a major junior hockey club) for a championship and development “When you look at the Midget AAA players that come through the system, it’s all about, yeah, you want to win a championship. That’s one thrust. The other thrust is to develop players, and there is a great deal of pride in that and there is a great deal of a sense of accomplishment that comes from doing that. “It’s not a consolation at all. It’s what we do. What we do is develop players to go on to the next level. It’s a separate thrust. It’s a separate goal that (we) have.” However, the lack of a championship

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banner in the rafters gnaws at the fans…in a couple of different ways! One is the overall history. The Saskatoon Blades were a charter member of the Canadian Hockey League (the initial name of the Western Hockey League) back in the fall of 1966. The league was a renegade group of five Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League teams, plus clubs from Edmonton and Calgary, that broke away from Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey Association. In 44 seasons, the Blades have been the only franchise to continuously operate as a member of the major junior loop. Only five times have they qualified for the league final…losing all of them: in 1973 (to Medicine Hat), ’75 (New Westminster), ’76 (New Westminster), ’92 (Kamloops) and ’94 (Kamloops). The second frustrating thing for Saskatoon hockey fans is that last loss in the WHL final in 1994 to the Blazers (Game 7 was an 8-1 loss in Kamloops), which left a lingering sour taste in the mouths of many. The on-ice product in the last

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16 seasons hasn’t done much to wash that taste away…missing the playoffs six times and never advancing past the second round after only four first-round successes.

More determined than ever This past spring’s six-game loss to the Memorial Cup host, the Brandon Wheat Kings, was the latest second-round playoff setback for the Bridge City Bunch. What it has done is make General Manager and Head Coach Lorne Molleken more determined than ever. “The end result is something you strive for in winning a championship,” explains Molleken, entering the seventh season of his second tenure of directing the Blades’ on-ice fortunes (his first go-round was four seasons from 1991-94). “It’s probably one of the most difficult trophies to win, the Memorial Cup. We feel, here in Saskatoon, that we’re moving in the right direction. We have a number of really good, young guys with all kinds of potential. We have a good mixture of veteran players. “(A big thing, too) is the development of these guys and getting them ready to move on to the National Hockey League or professional level,” says Molleken, “If not, hoping they go to a Canadian university and take some (classes) that will help down the road.” The Saskatoon Blades have a mission statement…and president Jack Brodsky stands by it. “We want to win a championship, we want to provide enterAutumn 2010

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tainment for our fans and we want to help give players a chance to develop, to go on and do the things that they want to do as they go on in life… “And not necessarily in that order.”

A new season begins The Blades’ 47th season…45th in the Western Hockey League…is underway. However, Molleken is likely still tinkering with his roster. Back-to-back winning seasons (49 wins, 18 losses, five extratime losses for 103 points in 2008-09 and 46-19-7 for 99 points in 2009-10) have resulted in 15 players being drafted or invited to NHL rookie camps this fall. Ten of those are potential members of this year’s Bridge City Bunch, although most “campers” were expected to be back in Saskatoon by now. Five of the NHL try-out players were 20-year-olds: defencemen Teigan Zahn and Jyri Niemi, along with forwards Marek Viedensky, Gaelan Patterson and Randy McNaught. Goaltender Steven Stanford and forwards Sena Acolatse, Travis Toomey and Jeremy Boyer are “overage” players not attending NHL camps. Regardless of who has been returned to the Blades and who is still in town, Molleken has decisions to make, because WHL teams are restricted to only three players on their roster born in 1990…with October 15 the deadline to get down to that number.

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When your travel consulant is as passionate about travel as you are, expect memorable experiences BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”— St. Augustine

lmost as exhilarating and fascinating as the journey itself is the preparation for it, a time filled with anticipation about a world of possibilities. Whether it's for a special long-desired trip, or the treks of a frequent traveller, the planning that goes into a holiday can ensure that each andevery adventure feels like a once in lifetime experience. No one understands this better than Sharon Kaendo, owner of Leisure Travel 2000. She spoke with Fine Lifestyles on the eve of a journey to Turkey, an exotic locale she fell in love with on her first visit, earlier in 2010. An extensive traveler, Sharon has been in the travel industry since 1982. In 1998, she took solo flight and opened Leisure Travel 2000 as a locally operated, independent travel service. After seeing so many parts of the world, she is still fascinated by how many more

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places there are to discover, and she has every intention of experiencing as many as possible, some as host for the various packages through Leisure Travel 2000.

