FineLifestyles Saskatoon Summer 2011

SUMMER 2011 VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2

SASKATOON’S

THE GREAT ZODIAC CONTROVERSY UNRAVELLED

SHEEPDOGS COVER OF THE ROLLING STONE?

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH CARRIE CATHERINE // REBECCA KING: FASHION WORLD KEN BEATTIE: KEEPING AHEAD OF SUMMER GARDEN PESTS // JASON CLERMONT: INSIDE RIDERS TRAINING CAMP THREE-MONTH ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

MARKETING SASKATOON’S FINEST PROPERTIES SINCE 1985

REAGAN BALISKI

DAN BADER

CLARK DZIADYK

RON BALISKI

306.290.7377

306.371.7760

306.227.2036

306.221.0421

www.S askatoonA ssociates.com

FirstWord

By Thom Barker, Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon Editor When I lived in Ottawa, you could tell if a person was a resident or a tourist just by asking, “Have you been up in the Peace Tower?” It’s an odd quirk of human nature, perhaps, that we so frequently ignore what is right in our own backyard. And it’s a shame because we have a backyard out there really worth exploring.

An editor’s life is frequently characterized by long hours tucked away in a corner, shackled to a keyboard, fuelled by coffee and sporting facial hair growth somewhere between fashionably cool and an actual beard. Occasionally though, there are a few perks. In early June, I had the opportunity to go on a media familiarization tour sponsored by Southwest Saskatchewan Tourism.

If you’ve never visited the far southwest corner of the province— and you probably haven’t unless you’re from other parts of Canada, Europe, Japan or elsewhere—maybe it’s time. Between a landscape that looks like it was plucked out of a Hollywood Western; tales of horse-thieves and whiskey runners, wild west-justice and cowboys and Indians; and a sparsely-distributed population that still lives a largely frontier lifestyle, it’s almost like time travel. Especially when you throw in a healthy dose of dinosaur fossils at the T. Rex Discovery Centre in Eastend, home of Scotty, the most complete Tyrannosaurus skeleton ever discovered in Canada.

The last time Lorraine and I toured the southwest, we camped—and there is plenty to recommend going the “roughing it” route—but in 2011, we got to experience the luxury edition. How about starting out with wine tasting at the only commercial vineyard and winery on the prairies? The Town of Maple Creek also boasts four-star dining (Star Café) and accommodations (Redmond House Bed & Breakfast); a handful of speciality shops that rival anything you might find in Saskatoon; and proximity to historic Fort Walsh (first home of the RCMP) and the stunning Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (a dark sky preserve).

But maybe the best thing of all was the characters we met. Greg Hisey—proprietor of the brand-new Ghostown Blues B&B, where you can sleep in a converted sheep wagon and dine in a renovated church in what I think I will dub “rustic luxury”—regaled us with tales of the old and new west. Scott Reesor—fourthgeneration owner of the historic Reesor Ranch where you can get an even more authentic rustic experience including participating in a real cattle drive—treated us to some cowboy poetry.

It won’t be our last trip to the southwest. We still need to take in the annual Star Party, try out the new zip line canopy tour from Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures and visit a Hutterite colony. In fact, I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface of the unique experiences available in our own backyard.

Volume 2 Issue 2 Summer 2011 www.finelifestyles.ca Editor Thom Barker editor@finelifestyles.ca Graphic Design and Layout Joni Gaudette joni@finelifestyles.ca In-house Design Lori Gallagher lori@finelifestyles.ca Cover Photography Lisa Landrie www.shutterbugphoto.ca Sheepdogs Dressed by Anthony’s Fashions for Men Sheepdogs Hairstyling J Marquis Photography Christine Engel www.blackbenchproductions.com Heather Fritz www.heatherfritz.com Contributing Writers Alexandra Walld Ashleigh Mattern Candace Fox Daniel Dalman Ian Goodwillie Jason Clermont Karin Melberg Schwier Ken Beattie Lissa Robinson Meagen Thomas Penny McKinlay Ryan Holota Rebecca King Suzanne Huber Suzanne Paschall Tammy Ceaser Tammy Robert Tricia Hrycan Advertising Consultants Cathie Watson l cathie@finelifestyles.ca Crystal Reich l crystal@finelifestyles.ca Jason Booker l jason@finelifestyles.ca Lauren Steeves l lauren@finelifestyles.ca Meagan O’Flanagan l meagan@finelifestyles.ca Natasha Solvason l natasha@finelifestyles.ca Publishers Randy Liberet 540.3320 randy@finelifestyles.ca Wayne UnRuh 541.3365 wayne@finelifestyles.ca Vice President, Business Development Randy Nicolle randyn@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 U.S., she decided it was time to branch out and start Couture Business Development Inc. with co-owner 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

Heather Fritz Nationally published, Saskatoonbased photographer, Heather Fritz loves summer in Saskatoon because of the skies and the festivals. “I also love how all the neighbourhoods come alive with the warm weather, the people of Saskatoon crawl out from their hockey arenas and celebrate making it through another tough winter.”

Heather has been shooting professionally across Canada for over seven years.

She grew up in Alberta and has lived in the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario and is proud to now call Saskatoon home. Heather is the official photographer for the Saskatoon Opera and is co-chair/founder for Saskatoon’s Own “The High Tea” fundraising benefit tea. www.heatherfritz.com

Ashleigh Mattern

Lisa Landrie

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

Lisa Landrie’s distinct creative style began well over a decade ago. Her artistic journey began in the era of film and Hasselblads. Her countless hours spent in the dark room developed her eye for detail and an instinct for capturing the perfect shot. Lisa enhances black and white photography and colour imagery that results in vivid portraits of real life, laughter, and love. She continues to evolve as an artist, merging the best qualities of her art with cutting edge digital technology.

Her work is described as thoughtful, modern, uncomplicated, humorous, insightful, and artistically well-designed. Her talent for choosing the right light captures natures greatest design tool in achieving drama, depth and sincerity. This brings out a natural and unscripted beauty in her photographs. www.LisaLandrie.com

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

Christine Engel Christine Engel is co-owner of Black Bench Productions, a Saskatoon photography and multimedia company. In the last two years she completed her MFA at Ryerson University and created a documentary that has screened at festivals worldwide. Christine’s passion for photography is based on the documentary-style, and she is always experimenting with new approaches to images in her home-based studio. www.blackbenchproductions.com

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What’sInside

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DEPARTMENTS

FEATURE STORIES

6

Style

10 Rebecca King Fashion World

13

Wheels

I

t all started innocently enough.

It was the first week of 2011. It’s

25 Sports, Recreation, Travel not uncommon for January to be a 28 Business

slow news month, but the first week of the year is often especially so. No more year-in-review, no more perspective pieces, just a brand-spanking new year. So new, nothing’s happened yet.

32 Investment and Resources

Not surprisingly, Minneapolis Star Tribune editor Randy Salas was surfing the Internet for news and ideas the paper could put a local spin on. An article on the online science journal Live Science caught his eye.

The flavour. Since HarrisBreed poll data showed 20 New ofthat Bikers one-in-four people believe in astrology, it would certainly resonate with at least 25 per cent of readers. A story is born.

13th zodiac sign, Ophiuchus, squished between Scorpio and Sagittarius, also came tagged with a tantalizing disclaimer: *Discarded by the Babylonians because they wanted 12 signs per year.

25 Jason Clermont: At Roughriders Camp In newspaper parlance, a bright is a light, 32 Why is Saskatchewan so Rich Ward told Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon that feel-good piece as innocuous as a rubber ducky. As any good physicist will tell you,

Kunkle confirmed the gist of the Live

speed can become a dangerous projectile.

formation certainly wasn’t news in astronomy circles. As old news goes it was a dilly¬a yawner some 5,000 years-known by those in the know.

Science article, and added that the inhowever,Entertainment even a tub toy moving at high 61 Calendar

52 Arts, Entertainment, Dining

66 of the Rolling Stone?

Much toSheepdogs: the surprise of everyone,Cover Ward

71 Homes and Properties

streaked comet-like into newsrooms near 92 Ken Beattie and far, and reignited an epic opinion battle

According to the article, Earth wobbles 97 Health and Wellness

on its axis so the zodiac of 2,000 years ago isn’t accurate anymore. Also, if you were born between November 29 and Dec. 17, you’re an Ophiuchus! It also supplied a list of ‘accurate’ dates for each sign, adjusted to accommodate the so-called new, so-called 13th sign.

and

Kunkle

particularly,

the

ducky

that has simmered uneasily for millennia.

Kunkle did, however, add his own views on astrology and zodiac signs, going on record saying there was no physical connection between constellations and personality traits. “Sure, we can connect the harvest to the stars,” he was quoted. “But personality? No.”

97 Astrology Controversy Unravelled 5,000-YEAR-OLD NEWS

Ward’s article was scarcely 200 words long but what it lacked in size it made up for in presentation. The headline, The stars might not actually be aligned in your favour; the teaser promoting the graphic

The story was posted to the Star Tribune website on Sunday January 9, and was

2

nd AVENUE SHOPS RAISE A LITTLE HELL, AND MONEY, WITH UNIQUE FASHION EVENT

askatoon is getting bolder when it comes to kicking up its heels and strutting its stuff while giving something back to the community.

In March, Paramount Boutique, in conjunction with Durand’s Fine Footwear kicked off the Spring/Summer season with a charity event dubbed “Underground Runway,” mixing upscale fashion with an urban chic motif.

“The event was a great success,” said Sarah Dutka, Paramount sales and marketing director. “Guests loved the underground vibe.”

Guests also loved Leanne Durand’s announcement of the Durand’s FLY Zone, a store-within-a-store concept from the eclectic Portugal brand FLY London. There are only two FLY Zones in North America.

With support from attending designers Sherri Hrycay of Sova Design, Saskatoon; Bhawana Clark of Bhawana Clark Jewelry, Calgary; Janie Rose of Janie Rose Personal Shopper and Fashion Consultant, Saskatoon; and Dean Bosco of FLY London, Bos & Co, and Prophecy, Toronto, the event quickly sold out its 100 tickets raising $1,600 for the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre.

The lucky women and men who got the exclusive stubs also enjoyed Vitamin water courtesy of Nicole Romanoff of Glaceau, champagne, and cupcakes supplied by The Cupcake Corner.

PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

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FineLifestyles SASKATOON

fls

EXPERTAdvice If you love makeup, you are going to adore the new makeup trends set for the summer 2011, so take a peek at what’s hot!

MAKE UP The Make Up Studio Surprise everyone with a new summer look!

BY COURTNEY JANZ

It’s not just lips that are getting a new paint job this season, eyes and nails are being redecorated too. Think pastel hues of violet, mint, orange sorbet, as well as, rhubarb and custards. Or think bold: tangerine, pink, purple, green and blue.

Don’t be afraid to have fun and experiment with these hottest colours. Lilac suits most complexions, greens accentuate the eyes while pinks and oranges bring warmth and brightness to the skin. The bolder the look the more attention you will attract so go for the look that suits you the best.

For lips, try red, orange and hot pink, and if you’re looking to attract attention, choose a matte version of these shades.

Enhancing the eyes or lips with pastels or bold colour will attract a generous amount of attention toward your face. For this type of makeup you will need flawless skin, so use a light concealer and foundation. If you are intimidated by the idea of introducing such bright colours then book yourself in for an eye makeup lesson and try out that hot new lilac!

COURTNEY’S MUST-HAVES FOR SUMMER 2011 CLASSIFIED FOUNDATION For the flawless, natural look go for the oil free, ERA Face Spray by Classified Cosmetics. It’s a water-based foundation that is gentle and feels weightless on the skin with a medium to sheer coverage in ten shades, a primer for long lasting wear (in humidity) and four shimmering highlighter and bronzer shades. Let those freckles shine through!

COOLING EYE STICK Stress, dehydration and poor circulation can lead to tired eyes which appear puffy with deep, dark circles. Put the sparkle back into weary eyes with Babor’s new cooling eye stick.

The innovative eye treatment provides intensive moisturizing while reviving and

smoothing delicate skin under the eyes.

SUN SHADE Cellex-C Sunshade SPF 30+ is an azure-blue, oil-free sun protection cream containing sea botanical extracts beneficial to the skin. These blemish-soothing herbal ingredients were specially chosen for their anti-inflammation and skincalming properties. Perfect for the face!

TINTED MOISTURIZER An unbelievably weightless tinted moisturizer, Balm Shelter, protects skin from sun damage by absorbing both UVA and UVB rays. It’s available in three shades – light, light/medium and medium, and it won’t clog your pores!

BLUSH AND POWDER A trio of cheek powders by The Balm to create a flawless face. What do you get when you combine Sexy Mama, Bahama Mama and Hot Mama? One Big Mama. Sexy Mama is a sheer translucent oil absorbing powder, Bahama Mama is a matte true brown bronzer and the Hot Mama is a peachy/pink blush with gold shimmer. Big Mama will become the main mama in your makeup bag.

OVERSHADOW The Balm’s sultry collection of loose shimmer powder is perfect for the evening or whenever you want to shine. The Sex Pot Series includes four different shimmers with funky names like “if you’re rich, I’m single” (mauvey pewter), “no money, no honey” (gold), “you buy, I’ll fly (copper), and “work is overrated” (pink champagne). Very sexy and fun! FLS

The Makeup Studio 432 21st St E Saskatoon, Sk S7K 0C2 Phone: 244.4554

General inquiries or Product information: makeupstudio@themakeupstudio.ca To request a booking, please email bookings@themakeupstudio.ca.

Please include your phone number so we can call you back to confirm your requested time.

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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TRUSTED FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS SASKATOON’S PARAMOUNT DAYSPA & SALON HAS BEEN INDULGING RESIDENTS AND CITY GUESTS TO THE FINEST IN FACIAL AND SKIN CARE TREATMENTS FOR OVER 60 YEARS.

BY SUZANNE HUBER. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

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FineLifestyles SASKATOON

P

aramount Dayspa & Salon has earned a reputation of delivering effective skin treatments and offering quality European skincare products to its guests in a variety of rejuvenating options. Their guests can expect to relish in their spa experience while enjoying the benefits of working with trained staff offering a varied menu of specialized facial options designed to address specific needs and concerns.

PERSONALIZED SERVICE Trusting your esthetician is an important part to fully enjoying your spa experience.

Paramount estheticians enjoy maintaining relationships with their guests thus ensuring personalized care. The professionals at Paramount are able to help with problematic skin issues while releasing tension caused by everyday stressors.

They will discuss and recommend treatment options and explain the benefits of each. Upon conclusion of your treatment, they will complete a prescription for you, identifying the products for you to use at home. Proper aftercare is the most effective way to ensure you best maintain the positive effects of your treatment.

FACIAL OPTIONS Paramount offers a variety of facials and skin care enhancement techniques. The benefits of regular facial care includes hydrated skin, healed blemishes, lightened skin tones, diminished fine lines and overall rejuvenation. Discuss what option works best for your lifestyle and beauty regimen during your personal consultation.

In addition to an extensive menu of facial treatment options, Paramount offers microdermabrasion, performed using the Dermasweep® technology. This is a skin revitalizing treatment that removes dead skin cells, increasing blood flow and encouraging collagen formulation which firms and tones the skin. No invasive medical procedures and no injections are required to achieve smoother and revitilized skin.

with the spa touch. This includes a thorough cleansing, a calming mask and protection cream before you go out the door.

TIMES CHANGE, AND SO DOES YOUR SKIN We all know our skin changes with time, therefore so should our skin treatments and care products. The moisturizer you discovered and loved in your 20s or 30s is probably not giving you the best results you deserve now that you are in your 40s or 50s. Paramount offers a variety of skin care options that will address the personal needs of guests. To complement their existing quality skin care product lines, Paramount is very excited to now offer SwissLine by Dermalab, skin care products and treatments that fall into the new “paramedical” classification. These bridge the gap between traditional cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. By using groundbreaking technologies and bioengineering medical grade ingredients, SwissLine has been changing the future of anti-aging skincare for over 20 years.

Specifically, Paramount has focused on SwissLine’s Cell Shock products, containing their exclusive Cellactel 2 complex that provides nutrients to the skin, and helps the skin’s cells to metabolize more effectively.

PARAMOUNT IS HERE FOR YOU Paramount DaySpa & Salon has been a Saskatoon skin treatment staple for over 60 years. With focus on treating and prescribing every guest with services and products tailored to her needs and lifestyle, they are constantly updating their portfolio of products and services.

Paramount can offer you the momentary escapes and the self-care you deserve. FLS Call or visit Paramount DaySpa & Salon in person at 702 2nd Ave. N. 306.242.0017 or online at www.paramountdayspa.com.

Paramount also offers PhotoRejuvenation to treat areas of concern that may include age spots, rosacea, broken capillaries, and fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment can also be performed on your neck, décolleté, hands and forearms, thus contributing to an overall more youthful appearance. At Paramount, all treatments are performed

BEFORE

AFTER

FASHION WORLD How Great Britain’s new Queen-in-Waiting will influence fashion intrigues Saskatoon designer Rebecca King, who suggests a Brit-inspired chapeau is just one way to welcome Will and Kate on their first official visit to Canada this summer.

to follow. As soon as Kate emerged from the Queen’s Rolls Royce Phantom, designers began sketching the pattern, copying the silhouette and examining the fabrics.

“She is very elegant. The dress is classic and goes very well in the Westminster décor. I love the modest veil with the Queen Mother’s thirties scroll tiara and balanced volume of the whole gown…” the Daily Express quoted legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld as telling Women’s Wear Daily.

Catherine Middleton is very likely the most watched woman in the world right now and how she selects her wardrobe and from whom will undoubtedly have an impact on fashion. Whether her Sarah Burton dress fit your idea of what a Royal trendsetter might unveil to the world on her wedding day, it was definitely a classic. Given the Westminster Abbey venue, she probably had a few royal protocols

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FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Sarah Burton is the new head designer at the House of Alexander Mcqueen, who was my all-time favourite designer. I’ve read somewhere that Sarah was chosen for the “discretion afforded by her relatively low profile, as well as for her alternative take on elegance.” The wedding dress hasn’t been Kate’s only popular frock. The Issa London dress made famous at her engagement announcement sold out within hours. The Reiss camelcoloured body glove she wore to meet the Obamas in May is also flying off the racks.

Catherine has worked for Party Pieces, a company owned and run by her parents and her fashion background consists of additional work as a part-time

called it “unique sculptural celebratory headpiece.” It went to auction for charity and hauled in heart-pumping bids reaching $130,000. That’s some bad hat.

RULE, BRITANNIA! REBECCA’S FIVE MUST-HAVES FOR ROYALTY LOYALTY

1 A fabulous art-inspired hat 2

White wedding party; white is no longer just for the bride

diamond 3 Vintage hair clips 4 Relaxed curly hair

5 Royal red blazer

buyer for Jigsaw Junior, a high-end Notting Hill store selling classic clothes and accessories for children. She’s working to establish her own children’s clothing line. Like her late mother-in-law, Diana, Catherine will be very watchable in terms of how her own fashion sense evolves and her influence grows. Already she’s favouring classic, tailored designs that accentuate her lean and leggy build, again a trait she shares with Will’s mum.

And much to the delight of traditional hat enthusiasts in Britain, the other thing that Catherine can wear well is a hat. Like so many Englishwomen, a hat is simply an indispensable part of one’s wardrobe. I love hats! Like so many events awash in mad hattery, the Royal wedding in April was like a millinery feast for the eyes. Half the fun of Royal watching is a risk-taking hat culture that is so avant-garde and interesting.

In Saskatchewan, we’ve long considered hats almost as weapons of self-defense against the elements, but in the U.K., it seems the entire population has fun with their hats and really see them as an interesting accessory that reflects their unique personalities. Maybe we’ve been pretty utilitarian about our hats here, but I do think that’s changing as people become more comfortable, maybe a bit more brave, about wearing interesting designs.

Philip Treacy is an Irish designer who has created hats for many members of the Royal family. He’s said that he believes in hats that make the heart beat faster.

Everyone who watched Will and Kate’s wedding will remember his creation for Will’s cousin, Princess Beatrice. EBay

Maybe we’re not willing to part with that kind of money, especially for a Treacy design that people were comparing to a toilet seat, but I think we’re realizing that a hat can be a sensational topper to any outfit. People who aren’t quite comfortable yet with a full blown hat for other that meteorological reasons can opt for fascinators, those interesting bits of feathers, crinoline, beads, lace and whatnots sometimes described as frozen fireworks, precariously positioned as jaunty accoutrements and attached with a barrette, comb or hidden elastic. Well before the engagement to William, Kate Middleton was sporting interesting fascinators of various sizes and styles and suddenly everyone was doing the same.

In Saskatoon, I love to visit my friend Sherri Hrycay of Sova Designs. She studied in London with Rose Cory, milliner to the late Queen Mother, and credits Philip Treacy as a major influence. Sherri focuses exclusively on millinery and believes that a proper, well-designed and uniquely artful hat can hold the same appeal as a tailored suit or hand-crafted jewellery.

Think of a good hat as art for your head.

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and the National Capital Region. The June 30th to July 8th trip will be Will and Kate’s first tour outside the United Kingdom as a married couple. That means they’ll be here for Canada Day. Wouldn’t it be fun to offer up a Canadian welcome by getting some friends together for a hat party?

Don’t think ball caps, Tilleys or toques; think of those fascinating and frothy concoctions perched on the heads of the royals at the wedding! Let’s have a little fun and show the Royals we can be just as mad about hats and that when we talk about choosing head gear in Saskatchewan, we might just be talking about going out to dinner, not just out to shovel the driveway. FLS FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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SUMMER 2011

CANADA’S FAVOURITE GARDENER

KEN BEATTIE STYLISH DÉCOR WITH

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FineLifestyles SPRING 2011 VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

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DRAGON’S DEN ARLENE DICKINSON

BRETT WILSON BRUCE COCKBURN BREAST FRIENDS RECIPES SASKATOON GOLF

Over 250 000 Readers Can’t Be Wrong www.finelifestyles.ca

The all-new BMW 6 Series Cabriolet

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DESIGN THAT EMBODIES MOVEMENT, pERFORMANCE THAT MASTERS IT.

Introducing the all-new BMW 6 Series – a vehicle of such stunning lines, it was not so much designed as it was sculpted. Shadow and light play in curves that flow the length of the vehicle, suggesting movement that is both graceful and powerful. A forward-surging stance is conveyed by the pronounced slant of the kidney grille, behind which breathes a 400hp V8 engine. Inside, the finest styling meets the most advanced technology in the form of ConnectedDrive, which includes Mobile Office among its many features. The result – a cockpit designed for the driver, and one that delivers the most exquisite and intelligent performance of any vehicle on the road today.

THE ALL-NEW BMW 6 SERIES CABRIOLET. DESIGNED FOR DRIVING.

©2011 BMW Canada Inc. “BMW”, the BMW logo, BMW model designations and all other BMW related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and/or trademarks of BMW AG, used under licence.

The Ultimate Driving Experience.

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his is the best BMW Parts and Service team ever in our over 2 decade history! With that said, I will continuously push and strive to be even better. We will never stop moving the bar! This is my personal commitment!

Leslie Fenyes Retailer

Customer Orientation The success of Bema Autosport BMW is determined by our customers. They are at the heart of everything we do. The results of all our activities must be valued in terms of the benefits they will generate for our customers.

Dissent (Frankness) As we strive to find the best solution, our associates are encouraged to express opposing opinions, if they wish. However, the solutions we agree upon will then be implemented without exception by everybody involved.

Peak Performance We aim to be the best – a challenge to which all of us must rise. Each and every associate must be prepared to deliver peak performance. We strive to be among the elite, but without being arrogant. For us, it is our company and our products that count – nothing else.

Respect, Trust, Fairness We treat each other with respect. Leadership is based on mutual trust. Trust is rooted in fairness and reliability.

Responsibility Every Bema Autosport BMW associate has the personal responsibility to ensure the company’s success. In team work, every associate must also assume personal responsibility. We are fully aware that as we work to achieve our corporate targets, we have a responsibility to each other – in the interests of the company.

Effectiveness For our company, the only results that count are those with a lasting effect. In evaluating leadership we must consider the effect of performance on improving results.

Adaptability To ensure our long-term success, we must adapt to new challenges with speed and flexibility. We see change as an opportunity – and in order to capitalize on it, we need to be adaptable.

Associates People make companies. Our associates are the strongest factor in our success – which means our personnel decisions will be among the most important we ever make.

Leading By Example Every manager must lead by example.

Sustainability In our view, sustainability refers to our business success, which is the basis for the fulfillment of our community and social responsibility.

Society Community responsibility is an integral part of our corporate self-image.

Independence We are securing the independent value of the BMW brand through sustained profitable growth.

EXPERTAdvice TIGER AUTOMOTIVE

By Myron Meier

At Tiger Automotive, you’re going to find absolutely everything you don’t need - but must have - for your car or truck.

Serving Saskatoon’s auto accessory needs since 1985, Myron Meier and his crew have been adding both the style and functional elements necessary to take the average vehicle from the ordinary to the most extraordinary heights.

Ninety-five percent of Tiger’s vehicle enhancements are completed on trucks, with many clients bringing in their new ride right from the factory or showroom floor.

“One of our biggest and most practical sellers are two-way remote vehicle starts,” says manager Rick. “When you start your vehicle, a message comes back to the key fob indicating whether or not the vehicle has successfully started, whether the doors locked -- whatever you command you send out, the remote starter will come back and acknowledge whether it was successful.”

815 Circle Drive East (Corner of Circle and Millar Avenue) 306.665.7766 myron@tigerautomotive.com www.tigerautomotive.com

Whether towing the boat, RV, quads, trailer or sleds, Tiger Automotive has all the parts necessary to ensure it’s done safely and with ease. Mirror extensions, transmission coolers, brake controls and wiring kits are available in abundance, with many of the top lines in the industry to choose from. Backup cameras and sensors not only make towing, but parking, a breeze.

Is more power your thing? Try Tiger’s line of handheld or permanent computer programmers, which plug into your vehicle or sit right on the dash, increasing power and fuel-mileage for towing, or just for fun.

For that added bling effect, chrome additions are a popular option. “Grills, sidebars, running boards and wheel wells are bolted onto the vehicle for that added gleam,” says Rick. “Double sided tape means door handles, rocker panels, mirror covers and vent visors can be applied easily and cleanly, keeping you shining from front to back.”

For a permanent home for your tools, Tiger Automotive carries over a dozen lines of toolboxes that can be installed right in the truck’s box. Safety stays paramount with the addition of front-end push bars (commonly known as “moose catchers”) or rear racks - cab guards that resist anything trying to smash its way through the back of the truck or cab window.

Kids can get in on the fun too, with Tiger Automotive’s showroom jam-packed full of the elite line of Panterra dirt bikes and small quads, ranging from seventy to two hundred and fifty cc’s - perfect for young adventurers from the age of five to well in their teens.

Custom-made seat covers in a multitude of patterns, fitted floor mats to match any interior - the bottom line is that there really is not anything you cannot find for your vehicle in Tiger Automotive’s eight hundred page store catalog or conveniently-located (and easy to spot!)

Saskatoon showroom.

Time

was,

when

“respectable

people”

heard

the

distinctive snarl of a Harley or high tech whine of a Honda, their initial reaction may have been to lock the doors and protect the children. Today, it’s just as likely they are the riders behind the visors and underneath the leather. In this issue of FINE LIFESTYLES SASKATOON, TAMMY ROBERT outs the

NEW BREED OF BIKERS On most mornings, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General Don Morgan puts on a suit, buttondown shirt, cuff-links and tie to report to work at Regina’s Legislative Building or his Saskatoon-based constituency office.

On other mornings, particularly on those all-too rare, perfectly exquisite Saskatchewan summer weekends, Morgan (who is also Saskatchewan Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety) dons leathers and a helmet, jumps on his Harley and roars off for a cruise.

“I ride a touring bike, which my brothers call an ‘old man’s bike’ because it

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has a windshield, radio and cruise control,” chuckles Morgan, who has been riding motorcycles since high school, but more seriously since the ‘80s.

Morgan’s reasons for riding echo the sentiments of so many other professional, upscale bikers.

“Because I have friends that ride, and I love being outside.”

Nature and comradeship are two powerful luxuries that transcend income or stereotypes. Today’s upscale bikers are regular people who dig pricey

leather gear and expensive motorcycles—much more luxury transport than fearsome choppers for rabble-rousers.

Carla Loney-Tindall, Saskatchewan provincial director of The Children’s Wish Foundation, considers herself a biker baby. “I only started riding last year,” she says. “I’ve got lots yet to learn.”

Loney-Tindall rides a Harley Dyna Low Rider, Screamin’ Eagle, and thanks her newfound empty nest and her family’s penchant for outdoor off-road recreation for her decision to take up biking. “We have been going to the mountains on

DON MORGAN Saskatchewan’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General

CARLA LONEY-TINDALL Provincial director of The Children’s Wish Foundation

DONNA ETTLES Director of IT, Mega Group

GORD WYANT MLA Saskatoon Northwest

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quad biking vacations for years, plus we do a lot of snowmobiling in the winter,” she explains. “It’s not exactly the same as biking, but that experience provided me with a level of confidence and comfort for riding my Harley.”

