FineLifestyles Saskatoon Summer 2012 by Fine

SUMMER 2012 | VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2

LUCIAN MATIS: FASHION PHENOM

SASKATOON

BEST OF THE BEST! GORDON RAMSAY’S SUMMER MENU JILL BARBER: SONGBIRD A GOLD STAR FOR SILVER SPOON

MARKETING SASKATOONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST PROPERTIES

Dan Bader 371-7760

Ron Baliski 221-0421

dannybader@remax.net

ronbaliskirealty@sasktel.net

Reagan Baliski 290-7377

Clark Dziadyk 227-2036

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

RON BALISKI REALTY INC. #1 TEAM RE/MAX SASKATOON www.SaskatoonAssociates.com

250-1820 8th Street East 306.242.6000 www.saskatoonassociates.com

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enslexus.ca Telephone 306.653.5611

SCOTIA CENTRE

YO U R S U M M E R

FASHION DESTINATION

Enjoy a unique experience with a diverse selection of shops and services in the heart of downtown SCOTIA CENTRE 123 - 2nd Ave South (306) 665-6120

HOURS Monday to Saturday 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Open until 9:00 pm Thursday

Convenient Underground Parking Available

FirstWord

FineLifestyles SASKATOON

WITH FINE LIFESTYLES EDITOR TOBIE HAINSTOCK

Summer 2012 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 Associate Editor

Summer is an amazing season. Everyone seems brighter and more energetic this time of year. Of course the weather is a big factor. We have more sunshine hours and warmer temperature which encourage people to get out and about with friends and family. Summer blooms before us as nature flaunts her fashion for the season.

Tobie Hainstock tobieh@finelifestyles.ca

Graphic Design and Layout Laura Grzyb laurag@finelifestyles.ca

In-House Design Amber Moon amber@finelifestyles.ca Erica Silzer ericas@finelifestyles.ca

Photography Candace Epp www.candaceepp.com Heather Fritz www.heatherfritz.com Kerri Froese Kerry Lubchenko www.armadkerry.com Lisa Landrie www.lisalandrie.com Shawn Fulton www.shawnfultonphotography.com Stephanie Zhang www.chao.viewbook.com Tristan Becker www.third-meaning.com

As seasons go, I must say that summer is filled with the Best of the Best. The festivals and fairs along with long weekends and family reunions are second to none. And who can forget the breathtaking sunsets in overlooking our beautiful city?

Staff Writers Nykea Behiel • Dan Grant Shawna Common •Ashleigh Mattern

Contributing Writers Aviva Zack • Candace Fox •Carol Rogers Jason Booker • Karin Schweir • Sarah Ferguson

We are so thrilled to feature the Best of the Best of our city in this issue. We have an incredible style section featuring such amazing artists from across the country such as Dean Renwick, Rebecca King and Lucian Matis. Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival was an incredible display of talent that proves that, when it comes to fashion, Saskatchewan has a talent pool as big as her heart.

Advertising Consultant Cathie Watson cathie@finelifestyles.ca Chris Larsen chris@finelifestyles.ca Crystal Reich crystal@finelifestyles.ca Deborah Paul debbiep@finelifestyles.ca Jason Booker jason@finelifestyles.ca Marie Strumecki marie@finelifestyles.ca

Recently, the up and coming jazz artist Jill Barber paid our city a visit during the Jazz Festival and Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon was privileged to talk with her. In Saskatoon, our heart for excellence shines forth in many sectors of our life. Locally, we offer the crème de la crème of home decor, fine cuisine, business development and more. Being in the heart of a province that is growing and developing at an alarming pace, Saskatoon is a beautiful and friendly city that is moving forward in so many areas offering residents jobs, education, security and quality of life. We are all looking to achieve the high standards that we, as a city and province have set for ourselves. It is that drive to be the Best of the Best that continues to inspire us personally and professionally. As our city and province grows and continues to prove to the world that we are a force to be reckoned with, we also set new goals to achieve only the highest of standards. As you are enjoying the summer, have a look around the city and take a moment to appreciate all that we have to offer. Saskatoon – you are the Best of the Best.

Director of Operations Maryann Yeomans maryann@finelifestyles.ca

Publisher Wayne UnRuh 306.541.3365 wayne@finelifestyles.ca Randy Liberet 306.540.3320 randy@finelifestyles.ca 3440 Balsam Grove Regina, SK S4V 2S4 Fine Lifestyles Saskatoon is published four times a year by Fine Lifestyles 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, Ltd., publications are copyrighted 2012 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to Fine Lifestyles, where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Fine Lifestyles Ltd. or its writers. The name Fine Lifestyles, 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 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.

Facebook.com/finemags www.finelifestyles.ca

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Featured Contributors Photographers Kerry Lubchenko

Writers Nykea Behiel

Kerry Lubchenko has a few guitars he loves to play and a piano he can’t play a thing on. An aspiring painter and chef, Kerry’s artistic talents took him into the electronic and print world where he spent many years marketing media in Saskatoon. He left a career with an agricultural newspaper to pursue portrait and profile photography because he prefers the smell of perfume to printing fumes. Call him Armand or Kerry (he answers to either) — but don’t call him to photograph your big life events: he says he’s already been at too many weddings, anniversaries and grads in his band days. When a friend suggested he expand his focus apart from personalized portraits, diving into commercial freelance work was a natural step. Visit him at www.armandkerry.com

Born and raised in Humboldt, Nykea has ventured all over the world. The prairie girl has lived in Regina, Calgary, Toronto, Bangkok, and now has settled down in Saskatoon. An activist, teacher, and book seller, Nykea has always had a love for writing. She graduated from Journalism School and has found a real home with us.

Tristan Becker

Karin Melberg Schwier is a Saskatoon writer, author and illustrator whose most noted works are about people with disabilities. She has written several books and many articles for home renovation and lifestyle magazines, and is currently completing her eighth book, Flourish: People with Disabilities Live Life with Passion (Copestone, 2012). www.karinschwier.com

Tristan Becker is a professional photographer based out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He is passionate about street photography, culture and society, politics, reading, thinking and talking. With his camera in hand, he has journeyed around the world shooting photos in exotic locations, all while doing his best to understand other cultures and peoples. When at home, he enjoys spending time outside on his bike under the blue prairie sky, listening to all kinds of music and devouring book after book — but his camera is never too far away. That perfect photo opportunity could always be waiting just around the corner. Find more of his photography and other projects at www.third-meaning.com and follow him on Twitter @Tristan_Becker and Instagram @ ThirdMeaning.

Stephanie Zhang Stephanie Zhang is a fashion and commercial photographer (at CHAOs), whose most compelling quality is the ability to color her images with strong elements of romanticism, fantasy and uniqueness. She believes that stories make her art works. When fashion clashes into commercial, she visualizes and composes the picture in a more insightful, unique and artistic way. Express your ideas to her, she will double the inspiration and creativity, and let the photo speak! Chaos.viewbook.com

Karin Melberg Schwier

Aviva Zack Aviva Zack is a freelance writer and wedding planner in Saskatoon. She has a BA in Communications from the University of Calgary, which helped launch her career in media, marketing and eventually event planning. As co-owner of Bliss Wedding Design, she is not ashamed to admit to spending countless hours online reading about other people’s weddings, and gets an adrenaline rush at every single event she helps plan. Her other passion, for writing, has been something she has honed since childhood, when she would devour novels and dream about writing her own someday.

MAKE YOUR NEXT JEWELRY INVESTMENT WISELY Buy from a retailer

jewelry is very personal. It can be used for celebrating special events; such as, weddings and graduations.

When I’m looking for an engagement ring, what should I be looking for?

Terrence Yeung Owner & Operator

South China Jewelry Lower Level Midtown Plaza (next to the food court) 201-1st Avenue South p 306.931.3328 f 306.975.9627 southchina@sasktel.net www.southchinajewelry.com

What is the difference between fine jewelry and fashion jewelry? When you buy fashion jewelry, you can appreciate it, but fine jewelry is also an alternative investment. Fine jewelry has high quality diamonds and gemstones that appreciate in value over time. You can buy a piece for very little, or find one at the right price you can afford, and the value still grows over time. Elizabeth Taylor’s collection of fine jewelry was worth over $34 million. Fine

Style is very important. Many bridal magazines rely on the American media, and Americans don’t wear matching wedding bands with their engagement rings. Often, men or women buy an engagement ring and try to find a matching band, but don’t realize that there may not be one available. It’s important to consider whether you want a fashion band, or matching bands. You can also have a band made to suit an engagement ring.

Why is it better for me to buy fine jewelry from a retailer instead of online? With a retailer, you get after-sales service. When you’re buying fashion jewelry, online can be a good choice, but if you’re buying a ring that costs $5,000-$10,000 it will need maintenance. Also, with a retailer, you get the right advice and you get expertise and trust. Right now, in the diamond industry, almost everything is appraised and certified. Two appraisals can look same on paper but are sold at different prices, which is why you should to go an expert in a retail store when making an investment such as fine jewelry or precious stones. It seems I can get a better deal online. Why should I go to a retailer instead?

When you buy online, the seller doesn’t have large overhead costs, but you don’t have any idea who your seller is. Most retailers have websites where you can look at a piece of jewelry, then come to the store and see it for yourself. However, if you don’t know who you’re dealing with, you’re buying sight unseen and there’s a major risk involved. They’re holding the product, and they can promise you all kinds of guarantees, but there’s no recourse involved if you don’t get what you were looking for. Sometimes what you order through an online website is not what you get.

What are some other benefits that a retailer can offer me? Aside from expert advice, they have equipment to help you evaluate your purchase right in the store. They can offer appraisals and cleaning options. You can touch, feel and try on your purchase. They can also tell you everything about the jewelry you are purchasing, and have special tools to make it easy. Retailers do custom pieces, and offer a personal touch. Some like South China Jewelry have a goldsmith onsite who makes the ring, and mounts the diamond right in front of you. We also offer same day service, and can custom build a ring for you almost instantly. Our pricing is excellent and we offer the best service and value. For expert advice on your next investment, visit the professionals at South China Jewelry in the Lower Level of Midtown Plaza (next to the food court). FLS FineLifestyles SASKATOON

What’sInside

During this time, Garnis had a chance meeting with a childhood idol, Jason Gilkison, who was choreographing the innovative, international-style ballroom dance Broadway show, Burn the Floor. Six months later, Gilkison asked Anya to join Burn the Floor but, because of scheduling conflicts, she had to decline. however, has a way of presenting you what you and 69need,Gorden FashionLife, World: Rebecca King three weeks later, the producers called again.

FEATURED STORIES

Ramsay’s Summer Recipes 78 The Sounds of Jill Barber Shoe Talking With Dean Renwick So, whenGala she got a call from contemporary dance choreographer “They called back and asked for Pasha and I because 81 Karina Silver Spoon Saskatoon Fashion Mia Michaels about an opportunity to appear in the film version Smirnoff and Maxim Chmerkovskiy (from Dancing With the 98 and Design Festival ofDragons the show, she didn’t hesitate. At first, it looked like the timing Stars) were leaving the show,” Garnis explains. “Two weeksSlaying later not work with her schedule; but again, fortune was on her we were on Broadway.” 104 Leatherwould and Lace 48 Entertainment Calendar side and director Adam Shankman requested an audition tape. 110 Electric Cars 54 Visiting Broadway she won the role of a feisty dancer named Destiny in 113 Sturgis Fittingly, Motorcycle Rally 62 Anya Garnis: SYTYCD All Star a story about making in the entertainment industry. Appearing 67 Ritornello Music Festival alongside Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige and Julianne Hough was 10 18 24

“Beyond what you wish for,” she says.

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The days were long and the work was hard, but Garnis loved every minute of it. “Mia Michaels’ choreography is never easy but it’s beautiful, and Adam Shankman was very supportive,” she says.

98 24 Cast of Dragons Den (L-R) Jim Treliving, Kevin O’Leary, Arlene Dickinson, Bruce Croxon, Dianne Buckner & David Chilton. Photo courtesy of CBC.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AGM WITH DRAGON’S DEN SUCCESS

104

By Sarah Ferguson. Photos by Shawn Fulton.

110

On May 11, at the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Conference, a crowd of the province’s most ambitious women gathered in the Regina Travelodge to hear from five Saskatchewan entrepreneurs who made their way onto the CBC hit series Dragons Den, battled the dragons, and won.

Dragons Den attracts over 2 million viewers on average, and features aspiring entrepreneurs who pitch business concepts to a panel of Canadian multimillionaires in the hopes that they will invest. When Saskatchewan-born businessman W. Brett Wilson joined the dragons, the show became a household favorite. Though Brett left the show in February 2011, the five Saskatchewan businesses that shared their successes at the conference stand as testimony to his support and legacy.

Looking for a special summer menu? Here, Gordon Ramsay cooks up an elegant yet simple meal. PHOTOS MYLES NEW

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DEPARTMENTS

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SUMMER MENU FineLifestyles SASKATOON

FABULOUS SHOW KICKS OFF SASKATOON FASHION AND DESIGN FESTIVAL

REBECCA KING FASHION WORLD I

have been having so much fun lately and thrilled that my work is being so well received. At the end of May, my show headed off to the first ever Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival (SFDF) held at the Rouge Gallery. My new line has my usual strong focus on outerwear as well as some easy-to-wear dresses. My love for the classics shows through in quite a masculine aesthetic in the tailoring, but with a feminine edge. Twenty new looks for Fall and Winter 2012 walked the runway. My major theme was a mix of military and vintage. Here’s a peek at some of my favourite looks for the coming season. I’ve been working with orange/reds paired with tobacco brown as my key colour combination with a mix of some neutrals, creams, dark green, black and grey. The show ended with a lively choreographed ‘musical chairs’ for all the models on the runaway while Radiohead commanded “Sit Down, Stand Up.” I was pleased to be on the designer ticket with Laurie Brown, who opened the show with her line of crop tops and cut out dresses showing off the rib cage paired with soft high low hemlines on an A-line skirt for her Spring and Summer look for this year. I wanted all the girls wearing riding caps, so I asked the stylists at Magnolia Salon to see what they could do. They came up with a style that looked so much like the real thing, it was far better than I had imagined. Makeup was headed off by Holly Decker of Knockout Style along with the Magnolia team. One of the hottest makeup trends for Fall is a dramatic orange/red lip combo. Holly used a lighter shade on the outer lip line and darker on inside. Very dewy highlighted “But with no argument the absolute stand out designer of skin with soft contouring browns on eyes and the night for me has got to be REBECCA KING. The creative brushed up eyebrows is the look for Fall. detailing and interesting cuts thrust her to the forefront of realistic and wearable high-end couture. Her line could The Rouge Gallery was fabulous and a designer rival the current collection, T by Alexander Wang. It was couldn’t ask for better ambiance with its large creative and perfect!” second storey warehouse windows and clean – Mr. Fabulous www.iammrfabulous.com modern paintings. Guests were dressed their

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best, hoping to win a REBECCA KING garment; I got to choose and the lucky winner was Angie Wiebe. Elegant silver platters were heaped with my 85-year-old grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delicious hors dourves. Thank you, Marie King! The night was a huge success, and sold out well in advance. It is always great to come back home to show in Saskatoon. Thank you to all for coming out and supporting my work, and thank you to SFDF for your efforts to make our local fashion scene shine! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do it again next year! FLS

Rebecca King Designs RebeccaKingdesgins@gmail.com p 306.290.4182 or 403.289.3747 www.rebeccakingdesign.ca

In Spring 2012, Rebecca was named one of the top 20 emerging Canadian fashion designers in the Mercedes-Benz Startup Competition. This acknowledgement elevated her label to the national stage. Currently, she works out of her studio in Calgary, selling through trade shows and boutiques across Western Canada. In addition to her REBECCA KING label, she also creates custom coats and other garments by request. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

LINO BOUTIQUE: QUALITY FABRICS, FASHIONABLE MEN’S WEAR By Nykea Marie Behiel Photos Heather Fritz

aya Heiati and her husband Reza Kookhan moved to Saskatoon from Iran two years ago. Although both were lawyers in Iran, the process to do the same in Canada was too extensive. Instead, Laya and her husband decided to open a business. After looking into many ideas, they recognized a gap in Saskatoon’s fashion market with quality men’s wear. Knowing they could fulfil Saskatoon’s needs, they opened Lino Boutique. “The quality of clothes was low, and the prices were high,” Laya says of Saskatoon’s clothing market. During her two years here before opening the store, Laya scarcely bought any clothes—the quality was not what she was used

to. With their established Turkish connections, she and her husband set out to provide quality men’s clothing to Saskatoonians at a reasonable price. They travel to Turkey multiple times a year to keep up with industry trends, and return to Saskatoon with cultured and sophisticated men’s clothing. When their store opened, their friend Majid Parvizi, saw Lino Boutique as a great opportunity so he became a shareholder. Majid understood the need for high quality fashion in Saskatoon, and its relevance to the men of the city. The store’s clean-cut lines and friendly atmosphere puts customers at ease as soon as they walk in the door. Laya

and her friendly staff offer tea and conversation to customers. The staff is amiable, helpful, and focused on building relationships. “Our customers are really important to us. They spread the word about our customer service, not just our clothing,” says Laya. Although the store has only been open six weeks, she has already received positive feedback and return clientele. This season, slim, tailored cuts are en vogue, as well as contrasting collars and cuffs. Uniquely patterned suits and shirts hang in neat rows, alongside funky shoes and fashionable jeans. The store offers a wide diversity in their selection. Lino offers upscale men’s clothing in soft and textured fabrics. The feel of the clothing is notably different from department stores, and the cut and fit is flattering. Since the owners buy their fashions directly from suppliers rather than using distributors, they are able to offer better prices to their customers. Buying good quality clothes that last for years is the best way to save money, Laya explains. Her husband has been wearing clothes from the labels in the store for ten years, and they all still look brand new. The clothes are durable, never fade, and classically fashionable. On July first, Laya will be opening a women’s store in the Scotia Centre with the same focus on quality clothing at a reasonable price. The two stores will compliment each other and present Saskatoon with quality fashion choice for both men and women. For special events or casual wear, visit Lino Boutique for men’s wear. They are proud to offer quality options to men of all ages. The friendly staff and unique fashions are second to none. Lino Boutique 154, 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon p 306.652.5466

linoboutique@sasktel.net www.facebook.com/pages/ Lino-Boutique/154955134630734

EVOLVE. EXPERIENCE. EMPOWER. This is the Mantra of The Loft Hair Design Studio By Nykea Marie Behiel

he goal at The Loft is to provide the best service possible, work with the most talented in the industry, and provide the right atmosphere to bring it all together.

The Loft is an Ambassador Platinum Salon in Western Canada, Redken has helped them educate their team. It’s essential for hairdressers to keep up with modern trends and technology, and creates a powerful and unique salon experience for clients. Having some of Redken’s top educators at The Loft helps them stay on the cutting edge.

Photography by Colleen Niska Make up by Amanda Zinovich, A to Z Make Up Artistry 16

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The stylists at The Loft keep up with new products, styles, and education. Carly Schell, two-time winner of the prestigious Redken Cover Competition, recently had the amazing experience of doing two photo shoots in downtown Toronto with renowned photographer James Van der Schilden. “Being able to see your passion come to life on film and being published in Canadian Hairdresser magazine keeps me excited behind the chair,” says Carly.

The Loft p 306.343.2003 Bay 4 -116 -103rd Street E, Saskatoon, SK

The Loft’s Riki Brown is known for her creative work in graduation, wedding, and special events. “This summer we are seeing soft, undone looks: braids, buns, and up styles. There is something to suit everyone,” says Riki. Riki attends classes to keep herself inspired and motivated, putting her in great demand. “I am so excited for the spring and summer season, because that is the time everyone feels inspired to make a change with their hair,” says Mandie Nygaard, another stylist. Mandie was motivated by The Loft’s latest photo shoot, seeing her passion and hard work come to life.

Celene Dupuis, Redken performing artist, has been inducted as one of seven individuals worldwide to participate in the International Mentorship Program 2012. Based at Redken’s US headquarters in New York, this intense program provides leadership training and opportunity to expand Celene’s career from facilitating on stages and in classrooms across Canada, to doing so internationally. “I am so passionate about hair, I love that my work with Redken fuels my work in the salon,” effuses Celene.

Having been nominated for various business awards, including best customer service, Angie Fidler understands the importance of creating a relaxing, fun experience. Angie’s specialty lies in colour correction, much of her skill garnered through a Colour Mastery Program. Kristy Junek, nail technician at The Loft, recently got back from a trip to New York, where she attended the biggest aesthetic show in the country. For spring and summer, there is an emphasis on classic shades of red, chic coral, cream,

robin egg blues, and pretty pastels. Kristy is creative and current, finding trendy shades for everyone. Sam Cunniham of Escape Spa, located inside The Loft, explains that skin treatments are popular for summer. “Get your skin bathing suit ready with a relaxing back treatment or facial,” says Sam. Enjoy the creative atmosphere at The Loft. They understand your busy lifestyle, and have built a private colour lounge with WiFi for your enjoyment and relaxation. It is essential that you are able to trust your stylist to stay up to date with current trends and fashions. The stylists at The Loft are constantly advancing their education and challenging themselves to acquire new skills. FLS FineLifestyles SASKATOON

STEPPIN’ IT

UP BY DEAN RENWICK

ou know what to expect as soon as you hear it. The sound steadily approaches and as you look, your expectations are confirmed. A woman walks by appearing very “put together” and the clacking heels of her great looking shoes are telling everyone, “Check me out.” It’s not just a matter of simply walking into a store and walking out with a new pair of heels. Nothing is that easy. Remember ladies, the problem with heels is balance. When wearing heels you want to look elegant, sophisticated and graceful. The secret to this is practice, practice, practice - there’s nothing worse than seeing a beautiful woman walking around looking like Bambi on ice! That’s why I always send my grad girls home and tell them to vacuum in their heels. It gives them time to get used to walking around in the shoes, and their mothers don’t mind getting some extra housework done either. There are a few things to consider when picking out your shoes for that special occasion or great new outfit. First, don’t cheap out. The old adage “you get what you pay for” is so true when it comes to shoes. In almost all cases, the more expensive the shoe, the better quality and more comfortable it is. Are you on a budget? Watch for end of season sales. Try to stick with shoes made of natural materials. Leather conforms to your foot, unlike plastic that makes your foot sweaty and swell up. Always pick the right size of shoe. Don’t pull the “ugly stepsister” trick and try jamming your poor feet into shoes that are too small or too narrow. Beautiful slender shoes that look like dainty little 18

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slices of pizza can make your feet look like bloody pizza slices with corns, calluses and bunions when wearing the wrong size. When choosing your shoe, keep in mind that some shoes are better seen when stepping out of a taxi or limousine, but they can be very harsh on your feet and back when walking or standing. There is no disputing that high heels are sexy. Your legs look shapely, your calves are sculpted as your pelvis thrusts forward, and your derrière tilts upward. This all combines to create a sexier look and stance for a woman, and can even add a bit of height. But too much of a good thing can cause your body “dis-ease”. Many styles of high heels will stretch the foot, causing an unnatural curve and breaking blood vessels. Wearing heels all the time can cause shrinkage of the back calf muscles. Constant pressure on the balls of the feet also causes uneven weight distribution, making the lower back arch more than usual. This extreme curve can be the main contributor to pain in the upper and lower regions of your back. This is why it is important to change up your heel size as much as possible. In fact, a wedge is one of the most supportive and comfortable heels available. As a fashion accessory, the right pair of shoes can make or break the outfit. For something different when stepping out, try some colour blocking. Accessorize that little black dress with hot pink pumps, a yellow purse and bright turquoise necklace.

You’ll be sure to turn heads. For an elongated leg, a nude shoe creates a visually unblocked line, and helps balance the outfit by keeping the colour up top. At the Queen’s Jubilee, Princess Kate’s nude shoes with her allred ensemble helped to complete her look. If you opt for the new shoes with tassels, chains and beads, keep the rest of your look cleaner and more streamlined. Make your fabulous shoe the main focus. With better scientific understanding of posture and balance, great looking shoes are no longer the taboo they once were. Selection of style and comfort is at an all-time high. There is a huge style explosion of architectural heels featuring plenty of comfortable bells and whistles that also look sexy and chic. For women, there seems to be something very therapeutic about shopping for shoes. It’s like buying a new hat - it just feels good. Shoes are sexier than handbags or any other accessory and will draw an amazing amount of attention. A comfortable shoe is static and reliable. Toni Collette’s ‘In Her Shoes’ character said, “Shoes always fit, unlike clothes.” I urge you to go ahead and indulge. Buy the trendy shoes and the casual shoes and the sexy shoes…just make sure you get comfort too. FLS FineLifestyles SASKATOON

REJUVENATION AND RELAXATION By Nykea Marie Behiel

leanor Tarasoff has always dreamt of opening her own salon and spa. She was always imagining what the inside would be like, how she would decorate it, and how she could fulfil the needs of her clients. Six months ago that dream became her reality when she opened Expressions Salon and Spa.

Eleanor had been looking for a location to open her salon and spa for a long time. When the old bank on the corner of 33rd street and Idylwyld went up for sale, Eleanor knew she had found the perfect spot complete with ample parking. Although she completely renovated and redesigned the place, she kept some of the aspects that make the location unique. She incorporated

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Photos Heather Fritz

the vaults into her spa space, paying homage to the building’s history, and creating unique architecture. Eleanor is so grateful to the people who helped make Expressions what it is today. “I’ve been lucky to work with great contractors and talented people,” she says happily. Glen Nystuen, owner of Colt Construction, and his contractor Ray Painchaud, transformed the bank into a spa. Eleanor did all the decorating herself, along with talented artists for feature pieces. From ornate lighting fixtures to gleaming white porcelain tiles, the décor is stunning. Eleanor sound proofed all the rooms and installed a unique sound system for peaceful music with individual sound controls.

With her creativity and the help of talented contractors and artists, Eleanor has transformed the bank into a place of beauty and tranquillity. As you walk in you see the curved glass and LED lit front desk, handmade for the spa by Janet at Castle Glass. Soft colours coat the walls, along with beautiful Saskatchewan artwork by Gail Prpick, sold through Sandra Epp. In one of the relaxation rooms, Monica from Creative Glass has hand painted a feature wall with delicate flowers. The space is breathtaking. Following the peaceful hallway you make your way to the hair studio, spacious and equipped with six chairs. Expressions is able to cater to groups of

people, making it a fun environment for weddings, anniversaries, graduations, or any reason you can find to treat yourself. Towards the back is a pedicure room, equipped with four massaging chairs to ensure utter relaxation. Eleanor imported the chairs to achieve the highest possible quality. Light pours in from the large window while clients are seated facing a glass fireplace. The relaxing ambiance is incredible. Expressions offers everything in hair, aesthetics, and relaxation. The hydrotherapy room contains a tub that combines vibration, massage and

relaxation techniques. The shower has natural stone on the floor to massage your feet as you shower, creating an amazing experience. Expressions also offers massage and hot rock treatments to soothe your aches and stresses. The staff at the salon and spa caters to anybody’s life and style with their hair and nail artistry. The artistic employees can make your nails standout with unique designs or provide you with a more classic appeal. Expressions also offers facials, body wraps, manicures, pedicures—anything you could desire in a spa. There is also a double treatment room, perfect for couples’ massages or other duo treatments.

Eleanor had designed the space to be wheelchair accessible not wanting to limit anyone’s opportunity to visit the spa. “I love getting spa treatments and I want everyone to be able to experience it,” she says compassionately. People often wander in to see Eleanor’s selection of products. Near the front desk, Eleanor displays unique purses, jewellery, and accessories to retail, alongside hair products. She handpicks all the items to reflect her customers’ fashionable tastes. She finds most of her items at shows in Las Vegas, designed to showcase the newest trends.

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Eleanor cannot say enough good things about the dynamic staff she has put in place, and it’s clear the feeling is mutual. Candace, her daughter, is glowing with her first pregnancy. She is the manager, creating a quaint family atmosphere. The mother-daughter duo works well together and both have enjoyed the opportunity of spending so much time together. When Eleanor started in the industry, Candace was only in grade twelve. She took some aesthetics classes in school, and discovered a passion for it. She tells Eleanor that she just loves to make people look and feel good about themselves. Candace works as a hairdresser and aesthetician.

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Jasmine is Eleanor’s niece, adding to the warm, family atmosphere. She comes to Expressions with more than 10 years of experience and is a journeyman hair stylist. A talented hairdresser, she specializes in creative cuts, up-dos and the new trend of hair tattooing, intricate designs shaved into the head. Her portfolio is packed with beautiful photos. “I really love doing hair, and I love making people feel good,” says Jasmine genuinely. She is pleased with the work her aunt has put in to make Expressions such a welcoming place.

Falak compliments the team as a very experienced journeyman aesthetician. She is extraordinarily talented in everything available in aesthetics, which puts her in high demand at Expressions.

Ashley, another in-demand stylist at Expressions, has several years of experience and specializes in creative up-dos and tattooing.

Jessica Belanger is an experienced makeup artist who chooses to showcase her talents at Expressions. Riley, Jackie

Aberleigh works in both hair and aesthetics. She loves the spacious environment Eleanor has set up, including a large staff room for the girls. “It feels like a home,” says Aberleigh. The other girls agree, as they stop in the lunchroom to drop off their things and check their schedules.

and Kourtney round out the team in the aesthetics and hair department. Nolan, Tierien, Ashley and Miki provide reception services, offering clients a friendly and helpful face as soon as they walk in. To treat yourself to a wonderful spa or hair treatment; or just for a tour of the rejuvenated space, come see Eleanor and her courteous staff at Expressions. “I just want to make people happy, and I feel I’ve done a really good job preparing a beautiful space,” says Eleanor. Saskatoon’s newest premier spa and salon, Expressions will cater to all your needs. With future plans of passing the business onto her daughter Candace, the pair build relationships with their customers and ensure the best experience possible. FLS

Expressions Salon and Spa 107 33rd Street West, Saskatoon p 306. 384.0800 FineLifestyles SASKATOON

ON THE FASHION RADAR:

SASKATOON FASHION & DESIGN FESTIVAL BY CANDACE FOX PHOTOS BY HALEY SHARP

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he cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion industry is heating up as the Saskatoon Fashion & Design Festival (SFDF) shine a spotlight on local designers hosting a weekend of fashion activities and events that were open to the community from May 31st - June 3rd. The non-profit fashion organization has made it their goal to help legitimize the industry within Saskatoon and the province, focusing on supporting local talent and providing a medium for designers to showcase their goods. As one of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing cities, the fashion industry in Saskatoon has become more pronounced with local designers making strides in garnering recognition on a larger scale - proving there can be success in prairie couture.

Who is behind this latest fashion fete? SFDF is led by Executive Director, Jacqueline Conway who hand-picked her team of seven organizers, creating a well rounded team of smart and talented ladies. Members include Creative Director & Key Makeup Artist - Holly Decker, Production Director - Mandy Pravda, Media Representative - Candace M. Fox, Photographer - Emma Love, Conceptual Developer - Tammy Lu, Online Marketing Rep - Jeanie De Beer and Key Hair Stylist - Alicia Austin. With months of planning and organizing the final weekend event roaster opened with the Rebecca King & Laurie Brown Fashion show followed by the 2nd annual fashion tradeshow called Mix & Match Marketplace and closing with FashON at the River Landing Amphitheatre.

Rebecca King & Laurie Brown The Rouge Gallery was abuzz with fashionistas of all ages, eager to see the latest collections from Saskatoon’s own Rebecca Farthing (King) and Laurie Brown. The two ladies did not disappoint. Their show was sold out to an audience of fans, clients, family, friends and media. Attendees sipped on wine and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared by Rebecca’s grandmother from Moose Jaw who seized the opportunity to delight the crowd with some of her signature finger foods. Models strutted down the traditional European style runway first with Laurie Brown’s fashion line. Boasting pretty pink rose budded bra tops, skirts in mustard, plum and black, feathered belts and the odd sequin and lace inclusion, the show was warmly received by the audience and closed with a smiling Laurie taking her bow mid runway.

After a brief intermission, and a flicker of the lights to let everyone know the show was to begin, Rebecca’s Fall/Winter 2012 line opened with a beautifully designed red tuxedo jacket with pleating details in the back. It was very 18th century men’s wear inspired. Next a bevy of beautiful garments included fur embellished cashmere/ wool blended jackets, male inspired yet very feminine tailored pants, a lovely knee length cream lace shift dress, caramel strapless one-piece pant suit, and a flattering knit dresses in a variety of colours. The show ended with a unique choreographed model arrangement at the end of the runway. After loud applause, a bouquet of flowers for the designer and an extremely happy Rebecca King graced the runway.

Mix & Match Marketplace The Two Twenty Community and Coworking Space downtown was the location for this year’s Mix & Match Marketplace where local designers set up booths tradeshow style, showing

their current lines of clothing, hand bags and accessories for the public to peruse. Those visiting would have seen some familiar faces and names with Alchemy Clothing & Salon’s Melissa Squire, Rebecca King Fashions, Laurie Brown, Sova Design and the granddad of fashion designers in Saskatchewan Mr. Dean Renwick from Regina.

FashON Set to a backdrop of walking pedestrians, the Victoria bridge, sunny skies and the Saskatchewan River - the crowd gathering at the River Landing Amphitheatre for the FashON event were treated to some fashionable entertainment. The afternoon fashion event showcased 6 designer shows which included Rack ‘n’ Ruin (Shallon Dahl), Melissa Squire (Alchemy Clothing & Salon), Atelier Roseth (Regina), Sova Design, C’est Danine Designs (Regina) and last but certainly not least Laurie Brown. Production took full advantage of the crowd and the space as models made their way into the middle of the Amphitheatre, giving the audience a mini theatrical performance with choreographed moves, cued walking and of course fierce group poses while centre stage. Between shows the crowd was delighted with dance entertainment by the Dance Project, including an initial flash mob performance as dancers leaped from the crowd heading toward the stage to perform their routine. Music for the fashion show and dance performances was provided DJ Ctrl. The entire FashON event was well organized and orchestrated giving local designers an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community while showcasing for the public the caliber of designers and talent situated right here in Saskatoon.

What’s next... After a very successful weekend of fashion festivities, SFDF hopes to organize more related events for the Saskatoon community on an annual basis. Saskatoon Fashion & Design Festival Saskatoon, SK www.saskfashion.com

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UNIQUE FASHIONS, EXCLUSIVE ACCESS BY NYKEA MARIE BEHIEL

omanian born couture designer Lucian Matis has received accolades and praise since his emergence into the fashion world. Because of his success, he has developed a boutique line. He granted exclusivity to Paramount Boutique in Saskatoon to carry his line, which speaks volumes about their quality and service. Paramount has been offering the Matis line since its inauguration last fall.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER FRITZ

“His talent really shows in the designs, the way they fit and flatter,” says Laura Dutka. Laura and Sarah Dutka divide their time between the boutique and Paramount DaySpa & Salon. They started Paramount Boutique three years ago to better accommodate their customers. Prior to opening the boutique, they brought clothes into Paramount DaySpa

& Salon, and their customers liked their products so much they recognized the need for expansion. When a location opened up connected to Durand’s, a ladies footwear boutique in Saskatoon’s downtown, Laura and Sarah saw grounds for a mutually beneficial relationship.