Cruising attitude With a particular interest in cruise vacations, she and her husband, Friets, often host a variety of such experiences. Her first cruise long ago was a 12-day excursion in the Caribbean. “I absolutely loved it and it is still a particular passion of mine,” she says. “There’s a lot of water on the planet so there’s just about no place you cannot go,” says Sharon, who has booked anywhere from three-day cruises to 82day portions of world voyages. “There are cruises to try like the Caribbean or Mexico, where it’s fun and easy to do. You may find yourself, as many do, graduating to other kinds of cruises once

PHOTO BY GRANT ROMANCIA

A passion for travel

PHOTOS BY VIKING RIVER CRUISES

you get your feet wet. Antarcita, for example, appeals to the traveller who wants a unique learning experience. The perception once was that lots of time and money were necessary for a cruise; it was a vacation only the rich could enjoy. That, says Sharon, is definitely no longer true, and she points out that many cruises are equal to, or even less cost than, a land vacation. “They’re not just for the rich and famous anymore!” she laughs. “Cruising is a great way to see different destinations. Some offer very short port stays, while others are more in depth ports of call on the itinerary. Many have naturalists as well as other experts on board who give presentations on the various destinations. “There are many styles of cruising to choose from,” Sharon continues, “so it’s very important to talk with your Leisure Travel 2000 travel consultant before you decide which is the right cruise for you.”

Rolling on the river River cruising is the fastest growing segment of the cruise industry, and Sharon will be hosting one such adventure in the spring (see sidebar for details). River cruising is just what the name implies: a cruise on a river instead of the ocean, an experience popular in Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. Those who river cruise may have already taken trips with the larger ocean lines, or they might be first timers. River cruising includes port excursions at every stop, often with time to take an optional excursion or free time to explore on one's own the culture of the destination. “One of the wonderful things about river cruising,” says Sharon, “is there are no big lineups for loading or disembarking. When they dock, you’re usually right in the middle of the town and you simply walk off to enjoy the area. We did a beautiful river cruise in France in December 2008.” With luxury-line river cruising, Sharon notes, prices go up, not down as the departure date nears. Early booking is the

time to take advantage of better prices. Often two-for-one deals can be had with early bookings for luxury river cruises, with airfares or without. Heed Sharon’s advice and book early for this type of vacation. Though she’s been to many destinations around the globe, and it’s tough to pick just one favourite, Southeast Asia holds a special place in her memory. On her “to-see” list are Egypt and Antarctica.

Along with Sharon, Leisure Travel 2000 staff—Helen, Marshal and Stephanie— specialize in several areas of expertise and travel experience to ensure each customer’s travel needs are met.

I mp e r i a l J e we l s o f C hin a R iv er Cru is e May 25, 2011

PHOTOS BY VIKING RIVER CRUISES

Sharon’s involvement in the travel industry is varied. She serves on the Advisory Council for Vacation.com Western Canada, North America's largest vacation-selling network. She is the Saskatchewan Council Chair for the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) and is on its National Board of Directors. She is also a Certified Adventure Travel and Sandals Resorts Specialist.

Join Sharon as she hosts a phenomenal itinerary that presents China’s key highlights in 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, China’s most modern city. Cruise the legendary

Leisure Travel 2000 Inc. #1 - 325 Third Ave. N. 956-3000 Toll-free: 1-877-956-3030 www.leisuretravel2000.ca

Yangtze between Wuhan and Chongqing through the Three Gorges and Lesser Gorges. Gaze into the faces of the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian. Visit opulent palaces and ancient temples. In Beijing, explore imperial treasures like The Forbidden City, the Great Wall and Summer Palace. Walk the stones of Tiananmen Square. Relax in distinctive hotels and enjoy the five-star-rated Viking Emerald. Call Leisure Travel 2000 for more details on this fascinating trip.

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Not just for grandparents Some people think of Bingo as something that’s only played by the elderly, but it’s really entertainment for all ages, says Peakman. “It’s not just for grandparents anymore! We have all ages coming in to play the game. Whether you are 20, 30, 40 or older, everybody fits right in! ACI is always looking for ways to bring a younger demographic in to play Bingo. This helps towards the growth of the operation.” Bingo halls are much more welcoming now because they’re all non-smoking. As well, all halls have concessions, just in case you are hungry for snack—or a full meal! Food, fun, and the fact it’s for a good cause all make Bingo a great activity, but of course there’s another attraction: prizes! Not just cash, but merchandise, from bigscreen TVs to Blu-Ray players to, on occasion, a car. People may be reluctant to try Bingo is because they don’t want to come by themselves, and they’re worried they won’t know what to do. But neither needs to be a concern.

