FineLifestyles Saskatoon Spring 2012

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

SPRING 2012 || VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1

DR. PHIL The doctor is in (town)

MEN’S FASHION WATERSPORTS ENTERTAINMENT FineLifestyles 1 SCHEDULE SASKATOON

ANTHONY MCCARTHY Saskatoon’s Top Chef

MARKETING SASKATOON’S FINEST PROPERTIES

Dan Bader 371-7760

Ron Baliski 221-0421

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ronbaliskirealty@sasktel.net

Reagan Baliski 290-7377

Clark Dziadyk 227-2036

reagan.baliski@sasktel.net clarkdziadyk@shaw.ca

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Many people who have never struggled with their weight do not know the physical and emotional stress it causes. They are on the outside looking in and they often incorrectly believe that heavy individuals have no self-control and they have simply done this to themselves.

In fact, scientists now know that obesity is a complex, clinical disorder with many contributing causes and factors. ™

Think About It! How many people in your circle of friends and family have lost more than 60lbs and sucessfully kept it off for more than five years?

The Facts The Food and Drug Administration in the United States stated in 2009 that not one single company in the entire $65 Billion dollar diet industry can show a record of long-term success.

Modern Life Studies have concluded that obesity is not the fault of the individual but the inevitable result of a society in which energy-dense, cheap foods, labour-saving devices, motorized transport and sedentary work are the norm.

Unless humans give up the comforts of modern life, obesity will remain a significant health care issue for the foreseeable future.

97%

Long-term failure rate for diet and exercise programs for obese individuals

Long-term failure rate for diet and exercise programs for normal individuals

100%

Genetics & Family History Finding trends among family members is usually pretty easy. Several studies of twins have found that over 80% of your bodyweight is determined before you are born and identical twins overall body mass and shape closely resemble each other throughout their lifetimes, independent of lifestyle choices.

5X

Maternal Size Studies show if your mother was obese when she was pregnant with you, you are almost five times more likely to become obese. It is believed by researchers that before a child is born, the metabolism is set for life by their mother’s excess weight.

Your Hormones Our hormones also greatly affect our weight. Ghrelin is the primary hormone that stimulates hunger. It’s also the one to blame for slowing our metabolism and decreasing our bodies’ ability to burn fat. At the same time, the hormone increases Effects of Ghrelin both food intake and fat mass.

Repeated dieting increases ghrelin production, which is one reason why dieters typically gain more weight back than they initially lost. Weight loss surgery reduces ghrelin production by as much as 80% and allows patients to feel full and satisfied.

“The only permanent treatment of severe or morbid obesity is bariatric surgery.”

The Canadian Medical Association, 2009

“If dieting really worked—we would ALL be thin” Melanie Wildman, Mrs. Canada 2011, President and CEO

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FirstWord WITH FINE LIFESTYLES EDITOR THOM BARKER What says fine lifestyles better than exquisite food. In this issue of Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon we have a wealth of food coverage. So far, 2012 has been an amazing year for food events in Saskatoon.

First there was Chef Anthony McCarthy’s preview dinner prior to the Canadian Culinary Championships in Kelowna, BC. We have a photo essay on that wonderful event at the Saskatoon club.

Second, was the annual chef’s gala.

For this, the local branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation (CCFCC) transformed a hall at Prairieland Park into a 500-seat dining room suitable for a black-tie affair. We also have a photo essay on that event.

Finally, there was the Saskatoon Opera’s Black and Red Affair, an extraordinary meal by Chef Ryan Marquis (Bessborough), which will be covered in the next issue.

As usual, we also have a great recipe from Chef Michael Smith, although this will be the last. I’m keeping it under my hat, though, who will be our next featured chef.

But the year is not over. April 12 is the Sysco Chef Challenge at Prairieland and the 14th is National Pasta Day for the culinary federation so there are sure to be plenty of amazing pasta finds out there. Also, in July, the national culinary team (which includes McCarthy) will be in town for a practice prior to the World Culinary Competition.

Finally, once again the Gold Medal Plates provincial championship will come to Saskatoon in November to crown Saskatchewan’s 2012 top chef.

It’s an exciting time for tastebuds in the Bridge City. The local branch of CCFCC is the fastest growing in the country.

Saskatoon is coming into its own as a culinary destination and we’re excited to be covering it.

Also in this issue, we have a couple of special features, men’s style and watersports. Men’s style, of course, generally takes a back seat to women’s style, but as the old song says, “every girl’s crazy about a sharp-dressed man.” And the feeling of wearing a properly-fitted suit is truly transforming.

As for watersports, most people might not immediately think of Saskatchewan as a watersports mecca, but we have some of the best wakeboarders and water-skiers in the world. Despite being landlocked, and having a short summer, or perhaps because of those reasons, Saskatchewanians are particularly passionate about their watersports so we delve into that arena as the boating season approaches.

Have a wonderful spring.

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Spring 2012 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 www.finelifestyles.ca Editor

Thom Barker editor@finelifestyles.ca

Associate Editor Quinn Bender quinn@finelifestyles.ca

Graphic Design and Layout Lori Gallagher lori@finelifestyles.ca

In-house Design Tracy Hahn tracyh@finelifestyles.ca Amber Moon amber@finelifestyles.ca

Photography Candace Epp www.candaceepp.com Heather Fritz www.heatherfritz.com Karen Froese Michelle Berg michelle.elise.berg@gmail.com Pete Lawrence www.pete-lawrence.com Pete Yee www.peteyee.ca Robby Davis Sandy Lockhart Stephanie Zhang

Contributing Writers Ashleigh Mattern Bronwyn Stoddard Don George Linda Epstein Owen Woytowich Suzanne Huber

Aviva Zack Candace Fox Karin Melberg Schwier Lisa Johnson Rebecca King Tammy Robert

Brenna L. Temple Christina Dimitroff Ken Beattie Lynette Suchar Sheena Koops

Advertising Consultants Cathie Watson cathie@finelifestyles.ca Crystal Reich crystal@finelifestyles.ca Chris Larson chris@finelifestyles.ca Jason Booker jason@finelifestyles.ca Jon Piett jon@finelifestyles.ca Kristin Borgeson kristin@finelifestyles.ca Marie Strumecki marie@finelifestyles.ca

Publishers Randy Liberet 540.3320 randy@finelifestyles.ca Wayne UnRuh 541.3365 wayne@finelifestyles.ca 3440 Balsam Grove, Regina, SK, S4V 2S4 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. publications are copyrighted 2011 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 Ltd. 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 Regina Ltd. or the companies it represents. 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.

FeaturedContributors Suzanne Huber

Suzanne Huber began her career in her fourth year of business school at the U of S selling software to hotels. After growing the local company throughout Canada and into the US, she decided it was time to branch out and start Couture Business Development Inc. with coowner and friend Candace Fox in August 2009. Couture Business Development today provides marketing, public relations and sales consulting services to businesses in various industries. Suzanne is an avid traveler and spent time living in London England and has traveled to 18 countries. She also volunteers as the Vice President of the Saskatoon Opera and as a big sister with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Saskatoon. www.couturebusinessdevelopment.com

Ashleigh Mattern Ashleigh Mattern is a freelance writer and editor, born, raised and living in Saskatoon. A recent graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, she spent four years working for the student newspaper the Sheaf, first as arts editor, then as copy editor, and finally as editor-in-chief. Last year, her experience as a representative on the Canadian University Press board of directors gave her a new appreciation for non-profit governance.

She currently sits on two non-profit boards. Having worked as a freelance writer for the past three years, she has written for many local publications. She also enjoys creative writing and continues to pursue a career in that field despite many warnings not to. www.ashleighmattern.com

Karin Melberg Schwier Karin Melberg Schwier is a Saskatoon writer, author and illustrator whose most noted works are about people with disabilities.

She has written several books and many articles for home renovation and lifestyle magazines, and is currently completing her eighth book, Flourish: People with Disabilities Live Life with Passion www.karinschwier.com 7

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

(Copestone,

2012).

Tammy Robert Aside from a few years in Europe, Tammy Robert is proud to have called Saskatchewan home for her entire life. As a writer, publicist and producer devoted to exploring every corner of this beautiful province, she looks forward to continuing to tell the stories of what makes this place great. Tammy is married to golf course greenskeeper Marc, and mom to seven-year old Zackery and to her original kids—nineyear-olds Sherman (a British bulldog) and Rocky (a Yorkie Terrier). The entire family lives in Saskatoon, in the same neighborhood where Tammy grew up. www.sceneinsaskatchewan.com

Heather Fritz “When I am invited into people’s homes, I am always drawn to the photos they have on display,” says Heather Fritz, nationally published, Saskatoon-based photographer. “I was inspired by Shannon Tweed’s collection of small-framed family photos on display in clusters around her home. While her house is large and elegant, each display acted like a piece of art while acknowledging the importance of family in this home.” Heather has been shooting professionally for over seven years. She grew up in Alberta and has lived in the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Heather is the official photographer for the Saskatoon Opera and is the co-chair/founder for Saskatoon’s “The High Tea” fundraising benefit tea. www.heatherfritz.com

Candace Epp Candace is a vibrant visual designer with a specialty for interpreting her clients’ expression while showcasing the emotion, place or event.

Her passion for photography began as a child with a single stunning photograph. When she was given the opportunity to study visual arts at the University of Saskatchewan she jumped at the chance, and soon after began lifestyle and wedding photography. With her talent and entrepreneurial skills, Candace has seen her company grow from a single vision. Candace’s work has taken her to many faraway places, creating images for herself and others, she has made it her life’s goal to be as creative as possible toward everything she endeavours to do. www.candaceepp.com

What’sInside

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57

FEATURE STORIES 16

Suit Buying Guide

22

Fashion World: Rebecca King

57

Cover Story: Dr. Phil

97

Entertainment Calendar

100 Chef Anthony McCarthy 108 Saskatoon’s Chef Gala 117

Ken Beattie

136 Mentorship Part III

30 117

15 78 63

DEPARTMENTS 15

Special Feature: Men’s Style

20 Style 42 Health and Wellness 63 Special Feature: Watersports 78 Wheels 97 Dining, Arts and Entertainment 116 House, Home and Properties 9

134 Business

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Dr. Phil McGraw Michael (Pinball) Clemons Leonard Brody Mike Lipkin Phil Town Jennifer Heil

Dr. Phil McGraw

KEYNOTE PRESENTER

Dr. Phil McGraw, perhaps the most well-known mental health professional in the world, is the host of the new leader in daytime talk, DR. PHIL. Launched in 2002, DR. PHIL provides the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television. For nine years, Dr. McGraw has used the DR. PHIL platform to make psychology accessible and understandable to the general public by addressing important personal and social issues.

Host & Executive Producer Dr. Phil

Dr. McGraw’s work was recognized by the American Psychological Association in 2006, by honoring him with a presidential citation. Over the years, the DR. PHIL show has received 21 Emmy nominations and won 5 PRISM Awards, for the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse and addiction. In addition, The Alliance for Women in Media, sponsors of the Gracie Award, named after Gracie Allen, has honored DR. PHIL every year since 2008.

Dr. McGraw is the author of six #1 New York Times bestsellers, published in 39 languages with over 24 million copies in print. In 2003, Dr. McGraw established The Dr. Phil Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization, funding many worthy projects benefitting disadvantaged children and families. In addition to his work with the Dr. Phil Foundation, Dr. McGraw is a frequent supporter of many worthwhile organizations, including the Court Appointed Special Advocates program.

Dr. McGraw earned a B.A., M.A. and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas, followed by a year of post-doctoral training in Forensic Psychology at The Wilmington Institute. After 25 years he retired from practice as a licensed psychologist to devote full time to his educational media platform.

An avid tennis player, golfer and scuba diver, Dr. McGraw lives in Los Angeles with his wife Robin.

TEAMWORK Winning Against the Odds

(Pinball)

Michael Clemons

Renowned as one of pro football's most electrifying players, Toronto Argonauts running back Michael "Pinball" Clemons was the CFL's all-time all purpose yardage leader. However, it is his exceptional character, in addition to his outstanding athletic ability, that has made him the remarkable fan favourite throughout Canada.

Pinball’s tireless community involvement and participation in countless charitable causes exemplify the qualities he possesses. He has used his superb leadership and communication skills in his former roles of Coach, President and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts - and now as the vice-chairman of the franchise.

In 2001, Clemons was honoured with the Order of Ontario, and he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Pinball’s presentations are at once captivating and empowering, and clearly demonstrate the capabilities of teamwork. Pinball inspires his audiences by illustrating what is possible and what it means to beat the odds. Pinball communicates his heartfelt stories with a passionate spirit and his patented, contagious smile.

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CFL Legend and Toronto Argonauts Vice-Chairman

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Leonard Brody

Bestselling Author and Two-Time Emmy Nominated Media Visionary

LEADERSHIP Leadership Alchemy: The Ten Steps To Creating The Chemistry for Success in Times of Change

TECHNOLOGY

The Monumental Shift: An In-Depth Look into the Future of Canada, Technology and the Changing Workforce

Leonard Brody has been called "a controversial leader of the new world order."

He is a highly respected entrepreneur, venture capitalist, bestselling author and a two-time Emmy nominated media visionary who has been through one of the largest internet IPOs in history. A co-founder of user generated news powerhouse NowPublic.com; the President of Clarity Digital Group, one of the largest online news conglomerates in the world; and an advisor to venture capital funds and companies and governments around the world, Leonard is a highly sought after speaker who addresses everything from how technology will continue to revolutionize the workplace and workforce to how corporations can use challenges to steer them toward innovation and growth.

Mike Lipkin

Mike Lipkin is a Toronto-based speaker, author, motivator and persuasion coach who has worked with over 1,000,000 people worldwide. He is the President of Environics/Lipkin, one of Canada’s largest and most sophisticated research houses. By combining Environics’ Social Values Research with his personal expertise and experience, he provides people with the confidence and insights to connect with others at the deepest level.

Specifically, Lipkin provides people with The Personal Best Practices to embrace change while motivating others to do the same. Lipkin has authored four best-selling books including his newest book is One Life, One Meeting – How to Achieve Preeminence One Conversation at a Time.

Bestselling Author, Business Leader & Motivational Speaker

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Phil Town

FINANCE

Investing for Financial Success

He isn’t your typical Wall Street guy. An ex-Green Beret and former river guide, Phil Town is a self-made millionaire several times over and America’s most widely sought-after speaker on investing. He is credited with calling both the top of the market in 2007 on CNBC and the bottom in 2009.

Bestselling Investing Author of Rule #1 and Payback Time.

LEADERSHIP

SUCCESS STRATEGIES Becoming the DriverCreating a Plan for Success

Phil teaches novice investors how to invest for high returns with less risk than putting money in managed funds and regularly references Warren Buffett, David Einhorn, Joel Greenblatt, Julian Robertson and Ray Dalio as examples of the investors who do it the right way – what he calls Rule #1 investing. His books RULE #1 and PAYBACK TIME were both instant #1 New York Times bestsellers and are now published in 14 languages. He has made over 40 appearances on MSNBC-Tv’s “Your Business” and starred on CNBC Tv’s “Millionaire Inside” Series. Phile Town lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Jennifer Heil

As one of Canada's premier athletes and recipient of multiple Olympic medals in freestyle mogul skiing, Jenn Heil is a woman whose approach to life consists of a dedication to hard work and a vibrant spirit. After winning gold in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, she was voted CanWest Media Canadian Female Athlete of the Year in 2007 and won silver in the latest Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

Jennifer was also recently received The Bobbie Rosenfeld Female Athlete of the Year Award, 2011, presented by the Canadian Press. Now retired from competition, Jenn focuses on her drive to succeed and pursuit of excellence in her charitable work. She is active in supporting Plan International's Because I am a Girl Campaign, and is a passionate mentor to youth sports and young women.

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Canadian Olympic Champion - Voted Canadian Female Athlete of the Year

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TAILORED APPEAL Fashion, style and confidence for the modern man

By Lynette Suchar. Photos by Candace Epp

nthony Graham-Cutts says age is an attitude, not just a number. This is one of the reasons why his long-time clients not only come back themselves, but also bring their sons to purchase suits for all the “firsts” that lie ahead.

Anthonys Fashion for Men caters to guys of all ages. Even his employees vary in age, ranging from 18 to over 60. This menswear hub caters to seasoned clients while building new relationships with the next generation of men. “We want to give them information and education to help them grow and find their own style,” says Graham-Cutts. He says building connections with clients gives them the guidance and confidence to look and feel their best, no matter the occasion.

Not only does Anthonys Fashion For Men specialize in formal wear for the office, graduations and weddings; they also carry a large selection of more casual attire.

Graham-Cutts says fashion for men is constantly evolving and the trend now is a cleaner, more fitted look. Shoulders are narrower and less padded, jacket lengths are cropped shorter and styles are less structured, with one- or two-buttons. Ties are thinner, shirts are fitted and pants have a shorter rise with a trim cut.

The contemporary look is to have a more natural fit. “You can spend a lot of money on clothing but if it is not tailored properly, it is not going to look great,” says Graham-Cutts.

Anthonys Fashion For Men chooses clothing lines that are of high quality and affordable. They also offer in-house tailoring to fit each customer’s unique body shape.

Anthonys Fashion For Men stays in style with knowledgeable staff who know how to dress the modern man, regardless of age, by matching formal wear with casual wear for a tidy, trendy look.

“We have the right mix of product, know-how and staff to guide guys in the right fashion direction,” says Graham-Cutts. Anthonys customer service program keeps track of clients’ purchasing histories so staff can help find exactly what customers are looking for. This system is great for birthdays and Christmas when loved ones want to find that special gift for the men in their lives.

“Shopping for clothes shouldn’t be a chore,” says Graham-Cutts. “It should be fun.” FLS

Anthonys Fashion For Men 600 - 234 1st Ave. South 306.665.0181 anthonysfashionformen@shaw.ca 15

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

A FINE LIFESTYLES GUIDE TO SUITING UP

By FLS Staff

E

very girl’s crazy ‘bout a sharp-dressed man,

sang ZZ Top on their 1983 album Eliminator. On the jacket for the single the boys wore tuxedos and even with the electric guitars, sunglasses and long beards, they had an air of caché.

as far as number of buttons go, it’s generally one or two (for most men two is ideal). The three-button jacket has fallen slightly out of favour these days, however, style can be a very personal thing.

There is no question that a quality, well-fitted suit will turn heads, but all too often guys who don’t wear suits often—and even some who do—have that one cheap garment in the closet that does not do a gentleman justice.

Vests

Every man should have at least one quality suit at his immediate disposal.

Following is the Fine Lifestyles guide to “suiting up” properly.

Wool is King Wool is natural, breathes well and is extremely stylish. But not all wool is created equal. Tweeds, flannels and tropicals have their specific applications, but for an everyday or every-once-in-awhile suit, worsted wool is the ideal fabric. Versatile, durable and hard-wearing, it can be worn year-round.

Twist and Shout The quality of a worsted wool fabric is measured by the “twist count.” A “high-twist” 100 or Super 110 is made of worsted yarn that has been twisted more tightly than the 60-80 twist fabric commonly found in cheaper suits. If you can find a Super 120 it will cost a pretty penny, but you will feel like a million bucks.

Stylin’ Single-breasted or double-breasted?

It’s not really a question. If you’ve already got a decent collection of single breasted suits, it doesn’t hurt to have a double-breasted suit for a more formal look, but otherwise, single is the way to go. Similarly, 17

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

The three-piece suit is about as passé as passé gets. Unless you are buying or renting a tuxedo for a wedding, probably a good idea to pass on the vest.

Pants Speaking of passé, avoid pleats. They weren’t a good look even when they were in style. Cuffs or straight hems are a matter of preference. Cuffs tend to hang a bit better, but are not recommended for shorter men as they accentuate smaller stature.

Don’t Blow It So, you’ve picked out a beautiful hightwist, worsted, single-breasted suit and decided on cuffs to go with your six-foot frame. Time to pay and go.

No, wrong, desist, you are not done yet. In the first place, you should be dealing with a professional who knows how to properly fit a suit. You may need very slight alterations, across the back, the collar, shoulders, arms, even the lapels. It may look good right off the rack, but it’s the small details that make it go from good to stunning.

Also, nothing ruins the look of a suit faster than the crappy old shoes, shirts and ties you’re planning on wearing with it. Do yourself a favour before you leave the store and make sure you have accessories that are going to complement your suit, not detract from it. FLS

HigH Speed FaSHion For Men

By Owen Woytowich

C

utting-edge fashion has always been the mantra at Ultimo Euromoda, and this spring season promises to be the most interesting yet.

At the forefront of this season’s most desired items is a jean company based in New York City called DL 1961. Because their dark, rich, clean jeans have a fit like no other, Ultimo is excited to now have both the ladies’ and men’s collection for Saskatoon. Try a pair on and you’ll know

that this is what every jean should fit and feel like. They are made with the world’s first 360-degree stretch, and can be worn repeatedly with zero bag in the seat and knees. This is truly an amazing collection.

Ultimo Euromoda have also expanded their J. Lindeberg collection to include suits, blazers and shirts, as well as the sport and casual collections. Great colour accents like teal, red and tan, mixed with black and shades of blue create the most

TO SET A MAN APART HUgo BoSS Warren K. CooK MiCHaeL KorS aLLen edMondS arnoLd BranT SignUM Ted BaKer Braga VaLenZa stylish collection in Europe today. High-tech fabrics keep you cool and collected no matter what the temperature.

Ultimo’s dress-wear collections feature form-fitting suites from Sand Stones, Bikkemburg, and J. Lindeberg. Their athletic suits, for more muscular clients, include DKNY for Men, Tallia Orange and Ultimo’s own private label from Montreal.

What’s great about DKNY is a program where we fit you in the right size jacket and then put any size pant you need with it. This allows Ultimo to look after those guys with more extreme builds who could not wear a normal suit.

The shoe collections have also expanded with almost all footwear in the $140-$185 price point. Kenneth Cole and Bunker—a boot collection from Spain—are very popular right now, while several new, dressier sandals are going to be strong sellers as the warm weather arrives.

T-shirts, hoodies and track jackets are taking on a cleaner more refined look with attention to detail and more subtle graphics, while the fashionable fabrics are bamboo and cotton lycra blends. The T-shirt is more spectacular than ever. Collections feature everything from nylon trims to sterling silver crests for a classy and interesting addition to your wardrobe. FLS

SaMUeL SoHn CaSa Moda JaCK LipSon THoMaS dean iKe BeHar CoppLeY ViYeLLa Braga Inspiration comes from many sources.

Inspiration gives life meaning.

Inspiration is everything.

What inspires you?

Inspiration and Fashion AVENUE BUILDING - SASKATOON Fashion Beyond Expectations... The Common Thread

Ultimo Euromoda 204 3rd Avenue South 306.664.6640 ultimo@sasktel.net 19

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Capelli Salon Studio inC. Nationally Recognized Aveda Concept Salon in Saskatoon

By Candace Fox

two time nominee For Canadian Salon design of the Year

two time nominee For Saskatchewan/Manitoba Salon Stylist of the Year

C

apelli Salon Studio Inc. is the trés chic and upscale Aveda concept salon in Saskatoon located in the University Heights/Willow Grove area.

From the sparkling Italian-made chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the pristine white sinks - every inch of this salon projects style and beauty. With Creative /Artistic Director Alicia Austin heading the salon - she has brought with her a guiding philosophy to ensure every client leaves the salon feeling pampered and beautiful. It is no shock to clients and fans that the salon has caught some major industry attention - including the national spotlight.

Features, nominations and awards After a short first year the forward thinking, beautifully designed salon and its flurry of creative staff have garnered a long list of impressive nods from the hair and beauty industry. Alicia Austin is assured what they are doing is competing on a national level - leading the way by example as one of the first and only nominated salons in Saskatchewan for both the Contessa and Mirror awards. Aside from the nominations, Capelli has made it to the glossy pages of Salon Magazine Canada.

They are the first salon to be featured from Saskatchewan in this nationally distributed industry mag.

What’s new The salon’s insistence on being trend blazers in the industry has led to new products and services on the salon menu. Introducing Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Retexturing Treatment which softens and smoothes hair, reducing frizz by 95%. Also new to the Salon service package is personal or group hair lessons. Learn the techniques to get salon styled hair - on your own.

An honourable mention to Holly Decker of Knockout Style, freelance make-up artist extraordinaire from Vancouver, BC. Holly will be working with the Capelli team, bringing a vast portfolio of experience and techniques. Contact the salon to learn more about her services and book a consultation/ appointment.

Media and fashion week Capelli Salon Studio Inc. will be taking their styling advice on air. Watch as Alicia Austin and Kassy Moen both Aveda Certified Educators (ACE) take their professional hair and beauty advice to GLOBAL television.

Both will be featured early April talking to Lisa Dutton about new trends and how to achieve the fresh new looks of 2012.

As a member of Saskatchewan Fashion Week and Board Member of Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival (SFDF) a group fashion organization in Saskatoon, Alicia Austin will be involved in helping the organization in their goal to achieve a high-end fashion event that promotes and showcases Saskatoon and Saskatchewan’s upcoming designer talent. The first event will take place on May 10th - 12th in Regina at the City Square Plaza, followed by the event in Saskatoon from June 2nd 3rd at the River Landing . The team at Capelli including Knockout Style’s Holly Decker will be busy putting their artistic flair on various runway models much like they did for Lori Brown’s latest show. “We at Capelli really strive to put Saskatoon and Saskatchewan salons on the map and are honoured to be a part of this latest development - we want to work together to help grow the industry in the province,” states Alicia. FLS

alicia austin

1824 McOrmond Drive 306.374.2884 Call to book your appointment For hours of operation or to book online visit: www.capellisalonstudio.com Collaborative photo shoot credits: Hair: Chris Pritchard of Myst Salon in Regina and President of Saskatchewan Fashion Week and Kassy Moen, Capelli Salon Studio Inc. Saskatoon Makeup: Sara Lindsey, freelance makeup artist and winner of Canadian Makeup Artist of the Year Award, Photographer: Alicia Austin - Creative Director/Artistic Director at Capelli Salon Studio Inc. Saskatoon

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photo by Heather Fritz

Capelli Salon Studio inc.

Behind fashion campaign glamour is design sense, planning, well-oiled teamwork

By Rebecca King. Photos by Pete Lawrence

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ashion designer Rebecca King knows full well that what you see should never belie what it took to get there. a glamorous creation draped on an elegant and serene model shouldn’t give a hint of any last-minute pins or tape or paperclips inserted before the runway walk begins. likewise, a photo shoot showcasing new looks for the coming season aims for the ultimate illusion. the long hours, extensive planning and coordination, the director’s creativity, the stylist’s selections, hair and make-up artistry, photographic mastery, the marketing expertise, beautiful models kept happy and unstressed. none of this matters when a fashion shoot is over. what matters is ‘the look.” king recently worked as the stylist on such a shoot, her sixth; this one for midtown plaza’s “romantic getaway at the Bessborough” ad campaign. king takes you on a behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to capture what you will see this spring.

fashion world

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or this spring’s Midtown Plaza fashion campaign, I was invited by their marketing team and TAP Communications to put together two styles I believe will be “the look” this season. To start with, I chose both ‘edgy bohemian’ and ‘soft romantic.’ I think the latter will be big this season with its whites, light tans and dusty rose, all of which are a big trend in clothing and also in interior design, which often follows trends in fashion. But I ultimately selected the intriguing edgy bohemian with its orange, navy, blue and yellow mixed with earth tones. Not that you will see the colors in the end, I went for this look because of its strong lines in both tailoring and fabrics.

Styling for one photo shoot takes about 24 hours of shopping. We call it “scouting” and over three days, I signed out thousands of dollars worth of clothing, shoes and accessories from Midtown merchants. Picking up a few things for myself along the way!

There are so many ways ‘the look’ can go. I have to get my head back into spring since I am in the middle of designing my Fall 2012 Collection. The first day, I power shop to collect pieces that strike my fancy, still not with a specific idea of exactly what I’m going for. Armfuls of merchandise come with me to the ad agency boardroom and I lay it all out. The looks start to form as my eye shifts through heaps of clothing to narrow in on my key pieces.

I know the campaign will end up as billboards, mall signage, print ads (note the back cover of this magazine). All photos will appear in black and white. I have to think in grey tones when picking out the looks rather than color schemes, even though you can hardly ignore putting a nice color palette together. I spend a lot of time swapping in and out, pairing up, matching, layering. By the time I make my selections for “a look” for both the male and female models, I’ve cut three quarters of the merchandise. I’m making presentations to the client and the ad agency, justifying and explaining these decisions all the way along. This is their campaign and a lot is riding on it, so there are many questions and suggestions. I have to be confident in my decisions, and skilled at helping them envision the final product.

For this shoot, the team met the evening before to get to know each other over drinks at Flint. I met the whole team including the “couple,” our new models Robert, 37, and Brittney, 25. Each has an interesting story. Brittney’s interest in fashion led her to work as a personal shopper at Holt Renfrew for many years as she works toward her geology degree. Our male model, Robert, is a pilot for Air Canada. He had just

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Rebecca’s predictions for spring trends: • maxie dress • bold character sunglasses • striped geometrical patterns and Aztec (tribal) prints • women’s orange lipstick • long shoulder strap bags • airy color pallets of whites and pastels

returned from London the day before the shoot so flying to Saskatoon was nothing for him.