For lawyer and Sask Party MLA Gord Wyant, riding motorcycles has been a lifelong passion. He bought his first bike at the tender age of 16, but knew it wouldn’t fly with his father, Dr Gordon Wyant Sr., a well-respected professional in the medical community who played an integral role in the University of Saskatchewan team that pioneered kidney transplants. Gord Jr figured he had it cased though, leaving the bike in a friend’s parent’s garage a block and a half away.

“I’ll never forget walking outside one morning and seeing my bike in the driveway,” says Wyant. “I turned around and there was my dad, standing on the doorstep.”

The plan had been foiled when his father and the garage-owner had finally chatted over Faculty Club drinks the evening before. “‘You’re nothing but a future kidney donor,’ is exactly what he said to me,” laughs Wyant, who today rides a Harley-Davidson Softail Springer. “In fact, he referred to me as a “kidney donor” for some time after that.” The teenaged Wyant’s bike stayed, though, and he’s been riding ever since.

“There’s nothing like being out on the highway in the open air on a motorcycle,” he says. “Riding a bike isn’t about getting from point A to B, it’s about the journey. On the bike you’re alone with your thoughts, sometimes not communicating with anyone for hours, giving you plenty of time for self-reflection. Then you’ll talk to total strangers at a gas station, or have the most amazing conversations with fellow riders over dinner.”

“Riding blends a great mix of solitude and camaraderie,” adds Morgan. “The best part is being outside... feeling the temperature drop when you descend into a valley… smelling the fresh cut hay. It takes you back to the days when you were a kid and the car windows were down because there wasn’t any air conditioning.”

At 5-foot, 4-inches, Donna Ettles, director of information technology for the

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Mega Group, had a bit of trouble finding a bike that fit when she got going in 2010. “I started with a 650 Suzuki Boulevard, which was a great bike to start on as it helped me to really get comfortable riding,” says Ettles. “Then I started exploring options for a bigger bike for highway riding, test driving a few different models. In October, we celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary and my wonderful hubby surprised me with my new bike—a Harley Davidson Fatboy Low.” Ettles didn’t take the decision to start riding lightly, and she made sure she was plenty prepared.

“I’ve had my motorcycle learner’s license since I was in my 20s, but back then I was busy with my family and working full-time,” she recalls. “Now that our girls are grown up, I have time to do all the things that I couldn’t do before. Once I’d made the decision to start riding, I signed up for a defensive biking course. After they found out I was doing it, several of my girlfriends also signed up for the course, so that made it even more fun!”

After spending decades earning a living and seeing the kids off to university, baby boomers are looking for ways to have fun—reaping the rewards of success. Being a biker provides the perfect opportunity to do just that, from evening road trips to nearby lakes or attractions to have dinner, to weekends at the cottage or an annual long-haul road trip with the gang.

And don’t forget all that cool camaraderie.

Ettles has a few words of advice for men and women alike who are considering taking up biking. “If you think it’s something you would enjoy, then go for it. It’s a great way to unwind after a busy day at work. It’s hard to describe how awe some it feels to ride a bike—you really get to live in the moment, creating new memories and sharing good times with family and friends. We have a blast!”

“I don’t really find there is a stigma with biking, though my friends are a bit surprised that I am doing this,” says Loney-Tindall. “I think the funniest reaction is from my kids—they think I am going through a midlife crisis—I tell them it is actually midlife fun.” FLS

Honda Gold Wing Raising the bar even higher.

The pinnacle of two-up motorcycling is now even better.

Honda riders have come to expect Honda’s exceptional level of quality, comfort and performance. And in 2012 we’ve improved the GoldWing experience even more, with a new, more comfortable seat, improved suspension, premium surround audio and upgraded navigation system giving you the ability to upload, customize and share routes from bike to bike.

Honda CB1000RA

Part high-performance sportbike, part mean and lean boulevard warrior. The outrageous new CB1000RA is the Naked bike that only Honda could build, with its stunning blend of snarling, take-no-prisoners attitude and surprisingly userfriendly everyday rideability. Packing the punch of a litreclass Superbike thanks to its CBR-derived fuel-injected engine, the CB1000RA's enhanced low-to-midrange torque gives it extra oomph in the tight quarters of the city while retaining effortless passing power on the open road. The chassis is hardly visible but it’s a chassis that's stable when you need it to be, and nimble and responsive when you want to let loose on a twisty backroad. Plus, standard Combined Braking System with ABS lets you ride with confidence even when the road surface is less than ideal. The new Honda CB1000RA: it's naked aggression in a fun-to-ride package.

Honda Big Red

Commanding Presence. Secure Ride Feel.

Imagine a Side-by-Side that features Honda’s legendary fit and finish, innovations developed by the same company that invented the ATV, and technologies that blend Honda’s vast automobile expertise with new ideas designed to revolutionize the Side-by-Side category. Now add unprecedented utility capabilites with a healthy dose of recreational ability, and you’ve scratched the surface of what Big Red is all about. Its 675 cc fuel-injected engine linked with a smooth-shifting auau tomatic transmission, front and rear independent doublewishbone suspension create a sure-footed, comfortable ride.

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EXPERTAdvice

RV 8TH STREET RV’S MARKET ADVICE COLUMN: THE RV SPRING CHECKLIST

BY RON GRAHAM Photo: Black Bench Productions

Every summer, we take an RV for a week-long family vacation at Flotten Lake. The kids run around and you never have to worry about where they are because there’s always someone around to watch them. Some of my fondest memories are of these camping trips. On other trips, I’ll just put a camper on the truck and point north, with the freedom to stop anywhere I want.

There’s nothing like the freedom owning an RV gives you, but having been in the business for almost 20 years, I know that spring maintenance is the key to a great vacation. There’s nothing worse than having the RV packed and ready to go when you notice water pouring out behind the toilet or that the fridge isn’t working.

Instead of waiting to the last minute to discover problems with your RV, spend some time each spring making sure you’re ready to roll. A basic spring checklist will have you flushing the antifreeze from your lines, recharging the battery, and checking the water heater, tires, exterior and roof.

FLUSH THE ANTIFREEZE For winter maintenance, you have to use a non-toxic plumbing antifreeze.

You want to open the bypass valves and flush it out. It won’t hurt you if you drink it, but you probably don’t want try.

TURN ON THE WATER HEATER In the fall, when winterizing your unit, you need to drain the water from the heater. In the spring, you want to open up the valves to make sure water has reached the heater before turning it on. If you fire up the heater without any water you can damage it.

CHECK THE TIRES At a glance, it may look like the tread on your tires is fine, but the tires on an RV get rotten from the sun and tend to crack on the side walls. Make sure you check your tires thoroughly for wear and pressure.

CHECK THE EXTERIOR This step is pretty straight-forward. Just take a walk around the vehicle to make sure no trees have fallen on it, no windows are broken and that there are no missing pieces.

CHARGE THE BATTERY You should have taken the battery out for the winter and have been charging it periodically. If you didn’t, just keep in mind it takes about 24 hours to charge it.

CHECK THE ROOF Get up on the roof and make sure there are no holes and check the vents and antenna for sealant cracking. Reseal if required.

Having worked in RV sales and service since 1992, I’ve done everything from sweeping the floors of RVs to tearing one down and rebuilding it. As an RV enthusiast myself, I know that people only have so much time in the summer to use their RVs, so when I took over 8th Street RV in 2007, improving service was my top priority.

Do yourself a favour and get more out of your RV this short summer season by running through this spring checklist. For a more thorough checklist, visit rvrv.ca and click on RV Basics. If you run into any problems in the check-up, give me a call.

8th Street RV Saskatoon 306.244.RVRV (7878) Toll Free: 1.866.953.7878

With new challenges, plays and obstacles thrown at you constantly, you compete with your teammates to get better and build a foundation as iron sharpens iron.

It is currently 9:47 p.m. on Sunday, June 5 as I type this column, and we just completed the first day of training camp. For the next two weeks, I will be getting up at 6 a.m., leaving for Mosaic Stadium and returning home to my family anywhere between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m. I am doing this for the 10th straight year, all in the hope of being a Saskatchewan Roughrider by the time you read this. It does not get easier with each passing year!

AT ROUGHRIDERS CAMP WITH JASON CLERMONT

A

s a real estate agent with the JC Realty Team at Royal Lepage, I find myself comparing a lot of things with my other line of work: football. Building a real estate team is a lot like building a winning sports team.

You need to find the right talent, and play to their strengths.

But having started training camp for the 2011 CFL season, I now find myself comparing football to real estate.

More specifically, relating training camp to building a solid house.

Everyone loves to marvel at the show homes and pay compliments to the

hardwood floors, granite countertops and lavish master bedroom ensuites.

Similarly, football teams are usually remembered for big plays, championship runs and individual award winners, Well, like that award-winning showhome, a football team has to start somewhere and the foundation is always set in training camp.

If you were to analyze training camp from a purely scientific viewpoint, and considered the physiology of five-hour practices in the hot sun followed by weightlifting and team meetings, it would most definitely fail. But logic and common sense aside, training camp is a mental and physical gauntlet that separates the cream from the whey.

The silver lining gleams, though. Once camp is done, a team emerges—a team bonded by the mutual sacrifices and hard work of each player. The end product is then put on display to the most incredible fan base in professional sports. That is why we play the game.

This season will see a lot of changes. A lot of the most familiar faces of the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the past couple of seasons will not be front and centre to start this season. From coach Ken Miller, to players such as Jeremy O’Day, Omarr Morgan and Chris Szarka.

We will have to endure a hiatus from two key members of the Canadian Air Force in Rob Bagg and Andy Fantuz, while wishing one a speedy recovery and the other prosperity in his new opportunity with the NFL’s Chicago Bears.

With every departure comes a new opportunity. If the same people stayed in the same positions forever, the Riders would have never met the young receiver from North Dakota who brings Mosaic to its feet four to five times per game. The quarterback who has engineered amazing comebacks and taken us to the Cup the past two seasons would still be in North Carolina—or perhaps even Calgary!

This team is special, because this place is special and it is made so by the people who live here. Training camp is hard, and it wears you down, but those of us who are fortunate enough to be in camp have earned a great opportunity to have the chance to be a 2011 Saskatchewan Roughrider. FLS

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EXPERTAdvice

HOT TUBS & POOLS PURCHASING AN OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL WITH: RICK GRIFFITH Photos by Heather Fritz

On a hot summer’s day, there is nothing nicer than a backyard swimming pool. An in-ground swimming pool is the ultimate luxury if you have the budget and a permanent location. But it can be expensive.

In-ground pools start at $30,000 but typically run between $60,000 and $100,000.

On the other hand, a quality, aboveground pool with all the features of an in-ground pool will cost between $6,000 and $17,000. That’s a significant savings.

Here are six points to keep in mind when you are considering your options.

Permanency: How long do you plan to live in your current home? If you anticipate moving in the future, an in-ground pool may not be a wise investment and may actually be a real estate deterrent.

On the other hand, a quality above-ground pool will come with a lifetime warranty and can be winterized and maintained as a permanent feature of your yard.

But, when the time comes, it is easily removed or moved to another location.

Landscaping and Aesthetics: Just like an in-ground pool, an above-ground pool can enhance the appearance of your home. It can be built into a deck to give it the appearance of an in-ground pool, or attractive rock panels can be installed to hide the pool liner and blend with the overall landscaping.

Safety: Safety of pets, small children and visitors is of primary importance.

Premium Spas and Billiards 101 Idylwyld Drive South 306.955.5466 kerry@premiumspas.ca www.premiumspas.ca

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Be sure to investigate the local bylaws and the different safety options, including fencing, safety covers and warning alarms, and then build the cost of these items into your overall budget.

Water Care: A quality above-ground swimming pool will incorporate all the features that you expect in an in-ground pool.

It will include a heater (natural gas, propane, electric or solar) and either in-line chlorine feeders or a chlorine salt system.

Pay particular attention to the pump and filtration system. Many of the pools that can be purchased from a retail chain have pumps and filters that are far too small for the size of the pool. Make sure that the water will be turned through the filters frequently enough to ensure safe, clean water.

Ease of Installation: One of the advantages of an above-ground pool is that they are exceptionally easy to install. With an inter-connected frame and a limited number of parts, you can set it up for yourself in a couple of hours and be swimming in it the next day.

Repairs and Maintenance: If you want your pool to provide on-going enjoyment for many years to come, you will need ongoing back-up and support.

Ask your retailer if they provide repair services, spare parts and cleaning supplies to ensure that you can count on them for future maintenance and repairs.

An outdoor swimming pool is a safe, affordable luxury and a great addition to your outdoor living space. Enjoy! FLS

EXPERTAdvice ADVICE ON BARBEQUES SETTING UP AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH KERRY FUCHS Photos By Heather Fritz

Your backyard transformed into your favorite resort getaway.

Outdoor kitchens are gaining popularity and help define what outdoor living is all about.

When the weather is good, we want to be outdoors, and an open air kitchen transforms your yard into the social centre of your home. You’ll be part of the action, sharing a drink with friends while you barbecue. And you’ll eliminate those frustrating trips back and forth to the house for a missing ingredient.

TAILOR IT TO YOUR LIFESTYLE

Premium Spas and Billiards Kerry Fuchs 101 Idylwyld Drive South 306. 955.5466 kerry@premiumspas.ca www.premiumspas.ca

An outdoor kitchen is much more fun than an indoor kitchen because there are so many possible components, and you can mix and match to suit your taste and application. The grill will be centre stage, but what about adding a burner or a warming drawer? Do you want a refrigerator or an ice box or maybe even a chiller for a keg of beer? Then you can add on a sink and some counter space for preparing food. The bar options include a built-in shelf for your blender, a deep ice pan, a towel rack and a serving counter.

You’ll also want space for storage and a trash bin.

Your family and friends are sure to gather around the kitchen, so don’t forget to include seating and some extra space so they can lend a hand.

OUTDOOR LIVING ALL YEAR ROUND It’s very important to identify a good location for your outdoor kitchen. If you choose a sheltered spot, such as a covered deck or gazebo, or perhaps just an overhang with protection from the wind and rain, you can easily extend your outdoor activities to three or four seasons of the year.

You’ll also want to choose an area that lends itself to entertaining with an attractive view, good lighting and comfortable seating close at hand.

Then there are the practical considerations. You’ll need access to electricity, water, and propane or natural gas. You should also ensure good ventilation.

WEATHER-RESISTANT AND ATTRACTIVE Once you’ve picked out your components, you’re ready to choose attractive finishes and a frame made from solid, weatherresistant materials. There is a wide range of options, so you’re sure to find one that matches your décor.

The kitchen can be finished in rock, brick, tile, stucco, or even wood. Countertops can be stone, granite or concrete.

All the components have been designed to work well together so you’ll be able to establish a cohesive unit that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE Setting up an outdoor kitchen is a simple process if you have the support of an experienced professional. Their knowledge of what is available and their insight into placement and design will ensure that your kitchen is both practical and attractive.

Designed properly, you’ll have an all-weather kitchen that is the focal point of your outdoor living area for many years to come. FLS

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Saskatchewan’s Best Kept Secret

OWNERSHIP AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM OF D3H (LEFT TO RIGHT) BACK – PAUL ROSTEN, RUSS PIERS, DON URZADA, CAROLYN GENEST AND DARRIN BOSCHMAN FRONT – JOCELYN ROSTEN, DON ROSTEN, CANDY MCBRIDE AND DAVE GERHARDT

Saskatoon-based d3h Hotels Inc. will soon begin construction on its two newest projects, Home Inn & Suites in Swift Current and Yorkton. Each hotel will house a combination of 80 limited service type rooms to larger suites with full kitchen. The limited service type rooms will feature 15ft marble desk unit, 42” plasma flat screen TV, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, iHome Alarm clock with mp3 connect, and luxurious triple sheeting which is cleaned daily.

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The suites will include a kitchen with a fullsize fridge, induction cooktop, microwave, and upgraded marble countertops. Four of the suites will be extravagant high-end suites which include all the features of the regular suites plus dual sink, glass shower and Jacuzzi tub, island and bar stools, pod coffee makers, separate living area with large work desk and much more.

Other unforgettable features of Home Inn & Suites include free HomeEssentials

breakfast with hot items, relaxing indoor pool area with 2-story waterslide and whirlpool, and secured access business centre with printing and faxing capabilities. New to the Home franchise is the addition of a meeting/event space with capacity up to 30 people featuring full coffee bar, built-in LCD projector and whiteboard, large windows and exquisite French door access to an outside patio, exceptional for small weddings, reunions, and small gatherings.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL RITZ

HOME INN & SUITES IN SWIFT CURRENT AND YORKTON WILL FEATURE A POOL, WATERSLIDE AND WHIRLPOOL.

HOME INN & SUITES – SWIFT CURRENT WILL BE LOCATED NEXT TO LIVING SKY CASINO

FULL-SERVICE SALON & SPA Looking for a relaxing retreat or rejuvenation, indulge yourself at the Home Inn & Suites’ tranquil and serene full service salon and spa.

This salon and spa is accessible from within and outside the hotel for all guests and locals and offers all types of treatments including fullbody treatments, facial treatments, massages, waxing, manicures, pedicures, hair styling/colour/ treatments and special occasion bookings and packages. The fullservice salon and spa will also feature side by side massage tables for couples and open spa lounge area for small group bookings of 6 to 8 people.

The Spa at Home Inn & Suites in Yorkton and Swift Current will offer the Eminence Organic line.

Eminence Organic products are one of the most unique and effective lines of natural skin care products.

Its products are hypo-allergenic and include high concentrations of vitamins and potent healing properties derived from fruits, vegetables and herbs. The wonderful scents of the Eminence Organic products will surely have you relaxed and rejuvenated with any spa treatment you choose. Aveda, the choice of hair care and color line for the salon, manufactures professional plant-based hair care, skin care, makeup, and lifestyle products. The innovative formulas leave hair essentially damage-free – Infused with conditioning plant oils for shinier, healthy looking hair.

Come and enjoy a spa experience like never before!

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 in Swift Current

and Yorkton starting in the summer of 2011. 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 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 Franshise, please visit its newly redesigned website at www.d3h.ca.

d3h Hotels 1139 - 8th Street E. Saskatoon, SK 306.249.2882 www.d3h.ca Home Inn & Suites – Swift Current 306.778.7788 www.HomeSuitesSwiftCurrent.ca Home Inn & Suites – Yorkton 306.782.7829 www.HomeSuitesYorkton.ca

HOME INN & SUITES – YORKTON WILL BE LOCATED NEXT TO PAINTED HAND CASINO FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING WITH YOUR RETIREMENT? KEVIN HAAKENSEN B.COMM., CIM, FMA, FCSI, CFA CFA CHARTERHOLDER Investment Advisor DWM Securities Inc. Chartered Financial Analyst Designation - ranked by the Economist as the gold standard among investment analysis designations. “No credential is as widely regarded in the global financial industry for its rigourous focus on current investment knowledge, analytical skill, and ethical standards as the CFA designation.”

MIKE TORNOPOLSKI

CA, MPACC. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Kevin Hegedus Financial Services (2007) CORP. A trusted professional, known for technical excellence, integrity, objectivity and a commitment to the public interest. Chartered Accountants are Canada's most valued, internationally recognized profession of leaders in senior management, advisory, financial, tax and assurance roles.

KEVIN HEGEDUS CFP® CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Senior Investment Advisor DWM Securities Inc. The industry gold standard in financial planning.

Meeting the highest global standards for fairness and diligence. The CFP® designation is worthy of the trust of consumers, industry and financial planners alike.

COMPETENCE. STANDARDS. ETHICS. IT STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION. To learn how you can benefit from wealth management based on integrity and experience, call 975-9500. www.kevinhegedus.com DWM SECURITIES INC, THE OFFICE OF KEVIN HEGEDUS AND KEVIN HAAKENSEN Winner of the 2011 Consumer's Choice Award in the Financial Planning Consultants Category.

This ad is solely the work of Kevin Hegedus. Although the author is a registered Senior Investment Advisor with DWM Securities Inc., a DundeeWealth Inc. Company, this is not an official ad of DWM Securities Inc. The views (including any recommendations) expressed in this ad are those of the author alone, and they have not been approved by, and are not necessarily those of, DWM Securities Inc. DundeeWealth Inc., its subsidiaries, or its affiliates, including, Dundee Securities Corporation does not provide any income tax preparation service and does not supervise or review any income tax returns. DWM Securities Inc., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund, is a DundeeWealth Inc. Company

EXPERTAdvice

INVESTMENT DUNDEEWEALTH MARKET ADVICE COLUMN: Taking a bite out of your tax bill

WCSB Royalty Investment Programs have been established to provide individual investors with a means of achieving income, capital appreciation, potential liquidity, and significant tax deductions through direct participation in the production of oil & natural gas.

WHY DOES THIS OPPORTUNITY EXIST FOR INVESTORS? • Current pricing and market environ ment has hit intermediate and junior oil and gas companies particularly hard.

• Oil & Gas companies’ access to capital has tightened substantially.

• The Canadian government has provid ed a non-dilutive solution for oil and gas companies to acquire capital to continue to fund their production programs.

• This solution provides a way for oil and gas companies to not incur additional debt, thus enabling them to maintain a strong balance sheet.

HOW IT WORKS

KEVIN HAAKENSEN B.Comm, CIM, FMA, FCSI, CFA CFA Charterholder Investment Advisor DWM Securities Inc. MIKE TORNOPOLSKI CA, MPACC. Chartered Accountant Kevin Hegedus Financial Services (2007) CORP KEVIN HEGEDUS CFP® Certified Financial Planner Senior Investment Advisor DWM Securities Inc. 306.975.9500 www.kevinhegedus.com

Each Limited Partnership’s (the “Partnership”) unique structure will invest in flow-through shares (free of premiums associated with traditional oil and gas flow-through LPs) of wholly owned subsidiary companies formed specifically to enter into and royalty interest finance joint ventures with established oil and gas companies. The royalty interest joint ventures will provide the subsidiary companies with income and capital appreciation through Gross Over-Riding Royalties (“GORR’s”) on oil and gas production. Most royalty interest joint venture investments are only available to institutional investors and are not accessible to individual investors. This is due to typically high minimum investment thresholds and the requirement for specific geological and engineering expertise in evaluating such opportunities.

OUR ADVANTAGES The Royalty Advantage • Royalties in the energy sector repre sent ownership title to a percentage of oil or natural gas production and offer investors the advantages of “Top-Line” payments made from the gross pro duction of oil or natural gas at the “well-head.”

• Royalty owners are not generally re sponsible for any of the typical capital or operating expenses, liabilities or en vironmental costs associated with operating oil and/or natural gas wells.

• Royalty ownership generally provides investors with a much lower cost struc ture and with higher “net-backs” when compared to typical working interests agreements.

• Royalties can provide owners with direct title to mineral rights in perpetuity.

• Royalty owners benefit from typically low-sustaining capital requirements when compared to working interests.

“Premium-Free” Flow-Through Investing • 100 per cent of the capital invest ed in the subsidiary companies,net of technical advisor fees, will be directly allocated toward exploiting proven pools, i.e., development production programs, and, to a lesser extent, exploration programs.

• Unique “premium-free” investment structure provides unit-holders with a more efficient means of participat ing directly in the energy sector while simultaneously realizing a 100 per cent tax-deductible investment.FLS These offerings only become available a couple of times a year and for a limited selling period. Call us for more information or to schedule your complementary consultation. Important information about flow-through limited partnerships is contained in their relevant Prospectus/ Offering Memorandum. Please obtain a copy and read it carefully including the associated risks and tax consequences before investing.

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WHY IS SASKATCHEWAN SO RICH

BY FLS STAFF Ever since the global economic meltdown of 2008, a week rarely goes by without news stories of how well Saskatchewan is doing, relatively speaking. Certainly the signs of prosperity are very visible around the province. New construction continues apace and the Sask Party government is still sitting pretty in public popularity— something governments rarely do during periods of poor economic performance.

Most people who are even peripherally aware of economics can discern the reason for our good fortune stems largely from a virtually untapped wealth of natural resources. Those a little more tuned in can probably tell you that Saskatchewan is the top producer of potash in the world, the third largest uranium supplier and second only to Alberta in Canadian oil production.

Some people may even know that the Saskatchewan mining and petroleum industries generated more than $17 billion in sales last year, employed more than 60,000 people directly and indirectly and contributed more than $2 billion (estimated) to provincial coffers. And that’s just the tip of the natural resources iceberg.

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“The Saskatchewan mining industry will be investing over $43 billion in new mines and expansions in Saskatchewan over the next 20 years,” said Steve Fortney, Saskatchewan Mining Association first vice-president during Mining Week at the end of May. Similarly, with more than 40 billion barrels of crude and 2.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas still in the ground, investment in oil and gas extraction is not going away any time soon.

But what is all this stuff and how did it get into the ground in the first place?

POTASH Potash is a catch-all name for a number of salt compounds that contain watersoluble potassium, particularly potassium carbonate. Potassium, of course, is one of the three top plant nutrients, with nitrogen and phosphate. The name is derived from the old method for obtaining potassium carbonate which was to leach it out of wood ashes in large iron pots then evaporate the solution leaving “pot ash.”

In nature the process is somewhat analogous to the pot-drying method.

Salt deposits of all kinds are known as evaporites. Greatly simplified, when sea water gets trapped in inland basins due to the uplift of mountain ranges or other geological processes, and the climate conditions are such that the rate of evaporation exceeds the rate of moisture input, the dissolved salts in the water precipitate out over millions of years leaving salt deposits. The salt flats of Death Valley in California are a good current example of this process in action.

OIL AND GAS Everyone is familiar with the term “fossil fuel.” By definition, a fossil is any remnant or trace of a biological organism from a past geological age. So, technically, the term applies as the carbon compounds found in oil and gas are indisputably of a biological origin, namely plankton.

Plankton are simply organisms that float in the water column. Imagine an ocean very different from the seas of today, teeming with simple organisms, but not much in the way of the complex animals we now know. As these organisms die they sink to the seafloor, building up massive deposits over millions of years.

But in order to produce oil those organic remains basically need to be “cooked.”

Anyone who has ever swum to the bottom of a swimming pool can appreciate how quickly pressure increases at depth. Add several more kilometres of sediments, sand, silt, pebbles etc., and

you’ve got enough pressure and heat to realign the hydrogen-carbon molecules into volatile compounds such as coal, oil and gas. Cap that with an impermeable layer—for example salt (see potash above)—and you have a drillable resource.

DIAMONDS It’s a classic scene out of comic book lore. Superman crushes a lump of coal and produces a diamond. It’s much more complicated than that, obviously, but as in the case of oil formation above, heat and pressure are involved. Other than that, the only thing diamonds and coal have in common is carbon atoms.

Diamonds are pure carbon, aside from some trace elements and imperfections— what the jewellery industry calls “inclu sions.” The levels of heat and pressure required to align carbon atoms into the configuration that gives diamonds their unique optical properties are basically beyond human comprehension and can only be found in the Earth’s mantle (140 to 190 kilometres below the surface) and over astronomical time periods of 1 to 3.3 billion years. They are typically brought close to the surface by volcanic eruptions or magma that cool into igneous rocks called kimberlites and lamproites.

Because of this property it is easily dissolved and transported in groundwater and other aqueous solutions. It resists combining with other elements to form insoluble minerals, but easily forms loose bonds with oxygen. Where these conditions exist uranium tends to concentrate creating the uranium-oxide ores that are mined for commercial use. Saskatchewan is home to some of the richest concentrations of uranium in the world FLS.

URANIUM Uranium is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust and is found in virtually every kind of rock, sediment and soil, as well as, bodies of water, plants and animals. In its natural state it is a silvery white, highly soluble heavy metal.

#1-75 Lenore Dr. Saskatoon, SK. S7K 7Y1 (bus) 306-384-4930 (fax) 306-384-4658 derek@scottdfinancial.ca

Phone within 60 days and get a courtesy financial plan and investment portfolio check up, with recommendations on transitioning into income producing assets for reinvestment (dividend reinvest plans), or supplementing your cash flow now.

Income orientated investments matter in this environment, let us show you why.

DEREK SCOTT CFP, CIM

LEXINGTON SHOWHOME OFFERS CHIC, MODERN STYLE

VIEW FROM THE TOP. URBAN EQUITY FOUNDERS (Left to Right) Daniel Clermont, Kurt Kolisnek, Derek Fuller and Ray Hassan atop J.B. Black Etates on College Drive, during construction.

The interior decorator’s funky, fresh design

BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

REAL ESTATE INVESTING,

SIMPLIFIED

BY TAMMY CEASER. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ 34

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Urban Equity is a truly unique finan-

clients ahead of the curve as Saskatoon

cial services company. The Saskatoon-

continues to thrive. The only drawback: the

based group has a big-city vision, com-

availability of this investment is limited.

bined with small-town accountability.

obligation, and no investor effort required.

Multiple Sources Of Income Investing can yield several kinds of re-

An accountable group with follow-through

turn. Depending on your strategy, you

The group of investment professionals,

and integrity, Urban Equity is the com-

may benefit from a variety of cash-

led by Kurt Kolisnek, is full of entrepre-

pany to get you where you want to go. To

creators, such as tax savings, rent-

neurial spirit; it’s easy to listen to them

learn how the ERB program can help you

al or lease income, interest income,

share their business plan for invest-

accomplish your financial goals, contact

tax-free equity, and capital growth.

ment and development in the Province.