Bingo! Looking for fun, food and friendship without spending a tonne of cash? It’s closer than you think! BY EDWARD WILLETT

ired of the same-old same-old? Looking for a fun, inexpensive outing with good times, good food, and good people?

Then you should consider Bingo! “It’s a fun night out,” says Roberta Peakman, General Manager of Amalgamated Charities. “Inexpensive entertainment for the whole family.” Amalgamated Charities is a non-profit organization that works with its charitable and non-profit members to raise funds through Bingo. It owns and operates six Bingo halls, three in Regina (Centennial, Fantasyland and Bingo Palace) and one each in Moose Jaw (Leisure Time), Saskatoon (ClubWest) and Swift Current (Junction Square). Not only do you get more play for your dollar with Bingo than most other forms of gaming, the money you’re putting in is going to a worthy cause. Amalgamated Charities has raised millions for more than 150 charitable and non-profit organizations. And then there’s the social aspect... “A lot of people come to meet other people,” says Patsy Warren, Manager of Marketing and Administration for Amalgamated Charities.

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For one thing, you don’t have to come in by yourself. “If a group of people want to come in, we would be happy to do a separate table for them if they book ahead,” says Warren. “Booking ahead helps us make sure they will have the help they may need to make their evening a success.”

New players welcome Nor should people be put off by the fear that they won’t know what to do. Making people feel welcome is a goal of Amalgamated Charities, Peakman says. There are “new-player packages” for first-timers, with fewer cards so they can keep up and avoid frustration, and a dabber included so they’re set up and ready to play. ” (House rules state that you have to be at least 14 to play on your own, but children as young as 12 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.) Adds Warren, “There’s always someone that can help you.” So give Bingo a try! As Amalgamated Charities likes to say... “Odds are you might get lucky!”

Discover Saskatchewan There are world-class destinations, sites and adventures to discover right here at home BY MEAGEN THOMAS

estination tourism is a buyer’s market right now. Airlines, tour companies, and cruise lines are selling excursions and fares at some of the lowest rates ever. The upside? No destination from the beaches of Fiji to the Fjords of Norway is out of financial reach for most people. The downside? By leaving we’re passing up the world-class adventure, spectacular vistas and unique ecology in our own backyard. Travellers from around the world are discovering Saskatchewan. Why shouldn’t you? There are features, locales, ecological zones and nature areas that rank among the best in Canada and, indeed, the world. Saskatchewan-based travel authors and photographers Robin and Arlene Karpan, Brent Wagner of the Saskatchewan South West Tourism Association, Whitney

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Bacon of the of Saskatchewan Southeast Tourism Association and the staff of the East Central Tourism Association recently shared their picks with me for the best places to be and to see in the north, south, east and west.

North stars Hands-down, Saskatchewan’s most unique destination has to be the Athabasca Sand Dunes. The most northerly dunes in the world, they’re not a desert per se, since deserts don’t typically feature rivers and forests, but the region’s unique ecology makes it one of the world’s most unusual ecological areas. “It’s unique; there’s no where else like in the nation or really anywhere on earth,” says Karpan. “That combination of sand and water and trees just makes for some completely awesome sights.” Due to its remoteness (you can get there only by air or boat) there’s a good chance you’ll have this designated World Heritage Site all to yourself when you arrive. Consider discovering the north the same way early travellers did—by canoe. Clearwater River is one of Saskatchewan’s most scenic and spectacular waterways, Karpan says. “My favourite section is downstream from

where the access road crosses it. There, you encounter waterfalls, canyons and rapids, one spectacular feature after another,” Karpan says. The Clearwater River, accessible by car and located near the town of La Loche, runs almost 300 kilometres—so don’t try and do it all in a week.