The shoot itself–a full eight hours–is a fun day, a little nerve wracking at times since you don’t know for sure if everything will fit. Even though I have the models’ measurements each company can fit so differently. For this spring campaign, we shot outside in February. Sometimes the models are down to dresses and t-shirts and it was definitely not spring weather! The models did very well, but we had to be careful to shoot around them exhaling so you wouldn’t see their breath in the freezing air. The day of the shoot, February 23, was -2, so not the worst, but not t-shirt weather either!

Throughout, the Midtown marketing people study the digital images on the computer. I keep my eye on the models as we move along, making sure the outfits are acting as they should. Team members are pretty respectful of each other’s roles and everyone works together. If anything 24

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needs to be fixed, the director is alerted, you pause, everyone goes in at the same time, then you get back out. It’s quite a strict shoot, but the director has a particular vision; a shoot doesn’t happen by committee. That consensus happens earlier. The shoot is like parts of a creative machine working together and because of that, everyone is happy at the end of the day.

I’ve been asked if styling an ad campaign is more difficult than doing a fashion show.

Each is a very different experience. Each is a lot of fun, but in both cases, what goes on behind the scenes should never show through to distract the audience from the ultimate illusion.

Midtown’s spring campaign began April 2. The REBECCA KING Fall 2012 line was revealed in Calgary March 10 and will be showing here in Saskatoon on Thursday, May 31 at the Rouge Gallery.

Visit www.rebeccakingdesign.ca for details. FLS

THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TEAM: • Rebecca King, Stylist • Midtown Plaza Marketing Department • Tim Neal, TAP Communications Creative Director • Campaign photographer Kiriako Latridis: www.kiriako.ca • Behind the scenes photographer Pete Lawrence: www.petelawrence.com • Angles Salon Spa – hair and make-up • Models Robert Henry and Brittney Burns – Sophia Models International Calgary • Shot on location at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon

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Meteor Cut Diamond Exclusive to South China Jewelry

EXPERTAdvice Choosing the best diamond Photos by Heather Fritz

By Canny/Terrence Yeung South China Jewelry 306.931-3328 Midtown Plaza southchina@sasktel.net www.southchinajewelry.com

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hen it comes to diamonds, save yourself an expensive case of buyer’s remorse by doing a little research and buying from a local retailer.

In the springtime many people’s thoughts turn to lovely bits of bling—engagement rings, graduation gifts, love tokens or just “I deserve this!” splurges. But did you know that if you’re not diamond savvy, you could easily spend $12,000 on a $4,000 ring?

We’ve found that only about 50 per cent of diamond buyers walk into a store with some knowledge beforehand; the rest entrust themselves to a salesperson’s assurances. Put yourself in the right percentile. Here’s a list of dos and dont’s we feel every diamond buyer should consider before making that big purchase.

DO start with the Internet, but restrain yourself. Use it for research purposes only. Educate yourself about the 4Cs of diamonds: cut, clarity, colour and carat weight.

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DO take yourself to an established, reputable local jeweller with a large inventory (for example, South China carries more than 1,000 pieces in-store, worth $6-7 million) and start comparing. There’s no substitute for seeing, touching and trying on the real thing.

DO use a 10-power loupe (a good jeweller will happily provide one) to really look. And ask lots of questions. Again, a good jeweller will be happy to educate you.

DO pay for quality, not labour. It costs the same to make a $500 ring as a $5,000 ring; it costs the same to cut a 1.0-carat diamond as a 0.1. So buying lots of small, inexpensive things means you’re investing in labour rather than actual gems—which isn’t an investment at all.

DO see jewelry as a long-term investment rather than a one-time expense. Buy once every five years, but buy well.

DO judge by workmanship, not by brand name. Brand names can be three to four times more expensive because you’re going through several middlemen. Great jewelry can be designed anywhere, but it’s manufactured to the highest standard in China. At a recent US trade show, we saw signs in most jewellers’ booths saying, “We sell China cut!” China simply has the best machinery and most skilled workers these days.

DON’T jump into Internet buying. Sure, there’s some good stuff out there, but there’s also some very bad stuff. Even experienced gemologists can get fooled online.

DON’T judge a ring by its setting. That’s like picking a TV set by saying, “I really like the shape of that one,” or “That stand would look great in my house.” You’re missing the big picture! A setting doesn’t need to cost thousands; you can get top workmanship and quality stones without paying that much.

DON’T buy trinkets for every occasion (Valentine’s, Christmas, birthdays). Add up what you’d spend on a year of small presents (it could be $5,000) and put it toward a substantial piece that’s a better buy.

DON’T go by size. Did you know it’s smarter to buy a small, higher-quality diamond than a larger flawed one? Size is only one factor in the equation.

DON’T be locked into a name or provenance.

Experts the world over agree that China is the new capital for skillful, specialized hands and top-level factories. Much of the highend jewelry designed in Europe or the US is now manufactured there. FLS

WELCOMING EDEN Flowers for refined tastes and environmental senses

ammy Kreutzweiser is eagerly anticipating the opening of her new boutique flower shop. Chic, environmentallyconscious and locally supplied, Eden Flowers is set to open its doors in April of 2012. It has not been an easy journey for Tammy to get her first small business up and running.

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By Suzanne Huber. Photos by Kerry Lubchenko

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fter spending more than a decade working in floral and gardencentre shops throughout the city, Tammy’s uncle once asked her, “Why don’t you have your own flower shop? Let’s do this; I will be your partner!” It was then that Tammy began to seriously consider opening her own floral boutique in an industry she is deeply passionate about.

It was not long after this conversation that Tammy’s uncle was tragically killed in a car accident.

Tammy did not want to give up on the conversations she had with her uncle and used the unfortunate hardship as her motivation to turn her dream into a reality. She applied to Saskatoon’s Global Infobroker’s entrepreneurship program led by Monica Kreuger, where she finetuned her concept and prepared a pitch for Saskatchewan Capital Investors.

“Attending the school was the best move ever, it gave me great tools to sustain my company,” says Tammy. The insight she gained on how to think from a businessowner’s perspective and how to attract investors helped build the foundation for 28

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both her business plan and the future opening of her shop. Armed with the right tools, Tammy successfully attracted investors for the construction and launch of Eden. Having a clear vision, support from investors and business mentors, and construction near completion, the journey of Eden’s opening is winding down. The doors will be open to the public this April.

Creative Arrangements After spending over 14 years working in some of Saskatoon’s best floral shops and garden centres, Tammy has cultivated her own signature techniques for creating floral arrangements. “Bigger is better,” explains Tammy, excited with this venture into her true calling. With a passion for the industry, she is already looking forward to the hectic days and long hours that Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day will bring. Eden will offer Saskatoon a different level of floral arrangements catering to those with refined tastes on a uniquely 99-per-cent green platform.

Eden will also service weddings, funerals, events and corporate accounts.

University Heights welcomes a new neighborhood florist Flowers add a fresh comforting ambiance to a room and really articulate appreciation for people you care about.

Whether you are decorating your kitchen table, gifting them to a departing co-worker, or simply want to express appreciation for someone you love, Eden will offer the neighborhood and surrounding area fresh floral arrangements for all occasions. All flowers are fair trade and local merchants are used preferentially in the shop.

99 per cent recycled When you first walk in and breathe deeply, feel your stress melt away as you are uplifted by the serene ambiance of Eden.

Unique to the shop is their extremelyproactive green program. Flower shops produce between two and ten bags of waste, both green and other garbage per day, but Tammy has partnered with a waste management company to make sure that everything can go back

Flowers add a fresh comforting ambiance to a room and really articulate appreciation for people you care about

to its natural earthy state. Absolutely everything in the shop is recyclable— the packaging, gift tags, cards, blooming notes, everything! The cellophane wrappers that are commonly used will be substituted for environmentally friendly materials. Eden also offers a vase exchange program where you can return the vase from your last purchase (or any others you may have) for fresh flowers.

Supporting local business Eden is committed to carrying as many product lines made in Saskatchewan as possible. Bath products and candles, all-organic, soy-based and produced in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan will be sold in the shop, as well as plantable paper enclosure cards and greeting cards handmade in Radisson, Saskatchewan

by Laurie Larwood of Blooming Notes who Tammy first met at the Gardenscape years ago). Flowers, when in season, will come from Mystic Acres based in Vonda.

Fresh succulents and plants from a local 29

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grower as well as from Vancouver, BC. All retail products are consistent with Eden’s mandate of having either local or Canadian products that are pure and natural. Even decadent chocolates, to compliment floral arrangements, are imported from the Danielle Chocolate Company in Vancouver.

Tammy has come a long way since winning over investors with her pitch with the Saskatchewan Capitol Network.

Guided by her business plan, and mentors through the Praxis school of entrepreneurship, Tammy is near completion of the construction of her new boutique, opening this April. By staying true to the conversations with her uncle, and driven by the inspiration and natural high she gets from working with flowers, Tammy will soon be another passionate entrepreneur in Saskatoon, offering topquality product to the University Heights neighborhood and city. FLS

Tammy Kreutzweiser

134 - 1824 Mcormond Drive 306.361.3533 www.edenflowers.ca

EXPERTAdvice How to prepare for tHe big day

Hair and Make-up by Angles SalonSpa Photo by Shannon Brunner

Photo by Heather Fritz

Is it really necessary to have a trial for my hair? Can’t I just bring in a picture that day?

By Tammy McLean Angles Salon & Spa Saskatchewan’s largest premier salon and day spa 201 1st Ave S (Main Door Midtown Plaza) 306.653.4247

www.anglessalonspa.com gifT cArDS AvAiLABLe

The countdown is on. Grad and wedding season is upon us.

Here are a few things you should know if you or someone special is having their big day.

I’m getting a professional photographer, and paying a lot. Can I save some money by doing my own hair and make-up? if you are spending a lot on your photos, it only makes sense have your hair and makeup done professionally. formal photos require strong lighting and unfortunately not everyone is blessed with perfect hair and skin. You could end up spending a small fortune on make-up to conceal blemishes, discolorations, large pores etc. A professional has these tools on hand. Without formal training, your look could come across really harsh, or barely there at all. Neither is flattering to the camera.

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it is a must to book a hair and make-up trial if it is within your budget. This is a stress free way to guarantee you will get the look you want, in the time you need, on your special day. There is usually no time to change your mind on the big day, so this is a perfect opportunity to really find out what your likes and dislikes are.

You may not know what you want for sure, but please share with your stylist what you don’t want. it is a salons job to ensure you are completely satisfied with your look before you walk out the door. i recommend a trim with a hair and scalp treatment at least one week prior to having your updo. This will ensure your hair will look the very best. if you plan on coloring your hair, i recommend booking a color one week prior.

Hairstyle. Timeless or trendy?

The most timeless and classic updos lengthen the neck, accent the shape of the face, and coordinate with your dress. The trendiest updos are sure to stop people in their tracks! What about timelessly trendy? Don’t be afraid to step a little out of your comfort zone and mix the two looks. i love adding a fun twist to the typical updo; an interesting braid, crimping a french twist, maybe a more classic look with a super fun hair accessory. feathers are really trendy right now. Those are the little things that make people do a double take when they see you walk down the aisle or across the stage.

What else should I be thinking about to get ready for my big day, and in what timeline?

Besides exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep, some pampering treatments you may want to consider are: Facial/microdermabrasion - This hydrates and can clear up any problematic areas, shrinking

large pores and brightening your skin tone. it leaves a perfect palette for a flawless makeup application. This treatment should be done one week prior to the big event.

Pedicure - Soft, smooth feet and polished toes, one to two days prior, are a must for anyone wearing open-toed shoes Manicure - Show off that corsage or wedding ring better with well-manicured hands and fingernails. One to two days prior.

Body Scrub - A relaxing and gentle way to slough off any dry skin from winter, leave feeling relaxed hydrated and glowing. Within 1 week.

Tanning and teeth whitening - Both need time to show healthy natural results. Don’t rush either of these services start at least 1 month prior.

Lash Extensions - Longer fuller beautiful lashes without mascara prove to be the ultimate accessory for any wedding or honeymoon. i recommend a full set and one fill before the big day. fill required every three to six weeks.

Massage - Melt away stress with a massage. either alone or with someone you love. Once a week for relaxation.

What else am I forgetting?

Don’t forget to reserve your appointments. By booking ahead you won’t be rushing to find a stylist and make-up artist. The salons that have a reputation for great hair and make-up are usually booked well in advance. Bring with you a photo of your dress, so the artist working on you can start to imagine the total package.

Pack an SOS kit for the big day, which includes tissues, bobby pins, lip-gloss, mini hairspray, mints and deodorant.

Now you’ve done all you can to prepare. Leave the rest to the professionals and have a blast! fLr

EvEnt planning madE simplE‌ and fun

By Suzanne Huber Photos by Self Reflexion Photography and Cinema

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fter helping over 900 brides plan their special wedding days over the last five years, Simple Sentiments owner and operator Tracy Fisher recently expanded her retail space by moving her event design business into a larger location on Circle Drive East.

Formerly known as Wedding and Party DĂŠcor by Tracy, the new name, Simple Sentiments, represents a new direction that the rapidly growing event planning company is heading in. The progressive 32

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retail space welcomes brides-to-be to come in and create a customized event exclusive to them with the assistance of a seasoned event design expert. By watching international trends and working with their clients to reflect their own personal style, Saskatoon is fortunate to have Simple Sentiments offering custom and memorable events for all occasions.

In her first year, Tracy spent a lot of time networking around the city, seeing what

Saskatoon craved in the event design industry. She did not like the prices and limitations that other service providers were offering and felt the industry was not quite modern enough. She knew she wanted to create something special to offer Saskatoon, and so with her background in theatre design, Tracy felt she could bring something unique to her clients. Before opening she spent three years researching different ideas and coming up with different niches by

watching what was happening in highfashion cities around the world. Tracy not only watched what was happening in weddings, but also in theatre, event design and the fashion industry.

Starting out in her home for the first year, Tracy quickly outgrew the space. Word spread quickly about her innovative work.

“I had a goal of doing 10 weddings,” says Tracy, who went on to do 53 in her first year of business. In 2008 she opened her storefront on 33rd Street when her home overflowed with inventory. During this time she also rented warehouse space to hold her ever-growing inventory of rental equipment for special events. In 2011, Wedding and Party Décor by Tracy became Simple Sentiments to reflect the combination of the retail showroom

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space, warehouse and new direction of the planning designs at the new Circle Drive location.

in person, with a friendly designer to help you discover your own tastes and preferences.

Working with an Event Designer

Introducing the design room

There are many benefits of working with an event designer since they often cover bases the public rarely considers. Simple Sentiment’s new show space allows you to unleash your own creativity and make the whole planning process fun! With the assistance of an event-savvy expert to help refine your ideas, your event will take shape with your own unique flair. You can come in and strip down a table then create your own colour combination with more choices for table centerpieces than you can imagine. No need to research online when you can pull items together

In the new retail space, conveniently located on Circle Drive next to Humpty’s, you will get excited and enthusiastic about all of the options that will get your imagination swirling, as your big event vision starts to come together.

The room serves as a creative outlet to help map out the particulars of your theme for your special occasion. Discover the colours you want to work with, the chair covers to drape and the details for your table centerpieces. The showroom offers an abundance of choices to create your dream event. Canopy over the

table anyone? The design room is a true event planning playland with no need to research online or stress yourself out over planning; you just go have fun putting your ideas together for the big event you envision.

From generating ideas to being there on the big day Simple Sentiments is accustomed to helping plan events as small as 50 people to upwards of 600—from start to finish.

Whether you need help figuring out what hall to rent and which DJ to book, to the actual event set-up and take-down, you, your friends and your family can relax and enjoy the event with Simple Sentiments’ assistance. “Come in at any phase,” says Tracy. Some of her clients have no idea 34

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what they want or where they are going, so Simple Sentiments can help from day one. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, enlist their services for additional ideas and contract their services for set up and take down. The choice is yours, but it is important to remember that planning your big event should be fun. Do not overburden yourself with any unnecessary stress.

Fun wedding ideas “We once did a corps bride wedding when we first started years ago,” says Tracy. But one of her all-time favorites was a 1940’s Paris fashion-themed wedding she did for her best friend two years ago. Tracy sees a trend in this theme coming back for future events and weddings. From mixing and matching to discovering the colours

and ideas for the overall theme, Simple Sentiments offers a variety of solutions to help turn your ideas into a reality, even if it is off the beaten path. New ideas welcomed!

International inspiration Tracy orders in products from around the world and studies what is happening in the fashion industry in cities such as LA, Toronto, Vancouver and New York. She finds that, depending on the time of year, a lot of colours showing up on the runway transfer over into the wedding season.

Tracy enjoys helping her clients get comfortable enough to go beyond what their imaginations and limitations will allow. This usually results in expectations being completely surpassed. Although Tracy enjoys watching trends, she

cautions that it is important to add your own style to your theme, setting yourself apart and doing something distinctive that reflects you.

Working with the best in Saskatoon Tracy feels it is very important to develop trust in her relationships with clients.

She knows that her clients need the “brown sugar,” which is the feeling that everything will come through. She also feels it is equally important to make sure that she directs her clients to Saskatoon’s top vendors. “They may not always be the most popular but we work with the best,” says Tracy. One local business she partners with is Self Reflexion Photography and Cinema. The photography and film company captured the images for this article, and is currently working with Tracy on several other projects. “I like to work with everyday, down-to-earth people who make my clients feel special,” says Tracy. She also feels that working with the top merchants in Saskatchewan offers her clients new and fresh products and services from ambitious people who understand what Simple Sentiments is all about.

Originally from Newfoundland with maritime roots, Tracy knows the value in creating good relationships with her clients. “I want them to feel like they are doing business with a friend,” she says.

Tracy wants to create a feeling of comfort for anyone that comes into the retail space and working with her and her team. These 35

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values have helped Simple Sentiments to become the fastest growing event-design studio in Saskatoon. “Even when we continue to grow and the more staff we have, I want to make sure we can maintain that same feeling and provide the same level of service,” says Tracy.

Simple Sentiments offers a variety of services to help your event impress and go off without a hitch, from setting up and taking down your event décor, to mailing your wedding stationary. Simple Sentiments also offers floral design, rents supplies and accessories and assists in the overall planning stages from start to finish—if you choose them to do so. Drop by and visit their new Circle Drive location today and see the best selection of event design décor the city has to offer. FLS

L to R: Rosemarie Draskovic, Tanya Johnson, Amber Derbowka and Tracy H Fisher

#3 - 405 Circle Drive East 306.382.0455 info@simple-sentiments.com www.simple-sentiments.com

BRiCKS-AND-MoRTAR STuDio AND SKiLLeD STAff iNTegRAL To PHoTogRAPHeR’S viSioN

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By Sheena Koops. Photos by Cindy Moleski

ate afternoon light is slanting through windows – along silk, against bare shoulders, through taffeta – as a young woman reaches toward the hardwood floor, straightening a fold in her dream-come-true dress.

“Wait. Look up,” says Cindy. The young woman pauses, blinks and smiles. Cindy snaps the shutter on her camera. “Perfect.

Absolutely beautiful,” she says.

Capturing light has come a long way since the eighteenth century invention of the camera obscura that led to a new visual medium: photography, which literally means painting with light. Cindy Moleski of Cindy Moleski Photography has been painting stories with light and perfecting her artistic vision in and around Saskatoon for 27 years. She began studying interior design, but along the way changed her focus to photography.

She has not looked back.

Cindy is serious about her art. “I never want to get or be boring. In every shoot I try to do at least one thing off the cuff, but I’m also going to use the techniques that I’m good at. I just want to stay fresh.

I’m constantly moving around my studio, trying new angles, new set ups.”

L to R: Nicole Belhumeur, Tracey Mosiuk, Cindy Moleski, Joanne Agnew, Donna Harding

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First and foremost Cindy is an artist. “The creativity keeps me going,” she says.

“Being an artist means being satisfied, being creative; whether it’s here in the studio or with the things I shoot in my spare time, I see the beauty in everything around me, and I try to capture it. I have the most fun when I’m being creative.

One thing I love about grads, boudoir and brides is that I just love photographing one person. That’s when you get to be most creative. You can have lots of fun, and really be an artist.”

Cindy Moleski Photography is all about recording those rights of passage, those once-in-a-lifetime events, like graduation, with pampering, luxury and fun. As one of only a handful of bricks-and-mortar studios in Saskatoon, she offers not only location photography, but the luxury of a contemporary-yet-classic studio, fully air-conditioned for those hot summer days. The studio, complete with dressing room and makeup room (and washroom), has access to a back yard and riverbank settings. It’s like the proverbial icing on the special event cake.

As the North American photography industry is changing more and more inexperienced people are hanging cyber shingles as photographers, anyone who has an eye for photography knows that Cindy is the real thing. At the same time, Cindy knows the marketplace always rules, a business philosophy that’s reflected in the choice of her staff.

“I am always looking for ways to be relevant, learning the latest in technology, and it is truly stunning, the level of skills that my designer, Nicole, has brought to my studio,” says Cindy. “Tracey keeps everything running smoothly. She helps you select the best of the best from your pictures to your framing and even the best time for you to book your sittings.

She is the detail person and the problem

solver around here!. And Donna, who does our custom framing, she used to own her own framing company. My part time girls are always ready with a big smile - like Joanne. I also work with makeup artists, often with Bonnie Davies I’m so proud of my staff.” Whether they are working with grads, brides and boudoir, or garden babies, pets and their families, Cindy and her team are bringing the same studio experience as a high-end fashion magazine.

Cindy Moleski Photography is setting the bar high for professional and artistic photography. It’s no secret that you get what you pay for, and with Cindy and her team you are working with skilled people who have strong artistic education; they are keeping current with technology, but not sacrificing quality. Cindy Moleski has serious talent and a reputation to back it up; she brings big city quality right here to Saskatoon.

There’s little wonder Cindy Moleski enjoys some celebrity status in the Bridge City. Even on Cindy’s opening day, Dec. 15, 1989, she was stopped by Global’s Colleen Wilson who chose to showcase Cindy’s boudoir portfolio. Even a walk through Cindy’s graduation and wedding photo albums tells you that she’s not just taking pictures, she’s telling stories, and they are far more interesting, far more trendy, far more artsy than anything you’ll find elsewhere. FLS

Cindy Moleski Photography 1320 - 8th Street East 306.933.3393 cindylab@shaw.ca www.cindymoleski.com

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THE LOFT EXPERIENCE Private color lounge part of expanded full-service salon

By Owen Woytowich. Photos by Michelle Berg

T

he Loft invites you to come visit their newly expanded full-service salon. With your comfort being their highest priority, nothing gets in the way of providing you with the best possible experience. Owners Barb and Bernard Gartner make it their aim that “whatever service you are there to get— hair cut, color, even a perm— know that you are going to be taken care of, and taken care of well.”

As an elite Redken-certified Salon, the stylists are among the most qualified in Canada for taking care of your hair color needs. Their continuous education taken

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from all over North America ensures the ladies are up to date with all current trends to pass on to you. As a result, The Loft remains the most fashion-forward salon in the city.

An exciting new feature to The Loft is the private Color Lounge. As your color processes, cozy into one of the soft chairs, use their free WiFi, grab a drink from the coffee bar and enjoy your complimentary paraffin wax dips. The giftware area too has expanded with more options to satisfy your shopping desires. FLS

Owner, Barb Gartner

Come experience for yourself all that The Loft has to offer. Look good and shop; what more could a woman want? Well, expertise of course.

The heart of all good salons is a talented and versatile staff: Sam Cunningham, Esthetician (6 Years) “Being an esthetician is something that I’ve always wanted to do.

Most of all, I like making people feel relaxed—a little more rejuvenated and feeling better when they leave the place. Come ask me about the foot line I’m launching in May called Foot Logix. That I personally customize to your foot care needs”.

Kristy Junek, Nail Technician (9 years) “Doing nails for my clients is a dream job for me. It allows both my creative side and the detailed oriented side to coexist.

I enjoy making women feel relaxed with a fresh set of nails, they feel like they can take on the world!. I’m so lucky to get to know my clients the way I do and am always striving to be better and bring them the latest trends and fashions”.

Mandie Nygaard, Journeyman Stylist (8 years)

“As a stylist I have over eight years experience, including hair I’ve done

that I can maintain the integrity of any client’s hair—which to me is the number one job: to always have your clients walk out of the salon with healthy hair!” That’s my profession edge!

for many photo shoots and behind the scenes at hair shows. Continuous education keeps me up to date on the latest inherent fashion. What I am most passionate about is working behind the chair because I love my job and my clients. Working here enables me to attend classes and hair shows, which keeps me up to date on all of the new techniques in hair styling. It’s a very valuable continued education and it keeps me excited.”

Celene Dupuis, Journeyman Stylist (9 Years)

Angie Fidler, Journeyman Stylist (11 years)

“If you are looking for a unique look, a really fun makeover, or maybe just some hair color troubleshooting, please come to me! I can sit down with you and together we’ll come up with something that’ll bring out your best features. If you want to enhance your confidence or just need a boost, I’ll give you that!”

Carly Schell, Journeyman Stylist (14 years)

“Being a Certified Redken Colorist, I’ve dedicated much time to being specially trained in color correction. I can make even the most damaged hair colors come back. I feel

“I’m a Certified Redken Colorists— which comes after a series of difficult exams. Staying constantly educated by attending classes, even though I’m an educator myself, is very important to me in being a better stylist. I like to make sure my clients know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. I’m honest and open with them, and help them achieve what they want for their hair.”

Riki Brown, Journeyman Stylist (7 Years)

“When clients come to me I want them to feel like they can be themselves.

I get excited about new trends and products and enjoy keeping myself educated by attending classes. I want to hear your ideas and expectations and blend them with my passion and experience to create your own personalized look.”

The Loft Hair Design Studio Bay 4 -116 -103rd Street E. 306.343.2003

Evolve. Experience. Empower.

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EXPERTAdvice FUN, FUNCTIONAL FOOTWEAR

Photo by Heather Fritz

Spring & Summer Footwear has Arrived!

By Jordana Jacobson and Rebecca Simpson Cravings Kids Lifestyle Boutique #18-2105 8th Street East 306.477.8235 cravingskids@gmail.com www.shopcravings.ca

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s toddlers grow and begin exploring the world around them, there are few things that will encourage them more than the right shoe. Comfortable, supportive footwear will give a child confidence to take that next step, as well as promote healthy, physical development. When choosing the correct footwear, parents often ask us three common questions. Here is what we advise: What’s the best way to pick out shoes for my toddler? What about my schoolaged child?

Always follow the rule of the 3 Fs: fit, form and fashion. Toddlers’ feet are vulnerable and sweat more than adult feet do; they need breathability, stability and flexibility. For school-aged kids you should follow similar guidelines.

This age group doesn’t require as much 40

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flexibility as an early walker, but you still want to ensure their footwear is not super restrictive.

Generally speaking, whatever the age of the child, you want the shoe to fit the foot now. Do not let them “grow into them.”

Measure the foot on a regular basis. If a new walker’s shoes are too big, it will be difficult for them to develop confidence with their steps. It’s also worth noting that if you’re buying online, be cautious: actual sizes from different brands vary slightly; you might end up with something that’s not the proper fit for your child.

Why should we invest in quality footwear?

Inexpensive shoes tend to be bulky and heavy, made from synthetic, nonbreathable materials. They are also more likely to be restrictive or ill-fitting.

And, as they wear out and lose support, they can cause serious bone, back and muscle problems for people later in life.

A quality shoe is essential to a child’s health and development. Most babies are not born with foot malformations, but a large amount of adults suffer from foot problems that may be related to improper or poor quality footwear during childhood.

One of the best features of a quality shoe is that it will remain comfortable, intact

and supportive until your child is ready for a new pair. Always choose shoes made of breathable materials, such as leather.

It will protect your child’s feet and keep them dry and comfortable.

Should I hand down my older child’s shoes to my younger child?

Handing down footwear may seem like a harmless, cost-saving measure, but we do not recommend it. For proper foot development, it’s important for children to create their own foot patterns in the insoles of their shoes. Sharing shoes increases the child’s risk of developing foot problems in childhood and later in life.

Cravings Kids lifestyle boutique carries a wide variety of quality, brand-name and fashionable footwear. We have both full and half sizes in a variety of widths to fit every unique little foot. We would be happy to have you drop by with any other questions you might have. FLS

Find Your New Spring Look at

Scotia Centre

Enjoy a Unique Experience with a Diverse Selection of Shops & Services in the Heart of Downtown Scotia Centre 123 - 2nd Ave South 665-6120

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Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Open until 9:00 pm Thursday Convenient Underground Parking Available FineLifestyles SASKATOON

EXPERTAdvice Home care assistance reduce your own health risks by hiring a professional

By Suzanne Huber

Deanna Birdsall, RN, CPCA Executive Director

Retire-at-Home Services 306.384.HOME (4663) dbirdsall@retireathome.com www.RetireAtHomeSaskatoon.com Reach us from anywhere in Canada: 1-800-HOMECARE

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t is a natural human instinct to want to care for our loved ones when they are in need. Whether it be aging parents or a spouse who has developed health challenges, we feel loyalty and a sense of devotion in caring for them in the comfort and familiarity of home. Often responsible for the physical and emotional care of the patient, running the home, as well as organizing and coordinating the necessary health care services, these family members 42

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are expected to provide increasing longterm care to Canadian seniors in the coming years. But as studies show , it is at a cost to their own health. Research indicates that many caregivers experience a high level of stress and are at higher risk of such health problems as depression, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

The Canadian Caregiver Coalition reminds us how important it is to “care for the caregiver.” If you are providing care for an older loved one, are you taking advantage of services that are available to you? In order for you, the caregiver, to continue providing care in the home, you need support too.