Salient Consulting—lead agent for Ur-

These days, it’s not difficult to convince

ban Equity Inc., at (306)244-4299, or by

Consult With Experts

email at: info@salientconsultingcorp.com

Many

Saskatoon residents that owning real estate is a sound decision. Over the past

successful

people

live

a

fast-paced life. They don’t have the KEYS TO SUCCESS

time to develop expertise in all aspects

decade, locals have seen their home and

of real estate investing. Leverage the

property values sky-rocket, with all signs

Why invest? Everyone knows that in-

experience

indicating that new highs still lie ahead.

vestments pave the way to prosper-

instead.

of Urban

industry

leaders

Equity

offers

ity. It’s not the “why,” but the “how”

simplified investments that put the

Urban Equity stands to make real estate

that can prove daunting in today’s

province’s top developers, contractors

success more accessible. In contrast with

fast-paced economy. The experts at

and realtors to work for you. FLS

“hands-on” approaches, such as purchas-

Urban Equity offer this basic formula

ing and managing a particular property,

for success for investing in Saskatch-

Urban Equity offers their clients a fully-

ewan’s hottest commodity—real estate:

managed solution. Investors capitalize

on premier development projects within

Location, Location, Location!

Saskatchewan’s borders, without hav-

Investing in the core section of a

ing to put on a hard hat. The Urban Eq-

growing,

uity advantage is an investment with

risk and maximize long-term value.

vibrant city can

INVESTMENTS Salient Consulting 306.244.4299 info@salientconsultingcorp.com urbanequityinc.com

minimize

minimal start-up risk, managed by professionals and completed by the prov-

Be Relevant

ince’s top contractors. The investor enjoys

Invest

titled collateral security and real returns.

a real-world need by serving the de-

mands

in of

projects the

growing

that

meet

community.

SOLUTIONS FOR A SOPHISTICATED MARKET

Calculate Your Commitment.

Some real estate strategies include vari-

Urban Equity’s core product is the “Ex-

ous expenses, which increase the to-

ecutive Realty Bond” (ERB). This structure

tal investment needed. The property’s

provides investors a registered ownership

price and the down-payment amount

position on title to the development, a

are the primary concern, but other fac-

fixed stream of income, and lucrative prof-

tors must be considered. The list may

it participation. ERB’s can be held inside

include: appraisal fees, borrowing cost

Canadian registered plans, such as RRSPs,

(interest), legal fees, commissions, reno-

RRIFs and Tax-Free Savings Accounts. The

vations, maintenance, and advertising.

ERB incorporates features previously not

Last but not least, consider the time and

available to average investors, in a con-

energy you’ll be required to contribute.

venient package. The timing of the ERB

Urban Equity allows you to make a pas-

product launch positions Urban Equity

sive investment, with no further financial

Disclaimer: This article does not represent a solicitation of investment. Review the Offering Memorandum, and consult legal, accounting, tax and investment professionals prior to investing.

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

35

SASKATOON’S ONLY INDEPENDENT BEDDING AND BATH STORE S CREATES LUXURY NICHE

PFM CAPITAL

askatchewan’s oil production is

ince had established itself as a significant

considerable activity on the part of more

second only to Alberta among

oil-producing region. The early develop-

than 100 small oil companies with opera-

Canadian

ment of Saskatchewan oil was dominat-

tions ranging from one to a dozen wells.

provinces,

provid-

ing 20% of all Canadian production. ed by large integrated multi-national oil The capital intensive nature of oil and gasBY LISSA ROBINSON. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ Major commercial development of Sascompanies, but there has been a relatively related ventures has led to a need for alterkatchewan oil began in the early 1950s,

recent shift toward smaller, independent

native financing opportunities. PFM Capi-

and by the end of that decade the prov-

North American producers. There is also

tal Inc. oversees private equity investments

36

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

in Saskatchewan’s traditionally strong

dards identify leading indicators of future

PFM takes an active role with investees

sectors, including the oil and gas industry.

growth including the economics of the oil

and often provides subsequent invest-

PFM Capital is an employee-owned,

play, land availability, quality of equipment,

ments to facilitate additional expan-

Saskatchewan-focused investment man-

and the company’s ability to withstand

sion or acquisitions. This ability and

agement firm. Founded in 1989 as a cor-

new competitors or an industry downturn.

willingness to follow-on is integral in

porate finance company, PFM has been

PFM currently has over $59.5 million

the resources industry, where progres-

managing private equity and venture

(at cost) invested in Saskatchewan’s

sive growth is required for a company

capital funds since 1993. The firm’s expe-

oil and gas sector. Through a combina-

to maintain their competitive advantage

rienced team, combined with rigorous due

tion of debt and equity instruments, the

and allow for a successful exit. PFM’s

diligence and monitoring standards, has

firm’s investments offer exposure to the

industry involvement allows the firm

allowed PFM to establish a strong track

sector’s key areas, including explora-

to stay abreast of sector trends, adding

record of consistent deal flow, industry-

tion and production, well servicing and

value to investee companies and fos-

leading investment management, and

oilfield waste management. Well-ser-

tering mutually beneficial partnerships.

superior returns for the firm’s investors.

vicing and waste management compa-

For

nies are less dependent on new drills to

Capital

Inc.

PFM currently manages six private eq-

remain profitable, and are therefore less

funds,

please

uity funds, four of which have a specific

subject to the volatility of the industry.

more

information or

its visit

about

PFM

investment www.pfm.ca.

mandate to invest in Saskatchewan’s resources sector. PFM’s retail offering, SaskWorks Venture Fund Inc., was expanded to include a Resources share class in 2006, providing Saskatchewan residents with the opportunity to invest

“I RECOMMEND THE SASKWORKS VENTURE FUND’S

in private, small- to mid-sized companies

RESOURCES SHARE CLASS TO MY CLIENTS. I BELIEVE

in the oil and gas, mining and alternative

IN SASKATCHEWAN’S RESOURCES SECTOR, AND I

energy sectors.

Under Saskatchewan’s

Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Cor-

BELIEVE IN SASKWORKS’ PORTFOLIO APPROACH TO

poration Act, investments in the Sask-

THE VENTURE CAPITAL ASSET CLASS,” SAYS KEVIN

Works Venture Fund are eligible to receive a 35% combined Federal and Provincial tax credit on amounts up to $5,000.

PFM has identified the oil and gas sec-

PATENAUDE, AN INVESTMENT ADVISOR AT PATENAUDE SCHAFER INVESTMENTS IN SWIFT CURRENT, SASKATCHEWAN.

tor as a desirable investment opportunity for three primary reasons: the quality and quantity of prospective investees in the province, the liquidity of investments made in the sector, and the macro outlook of the industry: many of the oil plays in Saskatchewan offer the highest risk-adjusted returns in Western Canada.

PFM Capital seeks out investment opportunities with companies that demonstrate a track record of profitability and positive cash generation, a dominant niche market position, and are led by a proven, experienced management team. PFM’s rigorous due diligence stan-

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

37

EnErgizE

Your Portfolio KEY SECTORS

Oil & Gas

Mining

Alternative Energy Solutions

Call Lifestyle by Design to add SaskWorks to your portfolio, or visit www.saskworksfund.com to sign-up for a SaskWorks’ payroll investment plan online!

(306) 757-6999 / Toll Free: 1-800-363-6999 2363 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2S3

Read our Prospectus This offering is made only by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained free of charge from your financial advisor or the agent, MGI Securities Inc. (www.mgisecurities.com). Investors should read the prospectus and consult a financial advisor before making an investment decision.

EnErgizE

Your Portfolio Call Precedence Private Wealth to add SaskWorks to your portfolio, KEY SECTORS

Oil & Gas

Mining

Alternative Energy Solutions

or visit www.saskworksfund.com to sign-up for a SaskWorks’ payroll investment plan online!

Suite 400, 261 1st Avenue North Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (306) 657-5733

Read our Prospectus This offering is made only by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained free of charge from your financial advisor or the agent, MGI Securities Inc. (www.mgisecurities.com). Investors should read the prospectus and consult a financial advisor before making an investment decision.

SHELLEY MCLEOD, ANDREW DAVIDSON, NICOLE RYER, ANDREA DAVIDSON

SASKATCHEWAN’S TIME TO SHINE

BY LISSA ROBINSON. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

In the early 2000s, Tom MacNeill had a vision. It was that there could, would be a time when people from Saskatchewan would be able to invest in our province’s own resources—so that they would be contributing to the resource economy, and then reaping the rewards.

He wanted to see a day when regular Saskatchewan folk could buy shares at very early stages of a company’s development, and then share in its success.

Through his perseverance, hard work and assembly of a strong, talented and motivated management team pictured above, he is making that vision a reality.

In 2005 he formed 49 North Resources

(the only company of its kind in Canada), which was the next big step toward his vision: creating a capital market in Saskatchewan that had never existed before. And he did it, purposefully, on the province’s 100th birthday. Prior to that, Saskatchewan and the Maritimes were the only provinces in Canada that didn’t have their own capital markets.

“It was significant he chose the province’s birthday to make the announcement, not a fluke,” says Andrea Davidson, Manager of Investor relations for the company.

“Tom wanted to make a statement—that it was time for Saskatchewan to benefit from its own resources, as opposed to

other investors coming in, making money and then taking it out of the province.”

And with the creation of that capital market came the ability for people like you or me to invest in early-stage companies in the business of oil, gas, coal, hard rock and mineral development. And there is a huge amount of that development in which to invest.

In various media interviews in the past year, MacNeill has talked about the changes in the province in the past decade that has helped pave the way for his vision to become real. The business and political climates are the

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

39

most important of those changes.

“We’ve got a wonderful business climate,” he told the Saskatoon Star Phoenix recently. “Everybody knows that I’ve been pretty vocal about how we’ve been held back by a great deal of political rhetoric over the past half-century in Saskatchewan that scared business away. At times government, it seems, had been an active enemy of business. We can’t say that now. Parties on all parts of the political spectrum - left, centre and right - in Saskatchewan have it in their mind to be pro-business because we understand that’s where the future lies. And that’s proven itself out.”

“We’ve seen it and we’re excited about that and it opens up opportunities where we can finally blossom and become the energy province that we always could have been,” he says enthusiastically.

In fact, talking enthusiastically is critical to bringing his dreams into being--a big part of his job has become being the chief promoter of the province, both to outsiders, and to its own populace. And, raising awareness about what a great place to do business in Saskatchewan’s

40

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

resource industry that was accelerated by events like the recent tug of war between BHP (Billiton) and PotashCorp.

“It got Saskatchewan’s attention on the world stage - literally every corner of the world,” he said. “When you have the largest integrated mining company in the world honing in on the largest of anything in the province of Saskatchewan, you’ve got something the world stood up and took notice of. And we noticed that around here in that people are aware of the tremendous resources we have in the ground, they’re aware of the business climate, they’ve familiarized themselves with what’s been changing in Saskatchewan over the last decade and that’s just great for everything we do.”

Andrea Davidson says Tom MacNeill comes by his passion for the resource industry honestly…father Bill MacNeill founded Claude Resources Inc. and brother Ken MacNeill is president and CEO of Shore Gold Inc. Tom says he has followed in his father’s footsteps, learning from him, and will be a “lifer” in the resource industry.

“We’ve just barely come up off the floor

and we and so ise

I think that through our lifetimes will see nothing but acceleration development because we’ve got much pent-up economic promin Saskatchewan,” MacNeill says.

“It’s simple, really,” Davidson says. “The world needs what we have. And now, with what we have to offer, people can invest in that economic promise and help make it a reality. And we all benefit.”

49 North accepts no government funding, and gives investors an opportunity to support the development of the industry with lower risk through their company, because they’re not overexposed to any one development. The company takes equity positions in new projects, builds management teams, helps raise external capital, and connects with institutional investment bankers.

49 North Resources, Inc. TSXV:FNR 602 – 224 4th Ave South 306.653.2692 www.fnr.ca adavidson@fnr.ca

THE WORLD IS WATCHING

SASKATCHWAN 49 North Resources Inc. is a Saskatchewan-focused company with strategic operations in financial, managerial advisory and merchant banking. Their diversified portfolio of assets includes direct project involvement as well as investments in shares and other securities of resource issuers.

They believe early stage involvement in resource development is the cornerstone of wealth creation for their shareholders.

MINERAL RESOURCE MAP OF SASKATCHEWAN Uranium Potential Base Metal Potential Gold Potential Diamond Potential Coal Potential Carbon Dioxide (Co:) Resource Potential

Oil Pool Gas Pool Oil Sands Potential Lignite Coal Field Potash And Salt Resource Area Carnallitic Region (Magnesium)

“Saskatchewan is one of the richest spots in the world when it comes to natural resources. It is the largest producer of uranium. It is the biggest producer of the fertilizer potash. It is the world’s largest exporter of green lentils and chickpeas. And it’s home to enormous supplies of oil and gas…”

--Jon Birger, Fortune Magazine

ASSET DISTRIBUTION

base metals

other

coal

precious metals

diamonds

uranium

oil & gas

rare earth elements

4.3% 1.7% 0.2% 27.7%

8.6%

29.5%

17.2%

10.7%

Assets Under Management ~ $68 million Market Capitalization ~

$55 million

Shares Outstanding

15,135,677

Fully Diluted

20,567,930

NAV ~

$4.47 FineLifestyles SASKATOON

41

MGI SECURITIES Unique Investment Capability Key To Participation In Unprecedented Growth JERET BODE AND KEVIN THOMPSON

(LEFT TO RIGHT) BACK: KAELEN BOTH, KRISTI GRAVES, MIKE BONE, KELLI MECKELBORG, MARK SMITH-WINDSOR FRONT: JERET BODE, KEVIN THOMPSON

PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ We’re sitting on a gold mine. And oil, gas, potash, uranium, copper, coal, diamonds, wheat, barely, canola, mustard, chickpeas. Saskatchewan is commodityrich, full to overflowing with virtually untapped natural resources and an international audience is taking notice.

Capitalizing on that wealth potential is an entrepreneurial boutique investment firm that wants to ensure people here benefit as Saskatchewan booms. MGI Securities Inc. (MGI) offers a range of investment opportunities attractive to a variety of clients whatever their wealth management goals might be.

“We’re living in very interesting times with phenomenal growth in this province,” says Mike Bone, an Advisor with the MGI Investment Advisory team in Saskatchewan. “We believe people who

BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER live here should have the opportunity to make some of the money that’s being generated. When local people make money here, they buy homes, they buy cars, and they participate in the life of their communities.” MGI also offers exciting opportunities to high net worth clients who are acquiring wealth and want to be more diversified. “People want to participate in the pulse of what’s happening now in Saskatchewan,” Mike adds, “and we can help them do that.”

MGI is a division of Jovian Capital Corporation, a publicly traded diversified financial services company with approximately $13 billion client assets under management. MGI offers a range of products and services including equities, fixed income, income trusts, mutual funds, and seed capital. The

advisory team can tailor services to each client’s unique circumstances. MGI is the only active investment banking dealer in Saskatchewan so is poised to bring together companies who want to grow and inventors looking for money-making opportunities.

Comprehensive investment advice MGI has offices in Winnipeg, Calgary, London and Toronto, and opened its Saskatoon doors in 2009. It has attracted an experienced team committed to longterm relationships with individuals and growth-oriented companies. MGI is proud that each member of its Investment Advisory team is Saskatchewan born and raised.

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

43

Kelli Meckelborg, an Investment Representative with the team, says one of the most exciting things about MGI is that “we know what’s happening right here in Saskatchewan. When an investment opportunity happens here, we’re one of the first ones to get our hands on those products. That’s a big benefit to our clients.”

Mark Smith-Windsor, MGI VicePresident, is also an Advisor with the team. “We research an investment carefully and if we feel it is suitable for our client, we will recommend it whether it’s seed round, IPO, or purchasing shares and then we will be there to help them sell. We’re interested in long, profitable relationships.”

A “boutique” broker/dealer structures deals in the $1 million to $30 million range, generally too small for big banks to consider. But those deals aren’t small potatoes. Adviser Mike Bone says the benefit to MGI clients is far greater flexibility. “We’re full service investment broker,” he says. “We do everything the big banks do but we don’t have the constraints and we’ve also got the unique and very beneficial investment banking side. Saskatchewan hasn’t really been on the map before with these kinds of investments and I think we’re ahead of the curve. MGI’s investment banking division is the one getting things done here. We want our clients to get in on that and make money.”

Investment banking

Mark was so impressed with the MGI senior management team in Toronto, the kind of deals they had structured, and with the company’s philosophy that he wanted to be involved in the firm.

“The management team felt that coming into Saskatchewan was an opportunity to be a first mover as an investment banking presence here,” Mark explains. “We are a relatively small economy, so there won’t be the volume or size of transactions that you’ll find in Vancouver or Toronto, but as our economy grows, we’re poised to capture a big chunk of the activity.”

Another member of the Investment Advisory Team is Kaelen Both, Associate Advisor, who heard good things about MGI as he was completing his education.

“There were a variety of things that sparked my interest about MGI coming out of Edwards School of Business. My goal coming into this industry was to be able to offer clients and prospects flexibility as an advisor by having access to unique investment opportunities as well as being able to offer traditional services. MGIs capability to offer investment banking activities with investment advisory makes our office an attractive firm for clients looking for Saskatchewan based Venture Capital Projects on top of standard services.”

44

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

MGI has the provinces only active investment banking team. Jeret Bode, along with Kevin Thompson make up MGI’s investment banking division in Saskatchewan, dealing in private placement, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, new product structuring and marketing, and debentures.

Since MGI opened its Saskatoon office in 2009, over $200 million has been raised, largely for Saskatchewan-focused investments.

“Where in the world is the smart place to invest in mining and resources?” Jeret asks. “Canada survived the downturn in the world economy and where in Canada is a jurisdiction that is untapped and leading the nation in GDP? Saskatchewan.

We have everything the world wants with infrastructure and the know-how to develop resources. All we need now is to duplicate what Alberta people have done, invest in local projects with local money so the wealth stays in the province.”

This feature is for information only and is not meant as an offer to purchase or sell securities. MGI Securities is a member of Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

“We’re in an enviable position to generate the wealth locally,” says Jeret. “When you invest early there is tremendous money to be made and we already have a proven track record of building solid local companies,” he adds. “When a dollar is invested here and the company does well, the proceeds raised stay here. That’s what MGI strives to do for Saskatchewan.”

Jeret and Kevin are confident that the changing landscape in this province can mean lucrative investments for people who want to take advantage of the growth.

“Because of our unique political history, there’s never been an opportunity in Saskatchewan for capital markets to get firmly established,” explains Kevin.

“That’s changing and we’re trying to share offerings and educate people about the wealth of natural resources we have.

We’re committed to putting together well researched, solid deals that we have complete confidence in.”

KELLI MECKELBORG, MIKE BONE

Investment Advisory Team: Mark Smith-Windsor / Kaelen Both Mike Bone / Kelli Meckelborg Investment Banking: Jeret Bode / Kevin Thompson MGI Kevin Thompson/Kelli Meckelborg 224 - 4th ave S., Suite 600 306.385.6263 www.mgisecurities.com

(LEFT TO RIGHT): MARK SHIMELL, VP OF EXPLORATION DARREN ANDERSON, PRESIDENT AND CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

JUNIOR GOLD AND COAL FIRM READY TO GRADUATE WITH STRONG GRADES

BY DANIEL DALMAN

PHOTO BY BLACKBENCH PRODUCTIONS

It is no secret that Saskatchewan is a resource-rich province. A company that is taking advantage of these resources spread throughout the land of the living skies, as well as the diversity of talented professionals willing to get the work done is Wescan Goldfields Inc. At this moment in time, the company is excited about the strides being taken within their property portfolio, with the gold and coal holdings within Saskatchewan’s borders ramping back into exploration.

In 2004, Wescan was spun out of Shore Gold Inc—a decision made to protect and continue their gold interests, as Shore had moved into diamond exploration. The company was created in symbiosis with the established firm and now Wescan is

ready to step out of the shadow of their big brother corporation, and become a major player in Saskatchewan mining.

With a shared team of strong leadership, both companies have been able to ride the storm of economic turmoil and came through it stronger and excited about the future that lay ahead.

Not only are they full steam ahead on all their exploration programs, but the young company is confident about their future in the resource industry. Wescan President Darren Anderson, along with CEO Kenneth MacNeill, are very encouraged that with recent successful financings, exploration on their projects can continue toward achieving the goals of this young venture. Moving into 2012,

they are looking forward with great focus and intent.

With exploration growth plans being executed on the Jojay Gold, Jasper Gold and Munro Lake Gold Projects as well as further exploration plans in place for their Hudson Bay Coal Project, Wescan is establishing itself further in the rising resource-fueled Saskatchewan economy.

Wescan Darren Anderson 300-224 4th Avenue South 306.667.3552 danderson@wgfinc.com www.wescangoldfields.com

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

45

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF EXPLORATION, GEORGE REID (MIDDLE) AND MEMBERS OF THE TECHNICAL TEAM AT SHORE GOLD

DIAMONDS SOON TO BE SASKATOON COMPANY’S BEST FRIEND PHOTOS BY BLACKBENCH PRODUCTIONS Around the globe, countless times a year, a knee is taken, and someone’s breath is taken away by a sparkling diamond in a velvet box. In Saskatchewan, the team at Shore Gold is planning on taking the mining industry’s breath away with their Star-Orion South Diamond Project on the horizon. With desktop engineering studies for their feasibility study nearing completion, the company is projecting substantial steps forward with regard to their Saskatchewan based operations.

This Canadian-based, and largely Saskatoon-run, operation is focusing on exploring and developing Saskatchewan’s diamond resources. Through the central Saskatchewan location of the Star-Orion South Diamond Project, the company is moving forward in developing a large-scale mining operation, taking full advantage of the massive kimberlite deposits just east of Prince Albert. It is an exciting time for the company and for the investors behind them. With over a decade of drilling, bulk

46

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

BY DANIEL DALMAN

sampling, and evaluation now completed, Shore Gold is on the cusp of achieving great things.

With Canadian diamond mines production presently third largest by value, and sixth largest by carat size in global rankings, Shore Gold is attempting to take Saskatchewan diamond mining to the next level. While it is common among most mining operations, that the most valuable, and mineral-rich, locations often happen to be in the most remote, inaccessible areas, the Fort a la Corne kimberlite deposits are not.

Access to the project is attainable yearround, close to Prince Albert and to the company’s head office in Saskatoon.

Close proximity to the SaskPower grid nearby will give the operation a leg up.

With access to electrical power, the mine will have a cleaner energy footprint than its competitors, and provide significant savings compared to diesel-powered generators.

Through economic downturns that the company steered itself, starting in 2008, the Shore Gold team is looking forward to upcoming events. Results from their feasibility study are imminent, and the company is primed to move forward with their next step. With only one out of every 4,000 exploration projects morphing from discovery to extraction, Shore Gold is confident in the transition of the StarOrion South Project.

Kenneth MacNeill, the company’s CEO, along with Senior VP of Exploration and Development George Read, a diamond industry veteran, has campaigned the prospective success of this project and Saskatchewan as a whole to the diamond mining community around the world, guiding the company through the recession, and coming out of it stronger than ever. With the evaluation of the Star-Orion South Diamond Project showcasing remarkable potential, and a high proportion of gem quality diamonds.

The company expects some 98 per cent of the stones harvested from these mines will sold into the jewelry industry.

The Star mine is expected to hold a substantial population of Type IIa diamonds, the most sought after, impurity-free type, and is expected to hold significant numbers of very large stones.

With an average carat price of $192 and with the discovery of a very high value 12-carat diamond, Shore Gold is making great strides in the establishment of their organization, and their reputation as a potential supplier of high-quality, significantly-sized diamonds.

This homegrown business, burying itself into the very heart of the province, understands the strength and significance their home base provides. Building pathways into communities and providing opportunities for employees and investors alike, Shore Gold is headed toward a culmination of years of efforts coming to fruition.

After years of hard work by their dedicated team of executives, technical staff and financial experts, the Star-Orion South Project is guiding Shore Gold to sure profits.

GEORGE REID SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF EXPLORATION

Shore Gold George Reid/Joe Dickson 300-224 4th Ave South 306.667.3510 / 306.667.3505 jdickson@shoregold.com www.shoregold.com

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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SASKATOON FIRM LEADS THE WAY TO CLEAN COAL COLIN TAYLOR VICE PRESIDENT CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT

PHOTO BY BLACKBENCH PRODUCTIONS

Westcore Energy Ltd. does more than just explore for coal in Saskatchewan: we know we have it, and so does the company. As the world’s most abundant fossil fuel— more plentiful than oil and natural gas— each year Canada produces enough coal to fill Toronto’s Sky Dome every week for an entire year. Saskatchewan is currently the third largest producer of coal in Canada.

Beyond exploration, Westcore Energy Ltd. has a vision for the future of energy in the province and across the Prairies—namely aligning newly discovered coal resources with a clean and profitable method to extract energy from coal.

“Our vision for use of coal has remained the same since the very early days of the company,” says Colin Taylor, Westcore Energy Ltd.’s Saskatoon-based VicePresident of Corporate Development.

“Our goal has never been to use coal conventionally, such as in coal-fired plants.”

It’s with this forward-thinking mission in mind that Westcore Energy Ltd. recently entered into a ground-breaking partnership with Quantex Research Corporation, in order to access that company’s innovative Coal-To-Liquids technology.

The bottom line: Westcore Energy’s vision is to not just mine coal, but to convert that coal to synthetic crude oil and other elevated carbon products using Quantex’s fascinating and innovative technology.

“It’s about taking an old-world resource like coal—historically considered a ‘dirty’ way to produce energy, and developing advanced products while leaving a comparatively small carbon footprint.

Liquified coal is well positioned to make a valuable contribution to the energy needs of a fossil fuel hungry world.” continues Taylor. “The entire concept is so new— it’s not been done on a commercial scale anywhere on the globe. We’re beyond excited about the possibilities.”

When it comes to the exploration side of coal, Westcore Energy Ltd. is not lagging behind either. “We’re right there with the best of them,” says Taylor. “Looking back at our last exploration season, we simply couldn’t have done any better than we did.

However, our long-term vision remains focused upon utilizing breakthrough technology to make synthetic crude oil and quality carbon products from coal.”

the coal extracted in Canada. We see the opportunity to use coal in a relatively green fashion, especially since the process itself produces no CO2.”

Westcore Energy Ltd. holds interest in over 95,000 hectares of land located in eastern Saskatchewan (in and around Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan) and western Manitoba. These areas are located adjacent to the north, south, and east side of the claim block which is home to the significant coal discovery announced by Goldsource Mines in 2008.

In early 2011, Westcore delivered a 500 kilogram sample of coal to the Quantex laboratory in Morgantown, West Virginia.

This sample is set for analysis and review with results hopefully available by end of September 2011. “Preliminary estimates indicate one ton of coal could produce approximately three barrels of synthetic crude plus high quality carbon products.” explains Taylor. “What we’re eagerly awaiting is the exact yield of our coal.”

“It seems almost too good to be true— except it’s very real, and we’re very excited about it,” says Taylor. “Our goal is to bring this into reality for Saskatchewan, shedding much positive light on our province’s energy potential, and the innovation and forward-thinking that causes Saskatchewan to continue to shine.”

Most importantly, the process is ultraclean and environmentally friendly.

The company’s head office is in Calgary, Alberta, and Taylor is proud of the small, focused team which includes an office in Saskatoon, where he is based.

“Westcore aims to give North America a method to be more self-sufficient in energy production,” says Taylor. “There’s a lot of coal in North America, and Saskatchewan produces 14 per cent of

Westcore Energy Colin Taylor Saskatoon, SK 306.664.4626 colintaylor.westcore@gmail.com www.westcoreenergy.ca Head Office Suite 330, 808 4th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3E8 403.237.6122

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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BRINGING WEALTH TO S A S K ATC H E WA N

BY FLS STAFF It seems that ever more frequently, we are hearing about another home-grown Saskatchewan success story in one of the natural resource sectors of the province.

Founded in 2010, and with its office in the heart of downtown Saskatoon, FNR Asset Management is one such story. This vibrant and exciting company is dedicated to helping develop Saskatchewan’s natural resource sector by investing in progressive and forward thinking initiatives around the province and western Canada.

Speaking to President and CEO, Rick Wingate, the passion and excitement for the opportunity here at home is quite apparent in his voice. Yet, there is humility in his demeanour and mannerisms as he proudly recounts growing up in Regina, attending the university there, and later moving to Saskatoon to start his family and help build FNR from the ground up. “I see amazing potential in the years ahead,” says Wingate.

PHOTO BY BLACKBENCH PRODUCTIONS

“We have an excellent platform to succeed and grow so many natural resource sectors in this province,” he explains. “We know the natural resources are there. The infrastructure needed for their development, such as roads, communication, and power is already well established throughout the province. We have government and industry finding ways to partner together to explore opportunity.