There is no wall between the two stores, so customers can try on beautiful shoes to complement their gorgeous outfits to get the full appeal. This symbiotic relationship creates an ultimate shopping experience and selection, that you can’t find anywhere else. Paramount carries many European lines, but when deciding what to offer in their store, the owner’s focus is not location. “What we look for is good quality fabrics, flattering fit, wellpriced, and attention to detail,” says Laura. The store is full of unique pieces made to standout and last. Unlike box stores and franchises, Paramount brings in only small quantities of their items. Saskatoon is a growing community, and no one likes to see their original purchase on someone else. Paramount is spacious, with room to browse, but

still offers a diverse selection. They have lines that offer bold patterns and bright contrast, as well as more subtle and textured fabrics. One of Paramount’s exclusive offerings is Michique handbags. Designed by twin sisters out of Cape Breton, Michique provides a unique look with unmatched quality. Their bags have been featured at the Cannes Film Festival, Golden Globe Awards, and even carried by the Duchess of Cornwall. Paramount is proud to offer a beautiful selection of these innovative and classic bags, as well as one-of-akind purses that are never reproduced. Paramount also offers Scala leggings. These leggings are constructed as outerwear, but are also categorized as shape wear. They are comfortable, and reduce body measurements as well as the appearance of cellulite. The special fabric contains active bio-crystals that

assist in the reduction of cellulite and enhanced blood flow. Not only do they offer all these benefits, but they look good and last. Sarah has been wearing hers for over two years, and they don’t show a hint of fading or stretching. “Going into fall, coloured denim is huge,” Sarah effuses. Paramount will be carrying a variety of colours and fits to suit everyone’s preference this fall. To find uncommon statement pieces that fit and flatter your body, visit Paramount Boutique. The courteous staff can help you find what you’re looking for, even if you don’t know yet exactly what it is. FLS Paramount Boutique 249 2nd Avenue South, Saskatoon (306) 242-5655 Facebook.com/ParamountBoutique

veryone has a story, but some lend themselves to a dramatic telling more easily than others. Lucian Matis has been on a meteoric rise that took him from growing up in the aftermath of the Romanian Revolution to television appearances and critical success in a new country. For Matis, the renowned Toronto designer, his story begins in Transylvania, the scenic, mountainous region in northern Romania that evokes dark images of ominous castles and vampires for many. Not so for Lucian, who recalls an idyllic childhood, “My memories are mostly about art and painting for hours and hours every day,” he recalled. “That’s where I actually practiced a lot of my sketching and my artistic side.”

MATIS: CANADA’S DESIGN PHENOM

Viorica Matis, Lucian’s mother, owned a company that designed and manufactured clothes. So while Lucian developed his artistic ability, he also worked side-by-side in the family business. “I grew up in fashion. It felt like it was part of me, like when you eat or when you breathe.” His love for fashion was helped along by his unique schooling. The school system in Romania is somewhat similar to what we are used to—it runs from Kindergarten to Grade 12—but there are some distinct differences, largely related to the Soviet-style of education. After eighth grade, students take national exams that test academic ability and career aptitude. Those who fail the test are channelled into labour and trade occupations. Those who pass get to go to high school. The few who score in the highest percentiles can basically specialize in their chosen field. For 14-year-old Lucian Matis, this meant an opportunity to attend the Sibiu Art Institute. He moved away from the small village where he grew up to Sibiu, a major Transylvanian city. It was a very different world and the 1990s were hard times in Romania following the 1989 revolution. But life wasn’t so bad for the young prodigy. “You could say that I designed my way through high school,” he said. The teachers gave Lucian preferential treatment in return for designing and making clothes for them. Those early designs were a far cry from the haute couture he currently exhibits on the fashion runways of Toronto but they were a beginning.

In fact, he didn’t even think of himself as a fashion designer until he moved to Canada. “My sister [Ica] moved to Canada in ’95 and then my mom came in ’97 to visit and she loved it,” he said. “She fell in love with the flowers. She loved how peaceful it was and calm.” Two years later, after selling her business and dealing with paperwork in both Romania and in Canada, she left home with her 19 year-old son Lucian and moved to Toronto. She went to work as a seamstress for a variety of companies while he attended Ryerson University’s School of Fashion. Lucian wasted no time in making an impression winning the Fur Council of Canada Award, Le Chateau’s Menswear Competition, the People’s Choice Award for Best Sketch, the Alfred Sung Award for Great Design Talent and was a semifinalist in the International Young Designer Competition all while still attending school. In 2003, Ryerson granted Matis an early graduation. After leaving school, he was hired as a designer and a buyer for Costa Blanca and Urban Behaviour before he was offered the role of Creative Director at Sirens. By 2007, he was ready to launch his first collection under his own brand. Daphne by Lucian Matis, designed exclusively for The Shopping Channel, was launched at L’Oreal Fashion week to accolades from around the industry. After this, his rising star garnered him the attention of TV producers. His designs were shown on the 2007 season finale of Canada’s Next Top Model. But most people will recognize him from Slice’s Project Runway Canada, where he finished in second place. Since then, Matis has kept his star rising with his critically acclaimed Matis by Lucian Matis line and the haute couture counterpart, the Lucian Matis Runway Collection. Now mom and son are again working side by side only this time in Lucian’s studio. This spring, Matis brought his 2012 Fall Line to Paramount Boutique for a sneak peak during their spring Fashion Show. The soft-spoken yet gregarious designer was as big a hit as his clothes with the ladies who packed the fashion show on Second Avenue in Saskatoon at Paramount Boutique and durand’s fine footwear. You can find Matis’ designs exclusively in Saskatoon at Paramount Boutique. The fabulous annual “Underground Runway” Fashion Show fundraiser for the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre was sponsored in part by Paddock Wood Microbrewery and Copper Moon Wines. Models consisted of friends and customers of Paramount Boutique and durand’s. In addition to previewing his fall clothing line, Matis unveiled a previously unseen line of eyewear. The glasses are just the beginning, though. He has plans to expand his enterprise significantly in the coming months, including menswear, furniture and fabrics.

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“I’m the kind of person who gets bored very easily,” he said. “That’s why I’m doing eyewear, I’m doing home décor, I’m doing so many other things. It’s just getting broader and broader, so I’m hoping soon to actually have a lifestyles Lucian Matis collection. Behind the scenes there are, of course, a lot of things people don’t know about,” he said. “I’d say the glamour is maybe five per cent. The rest of it is just hard work and passion. One thing I’ve learned is that if you’re not passionate about what you do, especially in fashion, you’ve got to give it up right away, because it’s a lot of work.” Lucian is preparing to launch his abstract fall/winter 2012-13 collection for his two labels, Lucian Matis and MATIS by Lucian Matis. He is quickly reaching star status in the fashion design world. In the meantime, Matis did something he has not done since coming to Canada a decade ago. Immediately following the fashion show in Saskatchewan, he took a much deserved vacation. FLS 34

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LUCIAN MATIS W5 What

would you be doing if you weren’t designing? Music. Maybe electronic music.

Where

do you most want to live?

Why

do you live in Toronto?

Southern France. Because it is a beautiful, safe place. Who

is your greatest inﬂuence? Michelangelo. He always has been.

When

did you know you were going to be a professional fashion designer? When I was 18 years old. I didn’t realize I always had been a designer.

INSPIRATION FOR FASHION Hair and Make-up

Maybe it was an old 1950 movie they watched last night this could create a new version of an old look. A new sculpture in the park, or a bridge while they were walking to work could inspire a shape that would suit you perfectly. Or the chocolate ice cream they had for dessert at lunch is now your new highlight color! And the luscious cherry on top is fabulous as a lip color…. A true artist takes nothing for granted.

By Tammy McLean Angles Salon & Spa 201 1st Ave S (Main Door Midtown Plaza) 306.653.4247 www.anglessalonspa.com WALK-INS WELCOME

Just like clothing designers look for some inspiration for their next collection… Hair and Make-up Artists do as well. Did you ever wonder how you just sit down and you’re hair and make-up artist knows just what to do. That is because something they have seen smelled, heard, felt or tasted has inspired them.

It is important that your stylist/makeup artist continues to be inspired. The beauty industry is constantly changing; your stylist should be updating their education and training at least twice a year. Often a stylist can be inspired by another motivated and passionate team member. The more “like” minds they are surrounded with the better. You may as a client draw inspiration by something you see another stylist do in the same salon. Don’t be afraid to compliment, a true team celebrates in everyone’s success. Competition is another way a stylist is inspired. Stepping out of their comfort zone, and creating a look that is not commercial stretches ones imagination and therefore leaves it open to more everyday creativity.

So what are the Hair inspirations this summer? The looks this season are inspired very much by the late 1970’s.

This time was filled with change/ freedom/power and movements. In the haircuts you should see a balance of strength and movement, structure and softness. Hair color is inspired by nature this season with depth and tones of warmth and richness. Strong hair colors and patterns that melt together like a sunset as to camouflage any regrowth. Colors that from a far look one way like the white sand on a beach; yet up close are tiny stones with tons and colors and tones so very different. If you are considering both a haircut and color and you desire a strong haircut, we encourage a soft color. If a bold color is something you want than balance it with a airy textured cut.

What about make-up? Make-up looks are fresh, the focus is on the eyes, bright blue and green hues show fun and flirty. With a hint of color on the cheek offers a perfect glow. Team that up with a luscious fruity toned lip and your perfect for a summer romance! So this summer when you are walking down by the river take a look around… Stones, flowers, ripples in the water, this just may be the next inspiration for your NEW look! FLS

From left to right: Cory Kallis, Ryan Perry, Marc & Tracey Grand’Maison, Roger Nikiwski, Alex Muzzillo and Mark Bradshaw.

TATTOO AND PIERCING STUDIO WITH A CONSCIENCE By Nykea Marie Behiel

arc Grand’Maison left Quebec in 1989 with nothing but a pair of new boots, a backpack, and broken English. He made his way to Saskatoon in 1996 and he soon discovered that the people of Saskatoon are honest and generous, as many offered whatever resources they could for him to bring his dream of opening a tattoo studio to life in 1997. A few years later, he met his wife Tracey. Last year Tracey took the studio over from Marc, and continues to run it with the integrity and passion the two have built their foundation on. Mark Bradshaw joined Pic-Man, merging SOMA Studio in the fall of 2008. He is passionate about piercing and like Tracey, places a great deal of emphasis

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Photos Lisa Landrie

on education. Before the businesses merged, the two recommended each other because of mutual respect for their high standards. “Before I opened SOMA, piercing was treated as a secondary service,” says Mark. “For me, this is my livelihood, my passion.” The two worked together on projects such as the Safe Body Art Infection Control Course with the Saskatoon Health Region. This manual has become a requirement, and is indicative of their promise to safety. Both facilitate non-studio specific question groups on Facebook to help people take proper care of their piercing or tattoo, or simply ask a question before getting one.

Tracey, Mark and the artists emanate a kindness that is not always apparent in this industry. The team is comprised of Roger, Cory, Alex, and her son, Ryan. The familiar environment is comforting and supportive. They put you first, and have a strong focus on education. When someone comes in looking for a tattoo, Tracey often sends them away to do some homework. “It’s not about the money – if it was, you’d already be in the chair,” she says openly. “You have to think past Friday night and how this tattoo will impact your life in years to come.” Although community service may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of a tattoo and piercing studio, Pic-Man and SOMA

have an astonishing list of community involvement activities. As a family studio, they have won the ABEX and SABEX awards for Community Involvement against large, corporate companies. The walls are warmed with drawings from children, thank you cards, and numerous community awards. The family studio partakes in so many local fundraisers and sponsorships that it’s hard to keep track—minor hockey, football, softball, lacrosse, Rayna’s Day of Play, Sask International Raceway— just to name a few. While Tracey names some of these nonchalantly, there are many others on the wall, speaking to

her staff’s dedication to community betterment. They also contribute to larger charities, like the Children’s Wish Foundation and Breast Cancer. Each year, when C95 has their Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research, Pic-Man does a full day of pink ribbon tattoos, donating all the proceeds. It is clear that money is not what drives these compassionate people. Pic-Man Tattoo and SOMA Studio can help educate you on tattoos and piercings. Their friendly staff and stringent safety practices will put you at ease, and ensure you leave with body art you will appreciate beyond the weekend. FLS

Pic-Man Tattoo and SOMA Studio 226-3rd Ave South, Saskatoon p 306.384.7887 picman.tattoo@sasktel.net

www.picmantattoo.ca

Pic-Man Tattoo and SOMA Studio facebook.com/groups/6085659239 Ask Tracey - Tattoo/Body Art Questions facebook.com/groups/249993838414597 Ask Mark - Body Piercing Questions facebook.com/groups/310607965654270

Testimonial “It would be so easy for a business like a tattoo shop to just stay within the confines of their business and not extend a helping hand to others, but that’s not Pic-Man Tattoo. They not only care about their customers but they care about people they’ve never even met.” —Lisa Rendall FineLifestyles SASKATOON

LAKE LIVING. URBAN CONVENIENCE.

SUNTERRA RIDGE By Aviva Zack

Photos Stephanie Zhang

estled on the western banks of Blackstrap Lake in the Resort Village of Shields, only a stones throw from Saskatoon, lies the start of a beautiful new community. Sunterra Ridge is being developed by the Thiessen family, who has enjoyed the area for four generations. With Saskatoon’s rapid growth, they felt the time was right for what was becoming an all-season bedroom community. With Shields a mere 25 minute drive from Saskatoon, homeowners in Sunterra Ridge can work in town and go home to the natural beauty and serenity of lakeside living all year round. The appeal of a permanent lake home for both families and retirees is huge. “There is always something going on in this vibrant community,” says Doreen Thiessen, the second generation of her family to fall in love with the area. 38

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fishermen, while more casual fishermen can frequently be seen dotted around the lake on their boats or fishing off the docks. Even the pelicans enjoy fishing at Blackstrap. On the shore, mountain bikers take to the many paths in the area. For more adventurous bikers there are downhill paths at Mount Blackstrap to tackle.

“There is always something going on in this vibrant community” It is common to see people of all ages on the lake boating, canoeing, kite boarding or wake boarding. The Blackstrap Sailing Club is located on the east side of the lake and teaches both recreational and competitive sailing. It also hosts many regattas. Fishing derbies provide a challenge for the avid

In the winter residents, are often seen cross-country skiing or skating on an impromptu rink on the lake. Ice fishing for northern pike, perch, walleye and whitefish is very popular come winter as well. At the end of the season, there is a big celebration by the ice fisherman right on the lake.

Sunterra Ridge’s beautiful year-round lakeside community offers many conveniences of living in the city including: • High pressure water from the City of Saskatoon • Residential sewage system • Separate irrigation system • Loraas Disposal roadside garbage pick-up • Star Phoenix delivery available • High speed internet access • Architectural controls • Larger than typical residential lots • Fine dining at the Hole in the Wall Resturant

Sunterra Ridge has many lots bordering the 9-hole golf course beneath its ridge. The beautiful grass green course is well maintained and popular amongst the locals and surrounding communities. Don’t expect to see golf carts only on the course. There is a resort feel to Shields, and carts are permitted on the streets, so there are frequently golf cart traffic jams. “People like to stop and visit since everyone knows one another, so there are often clusters of golf carts on the road as people keep stopping to talk,” laughs Bonnie Thiessen, another member of the Thiessen family business. This strong sense of community is a big part of what makes the area so special. There are monthly potlucks at the community centre, organized activities and celebrations year round. The new public beach is sure to become a gathering point. Last year, a new $50,000 playground with walking paths was built entirely by community volunteers for all residents to enjoy.

The ambiance of this bedroom community is drawing homebuyers to Sunterra Ridge. “There are not many places where you can work in the city until 5pm and be home and on the lake by 5:45pm,” says Bonnie. “This is country living at its finest, without the maintenance of an acreage.”

“There are not many places where you can work in the city until 5pm and be home and on the lake by 5:45pm” Residents at Sunterra Ridge will truly appreciate all the amenities the area offers. Unlike other rural areas, homes built in Sunterra Ridge will enjoy access to high-pressure city water with no expensive holding tanks and pressure systems and a residential sewage system with no need for septic tanks or pumps. There are also seasonal FineLifestyles SASKATOON

25 minutes to Sunterra Ridge Saskatoon

SHIELDS

Dundurn

Lake Blackstrap

irrigation systems as well as all utilities, including water, electrical, gas and phone lines are supplied to each lot. In phase one of Sunterra Ridge, 17 lots allow for walkout basements and 19 of the lots back green space. An attractive ornamental fence will back the homes that line the golf course. There will also be custom street signs in the area to give the neighbourhood a cohesive feel. To ensure homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; investments are well protected, architectural controls are in place.

Shields has also taken careful measures to preserve its charm. For example, in order to maintain the lake ambiance of the area, there are no streetlights. This also prevents light pollution and ensures residents will be able to enjoy stargazing on every clear night. The commute from city life to a more relaxed lifestyle at Sunterra Ridge is made simple with a well-maintained 40

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divided highway. Being seven and a half kilometers from the highway ensures traffic noise will not affect the serenity of the area. Off the main highway nearby is the town of Dundurn. There is a school

bus that provides service to Dundurn Elementary School, which offers an excellent early years education and is well known for its exceptional reading program. School bus service is also conveniently available to Hanley Composite School for high school.

Only 25 lots are available in phase one and construction is already underway. Preferred builders at Sunterra Ridge include Wheatland Homes and Redstone Developments, or you can build yourself.

â&#x20AC;Ś 19 lots back green space, 17 lots are walkouts â&#x20AC;Ś The Thiessens are so excited about the growth of this vibrant community, plans are underway after decades enjoying cabin life on Blackstrap Lake, for them to become permanent residents there as well. Year-round lakeside living with all of the conveniences of city life is a lifestyle that, until recently, many only dreamed about. With all that Sunterra Ridge has to offer, those dreams can now become a reality. FLS

To inquire further about Sunterra Ridge: Call Doreen at 306.280.2563 info@sunterraridge.com www.sunterraridge.com

Left to right: Bonnie, Sookie (dog), Mila, Dean, Doreen & Garry. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

YOUR EDEN AWAITS . . . By Sarah Ferguson

ammy Kreutzweiser spent over a decade working in floral shops and garden centres before her uncle asked her “Why don’t you have your own flower shop? I will be your partner!” The suggestion inspired Tammy to consider opening her own floral boutique. Not long after their heartfelt conversation, Tammy’s uncle died in a car accident. Tammy never forgot the conversations she had with her uncle, and used her unfortunate hardship as motivation to make her dream a reality. She applied to Saskatoon’s Global Infobroker’s entrepreneurship program led by Monica Kreuger, and fine-tuned her business concept, before preparing a pitch for Saskatchewan Capital Investors. Attending the school gave Tammy the tools to make her business a success. She gained insight on how to think from

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Photos Kerry Lubchenko

a business owner’s perspective, and how to attract investors. These insights helped her build the foundation for her business plan, and fuelled her aspirations to open the flower shop of her dreams. Her newly gained knowledge impressed investors, and with their support, the construction and launch of Eden Flowers Ltd. in University Heights this April was a huge success. One month later, Eden is busier than ever. “We’re so happy to be in the neighborhood, and business has been fabulous,” Tammy said. From Mother’s Day to Anniversaries, and from Valentine’s Day to your Wedding Day, a bouquet from Eden is a work of art that can articulate the perfect expression for your life. Eden’s European inspired “open concept” shop approach is a unique aspect of the business that offers customers a first-

hand glimpse into the world of floral design. The shop’s design tables are placed in the middle of the 1360 square foot space, rather than behind closed doors. This means you can watch your arrangements take shape in front of your very eyes. Eden is the only florist in town to offer customers a private consultation room. It’s a quiet place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the flower shop, where customers can browse their large selection of books, and get advice on their wedding or funeral consultation. All flowers sold by Eden are from fair trade farms. When in season, Eden’s flowers will come from Mystic Acres, based in Vonda. Fresh succulents and plants come from a local grower, and from Vancouver B.C. Eden offers Saskatoon a whole new creative level of floral arrangements,

and caters to those with refined, exquisite tastes. Besides offering an incredible selection of the finest cut flowers, Eden carries an equally impressive line of plants for the discerning customer. “We’re going to have seasonal plants and herbs for gardening that will be coming in soon,” Tammy said. Eden also carries a beautiful variety of orchids and features potted plants that can add ambiance to any setting. The business prides itself on a one-of-a-kind 99 per cent green platform. Everything in the shop is recyclable, from wrapping to gift tags. Eden only uses ceramic, glass, or paper for packaging, and also partners with a local waste management company who recycles its green cuttings, as well as paper, plastic and cardboard. With the average Saskatoon flower shop producing anywhere from two to ten bags of waste per day, Eden’s earth conscious business approach is heads above the rest. But recycling isn’t the only way that Eden is contributing to a better, healthier planet. Eden’s greeting cards are 100 per cent recycled, and are made of recyclable, plantable paper. The shop also offers a unique vase recycling program that can help customers free up space in their basements or attics. “Everyone has that old box of vases in the basement that sit there and collect dust,” Tammy said. “If you can bring in your vases and we can use them, we will exchange them for flowers.” Eden is proud to support Saskatchewan and Canadian based businesses, and carries a variety of local product lines that put the health of their customers first. Organic bath and body products from the Moose Jaw based company Willow Tree are available for purchase, along with a beautiful selection of organic candles. Eden is also the only business in Saskatoon that carries a completely organic line of bug spray that is safe for children or pets. Customers with a sweet tooth can enjoy a fine assortment of luxurious decadent chocolates from the Danielle Chocolate Company, based in Vancouver. Tammy is also pleased to introduce Eden’s two resident door greeters, Marmaduke and Lilo. Marmaduke, a Mastiff and Lilo, a Rottweiler, are always ready for a treat and enjoy receiving love from any customer that walks through the shop door. Life is never too short to stop and smell the flowers. Come to University Heights, where your Eden awaits. FLS

134 - 1824 Mcormond Drive 306.361.3533 www.edenflowers.ca

PAVERS: Written in Stone

Luke Rempel B.Sc. Horticulture, B.Comm. City Gardens Landscape Construction 306.551.4535 luke@city-gardens.ca www.city-gardens.ca

up. A driveway should be excavated 16 to 18 inches deep. Base gravel should be compacted in lifts which means adding six inches of gravel, then compact it, then add another layer of gravel, compact it, and so on. That work should be done with a heavy reversible plate compactor. If you’re not going deep and compacting well before the pavers are laid, you’re not doing yourself any favours. Another wise preventative measure is geo-tech fabric. We use it all the time. It’s a tough fabric that provides a break between clay layer and base gravel layer for better compaction.

hen paving stones are used in driveways, patios and walkways, the result can be a stunning functional and aesthetic improvement. It’s an investment that adds value to your property. That’s if they’re installed properly. If not, the disappointing result will detract from your landscaping and lower property values.

In new areas of Saskatoon like Willowgrove, Evergreen, and Briarwood, I recommend paving stones rather than concrete. The soil has high clay content so it’s simply a fact of life that the ground will shift. When concrete moves, it cracks. Because paving stones are made and laid as individual units, they can flex with movement.

The misconceptions around paving stones, like tire ruts in a driveway or uneven surfaces, exist 100 per cent because of improper installation. That means the problems are 100 per cent preventable with a well-prepared base and proper compaction. You need to wait for the frost to come out, but then installation can happen right up to freeze

Colour choice and style selection of paving stones is incredible. You can customize the design and style to match your house, even mix up styles like Roman, Tuscan, cobblestone, or contemporary. With some thought, good design and proper installation, you get 100 per cent value out of your investment.

At City Gardens, we provide our customers with quality workmanship in a prompt, professional manner. We specialize in full-scale landscaping projects. Give us a call to see how we can add value to your property and make better use of your outdoor living spaces. FLS

Photos by Heather Fritz 44

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SENSATIONAL!

“

A worldwide phenomenon that hits all the right notes.” –The Globe and Mail

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 13 Sid Buckwold Theatre at TCU Place

Photo: Chris Callis

Tickets available at TCU Place Box Office Call 306-975-7799 or 888-639-7770 • Groups (10+) 306-975-7529

www.tcutickets.ca JerseyBoysTour.com

AN UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATION

DINING EXPERIENCE – THE OLIVE TREE BECKONS TO PRAIRIE OASIS NORTH OF CITY By Karin Melberg Schwier

hen Michael Pantermarakis and chef Georgia Sinaki decided to offer fine Greek dining at their iconic Blacktop Diner on Highway 12, they “couldn’t bear to change the atmosphere.” Just re-opened after a threemonth renovation, regulars and newcomers to The Olive Tree are delighted with the entirely unique blend of retro 1950’s diner and a new Mediterranean-inspired menu. As a diner, the décor is classic Happy Days. “People love it and come from miles,” says Michael, who came to Canada from the island of Crete. “The stools and marble counter came from the old Woolworth’s in P.A. John Diefenbaker, his chair is that one, fourth from the end. How can you throw away the history?” 46

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Photos Shannon Arends

Regulars held their breath in anticipation as a few plush booths were added and chef Georgia perfected her menu. Georgia was a chef in Greece before Michael convinced her to give Canada—and him—a try. When Georgia arrived two years ago, she was thrilled. “I felt like I was home!” But she soon realized where her contribution was going to be made. “I wanted to do my own cooking,” she says. “Now we are sharing our love of true, real Greek food. Authentic. This is different, very good.” She’s had practice at ‘very good.’ As a chef in one of the top resorts in the seaside luxury resort village of Eloudna, she

cooked for VIPs of all description. This is where Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou used to spend his summers and today, the Saudi royal family, celebrities, corporate executives and well-heeled tourists are regulars. Now Canadian VIPs of all sorts are writing rave reviews in the Olive Tree guest book; a guest book in a restaurant says something about how Michael and Georgia feel about their customers. A truly special touch here is the exquisite olive oil produced from the Koroneiki olive grown on Michael’s family grove in Crete. A very light and low acidity product, the award-winning Minoan Organic Olive Oil is used exclusively in the restaurant. Customers can take some home, too. The world-renowned extra-virgin olive oil is sold in 250, 500 and 750 mL bottles and 3 litre tins. Organic and bio-organic is also available in 500 mL bottles. Its virtues include reducing bad cholesterol and increasing the good; it lowers blood pressure and its antioxidants help protect against cancer. “It gives you very good health and long life,” Michael smiles. If that’s not enough of a souvenir, you can also pick up imported Organic Thyme Honey from the Toplou monastery in Crete. Even more, there are also Cretian urns and pottery to add some Mediterranean flare to your own decor. The couple operates the adjoining Riverbend convenience store and gas station. The original Woolworth’s milkshake machine does its duty there, and 34 flavours of hard and soft ice cream are available. A light and affordable Blacktop Diner lunch menu compliments the 1950s diner décor. In the evening, guests choose from a sumptuous lineup of familiar and must-try dishes. The Olive Tree menu creates a welcome and fascinating blend of fine Greek dining, both traditional and adventurous. “I like a good

steak,” Georgia insists and that portion of the menu reflects some of her favourites. All fillets are prepared flambé style. An array of traditional and more contemporary starters, salads, main courses and deserts all beg to be sampled. Michael offers pairing suggestions from an impressive wine list; there’s also domestic and imported beer. “This is our dream,” says Georgia. “This is my job to make beautiful food. We are so happy to see people come back again with their friends and they bring family. You must remember why you do this, eh? We do our best for our customers. This makes us very happy.” FLS The Olive Tree/Blacktop Diner Highway 12, before the Petrofka Bridge Reservations: 306.945.5551, 306.945.4766 michael@olivetreerestaurant.ca www.olivetreerestaurant.ca Hours: Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday–Monday (closed Tuesdays)

SASKATOON

EVENTS CALENDAR Experience Saskatoon Downtown Sidewalk Sale July 5 - 7, 2012 - 10 am

2nd Avenues and 21st Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues Prairieland Junior Ag Showcase July 5 - 9, 2012

Saskatoon Prairieland Park Ag Centre WakeRide July 6 - 8 2012

Victoria Park and River Landing Decoy July 6 - August 6, 2012

813 Broadway Avenue

Pets in the Park July 8, 2012 - 9:00 am

Pion - Era July 14 - 15, 2012 - 9:00 am

Saskatoon Pets in The Park Inc. Kiwanis Memorial Park

Western Develo pm ent Museum, 2610 Lorne Avenue

A Taste of Saskatchewan presented by Conexus Credit Union July 10 - 15, 2012 - 11:00 am

Ness Creek Music Festival July 19 - 22, 2012

Kiwanis Memorial Park Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival July 11, 2012 - August 26, 2012

Tents next to the Mendel Art Gallery Neil Diamond July 13, 2012

Credit Union Centre

20km North East of Big River S Dragon Boat Festival July 27 - 28, 2012

Rotary Park Toon Town Smokedown BBQ Festival July 28 - 29 2012

Saskatoon Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Il Divo July 29, 2012

Credit Union Centre

JULY - SEPTEMBER PotashCorp Fringe Theatre Festival August 2 - 11, 2012

KASKADE Freaks of Nature Tour August 15, 2012 7:30 pm

Broadway District

Tequila Nightclub

“Canada Remembers Our Heroes” August 4 - 5, 2012 - noon

Folkfest August 16 - 18, 2012

Auto Clearing Motor Speedway, Hwy 12 North

Various venues throughout the city

Saskatoon Exhibition August 7 - 12, 2012

Rock 102 Cruise Weekend August 24 - 26, 2012

Saskatoon Prairieland Park

Downtown Saskatoon

John Arcand Fiddlefest August 9 - 12, 2012 - 9:00 am

Potash Corp Fireworks Festival August 31, 2012 - September 1, 2012

Windy Acres Guest Ranch, 7km southwest off Highway 60

River Landing

Saskatoon Reggae and World Music Festival August 9 - 11, 2012

Friendship Park and other venues Yanni August 10, 2012 - 8:00 pm

TCU Place - Saskatoon’s Arts and Convention Centre 35 - 22nd Street East

Canadian Country Music Awards September 6 - 9, 2012

Credit Union Centre Broadway Street Fair September 8, 2012

Broadway Avenue

2012 Canadian Dental Association National Conference September 13 - 16, 2012

Canadian Dental Association College of Engineering - 100 Year Reunion September 20 - 23, 2012

University of Saskatchewan The Word on the Street Saskatoon September 23, 2012

23rd Street East between 3rd and 4th Avenue North and in the Frances Morrison Library Jersey Boys September 26, 2012 - Oct 13, 2012

TCU Place, 35 22nd Street East NHL Pre - season: Boston Bruins vs Winnipeg Jets September 29, 2012 - 7:00 pm

Credit Union Centre

A TALE OF TWO CITIES By FLS Staff

Photos Stephanie Zhang

The City of Saskatoon

ver the past five years, Saskatoon has experienced unprecedented economic growth. The city and the province of Saskatchewan are being recognized nationally and internationally as a place of opportunity.

Existing businesses are expanding while new businesses are breaking ground. The growth has resulted in a planned expansion of the Saskatoon Airport, providing more flights to more destinations for business and personal travel. New hotels are being built and existing hotels are expanding to cater to the increasing number of conferences and conventions. There is a vibe, a pulse. You can feel it driving through the city, reading the newspapers, and listening to the media. The energy is palpable.

The Sandbox in the City For Colleen Tait and Juanita Schindel, the timing was perfect. They opened their new store, the Sandbox in the City, five and half years ago, just as the Saskatoon â&#x20AC;&#x153;boomâ&#x20AC;? was getting under way. They soon realized that a new demand was developing as a result of the economic boom. Along with their regular customers requiring clothing for day-to-day attire, more women from a variety of professions were looking for appropriate business attire. Wives of professional men were requiring a dress for a convention or conference their husband was attending. Women are dressing up more often to attend one of the increasing numbers of concerts or events the vibrant, growing city offers. 50

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In response to this new demand, Colleen and Juanita expanded their core lines to provide more selection. They also expanded into more accessories like jewellery, footwear, and undergarments. “We wanted to provide our clientele the opportunity to visit Sandbox in the City and be able to leave the store with everything they need. Many of our customers lead busy lifestyles and don’t have the extra time to visit three or four stores to find what they require,” says Colleen. Colleen and Juanita also noticed an increase in customers looking for cruise and resort wear during winter months. “It’s no longer just fall and winter and spring and summer,” explains Juanita. The economic boom brings higher wages and more disposable incomes, providing the opportunity for a winter getaway or second home. They’ve recognized that a fifth season especially for cruise and resort wear now exists. The Sandbox in the City has that same vibe and pulse that is sweeping the city. It resonates throughout the store. There

is a buzz of positive energy, laughter and fun that creates an uplifting shopping experience. The Sandbox in the City reflects the changes in the lives of Saskatchewan women. Inside and outside their walls, both cities thrive.

For information on clothing lines, hours of operation, events, and promos, visit their facebook page The Sandbox in the City. FLS The Sandbox in the City 1002-B Broadway Ave, Saskatoon p 306.955.6600

HATS & THAT: HATS, JEWELLERY, AND ACCESSORIES By Nykea Marie Behiel

Photos Stephanie Zhang

hrough the ages hats have always been a classic way to showcase your unique sense of fashion. This year, hats are back in a huge way.

people across Canada. The store is a treasured and unique find to all the fashion conscious. Debbie offers casual pieces, through to formal wear and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Debbie Taylor opened Hats & That on Broadway in 2003. After 25 years in healthcare, Debbie was able to realize her dream of running her own business. With plenty of support from family and friends, her passion became her livelihood.

The only fashion hat retailer in Saskatoon, Hats & That offers selection unrivalled by anyone in the business. Debbie and her staff will help you find a hat that fits you well and suits your lifestyle. If you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not a hat person, you just havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t found the right style.

Since then, she and her expert staff have been keeping fashion on the minds, and heads, of

For the Hats end of things, Debbie carries a huge variety of styles and designers. Lillie & Cohoe designed and produced in Nelson B.C., offer stylish hats for all seasons. Lilliput, Canadian Hat, and Lizzie by Design are just some of the other designers Debbie offers for women. “Men have been buying a lot more hats,” says Debbie. So, the store’s inventory reflects the great variety for men to choose from. Kangol, a popular brand for men and women, can often be spotted on Hollywood celebrity Samuel L. Jackson. Bailey, Brixton, and Goorin Bros. are just some of the other brands Hats & That has to offer Saskatoon’s men. On the That end, Hats & That has an eclectic mix of quality jewellery, scarves, and accessories. “Karyn Chopik designs beautiful handmade jewellery that’s more like art than anything,” says Debbie, proud to offer Karyn’s jewellery in her store. Karyn is originally from Swift Current, and promoting local goods is part of Debbie’s mandate. Anne Marie Chagnon is a designer out of Montreal, a revolutionary in her field. One of her newest creations is jewellery that can be easily transformed from necklace to bracelet to earrings. Mimi & Marge create unique, handcrafted pieces each season. Kenda Haga is the designer, originally from Saskatoon. This is just a sampling of the beautiful jewellery available at Hats & That. “We have a focus on local designers, but we bring in jewellery and accessories from all over the world,” Debbie effuses. Their selection is vast. Debbie and the staff at Hats & That can help you find unique hats, jewellery and accessories to accentuate any outfit, style and occasion. “In order to have a successful business, you have to be passionate and love what you are doing,” says Debbie. By that measurement, Hats & That is the most successful business in Saskatoon. FLS Hats & That 636 Broadway Avenue p 306.933.1898 www.hatsandthat.ca

GIVING YOU REASONS TO VISIT BROADWAY! AS THOUGH ONE WOULD NEED THEM BY SARAH MARCHILDON

roadway is a vibrant and animated arts, entertainment and business district, recognized as a unique people place—rich in cultural experiences and valued for its diversity, character and vitality. Broadway offers safe streets, a dynamic boutique business environment, and exciting dining, shopping and entertainment. While this alone can be enough to convince everyone that Broadway is the place to be in Saskatoon, there a few key reasons everyone should visit Broadway.

Great Places Broadway was named one of Canada’s top three great streets. During summer 2011, Broadway was honoured with this award by the Canadian Institute of Planners’ Great Places Contest. This recognition exemplifies Broadway’s high standards for planning, promotion of social and economic activities,

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having a unique character, visually interesting architectural features, and reflection of local culture, history and landscape. Broadway’s plaque is proudly displayed outside the Broadway Business Improvement District office as a reminder and commitment to the community.

Local Recognition In recognition of Broadway’s finest, the Broadway Business Improvement District awards annual recognition to those forwarding the collective community of

Broadway. Congratulations to this year’s nominees and recipients. Sandbox in the City Broadway Marketing Excellence Award Crave Cupcakes & Cookies Broadway Property Appearance Award The Broadway Theatre Broadway Volunteer Award Starbucks Broadway Customer Service Award Turning the Tide Broadway Community Involvement Award

& Broadway Business of the Year Award Debbie Taylor, Hats & That | Paul Pain “Spirit of Broadway” Award

Unique The likes of a Broadway merchant is typically the entrepreneurial, familyrun, one-of-a-kind business. They have collected on Broadway for their passion for the arts, culture and easygoing approach. The Broadway district attracts visitors from all over the globe as well as from local neighbours. “I love that so many people in Saskatoon FineLifestyles SASKATOON

will invite visiting family and friends to Broadway. Our larger community of Saskatoon does a fabulous job of marketing our little street to so many,” says Sarah Marchildon, Executive Director of Broadway Business Improvement District. “This can only be understood as showing their own pride and appreciation of Broadway’s uniqueness.” For boutique shops carrying unique hats, jewelry, shoes and clothing, or for delicious

tastings of tapas, drinks, and for many more wonderful opportunities, shop Broadway.