One resource that can help in many ways is professional home care. In-home care promotes a safe, secure environment.

Knowing your loved one is well-cared for allows you to better focus on work and other responsibilities.

After conducting a health-care needs assessment, an agency can select trained caregivers who are right for your loved one’s needs. The caregiver can come every day of

the week, occasionally as needed, or even overnight. Caregivers can: • Perform housekeeping and household chores • Assist with personal care, such as bathing and toileting • Plan/prep meals, including special diets, and help with medication managing • Take your loved one shopping, to appointments and on special outings • Provide companionship and a sense of security • Ensure peace of mind for family caregivers • Enable your loved one to feel a sense of greater dignity by being able to remain in their own home.

Many families report that making at-home senior care part of a loved one’s care routine “normalizes” the family dynamic.

To learn more about at home care options please contact Retire-At-Home Services today. FLS

EXPERTAdvice ASK THE RD

Specializing in: weight loss, emotional eating, sport nutrition, general well-being and workplace wellness

(Registered Dietitian) Magic and miracles: Terms like effortless, secret, and miraculous are pure hype - not sound science.

All or nothing: Fad diets often exclude one food group or over-emphasize another (think of the cabbage soup, grapefruit and low-carb Atkins diets).

Verging on deprivation: A healthy eating plan shouldn’t feel like a punishment; you should want to eat each meal of your day.

By Noelle Tourney, BSc RD Noelle Tourney Nutrition & Wellness Consulting 306. 260.8040 noelle@noelletourney.com www.noelletourney.com

About Noelle Tourney Noelle has a bachelor of science in nutrition and is a registered dietitian. She works with individuals, groups, sports teams and businesses in various areas of nutrition and wellness, including weight management, emotional eating, general well-being, sport nutrition and workplace-wellness initiatives.

Her approach to nutrition counselling is customized, realistic and sustainable. She doesn’t believe in diets but in learning healthy, balanced eating habits that will energize and enhance your health.

M

y clients often ask me if all the weight-loss products and programs on the market today really work. I always tell them, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The Federal Trade Commission reports 55 per cent of weight-loss ads make misleading and false claims. So, how can you spot the fad diet? Watch out for these statements or promises the next time you begin a weightloss program: Big promises and guarantees: Many fad diets tend to promise rapid weight loss in a short period of time, which is exactly why people fall for them.

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Retail requirements: Do you have to purchase “key products” to see maximum results? Are there incentives beyond health and well-being that push you to purchase or sell the products?

Not a sustainable solution: Could you follow the diet or program for the rest of your life? Can you afford the supplements, pills and pre-packaged meals from now until forever? Let’s be real, no one can live on powdered food or grapefruit alone.

Overlooking the big picture: Quick fixes rarely focus on lifestyle changes. A drastic procedure may help you lose the weight, but it’s not addressing the root cause of the weight gain in the first place.

Be sensible: In theory, it’s possible to lose weight by eating nothing but celery or other low-calorie food. The problem with this approach is that it’s anything but healthy.

Radical rules: If the diet goes against the guidance of most respected health organizations, avoid it. For sound nutritional advice, seek a registered dietitian.

Avoid getting fooled by the promises of fad diets and programs; instead, think long-term lifestyle changes for permanent and healthy weight loss. Consider these points when choosing a healthy and sensible weight-loss or nutrition program: Emphasize variety and moderation: A proper plan shouldn’t label foods “good,” or “bad,” or cut out entire food groups, but emphasize a variety of healthy, wholesome foods in moderation.

Realistic, sustainable and enjoyable: You should develop healthy habits for everyday life that you can keep up for the rest of your life. Aim for small, realistic and gradual changes in your eating patterns. Nourish your body with nutritious foods you enjoy; proper nutrition should be tasty and enjoyable!

Education based: A proper program should provide you with the education and tools to develop healthy eating and lifestyle behaviours permanently, even after the program has finished.

Address the root cause: Determining why you have gained weight or struggle with proper nutrition is crucial in helping you achieve a healthier and happier life.

Personalized to you: There is no one nutrition program that fits each and every person; we all have different needs, likes, dislikes, habits and schedules. A customized nutrition plan is the most effective way to help you reach your goals.

Incorporate a trained professional: Seek a credible health professional such as a registered dietitian when making dietary and lifestyle changes. FLS The title “registered dietitian” is legally protected, so only qualified practitioners may use the title. Dietitians have a degree from an accredited university and must adhere to standards of their provincial regulatory body in order to practice. This ensures they are competent and their skills are up-to-date.

Many extended medical insurance plans and health spending accounts cover nutrition counselling by a registered dietitian.

EXCELLENCE

LEADING

WITH

A Canadian first, Weight Loss Forever achieves International Center of Excellence designation

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INTERIOR SHOT OF THE WEIGHT LOSS FOREVER LIMARP HOSPITAL

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Each year over 300 WLF patients receive surgery and support through WLF’s award-winning program. There are offices in Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary and Lethbridge, with trained facilitators throughout the country. Research is a priority, too, and WLF is involved in a clinical study researching weight loss outcomes with cognitive behavioural therapy.

For nearly four years, Weight Loss Forever (WLF) has been supporting people who qualify for bariatric weight loss surgery.

Over 98 per cent choose the vertical sleeve procedure. Patients eat less and feel full sooner with a smaller stomach, and most enjoy astounding results.

WLF’s chief bariatric surgeon is Mayo Clinic-trained Dr. Liza Pompa, MD, Ph.D, AFACS, and director of LIMARP Surgical Unit. Board-certified in both the United States and Mexico, Dr. Pompa is an international leader in bariatric surgery.

“People think that it’s a complicated and dangerous surgery,” says Melanie, “Or that you can never eat normally again. You do. The reality is that it’s quite safe, takes about 30 minutes and is no more risky than any routine surgery as long as you are in a dedicated bariatric hospital with a qualified surgeon,” she emphasizes.

After a two-year review by the Surgical Review Corporation, WLF’s hospital was recently designated as an International Bariatric Center of Excellence, one of only 18 in the world. To receive the designation, the hospital and WLF met and exceeded stringent requirements in three areas: the hospital, the surgeon, and the bariatric program.

By Karin Melberg Schwier

nce weighing over 225 pounds, and now at 125 pounds and the 2012 Mrs. Canada, Melanie Wildman is the President and CEO of Weight Loss Forever. She’s helps people change their lives–and saves their lives.

Dr. L. Pompa, MD, Ph.D, AFACS

“We’re very proud of this designation,” says Melanie. “We’re a world-renowned bariatric hospital with exceedingly high standards, excellent patient care and compassionate support. What is at stake is our patients’ health and well-being,and our license. Their team told Dr. Pompa that we are one of the Top10 hospitals they inspected anywhere in the world.

“All of us who have been obese are in the same boat. We’ve been damaged.

There are medical reasons for weight gain and the solution is also medical,” Melanie says. “That’s not to say there aren’t realities like food addictions and emotional eating. But to blame obesity on lack of will power or self-control is simply ignorance.The success of hundreds of our patients proves that! Vanity has very little to do with this–what truly matters is having a long and healthy life.”

www.weightlossforever.ca

Real Lives Transformed Heather McClinton, Sedley Heather was on the waiting list for bariatric surgery in Regina, but there were a lot of rules.

To qualify, she was told candidates had to lose 25 per cent of their weight on their own, then keep it off for up to a year. “One of the things that comes with extreme weight problems is depression,” explains Heather, “so I defy anyone who is depressed with that much weight to do that. I had diabetes. I was on high blood pressure medication. I’m almost 60. I told my doctor, ‘I have to do something now.’”

In June 2011, she had her surgery through WLF. Thrilled to be healthy and active, Heather just returned from a 16-day trip to Egypt. “I can’t imagine going down into that second pyramid had I been 250 pounds,” she laughs. “And I would have not got on the back of a camel!

I never missed an event or a tour. I was able to keep up.”

Hea

Today Heather weighs 169 pounds. “Within two months, I was off all diabetes meds,” Heather reports. “By mid-October, my doctor said I’m diabetes free. I calculated the cost of the surgery and what I was paying for diabetes meds. I will have my surgery paid for in three years and be free of the other health problems. It’s amazing to me that this program isn’t covered by our health care.”

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While the surgery and support from WLF has changed her life radically, it’s the every day things that have a big impact; “I’m so much more active.

I just can’t believe I feel so good.”

Jim Cairns, Langbank When Jim Cairns tipped the scale at 362 pounds, his doctor told him he needed to be on oxygen. His doctor said the wait for weight loss surgery might be 36 months. “I wasn’t sure I was going to be around that long.” Jim’s nephew successfully had surgery with Weight Loss Forever (WLF) the year before. That prompted Jim to “get the ball rolling.”

“It’s like Old Home Week even if you’re going in for the very first time,” says Jim, who had his surgery in September 2011. “You feel so comfortable right away.” So far he’s lost 130 pounds and anticipates losing another 20 to 30.

Always on “some sort of diet” since his teens, Jim had high blood pressure in high school. The Montreal surgery would have cost between $50-$70,000, so Jim and Ellen were pleased that WLF’s Centre of Excellence was a fraction of that cost and the surgeon was Mayo Clinic-trained.

WLF’s program covered everything he needed and his facilitator, Julie, offered daily support. “The support from WLF is just great. The whole experience was remarkable.”

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Visit www.weightlossforever.ca for more information, or to see if surgery might be right for you.

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

SURGERY

What is bariatric weight loss surgery?

According to the Canadian Medical Association, 2009, weight-loss surgery was the only permanent treatment of severe of morbid obesity. Diet and exercise on their own has not been shown to be effective.

What is the “Sleeve”?

The Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) induces weight loss by restricting food intake. About 80 per cent of the stomach is removed during the half-hour procedure; the stomach then has the shape of a “sleeve.” This is the least invasive and most successful permanent weight-loss surgery available.

How much does it cost?

The cost can vary depending on each patient’s unique situation, but many patients find they save money each month because of the much lower costs of food and medication.

Is it covered by provincial or private health insurance?

general hospital. WLF recently received a designation of International Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. Our Center is independently inspected and exceeds internationally-accepted standards and we have the highest safety ratings.

What are the surgeon’s qualifications?

It can be, depending on your insurance and which province you live in. For all patients, the cost of the procedure is recognized by Revenue Canada as a medical expense. Financing is also available on approved credit.

Dr. Liza Maria Pompa is one of the top surgeons in the field of bariatrics. She is board-certified in the United States and in Mexico, trained at the Mayo Clinic and the European Institute of Telesurgery in France. As Professor of Laparoscopic Surgery Training Programs, she teaches innovative surgical techniques, and she diabetes.

Am I a candidate?

What kind of weight loss can patients expect?

What if I have other health issues?

Many patients undergoing weight loss surgery have obesity-related health conditions. WLF has an in-depth mandatory medical and psychological screening to ensure patient safety.

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You may be if you are clinically obese with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher.

For example, if you are 5’4” and weigh 180 pounds, you may qualify (depending on your individual medical assessment).

Is this done in a regular hospital?

No, our surgeries are done in a stateof-the-art,dedicated bariatric hospital, which studies show is safer than a

Most lose 60 to 100 per cent of their excess weight on average within two years. WLF has over 800 successful patients across Canada to date.

Are there risks or complications?

Weight-loss surgery today is quite safe, with similar risks as other routine surgeries. Research shows that the risks of obesity are many times higher than

To learn more, or to find out if surgery is right for you, visit www.weightlossforever.ca

the risks of surgery. In fact, the risk of mortality five years after weight loss surgery is 89 per cent less than remaining obese.

Can I return to eating normally after the surgery?

FRASER WATSON

Yes! WLF has developed dietary guidelines from the first few days and weeks to lifetime maintenance. Stomach volume is reduced, but it functions normally and absorbs nutrients normally and the reduction in the hormone ghrelin significantly reduces food cravings.

What about support before, during and after?

We have one-to-one counseling, support groups and activity programs, as well as an online patient information system for research and tracking. Research shows patients with support lose more than 32 per cent more weight and report a much higher quality of life than those who don’t have support.

I’m concerned about going to Mexico Choosing a hospital and surgical team outside of Canada can be very risky. Not all hospitals even meet Canadian or U.S. standards. In fact, some Canadians end up with serious complications because they’ve been sent to unsafe places or tried to go it alone. We believe “medical tourism” for the treatment of obesity is unethical.

Surgery: Sept 13, 2011 Starting Weight: 397lbs TOTAL LOST: 132lbs Fraser has lost over 130lbs in just 6 short months! When we asked Fraser how he felt about his success, he said: “I just follow the plan!”

To learn more about hundreds of patients just like Fraser who have successfully lost weight permanently, visit our website or call toll-free 1-877-306-8891 and change your life!

“Real Patients. Real Results”

Why isn’t the hospital located in Canada?

According to the Canadian Medical Association in 2009, there is 600 times more demand for bariatric surgery than there is capacity to do it. The average wait times can be as high as 13 years. Salaries here are several times greater than in Mexico, making surgery too expensive for most people. WLF’s Canadian-owned state-of-the-art hospital and individual support is an excellent solution. FLS

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How can I get answers to my specific questions?

306-665-8891 (Saskatoon) or 306-352-8446 (Regina) Visit www.weightlossforever.ca and fill out the “Am I a Candidate?” online form.

A knowledgeable facilitator who is also a former patient will answer all your questions.

Travel around the world or complete all levels of the Tour De France course with this progressive and entertaining bike.

The virTual cyclisT Train like the pros, on the world’s greatest courses, from your home

By Suzanne Huber. Photos by Michelle Berg

F

laman Fitness was founded in the early 1990’s when Frank Flaman recognized the growing demand for health and fitness products in Saskatchewan. Frank believed that a healthy body makes a healthy mind, that you will live longer if you have both.

In only a decade, Flaman Fitness has become the largest fitness equipment retailer in Western Canada. By providing an on-going commitment to personalized customer service, the success of the company can also be attributed to providing the best selection of fitness equipment with competitive pricing. Most

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recently, Flaman Fitness has introduced the new Tour De France bike to Saskatoon cyclists, who can now map trails around the world in the comfort of their own home.

Introducing Tour De France Flaman is excited to exclusively sell the new Tour De France stationary bike. If you are not currently a strong cyclist, this bike can help you get there. Travel around the world or complete all levels of the Tour De France course with this progressive

and entertaining bike. Google Maps will navigate your personalized workouts and guide your fitness journey like a seasoned professional training for the big event.

Ride anywhere in the world Ride anywhere in the world with Google Maps iFit Live Technology built right into the bike. Create your own course or choose from one of the 24 pre-mapped choices. Ride over the Passage du Gois or climb the hills of Mont des Alouettes in France. Experience trails around the world

Adjust the wind The technology on this bike is really unbelievable. You can alternate gears as if you are on your road bike and adjust the Intelligent Wind Resistance. This intelligence automatically adjusts your resistance settings based on your desired wind profile. The bike has the abilities to apply natural resistance based on your height and weight, giving you accuracy of your progress and results from your training.

What you see on the screen as you travel is exactly what you feel. Every hill, every flat and every decline will be experienced to help you stay fit. This versatile indoor cycle delivers more options for a greater benchmark performance with every workout. With 24 digital gear controls you can adjust the intensity during different parts of the course. Interactive inclineand decline-controls allow your bike to follow the road. The Intelligent Wind Resistance feature factors in your height and weight for a calculated drive with accurate results. Train like a Pro with Le Tour de France Indoor Cycle.

like the pros do, but in the comfort of your own home. Locally, you can even hit up Saskatoon’s Meewasin trail if it’s too cold, or raining too hard for an actual excursion outdoors.

It does what the street does Experience any route matching the incline and decline of the actual streets you are travelling. How cool is that feature? The Tour de France Indoor Cycle adjusts to simulate the terrain as if you were actually 49

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doing it outdoors. The bike increases and decreases to both a 20-20 per cent incline and decline. The decline hits a different area of muscles that otherwise can only be mimicked on a bike used outdoors. The bike makes the hill as challenging as if you were really ascending (or decending) it in the real world. The bike will follow any route you select, so there are perfect conditions every day; bad weather will never excuse you from this workout.

Mount your ipod in the dock and listen to your favorite music through the speakers during your ride.

Flaman plans to grow and diversify in the coming years and continue to bring Central and Western Canada the latest innovations in fitness equipment.

Currently, Flaman offers the largest selection of treadmills in Saskatchewan and are the exclusive dealers of most BowFlex models in Canada. Kettlebells, Mixed Martial Arts training equipment and a huge selection of elliptical trainers help to make Flaman a one-stop shop for all of your health and fitness needs.

You know you are being taken care of by people who care when you shop at Flaman. Valued and loyal customers have been the foundation of success for the native Saskatchewan company. FLS

120 Robin Crescent 306.978.1999 flamanfitness.com

Enjoy your escape . . .

By FLS Staff Spa therapy is a meticulous and ancient ritual. To perform it well, therapists today need passion for their craft and a discipline to resist modern, automated practices. At Edgewater Spa they possess both. Their passion for what they do is catching on with Saskatoon’s spa enthusiasts--by the drove.

It’s the group spa experience, and no one in the city is more accommodating for it than Edgewater Spa. Whether it’s for a special day, like a bridal party, or a regular day made special with good friends, Edgewater owner Melissa Hampson isn’t surprised this trend is on the rise.

“It’s multi-tasking in a good way,” she says. “You get to catch up with friends while you’re getting this luxurious treatment. With services like manicures and pedicures, it’s a little more upbeat and you’re able to laugh and chat. It’s especially good for things like a wedding party; you can talk about important, but fun things while you’re getting this great spa service. Our customers really appreciate that we can accommodate them all in the same room.”

At Edgewater Spa, each staff member has undergone a unique training program to ensure group appointments are completed in tandem and to guarantee consistency of service for repeat customers.

No matter the size of your party, from two to 22, Edgewater can offer private rooms or what may be the largest group-room in Saskatoon.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, a mother-and-daughters day at the spa is the ideal scenario for the group service. However, if your mother prefers the solitude and silence of spa, treat her to a personal day. Gift cards are available for any dollar value, without any expiry dates. “It’s a gift that you never get tired of getting,” says Melissa. “It’s not just another knick-knack; you’re really going to benefit from this.”

The spa philosophy here is that hands are the best tools; there is little to no interference of automated technology.

With products, only the mineral-rich Ahava line is used, imported from the Dead Sea. Guests are assured maximum benefits from this quality product whether for facials, massages or full body wraps.

Extending their spa philosophy to the tanning service, Edgewater is now offering the Sun FX spray-tan system. “Spray tanning is quite common, where you go into a machine and press a button,” says Melissa. “But this is with us using a manual gun to spray. It’s very precise, because we’re spraying where it needs to be sprayed. It’s not a machine that sprays you everywhere.”

Edgewater Spa specializes only in spa therapies, without the distraction and traffic of hair stylists and beauticians found at many salon-spas. FLS

“We focus on only what we do best, and that is spa.” Melissa Hampson

Advanced Facial (1 hr) Purifying Facial (1 hr) Anti-Age Facial (1.5 hr) Time-Line Facial (1.5 hr) Four Layer Facial (1 hr) Derma New Facial (1 hr)

$68 $68 $78 $88 $95 $88

Toe Nail Tune Up (.5 hr) $35 Basic Pedicure (1 hr) $50 Spa Pedicure (1.5 hr) $60 Signature Spa Pedicure (1.5 hr) $64 Maple Pecan Spa Pedicure (1.5 hr) $64 Blueberry Cheesecake Spa Pedicure (1.5 hr) $64 Minty Mocha Spa Pedicure (1.5 hr)$64

Mini Manicure (.5 hr) Basic Manicure (1 hr) Spa Manicure (1.5 hr)

$25 $40 $50

Signature Spa Manicure (1.5 hr) Peach Blossom Spa Manicure (1.5 hr)

$54

Nail Polish Change (15 min)

$15

French Manicure Polish *Add $7 to the price of a manicure

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FineLifestyles SASKATOON

$54

Shellac/Gelish Manicure (1.5 hr) Shellac/Gelish Pedicure (1.5 hr) Shellac/Gelish Removal (.5 hr) Shellac/Gelish Application (.5 hr)

$60 $70 $25 $40

Brow Tint (15 min) Lash Tint (30 min) Brow and Lash Tint (45 min) Lash Perm/Tint (45 min)

$15 $22 $32 $45

Brow and Lip Threading by Ramanjit (15 min) $15 Full Leg (1 hr) Full Leg with Bikini (1 hr) Half Leg - upper or lower (.5 hr) Half Leg with Bikini (.5 hr) Bikini (15 min) Extended Bikini (.5 hr) Brazilian Bikini (.5 hr) Underarms (15 min) Full Arms (.5 hr) Half Arms (15 min) Sides of Face (15 min) Lip (5 min) Chin (10 min) Brows (15 min) Face (Inc. brows, lip, chin, cheeks) (.5 hr) Nape of Neck (15 min) Full Back (.5 hr) Women’s Lower Back (15 min) Chest (.5 hr) Stomach (15 min) Shoulders (15 min) Toes (one or all) (15 min) Toes & Top of Foot (15 min) Treasure Trail (15 min)

$47 $57 $32 $42 $22 $32 $47 $17 $32 $22 $15 $11 $14 $15 $34 $15 $37 $15 $37 $22 $22 $10 $13 $15

Hand Treatment Foot Treatment Facial Mask Treatment Back Paraffin

$12 $12 $12 $12

Including Prenatal Massage 30 Minutes 45 Minutes 60 Minutes 90 Minutes

$38 $48 $58 $78

Hot Stone Therapy 30 Minutes 45 Minutes 60 Minutes 90 Minutes

$52 $62 $72 $92

Relaxation Massage 30 Min. Relaxation Massage Couples Relaxation Massage

$50 $37 $100

Men’s Facial (1 hr) Toe Nail Tune Up (.5 hr) Turbocharge Pedicure (1 hr) Quick Fix Manicure (.5 hr) Monkey Wrench Manicure (1 hr)

Single Session (max 20 min) Sun FX Spray Tanning

$68 $35 $50 $25 $40

$10.00

Full Body Tan Waist & Down Waist & Up Face & Neck Refresher

$50 $35 $35 $25

Hydrotherapy (15 min) (30 min)

$20 $25

Austrian Moor Herbal Bath (1 hr) $40 Ear Candling- (30 min) $40

Dead Sea Mud Wrap (1.5 hr) Awakening Body Wrap (1.5 hr) Signature Body Wrap (1.5 hr) Coconut Mango Body Wrap (1.5 hr) Chocolate Dream Mud Wrap (1.5 hr)

$95 $105 $100 $105

Signature Body Scrub Japanese Cherry Blossom Scrub Maple Pecan Scrub Coconut Mango Scrub Minty Mocha Body Scrub Tahitian Vanilla Body Scrub Pink Lotus Orange Body Scrub Frangipani Scrub Champaca Body Scrub

Refresher (2 hr) Spa Special (2 hr) Sampler (3 hr) Serenity Search (3.5 hr) Everything Edgewater (4.5 hr) Pure Bliss (5 hr) Retreat For A Day (6 hr) Over The Edge (7 hr)

Manicure & Pedicure Combo (2 hr) Signature Spa Manicure & Spa Pedicure Combo (3 hr)

$73 $73 $73 $73 $73 $73 $73 $73 $73

$110 $160 $150 $205 $210 $240 $320 $365

$90 $118

Child’s Manicure & Pedicure Combo (1 hr) $50 Manicure/Pedicure/Facial Combo (3 hr) $158

$105 Synergy For Two (2 hr) Escape from Reality (2 hr)

$200 $236

306.978.4111 101 - 611 University Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 3Z1 e: edgewaterspa@shaw.ca www.edgewaterspa.ca

NoN-SUrgIcAl coSmetIc ProcedUreS: UltrASHAPe ANd eNdymed

By Sandy Foord

What are non-surgical cosmetic procedures?

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are a way of improving your body and face without undergoing expensive and painful surgeries. It has become much more in demand as people don’t want to go through the pain and downtime involved in cosmetic surgeries. With technology improving every day, there are many people opting to have a non-invasive procedure. The three main areas treated with Ultrashape are the stomach, outer thighs (saddle bags) and flanks (love handles). However, we have also treated enlarged male breasts with very satisfying results.

Who is a candidate for non-invasive cosmetic services?

Ultrashape is intended for body contouring trouble areas, and not intended for weight loss in obese people. Pretty much anyone who is healthy can undergo these procedures. There can be a few barriers, such as people with liver disease or metal implants under or near the treatment area. We treat all ages, within reason.

How does the Ultrashape machine work?

The Ultrashape machine uses ultrasound waves which physically break down fat cells. Your body removes the fat through your own metabolic system. Since introducing the Endymed machine to our clinic, we now enhance the Ultrashape results with a skin tightening 53

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treatment. Endymed is a non-invasive skin-tightening procedure that uses radio frequency waves that are delivered into the deepest layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production. It can be used on any area of the body and is ideal for most signs of aging, including jowl and neck laxity, face (non-surgical face lift) and post-natal abdomens. Both treatments require a series of three treatments to achieve a desirable result.

How can I find out more information?

We are always happy to have people give us a call, and ask us any questions. We’ll set up a complementary consultation and discuss treatment options that may be right for you. FLS

Are you taking new clients?

Yes, Ultrashape Saskatoon is prepared to perform over 500 procedures; many will be new to the office.

What is the science surrounding nonsurgical cosmetic procedures?

Science is always improving and the Endymed is the newest in radio frequency skin tightening. First the Thermage in 2004 was very painful, and when the Accent came out, it was less invasive, but required more treatments. The Endymed was introduced to Canada last summer, and we were very happy to be one of the first in Saskatchewan to offer Endymed to our clients.

Pre-treatment

** No retouching done on photos **

U

ltrashape Saskatoon, located within Saskatoon’s Lakeview Medical Clinic, is different from other clinics offering non-invasive cosmetic services.

They don’t push product, rather, they offer new and proven technology that will improve your face and body.

Post treatment

Is it painless?

Both treatments offer a pleasant, painfree experience, which is important to us.

You can walk in, have a treatment, and immediately return to your usual activities.

What other products or services do you offer?

We are pleased to offer botox treatments at the clinic. We are also suppliers of Latisse (a prescription solution designed to grow eyelashes).

Sandy Foord

dr Nave

Ultrashape Saskatoon Lakeview Medical Clinic #13 – 1945 McKercher Drive 306.244.5100 www.ultrashapesaskatoon.com

THE OPTIMAL EYE EXAM

Emily is using a pretest device to take measurements for the optometrist

Saskatoon’s oldest optometry clinic joins Canada’s newest network of progressive eye doctors

By FLS Staff. Photos by Pete Yee

A

trium Eye Care was founded in 1930 in a small optometric office in the McMillan building in downtown Saskatoon by W.W. Forsyth.

Dr. Forsyth’s son, Austin, joined him in 1948, and the family business soon became one of the largest optometric practices in Western Canada with their dedication to providing the best possible care and service to their patients. Today, Atrium Eye Care has grown to a team of seven doctors and 30 staff with their flagship clinic in downtown Saskatoon, a satellite clinic in Outlook and a brand new location in the city’s west end. Atrium recently partnered with FYidoctors, which has allowed them to further enhance

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their services by offering patients access to the most advanced technology for comprehensive examinations, as well as one of Saskatoon’s largest selections of affordable and trendy eyewear.

Partnering with FYi Doctors FYidoctors, an exciting new concept in eyecare, was founded in 2008 by a group of progressive Canadian eye doctors who believed that, by pooling their resources, they could provide their patients with better care and better products at a better price. In just four years, the group has grown to over 200 doctors, with over 100

locations across Canada. In keeping with their mission to provide patients with the best-possible eye-care experience, all FYidoctors clinics employ state of the art diagnostic equipment, offer exclusive custom-lens design options and provide an exceptional selection of both basic and exclusive designer fashion frames matching both budget and style.

Today’s eye exam The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that adults have a comprehensive eye examination at least every two years to monitor eye health and changes in prescription.

Optomap laser retinal scanner

Children and seniors should be seen annually. Atrium Eyecare recently added two new Optometrists, offering patients easy access to appointment times, often in less than a week with sameday appointments available for ocular emergencies. During your appointment, your eyes will be thoroughly examined for all internal and external disease using the most advanced diagnostic equipment available. Your Optometrist will review your exam findings with you, answer any questions you may have and make recommendations for all your visual needs. Atrium also offers laser refractive surgery consultations and binocular vision training.

Advanced Technology Atrium has equipped both of their Saskatoon clinics with the Optomap, one of the most powerful tools available for eye disease diagnosis and management.

The Optomap laser retinal scanner provides an ultra-wide 200-degree digital image of the retina, allowing the optometrist to more easily detect common eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. The Optomap is now offered as part of all comprehensive eye exams.

Exclusive Eyewear

Dr. Rich Kort

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Through Atrium Eyecare’s partnership with FYiDoctors, patients have access to a huge selection of quality designerframe lines including DKNY, Prada , Fendi, Donna Karan, Gucci, Coach, Versace and Hugo Boss, as well as exclusive lines such as Quicksilver, Roxy and John Varvatos.