And finally, we are attracting some of the finest entrepreneurs and minds, either returning back home, proudly wearing their Rider jersey or coming here for the very first time. Because of that, it is easy to see why money is coming to Saskatchewan, and investing in these ideas, and ultimately the people behind them.”

RICK WINGATE, PRESIDENT & CEO 50

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Making it happen here at home For the FNR Asset Management team, the task is quite simple: find a great Saskatchewan resource idea, and attract the capital to make it happen.

FNR’s success will come with empowering some of Saskatchewan’s junior oil companies. As recently as June 2011, FNR Energy Limited Partnership announced that it had raised nearly $4 million for investment in junior oil company operations.

“It’s an exciting achievement to know that you are helping to contribute to the success of an organization right here at home,” says Wingate. “For many of these smaller organizations, the lack of capital investment is one of the only challenges to overcome. FNR helps to introduce them, and their ideas, to potential investors

across Canada. In the future, this company will grow. It will pay taxes and contribute to the province. It will pay royalites to its investors. Investing in human capital, it will employ Saskatchewan people and help to support their families. And maybe the most important part is that the money that helped to start it, and the majority of the future wealth, will continue to stay in the province.”

Partnering locally FNR believes in looking in your own backyard when investing. Trusting in Saskatchewan’s resources is the ultimate way to make money grow in a hurry, and FNR now provides the opportunity to the masses. In recent years, investing abroad has carried great risk. In this day and age, keeping it local is a wise choice.

What were originally large corporation investments is now catering to smaller

party investments. The reason for this change is simple: investors only need a small amount of capital. For as little as $5,000, any individual can partner with FNR. Investors can feel comfortable about their decision because not only is there a great rate of return, but they are contributing to their future and their children’s future. Peace of mind continues as returns can come back in as little as 90 days. And that, folks, is the Saskatchewan way.

FNR Asset Management Rick Wingate 502-224 4th Avenue South 306. 373.3700 rwingate@fnrm.ca www.fnrm.ca

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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INTO THE WILDERNESS SASKATOON CHANTEUSE STEPS OUTSIDE HER COMFORT ZONE

BY THOM BARKER

S

itting

down

to

a

Car-

rie Catherine CD release concert

at

Saskatoon’s

Refinery Arts & Spirit Centre on May 26 was a little like eavesdropping on an intimate conversation in someone’s living room.

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FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Perhaps it’s because she has been hosting house concerts since 2008 at The Hayloft—a renovated Safeway store in Caswell Hill that she, her developer husband Curtis P. Olson and new baby Eliot Olson call home.

More likely it is because she is just one of those rare, genuinely warm and open per-

formers who draws you into her world with very personal lyrics and a wit and charm that instantly makes you feel at home.

For example, in the introduction to her song “Rockabye,” she candidly, almost conspiratorially, recounted her longing to have a baby before she got pregnant with Eliot. Then she joked that she and her husband are going to leave the music business

PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ behind and open a fertility clinic because several times women have contacted her to let her know that right after they heard her play the song they got pregnant.

Home, to Catherine, is Saskatoon, and it is very important to her.

“I grew up here and I love it here, but I [also] love leaving here,” she said. “My husband and I are both like that. We’ve set up our lifestyle so we can spend long sections of time outside of Saskatoon, getting injected with new ideas, getting refreshed, connecting with new people, and then bring those ideas back to Saskatoon. I would never permanently relocate, especially because of Eliot. I would always keep one foot here.”

Catherine’s most recent (temporary) relocation was to Nashville, where she recorded her latest album, Wilderness with leg-

endary producer Colin Linden. They met serendipitously through a mutual friend after she attended one of his shows at The Black Sheep Inn in Wakefield, Quebec.

“Colin cleared his afternoon,” Catherine recalled. “We hung out in this small Quebec town and just talked about music—not about an album, not about working together, just about music—and it was so magical. I will never forget that conversation.”

That conversation netted her an invitation to Nashville where the Wilderness project took shape.

“It was way outside my comfort zone,” she explained. “For me that’s always been a very frightening and yet exhilarating experience. Wilderness is the metaphor for breaking out of what I know, breaking past the garden where I can name all the flowers and going out into unknown territory. I find that space very creative… and scary.”

When they started recording, Linden had just come off tour with Emmylou Harris and he brought the 12-time Grammy winner’s band into the studio with Catherine.

“I got to step into this chemistry that they had created together, and all of them are so about the music,” Catherine said. “I learned so much about turning off your mind and turning off everything and just playing.”

Catherine is back in Saskatoon now after touring western Canada on the appropriately titled “Baby on Board Tour” with Eliot and nanny (grandma). She’s home, but not out of the “wilderness.”

“When I became pregnant and became a mom, that metaphor took on a whole other meaning,” she said. FLS Wilderness is available at www.carriecatherine.com

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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WHY I LOVE

Dinner Rush PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE

BY SUZANNE PASCHALL I was one of the early adopters of the Dinner Rush concept of meal assembly, and I’ve become not just a monthly customer, but a relentless advocate, hauling everyone in to try it out with me.

For those uninitiated, Dinner Rush is the meal assembly centre on Nelson Road, where you can assemble meals from a list of recipes that changes monthly. I’ve been a customer since February 2008, and since that time I’ve been back 29 times! I always assemble my meals in their beautiful kitchen, but If you don’t want to go to the effort of assembling yourself, you can pre-order for pick up, or stop in after work and purchase dinner from their infamous ‘Grab & Go’ cooler.

If you’re smart, you will see the immediate advantages to having meals ready and waiting for occasions like dinner parties, backyard barbecues with the neighbours, weekends at the lake, or holiday weekend RV trips. I use my meals all the time, but they are just the best for when I am expecting company. I think what I love most is how smart an idea meal assembly is. I love smart ideas, and apparently so do the SABEX award-givers, who have already acknowledged Kathy and Krista’s smart idea with a Best New Business Venture award.

WHY I’VE BEEN BACK 29 TIMES No chopping I do not love chopping. I hate chopping. I’ve had digital arthritis since I was 25. Dinner Rush removes that lifelong painful dilemma as easily as brushing crumbs off the counter—which they also do for you! All the vegetables are artfully presented at the recipe stations that have already been chopped up by the lovely Dinner Rush fairies in the back kitchen before I arrived.

No shopping

54

SUZANNE PASCHALL WRITER, MUSICIAN, PUBLISHER AND GENERALLY BUSY DEVOTEE OF DINNER RUSH FineLifestyles SASKATOON

While I don’t dislike grocery shopping (I actually like it), I’m a busy gal. With Dinner Rush meals in my fridge, I don’t

have to do what I call ‘grind shopping’.

My monthly shopping chores are cut at least in half – and the expensive bits— meat, packaged foods, spices—have all but fallen off my list. I now make shorter, more frequent and happier trips to the grocery store or Farmers Market for staples such as fresh fruit and veggies, and those breakfast and lunch items that I eat everyday.

the grocery store. This is probably why I‘ve found that purchasing meals from Dinner Rush don’t cost any more than what I’d pay for the same ingredients at the grocery store. And because everything is packaged in plastic zip bags that you can wash and re-use, you’ll probably never have to buy those again … I know I haven’t.

High quality, fresh food

I love making my little family swoon when they bite into something new and wonderful at the dinner table. I love that they have actually become interested in what’s for dinner, and I haven’t had to spend hours thinking about it. All I do is check the online menu on the website (dinnerrush.ca), pick the meals I think they would enjoy, and place my order online. Cooking is just so much easier this way, and it keeps me going back.

I might scrimp on the most expensive meats when I shop; Dinner Rush doesn’t.

Triple A grade meat is all they use. The bins of perfectly ripe stoplight-red peppers, golden garlic, deep purple eggplant and whatever else is waiting at the next station present a variety of vibrant colour and fragrance.

Dining in is made easy

No waste I know what’s going into my food I hate waste. There’s an appalling amount of food waste in the restaurant business, not to mention in our own homes. Dinner Rush purchases everything in bulk, and portions my ingredients into Ziploc bags instead of styrofoam trays for meat or small boxes for pasta like you find at

Choosing how spicy I want my Jambalaya, leaving out salt, choosing brown rice over white—these are the kinds of choices you can make when you assemble your meals. They offer a variety of gluten-free alternatives too.

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

55

Variety, variety, variety Variety often suffers because of economics. I won’t spend $12 on a tin of saffron because I need a pinch for a recipe, or buy the collection of spices needed to make a Moroccan meat rub. Instead, I dumb down my recipe horizon, and look for recipes that rely only on the standard spice rack. Every Dinner Rush menu offers a few culturally diverse recipes, and some have spices I’ve never heard of before. In my freezer right now, I have Vietnamese Pork with Vermicelli, Jamaican Baked Chicken, Lemon Chicken Piccata, Chinese Won Ton Ravioli and Crab Rangoon … not to mention all the North American and comfort food favourites.

PINEAPPLE GLAZED RIBS Recipe courtesy of Dinner Rush

(4-6 servings)

It makes me a star entertainer Small intimate dinner parties, back yard barbecues, surprise dropin visitors… these situations could sometimes be an occasion for frenzy, panic, guilt and shame. This doesn’t happen to me anymore. Most of my Dinner Rush meals go from the fridge (after thawing) to the table in under an hour. And because you did all the assembly in advance, there’s little thinking involved. I can ladle and sauté, look at the directions now and then, and chat with my guests over a glass of wine.

It’s cheaper than fast food I’ve been told that there are two kinds of people: Those who value money over their time and those who value their time over money. I think when it comes to food and the cooking and dining experiences, I’m somewhere in between. I want good quality food at a reasonable price, and I want to enjoy making and eating it -- but I don’t want to waste time on parts of that experience that aren’t necessary. When I go to Dinner Rush I make 10 meals at a time, and I pay less than $5 a serving.

It’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a kitchen Martha Stewart would envy this set-up! Beautiful high-end stainless steel appliances and work stations surround you, with music playing in the background. You’re handed a Dinner Rush apron and your meal order and a pen. “Would you like a coffee?

A juice? A soda?” And my favourite part: “Oh, here, let me clean that up for you.” When I’m finished, I sit at the granite counter with other happy meal-makers and sample whatever is available that day—sometimes it’s their fabulous white chocolate cranberry scones; other days its puff pastry cheese canapés…or cheerful chunky chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. It’s a perfect end to a wonderful experience. I’ve already got my next order booked, and I’m looking forward to visit number 30!

For more information you can contact Dinner Rush at 244-7874 or visit them online at www.dinnerrush.ca

#8-527 Nelson Road 306.244.7874 inquiries@dinnerrush.ca www.dinnerrush.ca 56

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

4 pounds Baby Back or Side Ribs, cut into small racks (4-5 ribs per rack) 1/2 cup Ketchup 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce 2 tsp Paprika 1 tsp Salt 2 tsp Chili Powder 2 tsp Cinnamon 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar

Heat grill to medium-high (375 degrees) To a small pot add the Ketchup, Pineapple Juice and Worcestershire Sauce; bring to a boil, and simmer about 5 minutes until thickened. Set aside for brushing.

Pat the rib racks dry with paper towel. Mix the spices together then pour onto a small plate. Coat ribs, and rub spice mixture into the meat.

Grill the ribs, turning and basting with glaze every 7-10 minutes.

Cook until ribs are browned and the meat cuts easily with a sharp knife, about 45-55 minutes in total.

Cut into individual ribs and serve. Enjoy!

BEST KEPT SECRET REVEALED PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ Hidden away behind lush greenery and among the historical buildings of the University of Saskatchewan’s campus is a lovely Greystone house that is home to the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Club, and often referred to as the best kept secret on campus. Despite the name, the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Club is not just a cool place for professors to hang out. “The Club is the living room of the campus community, where people from all walks of life congregate to enjoy great food, fabulous surroundings and attentive and personal customer service.

We have a lot of members who visit often, so our staff get to know everyone really well,” says Donna Cram, manager. “They know, for instance, who drinks their coffee black and what type of beverages they prefer.”

Another “best kept secret” is that membership at the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Club is exclusive only in the sense that it is exclusive to all university alumni, employees, faculty and staff and also to various associated departments on campus, such as Royal University Hospital.

“Becoming a member of the club is a great way to continue that connection with the

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FineLifestyles SASKATOON

BY TRICIA HRYCAN university that alumni might not otherwise be able to do,” explains Donna Cram, who has been the Manager of the Faculty Club for over 20 years. “People have a soft spot in their heart for their Alma mater and the years they spent on Campus.”

The Faculty Club was established in 1962 as a non-profit organization and next year, in 2012, they will be celebrating 50 years of serving the University community. The Club has evolved from a place to enjoy coffee and share research papers to a full service facility where meetings and conferences are held on a regular basis, and it has been the site of many a “fairy tale” wedding. The historical building provides the perfect backdrop not only for weddings, but anniversaries, celebrations of life, birthday parties, retirements and events for any number of people and any occasion. “Our staff is exceptional and is able to work with you to make your event the perfect affair. We pride ourselves on taking your vision and delivering a perfect, worry-free event. We cater to groups from 10 – 150 and we are also able to provide an outdoor wedding venue in our garden.”

Kevin Calder is the Executive Chef and had an early start at the Faculty Club, as both his parents were members so he

visited the club often while growing up.

Kevin studied culinary arts at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, Alberta and after working a number of years in Calgary he moved back home to Saskatoon to take his place at the Faculty Club.

“I’ve always loved cooking. When you find something you are passionate about and you are able to make a career out of it, well it doesn’t get much better than that,” says Calder.

Calder loves cooking with Saskatchewan ingredients, and at the Faculty Club he has plenty of opportunity to be creative.

“I’m not limited by cuisine and there is so much going on in Saskatchewan in terms of local producers.”

The Faculty Club offers daily gluten-free and vegetarian options giving everyone a choice at our daily buffet. There is always a vegetarian soup available as well as a vegetarian entree. The choice to add gluten-free options stemmed from a member suggestion. Reactions such as this show just how personal the service is at The Faculty Club. They take the concerns and needs of their members into great consideration.

Adding a dimension of fun to the lunch time buffet, the staff likes to host the occasional impromptu lunch time party with door prizes and giveaways.

The Club also provides extra special events for the holidays, such as Easter and Mother’s Day Brunch, and the annual Christmas Brunch and Children’s Party, with Santa Claus making a surprise appearance. Membership at the Club gives access to all kinds of member events including, scotch-tasting, jazz barbecues on the patio, the annual seafood extravaganza, dinner theatre evenings with Greystone Theatre, Amati concert dinners and fine dining Chef’s table evenings. There are fun events such as beer and cheese tasting, sushi cocktail parties and tapas evenings. The Club has also been fortunate to host amazing Wine Dinners with international wine producers visiting the Club from around the world.

While welcoming club managers from all across North America to our city and to an international conference hosted by the Faculty Club in 2001, University President MacKinnon emphasized the importance of faculty clubs by paraphrasing Stephen Leacock: “Universities exist for discovery and exchange of ideas. Food, drink and convivial surroundings foster the exchange of ideas, and for this reason a faculty club supports and advances the University mission.”

A membership at the Faculty Club can be purchased for less than $300.00 per year giving full access to all the services and events at the Club, as well as giving a spouse or partner a membership at no extra charge. The membership does not restrict one to the University of Saskatchewan campus. Members have access to more than 100 campus based clubs world-wide, including exclusive clubs such as McGill and Harvard Faculty Club, and even closer to home, Boffins Club at Innovation Place.

If you are a University of Saskatchewan Alumnus, Employee, Faculty or a new Grad, you can find out more about membership by visiting the website at www.usask.ca/facclub, or you can call 966-7774 or email Donna directly, at donna.cram@usask.ca It’s time for you to become privy to the best kept secret on Campus.

Reconnect with the university by dropping into the U of S Faculty Club, take a tour and then join the club and get ready to start enjoying all the services and opportunities that the club has to offer you.

You can try out one of Kevin’s BBQ recipes for paprika rubbed rib-eye steaks with bleu cheese butter and new potato salad, published in this feature.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE CLUB! • Fall Patio Party • Chef’s Table Wine Dinner • Huskies PreGame Tailgate Parties

(LEFT TO RIGHT) PASTRY CHEF: PAMELA BRENNER, EXECUTIVE CHEF: KEVIN CALDER, SOUS CHEF: JESSE PAPISH

The Faculty Club Donna Cram, General Manager University of Saskatchewan Box 388, RPO University, Saskatoon, Sk. S7N 4J8 Phone: 306.966.7774 www.usask.ca/facclub/

PAPRIKA RUBBED RIB-EYE STEAKS WITH BLEU CHEESE BUTTER AND NEW POTATO SALAD Ingredients for the steaks: 4 - 10 to 14oz. rib-eye steaks 1 & 1/2 tbsp. Hungarian (or smoked) paprika 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tbsp. fresh ground black pepper 1 & 1/2 tsp. sugar 2 tbsp. olive oil Mix all dry ingredients with the oil and evenly rub into both sides of steaks. Cover steaks and allow to stand at room temp for one hour prior to cooking. Pre-heat barbecue or grill for 10 min. on high heat. Grill steaks on high heat 3-5 min. per side, depending on desired degree of doneness. Remove from heat, allow steaks to rest 5-10 min. before serving.

Top with bleu cheese butter.

Ingredients for the Bleu Cheese Butter 4 oz. Danish Bleu Cheese 4 oz. Butter (softened) In mixer, blend ingredients until combined. Spread mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment (or wax paper). Roll mixture into a log.

Freeze. To serve, remove from freezer, allow to warm slightly, slice into portions and place on warm steaks.

New Potato Salad 3 lb. small new potatoes, quartered 1 red pepper 4 ribs celery 1 medium-sized red onion 4 tbsp. olive oil 4 tbsp. white wine vinegar 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley 2 tsp. kosher salt 2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper 1 cup high quality mayonnaise 2 tbsp. grainy Dijon mustard 6 eggs hardboiled, peeled & quartered length-wise

The Faculty Club Donna Cram 101 Admin Place 306.966.7774 donna.cram@usask.ca www.usask.ca/facclub/

Place potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5-7 min., or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain. While hot, toss potatoes with olive oil, vinegar, parsley, salt and pepper. Place in the refrigerator until chilled. Finely dice celery red pepper & onion.

Add to potatoes with mayonnaise and mustard. Toss until well blended.

Add eggs. Gently toss again.

SASKATOON

A MESSAGE FROM THE SHEEPDOGS

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR SUMMER

THE SHEEPDOGS AND JORDAN COOK CANADA DAY, Friday July 1

Sasktel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival

As a young rock band driving coast to coast across the Great White North we’ve always felt proud to be from Saskatchewan. Whether we’re playing in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal or Halifax, at some point in the set we’ll say, “We’re the Sheepdogs from Saskatoon.” This is often met by an enthusiastic cheer from some group of Saskatchewan transplants. No matter where in the country we play, there always seems to be someone from Saskatchewan there. Be it a group of friends from Saskatoon or one fist-pumping dude from Biggar, the pride Saskatchewan folk possess is a beautiful thing.

On our travels throughout the U.S., it’s always entertaining to tell people that our hometown is Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Reminds us of the old joke: “Where were they from? I don’t know, they didn’t speak English.”

We’ve learned not to take personally that they don’t know a single thing about the province other than Joni Mitchell or maybe the Roughriders. Instead, we embrace the underdog role, that wonderful resilience that we admire in Saskatchewan people.

Over the last year, we’ve had more success than we had in the previous five years combined. As our band continues to grow, we find ourselves spending an increasing amount of time away from the province. Although the physical distance between us and Saskatchewan is often vast, it always seems to strengthen the sense of home upon our return.

CIRQUE DE SOLEIL

July 12-14

July 13-14

BLUE MAN GROUP

SLAYER / ROB ZOMBIE

July 8 & 22

A TASTE OF SASKATCHEWAN

July 29

SUN 17 MON 18 TUES 19 WEDS 20 THURS 21 FRI 22 SAT 23 SUN 24 MON 25 TUES 26 WEDS 27 THURS 28 FRI 29 SAT 30 SUN 31

July 19-24

FRI 1 SAT 2 SUN 3 MON 4 TUES 5 WEDS 6 THURS 7 FRI 8 SAT 9 SUN 10 MON 11 TUES 12 WEDS 13 THURS 14 FRI 15 SAT 16

June 24- July 3

JULY

The Sheepdogs

STREET LEGAL RACING Holly Cole

SASKATCHEWAN JAZZ FESTIVAL

August 9-14

August 6

August 10-21

August 31

SANTANA August 26

BLINK 182

A BROADWAY CANADA MUSICAL

August 18-20

SASKATOON FOLKFEST

THOROUGHBRED RACING UNTIL SEPT 10

PEARL JAM

WINNIPEG VS. SASK Mosaic Stadium

September 4 DEAD MIDNIGHT (PLAY)

KEITH URBAN

September 20

FRI 16 SAT 17 SUN 18 MON 19 TUES 20 WEDS 21 THURS 22 FRI 23 SAT 24 SUN 25 MON 26 TUES 27 WEDS 28 THURS 29 FRI 30

SASKATOON EXHIBITION

September 19

THURS 1 FRI 2 SAT 3 SUN 4 MON 5 TUES 6 WEDS 7 THURS 8 FRI 9 SAT 10 SUN 11 MON 12 TUES 13 WEDS 14 THURS 15

DANIEL TOSH

September 14-28

WEDS 17 THURS 18 FRI 19 SAT 20 SUN 21 MON 22 TUES 23 WEDS 24 THURS 25 FRI 26 SAT 27 SUN 28 MON 29 TUES 30 WEDS 31

September 18

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

MON 1 TUES 2 WEDS 3 THURS 4 FRI 5 SAT 6 SUN 7 MON 8 TUES 9 WEDS 10 THURS 11 FRI 12 SAT 13 SUN 14 MON 15 TUES 16

CHICAGO VS. EDMONTON

WINE KITZ Experience a taste of the tropics from Country Mist Passion Fruit/Papaya Viogner…a summer wine full of complex, fruity aromas and rich intense flavors.

The tartness of the Passion Fruit is softened with the juicy, ripe sweetness of the Papaya creating the perfect balance coupled with the intriguing tropical flavors of Viogner. A wine well worth your consideration.

If you have ridden the Pineapple Express in Hawaii and seen the pineapple fields, how exciting it is to have “Hawaii” in a bottle , namely, in our Country Mist Pineapple Mango. A glass of this wine is an experience to remember!

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Why not get Wicked with hard pink lemonade…a wickedly refreshing blend with vibrant flavors of fresh squeezed lemons with just the right amount of sweetness.

Enjoy ice cold with friends for a Wicked great time!

What is really great if you stop by we can make arrangements for making these fabulous summer wines for you. We have it all!

JULY 2-15 10% OFF WINE ART KITS 10% OFF ULTIMATES

1625A 8th Street East, Saskatoon 306.653.9463

EXPERTAdvice

Seafood CHARLIE’S SEAFOOD MARKET ADVICE COLUMN: SUMMER GRILLIN

Do you want to know what that incredible smell wafting into your backyard is? That smell is what I’m grilling in my backyard, a beautiful tuna steak from Charlie’s Seafood Market. And I am more than happy to tell you how to cook this steak up as well as I do.

the grill, you absolutely need to make sure the grill is clean. It just helps the fish cook better and prevents sticking.

The same goes for oiling the fish first. I brush the tuna steak I’m about to grill down with a mixture of olive oil, salt, and pepper, which adds flavour and prevents the fish from sticking to the grill.

When it comes to cooking fish on the BBQ, you have three main options. First, you can throw that piece of fish right on the grill, which is my personal favourite. Secondly, you can wrap it in foil and throw it on the grill, though that is more like poaching the fish. And the third option is cooking your fish on a cedar plank.

I always put the meat side down first to make sure that I get those nice grill marks on the fish, then flip it to the skin side when the time is right. While I always recommend cooking the fish with the skin on, serving it with the skin on is your choice.

Some people like to eat it and some don’t.

But I always put a mixture of butter, herbs, lemon and a little chili on the fish right as it comes off the grill. The butter melts in, leaving a wonderful texture and flavour behind.

A lot of people really enjoy the cedar plank method, though they often make one core mistake right of the bat; they don’t soak the wood long enough. The point of grilling the fish on a cedar plank is to let the plank smolder and smoke, not burn. The plank should soak in water for at least eight hours before using it, which will keep the plank from bursting into flames.

Charlie Wong Charlie’s Seafood Market College Park Mall 8th Street & Mckercher 306.955.7127

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There are a variety of types of fish to plank, but my favourite is wild salmon, which is in season at the moment. I know people who love to throw a teriyaki glaze on it, but I prefer oil, salt, and pepper on the meat while it cooks followed by a maple glaze just as it is coming off of the grill.

If you are going to put the fish right on

The best fish in the summer months, outside of wild salmon and tuna steak, are halibut fillets and trout fillets. Also good on the grill are shrimp and scallop kabobs. But whatever you decide to cook and however you decide to cook it, always remember to clean your grill first and oil your fish. Good grilling techniques like that are the first step to cooking a great meal.

But the most important step is coming down to Charlie’s and making sure that you are starting off with the best quality fish possible. FLS

NESTLED in the heart of the Columbia Valley,

between the Purcell and Canadian Rocky Mountains overlooking the The Ridge at Copper Point golf course, Copper Point Resort is more than your ordinary destination property. It is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with easy access to nine premier golf courses, world-renowned ski hills, natural hot springs, bike trails and the picturesque Lake Windermere This incredible property, located in Invermere, British Columbia has much to boast about both inside and outdoors.

Driving up to this magnificent property you will start to appreciate all that it truly has to offer and why it has been referred to as the most compelling choice in the Columbia Valley.

The resort includes: 24-hour front desk, heated underground secured parking, Elements Grill & Lounge, outdoor dining patio, fitness center, full-size indoor pool

and hot tub, full-size outdoor pool and two hot tubs, business centre, on-site market, multi-use sport court, playground, marked walking trail, and outdoor fire pits!

Moving inside you are enthralled by the two-storey stone fireplace, glistening chandaliers, vaulted ceilings and cozy sitting area, a variety of conference facilities and 106 fully furnished premier suites. Featuring rich, warm colour palettes, these suites have been elegantly appointed with hardwood floors, granite countertops, polished slate that reflects the true jewel tones of the Earth, stone fireplaces, stainless steel appliances, designer-selected furniture, furnished balconies with barbecues and lock-off suites.

and friends, sipping a glass of wine on the outdoor patio or spending a night in with room service. The amazing and fresh local creations of the culinary team, lead

by Chef Shane Bauer who brings years of experience from working around the world, will not disappoint.

This dream destination is perfect for a weekend getaway, wedding, conference, or even ownership of your very own piece of luxury here at Copper Point Resort.

fls

Visit us at www.COPPERPOINT.ca. for more information

Now Open! Join us June 28th for our Grand Opening featuring Saskatoon’s The Sheepdogs!

To indulge your taste buds, Elements Grill is the perfect spot, whether the lounge for tapas, the restaurant for your family

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SHEEP DOGS

*NO SHEEPDOGS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS ARTICLE

BY THOM BARKER. PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE. DRESSED BY ANTHONY’S FASHIONS FOR MEN. HAIR BY J MARQUIS WELL WE’RE BIG ROCK SINGERS WE GOT GOLDEN FINGERS AND WE’RE LOVED EVERYWHERE WE GO

WE SING ABOUT BEAUTY AND WE SING ABOUT TRUTH AT TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS A SHOW

WE TAKE ALL KINDS OF PILLS TO GIVE US ALL KINDS OF THRILLS BUT THE THRILL WE’VE NEVER KNOWN

IS THE THRILL THAT WILL GET YOU WHEN YOU GET YOUR PICTURE ON THE COVER OF THE ROLLING STONE

Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, 1972

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When Dr. Hook released “The Cover of the Rolling Stone” in 1972, the iconic magazine was only five years old, but getting on its cover was already becoming synonymous with “making it” in rock music circles. The song—a classic parody of the stereotypical sex and drugs and rock ‘n roll lifestyle penned by the legendary Shel Silverstein—made it to number 6 on the U.S. charts and was a boon to both the band and the magazine.

Dr. Hook made it on the cover of the Rolling Stone three months later, in March 1973, albeit in caricature and with the tag line: “What’s Their Names Made The Cover.”

In this era of American Idol, Survivor and all the wannabe “reality” copycats, it is not all that surprising, perhaps, that Rolling Stone, in conjunction with Atlantic Records, would offer up its cover in competition to what’s-their-names

everywhere. That a band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan—a band with a sound and look more akin to Dr. Hook than its contemporaries, no less— would make it all the way to the Top 2, undoubtedly has many music fans south of the border scratching their heads and asking not only “who?” but “where?”

They are quickly learning the who, the where, and to never underestimate the voting power of a province that loves its underdogs. Or, in this case, its Sheepdogs.

The Sheepdogs—Ewan Currie, lead vocals, guitar; Leot Hanson, guitar, vocals; Ryan Gullen, bass, vocals; and Sam Corbett, drums, vocals—love their home province right back. “The support from home has been crazy,” Corbett said. “There’s even this one guy driving around in his semi with a sign on the back that says, ‘Vote Sheepdogs.’”