Personable Broadway employees have a great smile and time to dedicate to each individual customer. Their warm demeanor means the customers and friends of the Broadway district are welcomed each time they visit. Broadway staff are

known to provide assistance and make decisions based on fit for the buyer. For Saskatoon’s visitors and residents, a friendly hello greets them whenever they shop Broadway.

Experience A-Z The Broadway district is the smallest of outdoor shopping venues within the city. It provides everything from antiques, Appenzell, affidavits, and

armoires to zucchini, zanerobe, Zendinsky and Zoe Whitall. It’s an award-winning community. Within its few blocks, the streetscaping is maintained at people-level, providing a walkable, open air space that is enjoyable, with sidewalk cafes and green spaces. Visit www.onbroadway.ca for where to find Broadway’s A-Z

Broadway 360° The Broadway Business Improvement District, along with business owners, residents, the Nutana Community Association, city administrators, property owners and developers, have collectively come to the table to create a plan for Broadway’s unique architecture. While the business district reflects a multitude of decadal architecture, all parties agree there exists a certain look, feel, and charm about Broadway. Through a study aptly named Broadway 360°, the entire community spelled out many hopes, expectations, and concerns for the area. Most recently, the committee has a proposed new zoning and architectural controls to go forward for City Council approval. Broadway has certainly been built and advanced to service Saskatoon’s community. See details at www.broadway360.ca

2012 Event Schedule Live@Lunch - July & August Fridays Walk of Stars - Summer Street Fair - September 8 Ladies’ Night - October Spirit of Christmas - December 6 join us on Broadway every day... Visit the Little Stone Stage every Friday throughout July and August for the return of Broadway’s Live@Lunch, featuring live music between 11:30am and 1:30pm. Soak up the sun while enjoying some homegrown talent and delicious Broadway fare! Don’t forget about Broadway’s biggest event, Broadway Street Fair. This one-day festival to be held on Saturday, September 8th from 10:00am to 5:00pm will feature live music, artists, kid’s activities, and a silent auction. Don’t miss out on the amazing sales and specials offered. FLS FineLifestyles SASKATOON

OPTIKA IS ECLECTIC EYEWARE

By Ryan Howse Photos Lisa Landrie

bout two-thirds of people will need glasses at some point in their life. Glasses are becoming more chic and stylish. They can be a fashion accessory or just a piece of eyewear for those who want to keep things simple.

Optika Eclectic Eyeware has been in Saskatoon since 1993. Deborah Perry worked with the previous owner from 2000 until 2007, when she took over. Optika Eclectic Eyeware has been voted Saskatoon’s best eyewear business for the past five years running. Much of that is due to Perry’s synergistic skills. As a licensed optician with a background in fashion design, she can find the right lenses for your eyes, and the frames that fit with your style. “It’s vital to know how important a licensed optician is. Here at Optika, we will verify your prescription and make sure the glasses are right for you. Eyewear is a medical appliance, and if it’s not dealt with properly, it can lead to all kinds of health issues and harm.” Perry also notes that she does not deal with contact lenses. When she looks over new glasses for the store, she looks at both trends and longevity. They kept round frames in stock for over a decade even though few people were interested in them. Now, they’re making a comeback. 58

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LA Eyeworks Jono Hennessy EM Frieze Frame Masanuga Frost Sama Loree Rodkin Badgley Mischka Eyenigma to say ‘You’ve got to go to Optika.’ Obviously I’m doing something right and making people happy,” says Perry. Deborah Perry

She’s seen a variety of styles come and go. “The big trend right now is toward the bigger retro look, but the nice thing about eyewear is that you can have anything on the market. We’ll find the perfect frame for each person.” Optika Eclectic Eyeware carries Jono Hennessy, Masanuga, Entourage of Seven, Iyoko Inake, and more. They also are a distributor for Frost Hot Frames out of Germany, which offers only 250 glasses in each style and colour worldwide. Perry is always searching for new lines. One of the newer brands is called Frieze Frames, which are vintage-inspired

and tend to be ornate. L.A. Eyewear is another brand Optika has recently started carrying.

The Best In Saskatoon Perry says that there are a few reasons that Optika Eclectic Eyeware was voted the best eyewear in Saskatoon for the last five years. It’s the diversity of selection, the excellent customer service, and the love for her job that she shows. “Word of mouth is our best advertising. My customers are amazing people. The repeat customers are always willing

Optika Eclectic Eyeware even has its own mascot, in the form of Furnace the Wonder Dog. He’s a well-trained six year old boxer who goes in with Perry almost every day to greet the customers. Those who are less comfortable with dogs don’t need to worry, as he will stay in his own area if required. Optika Eclectic Eyeware is also constantly running summer specials, which change monthly. If you’re in the market for some new glasses, stop by and see what special is running. FLS Optika Eclectic Eyeware 702 B Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon p 306.664.4412 optikaeclecticeyeware@gmail.com www.optika-eyeware.com FineLifestyles SASKATOON

WECZERIA FOOD & WINE BY AVIVA ZACK

hat started six and a half years ago as a small eatery just off of Broadway Avenue, is now one of the most talked about restaurants around town. With a move last year onto Broadway’s main drag, Weczeria Food & Wine is a secret no longer. Weczeria (pronounced ‘vah-cherryah’), means evening meal, and is a nod to chef and owner Daniel Walker’s Ukrainian heritage and hospitality. Despite the name, Weczeria is not a Ukrainian restaurant, but rather 60

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PHOTOS STEPHANIE ZHANG

bills itself as ‘modern French cuisine brought to life with local ingredients’.

provide Weczeria with many other top quality items like lentils, beef and pork.

Local ingredients are truly what makes Weczeria so special. As much as possible, the restaurant uses food producers from across Saskatchewan. Vegetables like tomatoes, asparagus and potatoes come almost directly from the garden to their door, keeping fare fresh and local. Chef Walker talks enthusiastically about a woman that forages raw mushrooms, spruce tips and cattail hearts for him to include in his offerings. Local suppliers also

What makes Weczeria unique as well, is that both their lunch and dinner menus are ever-changing. One of the only staples on their menu according to Chef Walker, is the gnocchi since it is so requested by his regulars. Entrees like wild boar with lentils, cabbage, pears and red wine jus, as well as magret duck with carrot, wild rice and spiced cranberry, can be found on their dinner menu, but only when ingredients are in season and at their freshest.

What stays a bit more static are Weczeria’s wine and beer offerings. Their Canadian only wine list offers many choices that compliment their rotating entrees. They serve Paddock Wood beer, again keeping it local by choosing a Saskatoon brewery. Weczeria has developed quite a following, especially in their newly designed space, which has a rustic yet contemporary feel. They have received many accolades to showcase their success, including many top spots for the past few years from Planet S Magazine. Weczeria was also the only restaurant in Canada to be included in Maria Rodale’s Top Ten Farm to Table Restaurants in North America. Chef Walker also competed in Gold Metal

Plates, and in 2010 won first place allowing him to compete with the best chefs in the country at the Canadian Culinary National Championships.

special menu that provides a unique dining experience at Weczeria Food & Wine every time. FLS

Seventeen years ago while studying to be a chef at Vancouver’s Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Daniel Walker could not have imagined he would one day own his own successful restaurant in Saskatoon. He has worked tirelessly to create a dining experience, rather than just a place where people come to dine.

Weczeria Food & Wine 820 Broadway Ave 306-933-9600 www.weczeriarestaurant.ca

The success of Chef Walker’s vision is obvious, as the now bigger restaurant continues to fill up with guests. Chef Walker has a strong commitment to using fresh seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, to create a very FineLifestyles SASKATOON

COME FOR THE FOOD, STAY FOR THE ATMOSPHERE By Nykea Marie Behiel

estled on the edge of the city, Twelve (12) Grill Restaurant is Saskatoon’s best-kept secret. They have a relaxed fine dining menu that’s modern, seasonal and makes use of the best ingredients, and now the creative staff here has also introduced a brasserie menu, full of unique offerings. Situated on the Greenbryre golf course, set to reopen next year, 12 Grill is far more than a clubhouse. Taking advantage of their lush and beautiful location, 12 Grill has become a venue for any kind of event, from birthday parties through to weddings. They 62

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offer return trip limousine service and a classy, peaceful atmosphere. The golf course itself is being redesigned to accommodate a new format of 12-holes, only the second in Canada. The owners are innovative visionaries who have worked hard to keep the tranquil atmosphere while developing the beautiful land. Mike Tory moved here from England and is 12 Grill’s food and beverage manager. Making the most of his experience with top chefs in the UK and the original Gastro pub scene, Mike does all he can to enhance your experience. As a sommelier, he is

creative with the wine list and has chosen six reds and six whites to mirror the course. He also features different wines every day to keep the selection fresh. Devin Kyle, the head chef, incorporates his worldly experience into the menu. As a personal chef on a yacht, cooking at fly in fishing lodges, and working at resorts throughout Saskatchewan, Devin has gained invaluable experience. Brad Vinnick, general manager and golf pro, brings a wealth of experience, including being in the industry for over 20 years. Kandra Kergen, the head of events, coordinates the venues’ bookings and is essential in creating the atmosphere you want for your event. “The four of us have come together more by chance than design, so we are making the most of this opportunity to build something new and fresh while still holding onto Saskatchewan traditions,” says Mike. He is excited about Saskatchewan’s growing potential. The innovative menu speaks for their dedication to harmonizing modern and traditional. This dynamic staff, along with the vision and backing of the Slater family, has created an idyllic place to spend an afternoon or evening. Anyone who sits on the quiet patio, be it with a plate of crab cakes and a chilled glass of pinot grigio, some lobster poutine and a nice Chianti or a classic Pimm’s cocktail made by a real Englishman, will understand the allure of 12 Grill and its surroundings. “The staff is all very passionate and that passion shows in everything we do,” says Mike. FLS

Fried Green Tomatoes Ingredients

Directions

Green Tomatoes

Combine flour, pepper, salt, and cayenne. Heat butter in pan on medium to high heat. Once melted, dip tomato slices in cream then dredge in flour mixture. Sear two to three minutes on each side, or to your preference. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Pinch of cayenne pepper 1/2 cup heavy cream lemon wedge 1 cup flour *optional* 1/2 Tbsp pepper 2 Tbsp butter 1/2 Tbsp sea salt

Apple Carrot Slaw Ingredients

Mix together

1/4 cup small diced (brunoix) red apples

1/2 tsp sugar

1/4 cup small diced (brunoix) carrots

1 tsp malt vinegar

1/4 cup thin julienne cabbage

1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup thin sliced green onion

2 tbsp olive oil

pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

Combine with whisk and add to apple carrot mixture. Serve with fried green tomatoes.

12 Grill p 306.373.7600 foodandbev@greenbryre.com events@greenbryre.com twelvegrill.com

DANCING TO THE STARS:

A Conversation with Anya Garnis By Carol Rogers

eneca said that luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Anya Garnis is ready for life’s opportunities because of her talent, determination and passion. The professional dancer, choreographer and actress captivates audiences with emotional and powerful performances in the competitive and professional spheres. While she had good fortune along the way, it is Garnis’ tenacity and love of performance that enable her to recognize her chances and fulfill her artistic vision. Following her heart, opportunities present themselves. “You know, when they say it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be,” she says. “That has been the case for me so many times.”

The Early Years Garnis was born in 1982 in Latvia and soon after moved to Magadan, Siberia with her parents. She began gymnastics at four years of age showed great promise. She was chosen to prepare for the Olympics, and trained for over four years. She remembers at times crying and not wanting to go. But it was her mother’s influence she remembers that kept her going. She would say, ‘it’s okay, it will get better’ and encouraged me to go on,” Garnis recalls. “She would also say, ‘you’ll thank me for this someday,’ and I do.” Eventually, Garnis began to suffer from colds and flu and was unable to keep up with the six hour a day training schedule. Ultimately, her doctors decided it was best for her to stop gymnastics and look for a different activity that would be easier on her health. “I went to a summer camp when I was eight and they did this ballroom dance performance one night. All the girls were wearing glitters and sparkles and I was sold,” she recalls. A few days later, Garnis enrolled in a ballroom dance class. After five years, she suddenly found herself without a partner. Her mother approached a coach who worked at Fiesta, a wellknown dance school in Kemerovo in western Russia. There were no openings at the school at that time, but the coach told her that if a space opened up for Garnis, she would let them know. Three weeks later, they called and offered her a spot. There was no time for delay—if Garnis wanted this chance, she had to take it. “I was in the ninth grade and it meant leaving home. My mom literally packed my bags, we flew to this town far from home and she helped me get situated. At 13, my whole life changed.”

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Looking back, Garnis credits her parents’ strength during that time. “It was the hardest time of my life. My grandmother died, my grandfather was sick, my parents were trying to help my family and still had the courage to drop me off to give me what was best.” The school was demanding and had a rigorous schedule. The coach was very serious about dance and academics. Students studied every day until 3pm and then danced from 5pm to 10:30 pm. There was little emphasis placed on personal desires and creativity. “I’m grateful to my parents for guiding me. During my teen years I wanted to quit so many times, and when you start so young, you often find that you want to stop or break from it early on. But I had a great support system in my family and still do.” The years at Fiesta left an indelible mark on Garnis. “I came there as a little girl and left as a young woman. It definitely prepared me to be stronger.”

So, Garnis and her dance partner—Pasha Kovalev, who she knew since high school—packed their bags and moved to New Jersey.

Living Her Dream Garnis’ early years in the US were transformational. She began to see her life and her future in new ways. “To make the decision to leave home and leave my family, I had to be very serious about what I do,” she explains. “In the competitive world, you have to be focused. You have to have tunnel vision and say ‘this what I want to do.’ But, you also have to allow yourself to dream big. As a kid I did that all the time, but for a while I stopped because I had to do what I had to do—study and dance. And the competitive world is very expensive—you have to plan things out. Finally, when I came to the US I realized I did have a choice. I became a professional dancer and but also thought about what else I wanted. I knew I wanted to act and started being opening to this idea. I could dream and I could take risks, so, I started taking acting classes in New York”.

After graduation, Garnis moved to Moscow to be with her parents and extended family and took some time to consider her future.

As she reconnected to her love of performance, Garnis heard about So You Think You Can Dance and felt compelled to try out.

Unsure of what to do next, she enrolled in law school in Moscow and studied for two and a half years. In 2001, she got a call from a friend who was living in the United States. He told her about a dance a studio looking for a couple to work for them and represent them in competitions. Initially, Garnis turned town the idea, but her interest lingered.

“In 2007 I decided to audition for So You Think You Can Dance because I felt that what I wanted to express myself and not focus on trying to impress someone, like you do in the competition world. It was about the artistry and that is missing from the competitive world, even now.” Her partner, Pasha Kovalev, was not interested in auditioning at first and only reluctantly joined her to support her as a partner in her audition.

“Honestly, I never had the passion for law, even though I’m really good at the arguments!” Garnis laughs. “I did it because my parents wanted me to. They taught me that study and discipline would pay off later. And the mentality was different at that time, it seemed like futures were pre-set. You are going to be this or that.” When she told her parents of her friend’s phone call, their response surprised her. They told her to go.

Keeping up with Anya Garnis Anya Garnis is currently appearing in Dancing With the Stars Live in Las Vegas from April 13 to July 7 at the New Tropicana Theatre. Her movie, Rock of Ages, opens in theatres on June 15 and stars Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand and Mary J. Blige. It is rated PG-13.

“I wanted to be as far from the ballroom world as possible— I wore no makeup, had my hair in a ponytail and Pasha wore jeans. We just wanted to be true to ourselves. We auditioned with our competitive Cha-Cha routine.” It worked. The pair won over audiences and judges in the show’s third season with their powerful routines and made it to the top 12 dancers. During this time, Garnis had a chance meeting with a childhood idol, Jason Gilkison, who was choreographing the innovative, international-style ballroom dance Broadway show, Burn the Floor. Six months later, Gilkison asked Anya to join Burn the Floor but, because of scheduling conflicts, she had to decline. Life, however, has a way of presenting you what you need, and three weeks later, the producers called again. “They called back and asked for Pasha and I because Karina Smirnoff and Maxim Chmerkovskiy (from Dancing With the Stars) were leaving the show,” Garnis explains. “Two weeks later we were on Broadway.”

So, when she got a call from contemporary dance choreographer Mia Michaels about an opportunity to appear in the film version of the show, she didn’t hesitate. At first, it looked like the timing would not work with her schedule; but again, fortune was on her side and director Adam Shankman requested an audition tape. Fittingly, she won the role of a feisty dancer named Destiny in a story about making in the entertainment industry. Appearing alongside Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige and Julianne Hough was “Beyond what you wish for,” she says. The days were long and the work was hard, but Garnis loved every minute of it. “Mia Michaels’ choreography is never easy but it’s beautiful, and Adam Shankman was very supportive,” she says. That feeling of support permeated the set. Although initially star struck by her co-stars, Garnis grew to respect them as individuals and professionals. “Tom Cruise is the most committed person. He is so professional—you can see why he has had so much success. He was very respectful and thanked the dancers, telling us we made him better.”

Garnis and Kovalev were with Burn the Floor on and off for a year and a half. Looking back, she feels it was the best decision she ever made as an artist. “It inspired me,” she says. “It was probably the hardest job I’ve ever taken on because it was a lot of work. I have so much respect for the dancers in that show.” Anya was also was a dancer on Dancing With the Stars, the Oscars, the Emmys and on Idol Gives Back. In fact, she enjoyed Burn the Floor so much that she when she finished So You Think You Can Dance All Stars in the summer of 2010, she jumped at the chance to rejoin the troupe because they were performing London’s West End. “I had always wanted to perform in the West End. It was on my bucket list,” she explains. While performing in Burn the Floor on Broadway, the company would often go see other Broadway shows. One in particular, Rock of Ages, became Garnis’ favourite. 66

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Anya feels fortunate to have had the opportunities she has, but knows that she worked hard to reach her goals. Nothing comes without work and success is there if you truly want it. Her advice to young performers is rooted in her past experiences. “No matter what you do, stay true to yourself,” she advises. “Know what your talent is and believe in yourself. It’s important to the keep the joy of it—I wish I knew that when I was younger.” Currently, Garnis is performing eight shows a week with ‘NSync’s Joey Fatone in Dancing with the Stars Live in Las Vegas. The schedule is busy but Garnis loves the show and the chance to work with Fatone. Looking ahead, Garnis’ focus is on acting and is open to what the future holds. There’s more on her bucket list, she says, but she’s not saying what right now. You never know when an opportunity will present itself, but with Anya Garnis, you can be sure she’ll be ready for it. FLS

RITORNELLO CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

he Ritornello Chamber Music Festival started in 2009 as an annual event to showcase the amazing talent Canada has to offer the music world. This event features young Canadian musicians that are pursuing careers in Canada and around the globe. The purpose of the festival is to entertain Saskatchewan audiences with exciting chamber music performed by superior quality musicians paying special attention to those musicians from the prairies. Artistic Directors Carissa Klopoushak (violin) and Jacqueline Woods (piano) proudly presented the Boundary Ensemble on June 2, 2012. Carissa was in the final weeks of her doctoral studies at McGill University, and

Jacqueline has recently relocated to Regina from Ottawa. The Regina-based Boundary Ensemble began in 2010, featuring award winning members in solo recitals, ensemble performances, as well as working with composers and other arts organizations. The ensemble is composed of artists from all over North America who come together to create music, share ideas and inspire teamwork through the arts. The event in June featured Michael Bursey performing on the viola, Thomas Cosbey playing the violin and the viola, Kerry DuWors on the violin, Simon Fryer playing the cello, Artistic Director Carissa Klopoushak on the violin, Curtis Scheschuk playing the double bass, and Leanne Zacharias performing on the cello.

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These musicians have travelled the world playing with prestigious symphony ensembles from Toronto New Zealand. The musicians and composers have released a variety of albums in solo ventures, as well as members of ensembles. The Boundary Ensemble performed exciting chamber music composed by Hindemith, Adams, and a new composition by award winning composer Jordan Nobles. Jordan is known for creating music that transports listeners from traditional concert experiences by adding an extra level of conversation to musical thought. The one night only event took place at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon, which offered concert goers a chance to experience the lovely museum before and after the performance. Concert attendees were able to visit with the artists while sampling the renowned ale supplied by sponsor Paddock Wood Brewing Company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you for the most inspiring and fulfilling evening. I am grateful to have experienced the selected compositions performed by the most impressive musicians live here in Saskatoon. Thank you for the great night out!â&#x20AC;?raves one concert goer. FLS The Ritornello Music Festival returns for three exciting chamber music concerts in three days in 2013. Visit the website at www.ritornello.ca or their Facebook page (Ritornello Chamber Music Festival) for more information on the festival and artists.

Looking for a special summer menu? Here, Gordon Ramsay cooks up an elegant yet simple meal. PHOTOS MyLES NEW

GORDONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

GREAT

SUMMER MENU

Menu STARTERS Stuffed courgette rolls Balsamic beetroot with Roquefort MAIN COURSE Salmon baked with herbs & caramelised lemons Cos, asparagus & red onion salad Dessert Individual summer puddings

Timeplan UP TO A DAY AHEAD Make the summer puddings, leave to chill Make beetroot salad to the middle of step 3 ON THE DAY, UP TO 6 HOURS AHEAD Leave courgette strips to marinate Caramelise the lemons, prep the fish and leave in the fridge Prep asparagus for the salad HALF AN HOUR BEFORE SERVING Finish the starters, put salmon in the oven Toss salad together just before serving

Stuffed courgette rolls Makes 24 rolls EASY PREP 20 mins plus marinating NO COOK I love the way Italians start a meal with antipasti to tantalise the palate. This is my take on it. 4 small courgettes, ends trimmed 3-4 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle 3-4 tbsp balsamic vinegar, to drizzle 250g tub ricotta squeeze lemon juice handful fresh basil leaves, chopped 50g pine nuts, toasted (see Know-how, right)

Balsamic beetroot with Roquefort Serves 8 EASY PREP 10 mins plus chilling COOK 5 mins Roquefort, in combination with balsamic vinegar, really brings out the sweetness of the beets. I’ve used ready-cooked beetroot here, but you can cook your own if you like. 600g cooked baby beetroots (not the type in vinegar), peeled and trimmed 3-4 tbsp olive oil 6-7 tbsp balsamic vinegar 150g Roquefort 1-2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted (see Know-how, left)

1 Slice the courgettes lengthways, using a swivel vegetable peeler – you’ll need 24 long strips. Drizzle some of the olive oil and balsamic over two large plates and lay the strips flat, trying not to overlap. Sprinkle with more oil and balsamic, cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 20 mins. Can be prepared up to 6 hrs ahead. 2 Mix the ricotta with lemon juice and seasoning to taste, then mix in the basil and pine nuts. Place 1 tsp of the ricotta mixture onto one end of a courgette strip and roll up. Repeat until you have used up all the filling. Arrange rolls upright on a plate and grind over some black pepper. Drizzle with a little more oil and balsamic vinegar to serve.

1 Halve or quarter the beetroot, depending on the size. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan, add the beetroot and sauté for 2-3 mins, tossing well to coat. 2 Add the balsamic vinegar, season and cook 1-2 mins longer, until reduced right down to a syrupy glaze. 3 Transfer to a serving bowl to cool, then cover and chill. Can be done up to 1 day ahead. Remove from fridge 30 mins before serving, crumble over the Roquefort and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

PER SERVING 49 kcalories, protein 2g, carbohydrate 1g, fat

PER SERVING 152 kcalories, protein 6g, carbohydrate 9g,

5g, saturated fat 1g, fibre none, sugar 1g, salt 0.03g

fat 11g, saturated fat 5g, fibre 2g, sugar 8g, salt 1.01g

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GORDON’S KNOW-HOW

To cook beetroot from raw, leave in the skins and boil whole until tender. Peel when cooled, but don’t forget to don your rubber gloves first. If you can’t find Roquefort, you could use crumbled Stilton or semi-soft goat’s cheese. GORDON’S KNOW-HOW

To toast pine nuts, tip into a hot frying pan – no oil needed – for 2-3 mins, shaking the pan often until the kernels are golden all over. Tip onto a plate and leave to cool. Toast the sesame seeds for the beetroot salad this way, too.

Roll up courgette strips with the ricotta mixture

Salmon baked with herbs & caramelised lemons Serves 8 MODERATELY EASY PREP 25 mins COOK 35 mins Heart healthy, good source of Omega-3s To me, this is one of the best and easiest ways of cooking salmon, combining Asian and Mediterranean flavours for a refreshingly aromatic centrepiece. I like to use salmon from Loch Duart if I can (lochduart.com) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reared in a sustainable, environmentally conscious way and has a lean, full-flavoured flesh. whole salmon (about 2kg), scaled, gutted and washed 3 small lemons, thickly sliced 100ml olive oil 4-6 fresh bay leaves few sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme, basil, sage and parsley 2-3 lemongrass stalks, cut into large pieces 1 head garlic, halved horizontally 1 tsp peppercorns, mixed or black 5-6 whole star anise PER SERVING 388 kcalories, protein 32g, carbohydrate 1g, fat 29g, saturated fat 5g, fibre none, sugar 1g, salt 0.56g

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1 Trim salmon tail and cut off the fins. Pat dry inside and out with kitchen paper. Score the skin of the fish on both sides with a sharp knife, at 2-3cm intervals. Rub all over with olive oil, salt and pepper. Lay three large pieces of foil over a large baking tray, overlapping the long edges.Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5.

2 Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan, then fry lemon slices over a high heat for 2-3 mins until golden. Season; allow to cool slightly. Scatter a handful of herbs and lemongrass over foil, then sit salmon on top. Tuck caramelised lemon, herbs and garlic around and inside fish, splash over a little oil and scatter over salt, peppercorns and star anise.

Cos, asparagus & red onion salad Serves 8 MODERATELY EASY PREP 15 mins COOK 2 mins Superhealthy, counts as 1 of 5-a-day 300g asparagus spears 1 large or 2 medium Cos lettuce 1 red onion, thinly sliced 3-4 tbsp vinaigrette, preferably homemade (see below) 1 Peel the asparagus bases with a swivel peeler and trim the woody ends. Blanch in boiling salted water for 1 -2 mins until just tender. Drain and refresh under cold running water. 2 Trim the base of the lettuce leaves and arrange on a large shallow bowl or platter. Scatter over the asparagus spears and red onion, season well and drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving. PER SERVING 62 kcalories, protein 2g, carbohydrate 3g, fat 5g, saturated fat 1g, fibre 2g, sugar 3g, salt 0.14g

GORDON’S KNOW-HOW

3 Fold the foil around the fish to make a shallow tent, scrunching the edges well to seal. Cook in the centre of the oven for 30-35 mins, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Remove from the oven and rest the fish for at least 10 mins, still wrapped in foil. GORDON’S KNOW-HOW

Baked salmon is at its best when the thickest part of the flesh near the head is still very slightly soft, moist and bright pink. Letting the fish rest while still wrapped in foil helps the flesh firm up for easy carving. 72

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4 Unwrap the fish and gently peel away the skinusing a cutlery knife and discard. Use the handle of a spoon to scrape off any brown flesh on top of the pink flesh, then push the spoon headinto the groove that runs along the length of the fillet, easing the flesh into two long strips. Push the spoon into the flesh where it joins the backbone, lifting it off the bone. Break the fish on the first side into 4 portions and lift onto serving plates. When the top half is served, pull off the backbone and head and serve the rest. Drain the juices into a small jug. Serve with caramelised lemons and a drizzle of the juices.

Here’s my quick way to prepare asparagus. Simply bend each spear and snap where you feel it naturally give, breaking off the woody end.

Classic vinaigrette Makes about 250ml Put 100ml extra virgin olive oil, 100ml groundnut oil, 1 scant tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar and some sea salt and pepper in a measuring jug and whisk together until emulsified. Pour into a clean bottle, seal and refrigerate. Shake well before using. Will keep covered in the fridge for up to a week.

Individual summer puddings Makes 8 MODERATELY EASY PREP 20 mins plus cooling COOK 2-3 mins Superhealthy, counts as 1 of 5-a-day, good source of vitamin C This must be the crowning glory of English puddings. Day-old slices of white bread are perfect for soaking up the juices from the berries. If using fresh bread, you may find it easier to firm it up in the fridge before slicing. 1kg mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, redcurrants,blackberries and strawberries, plus a few extra to serve 50g caster sugar 4 tbsp CrĂ¨me de Cassis (or water) large (approx 800g) loaf white bread, sliced PER SERVING 282 kcalories, protein 9g, carbohydrate 59g, fat 2g, saturated fat none, fibre 4g, sugar 18g, salt 1.17g

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Cut out 8 small bread rounds and 8 large ones

GORDON’S KNOW-HOW

Soft fruit is very delicate. To wash, swish gently in a large bowl of water and drain in a colander. Tip onto a tray lined with double thickness of paper towel; pat dry.

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Press the straight slices of bread around the sides

1 Strip berries from their stalks and hull strawberries. Discard any that are squashy or overripe. Toss berries gently in a nonstick saucepan with sugar and Cassis or water. Heat the pan until it starts to sizzle. Cook over a medium heat for 2-3 mins or until the fruits start to bleed and soften. 2 Stir gently, then cool to room temperature. Strain fruit through a plastic sieve into a non-metallic bowl for about 10 mins or until the juices stop dripping. 3 Have 8 cappuccino or tea cups (about 200ml) ready. Using 2 cutters (approx 10cm and 6cm, but check against the tops and bottoms of your cups), cut out 8 bread rounds of each size. Cut the crusts off 8 more slices and slice in half. These strips should be approximately the same depth as the cups. 4 Dip the small rounds of bread into the reserved juices and press into the cups. Dip the straight slices in the juice and press around the sides. Spoon in the fruits, pressing down with the back of a spoon to firm. Dip the last of the bread rounds into the juice; press down on top. Chill overnight. 5 When ready to serve, loosen bread tops with the tip of a table knife. Hold a dessert plate over the pudding, then turn upside down, shaking well. The puddings should slip out easily; if not, loosen the sides gently with the knife. Pour any remaining juice over the tops of puddings. Decorate with the remaining fruit; serve with pouring cream.

Pour any remaining juice over the tops of the puddings

To make a large pudding Use a 1.8 litre capacity or similar sized bowl. Cut 1 small round of bread to fit the base and 1 larger one for the top. Remove crusts from about 6-8 more slices of bread, then cut each slice in half slightly on the diagonal to make two lopsided rectangles. Dip the base piece into the juices and use to line the bottom of the bowl. Dip the remaining slices and slot them against each other, thick and thin ends down alternately, until bowl is lined. Spoon in the fruit, soak the final circle of bread and lay it on top. Cover with cling film, sit a small plate or saucer on top and weigh down with a tin. Chill overnight before turning out.

These recipes have been adapted from Gordon Ramsay’s book, Sunday Lunch and Other Recipes from the F Word (Quadrille). ©Good Food/ZUMA Press.com

FRESH FISH ON THE GRILL

How to Prepare Fish in the Summer Summer is a great time to enjoy new recipes, and it is the only time you can use fresh fish that have a very short season. This is the prime season for many seafood items, including wild salmon and halibut. Fresh fish is always better in regards to taste and texture, but if the fish you are looking for is out of season or not available, frozen fish is always a good option.

Brett Richards Owner & Operator

Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood Market 210B 3929 8th Street East College Park Shopping Centre Saskatoon 306.955.7127 www.charliesseafood.ca

There are so many amazing ways to prepare seafood, but this is one of my favourite summer recipes. It is light, healthy, and combination of savoury and sweet flavours. FLS

Grilled Wild Sockeye Salmon with Blueberry Salsa Ingredients 1 Wild Sockeye Salmon Fillet

1 jalapeĂąo, finely chopped

5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil

5 ml (1 tsp) honey

1/2 large grapefruit, diced with membrane removed

15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh lime juice

30 ml (2 tbsp) red onion, finely chopped

240 ml (1 cup) blueberries 30 ml (2 tbsp) cilantro, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Directions Cut salmon into four serving portions. Preheat the barbeque to medium high heat. Rub salmon with oil and season flesh side with salt and pepper. Barbeque salmon on a clean, oiled grill, skin side down, for about ten minutes per inch of thickness. Mix all other ingredients just before serving, then spoon over salmon or serve on the side. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

WHAT IS CRAFT BEER?

Steve Cavan Owner and Brewmaster

Paddock Wood Brewing Company B1 116 103rd Street Saskatoon, SK S7N 1Y7 306.477.5632 www.paddockwood.com For further information please contact Rob Kapronczai, Regional Accounts Manager at: rob@paddockwood.com

hear people talking about Craft Beer. What is different about craft beer from regular beer? People may use terms differently, but for me “craft beer” suggests the beer is brewed in traditional methods or with traditional ingredients. Most of our beers are brewed with the German Purity Law of 1517 in mind. We use only malted barley, hops, yeast and water in the majority of our beers. Large breweries brew what is called high adjunct beer, and tend to use corn and rice to lighten the beer’s character. Some major breweries use only 30% malted barley. High adjunct beers will have trouble forming a creamy white head of foam, and compensate by adding foam enhancing chemicals such as propylene glycol alginate. When beer is made with just malted barley, the foam is created from the barley proteins themselves - no chemicals are needed.

Point of trivia: there are 106 chemicals that can be put in a commercial beer with no mention of them on a label. These chemicals can be used for such things as foam enhancement, stabilization, and anti-oxidation. None of these chemicals are used by anyone brewing to the Purity Law, and most craft brewers don’t bother with them. At Paddock Wood Brewing Company, we don’t use anything apart from the four core ingredients with no chemicals added. FLS

How about a recipe with a fine beer such as Paddock Woods’ London Porter to make your summer time desserts a little more interesting. With smooth mouth feel, a taste of bitter sweet chocolate and a hint of coffee in the finish, London Porter is sure to win over your palate.

London Porter Coffee Chocolate Ice Cream/Float Reduce one bottle of London Porter (Paddock Wood) till 3/4 evaporated. Add and gently simmer:

3 Cups Heavy whipping cream 1 Cup whole milk 2 tbsp. coffee grounds –freshly ground 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate In a separate bowl, whisk until thick; 3 egg yolks 1 cup sugar

Directions Slowly add hot cream and milk mixture to egg yolk mixture. Strain coffee grounds and churn in ice cream maker. Freeze covered for a minimum of 3 hours. Pour a bottle of London Porter into a large wine glass or goblet and add ice cream to taste. This will produce a semi sweet beer float that is sure to enlighten your palate. If you do not have an ice cream maker just substitute homemade ice cream with some top quality cappuccino ice cream and add to a glass of London Porter for a Float mixture. Prairie Harvest Café 2917 Early Drive Saskatoon p 306.242.2928 info@prairieharvestcafe.com www.prairieharvestcafe.com

This recipe was made by Mike McKeown, owner and Head Chef of Prairie Harvest Café. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

THE EVOLVING SOUNDS OF JILL BARBER 78

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Recently the city of Saskatoon was treated with the song stylings of Jill Barber who was in town for a sold out performance with the Peter Appleyard Quartet at the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. Jill’s sultry voice and smooth jazzy notes come off effortlessly as she makes herself at home on stage. Jill’s sound has evolved over the years. As a teenager growing up in the Mississauga area, Jill Barber was already writing her own music. “In those days my music was more acoustic and had a folksy sound,” she says as she takes a moment to reminisce. Like most artists, Jill’s music is influenced by her personal experiences and upbringing. She grew up in Halifax and later moved to Kingston where she attended Queen’s University before pursuing a full time musical career. Jill has toured with such artists as Dan Hill and Matt Anderson as part of CBC Radio’s The Vinyl Cafe.