Direct purchasing allows Atrium to offer the highest quality products at the best available price. For those seeking style on a budget, Atrium also has a large selection of frame and lens packages, starting as low as $99. Both locations also offer a

huge array of both prescription and nonprescription sunglasses, including popular brands such as Nike, Oakley, Maui Jim and Rayban.

Atrium also boasts an on-site lab, stocking standard and high-index single-vision anti-reflection coated lenses for most prescriptions, allowing same-day service in many cases.

Lens Technology Patients of Atrium Eyecare have access to the latest single vision and progressive lenses products from Canadianborn Eyence Labs, one of the most technologically advanced ophthalmic laboratories in North America. Eyence specializes in free-form lens technology, which provides patients with the clearest, most comfortable lens experience available in virtually all prescriptions.

New Location, Same Great Service A spacious environment with natural light, friendly staff and free parking has helped Atrium Eyecare/FYidoctors’ new 22nd Street location get busy quickly.

With more than twice the space of the former Laurier Drive location and two new optometrists, they welcome any and all new patients. Dr. D. James Kerr, Dr. Barbara L. Patterson, Dr. Michael York, Dr. Kenton Fredlund, Dr.Kerry Bishop, Dr. Carmela Giocoli and Dr. Rich Kort all rotate between the new west-end location and the downtown location, ensuring that their clients are taken care of all around the city. FLS Atrium Eye Care A Division of FYidoctors 407 1st Avenue North, 306.652.4374 Bay 4, 3301 22nd Street West 306.683.4374 atrium@fyidoctors.com www.atriumeyecare.com

EXPERTAdvice Are Your eYes HArd to Fit witH ContACt Lenses?

Photos by Pete Yee

Dr. Rich Kort was awarded the 2002 Canadian Contact Lens Society Prize for proficiency in theoretical and clinical application of contact lenses.

Astigmatism Astigmatism is a type of refractive error caused by irregular eye shapes. Light cannot be focused to the fine point that’s required for clear vision.

By Dr. Rich Kort Atrium Eye Care A Division of FYidoctors 306.652.4374 407 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K1X5 atrium@fyidoctors.com www.atriumeyecare.com

D

o you have trouble wearing contact lenses? Have you been told that you are not a good candidate for contact lenses? You may have eyes that are hard to fit with contact lenses, but this doesn’t mean you can’t wear them. There are many conditions that make it difficult to wear contact lenses comfortably.

Dry Eyes People with dry eyes are often told they cannot wear contact lenses, or they discontinue contact lens wear due to discomfort. Soft lenses have incorporated new materials and lens surface treatments to retain moisture. Your optometrist can treat dry eyes prior to being fit with contact lenses using ocular lubricants, medicated eye drops and nutritional supplements.

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Toric contact lenses are designed to correct astigmatism, but fitting can be difficult because the contact lenses must align on the eye without rotating to maintain clear, comfortable vision. Low to moderate amounts of astigmatism can be fit today with disposable soft contact lenses in new designs that prevent lens rotation. People with higher amounts of astigmatism may require custom, made-to-order contact lenses.

Presbyopia (inability to focus on near objects with age) Many people discontinue contact lens wear when they need reading glasses or bifocals.

Did you know that there are bifocal and progressive contact lenses? Mono-vision contact lenses are also an excellent option for presbyopic contact lens wearers.

Similar to toric contact lenses, bifocal contact lenses require more precise fitting.

Satisfaction with progressive contact lenses has increased in recent years, allowing more people to continue contact lens wear with minimal dependence on reading glasses.

Refractive Surgery LASIK and other refractive surgery procedures do not always eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Some patients have indistinct vision, or experience excessive glare at night following some refractive surgery

procedures. When a second surgery is not possible, contact lenses may be necessary.

Keratoconus Keratoconus is a degenerative eye disorder in which structural changes in the cornea (clear, front part of the eye) cause it to thin and bulge forward. This results in blurred and distorted vision. Most eye doctors will agree that GP (gas permeable) contact lenses are the best way to improve this. But some people are unable to comfortably wear a GP contact lens for long periods of time. It is possible to improve comfort by “piggybacking” a GP lens over top of a soft contact lens. Hybrid contact lenses are another way to provide the clarity of a GP lens with comfort that rivals a soft lens.

Large diameter, mini-scleral or scleral GP lenses will vault over the sensitive cornea and rest on the white sclera to improve comfort and stability.

If you have one of these conditions, visit an optometrist that specialises in contact lenses or welcomes hard-to-fit patients. Eye doctors with a special interest in contact lenses will be aware of new contact lens technology and use modern equipment that can measure your eye more precisely to achieve the best contact lens fit possible.

Dr. Rich Kort practices Optometry at Atrium Eye Care in Saskatoon. He earned his Doctorate of Optometry with Honours status at the Univeristy of Waterloo in 2002.

Following graduation, Dr. Kort completed a Contact Lens Residency with an emphasis on fitting specialty contact lenses. He was awarded the 2002 Canadian Contact Lens Society Prize for proficiency in theoretical and clinical application of contact lenses.

FLS

THE

Dr. Phil IS IN

World’s most celebrated psychologist visits Saskatoon

By FLS Staff

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I

n 1995, Dr. Phil McGraw appeared weekly on Oprah’s show as the relationship and life strategy expert on “Tuesdays with Dr. Phil.” After seven years on his own, he now hosts the highest rated daytime talk show in the United States.

Everyone’s favourite TV doctor is coming to Saskatchewan for two engagements with Power Within: A Passion for Life, a live and in-person personal development seminar unlike anything ever staged before. Power Within has assembled a Who’s-Who of powerhouse personalities—Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Heil, Toronto Argonauts vice-chair Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, Royal Canadian Air Farce star Jessica Holmes, to name just a few – for an unforgettable day of insight and personal development.

The Power Within is all about getting to know yourself better so that you can rise up and seize your own potential. Bbut how much do you know about Power Within’s keynote speaker Dr. Phil McGraw? Here are a few interesting facts and tidbits offering insight into the man who is so loved for sharing his insight with everyone.

He knows about hard knocks He had a football scholarship to the University of Tulsa, where he played middle linebacker. In November of 1968, his team lost to the University of Houston by a score of 100-6. It was one of the most extraordinary defeats in the history of college football. Getting out of a bad situation as soon as possible, McGraw quickly transferred to another school.

They grow ‘em big in Texas They say the camera adds ten pounds to your weight, but what does it do for height? Fans and admirers are often shocked to discover that the thoughtful and direct Texan is a sizable 6-foot 4-inches. While that means he towers over the average man, his demeanor makes him a true gentle giant.

Second time’s the charm When Dr. Phil was 20, he married a former cheerleader and homecoming queen, but the union lasted just three years before they had it annulled. His second marriage, to wife Robin in 1976, is still going strong 36 years later. Robin, who fondly refers to her husband as Phillip, has made her marriage and raising their two sons—Jay, 33, and Jordan, 26—her priority in life.

Audience participation Dr. Phil and Robin visited Bob Barker on The Price is Right during their honeymoon in 1976 and were seated right in the audience. Robin is also regular on Dr. Phil’s show now. During the end credits, Dr. Phil walks out with Robin and talks to her about the show that day, although the conversation is unheard by television viewers.

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Robin’s nest Robin is a best-selling author in her own right and is also one of the most soughtafter new authors in publishing today.

She’s also on the board of the Dr. Phil foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization committed to supporting organizations and programs that address the emotional, physical, mental and spiritual needs of children and families.

He owes it all to Oprah McGraw met Oprah Winfrey in 1995, while he was on her defence team in a lawsuit brought against her by Texas cattle ranchers. Several years later, in 2002, her production company created his show.

Earlier this year, he told an interviewer: “People say, ‘Wasn’t Oprah a big factor in launching Dr. Phil.’ She wasn’t a big factor, she was the factor.” Now, his show appears on Winfrey’s network, OWN.

Energy bar bust In 2003, Dr. Phil began selling diet products including shakes and energy bars bearing the name “Shape It Up, Woo, Woo!” Unfortunately, some of his customers weren’t as enthusiastic.

After a class-action lawsuit disputing the claims McGraw made for the products, he reached a $10 million settlement with them.

A winning personality here and abroad In 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007, Dr. Phil was nominated for Daytime Emmys in the category of Outstanding Talk Show Host for Dr. Phil. In 2004, he also won the TV Prize at the Aftonbladet TV Prize,

Sweden in the category of TV Personality - Male (Baesta utlaendska manliga tvpersonlighet).

He’s on Sesame Street… sort of Sesame Street has introduced a character that parodies Dr. Phil called “Dr. Feel.”

He’s retired… sort of Dr. Phil officially retired as a psychologist in 2006. Two years later he said on The Today Show that he was no longer practicing psychology on the show. He told another interviewer, “I’m not the Hush Puppies, pipe and ‘Let’s talk about your mother’ psychologist.” Instead, he seems more like the tough-but-fair high school sports coach: encouraging, scolding and motivating.

Keepin’ it real… real folksy Along with common-sense sayings such as “Failure is no accident,” Dr. Phil, like fellow Texan George Bush, draws on his background to create a downhome image. Sample nugget of Dr. Phil’s wisdom: “You don’t need a rope to pinch a stranger’s butt.” We don’t know what it means, but we like how it sounds.

His sons’ Playboy connections In 2006, Dr Phil’s son Jay married Playboy model Erica Dahm, and the other McGraw son Jordan has written a song with Crystal Harris, the woman who left Playboy founder Hugh Hefner at the altar.

He’s got big plans for the future

Dr. Phil with Dr. Feel

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Even though he’s suffered a few missteps—remember the unsuccessful Britney Spears “intervention” a few years back?—Dr.Phil has a solid-gold

publishing career, selling 24 million books worldwide. He’s also lucrative syndication deal that’s going to pay him $15 million a year through the 2013-2014 season.

Power Within leadership seminars offer more than just cutting edge insight from internationally celebrated personalities.

They offer relevant-to-today leadership strategies that promise to be gamechangers in the boardroom and lifechangers that give you new perspective on your personal relationships.

Promoters of the event say participants can expect to come away with the fundamental tools to establish strong and compassionate leadership and the capacity and know-how to leverage positive psychology to inspire and enable positive change.

A testament to Dr. Phil’s popularity, tickets for the potentially once-in-alifetime Saskatoon even on April 13 at Credit Union Centre are going fast even at $89 per person. FLS

L to R: Saima, Hailey, Jordan, Jessica, Marliss, Thomas, Rachael

New day spa has all the right elemeNts sophistication, family-friendliness and handcrafted products

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Heather Fritz

W

hen Marliss Hartle couldn’t find more of the favourite massage bar she’d been given as a gift, she read the ingredients on it and thought, “How hard can this be?” She put her chemistry forte and medical assistant background to good use, developed her own and started selling on ebay. Soon Marliss’ natural, high-quality skincare products became so popular that she launched Skindecent Natural Bodycare, her own on-line store which still serves a worldwide clientele. Eleven years later, Marliss and husband Thomas just opened Elemental Spa in University Heights.

Unlike any other spa, it features the onsite creation of tailor-made bodycare products, as well as a variety of spa services and luxury indulgences.

Marliss and Thomas are family people

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and that feeling comes through. Although they present an upscale environment, the mood at Elemental is comfortable and cheerful.

State-of-the art pedicure chairs with built-in shiatsu massage can be converted for “Mommy and Me” (or father-child) pedicures. “We’re tasteful but fun, more of a family place. With a Mommy-andMe pedicure, the kids can watch cartoons and have a bag of popcorn while Mom pampers herself. Everyone is happy,” explains Thomas.

“We’re very aware of ingredients and conscious of what we put in our products.

We use natural butters and oils, no mineral oil or parabens,” says Marliss.

“Even the preservative is food grade and just enough to keep products fresh for

about 18 months. Our products have a ‘best by’ date so you always know they’re fresh.”

In-house production and no middleman equal affordable prices. “We make it all right here so we don’t have all the extra costs other salons charge you for,” Thomas adds. Skindecent products are popular with people hunting for special gifts. “Husbands can’t believe how much they walk out with for what they’ve spent!” Thomas laughs.

“Customers can have completely unscented products,” says Marliss, “or I can whip up their request for particular fragrances at no extra charge. If they want to smell like a cupcake, I can do that!” Most men stick with botanicals and cologne scents; women tend to like

bakery and fruit. “The right scent can be such a mood lifter.”

Marliss keeps a selection of premade products available in a changing variety of scents that appeal to women, men and children. If you don’t see what you want on the shelf, there is a “Scent Station” where customers can choose from 120 different scents for an in-spa treatment, or as a product to take home.

The spa end of the store features three massage rooms (one for couples), an aesthetics room and a hydrotherapy room.

There is an exclusive to Elemental Spa, the Aquamassage. This machine gives a massage with warm water pressure doing all the work. With head out, arms free, and fully clothed, a client listens to music while the programmable Aquamassage provides a soothing experience. It’s the only one in Saskatoon.

“We try to use it about once a week ourselves,” says Thomas. “We can program it to feel like gentle waves right up to deep tissue massage. People either use it as a warm-up before a therapeutic massage, or for a quick fix when they don’t have time for a regular massage.”

“We truly love what we do, and it makes us happy when our customers like our products and enjoy being here,” says Marliss. “We provide a product line you can’t get anywhere else, and we believe in providing affordable, quality products and experiences.”FLS

Praise For Elemental: “Their Dream Cloud Body Mousse is the best lotion I have ever used.

I get it made fresh just for me in my favourite scent. I cannot tell you how many times people ask what I am wearing because it smells so yummy. I used to order it online and stock up for gifts, or myself but now I can go in anytime to have it or anything else made while I wait just a few minutes.

I use the time to look at and smell all the other awesome products.” ~ Lori Flaman 61

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For a list of spa services and indulgence packages, visit:

Elemental Spa

126-1820 McOrmond Drive 306.974.0409 www.theelementalspa.com www.skindecent.com

Photos By Heather Fritz

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Visit

fitnessfocus.ca to print your

FREE TWO WEEK PASS

*NO CONTRACTS TO SIGN • Many group classes to choose from • Affordable childcare rates • Personal training by Wawryk Training

1250 Ontario Avenue 306.244.6413 • www.fitnessfocus.ca

Sailing

OFF INTO THE SUNSET

Set sail in Saskatoon Learn on dry land at home and then explore BC’s magnificent coastline

By Aviva Zack

F

or Agathe Gaulin, owner of Morgana Sailing, it was love at first sail. More than 20 years ago, a couple of day-sails on Florida’s Charlotte Harbor ignited a passion that would lead her to eventually pass on her love of sailing to others. Who would have thought this farm girl from northern Alberta would realize her innermost dreams on the water?

Agathe started her journey taking courses from the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) and Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS). She purchased progressively larger sailboats, has chartered in the Caribbean, and is now certified as a sail instructor with the

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International Sail and Power Association (ISPA). She uses her background in adult education, as well as her enthusiasm and knowledge of sailing, to teach people of all ages to feel and harness the wind to realize their own sailing dreams.

Morgana Sailing is based in Comox, BC where Agathe’s boat, a Hunter 335, is docked year round, awaiting clients eager to experience coastal cruising on the waters of Georgia Straight, the Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. Between sail charters, Agathe spends her time working in Saskatoon, in program management, and offers landbased sailing instruction.

Based in Comox on Vancouver Island, Morgana Sailing is perfectly situated to take you on adventures in the most beautiful sailing areas of Canada Agathe spends her spring and summer on the waters of British Columbia’s coast, doing what she loves: taking people out to experience the boating life. All are welcomed aboard and leave fulfilled— couples, families, trios of women friends, prairie sailors seeking tidal water experiences and potential boat owners

"Sailing allows you to be one with nature.

On the water you get a sense of being in a different place."

wanting to “test the waters.” While some go sailing to bond, others do it to feel empowered. Either way, the experience is unique to every individual, family, or group of friends.

“Sailing allows you to be one with nature,” says Agathe. “On the water you get a sense of being in a different place.” This appeals to all ages. Agathe’s enthusiasm is contagious as she talks about exploring anchorages in the evenings, seeing incredible wildlife both in the water and the wide open skies above. “Every day on the water is different,” says Agathe, “which makes sailing that much more exciting.”

Morgana Sailing offers customized charter and instruction packages 64

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including the most popular, the one-week Cruise and Learn. These customized sailing adventures are typically five or seven days long, as passengers learn how to live aboard a boat as well as sail. Daily meals are prepared using locally sourced foods such as fresh fish and seafood, local cheeses, fruits and vegetables. These Cruise and Learns are offered on Agathe’s boat, but for larger groups she can charter a yacht or offer instruction on the client’s own boat. While teaching, Agathe is rarely at the helm; preferring to empower clients by getting them to steer the boat for a true handson experience. In the evenings, after happy hour and a de-briefing, possibly a shore excursion and definitely a gourmet meal, Agathe plans the next day’s sail with her crew, teaching them to read the

winds, learn the tides and currents, and to choose which area they would like to explore next.

There is a lot of terminology to be learned with sailing, and Agathe jokes that although there are many ropes on a boat, none are actually referred to as ropes. Like all the skills required to navigate a boat, Agathe teaches the language of sailing in her patient hands-on style.

Her approach works especially well with women, whom she says often want to truly understand the mechanics of sailing a boat before they attempt maneuvers.

She offers women’s sailing adventures for groups of friends or co-workers, which have proven to be excellent team-building and bonding experiences, as they support

Photo by Heather Fritz With the “Cruise and Learn” package, daily meals are prepared using locally sourced foods such as fresh fish and seafood.

each other through their “a-ha” moments and laugh about the day’s experiences over a glass of wine in the evening.

For those who prefer a relaxing holiday on the water without learning to sail themselves, Morgana Sailing offers day sailing and multi-day charters where Agathe is the skipper and tour guide, ensuring a safe and comfortable exploration of picturesque areas along the coast. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore in the area. “Part of sailing too”, says Agathe, “is what you do in the evenings, exploring the islands, visiting the local artist studios, hiking on the shore, beachcombing and checking out the local pubs.”

When not sailing the West Coast, Agathe is in Saskatchewan and offers PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) training, navigation courses and the bookwork associated with the ISPA Competent Crew and Day Skipper certifications.

Since all boat owners and charterers need at least the PCOC, and ideally as many certifications and as much experience

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as possible, there is a lot of learning a Prairie sailor can accomplish both “on the dry” and on Saskatchewan lakes.

Morgana Sailing offers private and smallgroup tutorials, supplies study materials, administers the PCOC exam and coaches sailors and aspiring sailors locally. Agathe encourages boat owners, including their children, to get certified in the cold winter months, so they can safely spend more time on the water come boating season.

Agathe’s personable nature and teaching aides make learning the operation of any vessel an enjoyable experience.

In talking to Agathe about the many fantastic sailing adventures and tutorials that she offers through Morgana Sailing, it is almost impossible not to get drawn into the excitement of being surrounded by nature while learning to sail away into the sunset.

“You don’t need to leave Canada to have an exotic holiday,” Agathe asserts, clearly passionate about sailing. Exploring the many harbours, bays and beaches that dot BC’s west coast is an exciting adventure fairly close to home. With so many convenient flights into Comox, this could be the perfect holiday for Saskatoonians looking for a relaxing, or exciting, new adventure. And of course, for those clients who dream of sailing in the Caribbean, Agathe is also available to skipper your charter vessel on those warm, clear waters next winter! FLS

Photo by Heather Fritz

Agathe teaches the language of sailing in her patient hands-on style

Agathe Gaulin Owner of Morgana Sailing and Certified Sail Instructor with the ISPA

250.339.5654 306.668.4428 info@morgana-sailing.ca www.morgana-sailing.ca

BRING THE COTTAGE HOME

By FLS Staff.

Photos by Michelle Berg

Barbecue, the Lifestyle We tend to use the word barbecue interchangeably with grilling, but for true aficionados, it invokes an entire way of life.

Picture yourself with your friends and family sipping cool iced teas, frosty ales or other refreshing beverages in your very own resort getaway while the smoker slow cooks your favourite ribs or brisket to melt-in-your mouth perfection.

Premium Home Leisure, Saskatoon’s own one-stop speciality leisure company can help you transform your backyard into an oasis of relaxation and entertainment.

“Resort properties just aren’t as accessible as they used to be, so many people are investing a lot more to make their backyard a place to spend their quality time,” says Kerry Fuchs, Premium Home Leisure co-owner with Rick Griffith.

Carrying all the top manufacturers of outdoor culinary equipment—including Traeger, Kamado JOE, Alfresco, Saber and Jackson, to name a few—Premium Home Leisure can hook you up with everything from a simple high quality grill to a full-fledged outdoor kitchen. They can even design it for you, provide a 3-D rendering of what it will look like finished and have relationships with all the contractors you’ll need to install everything from countertops to tile, decking and gas fittings for a seamless transition.

But it doesn’t end there. In the spacious showroom on Idylwyld and 22nd Street, you will find a full range of all the highest quality rubs, spices, sauces and barbecue

Try Michael Smith’s Recipe on Page 104 for Grilled Tuna Steak!

The Revolution of the Spa Of course, you probably already know Premium Home Leisure as the city’s top supplier of all things Jacuzzi. And we are not talking generic knock-offs here, but real brand-name Jacuzzi hot tubs.

Jacuzzi invented modern hydrotherapy and this year they once again revolutionize their own industry with the patented Clear Ray water purification system. Clear Ray uses the same UV-C technology that is already used in hospitals, municipal water plants and bottling lines. It kills up to 99 per cent of microbial pathogens including Chlorine and Bromine resistant pathogens like Cryptosporidium and Norovirus by altering their DNA so they don’t come back . It’s also eco-friendly using no ozone, no salt, and is 100 per cent natural.

“Jacuzzi has an exceptionally good lineup this year with six new models,” Kerry reports. “And they all come standard with the ground-breaking new Clear Ray technology.”

Oops, bought your tub last year, or even as far back as 2002? Don’t worry, all Jacuzzi tubs less than 10 years old can be retrofitted with the new system. Just give 67

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Kerry or Rick a call and they will help you painlessly through the process.

The Test Drive

Owner Kerry Fuchs

Summer is on the way, so visit Premium Home Leisure now and don’t forget to bring your bathing suit. Rick and Kerry almost insist that you get wet.

“It’s very important to do a wet test,” Kerry explains. “That’s why we keep water in our tubs. It’s the only way to know you’re getting the comfort, water quality and type of massage to suit the needs of your family.” FLS

Premium Home Leisure 101 Idylwyld Drive South 306.955.5466 kerry@premiumhomeleisure.com www.premiumhomeleisure.com

Photo by Heather Fritz

accessories from all around the world, and, in particular, the southern U.S. where barbecue is the highest form of art.

THE 11-YEAR

Wa ve

THE ADVANCED WORLD OF WATERSPORTS

Innovations spur growth in popularity of lake lifestyle

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Michelle Berg

T

hey say it’s not good to be out on the lake when a storm hits. But if you take the phenomenal growth in popularity of the lake lifestyle, add in a booming Saskatchewan economy, a burgeoning clientele who want to invest in luxury watercraft steeped in innovative engineering, and top it off with a wakeboarding culture that is revolutionizing watersports, then Kevin and Janet Pickett, owners of Saskatoon Watersports, are happy to be smack dab in the eye of the perfect storm.

Saskatoon Watersports has been an established company since 2001, and the Picketts took the helm in 2010. Always “a lake kid,” Kevin grew up spending summers at Emerald Lake, waterskiing and kneeboarding. He became a chartered accountant, but his heart was still on the water. As a weekend lake warrior, he graduated to his first high performance Malibu tournament boat in the mid 90s.

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Janet, a speech and language pathologist, grew up in northern Ontario lake country, and soon realized Kevin’s deep but notso-still passion. In fact, their second date was a full day on the water in a Malibu.

Already a customer of SWS, when the opportunity came to buy, the couple jumped in.

“It’s a lifestyle,” says Kevin of those who flock to Saskatchewan’s some 100,000 lakes to pack in as much water sport and leisure as they can during this province’s relatively short season. “Being out on the water in a high-end tournament boat with friends and family, it’s hard to describe.

The kids love to tube or wakeboard, Mom and Dad surf and ski. Groups of friends gather. It’s an active, social lifestyle that encompasses a fantastic sport,” he says, “I wouldn’t call it a disease, but when you get it, you can’t shake it and you want to spend every moment you can doing it!”

Doing it may mean massive wakes, killer waves and big air, or creating family fun, but whatever the tempo,SWS can outfit that lifestyle with its impressive range of Malibu and Axis lines of sport performance boats. When the subject of the SWS team comes up, Kevin’s pride shows. “Our team is made up of dedicated people who are as passionate about the product as I am. The customer feels that; it shines through when dealing with any of us.”

“The quality of these boats is second to none. These are as nice as your finest living room,” Kevin explains. “The fit and finish of these boats is exceptional.

They’re engineered and designed for not only comfort and safety, but they’re going to make people’s heads snap around for another look.” The marine industry has entered an era of high tech cockpit control, full automated systems including rider presets, keyless ignition, plush

interiors, sleek ergonomic design, and entertainment systems—all features that would make the most ultra-modern show home blush.

The customer demographic has changed a bit in recent years as wakeboarding’s fanatic fan base increased. Twentyand thirty-somethings with disposable investment dollars (who want to jampack their weekends and time off on the water with friends) are forming a big client base. The Picketts also say many of their boats leave the showroom in the hands of parents who want to extend the time their children still want to spend at the lake, or grandparents who want to lure their grandchildren into multigenerational quality time. A high performance tournament boat allows for safe watersports, is large enough to comfortably accommodate the family or a group of friends. “You can play. You can beach for a picnic, run the music and

have all the conveniences,” says Janet.

“It’s a fun way for families to stay together longer. We have four kids getting into their teens and they love coming with us. It’s all about the fun they have with the boat.”

The SWS sales and service are equally as important, and each sale includes the most extensive support available anywhere in the province. A SWS rep goes out with each boat owner the first time to run them through the systems.

“These boats do a lot more than just float around and look good,” Kevin laughs.

“We show you how to handle everything, how to dock, work functions, the ballast systems, how to set it up for wake boarding, how to set it up for surfing.”

Getting customers up and on the water is the SWS’s prime objective after the sale.

Beyond that, SWS’s exceptional service is at the ready and they’re available by email

or cell. “We’re available 24/7 and every client gets our cell phone number so we’re there to provide support,” says Janet. “If you waste one weekend, you’ve lost 12 percent of your summer. We’re accessible to help people through any questions or service needs they might have on or off the water.”

The high-performance, tournamentboat industry is a lot like the computer industry, adds Kevin. “Every year there’s more memory, a more powerful processor. We have customers who upgrade every year and people do tradeins. People understand this is a developing technology. The lake lifestyle community is pretty tight, so everyone keeps up on what’s cutting edge and our Malibu and Axis lines are simply phenomenal.”

Like so many customers, Janet appreciates the trade-in part of SWS. “It’s one of my favourite things because we can get

BEYOND SALES, SUPREME SERVICE • Fiberglass and gel repair department on-site for all makes and models of boats, personal watercraft • Mechanical repair department with certified technicians • Parts shipped to owners throughout province • Detail shop, upholstery refurbishing • Custom stereos and sound systems • Complete delivery demonstration and systems instruction • Cell phone, email support after sale • Indoor heated winter storage • Free estimates

SWS GIVES BACK

families into a used boat very reasonably,” she insists. “We recondition it and make it look new. For families who are saving for their children’s university education, let’s say, who can’t quite justify buying a new boat, we have lots to offer people. They may decide to upgrade later and they’re comfortable knowing they can work a trade-in with us.”

run it up, basically valet it in the parking lot. On your way back to the lake for the season, you pick it up in the same spot you left it. People don’t want to leave a boat of this unparalleled quality outside under a tarp. They want it inside, looked after and ready to go. People understand these are investments; if you look after it, it’ll pay off for you.”

In addition to the coveted Malibu and Axis lines, SWS will offer another prestigious, high-end brand this summer. They’re also the exclusive Shoremaster dealer for docks, lifts, and a whole manner of innovative beachfront living products.

SWS offers a unique ‘service and store’ perk that keeps a boat owner’s high-end investment pristine and secure during the off-season.

Kevin and Janet believe their customers have well-deserved faith and confidence in SWS. “When you truly believe in the product, own it yourself and know is the best, it’s easy. When people come in, they sense our passion about these boats. It’s in our DNA. Once people get into one, the question quickly goes from ‘do I want one?’ to ‘how fast can I get one?’

“People drop their boat off in the fall; we service it, winterize it, clean it, put it indoors in heated, dry storage,” Kevin explains. “In the spring, we pull it out, 71

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“So many people come back in to tell us they wish they’d done it sooner.” Janet says. “We know exactly what they mean!”

FLS

Saskatoon Watersports is an annual corporate partner in the WakeRide professional wakeboard competition and music festival on the South Saskatchewan (July 20 to 22, 2012) in Saskatoon, and the Sasktel Summer Invasion (July 6, 2012), Wascana Park, Regina. They also sponsor and provide the towboat for Water Ski and Wakeboard Saskatchewan’s traveling clinics, designed to enhance everyone’s enjoyment of water ski and wakeboard sports.