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LEOT HANSON

RYAN GULLEN

EWAN CURRIE

SAM CORBETT

POSITION: GUITAR BORN: JUNE 1, 1983, SASKATOON, SK HEIGHT: 5’ 10” WEIGHT: 165 LBS PLAYS: RIGHT-HANDED FIRST INSTRUMENT: TRUMPET GEAR: GIBSON FIREBIRD / GIBSON SG GUITARS; FENDER DEVILLE, MXR MICROAMP – AMPS; IBANEZ TUBE SCREAMER, WAH PEDAL - PEDALS DAYTIME OCCUPATION: CARPENTER FAVOURITE BAND: SUPERGRASS RELATIONSHIP STATUS: SINGLE

POSITION: LEAD VOCALS, GUITAR BORN: SEPTEMBER 9, 1984, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA HEIGHT: 6' 3” WEIGHT: 220 LBS PLAYS: RIGHT-HANDED FIRST INSTRUMENT: PIANO GEAR: GIBSON FIREBIRD / EPIPHONE SHERIDAN - GUITARS; '71 FENDER TWIN / MXR MICRO-AMP – AMPS; BOSS SUPEROVERDRIVE - PEDALS DAYTIME OCCUPATION: BARTENDER FAVOURITE BAND: SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE MARITAL/RELATIONSHIP STATUS: SINGLE

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POSITION: BASS, VOCALS BORN: SEPTEMBER 15, 1984, FREDERICTON, NB HEIGHT: 6’ 0” WEIGHT: 160 LBS PLAYS: RIGHT-HANDED FIRST INSTRUMENT: RECORDER GEAR: RICKENBACKER 4001 / FENDER PRECISION - BASSES; TRAYNOR 250 TUBE AMP DAYTIME OCCUPATION: WORKS WITH PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FAVOURITE BAND: ROLLING STONES MARITAL/RELATIONSHIP STATUS: SINGLE

POSITION: DRUMS, VOCALS BORN: APRIL 3, 1984, SASKATOON, SK HEIGHT: 6’ 0” WEIGHT: 165 LBS PLAYS: RIGHT-HANDED FIRST INSTRUMENT: PIANO GEAR: VINTAGE 1970 LUDWIG KIT, BLACK OYSTER FINISH, SABIAN AA CRASH, RIDE AND HIGH-HAT DAYTIME OCCUPATION: SHOE SALESMAN FAVOURITE BAND: THE BEATLES RELATIONSHIP STATUS: IN A RELATIONSHIP (SORRY, LADIES)

THE COMPETITION Although the ‘dogs are confident and feel like they belong in the running, even being entered in the competition came as a surprise.

“We were submitted to Atlantic unbeknownst to us,” Currie explained. “So, we didn’t even have any clue it was going on until they said, ‘hey, you might be in this competition, you’re on the short list and you might make the 16 who are going to be in it.’ So, we really had no idea, much less that we might make the final two.”

Nathan Brackett, Rolling Stone deputy managing editor, told the New York Times that the 16 bands chosen to vie for the coveted cover spot—as well as, a recording contract with industry giant Atlantic Records and an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon—were found by “shaking the trees.”

One of those ‘trees’ was Joel Carriere, president of Bedlam Music Management and, now, the Sheepdogs’ manager.

“I have some friends at Atlantic and they told me about it,” Carriere explained. “They were asking what my favourite unsigned band was and, at the time, I had just met The Sheepdogs and I told them, ‘check this band out.’

Then, I don’t even know what the process was, but [eventually] I got the call that this band I liked was in the Top 16.”

The 16, as chosen by Rolling Stone and Atlantic, were whittled down to eight, four by fan voting and four by Rolling Stone editors. In March, Saskatoon’s retro-rockers, along with the seven other finalists, made their first trip to New York City to perform two songs for Rolling Stone editors and A&R representatives from Atlantic. The resulting videos propelled The Sheepdogs to the Final 4.

That’s where it got ugly. Okay, not really, but the band cleverly took a cue from the Canadian federal election that was going on at the time and produced its own attack ad.

The video starts out showing a montage of Rolling Stone covers from over the years with an ominous voiceover saying: “Rolling Stone has built its reputation by featuring rock musicians

with prominent facial hair on its cover, but over the years, Rolling Stone has featured more and more artists without facial hair at all.”

It goes on to denigrate the other three finalists noting that Fictionist, from Provost, Utah, “prefers the clean cut look”; quoting Empires lead singer Sean Van Fleet as saying, “I find my beard itchy, I think I might shave it”; and pointing out California songstress Lelia Broussard, “can’t even grow a beard!”

The guys don’t know if the video had any impact on the competition, but it did garner nearly 8,000 views on YouTube and they got some very positive feedback from the Rolling Stone founder and editor.

“We were just at the Rolling Stone offices, hanging with Jann Wenner and he saw the video for the first time and said, ‘this is amazing,’ so that was pretty cool,” Gullen recounted.

Whether or not the spoof made a difference, The Sheepdogs once again advanced. The prize for making it to the Top 2 was a battle of the bands with the other finalist, Lelia Broussard, at the legendary Bonaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee on June 12. Carriere said it was one of the band’s best performances ever.

“When we got there, there were 4,000-plus people chanting “Sheepdogs” and I think that definitely set the tone for their performance,” he recalled.

“It was pretty awesome and when they kicked off the set someone passed Ewan a lighter to crack a beer then they went right into the first song from there. It was a pretty special moment.”

OVERNIGHT SENSATION? The concept of artists who “all-of-asudden” make it big is one of the great myths of the music industry. Michael Stipe indignantly reminded an interviewer once that his band, a little quartet named REM, had been kicking around the Atlanta club scene for more than a decade before they broke out.

Similarly, The Sheepdogs didn’t just come out of nowhere. Since 2005, they have been plying their trade locally, on

WHY do you do what you do?

Because it’s the greatest job in the world.

WHO is your greatest musical influence as a band?

Lennon and McCartney.

WHEN will you feel like you’ve made it?

When we can quit our [day] jobs.

WHERE is your favourite place to play?

Saskatoon.

More specifically?

We anticipate it is going to be the Bess Gardens (July 1, Jazz Festival).

WHAT do you want to be remembered for?

For being great musicians and good guys.

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“

“

WHEN WE GOT [TO BONAROO], THERE WERE 4,000-PLUS PEOPLE CHANTING "SHEEPDOGS"...

IT WAS A PRETTY SPECIAL MOMENT.

the Canadian bar circuit, and at music industry events in the U.S. such as South

by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Their second album, “Big Stand,” earned them nominations for Independent Album of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards and Artist of the Year in the Verge Music Awards (XM Radio).

Pretty much every young man who has ever picked up an electric guitar has dreamed of being a rock star, but few musicians ever have the stamina it takes to become an “overnight sensation.”

After six years of slogging it, though, The Sheepdogs are finally getting a taste of “the life,” jetting off to NYC at the drop of a hat, playing larger ven-

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ues (in May, they opened for Bachman and Turner at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa), and hobnobbing with the rich and famous. How many people, for example, can say they got burned by an original member of The Hollies?

“I left my sunglasses in the studio,” Gullen explained. “When I went back, they said, ‘oh, Graham Nash took them.’”

Despite so far

all the

the recent attention, guys remain humble.

“I don’t think any of us expected to get this far,” Hanson said. “We’re really grateful because there’s a lot of great Canadian acts that could be in our shoes easily. We just got lucky, I guess.”

And whether or not they see their picture on the cover of Rolling Stone on August 18, their manager is confident The Sheepdogs have already arrived.

“If we win it or not, it was an awesome opportunity because we were able to turn it into a larger story,” Carriere said. “They went from touring Canada in smaller clubs to now having their single on the radio, playing for a lot more money, playing more profiled shows, I’m taking them to Australia in September, we’ve got their first USA tour booked. Obviously winning it would be awesome because getting to work with the people at Atlantic and Rolling Stone would be supercool, but if we don’t win it, it’s still pretty awesome because we’ve turned it into a career, that’s for sure.” FLS

FURNISHER SPECIALIZES IN SELECTION AND PERSONALIZED SERVICE

STUNNING ARRAY OF CHOICES ON DISPLAY IN A ROOM FULL OF ROOMS

BY LISSA ROBINSON Entering the 18,000 square-foot space at Palliser Rooms EQ3, a locally-owned and operated furniture store, is a delight to the senses. Despite its large size, the team at Palliser Rooms has created a space that is thematically focused, airy, visually stunning and surprisingly intimate and inviting. The smell of new furniture is always enticing and their use of accessories complements the floor models without overwhelming the eye.

The layout of the showroom with its vast array of beautifully designed furniture, colour accented walls and fabric partitions, speaks volumes about the skills and expertise that is available to clients who enter the store. The knowledgeable and pleasant staff is visible to the eye—and very ap-

Photo By Grant Romancia

proachable, but in sync with the style and layout of the space, there is a respectful distance that also encourages clients to browse at their leisure.

Palliser Rooms EQ3 is an independent furniture store that has been operating in

Photo By Grant Romancia

Saskatoon for nine years. The store specializes in offering a generous selection of contemporary furnishings (predominantly Canadian brands) and a personalized service that is forward-thinking and client-focused. Customer reviews describe Palliser Rooms as a “great shopping experience,” FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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“with exceptional sales staff,” “best displays and best furniture in town,” and the kicker: “great delivery service.” The comments reflect the company’s commitment to providing excellent customer service and speak to their impeccable taste and attention to detail.

On their website, the company describes its philosophy as one that “embodies an ‘all about choices’ philosophy. Whether you have an inherent “do-it-yourself” personality, or find decorating an overwhelming process, our staff is committed to providing valuable information, inspiration and the necessary tools to make your project—large or small—a success.”

What clearly defines Palliser Rooms is the idea that designing a home is a process and not just a matter of purchasing furniture or accessories to fill a void. If you are trying to 72

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Photo By Grant Romancia

plan out your décor for a new house or a redesigned space, the staff at Palliser Rooms encourages its customers to bring in their blueprints, drawings, pictures or ideas to the showroom. The professional consultants are genuinely committed to helping you plan your space, and visualize your best look. Their goal is to take an experience that can sometimes be overwhelming and transform it into a “style journey” that is pleasant, easy and fun.

The sales consultants understand that the feel and statement of your home is

determined by the colours and textures used within your furnishings, accessories, flooring and walls. Their goal is to help you recognize your overall vision and assist you in choosing items that achieve the desired end result. Every piece of furniture plays an important role in the overall function, design, distinct look and feel of your home.

The products shown on the showroom floor are carefully selected to appeal to a wide range of tastes, budgets and styles with an emphasis on contemporary pieces.

Sectioned into galleries, the store effective-

Photo By Grant Romancia

vidual dining piece becomes a reality with choices in table top size and shape, leg style, table apron, edge detail and stain color. The choices are endless and inspiring.

ly highlights furniture for the living room, dining room, home theatre, bedroom and home office. The offerings are impressive and so is the fact that a majority of brands can be customized to suit your preferences whether in fabric, wood finishing or the configuration of pieces.

The living room gallery at Palliser Rooms includes stationary sets and motion or reclining sets, as well as, home theatre sectionals and specialty pieces. Many of the sets can be customized as sectionals and, of course, can be covered with an incred-

ible selection of leather and fabric. Unique to the store are racks of oversized fabric and leather samples that Palliser Rooms had custom made in order to make the upholstery selection process easier for their customers.

Trendy, romantic or classic, the bedroom gallery, like all Palliser’s collections, has something for everyone. Offerings range from affordable collections with great style and quality to a uniquely Canadian custom line featuring added diversity in product selection, hardware choices and stain finishes.

From sleek and contemporary to elegant and sophisticated, the dining room gallery showcases Bermex solid wood styles, which to the clients delight, can be customized. Showroom displays and helpful consultants make it easy to “design your dining space your way.” Creating an indi-

Having the ability to select the perfect pieces of furniture—whatever the budget—is a dream come true. The concept of Palliser Rooms is that you don’t have to settle for generic furniture and limited choices. Experienced sales consultants are always available for detailed in-store con-

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Photos By Grant Romancia

Photo By Grant Romancia

sultations starting right from the creation of a floor plan. In-home consultations can be arranged upon request when necessary.

Their impeccable service doesn’t stop there. A skilled, courteous delivery team is available to inspect, assemble and place your furnishings. Staying in close contact with the client is an essential component of the Palliser Rooms philosophy, and a trained service specialist is always on hand if a client has any future issues or problems with their selected items.

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If you are interested in any of the Palliser Rooms EQ3 consultant related services please email Palliser Rooms EQ3 at info@palliserEQ3.com or call them at 306.653.6000.

Whether you're looking for finishing touches, inspiration to get started on your own, a decorating makeover, or a few new pieces of furniture, Palliser Rooms EQ3 has everything you need when you don't know where to start, or how to finish. Style it your way and visit the showroom today.

Palliser Rooms EQ3 2125 Faithfull Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 1T8 www.palliserEQ3.com www.facebook.com/pallisereq3 Store Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

PA I N T S

Locally-Owned Company Honoured To Serve Saskatonians Since 1917

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DESIGN

NEARLY A CENTURY OF PASSION FOR PAINT AND MUCH MORE

W W W. D AY S PA I N T S . C O M

BY TAMMY ROBERT Michelle Rowlett’s passion for luxurious interior design is abundantly apparent as she lovingly pages through an oversized book of European wall covering samples.

“This is my favourite,” she says, pointing at a striking but delicate hand-painted motif of peacock feathers drifting across the sheet in translucent shades of blue.

Rowlett has been in the interior design and architecture industry for over twenty years, joining one of Saskatoon’s oldest and most reputable businesses as an owner in 2003. Founded in 1917 by J.O.

Day, Days Paints & Design is a company that has held a premier position on the Saskatoon and area business palette for more than 90 years.

The first western Canadian company to introduce Benjamin Moore, recognized as Canada’s most trusted brand of paint*, Days Paints & Design has spent the last 90 years evolving into a one-stop decorating centre. With Rowlett at the helm, Days’ storefront location bursts with an array of painting supplies and a showroom displaying a full selection of stunning

A RT W O R K

Hunter Douglas PA Iwindow products NTS including both flowing, sumptuous D E S I G N E R FA B R I C S drapery options as C U S TO Mas T I N well T AERO S O Lfunctional S and contemporary blinds.

A staggering WA L L PA P E R assortment ofWdesigner I N D O W FAfabrics S H I O N S begs to be touched CasO MRowlett offers swatches for P U T E R C O L O U Rup M AT CHING everything Cfrom custom-made drapery to O L O U R C O N S U LTAT I O N S upholstery andD Ebedding.

S I G N S E RV I C E S U P H O L S T E RY

“Today’s upscale client is looking for anything and everything that is both luxurious and unique,” observes Michelle, flipping through one of the hundreds of books of velvety, embellished fabrics in

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her library. “Custom bedding—bedspreads, duvet covers, pillow coverings—is the perfect way to suit that need. Gorgeous, deep texture, exquisite trims and fun, exotic additions such as tassels are really hot in bedroom fabrics and designs right now.”

Both Rowlett and her clients are wellaware that for approximately six cold months a year, Saskatchewan homes are virtually sealed shut, meaning people are looking for a clean environment both in their homes, and in the world surrounding it. Michelle explains how the interior design industry has adapted to meet the conscientious client’s changing needs.

PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

“Many responsible companies have become much more careful about how their fabrics are produced,” she says.

“They go out of their way to ensure the finished product is free from allergens, carcinogens, has been tested for pesticides, is hypoallergenic, and so on—all while remaining as charming and alluring as ever. Meanwhile, our suppliers, manufacturers and their mills are being built or redesigned to be as energy efficient and non-pollutant as possible.”

Days Paints & Design is home to the Hunter Douglas Blind collection, which more recently introduced the latest generation of honeycomb shades. The Duette Architella Collection offers superior energy efficiency thanks to its patented cell-within-a-cell construction, helping block the heat, cold and drafts. Rowlett is also delighted to offer Allustra—an exclusive line of unique, opulent Hunter Douglas fabrics. Michelle’s clients love to mix it up with different hardware, stainless steel headrail being at the top of every high-end client’s list.

“It’s about setting yourself apart,” she smiles. “Anything to be different than your neighbor.”

Staying within this theme of a clean, healthy environment both inside and outside the home, Benjamin Moore has continued to commit to offering products that help Days Paint & Design customers live well and surrounded by beauty while having a

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minimal impact on the environment.

The use of low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint minimizes the introduction of paint pollutants in the home that cause allergy and chemical sensitivities, while reducing contaminants leeching into landfills, groundwater and the ozone.

“Increased Canadian legislation moving manufacturers away from oil-based paints, combined with pressure from consumers and environmental organizations has really changed the face of the paint industry,” says Rowlett. “Benjamin Moore has come a long way in developing an array of environmentally responsible paints with the benefit of higher performance levels.”

Days Paint & Design is proud to offer Benjamin Moore’s Natura line, a zero-VOC premium performance interior paint that is available in thousands of hues and a wide selection of sheens. Benjamin Moore Aura paint is low VOC, self-priming, and dries to recoat in one-hour, saving you time and money. Because low or zero-VOC paints have a virtually non-existent odour and have less impact on air quality than higher VOC-content paints, they are superb for use in buildings where high indoor air quality is imperative, such as hospitals, schools, the office and of course, the home.

The bottom line is that the Benjamin Moore products Days Paints & Design offers have become more durable, costeffective and less harmful to humans and the environment.

Going green has never been more colourful.

Renowned for exceptional client service and superior calibre products, Rowlett and her team of dedicated, committed professionals love coming into work every day, knowing they have the privilege of guiding home and business owners through the process of determining and delivering their painting and design needs.

Days Paints & Design was recently voted the best decorators in Saskatoon by the Consumers Choice Awards

MICHELLE ROWLETT “People’s homes are so personal, when you enter them you are crossing into very intimate territory,” says Rowlett.

“It’s their safe place, where they are most comfortable. Our clients are letting us into their sacred space and are asking for our help. It’s an honour.

“After we complete any interior design project - no matter how big or small - the best result we could ask for is a client shedding tears of gratitude... and a hug.” *Based on independent research and a public opinion poll conducted by Readers Digest and Ipsos-Reid Canada, one of North America’s leading independent research and public opinion firms.

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PA I N T S

DESIGN W W W. D AY S PA I N T S . C O M

Days Paint & Design 701 2nd Ave N 306. 244.4721 www.dayspaint.com A RT W O R K PA I N T S

D E S I G N E R FA B R I C S

C U S TO M T I N T A E R O S O L S WA L L PA P E R

W I N D O W FA S H I O N S

C O M P U T E R C O L O U R M AT C H I N G C O L O U R C O N S U LTAT I O N S D E S I G N S E RV I C E S U P H O L S T E RY

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EXPERTAdvice CONSEQUENCES

Homes Following a Build Through the Stages: Phase Three of Bernie & Linda’s New Home Construction with Peter Bue, Pegasus Homes

Many people choose to contract their own home thinking they will save money, but start without having a clear idea of the requirements of each phase of construction. An inexperienced builder or homeowner invariably depends on their subcontractors to build correctly and to catch errors quickly and reliably. The consequences for an inexperienced owner/builder can be disastrous.

Some issues are trivial or cosmetic and can be caught and corrected before it’s too late but if you don’t have the knowledge to do proper walk-throughs and ensure everything is as it should be, some subcontractors may leave you with issues that are buried, covered or ignored until it becomes someone else’s problem. At that point, you have defects—like a room that’s never warm enough, dangerous electrical systems or weak foundations—a structural failure or an expensive repair requiring major re-engineering to your home.

While most subcontractors do the best job they can, not every trade is the best.

A builder knows how to evaluate and hire reliable competent subcontractors to build your home and ensure there is a chain of communication throughout the entire process, between you and the builder and the builder and the subcontractors.

Peter Bue Pegasus Homes Phone: 306.230.3004 Fax: 306.384.6983 pegasushomes@sasktel.net

There should be detailed inspections of the work done at every stage—it’s a necessity. Your builder must know all the details of each stage of construction and must know what to look for when inspecting the work. Each stage of building requires many decisions, affecting work that follows immediately after or much later in the build. For example, if piles are drilled to 12’ rather than 20’, you may never know until your garage begins to settle away from your house unless you ask the right questions at the right time.

The best way to avoid errors and headaches is to have an experienced builder overseeing your home’s construction. It will help you avoid issues as you near completion and can ensure the home constructed matches what you envisioned from the beginning.

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BERNIE AND LINDA GET POSSESSION OF THEIR NEW HOME On June 10, Bernie and Linda Laroque got possession of their new, custom-built home.

There is often much work taking place in the last few weeks of construction and there are always problems to resolve before a homeowner moves in.

Because Bernie and Linda were extremely involved in the construction of their home the last stage went fairly smoothly “It was a long process but it was good. It’s even more than we had envisioned and hoped for.

You have to live with the consequences of the choices you make and we’re really happy with our choices and our home,” says Linda. “Don’t leave things until the last minute because it doesn’t allow you enough time to change your mind. We got on the process early with the choices we needed to make so there was opportunity to make changes.”

Linda suggests not to expect perfection when you move into your house because there will be things that need to be fixed. Pay close attention in the walk-through to things like doors not fitting properly or dents in the wall and make sure any problems get fixed.

“If you have a good builder, those things will get fixed. We were really fortunate with Peter—we trust him and know anything we missed during the walkthrough will be fixed but some people don’t have that option.”

Do more with your phone in more places on the SaskTel wireless network; it’s Saskatchewan’s largest network, serving over 96% of the province’s population.

PHONES YOU WANT. SERVICE YOU DESERVE.

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T

he year: 1100 AD. In the heart of the Bavarian countryside, Ehrenburg Castle reigned over the landscape, a fortified, powerful and beautiful renaissance structure designed to both protect and comfort the levels of nobility seeking refuge inside.

Fast forward to 1982, when Saskatoon homebuilder Joe Ehr (the family has been told the name was originally shortened from Ehrenburg) knew there was a market for homes of all sizes that exhibited the same qualities and features as the magnificent dwelling his ancestors enjoyed. Relying on his extensive background in the homebuilding industry, Joe was motivated to start Ehrenburg Homes—The Castle Company.

Today Joe, who has now been in the home construction industry for almost 35 years, still believes that a family’s home is its castle—in fact, the company names all of theirhome models after actual castles in Germany.

When you choose Ehrenburg Homes, you’re choosing one of the finest names in the business. For almost 30 years, Ehrenburg Homes has built its reputation as a family-owned custom home-building company, delivering superior quality housing without ever compromising the company’s dedication to quality.

“We have built our business on referrals,” explains Joe. “We’re proud to be in a position to say that we have built homes for many families more than once over the years.”

MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR CASTLE WITH THE CASLTE COMPANY EHRENBURG HOMES

BY TAMMY ROBERT. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

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General manager Daryl Quesnel credits one factor as foremost in setting Ehrenburg Homes apart from the others in the industry. “Our people,” he says emphatically. “Our staff are among the best in the industry right from our construction manager through our carpenters, site personnel, safety coordinator, service staff, sales staff and our office staff. We are also very pleased to work with the best tradespeople in the industry and truly value our relationships with them. Our customers are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve. All of our staff and tradespeople understand the importance of our customers and we provide them with a great experience from the start to the completion.“ When a client comes to us to purchase their custom home, they will deal with

FROM BACK LEFT Joe Ehr, President Daryl Quesnel, General Manager Joanne Cross, Sales Agent Jody Cross, Sales Agent BOTTOM ROW LEFT Bonnie Crozon, Sales Agent Conrad Ehr, Controller

the same salesperson throughout the entire process. The connection becomes very personal, working one-on-one with the client from the design phase to the move-in date. In many cases this creates a unique, long-lasting relationship that you just don’t see anywhere else.”

“What makes Ehrenburg Homes different is a combination of the professionalism of our employees, as well as, the quality of our trades and suppliers, many of whom have been with Ehrenburg Homes for over 25 years,” says Joe. “Each and every Ehrenburg employee takes the extra time to work with the desires every customer brings forward, from lot selection and the initial design stages, to construction and after-sales service.”

Ehrenburg Homes also leads the industry in cutting-edge, sophisticated building technology. “We are a Certified Professional Homebuilder with Saskatoon and Region Home Builders, as well as Certified Energy Star and R2000 builders,” Joe continues. “We also work very closely with all of our tradespeople and suppliers to make sure Ehrenburg is continually in front of what is new in the marketplace, taking the time to evaluate coming trends.”

Ehrenburg Homes is not only a member of the Saskatchewan New Home Warranty Program, they enjoy the distinction of holding a Platinum Certificate thanks to providing 20 consecutive years of loyal customer service—a merit only held by Ehrenburg and a select few other homebuilders in Saskatchewan.

Gorgeous and practical Lifestyle Specifications come standard on every new Ehrenburg home. “We use the finest building materials,” says Daryl. “We provide full eight-foot finished basement walls and feature larger basement windows to accommodate bedrooms in future devel-

opments. We only supply triple-glazed windows, fibreglass lifetime shingles, Kohler plumbing products, upgraded heat heating systems, efficient direct vent water heaters, heat recovery ventilation systems, upgraded interior trim packages, upgraded railings, maple/alder cabinets, granite counter tops, and upgraded flooring packages. These aren’t required by code, but, quite simply, give the customer a more pleasant and efficient home.”

Additionally, they install a microwave and dishwasher in every Ehrenburg Home— a charming and thoughtful gift to the buyer who may not always opt to purchase these little luxuries for themselves.

Despite being renowned as the builders of some of the most stunning, elegant homes on the Saskatoon market, Joe, Daryl and the staff at Ehrenburg Homes will never be too big or busy to lend a hand to those who need it most. “In early 2007 we began the design and construction process of an affordable housing project in conjunction with ANHDF, River Ridge and the City of Saskatoon,” Daryl explains proudly.

“After two-plus years of planning and design we got to put our plan into motion and begin the 24-unit Pleasant Hill Condominium Project, Parkview Green. We honoured our commitment despite the fact that we had simultaneously just entered one of our busiest times in history, when the housing market was at its peak. At that important junction, when we could have backed out, Ehrenburg Homes decided that giving back to the community was going to be an integral part of our business philosophy. We did what we said we would do.”

Regardless of whether you’re selecting a lot, a new development or a model home, Ehrenburg Homes keeps an inventory that rivals any European country’s stock of historic medieval castles.

In Saskatoon’s Stonebridge, Ehrenburg’s Langlois Way development boasts eight homes ranging in size from 1,219 – 1,332 square feet. Perfect for any size family, each home has a unique floor plan and a close proximity to gorgeous green spaces, shopping, and other amenities.

The F15TEEN, as the name suggests, is a 15-home development located on Stonebridge Common. With floor plan sizes from 1,329 – 1,470 square feet, these 15 spectacularly-designed homes each possess a delightful, front-facing view of the park.

You’ll spend peaceful summer evenings on the spacious front verandah watching the kids play in the park across the street.

If the small community lifestyle is calling your name, Parkview Cove in the Town of Osler may be for you. A fifteen-minute drive from all the conveniences of the city, Ehrenburg Homes’ Parkview Cove development offers a blend of single homes, duplex lots, and even multifamily sites to choose from.

“In Osler we’re excited to be presenting a tremendous mix of product,” says Daryl.

“Our goal is to cater to absolutely everyone. The homes are designed around a large central park, and it’s considerably less expensive to live in smaller communities. However, you’re still only fifteen minutes from the city, with great access to the new Warman golf course.”

Regardless of where you choose to live, Ehrenburg Home offers customers two choices: model homes or custom homes.

After that, thanks to Joe Ehr and his company’s longevity in the industry, extensive inventory and keen, enthusiastic staff, the choices for your castle are endless. FLS Ehrenburg Homes 306.384.1473 1802 Ontario Ave www.ehrenburg.com

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SASKATOON’S ONLY INDEPENDENT BEDDING AND BATH STORE CREATES LUXURY NICHE

BY LISSA ROBINSON. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

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ooking to invest in your nest?

Check out Georgia Mills Linens & More, a specialty store that carries luxury linens and coverings for the bedroom, beautiful bathroom and kitchen accessories, decorative toss pillows, LUG bags, deluxe crib bedding and baby gear —all in two beautiful locations at Market Mall and in The Mall at Lawson Heights.

Georgia Mills was first introduced to Saskatoon residents by its original owners in the mid 90’s as a factory outlet located on the corner of 33rd Street and Quebec Avenue. In 2002, the business was purchased by the Klein family who set out to build on the store’s popularity, excellent selection and good value, while shedding its factory outlet roots by focusing on high quality, luxurious and unique products at affordable prices.

Co-owner, Jessica Klein says that many people believe the store is a franchise, but in fact, it is the only independent, locally owned, family-run bedding and bath retailer in the city. Georgia Mills has worked hard to serve its loyal customers and gain new ones by filling niches in the marketplace with a variety of specialty items, many of which are exclusive to the store.

These include products for bed bug and dust-mite protection, bamboo, wool and silk products, and hard to find colours and sizes including 48” and extra-long bedding, extra deep pocket sheets, and oversize duvets and covers. In addition, Georgia Mills deals with several Canadian manufacturers, and therefore, carries many products made right here in Canada.