Today, Jill’s family make their home on the west coast. Having lived in many parts of the country and having family ties in other regions has also contributed to Jill’s music style. She describes herself as an artist who is gets her inspiration from the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Nat King Cole. Although these artists are considered ‘classic’ jazz, Jill brings forth a freshness that encompasses a blend of genres such as folk, country and pop. However, Jill has noticed a difference the genre itself. Jazz also seems to be growing and changing, embracing new styles and attracting new audiences. “In travelling to the various jazz festivals across the country I’ve noticed that there is a broad age range in the audience,” she comments, “I’ve found that jazz is a broader genre than it once was and that there are a lot of different types of jazz.” This up and coming artist is making her mark in the music industry as winner of the 2007 East Coast Music Awards for Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for the album For All Time. Jill’s long term plan is to make life long career and with five albums out and another in the making which is due to be completed in 2013, she is on her way. When asked about the new album, Jill says that is covers the classic songs from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s – truly something to look forward to. In the future, where does Jill Barber see her music going? “I’m just going to let it evolve and see where it takes me,” she replies. FLS www.jillbarber.com

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SILVER SPOON EVENT GETS A GOLD STAR BY NYKEA MARIE BEHIEL PHOTOS HEATHER FRITZ

arly in the afternoon, a major downtown fire causing evacuations shut off the power to Saskatoon’s core. This includes TCU place, where the Silver Spoon dinner’s doors were scheduled to open. To add panic to an already hectic day, organizers feared that the event might

have to be cancelled. “The city worked endlessly getting the power back on,” Linda Shaw, co-chair of the event effused. Linda has been one of the key organizers for two decades, twenty wonderful years of women and glamour. The night began with a sea of 1000 beautiful women, decked out in stylish

duds. TCU place was abuzz with the chatter and laughter of Saskatoon’s finest. Even though the organizers had to begin the event late, everyone was in good spirits, supportive and happy. This is the 22nd Annual Silver Spoon dinner, organized by Saskatoon Hadassah-WIZO and Congregation FineLifestyles SASKATOON

Agudas Israel Jewish Community Centre. This is their main fundraiser, and they also donate proceeds to Saskatoon Interval House and the Saskatoon Crisis Nursery. “We’ve chosen to support these organizations as they parallel our values and traditions—helping women and children,” says Shaw. Her co-organizer, Heather Fenyes, is visiting Israel, so Linda is in charge tonight, along with the help of many amazing volunteers. Her daughters have also taken up the cause. “It’s genetics,” jokes Robin Sasko, the ticket chairperson, “we are always striving to relieve stress from Linda.” “We see the success of it, and it’s really fun to be involved in such an event,” her sister, Rebecca Simpson echoes. Rebecca is in charge of volunteers. This event monopolizes family conversations for months for these three dedicated women.

Prior to eating, women look through the huge number of silent auction prizes. This year’s guest speaker, Saskatoon-born Shannon Tweed is positively radiant. She is wearing an elegant black skirted suit, with her hair done by Capelli Salon Studio and her make up by Holly Decker of Knockout Style earlier in the day. Shannon has graciously donated many prizes; KISS memorabilia is scattered throughout. The most notable prize is six tickets to accompany Shannon to a KISS concert, and backstage passes. This prize brought in an astonishing $10 000 for the worthy organizations. Although men are not allowed to buy tickets to the event, they can volunteer. Men dressed in smart suits traverse the crowds serving champagne and other drinks. Male eye candy serve drinks

from behind the bar dressed in pants, white v-neck shirts, and suspenders. Men also sell balloons, which contain the prize sponsored by Air Canada— two tickets to anywhere they fly. After an excitable session of balloon popping, Nicole Rothery, who is at her first Silver Spoon, wins the coveted prize. Although her mind is not made up where she will fly to, she is considering a girls trip to Hawaii. The crowd is full of smiles and conversation, and women enjoyably flit from the champagne station to the roasted nut station, and then back to the champagne station. Shauna Foster of C95 kicks off the night as the emcee. Although she is enthralling, it is difficult to get the room full of women to quiet down. Surprise! We’ve all just got a lot to say.

Shannon Tweed’s additional escort for the evening!

As Shauna gives background information on the event, people are free to eat their bread and crisps with herb butter pots. Shortly after, spinach salad with beets, grape tomatoes, carrots, and red onion, topped with crumbled goat cheese and herbed vinaigrette arrives. Supper is a delicate mixture of flavours, chicken breast with fig and honey orange sauce, alongside Israeli couscous and vegetables. No woman wants to skip dessert—a red velvet layer cake with cream cheese icing and chocolate shavings. “This event is designed just for you, and is the most upscale event in Saskatoon,” says Shauna. One of the most important functions of the evening is the presentation of the Sterling award, to recognize a woman for her volunteer work and service in enriching the community. This year’s winner, Dr. Ulla Nielsen says she is honoured to be in the company of such distinguished women. The Saskatchewan abilities council, where she sits on the board of directors and works with the facilitation of Camp Easter Seal, nominated Dr. Nielsen. A non-practicing pediatricians mostly due to MS, Dr. Nielsen is the vice president of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities, and has been an active community volunteer for over 20 years. She was educated in Saskatoon and has two adult children. She is gracious.

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With words of gratitude and a few jokes, Linda Shaw presents Jan Gitlin. Jan is head of media relations and celebrity chair. Having Shannon Tweed attend this year’s gala adds extra glamour and lots of excitement for the women present. The puppy that Shannon Tweed adopted from the SPCA earlier in the day, accompanies her on stage. Shannon is a philanthropist, supporting many charitable organizations, and is especially known for supporting the SPCA. Last year, when Shannon married her partner of 29 years, KISS bassist Gene Simmons, she asked well wishers to donate to the Saskatoon SPCA instead of buying gifts, bringing in a whopping $14,000. It is no wonder the people of Saskatchewan love to claim her as our own. Jan introduces her as Shannon Tweed-Simmons. “That might be my first introduction with a hyphen,” Shannon acknowledges. She begins the night by saying she’s no comedian, though she proves herself wrong. “We could talk about life with a rock star, because it’s kind of interesting sometimes. I mean, we made a show out of it,” Tweed jokes. Never one to bore, Shannon surprises the crowd only moments after she gets on stage—she has brought her husband. Ladies in the crowd go just as wild for Gene as they did for Shannon, as he walks onto the stage for a few welcoming words then sits with Shannon’s family. Shannon jokes about her public relationship with Gene, while he talks about how selfish he’s been in the past, having been raised an only child, explaining why it has taken him so long to propose. “You found a Saskatchewan girl,” someone from the crowd yells out to laughter and applause. “I got married when I was 62, and I will never get divorced,” he says emotionally. Shannon and Gene have smiles for everyone throughout the evening, and entertain questions from the crowd, both the serious and silly ones. Gene refrains to answer a couple, claiming they’re inappropriate because he is married now, but Shannon doesn’t seem to hold back.

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Amy Thiessen has been coming to the event for five years and is a huge fan of Tweed and Simmons’ show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels. “The evening so far has been very rockstar-ish,” she says. She is definitely right. In between jokes and banter, Shannon shows clips from the show, that were a bit too racy to be shown on television. Shannon offers the following advice on parenting and being a woman. “Don’t

judge your kids ever,” she says this is why her children confide everything to her. “Remember you’re not fat—guys really don’t care,” she enforced several times. The room full of women gratefully acknowledge Shannon TweedSimmons’ strong personality and character. The energy of strength and influence is palpable—these are the women who make the city. FLS

COMPASSIONATE LIFESTYLE SOLUTIONS IN A BEAUTIFUL WELLNESS CENTRE By Nykea Marie Behiel

aving struggled with weight issues and finally overcome them herself, no one is more qualified to help those struggling with weight loss than Krista Nikirk. “I tried everything, diets, soups, pills, shakes, counting points. Everything,” Krista says. Looking back, she is not surprised none of these options worked because not one of them corresponds with her lifestyle. They all just provide a temporary crutch or addiction. “With my program, there’s no cheating—I factor it in. We’re all human,” says Krista.

Photos Heather Fritz

After working in the weight loss industry for many years, Krista became disheartened. “I could understand my clients’ struggle because I was going through it myself. There were so many people I wanted to help, but just couldn’t.” The confines of those institutions are designed for failure. “You didn’t learn nutrition, you followed a guide, every person regardless of age, sex, height, lifestyle, followed the same program,” Krista says. She never uses any shakes or bars—she enlightens your relationship with real food.

“I remember people coming to weigh in, having to do it in a public space. It was dehumanizing,” Krista effuses, her empathy and desire to help emanate from her. After seeing a particularly heart wrenching case, Krista decided to make a change. “An obese woman came in, and we weren’t able to help her, the facility didn’t have the necessary capacities. It broke my heart,” says Krista genuinely.

Knowing she was ineffectual in her current position, she quit her job and set out to learning everything she could about nutrition. “I was my first guinea pig,” Krista says. Ten months later, Krista had lost 110 pounds. She also began taking clients online at no cost, and making meal plans for them. Four years later her client success rate was 100% for those that followed her program. Elated to see the change she was making in people’s lives, Krista was able to make her love for helping people her career. She began taking on more clients and tending to them personally. She made meal plans, coordinated fitness routines and therapies, and communicated with other professionals. Her clientele was ecstatic. Eventually, some of her customers suggested she open her own place to contain all of the therapies and resources she outsourced. The thought wouldn’t leave her head.

Krista decided to open a centre dedicated to weight loss and healthy living. She has built a beautiful space with every capacity to help people in their battle with weight. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and modern colours warm the walls. Solutions Weight Loss is a complete wellness centre, with every possible tool at your disposal. There is a private room to use for weighing yourself, so you can take off as much clothing as you would like. It’s a private, comfortable process rather than something intimidating. The consultation rooms are attractive and they provide a space for private

discussions. There is also a large infrared sauna, equipped with light and steam therapy that has been custom built to ensure people of all sizes can reap the health benefits. Krista built the centre based on feedback from clients and built the centre to suit everyone. There also is a doctor who comes in to perform Botox and Juvederm by request. Tanning and teeth whitening round out the services offered. Input from her clients was vital. She asked them what they wanted to see in the centre. “If one client asked for a sauna, I bought a sauna,” says Krista, demonstrating her determination to make everyone feel comfortable and be successful. There is a stigma around obesity, and many people who struggle with this challenge become reclusive because of the discrimination they experience. This is never the case at the Solutions Weight Loss and Training Centre. The most important part of the wellness centre is the people Krista has chosen

to hire. “I had over 125 applicants, and I narrowed it down to two women who are perfect for so many reasons,” says Krista. “One of the reasons they are great at their job is they have both struggled with weight issues for years.” Krista wants customers’ first point of contact in the centre to be someone who understands their struggle and is non-judgmental. She is also providing the program to her employees so they can understand every aspect of the process.

The head personal trainer Krista hired, Allan Sparks, has many years of experience and works with a customer one on one. “Our private training studio provides a safe and comfortable environment for clients,” says Krista. Allan has been a certified personal trainer for 10 years. He has also been a certified fire fighter and EMT for 20 years, and involved in emergency medical services for even longer. With all his training, including CPR, AED, and International Trauma Life Support

Instructor (ITLS), clients can be assured of safety at all times. Although the gym is equipped with machines, the focus is on alternative styles of training using little or no equipment. Allan specializes in this training including body weight exercises, isometrics, whiplash undulating rope, tidal wave water ball, TRX suspension, kettle bell, outdoor endurance, and V-Tac Cardio

endurance. This is a training style you can take with you and use anywhere, not just in a facility. The 1200 square foot gym is solely your space while you train, unless you choose to work with your spouse or friend. Before Allan joined the centre, Krista, a certified personal trainer herself, trained all her clients herself, sharing the same techniques as Allan. Erin Macsymic, the registered massage therapist (RMT), is trained in many different kinds of massage, and is also a registered doula. This is a dynamic and compassionate team. Krista’s compassion is evident in everything she does. She is completely supportive of all her customers, and lives her activism by ensuring those around her lead a healthy lifestyle. When asked to provide a snack for one of her daughter’s classrooms, she readily provides fruit or vegetables. When a guest is coming to her house and asks what they can bring, she says flowers. “It is so ingrained in us to use food as a reward, I try to get people to see other options,” says Krista. With Solutions Weightloss and Training Centre, Krista says she hopes you are never back to buy another package, only to brag. “My goal is that at the end of the program you know everything I know,” she says determined. During the program, you have access to everything. “I had a client email me with an old family recipe for her favourite banana bread, asking if there was any way she could make

Solutions Weight Loss and Training CLIENT FILES it healthier. I had it back to her within fifteen minutes with substitutions.” Her dedication is astonishing. “I get to know my clients, and I get to the root of the problem,” she says, taking advantage of her degree in psychology. She talks personally or by text with all her clients weekly, sometimes daily. “When I know they will be having a hard day, I send them an inspirational text or email to help them,” explains Krista. It is this genuine caring for people that has brought Krista success. She gets to know your triggers, lifestyle, and ultimately, you. If you want to make a change without being dependent on shakes, pills, surgery, or other temporary solutions, see someone who has done it, maintained the weight, and helped others to succeed. Krista and her compassionate team at Solutions Wellness Centre will provide you with everything you need, physically and emotionally. FLS

Katrina

Heather

Katrina began working for Krista at the centre because she needed a career change. With Krista’s program, Katrina may also get a life change.

Heather recently moved to Saskatoon during a maternity leave and was looking to change all aspects of her life. She wanted to work less, spend more time with her kids and leave the corporate world behind. Heather also desperately wants to shed her baby weight… from both pregnancies. She tried all different gyms and diets before feeling motivated by Krista.

“It has made many differences already,” says Katrina, who has been on the program since midApril. “I wanted to do something better for myself. I want to have more energy, and reach my goal weight,” she says. Krista is confident her program will change Katrina’s life. We will be tracking Katrina’s success in the next three issues.

Solutions Weight Loss and Training Centre #3 2228 Ave C North, Saskatoon p 306.343.5677 www.solutionsweightloss.ca

“Krista has turned some of my favourite foods into healthy versions so I really don’t feel deprived,” says Heather. “There is nothing that is off limits and I am able to cook for my entire family, not two separate meals. I don’t fully understand yet how it works or why I’m eating certain foods that I think would not be allowed, but I have faith in Krista because I’ve seen the results with her clients and am starting to see them on myself,” says Heather, ready for the challenge.

EXPERT OPTOMETRISTS Is your computer or smart phone hurting your eyes?

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

o you experience eye strain, blurred vision and trouble focusing when working on your computer or using your smart phone? With the increased popularity in smartphone, tablet and computer usage, more and more people are beginning to experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS.) The most common symptoms include headaches, burning or dry eyes, focusing difficulties, general eyestrain, aching eyes, double vision, light sensitivity and neck and shoulder pain. When you work at a computer for an extended

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period of time, it is not uncommon to experience these symptoms of CVS. Often, rearranging your work station to create better ergonomics will eliminate some of the problems. Additional relief of CVS may require customized eyewear for computer work. The type of glasses that best suit your needs will depend on your age as well as your type of work. Your optometrist will be able to prescribe eyewear unique to your work environment and type of computer(s) used on a daily basis. Computer glasses differ from regular eyeglasses or reading glasses in a number of ways. Their main purpose is to optimize your comfort and eyesight while working on your computer or smart phone. Computer glasses provide the optimum prescription for viewing your computer at the required working distance. This allows for a clear, wide field of view without the need for excessive focusing effort or improper posture. Computer lenses are also available in a new technology called internal free form design. Customised free form lenses provide a specific power through all viewing angles of a lens, so that no matter where you look in the lens, you will experience vision as precise as possible. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re over 40 and beginning to struggle with near focusing or are already wearing a bifocal or progressive lens, a more specialized lens known as a computer/office progressive may be very beneficial. These lenses have three different zones of vision. The center is the largest and focuses the computer

distance. There is a comfortable power at the bottom for smaller print at the regular reading distance. When viewing through the top of the lens, the wearer can focus at a distance beyond their computer, as specified by your optometrist. With these lenses, the side distortion experienced with a regular progressive is absent. They also help to eliminate the need to raise your chin, as is often required with a regular progressive when working on the computer. They are not intended for driving because they do not have a true distance focus in the lens. For maximum viewing comfort, the lenses of your computer glasses should also include an anti-reflective coating. Anti-reflective, sometimes called antiglare coatings, help eliminate reflections of light from the front and back surfaces of your lens that can contribute to eyestrain. As well as an anti-reflective coating, your optometrist may also recommend a light tint in your lenses. This tint will often block out some of the light from overhead lights and also help to increase the contrast of viewing the computer. In addition to lenses, there are other treatments and strategies that can be addressed by your optometrist. CVS is a common condition that can be very frustrating at home or work. If you are someone who works on a computer or spends a lot of time on your smart phone and experience these symptoms, see you optometrist today to determine your options for better vision. FLS

PAMPER YOURSELF, NATURALLY By Aviva Zack

Photos Hailey Baron

lemental Spa opened after owner Marliss Hartle had been creating and selling her own natural bath and body products online for more than a decade. With loyal clientele all over the world, Marliss decided it was time to have her own space in Saskatoon to feature her popular Skindecent products. It seemed natural to expand with a beautiful day spa that not only sells Skindecent products, but uses them in all of their services as well.

During a pedicure clients choose amongst five monthly scents to personalize their treatment. Many of those clients enjoy their pedicure so much that they grab a Pedicure Sampler Set on their way out. These include a Tootsie Tingler foot truffle to soften their tootsies, a Walnut & Pumice Foot Scrub to smooth out rough spots and Sole Relief Balm, a thick shea and cocoa butter cream that keeps tired feet soft and happy.

Elemental Spa, located in the rapidly growing University Heights area, offers services that include massages, waxing, threading, manicures and their most popular, pedicures. “We have pedicure chairs that recline and have shiatsu massagers built-in,” says Marliss. “Clients can relax and watch TV while enjoying a complimentary drink during their treatment.”

The Skindecent products have proven to keep more than just feet happy. For those suffering headaches, Marliss has an essential oil called Peppermint Rescue. “It can wipe out headaches almost instantly,” she says. A recent customer with an oncoming migraine used Peppermint Rescue and was thrilled that her headache disappeared. Marliss says she has been told

customers have also used this essential oil for muscle aches and hot flashes. There are Skindecent products for kids as well, including the very popular Monkey Farts foaming soap. Contrary to what its name may suggest, its scent is banana bubblegum. There are other delicious smelling soaps for kids as well, including Jellybeans and Candy Sprinkles. “Kids have never enjoyed washing their hands so much,” says Marliss.

While those are the favourite scents among the younger crowd, adults can’t seem to get enough of Strawberries & Cream, Raspberry Smoothie and Bamboo. A newer scent that Marliss has found popular among her clientele is Sweet Orange Chili Pepper. Intriguing new scents are constantly being added. Those scents are part of the 120 different options that are currently offered at the scent station at Elemental Spa. All of their products are natural and handmade on-site, so any product,

whether for yourself or as a gift, can easily be customized with a preferred scent within only 5 – 10 minutes. Taking care of our skin and treating our bodies well leave us feeling good inside and out. Fortunately Elemental Spa has wonderful products as well as services personally tailored to do just that. FLS Elemental Spa 126 1820 Mcormond Drive Saskatoon, SK S7S 0A6 p 306.974.0409 www.theelementalspa.com

EXPERTAdvice Functionality, Fashion, and Safety in Kids Wear

photos Heather Fritz

Jordana Jacobson & Rebecca Simpson Cravings Kids Lifestyle Boutique #18-2105 8th Street East cravingskids@sasktel.net www.shopcravings.ca

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

line also produces a non-toxic bug spray, essential for a safe, enjoyable summer.

Also referred to as lifejackets, PFDs are essential water safety devices for your child. We love Salus Marine Wear because they make fabulous children’s vests, including the Bijoux baby vest, small enough for infants of nine pounds—the only company of its kind on the market. The vests are comfortable and come in fun colours, so children like to wear them. If your child is in a boat or near the water, make sure you equip them with a PFD.

It is also important to note that children’s’ eyes are more susceptible to UV damage than adults’, so it is vital to equip them with protective sunglasses. We recommend Real Kids Shades (RKS) and Babiators, which provide 100% UVA and UVB protection. The sunglasses we carry are stylish, comfortable, and incredibly durable.

Hats, Sunscreen, and Shades

Kids love to go barefoot in the summer, but there are times when they have to wear shoes to protect their sensitive feet. A quality shoe is essential to a child’s health and development. Cravings Kids carries a large assortment of fabulous summer shoes, sandals and flip-flops. One of our favourite summer shoe brands is Keen. They make sandals with toe protection that are good for running, climbing, or whatever your child gets into. FLS

It is important to use hats, UV protective clothing, and sunscreen in combination to protect your kids from harmful UV rays. We have a terrific selection of sun hats, UV surf suits, and rash guards in designer fabrics, so kids can look cute while being sun-safe. While hats and UV protective clothing are an effective defence, you also need to use sunscreen on your child. Our line of chemicalfree sunscreen, from Canadian Matter Company provides ample sun protection for mothers, babies, and kids. The same

Footwear

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Photos By Heather Fritz

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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fitnessfocus.ca to print your

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

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“I have an incredible family and five amazing companies. They all deserve a lot of my attention and time. This has really made me appreciate the scarcity and value of time. Anything that allows me to spend more time with my boys has immense value in my world. I have yet to ask for assistance with something where Sapphire was unable to accommodate me. It has been a blessing in my life.” Dennis Birtles, owner of The Evident Group of Companies Laurel Hiron Paradzik

MORE TIME FOR WHAT IS IMPORTANT By Nykea Marie Behiel

Photos Kerry Lubchenko

aurel Hiron Paradzik’s vibrancy and energy are her business. She opened Sapphire Concierge Service in February, and is rapidly growing her clientele.

“I’ve loved every aspect of creating this,” says Laurel. After running the coffee shop named after her two children, Mackenzie and Cole, for eleven years, Laurel began contemplating a change. She decided to put the shop up for sale and see if fate agreed. “If it sells, I was meant to try something else,” she told herself. Fate responded loud and clear. Within five days of listing she was in negotiations with a buyer. After some market research and advice from experts in the concierge industry in Toronto, Laurel realized this service was long overdue in Saskatoon. “This is brilliant, this speaks to me, and Saskatoon needs this,” she says of the industry. The community agrees. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

“I am not a bad mom. In fact, I am a better mom and professional if I have people helping me in my life so that I have more time to spend on what is actually important. Admitting one needs help is hard, finding the right help is harder. That’s why I am so glad Laurel is in my life! She has bailed me out countless times and made me truly feel like I can do it all. Live a little and let Laurel do what she loves to do. You are worth it and your time is worth it.” Candace Laing, People Services Consulting

From acting as your personal assistant, running your errands, doing your shopping, and anything in between, Laurel is there to help you as often or little as you need. Friendly and warm, Laurel will make a positive impact on behalf of you or your business. “No one ever says, ‘I wish I spent more time at work,’” says Laurel. The things that suffer when you are busy are the things which are the most important—yourself, your family, and your wellness. Some corporate clients have even purchased packages to give to their clients as an appreciation of their support. Laurel’s flexibility and readiness to attack any challenge make her successful. Her packages, which never expire, also make a great gift. “It’s a win/win situation,” explains Laurel genuinely, “you have more time for you, and I love being on the go, meeting people, and building relationships.” “Your to-do list is continuous. You have to carve out time for yourself,” Laurel affirms. Take advantage of the services Sapphire Concierge has to offer and let the things in your life that are really important take precedence. FLS

Laurel Hiron Paradzik p 306.221.4511

laurel@sapphireconcierge.ca www.sapphireconcierge.ca

Cast of Dragons Den (L-R) Jim Treliving, Kevin O’Leary, Arlene Dickinson, Bruce Croxon, Dianne Buckner & David Chilton. Photo courtesy of CBC.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AGM WITH DRAGON’S DEN SUCCESS By Sarah Ferguson. Photos by Shawn Fulton.

n fairy tales, heroes slay dragons, and find treasure that will make them rich. In Saskatchewan five heroes have slain some dragons of their own to come up with millions—and their stories are no fairy tales. On May 11, at the Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Conference, a crowd of the province’s most ambitious women gathered in the Regina Travelodge to hear from five Saskatchewan entrepreneurs who made their way onto the CBC hit series Dragons Den, battled the dragons, and won.

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3twenty Solutions

Hillberg & Berk

Brian McCrea is the co-founder and CEO of 3twenty solutions, a Saskatoon-based company that builds modular camps and offices for the mining, oil and gas industry. Brian and his partners appeared on Dragon’s Den and hit the jackpot when they gained Brett Wilson as an investor.

Regina resident Rachel Mielke has taken the fashion and jewelry industries by storm. She was named the Regina Chamber of Commerce’s entrepreneur of the year and received the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award. She was also recognized by the Saskatchewan Women Entrepreneur’s Association as one of Saskatchewan’s emerging businesses. Mielke won over the Dragons in 2008 and gained the support of Brett Wilson. Today Hillberg & Berk has earned over $2 million in revenue, and Rachel couldn’t be happier.

The idea for his company started while he was completing his business degree at the University of Saskatchewan. “I knew I was an entrepreneur, but I didn’t have a business idea,” he said. Then Brian met Evan Willoughby, an engineering student and, eventually, the two students decided to work together. Evan was convinced that they could make money by turning shipping containers into buildings. When Brian and Evan heard about Dragons Den auditions in Saskatoon, they decided to take the plunge. They were well received by the producers, but obstacles arose. “They said ‘You can come to Toronto but you’ve got to bring the container with you’—and a typical shipping container is 40 feet long,” Brian said. The men built a ten foot container to take with them instead, after drumming up sponsorship from Cameco. “We hitched it up to the one tonne diesel box and drove to Toronto,” he said. After parking their container in the shipping zone of the hotel for three days, Brian and his partners “Shook hands with Brett, and did the deal.” 3twenty Solutions eventually landed a $500,000 deal with Claude Resources, a supply giant in the mining industry, and the rest is history. To date, 3twenty Solutions has built 70 bedrooms for mining camps. “We’ve gone from 3 guys and 3000 square feet to 15 guys and 14,000 square feet,” Brian said. The company is on target to build about 200 bedrooms this year, and is expanding their market to China, Australia and South America. “We want to tackle the residential market in the future,” Brian said.

Born and raised in Regina, Rachel was always interested in the creative arts. Rachel marketed her jewelry under the name Urban Pearl Accessories in 2005. In 2008, Rachel was able to quit her job and run her business full-time. Then she was asked to attend the Oscars gifting lounge in Los Angeles. There were a few challenges in getting there, but Rachel overcame them. “I had to take out a loan and sell most of my stock to go down there, which was a big risk,” she said. In the end, the exposure paid off, and helped publicize her brand across Canada. Then Rachel learned that Dragons Den was coming to Regina. As soon as she auditioned, Rachel was told that she was going to Toronto. “I spent the next several months preparing more for Dragons Den than I had prepared when I first started my business!” she exclaimed. “When you get out there, you have ten cameras on you and five business moguls staring you down.” Rachel bartered with the dragons, but all five said they were out . . . or so she thought. After leaving the set in a daze, she went back to her hotel, not realizing that she had a deal. “I shook all the dragons’ hands and Brett said ‘I’m going to do a deal with you outside Dragons Den’ but I didn’t hear him because I was so nervous,” she said. In the end, both Brett Wilson and Arlene Dickenson decided they wanted to invest in Rachel’s business. “It’s been really great working with them,” she said.

Contestants from Dragons Den at Women Entrepreneurs AGM. (L-R) Bryan McCrea (co-founder 3twenty Solutions), Rachel Mielke (owner of Hillberg & Berk), Corla Rokochy (founder of Snappy Socks), Erin Johnson (founder Greener Living Products), Patti Hack (member of Breast Friends), Anne Reynolds (member of Breast Friends) & Laura Small (Emcee and ceo of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc)

Panel speakers at Women Entrepreneurs AGM. Anne Reynolds & Patti Hack from Breast Friends

Snappy Socks

Greener Living Products

Swift Current resident Corla Rokoschy is a mother of five, and president and founder of Snappy Socks. When Corla appeared on Dragons Den, she walked away with a deal from Arlene Dickenson and Brett Wilson.

Erin Johnston holds a degree in human ecology and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. Married with two children, Erin was a stay at home mom washing cloth diapers when opportunity came knocking. In 2007, Erin and her husband Matt started Greener Living Products, a business devoted to organic cleaning products.

Corla has worked as a photographer for 16 years. “Dragons Den was something we sat down every week to watch as a family,” she said. When Corla heard that auditions for the show were being held, she jumped off her couch and onto the Internet.” I told my family that I was going to audition for Dragon’s Den because I wanted to be on it!” she said. Auditions were to be held in Saskatoon, so Corla got a babysitter and drove for five hours to give it a try. She needed an idea to pitch to the dragons, so she decided to work with socks. “I spend seven hours on average sorting socks for my family,” she said. Corla came up with the idea of keeping socks snapped together in the wash to save time. “At the audition, I dumped a pile of socks on the table and told them how many socks I have to sort every week,” she said. The pitch worked. “We found out we were going to Toronto, and I had to round up money to fly the seven people in my family out there,” she said. “I realized not many people get this opportunity and this is a gift that I have to take seriously.”

Erin is a Home Economics teacher. Her Family moved to Melfort in 2008. The idea for her business started when her first daughter was born, and Erin decided to use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones. “I love cloth diapers, but I needed the right laundry detergent to clean them,” she said. Through trial and error, Erin tried several detergents with little success. “Then I went online and came across soap nuts,” she said. “They worked! There was no smell at all.” Back then, Erin and her husband lived in B.C. and she was sewing and selling cloth diapers at the local farmer’s market. “People were asking me how to wash them, so I thought why not bring in some soap nuts . . . I added samples to the diapers and people loved them,” she said. Erin said many of her customers were people who had skin conditions or allergies to perfume.

Over the next few months, Corla did her research. She admitted she was nervous when it came time to face the dragons, but her sense of humor remained intact. “Right before they send you down, they say ‘There are 13 cameras on you that cost taxpayers thousands of dollars per second,’ ” she said, “and if you’re boring, the director’s just going to yell ‘cut!’ and then you won’t even go to air. Good luck!”

With the help of her husband, who has a “techie background,” Erin set up a website to sell her detergent. “There were no Canadians selling soap nuts, so I figured we could sell them online,” she said. Eventually, the demand became large enough to facilitate a supplier. Shortly after their move to Melfort, a friend advised Erin to try out for Dragons Den, and she was dumbfounded. “I said to him ‘I don’t own a TV what are you talking about?’ ”

Kevin O Leary, Brett Wilson and Arlene Dickenson all offered Corla money for her business. In the end, she decided to work with Brett and Arlene.

Still, Erin and her husband continued to reinvest their money into their business and in March 2010, they auditioned for the show. To get ready to duel with the dragons, they watched every episode of the show online. “We also made sure that we knew our numbers,” she added. “I didn’t think we would get a deal, but Brett loves the smaller businesses and he said he would do it.”

Snappy Socks has come a long way in the past year. “We’re going to be distributing our product across the U.S., with Toys R Us Canada and in 100 stores across Canada,” Corla said.

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Erin now reports that since her appearance on Dragons Den, she orders 2500 kilograms of soap nuts at a time. “We go through it all in a just a few months,” she said. And the exposure provided by Dragons Den has helped her business gain momentum. “It’s growing slowly,” she said. Recently, Erin Got a call from a movie company in Hollywood. “They really wanted our product . . . they were doing a shoot in New York City, and there were requests for organic laundry detergent, so they called us,” she said. Erin and her husband have since worked out a deal with the company, who also plans to use their detergent in some of their other projects. “Four years ago we had soap nuts in a baggie stapled to a little business card, and now we’re in Hollywood—I can’t believe it!”

Breast Friends Patti Hack and Anne Reynolds are wives, mothers, and former educators. They are also two of ten “Breast Friends” who envision a cure for cancer. Patti runs the office for “Breast Friends” in Foam Lake, and was a teacher and school administrator for 32 years. She retired in 2008. Anne Reynolds was secretary for the elementary school in Foam Lake and retired from that in 2007. Anne is the secretary for Breast Friends, while Patti runs the group’s office. Breast Friends are a team of ten rural Saskatchewan women who write and publish cookbooks. They pride themselves on raising money for cancer exclusively through their cookbook sales. The idea started when the group put on a five course meal that was so good, guests kept asking for the recipes. “Patti got us together and said ‘Let’s raise money for cancer by making a cookbook’” Anne said. The friends typed out their book For the Breasts of Friends and sent it off to a publisher. There were 2500 cookbooks ordered, and all of them sold immediately. Six weeks later, more books arrived and they sold out in three days. “We knew we were onto something, so we got technologically literate,” Anne continued. “We bought computers, made a website, and did some speaking engagements across Canada— that got us sales.”

Then, one of the group’s members lost her husband to melanoma. “It broke our hearts, so we decided to do a second cookbook that was aimed at other kinds of cancer,” Anne said. For the Breasts and the Rest of Friends became a national bestseller. While travelling, the friends got many emails from cancer survivors. These became the inspiration for their third book, Breast Wishes. “That book was going to be our swan song,” Patti said. By that point, Breast Friends had raised over $1 million for cancer. But another idea arose one day when Patti was driving to Regina. “I found out about Dragons Den auditions and I asked myself how we could get on the show,” she said. “We’re non-profit, so we had a different approach—we wanted marketing advice, and to make the book more national than regional.” When the ten breast friends showed up in the Dragons Den studio, Patti said that, “she saw the dragons eyes glaze over. We started telling our story, though, and as they learned more, they sat up straighter. When we mentioned the $1 million dollars, they sat up very straight!” By the end of their meeting, the dragons were so impressed that they offered the friends $50,000. The friends decided they would take the money and donate it to the charity of the dragons’ choice. We ended up taking the $50,000 they gave us and splitting it into five $10,000 cheques which they gave to charity. “We never saw a dragon,” Patti said. “By the end of it, they were all crying, we were all crying and they were all eating our cookies.” After the episode aired, the friends were inundated with phone calls and emails. “We set up command central in our community church,” Anne said. “Volunteers came to help us package books. We got thousands of orders.” The popularity of the cookbooks was so enormous, that the Foam Lake post office was overwhelmed. “We wrapped them and stamped them in the church so the post office could just run them through.” Financially, the Breast Friends said Dragons Den gave them a boost in sales, but it also made the name Breast Friends a national one. “We get orders from Kentucky to Ohio now,” Patti said. “It’s been a great experience for us.” FLS

Contestants from Dragons Den at Women Entrepreneurs AGM. (L-R) Patti Hack, Erin Johnson, Corla Rokochy, Bryan McCrea, Rachel Mielke

EXPERTAdvice Unexpected illnesses bring unexpected costs

• An estimated 70,000 heart attacks occur in Canada each year.1 • An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 strokes occur in Canada each year.1 • Our probability of developing some form of cancer in our lifetime is one in three.2

Jeff Rask Jeff Rask & Associates Financial Services Inc. 475 - 1st Ave N 306-649-4000 ext 107 jeff.rask@sunlife.com

No one expects to become very sick. The good news is that more Canadians than ever are recovering from cancer and living after heart attacks and strokes: • In recent years, the death rate among patients hospitalized for heart attacks has been cut in half to 8 per cent.1 • 75 per cent of stroke victims will survive the initial event.1

hen someone asks you to contribute to the Terry Fox Run or support the fight against breast cancer, you may give because you know someone—a relative, a friend, a colleague—who has had to endure the pain and suffering that comes with cancer.

These increased survival rates are adding challenges not only to our health care system, but also to our pocketbooks. The costs of recovering from a serious illness may put your finances in a less than healthy state.

They aren't alone. Serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke, are the leading health issues facing Canadians today.

Here's a possible scenario you may face: like many victims of critical illnesses, you may have to stop working. If you have disability insurance, you may receive only a percentage of your normal salary or wage. Will it be enough to cover mortgage and car payments, monthly bills, and your children's education expenses if they're in college or university?

The statistics back up what we already know is true—every year many people in this country need help to cope with critical health problems:

You may also need to spend a considerable portion of your income on things not covered by your health care plan. You could need renovations to your

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home, vehicle modifications, and devices to help you move around. You may have to pay for homecare, childcare, or therapy. Or your partner may want to take some time off work to help care for you. What if you decided to seek treatment or surgery outside of Canada? Most plans won't cover that expense. Alternative medicine is an option that often falls outside of health plans. Like many Canadians, you may have already been saving for your retirement years. It would be frustrating and perhaps even devastating if you had to cut into your retirement savings to help you get through your recovery. If you're wondering if disability insurance or extended health care benefits are enough, it's important to understand exactly what those benefits cover, and for how long. Review your policy if you have one or speak to your advisor about one. Speak with the person who administers your benefits. Depending on which province you live in, some of your costs may be included in the provincial health plan. It's important to check. Finally, compare your current plan with what critical illness insurance could provide. Our team at Jeff Rask & Associates can show you how this plan will help if an unexpected illness strikes. FLS © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2007. Sources: 1 Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2007 2 Canadian Cancer Society, 2007

LEATHER F AND LACE

ootball has always been viewed as a man’s sport, but times are changing. In the past few years, on the football fields of Saskatchewan, a new breed of woman has emerged—one that is proving that the game is just as much a part of their make up as their male counterparts. Today, there is little doubt that football in Saskatchewan is separating the women from the girls.