3535 Idywyld Drive North Toll-Free: 866.965.2628 Phone: 306.652.8443 sales@saskatoonwatersports.com www.saskatoonwatersports.com

Launch

yourseLf into summer By fLs staff

ith summer around the corner, it’s time to have a little fun on the water. With more than 100,000 lakes and a vast selection of rivers, Saskatchewan has long enjoyed a reputation as a watersports hot spot. Whether you have a need for speed or are seeking peaceful, quiet solitude, you’ll find just what you want on Saskatchewan’s waters.

The rise of adventure sports and new technology has caused an explosion in popularity for watersports enthusiasts today have more activities available to them than ever before. And just as snowboarding eclipsed skiing as the No. 1 winter activity, so too is wakeboarding taking the top spot from water skiing. If you’re gearing to try something new this summer, this is your sport.

Wakeboarding is like a combination of snowboarding, waterskiing and skateboarding, or a cross between mono skiing and surfing. Although it may contain an essence of all these activities, wakeboarding is most definitely a watersport in its own right. If you can water ski, then it’s likely that you’ll pick up wakeboarding without too much trouble. Using edging techniques, wakeboard riders cruise outside of the wake, or cut rapidly in toward it. As the rope tightens the rider gains speed and momentum. Jumps are performed by hitting the wake and launching into the air. Once a rider improves in the sport, he or she can progress to tricks as high up as 20 feet.

Wakeboarding is said to be the fastest growing watersport in the world. If you’re new to this world, introduce yourself to this amazing activity through the coaching of a certified instructor. Each year Water Ski and Wakeboard Saskatchewan (WSWS) operates a series of day clinics designed to help you get more out of these two sports.

WSWS aims to enhance everyone’s experience no matter their skill level. Their certified watersport coach arrives at your location with a Nautique Tournament Boat and all the gear needed for water ski or wakeboard. A typical day begins at 9 a.m. with watersport lessons being given all day, tailored to your skill level. There is room in the Nautique boat for a few spectators as well.

If wakeboarding is a little too exciting for some, the province’s picturesque lakes and larger rivers are great for all kinds of boating. You can bring your own boat and gear or rent what you need at many lakeside destinations.

Boating in our province means great facilities, reasonable prices, uncrowned waters and friendly people. If you can do it on a lake, you can do it in Saskatchewan. Explore secluded rivers, streams and coves by canoe or kayak.

Catch a prairie breeze in your sails—Lake Diefenbaker is a great sailing location. Go houseboating with the whole family or that special gang of friends.

Whatever activity you choose, the important thing is that you’re getting out and enjoying the water. FLS 73

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The passion for

motorsports

As much for the memories as the adrenalin

By Karin Melberg Schwier

Photos by Kerri Froese

T

he Saskatchewan Advantage seems to have a number of different meanings these days.

But the one that stands out among the crowd is the nearly limitless playground in our backyard. Whether you and the family are enjoying a beautiful summer day out on the water, adventuring down that unfamiliar trail you’ve driven past so many times before, or out for a Sunday cruise on your bike with some buddies to test the coffee at “that diner” you’ve heard so much about.

These are the days that Gerry and the team at Proline Motorsports & Marine think about whenever there is a spare minute. They share the same passions as their clients.

“The ultimate reward in our dealership is hearing the story from one of our clients who just had the best weekend on whatever it is they love to drive. That is what it’s all about for us.” Gerry believes

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that in today’s ultra-hectic pace, the opportunities to create life-long memories are more valuable than ever. “We all have those memories from when we were kids on Grandpa’s sled, or dirt bike, out at the farm, or or spending those hot summer days out on the water with family and friends. Our passion is helping individuals and families create new memories to share and reminisce about 30 years from now.”

This is what drove Gerry to pursue his dream of opening a recreational dealership 12 years ago. Today, with a 20-member team, and over 20,000-square feet of roof over four acres of land, Proline Motorsports & Marine has become a household name in Saskatchewan and beyond as the provider of choice for the “big toys.”

Proline Motorsports brings everything to the table when it comes to a full-service dealership. The service department is

operated by some of the best trained technicians with 60-plus years of combined experience. “Our Yamaha technicians have received the highest training accolades available to date; we have one of the only certified Volvo Penta technicians in the northern portion of the province; and we have recently become a “Cat Master certified” service center for Arctic Cat”, said service manager Darryl Lamboo. “Our focus is to ensure our clients receive the best experience possible when they need our help with a problem, or if they just want some preventative maintenance completed on their pride and joy.”

When you get a chance to stop by Proline, spend a few minutes in their parts and accessory department. Okay, it may take more than a few minutes. They stock all the safety gear you will need, right down to that nut under the thing-a-majigger, to some pretty cool performance products for that extra horse power you’ve been

craving. “Whether you’re looking for a new helmet, a boat lift, some customization products, a tee shirt, or even a helmet camera, we’ve got it. In the off chance it’s not in stock we can defiantly bring it in for you,” said Jason Mohr, Proline’s parts manager.

There are a number of reasons so many people make Proline their dealership of choice, but chief amoung them is the variety of brands and products carried.

Proline is unique, as it truly is a full-line powersport and marine dealership. “Most dealerships are focused on either marine or powersports, with only a few offering both. A number of new dealerships are now opening inside an existing business as an add-on. But for us, powersport and marine are our sole focus. This brings a number of advantages and benefits to our clients,” said Jeff Abrook of Proline’s sales department.

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On the marine side of things, the team at Proline has been experiencing a massive growth in recent years in the pontoon boat market. Once you see a Southbay pontoon boat, it suddenly becomes clear why the market is growing. Southbay is manufactured by the Forest River Group, whose total company sales now exceed $1 billion annually, and is a subsidiary of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate. Proline offers the Southbay works of art with every option available, from a nice and cozy 18-foot cruiser to the new entertainment boat that has one of the nicest entertainment areas you’ve ever seen. With some pontoon boats easily exceeding 75 mph, it’s easy to understand why the Southbay’s are in high demand.

Wanting something a little sportier? Then the Stingray V-hull fiberglass boats are sure to fill that desire. Offering up sport runabouts, fish and ski models, and a

number of new sport-deck models the Stingray boats will get you there quickly and cost effectively with their patented “Z-plane” hull design. As well, make sure you take a good look at the Canadian built Campion V-hull fiberglass boats.

Designed and manufactured in Kelowna, BC, they hold high Canadian standards in every one of the 40-plus models offered in the Campion line up of boats.

Being one of Yamaha’s largest and longest-running dealers in Saskatoon, there is no indication of slowing down in the near future. With an ample supply of both on- and off- road motorcycles, outboard motors, snowmobiles, ATV’s, side by sides, power products and more from Yamaha, there is more than enough options to fill ones garage with something for everyone in the family.

With Yamaha’s primary focus on “QDR” (quality, dependability, reliability) there is no question that you will have only worry-

(L to R back) Colin, Randy, Quang, and Tim. (L to R front) Jason, Brittney, and Darryl

free days to go and create those lifelong memories.

Arctic Cat has been busy over the last 18 months, bringing new and innovative products to the world of powersports.

In the 2012 winter season, Arctic Cat launched an entirely new line-up of snowmobiles—including the industry’s first factory-turbo mountain sled that will ensure you not only high mark all of your buddies, but head straight for the top of the mountain. If that wasn’t enough, Arctic Cat flipped the side-by-side market on its head by launching the all-new 1,000cc Wildcat. This mean machine is nothing like its predecessors. The Wildcat is built for pure sport and performance and is ready to do nothing less than set the new industry standard. It is the most aggressive, factory displacement side by side available on today’s market.

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You might be thinking, “Proline has so much awesome stuff, how could I ever afford to fill all my desires?” They can help in the area of finance better than most. Realizing the traditional methods of financing options for the recreation market were lagging behind, Gerry conducted months of research and negations to formalize the “Proline Finance Advantage” program. Launched 14 months ago, it dramatically improved financing options for all of Proline’s clients.

With eight banks in its partnership, Proline’s customized financing solutions are setting new industry standards.

With one of the busiest websites amoung their peers, visit prolinemotorsports.ca to browse the e-commerce store and the online factory-parts fiche—the site is both smartphone and tablet friendly.

There is no question that Gerry and the team are passionate about the powersports and marine industries.

Everyone that works at the dealership is an enthusiast of the sports in some way, shape, or form. Their motto, “Our passion is taking your fun seriously!” is a true testament to the dealership. So the next time you’re feeling an urge to create some new life-long memories be sure to stop in at Proline. Chances are Proline will be the last stop you make before starting your next adventure. FLS

3310 Idlywyld Drive North (Idlywlyd Service Road) 306.978.7881 gerry.proline@sasktel.net www.prolinemotorsports.ca

Warman Autobuilder A Rare Artisan

Handcrafting, restoring muscle cars and roadsters with passion and professionalism

S

By Karin Melberg Schwier

ometimes a chosen few carry a joyful childhood hobby into their adult lives, when their passion becomes not only a source of pride and fulfillment, but also a vocation.

When he was a boy, Byron Thiessen laboured over the small polystyrene pieces of his model cars, and some of that

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epoxy stuck to more than just tiny V-8 engines, Rally wheels and chrome plated accessories. Byron’s professional life was cemented firmly in place. His grandfather ran John’s Service in Warman; his father worked there, too, so it was already in the genes. At 13, when buddies were going to hockey and soccer practice, Byron was

sweeping floors in an autobody shop and stayed there for nine years. A job at a shop in Saskatoon followed. Today, at just 31, he’s one of a count-them-on-one hand cadre of Canadian car hand-builders and restoration artists working at his level.

His own small shop in Warman has an elite, high-end clientele who want unique, tailor-made collectible cars.

“I had good mentors and really talented people around me,” says Byron. “Going on my own really gave me the freedom to do what I wanted to do and focus on what I wanted, which is a specific demographic of cars. We do a little bit of restoration but also highly specialized hand-built 79

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projects. Typical shops do straight up restoration work but we can go beyond that to create something really cool.”

Really cool is right. Creative Concepts & Restorations can literally hand make a car to a customer’s specifications. The process evolves from sketches on a napkin to fullscale renderings, and then from building the chassis to hand-fabricating the body panels and crafting every element. Byron has produced and restored an array of one-of-a-kind roasters and muscle cars.

“When you see the finished product, it’s hard for most people to fathom all the intricate work that goes into it,” Byron

explains over coffee at the local Tomas Cook. Though humble and soft-spoken, he’s obviously proud of the work his shop produces, and is quick to give credit to his employees Wes Moskwa, Les Dades and Lyndon Neufeld, as well as graphic illustrator Bruce Williams. “Everybody is really talented.”

Car collector Wayne Halabura, who owns two restored 1932 Ford roadsters, has known Bryon for 12 years and has developed a profound respect for him, not only as a person but as an artisan.

“Byron is at the top end of the scale in quality workmanship, second to none in

At Creative Concepts and Restoration, it’s not just about the flashy finished product.

Byron welcomes any customer to see their project in progress at any point in the build or restoration. He takes pride in the quality of work throughout, a standard that puts his shop at a higher caliber.

“I think of Byron and the guys he has working for him as multitalented elves working away in their shop, producing absolutely beautiful auto art.” ~ Wayne Halabura

Canada,” Wayne insists. “He’s always looking to challenge himself. Plenty of guys in this business will do a mediocre job, just enough to get by and make money. Byron always wants to do the best on every project. He’s always pushing for perfection.”

It’s rare to find someone like Byron “who can do it all” in equal measures of artistry 80

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and craftsmanship. Not only can he restore something like a 1970 Hemi Cuda so it “looks like the day it was born,” Wayne says, Byron’s completely comfortable at the other end of the spectrum and can hand make a car from the ground up.“He can do everything.”

Twice Byron has been selected to bring his cars to the coveted invitation-only SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) convention in Las Vegas.

Wayne calls it the “Superbowl of car shows. ”It’s touted as the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world.

“Man oh man, the stuff he can do,” says Wayne. “Byron’s working at a level most people never achieve after 40 or 50 years in the business. The level of detail, and fit and finish that he accomplishes is world class. He’s in the same category

as Bobby Alloway, Alan Johnson, Troy Trepanier, Chip Foose, all world-renowned auto builders. Byron is to car building and restoration as Michael Hosaluk is to woodworking or Al Weitzel is to art.

Byron’s medium happens to be cars.”

People who take projects to Byron have the resources for “prestige collectibles.”

His clients include well-established professionals across Canada who can afford to buy a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, but want a personalized custom build. An anesthesiologist in Ontario had a tailormade V-8 roadster created literally from a few sketches. Reminiscent of the Lotus 7 style, it took two years to build and is literally designed to fit the owner’s body and his penchant for aviation. The gauges are built in WWII bomber style.

“It’s big dollars and not a huge market, but we’re known for being able to do it all in

AFTER

When a friend told Darryl Bakken about Byron, his 1972 Dodge Dart Demon went in for its restoration surgery.

“I have yet to have anyone find a flaw in it. Byron is someone who definitely has a talent for what he does. His attention to detail is unbelievable.”

BEFORE

BEFORE Photos by Darryl Bakken

house,” says Byron, who finds it difficult to turn his creations over when they’re complete. “It’s not about the money. I invest so much of my life in each one.

I joke with one of my customers that it’s really still my car, he just owns it. ”Many of Byron’s customers have private collections. Some have millions of dollars worth of cars kept in pristine condition.

“It’s not about showboating. These guys collect and build cars because they love them. Some people collect high-end art; these guys collect cars as a form of art.”

Darryl Bakken is another devotee. He’d been hanging on to his “dream car” since 81

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he rolled it when he was 19. With some nostalgia, he thought it still had potential.

When a friend told him about Byron, the 1972 Dodge Dart Demon went in for its restoration surgery. Darryl entered the Dart in the Saskatoon Car Show in the 1969-79 Restored class. He won. “I have yet to have anyone find a flaw in it. Byron is someone who definitely has a talent for what he does. His attention to detail is unbelievable.”

At Creative Concepts and Restoration, it’s not just about the flashy finished product.

Byron welcomes any customer to see their project in progress at any point in

the build or restoration. He takes pride in the quality of work throughout, a standard that puts his shop at a higher caliber, he says. While Byron says the fabrication technology has evolved significantly, there’s something to be said for old school tools and one-of-a-kind products.

“I’ve got a lot of Old World tooling, like an English wheel, planishing hammers, all metal working equip, some are about 100 years old and can’t really replace with anything nearly as good. A lot of it is a lost art,” he says. “Now so much is mass manufactured, one of 10,000 produced at a time. The appeal of what we do is that it’s one off.”

It’s all in the details. Some shops like to draw a customer’s attention to the finished product instead of what might be underneath. “A lot of guys will put it together and if it’s not quite right, they put some filler in, cover it up with paint and no one really knows the difference. We kind of see it the other way,” Byron insists.

“We show a lot of bare metal photos. We want people to be able to see what the quality is before we cover it up with paint.

I think that’s a testament to our work ethic and the standard of quality we reach with every car we work on. We take a lot of pride in showing off the craftsmanship at every single stage.”

Photos by Heather Fritz

Renderings courtesy of Bruce Williams

Byron and his wife Angela have two daughters, Jordyn, 4, and Brooklyn, 6.

Jordyn has the car bug. “She can tell you a Camaro from a Challenger from a Mustang any day,” he grins. His family forgives him, he says, for so much time he spends at his shop. Staying small and specialized allows full devotion to the high-end market, catering to “a few guys who want really nice cars done.”

When he can fit them in, he takes on “collectible restorations” like vintage gas pumps, cast iron bathtubs, decorative odds and ends, and even a little work on his own ’69 custom Camaro. “We do the smaller jobs, too, for cash flow. The kids need shoes and Barbies, but our talents and capabilities shine with those high-end jobs. “I like to focus on doing really great zoomy stuff. That’s where I really want to go with the shop,” he says. I just want to thank my customers for all the faith they’ve put in me.” FLS

Box 1469 Warman, SK, S0K 4S0 82

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306.292.6008

creativeconceptsrestorations@yahoo.ca

The one-sTop Training shop Producing drivers that meet and exceed industry standards

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Stephanie Zhang

Trans Industrial’s team of certified instructors has extensive management and training backgrounds in a multitude of industries. This allows us to provide experienced, quality instruction to our students, that industries are seeking when hiring or retraining individuals. We pride ourselves on exceeding the standards for industrial training. We provide our programs in a one-stop-training shop manner to better serve our clients. All of our courses and services are conducted in-house and are performed by Trans Industrial certified instructors at our training facility and on-site.

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“They offer a top-notch training program for motorcycle riders. Both new and experienced riders can benefit from their skilled instructors.

They make every rider comfortable and the knowledge students gain will last a lifetime. As a rider since the age of seven and on the streets riding since 16, I can personally vouch for their training. I’ve taken different courses, too, and the professionalism and dedicated instructors make their programs easy to follow; they’re one of the best in the province.” ~ Tim Davis, sales manager, Meidl Honda Powerhouse

A

s the largest and most comprehensive school for all truck driver and safety training in the transportation, oilfield, mining and construction fields, Trans Industrial Safety Training doesn’t stop there. They’ve expanded their reach into the recreation and leisure arena, offering motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile safety courses. The focus on customer service and product reflects the business philosophy of new owners, Nordic Industries (see sidebar story).

General Manager, Roger St. Cyr, who has an extensive background in the trucking industry, says the business was founded

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on the need for well-rounded drivers that are proficient in a lot more than just driving a big rig in a straight line.

Solid foundation in truck driver training As a manager for several large transport companies, Roger witnessed the difference between what training standards were and what industry demanded. “By taking an active role in educating people about the industry and job duties, by employing the most knowledgeable instructors in the business, supplying the student with value-added training, by building

“Our experience with the team at Trans Industrial Safety proves they’re committed to providing the highest quality training, all in a safe and fun environment. They support the success of every rider, female or male, in their desire to improve the motorcycle riding experience, and they create life-long memories.

That’s what riding is all about.” ~ Gerry Christie, general manager, Proline Motorsports & Marine

relationships with employers and simply caring about the product,” he says, “we give our students the upper hand.”

The proof is in the pudding. It used to be common that companies preferred experienced drivers to people coming out of training programs. Now companies are looking for Trans Industrial graduates.

“We’re very confident in the product we’re offering to the industry in the form of welltrained drivers who know far more than simply how to drive a truck,” Roger says.

“They’re knowledgeable and employable when they leave us. Our strong ties and partnerships with various companies give our graduates an advantage when seeking employment.”

“The staff truly cares about each student. Lots of one-on-one instruction. Trans Industrial has very high standards; that pays off when its road-test time. I got all my safety and 1A tickets at Trans Industrial. It’s an excellent driving and safety school.” ~ Declan Gleeson, student

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Trans Industrial’s 1A driver training is only a part of the formula. The owners quickly realized that other safety requirements needed in other industries demanded quality instruction and certification.

Trans Industrial soon expanded into a multi-service safety training provider for the transportation, oilfield, mining and the booming construction industry.

Meeting industry needs “You need a host of tickets and certifications these days,” says Roger.

“Safety certification is far more stringent than it used to be. Employers are legally obligated to train themselves and their employees in various courses under Occupational Health and Safety legislation.”

Trans Industrial is recognized provincewide as the “1-Stop Training Shop.”

Courses are conducted at their Saskatoon location and are also offered anywhere in Saskatchewan.

Dave Holinaty has taken the reins as operations manager at Trans Industrial; he comes from the well-established family fencing business, Nordic Industries, which recently acquired Trans Industrial. It’s a bit of a departure from chain link, PVC and ornamental iron, but the same Nordic work and customer-service ethic defines their new venture.

“We want every person who leaves our training courses to walk away with knowledge and skills above and beyond the industry standard,” says Dave. “We want to put safe, good quality drivers out on the road and on the job site. Our instructors are the best in the industry,” he says, and their driver training and safety courses are rigorous.

Making recreation and leisure pursuits safer Trans Industrial also offers leisure and recreational safety training. Motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile operation are also on the course list. All leisure training involves both in-class and hands-on training.

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The Meet and Exceed mantra Keeping in line with the company’s “meet and exceed” mantra, the training goes beyond the standards approved by SGI. “We’ve taken their course and added to it,” adds Darrell Kroeker, Manager of Driver Training Services. Trans Industrial’s instructors have an estimated 200 years of riding among them, so the students benefit from their “wealth of experience.”

Benefits of our Driver training Programs • Actual in-cab hours of training exceed SGI requirements • 3 to 6 week courses include pertinent OH&S Courses required by industry (H2S Alive, 1st Aid/ CPR, Confined Space, TDG, WHMIS, etc.)

• 3 to 6 week courses offer training not included by all other schools (Log Book Procedures, D.O.T. Scale Procedures, Bridge Laws, Reefer and Heater Training, Bills of Lading Procedures, Axle Weights, etc.)

• Complete one-stop-shop driver and industry training • Work Experience Placement – available to offer real world perspective • Job Placement consultation offered at no charge, upon 1A/3A designation with some courses.

• Client Specific training for various transport truck driving positions (City driver, peddle driver, short haul driver, long haul driver; U.S. and domestic truck driver, etc.)

• Client Specific training for oilfield/transport services (Ex. LTL, Truckload, Flatdeck, Container, Heater and Reefer, Pump Truck, etc.)

Trans Industrial offers complete truck driver, oilfield and industry training packages, however, to better suit your specific career requirements, you may choose which courses you would like to enroll in based on your career path.

“We start right from the beginning” explains Dave. We include how to do a proper pre-ride inspection, basic road rules and progress our way in to more

advanced maneuvers like push steering/ counter steering, emergency-decision making and starting on a hill.”

Participants in the training vary in age and experience and range from 16 years to riders in their 70s. Sometimes thorough training can be an eye opener, even for people who are somewhat familiar with riding. Trans Industrial supplies all the bikes for training so people also use this to gauge what makes or models of bike is best suited for them before they purchase their own.

“We’re proud that we’ve helped novice riders develop an appreciation for riding, and possibly have saved a life or two.

People who’ve been riding for a long time make it look easy, but it takes a lot of training and experience to get to that level, ”explains Darrell. “City streets and highways can be dangerous places for motorcyclists. Through training by our certified instructors, we provide not only the riding skills, but the defensive riding skills to ensure that riders can make it safer for themselves.”

The motorcycle training couse is popular, fills quickly, and people who want to participate are encouraged to contact Trans Industrial to get a spot. “We take the training pretty seriously, but the course is also really fun. We have former students who come back to volunteer,” says Dave.

The company also offers safety training for ATV and snowmobile riders.

Following a higher standard “There’s the industry standard and then there’s the Trans Industrial standard,” Dave explains. “We offer more training packages than anyone in the province, and we offer more comprehensive courses.

Whether it’s for truck driving, motorcycle operation, standard first aid and CPR, forklift operation, WHMIS or any one of about 30 different courses we offer, people walk away happy, employable, knowledgeable, safer and more skilled.”

FLS

Driver training • Learners Tutorial • Motorcycling Riding • Classes 1A & 3A • Heavy Trailer 5G • Air Brakes • Professional Driver Improvement Course • ATV & Snowmobile Safety Training

Pre-register on-line!

Steeped for 35 years in quality fencing Thirty-five years ago, Larry Holinaty and Randy Dobmeier believed chain link was the wave of the future. They established Nordic Industries and when Larry’s son Rob came on board in 1979, Nordic soon began selling its own products, never compromising on quality materials. In 1986, the on-site manufacturing of chain link wire was added. Today, Nordic is the largest maker, supplier and installer of chain link and is also a household name in residential fencing products like PVC, ornamental iron and wood.

oCCuPationaL HeaLtH & safetY Courses • TDG Dangerous Goods • WHMIS • First Aid/CPR • Confined Space I & II • H2S Alive • Forklift Operations • Skid Steer, Aerial Lift • Fall Arrest/Protection • Ground Disturbance • Fire Extinguisher Safety • Many others

Commercial and industrial work is the mainstay of the company, but residential work is increasing in popularity. “There’s been unprecedented growth in the demand for the PVC and ornamental iron fencing,” Rob adds. With panels and posts that will never rot, rust, warp, or corrode, it’s an appealing choice. In recent years, ornamental iron made of galvanized steel has gained popularity and provides strength, durability and corrosion resistance as another attractive and maintenance-free choice. For the die-hard wood customer, Nordic offers custom built wood fencing and decks.

Wayne Budz, Nordic’s wood fence and deck builder “is a perfectionist,” says Rob. “He could double as a piano builder, his work is that beautiful.”

That quality extends to the company’s newest business venture. Dave Holinaty has taken the reins at Trans Industrial Safety Training. A bit of a

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Visit www.transindustrial.ca for a complete list of driver training and other safety courses offered Trans Industrial Safety Training 339 Edson Street 306.934.5935 transindustrial@sasktel.net Trans Industrial new owners: Nordic Industries 404 Melville Street 306.653.3663 Toll-Free: 1.866.518.9333 info@nordicfence.com. www.nordicfence.com

departure from fencing, the company specializes in 1A truck driver training and a variety of safety courses necessary for work in the construction, oilfield, mining and transportation industries.

Back at Nordic, Rob insists, “In our industry, customers have a lot of choice in terms of products and quality. We just don’t believe in using substandard products. The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” is really true in the fencing industry. We have to stay competitive with our pricing, but we help our customers understand what they’re getting in terms of quality and durability.”

Winner of the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence three years running in 2010, ’11 and ‘12, Nordic uses high-end materials and products and quality is never compromised.

IMPOSSIBLY BETTER THE NEXT GENERATION BMW 3 SERIES

By Candace Fox. Photos by Heather Fritz

BMW owners – it’s about having fun tonight and celebrating our relationships created with our customers over the last two decades plus.”

Luxury, modern and sport There was no mistaking the guests of honour, as the new series lineup stood centre stage for all to see. A white, fourdoor luxury sedan 335, and a black fourdoor sedan 328 sport stole the show.

Seeing the doors and trunks wide open for exploration, attendees were eager to sit, touch and engage in the luxury BMW. If that wasn’t enough there were interactive ConnectedDrive modules on hand for guests to experience firsthand.

The module is a remarkable mobile communication platform that integrates the driver, the vehicle and the environment within a dynamic network of information and driver-assistant systems, from both inside and outside the vehicle.

Lights. camera. and the impossibly better The launch party for BMW’s all-new 2012 sixth-generation 3 Series was a production you would only expect from Saskatoon’s Bema Autosport BMW. On March 12 at the Persephone Theatre, within a theatrical setting inspired by the BMW brand, approximately 400 owners and enthusiasts gathered for a sneak peak at two of the series’ new models.

The ultimate driving experience If judging only by the number of attendees, the Bema 3 launch was a massive success - an ultimate experience in modern luxury.

The crowd was engaged and connected, 88

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taking in the atmosphere, seeing what the buzz was about, sipping martinis (dubbed ‘3-Tinis’) and of course enjoying tasty h’ordeuvres from one of three themed food stations, representing the modern, luxury and sport lines. In keeping with BMW’s brand and 3 series theme, a very upbeat and trés chic atmosphere was created, reminiscent of a modern martini lounge that included upbeat music, mood lighting and eye catching videos showcasing the BMW 3 Series in action at every angle.

“There is no selling here tonight,” said Bema Autosport retailer Leslie Fenyes.

“We are here to reinforce the brand to those who are already owners and are familiar with BMW, as well of course offer an introduction and experience to future

The German automaker has exceeded global standards of luxury with the 3 Series. “This series appeals to a whole spectrum of drivers,” says Bema’s Leslie Fenyes. “We are going well beyond the baby boomers and are hitting gen X and gen Y, through the offering of the 3 model lines. This is definitely BMW’s most important line - it’s the heart and soul of the company”. Innate sporting character, exclusive elegance or convincing modernity: the new BMW 3 Series is appearing for the first time in the BMW Sport, Luxury and Modern lines.

Luxury Line - The new BMW 3 Series Sedan with Luxury Line impresses with its especially classical and elegant design.

Characteristic of the line’s features are discreet and refined design elements of high-gloss chrome on the exterior and BMW’s trademark sporting agility.

Modern Line - Rarely has the futureoriented design of a vehicle line been as visible as in the new BMW 3 Series Sedan with Modern Line. Perfectly harmonized material and surface colours create a sense of timeless modernity and a cultivated interior atmosphere. Enjoy a light and enticing feeling of spaciousness.

Eye-catching features in the BMW 3 Series Sedan with Modern Line are the light colouring of the instrument panel and steering wheel. Exclusive leather covers in oyster, three decorative surfaces with satin chrome accent trim strips create a world of colours to generate a feeling of well-being – and an extraordinary range for this class. In particular, the Fineline Pure genuine wood design, styled in open-pored wood with three-dimensional surface structures creates an entirely unique aesthetic experience.

On the exterior, the BMW kidney grille with eleven bars in chrome matt sets especially modern accents in the front section. It harmonises exceptionally well with the satin-finish aluminum design features on the front and rear of the Modern Line and the twin bars in the air inlets styled in the same colour. Light-alloy wheels of 18-inch diameter in Turbine styling reinforce the future-oriented concept of this equipment line.

are designed exclusively with a bicolour appearance.

The design of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan with Sport Line conveys athleticism from every perspective. Viewed from the side, wing mirrors and window surrounds optionally available in high-gloss black further emphasise the sporting appearance. Another trim strip in highgloss black on the lower part of the tail end underlines the visual breadth. The exhaust pipe finishers are designed in black chrome.