The store provides a great alternative to “big box” shopping, and Georgia Mills’ tagline, “The Linen Experts”, holds true as customers benefit from the staff’s extensive product knowledge and focus on service. These “Comfort Consultants” understand that finding the best product for your needs can be daunting and frustrating with so many options and variables to consider.

As an example, shopping for the perfect set of sheets requires an understanding of thread count, fabric content, ply and weave, sizing and pocket depth, as well as the ability to navigate through the many

myths. “The highest thread count is always the best” and “polyester causes pilling” are two of the most popular myths they encounter. “While thread count is important,” says Klein, “there are several other factors to consider.” For example, while 1000 thread count sheets seem impressive, they are not necessarily the most desirable. The resulting fabric is often a heavier weight sheet that lacks breathability, and if it is not single-ply, may be a misrepresentation. “In my experience, a sateen weave 300 or 400 thread count sheet made with Egyptian (long-staple) cotton encompasses the best of all worlds when it comes to softness, durability, breathability and price point”, says Klein.

In addition to working with individual customers, the store also works closely with interior designers and institutions like outfitting camps, salons, B&B’s and care homes. Georgia Mills offers incentives to these types of clients, and hopes to expand these relationships. They are also proud to have supplied most of the bedding in the Kinsmen Show Home, and hope people will turn to them for inspiration in decorating their own homes.

“In fact”, Klein says, “we always encourage people to peruse our catalogues and bring in their paint chips or fabrics, so we can help them put together a beautifully designed room. And as independent operators, we have the freedom and ability to source and custom order that perfect item for our customer.”

A visit to each of Georgia Mills’ locations reveals its own unique style. “You can have a different shopping experience in each of our stores, and we are always working to keep things fresh and appealing”, Klein says. In addition, they have recently created an online presence with a website, and are working to expand their fan base on their Facebook page.

Fans of their page can expect to keep informed about sales and promotions, receive special offers exclusive to fans, see new arrivals and “Favourite Things Features”, and get expert tips on things relating to their industry and products.

If you are looking for something special, unique, or luxurious, then you will

definitely want to spend some time at Georgia Mills. For a pleasurable shopping experience and a wide selection of quality products for the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and more, be sure to visit one of their stores today.

Georgia Mills Market Mall (306) 933-0686 The Mall at Lawson Heights (306) 382-2424 Online: www.georgiamills.ca By email: georgia.mills@sasktel.net

MORE OUTDOOR LIVING

SCREEN ENCLOSURES MAKE SASKATCHEWAN OUTDOORS MORE ENJOYABLE

BY RYAN HOLOTA appreciate how unique and practical Suncoast Screen Enclosures are, and in a short time contacted the manufacturer and headed off for training.

e’d all choose to spend more time outdoors if we didn’t have to fight the bugs and the wind.

Well, good news! There is a local company that offers the perfect solution: DGL Suncoast Screen Enclosures.

THE NEATEST THINGS

Owner Don Larwood lives in Regina and operates his company throughout Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Ontario regions. He began his company nine years ago after being in a Suncoast Screen Enclosure at his sister-in-law’s house in Winnipeg. Since he worked in the construction business, Larwood could

“I thought they were the neatest things and immediately knew that I had to bring them back to Saskatchewan,” says Larwood. With continued success and increased demand, DGL expanded to the other provinces and still continues to grow while maintaining and providing the top-notch quality Larwood believes in.

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DGL Suncoast understands the challenges of outdoor living in Saskatchewan. “Being able to enjoy all the outdoor benefits, without all the nuisance, is something we actually need to engineer,” says Ken MacMurchy, sales and marketing manager. “We create the room so that it has a real open feeling, and not a sense of being enclosed in an outdoor space.”

DGL Suncoast’s Screen Enclosures offer effective protection from the wind. “One of our customers had a magazine sitting on a table in her screen room and although the wind reached 106 kph, the magazine

stayed intact,” MacMurchy notes.

Screen enclosures allow homeowners to leave their patio furniture out without the worry of it being blown around or sunbleached: the screens can cut ultraviolet rays by up to 80 per cent. Sun blockage is very appealing to those with children, as is protection from the threat of mosquitoborne diseases such as West Nile Virus.

“I did not proceed to do this earlier because I thought the screening would ruin my view of the pool, the trees and flowers. One does not even notice there is a screen. It is the most important home improvement that I have ever done.”

John B (South Regina) The temperature within the screen enclosure can be kept ideal as well.

MacMurchy says that on hot days the temperature is not like sitting in direct sun. People can monitor the room by installing a ceiling fan for extra air flow, or patio heaters for evenings and the cooler months. “Some of our customers make them into a complete living space, adding kitchen systems, furniture, TV, lamps, etcetera. It makes a perfect area for entertaining or spending quality family time playing board games or enjoying a nice meal.”

ADD-ONS OR FREESTANDING DGL Suncoast offers enclosures as both add-ons to a house or as free-standing structures over hot tubs or pools. They are very helpful in minimizing the debris that can get into the water. Less cleaning means more relaxation time and enjoyment.

For those customers wanting a “threeseason room,” says MacMurchy, “we have incorporated into our design the Vertical Four-Track window system. These windows can be fitted to an enclosure when it is constructed, or anytime in the future. The window panels slide up and down to expose the screen on the other side, thus opening the entire wall to the outside. They can slide back into place to provide a three-season room, allowing a more controlled room temperature even on those extra-cool days.

“These rooms are an excellent storage space in the winter because all the outdoor furniture can simply remain in it,” MacMurchy adds. “This eliminates all the hassle of trying to pack it in storage sheds.”

LIFETIME WARRANTY All of the structures are made of powdercoated aluminum framing, which comes with a lifetime warranty. In addition, homeowners have a choice of three options for their roofs: a screen roof, a Lexan roof (a transparent roof made of polycarbonite), or one that completely blocks the sun.

Customers sometimes wonder about the durability of the screen enclosures because they have pets. MacMurchy says that this is definitely not a problem, because the screens are made of fibreglass; pets can’t scratch through them. “We have a client whose cat loves to climb up and soak in the sun.” Customers can even have a doggie door installed, allowing their pets freedom to roam without disrupting their owners’ lives.

“I would highly recommend DGL Suncoast Screen Enclosures to anyone interested in expanding their living space and bringing the outdoors in.”

Dannette T (Weyburn, SK) “Not only does the wonderful, well-built structure block the sun, but the wind and the rain and the BUGS!” Mervin and Victoria G (Springside, SK) Homeowners who are interested in obtaining a quote for a DGL Suncoast Screen Enclosure are advised not to procrastinate: during the busy season a typical turnaround is six to eight weeks. For an estimate call DGL Suncoast Screen Enclosures.

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“The quality of the work is first class.”

Gordon W (Winnipeg, MB) “The Lexan roof is a top option,” says MacMurchy, “because it can withstand hail and it allows a soft light in that gives an effect almost like a greenhouse.” It is available in three different tints and has a 10-year warranty.

DGL Suncoast Screen Enclosures Saskatchewan 1.877.449.5106 306.761.1801 www.dglsuncoast.com

Gazebo-style standalones work well when you have a special place in your yard where you like to spend time.

“Unlike other companies, our product is custom-built on site,” MacMurchy says. “We retrofit, because all homes are completely different with deck sizes, roof lines and posts. There are so many variables. Screening walls to a building with an existing overhang is very popular as well.”

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PHOTOS BY BLACKBENCH PRODUCTIONS

FIND FABULOUS HOME DÉCOR ITEMS AT FRENZY

BY ASHLEIGH MATTERN The quickest way to make any home more attractive is to add some details, says Khadijeh Ahmed, owner of Frenzy Decor and Accessories. Her favourite item for a quick home pick-me-up is the metal wall art she carries.

“If you want to redecorate, it’s really easy, you just hang it up,” she said.

Not only is the metal wall art visually striking, it’s light enough to hang on the walls without having to drill any holes, says Ahmed. And while they come in the brushed metal tones of browns and greys, she points out that it’s easy enough to paint them to match any décor.

Ahmed’s customers include new homeowners, people renovating, brides, and professionals with home decorating and home staging businesses.

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Understanding how expensive starting a new life and owning a business can be, she gives brides and home decorating professionals a special discount.

Ahmed’s favourite customers to help are new homeowners who have a lot of space to fill (because, she says, “You can recommend just about everything!”) but she has ideas and advice for anyone who asks.

“I would first of all ask what colour are you decorating, so I can show you some ideas,” she said.

Frenzy is stuffed with hundreds of home décor items, including vases, candles, lamps, picture frames, clocks, and art.

When shopping for stock, Ahmed pays special attention to colour, choosing vases and artwork in the same colour family so

customers have a variety of matching items to choose from. They also have a rainbow of scented Beanpod Candles, an environmentally-friendly company that makes their candles from soy beans.

She also keeps home renovations in mind when choosing frames for the artwork available in-store. All of the frames are two-toned, making it easier to find a frame that matches your current colour scheme. As an added convenience, their paintings are also framed with plexiglass, so you don’t have to worry about the glass breaking in transit.

Ahmed travels all over the world to find unique home décor items and jewellery.

She has been to trade shows in New York, Thailand, China and Germany to find stock for Frenzy.

10% Discount • to Professional Home Decorators and Home Staging Businesses

“I like to see other products than what’s on the Canadian market,” she said.

people were very friendly and it felt like home as soon as I moved here.”

At the same time, though, she makes sure to include a good helping of Canadian artists in her inventory. Décor

by Canadian artists can be identified by a sticker with a red maple leaf on it.

In addition to the home décor items, Frenzy carries gift items and fashionable accessories like jewellery, wallets and purses. They have over 2,000 rings, and are especially well known for their custom-designed nose studs.

Their colourful selection of handbags and wallets includes the brands Espe and Lug.

After opening five years ago at the Centre Mall, the store has since expanded to include a second location at the Mall at Lawson Heights.

• to Brides purchasing for their wedding parties “I didn’t see home decorating stores in the malls,” said Ahmed. “There’s always big box stores like Zellers and Walmart, but everybody has the same item. We always try to bring different items in.”

Frenzy is a family business; Ahmed’s younger sister runs the Lawson Heights location.

Soon after immigrating to Canada from Iraq 11 years ago, she started her first home décor store. Eventually, that first store expanded to become Frenzy, which is now in its sixth year of operation.

“Everybody was so nice,” she said. “That’s why I did not leave Saskatoon, because the

Whether you’re decorating a new home, renovating, or sprucing up a home to sell, Frenzy is a great place to find the items you need.

Frenzy Decor & Accessories Khadijeh Ahmed 3510 8th Street East (in Circle Centre Mall) 306.651.6995 134 Primrose Drive (Lawson Heights Mall) 306.382.1460 info@frenzydecor.ca www.frenzydecor.ca

Fine Furniture for Fine Living WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA LANDRIE Find yourself in a furniture dilemma? You have a vision in your mind of what you’d like to see in your home, but it’s not quite coming to life. Help is nearby. James Hopper and Alison Laxdal operate one of the finest custom furniture workshops in Saskatoon and are passionate about what they do. As James puts it, “Our clientele put value on the objects they live with, sit on, look at and use. Our designs for them are not luxuries or indulgences but rather a one time investment to be treasured for generations.” Furniture is one of the most intimate products any of us will acquire. We furnish the places we live in so we will love returning home, so our friends will look forward to visiting.

If you have ever driven around the industrial west side of town, you might not expect to find one of the most unique and influential furniture workshops in Saskatoon. In fact, you might not find it right away, but it is worth making the effort because this is where the furniture for your life is created.

When you first walk through the doors to James Hopper’s workshop, located at 401 Ave M South, you’ll see much of what you might expect in a woodworking shop—machines, tools, wood, upholstery. What might not expect to find is a relaxed, informal environment where you can feel welcome and inspired. James or Alison are there to greet you with their warm and engaging smiles.

James Hopper is a designer and maker of fine furniture. He spent the past 20 years developing the multitude of skills necessary to craft exquisite pieces for a broad range of clients throughout North America. However, let’s not forget about his true roots. He was born and raised in Saskatoon and was first introduced to woodworking in his father’s backyard workshop. His interest became an obsession when he studied craft and design in Norway. A desire for more formalized 88 60

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training took him to Nelson, B.C., home of one of Canada’s few Fine Woodworking colleges.

Alison has her formal training in fine art, textile design and colour theory. As a couple they make a formidable team. Alison takes great pleasure helping clients select the right pieces to create an environment that is beautiful, functional and enduring.

The couple’s shared love of Scandinavian design and all things Nordic is extremely apparent. But while their personal aesthetics are Volvos, clogs and sleek furniture with soft lines, they love the challenge of working in all forms of contemporary design. From Modern simplicity to the intricacies of Art Deco, their website shows the diversity.

“We love to solve the puzzle,” says Alison.

They look for clues, ask the right questions and the solution is designing the perfect piece of furniture for the client. They have showcased and delivered the very best in style, quality and service to a long list of clientele, both residential and corporate.

When you invest in a custom piece from James Hopper Furniture, you are embarking on a relationship with the artist, one that will yield a finished piece both personal and artistically exquisite. The combination of expertise and artistic vision is evident in every object. James and Alison invite the challenges of the custom process, where the individual client’s functional needs, lifestyle, and taste are of supreme consideration.

Like any true designer’s space, James Hopper Furniture is a working studio and is available by appointment only. If you are thinking of adding a special piece of furniture or cabinetry to your home or business, or need design assistance, give them a call or email and they can get started on helping you achieve something perfect.

Please visit www.JamesHopperFurniture. com or phone 306-373-9663.

James Hopper Furniture 401 Ave. M. South Saskatoon, SK 306.373.9663 jhfurniture@sasktel.net

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LEXINGTON SHOWHOME OFFERS CHIC, MODERN STYLE The interior decorator’s funky, fresh design

BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

Chantelle Butterfield of Funktional Space is an interior decorator/ kitchen designer overflowing with passion for her work. A recent “thrilling” project was to choose the interior finishes of a custommodified offering by Lexington Homes with builder Jon Barkman. The pair combined talents and dove into the modern and sophisticated style. The two-bedroom bi-level with 2,500 square feet of finished space in Willowgrove is staged beautifully by Chantelle to show off its best funky, fresh features to potential buyers.

“It was such a treat to work with Jon and Bonnie, to have a perfect clean slate to start with and pull all those elements together to achieve a look and feel,” says Chantelle. “It looks fantastic.”

Chantelle is a steadfast believer in first creating a timeless foundation that will not fall out of fashion. By establishing a classic frame to build on, you can keep a finger firmly on the pulse of the most current style.

“I advise people to make sure to get the basics right, the more expensive elements, right from the start,” Chantelle says. “As seasons change or if your tastes do over time, for a small amount of money you can revive the paint co-

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PAINTING BY GAIL PRPICK.

PAINTING BY GAIL PRPICK.

lours, and change the accessories, art and baubles to freshen the décor.”

To help Lexington Homes and Construction present a modern, chic and stylish retreat, she kept the palette in warm grey tones. Not the “cold grey of the 1980s,” but that more inviting grey that can liven up a space when you pair it with other greys in the palette, blacks, whites. Throw in colours that pop in the form of throw pillows, bedding, draperies, throw rugs, and the result is an invigorating blend of hip and comfortable.

“The floors are spectacular,” Chantelle says. A Lauzon Line Art maple ¾-inch hardwood combined with Travertine tiles in grey, black and a bit of sparkle adds some understated drama. The kitchen is a wow with soft-close cabinetry, a built-

PAINTING BY GAIL PRPICK.

in pantry and microwave for a sleek, clean look. The cabinets are inspired by European trends that reflect a sophisticated and minimalist personality. Grey and white quartz countertops add the finishing touch of quality. The front foyer porcelain tiles continue in the main and ensuite bathrooms, and each has subway tile offset with breathtaking glass tile highlights.

Chantelle used the unique custom door design as inspiration for a recurring square theme throughout. That repetition, even in subtle details, draws the home together and offers continuity. In keeping with the sleek form of the modern design, there are no doorframes or moldings. No worries here about dusting over doorways!

It was “a pleasure,” Chantelle says, to have such freedom in the finish-

es and decorations of the Lexington home interior. She credits Willows Studio for all the furniture and art work.

To begin with a clean slate is less complex than working around existing possessions. All projects need to be engineered and have unique features, Chantelle says, “but I compare it to selecting a classic cocktail dress. With a renovation or a makeover, sometimes you find yourself taking that dress apart to make it work with what’s already there. To start with something completely new is very exciting. I believe people who view the house are going to feel the excitement, too.” FLS

KEEPING AHEAD OF ANNOYING GARDEN PESTS WITH KEN BEATTIE

might consider some of the general maintenance practices that will ensure success in your prairie garden.

Many landscapes I have observed are covered with mulch, either natural or preformed. Mulch, a great word to say, actually, simply refers to material that is placed to cover the soil, typically surrounding shrubs or perennials to help keep weeds in check, keep the soil moist longer and maintain a moderate soil temperature. Please do not rely on mulch entirely to produce a maintenance-free garden. The mulched garden, for sure, will save some work for you but it is not a done deal once it is put down. Organic mulches such as bark chips and the various shredded wood products do decompose over time. In the process of “rotting” the mulch draws nitrogen from the soil as a fuel which is simply a fact, nothing more.

To compensate for this natural process, I like to use a slow release fertilizer. You may find these products a bit more pricey than regular off-the-shelf fertilizers, but remember you are only adding it once as opposed to several applications of the others.

G

ardeners on the prairies, for the most part, are very resourceful and with good cause. I used to muse at the Saskatchewan tenacity for the “immediate” lunge into spring on or about the 24th of May weekend. For the longest time I was sure that every basement in the province was equipped with growing lights, hundreds of hanging baskets and vegetable

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plants ready to set fruit; a veritable “horticultural grow op.” After all, how else could it be so that on May 26 all the homes on our street and indeed around the city would be festooned with instant summer? Alas, I have come to the conclusion that it is simply a very healthy garden centre industry.

Now that most of you have your landscape and/or gardens planted, you

Insects are always present and provide little to no positive attributes to your garden. The season starts with a rousing crop of cankerworms moving into the summer specials of loopers, leaf rollers and slugs. Should your garden survive the onslaught, there are always the neighborhood cats, local vole population and one can’t ignore the ever nasty presence of the larkspur worm (found in your delphiniums and columbines).

Now as environmentally-conscious gardeners we are not out and about dosing every living thing with chemical so that our gardens glow in the dark, but rather a more respectable approach to these pestilence and vermin. No, not emergency flares or the 22, I am talking about easy-to-find, homemade solutions to discourage vermin and plague from your prized crops.

Arm yourself with knowledge; this is the best method of coming to terms with and learning how to control pestilence. It is useless to apply a product intended as a contact poison if the insect is not visible, likewise to use a control product at the wrong time of the year for the insect’s life cycle. So do your research and learn what sort of bug, beetle, fungus or blight you are dealing with.

One of the easiest “control panaceas” is insecticidal soap.

This does not mean the liquid detergent or the soap products from under the sink but a pure soap. Insecticidal soap is rather similar to Castille Soap or even Murphy’s Oil Soap. Detergents are typically petroleum-based with a list of ingredients that reads like the periodic chart. You may have been told by some learned gardener that dish soap will work on aphids and other soft bodied insects; this may be true but the damage they cause to the plant may not be worth the purported cure.

Spend the few extra bucks and get the proper product, follow the instructions and apply the mixture at the appropriate time.

Non-toxic or non-chemical products work differently than the ancestral chemical ones do. The insects do not fry and shrivel up immediately upon contact, nor is there a wafting of disgusting fog or stinky stuff to contend with. Most insects must ingest the soap mixes and from that point on, stop feeding. Isn’t that the whole point?

The next stages should not be in print as the bugs tend to, well, bloat then let’s just say, expire from a rather nasty “clogging” of body parts.

The worm that is eating, or may have eaten, your Delphiniums is a perpetual prairie pest. She, yes she, lays her eggs in the soil closest to Delphiniums and Columbine. Once these rather early perennials emerge, the eggs hatch, producing countless larvae or, as you might call them, green worms. These particularly nasty critters eat their way into the hollow stems and munch all the goodness out of this year’s crop of Delphiniums. Typically, it is too late to save the blossoms, leaving you with tall, distorted and mangled plants.

Timing is the key to control this vermin. A product called Rotenone™ is still available (at least the last time I checked) as a powder to dust on plants. It is made from the roots of a plant very similar to sweet potato. Yes, it is an organic-like product, but even the most moderate of organic products are still toxic, in particular if you are a bug. Please take precautions and let common sense prevail; just because the control you are using is plant-based doesn’t mean that it won’t harm you or your pets.

Take care and enjoy the season ahead; doubtless there will be pestilence, vermin and cats that enjoy your garden as much, or more, than you do. Bear in mind, there is always next year. FLS

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824 FLEURY STREET • REGINA • 306.781.8007 • 2206 SPEERS AVENUE • SASKATOON • 306. 244.2774 WWW.NORTHERNFIREPLACE.COM

EXPERTAdvice

IRRIGATION TOO MUCH IS WAY TOO MUCH

By Luke Rempel B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Comm.

Plants need water. Seems simple enough.

Whether you’re tending to turf, perennials, a vegetable garden or trees and shrubs, everything must drink. But here’s something that may surprise you: more plants are lost to overwatering than any other cause. And, if you’re like most people, you pump way more water onto your lawns and gardens than is necessary. In fact, people often waste significant amounts of water and pay higher water bills when just a few minutes of regular application is sufficient. Each plan needs to take into account the unique features of the property, but there are a few points to think about.

With leading edge irrigation technology and programmable timers, coupled with a shift in people’s thinking about conserving water, even if you’re like Saskatchewan with plenty of it, you can be nice to the environment and save money.

Advancements in irrigation technology come out of places like San Diego where innovations result from water shortages and serious restrictions. Why wait to take advantage of that development?

GOOD COVERAGE. Ensure you have the proper coverage from each sprinkler head, and you’ll use far less water. Planning the coverage area and taking wind and lawn features into consideration will reduce the time required to irrigate the landscape. The geometry has to be right.

TURF HEADS. One kind doesn’t fit all applications. Both the pop-up spray variety and the rotor, gear-driven sort are designed to do particular jobs. Depending on your landscape, it’s false economy to “save” on the number of heads per zone. If the system is planned properly, the heads will work in concert.

KILLER COMBINATIONS. Never combine turf, garden and flowerbeds on the same zone. You’ll end up underwatering some of your landscape and overwatering other plants that should be

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tended to on a different kind of system.

PERENNIALS. These need only a dripstyle system with a timer. Periodic finger checks of the soil will tell you if you need to increase the water, but a too-wet perennial bed will result in disease, mold and rot, and it’s an invitation for slugs.

TREES AND SHRUBS are okay on their own. Here’s some good news that will save water and money. Select Zone 2 or Zone 3 hardy trees. Establish them the first year by watering with a hose. Use fabric and mulch and they should be good with rainwater unless it’s a particularly stressful, dry season.

SAVING YOU FROM YOURSELF. Does this sound familiar? (And don’t worry; if you answer yes, you’re not alone.) You set up the sprinkler, or turn on the manual taps to your system. You get a phone call. Or you run to the store.

Suddenly you realize the water’s been on for 45 minutes and now there’s a river of your water–and money!–running down the street. The payback period for an automated system with programmable timers is short; the money you save on your water bill will pay for it quite quickly.

THE BRAND NEW SECRET WEAPON: New this year is the Wireless Solar Sync, a wireless sensor that can detect rain, solar intensity, moisture and calculates when and how much to water based on programmable information for your climate zone and what type of yard you have.

Great tools like this and rethinking our water consumption is going to significantly change the way people tend to their landscapes.FLS

CITY GARDENS LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION AND IRRIGATION www.city-gardens.ca luke@city-gardens.ca

ASTROLOGY RE-REVISITED HOW A FEEL-GOOD BRIEF IN AN OBSCURE MIDWEST NEWSPAPER TURNED INTO THE GREAT ZODIAC CONTROVERSY OF 2011

BY MEAGEN THOMAS

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t all started innocently enough.

It was the first week of 2011. It’s not uncommon for January to be a slow news month, but the first week of the year is often especially so. No more year-in-review, no more perspective pieces, just a brand-spanking new year. So new, nothing’s happened yet.

Not surprisingly, Minneapolis Star Tribune editor Randy Salas was surfing the Internet for news and ideas the paper could put a local spin on. An article on the online science journal Live Science caught his eye.

According to the article, Earth wobbles on its axis so the zodiac of 2,000 years ago isn’t accurate anymore. Also, if you were born between November 29 and Dec. 17, you’re an Ophiuchus! It also supplied a list of ‘accurate’ dates for each sign, adjusted to accommodate the so-called new, so-called 13th sign.

Salas assigned the story as a ‘bright’ to veteran reporter Bill Ward who contacted the local technical college’s astronomy professor and planetarium board member, Parke Kunkle, to add the requisite local

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flavour. Since Harris poll data showed that one-in-four people believe in astrology, it would certainly resonate with at least 25 per cent of readers. A story is born.

In newspaper parlance, a bright is a light, feel-good piece as innocuous as a rubber ducky. As any good physicist will tell you, however, even a tub toy moving at high speed can become a dangerous projectile.

Much to the surprise of everyone, Ward and Kunkle particularly, the ducky streaked comet-like into newsrooms near and far, and reignited an epic opinion battle that has simmered uneasily for millennia.

5,000-YEAR-OLD NEWS Ward’s article was scarcely 200 words long but what it lacked in size it made up for in presentation. The headline, The stars might not actually be aligned in your favour; the teaser promoting the graphic inside, So just what sign should you be?; and the graphic’s caption, Your real horoscope: Astrology buffs should be using these dates, reflecting where the stars currently are aligned, piqued many readers’ interest.

The 13th zodiac sign, Ophiuchus, squished between Scorpio and Sagittarius, also came tagged with a tantalizing disclaimer: *Discarded by the Babylonians because they wanted 12 signs per year.

Ward told Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon that Kunkle confirmed the gist of the Live Science article, and added that the information certainly wasn’t news in astronomy circles. As old news goes it was a dilly¬a yawner some 5,000 years-known by those in the know.

Kunkle did, however, add his own views on astrology and zodiac signs, going on record saying there was no physical connection between constellations and personality traits. “Sure, we can connect the harvest to the stars,” he was quoted. “But personality? No.” The story was posted to the Star Tribune website on Sunday January 9, and was in the print edition the following day.

“Around Wednesday we started seeing people on Facebook saying, ‘Hey, I’m apparently a Sagittarius!’” Ward recalled. “They seemed to be having fun;

I could see the word on the story was spreading. On Thursday, January 13, it went absolutely viral. Our website got more than 189,000 hits on the original story in the first three days. It was the top story on Gawker. It was on the CNN website. It was showing up everywhere.”

So were modified versions of Ward’s story. Various media began to report that Kunkle had personally discovered wobble in the earth’s axis—something predicted

by Sir Isaac Newton in 1687 and proved by American astronomer Seth Carlo Chandler in 1891—as well as, rewriting the star sign dates and adding in a 13th sign to boot.

Fox News wrote that Kunkle “dropped a bomb on the zodiac.” Time Magazine credited the startling revelations to astronomers (plural) from the Minnesota Planetarium Society. Even Rachel Maddow (MSNBC’s caustic host of The Rachel Maddow Show) weighed in with an—even for Maddow—embarrassing Ophiuchus-related rant linking gravity and magnetic field changes to runway signage issues at Tampa International Airport.

Kunkle was suddenly a reluctant media sensation. CBC Radio picked up the story from Canadian Press news then interviewed Kunkle at length on January 14.

On the 15th he was on National Public Radio in the U.S. With the exception of The Shopping Channel, Kunkle’s ‘discovery’ led the news on every network that week.

Ward penned a reaction piece about the hullaballoo, but that only threw gas on the fire. And astrology buffs had a reaction of their own in the works.

STAR WARS News of the new zodiac dates and signs

didn’t sit well astrology fans or astrologers.

God gave a lemon. So, why the rancour?

“A lot of people picked up the story but few contacted astrologers,” said Eric Francis, an astrologer, editor of the online astrology journal Planet Waves magazine, and an investigative journalist specializing in scientific fraud.

“This whole thing is based on a hoax. It arises periodically and gets planted in the media as a disinformation campaign,” Francis claimed.

“In any field there are people who are experts, but this was like putting experts on mice on a panel show discussing issues in the Middle East,” he continued.

Many stars and constellations, including Ophiuchus, influence the zodiac, Francis told Fine Lifestyles, but that doesn’t make it a sign in itself any more than having a spare tire in the trunk makes your car a five-wheeled vehicle.

In a good-natured jab at Kunkle, Francis posted a satirical article on January 16 in which astronomer ‘Kark Punkle’ claims to have discovered a 13th animal missing from the 12-animal Chinese zodiac, along with the discovery of an 81st Tarot card, The Housekeeper, as well as a seventh chess piece, the Squire.

“I want to bring out the farce of this: If the zodiac has no credibility, what’s [Kunkle] doing?” Francis asked. “Astronomers who take this position are saying our readings would be more accurate if we followed the system they say we should follow.”