BY SARAH FERGUSON

With a variety of leagues to pick from, Saskatchewan women who want to play football have more choices than ever before. While many women can opt to play touch or minor football, many are playing the field in full equipment, ready to tackle their opponents. Thanks to the recent addition of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League (WWCFL) and the highly publicized Lingerie Football League (LFL) to the mix, Saskatchewan women who want to play tackle football ultimately have two choices: leather or lace.

“Raging” to Succeed It’s a rainy spring day in Regina—too cold for football, some might argue, and tryouts for the Lingerie Football League’s Regina Rage have moved from an outdoor football field into a local high school gym. Inside, pairs of wet running shoes are piled against the gym entrance, and the twenty or so women who own them are hard at work, eager to prove that they are the best, toughest and strongest of the lot. There is a sense of urgency and intensity in the air as they move through their drills. Watching the players push themselves as they run patterns and try to outdo each other, one quickly forgets that these women are participating in a controversial event. Since its arrival in the Queen City, the LFL has received its share of criticism. Some say the idea of watching a bunch of girls tackling each other in their underwear is scandalous and degrading. Others call it a choice. The uniforms, which consist of hockey helmets, garters, bras, and panties, as well as shoulder, elbow and knee pads, have raised safety concerns. No matter how you look at it, the LFL causes a stir, which is precisely what Mitchell Mortaza wants. Mortaza is the commissioner and founder of the LFL. Tall, lanky, and sporting a West Hollywood tan, he flew into town on the morning of the tryout to watch the girls play. “It’s my first time in Regina, and it’s a great city,” he said. “To drive past Mosaic Stadium and know about the legendary prowess behind it all was really cool . . . we’re excited to be here.”

But the Regina Rage won’t be playing at Mosaic Stadium. Instead, they’ll play indoors at the Brandt Centre. And aside from the lack of clothing worn by the players, viewers can expect to see other differences in the game as well.

An Instant Hit? Lingerie football is an arena -based league. Each team has seven women, one fewer than the eight players found in other indoor leagues. Teams consist of 20 players, and only 14 of them dress for game day, which means three to four play both offensive and defensive positions. There are no field goals, and no punts in the game, either. The game also retains its American roots, and uses a four down system. Still, Mortaza is optimistic that his league will be an instant hit in the province. The Regina Rage is one of four new Canadian teams that were added to the 11 American-based LFL teams in 2012. Other teams in the expansion include the Saskatoon Sirens, the BC Angels and the Toronto Triumph. The league has enjoyed popularity in the U.S. and loyal fans have tuned in from 43 countries

worldwide. Mortaza said that when he decided to expand the U.S.-based league into Canadian territory, the city of Regina made the top of his list. “We were very interested in Regina because of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the fanaticism surrounding them,” he said. But will Regina be as receptive to the Rage as it has been to its CFL team? Mortaza admits that Regina’s market is “somewhat conservative and purist” when it comes to football, meaning that it may not be an easy sell. “When we go into an entirely new country that has little visibility to LFL football, and people hear ‘lingerie football,’ you’re going to have skeptics,” he said, “but that will change once the first game happens.” And Mortaza says that the name of the league is misleading. “It’s part of the maturation of the brand,” he said matterof-factly. “I can try to convince people that it’s real football and they’re not going to care- It’s still going to be called the lingerie football league,” he said. “Unfortunately we have to use that name to attract media attention and fanfare. It’s part of the equation, and we’re very honest about that.”

The commissioner is also quick to defend the notion that the LFL is nothing more than a bunch of women chasing each other around in their underwear. “In the states, 94 per cent of our women are former collegiate athletes,” he said. “It’s too bad that they’re being judged because of the name of the brand.”

Lingerie League Hopefuls For Ashley Richter and Kylie Rossler, playing in the LFL is all about loving sports, not about shock value. Both girls say that the judgments people make about the league doesn’t affect them one bit. Ashley and Kylie have played hockey for most of their lives. Both went to the U.S. on hockey scholarships and played in the NCAA. The girls said they learned about the LFL in their travels, and thought it would be worth a try, but were too busy with their hockey careers. “I was in Vermont and she was in Pittsburgh,” said Ashley, pointing at Kylie, “So we didn’t get a chance to play.” Mitchell Mortaza

Ashley calls herself “an aggressive girl,” and says she is up for the challenge of making the team. “Sports are an outlet, and they give you a place to give it all,” she said. “I come from a hockey family, but we’re a football family too . . . this is a chance for me to become a football player like everyone else in my family.” Kylie has a sense of humor about the tryout process, but says she enjoys having the opportunity to play as well. “I’ve never played football before, to be honest,” she giggled. “Trying out for the LFL started out as a joke with my teammates, we were all saying ‘we should do that.’ Then, when I moved back to Canada, I heard about a team coming here and wanted to try out.” Justine Barnes is 21 years old and has played soccer for her entire life. She came to try out for the Rage because of the support from her family. “My dad actually wanted me to try out,” she said. “He knows I can throw and catch a football pretty well.” Jill Koot is a national level bodybuilding athlete from Swift Current who played hockey for the University of Saskatchewan for several years. Her husband, also a bodybuilder, came out to support her during the tryout.

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“Training and dieting is part of our lifestyle,” she said. “Playing for the LFL is just another challenge and another exciting sport to get involved with.” After the tryout, Mortaza said he was impressed with what he saw. “There are four or five ladies here that could easily be all stars, even in the US league,” he said. “Out of all the ladies here today, you will probably have 7 or 8 that will end up on the eventual team,” Mortaza said. “It’s all about finding the best athletes to represent the Regina Rage.” The Rage will hold a mini camp in June when the core group of women who make up the team will come together. Training camp starts in July. From that point on, practices will be held 3-4 times a week leading up to August 25 when the LFL season opens in Abbotsford.

Playing football is a RIOT It’s a windy spring afternoon in Regina, and members of the Regina Riot are gathering in the Rochdale Superstore parking lot to wait for their team bus. Rush end Becky Wallis is one of the first team members to arrive. Wallis is

no slouch. She drives all the way from Yorkton to play, and even though it’s her first year on the field, she has a reputation for being one of the most passionate players on the team. “I’ve always loved football,” she said. “My husband plays and I’ve always wanted to try it but I’ve never had the opportunity before.” When Becky learned about the Riot, she couldn’t resist making the trip to Regina to give it a shot. “It was close enough for me to come and play,” she said. The Regina Riot is part of the WWCFL which was founded in 2011. The seven team league has a presence in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Manitoba, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and Regina. The league prides itself on breaking stereotypes associated with women and football in general, and stresses the empowerment of women through the sport. It is also the first all-women’s inter provincial tackle football league in Western Canada. To play the game, women must wear full equipment. The league uses amateur rules which are almost identical to CFL rules. That means three downs and a wider field—the type of football that most Saskatchewan people have grown to love.

2012 - The Season to Come Last year was the Riot’s inaugural season in the WWCFL. It ended in disappointment with a 36-6 loss to the eventual league-champion Saskatoon Valkyries, but in one year, the Regina Riot has already gained momentum. With increased enrollment and a group of seasoned players, things are definitely looking up. “It’s looking incredible,” said Melissa Park, the Riot’s General Manager.” I couldn’t be happier with our veteran players who are returning, and we have some incredible talent coming through in the rookie players this year.” The team’s general manager said she is equally impressed with the Riot’s coaches, who she says have a renewed sense of energy. “We were new when they stepped in last year, and they started from scratch . . . this year, we are taking it back to basics.” Since the word has spread about women’s tackle football in the province, enrollment has skyrocketed. “I was talking to a woman in Edmonton and they only run with rosters of 30 to 35 girls and they lose half of those

people every year. Calgary is the same,” said Melissa. “In Regina, we start with 50 people and Saskatoon is the same . . . the Valkyries had close to 50 as well.” So why is tackle football all the rage in Saskatchewan? According to Melissa, the drive has always been there— girls simply need a place to play. “Many of us have been watching for so many years,” she said. “You go to the park and play with the boys and your buddies, but you’ve never had the chance to step on the field. You just know that there are girls out there that want to play the game.” “Our coach puts it beautifully,” she added. “He said the only difference between the football we play and what you see on TV is gender.” “Football is one sport that all women can play,” Riot Quarterback Aimee Kowalski said. “There’s a position for every shape and size. It doesn’t matter how big or small you are—one day you could be an average Joe and the next you could be an athlete— no matter who you are.” The league puts the safety of its players first and foremost, and good protection

is important, says Melissa. “Obviously the equipment doesn’t protect you from everything, but it will protect you from the knocks and hits and bruises,” she said. “Football can be a dangerous game, but if you’re properly padded and protected, it’s not so bad.” The Riot is proud to say that they own about 95 percent of their equipment. Fees are part of belonging to the team, but Melissa says the league tries to keep them reasonable. Local sponsors have helped lighten the load. “The biggest expense is travel,” she said. “This year we’re going to Edmonton and the team there is hosting a tournament, but you’re looking at three to four thousand for the bus and another three thousand for rooms, so it really adds up.” John Baxter is the coach for the Regina Riot, and says the team has a better than average shot at the championship this year. He stresses that above all, the league is meant to empower his players. “Our league is for these girls . . . it belongs to them,” he said. The Regina Riot will play four games this season. The first two were in May: one in Saskatoon and the other on May 27 when the Riot took on the Manitoba Fearless in Brandon. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Photo by Living Light Photographics Regina RIOT Players: (56) Ashley Viklund, (22) Aimee Kowalski, (54) Pam Grzyb

“They’re trying to expand the league, so we’re having the game in Brandon to drum up interest and hopefully start a team there for the 2013 season,” Melissa said. The WWCFL season comes to an end with the championship game on July 14 which will be held in Saskatoon.

Flight of the Valkyries A Valkyrie is defined as “the chooser of the slain”—and the Saskatoon Valkyries had the choice of slaying every team in the WWCFL last year, when they became league champions. Michelle Duchene is the team’s General Manager and says that the championship win has fuelled the desires of women who want to be part of the Valkyries’ winning spirit, and as

a result more people showed up for tryouts this year. “We’ve increased our numbers,” she said. “Last year we had about 30 people show up and this year we’ve had over 50 which is where we want to be.” Duchene said the secret to the Valkyries success last year was coaching. “We had ten coaches last year for 35 people,” she said. Considering that most teams have just three coaches, the Valkyries had an incredible advantage during last year’s season, making them virtually unstoppable. “We were very fortunate that we had a bunch of people that came out and taught us how to play football,” Michelle said. “That was a huge factor.” And Saskatoon also had some amazing athletes on the field from a variety of disciplines.

“We had athletes who specialized in hockey, basketball, track, volleyball, touch football, and rugby too,” Michelle said. Michelle also has a great deal of expertise in the world of football. She started as a trainer with the Huskie football team in University. Then she worked with the Saskatoon Hilltops for seven years, before joining minor football as a trainer. Her big break came when she got an opportunity to travel with Team Canada to the world women’s championship in 2010 in Sweden. “I’ve also gotten involved as a board member,” she adds” I’ve been on the executive for Football Saskatchewan, on the executive for Saskatoon minor football, and I did some work for Football Canada.” Adding to her impressive

Photo by Mark Grzyb Saskatoon Valkyries Players: (17) Elena Kube, (66) Brand Sokoloski, (29) Gillian Allen

resume, Michelle played touch football for 13 years and currently serves on the executive for the touch football league and the WWCFL. There is no doubt that expertise has served the team well, but offensive and defensive player Jessie Buydens says winning is also about passion for the game. “The girls are passionate,” she said. “They’re very excited to be given the opportunity to play for the Valkyries and hopefully win again.” Jessie was a seasoned rugby player who was invited to try out for the Valkyries in 2010. She wound up making the tryouts and going to the world championships with Team Canada. It was a great start that led to a lifelong love of football. She says her favorite part of the game is playing contact sports on the same terms as the men. “We have the

same rules as the guys and the same equipment as the guys,” she said. “That’s one of the things I like about our football: there’s no modification to reduce contact or eliminate it.” Karlie Jackson turns 23 in June and made her start on the Valkyries team last year as a wide receiver. This year, she will play defensive back, and says playing football is a dream come true. When I went out to the first practice, the girls were really accepting,” she said. “The first time we put on the pads and actually started hitting I was hooked.” When Karlie was in high school, she longed to play football with the boys. “My mom wouldn’t let me because I’m a pretty small person,” she said. “When I heard about the Valkyries, I thought ‘she can’t tell me not to play because I’m an adult now’ and I decided to try out.”

The young defensive back says that winning the championship is a double edged sword. “We’re going to have a big target on our backs, but if we just stay humble and we give it our best, I can’t see why we won’t have a good season.” She urges any girl who is interested in playing football to jump in with both feet, and leave the skepticism at the door. “Playing the game broadens horizons for a lot of girls, and if you put your mind to anything, you can do it,” she said. “There’s no reason that a girl can’t play football.” FLS www.wwcfl.com www.reginariotfootball.com www.saskatoonvalkyries.com www.lflus.com

FORD PROVIDES CHOICE TO GREEN DRIVERS By Nykea Behiel

ith gas prices constantly on the rise, consumers are looking for fuel-efficient vehicles more than ever before. Aside from gas prices, many consumers are also becoming increasingly aware of the impact their driving has on the environment. Ford is giving its clientele the power of choice with their new products. From ultra-efficient gas powered cars, to hybrids, to a fully electric five passenger car, Ford has sustainable vehicles for any customer. 110

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William Ford, great grandson of the illustrious Henry T. Ford, passed the title of CEO to Alan Mulally in 2006. Still serving as executive chairman for the company, Bill asked that Alan work toward creating more environmentally friendly vehicles. They have.

Mark van Tol, communications manager at Ford, has come to Saskatoon from Toronto to explain some of the new features. He assures us that Ford is making big commitments, but moving at a comfortable pace to ensure that the safety and power tantamount to the Ford name remain intact.

Ford has also incorporated many green materials into their production, and has plans to go even further. As an effort to use more renewable and recyclable materials, they have pioneered the use of soy-based foam for seats. By the end of this year, almost all Ford's vehicles will feature the bio-based foam.

I signed a waiver and hopped into the Ford escape, an SUV equipped with EcoBoost technologyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a global Ford engine that increases fuel economy by nearly 20 percent while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 15 per cent. Driving the smooth SUV, I have a better understanding of why many of us Saskatchewanians enjoy big vehicles. The smooth drive, fuel economy, and safety are important considerations. Equally important to me is the extra room for suitcases so I can indulge the ridiculous overpacker in me.

Ford is also increasing their use of biodegradable plastics derived from the sugars in corn, sugar beet, and cane. This will mostly be used for carpeting, mats, upholstery, and interior trim. They also use wheat-straw reinforced plastic, grown by our neighbours in Alberta. Even recycled blue jeans are used in the 2012 Focus for carpet backing and sound absorption. These changes are not only beneficial to the environment, but can lighten the vehicle without detracting from overall safety.

The plug in hybrid is for people who do a mixture of city driving and out of town driving. "The charging port will give you a 30 to 35 kilometre range, then the gas will kick in," relays Mark. It is targeted to be the most fuel-efficient sedan in North America.

The most impressive design is the battery Focus electric. It is a completely electric car that gives off no emissions. Besides being cheaper, it costs around two to three dollars to charge, there is less maintenance and no oil changes. Charging only takes three and half hours plus efficient driving lets you go even longer on one charge. Ideal for city driving, this car has a system called brake coach that displays your power usage. You can also set your vehicle to charge at the most energy efficient times using an app developed by Ford which lets you access your vehicle information from anywhereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;have your car heated or cooled to a comfortable temperature when you get out of the plane or head home from work.

I had the chance to drive one of these cars as well. Aside from the air conditioning, the car runs almost silently. I also quickly found out that the carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleek curves were matched by its smooth handling. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, all the power is available to you instantly, providing satisfaction to those of us that have a little bit of a heavy foot. Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to improving their overall product sustainability is clear. They offer a host of fuel-efficient vehicles, and will have five either partly or fully electrified vehicles available in North America by the end of the year. BR

Making a commitment to driving a greener vehicle is now fun and sustainable.

BIKERS HOLD ANNUAL RIDE FOR CHARITY STURGIS COUPLE USES LOVE OF THE OPEN ROAD TO BENEFIT LOCAL KIDS BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

hen Ron Descalchuk started dating Rose Silzer back in 1974, he knew pretty quickly that her motorcycle was part of the package. Fresh out of high school in Hendon, Ron was working at the church pew manufacturing plant in Watson when he fell for the pretty waitress at the local restaurant. When she jumped on her bike and offered him a ride, he wasn’t so keen. But “when her two strong Catholic farm boy brothers insisted that anyone seeing their sister better learn how to ride a bike,” Ron converted. Soon the couple was sharing a love for the open road. Along came marriage, children, and their towing business so the bikes were put on hold. But now, Ron says, “We’re in our second childhood and we put on about 5,000 kilometres every summer.” Part of those clicks get logged on their annual charity ride. This August, the Descalchuks host the 123 Ride with Me Motorcycle and Vintage Auto Ride to raise money for 123 Care for Me Child Care in Sturgis.

Rose and Ron FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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No, not that Sturgis. This is Saskatchewan’s Sturgis, population about 700, on Hwy 9, 95 kms north of Yorkton, 280 kms east of Saskatoon. It was once the site of the World’s Largest One Day Rodeo, but that hasn’t happened for a few years now. The Assiniboine River flows through southern edge of town, and the provincial Porcupine Forest lies 30 kms north. This Sturgis is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Ron and Rose went only once to the infamous mammoth bike rally in Sturgis, South Dakota but that was enough. “It’s so crowded, you wouldn’t even believe it,” Ron told Fine Lifestyles on the phone from a holiday stop in Deadwood. “It started way back in the 50s and today there are easily 300,000 bikes there. There’s no open road. Just solid bikes.” What this province has is plenty of open road and the Descalchuks cover about 400 kms for their annual ride through scenic east central

Saskatchewan. Last year, inspired by a local child who uses a wheelchair, the couple organized the Ride for Those Who Roll event. About 100 bikers from throughout the province showed up and the couple turned over $6,000 to make the playground accessible. This year, they’re hoping for at least as much money to buy playground equipment for the daycare. “We always liked to get about eight bikes together and go for breakfast somewhere,” says Ron, who has been in the towing business for nearly 30 years. “We thought we could put on a ride and raise a little money for this kid. Then clubs started approaching us to see if we’d do it again. The charity puts on the breakfast and supper. We start at the Sturgis arena with breakfast, get on the road about 10 o’clock and people just go at their own pace. We don’t bunch up. It’s just a good ride for the day, back about 5:30.” This year’s loop meanders from Sturgis to Kelvington Junction up through Fosston, Rose Valley, Barrier Valley, Tisdale, to Carrot

River Junction, Hudson Bay, Preeceville and back to Sturgis for supper and prizes. The ominous image of a big rumbling pack of bikers descending on trembling townsfolk along the route is laughable. And Ron likes to laugh. “Yeah, the idea back in the day was bad ass bikers roaring into town,” he chuckles. “That sure isn’t the case. We’ve got doctors, lawyers, baby boomers, families. Wives don’t just ride on the back anymore. They’ve got their own bikes. Biking is Canada’s number one pastime,” says the father of Darren and Tammy, two grown children. “For us, it’s always been a family thing. I remember when my son was about five years old, sitting him on the tank of my old Triumph. Back then you didn’t need helmets or seat belts. I just sat him up on the tank. If he started to slide, I’d just grab him by the scruff of the neck and put him back up and we’d ride. The kids loved it!”

Over the years, a few bikers met up in Sturgis and Preeceville before heading down to the big event in South Dakota. But the only connection with the American town is the name. When Postmaster Fred Brooks arrived in 1904, he needed to let people know where to send the mail. He simply named it after his hometown in the States. Not very imaginative, Ron chuckles. He has great memories of his ‘72 Triumph, but says motorcycles weren’t built for the long haul when he first started riding. “You’d ride for a day, then fix for a week!” The evolution of bike technology and design has created high levels of performance. Ron rides a 2005 Harley Davidson Night Train and Rose a 2004 Honda Shadow Spirit. “She doesn’t like to ride in the rain and I’m paranoid about hotel rooms” so they trailer their bikes behind their motorhome on long trips. Having the clean comforts of home with them is about as biker tough as they get. “About the only thing bad ass about me at my age is my back!” Ron laughs. The Descalchuks are hoping for a good turnout on August 5. The entry fee of $30 for bikes and vehicles includes supper ($20 without). Entrants will also have a chance to win cash prizes. Amanda Masley at the town office is also a member of the daycare board. She’ll be flipping pancakes at 8 a.m. “to

get everyone up and on their way. One motto for our town is we’re a ‘quality caring community,’” so the Descalchuk ride is a good fit. A bit farther to the south, the other Sturgis will be roaring to life in August for the 72nd Black Hills Motorcycle Rally, six days of all things bike and biker. Where else can you join 400,000 bikers (last year there were 416, 727) for their own most important meal of the day at the Sons of Light Ministry free pancake breakfast, try your hand at machine gun shooting, consider the Motorcycle as Art exhibit, cheer your favourite at the Miss Buffalo Chip Beauty Pageant, place your bet on who you think will take the World Pickle Lickin’ Championship, race a Harley, and then see Lynyrd Skynyrd live? “Do we want to get as big as South Dakota?” Ron muses. “Be careful what you wish for! You’d never believe it until you see it. It’s unbelievable. I think ours will grow, but it’ll take time and maybe some corporate investment to get some real money raised. But we did fine last year. I walked around when it was over and everyone said they had a good time. Everybody rode safe, no accidents and it was a lot of fun. And we do something for the kids, so it’s all good.” FLS For details and entry information, contact Ron Descalchuk, 306-547-7544, 306-548-5568 or Facebook at 123 Ride For Me.

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licia Austin can’t quite believe her luck. A mere year ago, the 26-year-old started up her own high-end European-influenced salon studio. It’s already a staff look up and smile. If that’s the last nationally recognized Aveda Concept Salon, two-time nominee for Canadian memory I have on earth, that would be Salon Design of the Year, and two-time nominee for Saskatchewan/Manitoba Salon so great to -know Stylist of the Year. Capelli has graced the glossy of chic Salon Magazine Canada Direct, he replied, “Flawless I don’tthat I’ve assembled “Freshpages flowers improve productivity have to even think about it. They always and commitment, enhance such a wonderful group of people who and is one of the first and only nominated salons in the province for creativity, both the Contessa os Lisa Landrie arrive on the same day every week to and increase problem solving abilities,” havereno bee believe in Capelli and lovehave our done clients and Mirror awards. 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mattresses. We would definitely recommend DirectB to openly and“The trustJacuzzi to buildline theiruphomes weeks, so Icare display them inincluding another part directly thein flthe owers order to liner.inThe pool can guarantee be is so complete free water support, addwith an ‘s’ everything so that soundscomputerized great me.” to thetohighest standards. of the to building for the second week. in under an hour tolooking product atallowing the bestyou value. They for substantial savings, and we hav theto most advanced, sophisticated, water testing. This It’s set upquality Kitchen Cabinetry & Flooring like getting arrangements for the be swimming “We in champagne, fruit— Kevin same day. brought Finally, purchasethe their products from at a variety and luxurious lineup that feature top commitment totwo our customers also pricemaking of one.”sure that if a problem the end the season, theinternational pool can be farms quality products at prices typically not of of Canadian and means trays, designer cupcakes. I was fine easilythat winterized, allowing trouble-free associated with Jacuzzi quality,” says arises it is solved in a matter of hours must pass rigorous quality, ecologyhit me a few days until it suddenly for workplace the next season of swimming co-owner Rick Griffith. You’ll find the with a complete housethe service team. standards.FLS When asked in about service he has set upand before. What about glasses? I can’t D Belyingstaff herisMANY Italianto heritage, Alicia her from business “Aenjoyment. business ready assist inSASKATOON finding the explains received Quinn philosophy. & Kim’s Grower PROFILING OF AND AREA’S BEST BUSINESSES, PRODUCTS & SERVICES have Shannon Tweed drinking out of 101-1 right Jacuzzi for you, not simply what Hot Saskatchewan days are best spent

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owner is a leader but I see it more as a family. My parents modeled for my brothers is in stock or on sale. “This is the key Premium Home Leisure, in today a pool. Tuff Pools, a company red stop plastic bar cups. This is Shannon and me the way to treat other people by in around a positive way. Each person should feel to years of enjoyment and satisfaction, and discover “The Art of Enjoyment” FLS selected for its superior durability and Tweed. She’s used to drinking out of special,with unique and appreciated. your investment,” says Griffith. You start that positive ripple with your staff and

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veryone loves to brag about where they come from and in Saskatchewan we are no different. With an abundance of natural resources, scenic prairie beauty along with warm and welcoming people in every town; it is easy to see why so many families and young people are looking at Saskatchewan as a place to call home. Saskatoon as the hub of Saskatchewan is an area of rich growth and development. Deemed a land of opportunity and labelled with the nickname “Saskaboom,” our province is the envy of her sisters. As the mining, oil and agricultural industries flourish, Saskatchewan has become the ‘it girl’ – the talk of the town, so to speak. It’s no wonder that Saskatoon has become the hub of development where you can find some of the best shops and businesses in Saskatoon. Plenty of opportunities exist for jobs as more companies relocate or expand to Saskatoon. Businesses and families know a better quality of life exists here. According to the United Nations’ Human Development Index, Canada is one of the top ten countries in which to live due to our strong social safety net and enthusiastic support of education for all. According to the same criteria, Saskatchewan is the best place to reside in Canada based on quality of life, as per SaskJobs.ca the Province of Saskatchewan’s jobsite. Saskatoon is also proud to be a world leader in the science and technology community, conducting leading research and manufacturing innovative products in a wide variety of industry sectors.

BEST of the BEST

Healthcare A growing population requires a growing health care system. In Saskatchewan, the number of people waiting six months or more for surgery has decreased by 56 per cent since November 2007. New health complexes, such as the one in Watrous, are opening and new surgery and outpatient facilities are being planned. The continued changing face of our health care system is a positive evolution that will continue to carry our province through the 21st century.

The Great Outdoors The beautiful City of Saskatoon is situated on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, and has this location to offer over 300 acres of breathtaking riverbank parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re into fishing, swimming, hiking, camping or birding Saskatchewan is a nature-loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream come true. The natural beauty of the vibrant prairie skies combined with a diverse terrain featuring more than 100,000 freshwater lakes attracts visitors from across North America, Europe and beyond. With two national parks, 23 provincial parks, almost 100 regional parks as well as urban parks and recreation sites, Saskatchewan offers a wide selection for people of all ages to enjoy outdoor activities in during summer and winter.

Arts and Culture Saskatchewan has more museums per capita that anywhere else in Canada. Love natural history? The Royal Saskatchewan Museum, located in Regina is a treat for the whole family. Travelling about the province? The Western Development Museums located in Saskatoon, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and Yorkton are a welcome break on any road trip. Theatre, music and other entertainment are prevalent in our province. We love to show how much talent we have with a wide variety of festivals such as Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Regina Folk Fest, the Saskatoon Jazz Festival and so much more. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Sports There’s no getting around it, Saskatchewan people love their sports. When it comes to cheering on our professional football team, major junior hockey teams, local baseball team or neighbourhood soccer teams, there are few fans more loyal than in Saskatchewan.

Wholesome Living Saskatoonians love to work hard and play hard. A well rounded life filled with a fulfilling career, loving family, dedicated friends and quality living – that’s what we all dream about and that’s living in Saskatchewan. FLS

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SASKATOONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEWEST ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR WOMEN By Nykea Marie Behiel Photos Lisa Landrie

Julie Elder and Chantelle Miller BEST of the BEST

“W

e met at the rink - hockey moms,” says Chantelle Miller of Julie Elder. These two entrepreneurs have just brought their dreams of owning a fashion boutique to fruition. “We met six years ago during the hockey season, and then didn’t see each other again until the next,” says Julie. A few years later they got together for a glass of wine and discovered they had plenty in common, most notably that they both wanted to open a shop for women. After much joking and reiterating, the two friends made the commitment to open a store together. Shortly after, they bought tickets to Vancouver, where they purchased much of their spring line. The two moms had a lot of faith and commitment, because they still did not have a location. Finally, they found the perfect spot in the up and coming area of University Heights. After that, they set to work creating a store design and a business plan. Julie, Chantelle and their families built all the fixtures out of reclaimed wood they found, creating an enviable shabby chic look. Months of hard work by these two talented women and their remarkable families have made this space all the more innovative and beautiful. Jules and Lace, named after their nicknames, is modern, classy, and trendy. Many of their brands are Canadian, and Julie and Chantelle look to local distributors when they can to find unique accessories. The open space of the store is also livened up with artwork done by local artists. A friend of Julie’s daughter, Jaqulen, did a few of the paintings. BEST 122 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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Even though the store has only been open since April, the two have received much praise for their location, products and customer service. With the short time they have had to create ambience, Chantelle and Julie have already established a rapport with customers, creating a loyal clientele that comes back to see what is new or just to visit. “Our store is made for women to feel good. They leave feeling happy,” says Julie. Their main goal is for women to look and feel amazing in what they wear, and to provide an all-female space that gives women a sense of comfort. Jules and Lace has a wide selection of labels and price points, providing selection to all customers. One of the great things about the store is that you can leave with a complete outfit—clothing, shoes, and accessories. “We have everything, and we cater to everyone,” says Julie. And it’s true. “Our goal was to be for mothers and their daughters,” says Chantelle. They have accomplished that as teenagers through to their grandmothers shop at their store. “Jules and Lace has always been a dream of ours,” says Chantelle. Now, Julie and Chantelle have brought their dream to life. FLS

Jules & Lace #118 1844 McOrmond Drive (306) 649-2570 www.julesandlace.com www.facebook.com/JulesAndLace @JulesAndLace

Covet Alternative Apparel Chasor Left on Houston Funktional Frank Lyman XCVI Brave Leather Rock Revival BB Dakota Soia & Kyo OXMO TruLux It Luxury Rebel Volatile Lucca Couture Eryn Brinie Shapeez

MAD SOLES: FASHION CONSCIOUS, FASHION FORWARD

aving always been interested in fashion, local business owner Alice Delaire opened Mad Soles two years ago with the help and encouragement of her brother Mike, who started North Shore Outfitters twelve years ago. With her love of the fashion industry and his knowledge and

experience in retail, they have found a perfect balance for success. Mad Soles is the type of store that has something for everyone. They have shoes for women, men, and even babies. Bring the whole family, and they can take care of everyone.

By Nykea Marie Behiel Photos Tristan Becker

Showcasing the top brands and styles, Mad Soles is sure to have something for every occasion. The inviting atmosphere of the store makes you feel right at home. The staff are so helpful and always know how to put your perfect outfit together. The girls at Mad Soles are ahead of the fashion trends,

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suggesting colours and styles that are fashionable now and sticking around for seasons to come. Their inventory always reflects the next trend and classic staples. A few trends that are taking the fashion world by storm are nude and colour blocking. Nude is quickly becoming your new basic black, and colour blocking keeps you right on trend with what is happening on the runways. Whether you need a pair of pumps, flats, sandals or boots, Mad Soles has you covered with trusted brands. Aside from stylish shoes, Mad Soles also offers sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs and Carrera, jewellery by Uranium, and hats by Goorin Bros. These picks for the style savvy have Mad Soles selection at the top of the fashion flock. For the second year in a row Sanuks have again been one of Mad Soles’ best sellers. Made from recycled yoga mats, Sanuks are the comfiest shoes you will ever wear. Named after the Thai word for fun, Sanuks have quickly become a definite must have. For the fall season ahead, Mad Soles is expanding their footwear line up

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to include Hunter Boots, Manitoba Mukluks, Sorel, and Minnetonka Moccasins. Adding these designer brands will allow Mad Soles to be a standout in their field, offering any boot you could ever want all in one store. To expand their offering even more, Mad Soles will be bringing in a few clothing lines this fall. Adding trendy fashion lines to Mad Soles reflects the progressiveness of the store, bringing you fashion forward styles that will be sure to please. Their goal is to have a store where customers can be outfitted from head to toe with shoes, an outfit, accessories and jewellery. “We want to have it all” Alice says. Bringing in unique lines for the fashion conscious will always keep Mad Soles current and able to adapt to the fast paced fashion world. To find shoes, hats, accessories and clothing you can’t find anywhere else in the city, visit Mad Soles. They are constantly evolving to keep the customer updated and carry brands that are fashion minded and fun. FLS

Mad Soles 390-3310 8th Street E (Centre Mall) p 306. 373.7653

SAFE AND EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVES FOR YOUR FACE AND BODY

Sandy Foord and Dr. Cynthia Nave

By Nykea Marie Behiel Photos Heather Fritz FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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o matter how healthy your lifestyle, there are always troublesome fat deposits that are hard to lose, or wrinkles that get in the way of you feeling your best. Painful procedures and long recovery times are becoming a thing of the past. New technology has created options for people who want to lose fat and shape their bodies without harmful and invasive surgery. UltraShape® Saskatoon is the place to go to look healthy and youthful without the risks associated with surgery. UltraShape® Saskatoon, located in Saskatoon’s Lakeview Medical Clinic, has a relaxing environment where you can improve your face, skin, and body without the use of dangerous procedures. As technology progresses, the medical field is able to offer great alternatives to expensive surgery. The UltraShape® system is a non-invasive technology proven to break down and destroy unwanted fat cells instantly, while leaving vital structures in your body unharmed. The ultrasonic energy is applied to problem areas, flank, abdomen, or thighs, to produce a tighter and healthier look. Say goodbye to muffin tops and saddle bags just in time for summer. While destroying fat cells, the UltraShape® also tightens skin, leaving you with a toned look with no recovery time. This machine leaves you with no bruising, swelling, or post treatment pain. The destroyed fat cells are then broken down by your body’s natural metabolic process. Because of its unobtrusive nature, people can walk into the clinic, have the procedure and walk out again. The treatment is quick and painless, which is important to the technicians. Sandy Foord and Dr. Cynthia Nave put your comfort and safety ahead of all else. They want you to feel secure during your treatments, and beautiful after. The therapeutic ultrasound technology has been used in medical settings for decades, and has proven to be both safe and effective. The average client sees a reduction of four centimetres on the target area in just three treatments. Dr. Nave and Sandy love hearing about their clients’ improved self esteem, enjoyment when shopping for new clothes, and fulfilment of daily activities unencumbered by self-conscious thoughts. The technicians at UltraShape® Saskatoon also provide Endymed™ treatments. The Endymed™ can be effectively used for skin tightening and body contouring. It is also useful in lessening the appearance of cellulite on problem areas. The Endymed™ treats skin laxity with a non-surgical procedure. It works by penetrating many layers of skin to stimulate collagen growth and rejuvenation. Similar to the UltraShape®, you can come in on your lunch break, wipe off the gel, and head back to work. Both machines can also be used in combination to provide optimal results. Although men tend to be more hesitant to receive treatment, the results are just as beneficial for them, especially in the breast area.

Saskatoon

AFTER

BEFORE

Clinically Proven Safe and Effective

Pulsed Focused Ultrasound – Two-Three Treatment Results BEST 126 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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The above treatments were performed with single focused ultrasound

The centre also offers botox administered by a registered professional. For safety reasons, when getting a botox treatment, it is essential to see someone who is professionally trained rather than receiving it in your local hair salon. Botox is a way to look as young as you feel, subtly easing lines and wrinkles on your face. Seen as more natural and much less invasive than surgery, botox has been the choice of celebrities and many others for years.