On the inside, contrasts between black and red express the typical BMW athleticism: red contrast rings on the round gauges of the instrument panel, including sporting chrono scaling, red contrasting stitching on the sports steering wheel and a standard decorative trim strip in Brushed Aluminum with coral red accents. Available as an alternative is the High-gloss Black decorative trim strip and matte coral red or high-gloss black accents. The sports seats fitted as standard are available in three leather Gammes, three different colours and corresponding contrasting stitch colours with a sporting stitch pattern.

As a distinctive feature of the Sport Line, the vehicle key is designed in black with a red decorative strip.

As a distinctive feature of the Modern Line, the vehicle key is designed in the colour oyster – with a matt silver decorative strip.

Express yourself with BMW

Sport Line - The new BMW 3 Series Sedan with Sport Line promises unbridled dynamics alongside clear visual accents.

Its striking design features in high-gloss black reinforces its sporting appearance.

Eight boldly designed kidney grille bars in high-gloss black produce an especially athletic effect for the front end. Embedded in a chromium-coloured frame, the BMW kidney grille appears even larger. In the front bumper, black air inlets with aluminum-coloured horizontal bars emulate the dynamic shape of the headlights and outwardly emphasize the muscular wheel housings. This is where 18” Double Spoke alloy wheels create the sporty impression – while retaining the visual lightness. The 18” alloy wheels

As the most-purchased premium brand in the world, BMW knows exactly how to enhance their driver’s experience, offering three different and uniquely designed sedans to satisfy the driving palette of any demographic. Though all 3 Series vehicles share BMW’s award-winning DNA-- high performance, yet fuel efficient engines and transmissions designed by the best engineers in the world -- each is uniquely suited for the style, mind and personality of the eclectic group of BMW aficionados.

The only question is, which one best suits you? Test drive one today at Bema Autosport BMW and ask about the customized features available, and make your driving experience uniquely yours.

FLS

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Bema Autosport BMW 607 Brand Court 306.955.0900 1.866.695.4(BMW) 4269 www.bmwsaskatoon.ca

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Andrew Faris Owner of Graveyard Customs & Restorations

Rethinking the ClassiCs a passionate vision for custom work and restoration

By Bronwyn Stoddard. Photos by Kiera Stevenson. Renderings by Mike Miernik

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f there was ever a time in Andrew Faris’s life when he wasn’t interested in cars, he can’t remember it. In his spare time he spent years working on restorations before he decided to take the next step with his hobby and make it his full-time gig. As a result, five years ago he opened Graveyard Restorations and began sharing his knowledge and skill with other car enthusiasts. Since then, he has been providing high quality custom and restoration service to clients from across the country.

Faris has no doubts that he made the right decision. Whether he is attending shows, working in the shop, or out on the road himself, Faris can’t imagine anything he’d 92

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rather be doing. “I like everything about the process,” he says, “from finding a car as a wreck to getting it ready for shows.

It’s very rewarding to see them take shape.”

Graveyard Restorations focuses on custom restoration. Faris and his two employees, Darren Dyck and Kat Barker, return classic cars to perfect condition, but not necessarily to their original specifications.

The team will update and enhance the vehicles at the request of their clients, so the finished product is something more than it would have been originally.

Each automobile Faris works on becomes a one-of-a-kind creation.

Custom restoration needs conceptual vision, but painstaking attention to detail is equally important to the success of the projects. Faris balances the two requirements beautifully. His enthusiasm for his work is evident in the quality of the results. His photo gallery tracks individual projects through an incredible array of stages. The pictures archive the restoration process in its entirety, from the vehicle’s initial state of disrepair to the fully finished—and totally transformed— end product.

“The projects tend to be extensive,” Faris says. “Some of them have to travel a long road to become what you first see in them.” Some of the custom jobs are

cosmetic, needing only show-quality paint and polish. While those jobs definitely require a certain degree of artistry, they don’t require the same time investment as the projects Faris completes from the ground up.

Custom restoration is gaining popularity and respect in the classic car community.

Although custom work and classic restoration were kept strictly separate for years, the two disciplines are now combining in interesting and exciting ways. The trick is to enhance a classic car without making it unrecognizable.

It’s an interesting challenge that has already yielded some impressive results.

Faris and his clients see the finished cars as works of art, and it would be nearly impossible to disagree. Each vehicle that comes to the shop is an interesting piece to begin with, but by the time the work is complete, each one is undeniably unique. Everything, from high-tech interior enhancements to custom-mixed paint jobs, is the physical realization of an idea—of a vision.

“The work is always interesting because it’s always different,” Faris muses. “You 93

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can progress at anything in life, and car building is no exception to that. There are different methods of doing things; there are different techniques for slightly different results. More than that, though, it’s a matter of vision, and from a visionary standpoint there are always new ideas.”

With that outlook, it is no surprise

that at Graveyard Restorations, almost anything is possible. Faris lists rust repair, paint, custom metal fabrication, lift kits, audio and interior concepts among the business’s services. And he could easily go on. “Basically,” he says with confidence, “you name it: we can do it.”

He takes pride in being a one-stop shop.

The nature of the projects he works on

demands a continuity that simply doesn’t exist in shops with more limited offerings.

“Our knowledge and our ability to do those things that are out of the ordinary are some of the things that set us apart,” he says.

The undeniable quality of work from Graveyard Restorations sets them apart, too. The hallmark of Faris’s work is its cleanliness and purity of line. His focus on a task is absolute, and at times his attention to detail flirts with obsession.

For Faris, “good enough” means accepting nothing less than perfection, and his keen eye and craftsmanship have earned Graveyard Restorations its reputation in a business that holds everybody to the highest of standards.

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While some of the projects focus on bodywork, the shop also does a lot of mechanical updating and work on turnkey cars, which are fully operational, roadready vehicles. At the skilled hands of the restoration crew in Warman, engines can be rebuilt or replaced. Wiring can be repaired and reinstalled. The whole interior can be revamped and rejuvenated with modern stereo equipment and keyless ignition. Faris can do as much or as little as a customer envisions.

Of course, the work can’t be accomplished overnight. Encouraging an idea with that much scope to take physical form requires a considerable amount of time and effort. Faris works with Mike Miernik, an artistic designer, for projects involving major alterations. Miernik develops

artistic renderings based on a client’s description of what they want. With that visual reference, Faris and his clients can be sure that they are working towards the same end goal.

“The clients have ideas about what they want, I have a lot of ideas about every project, so I like to lay them out there. Both sides have to be really involved in building cars like this,” Faris acknowledges.

As a result of the shared vision that arises from those conversations, the relationships he develops with his clients become partnerships over a project’s lifespan, and they evolve just as steadily. More elaborate restorations can require years of collaboration between the client and the Graveyard Restorations team.

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“We try to make it easy and enjoyable.

There’s no headache in it: when the car is done, it will be exactly what you want,” he says.

There is no denying that the work is worth the wait. Faris’s personal collection includes showpieces that have caught the attention of the entire industry.

Currently, he travels to trade shows throughout the country with his newly completed 1935 Ford Slantback. Fitted with suicide doors and moulded interior panels, the car also features keyless entry and ignition and a modern stereo.

It’s finished with gold and charcoal paint and matching interior-hardwood flooring.

It’s a fine example of the magnitude of work that Faris and his team are capable of doing. With an advocate like the Slantback, it’s no wonder interest in custom restoration work—and Graveyard Restorations in particular—is picking up.

“It’s good to have this one completed and on display,” Faris says. “I’d go to every show if I could! Attending the shows is a lot of work, but I really enjoy doing them.”

Photo by Candace Epp

While Faris would be hard-pressed to identify a time of the year he considers downtime, he definitely sees clients taking a keener interest in the progress of a project as spring arrives. “When that spring fever hits, everybody just wants to get out and enjoy their cars.” FLS

Graveyard Customs & Restorations 917 #A - 5th Avenue South Warman, Sk, S0k 4S0 306.260.1155 graveyard@live.ca www.graveyardrestorations.com 96

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L to R: Darren Dyck,Kat Barker, Andrew Faris (front)

SASKATOON ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

spring 2012

APRIL April 10 2012 SASKATCHEWAN FIRST NATIONS WINTER GAMES OPENING CEREMONIES

April 21 FOR MICHAEL – THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL JACKSON SID BUCKWOLD THEATRE (TCU PLACE)

April 17

April 23

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 7 P.M.

JOHNNY REID

April 18 - May 2

April 26 - 28

HANK WILLIAMS: THE SHOW HE NEVER GAVE

THE MAN SHOW

the bassment saskatoon jazz society

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April 12 - 21

April 28

BOOK AND MUSIC SALE 408-504 20TH STREET W.

THE THREE TENOR SAXES: KLASSEN, CORBETT AND DEJONG

MAY the bassment saskatoon jazz society May 4 - 6

May 25

HUB CITY KENNEL AND OBEDIENCE DOG SHOW

THE STONE FRIGATE BIG BAND SWING DANCE

the bassment saskatoon jazz society May 9

May 24

ROOTS SERIES – SWEET ALIBI

GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS

DELTA BESSBOROUGH May 27 May 18 NICKELBACK

SUITE BEETHOVEN EXPORT EVENT

May 19

May 30 - June 3

MAKE MINE MAHLER SID BUCKWOLD THEATRE (TCU PLACE)

SASKATOON SHRINE CIRCUS

JUNE June 1 STREET LEGAL RACING

June 9 WATERFRONT CRAFT ART FESTIVAL

June 2

June 16 - 24

RITORNELLO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

GAETANO DONIZETTI’S DON PASQUALE

Kiwanis Memorial Park June 3 - 6 POTASHCORP CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL OF SASKATCHEWAN

June 21 RONNIE DUNN

June 22 - July 1 June 9

SASKTEL SASKATCHEWAN JAZZ FESTIVAL

AMATI QUARTET CONVOCATION HALL 99

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VARIOUS VENUES

Chef

Anthony MccArthy

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Canadian Culinary Championships Preview Dinner

By FLS Staff. Photos by candace Epp

ast November, Chef Anthony McCarthy of the Saskatoon Club topped the best culinary talent in the province to win the annual Gold Medal Plates competition. It also earned him a berth in the national championships held in Kelowna in February and a spot on the Canadian team that will compete in the world championships later this year.

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n the eve of the nationals, McCarthy previewed his dish for a packed house at the Saskatoon Club, part of the proceeds of which went to travel costs for Kelowna.

The foundation of the dish was local Morel mushrooms. McCarthy bought the delicious fungi last spring when it was in season and carefully froze it. He stuffed the morels with foie gras and a brunoise of black winter truffel before dusting it with finely ground corn and cooking it.

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He served this with a cabernet Franc and Syrah blend from Nichol Vinyards that perfectly complemented the earthy texture and flavour of the mushrooms.

Using local ingredients is nothing new for McCarthy who can point to more than 30 products on his menu at the Saskatoon Club. He says he loves finding new and creative ways to work with the local fare.

McCarthy hails from England where he attended culinary college before

coming to North America where he had quite an unusual career before moving to Saskatoon, his wife Anastasia’s hometown. In addition to working in fine restaurants in Toronto and Brandon, he did a stint as the personal chef on NASCAR great Jeff Gordon’s yacht.

Unfortunately, McCarthy did not medal at the nationals, but he will welcome his competitors from Kelowna to Saskatoon this July for a practice session for the world championship. FLS

Brett Richards, Owner of Charlie’s Seafood

An old fAce returns to fAmous fish shop past employee, now owner, carries legacy of charlie’s seafood forward

By Suzanne Huber. Photos by Stephanie Zhang

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harlie’s Seafood, Saskatoon’s premier fresh fish market and sushi shop has recently changed ownership. After working for Charlie over nine years ago, past employee Brett Richards purchased the seafood house so Charlie could retire. Brett met Charlie through a family friend while in university when he started working for him. “I thought about buying it then,” remembers Brett. Instead, he opened his own delivery business in Edmonton, but recently sold it to move back to Saskatoon where his finance recently opened a hot yoga studio. He spoke with Charlie and the timing was right for Brett to take over the old market-style fish shop.

Vist the new website: www.charliesseafood.ca for recipes and great specials!

Brought in fresh Charlie’s Seafood is the only specialty fish shop in Saskatoon that offers everything fresh. “Fresh is fresh, frozen is frozen,” says Brett when referring to the quality of their product. The freshness is hugely important to the overall quality, which is what sets the local shop apart from what is found in grocery stores. Everything is hand-picked to order and nothing sits behind the counter for more than three days. All products are stored on ice and are always cold; this distinction is guaranteed when comparing seafood providers in town.

Fresh from North America Brett works with his suppliers from around North America to keep the palettes of Saskatoon seafood lovers happy. Charlie’s offers fresh fish imported from places such as Hawaii, British Columbia, Eastern Canada and Northern Saskatchewan. Fresh pickerel or halibut are available depending on seasonality, but the overall selection still leaves the title of Saskatchewan’s biggest fish market to Charlie’s Seafood. Go to the website www.charliesseafood.ca to see what is in season.

Attention sushi lovers Charlie’s Seafood has over 30 ready to order flavors for pick up. Choose from classic choices, such as California Rolls, 103

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BC Smoked Salmon and Sweet Potato, or branch out and try other varieties like the Roast Eel or Oyster. You can purchase each piece individually, or, if you are hosting, Charlie’s offers various platters for you to entertain and delight your guests. If you cannot make it to the shop on McKercher, Charlie’s also provides fresh sushi daily to all Saskatoon Safeway locations.

Creative Cooking Both in the store and on their website, Charlie’s offers various recipes on how to prepare your special seafood dishes. The website features new ideas monthly for cooking fresh fish in your kitchen. Brett mentioned that there will soon be an “Ask the Expert” seafood dining column in future Fine Lifestyles publications to compliment his website. The ideas are endless when it comes to the preparation of fresh fish dishes and Brett and his staff want to help inspire your creativity in the kitchen.

Old-market style, a personalized approach Having worked in the shop and being a seafood lover himself, Brett is always looking for the next recipe and suggestion for getting his fresh product his customers.

He and his staff take a personalized approach when talking to customers and are happy to answer any questions regarding meal preparation and getting the most out of an imported delicacy. If

you are busy and short on time, you can call and place your order in advance so Brett and his team can have items set aside and ready for pick up.

New look One of the first changes that Brett is making as new owner is enhancing the ambiance of the overall shopping experience. Maintaining the shop’s old-market style tradition, Brett wants to modernize the space with a little renovation.

By creating an inviting atmosphere with a relaxing environment, you will be able to take more pleasure in the planning stages of your fresh seafood dishes.

With Charlie passing on his wisdom and high-quality standards onto Brett, Brett is able to bring fresh insight, different experience and future plans to the old market-style fish shop. With future plans to offer an even wider variety of choices in the shop and to expand operations with a second location in the near future, Charlie is proud of the legacy that Brett is carrying forward. FLS

College Park Mall 8th Street & McKercher Drive 306.955.7127 www.charliesseafood.ca

GRILLED TUNA STEAK WITH WHITE BEAN ARUGULA SALAD AND ANCHOVY DRESSING

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS • 1 cup (250 mL) of dried white beans, soaked overnight in 2 cups (500 mL) of water, or 1 can (14 ounces/398 mL) of white beans, rinsed and drained • 8 oil-packed anchovies, drained and patted dry • The zest and juice of 1 lemon • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil • 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of grainy mustard • 2 handfuls of arugula leaves (about 4 ounces) • 2 green onions, thinly sliced • A sprinkle or two of salt and lots of freshly ground pepper • 4 fresh tuna steaks (each 8 ounces and at least 1 inch thick), patted dry • 1/4 cup (60 mL) of olive oil

PREPARATION If you’re using dried beans, simmer them until tender, about an hour and possibly longer. Drain and set aside while you ready the salad. In a salad bowl, mash the anchovies into a thick paste with a fork. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, and mustard, then continue mashing until you form a smooth dressing. Season to your taste with salt and pepper. Add the beans and toss until they’re thoroughly coated with the dressing. Top with the arugula and green onions but—for maximum crispiness—wait until just before serving to toss them with the marinating beans.

Prepare and preheat your grill to its highest setting.

Grilling tuna is one of my favourite ways to enjoy this filet mignon of the sea. Tuna’s rich fattiness and luxurious texture allow it to grill as easily as any meat, and it’s at its best when its centre stays cool. Tuna’s big grill flavours work well with other strong flavours, like briny anchovy dressing over a rich white bean salad tossed with sharp, peppery arugula.

From: Chef Michael Smith’s Kitchen

by Chef Michael Smith.

Copyright © Michael Smith, 2011.

Reprinted by permission of Penguin Group (Canada), a division of Pearson Canada Inc. Food Photography: James Ingram, Jive Photographic.

Rub the tuna steaks with the olive oil. Lightly season the fish to your taste with salt and pepper.

Grill, turning once, until the fish is cooked to your liking, 3 to 5 minutes per side for rare, 5 to 7 minutes for medium. Finish tossing the salad, then portion onto 4 plates and top with a slab of grilled tuna. Serve and share!

KITCHEN TIP Several types of fresh tuna are typically available from your fishmonger. The most common choice is bigeye or ahi, which is prized for its bright red flesh and rich flavour. Yellowfin is paler and also commonly available. Bluefin, the richest and meatiest of all, is rarely seen in markets, as most ends up in the hands of high-end sushi chefs or on a fast ride to the fish markets of Japan.

MAKE YOUR OWN WINE? The rewards pay off at Western Canada’s largest, most advanced U-vin Photos by Heather Fritz

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t’s a warm summer’s evening. You are sipping a glass of chilled fruity white wine on the patio, while mouth-watering aromas drift from the barbeque. You’re in the company of good friends, relaxing around a crackling backyard fire. The mood is enhanced by a glass of robust red wine.

These are the sights, sounds and tastes of summer in Saskatoon.

They’re what keep us going through frigid winter blizzards and frozen city streets. No one knows this better than Val and Maurice Bonnet, owners of Saskatoon’s largest U-vin location on Avenue B North.

The Bonnets have been making wines at home for over 25 years. They had tried a variety of products, but found themselves consistently returning to the Wine Kitz brand for its consistency and quality.

In 2005 a Wine Kitz franchising opportunity became available on Saskatoon’s 3rd Avenue. The Bonnets jumped at the opportunity to promote and sell a product they respected. They enjoyed five years of wine sales at this small location, but suddenly the character of their business and industry changed dramatically when Provincial legislation in 2010 allowed for U-vin operations. The Bonnets quickly realized that they would require more space to take advantage of new opportunities.

The business was moved to 116 Ave B North. The new location, with 2,750-square feet of floor space, instantly became one of the largest U-vin operations in Western Canada. The new store was bright, open and spacious, with plenty of free on-street parking. It was situated on the fringe of Saskatoon’s exciting new South Downtown redevelopment. “We were thrilled to find such a large space in a growing and vibrant community,” says Val. “We knew that it was big enough to accommodate our existing customers and all potential new wine makers.”

The store boasts the most sophisticated bottling facility in the city, featuring Saskatoon’s only bottle sanitizing machine, which sterilizes 30 bottles in less than four minutes. The U-vin has two back-to-back bottling stations. Each containing automatic bottle filler, a pneumatic corker, and a heating coil for shrink wrap application.

The Bonnets are proud that no appointments are required to start a wine. Customers simply walk into the store, make their wine selection, watch as the

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“Wine Of The Month” Program Each Month, Wine Kitz features a red and white wine in our Ultimate Estate Reserve 8 week and Traditional Vintage 5 week brands at a special price.

Visit Wine Kitz on 116 Ave. B North to see which wines are being featured for THIS month!

Wine Kitz gets its grapes from the most reputable vineyards in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Chile, Argentina, Oregon and California’s famous Napa Valley. They guarantee customer satisfaction with every sale.

ingredients are poured into a primary pail and sprinkle in the yeast. This can all take place in as little as 10 minutes.

The pail is then transferred to the winery where experienced staff looks after the stabilizing, clearing, transferring and filtering of the wine.

family shows up. It often becomes a very festive occasion. “The most intriguing thing I’ve witnessed,” says Maurice, “is the young man who invited his potential new girlfriend to come help bottle his wine. It seemed like a crazy idea, but they had fun, and it appeared to work out well”.

The customer returns to the store for bottling, using the most sophisticated equipment in the industry. “It’s fun, it’s easy and it’s fast,” says Val, smiling. “You can be in and out of here in less than 35 minutes. No clean up time is required.

You won’t believe how easy it is.”

Customers are attracted to the economics of wine making. It costs a fraction of comparable store bought bottles, with no compromise in the character or profile. Wine Kitz gets its grapes from the most reputable vineyards in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Chile, Argentina, Oregon and California’s famous Napa Valley. They guarantee customer satisfaction with every sale.

The Bonnets have seen many bottling appointments evolve into social events.

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Stag’s Leap Merlot, from Napa Valley,

California, will cost upwards of $40, but a kit sells for $169 and makes 30 bottles.

This full, rich and classic dry red has a bouquet of spice, chocolate and dark berry fruits. On the palate, this wine is juicy and soft with seamless tannins.

Another outstanding wine is the Amarone, Italy. Again costing upwards of $40 retail, kits sell for $159. Amarone is a full-bodied red wine with aromas of plum, leather, chocolate and mushroom mingled with light cherry and fig flavours. Long and balanced on the palate.

After bottling their wine, many customers finish the look of the product with their own unique labels.

Young couples create customized wedding labels, small businesses add personalized labels

Testimonials: "We have used the U-vin services at Wine Kitz on Avenue B numerous times. The staff makes it a fun and easy process. Using their expertise and equipment allows us to make great wine at a fraction of the cost, and without the bother of doing it at home." ~ Ken Brown and Ruth McCuaig

Val Bonnet, Owner

"Bouquets to Val and Maurice at Wine Kitz - their knowledge of wine and wine making is professional yet personable. If you would like to experience wine making at its easiest and finest, see Val and Maurice at Wine Kitz on Ave. B." ~ Ray and Joanne Phaneuf

“Wine enthusiasts Val and Maurice were very helpful in setting us up with a wine kit and beer kits. We really look forward to bottling time because, thanks to Val and Maurice, it’s like an evening with friends, with lots of laughs and bottled product to take home." ~ Wanda and John Dryburgh

Dianne Good

to bottles given to valued customers, individuals proudly display the name of their imagined “Estate Winery” on each bottle.

Pacific Ave.

Wall St.

Idylwyld Dr.

22 St. E. Idylwyld Dr.

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Avenue B N.

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Whether you’re a first time wine maker or seasoned pro, you will find the Wine Kitz experience to be fun, fast, professional and easy. With the help of Val and Maurice, you will find a wine or beer in their Avenue B location that complements any mood, meal, or occasion. FLS

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23 St. W. Avenue C N.

The Wine Kitz store on Avenue B has a friendly and knowledgeable staff available to help wine makers select wines suitable to their individual tastes. These may include elegant dry red or white wines, sweet and exciting fruit wines, fabulous Icewines, Ports, and cream Sherries. The

The popular new “Wicked” hard lemonade, styled after Mike’s Hard Lemonade, was introduced in 2011. The popularity of this exhilarating new product persuaded Wine Kitz to introduce an additional “Hard Lime” product for 2012.

23 St.

Avenue D N.

Wine Kitz’s new MacDay thermal Label system enables the user to formulate any desired message. It offers a wide selection of label templates, as well as an assortment of fonts and styles required for sophisticated and classy presentation.

store also carries Canada’s best-selling Brew House brand of “All Wort” beers.

116 Avenue B N. 306.665.1914 winekitzon3rd@shaw.ca www.winekitz.com Store Hours: M-T-W-F: 9:30-6 Thurs: 9:30-9, Sat: 9-6, Sun: 11:30-5

FINE DINING FOR A GOOD CAUSE Annual Chef’s Gala supports Station 20 West

By FLS Staff. Photos by Candace Epp

The main course: Seared strip loin with parmesan carrot Pave created by Chef Ryan Marquis (Delta Bessborough)

Volunteers served stunning appetizers created by the National Junior Culinary team

It took a veritable army of chefs to plate dinner for over 400

Guests were greeted by a beautiful ice sculpture

From the elegantly appointed tables and chairs, to the accomplished jazz duo providing musical ambiance, to the glamourous attire of the diners, the room became the perfect atmosphere for the Saskatoon chapter of the Canadian Culinary Federation’s Annual Chef’s Gala.

In addition to the six course menu, put together by some of Saskatoon’s most accomplished chefs, the Canadian Junior National Culinary team provided scrumptious pre-appetizers at live cooking stations located at the four corners of the room.

Unfortunately, Chef Anthony McCarthy, executive chef at the Saskatoon Club and president of the local chapter, was unable

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to attend, because he was competing at the National Culinary Championship in Kelowna BC at the time.

His colleagues Chef Ryan Marquis (Delta Bessborough) and Trevor Robertson (Radisson Hotel) did a wonderful job of directing the veritable army of chefs and service staff in serving more than 400 patrons.

Of course, the event was not merely an opportunity to taste exquisite food at its finest, but a philanthropic endeavour. Proceeds from the $150 a plate dinner and the silent and live auctions that followed went to Station 20 West.

Chef Ryan Marquis

Station 20 West is an integrated community centre on the city’s west side that includes living facility of 55 units of affordable housing and a 29,000 square-foot facility that will house a grocery store, library and many social programs and services for the entire area. The grounds include welcoming green space, an open air stage and areas for people to meet and connect.

The project, still under construction, started to become a reality in the summer of 2011 with the backing of Affinity Credit Union ($500,000) and some powerful local community organizations and philanthropists including Joe Remai ($275,000), the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon ($225,000), and Jim and Lisa Yuel, John and Sonya Remai, CUPE and SUN, all of whom contributed between $100,000 and $199,000.

SKyDiggerS or more than 20 years, Skydiggers has been a mainstay of Canadian roots-rock, although in the shade of some of their contemporaries such as Blue Rodeo and Tragically Hip. And although there haven’t always been clear skies for the band to dig, they’ve produced a dozen albums, won a Juno and enjoy a loyal following. Recently, as they prepared to kickoff a tour in support of their new album, Northern Shore, they chatted with Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon contributor Meagen Thomas.

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Northern Shore, the Juno-winning band’s first new music since the 2009 release of their career-spanning anthology, The Truth About Us, is set for release on Latent Records on April 17th and southern Saskatchewan audiences can hear the new music live in in Regina at The Exchange on May 25.

The 15-song collection stands as the most adventurous and varied of the group’s 20-year-plus career, and captures the essence of the group’s sound. Northern Shore sees the band mapping new musical territory, but it feels like home.

“The Truth About Us got us out playing again and thinking about what we had done over the course of the lifetime of the band,” Skydigger’s lead singer Andy Maize, told Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon.

“The desire was there to definitely make another recording, but there wasn’t really

a plan. We revisited older material that we had never gotten around to releasing, rerecorded older material that we’ve been playing in a new way with the current lineup of the band, and then came up with all this new material.”

Two key early decisions shaped Northern Shore.

“First, we engaged a producer and engineer—Saam Hashemi—as a full creative collaborator in a way we’ve never done before,” says vocalist Josh Finlayson.

“And secondly, we decided we would approach the recordings in three pretty radically different ways.”

The record ranges from the acoustic simplicity of “Liar, Liar” (a Finlayson/Maize composition which predates Skydiggers), to a rollicking honky-tonk cover of songwriting legend Mickey Newbury’s

“Why You Been Gone So Long” to the chopped up beats and dense cacophony of the edgy “Fire Engine (Red Explosion)” to pianist Michael Johnston’s tremolotreated piano on the stark title cut.

Singer Jessy Bell Smith provides gracious harmonies to the sea shanty-like “Waves” and soaring soulful lead on “Deep Water (31 Mile Lake)” while “The Herd” is spiked with sampled xylophone, a propulsive mechanized beat and one of Maize’s most effective, yearning vocal performances.

Songwriter (and current Member of Parliament) Andrew Cash’s songbook was raided for “Wake Up Little Darling’” and “You’ve Been Gone So Long,” here given superbly sympathetic representation thanks in part to the instinctive and imaginative rhythmic feel provided by drummer Noel Webb.

“The Truth About Us got us out playing again and thinking about what we had done over the course of the lifetime of the band,” Skydigger’s lead singer Andy Maize.

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Cash’s brother and founding Skydigger Peter Cash, makes a cameo on the heartfelt “Barely Made It Through.”

Some of the songs were worked up starting with simple guitar/ voice/drum machine tracks recorded in the basement of Finlayson’s West Toronto home, and then meticulously built, instrument by instrument, sample by sample, track by track.

A second set of sessions were conducted live off-the-floor at Blue Rodeo’s Toronto studio, The Woodshed. And a final set of recordings were convened near Kingston, Ontario at The Tragically Hip’s The Bathouse Studio, with the group recording in a more traditional way, from arrangements that were established before entering the studio.

“The other surprise for us is, given how different our approach was, Northern Shore really sounds like the next natural chapter for Skydiggers.”

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“Often recording is a reaction to the last recording: We did that, now we want to do this,” says Maize. “But we had no preconceived ideas this time, and for me that led to a rediscovery of the joy of record making with Northern Shore.”

Adds Finlayson: “The other surprise for us is, given how different our approach was, Northern Shore really sounds like the next natural chapter for Skydiggers.” FLS

GETTING THE WINE SLOWDOWN In this new Italian Slow Wine guide, the snails come in first

By Lana Bortolot he Slow Food movement last month stepped into the fast lane— if just for a few days—as it launched its first-ever guide to Italian wine in English in events in New York City and Chicago.