Adventure central Smack in the middle of the province are adventure opportunities for people of all ages, interests and abilities. Prince Albert National Park straddles the transition zone between northern parkland and southern boreal forests. Among the park’s outstanding features are an embarrassment of bird and animal species and more lakes and waterways than you can shake a paddle at. There’s plenty of dry-land fun to be had, too, with hikes, walks, horseback riding and cultural centres. Urban comforts also abound; there are plenty of shops, eateries and galleries to explore during breaks from outdoor adventure. “Prince Albert National park is what Arlene and I call an ‘accessible wilderness.’ It’s good for people who want to get out in the wilderness…but not too far out,” says Karpan. Newbie paddlers should give the Bagwa Canoe Route a try. It’s a day’s paddle through a series of small gem-like lakes connected by

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Head a tad southeast for more family fun, in some of the prettiest country you’ll lay eyes on. Lakes and trees abound, and so do the means to enjoy them. One of Saskatchewan’s top five golf courses, the Evergreen Golf Club, is in Nipawin, and Nipawin is in the heart of some of the best hunting, fishing and camping anywhere in the province. A few hours further southeast will bring you to Duck Mountain Provincial Park. The park is an oasis, a green jewel of boreal forest and lakes set in the southern golden grain belt. Come back in winter and head for the hills—the ski hills, that is. Kamsack’s Duck Mountain Ski area is a blast of icy-hot pure fun.

Cowboy country “If I had to pick just one place, it would be Grasslands National Park,” says Saskatchewan Southwest Tourism Association marketing director Brent Wagner. “There are stunning vistas: you can see pretty much forever and it’s so serene in some places you might feel like the last people left on earth.”

short portages. The entire route takes between seven to 10 hours to paddle, but is much more enjoyable when stretched into an overnight trip. Come in winter and tour coureurs de bois-style via dogsled. Private companies, located just north of the park in Waskesiu, offer tours ranging from one hour to multi-day (and night) intensive, hands-on trips. Fun programs, like one company’s Puppy Camp, are a blast for the whole family.

Drive yourself through this vast prairie landscape or experience it 1880s-style with a wagon ride guided by genuine cowboys. They’ll even treat you to genuine “cowboy coffee,” and along the way you’ll get to meet lots of the park’s staff, many of whom are local residents. If you’re especially fortunate, you’ll even be treated to a cowgirl serenade. If you develop a hankerin’ for city life, you can find as friendly a town as you could ever want in Val Marie, and the fare at the Star Café in nearby Maple Creek is as original and upscale as any you’d get in a big city. Add Big Muddy Badlands to the destination list, too. The last ice age left an impression on Saskatchewan, literally. Glacial meltwater tore a gash in the land, leaving behind unlikely and strange formations, including

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Castle Butte, a 60-metre-high sandstone sentinel shaped by eons of erosion. It was a hot destination 150 years ago, too—a hide-out for outlaws, and a refuge for Sioux after the Battle of Little Big Horn. “There were scores of bank and train robbers, horse thieves and killers running loose back in the day, and they came to Big Muddy to hide out,” Wagner says. “This part of Saskatchewan is full of some of our most interesting history.” Come nightfall, explore the skies in two of Canada’s largest dark-sky preserves at Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Provincial Park. “The star gazing out there is beyond compare: nothing to block view from horizon to horizon,” Wagner says.

Eastern treasures Southeastern Saskatchewan is yesterday country. The North West Mounted Police walked, stumbled and dragged their wagons through on their way west. Before them, Canada’s first people literally left their mark on this landscape, with inscriptions and animal carvings that we can still enjoy today at

La Roche Percée Historic Site near Estevan. It’s also today country, where the delights of live entertainment, casinos, water parks and golf courses find a niche against the forest backdrop of Moose Mountain Provincial Park. “There are bike trails, a very nice beach, excellent camping—it’s a nice place to go because it’s truly got something for everyone,” says Saskatchewan South East Tourism Association marketing director Whitney Bacon. In addition to Moose Mountain, Bacon recommends spending quality time in the Qu’Appelle Valley. “The Katepwa, Mission, Echo and Pasqua Lake are all along the Qu’Appelle Valley, and each is more beautiful than the last,” Bacon says. Driving Highway 56 on the north side of Katepwa Lake is one of the most rewarding road trips you’ll experience in Saskatchewan. Scenic? You bet: it’s like nothing else, anywhere else.

turing out into the wilds, be it deep into bear country or the rough of your new favourite golf resort. Book ahead, too: Saskatchewan is attracting international buzz, and don’t be surprised if you’re not the only visitor “from away” at the Inn. Above all, ensure you take enough time to enjoy your destination. With so much to see and do in every locale, you’ll want to savour every moment. And if you can’t get it all in, well, there’s always next year, right?