Before Latisse®

After Latisse®

Another way to enhance your appearance is to have luscious eyelashes. Eyes are one of the main indicators of beauty and lashes entice. Latisse® is a solution prescription that is proven to effectively grow your eyelashes to be longer, thicker, and fuller. Latisse® is the only prescription product available in Canada proven to effectively grow your natural eyelashes. This is far more valuable than false eyelashes, as these will never fall off or look awkward due to poor application. Let yourself look as good as you feel. Visit the friendly staff at UltraShape® Saskatoon to acquire professional and effective services from trained professionals. Don’t let your life be ruled by poor self-esteem; live uninhibited by self-reproach. All services offered are non-invasive and pain free, ensuring you never have to take a break from your life to look great. FLS UltraShape® Saskatoon 13-1945 McKercher Drive, Saskatoon p 306.244.5100

Endymed™ and Ultrashape® Before & After photos courtesy of: Dr. Arie Benchetrit, Montreal, Quebec; Dr. Moreno-Moraga et al, Madrid Spain; Dr. Mark Lupin, Victoria, British Columbia; Dr. Chris Inglefield, London, UK.

sandyfoord@aol.com www.UltraShape®saskatoon.com FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Photo © Belstaff

THE ULTIMO IN FASHION By Dan Grant

ince 1989 Saskatoon’s only real fashion boutique for men and women, Ultimo Euromoda, has delivered high quality fashion with honest advice. Straight from the fashion show runways in Europe to your hands in Saskatoon. Since they first opened, Barry Flynn and the staff at Ultimo Euromoda have prided themselves in making available to you some of the top name brands sourcing from Turkey, Spain, Italy and England.

WOMEN’S FASHION AT ITS FINEST

At Ultimo, they offer Men’s lines featuring quality brands and exclusive collections such as 1961’s (the world’s first 360 degree stretch denim), Bikkembergs from Belgium, j-lindeberg and Sand from Sweden, and Belstaff from Italy. For that sleek, sexy and contoured look that Ultimo specializes in, talk to the staff. They will help you look great.

The personalized service from the highly knowledgeable staff at Ultimo will make your visit a truly pleasurable experience. The staff will make sure all your needs are met and that you will find what you are looking for. With Ultimo’s own personal tailor available, they are able to fit the most challenging figures at no cost. “We don’t let you walk in and hope you find something, we actually help you find something,” adds Barry.

“We are known Canada-wide as leaders in breaking new lines in fashion,” says Barry.

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Since 2004 Ultimo has shifted to a 50/50 split of men’s and ladies fashions focusing on dress wear as well as casual. “We have 15 collections that are exclusive to us in Western Canada,” says Barry “many we import ourselves from Spain, Portugal and England.

Some of the highlight collections that Ultimo carries are Religion, Custo, Karv, Smash, Dept and Belstaff. Ultimo is only one of eight authorized dealers in Canada to carry Belstaff, a British company founded in 1924. Dept is a collection from

Photo © Belstaff

Photo © Kenneth Cole

Belgium which is known for their very high quality fabrics and craftsmanship. Smash and Custo are Spanish brands known for their colourful and global accents. Karv is a collection by two young guys from Montréal who are blazing new trails in the fashion world. At Ultimo you will find the next big thing.

THERE TO HELP YOU LOOK YOUR BEST So whether it’s comfort, style or that interesting, unique look you’re searching for, as owner Barry Flynn likes to say, “At Ultimo it’s not about selling you the most expensive thing, it’s about selling you the right thing.” Ultimo Euromoda is open for your convenience, Monday to Wednesday from 10am-5:30pm, Thursday from 10am9pm, Friday and Saturday from 10am-6pm, and closed on Sundays. To check out all of their fashion designer options they are located at 204 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1L9. If you have any questions you can also give them call at 664-6640, email them at ultimo@sasktel.net, or visit their new website to be launched this fall at www.ueclothing.com. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Capelli Salon thriveS on la familia approaCh to both Staff and Clientele By Karin Melberg Schwier BEST of the BEST

licia Austin can’t quite believe her luck. A mere year ago, the 26-year-old started up her own high-end European-influenced salon studio. It’s already a nationally recognized Aveda Concept Salon, two-time nominee for Canadian Salon Design of the Year, and two-time nominee for Saskatchewan/Manitoba Salon Stylist of the Year. Capelli has graced the glossy pages of chic Salon Magazine Canada and is one of the first and only nominated salons in the province for both the Contessa and Mirror awards. Fresh off the Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival (SFDF) events, and Saskatchewan Fashion Week in Regina, Capelli put more styling notches on their belt. Recently, her growing clientele included Hollywood luminary (and Saskatoon girl) Shannon Tweed, her husband Gene Simmons and the Tweed girls, mom Louise, sisters Kim and Sara and niece Kyla. Not bad for just out of the gate. “I sometimes stop and think, ‘Could this get any better?’” Proud that she’s assembled “an absolutely amazing creative team,” Alicia lavishly praises them for all the success that’s come so quickly. “I am so lucky to be blessed with the staff I have,” she enthuses. “They’re the backbone of all our success. We have so much respect for each other and I know our clients receive excellent service while being made to feel individually pampered and beautiful.” Alicia and husband Ryan Soulier made her dream to open her first salon a reality last spring when they designed and constructed Capelli, which means hair in Italian. “I love it when I hear people say they love going to Capellis,” she smiles. “Italians like to add an ‘s’ to everything so that sounds great to me.”

The positive ripple effect Belying her Italian heritage, Alicia explains her business philosophy. “A business owner is a leader but I see it more as a family. My parents modeled for my brothers and me the way to treat other people in a positive way. Each person should feel special, unique and appreciated. You start that positive ripple with your staff and

in turn it’s how we treat our clients. It feels so great when I walk in and all the staff look up and smile. If that’s the last memory I have on earth, that would be so great to know that I’ve assembled such a wonderful group of people who believe in Capelli and love our clients the way I do.”

The Tweed gig Capelli was chosen as stylists for the Tweed entourage when Shannon was in town as the speaker at the Silver Spoon Dinner in April. Alicia says being profiled in the same Fall 2011 Fine Lifestyles issue with Shannon featured as the cover story probably didn’t hurt. It was difficult for the team to keep a lid on the news, but “we wanted to pamper them with a very relaxing, special experience in our salon,” she says. “We brought in champagne, fruit trays, designer cupcakes. I was fine until it suddenly hit me a few days before. What about glasses? I can’t have Shannon Tweed drinking out of red plastic bar cups. This is Shannon Tweed. She’s used to drinking out of FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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CAPELLI SALON STUDIO LA FAMILIA

gold!” Alicia laughs. She popped into Pier One for fancy flutes. Capelli closed for the day. It was “thrilling.” “Shannon is so bubbly and fun,” Alicia says. “She was very caring. Any photos we suggested, all of them were right there. Gene was right in there, too. He talked with us for half an hour and it was very comfortable. Her mom Louise is so funny! We all just loved her.” That evening at the dinner, Shannon brought the Capelli team backstage for last minute touchups. “We were fist bumping with Gene and I kept thinking, “This can’t be real. Change the channel! It was great being part of that.” By the way, what does an award-winning stylist do with Gene Simmons’ famous hair? “Not a thing!” Alicia laughs. “We weren’t allowed to touch Gene Simmons’ hair. He does his own. Lots and lots of spray,” she grins. Inspired by a visit to Vasken Demirjian in New York, Capelli Salon Studio is garnering a solid reputation as the go-to salon for media events and fashion shoots. The pampering experience and expertise in colour and styling in a relaxing atmosphere of posh luxury will always be the Capelli signature. Every client feels like a celebrity. FLS BEST 132 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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veryone brings something special. Alicia Austin is the Creative Director/Artistic Director and Owner. She’s an Educator for Aveda, and Director of Hair for the Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival (SFDF). Recently, she was the Lead Stylist for Fashion Week held in Regina. Alicia is proud to be a two-time nominee for Canadian Salon Design of the Year, and two-time nominee for Saskatchewan and Manitoba Salon Stylist of the Year. Kassy Moen is Capelli’s Director of Colour, and an Educator for Aveda across Canada, and teaches colour in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Her regular feature on Global TV Vancouver, Regina, Winnipeg, Saskatoon keeps viewers up to date on current styles. She’s attracted a number of stars and celebrities to the salon. Janna has 19 years of experience in hair, and was part of the Tweed styling entourage, personally assigned to sister Sara and niece Kyla. An exclusive with Aveda, she has a vast knowledge about all aspects of the hair industry. Amie was most recently the hair stylist for “Do It Anyway,” a John McLeod music video (see it onYouTube!). She’s had a great year with salon growing her clientele, and specializes in highlighting. Jenna has also been with Capelli a year. As an intermediate stylist, she’s up on current trends like amber colour melting technique. Tori is a junior stylist who is quickly moving into the intermediate category, also building a loyal clientele. As Alicia’s first assistant, she’s received hands-on training by the owner and is recommended as the go-to stylist for anyone wanting a fresh, new look. Under sparkling Swarovski chandeliers, receptionists Kim and Alanna, are “our lifesavers,” says Alicia. Both hardworking U of S students, “They manage all the front end duties. They’re the face of Capelli, always smiling.”

New and innovative New products this season at Capelli Salon Studio include Invati thickening shampoo and conditioner, a scalp revitalizing treatment that helps reduce hair loss by up to 33 per cent. Capelli offers individual and group lessons on hair and makeup. FLS

Capelli Salon Studio Inc. 1824 McOrmond Drive, Saskatoon p 306.374.2884 Book online at Capelli’s newly launched website: www.capellisalonstudio.com

Inset: Lloyd Bachiu

ONE-DAY BATHROOM RENOVATIONS, LIFETIME WARRANTY By Nykea Marie Behiel Photos Lisa Landrie

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t’s more than just talking about customer service, it’s following through,” says Lloyd Bachiu. Lloyd and his staff at Bath Fitter pride themselves on being customeroriented and knowledgeable, providing one-day bathroom renovations. Instead of removing your old tub or shower, they ensure that any wall damage is repaired, and then they cover it and renew it with seamless results.

One of Bath Fitter’s innovative business practices is contacting the customer shortly after their installation and asking them a few questions about the process, as well as asking for general comments. They are the only bathroom renovation company to do this. Bath Fitter wants to ensure client satisfaction, and works tirelessly to make sure all the needs of their customers are met.

Partner Cam Bedry, brought the franchise to Saskatoon in 2000 and opened another location in Regina in 2001. With these two locations, Bath Fitter services the entire province of Saskatchewan, travelling to accommodate their customers.

The franchise head office conducts random sample surveys quarterly to see if any businesses qualify for the 100 per cent satisfaction club, meaning customers were thrilled with their purchase and the service. Lloyd and his team have won this award numerous times, along with the Saskatoon Consumer Choice award three years running, ABEX awards, and membership in the HouseSmart Network. These are all indicative of their high standards and stringent practices.

Bath Fitter provides a lifetime warranty on their liners, as well as watertight seals. They focus strictly on bathtubs and shower areas, ensuring they do the best job possible, refining their expertise. The company uses acrylic because it is durable, non-porous, never discolours, and provides classy appeal to any bathroom. All products come from a Canadian company, whose factory has a focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly production. Replacing your bathtub liner or shower with Bath Fitter promotes energy efficiency in your own home, as well as reducing your carbon footprint on a larger scale. It’s common knowledge that, while the end result of a renovation is most desirable, the process can be a long and painful one. This is especially true for a high traffic area such as the bathroom. A bathroom renovation for a busy household is messy, stressful and highly inconvenient. At Bath Fitter, they understand this. That’s why they offer professional installers who excel in customer service. These conscientious people come into your home in the least obtrusive way possible, use drop cloths so as not to damage anything, and clean up before they leave. In and out quickly and effortlessly, your new bathroom will be ready before you know it! BEST 134 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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Because clients are assured a positive experience, they often pass Bath Fitter’s name on to others. Bath Fitter also offers a customer referral program where $100 goes out to clients who refer them to friends, family, co-workers, etc. For more information about this great incentive, talk to the folks at Bath Fitter. The success of Bath Fitter is largely due to the dedication and loyalty of its employees as most of them have been with the company for five or more years. The employee knowledge and expertise is directly reflected in their customer service and product knowledge. For an inexpensive but upscale bath and shower makeover, contact Lloyd and his team at Bath Fitter. Their selection of high quality, stylish tubs and showers in various colours make your bathroom look clean and bright. With their commitment to quality and extensive experience with residential and commercial installations, Bath Fitter will handle your project with care and confidence. Their professional installers, quick turn around, exceptional customer service, and quality products make them the best choice for bathroom renovations. FLS

Front Row, right to left: Lloyd Bachiu, Faye Corrigan, Lori Downing, Harriet Caplette. Middle Row: Shelley Bedry, Dave Brooks. Back Row: Don Garvie, Scott Moore, Kelsey Khaladkar, Carlin Bedry, Ray Nienaber, Blair Duke.

Bath Fitter 2213D Hanselmann Avenue, Saskatoon p 306.373.2638 email lbachiu@bocabathsystems.com www.bathfitter.com

Testimonials “Before I allow any company to be part of my referral network, I do my homework first. In addition to making sure they have all the appropriate business licenses, insurance, and so on, we also make sure they have a proven track record of customer satisfaction. I’m pleased to have been recommending Lloyd and Bath Fitter for years, with overwhelming positive customer feedback. My HouseSmart Referral Network has since grown into one of the most recognized referral programs in the home improvement industry, with over 180 certified professional contractors and building industry suppliers across Canada. In large part, the success of my referral network has been due to the hard work of people such as Lloyd.”

—Shell Busey, HouseSmart Network

“When I requested someone from Bath Fitter to come and give us an estimate, Faye Corrigan responded. As my husband had just had surgery for rectal cancer, I needed to replace our bathtub with a low access shower that he could use as soon as possible. Faye was professional in informing me about Bath Fitter as it applied to our specific needs. As well, she was very empathetic to the stressful situation we were experiencing. I am sure she did all she could to expedite the time frame between placing the order and installation. Wade and Scott, the installers, were excellent. They went above and beyond in preparation and clean up. I might add that we did get another estimate from another company. Their estimate was considerably more money for considerably less product. The whole experience from start to finish was nothing but positive.”

—Win, Saskatoon FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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PEGASUS HOME BUILDERS,

BEAUTIFUL HOMES BUILT TO LAST By Nykea Marie Behiel

eter Bue looks at building from a homeowner’s perspective. He knows you need to have a high level of trust in your builder to ensure confidence in your relationship and your project. His friendly smile and kind nature emanate confidence. “I love building things, the whole process; going into the ground, surveying, all the work that goes into building a quality home,” says Peter. Growing up on a small farm, Peter always had the desire to be self-employed. Farming is an entrepreneurial business and he wanted the same challenges and rewards that come through that line of work. After 17 years with another construction company, Peter realized his dream and opened Pegasus Homes.

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Photos Lisa Landrie

Pegasus is built on Peter’s passion for detail and his family foundation. His wife Kathy, a registered nurse, has supported him the whole way. They have three children whom Peter is very proud of. Their oldest son, Adam, is a physiotherapist in Regina, who has also worked for Peter. Their middle child, Kristin, is conducting a research project in Ogema, and is working on her Agriculture degree at the University of Saskatchewan. Peter laughs when he pictures her in Ogema—a city girl boarding with a farm family and working in the barns—but is happy that she is enjoying it. Peter and Kathy’s youngest son, Michael, has been working for Peter for five years. “It’s great working with Michael, it’s fun,” says Peter smiling. Pegasus is built on strong relationships.

Aside from Michael, Peter has several other employees as well as subcontractors. Using his experience and knowledge, Peter oversees the entire process, ensuring that everything is done to his high standards and stringent practices. He has developed a rapport with the contractors he uses and after many years of accessing the same people, now refers to them as friends. Dealing with competent and sociable people ensures that both he and the homebuilder can work with all parts of the team. They also need to be well versed in their field and price competitive. Peter’s network of honest and friendly workers ensures that homeowners have people they can talk to openly and trust to build their homes to the highest standards.

Peter has built every part of a house, giving him a complete understanding of each part of the process. This knowledge and appreciation for the work have him and his workers striving to be the best in every respect. He is involved in all aspects of the building process, and is at every site frequently. Because this can be a long and complicated process, Peter will see you through each step with as much or as little help as you need. If you are overwhelmed with the options, Peter can help narrow down your choices to materials he knows will work and create the appeal you want.

The team at Pegasus also looks to the Green Building Advisors for ways to improve their own practice. This group looks to provide ideas to builders on how to build greener homes. Peter has taken to the idea of the Pretty Good House. This concept is all about finding the balance between construction cost and energy performance. The notion of providing more people with greener living spaces has taken off in the progressive construction world. Hiring a local builder and contractors is the first step in shrinking your carbon footprint.

Pegasus builds their homes to Energy Star standards, ensuring homeowners an environmentally sound option. Since these standards have become easily reached by Peter and his staff, they continue to challenge themselves to create homes even more energy efficient, without increasing the price. He and his team are focused on creating ecologically sustainable houses—they build houses that are good for you, the environment and are built to last. “I build houses that are going to age well.” Peter guides you in choosing durable materials that are the foundation for a good home. He plans for your house to be a good quality home decades down the line, not just at the time you might resell.

With access to coveted lots in Evergreen and Rosewood, Peter can help you discover which area is best for you. Evergreen is a community that echoes the sentiments of Pegasus’ green building commitment. Named after a row of preserved Scots pine trees, Evergreen has city conveniences and shops within walking distance of your home. The streetlights are LED, which means they are energy efficient and aid in reducing light pollution. Peter purchased one of the lots with his own family in mind, looking to build a new home. Plans have since changed, so he is now willing to sell what he considers the best lot in Evergreen.

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Rosewood merges the beauty of nature with the conveniences of modern life. Breathtaking parks, extensive jogging paths, and quaint village shops create a sense of community in this neighbourhood. However, Peter is willing to build on any lot that suits your needs and preferences. His team even occasionally does renovations, transforming older homes into your modern oasis, while not losing the character of the home. On Pegasus’ inaugural structure Peter stipulated that no air tools were to be used in the construction. He wanted himself and his workers to have to

drive in every nail to understand and appreciate the entire process. Although his tools have changed, his attention to detail hasn’t. To build a quality conscious and sustainable home, call or visit Peter from Pegasus. He and his trusted team will see you through the entire process, eliminating hassle and confusion. Peter’s friendly manner will instantly put you at ease, leaving you open to ask the questions necessary to achieve your ideal home. “At the end of the project, they should move into the home they want, nothing less,” assures Peter. FLS

Pegasus Homes 306.230.3004 pegasushomes@sasktel.net www.pegasushomes.ca

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CORNERSTONE FLOORING AND INTERIORS FOR INSPIRED HOMES AND BUSINESSES By Nykea Marie Behiel

anice Williams, along with her business partners Cory Nomeland and Trevor Pickerl, are celebrating their 10-year anniversary at Cornerstone Flooring and Interiors. They have served Saskatoon with unparalleled customer service, and continue to expand their market to accommodate their clientele. In their tenth year, Cornerstone is busier than ever. Janice attributes this growth to successful lines, professional installation team, the benefits her team provides, and her loyal customers. As a member of the Saskatoon Home Builders, you can be assured that Cornerstone holds their employees to stringent and safe business practices. They were also recognized as a finalist of the North Saskatoon Business

Photos Lisa Landrie Association, NSBA, awards, which is a major accomplishment, especially when competing against large companies. Janice is proud that their locally owned and operated company can contend in Saskatoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive marketplace. From 2002, when their only offering was tile, Cornerstone has grown immensely. One thing that has not changed is their dedication to customer satisfaction. They offer free in home estimates to provide you with the utmost convenience. Their experts can also help you in the extensive showroom to help you manage all your home dĂŠcor options. They will then see you through your successful installation.

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Cornerstone has one of the best installation teams in the business for both residential and commercial work. Cornerstone Flooring and Interiors is known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with the unique work they provide. The craftsmanship offered by Cornerstone enhances the look of any room in your house. Aside from choosing the right material to use on your home, the installation is just as important to create a lasting impression and enhance the aesthetics. Cornerstone has highly skilled professional journeyman tile setters on staff. Cornerstone Flooring and Interiors boasts a diverse selection of quality flooring products including tile, hardwood, carpet, laminate, vinyl, cork, and area rugs. Hardwood, always a popular choice, is continually ranging in colour contrast. Janice and her BEST 140 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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team offer oak, ash, maple, birch, larch, and even bamboo. This selection is guaranteed to provide you the look you desire, whether that is clean and modern, or antique and rustic. Natural stone and tile are always a good way to add value and refinement to your home, even using them on an entire feature wall. Cornerstone offers tight knit fabrics through to shag, and everything in between. Carpet provides an inviting and warm homey atmosphere. The lines of carpet offered by Cornerstone are among the most elite in the business, proving to be fashionable, durable, and some even stain resistant. Mohawk SmartStrand with Dupont Sorona is sustainable polymer built with natural stain and soil resistant fibres woven through the fabric. Dirt and stains can easily be washed out of this carpet with just water. This

gorgeous carpet is plump and resists the tendency to matte and crush. Environmentally friendly, this covering is made in part from corn, decreasing its carbon footprint. Another option is to accent a hardwood floor with a beautiful area rug to bring comfort and softness to a room. Luxurious rugs can accent a room, or even work as a statement piece. With all the options available to you from Cornerstone Flooring and Interiors, you can easily create an inspired and modern home. Cornerstone also offers an upscale selection of window treatments to increase the value and quality of your space.

For over 70 years, Graber window treatments have offered a tradition of excellence, along with a lifetime warranty. This is the brand Cornerstone Flooring and Interiors offers with extensive selection. This includes cellular shades, faux wood blinds, horizontal blinds, natural shades, pleated shades, roller shades, roman shades, shutters, solar shades, wood blinds, and a range of vertical options. Modern window treatments are an effective way to add sophistication to your home or office. Custom showers, back splashes, or any innovative application you can imagine in your home, Cornerstone will see you

through. They are in the business to transform your home into a space you can more readily enjoy that suits your lifestyle. Whatever look you want to achieve in your home, Cornerstone Flooring and Interiors will offer you guided help in making effective decisions. FLS

7-844 51st Street East p 306.955.4441 cornerstoneflooring@sasktel.net www.cornerstoneflooring.ca FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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CULTURE, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNITY:

SUPERIOR CABINETS LEADS THE WAY By Candace Fox

he name Superior Cabinets is a familiar one in Saskatoon, the company has been a staple in the kitchen and bathroom design and manufacturing industry for over 3 decades. Working with over 70 builders and a multitude of homeowners, Superior has adopted a culture that puts priority one on the customer

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and their overall experience. From initial point of contact to the finished product Superiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Designers and their manufacturing and installation teams are groomed to view every project as a custom job and to treat the homeowner as they would their most trusted friend. With a versatile portfolio, Superior Cabinets also offers cabinetry

design and storage solutions for family rooms, dens, closets, mudrooms and laundry rooms.

Customer experience Superior is adamant their clients are given an elevated experience from design concept to finished space. The company’s CEO Scott Hodson encourages a corporate culture supporting a customer centric focus by empowering employees to make

A Good Cause everyday decisions aligned with this message. Even choice technology resounds with the ‘customer first’ culture; using the most innovative and consumer friendly design technology available.

With over 30 years of business in Saskatoon, Superior Cabinets has a prime focus on giving back to the community - choosing charities and corporate causes that support a family focus initiative. Habitat for Humanity is the official corporate cause of Superior

THE DIGITAL SHOWROOM

ppropriately dubbed “The Ultimate Kitchen Visualization Tool” the design team at Superior can change every aspect of a homeowner’s space, showing their customers all the various options in design, configuration, appliances, cabinetry, countertops and flooring with the click of a mouse. Superior Cabinets “Digital Showroom” can be utilized by customers via their website and in their showrooms. It is a revolutionary experience that allows the customer to make design selections in a virtual environment, saving time and removing guess work by validating their choices.

Housing a six foot screen in the Saskatoon showroom, dimensions of any size kitchen are uploaded in full colour allowing the design team to customize the homeowner’s space to fit their lifestyle and meet their design aesthetic. “Samples just don’t cut it anymore, not when we have the technology to offer more...” admits CEO Scott Hodson. The new digital showroom is that ‘something more’ bringing to action their philosophy of providing customers with innovation and quality as an industry leader.

Being the only company to offer this technology in their markets; Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Superior is excited about initial customer reactions. “A new kitchen is one of the most significant investments you can make in your home. The ability to visualize their kitchen in a full colour, 3D rendering helps take the uncertainty out of design decisions the customer has made.” states Hodson.

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Cabinets, the company donates kitchens and bathrooms to families in Saskatoon who are in desperate need of housing. Superior often takes on other charities and projects via their employee’s suggestions, much like their latest involvement with a new kitchen for the Crisis Nursery. “We like helping where our product fits we focus on families and bringing them together” insists Superior Cabinets CEO. Superior also engages in green initiatives, identifying ‘going green’ less like a business trend and more like proper business practice. From office building and showroom to manufacturing plant, the company has identified areas and ways to reduce energy and waste making a commitment to continually improve upon their efforts. Superior Cabinets extends a warm thank you to their customers and the Saskatoon community for their continued support. For further information or inquiries about The Digital Showroom and Superior Cabinets products/services please visit their website www.superiorcabinets.ca. FLS

Superior Cabinets Saskatoon 747 46th ST W 306.667.6600 www.superiorcabinets.ca

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VALLEY VIEW HEIGHTS OFFERS PLENTY OF ROOM TO RAISE A FAMILY AMONG A GREAT COMMUNITY By Ryan Holota. Photos by Lisa Landrie

As the sun breaks above the horizon, it floods the neighborhood with light. A flock of grouse runs across the road, under a fence, and across a yard. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the beginning of a new day at Valley View Heights, just 12km east of Saskatoon on Highway 5.

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Valley View Heights services include: city water, natural gas, power, telephone, and high speed internet access, garbage pickup and snow clearing.

n 2005, Darrell and Crystal Rinas were looking for land on which to build an acreage - a place to raise a family in a safe environment with good neighbors, and with their family close by. They looked at developments that were beginning to pop up around the area, but none of them had the particular feel that they were looking for. The Rinas’ wanted to be east of Saskatoon along Highway 5, close to Crystal’s parents (Walter and Sandra Halliday,) and Crystal’s Sister and her Husband (Chantal and John Kahovec.) Together, they found the perfect spot to build a home in what would eventually become Valley View Heights. Gently rolling hills, vast wooded areas, a pond, and plenty of clear space for building and development – it was exactly what they were looking for. The three quarters of land that they found was more than what was needed for one acreage, but the entire family saw the potential in the development of this land. Some inquiries were made and by 2006, the family joined forces and created HRK Developments (Halliday, Rinas, Kahovec) to purchase and develop the land.

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The diverse background of the owners makes HRK Developments an excellent group for this sort of undertaking. All the owners are entrepreneurs with extensive backgrounds in areas required for successful land development. The family members have a diverse range of experience in many different aspects of business; such as, Darrell Rinas, who is employed by Associated Engineering in Saskatoon and works everyday in land development.

up cabin is pulled onto it. The cabin is warm and inviting with a wood stove, and on the weekends, families gather to skate, play hockey, and have fun. For other residents that are more interested in hitting the trails, a snowmobile club operates nearby and has a warm-up shack less than a mile away.

Roads and services were brought in, and the surveyed sections of land - most between 5 and 7 acres, were offered for sale. By 2010, these initial plots of land were sold and families were constructing their homes all over Valley View Heights. Development continues, with the second phase being close to sell out, and the third and final phase under development. The land, location, and amenities of Valley View Heights sets it apart from other residential developments. But one of the most important differences is the welcoming community that has been built on it. In the winter, when the pond freezes over, the snow is cleared off and a warm-

In the fall, the community gathers for a pig roast, enjoying the amazing food and camaraderie. With large lots and plenty of space between houses, a family has all the room they need to be private without being alone. Valley View Heights is only 12km from Saskatoon, and driving into the city often takes less time than from residential

areas within Saskatoon’s city limits. “It’s the highway that makes it easier,” explains Rinas. “You come into the city at 100km/h and don’t need to fight your way through traffic on the feeder streets. I get into the north end of the city during rush hour traffic in about 20 minutes.”

There are no builder restrictions in Valley View. You can general contract your own home, bring in the builder of your choice, or, HRK Developments can recommend experienced and knowledgeable builders that have built other homes on acreages.

The east end of Saskatoon has exploded in recent years, and a slew of amenities are available for residents of Valley View Heights. For convenience, Sunset Estates is a mile away and has a gas station and a store, meaning you’re probably closer to a jug of milk or loaf of bread than you are in Saskatoon. There’s even a Fire Department in Sunset Estates, just in case your backyard bonfire gets out of control.

(L to R): Carson Rinas, Darrell Rinas, Crystal Rinas, Parker Rinas, Chantal Kahovec, John Kahovec, Sandra Halliday, Walter Halliday

Photo by Exposure Photography

And in case you’re wondering, Valley View Heights offers a whole range of other services as well. As part of the RM of Aberdeen, Valley View Heights has city water, natural gas, power, telephone, and high speed internet access. They even have weekly garbage pickup handled by Loraas Disposal. When it snows, crews from the RM of Aberdeen quickly get in gear and clear the roads.

The owners of HRK Developments have built several homes of their own on acreages, and they have an excellent grasp of the benefits and challenges that acreages provide. They are always available to help you out with advice as you move forward with the home of your dreams. FHS

Buying a lot at Valley View Heights is simple. HRK Developments doesn’t use Realtors – you deal directly with the owners of the land in a no-pressure, comfortable manner. Visit them on the web at www.ValleyViewHeights.ca to get a feel for the community, and then head out there for a drive. When you’re convinced, call them at (306) 222-8396.

HRK Developments info@valleyviewheights.ca

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TMG: NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO GAIN By Nykea Marie Behiel

ori Emde, a mortgage broker and owner of TMG The Mortgage Group Prairies, can make the complicated mortgage process easy. She has been in the business since 1989, and knows what lenders look for, assuring you quick approval. Lori can help anyone—from first time homebuyers through to someone looking to invest in a rental property, and everyone in-between. “If you are looking for the best interest rate and your credit is good, then I will find that for you at absolutely no cost. It’s an easy process,” says Lori, eager to

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Photos Kerri Froese

help. She is passionate about helping people get their finances in order, and has observed the trends for years.

buy houses in droves. Properties are going quickly, sometimes with multiple offers, or even selling over list price.

In 2007, there was a large boom in Saskatchewan. At that time, many people purchased or refinanced homes, trying to take advantage of the upswing. Many people locked in at interest rates of 5.25 per cent for five years, as these were the lowest rates in history. Economic cycles tend to happen every five years, and we are in the midst of another boom. Interest rates have again hit an historic low at 3.0 per cent. These amazing rates have people looking to

Those who locked in five years ago at 5.25 per cent may have mortgages coming up for renewal this year. Taking advantage of the 3.09 per cent rates, homeowners can lower their payments by a few hundred dollars each month, or shorten the remaining time left on their mortgage. If you continue to make the same payments at the improved interest rates, you could have your home paid for six years ahead of time. This is a really exciting time for homeowners, homebuyers, and investors.

“Some of my clients are taking the opportunity to refinance their homes—take out equity for home improvements like new kitchens and garages and consolidating all their debt while still being able to keep the remaining amortization,” says Lori. “There has never been a better time in history to take advantage of these opportunities than what we are seeing today.”

Sophisticated consumers are taking advantage of the equity they have in their homes. Some of Lori’s clients are using this equity to purchase revenue properties, knowing their current retirement plans may not be enough. Lori says that now is the time to be aggressive with asset accumulations. “Taking out debt is not a bad thing if it’s used for the right purpose,” she effuses. “If mortgage funds are used in the correct way, with the correct long term plan, it can help accelerate your net worth in a short time.”

Why lock in? There are a few reasons to lock in your mortgage. One is that regulations may change on your renewal. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, OFSI, says Canada is not immune to what happened to the housing market in the states. The OFSI says that although BEST of the BEST

Canada made it through the recession of 2008, that doesn’t mean we are not vulnerable to a housing correction now. They are looking at bringing forward tighter mortgage lending rules. One possible avenue they are considering is doing testing on re-qualifying borrowers at the time of renewal. This could have a huge impact on families that lose or change jobs, take maternity leave, get laid off, or a variety of other factors beyond your control. Although this is only discussion now, it’s a good reason to consider locking in your mortgage for a longer term.

Another reason to lock in is the record low interest rates that have been brought in to stimulate the economy. A ten-year term at 3.89 per cent can create peace of mind for years to come. If you have a mortgage and would like the payments to be smaller, want to consolidate your debt into one manageable payment, take out equity to upgrade your home, or set a life goals plan, Lori can help. Making the correct leverage opportunities with the equity you have in your home could

Lori Emde The Mortgage Group Cell 306.222.4311 email: loriemde@mortgagegrp.com www.mortgagegrp.com/site/sk/brokerpage.asp?id=1172 BEST of the BEST

give you the opportunity to buy a place at the lake, somewhere down south, or wherever you enjoy spending time. Whether you are looking to purchase a home with no money down or need some financial direction and personal advice, Lori will help you through your options. The consultation is free—you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. FLS

HELPING YOU HIT YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS By Aviva Zack

Photos Stephanie Zhang

erri Tucker has bought and sold homes herself many times. Each time she loved the hunt and going through all the details during the transaction. When she felt it was time for a career change from the financial services industry, studying to become a realtor in Saskatoon’s hot real estate market seemed an obvious choice. Having so much experience buying and selling her own homes, Kerri understood from the get-go the importance of using a realtor. “A realtor handles all the research and paperwork. They also provide advice and help buyers truly understand the transaction,” says Kerri.

“Kerri really cares about her clients. She was with us every step of the way, and offered great advice on the sale of our home.” -Ryan and Lara

For some buyers the process can be daunting. Kerri knows that being there for her clients, providing them with honesty and as much information as possible, takes most of the uncertainties out of the process. She likes to connect with each homebuyer, finding out all of the important information up front, whether they have been pre-approved for a mortgage and what is the motivation behind their move. She also gets to know their specific wants and needs for their next home. “As a buyer, it is very important to have your own realtor working on your behalf. Your agent is required to work in your best interest and must fully disclose information,” says Kerri. For buyers, a realtor’s services are free, since the seller is responsible for paying commissions, so it makes sense to enlist a professional realtor like Kerri when buying a home. For sellers, Kerri explains that realtors often sell homes quicker and for a higher price than For Sale by Owner’s. They handle all the necessary legal paperwork and take care of the FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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listing. As well, only realtors have access to the comparables and sold property information, ensuring homes are properly priced and marketed. Kerri gives advice to her sellers prior to listing their home. She does a walkthrough, giving tips for minor home improvements that will help sell a home faster. She also recommends to all sellers to de-clutter to better stage their home.