A constellation, Francis pointed out, is just a bunch of stars and a zodiac sign is 30 degrees of movement across the sky. For Francis, the fact that the earth wobbles and the signs aren’t perfectly placed in the heavens like a row of cosmic Rockettes is a no-brainer to, apparently, anyone with a telescope and the common sense

“Most people aren’t that literate about astrology, they depend on what they hear. People from all walks of life are seeking comfort and meaning from astrology and I would like to hear from astronomers what comfort and meaning they offer human souls.”

If there was disinformation for good or ill, the Star Tribune reporter whose bright started it all steps up to take part of the blame. Ward’s article failed to cite Live Science as providing the source material Kunkle was interviewed to confirm.

“It’s been a lesson in Journalism 101,” Ward lamented. “Other outlets were not just changing the content, they were getting it wrong! While I didn’t attribute the Live Science story, I don’t think the story in any way implies that Parke uncovered this.”

As for Kunkle, he’s relieved that life is more or less back to normal. His astronomy students enjoyed his celebrity more than he did, and he’s still surprised he became a celebrity at all.

“I still get calls and emails and those I can generally handle, although there’s many I ignore,” he said. “To me, astrology promotes uncritical thinking. It’s just plain wrong. There’s no connection between the sky and people’s fortune, and in particular it takes us away from looking at the sky for what it is.

“It’s gorgeous up there. We should be in awe of nature’s beauty.”FLS

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f l owers

THE HEALING ART OF

Flowers by Fred IS MORE THAN YOUR AVERAGE FLOWER SHOP 100

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Flowers by Fred PHOTOS BY BENCHMARK PRODUCTIONS

BY ASHLEIGH MATTERN Flowers by Fred has created flower arrangements for the Queen of England, Beyonce, Elton John, Leonard Cohen, and Rhianna.

A third-generation florist, owner Fred Chlan spent 12 years in Japan teaching flower arrangement and doing event work with flower budgets up to $80,000. He describes his membership in the American Institute of Floral Design as the equivalent of having a master’s degree in floral arrangement. When he received it, he was the youngest Canadian ever to do so.

Some might be surprised to find such an accomplished florist in Saskatoon, but Chlan is not your ordinary businessman.

“Saskatchewan offers so much, not only Canada-wide but worldwide, because there’s a space for thought,” he said.

Flowers are not just a business venture for Chlan, they are an art and a passion, and the creative energy and unique community in Saskatoon enhance and inform his creations.

“All of a sudden you’re getting ideas that are coming out of Saskatchewan, that no one has seen because they’re not copies of what has been done before,” he said. “How do you incorporate what we have, like dogwood, willow; how do you incorporate that feeling of looking out over an ocean of grain?”

Flowers by Fred takes a different stance on floral design: No acetate

ribbon, no floral foam and no plastic containers. The flower art that comes out of Flowers by Fred is not only unique due to this approach, it’s also incredibly environmentally friendly. In the spirit of keeping their operation as green as possible, they also have a vase exchange: bring in your used vases in exchange for flowers.

Flowers by Fred is not your ordinary flower store, either. When you walk in, you’re greeted not only by the sweet scent of flowers, but also the soft, musky scents of incense, soaps and aromatherapy oils. Maybe you hear someone testing a drum, didgeridoo or singing bowl, or if it’s Friday afternoon, there might be a local band or a quintet from the Saskatoon Symphony playing on a small raised stage in the middle of the store for “Fridays at Five.”

FRED CHLAN OWNER

The store also carries literally tonnes of healing crystals and stones, smudge like sage and sweetgrass for religious or meditative purposes, meditation pillows, prayer flags and a variety of other spiritual, healing and detoxifying items.

Flowers by Fred is certainly the only flower shop in Saskatoon that sells such items, and they may even be the only flower shop in the world to do, but Fred says the connection between flowers and metaphysical healing is intuitive. The ability for flowers and plants to help heal has been documented: people recover faster if there are flowers in a hospital room.

Fred says the crystals sold in the store complement the work that flowers already do naturally.

ROSIE FIELDS LESLIE KUPCHANKO

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flowers by fred “A flower is aromatherapy and colour therapy,” he explained. “You can call any flower shop when your aunt or your mom is in the hospital. With us you have the option of including a vase that has rose quartz in it. A stone that gives a vibration that will heal an area. We can put that in a nice pouch or the base of a vase.”

Flowers aren’t just for hospital bedsides, either; they can also make a difference in the business world. Fred told a story about one of his customers who buys over 5,000 stems of orchids once a year for professional administrators week.

“His staff loves that time of year. They don’t bill him for extra hours, they come in and hang out, and everything is really lovely in his store.”

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Over the years, the store has become a gathering place for many different communities in Saskatoon. The yoga community, the organic community and the music community can find a welcoming space at Flowers by Fred.

Twice a year, all of those communities, and more, merge to create their Crystal Weekend. The weekend is a celebration of crystals and metaphysical healing with yoga, chanting, dancing, music, food, and health and healing demonstrations. Chlan says 400 to 800 people come through the business over the weekend, and his crystal supplier brings in up to $500,000 worth of stones. “[Crystals] are an application system.

They’re not going to save you — you have to save you — but this can help you.”

Besides their connection to healing, the crystals are absolutely beautiful. Imagine a wedding flower arrangement of orchids woven in dogwood with a series of pure crystals as opposed to plastic beading.

The store also carries a selection of handmade children’s clothing made by new mother Alisha Liley who uses stones and crystals in the hair clips, tutus and hats.

The children’s clothes aren’t the only hand-made items in the store; they also carry fairly-traded, hand-made clothing from Tibet (bought through a former Tibetan monk living in Saskatoon, no less), and locally created hand-made cards. For Fred, selling hand-made and fairly-traded items is part of his philosophy that small, conscious changes on the part of business owners can have a wider-reaching effect.

Flowers by Fred is more than a flower shop. It’s a destination, a gathering place and a creative space. They design and assemble all of their arrangements on site.

Working as a team, the florists combine their eclectic backgrounds to create truly stunning floral creations. Chlan calls the creation station the nerve centre of the store; the creative energy produced there fuels the store’s ethos.

Fred describes flower design as “the movement of the flower as opposed to making geometric shapes and selling volume.” His understanding of flower design as art and as a path to healing means his products and his approach are fundamentally different. His flower creations are unique and the atmosphere of his business is unique. Fred and his employees regularly offer customers tea, and encourage people to stay and relax to experience the space.

That welcoming attitude is reflected in the personal care and attention the Flowers by Fred staff put into each project, whether it be setting up and producing florals for a big event like the Junos, or a feature in Wedding Bells magazine, or a single bouquet for a customer.

“Many sets of hands and hearts go into an event as big as a wedding or an item as small as a grad corsage,” said Fred.

Flowers by Fred Fred Chlan Aifd 727 22nd Street W. 306.384.3003 stems@sasktel.net

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EXPERTAdvice

FLOORING END OF THE ROLL MARKET ADVICE COLUMN: GREEN FLOORING

GREEN FLOORING

By Amy Irwin

In today’s world, there are innovative ways to recycle, reduce, reuse, and renew. One that may not come immediately to mind is flooring. If you are interested in environmentally sustainable practices—which everyone is these days—you will want to investigate whether your flooring supplier is stocking environmentally friendly flooring products.

North America’s leading flooring manufacturers are environmentally aware—from maintaining high ethical and safety standards for their people and communities, to conserving water and energy, to recycling materials and carrying products that can be remanufactured over and over again.

They support the reduction of waste, improved manufacturing, and the preservation of natural resources. At the same time, as a buyer, you don’t need to sacrifice style and modern design to gain these benefits. There are a very large number of flooring products currently containing recycled materials.

For instance, some carpets are manufactured using recycled plastic bottles while others make use of corn sugar during the manufacturing process. For every 40 square yards of carpet pro-

END OF THE ROLL 74-33rd Street East 306.683.3600 saskatoon@endoftheroll.com www.endoftheroll.com End Of The Roll. Your Flooring...

Right Here. Right Now. Right Price!

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duced using the corn sugar method, approximately 13 US galons of gasoline are saved.

Cork is obtained mostly from the Mediterranean where they harvest the bark of oak trees every nine years without causing any damage to the surroundings. Primary cork is used to make corks for wine bottles. The balance is put to good use for flooring instead of being wasted. Hardwood is a life-long flooring option that requires minimal care and maintenance and outlives most other floor coverings.

Some luxury vinyl tiles are made with 75 per cent post-consumer recycled product. Look for a supplier who stocks CRI-approved vinyl and is non-toxic virgin foam. Make sure the adhesives your floorer uses are waterbased and not chemical-solvent based.

Look for a supplier who uses manufacturers who also pay attention to diverting pre- and post-consumer waste from landfills, continually reusing water instead of discharging it as wastewater, and who work with authorities and interested parties by analyzing environmental issues and developing sustainable solutions.

With your support, we can all create a green legacy to be proud of. Together, we can make a difference! FLS

CHOCOLATE IN THE RAW

BY KAI HICKS AND JUDITH WALTERS Chocolate fills the senses, tantalizes the taste buds and releases bliss into the body. And yet controversy surrounds this miracle food. Most chocolate is full of refined sugar, dairy, colouring, preservatives, coagulants and lots of other substances that our bodies cannot process.

Raw chocolate is different Arriba Raw is one of the very few producers of raw chocolate in Canada.

Raw chocolate is gently melted at temperatures too low to cook away the nutrients.

Most commercial chocolate bars, including organic dark chocolate, have been heated to such high temperatures that the nutrients and minerals are stripped.

Arriba Raw does not contain dairy, colouring, preservatives or coagulants.

Arriba Raw is a delicacy in smooth, creamy, deep, dark chocolate. It is an experience. Raw chocolate is the highest source of antioxidants of any known food in the world.

Antioxidants = Anti-Aging Raw chocolate is the highest source of magnesium in the world. This alkalizing 106

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PHOTO BY BLACKBENCH PRODUCTIONS

mineral is essential for the human body.

Without magnesium the body cannot absorb calcium. Without calcium our bones and teeth degenerate.

weekly basis. Intuitive Path carries over 30 superfood products that are medicinally rich and minerally dense. Intuitive Path’s mission is to teach the body to lead the mind for elite health and well-being.

Clinical depression is caused by the body’s lack of, or inability to create, serotonin. Cacao has the more serotonin by weight than any other food source and also has the precursors to allow the body to produce serotonin itself.

One ounce of cacao powder contains 300 per cent of the recommended daily intake of iron. The body needs iron to produce red blood cells.

Cooking chocolate destroys all of the serotonin and magnesium, and greatly reduces the antioxidants. Arriba Raw Chocolate is made from the finest raw certified organic ingredients available. We never have to feel guilty about indulging in Arriba Raw chocolate.

Kai Hicks is the owner and operator of Intuitive Path SuperFoods, of which Arriba Raw chocolate is a subsidiary. Kai has taught raw food integration and raw chocolate-making classes throughout western Canada. He makes his home in Saskatoon. You can order products or register for classes online or by phone.

We deliver to residents of Saskatoon on a

Intuitive Path Superfoods Kai Hicks 306.612.2011 kai@intuitivepathsuperfoods.com www.intuitivepathsuperfoods.com

LEVEN’S COFFEE TO BE SAVOURED LIKE FINE WINE

BY FLS STAFF. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ

Marie Tupper, owner of Leven’s Coffee, is part entrepreneur, part coffee revolutionary.

“Coffee has become as automatic as a drive-thru,” she says while carefully grinding a single serving of freshly-roasted, fully fair-trade and 100 per cent organic beans.

“For so many people, fresh has come to mean recently-brewed, but coffee really can, and deserves to be, appreciated the same way people enjoy fine wine.”

She then serves the aromatic brew in a to-go French press—completely biodegradable and recyclable, of course—taking the time to share her passion, not just for great coffee, but for all things moral and sustainable.

“For me, not everything is about the bottom line,” Marie explains. “Even though we’re just a small place, I’ll do what I can to make a difference.”

Making a difference, and being different, starts with not just buying top-quality, fair-trade Arabica beans exclusively, but dealing only with suppliers who do the same. It continues with scouring the local area for hand-crafted items you won’t find anywhere else, as well as, bringing in vegan, gluten-free baked goods daily.

The list of features and products unique to Marie’s business goes on. The eclectic décor in itself is worth a visit, but ultimately, it’s all about the coffee. To make your visit not just a “walk-thru” to obtain your morning (or afternoon) fix of caffeine, but an experience you will want to repeat again and again, Marie roasts her beans on-site, in sight, and only in small batches ensuring all of the many varieties she carries are always freshly roasted.

And because each cup is served right after the beans are ground in your own French press, a Leven’s coffee is always as fresh as it could possibly be. Savour it at home too, with a pound of fresh-roast beans to go.

“I honestly don’t know if you can get a fresher cup of coffee anywhere,” Marie says, with typical integrity, even eschewing the temptation and opportunity to make a claim she could almost certainly support.

Decide for yourself.

Leven’s Coffee Market Mall - 2325 Preston Ave 306.979.8118 levens@sasktel.net www.levenscoffee.com

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ANGLES SALON & SPA

PHOTO BY HEATHER FRITZ

BRINGS EUROPEAN STYLE TO THE PRAIRIES

BY ASHLEIGH MATTERN One of the most noticeable features of Angles SalonSpa is their floor to ceiling windows. Situated at one of the busiest corners downtown — at the entrance to Midtown Plaza — the windowed storefront is hard to miss.

“What I’ve created is a big city feel, with a down-to-earth ambiance,” said owner Tammy McLean.

Another key to that big city feel is the professional, driven and career-minded staff McLean employs. Uyen Huynh, the salon’s assistant artistic director, is a nationally recognized hair stylist. She won two awards in 2011: Contessa’s hairstyling award for Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and the Canadian Hairdresser Mirror Award in the fantasy style category.

Angles employees all receive Europeanstyle training either from McLean herself, by sending them to Paris, or by bringing European trainers in to Angles. With a partner based out of Paris, they get European runway trends as soon as they are released.

and 36 full-time employees, Angles is the largest premier salon-spa in the city.

Open seven days a week, their “total beauty concept” approach makes Angles a one-stop spot for hair, nails, skin care, massage, make-up, tanning, teeth whitening, laser hair removal and more.

They offer 100 per cent satisfaction and lowest price guarantees on all of their 60 product lines, as well as, gift cards and a customer loyalty program for both products and services.

Currently celebrating their five-year anniversary, Angles SalonSpa has been a finalist in the Sabex awards for two years, and McLean was nominated for RBC’s Women Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards.

As a trusted local business with topclass service and affordable products, Angles is the perfect choice for the discerning consumer. FLS

“Saskatoon is not ‘small town’ anymore,” said McLean. “If we want to keep up with the big cities, we have to look the part.”

In addition to offering a world class experience, Angles also offers something more down to earth: convenience and affordability.

ANGLES SALON & SPA 201 1st Ave S (Main Door Midtown Plaza) 306.653.4247

www.anglessalonspa.com With two levels, nearly 5,000 square feet

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WALK-INS WELCOME

PHOTO BY HEATHER FRITZ

EXPERTAdvice Q: What is the biggest reason people look for a new salon?

HAIR & BEAUTY CHOOSING A SALON AND SPA

By Tammy McLean

A: There are many valid reasons a guest might leave a salon or spa, some of them being as simple as location, price, service spectrum, hours of operation, payment method, convenience, value or cleanliness.

Although some or all of those things may come into play, the single most common reason a client leaves her/his salon is the stylist does not listen to them and does the same thing time after time.

This is an easy fix. If your stylist/aesthetician is not updating their skills at least twice a year, it’s time to find a new one!

Q: How do you even start looking for a new salon or spa?

A: Check with your city tourism, local chamber and hotels. They make a point of getting to know the businesses they are promoting. Ask around, if you see great hair on the street, ask them where they got it cut. Then do your homework.

Book a simple service, something like a shampoo, blow-dry or a brow wax.

This is your time to check them out.

What was the service on the phone like?

What are the hours of availability. How is the cleanliness? Is the location convenient? Do they have a broad selection of products and tools for you to choose from? What have they done to stand out? Were you greeted with a smile?

What’s the atmosphere like? Do you get a happy vibe? Can you see good teamwork? Is there a mix of personalities and looks? This is important, so if your individual service provider goes on holidays, moves, or leaves the industry you can find a fit with someone else where you have already built a relationship.

Ask about education, specifically what classes or training they have taken in the last 6 months? Look for Salon/Spa

awards certificates and accreditations.

A good stylist should have a portfolio to show you—a collection of some of their work. Ask about their work history. If a stylist/aesthetician has hopped around to too many places in the past three years, chances are they will continue to do this and you will be looking for a new stylist/aesthetician again soon enough.

How was their consultation? Did they take the time to get to know your likes/dislikes and ask about home care? Were they knowledgeable about the products they used, offering suggestions for home care?

Was the service about you? Was it relaxing?

At the completion of your service, did they show you the products they used and any in-store promotions or sales? Did they offer to book a follow-up appointment or ask for referrals? Did they give you their card?

It is all these details that show you they make you and their job top priority. You want to go to a successful and profitable salon. This means it will still be there the next time you want to book.

Q: Anything else I should be looking for in a salon/spa?

A: Personally, I like the convenience of a one-stop shop. Knowing I can go to one place to get all of my beauty services. That education has been put to the top of the Salon or Spa’s priority list.

Do they have loyalty program and referral programs? What about marketing of special promotions so you don’t miss out? Also, you should see the salon owner present in keeping the mission, values and vision going. FLS

ANGLES SALON & SPA 201 1st Ave S (inside Midtown Plaza) 306.653.4247 / 306.653.4253 tammy@anglessalonspa.com www.anglessalonspa.com

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RIVERBEND PLANTATION OFFERS UP SASKATOON’S NAMESAKE IN MYRIAD DELICIOUS WAYS

BY ASHLEIGH MATTERN. PHOTOS BY HEATHER FRITZ “In farming, you are producing food for people and you are using local inputs and you’re selling locally and maybe you can call it a culture, but it’s really just forming relationships in the community,” she said.

FOR GRACE WHITTINGTON, OWNER OF RIVERBEND PLANTATION, BEING A LOCAL BUSINESS COMES NATURALLY FROM FARMING AND SELLING SASKATOON BERRIES.

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Riverbend Plantation’s cafe at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market just opened last year, but the business has been around for 30 years. They started as a saskatoon berry plantation, but soon started selling jams, jellies, chocolates, teas and pie filling wholesale. Now they’re offering their deliciously local products to the whole community through catering and a cafe.

They do customized catering for all occasions, from meetings to office parties, dinner parties, family reunions and bridal showers. The sandwiches and baked goods they offer are made fresh with local breads, vegetables and meats from the farmers’ market, and they buy their coffee from a local roastery.

“We’re very committed to local agriculture and local business,” said Whittington.

“We try and use as much local product as we can in the food that we make here, sup-

porting businesses in the farmers’ market and other businesses around town.”

The quality of Riverbend Plantation products starts in the orchard with the fruit they grow. The cafe has a saskatoon berry theme, with saskatoon pies, tarts and coffee cakes, and waffles with saskatoon topping. During the summer, they use fresh saskatoons in everything from desserts to salads to beverages. For those less berryinclined, they also have fresh sandwiches, including vegetarian options, and baked goods. In addition to the fresh products available at the cafe, they also offer ciders, chocolates, jams and jelly, syrups, pie filling, toppings, vinaigrette, and pemmican.

Riverbend is open six days a Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. on Saturday from 8 a.m. to on Sunday from 10 a.m. to

week, from to 5 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. FLS

RIVERBEND PLANTATION 306.975.2010 414 Ave B South (in the Farmers Market) marketcafe@riverbendplantation.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

LOSE THE WEIGHT & GAIN YOUR LIFE BACK WITH ‘

TM

An interior shot of the Weight Loss Forever LIMARP Hospital

BY ALEXANDRA WALLD

I

t’s summer. It’s hot and you don’t want to go through another year feeling uncomfortable in your own skin. You know you need to lose weight, but you’re not sure how to get there and you’re sick and tired of the roller coaster weight game.

If you’ve struggled with the scale, losing weight only to gain it back, you know what it’s like to strive for a solution. Now, there’s a permanent solution to obesity and its

safety and success rates have quickly made it the fastest growing elective surgery in the world. Offered through Weight Loss Forever—the only company of its kind in Canada—the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, or “Sleeve,” is a bariatric procedure that has helped hundreds of patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, back pain, sleep apnea and/or depression take control of their health. If you suffer from obesity, you could be a candidate for the procedure.

“Many people suffer from being overweight and have health problems as a result but have no place to turn,” says Melanie Wildman, President and CEO of Weight Loss Forever. “Our program offers pre-operative and post-operative care and support, information sessions and comprehensive, hands-on support from patient facilitators, nurses, clinical psychologists and dieticians to ensure our patients have the support they need every step of the way.”

When considering weight loss surgery, it’s important to consider companies with Canadian ownership of it facilities and proper protocols in place to ensure patient safety. Weight Loss Forever is the only company in Canada that provides the support groups, educational material and

extensive preoperative and postoperative care patients need to reach their goals.

“Patients who are part of an ongoing support program lose over 32 per cent more weight than those who get a weight loss procedure on their own,” says Wildman.

After losing her weight with the Sleeve, Melanie started Weight Loss Forever, has since become Mrs. Saskatchewan and will be representing our country as Mrs. Canada in the Mrs. International Pageant July 22-23 in Chicago, IL. To meet the growing demand for a permanent solution to obesity, Weight Loss Forever, which started as a twoperson operation in Saskatoon, has expanded throughout the province and into Alberta, with offices in Saskatoon, Regina, Lethbridge and Edmonton.

Weight Loss Forever has received four separate SABEX award nominations this year alone, recognizing the high quality of service and support it provides patients on their weight loss journey. Attending an information session with Weight Loss Forever or watching one of their meetings live on their website could be some very valuable food for thought.

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MIKE’S STORY

Not knowing what that was, Mike started doing research and, while trying to learn more about the available options, was in touch with his friend Connie, a real estate agent in Saskatoon. “I’ve known her forever and had been talking with her about doing something one night and she told me she was going to do it, to get the procedure with Melanie through Weight Loss Forever. She went a month before I went and that’s what really got it all rolling,” he says.

affected everything—my work, my home life—things go smoother and it’s been quite dramatic. It was 26 degrees here today and I’ve never liked heat in my life but I thoroughly enjoyed it, today. I have a new outlook on vacations and life.”

“I’ve been in touch with her on and off through all of it and she’s doing fairly well and things are going great now. For me, it all just kind of happened in six weeks.”

MIKE STUTT BEFORE As an avid athlete in his high school years, Mike Stutt had always been in fairly good shape, keeping fit with many sports, his favourite of which was wrestling. Mike had eight years on the provincial team, four years on the national team and two world championships under his belt; it seemed like nothing could get in his way.

But, like many other athletes, life after high school can change routines—switching gym shorts for coveralls and running shoes for steel-toed boots, Mike, now an equipment operator for an oilfield in Algonguin, AB, works 20 days on and 10 days off and learned shortly after he left high school that it’s hard to keep active when you’re working a full-time job and life gets in the way.

“It’s something I dealt with since I was in my teens. I was a fairly accomplished athlete in high school, but once I got into the workforce, things went from great to not so great,” says Mike, now 40. “Then in 1997, I was in a motorcycle accident and was off of work for almost two years.

My weight went way up and I never really got it back down. At first it wasn’t that bad but it got to the point where I had trouble at work—because I work a 20 and 10 schedule at work—it got to the point where I knew I needed to do something that actually worked.”

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Mike went for his procedure on September 20, 2010. The day he had his surgery, he was at 372 pounds and has since lost 130 pounds. Since the Sleeve worked so well for Mike, his uncle, who has also struggled with weight issues—a trait that seems to run on Mike’s mother’s side of the family—decided to go for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure through Weight Loss Forever this June.

“It was practically the most positive medical experience I have ever had. The care was amazing down there. Speaking from being a guy and liking to do sports, I’ve been in the hospital a bit, whether it was for stitches or so on, but I’ve had surgery a few times; I had shoulder and elbow surgeries from the motorcycle accident I had, and this one was just amazing,” Mike says.

“Everyone in that clinic was a doctor. And Dr. Pompa came and talked to me for half an hour before she did the surgery; I’ve never met a surgeon beforehand at home and it was just a different twist. I was impressed by it. It was an all around good group of people. I wish I would have done this 10 years sooner. It’s given me back things I’ve lost and it just opens up so many doors and changes so many things, it’s truly amazing. I have a lot of new words in my vocabulary that I’ve never had before, like “medium. I get to shop in stores that don’t start with “Tall and Fat” and it’s been a great adventure that has

MIKE STUTT AFTER HE LOST 130 LBS

“I get to shop in stores that don’t start with “Tall and Fat” and it’s been a great adventure that has affected everything—my work, my home life.”

ASHLEY’S STORY

want to live and actually contemplated suicide but didn’t have the guts to die.”

It was her supportive family, she says, that helped her through the difficult time.

Knowing that her mom was always there, even while she struggled with her own weight, was invaluable.

“If it wasn’t for my mom, my family, Melanie and Weight Loss Forever, I wouldn’t be here. Every morning, I woke up hating myself, thinking I was fat and that I couldn’t go out in public because of what people would think. It was time to try something else; everything else— exercise, dieting, pills—none of it worked.”

all of a sudden, I woke up and realized I wasn’t thinking about it—instead, I was thinking about what I wanted to get up and do. I actually buy clothes now and don’t try them on and they fit—I feel good now, love life and want to be here.”

“If it wasn’t for my mom, my family, Melanie and Weight Loss Forever, I wouldn’t be here.”

The turning point for Ashley was when she realized her health issues—heart problems, migraines and irregular menstrual cycle—were a result of obesity.

She would go months without getting her period followed by months of having it, putting her in the hospital and in danger of infertility. The threat to her lifelong dream of one day having a child made her decision clear.

“The doctor said I couldn’t have kids and that scared me almost more than anything else. I just wanted to be healthy and able to have a baby.”

ASHLEY REIMER BEFORE While Ashley Reimer is excited about life and what it can offer, she didn’t always feel this way. As a teenager, Ashley felt overweight and dealt with feelings of insecurity and depression. Shortly after high school, she put on a lot of weight and her fight with her feelings, image and health began.

No matter what she did, even going to the gym six days a week for a month, the weight kept adding up and the stress and depression wore her out.

“I never wanted to put on makeup or do anything. I wouldn’t go shopping or camping and I never wore t-shirts or shorts—I was always hiding and miserable,” says Ashley, now 26. “I didn’t

She heard about the procedure from her mom, who’d had her life completely changed by the surgery in January 2010.

Ashley got sleeved exactly six months later, to the day and since then, has gone from a size 24 to a size 5 or 6 and her health issues have almost completely diminished.

Unsure if she could accept the financial burden, Ashley received help from Melanie, her mom and her family. She says Weight Loss Forever’s facilitators and support groups are a useful tool for patients because they do their best to ensure a patient isn’t sitting at home, wondering if they’re the only person who’s thinking about something.

“For a few months after the surgery, I still woke up having negative thoughts. But

ASHLEY REIMER AFTER SHE LOST 96 LBS

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JODY’S

STORY

heard about Weight Loss Forever, I knew I had to do it.”

Jody heard about the permanent solution in August 2009 when her close friend Melanie Wildman, now President and CEO of Weight Loss Forever, told her she had gone for the procedure. Both women were quite similar in their size and struggle, Jody says, and she knew after watching Melanie battle for years with her weight that since this procedure gave Melanie lasting results, it would work for her, too.

“I’m going to enjoy the summer this year because I’m not going to be thinking about my body,”

She learned more about the Sleeve and on January 14, 2010, she went for the procedure with Melanie at her side as her patient facilitator. Before her surgery, Jody weighed over 200 pounds and has since lost more than 82 pounds.

JODY PINKSEN BEFORE For Jody Pinksen, the battle of the bulge began at age 20, after she gave birth to her first child. Her weight ballooned out of control and she was caught in a losea-little, gain-a-lot struggle with her body.

For two decades, she tried every diet program with little luck and zero permanent results. “I always felt different and out of place. I’d go into a room, take a look around and think, ‘I’m the fattest woman here,’” says Jody, who lives in Drayton Valley, AB. “My weight was always on my mind and no matter how many people told me I looked fine, it was always there because I was too ashamed.”

She made the choice to find a solution the day her son came home from school, angry with his classmates. “He came home and was upset because some of the kids were teasing him about his fat mom and that really hurt me. He was mad and upset they would say something about his mom. That just killed me. I tried again after that to lose weight and as soon as I

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“It was easier than I thought would be. I was expecting it to be a lot harder and a lot more painful but I was up and shopping just three days after my surgery,” she says. “And to have someone there to hold your hand, it was no big deal at all, as far as surgery goes. It was a relief to find something that worked for me.”

Getting the sleeve has changed her life, she says, and has changed her from the inside out. Before the procedure, she was on antidepressants and had a negative outlook on life; now, she has more stamina, stronger relationships with her family and friends and jumps at every opportunity to get out and live life.

“I’m going to enjoy the summer this year because I’m not going to be thinking about my body,” says Jody, who recently got a circular tummy tuck and breast lift with implants. “I wanted to finish what I started and it was the icing on the cake. It was my 40th birthday present to myself because I’d wasted a lot of years feeling frumpy and down in the dumps. Now, I’m going to enjoy the years I have left.”