Staycationing with style Congratulations! This year’s vacation could be a world-beater. That said, do your homework and get a game plan in place before ven-

Duck Mountain Provincial Park Courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan/Paul Austring

Expert Advice: Leisure

River Cruises Barbara Crowe Ixtapa Travel 114-3501 8th. St. E. 664-3233 www.ixtapatravel.ca

ver the last few years river cruising has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds. So what’s the deal with this type of vacation? To be sure, the first attraction to river cruises is the intimacy of the vessels. Unlike the large oceangoing ships, typical small-ship cruising vessels accommodate 150 to 200 passengers. The amenities provided are very similar to their larger counterparts, however. There is just less of it and, of course, no swimming pool on board! Typical rooms average between 175 and 200 square feet and all rooms have a view. Many of the newer ships have floor-to-ceiling views in most rooms, as well as in public areas such as dining rooms and lounges. The majority of the ships have top-side lounges for your viewing pleasure as well. There are formal and informal dining rooms and all serve local and North

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American cuisine. The ships are flat-bottomed, so if motion is a concern for you, there is very little on board. Another popular reason to river cruise is the ability of the ships to get close to what you want to see and where you want to go. No need for tender services to get you to shore! No long line-ups to get on or off the ship. The ships make many stops along their journey, with sightseeing tours, etc., included in most packages. From castles and cathedrals to museums and palaces, from cosmopolitan cities to quaint villages, you can see it all on a river cruise. There are many companies now selling river cruises, but the two most popular are Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways. Both companies market cruises through Europe on rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Moselle and Rhone. Some cruises are themed, such as “Tulip

Time,” “Christmas Markets” or “Vineyards and Wine.” Additionally, river cruises on the Nile River in Egypt, the Yangtze in China, the Volga in Russia and the Galapagos Islands are now available and growing in popularity. So what’s the deal with small-ship cruising? Personally, I can’t think of a nicer or more beautiful way to see the country side. What better way is there to see the castles on the Rhine or the magnificent cities of Budapest, Vienna, St. Petersburg or Amsterdam? fls

The Diamond Classic Saskatchewan’s first all-breed gaited horse show draws riders from across the west BY ALEXANDRA WALLD

n Labour Day weekend, nearly 40 equestrian riders from across Western Canada worked hard saddling up Peruvian Paso Horses, Icelandic and Tennessee Walking Horses and Missouri Fox Trotters for a $1,000 grand prize at Saskatchewan’s first all-breed gaited horse show. Put on by the Peruvian Horse Association of Canada (PHAC) and Peruvian Enthusiasts & Recreational Riders Unlimited (PERRU), the Diamond Classic All-Breed Gaited Horse Show combined the Saskatchewan and Kneehill, Alta., Regional Championship Shows. It took place September 3 to 5 at Prairieland Park Ag Centre. Outside the arena, horse enthusiasts took part in silent auctions with Icelandic sculptures, Peruvian paintings and other horse-themed art provided by Canadian artists. Previously a Peruvian show, the Diamond Classic now stands out from other shows because it allows riders with horses of different gaits to enter its classes, which is a first in our province. “Saskatchewan has had Peruvian horse shows in the past, but they’ve never had a show that incorporated other gaited breeds, and the double show allows people to travel to one venue and get the benefit of two judges and two shows,” says Mimi Busk-Downey, director of PERRU. “All horses coming to the show are naturally-gaited horses; they move with a four-beat, natural gait that’s very smooth to ride when compared to a trot. There are a lot of people who ride gaited horses who haven’t had the opportunity to show them in Saskatchewan, and because of that, we’re hoping people learn about gaited horses and appreciate what they’re all about.”

Bred to go the mile Originating in Peru, the Peruvian Paso has been bred for almost 400 years and is the only breed of horse that guarantees its fourbeat gait to every purebred offspring. They’re driven by brio, a special energy specific to Peruvians that comes from an inner sense of pride, enthusiasm and motivation to please their riders. “Peruvian horses are bred to go the distance. They were the hoses you rode when you were checking plantations for harvest,” says Phoebe Soles, chairman for the Diamond Classic show. “There was lots of traveling and steep terrain, so the hacienda owners needed a horse that’s smooth and could travel all day. They wanted a stylish horse they could show off, that could do a full day’s work and still be able to go out after.” Tennessee Walking horses, the American