“Kerri consistently presented herself with a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition. The sale of our house was stress free and within days of hitting the market!” -Kari Kerri chose to join Century 21’s team of agents when she became a realtor. She was drawn to their on-going training and the excellent support they provide to all their agents. “Century 21 agents support one another, by viewing each others’ listings through an Agent Caravan, and then providing each other with feedback,” she says. Another perk that Kerri offers both her buyers and sellers are AirMiles. “I am grateful for the business I do. I reward my clients with AirMiles and if my clients refer another client to me, I give them a referral fee,” says Kerri. Kerri loves what she does and truly cares about her clients and their real estate goals, and it shows. She encourages lots of questions and is committed to navigating the home buying process with you and for you. “You get to go about your normal life while I sell your home.” FLS

Kerri Tucker, Sales Representative 703 Circle Drive East p 306.653.8222 Fax 306.242.5503 Cell 306.222.0542 kerri.tucker@century21.ca www.kerritucker.com BEST 152 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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“Kerri made selling our home an easy and exciting experience rather than the stressful and difficult experience I had been expecting. She showed us that honesty and integrity still have a place in Real Estate and I highly recommend people use her for their Real Estate needs.” – Jason

BROTHERS IN GRIME By NYKEA MARIE BEHIEL Photos TRISTAN BECKER

ark Pfeifer and Mike Scarfe became friends through a mutual respect for the way each other conducted business. Mark began Brothers in Grime in 2002, and Mike was running his own carpet cleaning company. Over lunch one day they wondered why they hadn’t gone into business together, as they were always helping each other out anyways. The brotherhood then began. As soon as they merged companies, Mark and Mike changed their business name to Brothers in Grime Cleaning and Restoration Inc. to better reﬂect their services and accommodate their customers. Although they are well known and respected for their carpet

and upholstery cleaning, they are the best in the business when it comes to all of your restoration needs. “We alter our services to suit every client’s requirements,” says Mike. The proactive team at Brothers in Grime take the time to explain to its clientele how to fix the root of your problem rather than just providing a temporary solution. “I love working here,” says Perry LeBlanc, foreman at Brothers in Grime. “They’re all good people and there’s a real family atmosphere.” Perry was in between companies and sought out Mark and Mike because of their reputation. “I knew what they were about from being in the industry,” says Perry. He acknowledges that Mark and

Mike have high expectations, and is grateful they offer rewards to match. Brothers in Grime are always furthering their education in the ever-changing industry. Mike recently obtained certification as a level one building investigator from FLIR, the world leader in thermal imaging. This organization is also used to educate the military, police, and dedicated professionals in the restoration industry like Mike. As a thermographer, Mike can detect voids in insulation, imperfections in wall structures and can also aid in the location of water damage and air loss around windows and doors. The technology is extremely useful, but FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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very complicated. “The thermal imaging camera isn’t a point and shoot camera,” says Mike, “you need to be able to interpret the images and data through software and understanding.” Mike works with appraisers and adjusters as well as home owners to assess the condition of a structure and what repairs it may need. This is just one of the many services Brothers in Grime offers that sets them apart from other competitors. The plethora of services they offer is defined only by their clientele. “We cater to every customer,” says Mark. “The business keeps changing, and we evolve with that,” Mike finishes. Carpet manufacturers develop new products all the time, and this team is committed to keeping up with the best maintenance possible in the industry. They travel extensively to obtain the best education available in the industry. “You need to be able to answer questions from your customers,” says Mark. “Consumers spend a lot of money on quality carpeting and ﬂooring so naturally it would be unreasonable to use the guy with signs on the boulevard with no training, and no access to good quality equipment,” says Mark. All Brothers in Grime staff are certified by the IICRC as restoration technicians, and have too many areas of accreditation to list. Their wall is covered with certifications and education certificates, indicative of their high level of dedication to the industry. They provide services in carpet and upholstery cleaning, ﬂoods, fires, mould remediation, hoarding, trauma clean ups—just about any service you require involving cleaning and restoration. As compassionate and empathetic individuals, these are the people you want to let into your house when tragedy strikes. Buying and supporting local is essential to Brothers in Grime. They strive to purchase their supplies and services from businesses within Saskatoon. “Saskatoon is good to Brothers in Grime, so we are good to Saskatoon in return,” offers Mike. Since their experience is similar to yours, with weather and local impacts, they understand what you are going through. They are also involved in a variety of volunteer work to stay active in the community. BEST 154 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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Mike is very involved with the Saskatoon Shrine Club, and although Mark is not a member, he is always happy to help with events and fundraisers. The two are also involved in other local volunteering, specifically organizations that involve children, like the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Both are family oriented guys who have their own kids, creating a soft spot for children in need. Having lost his father to MS, another charity of choice for Mark is the MS Society. Aside from their hectic work schedules, this team donates hundreds of hours to community betterment. Not long ago, Perry’s elderly neighbours’ house was vandalized with graffiti. After long hours at work during their busiest season, Perry spent hours removing the graffiti at his own expense. It is this heart and kindness that makes this team so trustworthy.

When tragedy hits, or you need your carpets cleaned, call someone compassionate that you can trust. Mark, Mike and their team at Brothers in Grime have earned their reputation as Saskatoon’s most dedicated and accountable cleaning and restoration firm. “We offer full service restoration, whether that’s just your carpet or your whole house,” Mark finishes. FLS

Brothers in Grime Cleaning and Restoration Inc. 105-2834 Millar Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7K 5X7 Mark 306.229.3639 Mike 306.220.7812 brothersingrime@shaw.ca brothersingrime2@shaw.ca www.brothersingrime.ca “We don’t cut corners… We clean them!”

Owners, Mike Scarfe and Mark Pfeifer. “A month has passed by and we are still marvelling at the fine and timely service you and your company provided in restoring our household back to normal after our sewer backup. Your promptness in responding and the manner in which each of your workers carried out the various tasks all made a potentially nasty experience into something tolerable and as pleasant as possible.” —DERRICK AND DONNA SWEET

“We are very grateful for your support and want to reassure you that your contribution is making a difference for today and tomorrow.” —WANDA BLAKE, SASKATCHEWAN CANCER AGENCY

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PREMIUM HOME LEISURE BY FLS STAFF PHOTOS HEATHER FRITZ Tired of the same old flavour from your BBQ? At Premium Home Leisure you can select wood pellet grills from Traeger that allows you to prepare tender, succulent cuts of meat, that have true wood fired taste, all with minimal effort. You can also choose from many styles of Kamado ceramic grills, a traditional Japanese method of cooking that uses heavy ceramics to burn lump charcoal and provide the distinct flavour preferred by many professionals. You will also find a great

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selection of gas grills by top brand names hand selected to offer you peak performance and quality. The award winning lineup of Saber grills offer a whole new way of cooking with gas. The patented infrared system allows the grill to heat up to almost 400ºC in less than ten minutes, uses 30 per cent less gas, and provides flavorful, juicy food without flare-ups. All grills from Premium Home Leisure come with complimentary set up and

delivery to eliminate frustration. If a grill is not in the cards right away, consider some of the most scrumptious sauces, spices, rubs and accessories to make your current BBQ experience the best it can be. You will find unique items from all over the continent and elsewhere. “You just won’t accept generic grocery store sauces and spices anymore, once you’ve tasted the good stuff” says Kerry Fuchs, co-owner.

Premium Home Leisure is proud to offer Jacuzzi hot tubs, the original inventor of hot tubs and hydrotherapy dating back nearly 60 years. The goal is to find you a hot tub that will suit your lifestyle. This means finding comfortable chairs properly sized for your height, energy efficient operation, clean, clear, and safe water, and the best massaging jets. “The Jacuzzi line up is so complete with the most advanced, sophisticated, and luxurious lineup that feature top quality products at prices typically not associated with Jacuzzi quality,” says co-owner Rick Griffith. You’ll find the staff is ready to assist in finding the right Jacuzzi for you, not simply what is in stock or on sale. “This is the key to years of enjoyment and satisfaction, with your investment,” says Griffith. You will discover a relaxed and worry free experience as Premium Home Leisure lends assistance in the complete process, including

backyard consultation, delivery, set up, orientation, crane installation if necessary and electrical coordination. Even the cover removal system is installed, making it easy for anyone to use. One of the biggest questions people have is regarding water care. Your hot tub comes with personalized lifetime free water care support, including computerized water testing. This commitment to our customers also means making sure that if a problem arises it is solved in a matter of hours with a complete in house service team. Hot Saskatchewan days are best spent by around a pool. Tuff Pools, a company selected for its superior durability and ease of set up, will make your pool experience the best it can be. With a Tuff Pool, you will get all the features of an in ground pool at a fraction of the price. A Tuff Pool makes a great backyard feature to build a deck around

for relaxing and socializing poolside on those scorching hot Saskatchewan summer days. In addition to easy setup, it’s movable, resalable and comes with a lifetime warranty on the liner. The pools are made in Europe with top quality materials. The fabric is incredibly strong and has UV inhibitors instilled directly in the liner. The pool can be set up in under an hour allowing you to be swimming the same day. Finally, at the end of the season, the pool can be easily winterized, allowing trouble-free set up for the next season of swimming enjoyment. Premium Home Leisure, stop in today and discover “The Art of Enjoyment” FLS Premium Home Leisure 101 Idylwyld Drive South (306) 955-5466 www.premiumhomeleisure.com

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BUDGET BLINDS: THE JEWELLERY STORE FOR WINDOWS BEST 158 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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askatoon was introduced to Budget Blinds at the HomeStyles show in March 2008 and the company hit the ground running with in-home consultations on April 1st. Budget Blinds has been satisfying customers in all areas of window coverings for the past four years since. Budget Blinds is like the jewellery store of windows, they offer everything from Venetian Blinds and Shades to shutters and even fully motorized draperies. They make the selection of window coverings as unique as the person who chooses them, and offer a variety of fabrics and colors with new products added consistently to their vast selection. One of the successes of a company is marked by the number of repeat clients it has as well as the amount of referrals. Budget Blinds is no exception and has an extensive list of clients that are referrals or homeowners visiting them again to freshen up their look or when they renovate their homes. One of the reasons customers keep coming back to Budget Blinds, besides their exceptional customer service, is that they carry a large selection of vendors, including the exceptional Signature Series by Budget Blinds. They also offer a 5-year industry exclusive ‘NO QUESTIONS ASKED’

“Budget Blinds allowed us to put up practical blinds... that have turned out to be a real show piece! You would not expect people to walk into your brand new home... and the first thing they compliment is your blinds. After the blinds were installed... we were literally in awe! Kim Lang’s casual expertise allowed us to make an informed decision without feeling pressured. And she had a lot of practical advice when it came to safety for our little boy. Kim asked all the right questions to ensure we got something that fit not only our taste... but our lifestyle. We felt she had our best interests at heart... and respected our budget. A very positive experience.” ~ Lisa & Colin Dutton, Saskatoon FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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warranty which is over and above the standard ‘Limited Lifetime’ warranty. The warranty at Budget Blinds works exactly as advertised with No Questions Asked, and isn’t available anywhere else. The professionals at Budget Blinds have some interesting stories on warranty returns; including blinds being melted by a husband that has spilled bacon grease, peek-a-boo holes cut out of cellular shades by kids, or dogs that use blinds as their chew toy. All of these customers were given replacements with no questions asked, and no additional fees. Due to Budget Blind’s size and buying power, customers can always find a great selection at a great price. Budget Blinds are so confident in their pricing that they offer a Price Match guarantee for an ‘Apples to Apples’ product. If nothing else clients can be sure to have the peace of mind of exclusive warranty! They also offer a free in-home consultation led by low pressure style

“All the blinds are in and look great. Your staff, including yourself, is always so friendly and understanding. Thanks again! Rachelle” ~ Rachelle, Saskatoon, SK

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consultants that allow clients to select the look they want in their home to coordinate perfectly with their lighting, colours and décor. The consultants provide expert fit measuring and installation by professional qualified staff installers. Budget Blinds wants their clients’ experiences to be comfortable and leave them with a pleasing feeling about their choice. With a more concise team, they are able to communicate with each other on the updates of the needs of a client easily, allowing the clients the ability to speak with anyone in the office regarding their file. Budget Blinds has a large quantity of customers who are so pleased with the personal service and communication, that they are the only window covering company on trustedsaskatoon.com. The 25 clients that provided feedback gave them a unanimous thumbs up and stellar ratings. FLS

Budget Blinds of Saskatoon, Battleford & Prince Albert 102-2834 Millar Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7K 5X7 Saskatoon 306.242.5706 Battleford 306.445.4689 Prince Albert 306.953.0047 Toll Free - 1.888.98.BUDGET F. 306.242.5707 kqlang@budgetblinds.com www.budgetblinds.com

UNIQUE GIFTS... UNIQUE DÉCOR...FROM A UNIQUE PLACE By SHAWNA COMMON Photos KERRI FROESE

rim Tree Gifts and Home Décor is a new boutique in Saskatoon that specializes in unique and quality giftware as well as country décor with a modern twist. After six successful years in Meadow Lake, Tami Brissaw decided to bring her unique decorating ideas to Saskatoon. She is excited to offer a wide variety of gift and home décor items that are colourful, fun, trendy, classic and traditional.

Tami is committed to providing excellent service for her customers. She carries only the highest quality products and wants her customers to enjoy their purchases. Many of the products she carries are unique to the Saskatoon area, so her customers have a choice of exciting gift giving and home decorating ideas. Prim Tree Gifts and Home Décor is both relaxing and inviting, which ensures a positive shopping experience.

Prim Tree Gifts and Home Décor carries Irish Coast furniture handcrafted from 100 per cent reclaimed and recycled solid pine. This collection was inspired by Irish carpentry work more than 200 years ago and each piece is bench built and hand-finished with old world detailing and top-quality construction techniques. All handles and most fittings are manufactured from recycled metal in the manufacturer’s casting foundry. FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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Furniture selections include book cases, china cabinets, buffets and hutches, dining tables and chairs, occasional tables and numerous other pieces available for special order. There are also other furniture styles to choose from in a variety of different finishes and colours. Prim Tree Gifts & Home Décor also carries an exciting variety of stylish handbags by Luvali. These handbags come with a reversible slip cover so customers are able to achieve three looks from just one bag. Slip covers are also available separately, so there is no end to the versatility of these handbags. The store also carries a selection of Luvali reversible children’s sun hats that provide a 50 plus UV rating and are absolutely adorable. Warm Buddy Home and Spa Comfort Products, which are used in spas all over Canada and the United States, can also be found at Prim Tree. Warm

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Buddy heat packs are 100 percent natural and combine aromatherapy with a moist, long lasting heat. They are designed to provide natural relief for many symptoms including headaches, pain and stress. Warm Buddies, the original warm up animals, come with removable packs as well, that can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer. They are used in children’s wards in hospitals, and are also a great comfort to the elderly. Warm Buddies won the Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) award for excellence in parenting products. A variety of home fragrance options can be found at Prim Tree including quality made jar candles, reed diffusers and room sprays by Crossroads Original Designs. Another popular option available for bringing fragrance into a space is the wax warmer. The melting wax releases a pleasant aroma and the warmer adds a nice ambient light as well.

Prim Tree Gifts and Home Décor is also proud to carry Park Designs, which features beautiful collections of hand painted ceramics, coordinating textiles, lighting and giftware. A distinctive array of decorating themes and colour combinations are available to choose from depending on personal style preferences. Make every day special with O’Canada Soapworks products available at Prim Tree. These bath products are an excellent way to escape from stress with handmade soaps, moisturizing milk bath, fizzing milk bath, healing mineral bath and more. These products make great gifts or treat yourself to a wonderful rejuvenation from products made by this Canadian company. Prim Tree Gifts and Home Décor also carries Cider Keg products. This delicious quality cider is made without any added sugar or water; it is nonalcoholic and 100 per cent Canadian.

Each cider product is made from apples harvested from the Cider Keg orchards in Ontario. There is a variety of cider products to choose from and each product delivers on taste and quality. A wide variety of other products can be found at Prim Tree that are designed with quality and affordability in mind. Tami Brissaw is committed to providing quality products that are unique to the Saskatoon area. She is knowledgeable about the products she sells and is eager to ensure you fully enjoy your shopping experience at Prim Tree Gifts and Home DĂŠcor. Prim Tree Gifts and Home DĂŠcor is located at 1034 Louise Avenue in Saskatoon, a few doors down from the new Starbucks. You may also call Tami at (306) 652-7746 with any questions. FLS

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WISEGUYS MATTRESSES By Aviva Zack

Photos Lisa Landrie

ccording to Mark Stevens, owner of the independent mattress store Wiseguys Mattresses, approximately one third of our lives are spent in bed. This is a statistic Mark would know having been in the industry for over a decade, and running his own successful mattress business for the past six years. Not only is Mark the owner of Wiseguys Mattresses, but the sales staff and the delivery person as well. This allows him to connect with every customer, making sure they have a great buying experience when hunting for this very important piece of furniture. The upholsteries and fibres that make up a mattress settle and compress during its lifetime. By the time a mattress is 10 years old, the material will have deteriorated by about 75 per cent, at which point it should be replaced. Finding the right mattress is crucial to a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest, which greatly impacts overall health. The Sleep Council of Canada states that healthy sleep has been proven

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to be the most important determinant in predicting longevity, surprisingly more influential than diet, exercise or heredity. This makes Mark’s job of finding the perfect mattress for each unique customer’s needs an important one. “The perfect mattress is the one that works best for you,” says Mark. He starts the search by asking questions, then steers customers in the right direction. He doesn’t want people to get hung up only on brand name or price; he stresses that it’s all about comfort and durability when looking for ‘the one’.

Buying a mattress is not all serious business. Mark often puts customers at ease, encouraging them to try out a few, but warning if they fall asleep, they’ll have to buy two. Bonding with his customers this way has garnered Wiseguys quite a following. Mark regularly receives thank you cards from those he has helped find their perfect mattress. Mark has customers driving into Saskatoon from across the province to buy a mattress from Wiseguys. With their reputation of having ‘the best of the best’, he has even sold mattresses to people who work at the big chain stores that sell mattresses.

If a soft mattress is what a customer is after, Wiseguys is currently offering $400 off of any size set of Ballantyne mattresses, which according to Mark “are marshmallow soft”. If a soft mattress does not provide the necessary back support or feel comfortable on certain pressure points, there are an almost endless amount of options at Wiseguys Mattresses. Mark is committed to finding the best one for each person’s unique needs. He offers a 60 day sleep satisfaction guarantee, but rarely needs it, having spent time getting to know each customer and using his extensive knowledge to find the right mattress for them.

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Sales are not necessary at Wiseguys. As an independent store, they don’t have the huge overhead of big corporations, so prices are never jacked up. When buying from them, customers know they are buying just the bed without the usual retail mark-up. Wiseguys’ customers know they are not only getting a good price, but a quality product as well. Mark hand-picks each and every model, and has very high standards for both quality and value. “Quality does not have to cost a lot of money,” says Mark. “We sell the best product for the best price, and our service is second to none”. Those shopping for a new mattress can rest assured that Wiseguys is a reputable business. Wiseguys Mattresses is the only mattress store that qualified for status with Trusted Saskatoon. They are also part of the Safe & Trusted Canada website, as well as the only mattress store with the Saskatchewan Better Business Bureau. Mark’s customers appreciate the expertise and personal service they receive at Wiseguys. When in stock, Mark will even offer free same-day delivery. It’s not surprising to see him hauling mattresses in and out himself on any given day. He likes to see sales through from start to finish. Soft or firm, budget or high-end, Mark wants everyone who buys a mattress from Wiseguys Mattresses to be comfortable and happy with their purchase, since it is where they will be spending one third of their day for the next ten years. At the end of the day, Mark says, “When they’re happy, I’m happy.” FLS

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Wiseguys Mattresses 6-405 Circle Dr East, Saskatoon p 306.652.1212

QUALITY TOYS, EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND FUN E By NYKEA MARIE BEHIEL Photos HEATHER FRITZ

stablished in 2003, The Giggle Factory has recently moved to the University Heights area to better accommodate their customers. The owners, Tammie McCumber and Paula Woodhouse, have been nominated for the Women of Distinction award for their entrepreneurial work and are known for their volunteer work. Paula and Tammie work with the Children’s Festival, R.E.A.D. Saskatoon, and the Children’s Museum because their values are paralleled in the work they do at the store. With a span of products and services encompassing everything from craft kits, science kits, spy gear, outdoor fun,

party supplies, giant game rentals, and creating loot and treat bags, there are almost no party opportunities the crew at the Giggle Factory can’t help you with. The Giggle Factory can make any gift or event more fun. The store is conveniently arranged to display toys from young to old as you walk from the front to the back. As a specialty boutique, The Giggle Factory offers quality and services box stores can’t match. “Because we cater to our customers, and give them one on one attention, they find the perfect gift,” elaborates Tammie.

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“We have an out-of-the-box system,” says Paula of their move away from big box stores and toward a hands on system of opening toys so kids and their parents can try them out and play with them. One of their unique services is making custom balloon bouquets for any party or event. “We haven’t had a challenge yet that we couldn’t meet,” says Paula. The Giggle Factory has done arrangements for birthdays, corporate events, weddings, and everything between. The toys in The Giggle Factory are of the highest quality and made to be durable. You will not find this selection of toys anywhere else in Saskatoon, accompanied by optimal customer service. They are a platinum Playmobil dealer, an accomplishment that BEST 168 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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comes when you carry 80-95% of the line. This is the only store to achieve this relationship with Playmobil in Saskatoon. The Giggle Factory can offer you the most diverse selection. In increasingly technological times, it is sometimes difficult to strike a balance between computer or video time and other creative play time for your child. Paula and Tammie understand this challenge, and work to address it by providing fun games, crafts, and outdoor toys. “Sometimes it may take a little more energy on our part as parents, but getting our older kids away from their electronics won’t just add to the fun they can have but will also keep the creative part of their brain working and developing,” says Paula. “Having a 13 year-old son myself, I find once he is away from his screen his creativity soars,” she finishes.

Whether you need to find the perfect gift for a baby through to adult games, The Giggle Factory has quality toys and a fun atmosphere. Let them help you with balloon bouquets, candy buffets, or corporate gift purchasing to ensure the perfect find. FLS The Giggle Factory #150, 1824 McOrmond Drive 306.975.9630 gigglefactory@sasktel.net www.gigglefactory.ca

MORE THAN JUST PRETTY FLOWERS…

uinn and Kim Brown, owners of Grower Direct in Saskatoon, are moving into their tenth year providing fresh flowers and plants to Saskatoon. Research has been conducted by Rutgers University, Harvard University, and Texas A & M University on the effects of fresh flowers on humans. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and has a profound impact on social behaviour. Quinn and Kim have been following the research, and agree that flowers influence us in many ways.

Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and have a long-term positive effect on moods. Harvard researchers have found living with flowers strengthens feelings of compassion, energy, happiness and enthusiasm. Fresh flowers decrease anxiety, worries and “the blues”. Seniors receiving fresh flowers have demonstrated improved memory and increased social interaction. Eighty-one percent of participants in the seniors study reported a reduction in depression following the receipt of flowers.

By SHAWNA COMMON Photos HEATHER FRITZ Fresh flowers also have an amazing impact in the workplace. People reported feeling happier and more energetic after looking at flowers first thing in the morning. Employers wanting a “pick me up” for their staff can arrange weekly bouquet deliveries with Grower Direct. These floral arrangements are delivered to corporate clients with complete setup. Corporate clients do not have to maintain the arrangements; Grower Direct will ensure they are regularly replaced to ensure your business always displays beautiful fresh flowers.

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“Fresh flowers improve productivity and commitment, enhance creativity, and increase problem solving abilities,” explains Quinn Brown. “Fresh flowers improve the overall morale of staff in any workplace”. From the smallest office to the largest hotel, Saskatoon’s Grower Direct will ensure your business presents the best impression for your clients and staff. “Clients and customers are also affected by fresh flowers,” says Quinn. Brant Friesen at AJ Plastics Inc. has been using Grower Direct’s corporate program, and he is very happy with the results. “The flowers just brighten up the place. My staff always comments on how nice it is to have fresh flowers all the time. My clients also comment on how cheerful the place seems with the flowers. The bouquets last for two weeks, so I display them in another part of the building for the second week. It’s like getting two arrangements for the price of one.” When asked about the service he has received from Quinn & Kim’s Grower BEST of the BEST

Direct, he replied, “Flawless - I don’t have to even think about it. They always arrive on the same day every week to deliver a new arrangement, and take care of everything.” Quinn and Kim are passionate about their customer service, and stand behind their product. “We want people to understand that they have a risk-free guarantee. Our flowers are kept in a dormant state in our stores. If there is any problem upon delivery, we certainly want to know. We want our customers to be happy with their product and service, so we will ensure any issue is resolved. We strongly believe in integrity, quality, freshness, value and exceptional customer service. ” Grower Direct purchases their product directly from the farms that grow the flowers in order to guarantee quality product at the best value. They purchase their products from a variety of Canadian and international farms that must pass rigorous quality, ecology and workplace standards.FLS

Courtesy of Doug Friesen Photography www.dougf.ca

HARVEST FOR KIDS

rower Direct in Saskatoon proudly supports great organizations like Harvest for Kids. This organization gives children from developing countries the opportunity to go to camp. The programs are run by a local church in their village and involve meals, games, crafts and more. Activity booklets are provided which can be used as a tool to teach children to read and write. After the weeklong camp, a follow up program is conducted for the rest of the year. Funds are raised through donations as well as events such as the 2012 World Record Harvest. On October 6, north of Saskatoon on Highway 12, the stage will be set for a new harvesting world record for the most combines harvesting simultaneously on the same field. The harvesting event is

free of charge but this is a fundraiser, so be sure to bring your wallets for food and special H4K Saskatchewan merchandise to commemorate the day. Visit www.harvestforkids.com for more information. Throughout July and August, Quinn & Kimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grower Direct will donate a portion of their flower sales to Harvest for Kids, with the goal of sending 400 children to camp. FLS

Grower Direct has two locations in Saskatoon, call (306) 956-0600 for 294 Venture Crescent or (306) 956-3307 for the 2100 8th Street East location or order online at www.saskatoonflowers.com. BEST of the BEST

Councillor Michael Bob, Mayor James Wilson, Chief Sheldon Taypotat, Councillor Edna Lavalle-Crowe, Councillor Iris Taypotat, Councillor Vera Wasacase

NEW HOTELS FOR SWIFT CURRENT AND YORKTON

n May 31, 2012 d3h celebrated, along with Kahkewistehaw First Nations, in the Framing-Out Celebration of the new Home Inn & Suites – Yorkton. This marks Kahkewistehaw’s first hotel purchase on behalf of the band. D3h is proud to be a part of the development by providing construction and management services on behalf of the ownership group. The Framing-Out Celebration was well attended with over 100 people from the band, media and local community businesses. Mayor James Wilson of Yorkton, Chief Sheldon Taypotat and Kahkewistehaw Board Member Michael Bob were in attendance showing their unwavering support of this new project. Chief Sheldon Taypotat of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation, states “It’s a dream come true in economic development. This wasn’t decided overnight, it was decided five or six years ago. It’s been a long time coming, BEST 172 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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and it’s going to create opportunities for jobs, create revenue for us to start other business ventures, and help the people of Yorkton as well.” “We wanted to work with someone who knew about hotels and construction. D3h has a number of hotels across the country, so they’ve agreed to work with us and help us build,” Taypotat says. Don Rosten, CEO of d3h Hotels states, “d3h Hotels is extremely pleased to be working with Kahkewistehaw First Nations to construct and manage the Home Inn & Suites - Yorkton. We believe Yorkton has maintained strong economic growth, and we are looking forward to bringing a new and unique hotel product to the city. Kahkewistehaw’s unwavering support of our management group and this project has been outstanding, and we look forward to working with them now and in the future.” “It has taken a great deal of hard work to get to this stage,” Taypotat adds, “I’m very

proud of my members and I’m very proud of the hotel that’s going up - it’s going to make many opportunities for people.” The hotel will be located in the same parking lot as the Painted Hand Casino and steps to the new Gallagher Centre which houses the Farrell Agencies Arena; the Flexihall, a sports fieldhouse; curling rink; convention centre; leisure water park including wave pool, waterslide, lane pool and more; and several related businesses. Along with multiple reservations already, the hotel has also been named the Host Hotel for the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs Convention and Tradeshow in 2013. For more information about the hotel, please visit www.homeinnyorkton.ca. Home Inn & Suites – Swift Current, twin-sister hotel, will be opening August 17. For more information, visit www.HomeSwiftCurrent.ca To make a reservation, please call (306) 778-7788.

The two hotels will house a combination of 80 limited service room types to larger suites which include a full kitchen. Features of Home Inn & Suites include free HomeEssentials breakfast with hot items, relaxing indoor pool area with 2-story waterslide and whirlpool, and business centre with printing and faxing capabilities. New to the Home franchise is the addition of meeting/event space with capacity up to 30 people featuring 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. Also new to the Home Franchise is a 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 facials, massages, waxing, manicures, pedicures, hair styling/ colour/treatments and special occasion bookings and packages. The full-service 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.

Candy McBride recognized for leadership The first YWCA Saskatoon Women of Distinction Award® dinner was held over 30 years ago. Since then, over 700 women in all walks of life have been recognized for their accomplishments and achievements as mentors, volunteers, activists, teachers, leaders and researchers. We are proud to announce that Candy McBride, Chief Human Resource Officer of d3h Hotels, was nominated for a Woman of Distinction Award in the category of Leadership and Management. Candy started with d3h Hotels 10 years ago along with only 4 staff. Now, there are 19 staff at d3h Head Office based in Saskatoon and over 250 employees in the hotels. Recently, Candy went to visit families of some staff in the Philippines, working at an orphanage serving food to 400 children. She has been instrumental in developing policies, procedures, employee incentive and training programs and wellness programs. By creating a strong, motivated workforce, Candy has personally ensured that each employee feels valued and supported by treating everyone she works with as if they were her extended family.FLS

d3h Hotels 1139 - 8th Street E. Saskatoon, SK 306.249.2882 www.d3h.ca OUR FAMILY OF HOTELS Days Inn – Calgary Airport: 403.250.3297 Days Inn – Edmonton South: 780.430.0011 Days Inn – Medicine Hat: 403.580.3297 Days Inn – Red Deer: 403.340.3297 Days Inn – Regina: 306.522.3297 Days Inn – Regina Airport West: 306.584.3297 Motel 6 – Medicine Hat: 403.527.1749 Motel 6 – Red Deer: 403.340.1749 HomeSuites – Regina: 306.522.4434 Home Inn & Suites – Swift Current: 306.778.7788 Home Inn & Suites – Yorkton: 306.782-7829

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EMCO FINER FOODS: HOMEMADE, FRESH, NO FILLERS By Nykea Marie Behiel

va and John Sabau moved to Saskatoon from Hungary 13 years ago. Six years ago they bought the European owned Emco Finer Foods. With their experience in the industry, the store has continued to thrive and grow. Just a few months ago, they opened a second Saskatoon location. As soon as Eva and John bought the business, they brought in unique foods from several more European countries. Their inventory is an eclectic celebration of imported food you can’t

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Photos Tristan Becker

get anywhere else. They carry an assortment of meats, pastas, cheeses, spices, condiments, drinks, cookies, snacks, chocolate, and anything else you could desire. They supply products from Hungary, Poland, Italy, Germany, Romania, Ex-Yugoslavia, Switzerland, and several other countries to ensure you get to taste food as it is meant to be tasted. Even while living in the Prairies, you can eat pasta from Italy, sausage from Germany, and cheese and chocolate

from Switzerland. Emco Finer Foods carries original items and recipes that cannot be found anywhere else in Saskatchewan. Aside from selling food products, Emco also offers catering and other services. For catering, everything is homemade with no fillers or preservatives. “We use just the meat and spices, that’s all,” says Eva. Renowned for their meat, these down to earth people use ancient practices to provide the best taste.

“All our beef comes aged, making it very tender,” says John. This and their practice of smoking the meat over hickory sawdust create the savoury taste that has people hooked after just one visit. One of their specialties is an old German recipe for curly ham. Their catering menu has delicious hot food items through to cold salads and unique treats. New to their menu are some traditional dessert recipes, like dobos torta, a Hungarian chocolate flavoured torte. All catered food is prepared the day of your wedding, graduation, or celebration, and your guests are sure to rave about the food for years to come.

From catering large parties to helping you plan a delicious, fresh, and unique supper, the courteous staff at Emco is always willing to help. Emco Finer Foods 2228 Ave C North p 306.242.8877 emcofinerfoodscanada@gmail.com www.emcofinerfoods.com

Testimonials “We have been customers of Emco Meats for over 20 years. We love the quality, freshness, and exceptional service. We tell everyone we know to visit, and after one visit, they are hooked! The curly sausage is also one of our family favourites. There is nothing like it anywhere, the taste is amazing! Their products sell themselves. — Terry and Shannon, Saskatoon “We have been coming to Emco Meats for almost 20 years now for their “curly sausage.” Ten years ago we moved from Saskatoon to Medicine Hat and every time we come back for a visit, a visit to Emco to pick up some curly sausage is a must. We even take extra back home for friends and they all love it!” — Les and Christine, Medicine Hat

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WE CARE HOME HEALTH SERVICES: HELPING YOU. LIVE YOUR LIFE.™

ee Braun initially purchased the We Care location when she had difficulty finding an agency to look after her mother-in-law. She knew that her nursing experience would provide a solid understanding of her clients’ needs and she felt there was an opportunity to help people remain active and independent in their homes. She looked to We Care because they

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were a national organization, respected for offering quality-based service to the community. As she knew from her own experience, her clients’ sons and daughters wanted to have peace of mind – comfortable that their parents’ needs were being well taken care of. We Care Saskatoon caregivers are carefully screened to ensure they

enjoy sharing the client’s experiences and want to become a team player in meeting their client’s health care objectives. Involving the client and the family in developing the plan of care provides a measure of comfort, knowing that their concerns are being addressed and their wishes and needs will be looked after.

Lee Braun

We Care Saskatoon provides companion services, home making, personal care, and family support in home and in institutions. We Care nurses also support the community with flu and wellness clinics as well as foot care. We Care provides personal care at home so clients can stay SAFELY in their own homes longer. Some aspects handled: post accident care, surgery, seniors care, diseases such as MS, palliative care, heart attack/ stroke victims

HEALTH AT HOME

HEALTH AT WORK

We Care’s services help people to stay safe, comfortable and as independent as possible wherever they live – at home or in a long-term care or retirement community. They also provide relief for family and friends who act as caregiver, helping them with the assistance and support their loved ones need and the peace of mind they need.

Keeping your staff safe and healthy at work improves morale, productivity and ultimately your company’s bottom line. We Care’s Health at Work programs include a wide range of services that will do just that.

Workplace health services: • Wellness Clinics

Home health services:

• Immunization Clinics

• Personal Care

• Drug & Alcohol Testing

• Home Making

• Occupational Health Nursing

All information is confidential

• Companion Services

Supports Soroptomist International in Saskatoon for the Betterment of Women and Girls, belongs to National Healthcare Association, participates yearly in the conference for council on aging.

• Nursing • Foot Care • Accompanied Visits • Caregiver Relief

Lee is always amazed at her referrals and word of mouth business which helps grow We Care in Saskatoon.

HEALTH IN THE COMMUNITY Helping people stay healthy is important to We Care. We have developed a number of clinics to help the public assess their health risks and promote well being to people living in the communities we serve. FLS

Community health services: • Advanced Foot Care • Health Risk Assessment We Care Home Health Services 421 34th Street, Saskatoon S7K 0S9 1.855.88.WECARE www.wecare.ca/Homehealthcare-in-saskatoon-sk

Live person on call 24/365 1.306.244.Care (2273)

• Diabetes Awareness Clinics • Wellness Clinics • Immunization Programs • Other Specialty and Targeted Wellness Clinics

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SISTER SPAS PROVIDE HANDS ON APPROACH TO RELAXATION AND AESTHETICS By Nykea Marie Behie

elissa Hampson began selling Ahava Spa products at a shop in downtown Saskatoon over 14 years ago. People often called her store asking for spa services, only to find she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer them. She walked by Marca College, a hair and aesthetics training school, on her way to work every day. One day she stopped in, thinking about how much business she had potentially turned away. Melissa began attending aesthetics classes and adding services to her shop. That was in 1998. Now, 14 years later, Melissa owns two successful spas.

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Photos Heather Fritz

At the time, Melissa worked for John Somers, an engineer and entrepreneur. Now, as her business partner, he has always been there to help her through big decisions, and has mentored her with steadfast advice. He instilled the entrepreneurial bug in her, and he was looking to open an entirely different business at the time. However, Melissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for aesthetics and the spa industry took over, and they decided to open Spa Ahava. When Melissa began, her staff consisted of herself and a couple

others. Now, she has 38 people on staff between Spa Ahava and Edgewater Spa. For many years, she ran only Spa Ahava, focusing on small groups and individuals. Eventually the spa got so busy that customers had to book 6-12 weeks in advance, and the spa turned away about 75 people a day. Melissa wanted to be able to accommodate her customers quicker, while still providing the convenient location and phenomenal customer service Spa Ahava is known for. In 2008, she opened Edgewater Spa,

just a block and a half away from Spa Ahava. Edgewater is better able to accommodate large groups with its gallery room in the back. Edgewater offers plenty of room for bridal parties, couples, birthday parties, anniversaries, or any reason you can think of to celebrate with time at the spa. The sister spas provide a relaxing environment and a diverse menu of offerings. Melissa reviews their services every 18 months to keep things new and exciting for regular customers, as well as keeping up with industry trends. Spa Ahava is well known for their selection of jewellery, scarves, hats, and spa items, while Edgewater carries fewer products to keep more space available for larger parties. Some popular items on the menu for summer include Shellac or Gelish nails—UV polish that cures in the light and stays on until the polish grows out. Another hot choice is airbrushing, to get the natural glow of a tan without the harmful effects from the sun. Airbrushing is more natural than a machine spray, and can target areas a machine might miss. This service is provided by a person rather than a machine, a practice that resonates in importance throughout the spas. Spa Ahava and Edgewater Spa are unique in their hands on approach. Many spas are turning to machines and electric services, but Melissa and her staff feel it is important to provide their clients with a more personal approach. “My staff and I are so committed to this industry. We always want to please people and do our best,” says Melissa. Spa Ahava and Edgewater Spa are the spas that Saskatoonians visit for a truly tranquil and rejuvenating experience. FLS

720 Broadway Ave. 306 978.8111 spaahava@shaw.ca www.spaahava.com

101 – 611 University Drive 306 978.4111 edgewaterspa@shaw.ca www.edgewaterspa.ca

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HILLCREST MEMORIAL GARDENS AND FUNERAL HOME Peace, Tranquillity, and Beauty By Nykea Marie Behiel

Photography by Kerry Lubchenko

ife is precious – how would you like to be remembered? Not many people like to think about funerals or the memorialization of a loved one, but they are an essential celebration of someone’s life and passing. A funeral service gives us a chance to say “goodbye” to our loved one, and a cemetery gives us a chance to say “hello” to them each time we come out to visit. At Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, the compassionate staff can help guide you through this celebration of life. Helping families since 1952, Hillcrest is familiar with all practices and rituals of different faiths and religions. Hillcrest can accommodate most requests, large or small, including

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private graveside services, funeral, chapel, cremation, cemetery, and reception facilities. All services are held within the oasis on the edge of the city, just past Briarwood. Hillcrest Memorial Gardens has the most beautiful and serene landscaping. Acres of manicured lawn, winding paths, overarching trees, bridges, and ponds create a peaceful final resting place. Interspersed throughout the grounds are various forms of memorialization and private resting places, far more personalized than a public cemetery.