Weight Loss Forever 306.665.8891 or 877.306.8891 Suite 15 – 901 1st Avenue North www.weightlossforever.ca

JODY PINKSEN AFTER SHE LOST 82 LBS

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

CHANGE YOUR LIFE! CALL 1-877-306-8891 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND FIND OUT IF YOU ARE A CANDIDATE FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Simply “just be...”

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For more than three decades, these have been iconic catch phrases for individuals and groups from across Saskatchewan, and across the globe. What they have come to represent is the rustic and harmonious retreat of the Mable Elliott Guest Ranch, located just off highway 16, less than 20 minutes from Saskatoon.

For those who have been blessed enough to spend time there before, they take solace in remembering their own personal and so very special moments. For some, it is the rich morning coffee accompanied by a slice of Mable’s homemade bread and preserves. It may be taking in the gorgeous morning sunrise on the prairie, and the sounds of nature—the frogs and songbirds who replace the all-too-familiar sounds of morning traffic. It could be the fresh open air, sweetened by the scent of the garden and the natural beauty it has to offer; or the romantic weekend getaway a couple spent, enjoying a simple, yet treasured, time together.

As one walks out onto the deck after a peaceful rest, or pulls into the yard after the drive from town, we are greeted and wished a good morning by Mr. Bean, Mable’s faithful collie sidekick. This is a place where every man, woman and child learns a little bit more about themselves, and gets even more in touch with the natural and peaceful beauty that rural Saskatchewan has to offer.

Mable Elliott’s Guest Ranch is therapeutic for the heart, mind, body, and spirit.

Every soul who visits experiences a warm and unique home away from home.

Yet no matter what the reason is for coming, be assured that one will always leave feeling more grounded, centered, energized.

AN INTRODUCTION TO YOUR HOSTS Riding since she was four years old, Mable Elliott is a true cowgirl.

Warm and sweet, strong and genuine, she trains a young, excited mare in the morning, and serves up a fantastic stew and homemade bread at lunch. Elliott believes all people have a purpose, and she provides a safe, non-judgmental setting to discover what that is. Her clients have become her best friends, and highly recommend her to their peers.

Mable Elliott is a certified coach and trainer, credentials appreciated by local and international guests. All horsemanship programs are based on a lifetime of professional experience and the solid foundation of national standards. She has a keen eye to read horses, as well as people. And, as many guests find out, horses truly are for health.

The animals at Mable Elliott’s are not just horses—they are ambassadors. They are the finest animals with unique personalities and spirits, much like the people who come to visit. Horses have a natural ability to sense well-being and the emotional energy inside every individual. Every guest is carefully partnered with a beautiful horse that matches the rider’s skill level. Patient and understanding, these ranch ambassadors are remarkable at putting a first-time or anxious rider at ease.

Many first-timers are amazed at the connection they feel, as it is a powerful and humbling experience—one these animals share time and time again.

After a wonderful and exhausting day, you retire to the comfortable ranch house; a home-cooked meal made with love that “sticks to your ribs,” followed by evening tea outside on the deck at sunset, and then, lastly, to a cozy country guestroom, where sweet slumber is almost guaranteed.

Horses give great hugs...Horses are for health FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Waking refreshed, enjoy time in the garden and breathe deeply, knowing it’s a new day, and the prairies are ready for you to visit atop a beautiful well-trained ranch horse again.

REGROUP, RECHARGE, AND REJUVENATE Often imitated, never equaled, Elliott and her team provide the opportunity for each guest to embark on a journey of personal growth and enlightenment. Every person has tough times, with bumps and pebbles in the road still there is a desire to stay positive, and centered to get through it all. Horses tune in to what their riders are feeling, and respond with affection and comfort. Their compassion is unequalled, helping you through life’s hurdles, warming your heart.

Regroup your thoughts, find yourself. Reconnect with your soul to find inner peace that you knew was there, you just had to go to the country to find it. As you rejuvenate your heart and find balance between mind and intuition, body-mind connected to soul, you will remember who you are, and your purpose on this planet. It all comes together, and leaves you renewed and ready to take on life’s challenges once again.

A SINCERE INVITATION TO YOUR PERSONALIZED SASKATCHEWAN EXPERIENCE Regardless of the reason, everyone benefits from a visit to Mable Elliott’s Guest Ranch. There are activities for riders and non-riders of all ages and experience levels. It is truly an excellent choice for a unique and personalized guest ranch experience: perhaps a corporate event that promises to be something special for each employee; therapeutic horse rides for those needing empowerment and peace; romantic weekend getaways in the country; or travelers from abroad who require a rejuvenation they can only find in the heart of the prairies.

Those new to Saskatoon and area are welcomed to visit as well. The ranch offers personalized services to everyone, and reaches a part of the soul that was dormant for too long. Be partnered with a beautiful, well-trained horse and surround yourself with the beauty of the Saskatchewan prairie.

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FIND RHYTHM...LEAVE THE CONCRETE AND NOISE BEHIND...GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE Traffic flying by... phones ringing incessantly... email inbox full. Let it all go, and “just be.” Take in a gorgeous prairie sunrise with homebrewed coffee… listen to the songbirds greeting each other... enjoy all Saskatchewan has to offer. With open spaces on trail rides, being surrounded with wild roses and sunshine, every guest has a chance for their soul to shine. All good things take time, adventure for the heart and soul awaits you at Mable Elliott’s. By appointment only, call today to book for a company retreat, couples getaway, or a special occasion or time just for you. “Simply just breathe...”

It’s a bittersweet goodbye, as most who visit have made new friends, and simply don’t want to leave. Guests are always welcomed back, and Mable commonly hears, “I really needed this,” accompanying their next booking. Saskatchewan hospitality at its finest, with discovery of life’s joy and purpose can be yours at Mable’s. If you would like to learn more about volunteering or working at the ranch, please visit the website, or contact Mable Elliott directly.

Mable Elliott Horsemanship Services and Guest Ranch a Saskatchewan Treasure 306-283-4805 www.MableElliott.com Visit Mable Elliott on Facebook

Have Yourself a Great Saskatchewan Day!

HILLCREST MEMORIAL GARDENS & FUNERAL HOME IT’S A PERSONAL CHOICE. MAKE A PERSONAL STATEMENT The latest, innovative ways to memorialize can be as personal as your reasons for choosing cremation...

An engraved natural rock nestled amongst the daffodils, regal marble benches or the timeless beauty of a tree planted in tribute - Hillcrest can show you how to offer a much more creative and personal statement than just urns and flowers

CALL FOR YOUR FREE INFORMATION KIT: 306. 477. 2236

HILLCREST MEMORIAL GARDENS & FUNERAL HOME Cemetery, Funeral Home, Cremation & Reception Centre 8th Street East, 1st Right Past Briargate Road, Saskatoon www.hillcrestmemorial.ca

EXPERTAdvice

SHAPING UP FOR SUMMER

By Sandy Foord

SANDY FOORD DR NAVE UltraShape Saskatoon 13 - 1945 McKercher Drive Saskatoon, SK 306.244.5100 www.ultrashapesaskatoon.com

Sundresses, shorts, tank tops, and (gulp) swimsuits! Summer means less clothing, and more skin. And if it’s true that less is more, maybe it’s time to look at how to remove some of that stubborn unwanted fat from those areas that show most— abdomen, outer thighs and those cute little ‘love handles’ that used to be your waist.

Sandy Foord of UltraShape Saskatoon has the high-tech, non-invasive and safe solution. It’s called “body contouring,” and it doesn’t require sit-ups, or dieting.

The UltraShape machine works by using focused ultrasound to break down underlying fat cells. A radiofrequency component, following the ultrasound, aids in the tightening of the skin. With just an average of three treatments two weeks apart, clients notice visible skin tightening and a permanent loss of fat.

Ultrashape has also been successful in reducing male breast enlargement.

The treatment takes about an hour and is done by a trained technician in a doctor’s office. Sandy says there are no bruises, swelling or post-treatment discomfort. “You can walk out and immediately resume your routine,” she says. “And, the results are permanent.”

Ultrashape has just been upgraded so that the procedure yields even better results. The clinic has also invested in a separate radiofrequency tightening technology, the EndyMed Pro, which stimulates collagen production to tighten sagging skin, reduce wrinkles, and help treat cellulite.

ULTRASHAPE RESULTS

Other aesthetic services include Latisse, a prescription product that increases the thickness and length of eyelashes. Botox treatments are also now available.

If you’re tired of stubborn problem areas and want to feel and look great in your clothes this summer, or are already thinking ahead to a dreamy winter get-away, give Lakeview Medical a call.

ENDYMED RESULTS

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EXPERTAdvice

CHILDREN’S VISION

By Dr. Barb Patterson

A comment optometrists often hear from parents goes something like this: “I had no idea there was a problem with my son’s eyes. He has always been able to see birds and deer far sooner than I could. His vision is 20/20 and I thought his eyes were fine, but his teacher says he’s having trouble in school.”

While seeing 20/20 is a good thing, there is much more to a child’s eyesight than can be determined by using only one simple measure. For example, do both eyes see 20/20 equally? Can this focus be held without effort and for long periods of time? Can the child comfortably scan across a page without missing letters or skipping lines? Do they get headaches, or sore and tired eyes? Do they show an aversion to reading or an inability to attend to details or to finish tasks?

While finding that your child is nearsighted may be relatively easy—they simply cannot see far away objects clearly—discovering that they are farsighted may often be more difficult. The child is able to read the 20/20 line on an eye chart but may require substantial effort to focus and as a result experience some of the difficulties listed above.

A child’s visual system–their eyes and the visual cortex of the brain—is not completely developed at birth. You may have noticed, for example, that a newborn baby’s eyes are not well coordinated in the first few months of life. This coordination is necessary for the development of such things as depth perception or tracking.

While most often, the baby’s eye coordination soon develops naturally, there are

cases where this fails to happen and vision therapy or glasses may be necessary.

The visual cortex is also not fully developed at birth. This part of the brain associated with vision requires clear stimulation from both eyes in order to develop properly. When one eye is favoured over the other, the area associated with that eye will develop providing good vision while the other may remain blurry even when corrected with glasses. Early intervention typically with glasses and patching one eye can resolve this Amblyopia, or “lazy eye.” When treatment is delayed some loss in vision will be permanent.

Many studies have documented the strong correlation between vision and learning. Some indicate up to 80 per cent of learning is through the visual process.

A child may decide that they don’t like school and reading or feel they can’t learn when in reality glasses or vision training could enable them to progress normally.

Most children, by the age of three, can complete a full eye examination just like an adult. In Saskatchewan these examinations are currently covered by the government for children under 18 so it is easy for all parents to have their children tested early. To help give your child a good start when entering school optometrists recommend a complete eye examination before they head off to kindergarten.

We also welcome children at a younger age if you have any concerns or if there is a family history of an eye turn, lazy eye or other significant eye problem.FLS Atrium Eye Care A Division of FYidoctors 306-652-4374 407 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K1X5 atrium@fyidoctors.com www.atriumeyecare.com

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MICHELLE WALSH

THE SHORTEST PATH TO LIBERATION Saskatoon Company Provides Premier Medical Travel Support

BY MEAGEN THOMAS It’s been a long time since Michelle Walsh has been able to ride the horses on her family’s farm in southwest Saskatchewan.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 18, Walsh, now 37, began losing feeling in her legs ten years ago. As her MS progressed it forced the one-time flight attendant and rodeo queen to hand in the reins and spend up to 16 hours a day bedridden because there was no treatment for her Secondary Progressive MS. News of a medical breakthrough that relieves MS symptoms gave hope to many, but Canada’s healthcare system won’t approve or allow the medicallysound procedure to be done here for MS patients.

“The Canadian system says CCSVI isn’t a proven treatment but venous angioplasty has been around over 30 years and I know it works…because it’s worked for me,” Walsh said. Walsh is just one of thousands of Canadian MS sufferers flocking to the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia for the revolutionary breakthrough Liberation Procedure. She sought her first treatment in Bulgaria, and her second treatment in the U.S. last year.

When Walsh travelled in 2010 for

treatment, there were no Saskatchewan based companies to help her. Today, there is Global Healthcare Connections, Saskatchewan’s most trusted medical travel professionals. Global Healthcare Connections founder Adele Kulyk has personally toured and inspected destination clinics in U.S., Mexico and Asia and is recognized for her expertise as a care facilitator.

“When you have no experience booking your medical travel, having a company arrange everything for you is such a relief,” said Walsh. Global Healthcare Connections has partnerships with hospitals and clinics offering treatments specifically for Multiple Sclerosis as well as permanent weight loss surgeries, cosmetic surgeries and dental procedures at costs far below what patients pay for – but have to wait months, even years, for – here in Canada. In many cases, the medical and travel costs are tax deductible, too.

Both Kulyk and Walsh are fellows of the CCSVI Foundation of Canada. They feel it’s critically important that MS patients know that there is an effective treatment, and that it is available today.

“Sure, there are going to be Liberation Procedure trials in Saskatchewan but how many people will be in the trial versus the number of people who urgently need it? Time is muscle; the more you wait, the more you deteriorate,” Walsh said.

“I can feel my legs again, feel my kids kiss me again. I would absolutely travel for treatment again and trust Global Healthcare Connections to get me there and back.”

ADELE KULYK

Global Healthcare Connections 628 10th Street E 306.974.2470 globalhealthcare@shaw.ca www.globalhealthcareconnections.com

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SUMMER FEELING...RAIN OR SHINE!

By Jamie Peterson

EXPERTAdvice Now that summer has finally arrived, many of us look forward to getting out in the sunshine.

Unfortunately, our summer weather seems far from predictable and leaves many of us disappointed. Most families have busy lifestyles, weekends filled with yard work and household tasks as well as weddings, graduations and sporting events. Regardless of the weather, following a moderate approach to indoor tanning can keep your base tan and is never affected by lack of sunshine and cool temperatures or rain. It can be done on a schedule that works best for you and your busy lifestyle!

Look great without tan lines, no matter what you wear!

Saskatoon Locations:

•

Downtown 380C 2 Ave. N Saskatoon, SK 306.244.1001

Erindale 8 - 410 Ludlow St. Saskatoon, SK 306.956.3094

8th Street 104 - 3521 8th St. Saskatoon, SK 306.934.7181

Millar Avenue 2 - 833 51 St. Saskatoon, SK 306.665.0002

For many of us, we tend to get our summer colour from activities such as an afternoon at the beach, time by the pool, working in the backyard or a round of golf. Although the colour is usually a welcome benefit of all those great outdoor activities, it will sometimes also create a significant fashion challenge for days or even weeks following. An easy way to avoid embarrassing tan lines, or the dreaded “farmers tan,” is by maintaining your summer colour with an indoor tanning program.

No time to indoor tan?

MYSTIC HD Spray Tan has a solution!

Your first reaction may be “spray tan, are you kidding me?”

Mystic HD offers brand new features that set it apart from the rest: • Mystic HD has created a booth that air brushes your skin with colour to create a flawless sun-kiss glow to your skin • There are four colour shades so you get a natural colour for every skin tone.

• It’s automated so the booth walks you through all the steps! So simple to use!

• It has a heated dryer to keep you warm and dry the skin instantly after the application process.

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• Skin care products that prep the skin for the application process so the colour is even and natural and to help the colour last up to two weeks!

• Add-ons such as aromatherapy, colour boosts and footwear can all be added to your session to make the whole experience spa-like.

This booth is for everyone. You can use it to create a tanned look, get ready for special events, vacations or to even out your colour!

Full body red light therapy We are very excited to introduce Full Body Red Light Therapy to our 8th Street location July 1. We will also carry handheld devices for home use.

• Red light naturally promotes collagen production.

• It smoothes and reduces wrinkles and fine lines • It helps firm aged and tired skin.

• It activates blood flow for increased circulation.

• It increases oxygenation and restoration by promoting the skin’s natural cellular activity.

• Red light is an alternative to laser or cosmetic surgery.

Blue light therapy hand held device: • Used for Moderate to severe acne.

• Destroys acne bacteria.

Remember: “Its about how you feel!”

EXPERTAdvice

RETIREMENT RETIRE-AT-HOME, MARKET ADVICE COLUMN: SUMMER FOOT CARE

By Deanna Birdsall

Flip flop season is here, and none too soon. We wear them to the beach, around the yard and even out to dinner. But even though everyone is constantly looking down at their feet, do we really know how to look after them?

Most of us don’t understand the importance of good foot care, something that flip flops, while fun, constantly put at risk.

refer them to an appropriate professional, such as a podiatrist or physician if required. Client education is also given and follow up plans are made as required.

Healthy and pain free feet help maintain balance which reduces the risk of falls. According to the Principles and Practices of Foot Care, three out of four people develop serious foot problems as they age putting independence and well-being at risk.

There are some basic tips for caring for your feet recommended by our Retire-at-Home professionals:

And foot care is especially important for anyone suffering from diabetes as people with diabetes are more prone to have problems with poor blood flow or loss of sensation in their feet. They may not be aware of temperature, pressure or pain, which can lead to sores or ulcers on their feet that are slow to heal.

Basic foot care should be considered an important part of self-care in people with diabetes as much as blood glucose control or meal planning. A physical examination of the feet should be performed by a healthcare professional at least annually in all people with diabetes, more frequently if an individual has been previously assessed and is deemed to be at high risk for complications.

During a foot care visit by a registered nurse, that nurse will obtain a history, conduct a physical exam of the lower limb, perform basic foot care and treat footrelated issues as required. For patients with diabetes, monofilament testing will be performed along with an assessment of the client’s footwear and potentially

Always remember that a visit from an RN is more than just a visit; it is an important step in maintaining the health of your feet. An RN will help keep your feet healthy year round by monitoring and dealing with various foot conditions.

• Feet should be checked daily for cuts, blisters, bruises, sores, infected toenails or swelling • Wash feet daily and dry between toes well • Apply lotion to tops and bottoms of feet, however avoid between the toes • Wear comfortable shoes and socks • Buy shoes that fit by purchasing them late in the day and choosing leather or canvas that allows your feet to breathe • Shoes should have closed toes and backs; the heel should be as wide as the foot and no higher than 1.5 inches, and soles should provide grip • Toenails should be trimmed regularly, straight across and not too short But while all of these tips are important, the best thing you can do for your feet is be active and enjoy your summer. Keeping them moving keeps them happy and healthy. Just make sure that you don’t forget to take care of your feet and they will keep you having fun all summer long! FLS Retire-at-Home Services Deanna Birdsall 306.384-HOME (4663) dbirdsall@retireathome.com www.rahsaskatoon.com

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EXPERTAdvice PROPER TRAINING

Pets Happy Dog AcresChampion Pet Foods LP

Find us online: www.happydogacres.com Call to book grooming, boarding and/or veterinary services 306.978.7278 happydogacres@happydogacres.com

Pet owners should never believe the myth ‘old dogs can’t learn new tricks’.

Whether it be correcting old behaviours or curbing new ones with a young pup, training your pet is an essential part in ensuring a happy and healthy animal.

As dogs are pack animals, establishing yourself and the rest of the family members as pack leaders is important, as you want your dog to listen and abide to the rules and boundaries you have set. Owners should know, dogs want one thing, your love and attention; they will be most receptive to having you reward them for good behaviour.

Interacting with other dogs in a training group, before and after class is a great initial introduction to socialization for your canine. Training outside the home is important as the distractions of other people and pets mimic the real world.

Walking your dog or taking him to a dog park can result in chaos if they are unable to properly listen to cues and commands. Happy Dog Acres is happy to announce our new training classes available for pets and pet owners. To learn more about upcoming dates and times please contact Happy Dog Acres Urban Centre or go online to learn more about our facility and the many pet services we offer.

evolutionary adaption to meat and protein based foods. Many holistic veterinarians promote foods that use the freshest ingredients, and are absent from bulk, or highly processed commodity ingredients found in conventional pet foods. Instead, they insist owners should focus on ingredients that are sustainably raised with ingredients by companies they know and trust. Finding pet foods that pass the ‘fit for human consumption’, and are certified to meet international pet food standards are also indicators that the food is of the freshest quality for your precious pup or furry feline.

So why is a high protein and low carbohydrate diet best for your cat or dog in today’s modern world? Considering both cats and dogs are evolved as carnivores and their anatomy, despite modern times have not changed they require the same nutritional intake as their feline and canine groups did before they were household pets.

Pet foods like ACANA and ORIJEN by Champion Petfoods Ltd. are great examples of pet foods that are protein rich diets; supporting the carnivorous anatomy of your pets. Both are also Canadian award winning pet food brands that abide by international pet food standards, using only the freshest regional ingredients available to ensure the best quality food for your four legged companions.

BEST PET FOOD DIETS Research has found the best foods for your cat or dog correlates to their natural

Visit Happy Dog Acres online at www. happydogacres.com to learn more about our variety of veterinarian, grooming and specialty services. Or stop by our new Happy Dog Acres Urban Centre in the Sutherland area of Saskatoon to check out our extensive Boutique and meet our staff.

Ask us about our line of Biologically Appropriate ACANA & ORIJEN dog food. ACANA Ranchlands –our newest Biologically Appropriate formula featuring FRESH hormone & antibiotic free ranch –raised beef, bison & lamb from Alberta farms. www.championpetfoods.com

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EXPERTAdvice PROTECTING YOUR HEART HEALTH

Working as a natural health practitioner and nutritional counsellor at Nature’s Health Centre, I’m quite often asked about high cholesterol. My clients have reason for concern: high cholesterol increases the risk of developing a cardiovascular disease, and heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death in Canada.

Nature’s Health Centre Lovie Wesolowski Spicer 48 Grosvenor Park Mall 306.373.5322 natureshealth@shaw.ca

ABOUT LOVIE Lovie is a certified natural health practitioner, registered nutritional counsellor, and a specialist in sports nutrition. She has been in the health care business for over three decades but her ability to stay current is what makes her skills in demand.

Lovie has worked with numerous organizations outside of Saskatoon, with clients including Olympians, celebrities and athletes in the CFL and NHL. As the owner of Nature’s Health Centre, she is constantly learning about the newest alternative health products available. Her friendly attitude and her ability to stay informed about the latest products are what keep customers returning year after year.

Cholesterol and other fats cannot dissolve in the blood. Too much lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL, or the “bad” cholesterol) can block the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL builds up in the bloodstream, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or the “good” cholesterol) clears it out. The best therapies for avoiding heart disease lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.

There are some important lifestyle changes we can make to lower our bad cholesterol and increase our good cholesterol, including a healthy diet, an active lifestyle and taking supplements. Most lifestyle changes are easy to make. Only 30 to 60 minutes a day of physical activity like walking, gardening or housework makes a difference, and diet changes can be as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on high-in-fat milk products and meats. Combining lifestyle changes and proper supplementation will net the best results.

One of my most commonly requested supplements for cholesterol management is Preferred Nutrition’s Sytrinol.

To date, three studies have been carried out to investigate Sytrinol’s effects on cholesterol levels.

The results showed that Sytrinol reduces total cholesterol by 30 per cent, lowers LDL cholesterol by 27 per cent, and reduces triglycerides by 34 per cent. The results also showed an increase in HDL cholesterol.

The decreases were obtained without a change in diet; paired with lifestyle changes, the results would only be more impressive. Derived from natural citrus and palm fruit extracts, Sytrinol is a natural antioxidant in addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties. If you’re worried about high cholesterol and looking to protect your health, Preferred Nutrition’s Sytrinol might be a good supplement for you.

There are a host of natural health alternatives available to treat many of today’s most common ailments.

Combined with sensible advice about diet and activity, supplementation has the potential to naturally improve your overall health and quality of life. FLS

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Y

PENN

BOEY

LOCAL DOG SALON OFF THE LEASH!

BY LISSA ROBINSON. PHOTOS BY LISA LANDRIE Upon your arrival at It’s A Dog’s Life Pet Spa, you and your four-legged friend will be greeted by Penny, owner Lorna Phillips’ dog and a fixture in her chair beside the fountain in the reception area.

Employees at It’s A Dog’s Life are up to their knees in friendly furry canines. The dog grooming salon has a free-roam policy, which allows good natured dogs to wander off leash in the salon. The shop serves 20 doggie clients on a typi-

LIBBY AND JOEY

cal day and these dogs are, well, happy!

Joey, a regular at the shop for seven years doesn’t seem fazed as Lorna clips and snips. Gloria Dickenson loves her little Joey and wouldn’t take him anywhere else to be groomed. In fact, she would be devastated if Lorna moved away. “Lorna has a real way with the animals,” she says. “Joey stands perfectly still for her, but when I try to groom him he bites me!”

“Sometimes [dogs are] not as comfort-

HARLEY

able or used to the grooming process,” Lorna explains. “You really have to know what you are doing; it takes patience and experience to work with animals daily.”

Part of her and the other groomers’ jobs is getting the animals used to being on the table and being touched and brushed.

“Eventually they do get used to it,” she says. Her customers agree the professionals at It’s a Dog’s Life definitely know what they are doing, but it is not just the scissoring skills that make Lorna’s team

MANDY, SHAKIL & JOEY

Monique, Ashley Janine, Lexi. Lorna, Michelle, Joey. Annie, Chiffon STAFF: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: y, Mandy, Harley, Lacy, Badger, Libb lin, Dub ny, Pen kil, Sha e, Kan HT: DOGS: FROM LEFT TO RIG

excellent; it’s their obvious love of animals.

Lorna became a dog groomer after answering a “Learn How to be a Dog Groomer” ad in the newspaper 21 years ago. She learned the craft from a fellow groomer and then ten years later opened her own salon.

Family friendly She is adamant on running a family-friendly business, which is why the salon’s hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Economically, it makes sense to expand our work week, but I need to make sure I leave time for my staff and myself to put family first,” Lorna explains. “When my children were younger they spent a lot of time helping with the dogs. In her off-time you can find Lorna riding her horses with her daughters, Taylor and Ashley, or out at the cattle ranch helping her daughter Taylor with her 4-H projects. Ashley is now a member of Lorna’s hard-working staff.

Chiffon’s owner, Sharyl Kurz, boasts that it’s the best salon in town. “Lorna has a way with animals and her salon is so welcoming and absolutely spotless,” she says. Chiffon is an Old English Sheep Dog, who requires a good shampooing and trim at least once a month. “Chiffon loves her visits to the salon,” says Sharyl. “In fact, she starts barking with excitement as soon as we pull into the parking lot.”

Unlike other shops, the dogs at It’s A Dog’s Life frolic and play before and after grooming. The spa has an open viewing area where you can watch the groomers at work and see the dogs happily hanging about. What may seem chaotic at first glance is actually quite organized and fun.

“I chose this atmosphere so we could get to know the dogs a little better,” says Lorna. “It is a little more work for us, but worth it as they entertain us with their goofy antics every day. It helps keep every day a little different.”

Lorna believes what truly sets It’s a Dog’s Life apart from the other salons is their drive to learn by attending seminars and competing around the globe.

They have been to Las Vegas, Toronto and Winnipeg. Their next endeavour takes them to Victoria B.C., where they will compete with customers dogs. Lorna’s award-winning staff, are key to the growth and success of It’s a Dog’s Life.

Each full spa treatment includes a massaging bath, facial scrub, ear plucking and cleaning, anal gland expression and pawdicure! They have a variety of bandanas and bows for that extra added touch of pampering and fun. “It really makes them feel good,” says Lorna. And for some of these pets, “the grooming really

gives them a chance to strut their stuff.”

It’s A Dog’s Life will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this September with the help of the Saskatoon Roller Derby. They will be hosting Dirty Dogs for Derby Girls Doggie Wash, proceeds going to raise funds for the team. Michelle aka MishBehavin’ is a long time stylist at the salon and an active member in roller derby.

Appointments for full grooming are necessary, but walk-ins for pawdicures and tidy-ups are always welcome. Prebooking appointments is encouraged to ensure your pets get in for their next appointment… before things get too hairy!

Lorna and her family of groomers deliver nothing but the best for your pet!

Ahhh, “It’s A Dog’s Life!” FLS

It’s a Dog’s Life Professional All Breed Dog & Cat Grooming Specializing in Scissored Cuts #6 1025 Boychuk Drive Saskatoon, Sk S7H 5B2 Phone: 651-3023 Your Groomers: Lorna Phillips Janine Michelle Monique

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SUMMER 2011

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DRAGON’S DEN ARLENE DICKINSON

BRETT WILSON BRUCE COCKBURN BREAST FRIENDS RECIPES SASKATOON GOLF

CANADA’S FAVOURITE GARDENER

KEN BEATTIE STYLISH DÉCOR WITH

MEREDITH HERON MEMBER

SHELL BUSEY LUXURY FROM THE GROUND UP

J.B. BLACK

DREAM KITCHENS // HOMES AND PROPERTIES// CONDO LIVING // COTTAGE COUNTRY// INNER BEAUTY AND DESIGN // LUSCIOUS LANDSCAPING // IMPROVEMENTS AND RENOS

Over 250 000 Readers Can’t Be Wrong www.finelifestyles.ca

ESTATES

SHOPPING TIMES 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 including Sears and The Bay. 201 – 1st Avenue South, Saskatoon 306.653.8844 www.midtownplaza.ca