An offshoot of the 23-year-old Slow Food movement, which eschews manufactured, artificially en-hanced foods (basically the stuff upon which our Fast Food nation was founded), the 343-page guide of-fers a kinder, gentler way to learn about wine from the source. Yes, that’s from. Because the 200plus contributors traveled to Italy in search 114

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of the wineries that best demonstrate Slow Food’s guiding principles of “good, clean and fair.” The guide includes detailed descriptions from on-site visits to more than 400 cellars.

It’s the first such wine guide to consider wineries’ commitment to sustainable viticulture practices.

Simply called Slow Wine 2012 ($28.95 McNally Robinson), the guide is a departure from the volume the Slow Food organization co-produced with Gambero Rosso, the international food, wine, cooking and publishing company. (That much-heftier

cousin, Italian Wines, has been the premier wine publication in Italy and is associated with the prestigious Tre Bicchieri awards, Italy’s most prestigious wine accolade. Gambero still publishes that guide, now in its 25th year. At 1,000plus pages, it covers more than 20,000 wines from 2,300 wineries.)

The new guide, published by Slow Food Editore, is also a significant departure in content and spirit. The writers—all former Gambero Rosso contributors—visited more than 2,000 wineries and queried producers on best practices, winery history and agriculture. They blindtasted more than 20,000 wines to find the 3,000 that represent a “global style of wine growing, style, approachability and philosophy.”

The book, says editor Giancarlo Gariglio, introduces a new generation of wine evaluation that considers wines more holistically by taking into account ethical and environmental values of the wineries that produce them. “The philosophy is very different,” he says. “With Slow Wine, the winery is getting the review, not the wine. We wanted to give more priority to sustainability.”

Whereas the former rendition of the guide strictly evaluated wine, Slow Wine 2012 offers a deeper dive into the individual wineries that qualified for inclusion.

Indeed, even the subtitle, “A Year in the Life of Italy’s Vineyards and Wines,” carries the promise of a narrative. The descriptions now include personal observations of the 115

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land, cellar and the winemakers—the only wine guide to do so.

“The days of tasting 100 wines are over,” Gariglio said. “Our contributors have met the producers, and they tell their stories.”

The makeover includes a new rating system using three symbols: a snail, a bottle and a coin. The snail identifies a cellar that has demonstrated values in sync with the Slow Food movement: attention to agricultural sustainability, terroir and personal values.

The bottle indicates cellars that show a consistently high quality through a range of wines. And the coin represents good value for money.

Just as the Slow Food movement strives to educate palates by bringing them back to a more natural “drawing board,” the wine guide relies on the same principles used to evaluate cheese, charcuterie and other artisanal food products. “No one ever asks about points for cheese,” says co-editor Fabio Giavedoni. “They want to know about pasteurization, texture and ingredients.”

Gariglio agrees, saying the old system didn’t reflect modern gastronomy—or modern values. “The point system was outdated,” he says. “It was a too-simple and superficial way to look at a winery and its wines.”

He also noted that when consumers are driven by points, they miss a lot of quality wines if they drink only above the 90-point mark. The new guide “looks beyond the glass” and delivers notes about soils,

yeasts and viticulture best practices, as well as homey quotes and descriptions of producers and their families.

The guide romances the Italian wine landscape, not only through it physicality, but also its personalities. Bruno Nada of Fiorenzo Nada winery, for example, is described as “a sensitive grower, a man of great culture and something of a character.”

And some entries are more enticing than a travel guide: Brothers Leonard and Lamberto Fattoi in Montalcino are “tenacious, no-nonsense characters” who run the winery “with the humility that marks out serious farmers … under the watchful eye of their father, Ofelio, who wanders around the vineyards and olive groves dispensing advice where necessary.”

Indeed, the book is organized somewhat like a Baedeker for wine lovers. Text and a map introduce each of the 20 Italian regions, marking winery locations with the snail symbols so travellers can easily map out an itinerary. Sadly, the guide lacks hotel listings, but it’s likely that any of the “slow producers” can make a recommendation or two within spitting distance of a winery.

Lana Bortolot is a New York City-based writer specializing in wine, travel, community development and urban affairs.

She is a candidate for the WSET Advanced Certificate and plans to pursue the Diploma program, wine-related travel permitting. FLS

EXPERTAdvice

Photo by Heather Fritz

Spring meanS firSt thingS firSt

By Luke Rempel, B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Comm.

City Gardens Landscape Construction and Irrigation 306.551.4535 luke@city-gardens.ca www.city-gardens.ca

W

hen I started thinking about this column, I was shoveling 20 cm of overnight snow off my steps and driveway. And now it’s time to get ready for the growing season by doing the work that will pay off with a beautiful yard. If you’re after a vibrant, healthy yard, tackle this todo list when the snow goes.

Clean up first Rake up debris and leaves, pack into the City compost carts (call 975-2486 or check the City website under Waste Minimization), haul bags to composting sites, or work into your own home dirt factories.

Aerating, dethatching It’ll make your lawn look like a kitty litter box, but aerating allows a good exchange of air and alleviates surface-soil compaction.

When you dethatch, you cut down beyond the grass layer to open up the root system.

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Doing this manually is better than nothing, but if it’s not thorough, you’re just tickling the surface.

Make your bed The soil in your garden and flowerbeds has to be turned over. This is the time to put in soil amendments. Getting a soil analysis done is useful, but even if you don’t, now’s when you incorporate manure, bone meal, finished compost and other nutrients.

Cut the three D’s Plants are using their energy to grow.

Spring is the worst time for shaping work, so curb your enthusiasm until fall. But you can remove dead, decayed or diseased branches.

comes up. In spring and summer, apply a slow release fertilizer with a higher first number; that’s the nitrogen. The three elements are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium–NPK for you chemists. Nitrogen promotes green colour, lateral growth and helps overall plant health. During the spring and summer, a good helping of potassium stiffens the grass blades, just like a little shot of Viagra for your lawn. I recommend Scott’s Turf Builder with micronutrients and iron. In the fall, a heavier potassium number increases the plant’s cell-wall thickness to help it harden off for winter.

Just desserts

A sensible diet

Your reward for all this is a new look for your property. New designs can make your yard not only beautiful, but a more usable outdoor living area. Enhancements like a new patio area, paving stones, a water treatment or an outdoor natural-gas fire pit? These popular fire pits have evolved technologically and come in a great range of sizes and styles.

You won’t annoy your neighbours or your guests with wood smoke, and they add a cozy touch to your summer evenings on the deck or patio.

Don’t jump the gun on irrigation and fertilizing. Wait until around the May long weekend. It may seem warm, but plants are still dormant and aren’t ready to absorb nutrients. To get the most bang for your fertilizer buck, wait until the soil temperature

At City Gardens, we provide our customers with quality workmanship in a prompt, professional manner. This spring, give us a call to see how you can refresh your yard and make better use of your outdoor living spaces. FLS

Be style conscious If you just cut the grass and don’t trim or edge, it looks like a bad haircut. Edging should be done flush against hard surfaces.

Leaving a strip of bare soil creates a trench for weed seeds to collect and grow. Don’t do that.

WATER FEATURES WATER FEATURES EVERYWHERE

By Ken Beattie

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pring 2012 has opened much like a piñata at a children’s party. We, the gardeners that is, have been bashing the daylights out of winter (the piñata) with hopes of this vernal idol would spill all manner of goodies on the landscape for us, at the very least a few blossoms.

Early starts to the gardening season on the prairies and indeed the rest of the country, have many of us scurrying about to power wash the decks, place the patio furniture and, of course, do the typical and religious survey of the domain. This ritual walkabout I feel does encourage all that were labelled “perennial” to push their green little noses through the soil, mulch or various degrees of garden detritus much more quickly than if I had not perused the perimeter.

One can’t forget the pond or otherwise water-like feature in the landscape either, spring duties abound around this particular entity. I am confident that you, or whoever in your home takes responsibility in the fall for winterizing the water feature was diligent, timely and successful.

There is a fair amount of systematic shut down procedure when electric pumps, fish and tender plant life are involved. On the other hand, there is my method of dealing with my, rather her own water feature in our rear garden. Sadly the approach that was adopted, albeit simplified, was not very successful, actually not at all. It froze! Yes that’s correct, pumps, extensions, what was left of the plant and wildlife etc etc ad naseum, frozen solid. Not a great example to be sharing publicly, mea culpa. On the brighter side, the spray feature really never did look that great, so now we can select another one that articulates our tastes more appropriately.

My point here is to suggest that a water feature in your landscape can be a tremendous complement to your plantings, the hardscape and general overview of the garden but do remember the requisite maintenance as you plan. I have seen many spectacular water features in urban designs ranging from massive representations of Rocky Mountain waterfalls to diminutive “puddles” that gurgle, splash and dribble everso delightfully adjacent to or incorporated into a deck.

The range is massive and seems to be increasing as we urbanite” are spending more and more time at home. The key from my optics is to be reasonable and realistic when it comes to the design component of the water feature. Hauling in tons of fill and rocks to fabricate a waterfall, Japanese style Koi pond or kidney-shaped lily pool may be your thing, but do keep in mind that when working with water, it is never perfect, especially the first time.

Employing someone from a reputable garden centre or perhaps a pond specialist with credentials and a portfolio may be the answer.

Beware: there are many more mom ‘n pop, self-professed landscapers and even more pond specialists lurking out there just waiting to take advantage of a new homeowner or re-design.

Close friends of mine in Regina had the misfortune to fall prey to a “landscaper” who assured them that he and his son were experienced and could get the job completed on time and budget. Sadly this was not the case and up until legal action was suggested the landscape and water feature waited to be completed.

Enter into a properly executed contract and release funds according to your agreement, withholding a reasonable percentage until you are satisfied with the work. I reiterate, nothing will be perfect the first time, so expect a bit of to and fro until the water feature is fully functional and not leaking. It’s water after all and for the most part will do as it pleases.

One critical issue with water features is to have the water moving. You may not need to be reminded that mosquitoes lay 119

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their eggs in still water so if you want to keep this pest population in check, ensure that there is at least a decent ripple in the water feature. It goes without saying that if your pond supports fish and other wildlife, it is a good idea to have aeration and movement as well.

for the water to flow over. You may have seen similar adaptations in pre-fab wallmounted fountains or in shopping malls, airports and large office buildings.

The health of the pondscape or water feature and the overall look of the water is, to my mind, improved if the water recirculates or is aerated in some fashion.

Water features in nature, of course, do not have aerating jets, pumps or bubblers and they seem to teem with life, mostly beneficial. The green algae, duckweed and various other indigenous pond dwellers are for the most part, not appreciated in the landscape pond.

This approach to water in the landscape is very clean, contemporary and doesn’t have to take up a great deal of room. Recently I had the opportunity to review a number of interesting, urban water features, many of which were incorporated into decks and balconies. The photos attempting to show these designs, appeared that they could be fabricated and installed by a handy householder or if drawn and explained to a contractor familiar with working with water. You might consider this approach to water in an area of the landscape that you spend most of your time relaxing in.

Contemporary designs producing “white noise” using water are gaining in popularity as our living spaces shrink and housing densities increase. One popular approach to incorporating water in a design uses a recirculating system, a disguised container (usually under a rock) and a novel or very minimalist spout

Enjoy our earlier than usual vernal shot in the arm, take care as you hustle and bustle through the garden cleaning and definitely say hello to me if you see me in the water features section of the garden centre. Sadly, I shall be purchasing new materials for my drastic faux pas of neglect of “the pond.”FLS

Cheryl Carlson tending to a monument

Cemetery ConCierge taking the labour out of a labour of love

By Karin Melberg Schwier. Photos by Heather Fritz

S

ue’s daughter, husband and both parents are interred a short drive from her home. She visits regularly with a pail of cleaning supplies and her chipper conversation. It’s not always easy, especially when her sciatica is acting up.

At 74, she’s had a few health problems lately, but giving up on tending to these resting places isn’t something she likes to think about.

“I hate to see neglected headstones,” she says, lovingly brushing grass clippings from her daughter’s name. She squirts a little cleaner on a cloth and rubs the marble stone until it gleams. “It’s such a personal thing to come here; I talk about what’s current, memories, weather. I imagine answers. When I go home, I feel like I’ve shared my thoughts and feelings with people who continue to be important in my life.”

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Sue’s lucky. The cemetery is a ten-minute drive. She thinks about those whose families live elsewhere, or who are not able to do the manual labour to care for these final resting places. Sue worries about the time she can no longer care for her family here.

Cheryl Carlson wondered the same thing.

No stranger to cemeteries, Cheryl buried two of her own infant children and her parents. She often noticed how many headstones and plots were unkempt. She wondered whether families lived too far away, or perhaps poor health made the work impossible. A banquet manager at the Saskatoon Inn and Willows Golf and Country Club for over a combined-25 years, Cheryl’s management tendencies kicked into gear. “I could do that,” she thought. “It would give people peace of mind knowing their loved ones are tended to in a respectful way.”

Just before her 50th birthday, Cheryl shifted from nurturing people with food to nurturing their emotional well-being. She earned the Funeral Director Embalmer Certificate from Mount Royal University in Calgary. In 2008, Cheryl became a funeral director with Park Funeral Chapel.

The job seemed tailor made for her.

“I’m a very faithful person. I believe there is something after. I will be in eternal peace with the Lord,” she says. “I’m quite comfortable with death and helping others through that process. I love singing hymns, eating egg-salad sandwiches and I have a long black coat!” she jokes.

Those neglected headstones still bothered her, so as a business compatible with her employment, Cheryl launched Cemetery Concierge last summer. With guidance from Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, Cheryl created a

Lives are commemorated, deaths are recorded, families are reunited, memories are made tangible, and love is undisguised. This is a cemetery.

SERVICES CAN INCLUDE: • Gravesite inspection including photos • Written site evaluation • Hand cleaning of monument/ base, no harsh chemicals or pressure washing • Spring and fall cleanup • Clearing of weeds and debris • Planting of hardy annual and/or perennial flowers (if allowed) • Bi-weekly watering • Fall removal of annual flowers, flower bed prepared for winter • Winter maintenance available on request • Fresh or silk flower delivery/ placement/removal • Special occasion flags delivery/ placement/removal • Holiday wreath delivery/ placement/removal • Before/after photos via email • Coming soon: imported marble solar votives: eternal light angel • Our signature top-mounted monument sprays start at $ 99.95

AFTER

BEFORE

personalized service in graveside beautification and monument cleaning.

For families who live at a distance or would simply prefer to hire Cheryl to do the manual labour, package options vary and prices range from $49.95 to $249.95.

She is open to tailoring her service to the needs of each customer. “If someone lives here but is physically unable to do the work, I’m very happy to meet them at the cemetery so they can be there with me.

That time of reflection is so important to people, and if someone can have that and know things are taken care of, so much the better.”

The Cemetery Concierge team, which includes Cheryl, a professional marketing 121

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director, her husband Hugh, owner of CC Property Maintenance, and daughter Stacey during the busy times, who tends to graves and monuments in Saskatoon and rural cemeteries within a 50-kilometre radius. Services are available to all areas of the province subject to mileage surcharges Cheryl uses only chemical free, mild soap and water to clean monuments. A thorough check of site regulations is made to determine what floral sprays, plantings or other tributes allowed. Restoration work on worn or damaged monuments is left to the extensive network of professionals she can recommend.

“Most people with busy lives simply

can’t dedicate the time to the care of a gravesite. Families are dispersed and can’t visit as often as they’d like,” Cheryl says. “For people like Sue, when the time comes, I can offer integrity, quality work and the utmost respect for the person at rest.”

Contact Cemetery Concierge to arrange an appraisal of monument cleaning and gravesite beautification. FLS

Cheryl Carlson 306.343.6375 cheryl@cemeteryconcierge.com www.cemeteryconcierge.com

BETWEEN A LAWN AND A HARD PLACE Install paving stone that’s backed by reputation and follow up

By Candace Fox

Dream, Build, Live

History

This slogan of Saskatoon Paving Stone is a testament to the company’s commitment to serving their customers.

Their ability to transform outdoor areas into a homeowner’s dream, with beautiful stone and sound architectural design, has built this business from the ground up with return customers and referral after referral. Owners James and Bonnie Gibson are proud of the company’s reputation for their finished products and level of workmanship - for any project.

The Saskatoon Paving Stone Company was started in the 1980s by Ken Leier, who quickly earned visibility in the community with his choice of 1950s GMC work trucks. The company was sold in 1990 to Rock and Val Schock, who ran the business with a high reputation for good quality workmanship and business practices. In 2007 James and Bonnie Gibson acquired the legacy of Saskatoon Paving and have since continued to offer the same quality workmanship with a focus on function and creative design.

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With both residential and commercial clients, James and his crew hopes to grow the business further by building upon on the company’s tradition and brand.

Choosing paving stone The benefits of paving stone go far beyond aesthetics, as they are often a longer lasting and functionally-superior material for landscaping and outdoor projects. Installed as a strong, level surface, the paving-stone system is also designed to be flexible. Where concrete

cracks when the ground shifts, paving stone flexes to maintain its surface. As owner and operator James Gibson notes, the difference in subsoil quality, along with elevation and water retention in various Saskatoon neighbourhoods, makes paving stone a better choice material. The company’s years of experience working across the city has enabled them to become hands-on soil experts. As examples, areas like Willowgrove, Erindale and Evergreen have sub-soils with high silt levels, which act like a sponge, retaining water and becoming soft and unstable. Unstable sub-soils are mitigated during base 123

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construction using either deeper base preparation, geo-technical materials, or building solid sub-bases out of crushed rock. The company strives to avoid any sinking or heaving of stones after the job is complete.

Investing in paving stone, customers can rest assured that maintenance will be low, and require little to no replacing. To ensure every project has withstood the Saskatchewan winter, after care consists of a tour of the previous summer’s work, as the company is very diligent in ensuring the job is well done -- even months after it is complete.

Quality materials Saskatoon Paving Stone uses the best quality products available for their customers, offering a selection of materials from three manufacturers.

Barkmans Concrete Products, a Manitoba import with a high-quality finished product, is a choice manufacturer. James uses their products for the variety of colour blends, assortment of sizes and their consistent quality of stone.

Expocrete Concrete Products is another manufacturer used by the company, with a local plant in the city. They provide a wide variety of stone in various colours,

Taking on both residential and commercial clients the “hardscape” experts are not limited to driveways, walkways, walking paths and patios. The company also does planter beds and terraces, larger georetaining walls, water projects, custom landscape projects and outdoor living spaces.

textures and sizes allowing James and his customers more variety of choice.

Cindercrete, the third supplier, is consistently innovative with its product lines of unique colours and blends.

Creative projects Taking on both residential and commercial clients the “hardscape” experts are not limited to driveways, walkways, walking paths and patios. The company also does planter beds and terraces, larger geo-retaining walls, water projects, custom landscape projects and outdoor living spaces. They can also work with a variety products—not just the hard stuff.

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Noting the importance of form and function, the company takes ideas, drawings and plans to the next level.

With the trend of “outdoor living space,” many home owners are investing in paving stones, spending more time entertaining and enjoying their outdoor space. Paving stone can accommodate a variety of style palettes: contemporary, rustic, traditional and sophisticated—the creative options are endless. James works closely with clients to appreciate their wants and needs within space allotments and established landscaping plans. With new developments in the city, both residentially and commercially, James insists functional creativity is needed when working with uniquely shaped lots, neighbourhoods and surrounding

buildings. As the experts, the Saskatoon Paving Stone Company can turn project plans into a reality, often beyond what was initially envisioned, with sound, quality finish and workmanship for years of enjoyment. Call James to inquire about your next project. FLS

2609 Cumberland Ave S 306.244.2383 office@saskatoonpavingstone.com www.saskatoonpavingstone.com

AFTER

UPDATING THE HOME YOU LOVE

BEFORE

One family’s journey through the renovation process

By Ashleigh Mattern. After photos by Michelle Berg

ean and Janice had been living in their home since 1988.

Besides the general wear and tear of their property, they needed an update.

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“Renovating is a decision about whether you want to move or stay,” said Janice.

“We love the area, which is why we decided to stay.”

They hired Ridge Crest Developments to do the renovations. Ridge Crest had finished their basement about 10 years ago, so they felt comfortable hiring them to do more extensive work.

In any renovation, you have to deal with the smells, the dust, and water interruptions. No one wants to deal with those inconveniences over a long period of time, and Ridge Crest understands that. When Dean and Janice sat down with Ridge Crest owner Ron Rhode in September, Janice was surprised that Rhode thought their renovations would be done by Dec. 20.

AFTER

BEFORE

out, so how can we do this best with what we have?”

Before the renovations, their home was awash in light oak. Now the kitchen’s expanded cabinetry is a sleek dark wood, and they’ve carried this darker echo throughout the house in the bathrooms and with the new bannisters.

But Janice didn’t want to get rid of the oak completely. Ridge Crest kept her wishes in mind as the renovations progressed, balancing the dark cabinets and bannisters with light-coloured tile and hardwood.

With the addition of beautiful accent pieces, such as hand-painted light fixtures in the kitchen and a square-cut onyx sink in the main floor bathroom, the result is a finely balanced look that’s even better than what Dean and Janice had originally envisioned.

“In your head, you’re going, really? You think you’ll actually finish that soon?” she said.

flooring throughout the house, painted, and installed new light fixtures, windows, and doors.

Construction started in late October, and they were done the renovations on Dec. 21.

One of the challenges with any renovation is that you need to work with the existing home.

During that time, Ridge Crest completely overhauled the kitchen and all the bathrooms, installed tile and hardwood

“It was nice to have a professional opinion,” said Janice. “We’re not building a new home, we’re not changing everything

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“The customers were instrumental in the design,” said Rhode. “They knew what they wanted and we presented options and made it happen.”

Ridge Crest Developments are home improvement specialists.

Their tradespeople are trained for renovations.

Many of them have been with the company since it started over 10 years ago.

AFTER

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

“You have to deal with whatever you run into on a renovation; you have to be up for the challenge, which all of our people are,” said Rhode. “We’ve always had a very happy customer in the end.”

Especially with renovations, customers have questions and they want help making decisions. Rhode never let Dean and Janice down, even when they texted him for his opinion on accent pieces.

“That made things a lot easier,” said Dean.

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Janice added, “Especially because we’re working Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, it was nice to know we could text him, because that’s when we could go look at stuff.”

While Dean and Janice went for a home makeover, Ridge Crest also does small projects, like a single bathroom. No matter the size of the project, all Ridge Crest customers get the same care and attention.

They never take on more work than they can handle, so they give personalized service to all of their customers.

Ridge Crest Developments is a member of the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association, is an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau and carries the RenoMark renovators mark of excellence. FHS

306.230.1999 ridgecrest@shaw.ca ridgecrestdevelopments.ca

spiring Proudly in orating and dec painting ound the in and ar n area Saskatoo 0 years for over 2

PAINT SUPPLIER CELEBRATES 20-YEAR MILESTONE There’s a reason for their continued success

By Candace Fox. Photos by Heather Fritz

A

s Saskatoon’s independently owned and operated Benjamin Moore dealer, Eastside Paint & Wallpaper is celebrating 20 years of success. On May 14, 1992, Ken Zurowski opened his first location on Walpole Avenue, just off 8th Street, with 2,600-square feet of space and three staff members. Since then, Ken has almost doubled the space of his Walpole location, opened another on Ludlow Street, 128

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acquired six amazing staff members and has vastly increased his product and service offerings. As a Benjamin Moore dealer , Eastside’s product knowledge of the various interior and exterior lines is far beyond their competitors’. Coupled with years of experience, the Eastside team can help customers with their paint issues and suggest proper texture, sheen and colour combinations.

Eastside familiar faces Ken Zurowski is the owner and operator of Eastside Paint & Wallpaper. With over 35 years in the retail paint industry and 20 years as a Benjamin Moore dealer and owner of his own paint store, he is literally the paint expert.

Manager Barry Whitehouse has been with Ken since day one. With 35 years

Paints and Products Aura Interior/Exterior • Exclusive colour lock ™ technology to provide discernibly richer, truer colour • Deepest shades never require more than two coats • Simply the best paint Benjamin Moore has ever made

L to R: Barry Whitehouse, Dylan Gemmell, Ken Zurowski, Trevor Zurowski, Darcy Gardner, Kym Ulmer

of experience and knowledge – 20 of those with Eastside, Barry knows a thing or two about paint, paint products and everything else paint related .

Darcy Gardner is the decorating consult with Eastside Paint & Wallpaper. Starting with the company in 1998 she has gone through and assisted with two store renovations, in addition to serving customers. With an eye for colour she has managed to fit in an average of 250 house calls every year while still maintaining her in-store responsibilities and sales.

Kym Ulmer has been with Eastside Paint since 2000 and is very well versed in the store’s activities. Although her main role was initially a bookkeeper, she essentially now runs the second location on Ludlow Street.

Dylan Gemmell has been an employee at Eastside Paint since 2008 with six years of paint experience—four of those years were with Ken and his team. Dylan is a customer service representative with shipping and receiving duties.

Trevor Zurowski has been around paint all his life. As the son of owner Ken, he knows his way around the paint store and has managed to acquire a great eye for colour. He has been with the company for two years, although his knowledge base reaches far beyond that.

Customer Service Ken Zurowski and the Eastside Paint & Wallpaper team are happy to serve their 129

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customers. With an extensive selection of Benjamin Moore paints, large selection of painting tools, full line of contractor tools and accessories, paint sprayer rentals, and specialty ice paint and supplies for curling and skating rinks, in-store or athome decorating services, as well a large selection of wallpaper books, there really is no other place to go for your painting and decorating needs. Contractors or DIYers can have all of their questions answered by Ken or one of his staff. During their 20th Anniversary celebrations, stop in at any of their two locations for in-store deals and promotions.

Ken and his staff at Eastside Paint & Wallpaper want to extend a heartfelt “Thank you” to their customers for their continued support and loyalty over the past 20 years. They also look forward to serving new customers and contractors.

FLS

W

Superstore

8th Street East W A P O L E

• Premium performance and smooth application • Cutting edge technologies • Low Voc Product • Exceptionally durable and washable finish

Ben Interior/Exterior • Entry level premium product • Low VOC product • Excellent hiding and easy to apply

Natura Interior • Environmentally friendly paint • Zero VOC’s in paint base and colourant • Virtually odourless • 100% Acrylic

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Co-op

Regal Select Interior/Exterior

Concepts Interior E

Partsource

Eastside Paint 1201a Walpole Ave

7th Street S

Eastside Paint and Wallpaper 1201 A Wallpole Avenue 306.477.5555 406 Ludlow Street 306.374.8888 eastsidepaint@shaw.ca kenzurowski@shaw.ca www.eastsidepaintandwallpaper.com

• Available in thousands of low VOC colours • Rooms starting at $36.99

A distinction in custom grAnite Partnership allows customers to choose from actual slabs, not tiny samples

By Bronwyn Stoddard

R

ockSmith Countertops’ unassuming premises are tucked away on Weldon Avenue. The building’s modest exterior gives little indication of the calibre of work going on within. In the front room, the chime of the door and the warm greeting are the sounds of good

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customer service, and from the back room comes another sound: the unmistakable hum of productivity.

Manning Luo, owner of RockSmith Countertops, outlines his plan to expand and move the showroom to larger

premises. “Until then,” he says, “the front is our showroom, and the back is for fabrication.” In reality, however, businesses throughout the city of Saskatoon are becoming unofficial showrooms for RockSmith. Their craftsmen are responsible for work at a

“We’re teaming up with a local supplier for granite slabs, so now we can send clients directly to the supplier, and they can pick out exactly what they want. It’s beneficial for everybody,” says Manning.

Photo by Michelle Berg

~Owner, Manning Luo RockSmith Countertops

popular Saskatoon nightclub, Scratch, and Saskatoon hotels including two Best Western locations and the Four Points by Sheraton in Stonebridge.

Farther afield, they have outfitted hotels in Regina, the Gold Eagle Casino in North Battleford and the Northern Lights Casino in Prince Albert. “We don’t work just in Saskatoon. Two hours away, five hours away—it doesn’t matter. We can do it,” Manning says.

The RockSmith Countertops name may be new, but the shop and its owner have ample experience. Manning was part of a custom stonework shop, DHX Stoneworks, for four years before assuming full ownership of the business and reopening it as RockSmith Countertops last year. Manning’s background on the realty side of the Saskatoon housing market provides an extensive base of local contacts in the building industry, and customers at RockSmith reap the benefits of that network.

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One such benefit allows customers and clients to envision their finished project more accurately in the beginning stages: RockSmith has recently started exploring an informal partnership with a granite supplier operating in Saskatoon.

“We’re teaming up with a local supplier for granite slabs, so now we can send clients directly to the supplier, and they can pick out exactly what they want.

It’s beneficial for everybody,” Manning elaborates. Indeed, “exactly what they want” is what RockSmith Countertops prides themselves on providing. Their selection includes dozens of colours and textures available in an array of materials, including granite, marble, quartz and glass. These extensive offerings are sourced through a number of suppliers throughout North America and overseas, which Manning has spent years researching and selecting.

When Manning started in the stonework industry, he wanted to offer homeowners in Saskatoon options that weren’t

available to them anywhere else, and that is still the attitude he has towards the business today. “We’re a small shop, but we’re quality- and custom-oriented,” Manning explains. “Whatever a customer wants, we put together.” The shop’s customer-focused philosophy comes through in their unique special-order work in commercial and residential spaces, all made to fulfill the customer’s request. Has RockSmith ever come across an impossible request? “Well, so far. . . no!” Manning admits with a laugh.