This respectful setting is maintained by a dedicated property staff to ensure that everyone who enters the grounds is greeted by perfection. A more personal approach, Hillcrest Memorial Gardens offers elegant alternatives for cremation memorialization. Hampton Columbariums, benches, memory rocks and bird baths, to name a few, are available for families if they so choose. They are proud to announce their newest “Indoor Cemetery” – the Abby – a beautiful indoor columbarium. Indoor glass cremation niches to honour the life of a loved one. Choose a niche space for single or multiple urns and then add special photos or keepsakes to make it a truly personal statement. The etched glass enclosure allows for easy viewing and our climate controlled building with security access offers comfortable visitation in all seasons. The process of pre-planning is an important part of easing the grieving process for the people you love most. At this difficult and painful time, it is unfortunate for family members to have to make such long lasting and permanent decisions having to do with burial arrangements. You can spare your loved ones from the strain of making those personal decisions on your behalf, and guarantee that your final wishes will be observed by planning ahead of time.

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home provides a Family Security Benefit Plan™, designed for Canadians to take advantage of the best protection and savings they are entitled to. Pre-arrangement specialists will help you understand all the issues and benefits of pre-planning. The time following a loved one’s passing, when family and friends have gone and all the arrangements are finished, can be the most difficult time, but it is often overlooked. At Hillcrest, all clients are provided with AfterCare, a completely free program comprised of literature, guidance, and emotional support any time it is needed. AfterCare specialists are aware of all the resources available to suit individual needs. Not only does Hillcrest Memorial offer exceptional customer service through a difficult time, they are also active in the community. Because of their mandate to give back to the public, Hillcrest provides innovative ways for people to view the facilities and familiarize themselves with the grounds prior to using them for services. They showcase local talent within art shows every two months while offering complimentary wine and cheese. Hillcrest also facilitates a duck launch, where they provide grade two and three classrooms with ducklings. The students raise them, and then return the mature ducks to Hillcrest—a beautiful way to learn about the life cycle while having fun. They also offer their lovely space for meeting

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rooms, service clubs, and charitable luncheons. The lovely community room is generously free of charge for all non-profit organizations. The beautiful grounds create an ideal location for many events. Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home have the expertise, resources, and compassion to help you through a loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passing. Let their trusted reputation and kind professionals assist you with your choices for pre-arrangements, or when laying a loved one to rest. FLS Hillcrest Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home R.R.5, Site 510, Box 2, Saskatoon SK S7K 3J8 (East end of 8th Street, first right past Briargate Road) p 306.477.2236 e speters@arbormemorial.com www.hillcrestmemorial.ca

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Dr. Pompa was recognized as a World Leader in Bariatric Surgery by Newsweek Magazine TM

ONE OF THE TOP 10 BARIATRIC HOSPITALS IN THE WORLD A Canadian First, Weight Loss Forever Achieves Center of Excellence Designation BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER By Karin Melberg Schwier

fter a grueling two-year review by the American Surgical Review Corporation, Weight Loss Forever (WLF)’s hospital was recently designated as an International Bariatric Center of Excellence, one of only 18 in the world. WLF met and exceeded stringent requirements in three areas: the hospital, the surgeon, and the bariatric program. Melanie Wildman, President & CEO of WLF, says, “We’re a world-renowned bariatric hospital with exceedingly high standards, excellent patient care and compassionate support. What is at stake is our patients’ health and well being, and our license. It’s our dedication to our patients that make us one of the top 10 bariatric hospitals in the world,” she adds. WLF’s Chief Bariatric Surgeon is Mayo Clinic-trained Dr. Liza Pompa, MD, Ph.D, AFACS. She is board-certified in the United States and is the first female in the world to be awarded Surgeon of Excellence. WLF encourages people to do careful research and has developed the guide How to Research Your Surgeon. Patient safety is the primary consideration.

Their hospital and medical staff are held to rigorous standards and unannounced, independent inspections. WLF’s patients include doctors, specialists, government officials, lawyers, teachers, mechanics and farmers. Obesity is the #1 preventable cause of death in Canada. WLF’s award winning support program gives patients the tools they need to achieve long-term success – and surgery is just one part of the solution. Over the last four years, over 800 patients received surgery and support through WLF’s program. There are offices in Saskatoon, Regina, Calgary, Lethbridge and Fredericton, NB, with specialists throughout the country. FLS

Take a tour of the hospital here

Weight Loss Forever 15 - 901 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.665.8891 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 patientservices@weightlossforever.ca www.weightlossforever.ca http://facebook.com/WLForever FineLifestyles SASKATOON

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HUMBOLDT MAN MAKES A DRAMATIC CHANGE FOR THE

BETTER I

’ve always struggled with my weight from childhood. I continuously tried to diet on my own with some success, but I always gained it back plus more. Finally last year I hit my highest weight of 283 pounds. I’m 5’11” and I knew I was only going to go much higher if I didn’t do something. I have a lot more energy throughout the day. My history of depression is now completely in control. Food no longer has power over me. I don’t feel the hunger or the cravings like I used to, especially for junk food. I now eat a healthy amount and I am very satisfied for a long time. I know I’ve added many years to my life and that every one of them will be so much better. The sleeve was the best decision I’ve ever made. I feel so good about myself and my only regret is not doing it sooner. I had a very easy recovery and quick results. WLF has been terrific; they would call me every day and the support has been amazing. They were extremely thorough and very honest. I recommend the entire team at WLF to anyone. The experience has made me into a new healthy person, one that I will be the rest of my life. FLS

“My only regret is not doing it sooner” Chris Hergott

Chris, before losing 100lbs with WLF www.weightlossforever.ca 136-1621 Albert Street Regina SK 306.352.8446 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 BEST 184 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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HOW JASON GAINED HIS HEALTH AND HAPPINESS BACK BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

.J. “Jason” Everett struggled with obesity most of his young life. Always a big guy, Jason assumed his European background was the reason for being of good, solid stock. But “there were never limits on eating in my family,” he explains. “I was always physical, so it wasn’t until I was in mid 20’s when things really got out of hand.” Suddenly it was far more serious than just being a “big guy.” High blood pressure, diabetes and, Jason says, “all the ‘large person’ health problems.” Jason is one of the 1% of patients who experienced a post-surgery complication. “My facilitator Julie was right there with me. Melanie drove down from Saskatoon and my doctor was on a teleconference with Dr. Pompa to share the information about my surgery. When I had a hospital stay, the Regina support group met at the hospital so I could attend. I was also so pleased with all the support from everyone on the WLF website and Facebook group, patients and facilitators alike. I couldn’t go to the Christmas party in Saskatoon so they even made me a video greeting and I was so happy. It felt like I was there with everybody.” Jason says he still feels “completely taken care of” throughout the journey. “I just moved to Saskatoon and got a job right away at a tire shop,” Jason says. “Life is physically so much easier since I’ve lost over 145 pounds since October of last year. I am embracing a whole new life and outlook, enjoying meeting new people in Saskatoon, and happy to be telling my story.” Another exciting chapter in Jason’s story is completing his first fun run, the Bridge City Boogie 5 km, in June. FLS

“Life is so much easier” Jason Everett

Jason, before losing 145lbs www.weightlossforever.ca 136-1621 Albert Street Regina SK 306.352.8446 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891

Take a tour of the hospital here

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From the Greek plastikos, which means to mold or shape

PLASTIC SURGEON’S PASSION FAR MORE THAN SKIN DEEP BY KARIN MELBERG SCHWIER

lastic surgery combines both art and science, and both are fields I am passionate about,” Dr. Rodas told Fine Lifestyles. “It is a profession where you can change and improve lives.” “Plastic surgery involves reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. There still exists a misconception of vanity that is not applicable any more,” Dr. Rodas insists. “This profession is much deeper than the concept of aesthetics alone.”

Dr. Rodas Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Weight Loss Forever 15 - 901 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.665.8891 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 patientservices@weightlossforever.ca www.weightlossforever.ca http://facebook.com/WLForever

“Plastic surgery gives priority to the functionality of the body. Self-esteem is very important and is no longer a taboo subject,” explains Dr. Rodas. “Changes in body contour, combined with psychosocial aspects, may lead to embarrassment or difficulty in everyday life. The goal of plastic surgery is to improve a person’s quality of life.” He encourages potential patients to become well informed about plastic surgery and research their surgeon. “One of the most common misconceptions of plastic surgery is that it’s magic,” Dr. Rodas explains.

www.weightlossforever.ca 136-1621 Albert Street Regina SK 306.352.8446 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891 BEST 186 FineLifestyles of the BEST

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“We are working with living tissue so it is very hard to predict a perfect result since there can be slight asymmetry, for example. Another misconception is that surgery is always complicationfree since the plastic surgery patient is healthy,” he adds. “As in any procedure, there is a risk, but with a qualified, experienced surgeon and team these can be managed correctly.” “When patients come to us, they always receive the best care available,” says Dr. Rodas. “Our patients are not treated as a business, but with human care and kindness. The beautiful results and word of mouth from our patients is the reason we are in such high demand today.” FLS (A plastic surgeon for nearly 18 years, Dr. Rodas has presented a variety of courses, and national and international medical conferences. He is also Board Certified by the Mexican Association of Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and of the Baja California Association of Plastic Surgery. To learn more about Dr. Rodas’s credentials, or if you wonder if you are a candidate for this type of surgery, visit www.weightlossforever. ca, and click on Plastic Surgery.)

MOM OF THREE GETS A LIFT TO HER FACE AND HER CONFIDENCE

arol and Lloyd her husband of “35 memorable years,” work together in their own construction and roofing business. The 53-year-old mom of three grown children started thinking about a facelift. Says Carol of her experience, “They gave me a great information package and all my questions were answered. Of course, I could access WLF on Facebook and online. It didn’t take me long to decide to have the facelift surgery.” Carol calls WLF her family for a reason. Their support before, during and after the surgery, and throughout recovery was “heartwarming, and above and beyond anything I ever expected.” She learned about Dr. Marcos Rodas, the plastic surgeon at the WLF Centre for Excellence, and was comfortable with him from the beginning. “Meeting him in person to discuss my concerns and hopes helped me relax and completely trust him,” says Carol. “My husband was with me and was so impressed with everyone and how they all responded immediately to any questions or concerns he had, too. Dr. Rodas included him and asked his thoughts when options were outlined.” Any regrets? Not one. Lloyd says he “can’t believe that he is lucky enough to hang out with such a young sexy chick,” Carol laughs. More importantly, she says, “I think I look and feel so much younger, a smaller version of myself at 40.” FLS www.weightlossforever.ca 136-1621 Albert Street Regina SK 306.352.8446 Toll Free 1.877.306.8891

Carol Caron After

Carol Caron Before

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Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic Surgery

Why Weight Loss Forever? Why Weight Loss Forever? Hear what our patients are saying about dr. rodas: Why Weight Loss Forever? Hear what our sayingabout about dr. rodas: Hear what ourpatients patients are are saying dr. rodas: “The care I received was incredible and my own doctor in Saskatoon was so impressed with my “The care I received was incredibleand and myI own own “The careDr. I received incredible my results. Rodas iswas just wonderful and am doctor in Saskatoon was so impressedwith with my my doctor in Saskatoon was so impressed thrilled with the work he did - I feel years younger results. Dr. Rodas is justwonderful wonderfuland and I I am am results. Dr. Rodas is just and I’m proud to say that at 73, my body is sleek!” thrilled work I feelyears yearsyounger younger thrilled withwith the the work he he diddid - I -feel Donna Garman, and I’m proud to say that at 73, my body is sleek!” and I’m proud to say that at 73, my body is sleek!” Saskatoon Donna Garman, Donna Garman, Saskatoon Saskatoon “My family doctor marvels at my surgical lines my surgical lines and“My saysfamily it’s thedoctor most marvels beautifulatwork he’s seen in and saysdoctor it’I sfinally the marvels most beautiful he’s seen inI “My family at my surgical lines his practice. reflect on thework outside how his practice. I finally reflect onwork the outside how and says it’s on thethe most beautiful he’s seen inI always felt inside. Thank you Weight Loss always felt on the reflect inside. on Thank Weight LossI Forever!” his practice. I finally theyou outside how Forever!” always felt on the inside. Thank you Weight Loss Kim Heddon, Kim Heddon, Forever!” Meadow Lake Meadow Lake Kim Heddon, Meadow Lake “I love, love, lovelove mymy new breasts! “I love, love, new breasts!You Youcan’t can’teven even see see the the scars and the recovery was so fast! scars and the recovery was so fast! Not Not islove, Dr. Rodas a terrific surgeon, hehecan’t made me only is Dr. Rodas a terrific surgeon, made me “Ionly love, love my new breasts! You even feel safe and secure about choosing to have feel safe and secure about choosing to have see the scars and the recovery was so fast! Not plastic surgery. Iterrific tell everyone howhe fantastic my plastic surgery. I atell everyone how fantastic only is Dr. Rodas surgeon, made my me experience was!” experience was!” feel safe and secure about choosing to have

Dr. Rodas, Weight Loss Forever’s Chief Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, has Dr. Rodas, MD, over 18Marcus years of experience. Dr. Rodas is aPh.D board-certified plastic over 18 years of experience. Dr. Rodas is a board-certified plastic

surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He

Dr. Rodas, Weight Loss Forever’s Chief and Cosmetic Surgeon, has surgeon who specializes in aesthetic andPlastic reconstructive surgery. He also has fellowship inbody body contouring novel techniques. overhas 18aafellowship years of in experience. Dr. Rodas is techniques. a board-certified plastic also contouring andand novel

surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He also has a fellowship in body contouring and novel techniques.

Stephanie Dinsdale, Stephanie Dinsdale, plastic surgery. I tell everyone how fantastic my Prince Albert Prince Albert experience was!”

Dr. Marcus Rodas, MD, Ph.D

Dr. Marcus Rodas, MD, Ph.D Dr. Rodas, Weight Loss Forever’s Chief Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, has

Stephanie Dinsdale, Prince Albert

67* 97 67* 97

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* OAC Only. Based on a 5 year term with $1000136-1621 down payment. Rates may vary. Albert St, Regina

15-901 1st Ave N, Saskatoon SASKATOON LOCATION Next to Liquidation World 15-901 1st Ave N, Saskatoon 1-306-665-8891 Next to Liquidation World 1-306-665-8891LOCATION SASKATOON

REGINA LOCATION In the Regina Crossing Building 136-1621 Albert St, Regina 1-306-352-8446 In the Regina Crossing Building 1-306-352-8446 REGINA LOCATION

Weight Loss Forever LIMARP Hospital

Weight Loss Forever LIMARP Weight Loss Forever’s beautiful and modern hospital is an Hospital International

WeightofLoss Forever’s beautiful and modern hospital is anCenter International Center Reference and is designated as an International of Center of and Reference and ofisthe designated as an inInternational Excellence is rated one top 10 hospitals the World. Center of

Weight Loss Forever LIMARP Excellence and is rated one of the top 10 hospitals in theHospital World. Weight Loss Forever’s beautiful and modern hospital is an Internationa CALGARY LOCATION LETHBRIDGE LOCATION Center Manilla of Reference anS International Center o 39-4620 Road SEand is designated 8-1274 3rdasAve CALGARY LOCATION LETHBRIDGE LOCATION Excellence and T2G is rated top 10 hospitals the Calgary, Alberta 4B7 one of the Lethbridge, Alberta in T1J 0J9World. 39-4620 Manilla Road SE 8-1274 3rd Ave S 1-403-243-6333 1-403-381-3181 Calgary, Alberta T2G 4B7 Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0J9 1-403-243-6333 1-403-381-3181 CALGARY LOCATION LETHBRIDGE LOCATION

SMALL TOWN LIVING IN SASKATOON By Shawna Common

he Luther Riverside Terrace is an independent senior living facility that has the best view in Saskatoon. The focus of the facility is service, security, support, independence and empowerment of the residents. Every suite at the residence has a full kitchen for residents to prepare their own meals, or dine with the other residents in the lovely dining room. The Resident Association takes ownership of their own activities and events, which promotes independence, empowerment and a greater sense of community. Residents love the ample heated underground parking available at the facility. Suites range from roomy one

Photos Stephanie Zhang

bedroom units to 1,318 square foot suites featuring one bedroom and a den, each suite also has a balcony. The amenities at the facility include the main dining room, TV room, multipurpose room, complimentary laundry facilities and a common area featuring a pool table, shuffle board and library. Weekly housekeeping with towel and linen service is also provided. There are raised garden beds for the green thumb residents and a patio area with a paved walkway. Luther Riverside Terrace also offers a shuttle service, as well as onsite beauty salon and barber shop. There is a 24 hour emergency response system for the safety and security of the residents.

“People say it feels like they’re walking into a small town when they enter Luther Riverside Terrace,” says Manager Kelly Peevers. “There is a real sense of community here. It’s a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.” A 24 bed personal care home is attached to the building so residents needing a little more care don’t have to move away from the Luther Riverside Terrace. FLS The Luther Riverside Terrace is located at 915 Saskatchewan Crescent West in Saskatoon. For more information visit their website at riversideterrace.ca or call 306.664.1250

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“I know that meeting the wants and needs of clientele requires a special kind of sensitivity and expertise, and I appreciate the people that carry that responsibility. It is a great relief to find accommodation that meets my needs, and even anticipates some that I haven’t recognized yet. The residents of this building are confident and comfortable in the knowledge that their safety and comfort is of primary concern. The courteous friendly staff somehow manages to make every resident here feel recognized and personally important. The food here is exceptional in terms of nutrition, variety and service. The focus seems to be providing above average security, comfort, enjoyment and convenience. I hope to spend all my future years under this roof, and I would like the staff at all levels to know they are appreciated.” Another Satisfied Resident

“I have been a resident since the facility opened in 2000, and my experiences for the past 12 years have all been very positive. This facility has a feeling of warmth and caring, and has been very fortunate to have very competent and caring staff. My many friends who come to visit me through the years have always had very positive comments. I am fortunate to have a river view, and this adds to my positive feelings of calling this my home. I would have no hesitation in recommending this facility to anyone who may be looking for similar accommodation.” “A Very Satisfied Resident”, Reg Harrison BEST of the BEST

ENRICH YOUR FUTURE By Jason Booker

Photos Tristan Becker

any people tend to feel more confident when they are dealing with someone we know is home grown. With an office tucked away in the heart of Saskatoon’s downtown, a couple of local guys originating from Jansen, Saskatchewan, have taken their passion and expertise and created one of the most productive and successful wealth management companies in all of Saskatchewan. Brothers Shannon and Byron Briske and their team at Assante Wealth Management, offer their high net worth clients such as farmers, businesses owners, professional athletes, and skilled professionals a level of professionalism that’s second to none. Most importantly, Assante offers their clients a local perspective and wealth plan, which is customized to each invididual’s needs when partnering with them to reach their financial goals.

smile emerges from his face. “Imagine all the changes that our families, just like many others, have seen in this province. We have seen the challenging economic times of years past grow into the prosperity of today, and the opportunity of tomorrow. It seems to be something that many of clients are able to relate to, and appreciate.”

“The majority of our childhood and adult lives has been spent in Saskatchewan, and we intend on raising our families here, just like our parents, and our grandparents did. In fact, it was just last month that our family farm was recognized for its 100th year in operation,” says Shannon, as a proud

“I am certain that is why many of the clients who have trusted us as professionals, have also over the years become great friends. In Saskatchewan especially, it seems that each and every one of us have a truly unique story. We keep that foremost in our minds when meeting and discussing financial strategy with each client,” he adds. “Each person will have different goals, different needs, and need to address different challenges at different times in our lives.”

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“That’s the key to a sensible, productive, and personalized wealth plan,” explains Byron. “It seems more often than ever before, our clients have a host of great options available when planning and customizing their financial strategy to best suit their needs and goals. Yet when looking critically at our very own industry as a whole, wealth management companies often seem to be developing plans which are “cookie cut” for their clients. If they find a plan or strategy that seems to be successful for some, they tend to feel that it will work for everyone. That’s where we really feel that Assante sets the bar for the industry.” “We don’t want to be productpushers. We want to find customized solutions for each and every one of our clients based on their individual needs, and their unique goals,” he adds. “A farmer in their fifties looking to retire and succession plan, will have far different needs than a small business owner in their thirties looking for capital to open a second location. It takes a lot more work BEST of the BEST

and innovation on our end, but it has immense value for our clients, and provides them with the best results possible. They take the time to tell us, and more importantly, we are taking the time to listen.” Assante Wealth offers a team of professionals that offer a comprehensive level of service to best meet the financial needs of their client. The in-house team consists of accountants, tax lawyers, investment counsellors, and wealth planners from the United Financial, a division of CI Private Counsel LP. The benefit for the client when having the ability all of these services under one roof means there is much more open and effective communication between everyone involved. This leads to more pro action versus re action to market change, and the more consistency with regards to the overall financial goals of the Assante client. Assante Wealth Management is the only company in their industry able to offer this comprehensive level of financial services.

“We believe that success is not just achieved, it is planned for. We love people, and we pride ourselves in watching our clients succeed both personally and financially,” says Shannon. “Wealth, security, and success are wonderful things,” adds Byron. “With those things comes the ability to live today the way that we would like, pursue our goals of tomorrow, but most importantly, spend more time with our friends, our children, and our families- the ones we treasure most.” FLS Call Assante Wealth to find out how you can attend their next educational luncheon seminar, free of charge, hosted at TUSQ.

Assante Financial Management Ltd. 301-500 Spadina Cr. E., Saskatoon, SK T: 306 665.3244 • F: 306 665.6691 Toll Free: 1 800 465.2100 bbriske@assante.com • sbriske@assante.com

211 Main St./ Box 1674 Kindersley, SK T: 306 463-6400 • F: 306 463-3966 Toll Free: 1 877 460.5495 www.assante.com BEST of the BEST

THREE GENERATIONS BY ASHLEIGH MATTERN

OF FRIENDLY SERVICE: LOCAL INSURANCE COMPANY WORKS FOR THE PEOPLE

alon Insurance has always made serving customers its top priority. For years, they published an emergency service number that customers could call any time if they needed help. “They could call the phone number and we’d give them advice on what they should do,” explaines Jeff Galon, vice president commercial lines and corporate development, and grandson of John Galon, who established the business in 1963. BEST of the BEST

Occasionally, they’d also get phone calls about things that might not be considered an emergency, like from someone heading out on a trip who forgot to renew their licence. Wanting to help out their customers, Jeff, his sister Jenny, and his dad Phil, would take time out of their weekends to help with these minor problems. Eventually, these phone calls about minor problems started to become more frequent.

insurance and auto insurance, and the demand for that is just growing and growing.”

for businesses, construction and commercial real estate, but they’re always looking to expand their services.

They realized there was a demand for insurance services to be available beyond the regular nine to five work hours for the many customers who also work nine to five.

Almost 50 years ago, John Galon opened the first Galon Insurance in Regina. In 1988, John’s son Phil Galon moved to Saskatoon to open a branch here. Now the third generation of Galons are gearing up to take over – Jeff and Jenny are heavily involved in the Saskatoon branches while one of their cousins works with their uncle at the Regina branch.

In addition to commercial and personal insurance, Galon Insurance also operates a mortgage division, works closely with home security systems provider Insurguard Security, are commissioners for oaths and notary public, take passport photos, offer boating exams, and even sell bolts for licence plates.

The current hours at both the 3rd Avenue and 51st Street locations are 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday – the longest hours of any insurance broker in town.

Galon says they’re constantly asking themselves, “When it comes to insurance, how can we provide everything the customer will need?” The answer is to listen to customers and respond to their needs.

“We have a broker until eight o’clock in the evenings as well to sell home

They have a great group of people who specialize in commercial insurance

“We’d accommodate one call and soon enough, we’d have three phone calls, so we’d say, ‘okay, make it down to the office between the hours of one and two and we’ll be able to help you there,’” says Jeff. “It got to the point where we’d have a line-up of people waiting and we couldn’t leave.”

They don’t offer life insurance at the moment, but Jeff jokes, “There’s a need for that too and maybe one day we’ll be selling that as well!” The goal at Galon Insurance is to give people the best advice possible, even if that means turning away customers from time to time.

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relationship – he used to sit on the board of directors for this non-profit group for adults with intellectual disabilities. “We just hang out there, play basketball, make crafts,” explains Galon. “Everyone loves going down there.” Galon even ended up making friends with one of the guys he sees there, taking him to WWE and Blades games for fun. Cosmo is also Galon Insurance’s charity of choice – any time they can, they raise money for the non-proft. They do jeans days on Fridays, golf tournament fundraisers, and at Christmas time, instead of doing a gift exchange, they support Cosmo. “That’s a pretty happy place. Sometimes I just want to leave the office and say, I’m going to Cosmo to play basketball!” Galon is excited about Saskatoon and the current growth in the city, and loves that they can showcase local companies on the electronic sign outside their 3rd Avenue office.

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“I turned someone down the other day,” says Jeff. “She needed some liability insurance, but she had another property policy elsewhere. Given her situation, it was in her best interest to call the guy who had her property policy.” Good, truthful advice is often hard to come by, but it’s found in abundance at Galon Insurance. Their brokers are all salaried employees, not working on commission, so there’s never pressure to buy a certain policy. Their mortgage division is one of their newest initiatives. Instead of going one place to get your mortgage and then going to another place to buy your insurance, Galon Insurance can take care of everything. Their mortgage brokers will find the best rate for you and you can trust they have no alternative interests. “We’re kind of trying to change the industry,” says Galon. Instead of buying your mortgage from an individual, you’re buying insurance from the Galon group. “So you can talk to one mortgage

broker, and if they’re not in the day you need him, another mortgage broker can pick up your file and take over.” The same care and attention Galon Insurance gives their customers, they also give their employees, which may be why the staff there are so friendly. They encourage staff to get to know one another, both inside of work and outside of work, which leads to strong relationships and a great workplace environment. Every summer, they invite their 43 Saskatoon employees to bring their families to an annual Galon Insurance camping trip. But this isn’t your usual hot dogs around a fire kind of trip – this year, the trip included a three-course chicken and ribs meal, entertainment including a magician with a ventriloquist act and a competition for the craziest hats. The Galon Insurance staff also volunteers at Cosmopolitan Industries every week. Phil Galon instigated this

(Top L-R) Tanya Casswell, Nicole Schmaltz, Jeff Galon, Alyssa Taksas, Brandy Williamson, Phil Galon, Jenny Galon (Bottom L-R) Valerie Hunter, Lisa Righi, Stephanie Milnes

There are only a few main arteries into downtown, and the intersection at Warman Avenue and 33rd Street that feeds onto 3rd Avenue is one of the busiest, with about 36,000 vehicles driving by every day. “It’s kind of a captive audience,” says Galon. The digital sign is just another example of the innovation that’s always happening at Galon Insurance. But no matter how many new services they offer or how many new ideas they try, Galon and the staff always keep in mind the personal nature of buying insurance. They’re there to help when you’re in trouble, and protect you from getting into trouble. They never forget that at its core, insurance is about people. FLS Galon Regina - Head Office 1408 Broad St. Regina, SK 306 525.0888 F: 306 757.3242 Galon Regina - Branch Office 2743 E. Quance St. Regina, SK 306 525.0777 F: 306 757.3242

Galon Saskatoon - Head Office 909 3rd Avenue North Saskatoon, SK 306 244.7000 F: 306 664.6100 Galon Saskatoon - Branch Office #2 - 820B 51st St. E Saskatoon, SK 306 244.3000 F: 306 664.6105

www.galoninsurance.com

(Top L-R) Dan Smith, Michael Norris, Phil Galon, Jeff Galon (Bottom L-R) Stephanie Milnes, Shannon Vaillancourt BEST of the BEST

Home Décor

Furniture

Fixtures

DIRECTBUY, WHAT YOUR DOLLAR IS ACTUALLY WORTH By Nykea Marie Behiel Photos Tristan Becker

magine if only you could pay what you should be paying for all the items in your life. Think of the money you could save and what you could do with it. Maybe you’d take a trip, pay down your mortgage, go to school or eat ancient cheese while drinking well aged wine. Whatever you would do with that money, with DirectBuy, this seemingly fantastical scenario can be your reality.

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Direct from Manufacturer Pricing Don Elliott and Doreen Graff began as DirectBuy members, but once they recognized how much money they were saving, they realized they could do the same for other families. This is why they opened a franchise in Saskatoon. Connie Loney has been with the company since 2008, and is the Sales/Marketing Manager. She became involved for the same reasons, wanting to pass those savings onto other people. “We allow our members to buy better quality products sooner than they could maybe ever buy retail,” says Connie.

Jewellery

DirectBuy offers customers a huge variety of products at wholesale pricing. Membership entitles you to choose from their vast selection of brands and goods at a fraction of the cost from other retailers. People save thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars by shopping at DirectBuy. Retail is often marked up more than double the cost price, but never at DirectBuy. In fact, there is no mark up at all, so you have the opportunity to see the actual value of these items, the utmost consumer empowerment. “It’s a different way of shopping, a different mindset,” says Connie. She is familiar with the surprise DirectBuy members express at seeing the true value of an item, or the anger they show in having paid the marked up price for so many years.

When you leave, you can be guaranteed to get what you want and need, not what salespeople are trying to sell or what the buyer has picked out. You’ve likely heard of DirectBuy from people who have saved thousands of dollars doing home or office renovations, replacing cabinets, flooring, counter tops, and appliances. You may not know, however, that DirectBuy also offers electronics, televisions, jewelry, barbecues, blinds, bedding and even home decor. Their selection is astonishing. You have access to brands and products you trust without the hassle of determining if you’ve found the best price; at DirectBuy, you have.

Electronics

Appliances & Countertops

Ultimate Purchasing Power Selling items at cost means you never have to look around for the best price—you can be guaranteed to get it. DirectBuy is a one-stop-shop, offering experts in every area under one roof, from flooring, to cabinets, and everything in between. You no longer have to check every flyer, go to several stores or bargain with salespeople. The friendly staff at DirectBuy can guide you through products and help you consider what you might need. Since they have plenty of brands and various types of products, they never try to push a product on you. They are not brand loyal like many stores, so they never promote one manufacturer over another unless it suits your personal needs and lifestyle. BEST of the BEST

With the best brands and latest trends available, you never have to settle for a second rate product. The knowledgeable staff is current and well versed in quality products. There are always new suppliers, promotion and unique local products. One thing that makes Don, Doreen, Connie and the staff at DirectBuy happy is knowing that individuals and families can afford the items they need earlier without having to wait for years or sacrifice other areas of their lives. This is the reason DirectBuy exists, giving power back to consumers. If you want to save money on big ticket items all the way through to unique gifts for friends and family, visit the amiable staff at DirectBuy and see how they can help you. FLS

Tableware

“I could NEVER have done all the renovation updates to my home if I had to pay the retail price. I have used my membership for everything from flooring, bath fixtures, tubs, TVs, window treatments, furniture, door locks, mattress sets and appliances to overhead garage doors, just to name a few purchases. I have saved the cost of the membership several times over. It has been a God send for me. I love that I can buy neat gifts for my family as well. The owner, Don Elliott, and staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and very willing to help in all situations so you have a positive experience.” — P. Maureen Deacon, Saskatoon, SK “What we saved buying through DirectBuy as opposed to retail is phenomenal! On one purchase alone, we saved about [three times] off the MSRP. What we really like (besides the obvious savings) is the exposure and access to certain companies that offer their products through DirectBuy that we normally wouldn’t get.

Kitchen Cabinetry & Flooring

We would definitely recommend DirectBuy to anyone who is looking for substantial savings, and we have.” — Kevin Fisher & April Ulsifer, Saskatoon, SK DirectBuy of Saskatoon 101-110 Marquis Drive West Saskatoon, SK www.directbuysaskatoon.ca Request your Complimentary Visitor’s Pass today by phone, 306.683.0008 or online!

Livingrooms, Rugs & Lighting

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A BETTER WAY TO FLY: ENJOY THE LUXURY OF STRESS-FREE TRAVEL By Ashleigh Mattern

ou arrive at the crowded airport more than an hour early. Shuffling through the security line, you dread the wait at the gate with its uncomfortable seats, crying babies, and nervous fliers. After having your carry-on luggage manhandled by a grumpy security person, you arrive at the gate, only to find your flight has been delayed. There is a better way to fly. With a private flight through Kreos Aviation, there are no security line ups, and no delays. Before the flight, relax in front of the fireplace in their private flight terminal. Let the friendly Kreos Aviation staff take care of everything. When you land, your car is waiting to whisk you away as soon as you step off the plane. “We want to make your travel experience as easy as possible,” said Craig Bell, Kreos Aviation’s chief operating officer. “For us, that doesn’t just start the second they step on the plane, and end the second they step off.”

Photos Candace Epp They offer catering, and they can coordinate meals, hotels, and ground transportation. Customers are also given the pilot’s phone number—just call the pilot if you’d like to stay longer, or if you’d like to leave early. Kreos Aviation’s private flight terminal offers many amenities to provide ease, comfort, and pleasure for both corporate and leisure travellers. They can accommodate anyone who flies in and out of Saskatoon who isn’t using the main terminal. “I had someone fly in from Vegas on a little plane to come pick up a dog,” said Sherry Franks, Kreos Aviation FBO manager. “It doesn’t have to be big companies, it’s anyone that’s flying privately.” They can fly anywhere in the world, and regularly fly all over North America. The farthest they’ve flown privately is to Chile,

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but their most popular destinations include places like Phoenix, Palm Springs, northwestern United States, and Vancouver. They don’t sell the aircraft by seat, you charter the whole aircraft. With planes that seat eight or nine, the cost of flying to Calgary to watch a Riders game, or taking your family on vacation, ends up being surprisingly affordable. If you’re flying more often than the occasional trip, Kreos Aviation has a partnership with BBS Aircraft Inc., an onsite sales and leasing company that helps customers source and purchase aircraft.

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Once the customer has found a plane that fits their needs through BBS Aircraft, Kreos Aviation helps create a personalized aircraft management solution, with varying levels of sophistication, explains Bell. “We can do as little as have them park their aircraft in our hangar as a secure environment for their significant investment, and we can do maintenance on it if they require it, all the way up to the point where all they have to do is just phone and jump in their aircraft. We can take care of insurance — everything.” Kreos Aviation has excellent safety standards, higher than you might find in similar operations. The captains of the planes are required to have a significant number of hours under their belt, and they have an extensive training program. Plus, the high level of customer service at Kreos Aviation extends to every member of their team. “Our pilots are customer service representatives who happen to fly a plane,” said Bell. Kreos Aviation started in early 2008 with owners Greg Yuel of PIC Investment Group, and Berk Summach of BBS Aircraft Inc. When Summach and Yuel were planning and building the terminal and hangars, they wanted something they could be proud to fly in and out of 20 years from now, and they seem to have hit that mark. FLS Kreos Aviation Inc. Hangar #16, 16 Wayne Hicks Lane Saskatoon, SK, S7L 6S2 p 306-955-7367 tf 1-877-955-7367 f 306-955-7369 email solutions@kreosaviation.com www.kreosaviation.com FineLifestyles SASKATOON 203

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