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version of Peruvians, were also bred for plantations, are smoother-riding than other horses and can go long distances, but they have a different temperament and less motivation than Peruvians. With incredible endurance, Icelandic horses were bred to quickly and smoothly cover the vast terrain of Iceland. Averaging about 14 hands in height, they’re smaller than other breeds but still have an incredible endurance and can carry an adult rider all day long. “They had to be terribly hardy because it’s not an easy environment to live in. It’s volcanic and rocky, so they have super hard feet. They’re tough and are bred to go the mile,” says Soles. “But they’re different to handle—they have a little spirit and hotness to them. When they start training, they’re wild, basically mustangs. They’re still raised and kept on range in Iceland but are left running wild. It’s a rule that any horse that leaves Iceland can’t come back because they won’t have followed their closed breeding guidelines.”

Pleasing the judges

shows the best harmony with the horse will succeed.” As an equine and small-animal veterinarian with a practice in Yuma, Ariz., Sandigo believes his experience as a vet allows him to be more critical when it comes to judging horses at shows. “I am able to follow the power mechanics of an animal with a different consideration than, say, other judges,” he says. “What I mean by that is I certainly recognize weaknesses and lameness and I’m also particular about the humane treatment of the animal.”

Judging the Diamond Classic were the Hon. Mrs. Cricket Donoho, with the Saskatchewan Peruvian Horse Club, and the Hon. Mr. Ernesto Sandigo, with PERRU. Following the rules of the PHAC, as well as those of the Friends of Sound Horses (FOSH), the organization that sanctions the show, judges recognized the best examples of breeds in each class.

Also concerned with the animals’ wellbeing is FOSH, which sanctioned the show and educates the public about the humane care, treatment and training of horses, along with the illegality of soring—intentionally causing pain to a horse’s front legs to enhance a gaited horse’s movement in the show ring.

Soles says to win an event at a championship, it’s not enough to simply know your events; you need to plan, prepare and condition your horse for a different environment. She says if your timing is off or you push too hard, one misstep or spook can throw your horse out of gait—and if the judge sees that, you can go from first to fourth place in a matter of seconds.

Best of show

“With Peruvians, you have a strong emphasis on the quality of gait,” says Sandigo, who’s been judging Peruvians for the past 10 years. “But with the breeding and performance classes, you’re looking for harmony with the rider without losing the quality of the breed and smoothness of the ride. The rider who’s best-prepared for the quality and guidelines of the breed and

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Two of the biggest classes at the Diamond Classic championship were the Water Glass and the Best Gaited Horse of Show. The Best Gaited Horse of Show, which took place Sunday evening, is a 50/50 event, where half the money from entry fees goes to the winner. Featuring horses placing first or second in other classes and any wild card horses named the Champion of Champions at previous shows, the class originally had six horses registered, but after some backed out, only a few horses competed for the ribbon. Wearing tack traditional to its breed, each horse walks on a loose rein before exhibiting its breed-specific, intermediate gait,

walking, reversing and then lining up. Both judges score the horses—80 percent on gait and 20 percent on pleasure-horse qualities. Pleasing the judges to earn the first-place ribbon was BDS Sabrosa, a Peruvian ridden by Ben Sawatzky of Vernon, B.C. The Water Glass class, which took place Sunday afternoon, is essentially any other show’s beer, champagne or wine ride, but allows juniors to enter the event. Horses perform manoeuvres like walking, gaiting, stopping, circling and reversing while riders hold a glass of water below its rim. “The horses are so smooth—you should be able to ride them with one hand on the rein and one hand on the glass without spilling a drop,” says Soles. “At the end, the judges call them in and measure who has the most water. If there’s a tie, there’s a ride-off and judges give them more difficult manoeuvres to do. Because it’s an open-gaited class, it’ll be neat to see which horse comes out on top.” Winning the Water Glass ribbon was eightyear-old Peruvian Loreto Del Oeste RJ, ridden by Rob Sjodin of Salmon Arm, B.C., who bred, raised and trained the awardwinning horse. Loreto Del Oeste also won the Reserve Champion Pleasure Gelding and Point Versatility Horse classes at the Diamond Classic. Sjodin’s been competing at shows four times a year for the past 20 years. “You have to make sure they’re in good shape; conditioning is the biggest thing. Try to keep their mind open so they don’t get sour doing anything,” says Sjodin. “Keep him steady, make the best manoeuvres and have a fun, smooth ride. Plus, it’s always great to win—that’s why you’re out there.”