The project gallery on the RockSmith Countertops website features dozens of their completed projects, from bathroom vanities to hotel front desks and a variety of things in between. The gallery shows customers exactly what the shop is capable of. In addition to countertops of familiar shapes, the gallery showcases unusual custom pieces. There is a computer desk with desktop and supports fashioned out of granite and dining tables with scalloped edges.

Gleaming exterior doorways distinguish

Photo by Michelle Berg

downtown businesses.

Kitchen islands use intricately shaped profiles, uncommon angles and elegant convex curves. The projects illustrate the versatility of the materials and invite customers to use creativity in their planning.

Visitors to the Saskatoon HomeStyles Home Show in March had the opportunity to see samples of RockSmith Countertops’ work in person. Manning considers the Home Show an ideal way to show prospective customers how the pieces from his shop compare to the others available in the market. The weekend was very successful for Manning and his team. “Quite a few people came to see us at the Home Show because they 132

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heard about us from friends, and that means our customers are happy. We get a lot of word-of-mouth referrals from our previous customers,” he says.

RockSmith Countertops’ residential customers are satisfied, and so, too, are the commercial builders they work with. RockSmith understands builders’ priorities, and they work with their commercial clients to complete projects on time and within budget without sacrificing integrity or quality.

Their reasonable prices, selection of materials and commitment to quality are a combination that make RockSmith a desirable partner on large-scale building projects. “We see a lot of builders as repeat customers,” says Manning.

“We had a wonderful experience with Rocksmith countertops. From the estimate to the follow up, all interactions were professional, punctual and thorough. We love our new granite countertops. Wow, what a difference they make. We were able to go to the warehouse and pick out our slab, this made the process of foreseeing the final product so much easier than trying to use those little squares. With reasonable pricing we were pleased with the huge value this added to our home. We have recommended Rocksmith countertops to friends and family and will be sure to use them again for future renovations. Thank You for a job well done! ~ Nathalie and Bryan Pawlachuk

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Weldon Ave

Their reputation keeps business steady year round. Over the last decade, Manning

has learned the peaks and valleys of the real estate seasons, but over the last five years he has discovered that it is always home renovation season. The shop may become busier still when they implement their new line of business: when the new showroom is open for viewing, it will feature new cabinetry samples alongside the stonework.

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After years of working with commercial builders, the company is familiar with the strict timelines they have to meet to keep large building projects on track, but they are equally mindful of the short delivery times homeowners want for their renovations. “Timing is very important to us,” Manning affirms. “And we’re really fast compared with our competitors.

Usually from templating to fabrication to finish, it’s basically done in about two weeks.” As Manning sees it, a business should be able to stake its reputation on any and every project, and he is confident that RockSmith Countertops can do that.

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Until then, visitors and prospective customers are welcome to visit Manning and his team at the shop on Weldon Avenue to pick up a catalogue and see what quality and service mean at RockSmith Countertops. FLS

620 Weldon Avenue 306.244.3813 info@rocksmithcountertops.com www.rocksmithcountertops.com

Crystal Mytton, outstanding employee at Days Inn – Medicine Hat

d3h Hotels - Moving Forward d3h was recently named one of the Top 20 Canadian Development/Management firms in Canada by Canadian Lodging News’ Annual Report on Leading Hotel Companies. We feel this is a direct reflection of the excellent customer service employees provide as well as good value for lodging.

The January/February 2012 edition of Western Hotelier features one of d3h’s Outstanding Employees, Crystal Mytton,

who works as a Front Desk Supervisor at Days Inn - Medicine Hat. “In September 2010, Crystal Mytton of Days Inn Medicine Hat received the Platinum Award, given by Days Inn Canada, to recognize her outstanding performance as an employee. After three and a half years with the hotel, Crystal loves her job as front desk supervisor and her manager, Leslie Squires clearly appreciates her contributions as well.”

Congratulations Crystal on being the first recipient of the Employee Spotlight section through Western Hotelier Magazine. This is a tribute to the pride you have taken in your job and your commitment to wowing your guests.

Home Inn & Suites – Swift Current Reservations are now being accepted for the new Home Inn & Suites – Swift

Current located behind the Living Sky Casino and only steps from the Swift Current shopping centre and restaurants.

The hotel is scheduled to open in summer 2012 and is now taking reservations for August 1, 2012 and beyond. Reservations can be made by calling (306) 778-7788.

The 80 room hotel will feature a mixture of limited service room types up to larger suites which include a full kitchen, living room and separate bedroom. The hotel also offers two meeting rooms that can open up to house one larger meeting room space that will accommodate 30 people.

The Swift Current hotel also features a 2 story pool and waterslide, business center, fitness room and, the newest addition of the Home Hotels brand will be a full service spa and salon.

New Spa at HomeSuites - Regina Given the increased interest in the spa and salon going into the Home branded hotels, we have recently converted a room at the HomeSuites - Regina to a limited service spa which features relaxation and deep tissue massages performed by a certified RMT. The therapist will also concentrate on any specific areas noted

in the Client Consultation. Massages are offered Monday – Friday from 5:00 pm 9:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. To book a room and a spa appointment, you can contact the hotel directly at (306) 522-4434.

Motel 6 Breakfast We recently conducted a survey of our guests and found that breakfast was extremely important to our Motel 6 customers. As a result, we have introduced a new Grab N Go Breakfast at our two d3h Motel 6 locations in Red Deer and Medicine Hat. The breakfast features your choice of beverage, fresh fruit, yogurt, muffin and flavored coffee creamer and is available for guests to Grab N Go from the Front Desk for only $5. We also offer additional items to purchase like hard boiled eggs and cinnamon buns.

ABOUT d3h HOTELS Based in Saskatoon, d3h Hotels is a hotel management company that owns and operates nine hotels across Western Canada with its two new and upcoming builds of Home Inn & Suites - Swift Current and Home Inn & Suites - Yorkton. Over the past 13 years, d3h Hotels has gained

extensive knowledge and experience in the design and construction of hotels.

The company recently celebrated its 10th build, pushing this young management company to retain the honour of being the largest franchisee of Days Inns in Canada. “d3h Hotels exemplifies the very best in hotel ownership and management,” said Irwin Prince, president and COO of Realstar Hospitality. “Every member of their team is fully engaged in providing ‘above-and-beyond’ service to their guests, and d3h’s ongoing focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence is a testament to their success.

Everyone in the company, from corporate office to hotel level, is truly a delight to work with!”

Saskatchewan’s “best kept secret” not only builds, owns and manages hotels but also franchises the Home Hotels brand to potential hoteliers. The HomeSuites and Home Inn & Suites franchise offers hassle-free, turnkey solutions that will allow the franchisee to focus on running a profitable business from day one.

For more information about d3h, and the Home Franchise, please visit its newly redesigned website at www.d3h.ca and find us on Facebook for exclusive deals and giveaways. FLS

d3h Hotels 1139 - 8th Street E. Saskatoon, SK 306.249.2882 www.d3h.ca OUR FAMILY OF HOTELS Days Inn – Calgary Airport: 403.250.3297 Days Inn – Edmonton South: 780.430.0011 Days Inn – Medicine Hat: 403.580.3297 Days Inn – Red Deer: 403.340.3297 Days Inn – Regina: 306.522.3297 Days Inn – Regina Airport West: 306.584.3297 Homesuites – Regina: 306.522.4434 Motel 6 – Medicine Hat: 403.527.1749 Motel 6 – Red Deer: 403.340.1749 COMING SOON Home Inn & Suites – Swift Current Home Inn & Suites – Yorkton 135

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Creating better business people one protĂŠgĂŠ at a time: part 3

By Ashleigh Mattern. Photos by Robby Davis

Student, Lauren McCarthy with mentor Aaron Fornwald

Thanks to the support and encouragement from her mentor Aaron Fornwald, Edwards School of Business student Lauren McCarthy has the confidence she needs to succeed in the business world.

“It’s given me a lot of confidence and some inside information instead of just reading the textbooks,” she said.

In the last issue of Fine Lifestyles, we met Fornwald and McCarthy as they began their journey together as mentor and protégé. Now as the program comes to a close, they have a chance to reflect on their experience together.

“Every student I work with brings another angle,” said Fornwald, senior director of human resources at PotashCorp. “She wants to work with people, that’s clearly where her head is at, and that’s what I do for a living, so we got along really well from that perspective.”

They met to discuss human resources issues like collective bargaining and unionized workplaces, but perhaps the most important aspect of the mentorship was the networking opportunity for McCarthy.

“A really valuable part of the experience was visiting the PotashCorp office in Saskatoon,” she said.

Fornwald also took McCarthy to business events throughout the school year, giving her even more opportunities to network.

Although the formal part of the mentorship is ending, both Fornwald and McCarthy are sure they’ll keep in touch.

“I know I’ll be hearing from him this spring when the Blue Jays beat the Red Sox,” McCarthy said, referencing one of their inside jokes.

Mentors and protégés often keep in touch long after the mentorship ends. Even though Richard Azinwi is now a mentor, in many ways, he will also always be a protégé.

“I still have a few mentors that I meet with for coffee,” said Azinwi, account manager 137

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in commercial financial services with Royal Bank. “I’ve only gotten to where I have because I’ve learned from a lot of people; I’ve had a lot of mentors. And I’ve learned a lot from mentoring. It’s one of the ways that helps you succeed.”

For Chantelle Miller, Azinwi’s protégé, this experience has inspired her to become a mentor herself.

last year of school next year, she plans on reapplying to the mentorship program as a protégé, as does Fornwald as a mentor, who has been involved with the program for the past five years.

“When I was in university, this experience did not exist,” said Fornwald. “To have an opportunity as a student to do this, and giving back to my college, it feels really good.” FLS

“I want to encourage young moms that they don’t need to abandon their aspirations of post-secondary education,” she said. “I know first-hand that a small amount of someone’s time, encouragement from someone to whom you relate, goes a long way.”

This June, Miller will finish her bachelor of commerce, having battled her way through university with three kids in tow.

“Needless to say, it’s been difficult at times to earn my degree. I’ve had a lot of help and support along the way.”

Miller and Azinwi would often meet for coffee to chat about career possibilities and education paths to get there.

“Richard has helped me to identify the different avenues available not only in the banking industry, but within the Saskatchewan landscape as a whole,” said Miller.

She thinks every Edwards School of Business student should have the experience of participating in the mentorship program.

“Our college does an outstanding job in providing its students with a multitude of resources,” she said. “There seems to be momentum behind connecting students with industry. There’s value added on both sides of the equation.”

As McCarthy heads into her

Mentor, Richard Azinwi with Student, Chantelle Miller

Financial Advisors, Shannon and Byron Briske

Planning your future isn’t easy advisors lauded for their expertise and personal touch

By FLS Staff. Photos by Michelle Berg

T

he air bristles with energy as you enter the Saskatoon Spadina Crescent office of Assante Financial Management Ltd. Something is going on here. A balanced mix of the professional, the interested and the joy (yes, the joy) of financial planning is evident. There 138

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is a sense that Shannon Briske and his younger brother Byron are senior financial planning advisors who understand people and their individual needs as much as they understand the intricacies of financial strategies. There is also a sense that they truly care. “We enjoy helping

others meet their current and future needs. Our client’s success is our success.”

The brothers’ distinct approach to their business, coupled with their extensive experience and credentials, have made them especially suited to assisting

The brothers’ distinct approach to their business, coupled with their extensive experience and credentials, have made them especially suited to assisting high net-worth clients such as farmers, business owners and professional athletes meet their financial goals.

high net-worth clients such as farmers, business owners and professional athletes meet their financial goals.

Shannon graduated from the University of Saskatchewan College of Commerce with honours in finance, and has over 12 years of experience as a certified financial planner. Byron has his Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, more than seven years of experience as a financial advisor, and is in the final stages of completing his financial planning certification. Both are members of the “Chairman’s Council Elite” of Assante Wealth Management’s Top 25 Advisors in Canada.

Growing up in Jansen, Saskatchewan provides them with a special perspective

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on farm family and small business owner needs – including advice on business structure, investment, insurance, taxes and the need for succession planning.

As athletes, they are strategic and goal-oriented. (Shannon played in the Western Hockey League with the Portland Winterhawks and spent five years with the Huskies. Byron also played for four years in the WHL and four years with the NHL Anaheim Ducks and the Montreal Canadiens organizations.)

Professional Wealth Planning “We recognize that it is sometimes difficult to enjoy your lifestyle today while saving for tomorrow.”

You’re good at what you do, and you’re busy doing it. Planning for your financial future may not be at the top of your list.

Managing your own finances isn’t easy.

Finding time to do it isn’t either.

As a leading provider of integrated wealth management solutions, Assante is commited to deliver solid and sound financial advice. It can help you navigate both your short and long-term choices.

Putting clients first is important to Shannon and Byron. They take the time to investigate your individual story and goals from the beginning and throughout the business relationship. They recognize that every person is unique… and that the strategy they develop for them must also

Shannon and Byron are delivering an investment strategy to corporate clients.

be unique. “We literally start with a blank sheet of paper and build a portrait. We listen, process the information, and see what is required to build a strong financial strategy.”

“We are solution driven, and look at your needs in that way. We are able to shop the market to create the best plan for you.

We work with a team of professionals and have a vast array of resources to deal with any situation.” The in-house team includes tax lawyers, investment counselors and wealth planners from United Financial, a division of CI Private Counsel LP. The Briske brothers clarify and define your financial requirements and goals (where you are and where you want to be), then call upon the appropriate members from their team of experts to formulate a strategy that best suits those goals and your lifestyle. Those experts become your personal team. Their mission: “…to simplify and enhance the lives of clients by providing integrated wealth and life management services that are tailored to each client’s particular objectives.”

The Briske team will analyze and monitor the ongoing changes and challenges in your life and in your workplace to keep 140

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your solutions current. They will explain your options clearly and in lay terms to help you make your personal choices.

Only when they have researched what is right for you, and ensured that you are comfortable with it, will they recommend a unique portfolio. That is how they build your confidence and trust. After all, it’s your money.

“We take personal and professional pride in our ability to secure the financial futures of our clients.” As a full-service financial planning team, they provide the knowledge and expertise to help clients achieve their financial goals – and, in doing so, simplify their lives. “Having wealth is significant only to the degree that it allows you to enjoy what is important to you, both now and in the future.”

Through the same relationship with United Financial and their Group, the team is able to develop a customized investment strategy with a written Investment Policy Statement (IPS) and to create personal performance benchmarks.

As they examine your financial goals, they determine what percentage of your portfolio to invest in each asset class and monitor it continuously against market volatility. They will also build a strategy to

coordinate your portfolio to minimize any future tax liabilities. Indeed, the Briske brothers keep a careful eye on the bottom line and keep their clients top of mind.

“We get satisfaction out of helping our clients succeed both financially and personally. Our experience is that, once our clients have a written roadmap encompassing their entire wealth planning needs, they also have peace of mind.”

Assante has enjoyed great success growing their business with a focus on farmers and business owners in the oil and gas industry. With a head office in Saskatoon, in 2007 Assante opened a satellite office in Kindersley, buying the building at 211 Main Street. One or both of the Briske brothers will be found behind their Kindersley desks at least two days per week.

What the Clients Say “My job is to run a business in industrial services,” says Richard Clunie of Kelsey Pipelines Ltd., who has been with Assante for about 10 years. “I speak a different language than those in the financial sector. I like the personal connection. I like that they explain everything clearly and make me feel good about not needing to know it all. That’s their job.”

Richard Clunie is also pleased that they stay on top of what is happening and call him up if a change is required. “They don’t sugar-coat the market,” he says. “They are honest, and that builds trust. [I am] always very impressed with Shannon and Byron’s ability to feel the pulse of the business environment not only locally but also globally. They have been an asset to us with their broad scope of services and their bottom to top approach to financial planning.”

On Balance Outside of their business, Shannon is married and has three children – Cassidy, 11; Mason, 7; and Berlyn, 5. His wife, Jill, is finishing her nursing degree. Shannon remains active in the Huskie Hockey Alumni and is co-chair of the Off the Leash Luncheon held annually for that organization. He also coaches his son’s hockey team, enjoys golf, and spending time at their cabin at Christopher Lake.

Byron is engaged and is planning a destination wedding. He has coached hockey in the city-wide Bantam program and also helps coach his nephew’s team.

Byron has also been active in the Canadian Progress Club, Saskatoon Downtown Branch for four years. The Progress Club helps local children’s charities. He heads to the mountains in the winter, but in the summer it’s all about the water sports right here at home. For more than decade Byron has been heavily involved in the wakeboard community, both as a serious competitor and organizer for events like Saskatoon’s Wake Ride three years ago, and both provincial and national championships.

Both Shannon and Byron live their lives with passion and love of people. Many of their clients have become friends. Their business will continue to grow because of the freshness, professionalism and genuine joy they bring to the table. FLS

301-500 Spadina Cresent East 306.665.3244 www.assante.com

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Our GuidinG PrinciPles • Without a written financial roadmap and long-term perspective, financial decisions are driven by emotional considerations rather than logic.

• Most investors do not have the time, temperament, or training to manage all aspects of their personal financial affairs.

• Protect your family and your assets through a Comprehensive and Customized Insurance Strategy.

• Through our affiliated insurance company, “Assante Estate & Insurance Services Inc.”, we will shop your risk needs to all the top insurance suppliers in Canada, ensuring the most competitive costing.

• Face to face personal meetings on an annual basis are critical to the implementation and monitoring of an on-going financial plan.

Watch for Ithe Briske Team business story in the upcoming Spring/Summer issue of Business Saskatoon Magazine

EXPERTAdvice Boosting your Business passion quotient

entrepreneur. Having your own business is hard work and not something you shut off at 5 p.m. or on Saturdays and Sundays. You are the business. Without passion, you’ll quickly lose your motivation to be there and make it the success you want it to be.

By Laura Small, M.B.A., CEO Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. 108-502 Cope Way, Saskatoon (306) 477-7173 100-1919 Rose Street, Regina (306) 359-9732 www.womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca info@womenentrepreneurs.sk.ca

“When you’re honouring your calling, there’s an undeniable sense of stimulation and exhilaration. It just feels so right.”

– Oprah Winfrey, O magazine, Nov. 2011

T

here’s an old adage you’ve probably been told at a young age, and have no doubt delivered to our own children or friends planning a career: do what you love. If you’re not passionate about what you will spend a big chunk of your life doing, it’s going to be a tough haul.

That adage may be even more important to understand thoroughly if you’re an 142

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Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan work with clients to identify their personal goals, passions, and visions and help them determine how well they match with the goals, passions and visions of the business.

Michael Gerber, author of The E Myth, talks about working on your business rather than working in it.” If you’re working in it, you’ve only created a job for yourself. Working on your business means looking beyond the immediate: how are you going to reach your markets? How will you expand? How will you improve the bottom line?

Nobody can be passionate about all aspects of their business, but it’s vital that you’re knowledgeable. You need to understand the technical, financial and marketing aspects and use the information as tools to understand and recognize your needs.

For example, the time to hire someone is generally when the business can afford someone. But if you’re spending eight tortuous hours working on the financials, you may be making unnecessary sacrifices.

Hiring someone who could do them well in an hour would be worth your investment. If you love marketing, you can better spend

those eight hours selling your product or bringing in customers. If you focus on what you love, knowing other equally-important elements are being competently looked after, then you’ll be more successful, not to mention happier. There’s no reason to feel guilty that you can’t do everything yourself.

When we talk about business, there’s such a wide spectrum of types, but to us there is no distinction. Is it a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an incorporated company?

No matter what the business is or how big or small, the key is to view it as a business rather than a hobby. If it’s a hobby and you’re just dabbling, that’s fine. Enjoy it!

But be clear. Once you start really looking at it like a business, the opportunities and possibilities really start opening up.

Passion can be a double-edged sword. You need the great idea, intensity and drive, but excitement can also put blinders on. We work together with our clients to take that critical look at all elements of the business.

We help them look at that great idea from the aspects of business planning, marketing, and financial details. Our role is to provide the tools, information, or access to those things that will help clients make informed decisions. Those resources, coupled with a passion for the venture, can be a valuable shot in the arm to ensure the best chance for success. FLS

EXPERTAdvice

Photo by Candace Epp

An AdvAnced Life insurAnce strAtegy for retirement sAvings

Guaranteed to provide 8 to 15 per cent return! properties. Both of these investments are taxable and subject to market fluctuations.

Jeff Rask & Associates Financial Services Inc. 475 - 1st Ave N 306-649-4000 ext 107 jeff.rask@sunlife.com

I

n the past few years we have all heard the debate over RRSP versus TFSA. What if you discovered another way that is not only an investment strategy, but is guaranteed to provide 8 to 15 per cent returned within a conservative investment, and double your money over time? It seems like a stretch when five-year GIC rates are 2.5 per cent, but this is how it works.

The Strategy Let’s say you have maxed out your RRSPs and TFSAs because you either have no more contribution room, have a high income and good savings, or are a self-employed individual who receives dividends as income. You are probably left with savings held in non-registered investments or 143

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You take out a permanent life insurance contract guaranteed to pay out if held until death. The twist is you take out the insurance contract on a parent, in-law, or relative, who is in reasonably good health, and is between 60 and 80 years of age.

Reasonably good health means no recent cancer, heart attacks, or other major diseases. Typically we use a joint-last-todie contract to keep the premiums low, but there are options for single coverage as well.

The return on this alternative strategy is very good, as the return is not tied to any investments within the insurance policy. It is based on the premiums put in over the years, held within the plan using a guaranteed minimum return, and the insurance is paid out in the end.

Among other benefits of this strategy, the life insurance is creditor proof, and the death benefit is not considered a family asset in the event of marriage breakdown (unlike RRSPs and TFSAs).

How it works A 38-year old client, John, has healthy parents aged 64 and 66. A $250,000 joint-

last-to-die insurance plan on these parents would cost $5,000 per year, payable until the last death. If John’s parents were to live for another 20 years, the total premiums paid into this plan would be $100,000, with a payout of $250,000—that’s an 8 per cent net return. Considering that there is no tax payable on life insurance proceeds, John would have to earn over 15 per cent in a GIC (taxable in the highest tax bracket of 44 per cent) to net the same 8 per cent return.

Some might feel uncomfortable from the thought of benefiting from a relative’s death.

While this is a valid perspective, it is really no different than receiving an inheritance from one’s family. Remember that the beneficiaries of life insurance policies are flexible.

At the end of the day, this strategy can generate great returns, for little risk, by using the tax efficiencies of life insurance.

To implement this strategy, you will need the assistance of an insurance agent who understands this strategy. At Jeff Rask & Associates, we have the specialized tools needed to successfully put these plans into place. Call 649-4000 ext. 107 to inquire whether this alternative can work for you.

FLS

Michael Lieffers, president of IMP and vice president of Mercan Group of Companies

GONE GLOBAL Skilled and semi-skilled manpower recruitment with an international reach

By Brenna Temple. Photo by Candace Epp

G

lobal reach. It’s the scope of International ManPower’s (IMP) operations, connecting the world’s workforce with employers on a daily basis.

such as the United States and Ireland.”

Lieffers adds, “We’re one of the largest international recruitment and immigration companies in Canada with 155 employees worldwide.”

relationships. The company continues to pursue large corporate clients as well as small businesses. FLS

At IMP, there’s more than what meets the eye with their business approach, and the implications are wide. A part of the Mercan Group of Companies, IMP provides businesses with workers that require a specific skill set. Michael Lieffers, president of IMP and vice president of Mercan Group of Companies, says no nation is out of reach for IMP to find the best employees.

IMP is also a jack-of-all-trades company with knowledge in multiple areas. “We also specialize in direct immigration services as well as entrepreneurship and investor services for overseas candidates.,” says Lieffers. IMP’s efforts facilitate the reunification of recruits from other nations with their families in Canada.

For more information go to

“For recruitment, we’ve been focused on services out of the Philippines,” says Lieffers. “We continue to be the largest provider of skilled and semi-skilled workers from the Philippines to Canada.

However, over the last nine months we’ve been focusing on different regions 144

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Check out IMP’s track record. April marks five years for IMP’s management of Canada’s largest international recruitment company, as well as immigration clients. It’s a relationship that requires dedication and hard work from a team of motivated employees who look up to IMP’s healthy business

www.impcanada.ca

Watch for IMP’s complete business story in Business Magazine International Manpower Canada Michael Lieffers 703-201 21st Street East (CIBC Building) 306.651.5335 michael@impcanada.ca www.impcanada.ca

Janice and Tanya

ExEcutivE SuitES and condoS Service and quality worthy of canada’s fastest growing city

By Ashleigh Mattern. Photos by Armand Kerry Photography askatoon is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, and with this growth comes the need to provide quality accommodation.

York Executive Suites and Condos has raised the bar in terms of service and quality for short-term and long-term stays in the city.

Co-owners Janice Istace and Tanya Medernach-Hryhoruk recognize that an extended stay can be tough on individuals, and so are committed to taking some of the stress out of a visit to Saskatoon.

When Factoria Films shot The Shape of Rex in Saskatoon, they needed a place to accommodate the cast and crew. Factoria president Bill Hominuke said staying at the York Executive Suites and Condos significantly reduced their logistical hurdles.

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“Shooting a feature film can be a logistical nightmare,” said Hominuke. “Our cast and crew originated from right across Canada and the condos became like second homes for everyone during the months of filming.”

Hominuke said they especially appreciated the “on-going, responsive, concierge-like attentiveness” they received.

“At the end of our long days everyone could return to the peace, quiet and comfort of their condos in preparation for the next day of shooting, without having to worry about anything but their work.”

All of the suites and condos have a modern contemporary design. In fact, York Executive has teamed up with the fashionable Nebula Decor to design and furnish the two suites featured in this article.

Plus, it’s hard to find a more central and

convenient location. “The View,” their featured property, is located on 5th Avenue between 24th and 25th Street in downtown Saskatoon, only minutes from the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, Meewasin Trail and the downtown business district.

York Executive Suites and Condos is clearly positioned to grow along with one of Canada’s fastest growing and most progressive cities. They offer superior quality, superior client service and they’ll think of everything you may need for your stay in Saskatoon, however long that may be. FLS

320-5th Avenue North 306.229.9098 janice@yorkexecutiveproperties.com www.yorkexecutiveproperties.com

EXPERTAdvice A greAt little secret exposed Photos by Heather Fritz

AFTER

BEFORE

Chantelle Butterfield Funktional Space 306.227.3008 www.funktionalspace.com

I’m going to let you in on something.

Scary at first, but it’ll make you happy.

It could save you a lot of money.

In one word:

paInt

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I

f you’re tired of that dated, tired looking kitchen cabinetry, you don’t have to tear them out in a fit of pique and replace everything. At least not now. If your cabinets are of good quality, functional and have been mounted in a configuration that works in the space, maybe what you need to give them a shot of adrenalin is some paint.

I was recently in someone’s home for a social event. Since I was among the first to arrive, we talked shop. She wanted to hire me to redo her kitchen or at least give her some advice before she took the investment and “living in a construction zone” plunge. Her cabinets were made of good oak, a great layout for the area, but they were that 1980s reddish blonde. I’m not an advocate of pitching out perfectly good materials, even if it’s dated. My mantra is “reuse, repurpose and recycle.” Oak was and is a coveted wood, but Lori was just tired of dated, over-used-in-the-80s-looking cupboards. So I said, “Why not paint them?”

AFTER Men are far more reluctant to paint a wood like oak. It’s sort of ingrained, pardon the pun, that we shouldn’t do that. Lori wasn’t sure she could do that either. She quickly warmed to the idea. If the time isn’t right for a big reno or even a full-scale refresh, an update of your home can go sideways for a while. Liven it up and enjoy it the process while you think about doing a renovation a couple of years down the road.

For about $100 (less if you snag inexpensive paint from Habitat’s Restore or SARCAN) and some modern hardware, you can dramatically recharge your look. Clean your cabinets well (TSP–trisodium phosphate–cuts any grease or oil), sand lightly, prime, and paint, preferably with a hardy melamine (careful of the fumes with this stuff). If your budget allows for a little more adventure, you can use that new cabinet colour as a jumping off point for, say, a new countertop.

See? Look how brave you are! FLS

™ E F I L R O F Y E N O M LES YOUR RU

ENT M E R I T E R YOUR

R LIFE O F Y E N YOUR MO

We can help you plan for a brighter retirement. Let’s talk.

Jeff Rask*

Jeff Rask and Assoc.

Financial Services Inc.

ext 107

ext 105

Christopher Moore*

ext 103

ext 109

Tel: 306-649-4000 475 - 1st Avenue North Saskatoon, SK S7K 1X5 Life’s brighter under the sun *Mutual funds offered by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2012.

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CFP®

Ken Cambpell*

K.M. Campbell Financial Srv. Corp.

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Daymond Volk*

Moore Financial Services Corp.

Randy Moore* Moore Financial Services Corp.

ext 101

Darren Morris* ext 110

SHOPPING HOURS Monday 9:30 – 5:30 Tuesday 9:30 – 5:30 Wednesday 9:30 – 9:00 Thursday 9:30 – 9:00 Friday 9:30 – 9:00 Saturday 9:30 – 5:30 Sunday 11:00 – 5:00 The best shopping in Saskatchewan with over 130 stores and services.

201 – 1st Avenue South, Saskatoon 306.653.8844 www.midtownplaza.ca